I really want to thank you guys for your positive reactions to the last chapter. You have no idea how nervous I was about posting it and taking this fic there, so thank you guys that reviewed and stuff. It made my day, honestly.
Enjoy!
P.S. I have a serious respect and love for Amelia Bones, so she isn't freaking dead in this. She just never died here cause. Yeah.
Chapter Twenty Nine
August 7th, 1997
"I just need to do another diagnostic spell and then I'll leave you alone, dear," Madame Pomfrey said as she waved her wand over Mia. The girl was sitting in a huge armchair with her legs against her chest. She'd been up all day and had refused to speak to anyone. She waited for the witch to finish her spells and leave the room before relaxing. She put her wand down on the table next to her. She'd been holding it tightly and hiding it as she had her checkup.
Mia chewed on her lip and closed her eyes, rolling her head back. She was exhausted and she hadn't even done anything.
"You're not going to get better like this, Mia," her head shot up and she pointed her wand at the voice, and just frowned.
"Hermione?"
"I told you I'd help you heal, but I can't do that when you're refusing to let anyone else help heal you. Why won't you let your friends in the room?" She asked, eyes sad.
"I- I don't want them to see me… like this," she said with a tired voice. She didn't want to see their pity, either.
"They're terrified," Hermione said with a sigh. She pulled a chair over and sat across from Mia, grabbing her wand from the girl. "They just need proof that you're okay. You're strong, Mia. Be strong and show them that you're okay and that you're healing. Let me heal you."
There was a knock on the door and Mia hesitated. She pushed down the urge to send them away. "Come in," she called, chewing her lip. She waited for Hermione to disappear but she didn't. The girl just set Mia's wand on the table and turned to the door to watch as one of the twins walked in the room with tea.
"How're you feeling?" He asked, handing the warm mug over. She breathed in the comforting scent and watched him critically, quickly realizing that he couldn't see Hermione.
"Better," she lied. "Just tired and a bit confused."
"Well, I hear that'll get better soon. Apparently your dark wounds are reacting better than expected," the twin said. Mia cast a panicked glance at Hermione, and the girl smiled.
"Fred," Hermione said quietly. Mia managed a thankful smile and turned it on Fred.
"That's good," she replied. She was getting dizzy and she took a sip of the tea, relaxing as it warmed her body. They sat in silence for a few beats before Fred cut to the chase.
"Why did you go?" Mia froze and took in a sharp breath before looking at him sadly.
"Because I couldn't fear him. It was a weakness I can't afford in this war. My source said it would just be Yaxley and him, but something must've changed in that week," Mia said. She decided she would have to talk to them and make sure they knew it wasn't their fault. Even if they acted like they didn't care, no one wanted to be the cause of something… like that. Fred stared at her for a while, as if he were trying to come up with an argument and found none.
"I wish you'd told us," he said, shaking his head. "We could've been there to-,"
"To do nothing," she interrupted calmly. "Fabian and Gideon nearly died fifteen years ago but they didn't go out until they were cornered by five Death Eaters. They got lucky that day but we did not get lucky this time. Besides, you wouldn't have been allowed to go unless you were official Order, and you're not."
She watched as Fred raised his wrist and she flinched slightly at the mark of the Order. "George, Harry, Ron, and I were brought in a week ago officially. Ginny's pissed because she's not allowed yet."
"It's too dangerous," Mia muttered. She had hoped that they wouldn't let everyone else in, but logically she knew they needed as many soldiers as they could get.
"It's no more dangerous for us than it is for you," Fred replied with a frown. "Why haven't you let anyone in today?"
"I've been tired," she shrugged.
"Don't lie to him," Hermione warned. Mia glanced at her with a questioning frown. "He loves you. He wants you better and he would never pity you. Does it look like he pities you?" Mia looked back at Fred and realized Hermione was right. Fred looked at her with love and concern, but she knew there was no pity there at all.
"I don't want to worry you guys," she corrected slowly. "And I refuse to let anyone pity me."
"I'm not-,"
"I know. Why do you think you're in here?" She replied, and he smiled just a little. His smile made her relax more than tea or sleep ever could.
"What about Regulus or Sirius?" He asked curiously. She hummed a little before shrugging.
