Chapter 11
Aftermath
"The right thing is rarely the easy thing. The world is too full of colour for black and white."
General (ret.) Jigme Dorji Wengshuk
The party did not stop at once when Harriet screamed. The talking and music slowly faded out. It felt like the world was slowly grinding to a halt. There was a few seconds of silence before she heard their terrified voices cry her name. Daddy and Mum all but threw people out of their way to get to her.
Harriet told. The moment Daddy and Mum reached her, she told them. It was Solomon Kinney. Mundungus Fletcher was really Solomon Kinney. He'd been Fletcher for weeks.
How could she not tell? Not after Rita. She was never letting anyone hold something over her again. Her panic all at once became absolute clarity as she looked up into Daddy's and Mum's faces.
Avalon was on total lockdown. Aurors were everywhere. Guests were being questioned. It was a total disaster. Such a beautiful day was ruined.
They were back in the big house. Harriet, Daddy, and Mum were sitting on chairs in the middle of the entrance hall. There was a ring of Aurors armed with Secrecy Sensors and Sneakoscopes encircling them.
Harriet was still trembling. Solomon Kinney was there. Solomon Kinney was at the wedding. Solomon Kinney had acted as the MC.
There was a flash of red in the corner of her vision. Harriet gave a squeak of fright and threw herself against Daddy's side. He and Mum hugged her tight. Harriet glanced over and felt shame rise in her. It had just been the inside of the sleeve of an Auror's robe. It had looked like blood.
Harriet sat up again, looking around, trying to calm her nerves. Professor McGonagall was nearby, talking with Commandant Marceau. Neither looked very happy.
Especially not Commandant Marceau, who had Mr Flamel raging at her angrily in French. Harriet knew no French, but she didn't think she needed to. Mr Flamel stormed out of the house, throwing up his hands in frustration. Mrs Flamel followed, speaking in a calming voice to him.
"We were foolish," Commandant Marceau admitted, walking back over.
"As were we," Professor McGonagall agreed. "Whatever Sherrod and Albus said about Mundungus' reliability and usefulness, he was too weak a link."
"A man's probably dead, Minerva," Sirius snarled.
Professor McGonagall sighed. "You are right, Sirius. Mundungus Fletcher was a petty thief, but he did not deserve whatever fate he has suffered or will suffer. But now is not the moment. Now we have to figure out just how much Solomon Kinney knows."
"Probably everything, knowing him," Sirius replied with resignation.
"Luckily, we didn't include Fletcher in much," Remus added. "But still, too much…"
"How can he keep doing this? How is he always one step ahead?!" Daddy snarled.
Gramma Lisa cleared her throat.
"Since arriving, I have had the chance to be privy to a lot of what has been going on behind the scenes here regarding this Solomon Kinney. If I'm not mistaken, by the sound of it you are all in disarray. The British Ministry, your Order, even Lord Voldemort—" Professor McGonagall flinched "—and even the problems back home in America. Solomon Kinney is a hunter. You all are his prey, and chaos is his best ally."
Professor McGonagall narrowed her eyes but did not seem upset. Instead, she seemed to be contemplating these words, and while she didn't like them, she seemed to agree.
"Yes… Albus said something similar in his last correspondence…"
"Divide and conquer," Grampa Zeb added, sadly. "It's how the Secessionists got so far. They divided areas that the MACUSA couldn't unify. They struck areas we thought were safest: the east coast, the mid-west, Muggle areas..."
"They're exactly right."
Captain Kane was here. He was walking with Hercule. They strode past the guards as though they weren't there.
"That's what Solomon Kinney is doing to you," Captain Kane said. "It's a common tactic we used in the AirCav. We'd reconnoitre; find weaknesses in the line. Then we'd hit them. It's what I taught underground forces to do after Bakersfield."
Captain Kane's eyes scanned the group. "Chaos. You hit with a small force with immense firepower and surprise. The enemy can't pinpoint your location. Then you hit them at another spot. More chaos. That is what Solomon Kinney has been doing. And he's a goddamned maestro, which is a big problem for us."
"What do you suggest?" Professor McGonagall asked.
"For one thing, you stayed in one spot too long," Captain Kane replied. "You gave him ample opportunity to pin you down."
Daddy was staring off in thought. "So, we have to keep moving…"
"It's what I'd normally suggest. If Kinney found you, Lord Voldemort can't be far behind. And as we've seen, Lord Voldemort's intentions for Harriet are probably more sinister than Kinney's…"
"It's almost like the fucker's warning us," Sirius growled. "Like he's taunting us… like a cat playing with a mouse."
"Basically, yes. That being said, now we're aware that the position is compromised, I think moving Harriet now is too big a risk."
Everyone looked at Captain Kane with confusion. "It's what they'll be expecting, I would guess. It's what I would expect. Like flushing a rabbit out of a den. You can't quite get to the rabbit, so you scare it out."
"Speak plainly, won't you," Sirius grumbled.
Professor McGonagall spoke up. "The Captain means that we should remain in place for now. Move when we see an opportunity. While one hunter may have found his target, rushing out blindly could make us play right into his hands. In the meantime, Avalon can be fortified. Am I correct, Captain."
"Yeah, that," Captain Kane said. He shrugged. "Sorry, used to talking to my men, making speeches to whip up morale."
The group fell quiet.
"So, in the meantime, what do we do about zis Solomon Kinney and Bartemius Crouch and zeir forces?" Hercule asked.
"I do not think there is much," Commandant Marceau said. "Unless…"
"Yes?" Professor McGonagall asked.
"A decoy again," Commandant Marceau said. "We send out a group to give ze appearance zat Harriet Potter has left Avalon."
Hercule grinned. "Ah, I like it, Commandant! We use Solomon Kinney's own tool against him."
"Précisément. We will wait two days, zen bring Polyjuice Potion."
"What?" Harriet asked.
"We will send Aurors disguised as your party back to Britain," Commandant Marceau said. "We will give the appearance you have returned early."
"Kinney might suspect it," Daddy warned.
"We must do something," Mum said, putting a comforting hand on Daddy's shoulder.
At that moment, a Sneakoscope squealed. Aurors spun around and levelled their wands on Castillon, Snickers, and Beauregard.
"Peace, dear Aurors," Castillon said.
"They're cleared," Captain Kane said.
Castillon smiled. "Thank you, Captain Kane. I'm here to report that it seems Solomon Kinney escaped via the river. The grate covering the western entrance has been torn off completely."
Captain Kane nodded. "Sounds about right… he had to know he'd be found out. Why the hell did he do this? It's almost… it's downright reckless."
Harriet was studying at Castillon. It sounded as though he was reporting to Captain Kane. He caught her looking and simply gave her a sympathetic look.
