Brooklyn was still where he was in the solitary dark prison cellar of Malfoy Manor, images of Dobby's dead body flashing in his mind, as the loneliness continued to rise all around him.
Two days had gone by, with no company from the outside. Nobody even bothered to check on his condition, his scar still stinging from Bellatrix, wondering if his friends were still safe, and struggling with keeping his strength and sanity. No matter what, he wouldn't let these people break his spirit like they tried to do in the past! He can't let it happen again, even if he broke himself trying to do it.
Brooklyn was fed only once or twice, when food and water would be slipped through the door, but he never saw any faces. Whenever he saw his reflection in the bowl of water, it would be replaced with Harry's.
Only during the times when Brooklyn's anger at being kept prisoner got the better of him, did he either shout out loud, or bang his fists on the metal door with angry tears coming down. He hated them all for ripping him away from his brother! Brooklyn wanted to kill them!
"I am gonna get away from here, you hear me?!" He screamed, fists burning from hitting the door, but as usual, he was met with silence.
I have to escape from this soon, just have to... Brooklyn thought, going back to his corner and rubbing his sore hands. He planned to wait until an opportunity finally came that wouldn't get him killed trying to do it.
The air sometimes felt rather suffocating, and with the lack of windows, Brooklyn sometimes couldn't tell if the sun was rising or setting, one of the worst things of being a prisoner at Malfoy Manor.
But then on the third day, there was the sounds of Apparation, and voices came, two he didn't wish to hear, holding himself tightly. Voldemort and Demona have arrived.
"So, Lucius, am I aware that since you have summoned me, that you have been able to capture Harry Potter?" Purred Voldemort's voice from afar. Brooklyn panted silently with fear, it had been a while since he heard Voldemort's voice, but he still hated the demon man.
"Y-yes, we caught Harry Potter, m-my Lord, but—."
"But is a dangerous word, human. If anything went wrong here, I can assure I won't be so merciful with you," hissed Demona. Lucius whimpered.
"Now, Lucius, tell me what happened, and I might spare your disappointment of a family," said Voldemort, his voice still calm but deadly. Brooklyn could hear Demona growling dangerously at Lucius.
"H-he escaped, e-except—."
"We still have his gargoyle, my Lord!" Bellatrix interrupted, before Voldemort could move in on Lucius.
"Really Lestrange? He didn't make it?" Voldemort asked.
"I caught him, my Lord, he's still in the cellar as we speak!" She stated proudly, and Brooklyn's stomach ached from those words, as though there was poison in it again, hating everything she said, making him feel like a caged animal as he curled his arms and wings around himself, a despondent look on his face.
"If what your saying is true, I wish to 'speak' to him," said Demona with icy joy. Brooklyn trembled again, not looking forward to seeing her.
"You shall be rewarded for successfully capturing Potter's brother, my dear," purred Voldemort. "And as for Lucius his family is spared, for now."
"I-I'll get him r-ready, m-my Lord," he heard Wormtail, and then shuffling footsteps came to his door, that he opened.
Wormtail cast his eyes around, until he spotted Brooklyn, eyes cast downward, struggling to take in shuddering breaths from the terrible air, he had been dreaming for fresh air since being thrown in.
Just seeing this broke something in the rat man. Realizing now that this was Harry Potter's brother, about to be mercilessly tortured then killed, just like his old friend…
Flashbacks of the old times with James flooded Wormtail's mind, and tears came.
What have I done? I-I really did betray my best friend, I'm such a fool! A coward! Wormtail thought silently, his heart threatening to burst. He could already imagine the devastated look on Potter's face when he learns of his brother's demise.
He also remembered how Harry had given him mercy at the Shrieking Shack, and that life debt. Maybe this could be his chance. Taking a breath, he moved towards Brooklyn, but he backed away against the wall, fury and fear etched onto his face.
"Get back! Don't touch me, traitor!" He snapped hoarsely, swiping back with his talons, making Wormtail flinch.
