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"She is not breaking," said Voldemort. "We've been giving her the potion for two weeks now."
"Until she breaks, the potion won't work," said Slytherin.
"We must do something drastic," said Voldemort.
"I already told you," said Slytherin. "I won't allow you to harm her."
"I'm not talking about hurting her," said Voldemort. "But if I could just get my hands around the neck of her little brat…" Voldemort grasped at the air in front of him to make his point.
"No," interrupted Slytherin. "Besides, she can't stay strong much longer. In the beginning, she just saw this as another thing she could beat. Now she's moody and irritable. She's getting more and more homesick. No, it won't be much longer now."
"At the very least, we should bind her Sorceress powers," said Voldemort.
"We have her wand. That should be enough," said Slytherin. Voldemort looked doubtful.
There was a pause, and then "Ah, here comes the little ray of sunshine now," said Voldemort. Right on cue, Cadance walked in. "Hello, Sunshine!" he said brightly.
Cadance waved her hand and a glass that was sitting on the table, ready for lunch, went flying at Voldemort's head. He lifted his hand at the last second and grabbed the glass before it hit him in the head. "Cadance, honey, don't throw things at your cousin," said Slytherin.
"Cousin?" exclaimed Voldemort and Cadance at the same time.
"Yes, well, Cadance you are a descendant of Felicia, who was my and Katherine's daughter. Voldemort, you are a descendant of Brian, my son who I had with my second wife. So technically, you two are distant cousins.
"If you think that Felicia was yours then you are dead wrong," said Cadance. "You didn't even raise her like a daughter after Katherine's death. Godric did. He told me. And Helga told me that she wasn't really your daughter."
"You take that back," said Slytherin.
"No," said Cadance. "You know it's true. That's why you let Godric raise her."
"Go back to your room," said Slytherin.
"What was his name?" asked Cadance, trying to get a rise out of him. "The father of Felicia has to be that man that Katherine loved instead of you. But I never learned his name. Tell me; did it hurt you to see Charlie? He's the current life of that guy; I bet he looks exactly the same just like I look like Katherine."
"I will not tolerate disobedience," said Slytherin.
"You can't tell me what to do," said Cadance.
"We've gone over this every day," said Slytherin. "Yes, I can."
"No wonder Katherine hated you," said Cadance.
Slytherin raised his hand as if to strike her, but Voldemort grabbed it. "What was that you were saying to me just a few moments ago?" he asked.
"Cadance, go to your room," repeated Slytherin through gritted teeth.
"I won't," said Cadance.
"Fine then," said Slytherin. "Voldemort, drag her out by the hair."
"With pleasure," said Voldemort stepping forward.
"Voldemort, if you take one more step, I will kick you where it hurts," said Cadance.
Voldemort rolled his eyes and flicked his hand casually. Cadance flew backwards and hit the floor. Voldemort walked over to her and threw her over his shoulder. She began to kick and scream. "Put me down!" she exclaimed.
"Listen, Missy," said Voldemort as they walked out of the room. "I didn't choose to make you a prisoner. If I had my choice, we would have killed you two weeks ago. So please don't take this out on me."
"You are absolutely crazy," spat Cadance.
"Alright, it's clear that you don't want to be here and it's also clear that I don't want you here. So just stay in your room so we don't have to see each other," said Voldemort as he opened the door to her room and dumped her on the floor. He walked out of the room and slammed the door behind him.
Cadance got up off the floor and flung herself on the bed, burying her face in her pillow. She tried to think about Charlie and Melinda and what they would be doing right then. She tried thinking about her uncle, who she wished she could be spending time with since she knew the time would soon come when he would have to leave. She thought about her parents and how much it hurt just being around them and how they had abandoned her when she was nine. She thought about Melinda and how she was practically doing the same thing to her.
At precisely that moment, Hogwarts was sitting down to eat. Charlie was not there. This was not an uncommon occurrence. He hadn't been at any of the meals for the past week and a half. He pretty much taught class and then went to his Common Room. He didn't even spend time with Melinda. He had barely even spoken to her, or anyone else for that matter, for about a week.
Melinda was a wreck. Her schoolwork was slipping dramatically. She didn't attend Defense Against the Dark Arts class, which was being taught by Gryffindor in Cadance's absence. She spent a lot of time alone, and even Chris Halliwell, who was her best friend, could not get her to smile. This youngest son of the oldest Charmed One was at his wit's end trying to cheer her up. He couldn't even convince her to come to Quidditch practice.
Dumbledore decided that the Order of the Phoenix needed to meet even without Cadance. After dinner, they all met. "Charlie's not here," said Cati when Dumbledore tried to start the meeting.
"I didn't expect him to be," said Dumbledore.
"I haven't seen him in a few days," observed Jen.
"He hasn't left his room except to teach," said Cati. She and Bill were still sharing Cadance and Charlie's Common Room because Dumbledore and Merlin were still staying in theirs.
