Chapter 27- Beyond the Extremities

Harry, who had been watching the scene unfold in the small clearing, noted the direction the creature was taking Leslie in. Harry and John had decided that Harry would follow Anaka and the others and make sure they were ok. Harry made sure his invisibility cloak was close around him and walked slowly around the clearing. He made sure to stay within hearing range and listened to what was being said.
"Why did you bargain for us?" Remus was asking. Voldemort circled Sirius and Remus slowly.
"We are not important. No one cares about what happens to us! No one would give you what you wanted to save our hides," Sirius snarled.
"But certain people do care for you," Voldemort said slowly.
"You promised to leave Anaka alone," Remus warned. Voldemort shrugged.
"That goes for Leslie too," Remus added. Voldemort frowned.
"If she comes back and tries to be a hero I am not responsible for what happens," Voldemort said with fake innocence, "sometimes I can not control what the creature decides to do."
Remus glared at Voldemort and tried to loosen the rope tying his hands. All he got was a kick in the side from the nearby Death Eater.
"Who are your targets then? Who do you want to come?" Sirius asked.
"Well Dumbledore certainly cares for you," Voldemort started. Sirius laughed bitterly.
"He's to smart for you," Sirius sneered, "he would not fall into any trap you set."
Voldemort thought a moment.
"You know you are right," he said quietly, "then I guess I am just waiting for a certain boy to come."
Sirius's face went white and Remus's stomach churned. All of this to get at one boy. The one boy that cared about them both and was most likely to try a rescue without anyone knowing. Remus's thoughts were interrupted as the three Death Eaters that had chased Anaka returned. They put an unconscious Anaka on the ground. Remus looked at his tied and gagged daughter.
"You said you would leave her alone," Remus whispered, "and I actually thought you might."
Voldemort shrugged.
"Oh well," he answered.
"What boy?" Sirius croaked. Remus knew Sirius was looking for a way out but there was none. They knew exactly whom Voldemort wanted.
Voldemort shook his finger slowly at them as his lips curled into a smile.
"Harry Potter," he hissed.
Harry stopped in his tracks as he reached the spot where Leslie and the creature had gone. He looked into the clearing and watched the adult's faces turn griefstricting. They knew Harry was going to do something to help them. He looked at Anaka, unconscious on the ground. All of this was happening because of him? People were getting hurt and might die because of him?
Harry looked defiantly at Voldemort's back.
"You will not get me that easy," he whispered as he walked deeper into the forest, after Leslie.
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Harry ran as fast as he could through the forest, trying not to make too much noise. He stopped suddenly and studied the ground. He took a deep breath as he looked at the scene before him. Blood was mixed in with the dirt and a nearby tree had three long scratches in it. Harry shook his head, not daring to believe any of the thoughts going through his head. He continued to jog through the forest until he heard noises ahead. He stopped jogging and started to walk. Harry listened carefully as he made out voices.
"I see no point in this! Just…. Just let me go!" Leslie sighed.
"What's the fun in that?" the creature hissed.
"Are you going to kill me?" Leslie asked blandly, "Voldemort let me go but I trust him as much as I trust you. You already tried to kill me once so why do you not try it again?"
Harry could just make out the figures walking in front of him and quickened his pace. Soon he was only a few feet away. They had stopped walking and Leslie was now sitting on a rock with the creature standing opposite her.
"Perhaps I have already killed you," the creature said slowly. Leslie glared at him but some sort of understanding dawned on her face. She sighed.
"You are going to keep me walking until I bleed to death," Leslie said softly, "but if I get away and go back to help the others I will die anyway."
The creature shrugged. Harry could see the satisfaction on its face and narrowed his eyes. Leslie would not die while he was here. Then they would get help and rescue the others.
"Leave her alone," Harry cried.
He walked into the clearing and smirked as the creature looked around, trying to find the person that had spoken. Leslie took advantage of that and ran towards the creature. She kicked it in the face and then punched it with all her strength in its stomach. The creature doubled over and Leslie drew her dagger and stabbed it in the back. The creature howled in pain as yellow blood seeped from the wound onto the dagger. Leslie removed the dagger and ran, stumbling, into the forest with Harry following.