"Let's say a little bird told me to let you guys in," she offered. "And I just listened recently."
Fred watched her carefully before changing the subject. "Remus is fighting Moony."
"I figured," Mia breathed out slowly. "He should calm down for Tonks, though."
"She's been working double shifts. Too many damn attacks. Avery has been going to get whatever information he can, but it's slow."
"I don't imagine they'd tell him much," she agreed. "I'm the common factor. Can I see Reg and Avery?" She bit her lip as he watched her before nodding shortly.
"I'll send them in with dinner." He said as he left the room.
Hermione moved to sit on the arm of Mia's chair, stroking her arm soothingly. It did relax the girl, and she assumed it was because she was literally being cared for by magic itself. "You don't have to jump back into things so quickly," Hermione said. Mia shrugged a bit.
"If I don't want them to pity me, it's best not to give them a reason to do so to begin with." Her eyes shot up as Regulus flew through the door and across the room, stopping in front of her. Avery followed, though admittedly slower.
"Mia," he breathed. She knew he wanted to touch her and loathed that he hesitated. She waved him forward and Hermione moved to let him sit next to her and pull her into his lap. Her magic stood next to Avery and gave her an encouraging wave.
"I'm alright, love. I'm fine," she lied, but she knew he needed it. He sagged with relief and hesitated before pulling her closer to nuzzle her neck. She forced herself to relax at his touch like she always had. She glanced up at Avery and back down. "I want whatever information Malfoy and the others have given you while I was… out of commission." Hermione snorted but otherwise stayed quiet after Mia's pointed glare.
"There was an attack on the Thomas's-,"
"Is Dean okay?" Mia interrupted, alarmed. Regulus kissed her cheek lovingly, and she found she still loved that.
"He's fine, Sano. His family was taken to a safe house, and he's staying with Remus and Tonks for now. He's joined the Order." Avery said softly. Mia relaxed and Hermione gave her a supportive smile. "There was a planned attack on the Wood's, but the Order moved them in time. They're staying at some safe house in France that belonged to my family." Avery glared at Regulus's smirk.
"He's the Secret Keeper. Apparently the best Secret Keeper is one no one knows is alive," her boyfriend told her, amused.
"Moving on," Mia said, rolling her eyes with a small smile. "What did you tell them about… this?" She asked, waving to her wounds. Avery shrugged as Regulus took the question.
"We told them you'd been badly wounded after Dolohov captured you. Unfortunately, they seem very aware of the man's record and seemed to have worked it out for themselves. They're rather murderous, but said nothing." Regulus paused before looking at Mia. "You didn't put some sort of loyalty spell on them, did you? They seem awfully fond of you so soon." Mia shrugged, unsurprised of the Slytherin boys's loyalty.
"No, but I expected this. They've all been desperate for a way out, and I offer one. Not to mention I'm the most reliable person and most trustworthy of their options. They probably trust me more than each other," she sighed before continuing. "Draco and Blaise, I imagine they're pissed that he almost took their chance at freedom from that world, but there's probably some genuine concern there somewhere. Theo, he and I clicked. He… seemed to understand my feelings for Dolohov, and I understood to some extent the scars his father has given him and did not pity him. I imagine Theo's anger stemmed from true concern and his loyalty comes from a good place."
"You'd have made a perfect Slytherin, you know," Avery said, slightly amused, before adding, "if you knew how to lie, that is."
"I can lie!"
"No, Little Lion," Regulus laughed. "You really can't."
OoOoOoOoOoOo
"Do you know how long it'll be until she heals?" Ron asked nervously. Harry ran his fingers through his hair in frustration.
"Apparently it'll be weeks, maybe a couple months. I heard them say her magic is healing her in an odd pattern, like she's not always letting it, but when she is, it heals her more than they expected. They're just not sure."
"I'm not sure we can wait that long," Ron replied with a frown.
"She won't be strong enough anytime soon, though."
Both boys turned as they heard Sirius muttering angrily in the hall. They shared a look before walking after Sirius.
"-third fucking time he's attacked her. He deserves to die-," they heard Sirius mutter. They followed him into his study and closed the door behind him, shocking him out of his angry daze. "Oh."
