Chapter 15- The Runes of Abaron
Anaka hugged Sunfire tightly as she cried in the Shrieking Shack. After Remus had dragged her away, they had gotten into a big fight. Her father had walked away angrily and had gone to speak with Dumbledore. She had sneeked back into Hogwarts, grabbing Sunfire unnoticed. She feared what might happen next.
"Is it wrong to love him?" she whispered to Sunfire. Sunfire purred and rubbed against Anaka.
Anaka stood up and stared out the window. She stood there thinking for a while when her thoughts were interrupted by a scratch at the door. Anaka had picked one of the few rooms that still had doors on their hinges. She opened it slowly and sighed when she saw the big black dog.
"Come in." she sniffed opening the door. The dog walked into the room and waited for Anaka to shut the door and sit beside him. Anaka watched as Sirius changed to himself.
"Why the tears Ana?" Sirius asked worried. Anaka wiped her face and set Sunfire on the floor. Then she told him the whole story.
"So you kissed that guy?" Sirius said unbelieveing.
"You're just like everyone else." Anaka scolded standing up. She picked up Sunfire and started towards the door. Sirius stopped her.
"I'm not like everyone else." He said softly, "You can do what you want. But you're only 15! Don't you think you're to young to get involved with anyone?"
"Is it wrong to love him?" she asked defiantly. Sirius hesitated a mintue.
"He did attack you.." he started before Anaka interrupted him.
"That was months ago!! I understand why he did!! Why can't you people just forgive him? I have!"
"Because we love you! We are worried about you! This guy is dangerous. Dumbledore clued me in on the other side of him. Something is diffinently fishy."
"But look." Anaka trust out her hand and pointed with the other at her necklace. Sirius glanced at the necklace but stared at the ring.
"What…um….What exactly does this mean?" he stammered.
"Not what you think. He just told me that he loved me. But I didn't get a chance to tell him how I feel because dad came!"
"What would have happened if he didn't?" Sirius countered. Anaka looked at him surprised.
"What do you mean?"
"You were kissing."
"So?" Anaka asked angrily.
"I agree with Remus. You're not ready for what could have happened."
"Nothing would have happened." Anaka grumbled.
"I think we should get back to Hogwarts." Sirius said, starting to leave. Reluctantly, Anaka followed.
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"Anaka! Where have you been?" Hermione cried when Anaka entered the common room. The room was dark and Hermione had stayed up all alone. Hermione looked at Anaka's tear streaked face and at her swollen ankle,which was deminishing.
"I just had to stop by Madam Pomfry to heal my ankle." Anaka said, putting Sunfire gently on the floor.
"Why did you sneak in here and grab Sunfire? George saw you. He said you ran to the Shreiking Shack."
"I did. I needed to be alone."
"Why? What happened?"
Anaka sighed and sat heavily by the fire. Hermione sat next to her quietly and listened as she told her what happened.
"That's terrible." Hermione said once Anaka was done.
"I just don't know what's going to happen now. What will Dumbledore do?"
"Dumbledore will understand." Hermione said softly.
There was a deep silence. Then Hermione remembered something.
"I went to the library like you asked," Hermione said suddenly, "I checked out some books on runes and strange enough Abaron is mentioned in two of them."
Anaka perked up at this.
"Hermione," she said slowly, "I have to tell you something. No one else is supposed to know but I think you can help me." Anaka recounted what happened to John and about the book of runes.
"How strange!" Hermione replied.
"Yes, I know. Would you mind if we took a look at those books now?" Hermione shook her head and ran up to get the books. They spent the rest of the night reading about Abaron. They found out that Abaron was thought to be an ancient civilazation in England. A wizard named Fagabozo Cersatern, from Spain, discovered it in 1678. After that it is said that the land of Abaron disappeared as soon as Cersatern left. It has been sighted in various places but there is no proof.
"Wow." Hermione whispered.
"I don't believe this!! I have to get John or his parents to talk to me about it." Anaka replied.
"Can't this wait for tomorrow?" Hermione said yawning.
"I guess."
They shut off the one light they had on and Anaka grabbed Sunfire, who was in a deep sleep. Then they went to the dormotory.
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Lupin marched angrily out of Dumbledore's office. Remus had explained everything to him and all Dumbledore had said was let's sleep on it. As Remus stormed through the halls he passed Serverus.
"What's all the huff about?" he asked, seeing Lupin's face. Remus turned to him with a dangerous look.
"Why do you care?"
