Chapter 28

From One Hell to Another

Pain. All I could feel was pain. Nearby I could hear a dripping. I was lying on something cold and hard. I opened my eyes but all I could see was darkness. I tried to move but my body was so sore I couldn't, closing my eyes again and gasping slightly as it ached. Slowly, I brought my hands from my sides in front of me to push myself up. A rattling sounded as I moved them. It took so much effort just to sit up, opening my eyes again to look around.

I was in a dark room, a cellar. The dripping was coming from the far corner. As for the rattling, as I put my hand to my head I saw there were chains around my wrists. They were connected to the wall behind me. Where was I? How did I get here? The last thing I remember was coming out of Grimmauld Place and … and Bellatrix and Narcissa had cornered me. They'd attacked me in the street!

'Wake up, little witchling.' A voice sounded close to me. I looked around. I couldn't see anyone. 'Over here.'

A light appeared above me. It was at the top of some stone stairs. A door had been opened. Bellatrix was standing in the doorway, her shadow being cast on the wall. As she came down the steps her footsteps echoed in the empty room. I watched her cautiously as she began to approach me. I backed away towards the corner of the room but found that, when she flicked her wand, the chains around my wrists shortened and I was pulled against the wall. I was on my knees, my hands and arms above my head.

Bellatrix came and stood in front of me. She was bending down to look me in the eye. I merely stared back. I could feel myself shaking.

'Scared, girl?' she asked quietly. I wasn't scared of her. It was rage. The urge to lash out at the person who killed my father was immense. Bellatrix smiled as I refused to answer. 'My, my, just as stubborn as he was. Just as stubborn as Sirius.'

'Don't you dare!' I shouted suddenly. I lunged forwards but the chains stopped me reaching her. 'Don't you dare!' I fought against the chains, trying to get to her. 'Let me go!'

Bellatrix merely laughed. I glared at her, resting back on my knees.

'A fighting spirit, how cute. But I'd save your energy. Those chains aren't going to break with force.' I watched as Bellatrix took a few steps around me, observing me. She spoke a few seconds later. 'I was never one for familiarities so I'll just get to the point, shall I?'

What is she on about? I thought.

'Where is the necklace?' asked Bellatrix.

'What necklace?' She smiled again, her thin lips pursing together.

'Don't play games with me. You have seen my power.' All of a sudden, I let out a scream as my body suddenly convulsed in pain. It stopped again a second later. 'I needn't have to remind you. So I'll ask you again. Where is the necklace?'

'I don't … know what … you're talking about …' I breathed. My head was bowed. 'I don't have any necklace of yours.'

'No, not mine,' mused Bellatrix. She drew out her wand and hooked it underneath my necklace, my mother's locket. I looked at it as she did so. My locket? 'Oh, how quaint. Did Sirius give you this locket?' I felt my anger again as she said my Dad's name. 'Well, it's not the one I'm after. Now I shall ask you one more time. Where is the necklace?'

Again, I felt my body convulse as she used the Cruciatus Curse on me again. She lifted it a few seconds later.

'I only have the ones I'm wearing,' I said, panting. 'I don't have any others.'

'Don't lie to me, girl!' snarled Bellatrix. She gripped my face in her white hands and lifted it so I would look at her. 'I saw you disappear into Grimmauld Place! You must have taken it!'

Taken what? I only took what was mine!

'Taken what?' I asked. 'I haven't got anything Voldemort would want. Unless he wants things to accessorise with his black heart!' One step too far.

'Silence!' snarled Bellatrix. She swung her hand at me, a ring on her finger slashing over my cheek as she hit me. 'How dare you! You are not worthy to say the Dark Lord's name! Blood traitor!'

'Enough, Bella!'

It was Voldemort. I looked up. I could feel the blood trickling down my cheek from the cut Bellatrix's ring had made. He was coming down the steps into the cellar. He flicked his wand and brought a little more light into the room. His scarlet eyes shone out of his pale, snake-like face. I wouldn't have been surprised to see a forked tongue flick out of his mouth I have to say. Still, I remained crouched on my knees, watching as he got closer.

'That is no way to treat our guest,' he said softly.

'My apologies, My Lord,' said Bellatrix. She bowed in front of him. 'But she needs to learn when to hold her tongue.'

Voldemort merely smiled, his thin mouth twisting into a curve, before turning to me.

'I believe we've never been properly introduced,' he said curtly. 'But as I'm sure you're aware of by now, I am Lord Voldemort.' I didn't reply. 'Come now, niceties must be observed. Dumbledore wouldn't want his student to appear rude.' Again, I didn't answer. 'Answer me, girl!' He pointed his wand at me.

My mind went blank. It sort of … floated away. I couldn't feel the pain anymore. I felt … happy for some reason. Like nothing was wrong. I didn't even hear myself saying, 'Jennifer Black.' My mind then came back. I shook myself. What just happened? That wasn't right. I just blanked out momentarily … the Imperious Curse?

'Very good,' I heard Voldemort say. I looked back at him. 'Though I would have expected more of a fight from a Black. She is your relation, is she not, Bella?'

'She has all the features of a Black,' replied Bellatrix. 'The looks certainly. But as for magic, she is weak. She isn't worthy to call herself Black, My Lord.'

Voldemort again smiled and turned to address me.

'Now, seeing as you refused to answer Bella, I will ask you,' he said. 'Where is the necklace?'

