Tides of Reckoning

Hogwarts (Past)

Fox Lake, Midnight July 23rd

Mid-Summer's Eve

I awaken on the sandy beach of Fox Lake, in pain, and covered with wet sand. It takes me a while to actually wake up, but at last my head stops throbbing, and I'm able to sit up. "…I got kicked harder than I thought. Sara really did it… wait…" Noticing lights up at the castle, I hear some kind of announcement. "Welcome, welcome all to the 2oth annual MidSummer's Eve Match! First up, it's Gryffindor versus Slytherin! Then, Hufflepuff versus Ravenclaw! It will be a match to remember! Now- let the Matches begin!" I hear a distant roar from the direction of where the Quidditch coliseum stands today, and I realize that a match is going on. "…Midsummer's Eve… Isn't that when…" I notice something shining in the sand on front of me. Is that what I think it is? Positioning myself so that I'm on my knees, I start to dig through the sand. A few seconds later, I unearth something silver. "It's when the famous match between the Houses took place… and…" I lift the object out of the sand, and stand. "Rachel found her sword, or in this case, I found my sword." Brushing of the excess sand, I stand there, looking up at the sky; and I wonder if Forester is still alive. I decide to go ahead and rescue Forester; knowing that whatever has happened to him, that he would have done the same for me. After checking to make sure that I haven't forgotten anything, I head up towards Hogwarts.

Hogwarts, Main Entranceway

"Who's there? Show yourself!" I'm hiding behind one of the pillars that are supporting the roof of the entranceway. Somehow, I alerted one of the guards to my presence. Now what do I do? I notice a large rock near my feet. Bending down; I pick it up, and throw it. "Huh? What was that?" The guard turns the corner, and I run over to the entranceway. I hesitate for only a second, but it is a second too many, because the guard comes back; and he sees me. "Hey! What are you doing out here? ...Are you even a student here, or an outsider?" Glancing over my shoulder, I can see a male figure standing there; arms raised. "I go here; but not now. I need to rescue my friends; don't provoke me. Whoever you are." He seems surprised, and he strides towards me. "I think that you are lying, I don't care if you go here- you're coming with me." The guard grabs my arm, and I raise my other one. "Don't touch me." "What? I have the right-what are you doing?" "Did I mention that I can use magic with my bare hands?" A crackle of electricity runs through my left arm, and into the man gripping my right. His eyes widen as he realizes what I did, then he crumples to the ground. After bending down to check his pulse, I straighten, and go inside.

Hogwarts Dungeons; Cell 12; MidSummer's Eve

From somewhere far away; I can hear the Englishman's voice. "I lied, Scot, your friend has not even been touched. You; on the other hand, have a visit with me." I feel myself being dragged off to somewhere. After a while whoever is dragging me stops; and throws me into what I am guessing is another cell. I wait for my head to stop hurting, then; I open my eyes.

Like something out of a nightmare; I'm looking at a large pool of blood. Trying not to be sick; I sit up, and then stand. "What… what has happened here?" I hear footfalls behind me, and I turn; only to meet the Englishman. "I haven't told you my name- it's Fredrik. Now, I know that by the look on your face that you are trying to be a man. I congratulate you- but, it hasn't even begun, Scot. Before the night is over, you will be reduced to a slave of pain, begging for death. I'll let you out tomorrow; try not to lose your sanity… or…the rest of it." He walks away, and not for the first time, I feel scared. I feel hot air on my neck; and dreading whatever is behind me, slowly turn around. Once I see what I am looking at, my world is reduced to the monster before me. It roars, and whatever braveness I had before getting thrown in here, is gone. All I can do is slowly slide down the wall, looking on in fear and horror as the beast comes closer…

Hogwarts; 1st Floor

I hear something below me. "What the…" Confused; I start heading towards the stairs leading down, when-"I see that you found your sword, Witch. Trying to rescue your friends are you? I don't think so." I spin around, only to see Gregory standing there; his sword raised. All I can do is start to unsheathe my sword; but it is in vain; for Gregory brings his sword down upon me, blade shining in the lantern-light. My sword flies out of my hand; and I see it fall into someone else's hand. "You got her, Greg- do her in." "With pleasure." Gregory steps towards me; and in self-defense; I raise my arms, and summon my powers. "You… you are a She-Magic Summoner? Why didn't you tell me?" I stand there; wondering what to do next; when- "Stop. Stop before someone gets hurt…" I feel weak; like someone's draining me of energy. My hands drop to my sides, and almost imminently; the feeling goes away. "I trusted you- and you threaten my school? Of all of Witches; I thought that you, Animagus, would be an exception. I shall have to do away with you; you are too powerful…so…" Pain flows through me, and I go down. I rise to a sitting position, looking up at Headmaster Dublin. "I can explain…" "No. I cannot have you wreaking havoc. I am sorry, but I must do this." He raises his arms again; and I feel… powerless. "I have taken your magic away. I have your sword; what is that ring that your wear 'round your neck?" I feel scared for my life, and with difficulty, get to my feet; turn around; and run. "Come back here!" "I'll get her." I hear Gregory yell as he throws something- I'm too surprised to say or do anything. I'm stuck to the cobblestone wall by Gryffindor's sword; all I can do is watch as he comes over to me; Headmaster Dublin following him. Once he reaches me; he tells Dublin to give him my sword. "I warned you- if you came back, you would be punished. It's off to the dungeon for you." He moves his arms back; and swings.