"He's attacked her before?" Ron asked angrily. Sirius looked at the two of them for a long moment before nodding in exhaustion.
"Once at school. He nearly killed her then, too. Bashed her head into the wall and used Sectumsempra on her. It was horrible. James and Remus and I pulled beds up next to her and slept with her. I heard her call Snape to her and he felt awful. Bloody deserved it if you ask me," Sirius muttered.
"What about the second time?" Harry asked, bringing Sirius back to the present. The man's eyes widened as he remembered and he sighed, leaning against his desk.
"He held her back in the DOM and made her watch me die. I swear that hurt her more than Bellatrix."
"I meant to ask," Harry said with a frown. "What happened with Bellatrix?"
Sirius heaved a sigh before giving in. He was too tired to spew excuses for not telling them. "Mia was in danger. We'd worked out making sure that someone was with her at all times. We were in Hogsmeade and it was my turn to stay with her, but she demanded I enjoy myself while she went into Tomes and Scrolls. Said she'd be an hour. So we separated and after an hour, James told me to go get her because I was nervous and worried. When I got there, Bella was crucioing her and had been for at least a half hour. It was only days later that she and Fred came back."
Harry and Ron were both pale. They shared a dark look and nodded. They knew one thing: Mia wasn't coming with them to hunt for Horcruxes. She'd been through enough.
OoOoOoOoOoOo
August 13th, 1997
"I don't think this is a good idea," Sirius said with frustration.
"I'm fine!" Mia snapped. "If you're so bloody nervous about it, you can come with us."
"If you're going to be an idiot, I guess I'll have to!" Sirius replied angrily. Regulus rolled his eyes and waved at his brother to move. Sirius heaved a sigh and did, leaving Grimmauld Place with them and Avery. Mia stayed silent as she took Regulus's arm, and they all Apparated to her house in France.
They appeared in the house and Mia held tightly to her boyfriend to keep from stumbling. She knew Sirius thought she was being reckless, but she was sick of staying in her room all day and she'd gotten word from Theo that they needed to meet, so she'd promised to be there in person.
"Sit." Sirius ordered, helping her to the chair behind the desk. Regulus and Avery placed themselves on either side of her immediately, and Sirius moved to the door, waiting for the Slytherins. He looked back at Mia every few seconds, and she tried to push down her irritation. She knew he was just worried.
It wasn't long before the three Death Eaters walked into the room, though Draco was openly glaring at Sirius. "Draco," Mia said in a warning tone. "Play nice. He insisted on coming and he will be good, too." Draco nodded once and Mia turned to Theo, waving him on.
"He's targeting the Bones family," Theo said with a shrug. "And Blaise and I are meant to attack Professor Lupin and his wife along with a few others."
"Susan," Mia said, eyes wide. "Alright. We'll put them in Grimmauld Place for the time being, and we can Obliviate them when they leave. Remus and Tonks won't be found anyway, so they're safe as long as they stay home." Sirius stuck his tongue out at her from behind the Slytherins, and she smirked a bit. She knew he didn't mind the Bones family staying with him and that he was just teasing.
Theo nodded grimly. "Good. Aside from that, Voldemort has nearly taken the ministry. It's not safe anymore. I highly suggest you and the rest of the Golden Trio stay inside and don't go anywhere alone," he looked at her seriously, a worry in his eyes that made her heart hurt a bit. "I'm serious, Sano."
"No, I'm-,"
"Sirius," Regulus interrupted. "We get it."
Mia's lips twitched. "Yes, anyway. I'll stay inside or with someone."
"You'll stay inside," Sirius muttered. Mia glared at him and Blaise coughed. She looked at him and nodded him on.
"I was wondering how you and your friends plan on winning this war?" He asked bluntly. Mia barely held in an eye roll. She knew this was coming.
"We've got some things we need to find and destroy, and then we can kill him. Until that's done, he can't die," she said simply.
"What sort of things?" Draco asked suspiciously. Mia paused, weighing the pros and cons of telling him.
"Horcruxes."
Mia saw all of them freeze and stare at her with what she knew was horror on their faces. She shrugged a bit. "Seven of them." Draco paled and Blaise looked sick. Theo simply continued to stare at her.
