Disclaimer: I own nothing.
Chapter Eleven
A Bad Dream
--
Dreaming permits each
and every one of us to be
quietly and safely insane
every night of our lives.
--
Angelina was furious, at first at us then at Umbridge. It just wasn't fair. Fred and I hadn't even done anything. We were innocent, and George and Harry shouldn't have suffered more than a few detentions as well. It was so idiotic. I couldn't bare thinking about it any longer. I had to keep my mind on my meeting with Voldermort tonight. Well, I honestly didn't want to think about that either, but I had no choice. I had to manage to convince him for the sake of my Mum, and for the sake of Grigor.
I was glad to attend another D.A. meeting to seek a bit of salvation from my thoughts. It was some sort of a pleasant outlet to be a member of Dumbledore's Army. Harry was teaching the Patronus charm today, one of my favorites. My Patronus was my animagus form, of course. It was for all animagi. My little white dove fluttered through the air gracefully. I had it peck at George's nose as he swatted at it tirelessly before I was in a fit of laughter with Fred that caused me to lose my concentration. Both Fred and George shared the same Patronus form, monkeys. Imagine that. They swung on invisible vines as they soared across the room. My stomach ached from laughing so hard by the time Harry ended the lesson.
Fred laced his fingers in mine as we walked back to Gryffindor Tower, much slower than everyone else.
"You know, I'm going to miss you over the holiday." I said, squeezing his hand.
"I'll miss you too." He smiled sadly. "But we'll write and-"
"No." I interrupted. "It's too dangerous this time. If my Father found out-"
"I'll go crazy without being able to talk to you, to know you're okay." He said sincerely.
"I'll be fine, Fred. Honestly, I can take care of myself." I assured him.
"I know you can." I agreed. "It's just-"
"Fred, I know." I interrupted. "But this is just how things have to be."
Fred sighed heavily, and pulled me close while we walked. He knew there was no way around it. I was going to have to go back to my home, and he was going to have to go back to number twelve. I was dreading the time we would be away from each other terribly. I feared I would lose my mind, actually.
The two of us fell asleep, unintentionally, on the ancient Gryffindor sofa. It was hard not to doze off for a bit on such a comfortable piece of furniture, especially in the arms of someone you care about. His steady breaths acted as a melodious lullaby as my head rose and fell atop his chest.
I was running so fast I feared my legs were going to collapse at any moment. My billowing powder blue robes and long silver like blonde hair were wafting like mad behind me. I could hear the cause of the footsteps I was running from drawing ever nearer. It was a man... no this was no man. It's identity was unknown, and I had no intention of finding out who...or what it was.
I could see a dim light in the distance calling my name. Then it happened. A hand wrapped around my upper arm and pulled me around so my eyes faced the sources of my unforgiving fear. It was a robed being, more frightening than a dementor's kiss. I could hear his raspy breaths from behind the black hood. It was undoubtedly Lord Voldermort.
"I'm going to kill them, you know?" The hooded figure breathed.
I remained silent for a moment, gasping for air.
"Who?" I stammered.
He released a bloodcurdling cackle.
"Everyone you care about." He laughed viciously.
I sat up suddenly, gasping violently for air. Fred sat up quickly as well. My eyes looked like saucers as I clutched my chest with fright. Fred took my free hand and looked at me with worry clearly visible upon his handsome features.
"What's wrong?" He asked frantically.
I looked into his eyes with a terrified expression. I couldn't tell him about my dream. He'd think I was a nutter.
"Nothing, just a bad dream." I breathed heavily. "Just a really bad dream."
"Do you want to talk about it?" He inquired sincerely.
I forced a feeble smile and placed my hand on his cheek, shaking my head.
"No, it's fine." I reassured him. "Really, I don't even remember what it was about."