"I don't. But if it concerns Dumbledore then it must be something important." Snape shrugged. Remus poured out his story to Snape. Feeling a little better afterward he sighed and ran a hand through his hair.
"I yelled at her." He groaned, "I totally blew up."
"Well, werewolves can get like that." Snape sneered. He was quite disturbed by the news but resolved not to let it show.
"So," Snape started with a smirk, "you let your daughter go gallivanting around? I don't think Molly would have liked you letting your daughter go into the arms of a monster."
Remus clenched his fists and glared at Snape. Snape jeered at him.
"What? Are you going to hit me Remus? Why? Can't except the truth that your daughter goes off with Professors and does who knows what…."
At this Remus lost it and slammed Snape against the wall.
"Watch it Severus." He said quietly, "I wouldn't want Madam Pomfry to have to bandage up the rest of your face."
Snape glared at him. They stood there for awhile. Then Lupin let him go and started to walk away.
"Not this time wolf." Snape growled and lunged at him.
"Ah!" Remus, taken by surprise, fell hard on the floor. They struggled and Snape punched him in the stomach. Remus was stunned for a moment as Snape kicked him in the stomach and the wind was knocked out of him. Snape dragged Remus up on his feet.
Recomposing himself, Remus kicked Snape hard in his leg. As he yelped, Lupin hit him hard in the gut, then in the face. He watched Snape lying on the floor. He struggled to sit up and slowly wiped the blood trickling from his mouth.
"This is childish." He said standing, leaning against the wall. Remus nodded.
"Sorry it had to come to this Severus." He whispered and started to walk away.
Snape smiled deviously and grabbed his wand. He pointed it at Remus and started reciting a spell.
"Not today greaseball!!!" came a shout.
Sirius jumped out of the shadows and hit the wand out of Snape's hand. Sirius pinned him on the floor. Remus turned in surprise and ran back to Sirius's side.
"He took out his wand." Sirius growled. Snape glared at them both. Lupin stayed silent.
"Is it a duel you want?" Sirius asked. He tightened his hold on Snape and Severus tried to hide the pain on his face. But Remus saw it and felt pity at once.
"Let him go Sirius. This isn't right." Knowing that he couldn't change Remus's mind by the look on his face, Sirius let go.
Severus stayed sprawled on the floor.
"Is it a duel you want Severus?" Remus asked quietly. Snape just glared at them. He wished that he could duel with them. He knew he'd find pleasure in killing them both but also knew that Dumbledore would never allow it.
"Let's go." Remus said rubbing his stomach. There was a pain there he had never felt before. Sirius nodded and kicked Snape hard before leaving. Severus watched as they walked down the hall.
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"I've never felt better." Sirius said smiling. He was trying to lighten the dark mood around his friend but it didn't seem to work.
"What's wrong Remus? I've never known you to get into a fight before?"
Remus sighed.
"He was saying awful things about Ana. I couldn't let him. I felt so angry." As he remembered the fight his hand went to his stomach. The strange pain was still there.
"I wonder if he has rocks in his shoes?" Remus muttered. Sirius stopped him with a hand.
"You're hurt aren't you?" Sirius asked frowning. Remus shrugged.
"He punched and kicked me in the stomach. It's just a bit bruised."
"Let me see."
"No. I'm fine Sirius…."
"Remus!"
They stared at eachother for a while. Then Remus sighed. He lifted his shirt slightly and Sirius's eyes widened at the sight. Remus's stomach was purple, red, and blue. It looked terrible and Sirius noticed how much the red looked like blood. Could he be bleeding internally?
"You're going to Madam Pomfry now!" Sirius said quickly dragging Remus a few steps.
"I'm fine." Remus said stopping, "I refuse to go to Madam Pomfry this late. Snape is worse then me." Sirius shook his head and dragged him all the way. Once they were there, Sirius transformed.
"Why what's wrong Professor? And what's this dog doing here?" Madam Pomfry asked yawning.
"I'm so sorry for coming so late but I'm afraid I fell. I thought I was fine but my friend said I should come anyway."
Madam Pomfry led him to a bed. Remus lifted his shirt slowly and Pomfry gasped.
"What did you fall on?" she asked examining the wound. She pressed it in a spot and Remus's head swooned. The room moved and suddenly there were two Madam Pomfry's.
"I'm……not feeling well at all." Remus grumbled holding his head and sitting on the bed.