He turned, beckoning to the other two elves. They followed him, Beauregard then Snickers in tow. As Castillon passed the Sneakoscopes, they whistled again. Castillon gave them a confused look, before shrugging and continuing on, Beauregard and Snickers looking after him as though ready to catch him if he fell.
"Now, the big question," Daddy said, "is what do we do with this note?"
Professor McGonagall took it, studying it carefully.
"You think it's legit, or a trap?"
Professor McGonagall did not reply right away.
"As much as I hate to admit it, I think this is likely legitimate."
"How?"
"If Solomon Kinney truly wanted to cause harm, he could have done it at will during the reception."
"But why would he find Sebastian for Harriet?" Daddy asked.
Professor McGonagall shook her head. "I cannot say. As is often the case, the only person who can truly answer these questions is Solomon Kinney himself."
Two days had passed. It was almost midnight now. Harriet wasn't in bed. She was standing on her balcony, leaning over her railing, watching the gate. The Order had headed out to find Sebastian, and the decoy force had set off with Aurors disguised as Harriet and her family and friends.
Harriet was anxious to see how the search for Sebastian went. She wanted Sebastian back safe, not just for her sake. He was a good person. He didn't deserve that.
Harriet digested what Solomon Kinney had told her. It was Crouch, Jr who had gone after Sebastian. She supposed they wanted information on her. He would have a lot. So many of Harriet's secrets.
Hedwig hooted softly, settling on the railing beside Harriet. Harriet scratched her head, Hedwig twittering in appreciation.
Harriet pondered her situation. Professor Dumbledore was gone. Professor Howe was gone. Finn was still missing. Sebastian was hopefully about to return.
Harriet glowered. Now, stupidly, she felt like she owed Kinney a little. She didn't owe him anything. She hadn't asked him for the information on Sebastian. Yet, she was going to be happy to see him safe. To get back at least a little something she'd lost this year.
Harriet was trying not to worry. She was thinking about what Scott had told her on the Eiffel Tower. She wasn't trying to forget about the bad things, but she was trying her hardest to focus on the positives.
Kinney was still out there. Crouch, Jr was still out there. Lord Voldemort and his cronies were still out there. But Sebastian was coming back. That's what counted.
Then there was the curious incident with Castillon the day of the wedding. He'd set off the Sneakoscopes, and seemed overly familiar with Captain Kane. Was he spying for Captain Kane? He wasn't an enslaved elf. He could do whatever he likes, but, why would he?
Harriet started as the gate clanked. Harriet leaned over to get the best look she could. One of the Flamel cars came pulling through the gate. Then another, and another. They were followed by a long car, which was white with a red cross on the top.
An ambulance.
Harriet hurried into her room, grabbed her broomstick, and sprinted back onto the balcony. Hedwig gave a shriek and fluttered as Harriet flung herself over the railing. She swung her broomstick down under her, landing on it and rocketing to the ground.
The second car screeched to a halt and the door opened, Daddy climbing out. Harriet was too excited to let the look of fury on his face stop her.
"Harriet!" Daddy bellowed, storming over.
"Did you find him?"
"What did I tell you about leaving the house alone?"
"Did you find him?"
Daddy's anger slowly abated as the rest of the Order got out.
"Yes, Harriet, we found him," Daddy sighed.
"Is he still feral?"
"No," Daddy slowly smiled. "We got him calmed down. Hannah and Clemence did, anyway."
"Clemence?"
Harriet saw some people approaching. She recognized one first. It was Hannah, Sebastian's ex-wife. The other took Harriet a second longer to remember. It was the sight of her completely out of context that threw her the most.
It was Mrs Hoffman, the mother of one of Harriet's dorm mates, Tori. Her late-husband Arnold had been the one who led all the Americans to safety after their town was attacked before Harriet's second-year.
"Mrs Hoffman?" Harriet asked.
Mrs Hoffman smiled down at Harriet, sadly. "Hello, Harriet. It's a pleasure to see you again."
Mrs Hoffman and Hannah gave each other serious looks.
"Take care of him," Hannah said.
"I will," Mrs Hoffman said.
Harriet looked up at Daddy. He gave her a pained smile and started guiding her to the ambulance, away from the two women. Harriet prepared herself, taking a deep breath.
They were taking Sebastian out of the back on a stretcher. Harriet grimaced at the sight. He was lying back on the stretcher. His hair was matted and full of burrs and bits of tree bark. His fur smelled terrible.
His big green eyes found Harriet and he gave her a sad smile. "Ah, there you are. I… admit I'd rather hoped you'd not see me like this…"
"I had to know you were okay," Harriet said. "I've been worried sick about you…"
Sebastian continued to smile sadly. Harriet was sure if he was not so furred, he would be blushing.
"I'm sorry… Harriet..." Sebastian grimaced. "What you must think of me…"
"I think you managed to escape a crazy mob," Harriet said, putting a hand on his shoulder.
Sebastian gave a little sigh of relief and lay back on the bed. He closed his eyes, seeming to finally relax.
"He is in a bad way, mam'selle," Hercule said.
"Yes… birds aren't exactly filling," Sebastian sighed "and feathers don't settle too well."
"Especially since you're still half-human, so diseases that you would be immune to as a cat still affect you," said Healer Smethwyck, checking Sebastian's pulse.
"Lucky I have a good friend and healer about," Sebastian chuckled.
"I'd say the best luck you have is a good sense of humour," Healer Smethwyck retorted. "Let's get him inside. He needs bed rest and a myriad of potions."
Sebastian gave another sigh of resignation. "Very well, Hippo, very well. Let's get on with it then."
"You're sure he's going to be okay," Harriet asked, bouncing up and down on the balls of her feet.
"Yes, he's going to be just fine," Healer Smethwyck said, nodding to Mrs Hoffman as she joined them.
Harriet narrowed her eyes as she watched the smile that Sebastian and Mrs Hoffman shared. Harriet was at Mr Hoffman's memorial service. It wasn't that long ago. There was clearly something going on here.
Daddy put an arm around Harriet's shoulder.
"Back to bed, you…"
"…Are you gonna lock my balcony door at night, now?"
Daddy rolled his eyes. "No…"
"But you're thinking about it, aren't you?"
"…Well, now I am…"
"Hey!"
Sebastian was too ill to see Harriet right away. She was just happy to have him back. Knowing that he was no longer in danger because of her was proving to be a considerable weight off her mind.
The most awkward part was Mrs Hoffman coming and going. Something about it was suspicious to Harriet. For instance, why wasn't Tori visiting, too? Harriet would have liked to see her.
Having her friends was the biggest help. They did their best to keep her busy with Quidball, and another campfire the following night. Harriet supposed she liked the campfire the best. It was so relaxing, and that was something Harriet felt she desperately needed.
The only lingering worry Harriet had was Kinney's threat. She did know what he was capable of. She still couldn't bring herself to intentionally think about the horrors.