"N-no, wait, I-I want to help," begged Wormtail in a soft voice so not to arouse suspicion from outside, reaching out with his hand. Brooklyn felt a little surprised, but didn't believe him.
"Why should I trust you after all that you did, killing my brother's parents, bringing a maniac wizard back, should I go on?" He snarled. Wormtail winced, but nodded.
"I know I did all sorts of things. B-but if there is something I can do to make up for it, is that this cellar isn't completely sealed without an exit to the outside," Wormtail stated, pointing to a hidden trap door in the far corner. Brooklyn raised his brow.
"How come we didn't see this before?" He asked in a soft tone.
"Because He wished for his prisoners to believe they were trapped, with no exit. But this goes underground underneath the Mansion to the outside near the woods. Keep going until you're out of security system reach," he mumbled, eyes darting from side to side.
Frowning, Brooklyn moved to the door, pulling it open with what strength he had, and gasped slightly at the tunnel beneath. So Wormtail wasn't lying this time!
"I-I…" Brooklyn stuttered, not having any words, until Voldemort shouted from above.
"Wormtail! Where is the gargoyle?!" He roared. Peter pushed Brooklyn to the trapdoor ladder.
"Go, go to your brother," he said urgently. Brooklyn took his non metal arm.
"Come with me, get away from him," he pleaded. But Peter shook his head.
"I've already sealed my fate, and I wouldn't be accepted anyway," he said sadly. "But, here's your wand, I found it on the floor."
Brooklyn didn't like the idea of leaving him, but this was his mission alone to reunite with Harry Potter.
He bowed his head in thanks, taking his wand. "T-tell Harry's parents that he and I said hi, okay?" He mumbled in a thick voice. Peter nodded, and Brooklyn climbed down into the secret passageway, Peter closing it quickly as Voldemort and Demona came in, breathing a sigh, feeling a burden lifting from his shoulders, ready to face the consequences from Voldemort.
Brooklyn slowly made his way in the underground, heart hammering in his chest, betting with himself if he made it out alive and got back to Harry, he was going to have a nice hot butter beer with his little brother.
Halfway down, he could hear the pleading of Peter, and the angry voices of his enemies.
Brooklyn paused, for there was silence, until…
"Avada Kedavra!" Yelled Voldemort, along with the death scream of Peter. Brooklyn flinched, shutting his eyes, trying not to imagine Peter's body hitting the floor and that terrible flash of green light striking him. Peter Pettigrew, one of the remaining Marauders next to Lupin and Sirius, was dead. He died saving Brooklyn's life, to repay Harry's debt.
Brooklyn continued on down the passageway in silence, until he saw the cellar doors above him. Pressing with his little strength, it was luckily not sealed tightly shut, and opened all the way.
He gave a sigh of relief as fresh air blew into his face, stepping out but quickly finding a place to hide, until he was certain the coast was clear.
Counting down, Brooklyn then made a break for the forest, panting, wanting to be as far away from Malfoy Manor as possible.
Once in the confinement of the trees, Brooklyn shut his eyes, wishing to Apparate out of here to someplace safe. The Forest of Dean, perhaps... To his amazement, he felt the familiar suffocating darkness of Apparation, and reappeared in the Forest of Dean once again.
Brooklyn let out a shaky breath of leftover anxiety and relief. He was away from that terrible place, and Apparated successfully on his own!
But he then remembered, he was still alone. Hermione, Ron and Harry weren't with him now. Brooklyn lowered his head in small sadness, finding a tree to lie down against, and laid his head on it, after casting spells about him to shield his presence, of course.
He suddenly got an idea. If he could send his Patronus to Katie, that would comfort him in a small way.
Brooklyn thought of reuniting with Harry, conjuring his Phoenix Patronus.
"Katie...I'm sending you this message because I have been separated from Harry, Ron, and Hermione. I am currently in the Forest of Dean, had just escaped from Malfoy Manor with the help of Peter Pettigrew. Don't worry for me, I'll be alright until I find them. Please keep protecting Hogwarts with my Clan. I love you."