"Madam Pomfry!!! I found Professor Snape almost unconsious in the hall and…." Professor McGonagoll stopped when she saw Remus. Her eyes narrowed. Snape was leaning on her heavily.
"So you got into a fight, hmm?" she started but Madam Pomfry hushed her.
"It doesn't matter. Just go tell Dumbledore and leave Snape on that bed."
Remus watched the figures move until the room went dark.
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Remus woke up to arguing voices nearby.
"Why don't you tell us what really happened Severus?"
"I already told you Minerva…."
"You're a liar!! Madam Pomfry said Remus gave her the same excuse! Perhaps you fell down together?"
Lupin opened his eyes to see Anaka, Harry, Ron, and Hermione hovering nearby. Sirius was lying on the floor and Sunfire was curled up beside him. Remus tried to move but a sharp pain went through his stomach.
"Dad! Don't move." Anaka said to her father. Releif was in her eyes as her father smiled. Then she grew stern.
"You yell at me for getting into fights but then you get into one yourself! You're worse then I am."
"Well it's about time the other one woke." McGonagoll said raising an eyebrow.
Madam Pomfry quietly examined his bandages then heped him sit up. Snape was in a bed a few feet from him.
"Maybe you can tell us the truth?" Minerva pressed. Lupin stayed silent.
"This is unbelieveable!!" she said throwing up her hands, "You are such childern!"
"Just go away!" Snape growled.
"I shall not." She sneered.
"Stop bickering." Dumbledore said quietly. Lupin looked at him surprised. All this time Dumbledore had been so quiet that he hadn't noticed him.
"I think it's time I talked to them alone."
Pomfry and McGonagoll left quickly but not before McGonagoll reprimanded them one more time. Once they were gone and Dumbledore had drawn the curtains, Sirius transformed.
"Well, isn't this a wonderful sight." He said looking at Severus, all bandaged and bruised. He stopped as Dumbledore looked around the room.
"I want to know what happened. Now."
The room was awkwardly silent for a moment. Lupin sighed and Snape cleared his throat.
"I was attacked." Severus said finally. His eyes drifted to Remus.
"I was attacked by… by a no good, dirty, flea infested, retch."
"And I was attacked by a man who was defaming my daughters good name." Remus countered.
"So.." Dumbledore said thoughtfully, "why don't you tell us the full story Remus?"
Remus stared at Snape as he recounted his fight.
"I don't know what happened once I left. All I know is that I heard a cry and a struggle. I turned and saw Sirius on him."
"He took out his wand, the dirty bastard. He was going to kill him. I was trying to find Remus because I had found Anaka crying. I wanted to know if he was alright. I turned a corner and saw Snape reciting a spell as Remus walked away. I tackled him and pinned him to the ground. He wants a duel. He wants to kill us both. Don't you Severus? You'd love to kill the last of our group wouldn't you? Leave another kid without a father?"
At this Severus jumped out of his bed. Sirius smiled and they started towards eachother.
"Stop this." Dumbledore cried. He turned to Severus.
"Is it a duel you want?"
Snape andDumbledore stared at eachother for a while.
"Honestly?" Severus asked. Dumbledore nodded. Snape stirred uncomfortably and stayed silent. Dumbledore sighed.
"I know your answer now." He said quietly. Anaka looked at Snape and her father and grew frightened.
"Dad, you won't do it right?" she grabbed her father's hand.
"You're not doing it either." Harry told Sirius sternly. Remus and Sirius looked at eachother smiling.
"Who are the adults here?" Remus asked. Anaka eyed him, annoyed.
"Don't worry." Sirius replied.
"You should both rest now. We'll deal with this later." Dumbledore said. He pulled the curtain open as Sirius turned back into a dog. He then pulled the curtain to separate Remus and Snape.
He left with a word to Madam Pomfry. Harry, Ron, and Hermione followed silently. Anaka grabbed Sunfire and watched as Sirius sat next to her dad.
"I'll see you later." She called to him.
"Why don't you bring the ablum by later?" he asked, "I'd love to explain the pictures to you."
Anaka nodded.
"One more thing. Stay away from John. At least for now. For me please."
"Sure dad." Anaka said slowly. Then she left. As she passed Snape's bed, she saw him grumbling. Narrowing her eyes she went to see him.
Severus glared at her as she stood by his bed.
"What?" he asked gruffly.
"You would kill my dad and Sirius?"