"Bloody hell…"
"Harry destroyed one in his second year," Mia said, avoiding Draco's gaze. It was his father that had given Ginny the diary and nearly killed herself and others. "In the Chamber of Secrets, he killed Tom's diary."
"So there are six left?" Theo asked. Mia nodded her confirmation.
"We have another," Regulus added. "I 'died' trying to make sure it was destroyed."
Avery glanced at Mia, eyes wide, and she waved him on with intrigue.
"You three will be going back to Hogwarts, yes?" The friends nodded curiously and he grinned at them. "We need the Sword of Gryffindor. It'll be in Snape's office."
"I can do it," Draco said slowly. "But it'll have to wait until school starts."
Mia grinned at him brightly. "That's brilliant, Draco, thank you."
"Anything else?" Regulus asked politely.
"No," Blaise said with a polite smile.
"Actually," Theo smiled. "I'd like to talk to Mia alone for a moment if that's alright."
"Of course-," Mia started.
"No." Sirius glared at Theo. "She's not going where I can't see her."
Mia frowned at the animagus before offering Theo a smile. "Of course we can. Sirius and the others will wait in the hall." She stared at Sirius for a long moment before he nodded shortly.
"The door is staying open," he growled, but he left the room along with everyone else. Mia smiled at Theo and put up a privacy bubble.
"What did you need?" She asked softly.
"I wanted to see how you're doing. I assumed you wouldn't want it to be a big deal. That's why I asked to talk alone," he explained. She saw the genuine concern in his eyes and decided to be honest.
"I'm surviving. I don't really remember everything that happened, honestly. I've had some spotty memory issues, but I'm… fine," she trailed off. Part of her wanted to tell him about her magic taking a form, but she wasn't sure how he would react.
"What is it?" His voice was soft and curious, and he must've seen her debating something. She shrugged a bit, wrapping her arms around herself.
"Can I tell you something without you thinking I'm insane?"
"Of course," he offered her a smile and she found she quite liked the genuine gesture from him as it made his eyes lighter and his face generally kinder. She nodded and relaxed against the desk.
"When I was in the coma, it was because I didn't want to wake up. I had this… dream, and in it I saw myself… er, Hermione, rather. She talked to me and convinced me to wake up. I thought it was just a dream, but the day I woke up, she appeared again in the room with me and talked to me. She told me I was denying her healing help and then when Fred came in the room, I couldn't tell which twin it was and she told me." Mia sighed, chewing on her lip. "She's been helping me remember things when I need to and comforting me, but I'm starting to have problems with… reality. Is she even there? If she is, am I actually awake, or what? I'm just… I feel like I'm going crazy, so I haven't told anyone."
There was a few beats of silence before he wrapped an arm around her comfortingly. She blinked, shocked, before relaxing into his side. "I think she's real. I think this is the only way your magic decided you'll accept its help. It's known that magic is sentient to some extent, and yours seems to have taken on a personality that it thinks you'll listen to. I think you must be pretty damn powerful for this to be happening. I think that you're as sane as the rest of us." He smirked at her a little before winking. "Maybe a little more than Sirius."
Mia laughed a little and leaned her head against him. "Thanks for telling me I'm not crazy."
"Anytime, Sano," he squeezed her side before releasing her and waving down the privacy bubble. "By the way, we have a name for you. I thought you should have a name for us."
Mia raised an eyebrow. "Oh?"
"Agmen," he offered. Mia felt a smile tug at her lips.
"Troop," she translated. "Fitting enough."
"That's what I thought." He gave her another smile before offering her his arm, which she took, and walking her out of the room. He handed her over to Regulus, and she leaned her back against her boyfriend's chest as they said their goodbyes. Once the Death Eaters were gone, Sirius glowered at Mia.
"What?" She asked, vaguely annoyed by his over protectiveness.
"He could've hurt you."
Mia snorted at the idea and rolled her eyes. "No. He's loyal, Sirius, and kind."
"He bullied you in school," Sirius fought.
"Theo didn't, Draco did, and I forgave him. Either way, it's my business what happened in school," she argued. "You were all outside of the room, and I was perfectly safe. Bill helped me set up these wards. They'd kill anyone immediately if they had harmful intentions toward me, same as in Grimmauld Place would for you."
