Here is another long chapter! Enjoy! I rather like it…rather I do like it rather…yes, rather I do…
And a disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or any Harry Potter related material! Except for Ella and Edward! They be mine! ALL MINE!
HARRY
POTTER
AND THE STAFF OF VIGOR
~ ~ !!! ~ ~
CHAPTER 15: DARKNESS IS MY FRIEND
"I cannot believe you. Of all the nerve! I tell you, Sue and Michael will be hearing about this! You are in big trouble Eddie! Big, big trouble!" Ellanora screamed. Harry sighed. She'd been yelling at her brother non-stop now for about ten minutes.
"Who are Sue and Michael?" He leant forward and asked Ron. Ron shrugged.
"They're her foster parents." Malfoy said quietly. Harry glared at him for eavesdropping.
"And do you have any idea how dangerous this all is? Do you? What on earth possessed you to do what you did?" She stopped her ranting and finally allowed her brother to defend himself.
"You were leaving! You were going to leave me!" Edward snapped. Ellanora's expression softened but remained firm.
"I was not. I was coming back. And how did you know about all this?" She gestured to the group, still attached to their camping gear.
"Extendable ears," Edward muttered, "From Weasley's Wizard Wheezes."
"Ron..." Ellanora turned to him accusingly.
"Hey," He held up his hands defensively, "I cannot be held accountable for my brothers."
"It doesn't matter anyway. You had no right! No right you underst-" She began to yell at Edward again but Malfoy stood up and demanded that she stop.
"Can you quit it? It's no big deal. We'll just Portkey him back," He sighed, "Anything to stop your nagging."
"Nagging? Dammit Draco shut up!" She snapped but she didn't continue to yell and instead turned to Hermione, "The Portkey goes back to the Castle right?"
"Er..." Hermione looked uneasily at the ground. Ron stood up and walked over to her.
"Hermione? The Portkey goes back to the castle right?" He wondered stiffly. Hermione shook her head.
"What?" Harry exclaimed. This was not good. What if they needed to go back because of a sudden emergency?
"It was a precaution!" Hermione said defensively.
"A precaution?" Harry frowned, "In case of what?"
"In case," Hermione paused, "In case one of us changed our minds and wanted to go back."
The rest of the group was shocked. They had never intended for this to happen and most of them thought that they should have checked with everything themselves before they left, instead of leaving everything to Hermione. Because of the fact that they had overlooked the minor detail of the Portkey there was no way of getting Edward back to Hogwarts. He would have to go with them and it was not a concept any of them were particularly fond of, especially Ellanora.
After much bickering and lecturing towards Hermione it was decided that Edward would have to come with them because it was too dangerous to leave him behind.
"You okay?" Harry asked Ellanora as they began to trudge up the mountain. It accompanied a narrow path that Malfoy had found and Hermione had insisted that at the top of the mountain was the cave they had come for; The Cave of Eradication.
"Why wouldn't I be? My only living kin is with me on a journey to his death. I'm as happy as happy can be." Ellanora drawled.
"I'll take that as a no," Harry sighed, "I'm really sorry he ended up coming with us."
Ellanora turned back to gaze at him for a moment and a small smile crept across her face, "I love that you always care so much, you know."
Harry's eyes widened and he grinned foolishly. Her smile slowly faded as she glanced over his shoulder.
"Edward! Come on." She said, gently pushing past Harry to help her brother who was struggling up the hill. Edward glared at her but seemed quite grateful for her help as she grabbed his hand and hauled him up alongside her.
"Thanks Ella." He muttered. She narrowed her eyes at him.
"I am still really mad at you." She snapped. Edward moaned but continued to let her pull him up the hill.
It took nearly half an hour to climb it. Everyone was nervously talkative at first but as the cold began to get to them all no one could muster the energy to talk. Harry's heart began to beat faster as he saw that they were nearly on the top of the hill.
"Here goes nothing." He murmured to himself. Ginny, who had been walking beside him for the past few minutes, said something to herself that sounded similar.
"You ready for this?" She asked him.
"I don't think a person can be ready for something like this." Harry told her, grimacing as the cold wind whipped his face.