Severus stared at his hands uncomfortably. He had been thinking the same thing. Could he really kill them? He hated them more then anything and wouldn't care if they were gone but to kill them himself? So many other people would be upset. Espicially Harry and Anaka. But why did he care?
"You would just make more people hate you. Like me and Harry."
"You already hate me." He sneered.
"No I don't." Anaka said with a surprised look. She smiled as Severus looked at her with surprise.
"I think you can be mean, but you can also be caring. Like when you were mad at John for using the gems on me."
"Well he had no right." Snape grumbled.
"Would you care if I forgave him?"
"Well, your father did tell me what happened. I…um… agree with him. He's dangerous."
Anaka nodded slightly.
"Did you really say bad things about me?" she asked thoughtfully.
Snape stirred.
"Shouldn't you be leaving?"
Anaka looked at him. Severus glanced about the room. The hurt in her eyes was to much. But she was the daughter of Remus so why should he care if she was hurt?
"Ok. I'll leave."
She started out the door then stopped.
"My dad has Sirius to look after him but you have no one." She turned and walked back to his bed. She gently put Sunfire on his folded hands.
"Sunfire will watch after you."
Severus stared at the bundle of fur. He petted it gently. Anaka turned and left. Snape sighed. Why was she nice to him?
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As Anaka walked out into the halls, Mr. and Mrs. Miffugan came towards her.
"Why hello Ana!" Rich cried, "I came to see your father. Is he up?"
"Yes he is." Anaka replied.
"Great! While the men talk, I'd like to speak with you." Alania said smiling. Anaka nodded and followed Alania back to her room. They sat at the kitchen table.
"I heard what happened with you and my son." She said, pouring two glasses of lemonade. Anaka stayed quiet.
Mrs. Miffugan took a sip from her glass. Then looked at Anaka thoughtfully.
"I also heard that you saw John's book. Or rather my family's book. We've had it for generations. I ran into Hermione yesterday. She was taking out some books on runes. I guess you were curious about Abaron?"
"Just a little." Anaka said slowly. Gaining some courage, Anaka asked a question,
"What is Abaron? Can you tell me about it?"
Alania smiled.
"I don't know if I could tell you, but maybe if I taught you a song my mother told me you'll understand." Anaka nodded. Alania thought for a moment and then started to sing:
Abaron's an ancient land,
Where elfin folk named Zaken dwell,
They live there and protect their land,
From evil and from wizard's hands,
Their skin is fair and eyes are bright,
They run as fast as Falcon's flight,
Their long fingers are quick on bow,
And eyes can see for leagues beyond,
Their ears can hear for miles round,
They beat their wings without a sound,
For they have powers unknown,
Enough to hide their large home,
Their mouths can speak in many tongues,
Though many don't understand their speech,
It sounds like ringing chimes,
Among the forests noisy song,
Though it may be lost today,
It will return so don't dismay,
Then the ancient folk shall sing,
And evil will be purged eternally.
Alania stopped and no one spoke.
"I'm afraid that's all I remember." She said sighing.
"So…you're all from Abaron?" Anaka asked. She knew Alania wanted her to believe that they were just stories in a book but there was more to it. When John transformed he almost perfectly fit the description.
"I guess I can't lie to you," Alania replied, "yes. We are of the ancient race, Zaken. It sounds rediculous but it's true. Years ago a group left Abaron with the explorer Fagabozo. The others were horrified and Abaron quickly left. Fagabozo turned out to be a worthless,dishonorable man. He wanted to sell them for money. So the 14 families of Zekans ran away and found a way to transform into humans. They settled in Spain, in a wizard community for a while. No matter how hard they searched they couldn't find Abaron again. They stayed there for years. Only two Zekans ever married wizards. Wizards have always seemed untrustworthy. Then Rich and I met Albus and it all changed!!! He's helped us search for Abaron. That's why we have so many homes around the world. We're hoping New York will lead us somewhere."
Anaka was silent for a moment.
"How is this ring the key to finding Abaron?" she asked. Alania hesitated, then smiled.
"Put it in the light."
Anaka held up her hand and gasped. Through the ring, there was faint black writing. There was a circle with initials around it and an arrow pointing to the initials US.
"It was passed down in my family. It's all the places Abaron moves to. We've searched everywhere and next is the US. I'm afraid that in a year though, the cycle will start over and Abaron could be in a place we already searched."
"It's a guessing game." Anaka muttered. Alania nodded.
"I think it's time I taught you how to read those runes Ana. I just hope you can resolve things with John."
"Me too." Anaka sighed.