"I still don't think it's a good idea," he muttered. She felt Regulus sigh and rub her arm, but it was Avery who spoke.
"Sano, we should get back. You're due for your potions and Fabian and Gideon were meeting us at the Burrow for the Order meeting at six." She gave him a thankful smile.
"He's right," Regulus mumbled. She didn't even get to respond before he Apparated on the spot, still holding her tight against him. They appeared in front of the Burrow just seconds before the twins and then Sirius and Avery. She flashed her boys a smile and gripped Regulus's hand, suddenly feeling a bit panicked. She couldn't find her words at the moment, so she just pulled them inside the hectic house.
"Are you alright?" Regulus murmured into her ear, holding her as close as he could. She pulled on him for strength before nodding weakly. It was a lie; she was actually feeling quite panicky, but there was nothing they could do at the moment. They had an Order meeting to get through.
"Oh, there you are! We were just about to start." They watched Molly pull herself around the room as she fixed dinner. Mia gave her a nod and forced smile before escaping into the living room as Regulus got pulled away with Sirius and the twins to set the tables in the garden. She spotted Bill alone in the living room and thanked whatever deity was listening. She dropped herself next to him and he smiled lovingly at her. Her heart swelled at the sight. She had so much family here, and she just loved them all to bits.
Avery slipped into the room with an air of prey escaping a predator and placed himself behind her protectively while Bill searched her face. "Have you been eating?"
"I'm fine," she muttered. Bill's eyes narrowed at her and she squirmed under the detected lie.
"I'm not mad at you, love. I'm just worried. You don't have a great history of taking care of yourself. Does your third year ring a bell?" He raised an eyebrow at her.
"Professor McGonagall approved the work load!" She argued.
"Minnie doesn't take care of herself well, either," Bill said with a snort. "You worked yourself sick that year. Ron and Ginny both begged me to write you and explain how I got everything done without going insane."
"You did," Mia said with a chuckle. "I got a letter out of the blue from you. It was the first time we ever talked."
"I know," Bill laughed. "It was as weird for me as it was for you, love. I wouldn't have done it if Fred hadn't written to me once, too. I figured you were important to four of my siblings, so you were important to me, too." He wrapped a loving arm around her. "And I was right. You're a Mini-Me."
"Lavender teased me for weeks, accusing me of having an older lover," she scrunched her nose up. "I nearly punched her."
"You should've," Bill grinned at her. "Ron says you got good practice with Malfoy."
Avery snorted a laugh, and Mia pinched him. "He was being a git!"
"Remind me not to get on your bad side, Sano," he replied, mirth coloring his voice.
"You would never." Mia stated with a soft smile.
"Dinner!" Molly yelled from the kitchen. Bill patted Mia's leg and helped her up, standing in front of her as they walked out into the garden with Avery placed behind her. She didn't much mind the over protective escort. She knew it made everyone feel better, and she would never admit it, but it made her feel better, too.
Mia looked around the table. Ginny wasn't there, and neither was Tonks. Fred and George were sitting by Harry and Ron along with Sirius and Regulus sitting across from Fabian and Gideon. Bill and Avery sat with Mia at that table and she looked around the garden at the other tables.
She found Remus sitting at the table to her right. She was comforted by the fact that they were close enough that she could grab his hand if she needed to. Next to Remus was Amelia Bones – Mia felt her nerves skyrocket at the sight of the head of the DMLE – and Emmaline Vance. It was the smallest table there, she realized as she looked to the last table.
Molly and Arthur were sitting with Moody, Kingsley, and a man that Mia realized was Elphias Dodge. She smiled politely at everyone before glancing at Harry and Ron.
"Are you two okay? You look exhausted," she frowned at them, worried.
"We're fine," Harry announced hastily. "We were up late flying last night."
They're horrible liars, Mia thought with a sigh. She turned her attention to Fabian and Gideon. "Any updates?"
"The Manor should be ready in a few days, actually," Fabian told her happily. Mia's eyes lit up with her grin.
"That's amazing!" She glanced at Sirius happily. "I was thinking everyone at Grimmauld Place could stay in the Manor and you could clean out and redo the old place. It's too dark there."
"That would be brilliant, Mia Mine." Sirius said happily.
