Chapter 16
Death and Destruction
Harry rolled over, touching his throbbing forehead. His scar woke him up it hurt so badly. He awoke with tears of pain rolling down his cheeks. He sat up, knowing trouble was on the way.
He stared around the dark room and noticed that everything seemed to be in place. No one seemed to be in any direct danger, everyone was sleeping soundly, and nothing was out of order. The only sounds he could hear were that of his occupants deeply breathing. He sighed, getting up to walk around.
The burning in his scar didn't go away. He bit his lip to overcome the pain, and as more tears seeped down his cheeks, he brushed them away violently. He couldn't cry. He just couldn't do it.
Harry wandered around the dark room a few more minutes before walking over to the windowsill he had sat at for so many nights. Lonely thoughts had been collected at that window. It had been so long since he had sat there that he almost missed the spot. He had no need to be lonely anymore.
He sat down, pulling his knees toward his chest. He felt the scar on his forehead pulse violently and just as he was about to close his eyes and hope the pain went on its own, he saw a light shine outside. It caught his attention almost immediately. He pressed his nose to the glass and notice the light coming from the grounds. Harry was notorious for having bad eyesight, but it didn't stop him from recognizing the face in the light.
It was Cadence. He could never mistake her pale face, dark sparkling eyes and light, flowing hair. She looked around, her face lit up by the light at the end of her wand. Her head turned each way, searching to see if anyone was out there, and then she ran toward the Forest.
Harry jumped up. He couldn't let her go into the Forest, especially so late at night. He ran toward his bed, pulling out his clothes, peeling his pajamas off quickly. He ignored the fierce pain in his head, throwing his shoes on, grabbing his wand and scarf, and then running out of the dorms quietly. He was intent on following the trail that Cadence had unknowingly led him on.
Creeping silently out of the portrait hole and through the corridors, he whispered, "Lumos." The light allowd him to follow swiftly, dodging between large pillars so as not to be seen, and finally make it outside safely.
He ran toward the place he had spotted Cadence. What business did she have going into the Forest? It wasn't as if she could just waltz in there any time she liked anymore. She was being foolish. He had to go and make sure nothing happened to her.
His scar was starting to burn so badly that he almost couldn't breathe. He had to stop a few times and let it singe on his forehead. It hurt badly, but he was persistent. He had to press ahead. Cadence needed him.
She didn't know she needed him though.
Cadence peered into the Forest, making sure she hadn't been caught. No one was around and no one had seen her leave. She had managed to throw on her clothes silently, tuck the necklace into her pocket, grab her wand and blow out of the dorms before midnight had struck.
She crept around with her lit wand, trying to get to the Clearing as soon as possible. She had to be quick so she could get back to the dorms and have the whole ordeal be over.
She was scared. To be more honest, she was frightened out of her mind. She had already been warned to stay out of the Forest. She stopped quickly. She thought she heard something rustle in the bushes. Even though she had checked hundreds of times before leaving to be sure no one was following her, she felt that someone was following her. She was been sure to backtrack and check every possible hiding place, but she had found nothing. Cadence concluded that it was merely her nerves.
Breathing deeply, she bent over and continued forward, moving along the narrow path The light from her wand was shaking visibly. She heard another rustle, this time, louder and closer. She jumped, looking behind her.
"H-Hello?" she called in a hoarse voice.
There was nothing.
"Is someone there?" she called again.
No answer.
"I have to warn you. I do know a few curses. I'll be sure to make you aware of that if any bodily harm should come to me."
She tried to make herself sound more confident than she felt. Suddenly, to her horror, she saw a faint light in the distance. It was coming closer. Her heart pounded in her chest as she backed up to turn and run. She stumbled, turned around, and ran for her life.
Her heart pounded so heavily in her ears that she could no longer hear anything. She breathed heavily, holding her wand out in front of her, refusing to look back. She noticed that she was coming closer to the Clearing. She was going to hide from whoever was following.