"No, I spose you cant," She gazed around the clearing they had come to before turning to stare at the large cave looming in front of them, "I'm really scared Harry."
"I thought you were fine before." He stated gently.
"I was. But now I'm really, really scared." She gave him a hopeless smile and walked over to Malfoy who was glaring at the cave with contempt. Harry looked after her a moment before turning to stare at the entrance to the cave. It wasn't as large as he had thought it would be, but it wasn't small by any means. It looked dark and damp and threatening. Harry knew this was not going to be fun.
"Well this is going to be fun." Ron chirped sarcastically coming up beside him.
"Bundles of fun." Harry added in the same manner. Hermione sauntered over to them slowly.
"There's...a magical barrier," She told them softly, "Um. I can get it down. But it might take a little while."
"We can wait." Ron said stiffly. Hermione nodded and walked back to the entrance of the cave. She felt very bad because of the Portkey incident and the rest of the group was equally not impressed about it.
"So," Ron said turning to Harry, "I'm just about ready to run down that hill into nowhere and never come back. How are you going?"
Harry grinned weakly, "I'd like to say I'd join you if you did. But I suppose we have to be strong for the others."
"Why?" Ellanora wondered, surprising them with her presence, "Because the rest of us are weak?"
"No! Because...you're scared." He mumbled. Ellanora scoffed.
"No more than either of you are. And I really don't think I'm that scared." She said mildly. Ron rolled his eyes.
"You know, you're as arrogant as a Slytherin sometimes." He told her.
"Oh?" She pulled a face and Harry could tell she didn't appreciate the comment.
"Yeah. Lucky your other qualities make up for it." He flashed her a smile. She blushed a little and Harry frowned. Ron was flirting when they were about to go to their doom?
"I...um...so how long until this cave opens?" She said hastily. Ron continued to smile at her and glanced over at Hermione who was raising her wand at the cave and reading from a book aloud.
"Hermione said it would be a while. But then again, I'm not in the mood for believing what she says for the moment." He said darkly. Ellanora bit her bottom lip and stole a glance at Hermione.
"I think she fancies you." She murmured. Ron's ears went red.
"No she doesn't! How often do I have to tell you that?" He snapped.
"As often as I tell you she does, so about every day." Ellanora retorted.
"Ella," Ron moaned and cast Harry an uneasy look, "She's too good for people like me. She thinks I'm stupid and such. I'm better off with girls like...well, like you."
Harry couldn't tell whose face was darker. Ron's from being humiliated, Ellanora's from being embarrassed and put down or his from how much he had not appreciated the remark.
"Ron...that's very, very flattering..." Ellanora seemed at a loss for words. Her cheeks darkened and she gazed up at Harry momentarily. His face remained impassive.
"I know...you said you didn't...and I didn't really picture asking you with my best friend present, in Antarctica while we wait for some ancient evil cave to be opened. But I just..." He stopped as Ellanora placed a hand gently on his arm.
"Can we talk about this later?" She wondered.
"I don't see why not now..." Ron began. Ellanora nodded her towards the cave. Hermione was sitting down in front of it and crying. Ron frowned and he quickly walked over to her. She was sobbing loudly about how she had ruined the trip for them and put them all in danger.
"No, wait Harry. Let Ron do it." Ellanora grabbed Harry's arm as he headed in the direction of Hermione.
"Why?" He demanded. She lowered her eyes.
"Those two...I don't think they can see it but when they're together, the other is really happy." She said quietly. Harry paused to consider her words and realised she was right. Despite when they were arguing, Ron and Hermione were always happiest in each other's company.
"The cave will be a bit." Ron turned around and addressed the group, his arms draped around Hermione in a comforting manner.
"I await its opening eagerly. You all do know that we are missing the Slytherin verse Gryffindor Quidditch Match for this lovely cave? I'm so happy about that." Malfoy said sarcastically. Ginny whacked him over the back of the head and he scowled.
"That cheered me up then." Harry said smiling over at Malfoy who was rubbing his head. Ellanora grinned.
The group waited patiently and it was about an hour and a bit before the cave entrance became unsealed.