Anaka hugged Sunfire tightly as she cried in the Shrieking Shack. After Remus had dragged her away, they had gotten into a big fight. Her father had walked away angrily and had gone to speak with Dumbledore. She had sneeked back into Hogwarts, grabbing Sunfire unnoticed. She feared what might happen next.
"Is it wrong to love him?" she whispered to Sunfire. Sunfire purred and rubbed against Anaka.
Anaka stood up and stared out the window. She stood there thinking for a while when her thoughts were interrupted by a scratch at the door. Anaka had picked one of the few rooms that still had doors on their hinges. She opened it slowly and sighed when she saw the big black dog.
"Come in." she sniffed opening the door. The dog walked into the room and waited for Anaka to shut the door and sit beside him. Anaka watched as Sirius changed to himself.
"Why the tears Ana?" Sirius asked worried. Anaka wiped her face and set Sunfire on the floor. Then she told him the whole story.
"So you kissed that guy?" Sirius said unbelieveing.
"You're just like everyone else." Anaka scolded standing up. She picked up Sunfire and started towards the door. Sirius stopped her.
"I'm not like everyone else." He said softly, "You can do what you want. But you're only 15! Don't you think you're to young to get involved with anyone?"
"Is it wrong to love him?" she asked defiantly. Sirius hesitated a mintue.
"He did attack you.." he started before Anaka interrupted him.
"That was months ago!! I understand why he did!! Why can't you people just forgive him? I have!"
"Because we love you! We are worried about you! This guy is dangerous. Dumbledore clued me in on the other side of him. Something is diffinently fishy."
"But look." Anaka trust out her hand and pointed with the other at her necklace. Sirius glanced at the necklace but stared at the ring.
"What…um….What exactly does this mean?" he stammered.
"Not what you think. He just told me that he loved me. But I didn't get a chance to tell him how I feel because dad came!"
"What would have happened if he didn't?" Sirius countered. Anaka looked at him surprised.
"What do you mean?"
"You were kissing."
"So?" Anaka asked angrily.
"I agree with Remus. You're not ready for what could have happened."
"Nothing would have happened." Anaka grumbled.
"I think we should get back to Hogwarts." Sirius said, starting to leave. Reluctantly, Anaka followed.
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"Anaka! Where have you been?" Hermione cried when Anaka entered the common room. The room was dark and Hermione had stayed up all alone. Hermione looked at Anaka's tear streaked face and at her swollen ankle,which was deminishing.
"I just had to stop by Madam Pomfry to heal my ankle." Anaka said, putting Sunfire gently on the floor.
"Why did you sneak in here and grab Sunfire? George saw you. He said you ran to the Shreiking Shack."
"I did. I needed to be alone."
"Why? What happened?"
Anaka sighed and sat heavily by the fire. Hermione sat next to her quietly and listened as she told her what happened.
"That's terrible." Hermione said once Anaka was done.
"I just don't know what's going to happen now. What will Dumbledore do?"
"Dumbledore will understand." Hermione said softly.
There was a deep silence. Then Hermione remembered something.
"I went to the library like you asked," Hermione said suddenly, "I checked out some books on runes and strange enough Abaron is mentioned in two of them."
Anaka perked up at this.
"Hermione," she said slowly, "I have to tell you something. No one else is supposed to know but I think you can help me." Anaka recounted what happened to John and about the book of runes.
"How strange!" Hermione replied.
"Yes, I know. Would you mind if we took a look at those books now?" Hermione shook her head and ran up to get the books. They spent the rest of the night reading about Abaron. They found out that Abaron was thought to be an ancient civilazation in England. A wizard named Fagabozo Cersatern, from Spain, discovered it in 1678. After that it is said that the land of Abaron disappeared as soon as Cersatern left. It has been sighted in various places but there is no proof.
"Wow." Hermione whispered.
"I don't believe this!! I have to get John or his parents to talk to me about it." Anaka replied.
"Can't this wait for tomorrow?" Hermione said yawning.
"I guess."
They shut off the one light they had on and Anaka grabbed Sunfire, who was in a deep sleep. Then they went to the dormotory.
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Lupin marched angrily out of Dumbledore's office. Remus had explained everything to him and all Dumbledore had said was let's sleep on it. As Remus stormed through the halls he passed Serverus.
"What's all the huff about?" he asked, seeing Lupin's face. Remus turned to him with a dangerous look.
"Why do you care?"