She made it the Clearing safely, but as soon as she had slowed, she saw the faint light coming still steadily. A startled cry came from her throat. She threw herself behind a bush, trembling with fear. The footsteps and the light came closer. It suddenly stopped right in front of her.
Harry stood at the edge of the Clearing, looking around for Cadence. She couldn't have gone far within a matter of seconds.
"Cadie?" he called out quietly. He looked around and yelled her name a few more times.
Cadence peered out from behind the bush. It was Harry! How had he known she had was out there?
She slunk out from behind the bush and whispered, "Harry."
Harry gave a start and turned toward her. "Cadie!" he yelled. He ran directly toward her, throwing his arms around her and holding her protectively against him.
"Harry what are you doing out here?"
"I should ask you the same thing! You know the Forest is too dangerous for you! We have to go back!" he demanded.
"Harry, you don't understand," she said, pulling the necklace from her pocket. "If I don't get rid of this right now, tonight. if I don't throw it out into the pond, Voldemort. he will come back."
Harry's eyes widened behind his round glasses. "What?"
"It's a long story. I'll explain it later. Let me get rid of this," she said, holding the necklace in her hand. "Let me throw it in the pond and on our way back I'll explain it."
Harry's mouth dropped open. "I don't understand. what's going on, Cadie?"
"Listen to me!" Cadence shouted with an urgency Harry had never heard before. "Let me throw it out!"
Harry nodded slightly and Cadence moved around him and as she stepped over the grass that normally blocked their direct view from the pond.
"Be careful," he croaked, holding his scar again.
She made no move to indicate she had heard him. She moved silently around the unicorns, pulling out the necklace all the while as she did.
Before Harry had a chance to react, a dark figure leapt from the bushes behind Cadence, tackling her to the ground. Harry felt as if he were rooted to the spot he was standing in.
The figure that had landed on top of Cadence was strong and kept her arms pinned to the ground. She writhed and screamed, kicking at whomever was on top of her.
"Get off of me! Get off!" she screamed in agony.
Harry suddenly felt his legs move. He ran toward her, pulling out his wand as he did. He pointed his wand straight at the figure on top of Cadence and screamed, "Detubare!" The figure was hit with a sudden blast and fell backward. Cadence jumped up, pulled out her wand and pointed it at the figure. She backed up into Harry's arms.
"Believe it or not both of us know some wicked curses," Cadence seethed.
The figure backed up, and with a sudden flicker of movement, the person pulled out his own wand, standing at full length. The dark voice of the figure came from the shadow. "I don't know if that's necessary," it said. "For I know some Curses as well, and I'm not about to let some fifteen-year-old brat threaten me."
Cadence backed up. Her arm went completely lax at her side.
"The Killing Curse comes to mind."
Harry stood in front of Cadence suddenly, not as resilient to the figure in front of him. "Whatever your quarrel is with this young woman, you will have to take it up with me first."
"How brave of you Mr. Potter, but I have no quarrel with her. All I desire is a small token."
"Of what?" Harry asked suspiciously.
"The young lady you stand in front of knows of what I speak."
Cadence sobbed. "I have nothing.
"Indeed. What is this that lies at your feet?"
Cadence looked down and picked up the necklace. "It is naught but a family heirloom," she defied. "Why should I give it to you?" she asked.
"Because I much desire it."
"You can't have it," Harry answered.
The figure pointed his wand and shouted, "Adoriri!"
A silvery light hit Harry in the stomach and he doubled over, wheezing and giggling slightly. Cadence backed up frightfully but the figure flew toward her, tackling her down again. He put his hand around her throat, reaching for the necklace.
"Give it to me! Now!"
Cadence choked and gasped, clutching the necklace in her closed, cold fist. She kicked at the figure wildly.
"GIVE IT HERE!" the voice yelled.
Cadence felt as though her life was slipping away. She tried to pry the figure's fingers off of her neck, but was unsuccessful.
"Give me the necklace!" the figure kept one hand on her throat, the other groping for Cadence's hand. He clutched her wrist and banged her hand upon the ground, trying to release the stone.