Scott and Hermione said he was just trying to intimidate her. He was making a show. Now that they were on to him, and the French Aurors knew to check anyone coming and going, even if they were listed as 'safe,' Kinney was unlikely to try anything so audacious again.
There was also the fact that his information had been correct. He hadn't hurt Sebastian (that Harriet could tell). He'd found him, and let her and the Order know where he was. He could have used Sebastian for information, or as a hostage, but he hadn't. Harriet was trying not to think about it, but she couldn't help it niggling at the back of her mind. What was Solomon Kinney up to?
In the meantime, Harriet was keeping a close eye on Castillon. She'd made a point of trying to get close to him and checking her bracelet from Fred, which acted as a silent Sneakoscope. To her consternation, it never went totally red when around him. It would go almost pink, but never red. Which was surprising, given how strongly the Sneakoscopes had gone off.
"Just leave him be," Scott cautioned her after she risked confiding in him. "He's old, and he probably keeps a lot of secrets for the Flamels."
"That's the thing… the way he reported to Captain Kane…" Harriet explained.
"Well, maybe Captain Kane is working closely with the Flamels?"
Harriet rolled her eyes. "Since when are you this not-suspicious? You were the one who almost drove yourself crazy our third year trying to figure out Sirius."
Scott shrugged. "I just don't think there's anything to worry about from Castillon. Why are you so suspicious of him?"
Harriet tried to think.
Scott sighed. "Harriet… I know it's kind of easy to distract yourself… but you have a lot of healing to do."
"I'm not distracting myself!"
Scott raised an eyebrow.
"Well… maybe… a little… but I haven't had my therapy… now I don't even seem to have Occlumency…"
"You have us," Scott said, giving her a sad smile.
Harriet slumped. "Sorry…"
"Hey, not criticising. Just letting you know. Shite's about to get crazy… we need to stick together."
"Better than we did last year…"
"Especially better than we did last year," Scott agreed.
They paused as Beauregard hustled past. He was grumbling in squeaky French.
"Bonjour," Scott said.
Beauregard paused, looking around spying them. He gave them a tepid little wave. Harriet returned it but paused with her hand still in the air. Her bracelet was red.
Beauregard ambled off, muttering again. Harriet kept watching her bracelet. It slowly faded back to silver.
Scott was watching the bracelet, too. The pair exchanged a look.
"Okay, so maybe it wasn't Castillon who set the Sneakoscopes off…?" Harriet asked.
Scott rolled his eyes. "You're hopeless…"
"I prefer dedicated, thank you."
Scott fell back in his chair, laughing.
To Harriet's delight, that night she finally got to see Sebastian. Not as a therapist, but just to talk with him. Despite this, she wasted little time in telling him about her freak-out at the reception.
"Ah, Harriet, of course not…" Sebastian said, his ears drooping sadly. "The experience was much too recent and traumatic for you to be over with so soon."
Harriet hugged her chest a little.
"The living, breathing embodiment of something awful in your life was talking to you after taking you totally off guard," Sebastian soothed. "Of course you panicked. Of course, you couldn't get those images out of your head."
Sebastian sighed, looking up at the ceiling. "The timing of those ruffians' attack could not have been worse for you… I'm sorry, Harriet… so very sorry."
"No, I'm the one who's sorry," Harriet said. "They wouldn't have gone after you if not for me!"
"Oh, Harriet, please do not add this to your burdens!" Sebastian insisted. "I know that is a tall order, given how empathetic you are, but you have enough on your plate already. You are not responsible for the actions of those like Lord Voldemort or Solomon Kinney and their ilk… You are responsible for you. How you respond to things is entirely your own. It's the piece of life you can control and always know you control. Use it as your rock."
Harriet grimaced, "Lately I've just been trying to pretend this stuff never happened…"
Sebastian nodded. "An understandable reaction, but not recommended."
"Scott told me I shouldn't, either."
Sebastian chuckled. "He sounds like a sharp one."
"Yeah, he and Hermione are best in our year…" Harriet said. "Maybe the school. Anyway… I'm so happy you're okay."
Sebastian smiled softly. "Thank you, Harriet. The care I've received since being recovered has been touching…"
"So, are you coming back to Britain with us?" Harriet asked. "We go back in a week."
Sebastian's smile faltered. "I… Unfortunately, Harriet, I will probably not be able to return to Britain for some time."
"Why not?" Harriet asked.
Sebastian's furry lips tightened. "I'm afraid the Ministry is not terribly happy with me for the trouble I have caused. They're looking for distractions, and unfortunately, a psychologist who is half-cat and worked far too closely with Muggles for the current Ministry's liking is too good to pass up."
Harriet clenched her fists. "I don't get it… how is everyone fighting each other like this? Why won't the Ministry just accept the obvious?"
"People are difficult to change when they get comfortable, Harriet," Sebastian explained. "They don't want to accept they have to watch their backs again… they don't want to accept that their closest friends and neighbours could be turned to evil… they don't even want to accept that You-Know-Who even existed. We won't even say his name."
Harriet sat back in her chair, digesting that.
"You can say his name, Harriet," Sebastian smiled. "You're not afraid. When we can start our therapy again, I want you to channel that bravery into our sessions. It takes bravery to confront the fact that such terrible things have happened to you, and rise above them. That's not to say those who succumb to them aren't brave… many just do not realize the truth of the matter. Too many are taught bravery is just sweeping it all under the rug and pretending you're stronger than it. I aim to fix that… if I can… but you have to find that strength in you. It's in your desire to know the truth, your desire to do the right thing. Channel it, when we're ready, into finding the truth in yourself and doing right by yourself."
Harriet thought on this. She thought about Castillon and Beauregard. Sure, it was a distraction, but something was wrong. She had to make it right. What would make her feel better than solving a mystery?
Harriet made up her mind at once to do more snooping. That night, she took out her invisibility cloak, grateful that Daddy had still not confiscated it. She dressed again, put on her shoes, and was just about to throw her cloak up over herself when there was a knock on her door.
Panic set in at once. If it was Daddy or Mum, she was in big trouble. Harriet slowly started backing towards her bed, ready to jump under the covers, when the handle turned.
"Harriet?"
Harriet almost slumped to the floor in relief. It was Fern.
"Yeah! Yeah, come in."
Fern stepped inside. She was carrying a large manila envelope.
"What's up?" Harriet asked. "What's that?"
"Are you sneaking out again?"
"Kind of…" Harriet admitted.
"It's from Holly," Fern muttered holding up the envelope.
"Your friend? The footballer?"
"Former," Fern corrected. "On both counts. I think… maybe only the second one. Can we talk?"
"I guess," Harriet said. "Don't you want to talk with Hermione?"
Fern sighed crossing her arms. "I don't really want to talk about it with her… I'm worried it'll bring up more bad feelings and show what a shite friend I am."