Again with the necklace? What necklace? The only necklace I had taken from Grimmauld was that gold locket. Why was it so important? It was the Black family locket. It rightfully belonged to me. I was the last of the Black bloodline on Dad's side, it was mine. Why would Voldemort want it?

'I don't have any necklace,' I said slowly. 'None that you would want.' I wasn't about to tell him where it was.

Voldemort was silent for a few moments as he observed me. I kept my eyes away from him, looking at the ground. Then, 'I see there is some truth in your words. The rest though … I see are not.' I looked at Voldemort. He wasn't reading my thoughts, was he? 'No matter,' he said. 'You are stubborn now because you still have energy to resist.' Voldemort turned away and headed to the steps. 'Let's see how willing you are to speak when you are more tired. Come, Bella.'

They left, shutting the door and locking it. The sound of the locking clicking shut echoed through the empty cellar. The chains holding my wrists lengthened and my hands fell to my sides.

'I'm in deep sludge,' I sighed. Leaning back against the wall, I rested my head against it, my knees pulled up to my chest with my arms wrapped round them. 'Lupin … help me …'

I don't know how long I was kept in that cellar. The days seemed to pass without much notice seeing as I never saw daylight down there. I only knew it was during the day as either Voldemort or Bellatrix came down to speak to me, trying to find out what I'd done with that necklace, and each day I kept telling them I didn't have it. They used very short doses of the Cruciatus Curse to try and loosen my tongue but I wouldn't speak. And because of him using the Imperious Curse on me when he tried to find out my name, I was on my guard to try and resist it. But the less energy I had, the less I was able to fight it.

I was surprised I managed to hold out as long as I did. Voldemort wasn't completely cruel by not giving me any food at all but what he did give me certainly didn't stop me from being hungry. Table scraps, my favourite meal. However, after what must have been at least two weeks, I soon bypassed hunger and stopped eating completely. I just didn't have an appetite. I think I'd lost at least a stone and a half in weight over that period of time.

Voldemort and Bellatrix weren't the only people who came down to the cellar. There was only one other. I had been down in the cellar at least three weeks by then when I received an unexpected visitor. The door had opened and, when I looked up, I saw a man I didn't recognise. He was a tall man but his body seemed a shadow of its former self, like it had been drained and was only just getting its strength back. Like when Dad had come out of Azkaban, all frail and thin. He had dark hair drawn into a ponytail and his eyes were a deep grey. I watched as he approached me.

'Now who do we have here?' he asked.

The man stopped just in front of me. I expected the chains to shorten but this time they remained long. I stared at him wearily as he observed me. His grey eyes roved up and down me. He took in every detail of me before he spoke again.

'A rose by any other name would smell as sweet,' he mused to himself more than out loud. That's when the chains shortened but this time I was forced to stand instead of kneeling. 'And yet, I wonder if she is …'

When the man moved closer, I raised my hand as best I could and drew up my shield. The blue circle surrounded me, illuminating the man's features. He did look withered, only just regaining his former strength. He stopped as it blocked his way, laughing.

'Ah, yes, just who I thought it was,' he said mirthfully. 'The rumours around the Dark Lord's followers were true. The Black girl indeed has been captured. Such a pleasure, I must say. A great similarity to your mother.' My eyes narrowed. How did he know my mother? He must have seen my confused look as he added, 'Rabastian Lestrange,' making a small bow, 'at your service.'

'At my service?' I repeated sceptically. 'If I wasn't so doubtful of that I'd laugh.' I will someday learn to think before I speak. 'Still,' I continued, eyeing him closely but lowering my shield to save energy, 'how do you know my mother? And why would you be so interested if I was the Black girl?'

'Why, she was one of my better victims,' replied Lestrange. 'As I said, a rose by any other name would smell as sweet. She had a sweet taste … I'm merely curiously if it runs in the family. Though fifteen year old witches aren't generally my type.'

Victims? I thought. He did something to my mother? I tried to think back. I didn't really known much about my Mum. Lupin had never told me much about her and Dad had only told me what their relationship had been like. But what did he mean by a sweet taste? Mum's only boyfriend to my knowledge had been Dad. Why would he –? No …

'You,' I said slowly. I looked up at Lestrange to see him smiling. 'You're the man who raped my Mum, aren't you?'

'Like I said, one of my better victims. And now her daughter stands before me.' He took a step forwards.

'You won't lay a finger on me!' I growled at him. My shield encircled me again as I raised my hand, blocking him. 'You almost killed my mother! You deserve nothing more than to go back to Azkaban!'

Lestrange chuckled, 'Like I said, I have no interest in fifteen year old witches.' He turned away from me and walked back to the steps. 'I just wanted to see the daughter of the one who escaped me locked up.'

He left.

After a while I began to wonder where exactly I was. I couldn't hear any cars or people outside the house when it was quiet. But wherever I was had to have been a meeting place of some sort for Death Eaters. Frequently during the time I spent there I could hear voices above me. Bellatrix seemed the most regular Death Eater there. Voldemort himself wasn't there that often. The only other voice I recognised one day was Narcissa Malfoy. And not only her but Malfoy too. It was news to me that Narcissa was a Death Eater. Malfoy though? But what they were talking about was very intriguing.

It must have been late in the day, maybe even night, when the Malfoys arrived. I only knew this by the fact I could just hear an owl hooting somewhere outside. Still, I'd been leaning against the wall thinking for what must have been the hundredth time "That drip's getting worse" when I heard Voldemort address Narcissa. Curious, I went to move closer to the steps when I remembered the chains around my wrists. I carefully lifted them up and slid along the floor to get nearer. I couldn't hear them that clear but I got the gist of what they were talking about.