"Crucio!" Harry screamed, finally finding his voice. The figure on top of Cadence screamed, slamming her wrist and arm all around. Finally, with a landing snap, Cadence felt the necklace in her hand slam onto the ground and crack open.
"NO!" she gasped, watching a swirling wind of gray smoke rise from the inside of the necklace.
Harry was stunned for a few moments. Running over to Cadence, he pulled her out from under the writhing figure and held her in comfort. They stared at the swirling smoke and it finally took form.
Harry's scar burned in agony and he gripped Cadence tightly. Tears of pain seeped from his eyes and he brushed them away again, not allowing the stinging ache in his forehead stop him from protecting Cadence.
"Harry Potter."
The voice was so evil that it made Harry's stomach churn. The new figure in the gray smoke pointed his wand at the writhing body, sending out a bolt of silver light. He stopped, gasping for air.
"How cruel of you, Potter. I never would have suspected you of the Cruciatus Curse." The voice cackled evilly, sending a shiver up Cadence's spine.
"What have you come for?" Harry asked, pointing his wand protectively upward, keeping one arm around Cadence.
The figure stepped out of the gray smoke. Cadence and Harry could see clear as day that it was Voldemort speaking to them. "I have come for what I wish, Potter." He too, lifted his wand. "To see your destruction."
"Wait a second," Cadence finally found the voice to speak. "If this is Voldemort. who.?"
The three in company looked down upon the gasping figure. Cadence was now surprised at how clearly she could suddenly see his face. He had short blond hair, brown eyes a lot like her own, and his face looked haggard, as if he had done too much work for too long a time.
"Do you not recognize your own kin, Cadence Cartwright?"
The way he spat her name made Cadence shiver. She stared at the man on the ground but said nothing.
"Your parents lied to you."
Cadence looked at Voldemort now, a light flashing in her eyes. "What are you talking about? How dare you defy my parents after you so wrongfully took them from me!"
"Wrongfully? WRONGFULLY?" he screamed, stepping closer to her now. Harry jerked the two of them backward. "They deserved the death I bestowed upon them!"
Cadence now moved to pull out her wand but Voldemort was too quick for her. "I don't think that would be wise, child."
She seethed, staring at Voldemort. "No one deserves death."
"Explain that to your brother, Cadence," Voldemort whispered. "Tell him that the parents that threw him out of his own home didn't deserve the death they received!"
Cadence's eyes widened as she stared down at the man at her feet. "Brother?"
"He was only twelve when he found the path that led him to my calling," he explained. "And your mother and father wanted nothing of it. They cast him away at the age of twelve! Even though as young as your brother had been, the parents you had bestowed upon him the key that would lock the necklace of power. After casting him out of their lives, they foolishly forgot to ask it of him to bring the key back. It was as if they wanted no possession of his. Idiotic people. How had they not known something so valuable was in the hands of someone they considered so evil? Would you not wish death upon such people?"
"Never," Cadence defied. "I would never wish death upon those that bestowed me life."
"Some life it is! Look at the piteous creature now," Voldemort poked his wand in his direction. "Fourteen years he has served me loyally, and asks nothing more of me than the simple task of ridding the world of such hated creatures as your parents."
"THEY ARE NOT HATED!" Cadence screamed.
She broke free of Harry's grip, pulling out her wand and opening her mouth to begin.
However, Voldemort was still too quick for her. He stepped backward and raised his wand. "You leave Potter in the open? He has for so long been a nuisance to me. I shall rid myself of this burden while there is still ridding to be done!"
Voldemort raised his wand at Harry, and it happened as if in slow motion. No words escaped from Voldemort's lips as he shot the blast from his wand. Cadence knew what was to happen, and she didn't think before running in front of it, pushing Harry out of the way. Cadence felt the blast hit her in the back. She fell to the ground in agonizing pain. Harry watched as a fourth figure leapt from the shadows. He paid no attention. Cadence was hurt and lying on the ground, screaming in pain, fading. he could feel it inside of him. She was fading and he couldn't let it happen.