Once they were far enough away Leslie stopped. She gasped for air and sank to the ground. She looked at her various wounds as her vision blurred.
"To think I will bleed to death," she mumbled, "What a way to go."
"That will not happen," Harry said sternly as he removed the invisibility cloak.
"Harry!" Leslie cried, "I thought it was your voice. How did you find me?"
Leslie blinked as Harry, or the two Harry's she was seeing, moved closer. Harry helped her up and smiled.
"You will be fine now," he said defiantly. Leslie smiled weakly.
"You are a brave kid," she said as they walked away, "or you are just stupid and do not know what is good for you."
"I like choice one better," Harry laughed.
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John waited impatiently outside the camp. Where was Harry? He had been gone for to long. John walked further into the forest and sighed. That kid was most likely getting into trouble.
"John! John it's me! Harry! Come here!"
John blinked, as two figures appeared a few yards away. John ran to them and was there in a second. Harry shook his head and looked at John sternly.
"She needs medical assistance now," Harry said urgently. John looked Leslie over and his heart sank. She was in no condition to walk any further.
"I can help," he said slowly, "just lie down for a moment."
Harry and John helped Leslie to the ground as she protested.
"I am fine," she croaked, "just get me a bandage! I have to go rescue…"
Harry cut her off with a look.
"You can not go rescue anyone in this condition! Even with a few bandages."
Leslie nodded. She knew he was right. John took a deep breath and then laid his hands on her broken arm. Leslie cried out in pain as a grinding noise filled the air. John had his eyes closed and was concentrating hard. Eventually the noise stopped. Leslie groaned and moved her arm as John let go. She looked at him in surprise as she continued to test her arm.
"You healed it," she whispered.
"I'm not done yet," he answered.
After a few minutes John had stopped Leslie's bleeding and closed most of her major wounds. Eventually he had to stop. Sweat poured down his forehead and he was breathing hard.
"I will be fine in a few minutes," he answered as they stood.
"Now we can form a plan," Leslie replied.
"Got any ideas?" Harry asked. Leslie smiled.
"Of course," she answered, "but we will need John's help."
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"Dumbledore would not agree with this," Harry said for the hundredth time.
"Since when do you listen to what Dumbledore says?" Leslie shot back.
"I listen when people could die," Harry answered.
"No one will die as long as John and his parents are ready."
"Explain to me again what I do," Harry said.
Leslie sighed. The plan was not flawless but it was the only plan they had come up with. She was thankful that John's parents had agreed.
"You wait for my signal to get John's parents," Leslie said with a sigh, "then you come back and play your role."
Harry nodded.
"You ok with that?" Leslie asked, glancing at him.
"I have faced Voldemort before," he reminded her.
"Not like this," she muttered.
The plan was for Leslie to go in and cause a distraction. She would try to kill the creature with her dagger and then signal for Harry to tell the others to get into position. Then Harry would come out and cause more of a distraction. Once John and his parents got the signal they would fly in grab one of the prisoners and fly away. Harry and Leslie would then escape and run towards the camp. Leslie could only think of all the things that could go wrong.
Soon they were only a few feet from the camp. Remus, Sirius, and Anaka were surrounded by a group of Death Eaters. Voldemort seemed to be talking with the creature. It did not seem too happy about the dagger wound in its back.
"Here it goes," Leslie whispered, "stay here and make sure you could see me."
Harry nodded. Leslie looked into his face and could not help but see the face of an innocent child. She sighed and hugged him. They drew apart and Leslie tiptoed away. Harry watched her leave and then turned to look at the small clearing.
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Leslie made sure she was behind the creature and close enough to jump before she unsheathed her dagger. She took a deep breath and said a quick prayer.
"Protect them please," she whispered closing her eyes. She opened them slowly and then jumped.
