The tension is nearly palpable in the café of Borders as the two
Hogwarts Professors face off against Voldemort, worried about their muggle
friend who has gotten herself into quite a pickle by trusting the dark
wizard to behave himself during the interview she set up. None of the
patrons who remain have moved since the last one to scream found herself
duct-taped to a chair.
"So," begins Voldemort at last, speaking in an arrogantly casual manner, "it would appear as though you two gentlemen would like your friend the author back."
"That we do," answers Remus steadily, his wand covering Voldemort as is Snape's nearby. His eyes flick past the dark wizard for a fraction of a second as the stealthy movement of the large black dog slinking closer to Nytd and Voldemort catches his attention. He realizes he has to stall for time.
"It would be best if you handed her over quietly," he adds. He frowns a little at the laugh it provokes from the evil lord.
"And what if I don't? I suppose YOU'RE the one who's going to do something about it?" Voldemort laughs again. "Or maybe you, Severus?" he asks, turning to face the other Slytherin. "Going to rescue the Lady Nytd yourself? And since when did chivalry become your forte?"
Snape allows himself a small crooked smile, seeing what Voldemort does not as the bear-like dog gathers himself to spring. "It's not," he replies calmly. "It's really more..," he pauses as Padfoot launches himself into Voldemort, grabbing the wizard by the neck and bearing him to the ground. "..his," Snape finishes and springs himself to grab Nytd, whisking her away from the dark lord and pinning her against the rack of cookbooks just outside the café.
A cheer goes up from the remaining muggles, and Remus rushes to hex Voldemort, who has turned his wand on the animagus, but everyone's attention is suddenly grabbed by the two dozen uniformed wizards rushing through the bookstore doors.
"Damn!" Curses Voldemort, who knows that facing the three Hogwarts professors with backup from the two dozen wizards from the Bureau is probably more than he'd care to chance at this point.
He glares at Lupin and Snape. "Just you wait, I'll have my revenge on ALL of you..." he looks pointedly at Nytd, "and your stupid dog, too!" he snarls.
Voldemort disapparates out of Padfoot's grip, leaving the three wizards and Nytd to explain the entire mess to the wizard from the Bureau in charge as the bookstore patrons all receive a complimentary memory charm with their books and cappucino.
*
*
*
*
And a Roll ~*~
Lorien listened for a while longer, and then decided, like Draco and Beska, that she'd had enough of the conversations at hand. She was tired after the stress of the day, and although she didn't want to appear rude, she took the chance and excused herself from the table. She glanced back once at the table, pleased to see Severus engaged in pleasant conversation with the Potions mistress.
There was a spot she knew of, not far from where the clearing was, that overlooked the ocean, and Lorien decided to take a short walk in order to try to relax a bit more. She set out along the path nearby.
*
*
*
Snape was listening to LaRue carefully, fascinated by the older woman's experience and knowledge. It was refreshing to be able to discuss his own discipline with someone as knowledgeable, but he still noticed when Lorien left the table and began debating how best to excuse himself as well, without offending the woman he was speaking with.
LaRue glanced where she had seen Lorien enter the woods, and turned back to Snape. "Well, I could go on all night," she said, smiling. "It's always a pleasure to speak with someone who understands my appreciation of potion brewing, but I believe we can continue our discussion tomorrow?"
She gave him a meaningful look and he gave her a small, grateful smile and rose. "Until tomorrow then, Elixani atora." He turned and went the way Lorien had.
LaRue turned her attention back to the rest of the group, where the discussion was now about summoning spells, and the she listened with interest as Harry Potter asked Taber about how to call lightning.
*
*
*
Lorien had reached the cliffs that rose up out of the water below, and stood looking out over the moonlit ocean, enjoying the slight sea breeze that tugged at her robes and cloak. It was still cool, but the air now held the first promise of spring around the corner. She reflected on the events of the day, and the fact that she was fortunate enough to have a bit of peaceful time with her friends, both Nemorosi and from Hogwarts. The breeze drifted by her again, and she suddenly became inspired to stir things up a bit more thanks to her good mood.
She stood with her eyes closed for a moment, and summoned the winds, causing the air around her to stir a good deal more.
*
*
*
Snape had made it to the edge of the woods where they broke away to reveal the cliffs where Lorien now stood, and he was about to go to her when he heard her speak the command words. Curious, he leaned against a tree with his arms folded, and watched her strengthen the winds around her until her robes were rippling wildly and she began to laugh. He smiled to himself as he realized she was merely playing, and after a moment he spoke to her.
