Chapter 3: Trust Issues

The morning light slowly seeped above the horizon, casting its awakening glow across the sleepy land. The morning light woke the birds who sang their trumpet song signaling the start of a brand new day. The sunlight slowly seeped throughout the room through a lone window. Slowly but surely the light spread throughout the room eliminating any remnants of the night's shadows.

Lumina's eyes shot open, awakening from the reoccurring nightmare. She slowly sat up and felt something holding her hand. When she looked at her hand, she saw someone else's holding hers so tight. She pulled her hand away in disgust and rubbed her hand feverishly as if trying to eliminate germs. Adene woke with a start and watched her master rubbing her hands. Adene blinked in confusion. She did not know why her master was chastising her hands; it was as if they did something she did not approve. After several minutes, Lumina spoke.

"I had that nightmare again."

Adene tilted her head in confusion. Few moments of recollection reminded Adene of the nightmares Lumina had since she was a child; the ones she could never seem to recall. So many nights, so many years, she often watched her master wriggle in pain and scream in agony, but after a few years of experience, her master was able to control the emotions the nightmare emitted but at such a price. Adene bowed her head in sadness; she can't recall the last time her master was genuinely happy or cheerful. Although Adene knew it was useless, she still asked.

"Do you remember what the nightmare was about?"

Lumina stared at the ground. "No, but when I dream it, I recognize it's the same nightmare as before…the same exact event…the same exact place…the same exact people…the same exact everything." She looked at the sleeping figure that held her hand so dearly. She turned her attention to Adene. "How long was he like that? And when did I fall asleep?"

Adene answered, "The boy was genuinely worried about you dear. He's been at your side since you unexpectedly fainted." She added, "He saw your scars."

Surprise overtook Lumina. With caution, Lumina asked, "Which scars?"

"The new ones." Adene again added, "I do wonder how you did not die from blood loss yet."

Lumina harrumphed. She examined her new scars and lightly traced them with the tip of her finger. Talking more to herself, she said, "Just another addition to my collection." Memories of her near death experiences flooded her mind, each passing through her mind as the waters travel through the rapids. Adene's voice interrupted her thoughts.

"I do wish you were more careful. Just because this is not the forest does not mean the dangers here are small."

Lumina complained, "Please Adene, no more of your lectures; I've had enough to last me a lifetime." Adene's feathers ruffled up at the slight annoyance of Lumina's attitude. Sometimes she did get tired of most of her "jump feet first" actions. At times she did get tired of worrying so much about her condition that she thought her feathers would begin molting. Nonetheless, she still loved the girl, no matter how many times she did get into trouble. Adene's eyes followed Lumina's movement from the couch to the window. As usual, she was staring out the window and into the open beyond. If only Adene knew what troubled her so, but the girl kept so many things to herself, even from away from her bird guardian.

Satisfied with the minutes spent on staring out the window, Lumina began walking downstairs. As she was walking she quickly said to Adene, "Adene, remove the spell you put on that boy. You know the rules about manipulating other's emotions." Just as she had finished, she was already starting downstairs and heading outside. The slam of a door and the rattling of the hinges reverberated through the downstairs room, but were loud enough to hear the faint echo of it in the room where the occupants lay asleep. Adene slightly flinched from the sudden impact.

Harry awoke suddenly hearing the slight disturbance. His instincts told him something was amiss, that something was missing, but for some reason he felt like he didn't care. He scanned the perimeter and found that Lumina was nowhere to be seen. It seemed like the girl was always absent, nowhere to be seen or heard. A white glow caught his attention. Adene's feathers shined more brightly than the regular brilliance of her silvery feathers. The way her eyes seemed to penetrate his soul through his eyes scared Harry more than he ever experienced. He was starting to take into consideration about Hermione's suspicion about Lumina; he was starting to believe her doubts. The glow slowly dimmed and the color of Adene's feathers began to return to their true color. Adene spoke barely above a whisper, "I'm sorry for what I've done."

Befuddled by the apology, Harry wondered what exactly she was apologizing for. Was it for being involved in their problems? Or was it because of last night's events, but he barely recalled her being involved in it. So what exactly was she apologizing for? He would have to ask her at another time. Hermione and Ron woke up and appeared at Harry's side. Harry quietly retold them of last night's event, of how he felt the need to protect Lumina all of a sudden, to the gory details of how Lumina knew exactly how to kill the werewolf that attacked them.

Hermione exclaimed, "I knew it! I knew there was something suspicious of her!"

Ron inquired, "What do you mean Hermione?"

Hermione explained, "How would she know how to kill a werewolf? And even if she did read it from a book, where did she get it? No records of a werewolf's weakness are written anywhere. And even if she had that knowledge, how can she summon the will to kill?"

Harry interrupted, "I can explain for that last one." Both turned their full attention on Harry, each waiting for his explanation. He continued, "It was because I was in danger. If she hadn't killed it, I'd probably be dead." Harry recalled the words Lumina spoke after she shot the beast- I had no choice. Guilt seeped into his conscience. He wished he could repay her for her deed, maybe that way he would feel less like he owed her his life. Harry momentarily was lost in his thoughts that he didn't hear the conversation that went between his two friends.

Not noticing Harry's mental absence, Hermione continued to rant, "I knew there was something suspicious about that girl the moment I saw her. I mean what kind of person would set a meeting place in The Three Broomsticks, especially when there were plenty of other suspicious characters drinking merrily! And why did she take us to the Shrieking Shack, a place that is deserted; for all I know she could've planned to kill us while we were asleep. And another thing, why did she bring a live werewolf inside? How'd she know that it was outside? Maybe they're working together and they planned it out; she gains our trust while her companion does the killing for her."

Ron interrupted, "But she did kill the bloody brute, Hermione."