The first thing I heard were a few shouts. Malfoy was in pain of some sort. Just before his screams though I'd heard a mumbled word. It sounded like a spell. His shouts only lasted a few seconds. After that the conversation went quieter and I had to strain to hear it. From what I got, Malfoy had a job to do. Something when he was back at Hogwarts. He had to remove someone or something. I didn't hear Voldemort's exact words. After that the conversation was between Malfoy and Narcissa. Hearing that Voldemort had apparently gone, I went back against my wall.

Thoughts were buzzing around my head as I leaned back against the cold surface. What was Voldemort getting Malfoy to do? And why was he screaming? Voldemort wouldn't use the Cruciatus Curse on Malfoy with his mother there, would he? I don't know. Narcissa would never allow it. She may be a Black by blood but she wouldn't let her own son be hurt. What was it Malfoy had to do?

It must have been just under a month in total I'd been stuck here when that conversation took place. It was another good few days before Voldemort graced me with his presence again after that. By now I spent most of my time sleeping for the sheer fact I didn't have enough energy from the lack of food. Well, there wasn't much to do down there anyway. Still, when the door opened, I looked up to see him coming before sitting up against the wall.

'Are you willing to talk now, Black?' asked Voldemort as he came down the stairs.

I remained silent.

'Answer him!' shouted Bellatrix. She was with him. I heard her footsteps approach me. I didn't do anything. I didn't even flinch when she slapped me, merely letting my face turn away. 'Answer him!' she demanded.

'I've told you,' I said quietly. I rested against the wall. 'I don't have your necklace. I don't even know what you're talking about.'

'Yes, as you've stated every time I've asked,' said Voldemort. 'Even from probing your mind I still have not been able to find the information I want. It seems you indeed are telling the truth about the necklace. You do not know of which necklace I speak.'

I felt the chains round my wrists shorten and pull me on to my knees. I didn't have the strength to fight against them so I just remained there, hands held above my head and leaning forwards slightly, my head bowed as I looked away from him. I was so hungry though I didn't know it and so tired from lack of sleep. I just didn't have the energy.

'But it is not that I want to know this time,' Voldemort continued. 'This time you have some information I want to know. Something even you don't know yet.' This made me look up. How could I have some information Voldemort wanted which even I didn't know? He did not explain this, instead he merely asked, 'You receive premonitions, do you not?'

Begrudgingly, I nodded. I didn't ask how he knew this. Looking up, I saw Voldemort walk up to me and place his hand firmly over my forehead, his long fingers gripping it tightly. Instantly my head started hurting. He was making me get a premonition. I didn't even think it was possible to do so. It hurt so much. I had closed my eyes and I could hear myself screaming.

People running in fear … fires torching everything in sight … Harry and Voldemort fighting against one another … Death Eaters fighting the Order … death and destruction everywhere … Harry lying on the ground … Voldemort standing over him, wand pointed at his chest …

Harry … I could see him. He – he was wounded. Voldemort was torturing him. He was hurt! I – I had to help him. Voldemort was going to kill him! But it was a vision, it wasn't real. But still, Harry was bleeding and … he was hurt. Voldemort was going to kill him. I couldn't take it. Harry wasn't going to die. What I was seeing wasn't going to happen. Voldemort wasn't going to win! It wasn't true! It wasn't going to happen! HARRY WASN'T GOING TO DIE!

'NO!'

All of a sudden, I felt my magic burst from me in one blast. I felt Voldemort's hand leave my head and I fell forwards, hanging up by the chains round my wrists. My hair fell over my face and I was left panting in pain. My head was throbbing. I heard a soft laughter in front of me and I looked up. Voldemort was a few feet away from me, still on his feet; his red eyes were glinting in both malice and laughter, a soft chuckle coming from him.

'So the little witchling does have magic,' he said softly. 'More powerful than I first anticipated, Bellatrix, but still only mediocre.' Beside him, Bellatrix nodded.

'She can use Dark magic if she wishes like all Blacks can,' said Bellatrix, 'but she refuses to.' She came up to me and raised my face, her pale fingers and sharp nails holding my chin. 'She may wish it wasn't true but Dark magic runs in all Blacks, good or bad.' I pulled my face from her, glaring at her behind my hair.

'That maybe so,' mused Voldemort. 'But she has no strength to fight me. Now, Black,' he turned to face me, 'what did you see?'

I knew it was pointless to not say anything. Bellatrix would just hit me or torture me again. Taking a moment to regain my breathing, I said, 'I saw … the fight, between you and Potter … it stopped before I saw who won though … I didn't see the outcome.'

I stopped. I felt a tear trickle down my cheek. I didn't want to see Harry die. As I said, no matter how much I hated Harry I could never really do so. He meant more to me than I knew at the time and the thought of losing him … I didn't want it to happen.

'Very well,' said Voldemort. I was drawn back from my own thoughts when he spoke. 'Not particularly useful information, but it's a start. And how intriguing. The things I felt when she threw me back.' I looked up. Voldemort was staring at me. 'A hidden flame, a need for someone. I've seen it before. Yes, I recognise it. Its been years since I last encountered that. And yet, she doesn't even realise it.'

I stared at him, utterly bewildered to what he was on about.

'Now,' said Voldemort. 'To keep that magic of yours under control.'