"I don't. But if it concerns Dumbledore then it must be something important." Snape shrugged. Remus poured out his story to Snape. Feeling a little better afterward he sighed and ran a hand through his hair.
"I yelled at her." He groaned, "I totally blew up."
"Well, werewolves can get like that." Snape sneered. He was quite disturbed by the news but resolved not to let it show.
"So," Snape started with a smirk, "you let your daughter go gallivanting around? I don't think Molly would have liked you letting your daughter go into the arms of a monster."
Remus clenched his fists and glared at Snape. Snape jeered at him.
"What? Are you going to hit me Remus? Why? Can't except the truth that your daughter goes off with Professors and does who knows what…."
At this Remus lost it and slammed Snape against the wall.
"Watch it Severus." He said quietly, "I wouldn't want Madam Pomfry to have to bandage up the rest of your face."
Snape glared at him. They stood there for awhile. Then Lupin let him go and started to walk away.
"Not this time wolf." Snape growled and lunged at him.
"Ah!" Remus, taken by surprise, fell hard on the floor. They struggled and Snape punched him in the stomach. Remus was stunned for a moment as Snape kicked him in the stomach and the wind was knocked out of him. Snape dragged Remus up on his feet.
Recomposing himself, Remus kicked Snape hard in his leg. As he yelped, Lupin hit him hard in the gut, then in the face. He watched Snape lying on the floor. He struggled to sit up and slowly wiped the blood trickling from his mouth.
"This is childish." He said standing, leaning against the wall. Remus nodded.
"Sorry it had to come to this Severus." He whispered and started to walk away.
Snape smiled deviously and grabbed his wand. He pointed it at Remus and started reciting a spell.
"Not today greaseball!!!" came a shout.
Sirius jumped out of the shadows and hit the wand out of Snape's hand. Sirius pinned him on the floor. Remus turned in surprise and ran back to Sirius's side.
"He took out his wand." Sirius growled. Snape glared at them both. Lupin stayed silent.
"Is it a duel you want?" Sirius asked. He tightened his hold on Snape and Severus tried to hide the pain on his face. But Remus saw it and felt pity at once.
"Let him go Sirius. This isn't right." Knowing that he couldn't change Remus's mind by the look on his face, Sirius let go.
Severus stayed sprawled on the floor.
"Is it a duel you want Severus?" Remus asked quietly. Snape just glared at them. He wished that he could duel with them. He knew he'd find pleasure in killing them both but also knew that Dumbledore would never allow it.
"Let's go." Remus said rubbing his stomach. There was a pain there he had never felt before. Sirius nodded and kicked Snape hard before leaving. Severus watched as they walked down the hall.
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"I've never felt better." Sirius said smiling. He was trying to lighten the dark mood around his friend but it didn't seem to work.
"What's wrong Remus? I've never known you to get into a fight before?"
Remus sighed.
"He was saying awful things about Ana. I couldn't let him. I felt so angry." As he remembered the fight his hand went to his stomach. The strange pain was still there.
"I wonder if he has rocks in his shoes?" Remus muttered. Sirius stopped him with a hand.
"You're hurt aren't you?" Sirius asked frowning. Remus shrugged.
"He punched and kicked me in the stomach. It's just a bit bruised."
"Let me see."
"No. I'm fine Sirius…."
"Remus!"
They stared at eachother for a while. Then Remus sighed. He lifted his shirt slightly and Sirius's eyes widened at the sight. Remus's stomach was purple, red, and blue. It looked terrible and Sirius noticed how much the red looked like blood. Could he be bleeding internally?
"You're going to Madam Pomfry now!" Sirius said quickly dragging Remus a few steps.
"I'm fine." Remus said stopping, "I refuse to go to Madam Pomfry this late. Snape is worse then me." Sirius shook his head and dragged him all the way. Once they were there, Sirius transformed.
"Why what's wrong Professor? And what's this dog doing here?" Madam Pomfry asked yawning.
"I'm so sorry for coming so late but I'm afraid I fell. I thought I was fine but my friend said I should come anyway."
Madam Pomfry led him to a bed. Remus lifted his shirt slowly and Pomfry gasped.
"What did you fall on?" she asked examining the wound. She pressed it in a spot and Remus's head swooned. The room moved and suddenly there were two Madam Pomfry's.
"I'm……not feeling well at all." Remus grumbled holding his head and sitting on the bed.