Hermione continued, "She probably did that because the werewolf didn't follow her orders. Maybe he struck too early for her liking and she killed him because she was afraid he'd reveal her secret if we managed to capture him. The way I see it, her secret's safe if he's dead."

Harry's mind returned to the situation at hand. He suggested they should leave quickly while they had the chance if indeed the girl was playing both sides. They packed their things as quickly as they could, not caring whether or not they made a mess of the place. As they continued packing, Adene watched them with observant eyes, noting their quick movements to their quicken breath. Just when they were ready to leave and go down the stairs, the front door opened slowly. Lumina stepped inside shaking the snow off her clothing. As her eyes glanced up, she noticed the trio at the top of the stairs and seeming as if they were just about to leave. The corners of her lips slowly curled upwards. She wondered why they were looking at her as if she were some sort of hungry wolf. Slowly, she walked up the stairs, each foot touching the steps with each passing minute. With one step she took, they took one step backward. Funny, they seemed afraid of her…which would be taken care of sooner or later.

When Lumina finally reached the last step, she gazed at their eyes. Fear. She saw fear in their eyes. What ever reason could they have for fearing her? She walked to the right side and they walked the opposite way. Cupping her chin with her hand in thought, she wondered, "Were you…oh…I don't know…planning to go somewhere? Perhaps somewhere far away from me?" No response. She continued, "From the look in your eyes, I can tell that you three," she pointed to each of them, "were talking about me." She sarcastically said, "I'm flattered. It's not everyday that someone talks about me behind my back. I'm sure your conversation is private, but enlighten me and share some of your insights about me."

Hermione spat out, "We know you're on Voldemort's side! You can't fool us. You and that werewolf were working together to kill Harry for Voldemort so the prophecy won't come true and your master will continue to live."

Calm emerald green eyes stared at suspicious brown eyes. Neither party made an attempt to do anything that will ease or destroy the lingering battle. After what seemed like hours of silence, Lumina said, "And do you have physical evidence that supports your theory? Cause I don't really see how you, above all people, can come up with such a theory without sufficient evident; you just rely on your gut instincts so to say." Her words left Hermione speechless. It was true, she had to admit; that she jumped to conclusions too soon without giving Lumina the chance to defend herself, but of course Hermione wouldn't admit it…instead she stayed silent and stared at the ground.

Lumina sighed in frustration. "I know I don't give you enough evidence to trust me, but I also didn't give enough reason to distrust me." She cupped her chin, thinking of a way to resolve this matter. She explained, "Let's say that you're right about me being your enemy. Even if I was, we have the same enemy which is Voldemort. So I say let's call a truce and work together until we bring him down. Deal?" She held out her hand. The three stared at her open gesture. Harry stepped up and gently took her hand in his and shook it, sealing the deal. Harry held her hand for a moment longer not understanding why. His eyes stared into hers, trying to find even a glimmer of distrust, but he found none; she was genuinely telling the truth and what surprised him the most was that her eyes showed she had no distrust toward them at all-she trusted them completely.

Lumina quietly said, "Seeing how you all are packed, I suggest we get moving. Who knows how many spies Voldemort has just waiting to ambush us. I say why don't we let them work for their money?" She smiled gently. Hermione and Ron began their descent down the stairs, leaving the rest alone for awhile. When Harry was about to join them Lumina spoke out, "Are you ok?"

Harry turned around to face the person who addressed him. He didn't quite know why she asked that. Though her face did not show her concern, it was evident in her voice and eyes. He was so to say surprise that she showed some genuine concern for him. He quickly answered, "Yea, I'm fine." Remembering about the scars and the small wound in her stomach, he asked, "Are you ok?" She tilted her head to the side in confusion. Sensing her confusion, Harry added, "I mean…you know…your scars." He did not mention the other wound for fear she might mistaken his concern for something else.

Lumina smiled. Adene was right; he was genuinely concerned about her. It was a strange feeling; she never experienced the love evident in someone's concern. Even though she was raised in a household full of love, she never experienced the love between friends…if that was it was…she was not quite sure. She answered, "Don't worry about those, I had worse. Scars from living in the forest are much worse, trust me." When she saw in his eyes, that she did not completely answer his question, she added, "Don't worry about the werewolf scratches; I won't turn into a werewolf if that was what you were worried about." Harry was about to say something, but Lumina held her hand up to silence him. "Don't ask how. If I did know I'd gladly tell you, but I don't know either." Staring at the hollow space of the stairway, she joked, "You better get going or else Hermione might come storming in here thinking I'm killing you." They both shared a brief laugh before Harry climbed down the stairs. Lumina was left alone in the room with Adene.

Adene watched her master carefully; hoping any of her movement will give away her thought. As usual, Lumina managed to keep her stature, hiding not only her emotion but her thoughts as well. Sometimes Adene wishes her master would confide in her, but as she had kept saying to herself…she would protect her no matter what. Her master stared at Adene and said, "You were right Adene; he did really care for me." Her master's eyes gleamed with appreciation and a hint of something she could not define at the moment. In her business-like tone, she stated, "We better get going Adene. The werewolf is only one of the pack; wolves usually travel in pack when they're hunting so there's bound to be more out there just waiting for us."

Realization hit Adene. "So you mean, those three's conversation about you didn't drive you to make this decision?"

"No, but I'm surprised you would think that Adene. When have I ever cared what other people say about me? If you asked me, it is a waste of time and energy trying to persuade them to think otherwise." Adene had to admit, in some ways her master was right. She flew to perch on Lumina's shoulder. With one last inspection of the place, Lumina started down the stairs ready to join the others who were waiting for her. It was definitely going to be a long and tedious journey ahead, especially when she still had to solve the mystery of who she really is and how they are connected to Voldemort and his plans.