What? I saw Voldemort draw out his white wand and approach me again. Next, he released the chain holding my left wrist and pulled my arm towards him, pulling back my sleeve. I knew what he was going to do. Though I felt weak from being starved and what had happened minutes before, I tried to yank it back. He wouldn't let go.

'No!' I shouted. I wasn't going to let him do it. 'No! Get off me! Let go of me!'

I continued to pull away but Voldemort's grip merely tightened around my wrist. With a particularly sharp jerk, he pulled my arm forwards and placed his wand tip on my forearm. I felt a searing pain spread all over my arm and I screamed in pain. It was excruciating. It seemed to last forever, Voldemort's wand on my skin, burning it from tip to flesh, until it finally stopped. Looking down at my arm, I now saw the Dark Mark burnt black on to it, the snake writhing out from the mouth.

I'd been branded a Death Eater.

It was another few days before I had regained any energy from that confrontation with Voldemort. I spent a lot of that time asleep seeing as Voldemort had got what he wanted out of me. And when I wasn't sleeping, I was thinking. I had to get out of here. I needed to find a way out of this place, wherever I was. I tried to think of any possible means of escape but whatever it came to, I couldn't get out of that door. It was the only way in or out of the room. There were no holes in the walls and no windows. But after much thought, I came up with a plan. I just hoped it worked.

After sleeping more to get more energy, I waited till it was nearing nightfall. It was nearing the time when they brought me the food I got for supper. Hearing the footsteps approach the door, I allowed my body to go limp. I had to relax and concentrate. Clearing my mind, I closed my eyes and thought of a Thestral's invisibility. If I could be invisible they'd think I'd already escape. After a few moments I felt my body begin to tingle and vanish into the darkness.

The footsteps approached. I opened my eyes and saw the light at the top of the steps. I kept absolutely still. The man came down the stairs and walked over to where my chains supposedly hung limply. It took only seconds for him to raise the alarm that I'd gone. And just as I'd hoped, he left the door open.

Quickly, I became visible again before transforming into a snake. It was the first animal I could think of to get out of those chains. My arms became free as I changed. Changing back, I stood up. I was a bit shaky at first but managed to stand. Then, as quickly and as quietly as I could, I hurried up the stairs to find a way out. Following the lights seemed the best bet. They took me down a corridor near to a room. Around me I could hear voices shouting. It was best I didn't linger. But when I saw my bag lying on table I had to stop to get it. Bellatrix must have taken it off me when she captured me. I peered round the doorframe to see the room was empty. The voice I heard suddenly became louder though. Quickly I grabbed my bag and ran down the corridor.

I managed to find an open window to climb out of. I jumped out of it and landed a few feet lower in some bushes. The house appeared to be in a clearing in a wood. Luckily it was only just starting to get dark. I stumbled back to my feet and just ran for it. I had to get as far away from that house as I possibly could. I could already hear the voices shouting as they realised I'd only just escaped. And soon, they were chasing me.

I didn't know where I was. I just kept running. Behind me there were at least three Death Eaters, one being Bellatrix. I could hear her screaming orders to capture me. Soon, spells too were being fired in order to knock me down. I avoided them as best I could but my only thought was to get away. And because I didn't know where I was I didn't know if I was running round in circles or not. Every so often I took cover behind a tree as spells and curses flew past me, taking seconds out to try and figure out what to do before running off again. All I could think of at that time though was, I need to get home! Lupin!

-o-

It had been over a month since Jenna had disappeared. Lupin had almost given up hope of finding her. All he could do was pray that she was safe. Lupin had to find her, he just had to. He couldn't let Tala down. So he didn't give up entirely. Whenever he had time, Lupin searched every place he could think of to where Jenna could be.

When he had been told that Jenna had been seen in Diagon Alley his spirits lifted slightly. But it was clear that she hadn't stuck around. Where could she have gone though? However, it had been that which had given the Lupin the biggest clue to where Jenna would have been heading. The moment he found out, he headed straight for Grimmauld Place. But when he got there, he found something that made his fears come to life.

Lupin had Apparated to a secluded area near to where Grimmauld was located. He had to be careful in case there were Death Eaters nearby. He made sure the coast was clear before coming out from the shadows where he was hidden. He walked quickly up to where Number Twelve Grimmauld Place was and watched it appear. Drawing out his wand, Lupin cancelled the spells on the front door and pushed it open. It had been empty since the attack at the Ministry in case Kreacher had informed the Death Eaters where the Order's Headquarters was.

The house was silent. Looking around told him no one had been here. He continued on upstairs to where Jenna had stayed over the previous summer. Again the room was empty. Nothing had been disturbed. Lupin let out a sigh. This had been his one hope. If Jenna hadn't been here then he had no clue to where she was. He closed the door behind him and left the room. Quietly he walked back down the stairs and across the hallway to the front door. He sealed it once again when he was out of the house.

Disheartened, Lupin walked back down the street to head for a safe place to Apparate away. A few Muggles passed him as he turned into another street, greeting him cheerfully. Lupin merely nodded his head to them. As he did so though, he noticed something lying on the ground. A green coat. Lupin walked over to it and picked it up. He couldn't mistake it, it was Jenna's for sure. But that just confirmed his worse fears: either Jenna had been captured … or she was dead.

Lupin sighed as he remembered. Moonlake Cottage seemed so empty without her. Her room was still how she'd left it. Lupin just looked around it. He had always tried to protect Jenna from harm but had made mistakes along the way; he kept who her father was from her but was wrong when he saw how much Sirius truly cared for her; when she had asked him about her premonitions he didn't tell her the reason why she had them; and he made the biggest mistake when he put the Order before Jenna when she needed him the most.

