Blood Brothers

Written by Christina E Lupin

A/N: Sorry it took me so long to finally update, guys. I lost my original copy of this chapter and so I had to rewrite it. Plus, our main computer also went down and then my dad bought me a new laptop. But anyway, thanks again for the reviews. As for those of you who have noticed my several mistakes, know that I am working on that as well. I will try to make this story flow better than it has. That's what I get for writing more than 2 stories at a time, but the plot bunnies won't stop coming. So, before I continue to rant on, I will let you guys finally read the chapter I am sure most of you have been waiting for. Or dreading. Fifth year is coming to a close.

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Chapter Twenty Three: Department of Mysteries Part One

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Harry woke a few minutes later, staring up at the faces surrounding him.

"You okay, cub?" Remus asked, looking worried.

"He's torturing someone," Harry replied, jack-knifing upward to a sitting position. "He wants the prophecy."

Ainsley squatted down and gently held him down, her golden brown eyes staring into his emerald green ones. "What are you talking about, Harry? Who are you talking about?"

"He's talking about Voldemort," the werewolf responded, turning his eyes to his mate. "He has been having visions about Voldemort since Voldemort came back last summer. It has to do with the connection between them."

She looked horrified and turned to her godson. "So, you are saying that Voldemort has captured someone and is torturing them for information on a prophecy?"

Harry nodded and he squirmed in her hold. "Yes and we need to get to her immediately! She's going to die if we don't do something!"

"Something will be done, Harry," Remus said quickly, "but we must ask you to stay behind." He held up a hand when his son tried to open his mouth to protest. "No buts. You have had enough encounters with Voldemort than anyone else."

Harry let out a sigh and he nodded.

Ainsley turned to Remus. "But we don't know where Voldemort even is, much less who he has in his clutches."

"From what I saw, they were in a large room filled with ceiling-high shelves with several glass globes on each shelf," Harry replied. His forehead wrinkled as he tried to remember the rest of the surroundings. Since he wasn't able to go, he thought he might as well give them as much information as he could. "Something about number 97."

"Did he happen to mention the woman's name?" Remus asked, sharing a knowing look with Ainsley.

Harry shook his head. "No."

Remus reached down and squeezed his son's hand. "Don't worry about it. I'll have my mirror on me in case you find something more, but don't be surprised if we don't answer. Who knows if Voldemort will have guards or not." He stood up and held out a hand to Ainsley, who took it and he pulled her up. "We'll be back before you know it." The two left, still holding hands. Snuffles licked Harry's face and he took off after them, Wormtail still on top of his head.

"If they survive this, I will make it my mission to get them together," Harry said. "They both deserve some happiness."

"Good luck," Ron replied, sitting himself down into an armchair. "They are both stubborn."

Hermione smiled. "True, but I think it will be easy enough. I'll help, Harry."

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After Sirius, Remus and Ainsley rounded up a few members from the Order, stopping to make quick introductions to Ainsley, they all Apparated to the Ministry. It was eerily quiet, too quiet for their liking.

"Wands out," Moody growled.

The group traveled to the elevator quickly. The man at the security booth was asleep, so they made it in record time. Everyone got in, tensions running so high they could all feel it in the air.

"I really don't like this," Ainsley whispered as the elevator slowly descended. "I just have a very bad feeling, all of a sudden."

Remus, without thinking, snaked an arm around her shoulders and pulled her close. "It will be fine. For all we know, this could just be nothing. Yes, I know Harry made it sound like something was happening, but we have been wondering if Voldemort could plant something in Harry's mind to make him think something was happening."

"That's just like him to do so," Kingsley replied.

"Still doesn't make me feel better," she muttered, burying her face into his shoulder. She couldn't help it as she inhaled his scent against the rough material of his robes.

"Department of Mysteries," the cool female voice spoke as the elevator doors slid open.

Remus released Ainsley and the tension immediately thickened once again.

"Let's go," Remus said.