"O-okay," Harriet said, sitting on her bed.
"Thanks," Fern said, walking over.
"So, what did it say?" Harriet asked.
Fern grimaced. "It's an apology… and something else…"
Fern handed Harriet the letter. She took it, reading.
Dear Fern,
I know you feel I overstepped my bounds regarding your addictions. But, I didn't want to lose you like I did Damien. A Muggle friend of mine died from similar addictions.
I haven't been able to talk about it because it hurts too much to remember him. So, I apologize if you felt ganged up on when the group confronted you. You mean a lot to them, and to me, and I hope you can see it in your heart to forgive me.
In addition, prompted by Krystelle and Finn, I had my contacts look into that modelling agency. Enclosed are legal documents you can use in court, should you seek independence from your mother. There are also documents pertaining to money you can get from the agency and your mother, should you seek it, in reparation for the pain and any other side effects caused by medications and/or if you seek healing from your addictions.
I'm so sorry to hear about Finn. We have pulled all our resources here to look for him, but haven't had much luck. Hopefully, Sirius is able to find him, as our investigators left the search in his and his house elf's hands.
I hope you can forgive me. And that we can patch up our friendship when we return for our fifth years of education at Hogwarts. Give my best regards to the others if you hear from them.
With Love,
Holly A. Cambridge
"Wow," Harriet said. "She definitely cares…"
"Too much," Fern muttered.
"She sounds kinda stuffy," Harriet said re-reading the letter.
Fern snorted. "Yeah, she's got an ego…"
"She found out about you and the pills?"
Fern sighed flopping back on Harriet's bed. "Yes…"
"What happened?"
Fern glowered. "They all cornered me… told me how worried they were and thought I was going to get myself killed or something," Fern sat up again. "Only one who didn't join them was Finn."
Harriet chewed her lip. She didn't know what to say. She wondered how she would react if her friends cornered her about something.
"Finn just took me aside one day… said he was worried, and if I ever needed him he'd be there. No judgements. Finn… just… your godfather better find him…"
Harriet looked down at the letter again. "Wait, how does she know that Sirius and Kreacher are looking for Finn?"
Fern shrugged. "Holly's family's connected. Her mum's an Auror and all."
"Really? Huh…"
"Yeah…"
The pair fell silent. Harriet was oddly touched. Fern could have talked to anyone about this, but she chose Harriet.
"So," Fern asked, looking Harriet over. "What's tonight's adventure?"
Harriet twisted her lips. "I think Beauregard's up to something."
"Reeeeeeeeeeally?" Fern asked, her eyes lighting up with interest.
"…You want to come, too?"
Fern's face began to glow with excitement.
"This is so trippy," Fern hissed in Harriet's ear as the Firebolt floated to the ground. They had to take the balcony, the front doors were still guarded with Aurors, Secrecy Sensors, and Sneakoscopes.
"Shhh," Harriet shushed. "Don't you ever fly brooms?"
"No, Mum wouldn't let me have one because I could get hurt and ruin my career."
They landed and Harriet swung the cloak up over them both.
"Whoa!" Fern grinned, feeling the fabric with her fingers. "This feels amazing."
"Shhh," Harriet hissed again, then remembered Castillon pointing out he could see her feet. "Walk low like this. It's not big enough for us both without stooping."
"Got it," Fern whispered. "Where are we going first?"
Harriet thought. Where was Beauregard likely to live? She supposed she should ask Castillon. He had his shop in the big house, but he lived in the chapel.
"To the chapel," Harriet answered. "We'll ask Castillon."
The pair struck out, making sure to walk on grass for quieter footsteps.
"So you like… don't actually have a plan, do you?"
"Not really," Harriet whispered back. "I mostly kinda wing this stuff."
Fern giggled. "No wonder Finn likes you."
Harriet rolled her eyes, but secretly, she was quite flattered.
They moved as quickly as they could across the grounds without making noise.
"We do stuff like this at Rathlin all the time," Fern whispered. "Just without the cloak. Straight up jealous."
"Shhh!"
"What, this is fun!"
Harriet fought off another eye-roll. They continued on to the chapel.
"Damn," Harriet hissed, testing the handle. "It's locked."
"What do we do now?"
"I don't know," Harriet muttered.
Unable to carry it under the cloak, they had left her Firebolt behind, so they wouldn't be able to try any windows.
Harriet thought, looking up at the door. Finally, her mind settled on a crazy thought. Crazy for Harriet, anyway. She knocked.
"What are you doing?" Fern gasped.
Harriet knocked again. She didn't know if Castillon would hear it, but it was almost the same time of night as the last time she'd come here. He was probably awake at Nicolas and Perenelle's tombs.
They waited for what felt like minutes. Neither girl moved or said a word. She was sure Castillon wouldn't rat her out. Not if she was actually trying to get to the bottom of something.
Finally, Harriet felt she had to give up. Castillon must be asleep. She looked at Fern when with a deep, resonating click noise, the door unlatched. Despite only being the size of a normal door, it pulled open slowly, as though it weighed many hundreds of pounds.
Harriet looked down. Wearily, the aged little elf Castillon stepped into view.
"Out again, Miss Potter?" Castillon chortled.
"Yes," Harriet said. "I want to talk to you."
"And this could not be done during a normal waking hour?"
"No… it's important and needs to be kinda secret…"
"I see," Castillon said, rubbing his little wispy bearded chin. "Well, come along inside and get out from under that old cloak."
Castillon turned meandering back into the chapel. Harriet and Fern exchanged another glance and followed him inside. The door shut on its own behind them.
Harriet and Fern lifted off the cloak. She felt a sense of relief as it came off, breathing in the cool air of the cathedral interior.
"Ah-hah, I wondered who the other was," Castillon said looking up at Fern. "Welcome to my home. So, what brings you out at this hour?" Castillon asked.
"I wanted to ask you some more questions."
Castillon chucked. "But of course. I suppose that wasn't my smartest question."
Harriet twisted her lips in impatience. "This is important…"
"Yes, Harriet Potter. You tend to wrap yourself up in issues of importance," Castillon observed. "Indeed, you yourself are a great matter of importance. Shall we sit down?"
Castillon snapped his fingers. As with the first night she snuck out and talked to Castillon, armchairs appeared. There were three this time, two Harriet and Fern's size, and one for little Castillon. They sat, Harriet unable to help stretching out a little.
"Now then… what question is this?" Castillon asked. "Rather, what questions are these?"
Harriet twisted her lips again. "Well… there is a few…"
"Proceed," Castillon smiled.
"Are you working with Captain Kane?"
Harriet wasn't sure why she asked this question first. She supposed it was because she wanted to clear up what might be the most important matter, first.
Castillon smiled placidly. "Well of course. The Flamels are working with him, and so I am as well."