"Madam Pomfry!!! I found Professor Snape almost unconsious in the hall and…." Professor McGonagoll stopped when she saw Remus. Her eyes narrowed. Snape was leaning on her heavily.
"So you got into a fight, hmm?" she started but Madam Pomfry hushed her.
"It doesn't matter. Just go tell Dumbledore and leave Snape on that bed."
Remus watched the figures move until the room went dark.
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Remus woke up to arguing voices nearby.
"Why don't you tell us what really happened Severus?"
"I already told you Minerva…."
"You're a liar!! Madam Pomfry said Remus gave her the same excuse! Perhaps you fell down together?"
Lupin opened his eyes to see Anaka, Harry, Ron, and Hermione hovering nearby. Sirius was lying on the floor and Sunfire was curled up beside him. Remus tried to move but a sharp pain went through his stomach.
"Dad! Don't move." Anaka said to her father. Releif was in her eyes as her father smiled. Then she grew stern.
"You yell at me for getting into fights but then you get into one yourself! You're worse then I am."
"Well it's about time the other one woke." McGonagoll said raising an eyebrow.
Madam Pomfry quietly examined his bandages then heped him sit up. Snape was in a bed a few feet from him.
"Maybe you can tell us the truth?" Minerva pressed. Lupin stayed silent.
"This is unbelieveable!!" she said throwing up her hands, "You are such childern!"
"Just go away!" Snape growled.
"I shall not." She sneered.
"Stop bickering." Dumbledore said quietly. Lupin looked at him surprised. All this time Dumbledore had been so quiet that he hadn't noticed him.
"I think it's time I talked to them alone."
Pomfry and McGonagoll left quickly but not before McGonagoll reprimanded them one more time. Once they were gone and Dumbledore had drawn the curtains, Sirius transformed.
"Well, isn't this a wonderful sight." He said looking at Severus, all bandaged and bruised. He stopped as Dumbledore looked around the room.
"I want to know what happened. Now."
The room was awkwardly silent for a moment. Lupin sighed and Snape cleared his throat.
"I was attacked." Severus said finally. His eyes drifted to Remus.
"I was attacked by… by a no good, dirty, flea infested, retch."
"And I was attacked by a man who was defaming my daughters good name." Remus countered.
"So.." Dumbledore said thoughtfully, "why don't you tell us the full story Remus?"
Remus stared at Snape as he recounted his fight.
"I don't know what happened once I left. All I know is that I heard a cry and a struggle. I turned and saw Sirius on him."
"He took out his wand, the dirty bastard. He was going to kill him. I was trying to find Remus because I had found Anaka crying. I wanted to know if he was alright. I turned a corner and saw Snape reciting a spell as Remus walked away. I tackled him and pinned him to the ground. He wants a duel. He wants to kill us both. Don't you Severus? You'd love to kill the last of our group wouldn't you? Leave another kid without a father?"
At this Severus jumped out of his bed. Sirius smiled and they started towards eachother.
"Stop this." Dumbledore cried. He turned to Severus.
"Is it a duel you want?"
Snape andDumbledore stared at eachother for a while.
"Honestly?" Severus asked. Dumbledore nodded. Snape stirred uncomfortably and stayed silent. Dumbledore sighed.
"I know your answer now." He said quietly. Anaka looked at Snape and her father and grew frightened.
"Dad, you won't do it right?" she grabbed her father's hand.
"You're not doing it either." Harry told Sirius sternly. Remus and Sirius looked at eachother smiling.
"Who are the adults here?" Remus asked. Anaka eyed him, annoyed.
"Don't worry." Sirius replied.
"You should both rest now. We'll deal with this later." Dumbledore said. He pulled the curtain open as Sirius turned back into a dog. He then pulled the curtain to separate Remus and Snape.
He left with a word to Madam Pomfry. Harry, Ron, and Hermione followed silently. Anaka grabbed Sunfire and watched as Sirius sat next to her dad.
"I'll see you later." She called to him.
"Why don't you bring the ablum by later?" he asked, "I'd love to explain the pictures to you."
Anaka nodded.
"One more thing. Stay away from John. At least for now. For me please."
"Sure dad." Anaka said slowly. Then she left. As she passed Snape's bed, she saw him grumbling. Narrowing her eyes she went to see him.
Severus glared at her as she stood by his bed.
"What?" he asked gruffly.
"You would kill my dad and Sirius?"
Severus stared at his hands uncomfortably. He had been thinking the same thing. Could he really kill them? He hated them more then anything and wouldn't care if they were gone but to kill them himself? So many other people would be upset. Espicially Harry and Anaka. But why did he care?