'Jenna … be safe … please, come home.'

But that wasn't the only thing on Lupin's plate now. Tonks, as nice a woman she was, had put him in an awkward position. That kiss a few days after Jenna disappeared ... it was neither the time or the place. And now whenever he saw Tonks he could see the sadness in her eyes at the fact he turned her down. Things were just going from bad to worse.

-o-

The trees suddenly stopped and I found myself just managing to stop before the ground ended. In front of me was a very steep scree hill and I was standing on its ledge. OK, where the heck was I? Behind me I heard Bellatrix's voice shout, 'There she is! Get her!' I looked behind me to see Bellatrix and the others pushing through the last few branches which separated us. I had three choices; one) transform and fly away, two) risk being knocked off by the Death Eaters and be killed, or three) get captured and probably killed again. Wow, great choice: die trying to fly, die fighting, die captured.

'Get her!' screamed Bellatrix.

Flying it is.

Quickly I thought of a phoenix and prayed to God that I would transform in time. It worked and without a seconds more thought, I took off to fly away.

'She's getting away!' shouted one of the Death Eaters.

'Incarcerous!'

I heard Bellatrix scream that spell. Next thing I felt was binds tying themselves around both my wings. I flapped against them but they tightened with each movement. The binds were pulling me back to the ground. Keep flapping, that was all I could think of. Not such a good idea when there are ropes wrapped around your wings.

It didn't take much for a snap to happen in my left wing, particularly when I broke my left arm only a month or so ago. Next thing I knew I was falling back to the ground. I felt my back hit the ground and I felt myself change back. My body was rolling down the hill. I tried to grab on to the stone to stop myself but they lose so came away as I grabbed them. I came to a stop at the foot of the hill. The ropes that had bound my wings were all tied up round my body. I tried to get up but I couldn't. I just lay there …

-o-

'Incarcerous!' screamed Bellatrix.

Ropes flew from the end of her wand and wrapped themselves round the wings of the phoenix before her. She was not going to let the Black girl escape her so easily. She was going to finish her off like she finished off her cousin. The bird began to struggle as the binds tightened. Bellatrix pulled back on her wand, pulling the ropes towards her to bring the bird down. However, before she'd got the bird was even near the ground, its wing seemed to bend in the wrong direction and it fell.

Bellatrix released the ropes from the tip of her wand as the bird hit the ground. Approaching the end of the ledge, she looked over to see the witchling rolling down to the bottom of the hill. From what Bellatrix could see, she wasn't moving. A smile began to form on her pale lips. Looks like she was dead anyway, killing two birds with one stone really.

'She couldn't survive a fall like that,' said Amycus.

'No,' sneered Bellatrix. 'I believe she'll be seeing her dear father sooner than she expected. Looks like the last Black is finally eliminated.' She turned away from the hill and began to walk back to the house. 'Come on,' she ordered. 'We must inform the Dark Lord of her departure.'

-o-

I let out a groan in pain and opened my eyes. I was outside, I could feel the breeze on my face. I didn't know how long I'd been out but it was dawn; the sun was just beginning to rise. Carefully I sat up. There were ropes round me. I brushed them off and looked up. I was at the foot of a steep scree hill. I must have a very high endurance level for pain to fall from up there, I thought. Either that or I've felt so much pain in the last few weeks that I've become numb to it.

I put my hands behind me and pushed myself to my feet. That's when I felt a pain in my arm. OK, maybe not. I looked at my left arm. My wrist was at a bit of an odd angle. Great, a broken wrist. I checked myself over for other injuries. Nice lot of scratches, some bleeding, and my clothes torn and hanging off me.

'Well I'll be getting a trip to the hospital,' I mumbled. I took a wobbly step forwards. I took another look around; there was a small stream beside me. I guess my best bet was to follow that. 'Whenever I get back to civilisation that is.'

At the pace I was going it took me a good couple of days before I managed to get to a place with any people about. Even so, I tried to remain hidden. I didn't want Bellatrix to find me. I found I was somewhere in the north of England. Well that narrowed it down slightly. And with a broken wrist (I managed to rip off some more of my jeans to make a small sling) I couldn't transform to travel quicker. But there was another way.

Taking out my wand, I threw it out and summoned the Knight Bus. There was a loud honking and two bright lights appeared to my left. The large purple bus appeared and stopped in front of me. Quickly I tied my hair up as best as I could to make it look shorter than it was. Stan came out as usual to say his "Welcome to the Knight Bus" business but I merely went past him to the second floor.

'Oi!' he yelled behind me. 'Where you headed?'

'Nowhere in particular,' I replied. I stopped and took out my moneybag, handing him five Sickles. 'Just get me as close to the southwest as this will take me.'

Yes, the southwest, not London. I figured the chances of Lupin still being at Moonlake Cottage were slim. So I headed for the southwest … for The Burrow.

The Knight Bus was the fastest method of transport I could think of and for once Stan didn't question anything I did and left me in peace on the second floor. I remained by the window and watched the towns and villages pass me by. It beat walking at least. Another reason for Stan not bothering me was because of there being so many other passengers that day. The Knight Bus seemed to have become a popular way to travel now that Voldemort's presence was known. But that was a downside. It took a good part of the day to get to the southwest where I was dropped off.