Fred sent me a suspicious glare as I peered over at the clock upon the opposing wall. It was only five minutes until midnight. I convinced Fred that we should both go off to bed, so we would be we rested to say our goodbyes the following morning. He finally agreed after some more convincing that I was perfectly fine. He kissed me goodnight and headed up to the boys' dormitory as I pretended to head up to the girls'. As soon as I took a couple steps up the stairs I peeked around the corner to make sure Fred had disappeared. He did, so I crept quietly back before the weak flames inside the fireplace.
It was nearly two o' clock in the morning by the time the always punctual Voldermort graced me with presence. I was about to give up and go to bed as my head bobbed up and down in a sleepy daze. He smiled at the sight of me like he always did, but he appeared extra pleased with himself this evening. Maybe because it was I that had requested to speak with him.
"Good Evening, Nemesis." He hissed.
"It's almost appropriate for a 'Good Morning.'" I snapped rudely. "I've been sitting here for two hours."
"Ah, yes I know." He said carelessly. "I had some business to take care of on your behalf, actually."
"That's just wonderful, but about Grigor-" I started, rolling my eyes. "Wait a minute, what do you mean 'On my behalf?'"
He chuckled as if he was immensely proud of what he was about to tell me, and he was.
"Well, my dear, Lucius Malfoy informed me that he witnessed a ruthless attack on his son today during the Quidditch match." He explained.
"I would hardly call it 'ruthless.'" I said under my breath.
"He then told me that you had been banished from the team permanently and on erroneous grounds." He continued. "Well, I took it upon myself to handle the situation."
I raised my eyebrow curiously. I found this hard to believe.
"You got me back on the Quidditch team?" I asked apprehensively.
"Oh no, my dear." He smirked at my naivety. "I took a much more… direct approach."
"What do you mean 'direct?'" I inquired.
"Let's just say the party responsible has been reprimanded respectively." He said.
"I'm still not following." I said, annoyed. "Are you telling me that you've punished Draco or Umbridge or something?"
"No, Nemesis, I have punished the guilty party." He said.
"Which would be Draco or Umbridge." I deduced. "What did you do to them?"
"Young Master Malfoy is not the guilty party." He said, sending me a confused glare. "Lucius informed me that the Weasley boys and Potter were the ones who caused your penalty."
I shook my head violently. Lucius Malfoy was a rotten liar.
"No, of course not." I said passionately. "It wasn't their fault. It was Umbridge and Draco who caused this to happen. Malfoy egged them on, and Umbridge distributed the punishments."
"Hem." He said simply, running his skeleton like fingers over his chin. "Oh, well. It would have happened sooner or later."
"What?" I snapped. "What did you do?"
"It is not what I have done, but Nagini." He explained. "Like I said before, I sent her to punish the Weasleys."
"What do you mean punish?!" I demanded. "Is Nagini here?!"
"No, she is in the Department of Mysteries." Voldermort replied, visibly annoyed with my many questions. "That is where Arthur Weasley is stationed for the night."
"You sent that damned bloody serpent to kill their father?!" I whispered fiercely.
"Of course." He said as if I were crazy for making a big deal out of it. "I did it for you. I thought you would be pleased-"
"No, I am NOT bloody pleased!" I snapped viciously. "Oh, God!"
"Nemesis, I fear you are not seeing things clearly." He said. "Maybe we should speak again when you are more thankful for the good deed I have so graciously performed in your honor. I will see you soon."
With that he disappeared back into the flames. I instantly took to my feet, sprinting out of the portal. There was no time to wake Fred and the others, no time to waste. I ran as fast as I could before realizing it would be quicker for me to fly. I transformed into my animagus form and flew directly to Dumbledore's quarters. The stairs were uncovered and the door was slightly ajar. I figured it to be a sign from God because Dumbledore's Office was never unlocked. He was almost always closed away from everyone. I soared through the doorway and transformed back into myself, hovering above the ground for a moment before I handed gracefully back on my bare feet. Dumbledore was in his nightgown, but he was obviously not asleep. He had been reading a book quite intently before he noticed the white dove fluttering above his desk. My face was frantic along with my breathing.
"Miss Dolohov, what in heaven's name-" He began, dropping his book and rising to his feet.