The Patronus flew away. Brooklyn sighed heavily, willing himself to sleep as best he could.
His eyes shut at last as he fell into a fitful slumber.
...
Brooklyn dreamed he was still in Malfoy Manor, forced to watch as Hermione kept being tortured, screaming loudly. Now the word Mudblood was displayed all over her face, her hands reached out to him, as he backed away.
"It is your fault, Brooklyn...you petrified me, and now you tortured me...your fault…"
Brooklyn felt his body tremble, backing away from the scarred Hermione, blood coming down from her wounds. Even though he had so far been able to forgive himself with Tom Riddle, apparently they didn't forget, if it at first seemed that way.
"I didn't mean to, I didn't!" He repeated from before, as suddenly his victims from the second year came, surrounding him on all sides, Colin, Penelope, a grey Nearly Headless Nick, Justin, even Mrs. Norris.
Colin narrowed his eyes hatefully. "I was unable to have a good full first year at Hogwarts because of you, and don't give us that Tom Riddle bull again! It was your fault for being caught in the Black Magic. You're the monster who did all this!"
Brooklyn was really scared by all this and their accusations, almost forgetting it was a dream. "Stop! You all forgave me that day! Please!" He begged.
It was no use trying to talk to them, as they continued to close in on Brooklyn who still kept trying his best to apologize and backing away. But he stumbled and fell against the wall, sliding to the floor, no escape as his eyes rounded with fear, trying to shield himself while his victims continued to assault him with hurtful words, causing him to plead even more out loud for mercy and forgiveness, the words Your Fault pulsing through every part of his body painfully...he wanted it to stop, they were hurting him...he couldn't take it...
...
Brooklyn gave a small cry as he woke up, shaking and looking around, but then sighed in relief when he saw he was still safe in the Forest of Dean, it was just a stupid nightmare.
But... Brooklyn felt that familiar guilt he had when being controlled by Tom Riddle arise once more, picking up a rock and throwing it, wishing Hermione was here so he could give her a hug as an apology for causing her to suffer again.
You will find her. You'll find them all...just go back to sleep, it will be okay... his inner sleepy thought told him, and Brooklyn allowed those comforting words to lull him back to sleep again, this time with no dreams.
Meanwhile at Hogwarts, Katie had received Brooklyn's message, and tears spilled from her eyes, Lexington giving her a comforting hug, staring out the window in sadness, his own tears coming for his once again missing rookery brother.
Brooklyn began his long journey to find Harry the next morning after a somewhat successful night of rest, though it was hard without a good tent. He Apparated away from the Forest of Dean, reappearing out near a small river, a little town nearby.
I could probably get supplies here, Brooklyn thought. He looked down at himself, seeing how skinny he was from lack of food.
With some luck Brooklyn used a dissolution charm on himself, sneaking through the village, taking a few items and food for himself, including finding a nice saddlebag at one point. The gargoyle felt rather guilty stealing but that's what had happened on occasion when he was with his friends.
After a small but decent meal of bread and cheese he took from a store, Brooklyn found himself wandering to each place where Harry could be, Godric's Hollow, and many of the other spots they have previously been, for they possibly have left Shell Cottage by now, and it would be no point trying to go there anymore.
He missed his brother desperately, and often felt the uncontrollable desire for company threaten to consume him. Unless he wanted to, Brooklyn absolutely hated to be alone, especially traveling.
Keep going, Brooklyn...you need to be strong and fight the loneliness. Don't...don't give up... he often argued to himself daily, especially after one time when he had a nap in the afternoon, he hallucinated that the Golden Trio were right there with him, laughing and talking.
Brooklyn took care to avoid being caught again by Snatchers, for he was still wanted by the enemy. Even though he could easily fly, it would draw attention from nearby foes, which he didn't want, and that was why he walked instead.
One day though he got pretty heroic, saving a small family from a pretty lame looking Snatcher that was bullying them.
The father was shielding his wife and son, while a pudgy Snatcher chortled evilly at them. Brooklyn hid behind the well near their house, glaring.