During that time, I was able to scrounge a copy of the Daily Prophet an old wizard had left behind on his seat. It was the nineteenth of August. Whoa. I'd completely missed my sixteenth birthday and I'd been at that house for over a month indeed. The news of the day was that Voldemort's attacks are getting worse. Well that was news to me. In other news a potion had been created to restore hair to its original colour. Hadn't they ever heard of hair dye? Putting down the paper, I heard Stan call up the stairs, 'Oi! Missy with the attitude! We're in Tiverton. Is that southwest enough for you?'

I came down the stairs and said that was fine before getting out. However, he stopped me before I could leave.

'Hey,' he said, 'do I know you?' I glanced at him.

'I highly doubt it.' and I walked off.

Right, I was in Tiverton. And Ottery St Catchpole was near Exeter … somewhere. Maybe they should start teaching geography or something in Hogwarts. I had to somehow get to Exeter and then find a map to show me where Ottery St Catchpole is. Then it's home sailing to Ron's. Oh screw it. I know it probably wouldn't work but it was worth a go.

I placed my bag round my neck with my good hand and walked away from the pavement into the bushes. Once sure I was hidden, I concentrated on the image of a Thestral. This was going to hurt. And boy, it did just that. The moment I tried to change my wrist, it hurt even more but I forced it to change. Once fully transformed and sure I was invisible, I pushed off on my good three hooves and flew into the sky. The only good things about being a Thestral was that I needn't know where I was going because of the Thestral's sense of direction and the wings were on my shoulder blades so I didn't have to walk.

It took me a couple of hours to fly to The Burrow but it had already been late when the Knight Bus had stopped at Tiverton. It must have been at least nine o'clock at night when I saw the familiar sight of The Burrow in the distance. Unfortunately though I was shattered. Come on, being starved and tortured for nearly a month. I was surprised I was still running though what it was I was running on I didn't know. As I landed and transformed back on Stoatshead hill it was all I could do to stay standing. But I had to change again so as to make sure no one saw me who I didn't want to see me.

Quickly I changed into my usual animal; a wolf. Regardless of the pain in my left front paw, I hurried as fast as I could down the hill towards The Burrow. It was just such a relief to know I was going to see some friendly faces. As I went I stumbled slightly in the trees as the darkness crept in. I could see the house just in front of me. I was going to be safe. I stumbled again a bit down the small slope just behind their house before limping over to the doorway. There were lights on in the kitchen and I could hear voices. Sitting up on my back legs, I used my good paw to scratch the doorframe.

The voices stopped and there was a slight shuffling before, 'Who's there?' I didn't have the energy to reply but merely let out a short whine. 'Declare yourself!'

Not having a choice I transformed back. I instantly fell forwards against the door, managing to just about steady myself, and said, 'Mrs Weasley … help me.'

I felt myself begin to lose consciousness again and start to fall over. After that moment I just remember seeing the door opening and a pair of arms going round me before I completely passed out.

-o-

'Is there still no news, Remus?' asked Mrs Weasley, handing him a cup of tea.

'None,' he replied. 'None whatsoever.'

Harry, Ron and Hermione looked over from their seats at the kitchen table to where Mr and Mrs Weasley and Lupin were gathered. Lupin looked even worse than he usual did. Jenna's disappearance had certainly affected him. He had large dark circles under his eyes, even more so than when he looked tired just from a full moon approaching. It looked like he hadn't slept in days from searching for her so often.

Jenna's disappearance in some ways had affected Harry too. He felt guilty, like he was partly responsible. It was because of him that Sirius had died. And Jenna's last words to him, 'I don't know whether I can forgive you this time.' had really hit home for him. Harry didn't know what it was but the idea of losing Jenna's friendship made him feel really low. He'd known her now for almost eight years. She was his first proper friend. If Harry admitted it, he relied on Jenna; she was the only person he could really talk to knowing that she wouldn't judge him or anything. He couldn't see life without her.

A soft scratching sound suddenly started at the kitchen door. Everyone jumped and turned to look at it. Mrs Weasley approached it apprehensively, taking her steps slowly and placing her head against the door. They weren't expecting anyone to appear tonight, especially this late. Harry and the others looked at each other then back at the door. The scratching had stopped.

'Who's there?' she asked. No answer. 'Declare yourself!'

A faint voice came from behind the door.

'Mrs Weasley … help me.'

Harry, Ron and Hermione were immediately alert. Lupin too instantly looked up. That voice … could it be? From the sounds of it, whoever had spoken was either very tired or badly injured. Mrs Weasley opened the door just in time to see a tired and wounded teenage witch collapse. She just caught her before she completely passed out. It was Jenna.

'Jenna!' gasped Lupin.

He dropped his cup and instantly ran over to Mrs Weasley. He quickly picked Jenna up as Mrs Weasley closed the door. She just lay unconscious in his arms.

'Remus, place her on the sofa,' said Mr Weasley.

As Lupin did that, Mrs Weasley began barking orders to Bill and Charlie to set up a bed in Ginny's room and get the potion box from the larder while she, Mr Weasley and Lupin checked Jenna over. Harry, Ron, Hermione and Ginny hurried to see what was happening. As he looked over her, Lupin's heart was pounding hard, just out of sheer relief that she was alive. Her breathing though was shallow and her body was covered in cuts; her left wrist appeared to be broken judging by how limp it was and she had lost some weight.

'She's been attacked,' said Mrs Weasley. 'Oh, the poor thing. Least she's still breathing.'

'Jenna.' Lupin ran his hand over her cheek. Her forehead was hot. 'Jenna, can you hear me?'