"It's Arthur Weasley." I said hastily. "He's going to be…or already has been…attacked in the Department of Mysteries. Please, Sir, we have to save him!"
It was obvious that Albus Dumbledore, arguably the greatest wizard of all time, was not accustomed to being surprised. However, tonight he was undoubtedly shaken to his core. His eyes widened and his mouth became slightly ajar. He strolled before me, holding me sternly by my shoulders, and leaned down significantly to meet my drastic eyes.
"How do you know this?" He inquired severely.
"Er-" I started. "I just know! Please, Professor, we have to hurry!"
"Miss Dolohov, I must know how you came across this information." He persisted, shaking me slightly. "I need to determine how reliable of a source-"
"Voldermort!" I shouted bluntly.
Dumbledore merely held me a moment longer and quickly walked to a couple of his numerous portraits that decorated his walls. He instructed on of them to look for Mr. Weasley at the Department of Mysteries and return as soon as possible. Another was sent to the Order to inform them of the incident. I stood in place, shaking faintly, some from fright and some from the cold. I shivered in my plaid boxer shorts and long sleeve white shirt that I had been intent on sleeping in. There would be no sleep for me now. Dumbledore pulled a blanket off of his bed and wrapped it kindly over my shoulders. He led me to the seat that was located before his desk. He sat opposite of me, peering every couple seconds at the empty frames.
"How and why are you in contact with Lord Voldermort?" He asked calmly.
"The fireplace." I replied quietly. "We spoke through the fireplace in the Common Room."
"Alright, that answers the first part of my question-" He began.
"Professor, I know you don't know me very well. And I know you have no reason to trust me, and I can hardly blame you because of my family's well-known affiliations but you have to believe me when I say that my dealings with Voldermort are strictly against my will. If I could go the rest of my life without speaking to or seeing him ever again, I would welcome it more than you know." I said sincerely. "That being said, I am sorry but I cannot tell you why I am forced to be in contact with him. My reasons must remain confidential, but I assure you that if I was involved with any of his drudgery I would not be here right now. My allegiance, Sir, lies with you and only you."
I bowed my head to Dumbledore. I didn't know what could possibly be going through his head. To him this girl, this daughter of a murder, was denouncing everything she's known for a cause she knew nothing of except that it was right. That was all that mattered, the difference between right and wrong. She would be risking her life by divulging such classified information to him.
"Albus?" One of the portraits interrupted our silence.
"Arthur Weasley has been discovered unconscious and taken to St. Mungos." He explained. "He has been attacked by what appears to be a large animal of some sorts, suffering numerous bites. His wounds appear external. He should recover fully."
"Thank you, Phineas. Momentarily, I will need you to alert Minerva of the situation and notify the Weasley children, as well." He nodded. "You are a hero, Miss Dolohov. You may have just been responsible for saving Arthur Weasley's life."
"Thank God he's alright." I nodded solemnly, so relieved I couldn't breathe.
"Where will you be spending your holiday, Miss Dolohov?" He inquired randomly.
"Home in Bulgaria and at the Malfoy's most likely." I replied sadly.
"Would you be disappointed if I asked that you spend your holiday elsewhere?" He asked.
"I'm sorry, Sir?" I replied curiously.
"I think that you would be a much better fit if you spent your Christmas holiday with a more stable group of individuals." He explained. "Perhaps with the Weasley family."
"As wonderful as that sounds, Professor, I fear it is impossible." I replied sadly. "Fred and the others have already invited me to stay with them at Grimwald Place, but my Father would never allow it."
"Let me worry about the details." Dumbledore smiled wisely. "I will just simply inform your Father that you have been chosen to participate in a new and very selective experimental Advanced Potions class over the holidays. I will explain that it is a great honor to be offered such a rare opportunity. If Antonin is anything like he was whilst he was a student, I am certain he will more than approve of your esteemed offer to remain at Hogwarts."
I smirked at his clever idea, however; deep down I feared it was too good to be true.