"Ya Mudblood family are comin' with us, whether yeh like it or not!" He taunted, suddenly grabbing the small boy who wailed.
"No! Not my son!" Sobbed the mother, reaching out.
Brooklyn couldn't stand seeing this assaulting of the family anymore, stepping calmly and coolly out of his hiding spot, looking as intimidating as he could.
"What? Yeh-yeh the Gargoyle?!" Yelped the Snatcher in fright and excitement, for he heard from Voldemort of the renegade gargoyle called Brooklyn separated from the Boy Who Lived.
"Yes, and I'm telling you to step away from them and let go of the child," he demanded in a cool voice, folding his arms. The father stared in awe at what this gargoyle was doing.
"Oh yeah? And what will you do about it?" Taunted the pudgy Snatcher, raising his wand, but Brooklyn wasn't frightened of this lame Snatcher.
"Petrificus Totalus!" He shouted, pointing at the Snatcher who instantly froze, losing his grip on the boy who ran to his mother. Brooklyn tossed the Snatcher away into some bushes.
The father gazed at him with gratefulness in his eyes.
"Thank you, you saved my family, I wish we can do something to repay you," he said, hugging his wife and son.
But Brooklyn shook his head. "I really don't want to intrude, I need to get going—." He said, until the little boy came up to him.
"Please, Mr. Gargoyle, please stay for dinner with us?" He pleaded. His eyes stared right into Brooklyn, who felt himself falling victim to the child's cuteness.
"Uh, okay, thank you," he said, suddenly feeling his stomach growl. The boy giggled, taking Brooklyn's hand and guiding him in.
"My name's Aaron, what's yours?" He asked. Brooklyn smiled.
"It's Brooklyn," he responded, sitting down next to Aaron at the table, as the wife dished it out, for the Snatcher had invaded them right at dinner.
Brooklyn enjoyed himself with this nice family and complimented on the mother's cooking that reminded him of Mrs. Weasley whom he too missed. He told them as much as he could tell the family about Harry Potter, and why he was out all alone.
When it was time for Brooklyn to head out, the father was generous enough to lend him money, food, and a new canteen of water. Aaron didn't want Brooklyn to go.
"I have to, I can't leave my brother to fight this battle alone," he told them sadly. The father nodded in understanding.
"Be careful out there, dear," the mother said in a worried voice.
"I will," Brooklyn told her, before grunting softly as Aaron suddenly hugged him. It almost reminded Brooklyn of when a ten year old Harry hugged him for the first time, and he hugged the child back.
"Goodbye, Brooklyn. You're a friend of ours now," said the small boy tearfully. Brooklyn did his best to hold in his emotions, for Aaron really did remind him of the small boy, Harry Potter he encountered all those years ago. He patted the boy's head gently.
"Protect your family for me, okay?" He said, and Aaron nodded, moving back to hold his mother's hand, as Brooklyn turned his back on the family, going on his way.
The red gargoyle kept going as best he could, his dinner with the nice family strengthened him a little, but was slowly losing track of the days since his travels started.
Brooklyn himself was slowly feeling worn down every step, wishing again for his Stone Sleep to rejuvenate his energy. If there could be some way he could gain it back by some other kind of spell, but with an upgrade like his wings, and turn from Stone to Flesh whenever he felt like it, it would really come in handy.
He was now wandering through a grassy field towards another forest, the snow was moving away for Spring, and the grass felt dry and rough under his feet. He took a swig of water at one point to quench his thirst.
I'm coming, little brother, just hold on... Brooklyn thought wearily, sometimes stumbling a little. He wondered if Harry and the others were finding the next Horcrux by now. He wouldn't stop until he was back with his friends once again. He wished again that he was with them now wherever they were, finding the next Horcrux together.
He reached the forest, roaming through the trees, looking around for any kind of unfriendly creatures or people.
But then he heard whooshing sounds, and put his guard up, drawing his wand, just in time to see more Snatchers behind him, and Brooklyn gulped nervously.