"You would just make more people hate you. Like me and Harry."
"You already hate me." He sneered.
"No I don't." Anaka said with a surprised look. She smiled as Severus looked at her with surprise.
"I think you can be mean, but you can also be caring. Like when you were mad at John for using the gems on me."
"Well he had no right." Snape grumbled.
"Would you care if I forgave him?"
"Well, your father did tell me what happened. I…um… agree with him. He's dangerous."
Anaka nodded slightly.
"Did you really say bad things about me?" she asked thoughtfully.
Snape stirred.
"Shouldn't you be leaving?"
Anaka looked at him. Severus glanced about the room. The hurt in her eyes was to much. But she was the daughter of Remus so why should he care if she was hurt?
"Ok. I'll leave."
She started out the door then stopped.
"My dad has Sirius to look after him but you have no one." She turned and walked back to his bed. She gently put Sunfire on his folded hands.
"Sunfire will watch after you."
Severus stared at the bundle of fur. He petted it gently. Anaka turned and left. Snape sighed. Why was she nice to him?
****************************************************
As Anaka walked out into the halls, Mr. and Mrs. Miffugan came towards her.
"Why hello Ana!" Rich cried, "I came to see your father. Is he up?"
"Yes he is." Anaka replied.
"Great! While the men talk, I'd like to speak with you." Alania said smiling. Anaka nodded and followed Alania back to her room. They sat at the kitchen table.
"I heard what happened with you and my son." She said, pouring two glasses of lemonade. Anaka stayed quiet.
Mrs. Miffugan took a sip from her glass. Then looked at Anaka thoughtfully.
"I also heard that you saw John's book. Or rather my family's book. We've had it for generations. I ran into Hermione yesterday. She was taking out some books on runes. I guess you were curious about Abaron?"
"Just a little." Anaka said slowly. Gaining some courage, Anaka asked a question,
"What is Abaron? Can you tell me about it?"
Alania smiled.
"I don't know if I could tell you, but maybe if I taught you a song my mother told me you'll understand." Anaka nodded. Alania thought for a moment and then started to sing:
Abaron's an ancient land,
Where elfin folk named Zaken dwell,
They live there and protect their land,
From evil and from wizard's hands,
Their skin is fair and eyes are bright,
They run as fast as Falcon's flight,
Their long fingers are quick on bow,
And eyes can see for leagues beyond,
Their ears can hear for miles round,
They beat their wings without a sound,
For they have powers unknown,
Enough to hide their large home,
Their mouths can speak in many tongues,
Though many don't understand their speech,
It sounds like ringing chimes,
Among the forests noisy song,
Though it may be lost today,
It will return so don't dismay,
Then the ancient folk shall sing,
And evil will be purged eternally.
Alania stopped and no one spoke.
"I'm afraid that's all I remember." She said sighing.
"So…you're all from Abaron?" Anaka asked. She knew Alania wanted her to believe that they were just stories in a book but there was more to it. When John transformed he almost perfectly fit the description.
"I guess I can't lie to you," Alania replied, "yes. We are of the ancient race, Zaken. It sounds rediculous but it's true. Years ago a group left Abaron with the explorer Fagabozo. The others were horrified and Abaron quickly left. Fagabozo turned out to be a worthless,dishonorable man. He wanted to sell them for money. So the 14 families of Zekans ran away and found a way to transform into humans. They settled in Spain, in a wizard community for a while. No matter how hard they searched they couldn't find Abaron again. They stayed there for years. Only two Zekans ever married wizards. Wizards have always seemed untrustworthy. Then Rich and I met Albus and it all changed!!! He's helped us search for Abaron. That's why we have so many homes around the world. We're hoping New York will lead us somewhere."
Anaka was silent for a moment.
"How is this ring the key to finding Abaron?" she asked. Alania hesitated, then smiled.
"Put it in the light."
Anaka held up her hand and gasped. Through the ring, there was faint black writing. There was a circle with initials around it and an arrow pointing to the initials US.
"It was passed down in my family. It's all the places Abaron moves to. We've searched everywhere and next is the US. I'm afraid that in a year though, the cycle will start over and Abaron could be in a place we already searched."
"It's a guessing game." Anaka muttered. Alania nodded.
"I think it's time I taught you how to read those runes Ana. I just hope you can resolve things with John."
"Me too." Anaka sighed.