"I don't think he's slept or ate in days," said Bill. "I tried talking to him yesterday."
"What did he say?" asked Mrs. Weasley concernedly.
"He just said he wasn't hungry," said Bill. "I asked him if he wanted to talk. He said he just wants her back."
"Do you think she's still alive?" asked Snape.
"I think that if she was dead, we'd know," said Dumbledore.
"There's another thing," said Cati. "It's about Melinda."
"I've been meaning to bring that up as well," said Godric.
"Me too," said Snape.
Everyone looked around at each other, waiting for someone to speak up, but since neither Cadance nor Charlie were there, no one did. "Alright, I'll take responsibility for the child," said Jen. "What is it?"
"She hasn't shown up for Defense Against the Dark Arts class at all," said Godric.
"That's not completely unexpected," said Jen.
"I have been cutting her breaks in my class as well," said Cati. "Her work is slipping. She's usually very good in Transfiguration."
"I'm not cutting her any breaks," said Snape. "She's failing my class."
Harry rolled his eyes. "They're all failing your class."
"Just because I have higher expectations than some of my colleagues…"
"Shut up, uncle," said Cati.
"I'll talk to her about it tomorrow," said Jen.
"No," said Bill. "Let's go, Jen." He stood up and started walking towards the door.
"Where are we going?" asked Jen, also standing.
"You're going to talk to Melinda, and I'm going to talk to Charlie," he answered.
Jen looked to Dumbledore who nodded. They walked out of the meeting room and through the staffroom and into the hallway.
"So how are you holding up?" asked Bill as they walked.
"I've been better," said Jen. "But Cadance is strong. She'll make it out alright. She's got to."
"And how is little Freddy doing?" asked Bill.
"Good," said Jen. "I'll bring him and Abby by tomorrow. How is Vivien?"
"Vivien is confused," said Bill. "She knows what is going on, but she doesn't know what is going on. And she doesn't like having to bunk with Cati and I in Cadance and Charlie's spare room."
"She's welcome to come stay with us any time," said Jen
"I'm sure she'd like that," said Bill.
At this point, they reached Charlie and Cadance's Common Room. Jen continued on to Gryffindor Tower as Bill entered. "Charlie!" he called.
"I'm here," said Charlie. Bill looked over and saw that he was raising himself to a sitting position on the couch.
"Hey," said Bill as he walked over and sat down next to Charlie.
"Hey," said Charlie.
"We had a meeting tonight," said Bill.
"I know," said Charlie. "I just… I couldn't…"
"I know," said Bill. He locked eyes with Charlie. "Do you want to talk?"
"I just want Cadance back," said Charlie. "I feel like I'm swimming against the current. I try to reach for her but I keep getting pulled backwards."
"Its all going to be okay," said Bill.
There was a pause. Charlie began fighting back tears. Bill pulled him into a hug as Charlie began to cry on his shoulder.
"Let is out, man," said Bill. "It's okay to cry."
Meanwhile, Jen was negotiating her way into the Gryffindor Common Room. After she tried unsuccessfully to bribe the Fat Lady, Chris luckily happened by. He offered to go in and get Melinda for her.
"Do you want to take a walk?" asked Jen, when Melinda came out.
Melinda shrugged. The two walked in silence until they reached the front doors. "We're going outside?" asked Melinda as Jen put her hand on the doorknob.
"Sure we are," she said.
"But it's dark outside," said Melinda.
"I know," said Jen as she opened the door and stepped out. Melinda followed.
"Are you sure it's safe?" asked Melinda as they walked away from the castle.
"No," said Jen. "Nothing is safe nowadays. But it's quiet out here and this is one of the last of the nicer evenings. It'll be cold soon."
"But Voldemort…" began Melinda.
"It's okay," said Jen. "I will not live my life in fear, and you shouldn't either. But we do have to talk. You, young lady, have a lot of explaining to do. Why haven't you been going to class?"
"What's the point?" asked Melinda.
"The point?" asked Jen. "You have to learn, Melinda. You have to do your work. You have to get an education. Your mother…"
"My mother is not here," said Melinda bitterly.
"You still need to go to class," said Jen. "Lord Gryffindor has been letting it slide and so has your Aunt Cati, but they're not going to keep doing that for much longer. And Snape says you're failing potions; he's not going to cut you any slack."
Melinda was about to respond when she and Jen heard a sound behind them. They both whipped around, but saw nobody. "Aunt Jen, let's go inside," said Melinda.
"Good idea," said Jen, putting her hand on Melinda's shoulder.
They started walking towards Hogwarts, but as they turned they came face to face with a demon. "Boo," said the demon.
"Shit," said Jen. There was a pause and then Melinda and Jen went flying backwards and landed in a heap on the ground.
"Well, well, well," said the demon as Jen and Melinda crawled to their feet.
"Stand behind me, Melinda," said Jen stepping forward.
"How quaint," said the demon.