"That's a bit childish, don't you think?"
Lorien startled and spun around to face him as he uncrossed his arms and leaned off the tree. "What exactly are you doing?" He asked as he approached her.
"A summoning spell," she answered quietly, and then she smiled. "I believe you're familiar with them?" She asked sweetly, knowing he probably had yet to forgive her for his encounter with her biting vine. The winds died down a little as she dropped her focus.
"Hmph," was all he said. He came to stand near her and placed his hands on her shoulders as he looked out over the water for a quiet moment. She leaned against him, resting her head under his chin. "Call it again," he said at last.
Lorien thought it a strange request, but refocused and the winds rose around them again a bit stronger. She would have strengthened them further, but at that moment his hands were at the back of her head, gently tugging the comb that held her hair up out of place. Her hair tumbled out of the intricate updo and onto her shoulders, and she closed her eyes as he ran his fingers through it and smoothed it out.
"Better," he said softly, and he slid one arm around her waist as he moved her hair away from her neck. She felt his lips, cool from the night air, meet her skin there briefly.
The wind around them grew stronger for an instant, and Snape raised an eyebrow as he pulled back a little. Interesting. He bent closer and kissed her neck again, and as Lorien focused more on what he was doing, he noted that the wind once again gathered strength for a moment. Very interesting.
"Show me this spell," he whispered in her ear.
She looked a little surprised. "You want to learn a summoning?"
He frowned at her and adopted a tone of mock hurt. "What, perhaps you think Potter is the only apt pupil you have?"
Lorien laughed, knowing that he wasn't really upset. He was obviously in a good mood if he were willing to joke about Harry. "All right," she agreed softly. "Together at first, alright?"
He nodded and listened to her instructions, and then closed his eyes to concentrate as she wrapped her arms around his neck. It was only a moment before the breeze around them began to pick up as she focused her effort again, and then he felt her breath catch as he added his own effort. The winds now picked up considerably, and tugged repeatedly at their robes.
Lorien laughed again, delighting in the gale that was rapidly increasing around them, and when she looked up, Severus was watching her closely. She saw his eyes narrow for the briefest moment, and she would have been blown back a step by the force of the wind he was calling if it weren't for the fact that he held her. "Do you want me to let go?" She asked softly, looking into the dark eyes.
"No," he said quietly. "Never."
Lorien felt a great rush of emotion at the utterance of that single word, and she tightened her embrace. "I meant the wind," she corrected him gently, as green robes tangled themselves in black while the wind swirled past.
"Oh," he said distractedly, gaze now on her lips. He kissed her an instant later, and found that the combination of her nearness, and the force of the spell that they were weaving together elicited a heady rush of adrenaline, and he found himself kissing her more and more insistently. She responded in kind, a temptation too great for him to resist despite their location, and he pulled her to her knees with him on the cliffs as the wind raged fiercer than ever. She never resisted as he gently pushed her back onto the ground.
*
*
*
* Harry was nervous about asking Perth Taber about the summoning spell, but when Snape left the table to go in search of Lorien, and the conversation dwindled for a moment, he saw his opportunity to bring the subject up and he turned to the man sitting next to him. "Excuse me, Sylvani ator," he began politely . Taber turned to look at him expectantly with a small smile, and Harry got the impression that the man already knew what he was about to ask. "Yes, Harry?"
Harry smiled back nervously. "I was wondering...er...well..you know that Mistress Lorien has been teaching me the summoning spells..and I wondered.."
"Yes?" Taber asked expectantly.
"Well, I thought that...Lorien said that you might show me the summoning for lightning." Harry blurted it out at last.
"She did, did she?" Taber shot an amused look at the Red Witch, who had taken an interest in the conversation.
LaRue sighed. "Typical teenager, Perth." She glanced upward at the slight breeze that rustled the needles of a nearby fir tree.
"That's a very tricky spell, Harry," Taber said, as he turned to focus his attention on the boy again. "It can be very dangerous."
"I know," admitted Harry, glancing quickly at where Sirius had perked his ears up and now listened to the conversation. "That's what Lorien said. She wouldn't show it to me because she said that she didn't feel comfortable with her own ability, and she thought that maybe you might."
"Show you or teach you?" Taber asked with a wry smile.
"Both." Harry admitted.