Harriet blinked. She hadn't expected the answer that readily.
"The Captain is here in Europe heading an International Confederation of Wizards mission. Mr Flamel has strong interests in a stable Britain… as does the rest of magical Europe. Mr Flamel is cooperating and aiding this mission as much as he can. Furthermore, as America is spearheading this mission, and the Flamel enterprises have a vested interest in keeping the MACUSA's business, we are going above and beyond to cooperate. Captain Kane may come and go from the premises as he wishes."
Harriet shook her head. The number of layers to this was baffling.
"So, the French Magic police people don't know how close you're working with the Americans?"
"Not at all," Castillon said placidly.
"That's crazy," Fern said.
Castillon shrugged. "This is war, young ladies. Nothing about this is simple. There is a war in the Americas. There is a war brewing right under our feet here in Europe. Conflict is something you humans excel at."
Harriet and Fern exchanged awkward looks.
Castillon took a deep breath. "I have seen what Muggles did to the magical world to drive them into hiding. I have seen the atrocities committed on Muggles by the likes of Grindelwald and the Death Eaters."
Castillon leaned back in his chair. "And from here… we watched the horrors of the Muggles' last two great wars… the World Wars…"
"I read about those…" Fern said.
"Words will never do it justice. You know there are simple farmers today that are maimed or killed while ploughing their fields and hitting artillery from the first World War… such a war is going on in America, now," Castillon turned sad eyes on the girls. "And we, the Flamels, want very much to keep such conflict from coming to our shores."
"I see…" Harriet said, scratching her cheek.
Castillon smiled wearily. "Now I've answered your first question, shall we try another?"
Harriet thought. She was a bit taken aback at how forthcoming Castillon was on that point, to the extent she'd almost forgotten why else she'd snuck out.
"We think Beauregard's up to something," Fern said.
Castillon's eyes narrowed. "You don't say…?"
"Yeah," Harriet agreed, remembering. "It was him who set off the Sneakoscopes, wasn't it? The night of the wedding?"
Castillon now raised his eyebrows. He said nothing, his large eyes moving back and forth between the girls' faces. Harriet could tell he was thinking fast.
"He is up to something, isn't he?" Harriet asked. "Something bad?"
"I… I cannot tell you that, Harriet Potter," Castillon said. "Beauregard is doing what he thinks is best for all."
"What's he doing?" Harriet pressed.
Castillon sighed. "Your nosiness is going to get you in trouble someday, Harriet Potter…"
Harriet closed her eyes, thinking. Yes, she was nosy. But Castillon was being evasive. He'd freely volunteered to spy for the Americans. What about Beauregard was making him so cagey?
"I can tell you are not satisfied with this," Castillon continued. "This is a painful subject for me, Harriet Potter. You seem to have a knack for finding them."
"Why is it painful?" Harriet said. "I've found it's way harder to keep secrets than be honest…"
Castillon chuckled. "That is most wise for your age, young miss. But what can I do…? What is the correct choice? Beauregard stands in the way of progress because he's afraid it will cost him everything… and likely it will, while in my opinion, he's merely delaying the inevitable. Conversely… I despise what mankind has done to mine… but am I to crush someone I count a dear friend…? Old as I am, Harriet Potter… I do not know the way out between this rock and a hard place I've found myself between."
Harriet blinked. Castillon was looking at her significantly. He was trying to tell her something. Frustration was setting in.
Stupid Legilimency, Harriet thought, just when I could use you…
Guilt settled in. Harriet shouldn't want to see into people's minds. That wasn't right. She wasn't like Lord Voldemort. She shouldn't rely on things like that.
"Please, get some sleep, dear girls," Castillon said. "Especially you, Harriet Potter. You've earned your rest…"
Castillon rose. Harriet and Fern stood too, and Castillon snapped his fingers, vanishing the chairs.
"Think about what I said, Harriet Potter," Castillon said, once more giving Harriet a significant look. "You may someday find yourself in my situation… and you will understand. And perhaps… find your answer."
Harriet and Fern bid Castillon good night.
"Well, that didn't help," Fern muttered as they ducked back under the cloak, creeping back across the grounds.
"Not about Beauregard," Harriet admitted.
"I feel bad for Castillon," Fern said. "This can't be easy…"
"Wish he'd given more of a clue," Harriet grumbled.
"Yeah… I mean… by the sound of it, whatever Beauregard's doing… if he's caught, he'll get clothes."
Harriet grimaced. She remembered how Winky had reacted to being 'freed'. It was so drastically different from how Dobby had reacted. It was so terrible, it had launched Hermione on her crusade to free all house-elves.
They were halfway back to the house. Harriet was looking around the grounds, lost in thought. All the houses were quiet, their windows dark. All except one.
An oil lamp was flickering in the window. She could see figures moving about. She wondered what the people inside were up to.
"You are nosy," Fern hissed as Harriet started for the house.
"You don't have to follow me," Harriet quipped.
"…Okay so I'm nosy too, let's see what's going on!"
Fern nudged Harriet with her elbow. They reached the window. Fern was tall enough to look inside, but Harriet had to take little hops to steal glances inside.
"No fair," Harriet whispered.
"What about that ladder?" Fern said, pointing down at their feet.
There was indeed a little ladder laying in the bushes that surrounded the little house. Harriet picked it up, finding it came to just under the window. She rested it against the house as quietly as she could, before creeping up. It was shaky, just large enough for her to use without breaking it. Harriet couldn't imagine who would use such a little ladder.
Harriet peeked in the window. There were two people inside. It was a young man and woman. They were sitting together, holding hands. Harriet couldn't hear what they were saying through the door, but the man looked despondent. The woman didn't look much happier, but she looked as though she was still trying to keep a cheerful expression. Harriet also noticed the woman was very pregnant.
Harriet puzzled, then looked around the room. There were brooms and brushes and other cleaning implements everywhere. Harriet raised her eyebrows as she remembered. There was a visiting inventor who was trying to make a spell that Dora said might make house-elves obsolete.
Harriet looked down at the ladder. The truth washed over her. She remembered Castillon's words.
"Beauregard stands in the way of progress because he's afraid it will cost him everything… and likely it will, while in my opinion, he's merely delaying the inevitable. Conversely… I despise what mankind has done to mine… but am I to crush someone I count a dear friend…?"
Harriet gasped looking at Fern. "It's Beauregard!" Harriet hissed. "He's sabotaging Mr Gatsby's experiments!"
Harriet was lost in a conundrum. What was she going to do about Beauregard? She now understood why Castillon was so torn up. Beauregard was bred into subservience. It was all he knew. It's what he thought was right.
He wasn't necessarily doing anything wrong. Yet, he was prolonging the necessity for house-elf enslavement. And Castillon was complicit in it. What if Snickers was, too?