Jen threw a fireball at the demon, who dodged it easily. "Do you know where your children are, Jennifer?" taunted the demon. "Safe at home with the House Elf? How do you know they're safe?"
Jen's blue eyes blazed. She sent another fireball. The demon dodged it again and sent an energy ball at Melinda who had stepped out from behind Jen. Jen pushed Melinda out of the way. The demon sent another that Jen couldn't dodge. She hit the ground.
"Aunt Jen!" exclaimed Melinda.
"Melinda!" exclaimed a familiar voice from the direction of the castle.
The demon turned just in time to catch a fireball in the chest. A second later, Cati and Minerva were visible. Minerva finished off the demon as Cati ran and knelt next to the unconscious Jen.
"Aunt Cati, we…" began Melinda.
Cati cut her off, "Run up to the castle, Melinda, and find my uncle. Tell him to meet us in the Hospital Wing. You better get George as well; he's with him."
"Where are they?" asked Melinda.
"Go into the Staff Room and hang a left," said Cati. "Don't ask, just run." Melinda nodded and ran off. She kept running until she reached the staff room. She looked to her left and saw nothing but a wardrobe. She stared at it for a second then realized she could hear voices coming from inside it. She pulled the door open and stepped inside. She was surprised to find herself in a large room with a round table, around which people (many of whom were related to her) were sitting.
"Melinda!" exclaimed George.
Melinda put her hands on her knees and said between gasps of breath, "Outside… demon… Aunt Jen… energy ball… Uncle George… Professor Snape… Aunt Cati wants….Hospital Wing!"
"I'm sorry, I don't speak Albanian," said Sirius.
"She said that a demon attacked her and Jen outside and injured Jen with an energy ball and now Cati would like George and Severus to meet them in the Hospital Wing," said Merlin.
George and Severus immediately stood and ran out of the room. "Melinda, are you okay?" asked Hermione.
"I'm fine," said Melinda.
"Well, I suppose we should adjourn this meeting," said Dumbledore. "I will inform you all as soon as we hear anything about Jen."
Everyone got up and started to head out of the room, talking quietly amongst themselves as they exited. "Melinda, can you wait a minute?" asked Dumbledore. Melinda stopped. Dumbledore waited for everyone else to exit before continuing. "How about if I walk you back to your dormitory and we can have a little chat on the way?"
"Okay," said Melinda. They began their walk to the Gryffindor Common Room.
"Melinda, do you know why your mother is angry with your grandmother and grandfather?" asked Dumbledore.
"Because they died," said Melinda.
"Not just because they died," said Dumbledore. "That's only part of it. They left her when she needed them most. The way your mother sees it, they put the needs of the collective before the needs of their family. Of course, that's not how they saw it, but… do you see what I'm saying?"
"Not really," said Melinda.
"My point is," said Dumbledore, "your mother knows how it feels to lose a mother early. She's going to fight to get back to you. Don't you worry; you will see her again."
Snape was able to mix a potion and Jen recovered. She had to spend a few days in the hospital wing, however, and George didn't leave her side. Melinda and Charlie were there whenever they could be, too.
Meanwhile, in Voldemort's lair…
"She refuses to get out of bed, my Lord," said a random Female Death Eater to Salazar Slytherin, who was looking out the window. "She won't even turn her head to look at me. I think she may be sick."
"Take her some breakfast," said Slytherin without turning to face the Death Eater.
"Pardon me, but we tried," replied the Death Eater. "She has not eaten in three days."
"That will be all, Elsie," said Voldemort, who was lounging on his throne. "Leave us now." The Death Eater bowed out, shutting the door behind her.
"It's been three days since the attack on her sister," said Voldemort. "If Jen had died, we would have heard by now."
"The goal was not to kill Jen," said Slytherin. "The goal was to break Cadance. She appears to have lost hope. The attack served its purpose."
"Then what are we waiting for?" asked Voldemort. Slytherin didn't respond. "We should give up," said Voldemort quietly.
"No. But you're right. We must act," said Slytherin. "I'm through playing games. Fetch me my cloak."
History of Magic was boring. There was no way to put it nicely. Nothing ever happened during that class.
So it came as quite a shock to the Third Year Gryffindors when suddenly, in a puff of smoke, two cloaked men suddenly appeared in the front of the room. They threw off their hoods to reveal their identities.
"Surprise," said Slytherin as Voldemort pointed his want at Binns, who suddenly became immobile.
"That's special," deadpanned Melinda.
"There is no reason for us to hurt any of you," said Slytherin calmly. "We want Melinda Weasley and her father."
"You'll have to go through me first," said Chris defiantly as he stood up and walked over to Melinda.
Voldemort and Slytherin looked at each other and laughed because, let's face it, a thirteen year old wizard isn't all that menacing. They were about to comment when the door opened and Cati and McGonagall burst in, wands out.
"How do you bloody do that?" asked Voldemort incredulously.