Harry and the others watched apprehensively as Charlie returned with a small box. Mrs Weasley had pulled out her wand and was muttering the odd incantation, cleaning Jenna's face of blood and repairing her broken wrist before strapping it tightly in some bandage. Next, she handed Lupin a small bottle. He took it and lifted Jenna's head, placing it against her lips. He poured a small amount into her mouth. It must have been a reviving potion of some sort because a few seconds later Jenna began to stir.

'Lupin …' she said hoarsely.

'Jenna,' sighed Lupin in relief. She was all right. 'Jen, I'm here.'

'Death Eaters … Bellatrix … attacked me … Voldemort, he …'

'Ssh, it's all right, dear,' Mrs Weasley replied soothingly. 'You're safe now. Oh, Remus, she looks dreadful. What those people must have done to her! She's lucky to be alive.'

A brief smile flickered over Lupin's face as Mrs Weasley said that, the first in days, and he replied, 'Luck always favours the ones who need it. I'm just glad she's back.'

'She's got a bit of a fever,' muttered Mr Weasley. 'Other than the broken wrist, she's only got minor cuts and bruising. Nothing a few potions won't heal in a couple days. The most important thing is she gets some rest and some food. She appears to have lost quite a bit of weight.'

'Arthur, carry her up to Ginny's room.' Mrs Weasley got up and packed up the potion box and turned for the kitchen. 'Out of the way, you four!' she snapped at Harry and the others. 'Ginny, do you mind Jenna having your bed tonight? She needs the rest.'

'Sure, Mum,' she replied. 'I'll go find her some pyjamas.'

Ginny disappeared upstairs. Mr Weasley and Lupin followed with Jenna in Lupin's arms. Harry, Ron and Hermione watched as they took her upstairs.

'Do you think she'll be all right?' asked Hermione worriedly.

'Jenna's strong,' replied Harry. His eyes were focused on Jenna as she was taken upstairs. 'She'll be fine … I hope.'

-o-

The next morning I woke up to find myself lying in a bed wearing someone's pyjamas. I had such a headache and the bright light of the morning didn't help. When I opened my eyes, they were slightly blurry at first but soon focused to see I was in someone's room. I let out a groan as I moved on to my back. I brought my hand to my forehead and brushed back my hair before seeing a bandage wrapped round it. I could move it. It had been fixed. That's when someone spoke to me.

'Jenna, you're awake.'

I sat up in bed. It was Hermione. And with her was Ron and Ginny. She was holding a tray of food. She came and sat down on the end of my bed and placed the tray on my lap. I looked at the food. It looked so good but I just didn't have the appetite to eat it.

'How're you feeling? We were so worried about you.'

'I'm fine,' I replied quietly. I poked the fork into one of the sausages on the plate and took a bite. I knew I had to eat something. 'Just a little sore.'

'Can you remember anything that happened?' asked Ron.

'Not really, it all seems a bit of a blur,' I mumbled. Yes, I know I was lying. I'd just seen Harry walk in the room. He was watching me. 'I only remember someone chasing me and next thing I was lying at the bottom of a hill. I didn't know where I was.' I shook my head. 'It took all the energy I had left to get down here.'

'Did you see Voldemort?' asked Harry. I looked at him. He was staring at me. 'Did he hurt you?'

'I really don't want to talk about it now,' I said, ignoring Harry's question. I stared coldly back at him. I didn't want to talk to him. It was none of his business. I pushed the tray off my lap and I got out of the bed, heading for the door. 'I just want to take a shower and forget about it.'

'OK,' said Hermione. She came over to me and gave me a hug. I returned it. It was so good to see them again. 'You know we're here if you need us.'

'Yeah,' agreed Ginny. She too gave me a hug. 'So if you want to talk about it, we're here.'

'Thanks, guys,' I said.

'By the way, Jen,' added Ron before I left, 'you passed all your OWLs.' He handed me an opened letter. 'The letters came earlier in the holiday. Your work paid off.'

Well that was a nice surprise. Taking the letter, I headed for the bathroom reading my results. I got all Outstandings. I was quite surprised I passed Divination and History of Magic as well as I did. My Divination exam had consisted of me making up the biggest load of nonsense ever. It had worked though. With that in mind I took off Ginny's pyjamas and had a shower. It felt so nice to finally be clean again and be able to wash my hair.

For the rest of the day I spent my time sitting in the living room on the sofa, my knees pulled up to my chest. I was staring out the window, looking at the sunshine. You really don't know how lucky you are to see the sun shine until you don't see it any longer. Plus I felt much better being on my own than with the others. When it was time for lunch Mrs Weasley was insisting I ate something but I couldn't stomach any of her food. I had no appetite whatsoever. But I ate something just to keep her happy. Then it was back on the sofa to think. It was the afternoon when someone came to me.

'Jenna?'

I looked away from the window to the wooden arch separating the sitting room and kitchen. It was Lupin. I opened my mouth to say something but no words came. I honestly didn't know what to say to him. I had been dreading the moment when he would come to speak to me. I knew he'd be angry at me for running away but he had to see it from my point of view. It felt like he was leaving me. So instead I looked away from him, my hair falling over my face. I heard a few footsteps approach me before arms went round my body, pulling me closer. I felt them grip me. I held on to Lupin's arm as he hugged me, resting my head on his shoulder.

'I am so glad you've come home,' said Lupin. I could hear the emotion in his voice. I felt like I was going to cry knowing how much I must have hurt him. 'I thought I'd lost you forever.'