"Alright, everyone!" They turned to Arthur as the meeting began. "A quick announcement before we start. Bill and Fluer are getting married in a week here at the Burrow! You're all invited."
Mia's eyes widened as she gasped. She turned to the redhead sitting next to her and glared. "Why didn't you tell me?!"
"I, uh, didn't think to?" Bill offered sheepishly. She glared at him as Arthur coughed, reclaiming their attention.
"Right. Anyway, I think Mia's got some information to start us out?" He said, sitting down. Mia took in a deep breath and stood as all eyes turned to her.
"My source tells me there are to be a few attacks soon." She turned to Remus and gave him a sad smile. "Remus and Tonks are on the list. I don't think it's necessary to move them to a safe house. I think if we just post someone outside their house and don't let them go anywhere alone, they'll be fine." She looked around in satisfaction as everyone agreed before moving on. "Another tip we got is about the Bones family. There's to be an attack." She turned to Amelia with a smile. "We'll move you and Susan to Sirius and Regulus's home if that's alright with you?"
"Thank you," Amelia said tiredly. "We'd appreciate that."
"Good. The last thing is that they've nearly taken the ministry. It's not safe anymore, though I'm sure you all know that. It's suggested that no one go alone anywhere anymore, and I agree." She looked around the garden. "It won't be long. Everyone be careful." She added before sitting again. She reached out and Remus took her hand, her best friend running his thumb soothingly along her palm.
"Alright," Kingsley said sadly. "There have been six more attacks on muggles. We need to set up a watch around London. Will anyone sign up?" Almost everyone's hands shot in the air. The only exceptions were Harry, Ron, Mia, Regulus, and Avery, but no one seemed to mention it. Kinglsey set up the first few days of patrol and then everyone went back to their meals. Mia spent most of it teasing Bill for not telling her he was getting married.
When the meal was over, Mia went back into the Burrow and flung herself on the couch with a cup of tea. She hadn't had much alone time in a while, and she was glad to have time to think.
"It's good that you're with them. Family helps heal the soul," a voice said. Mia looked up and smiled at Hermione perching on the end of the couch.
"They're a reminder to me. They're so happy among each other. They love so much and laugh and just… it reminds me that this war isn't hopeless."
"It never was, Mia," Hermione smiled back.
"Was he right?" Mia sat up and looked at the girl. "Theo, I mean. Was he right about why you're here."
"Yes," Hermione shrugged.
"You thought I wouldn't listen to you unless you could literally speak to me?" Mia asked, slightly amused. She wasn't that thick, was she?
"Yeah," Hermione smiled sheepishly. "You just don't always listen to me. I give you tons of hints all the time, but you're too logical. You don't like to listen to your instincts."
"Harry listens to his instincts all the time," Mia said with a shrug. "And he's gotten in a ton of trouble for it."
"Maybe, but he saved the world, too," Hermione pointed out. Mia frowned.
"Maybe you're right. I just like to think things out more, but I guess I could listen to my gut when you try to give me hints."
"Good!" Hermione grinned at her happily. "If you do, I think you'll heal much faster."
"Will I see you again, or are you leaving now?"
"I'll be here if you ask me to be. I'm your magic. I'm always here."
"I- thank you. Thank you."
OoOoOoOoOoOo
"Ready to go, Susan?" Mia called up the stairs. She tapped her foot impatiently. She'd come along with Sirius and Regulus and Avery to pick up the Bones' and bring them back to Grimmauld Place. Regulus had become the Secret Keeper when Sirius realized no one they didn't trust even knew he was alive and that it would be safest.
"Coming!" Susan yelled back as she ran down the stairs with her trunk floating in front of her and a bag slung over her shoulder. Mia stepped aside and Regulus grabbed Susan's trunk for her while Avery took her bag. Susan raised her eyebrows at Mia but said nothing else. It seemed Amelia hadn't told her anything about Mia.
They made their way into the living room where Sirius and Amelia were waiting impatiently for the teens. Sirius and Regulus shared a look before Regulus sighed. "I'll go ahead and make sure everything's secure. Sano, you next."
"I'm not the one we need to protect tonight, Reg," Mia said, annoyed. She looked to Sirius and Amelia, but they seemed to agree with Regulus. "Avery?"