Death and Destruction
Harry rolled over, touching his throbbing forehead. His scar woke him up it hurt so badly. He awoke with tears of pain rolling down his cheeks. He sat up, knowing trouble was on the way.
He stared around the dark room and noticed that everything seemed to be in place. No one seemed to be in any direct danger, everyone was sleeping soundly, and nothing was out of order. The only sounds he could hear were that of his occupants deeply breathing. He sighed, getting up to walk around.
The burning in his scar didn't go away. He bit his lip to overcome the pain, and as more tears seeped down his cheeks, he brushed them away violently. He couldn't cry. He just couldn't do it.
Harry wandered around the dark room a few more minutes before walking over to the windowsill he had sat at for so many nights. Lonely thoughts had been collected at that window. It had been so long since he had sat there that he almost missed the spot. He had no need to be lonely anymore.
He sat down, pulling his knees toward his chest. He felt the scar on his forehead pulse violently and just as he was about to close his eyes and hope the pain went on its own, he saw a light shine outside. It caught his attention almost immediately. He pressed his nose to the glass and notice the light coming from the grounds. Harry was notorious for having bad eyesight, but it didn't stop him from recognizing the face in the light.
It was Cadence. He could never mistake her pale face, dark sparkling eyes and light, flowing hair. She looked around, her face lit up by the light at the end of her wand. Her head turned each way, searching to see if anyone was out there, and then she ran toward the Forest.
Harry jumped up. He couldn't let her go into the Forest, especially so late at night. He ran toward his bed, pulling out his clothes, peeling his pajamas off quickly. He ignored the fierce pain in his head, throwing his shoes on, grabbing his wand and scarf, and then running out of the dorms quietly. He was intent on following the trail that Cadence had unknowingly led him on.
Creeping silently out of the portrait hole and through the corridors, he whispered, "Lumos." The light allowd him to follow swiftly, dodging between large pillars so as not to be seen, and finally make it outside safely.
He ran toward the place he had spotted Cadence. What business did she have going into the Forest? It wasn't as if she could just waltz in there any time she liked anymore. She was being foolish. He had to go and make sure nothing happened to her.
His scar was starting to burn so badly that he almost couldn't breathe. He had to stop a few times and let it singe on his forehead. It hurt badly, but he was persistent. He had to press ahead. Cadence needed him.
She didn't know she needed him though.
Cadence peered into the Forest, making sure she hadn't been caught. No one was around and no one had seen her leave. She had managed to throw on her clothes silently, tuck the necklace into her pocket, grab her wand and blow out of the dorms before midnight had struck.
She crept around with her lit wand, trying to get to the Clearing as soon as possible. She had to be quick so she could get back to the dorms and have the whole ordeal be over.
She was scared. To be more honest, she was frightened out of her mind. She had already been warned to stay out of the Forest. She stopped quickly. She thought she heard something rustle in the bushes. Even though she had checked hundreds of times before leaving to be sure no one was following her, she felt that someone was following her. She was been sure to backtrack and check every possible hiding place, but she had found nothing. Cadence concluded that it was merely her nerves.
Breathing deeply, she bent over and continued forward, moving along the narrow path The light from her wand was shaking visibly. She heard another rustle, this time, louder and closer. She jumped, looking behind her.
"H-Hello?" she called in a hoarse voice.
There was nothing.
"Is someone there?" she called again.
No answer.
"I have to warn you. I do know a few curses. I'll be sure to make you aware of that if any bodily harm should come to me."
She tried to make herself sound more confident than she felt. Suddenly, to her horror, she saw a faint light in the distance. It was coming closer. Her heart pounded in her chest as she backed up to turn and run. She stumbled, turned around, and ran for her life.
Her heart pounded so heavily in her ears that she could no longer hear anything. She breathed heavily, holding her wand out in front of her, refusing to look back. She noticed that she was coming closer to the Clearing. She was going to hide from whoever was following.