'I'm sorry,' was all I could say. Lupin let go of me and held me in front of him on the sofa. He raised my face so I would look at him.

'No, I'm sorry,' he said. He looked so sincere. 'I shouldn't have accepted that mission. I should have been there for you. I put something else before you, something I said I'd never do. I gave you my word.' Lupin was silent for a few seconds before he continued. 'The main thing is you're safe and home. And if you don't want to go back to Hogwarts, I'll keep you out till you're ready.'

'No, I have to go back to school,' I said. 'I think it's better if I go back. It'll take my mind off things that happened. And I need to do my NEWTs anyway. No point in getting behind at the start of my NEWT years.'

'If you're sure,' said Lupin. He gave me another hugged and smiled. I just managed to do so in return. 'If you tell me which subjects you want to continue, I'll go to Diagon Alley and get you the textbooks you need.'

I told Lupin I'd decided to do Defence Against the Dark Arts, Charms, Herbology, Potions (yeah I know, who would openly put up with Snape for another two years willingly?) and Transfiguration. But after the summer I'd just had, I wanted to do something to help stop the Death Eaters and Voldemort and being an Auror seemed to be the most logical way of doing it. Even if it did mean working for the Ministry.

I spent just over a week at The Burrow. After a couple days of sleep and regaining some sort of appetite I looked for a moment in order to have a look round for Aldarn. I hadn't forgotten that he should be around here somewhere. I had to find a moment when the Weasleys and the others were all busy and I had a moment to myself when I couldn't be interrupted. The best time to do it I found was before bed, when they were all relaxing in the sitting room or upstairs getting ready for bed. The only chance I had was on the last Wednesday of the holidays.

It was nearing eight o'clock and everyone was away from the kitchen door. I offered to put the rubbish out and so found an excuse to go outside. I took it out as I said I would before lingering round when I came back in to see if Mrs Weasley had left the window. Once she had, I disappeared back into the garden. I headed straight for the bushes near the chicken coop.

'Aldarn!' I hissed quietly. 'Aldarn, you here?'

I waited for a few moments. He didn't seem to be there. Maybe he was out hunting? But then there was a doleful hooting and I saw him flap out from the bushes. He didn't seem pleased. As I took the letter he gave me a sharp nip on the finger like he used to do to Dad before flying off.

'Thanks to you too,' I said as he disappeared.

'Who are you talking to?'

I spun round, pocketing the letter as I did so. Behind me was Harry. He was standing on the doorstep and was watching me. I looked away and headed for the small wall around the chicken coop, saying, 'None of your business.' in reply.

'Why did you do it?' I turned round again. Harry was walking over to me. 'Why did you run away?'

'It's none of your business!' I said again. I walked passed him to get back to the house seeing that I wasn't going to get any peace out here but he caught my wrist to stop me. 'Get your hands off me!' I burst, yanking my wrist from his grip. 'Who do you think you are?'

'I'm your friend,' replied Harry. 'Or at least, I was the last time I looked.'

'Well people changed with time, Potter, believe it or not.'

'Since when did you call me Potter?'

I just shook my head and walked off. But again he stopped me, this time by walking in front of me.

'Jenna, please,' he said, 'I just want to know if you're all right.' I stared at him. Why would he care? 'You disappear two weeks after school finishes and turn up again over a month later without a word of where you've been. I've been worried about you. Lupin has been thinking you were dead!'

'Oh, of course you have,' I replied sarcastically. 'Guilty conscience getting the better of you?' I pushed him on the chest as I said that making him take a step back. 'Didn't want another death on your hands?' I walked round him but only to be stopped a third time, grabbing my arm.

'It's not been like that at all!' protested Harry. Yeah, right. 'I – what's that on your arm?'

I looked down to see he'd grabbed my left arm. Voldemort had burnt the Dark Mark on to that arm! I could just see the tip of the snake's black tail writhing slightly below my wrist. The sleeve of my jacket had rolled up when Harry had grabbed it.

'It's nothing,' I said. I tried to free my arm but Harry wouldn't let go. 'No, I – let go!' He took a step forwards and took the rest of my arm in his other hand. 'No, don't!' He pushed up my sleeve and revealed the Dark Mark. I stared at it as it writhed on my arm. Beside me Harry was looking at in disgust before looking up at me.

'Did Voldemort do this to you?' he asked me. I didn't answer. I just stared at him as he looked right into my eyes. 'Did Voldemort do this to you?' asked Harry again.

'Why do you care?' I asked quietly. I pulled my arm from his grip and turned away, pulling my sleeve down my arm. 'Why do you care so much what happened?'

I looked down at the ground, my hair falling over my face and my arms crossed over my chest holding my elbows.

'Because I care about you.' I glanced through my hair back at him. 'You're my best friend.'

'Well maybe you aren't mine anymore.' and I walked off back inside.

That night I lay awake in bed for hours, tossing and turning. I felt so bad for telling Harry he wasn't my friend anymore but it was how I felt. I may have accepted Dad's death but the fact Harry did not seem sorry about being responsible for it just made me so angry at him. He just didn't care. I couldn't forgive him. And I was stuck with him here for another three days before I was to leave for Hogwarts. The sooner I was back at school, the better I figured as I'd finally be able to get away from Harry.


AN: whey-hey! another chapter and Jenna's finally back at The Burrow where she belongs ... even if she's with people she doesn't want to be around. well, hope you enjoyed it and plz leave a review. and thx to all those who reviewed the last chapter! luv ya all! BlAcKdAuGhTeR