Harriet tossed and turned. She didn't think she'd slept at all that night. She barely ate breakfast. As she looked around the table, she knew who she had to talk to. She appreciated Fern joining in the adventure, but only one of her friends would know what to think and do about this situation.
"Hey, Mione, can we talk?" Harriet asked as the group made their way back inside from breakfast.
"Is this about where you and Fern disappeared to last night?" Hermione asked, coolly.
Harriet flushed. "Yes, actually. We went to ask Castillon some questions… and found something out."
Hermione's scolding look vanished at once, replaced with interest.
"We… I think…" Harriet rubbed her cheek. "You know Mr Gatsby? The guy who's trying to make those housekeeping charms?"
"Of course," Hermione said. "I've spoken with him and his wife at the tavern. Scot and I can't figure out what's going wrong with his experiments either."
"We think we have," Fern said, clearly having listened in.
"You have?" Hermione asked.
"Mmhmm," Fern nodded. Harriet noted she looked rather proud of herself. "It was Beauregard."
"We think it's Beauregard," Harriet corrected. "He's the most likely culprit, anyway."
Hermione's jaw dropped. "Beauregard? No!"
"What about Beauregard?" Dora asked.
Harriet tightened her lips. "We… well…" She shifted uncomfortably. She hadn't wanted Dora to know. Not until she knew what to do, anyway.
"We should talk somewhere more private," Fern said.
"My room," Harriet said. "It won't look as suspicious."
They headed up in the elevator, and into Harriet's room.
"Okay, so what's going on with Beauregard?" Dora demanded, crossing her arms.
"Dora, we think Beauregard is sabotaging Mr Gatsby's experiments," Harriet said.
Dora's arms dropped to her side. "You're shitting me…"
Harriet shifted anxiously from foot to foot. This wasn't at all what she'd intended. She'd only wanted to get Hermione's opinion.
"Beauregard!" Dora shouted.
At once there was a pop noise. Beauregard appeared in the middle of them all, looking up at Dora obediently before blinking in surprise, realizing he was surrounded.
"Suis Moi!" Dora said and stormed from the room.
Beauregard cringed, giving everyone a last, anxious look at the gathered teens before he followed Dora from the room.
"Okay, questions…" Marcus said.
"Aye," Kieran nodded.
Harriet sighed. "Fern and I snuck out last night to ask Castillon some questions. On the way back…"
"We stopped by the Gatsbys' because we saw the lights on," Fern chimed in. "We found a little ladder. And while we were talking to Castillon, he said something about Beauregard was doing something bad that would be bad for house elves… at least that's what I think he said. It was something like that, right?"
"Right," Harriet nodded. "Something like that."
While Harriet felt anxious, Fern looked excited. Her face was lit up as she looked around the group.
"So we figure… it's been Beauregard stopping the experiments from working right," Harriet said.
Kieran whistled. Hermione was shaking her head in disbelief. "But… Mr Gatsby's experiments would help. He wouldn't have to work as hard, or be a slave at all? Why on earth would he do that…"
"Mione, it's all he knows," Marcus said. "He thinks it's his purpose… you can't just fix it like that…"
"But I… just…"
Marcus put his hands on her shoulder. "Hey… it's like I said… I know something about this… I'm still not over the shite Mum put me through… though you're helping."
Hermione's cheeks pinkened at once, but she still smiled. She looked towards the door. "What do you think will happen to him?"
"Dunno," Ronnie shrugged. "Dora's not the most forgiving person…"
"At least it wasn't Snickers," Scott said. "She and Emma are pretty attached to him…"
The group fell silent. Now and then, one would open their mouths to say something but all thought better of it.
Everyone looked around when the door opened. Dora stepped inside, her face locked in a scowl.
"I can't believe him… I just can't believe him…"
"Oh, Dora," Hermione said. "It's true?"
"Yes," Dora hissed. "It's true."
"What did you do?" Harriet asked.
Dora shrugged. "Told him not to do it anymore. Told him it was too important and he was being stupid."
Dora's anger began to abate. She joined them, Ronnie putting a comforting arm around her shoulders.
"He… he was afraid we'd abandon him," Dora said.
Her lip trembled a little and as Harriet watched, she reached up and wiped away a tear. Harriet stared. The last time she'd seen Dora cry it was the first time Sirius broke into Hogwarts, Hallowe'en of their third year when she was worried he would hurt Emma.
"So what are you going to do?" Kieran asked.
"Nothing more than what I did," Dora said. "I told him to stop, and that we'd never replace him. He's part of our family! We'd give him clothes to free him but he wouldn't understand! For most house-elves, clothes are almost a death sentence! They don't take care of themselves and just starve to death!"
"So, he's not going to interfere with the Gatsby's anymore?"
"He better not," Dora said, her scowl returning. "I told him if it didn't work I would tell Father, and Father most certainly would give him clothes…"
The entire entrance hall was alive with dancing mops and brooms, frolicking around the floor amongst the flying dust pans and scrub-brushes. The air smelled lemony and fresh. Mr Flamel's delighted laughter filled the hall.
"This is remarkable, Mr Gatsby," Mr Flamel said, shaking his hand vigorously.
"Thank you, Mr Flamel, oh thank you, thank you, thank you!"
Two days had passed. Mr Gatsby had just had his final test. He passed, as Beauregard was under the watchful eye of Dora the entire time.
"This is a blessed day in the Wizarding world!" Mr Flamel declared. "With this, we begin the closing of a dark chapter in wizarding history!"
Harriet glanced over at Dora who was still standing right next to Beauregard. The little elf's expression was hard to read as he watched the cleaning implements flying about, doing his work for him. He looked as though he couldn't decide if he should be shocked, appalled, or saddened.
Dora knelt beside the elf and hugged him around the shoulders. Beauregard's eyes popped open so wide they looked as though they were about to fall out of his head. Then he closed them and turned hugging Dora back.
Harriet was glad Dora handled it the way she did. Apparently, she was not the only one. Castillon caught her eye and gave her a warm nod of approval. She wasn't sure she approved of his indecision on the issue, but she was sure she had done the right thing. That's what mattered to her.
The whole group was gathered around. Not only was it the day of Mr Gatsby's final test, but it was their last day in Avalon. Harriet almost couldn't believe it.
She was heading back to Britain. They were going to go to Grimmauld Place, first. They would spend the night there, then stop at the Ministry to file the adoption papers, and then go on to their newly completed home in Hogsmeade.
Harriet was bouncing with excitement. She was going to be adopted, and she was going to see her new true home. A real home. A real family.
Harriet felt a little tug on her arm and looked down. Castillon had moved over to her. She hadn't heard his tell-tale cane-click in the kerfuffle of the cleaning supplies.
"I should like to have a word with you, Harriet Potter," Castillon said. "Somewhere a little quieter."