Chaos soon filled the clearing. Leslie stabbed the dagger into the creatures back and hung on for her life. The creature roared and swung back and forth reaching behind him, trying to swat her off. The creature only scratched her occasionally and Leslie was used to that by now. She removed the dagger and fell to the ground. Leslie stabbed at the creature's leg and the creature hit her hard in the side. She rolled away and stood.
The Death Eaters had their wands out but did not make a move towards her. Leslie tried to stop panting as someone started to clap slowly. Leslie turned to see Voldemort walking towards her. He was smiling slightly and clapping.
"Bravo," he said as he stopped clapping, "bravo indeed. Did you really think you could stop us on your own? I do not know if you are stupid or brave!"
"How about both?" Leslie asked quietly.
"I will regret killing you," Voldemort said ignoring her comment, "you would have made a very valiant Death Eater if the Ministry had not gotten to you first. You see I despise spies. They disgust me."
Voldemort stopped when he was a foot away from her and Leslie narrowed her eyes at him.
"So kill me," she whispered, "it does not matter. Everyone knows you are here and will soon rescue these innocent people and kill you. My life does not matter."
"Your life means nothing to you perhaps," Voldemort said slowly, "but it seems to matter to someone here."
Leslie looked at the ground. After a moment she took up a fighting stance, holding her dagger tightly.
"I will not go without a fight," she said quietly.
Voldemort shrugged and motioned for his creature to come forward. Leslie twitched her dagger slightly and her gaze flickered to Harry. That was the signal he was looking for. He nodded and started to walk away but stopped when Voldemort spoke.
"You may go with a fight but what about your friend in the woods?"
Leslie froze. Her eyes widened slightly but she quickly narrowed them.
"What friend?" Leslie asked.
"Do you think I would not know? I am not that stupid," Voldemort said with a laugh, "I have people watching the forest. I know the certain boy lurking about."
Harry froze and looked around. He backed up as a noise came from in front of him. Suddenly three Death Eaters surrounded him and the only way out was for him to run into the clearing. The Death Eaters drew their wands and Harry ran into the clearing.
"Harry!" Leslie cried. The creature made his move and grabbed Leslie. She cried out in surprise and dropped her dagger. Harry watched as the creature wrapped a hand around her neck. Leslie had her back to the creature and she gasped. Harry could tell that the creature was not squeezing hard and that Voldemort would use that. The scar on his head burned and it got worse as time went on. Harry quickly ignored it, he could not be distracted now.
"It is about time," Voldemort hissed, glaring at Harry, "Will you not join your friends Potter?"
Sirius, Remus, and Anaka jumped up. Sirius started to run towards Harry but two Death Eaters grabbed him.
"Get out of here Harry!" Sirius cried.
"Go, Harry, go!" Remus yelled.
"Run Harry! You have to run!" Anaka screamed.
Two Death Eaters grabbed Anaka and Remus. Harry watched them struggle as the one lone Death Eater walked towards him. The three Death Eaters came out of the woods and two of them grabbed one of Harry's arms. The others stood close by with their wands out. Harry was slowly forced to walk towards Voldemort. His heart pounded in his chest. What was he going to do? He had to think of something fast before Voldemort killed them all.
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John and his parents waited patiently a mile away from where Harry was hiding. John sighed. He had a strange feeling that Harry should have been here by now. John wondered what was going on and suddenly noticed his mother looking anxiously towards the clearing.
"Something is not right," she whispered, "Harry is not where he should be."
"Where did he go?" Rich asked. Alania looked at him.
"I think they captured Harry."
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Voldemort laughed as all the captives were bunched together. The creature threw Leslie among the group and Remus caught her.
"Are you alright?" he asked as she straightened herself. Leslie smiled.
"Never been better," she answered.
"All of you will soon be dead and then part of my troubles will be over," Voldemort sneered.
"We are not dead yet," Anaka snapped.
"You will not win Tom," Remus said quietly. Voldemort glared at him.
"Watch how you talk Lupin," Voldemort hissed, "or I might decide to kill you or one of your precious friends now. I will make them suffer right before your eyes."