Slytherin, however, moved quickly towards Melinda. He pushed Chris out of the way and then dragged Melinda back to the front of the room. "My dear Mrs. Weasley and Headmistress McGonagall," began Slytherin. "I am going to require the presence of Charlie Weasley."
Cati and McGonagall exchanged a look. Then McGonagall turned to the student closest to her. "Mr. Andrews, please run outside and fetch Professor Weasley. And please hurry." He got up and ran out of the room.
"Let Melinda go," said Cati.
No, I don't think so," said Voldemort.
"She and her father are coming with us," said Slytherin.
"Over my dead body," said Cati.
"That can be arranged," said Voldemort.
"What have you done with Cadance?" asked McGonagall.
"Nothing yet," said Slytherin. "She's alive."
"Alive and well?" asked Cati.
"Alive," responded Voldemort.
"Bastard," said Cati.
"Catalin, dear, do you remember the day I tried to kill you, but killed your brother instead?" asked Voldemort. "Your brother isn't here to take a killing curse for you this time."
"Aunt Cati, just let him take me and Dad," said Melinda.
"No," insisted Cati.
"Yes, Cati," said Charlie as he stepped through the door.
"How did you get here so fast?" asked Voldemort.
"I have it in with the author," said Charlie.
"What?" asked Voldemort confusedly.
"I could feel it," said Charlie. "I passed Andrews on the way here and he confirmed. Voldemort, you can take us, as long as you promise not to hurt anyone on the way out."
"Charlie, no!" exclaimed Cati.
"Hush, Cati," said Charlie. "We won't put the castle at risk for our sakes. Do we have a bargain?"
"You two are worth more to us alive than any of these people dead," said Voldemort. "It's a bargain." He stepped forward and grabbed Charlie.
"And now, a disappearing act," said Slytherin. "Au Revoir!" And with that he snapped his fingers and Voldemort, Charlie, Melinda, and he disappeared.
At that exact moment, Chris screamed "No!" and disappeared in a swirl of blue lights.
Without missing a beat, McGonagall sent the class back to their dormitories to await further instruction. As soon as they were gone, McGonagall asked "Where the hell did Chris orb off to?"
"It seemed almost like he didn't mean to," said Cati. "But why isn't he back yet?"
"You don't think he orbed into Voldemort's lair do you?" asked McGonagall.
"How could he?" asked Cati. "We tried using White Lighters to find Cadance, but the charms around Voldemort's lair were too strong."
"But what if Voldemort's lair has a Belbestian charm?" asked McGonagall.
"Never heard of it," said Cati.
"It's a charm where you can find a place if you know where it is. Otherwise, it's blocked from all blinking, orbing, and apparating."
"But wouldn't Melinda have been able to find it then?" asked Cati.
"Not if she didn't get herself there the first time," said McGonagall. "But the castle must have let down its guard to let Voldemort and Slytherin in. Chris was probably able to follow them then."
"Great. That's safe," said Cati.
"But now that he's in, he can orb there anytime! The castle will let him in because he's been able to orb there before," said McGonagall.
"Sounds to me like the fanfiction author couldn't find any other way to get us into the castle," said Cati.
"What?" asked McGonagall.
"Nothing," said Cati. "Let's go get Dumbledore and wait for Chris to come back."
"What if Chris doesn't come back?" asked McGonagall.
And because this fanfiction author is a fan of all forms of irony, Chris orbed in at precisely that moment. "Chris!" exclaimed Cati.
"I was…" began Chris excitedly but McGonagall cut him off.
"We know, we know," she said. "Were you seen?"
"No," said Chris.
"Minerva," said Cati. "Your genius is becoming more and more comparable to Albus Dumbledore's everyday."
"Well, thank you for that compliment, Cati," said a voice from the doorway. They turned and saw Dumbledore standing there. His usually bright eyes were dull and solemn.
"Albus…" began McGonagall.
"I already know," said Dumbledore. "And I have taken the liberty of sending Fawkes to the Order Members. They should be arriving soon."
"Do you have a plan?" asked Chris.
"I'm afraid not," said Dumbledore. "But we must act quickly. As much as I hate putting one of the students in the position that I'm about to put you in, I'm afraid we have no choice. We need you to get us into Voldemort's lair."
Cati could tell that Dumbledore knew something more than he was telling. Usually even when something was amiss, his eyes were fiery and bright. Now they were dull. He was worried, and he was never worried like this. He was always the strong one.
"Albus, we need a plan," said McGonagall.
"Let's go to the meeting room to wait for the Order," he said, kind of ignoring her. And Cati began to worry as well.
"Cadance, my dear, I do have a wonderful surprise for you," said Slytherin as two Death Eaters half-dragged/half-carried Cadance into his throne room. Voldemort was standing by his throne looking smug.
The two Death Eaters threw Cadance down on the ground. "What is it?" asked Cadance weakly as she struggled to push herself into a sitting position.