Sirius spoke up. "I think that might not be such a good idea," he said, stepping into the role of protective godfather.
"But Sirius..." Harry protested.
Taber held up a hand to quiet Harry. "Your godfather is right, Harry. It might not be wise for you to attempt it at this early stage." He absently retrieved the napkin that blew across the table as he spoke.
Harry couldn't have looked more disappointed.
"Harry," Sirius began, pausing long enough to grab his own napkin that was threatening to blow away, as did Remus. "There'll be time later..."
"But, I'm ready now," Harry insisted, sounding frustrated. "I've learned so much." He glanced at the sprinkling of pine needles that was steadily raining down from the nearby tree as the strengthening wind shook them loose.
Taber was sympathetic. "Harry, I know that you think you are, but believe me.." He grabbed the goblet in front of him that nearly tipped over with another sharp gust of wind.
"Maybe you could at least show me?" Harry asked tentatively.
Taber sighed, knowing that teenagers could be very persistent. "Harry, the weather conditions really aren't right," he said in a half-hearted attempt at a last dissuasion.
"They might be in a minute," Remus observed as he and the others jumped to grab at more of the table settings that were being rocked by the small gale that was now winding itself up in the clearing.
"Go on, Perth."
Everyone looked at the Red Witch, who had spoken.
She nodded in Harry's direction. "Show him."
She waved her hand and banished the table settings that everyone was struggling with and smiled as a nearby branch fell loose from the tree that was creaking as it rocked in the wind. "It would appear that tonight is a good night for the teaching of new magic after all," she said with a laugh, speaking louder to be heard over the increasing gale. Occupants of the other tables were now abandoning their seats and leaving to take cover from the arriving storm.
"Very well," said Taber, with a glance at Sirius. "You'll accompany us?"
"You know it," Sirius said with a glance at Remus, who nodded. They were both just as curious as Harry now.
Harry grinned at last, thrilled that he was going to get to see the summoning he so desperately wanted to learn.
The four men rose to their feet, leaving LaRue behind, and headed out of the clearing.
"Perth?" She called after them, as she stared at the table in front of her with a wry smile crossing her lips.
"Yes?" He called back, as all four stood there with their cloaks billowing wildly in the raging wind.
"Do stay away from the south cliffs," she said amusedly as another branch broke loose from the wind and crashed to the ground.
*
*
*
If Perth thought LaRue's last comment was strange, he gave no indication of it and quickly led Harry, Remus and Sirius along a path that led out on to the north cliffs where they could see dark clouds out over the water rapidly being swept in by the fierce winds.
Harry was excited, and walked along rapidly beside Taber asking questions. "Does there have to be a storm around in order to call lightning?"
"No," replied Taber, "but it's much simpler if there's at least one in the area. I have seen one or two people summon lightning on a perfectly clear day, though."
"Really?" Harry was amazed at the thought. "With no bad weather at all? You've seen someone actually do that?"
Taber nodded, and saw the way that Harry was still looking expectantly at him. He smiled at the boy. "The Red Witch has been known to do such a thing now and again."
Harry's eyes went wide and Perth laughed. "Make sure you mind your manners around her," he said.
Harry nodded vigorously in agreement.
The foursome reached the open flat rocky area at the top of the cliffs, and Taber gave a brief explanation of the summoning.
"I'll answer any questions that you have afterwards. I want to show you this while the conditions are still right," Taber said, seeming the slightest bit amused. "I have a feeling, with the suddenness of this storm, that it'll be over fairly quickly." He chuckled a bit, knowing that the three other wizards had no idea about the storm's probable origin.
"Now, the key is to be able to direct your focus on a distant spot." Taber said. "Calling the lightning is the simpler task - controlling the lightning is altogether more difficult."
Harry, Remus and Sirius listened carefully as Perth pointed to a stony outcropping in the water a short distance off shore.
"There. Keep your eyes on that rock." The older mage closed his eyes for a moment, and took a deep breath and released it slowly.
Harry felt his own pulse quicken as he watched the man in front of him, and he suddenly became aware of a prickly sensation on his skin and hair, like static electricity only stronger. He could see when his eyes met Sirius's, that his godfather was experiencing the same sensation, and he returned his gaze quickly to the rock in the water. A second later he heard Taber whisper the command word.
"Fulminis." Taber uttered the word quietly, and suddenly the darkness all around them was shattered for an instant as a jagged fork jabbed downward out of the night sky.