"Sir, I would love to but-" I began.
Suddenly, the door flew all the way open behind us. It was McGonagall, Snape, and the others. She was holding Harry swiftly by the upper arm. Fred, George, Ron, and Ginny stood before Snape. They all looked flustered and confused, even more so after laying eyes on me in Dumbledore's Office at such a late hour.
"Professor Dumbledore, Mr. Potter has had a very perturbing dream about the condition of Arthur Weasley." McGonagall explained.
"Sir, he's-" Harry began frantically.
"Been attacked in the Department of Mysteries." Dumbledore finished his sentence.
"Er- yeah-" Harry agreed awkwardly. "How'd you know?"
"Miss Dolohov, here, has already made me aware of the situation. She heard word of the hit from her brother and came to alert me straight away." He replied calmly. "And no to worry about Arthur. He has been found and taken to St. Mungos. His injuries are highly treatable. However, I recommend sending you all back home tonight rather than waiting until morning and that includes Miss Granger and Miss Dolohov."
I could feel Fred's eyes burning a hole through the back of my head.
"She can't stay with the Order." Snape said suddenly, looking about awkwardly after involuntarily blurting out his comment.
I turned around to look at him curiously. How did Snape know about the Order? Everything was happening so fast. I couldn't process everything. My head was spinning so fast that I couldn't focus on anything.
"Miss Dolohov has been formally invited, and she has accepted." Dumbledore said simply. "She will leave with Harry, Hermione, and the Weasley's tonight. Are there any other objections?"
Everyone else shook their heads whilst Snape stared daggers straight ahead.
"Wonderful." Dumbledore said, clasping his hands together. "Well, everyone go and gather your things. You will all depart as soon as you are ready."
"Yes, Sir." Everyone chimed.
I left Dumbledore's blanket on my chair and followed after everyone else.
"Harry, Severus could I have a moment?" Dumbledore said.
Dumbledore clearly wanted to speak to Harry about his odd dream about what Nagini had done to Mr. Weasley, but I didn't exactly know what he wanted with Snape. I stared daggers at Severus when we passed each other. He looked down at me like he had never seen me before or something. I scurried after Fred and the others quickly. As soon as I finished walking down the stairs to Dumbledore's Office I was immediately pulled in a tight hug courtesy of Fred. I didn't have time to react. He beamed down at me, his face full of emotion. He held my face in his palms.
"Thank you, Briney." He smiled sweetly. "You saved my Dad."
I didn't say anything back before he hugged me again. Fred had no idea that his Dad wouldn't have even needed to be rescued if it wasn't for me.
A/N: Thanks for the wonderful reviews again. I love you guys for it, really. I am warning you…I hate this chapter. I think it is poorly written. I will most likely rewrite it. Sorry. If you do actually like it then thanks. Beware typos. Happy reading!My absolute least favorite chapter. I am honestly almost embarrassed to post it. Please, be I wanted you to grasp in this chapter was: Briney has a nightmare/premonition about Voldermort. Lord Voldermort heard from Lucius that the Weasley's were responsible for Briney being kicked off the team. He thought by killing their Dad it was like reparation for her banishment. Basically, he figured in his sick mind that Briney would be happy that he took it upon himself to punish those responsible for her pain. He's by no means guilty once she explains what happens, but he is kind of pissed off that she didn't thank he for his 'good deed.' Dumbledore may not know what is exactly happening between Briney and Voldermort, but he knows her situation must not be good. Therefore, he wants her away from her family all together. Snape is pissed because it makes things more difficult to protect her from Voldermort. The reason Dumbledore asked Harry and Snape to stay after is because of Harry's dream, Occlumency lessons, and Advanced Potions. Briney feels guilty that Fred thanks her because she's the reason his dad needed saving to begin with.
Coming Soon: Briney meets the Order which included Mrs. Weasley. She heads to St. Mungos with Fred and the others. Sirius meets Briney for the first time and a million memories he'd tried so hard to forget come flooding back, leaving her utterly confused.