Voldemort snapped his fingers and Melinda and Charlie were dragged in. "Cadance!" exclaimed Charlie. He broke free from the Death Eater that held him and darted forward to her as Melinda struggled against her captor.
Charlie helped Cadance to her feet and then held her close. "Aww, what a touching family reunion," said Slytherin.
"Slytherin, what will it take to get my wife out of here?" asked Charlie as he stared worriedly into his wife's pale face.
"A miracle," said Slytherin. "Perhaps you would like to know why you were brought here?"
"Please, let them go," said Cadance.
"I won't leave you here," said Charlie.
"Nobody is going anywhere," said Slytherin. "I'm annoyed with you Madame Weasley. You have not warmed up to me; indeed you have not given me a chance. I'm done playing games with you. And to show you that I am serious, I am going to kill your family."
"No!" exclaimed Cadance.
"Oh, hush, and listen to what I have to say," said Slytherin. "You have two options. You can watch as Voldemort here tortures and kills them both or you can personally kill one of them yourself and I will allow the other to leave and die another day."
"What?" exclaimed Cadance. "No! Please! Kill me instead! Let them both go!"
"No!" said Slytherin harshly. "And if you try anything stupid, I'll kill both of them and then move on to your sister's family. Make your choice."
"Give me an hour or two with them," pleaded Cadance. "Please!"
Slytherin paused. "Granted," he said. "Take the girl away!"
"What!" exclaimed Charlie. "No! Wait!"
"What are you doing?" asked Cadance as Melinda was dragged out kicking and screaming.
"Do you think I'm crazy? All three of you together? No, my two Sorceresses will be split up. You will see her again in an hour's time," said Slytherin as he walked out of the throne room.
"You will be locked in here," said Voldemort as he set up an hour glass. "See you in an hour." He walked past them on the way out the door. Charlie reached out and grabbed his arm, while still keeping one hand around Cadance's waist, holding her up.
"Voldemort," said Charlie. "Please."
Voldemort pulled his arm away and continued on his way. The Death Eaters followed and the door was locked behind them. Cadance and Charlie were alone. Charlie wrapped his arms around Cadance while she began to sob.
"Cadance," said Charlie softly. "You know what you have to do."
"What?" asked Cadance.
"You have to kill me," said Charlie. "To save Melinda." Charlie led her over to the wall and helped her to sit. He sat next to her. She leaned her head against him.
"What will I do without you?" asked Cadance.
"You'll manage," said Charlie.
"No, I won't do it!" argued Cadance. Charlie closed his eyes and rested his head against hers.
"I'm afraid we have no time to sit her and argue about what is best done," said Dumbledore to the Order of the Phoenix.
"Why not?" asked Harry.
"Because if my premonition is correct, either Melinda or Charlie or both will be dead within the hour," said Dumbledore.
"We can't let that happen!" exclaimed Jen, standing up.
"I know," said Dumbledore. "But we can't all go to Voldemort's lair. Chris and Wyatt will be transporting us. As the Voldemort's lair lets its guard down for Chris, Wyatt will follow."
"But who will be going?" asked Jen.
"I will be going and so will Merlin. Harry, Ron, Hermione, Jen, and Ginny will all be going with Wyatt. Merlin, Cati, Bill, and Kala will all be coming with me and Chris. Then Chris will return to get more people if and when we decide we need backup."
Immediately protests went up. Everybody who wasn't going wanted to. "Slytherin is our problem!" exclaimed Godric. "Let us come!"
"No," said Dumbledore. "Your positions would make you more vulnerable."
"Albus, Cadance is like my daughter," said Minerva.
"Excuse me!" exclaimed Abigail. "I think sometimes we forget that she actually is my daughter!"
"Come off it, Abigail, you weren't around," hissed McGonagall.
"Stop it, both of you!" exclaimed Merlin.
"Minerva, you can't come because, if you die, there will be no one to run the school," said Dumbledore. "I am hesitant to even allow Harry to come since the future of the Wizarding world is once again in his hands, but we need his Auroring talents. Alastor, you and Arabella are to go to the Ministry with Arthur and organize Aurors in case we need them."
"Our time is almost up," said Charlie quietly. It was the first thing said between them for a few minutes. They were both still sitting up against the wall. Cadance had her head resting on Charlie's chest. He stroked her hair with one hand and held her hand with his other.
"It can't be," said Cadance.
"Cadance, there's something I want to take care of before… well… you know. In the safe in our chamber at Hogwarts there's a letter for you and a letter for Melinda. I had intended to give them to both of you the day Melinda got married, but now…"
"Charlie, stop it!" exclaimed Cadance. "You're going to be there to give them to us! Don't talk like that!"
"Cadance, you have to see this realistically," said Charlie.
Cadance threw her arms around his neck and held tight. "When am I going to wake up from this horrible nightmare?" she asked.
"Promise me" whispered Charlie.
"I can't," said Cadance. "I won't do it. We'll think of something!"