"Whoa!" Harry's mouth fell open as the group was plunged back into darkness. He turned wide eyes full of respect on Taber. An instant later, his hand snapped involuntarily to his forehead as pain seared through his scar.
*
*
*
*
Draco walked back along the path, trying to decide how he felt about what had just happened. It didn't seem right that such a little thing should bother him so much, but after Beska had kissed him and walked away, he found himself feeling guilty for what he'd been thinking earlier.
Not only that, but he found himself thinking that he'd actually liked the fact that she'd kissed him. He chuckled to himself as he thought about it more. What would she think if she knew she'd just kissed the son of a Death Eater?
Even funnier - what would his father think if he knew that a Malfoy had just been kissed by one of those ridiculous Nemorosi?
Draco thought about the feel of her lips against his, and decided that perhaps they weren't all so ridiculous after all. Perhaps Snape was right about that.
Perhaps Snape was right about a lot of things.
Draco found himself questioning his feelings about what to do about his alignment for the hundredth time since the night of the party at Hogwarts. He knew his loyalty should be to his father, to his blood, but it made him more and more ill to consider what that would mean.
Of course, siding with Dumbledore and those idiots at the Ministry didn't hold a great deal of appeal either, and Draco knew that he'd have to decide soon. At least he had until the end of the school year when he'd have to return home to decide which side of things he belonged on. Or so he thought.
*
*
*
The last of the wind was dying down as Severus stood looking out from the cliffs and Lorien stood next to him attempting to smooth out her robes and hair. He smiled a little at her appearance, which was slightly more rumpled than it was twenty minutes ago. He reached for her and drew her to him. "Come here, my windblown witch," he said wryly.
She leaned against him. "YOUR windblown witch?" She asked teasingly.
"Yes," he said. "You are mine, aren't you?" He asked, looking intently into her eyes.
"Yes," she replied softly, and then smiled. "You won me, remember?"
He smiled back at her. "The wind in your hair suits you, Sylvanesti," he said tenderly, sliding his hand behind her head. She let him pull her in.
"And what suits you, Severus?" She asked as he bent closer.
"Being with you, my love." His lips just met hers when the voice spoke from nearby, interrupting the moment.
"How very, very touching, Severus."
Snape's blood ran cold as recognition of the icy voice came to him, and he whirled to face Lucius Malfoy.
.
"So," begins Voldemort at last, speaking in an arrogantly casual manner, "it would appear as though you two gentlemen would like your friend the author back."
"That we do," answers Remus steadily, his wand covering Voldemort as is Snape's nearby. His eyes flick past the dark wizard for a fraction of a second as the stealthy movement of the large black dog slinking closer to Nytd and Voldemort catches his attention. He realizes he has to stall for time.
"It would be best if you handed her over quietly," he adds. He frowns a little at the laugh it provokes from the evil lord.
"And what if I don't? I suppose YOU'RE the one who's going to do something about it?" Voldemort laughs again. "Or maybe you, Severus?" he asks, turning to face the other Slytherin. "Going to rescue the Lady Nytd yourself? And since when did chivalry become your forte?"
Snape allows himself a small crooked smile, seeing what Voldemort does not as the bear-like dog gathers himself to spring. "It's not," he replies calmly. "It's really more..," he pauses as Padfoot launches himself into Voldemort, grabbing the wizard by the neck and bearing him to the ground. "..his," Snape finishes and springs himself to grab Nytd, whisking her away from the dark lord and pinning her against the rack of cookbooks just outside the café.
A cheer goes up from the remaining muggles, and Remus rushes to hex Voldemort, who has turned his wand on the animagus, but everyone's attention is suddenly grabbed by the two dozen uniformed wizards rushing through the bookstore doors.
"Damn!" Curses Voldemort, who knows that facing the three Hogwarts professors with backup from the two dozen wizards from the Bureau is probably more than he'd care to chance at this point.
He glares at Lupin and Snape. "Just you wait, I'll have my revenge on ALL of you..." he looks pointedly at Nytd, "and your stupid dog, too!" he snarls.
Voldemort disapparates out of Padfoot's grip, leaving the three wizards and Nytd to explain the entire mess to the wizard from the Bureau in charge as the bookstore patrons all receive a complimentary memory charm with their books and cappucino.