Remus narrowed his eyes at Voldemort but kept quiet. Harry put his hand in his pocket and was surprised to find his wand there. A flicker of hope ran through him and he looked at Leslie. She must still have her wand too.
Harry edged closer to Leslie as Voldemort started to speak with one of the Death Eaters and the creature.
"Where's that rat that always stays with Voldemort?" Sirius whispered angrily.
"Probably on some errand," Remus answered.
"Where are your wands?" Harry asked quietly.
"They have them," Anaka replied. Leslie's eyes widened and she stuck her hand in her pocket. She smiled at Harry and ruffled his hair.
"Smart boy," she whispered, "I did not realize I had it! I thought the Death Eaters took it when they first captured me."
"I have mine too," Harry said slowly. Leslie nodded.
"We can take out the surrounding Death Eaters but that would leave Voldemort, the creature and that one Death Eater," Leslie replied.
"Let's try it," Anaka said eagerly, "It is probably our only chance!"
Remus and Sirius agreed reluctantly. Leslie slipped to the back of the group and Harry stayed in the front. There were three Death Eaters watching the back and three watching the front. One of the Death Eaters in the front was facing Harry while the other two were looking off to where Voldemort was standing. In the back, two Death Eaters watched the group while the other scanned the surrounding forest. Leslie and Harry slipped out there wands slowly. The first Death Eater gave Harry a surprised look as Harry disarmed him. Harry knocked them all unconscious just as the other two were turning around. Leslie kicked one of the Death Eaters wands out of his hand and then kicked the other one in the stomach. As the other one turned around Leslie knocked them all out.
A cry of rage turned their attention to Voldemort. Voldemort and the Death Eater next to him had their wands out and the creature ran towards them. Sirius back kicked the creature in the jaw, stunning him for a moment. As he cried out in anger Remus ran and hit him in the side with his shoulder, sending them both tumbling to the ground. The Death Eater ran towards Anaka and she dropped to the ground. The Death Eater gave a yelp of surprise as he tripped over her and fell to the ground.
Leslie ran for her dagger and dodged a spell from Voldemort. As she looked up she saw Harry trying to untie Anaka. Voldemort walked towards them whispering a spell.
"Look out Harry!" Leslie cried running towards Voldemort. He was closer to Leslie and she figured she might be able to stop him.
A roar from her left made her stop running. She swung around and gasped as the creature rammed into her.
Harry turned around and countered Voldemort's spell just in time. Anaka tore her hands free from the loosened rope and steadied Harry as he staggered backwards.
"What should we do Harry?" Anaka asked as Voldemort moved closer.
Suddenly, someone grabbed Anaka from behind and she screamed. Harry turned around just in time to see someone dragging Anaka into the forest.
"Stop!" he cried. Before Harry could make a move he was being thrown to the ground. He struggled to move and looked to see Sirius rolling off him.
"Watch your back!" Sirius snapped, "You did not see Voldemort's spell coming at you!"
Harry nodded and quickly got up. Voldemort seemed to be preoccupied by Remus so Harry took the chance of running into the forest after Anaka. He only had to walk a little bit before he saw Anaka standing next to the Death Eater. To Harry's surprise they seemed to be having a conversation.
"I will come right back!" Anaka was saying.
"Just find the Miffugans fast," was the reply, "and be careful!"
Anaka nodded and ran into the forest. As the Death Eater turned around Harry realized that the voice was familiar.
"Professor Snape," Harry said out loud. He quickly regretted it as Severus froze and scanned the area. Harry sighed and walked out of his hiding place.
"What are you doing here?" Severus snapped.
"I could ask you the same thing," Harry replied.
"If you go now you can catch up with Anaka," Severus said quietly. Harry shook his head.
"We need to help the others," he said sternly.
"Then come with me," Severus answered, "I have an idea."