"Okay," Harriet said, following him.
They moved a few paces away from the group. Harriet glanced over her shoulder. Daddy was leaning back, watching her. Clearly, he wasn't about to let her out of his sight that easily. Castillon must have noticed as well, for he stopped while they were still in sight.
"I… I want to thank you for how you handled Beauregard, Harriet Potter," Castillon said.
Harriet shrugged. "I didn't really do much, to be honest… I tried to just ask Hermione what I should do, and Dora overheard us…"
"All the same, you could have gone straight to Charles… but you did not. At the same time, you had the decisiveness to at least try something."
Castillon sighed, rubbing his shiny, bald head. "I am old, Harriet Potter. I have garnered a great deal of wisdom in my time but I am old. I don't think as fast as I used to. I find myself forgetting things more and more… I've not much left, even with the bits of Elixer of Life that Nicolas and Perenelle left me.
I knew it!
Castillon reached into his vest pocket and drew out the little vial. Harriet stared at it. Was Castillon about to do what Harriet thought he was?
"I want you to have this, Harriet Potter," Castillon said, holding out the vial to her. "You have earned it. Use it when you need it most. You, humans, need more of it than I do. A single sip can last me a year. But for you humans, it would take this vial."
Harriet shook her head. "Castillon, I can't! You need it, the Flamels need you."
"I've taken enough to last me a little while," Castillon said. "Charles is ready to continue the business without me. Le Malf watches and clocks will become collector pieces without me to make them… their value will only increase. You need this far more than I, Harriet Potter. It is time for me to stop being indecisive and selfish. Indecision is a luxury we can no longer afford."
Harriet held out a trembling hand. She took the vial and found it radiated with heat. Castillon gave her a satisfied little smile.
"Keep it safe, Harriet Potter. Use it when it is most in need… use it to save a life. Use it to show the world the goodness inside you."
"We're almost ready," called the voice of Captain Kane.
They had set up Portkeys. Harriet and her family were going straight back to Grimmauld Place. The Flamels were remaining behind, the rest of her friends were returning to their homes.
"It was so good to get to know you better," Camille said as she and Fern hugged and kissed cheeks.
"You too," Fern grinned.
The twins were hugging Emma tightly.
"We'll see you soon at Hogwarts," Nan said, teary eyed.
"Yeah, not even a couple weeks away," Rosie agreed.
Emma smiled down at them. "Of course."
Mum put kindly hands on the twins' shoulders, giving Emma a hug then guiding the twins over to their group. The groups gathered around their respective Portkeys. Harriet and her family were around one, along with Captain Kane and Hercule. Her other friends all had French Aurors with them as well. Harriet was pleased to see they were trying to protect her friends as much as her.
She looked around the room some more. She felt a pang of guilt looking up the stairs. She'd forgotten to say goodbye to Bill. She supposed she would see him again, but she still felt rude. Harriet wondered where the time had gone. She'd been here almost a month, and yet she felt she had done so little. She'd just played games and tried not to think.
Sebastian was standing nearby. He was talking with Mr Flamel, who put a comforting hand on Sebastian's shoulder. Sebastian was looking happier than Harriet had seen him in a while. She wondered what they were talking about.
She could hear Captain Kane starting a countdown. She touched the rusty old pail with the rest of her family. She did smile at the thought of seeing Kreacher again. She'd have to tell him all about Castillon. The thought of a free elf like that would probably blow Kreacher's little mind.
Harriet jerked her head around to look at Castillon again. Castillon, the last free elf. Harriet felt panic kick in. She shouldn't have this vial. It wasn't right. Castillon was the last of his kind. She couldn't just let him die. She stuck a hand in her pocket, taking hold of the vial.
As she did, Castillon reached into his vest. From it, he produced another vial, identical to the one he'd given Harriet. He gave her a mighty wink, and before Harriet could think another thought, the uncomfortable tug behind her navel jerked her off her feet.
The world became a swirl of colours, and her hair whipped in the wind. The twins bumped into her sides as they spiralled and swirled towards Grimmauld Place.
Their feet hit the floor. The twins stumbled, but kept standing this time. Harriet smiled looking around the now familiar surroundings. It didn't look anything like it used to.
The large sitting room was spotless now. Harriet couldn't even smell dust or mould. The fireplace was burning merrily.
"There we are!" Sirius chuckled from a nearby chair. "Right on time."
"Uncle Sirius," the twins grinned, hurrying over and hugging him.
Sirius laughed, hugging them. "Who else did you expect? Stuffy old Remus?"
"As a point of fact, I am here," Remus said from the doorway, chuckling as the twins hurried over to hug him, too.
"Thank you," Daddy said to Captain Kane, shaking his hand. "I can't say I trusted you much when we first met, but you've always been there for us."
Captain Kane shrugged. "My job is to help set things right over here, Mr Dusk. Your group is working against a corrupt government and a dictator in waiting. We're more than happy to help your group against both. Anything you need, let us know. Our team will help."
Nan and Rosie elbowed each other, grinning. Harriet rolled her eyes, fighting back a giggle.
"Thank you as well, Hercule," Mum smiled. "Your people were exceptional."
"Ah, one blight on our record, but on ze whole, we did our utmost."
"Bye Hercule," Harriet and the twins said in unison.
Hercule smiled and tipped his cap to them.
"Shall we be off then?" Captain Kane asked. "We'll go monitor your belongings being brought over."
The pair waved and headed from the room.
"Where's Kreacher?" Harriet asked.
"Making lunch," Sirius said with a smile. "French Onion soup, one of his specialties."
"Great," Harriet grinned.
"Mr Dusk!" came the voice of Captain Kane.
The rest of his words were drown out by the roaring screams of the portrait of Sirius' mother. Daddy hurried from the room, Sirius and Remus in hot pursuit.
"Stay here, girls," Mum said, about to follow.
"But—"
"Stay here!" Mum insisted, giving them all a stern look.
Harriet and the twins all gave each other uncomfortable looks. What was going on? Were they in danger? Did Voldemort or Kinney know they'd returned?
"Stay with us, girls," Grampa Zeb said, putting his arms around the twins' shoulders.
"I'm sure it's nothing serious," Gramma Lisa said, putting a hand on Harriet's shoulder, too.
They could still hear the screams of the portrait. Harriet could barely hear Kreacher trying to calm her. Finally, the screams subsided, and Mum poked her head into the room.
"Mom, Dad, we could use a hand…"
Grampa and Gramma exchanged looks and followed her from the room. There was scuffling in the hallway. Harriet crept over and peeked out into the hallway. The men were all dragging something down the hall towards the dining room. She leaned further out and gasped. It was a body.
"What is it?" Rosie asked.
"I… stay here," Harriet said to them.
"Like hell!" Rosie glared, hands on her hips.