"I agree with him, Sano."
"You're all over protective gits," she muttered, stepping behind her boyfriend. "Go on." She watched as Regulus disappeared into the Floo. She avoided Susan's lost and questioning look and followed her boyfriend through. When she was back in Grimmauld Place, Regulus pulled her into his arms before she could gain her balance and push him away.
"I love you," he muttered. "I just need you safe."
"I know. I love you, too."
"Gah!" Susan stumbled out of the fireplace, holding her shoulder with an arm. She spotted the couple and her eyes widened, but she pointed at the fireplace. "Death Eaters! Sirius shoved me through, but he was hit, and-,"
Mia wasn't sure what happened. She was just in the fireplace suddenly and then back at the Bones's house. She looked around frantically and raised her wand just in time to block a curse thrown at her. There were at least ten Death Eaters that she could see. She cursed under her breath and locked down the floo immediately. She refused to let Regulus come after her and get hurt.
Mia stumbled through the room before she was engaged by someone – Alecto Carrow, she thought – in battle. She threw curses as fast as she could. It felt like hours before her stupefy got through and stunned the Death Eater. She looked frantically around the living room and spotted Amelia being cornered. She wouldn't make it there in time, and she knew it. She needed some sort of distraction…
"Expecto Patronum!" Mia screamed. Her lioness shot from her wand and bound over to the group of Death Eaters, knocking them over as she passed. Amelia shot Mia an amazed and thankful smile and pointed toward the stairs. Mia smile her thanks before nodding toward the door. The woman seemed to get the hint as she smashed the window and jumped out into the bushes. Mia snorted a laugh as she ran to find Sirius cornered but fighting well. She looked back as the Death Eaters in the living room grabbed their unconscious friends and disapparated away.
"Petrificus Totalus!" She put a Death Eater in a body bind and grabbed the attention of the others. Sirius grinned wildly at her before stunning two of the three left over. The last one, Rowle, shot a crucio at Sirius silently. Mia paused slightly as Sirius fell to the ground, but she recognized the curse quickly.
"Sectumsempra!" She threw the curse viciously at Rowle, relief flooding her as he hit the ground, blood staining his shirt. She looked sadly at Sirius. "Levicorpus," she said, leading Sirius gently outside. She carefully let him down onto her lap when she sat and waved Amelia over. The woman made her way over quickly, escorting an unconscious Death Eater. "Bloody hell… I can't side-along three people. Just… it's Twelve Grimmauld Place," she informed her. She could Obliviate her of the address later.
They left for the dreary house where Susan was waiting with a furious Regulus and Avery, the latter having Apparated home to keep Mia from leaving a moment too late. Susan took one look at them and ran back in the house for help while Regulus hauled his brother back in the house and Avery took Mia's arm, escorting her up the stairs and into her room. She let him, not caring much.
"What the fuck, Mia?!" He yelled once he shut the door. "You could have died!"
"And I didn't," she replied calmly. "But Sirius was tortured and Amelia would be dead if I hadn't intervened."
"It wasn't worth it," he snapped. "I'd rather she die than you."
"Avery! That's-,"
"The truth. I don't give a shit about them, Mia, I care about you. Don't act so scandalized. I'd have thought you realized already that I'm on your side, not the side of the Light. I'm loyal to you, Mia, not them." He paused to look at her, and she almost regretted her actions from the look in his eyes. "I'm not stuck with Voldemort anymore. I could be off living a comfortable life in America, but I'm not. I'm staying with you. I swore my wand to you and I intend to keep that promise. Please, don't make my job harder than it has to be."
Mia stared at him for a long moment before she looked down, letting out a soft sigh. "I'm sorry. I was just scared."
"I know, Sano. So were we."
OoOoOoOoOoOo
Hey! So this feels a little rough to me, but that's probably to be expected since it literally took me all day to write this. It's kinda a filler, but it had to be done. There are some important bits in here.
Is anyone participating in NaNoWriMo? I've just signed up. This'll be my first year trying! I'm so excited.
I hope you enjoyed and remember to review!
P.S. Praeliator is apparently warrior in Latin. I dunno man. Take up any arguments with Google translate.