Ron and Hermione left for a short while to grab some food, leaving Harry alone in the common room. He stared into the fire, his thoughts running wild. What if something happened and people died? What if his father died? His godmother? He let out a growl and shoved his hands through his hair. It was frustrating to just wait! Then his vision started to blacken once more. Harry let out a curse before he plunged into darkness again.

The woman at his feet glared up at him, icy blue eyes filled with hatred. "You'll never get the prophecy out of me, Voldemort. You're just wasting time."

Harry grinned slowly and he lowered his wand until it was pointed straight at her again. "You are a fool, Alexandra. As we speak, my plan is being carried out as I have foreseen it. I don't necessarily have to force the prophecy out of you."

"Then why am I here?" Alexandra spoke, blowing a strand of hair out of her face.

"You, my dear, are bait. CRUCIO!"

Alexandra's screams echoed in the room. Just shortly after the curse was lifted and she took in a breath, several brightly colored spells flew towards Harry. He erected a shield just in time to deflect them all.

"You all are fools," he hissed and he began firing his own spells.

"HARRY!"

Harry jerked awake, staring at Ron and Hermione, who kneeled before him, food left abandoned on a coffee table.

"It's started," he replied.

Ainsley dove behind a shelf, barely missing the bright green curse. "This is why I never wanted to become an Auror," she murmured.

"Good thing you didn't, my dear."

Ainsley froze and she whirled around to face Bellatrix Lestrange. The once beautiful woman looked like a mad woman, especially with the wicked grin on her face.

"Bella!" Ainsley hissed.

"Hello again, Ainsley. Long time no see. How's your dear boyfriend? Oh, that's right, you are no longer together." Bellatrix twirled her wand lazily, grinning. "You are better off without him."

"So you say," Ainsley snarled and she flung a spell at the older woman, who dodged it.

"Tsk, you really need to brush up on your spells, dear Ainsley. You spent too much time as a Healer and it weakened you."

"I was never a dueller and you know it. But that does not mean that I can't still kick your ass." She launched herself at the older witch.

Across the room, Remus and Sirius did their own duelling, back to back. Several Death Eaters lay at their feet, unconscious or Stunned. Occasionally Remus let his eyes drift, trying to find out where his mate was. His wolf whined and clawed at his control, wanting out. He wanted his mate and he wanted to know that she was safe.

"Concentrate, Moony," Sirius whispered to his Brother, noticing the amber specks in Remus' eyes. "We'll find her, but we need to protect the prophecy."

Harry's vision continued to darken and he was shown various battle sequences. He smiled to himself as he noticed the Death Eater count lowered with each passing minute. But something about the next vision chilled him to the bone.

Harry watched as his most trusted and loyal Death Eater duel Ainsley Townshend, even kicking the woman off if Townshend threw herself at Bella. It was too bad Townshend declined his invitation to join his ranks, as well as Alexandra Price. The two girls were among the brightest of their age group, not to mention the Marauders and Lily Evans. Amongst his followers, the seven would have guaranteed his desire for anything he wanted.

Smirking, he drew his wand and pointed it at Ainsley, only to be shoved down onto the floor, his wand knocked away from him.

"You will not harm her," a deep growling voice hissed into his ear.

Harry only grinned and he shoved the werewolf off of him. "I can do whatever I want, Lupin, and you will not stop me." He held out his hand and his wand flew into it. "How have the moons been treating you?"

Lupin snarled and he tried to throw himself at Harry but was shoved back before he could even touch him. Harry tilted his wand toward Townshend once more but was, once again, knocked down. He could literally feel the sharp claws bite into his arm as Lupin held him down, growling like the animal he was. A thought popped into his head and he grinned widely. He knew how to turn the tables in his favor. Oh yes.

I know, I know…. I am really, truly evil for leaving you all hanging like that. And now I will go buy myself some earplugs so I can block out the screaming. Thank you again to all of you who reviewed and the next chapter will be coming sooner or later. By the end of the month, at the latest. I'll not keep you guys hanging for far too long.