She grumbled as she crept from the room. She could hear the twins following. They followed the dragging sound to the entrance of the dining hall, peeking inside.
The body had been lifted onto the table. Harriet couldn't see the face, but she could tell it was a short, shabbily dressed man.
Sirius sighed leaning on the table. "Well, finally made good on his threat…"
"Strange, though…" Daddy said. "You'd think there'd be more signs of torture… he looks almost untouched."
"Why's that strange?" Sirius asked.
"Kinney has a habit of leaving… brutal messages," Captain Kane said. "To just use the Killing Curse… it's not like him."
"Are we sure that's what this is?" Mum asked. "We'd need a proper autopsy."
"Hippocrates is going to love us," Remus said with dark humour.
"We can send some of our own coroners," Hercule offered.
"Where are we going to put him?" Daddy asked. "That's the most pressing question."
"Girls!"
Mum had spotted the trio peering into the room. She hurried over, scowling. "I told you all to stay put."
"Who's that?" Rosie asked.
Harriet's chest clenched. She had a strong suspicion who it was. It was Mundungus Fletcher. Kinney had finally killed him.
Harriet's knees got a little weak. She'd never met Fletcher, but now he was dead. Because of her. Harriet had told, and now Fletcher was dead.
"It's not your concern," Mum said. "Upstairs to your rooms, now!"
"But Mum—"
"Now!"
Harriet was lying on her back, staring at the ceiling. A man was dead. She shouldn't have told. She killed him.
No, she can't think that way. She didn't know whether or not Fletcher was even alive at that point. Sebastian was right. She wasn't responsible for what Kinney did.
But what if she hadn't told? Kinney would have almost total access to the Order. But on the other hand, he'd had that for a while. He hadn't hurt anyone (except for Fletcher) and had even helped them.
Why? Why was he doing this? Harriet curled up in her bed. She clutched Finn tight.
When would he be found? Sirius had to find him soon. She put on the headphones of the Walkman, turning it on. The comforting sound of his voice filled her mind and she sighed as she relaxed. She lay there curled up, listening and trying to find peace.
"So beautiful," Finn whispered.
"Th-thank you…"
She was sitting on a sofa. She was wearing the outfit she'd worn to meet her new grandparents. Finn was kneeling in front of her, ever so gently massaging her calves.
"Your outfit's so cute…" Finn moaned.
"Thank you…"
"S-so… why…"
"Why what?"
"Why do you wear socks like this…?" he asked.
"I…" Harriet thought. "I like them…"
Finn moaned. He slowly pulled her into a hug.
Harriet woke. She sat up, rubbing her head. What had woken her? She'd been having such a lovely dream. Finn was in it. He was happy.
There was a thumping sound. Harriet blinked sliding her legs off her bed. It came from downstairs. There was another thump and bang.
Harriet snatched her wand up from the table and hurried to the door. They were under attack. Was it Lord Voldemort, or Kinney and Crouch?
Harriet leaned over the railing. There was a flash of a spell and a blood-curdling, bestial roar. The fight was going on only a few flights below. It was almost to the twins' room. Harriet hurried down. She stopped at the girls' room and looked in. Rosie was cuddled on her bed, Nan standing over her with her own wand drawn.
"What's going on?" Harriet asked.
"It's the dead guy!" Nan said, trembling though still holding out her wand. "He tried to get into our room! Captain Kane grabbed him."
Harriet stared. The dead guy? Fletcher?
Another guttural roar filled the room. She could hear Sirius' mother screaming too. Harriet turned and started down the stairs. Stopped in shock.
Nan was right. It was Mundungus Fletcher. He was flailing around, batting as his coat sleeve which was ablaze. Captain Kane was above him, blocking the way. Daddy, Mum, Remus, and Sirius were below. It looked as though they were trying to contain him.
"Easy, easy!" Daddy called as Fletcher grabbed for him.
From their juxtaposed positions, Harriet could tell that they were trying not to fire spells for fear of hitting each other. Remus and Mum were trying to move down the staircase to get a side-on shot with their wands.
"He won't stop moving," Sirius growled, training his wand on Fletcher.
Fletcher finally batted out the fire, and looked around at the gathered men. He grabbed the railing and ripped it off its supports, flinging it up at Captain Kane. Captain Kane ducked it but his foot slipped on the staircase and he fell back.
Fletcher pounced at once, roaring like a stuck pig as he clamped his hands on Captain Kane's throat. Sirius charged past Daddy, throwing himself on Fletcher's back. Fletcher flailed, trying to throw Sirius off. Sirius grunted pulling Fletcher off Captain Kane. Sirius had a triumphant look as he put Fletcher in a headlock, then it happened. Fletcher gave an awkward flail and the pair began falling back. Sirius' eyes widened as the realization they were falling came over him.
Harriet watched in horror as the pair fell back, tumbling down the stairs. Daddy just managed to duck out of the way as they tumbled past. They hit the next landing with a sickening crunch. Sirius didn't stir, but Fletcher rose and raised his hands for Sirius' neck.
"STAY AWAY FROM MY MASTER!"
Kreacher appeared from nowhere. He flung his tiny body onto Fletcher's head, and stabbed a steak-knife deep into one of Fletcher's eyes. Fletcher gave out another scream and began flailing again. Kreacher held on for dear life, driving the knife in deeper. Kreacher jumped off just in time as Fletcher began to fall down the next set of stairs. He landed awkwardly, but successfully on the landing as Fletcher tumbled past Mum and Remus. They were was staring as Fletcher hit the landing.
Fletcher began to rise again, groaning. His left arm was broken in several places, the bone jutting out. His head was canted unnaturally to the side. He raised a hand towards Kreacher, Mum, and Remus and took a step towards them.
"This is for Master Regulus!" Kreacher declared. He snapped his fingers.
The scream tore into Harriet's mind. Fletcher burst into flames. Kreacher had set him on fire from head to toe. Fletcher screamed and roared, before collapsing on the landing.
"Aguamenti!" Remus shouted, dousing Fletcher with water, preventing the flames from spreading to the house.
Fletcher no longer stirred. The house began to stink with the rancid smell of burnt flesh. Harriet coughed as nausea came over her.
She began moving down the stairs again. Captain Kane was getting to his feet, coughing and clutching his neck. Harriet looked past him at Daddy and Kreacher, kneeling beside Sirius.
"Master Sirius," Kreacher whimpered, shaking Sirius' shoulder. "Master Sirius, answer Kreacher, answer him! Don't leave Kreacher alone!"
"Kreacher…" Sirius moaned.
"Master Sirius!" Kreacher gasped.
Daddy gave a sigh of relief. "Oh, thank Merlin," he groaned.
"Daniel…" Sirius said.
"It's okay," Daddy said. "Kreacher stopped him."
"Daniel…" Sirius muttered. "I… I can't feel my legs…"