She made it the Clearing safely, but as soon as she had slowed, she saw the faint light coming still steadily. A startled cry came from her throat. She threw herself behind a bush, trembling with fear. The footsteps and the light came closer. It suddenly stopped right in front of her.
Harry stood at the edge of the Clearing, looking around for Cadence. She couldn't have gone far within a matter of seconds.
"Cadie?" he called out quietly. He looked around and yelled her name a few more times.
Cadence peered out from behind the bush. It was Harry! How had he known she had was out there?
She slunk out from behind the bush and whispered, "Harry."
Harry gave a start and turned toward her. "Cadie!" he yelled. He ran directly toward her, throwing his arms around her and holding her protectively against him.
"Harry what are you doing out here?"
"I should ask you the same thing! You know the Forest is too dangerous for you! We have to go back!" he demanded.
"Harry, you don't understand," she said, pulling the necklace from her pocket. "If I don't get rid of this right now, tonight. if I don't throw it out into the pond, Voldemort. he will come back."
Harry's eyes widened behind his round glasses. "What?"
"It's a long story. I'll explain it later. Let me get rid of this," she said, holding the necklace in her hand. "Let me throw it in the pond and on our way back I'll explain it."
Harry's mouth dropped open. "I don't understand. what's going on, Cadie?"
"Listen to me!" Cadence shouted with an urgency Harry had never heard before. "Let me throw it out!"
Harry nodded slightly and Cadence moved around him and as she stepped over the grass that normally blocked their direct view from the pond.
"Be careful," he croaked, holding his scar again.
She made no move to indicate she had heard him. She moved silently around the unicorns, pulling out the necklace all the while as she did.
Before Harry had a chance to react, a dark figure leapt from the bushes behind Cadence, tackling her to the ground. Harry felt as if he were rooted to the spot he was standing in.
The figure that had landed on top of Cadence was strong and kept her arms pinned to the ground. She writhed and screamed, kicking at whomever was on top of her.
"Get off of me! Get off!" she screamed in agony.
Harry suddenly felt his legs move. He ran toward her, pulling out his wand as he did. He pointed his wand straight at the figure on top of Cadence and screamed, "Detubare!" The figure was hit with a sudden blast and fell backward. Cadence jumped up, pulled out her wand and pointed it at the figure. She backed up into Harry's arms.
"Believe it or not both of us know some wicked curses," Cadence seethed.
The figure backed up, and with a sudden flicker of movement, the person pulled out his own wand, standing at full length. The dark voice of the figure came from the shadow. "I don't know if that's necessary," it said. "For I know some Curses as well, and I'm not about to let some fifteen-year-old brat threaten me."
Cadence backed up. Her arm went completely lax at her side.
"The Killing Curse comes to mind."
Harry stood in front of Cadence suddenly, not as resilient to the figure in front of him. "Whatever your quarrel is with this young woman, you will have to take it up with me first."
"How brave of you Mr. Potter, but I have no quarrel with her. All I desire is a small token."
"Of what?" Harry asked suspiciously.
"The young lady you stand in front of knows of what I speak."
Cadence sobbed. "I have nothing.
"Indeed. What is this that lies at your feet?"
Cadence looked down and picked up the necklace. "It is naught but a family heirloom," she defied. "Why should I give it to you?" she asked.
"Because I much desire it."
"You can't have it," Harry answered.
The figure pointed his wand and shouted, "Adoriri!"
A silvery light hit Harry in the stomach and he doubled over, wheezing and giggling slightly. Cadence backed up frightfully but the figure flew toward her, tackling her down again. He put his hand around her throat, reaching for the necklace.
"Give it to me! Now!"
Cadence choked and gasped, clutching the necklace in her closed, cold fist. She kicked at the figure wildly.
"GIVE IT HERE!" the voice yelled.
Cadence felt as though her life was slipping away. She tried to pry the figure's fingers off of her neck, but was unsuccessful.
"Give me the necklace!" the figure kept one hand on her throat, the other groping for Cadence's hand. He clutched her wrist and banged her hand upon the ground, trying to release the stone.