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Leslie stabbed at the creature again and cursed as she received a blow to her head. She fell to the ground and staggered back up. Why was this thing so hard to kill? She had slashed at it and stabbed at it forever. As she dodged another blow she rolled to the side. Leslie looked at the rest of the clearing to see Remus and Sirius untied and trying to get at Voldemort. That will not work, Leslie thought as she watched them approach from both sides. A ripping and tearing sound reminded her of the creature and she groaned. Her left arm was bloody once again and Leslie took a step back. The creature lunged for her and Leslie jumped. She landed on the creature's back and hung on as the creature stood up. He moved violently from side to side and Leslie stabbed its shoulder in an attempt to stay on. The creature roared with pain and leaned his head back. Leslie gripped his shoulder with her left hand and removed the dagger with her right. She then leaned her right hand back and stabbed at the creature's head as hard as she could. A sickening crack and sucking noise filled the air.
The creature roared and moaned and started making the most unearthly noises she had ever heard. Leslie jumped off the creature and stood back to watch the creature fall to the ground in agony. Voldemort, Remus, and Sirius had all stopped moving and were watching the horrific scene. Leslie's stomach cringed as the creature started to shake violently and then it stopped. She moved closer to the creature and removed her dagger. It was breathing shakily and Leslie knew it would not live much longer. She could almost hear it say something as its lips moved so she kneeled on the ground and leaned closer.
"It is not over," the creature hissed. Leslie looked in its eyes, surprised. She was only frozen for a second before the eyes clouded over and Leslie could move again.
She sheathed the dagger and stood up. Leslie turned slowly to face the others. They all had similar looks of surprise on their faces but Voldemort's seemed to be consumed with anger and rage. Leslie quickly drew her wand and prepared to counter a spell from Voldemort when a Death Eater came crashing out of the woods. He ran to Voldemort.
"The auorors and professors are heading this way," he said hurriedly, "we have to get out of here!"
Leslie jogged quickly to where Remus and Sirius were standing.
"Look," Sirius whispered. Harry was coming out of the woods on the other side of the clearing.
"I will go meet him," Leslie replied. They nodded and watched as Leslie started to slowly cross the field.
Harry saw Leslie coming towards him and started to walk towards her. They were only a few feet away when Voldemort let out a cry of rage. Harry and Leslie stopped and turned towards Voldemort.
"You will not get out of this alive!" he fumed pointing his wand at them. The Death Eater jumped back as Leslie and Harry rolled to the side. Harry started to stand up as Voldemort backed away towards the forest. Once Harry was standing Leslie noticed his back was towards Voldemort. Voldemort whispered a spell and a beam of green light streaked towards Harry.
"Harry look out!" Sirius cried. Leslie stood up and ran to Harry.
Voldemort ran into the forest, followed by the Death Eaters that had awakened. The one Death Eater that had warned Voldemort ran towards Harry.
By the time Leslie had reached Harry the beam was only a few feet away. She grabbed his shoulders and braced herself behind him, preparing to block the spell so it would not hit him. To her surprise she felt a pair of hands on her shoulders, gripping them hard. She blinked as a stinging pain went through her head. Leslie looked down at Harry and gasped. She took a step back and the person behind her did the same.
Remus took in the horrific scene slowly. A beam of light was going through the Death Eater's head and Leslie's. As it came out her forehead it bent and went through Harry's head. Their eyes rolled into their heads and they started to glow a faint purple color.
"What spell is that?" Sirius croaked. Suddenly three streaks entered the clearing and stopped in front of Harry.
The Miffugan's stared at the three figures and the beam and then turned to Remus and Sirius. John was holding Anaka and he quickly let go of her. She ran to her father and hugged him hard.
"What happened?" she asked, "What did Voldemort do to them?"
"I do not know," Remus answered.
Alania walked closer to the three and whispered some words. The beam disappeared and they all collapsed to the ground. As Remus, Anaka, and Sirius walked closer they realized that all you could see of their eyes was the white only it was no longer white. It glowed a pulsing violet, matching the glow on their skin.
"Who's the Death Eater?" John asked, pulling off its hood.
"It's Professor Snape," Anaka whispered.