"What do we have here boys, someone's out all alone, isn't he?" Sneered the first Snatcher. "Where are your little friends we heard you were traveling with?"
He backed up. "I'm not saying anything, it's just me traveling," he growled, gripping his wand tight in his hand.
"You can say that to the Head of the Disposal of Dangerous Creatures, for we're taking you in!" Said the Snatcher sinisterly. Brooklyn's wings extended to their full height.
Oh no, this won't happen again! Brooklyn thought, roaring in defiance as he shot an exploding spell at them, giving him the chance to run for it, ducking and dodging their spells, racing through the trees, praying for any kind of help or Apparation escape route.
That was when he saw something in the trees, a small cabin with light in the windows. He raised his brow, wondering who would live all the way out here.
Brooklyn grunted sharply as he tripped on a root close to the cabin, collapsing to the dirt floor, shaking his head, wincing as he felt pain trying to stand up, for he twisted his ankle.
He glanced around, seeing his enemies closing in, and crawled away as best he could.
"Nowhere to run, lonely little beast. Nowhere to hide, and nobody to save you," taunted the first Snatcher, pointing his wand.
"Just what do you lads think you're doing on my property?" Said a cold firm voice.
What? Brooklyn thought, turning about to see a figure hidden by the twilight shadows.
The other Snatchers glanced at one another before laughing uproariously.
"Get out of our way, old coot. The Dark Lord wants this beast returned to him, and you can't defend this one from us!"
The man folded his arms. "Watch yourselves, lads. You don't know whom your talking to."
"Ha! Like we need to know, you're just some old codger hermit!"
Brooklyn heard a gun cock.
"I warned ya lads, now clear off," the man growled, pointing his gun.
"You dare! Our Master will have your blood for this!"
The gun fired at each one of them. The Snatchers gave shouts as they all ran for it, unprepared for what the 'old hermit' was capable of.
After his enemies left, Brooklyn saw the man holding out his hand to him.
"Come, Let's get you inside."
Brooklyn didn't trust him at first, for his voice sounded terribly familiar. But he did save him from the Snatchers, so he nodded, taking his hand carefully, allowing the man to support him on his good foot inside the cabin.
Once inside, the man set Brooklyn down on a cushioned chair, propped up his foot, and went to stoke his fire. Brooklyn glanced about the cabin, a modest one, with simple supplies and furniture, with a small kitchen.
"What had brought you all the way out here?" The man suddenly asked. Brooklyn glanced down.
"I-I was separated from my human brother, and I'm trying to find him," he muttered. Brooklyn could vaguely see the man's face in the firelight, but not completely.
"It wouldn't be Harry Potter, the boy I've been seeing in the news, wouldn't it?"
Brooklyn gulped again. "Yes, unless-unless you just want to turn me in," he said in a suspicious voice. The man chuckled.
"Oh, lad, I don't have any quarrel with you or your Clan anymore, and especially her for that matter. Just want a quiet remainder of days."
"What? How do you know my Clan and Demona?" Brooklyn demanded, hands clenched into fists. The man lit up some lamps.
"Because we met before, Brooklyn of Wyvern, second in command of Goliath."
Brooklyn's mouth fell open in shock, as the man's face came into full view, and he definitely was familiar, how couldn't he have known before?!
"Macbeth?!" Brooklyn yelped in disbelief, while the man he hadn't seen for ages simply smiled at him.
Meanwhile...on an island on the Black Lake...
A white marble tombstone sat there, housing the body of Albus Dumbledore. But then there was movement, the top of the tombstone had been moved away, and a hooded figure stood above the grave, breaking the rest of it with his wand.
Voldemort smirked triumphantly, staring down at the decaying body of Dumbledore. The old fool probably didn't even suspect having his grave robbed, as he took the elder wand from his hands.
Voldemort caressed the wand, in awe of its beauty and power, then he shot a stream of magical lightning into the dark sky, the Elder Wand serving a new Master now.
Brooklyn and the Deathly Hallows part 2 coming June 2021