"Cadance…" said Charlie.
"Why is this happening?" asked Cadance. "Why us! We were happy! We have a wonderful family! We work hard! We're good people! Why is this happening to us!"
Suddenly the door opened and Slytherin strode in. Voldemort followed dragging Melinda with him. "Time is up!" called Voldemort.
"No, not yet!" exclaimed Cadance.
"I love you," said Charlie to Cadance as he helped her to her feet. Melinda broke free from Voldemort and ran over to her mother and father. They pulled her into a hug.
"So, Cadance, what's your decision?" asked Voldemort. By now, Cadance was sobbing on the verge of hysterics.
"Cheer up, pumpkin," said Slytherin. "The pain will go away. What is your decision?"
Cadance took a deep breathe and looked into Charlie's eyes. He nodded. Cadance leaned in and kissed him. When they broke off, Cadance whispered, "I love you," to him.
Charlie pulled Melinda into a hug. "Take care of your mother," he whispered to her. She was crying as well.
Cadance grabbed Melinda by the shoulder and they backed up next to Voldemort. "It seems you have made your choice," said Voldemort.
"Return her wand so she can do it," said Slytherin.
Voldemort reached into his robes and pulled out her wand and handed it to her and she raised it and took a deep breathe. Suddenly, she lowered her wand and pushed Melinda out of the way. She pointed her wand directly at Slytherin and exclaimed, "Expelliarmus!" Slytherin went flying backwards into the wall. He hit the floor and didn't move. She quickly turned her wand to Voldemort who was pointing his wand directly at her.
"Wrong move, Cadance," said Voldemort. "Crucio."
Cadance dropped to her knees, trying not to scream out in pain. Her wand fell to the floor. Melinda dove forward and grabbed it, pointing it at Voldemort. Voldemort laughed and released Cadance from the Cruciatus curse. "You're a spunky one," said Voldemort to Melinda as Charlie rushed over to help Cadance to her feet. "What did you think that you, a little girl, could do against me, the greatest and most powerful wizard of all time?"
Suddenly, Voldemort looked down and noticed that the hem of his robe was on fire. He looked back at Melinda with a curious look on his face. "And I didn't even have to use a wand to do that," said Melinda. Voldemort began stamping out his robe.
Cadance used the distraction to their advantage. She waved her hand at Voldemort, sending him flying. He landed next to Slytherin, who was finally beginning to stir.
"Come on!" exclaimed Cadance, getting her wand from Melinda. She waved a hand at a cupboard in the corner, which caused the doors to blow off their hinges. Inside were Charlie and Melinda's wands, plus a few items Cadance had on her when she arrived at the lair, including two of her knives and some rope. They grabbed their stuff and headed for the doors. They swung open magically as they approached and as they ran through them, they could hear Slytherin scream "STOP THEM!"
Meanwhile, elsewhere in the castle, Harry, Ginny, Ron, Hermione, Jen, Wyatt, Chris, Merlin, Cati, Bill, Kala, and Dumbledore were making their way quietly through the hallways. "Hey, Cati," whispered Kala. "Do you remember Frank the duck?"
"Yeah," said Cati.
"I miss him," said Kala.
"Kala," said Cati. "We're kinda in the middle of something. Can we talk about Frank later?"
"Okay," said Kala.
"Shhhh!" said Harry. "Do you want to give our position away?"
They turned the next corner in silence. They continued walking a little then suddenly Cati saw something out of the corner of her eye. "DUCK!" she exclaimed.
"Where?" asked Kala as everyone else dropped to the floor. Cati grabbed Kala and pulled her down just as an arrow flew over their heads.
"Look out!" exclaimed Dumbledore looking down a side hallway. There were a handful of Dark Lighters aiming their bows at them.
Suddenly they heard a voice shout "STOP THEM!" Everyone, Dark Lighters and Order Members alike, looked around confusedly for a second before suddenly Cadance, Charlie, and Melinda came barreling through the Dark Lighters, knocking over two of them.
"Hey!" exclaimed Cati. "I found them! I win the poll!"
"You don't win jack-shit," said Kala. "They found us!"
Cadance, Charlie, and Melinda skidded to a halt in front of the group. "Run!" exclaimed Dumbledore grabbing Melinda by the forearm and pushing her in front of him, as far away from the Death Eaters as possible. They ran down the side hallway as a bunch of arrows were shot at them. They were about to duck into a room when a taunting voice called out, "Harry! Harry, come out and play!"
He stopped suddenly. Bill ran directly in to him. "Harry, move!" exclaimed Charlie.
"Harry, our battle will NEVER be over!" exclaimed the voice.
"Voldemort," hissed Harry as Voldemort turned the corner with Slytherin behind. Cadance roughly shoved Melinda, Chris, and Wyatt into a room. She snapped her fingers and the door locked. Melinda immediately began banging on the door.
"Harry," whispered Dumbledore.