*
*
*
*
And a Roll ~*~
Lorien listened for a while longer, and then decided, like Draco and Beska, that she'd had enough of the conversations at hand. She was tired after the stress of the day, and although she didn't want to appear rude, she took the chance and excused herself from the table. She glanced back once at the table, pleased to see Severus engaged in pleasant conversation with the Potions mistress.
There was a spot she knew of, not far from where the clearing was, that overlooked the ocean, and Lorien decided to take a short walk in order to try to relax a bit more. She set out along the path nearby.
*
*
*
Snape was listening to LaRue carefully, fascinated by the older woman's experience and knowledge. It was refreshing to be able to discuss his own discipline with someone as knowledgeable, but he still noticed when Lorien left the table and began debating how best to excuse himself as well, without offending the woman he was speaking with.
LaRue glanced where she had seen Lorien enter the woods, and turned back to Snape. "Well, I could go on all night," she said, smiling. "It's always a pleasure to speak with someone who understands my appreciation of potion brewing, but I believe we can continue our discussion tomorrow?"
She gave him a meaningful look and he gave her a small, grateful smile and rose. "Until tomorrow then, Elixani atora." He turned and went the way Lorien had.
LaRue turned her attention back to the rest of the group, where the discussion was now about summoning spells, and the she listened with interest as Harry Potter asked Taber about how to call lightning.
*
*
*
Lorien had reached the cliffs that rose up out of the water below, and stood looking out over the moonlit ocean, enjoying the slight sea breeze that tugged at her robes and cloak. It was still cool, but the air now held the first promise of spring around the corner. She reflected on the events of the day, and the fact that she was fortunate enough to have a bit of peaceful time with her friends, both Nemorosi and from Hogwarts. The breeze drifted by her again, and she suddenly became inspired to stir things up a bit more thanks to her good mood.
She stood with her eyes closed for a moment, and summoned the winds, causing the air around her to stir a good deal more.
*
*
*
Snape had made it to the edge of the woods where they broke away to reveal the cliffs where Lorien now stood, and he was about to go to her when he heard her speak the command words. Curious, he leaned against a tree with his arms folded, and watched her strengthen the winds around her until her robes were rippling wildly and she began to laugh. He smiled to himself as he realized she was merely playing, and after a moment he spoke to her.
"That's a bit childish, don't you think?"
Lorien startled and spun around to face him as he uncrossed his arms and leaned off the tree. "What exactly are you doing?" He asked as he approached her.
"A summoning spell," she answered quietly, and then she smiled. "I believe you're familiar with them?" She asked sweetly, knowing he probably had yet to forgive her for his encounter with her biting vine. The winds died down a little as she dropped her focus.
"Hmph," was all he said. He came to stand near her and placed his hands on her shoulders as he looked out over the water for a quiet moment. She leaned against him, resting her head under his chin. "Call it again," he said at last.
Lorien thought it a strange request, but refocused and the winds rose around them again a bit stronger. She would have strengthened them further, but at that moment his hands were at the back of her head, gently tugging the comb that held her hair up out of place. Her hair tumbled out of the intricate updo and onto her shoulders, and she closed her eyes as he ran his fingers through it and smoothed it out.
"Better," he said softly, and he slid one arm around her waist as he moved her hair away from her neck. She felt his lips, cool from the night air, meet her skin there briefly.
The wind around them grew stronger for an instant, and Snape raised an eyebrow as he pulled back a little. Interesting. He bent closer and kissed her neck again, and as Lorien focused more on what he was doing, he noted that the wind once again gathered strength for a moment. Very interesting.
"Show me this spell," he whispered in her ear.
She looked a little surprised. "You want to learn a summoning?"
He frowned at her and adopted a tone of mock hurt. "What, perhaps you think Potter is the only apt pupil you have?"
Lorien laughed, knowing that he wasn't really upset. He was obviously in a good mood if he were willing to joke about Harry. "All right," she agreed softly. "Together at first, alright?"
He nodded and listened to her instructions, and then closed his eyes to concentrate as she wrapped her arms around his neck. It was only a moment before the breeze around them began to pick up as she focused her effort again, and then he felt her breath catch as he added his own effort. The winds now picked up considerably, and tugged repeatedly at their robes.
Lorien laughed again, delighting in the gale that was rapidly increasing around them, and when she looked up, Severus was watching her closely. She saw his eyes narrow for the briefest moment, and she would have been blown back a step by the force of the wind he was calling if it weren't for the fact that he held her. "Do you want me to let go?" She asked softly, looking into the dark eyes.