"Crucio!" Harry screamed, finally finding his voice. The figure on top of Cadence screamed, slamming her wrist and arm all around. Finally, with a landing snap, Cadence felt the necklace in her hand slam onto the ground and crack open.
"NO!" she gasped, watching a swirling wind of gray smoke rise from the inside of the necklace.
Harry was stunned for a few moments. Running over to Cadence, he pulled her out from under the writhing figure and held her in comfort. They stared at the swirling smoke and it finally took form.
Harry's scar burned in agony and he gripped Cadence tightly. Tears of pain seeped from his eyes and he brushed them away again, not allowing the stinging ache in his forehead stop him from protecting Cadence.
"Harry Potter."
The voice was so evil that it made Harry's stomach churn. The new figure in the gray smoke pointed his wand at the writhing body, sending out a bolt of silver light. He stopped, gasping for air.
"How cruel of you, Potter. I never would have suspected you of the Cruciatus Curse." The voice cackled evilly, sending a shiver up Cadence's spine.
"What have you come for?" Harry asked, pointing his wand protectively upward, keeping one arm around Cadence.
The figure stepped out of the gray smoke. Cadence and Harry could see clear as day that it was Voldemort speaking to them. "I have come for what I wish, Potter." He too, lifted his wand. "To see your destruction."
"Wait a second," Cadence finally found the voice to speak. "If this is Voldemort. who.?"
The three in company looked down upon the gasping figure. Cadence was now surprised at how clearly she could suddenly see his face. He had short blond hair, brown eyes a lot like her own, and his face looked haggard, as if he had done too much work for too long a time.
"Do you not recognize your own kin, Cadence Cartwright?"
The way he spat her name made Cadence shiver. She stared at the man on the ground but said nothing.
"Your parents lied to you."
Cadence looked at Voldemort now, a light flashing in her eyes. "What are you talking about? How dare you defy my parents after you so wrongfully took them from me!"
"Wrongfully? WRONGFULLY?" he screamed, stepping closer to her now. Harry jerked the two of them backward. "They deserved the death I bestowed upon them!"
Cadence now moved to pull out her wand but Voldemort was too quick for her. "I don't think that would be wise, child."
She seethed, staring at Voldemort. "No one deserves death."
"Explain that to your brother, Cadence," Voldemort whispered. "Tell him that the parents that threw him out of his own home didn't deserve the death they received!"
Cadence's eyes widened as she stared down at the man at her feet. "Brother?"
"He was only twelve when he found the path that led him to my calling," he explained. "And your mother and father wanted nothing of it. They cast him away at the age of twelve! Even though as young as your brother had been, the parents you had bestowed upon him the key that would lock the necklace of power. After casting him out of their lives, they foolishly forgot to ask it of him to bring the key back. It was as if they wanted no possession of his. Idiotic people. How had they not known something so valuable was in the hands of someone they considered so evil? Would you not wish death upon such people?"
"Never," Cadence defied. "I would never wish death upon those that bestowed me life."
"Some life it is! Look at the piteous creature now," Voldemort poked his wand in his direction. "Fourteen years he has served me loyally, and asks nothing more of me than the simple task of ridding the world of such hated creatures as your parents."
"THEY ARE NOT HATED!" Cadence screamed.
She broke free of Harry's grip, pulling out her wand and opening her mouth to begin.
However, Voldemort was still too quick for her. He stepped backward and raised his wand. "You leave Potter in the open? He has for so long been a nuisance to me. I shall rid myself of this burden while there is still ridding to be done!"
Voldemort raised his wand at Harry, and it happened as if in slow motion. No words escaped from Voldemort's lips as he shot the blast from his wand. Cadence knew what was to happen, and she didn't think before running in front of it, pushing Harry out of the way. Cadence felt the blast hit her in the back. She fell to the ground in agonizing pain. Harry watched as a fourth figure leapt from the shadows. He paid no attention. Cadence was hurt and lying on the ground, screaming in pain, fading. he could feel it inside of him. She was fading and he couldn't let it happen.