"I can finish this now," Harry whispered back.
"I hate to interrupt," whispered Cadance leaning in. "But I'm rather ready to go home. So let's end this quickly."
"Harry!" exclaimed Voldemort.
Harry stepped forward, wand drawn. "Voldemort, this is between you and me. Leave them out of this."
"It's not in my nature, Potter," said Voldemort. "However, since this is our battle, I will allow all of you to leave. Except Cadance."
"No!" exclaimed Charlie.
"Come on, Voldemort," said Harry. "Let them walk away."
"Harry, no," said Ginny grabbing his arm.
"Why are we just standing here?" asked Cati. "There are only two of them."
There was a pause, and then Cadance and Cati exchanged a look and then threw fireballs at them. Voldemort and Slytherin quickly dodged them and Slytherin raised his arms in front of him. Bill, Charlie, Ginny, and Kala all went flying into the air and hung there. Voldemort pointed his wand at Dumbledore and fired a jet of light at his stomach. He flew backwards against the wall.
Jen used her telekinetic powers to throw a suit of armor at them. It froze right before it hit them. It suspended in midair for a few seconds before dropping to the ground. Suddenly, a lot of Death Eaters rushed in with their wands out. "Give up, Potter," said Slytherin.
Harry caught Cadance's eye. She gave a nod. Harry lowered his wand. Cadance started to help Dumbledore to his feet. "Don't move, Cadance," said Slytherin as he and Voldemort let Charlie, Bill, Kala and Ginny down.
"Up yours, Salazar," said Cadance and she caught her uncle's forearm and helped him to his feet.
"That one will cost you," said Slytherin.
"Yeah right," responded Cadance.
Slytherin stepped forward and Cadance quickly pulled her wand out and pointed it at him. "Come here, Cadance," he hissed.
"I'm walking out of here, Slytherin," said Cadance.
"You're not going anywhere," said Slytherin.
"Try me," said Cadance.
Slytherin raised his hand at Cadance and then slowly clenched his fist. Cadance's hands flew to her throat and she began to cough.
"What are you going to her?" exclaimed Charlie as he caught her by the arm, just as she was about to collapse to her knees.
"He's choking her," said Merlin. "Look out." He pushed Harry and Ginny out of the way. He snapped his fingers and Slytherin's hand unclenched, freeing Cadance from his grasp. She collapsed panting into Charlie's arms.
Voldemort snapped his fingers and doors behind the heroes of this story slammed shut, blocking the only way out of the castle. Their only means of escape was now through Wyatt and Chris who they couldn't risk exposing to the Death Eaters.
"And so here we are," said Slytherin. "You're not going to make it out of this alive without cooperation. Cadance and Harry, you come with me. The rest of you, follow Lord Slytherin."
"Death first," spat Cadance.
Suddenly, there was a pounding on the door that Voldemort had slammed shut. Then a familiar voice called out, "Open this door in the name of the Ministry of Magic! I am authorized to blow this door up!"
"And she'll do it, too!" exclaimed another familiar voice.
"Arabella? Sirius?" asked Cadance.
Jen opened the door to the room that Cadance had shoved Melinda, Wyatt, and Chris in. "Hey, kids are gone!" called Jen.
"Kids got help!" exclaimed Melinda's voice from the other side of the door.
Slytherin snapped his fingers and Harry and Cadance disappeared and then reappeared in front of him. He grabbed both of them by their wrists and suddenly he, Cadance, Harry, and Voldemort disappeared in a puff of smoke just as a hole was blown in the door.
A dozen or so Aurors crawled in, with Sirius, Remus, Arabella and General Mills leading the way. Melinda was told to stay back. The Death Eaters started firing spells and everyone else began to block them. "Where is Potter?" asked Mills as he dodged a spell.
"Slytherin took him and Cadance," said Charlie.
"Where?" asked Mills.
"I can find them," said Merlin.
"Take me with you," said Mills.
"Me, too," said Charlie.
"Can you guys handle this?" asked Mills.
Dumbledore glanced over at Cati and Kala who were both expertly handling no less than three Death Eaters a piece. "I think we'll manage."
Meanwhile, Slytherin had transported them to his private sitting room. He immediately grabbed Cadance's wand from her and tossed it to the side. He grabbed her, pinning her arms to her side. She struggled as Harry and Voldemort faced off. Voldemort snapped his fingers and what little furniture that was in the spacious room disappeared.
Slytherin began dragging Cadance to a door on the side. She fought him the entire way. The sound of his boots clicking on the marble floor echoed through the room. They reached the door and it burst open magically. "Harry!" exclaimed Cadance as Slytherin started to shove her in.
Harry turned his head. Voldemort took the opportunity to knock him off his feet. As he stood up, Slytherin pushed Cadance into the room and then entered himself. He slammed the door shut as Cadance darted away from him. They were in Slytherin's bedroom. Slytherin darted after Cadance and chased her around the room for a bit. He finally caught her by the wrist. "I dare you to fight me," he said pulling a knife out of his robes.