"No," he said quietly. "Never."
Lorien felt a great rush of emotion at the utterance of that single word, and she tightened her embrace. "I meant the wind," she corrected him gently, as green robes tangled themselves in black while the wind swirled past.
"Oh," he said distractedly, gaze now on her lips. He kissed her an instant later, and found that the combination of her nearness, and the force of the spell that they were weaving together elicited a heady rush of adrenaline, and he found himself kissing her more and more insistently. She responded in kind, a temptation too great for him to resist despite their location, and he pulled her to her knees with him on the cliffs as the wind raged fiercer than ever. She never resisted as he gently pushed her back onto the ground.
*
*
*
* Harry was nervous about asking Perth Taber about the summoning spell, but when Snape left the table to go in search of Lorien, and the conversation dwindled for a moment, he saw his opportunity to bring the subject up and he turned to the man sitting next to him. "Excuse me, Sylvani ator," he began politely . Taber turned to look at him expectantly with a small smile, and Harry got the impression that the man already knew what he was about to ask. "Yes, Harry?"
Harry smiled back nervously. "I was wondering...er...well..you know that Mistress Lorien has been teaching me the summoning spells..and I wondered.."
"Yes?" Taber asked expectantly.
"Well, I thought that...Lorien said that you might show me the summoning for lightning." Harry blurted it out at last.
"She did, did she?" Taber shot an amused look at the Red Witch, who had taken an interest in the conversation.
LaRue sighed. "Typical teenager, Perth." She glanced upward at the slight breeze that rustled the needles of a nearby fir tree.
"That's a very tricky spell, Harry," Taber said, as he turned to focus his attention on the boy again. "It can be very dangerous."
"I know," admitted Harry, glancing quickly at where Sirius had perked his ears up and now listened to the conversation. "That's what Lorien said. She wouldn't show it to me because she said that she didn't feel comfortable with her own ability, and she thought that maybe you might."
"Show you or teach you?" Taber asked with a wry smile.
"Both." Harry admitted.
Sirius spoke up. "I think that might not be such a good idea," he said, stepping into the role of protective godfather.
"But Sirius..." Harry protested.
Taber held up a hand to quiet Harry. "Your godfather is right, Harry. It might not be wise for you to attempt it at this early stage." He absently retrieved the napkin that blew across the table as he spoke.
Harry couldn't have looked more disappointed.
"Harry," Sirius began, pausing long enough to grab his own napkin that was threatening to blow away, as did Remus. "There'll be time later..."
"But, I'm ready now," Harry insisted, sounding frustrated. "I've learned so much." He glanced at the sprinkling of pine needles that was steadily raining down from the nearby tree as the strengthening wind shook them loose.
Taber was sympathetic. "Harry, I know that you think you are, but believe me.." He grabbed the goblet in front of him that nearly tipped over with another sharp gust of wind.
"Maybe you could at least show me?" Harry asked tentatively.
Taber sighed, knowing that teenagers could be very persistent. "Harry, the weather conditions really aren't right," he said in a half-hearted attempt at a last dissuasion.
"They might be in a minute," Remus observed as he and the others jumped to grab at more of the table settings that were being rocked by the small gale that was now winding itself up in the clearing.
"Go on, Perth."
Everyone looked at the Red Witch, who had spoken.
She nodded in Harry's direction. "Show him."
She waved her hand and banished the table settings that everyone was struggling with and smiled as a nearby branch fell loose from the tree that was creaking as it rocked in the wind. "It would appear that tonight is a good night for the teaching of new magic after all," she said with a laugh, speaking louder to be heard over the increasing gale. Occupants of the other tables were now abandoning their seats and leaving to take cover from the arriving storm.
"Very well," said Taber, with a glance at Sirius. "You'll accompany us?"
"You know it," Sirius said with a glance at Remus, who nodded. They were both just as curious as Harry now.
Harry grinned at last, thrilled that he was going to get to see the summoning he so desperately wanted to learn.
The four men rose to their feet, leaving LaRue behind, and headed out of the clearing.
"Perth?" She called after them, as she stared at the table in front of her with a wry smile crossing her lips.
"Yes?" He called back, as all four stood there with their cloaks billowing wildly in the raging wind.
"Do stay away from the south cliffs," she said amusedly as another branch broke loose from the wind and crashed to the ground.
*
*
*
If Perth thought LaRue's last comment was strange, he gave no indication of it and quickly led Harry, Remus and Sirius along a path that led out on to the north cliffs where they could see dark clouds out over the water rapidly being swept in by the fierce winds.
Harry was excited, and walked along rapidly beside Taber asking questions. "Does there have to be a storm around in order to call lightning?"
"No," replied Taber, "but it's much simpler if there's at least one in the area. I have seen one or two people summon lightning on a perfectly clear day, though."
"Really?" Harry was amazed at the thought. "With no bad weather at all? You've seen someone actually do that?"
Taber nodded, and saw the way that Harry was still looking expectantly at him. He smiled at the boy. "The Red Witch has been known to do such a thing now and again."
Harry's eyes went wide and Perth laughed. "Make sure you mind your manners around her," he said.
Harry nodded vigorously in agreement.
The foursome reached the open flat rocky area at the top of the cliffs, and Taber gave a brief explanation of the summoning.
"I'll answer any questions that you have afterwards. I want to show you this while the conditions are still right," Taber said, seeming the slightest bit amused. "I have a feeling, with the suddenness of this storm, that it'll be over fairly quickly." He chuckled a bit, knowing that the three other wizards had no idea about the storm's probable origin.
"Now, the key is to be able to direct your focus on a distant spot." Taber said. "Calling the lightning is the simpler task - controlling the lightning is altogether more difficult."
Harry, Remus and Sirius listened carefully as Perth pointed to a stony outcropping in the water a short distance off shore.
"There. Keep your eyes on that rock." The older mage closed his eyes for a moment, and took a deep breath and released it slowly.
Harry felt his own pulse quicken as he watched the man in front of him, and he suddenly became aware of a prickly sensation on his skin and hair, like static electricity only stronger. He could see when his eyes met Sirius's, that his godfather was experiencing the same sensation, and he returned his gaze quickly to the rock in the water. A second later he heard Taber whisper the command word.
"Fulminis." Taber uttered the word quietly, and suddenly the darkness all around them was shattered for an instant as a jagged fork jabbed downward out of the night sky.
"Whoa!" Harry's mouth fell open as the group was plunged back into darkness. He turned wide eyes full of respect on Taber. An instant later, his hand snapped involuntarily to his forehead as pain seared through his scar.
*
*
*
*
Draco walked back along the path, trying to decide how he felt about what had just happened. It didn't seem right that such a little thing should bother him so much, but after Beska had kissed him and walked away, he found himself feeling guilty for what he'd been thinking earlier.
Not only that, but he found himself thinking that he'd actually liked the fact that she'd kissed him. He chuckled to himself as he thought about it more. What would she think if she knew she'd just kissed the son of a Death Eater?
Even funnier - what would his father think if he knew that a Malfoy had just been kissed by one of those ridiculous Nemorosi?
Draco thought about the feel of her lips against his, and decided that perhaps they weren't all so ridiculous after all. Perhaps Snape was right about that.
Perhaps Snape was right about a lot of things.
Draco found himself questioning his feelings about what to do about his alignment for the hundredth time since the night of the party at Hogwarts. He knew his loyalty should be to his father, to his blood, but it made him more and more ill to consider what that would mean.
Of course, siding with Dumbledore and those idiots at the Ministry didn't hold a great deal of appeal either, and Draco knew that he'd have to decide soon. At least he had until the end of the school year when he'd have to return home to decide which side of things he belonged on. Or so he thought.
*
*
*
The last of the wind was dying down as Severus stood looking out from the cliffs and Lorien stood next to him attempting to smooth out her robes and hair. He smiled a little at her appearance, which was slightly more rumpled than it was twenty minutes ago. He reached for her and drew her to him. "Come here, my windblown witch," he said wryly.
She leaned against him. "YOUR windblown witch?" She asked teasingly.
"Yes," he said. "You are mine, aren't you?" He asked, looking intently into her eyes.
"Yes," she replied softly, and then smiled. "You won me, remember?"
He smiled back at her. "The wind in your hair suits you, Sylvanesti," he said tenderly, sliding his hand behind her head. She let him pull her in.
"And what suits you, Severus?" She asked as he bent closer.
"Being with you, my love." His lips just met hers when the voice spoke from nearby, interrupting the moment.
"How very, very touching, Severus."
Snape's blood ran cold as recognition of the icy voice came to him, and he whirled to face Lucius Malfoy.
.