Cadance closed her eyes. "What do you want?" she asked. Slytherin ran a finger down her cheek.
"You're staying here," he whispered.
Cadance shivered and tentatively opened her eyes. Her blue eyes looked into Slytherin's cold grey ones. She felt like puking.
She had never really noticed Slytherin's features before. He was at least a thousand years old, but he looked young. His dark hair was neatly gelled back. His eyes were bearing into hers. He pulled a potion out of his pocket.
"No!" exclaimed Cadance. "I won't take that anymore!"
"You will," he said opening the bottle. He grabbed her by her hair and pulled it roughly, tilting her head backwards. He poured the contents of the bottle down her throat.
Cadance coughed and sputtered. "It doesn't work," she coughed. "You'll never see Katherine again!"
"Ah, but by now you've taken this potion pretty steadily," said Slytherin. "What you don't know is that too much in large quantities makes the potion a veritable poison."
Cadance looked confused. "I put twice as much of the active ingredient in that batch," said Slytherin. "Not enough to kill you, but enough to make you feel very sick. As we speak you're probably feeling weaker and weaker. Your energy is draining. This might be what it feels like to die."
As he spoke, Cadance did begin to feel weaker. She collapsed and Slytherin caught her. "You have two choices. One is to stay here and the other is to die. Take your pick," he said.
"Kill me," said Cadance. "I won't stay here."
"Your choice," said Slytherin as he raised his knife over his head.
Meanwhile, Harry and Voldemort were battling fiercely. Both Harry and Voldemort cast a disarming spell at the same time. The spells met in the middle and knocked them both off their feet. Their wands went flying. Harry landed next to Cadance's discarded wand. He picked it up and pointed it at Voldemort. Voldemort waved his hand and summoned his own wand.
"Give up, Potter," said Voldemort.
"No thanks," said Harry. He fired another spell and Voldemort was knocked off his feet again. Harry quickly summoned his own wand and then pocketed Cadance's.
Just then, the door burst open and Merlin, Mills, and Charlie rushed in. Harry and Voldemort kept fighting. "Slytherin and Cadance are in there," said Harry pointing to the room that they were in. Voldemort took the opportunity to fire a spell at Harry. Charlie pushed him out of the way.
In the other room, Cadance was lying on the bed, bleeding from the chest. Slytherin was standing by her as she slipped in and out of consciousness. "You know, if you don't get medical attention soon, you won't make it. That potion is making this even worse. You will probably pass out from the pain soon." He put his hand on her forehead. "It's a real pity."
Just then, the door swung open and Merlin and Charlie rushed in and stopped dead in their tracks. Slytherin looked up. He snapped his fingers and in a puff of smoke, he disappeared.
Charlie and Merlin rushed over to the bed. Charlie lightly smacked Cadance's face to get her to open her eyes. "Charlie," she whispered. Charlie gently lifted her into a sitting position and pulled her close to him.
Suddenly, there was a crash from the other room. "I'll be right back," said Merlin as he walked as quickly as possible out of the room. He saw Harry lying on the ground and a window behind him was shattered. Mills was starting over to him to help him to his feet. Voldemort sent another spell at Harry, but Merlin sent it in a different direction. Voldemort was about to retaliate when Slytherin's voice filled the room.
"Call off the Death Eaters, Voldemort," said Slytherin. "It's time to go." Suddenly Voldemort disappeared in a puff of smoke. Merlin ran over and helped Harry to his feet. They followed Mills into the other room.
By this time Charlie was supporting most of Cadance's weight as she stood next to him. "Mr. Weasley, step away from the fugitive," said Mills.
"Excuse me?" asked Charlie.
"In case you don't remember, I have a warrant out for her arrest," said Mills.
"Are you kidding me?" asked Harry incredulously. "Look at her! She is clearly not on Voldemort's side."
"Charlie?" asked Cadance softly and slowly. "What's going on?"
"It's okay," said Charlie as he pulled her closer.
"Harry, help me make this arrest," said Mills.
"No, General," said Harry. "She's my sister-in-law and you're wrong."
Suddenly, three Aurors rushed in. "Men," said Mills. "Arrest Mrs. Weasley."
"Charlie, just let them take her," said Merlin. "We can go get your father and he can straighten it all out. We can't have you arrested, too."
"Are you going to be okay?" asked Charlie to Cadance.
"I don't know," said Cadance, closing her eyes.
"I'll come for you," he whispered. "Soon." She nodded. He kissed her forehead and then let two Aurors take her away. "Make sure she gets medical attention," he said to their retreating backs.
"You made the right choice," said Mills as he tossed a pouch of Floo Powder to one of the Aurors. He nodded at Charlie and then followed them out.
Charlie turned to Merlin. "You're supposed to know everything," he said. "How will this end?"
"The future is cloudy," said Merlin. "Hope for the best."