* * * *
"Lumos!" Hermione murmured. Her wand instantly lit up but did little to shed light into the depths of the cave. The others mimicked the spell and the inside of the cave came into vision.
"Dark and dank," Ron muttered, "Wouldn't be a cave if it wasn't."
"I'll say." Malfoy agreed. Everyone tentatively entered it and found to their relief that it headed downhill, which would make the trip a lot easier.
"So how long are we going to be walking for?" Ginny wondered. Harry sighed.
"Well, in my dreams it always seemed like days and days," He paused while everyone groaned, "But in reality I think it will only be a few...one or two."
The group groaned again. Two days without sunlight, walking down a cold, damp cave would not be pleasant.
"I wish we could just Disapparate." Malfoy said grudgingly.
"We can go for that test next year though." Ron reminded him, a hint of excitement in his voice.
"Yes Weasel and why that is wonderful..." He stopped and the group heard the well-known thump of Ginny hitting him over the back of the head.
"Ginny," Ellanora laughed, "You're going to give him concussion!"
"Exactly. I propose you do not hit me." Malfoy said hastily.
"I wouldn't have to Draco if you didn't insult my friends and family." She told him. He groaned and his hand went up to rub the familiar sore spot on the back of his head.
"Do you wonder if anyone else is in here?" Edward asked quietly. He hadn't spoken aloud to them all as yet and everyone turned to look at him.
"Of course not. It's perfectly safe." Ginny assured him.
"Don't tell him that. It's dangerous and he should not have come." Ellanora said bluntly.
"Ella I had to. What if you didn't come back?" Edward wondered.
"I told you I would have. And you did not have to. This is going to be very dangerous and you're too young." She snapped. The group walked quietly for a minute before Edward spoke again.
"What if I die?" He whispered. Everyone continued to walk on even though they had heard the awkward remark. Ellanora stopped and Harry waited for her a few meters ahead.
"I would never let that happen. I would die myself before I let anything happen to you." Ellanora promised firmly.
"Really?" Edward gazed up at her.
"Really." She smiled a little and he grabbed her hand feeling a lot more secure.
"You're like a mother." Harry told her as they began walking again.
She sighed, "I wish I didn't have to be."
* * * *
Ginny collapsed on the ground, "I beg you all. We stop now and camp here for the night."
"Ginny! We have to keep going," Harry argued, "We can't stop now."
"But Harry-" She whined.
"Just another half an hour and we'll stop." Ron promised. Ginny rolled her eyes.
"Right. You've said that three times already," She pointed to Edward in Harry's arms, "He's tired and asleep and Hermione looks about ready to collapse, as am I."
"I wouldn't mind a break," Ellanora agreed gazing around the clearing, "And this looks like a pretty good place to spend the night."
"Women." Harry muttered, shaking his head.
"Bloody hopeless." Ron added.
"No sense of endurance." Malfoy put in. All three girls glared at them causing the others to clear their throats.
"I meant it in a good way." Harry argued.
"Bloody hopeless at nothing is what I meant." Ron said defensively. Malfoy sighed.
"I meant what I said. You have no sense of endurance." He muttered. Ellanora laughed quietly but Ginny and Hermione continued to glare at him.
"We'll camp here tonight then." Ron told them, hoping to stop the glaring. He was successful and everyone began to immediately unload his or her packs.
"So what is this then?" Malfoy wondered pointing at the two flat plastic tents on the ground accompanied with a few dozen silver pegs and a mallet.
"Tents...separately a 'tent'." Ginny told him.
"A...tent..." He frowned in confusion. Ellanora seemed as equally perplexed.
"Muggle sort of thing," Harry explained, "Here, we'll put them up."
He bent down and started to assemble one of them but stopped when he noticed Ron laughing.
"What?" Harry asked. Ron rolled his eyes.
"No Muggles around Harry. It isn't like the World Quidditch Cup. We can use magic," He pulled out his wand and pointed it at the tents, "Congregate!"
The tents sprung to life and before long they were both assembled within several feet of each other. Ron muttered another spell and a warm fire sprouted out between them.
"Lovely." Hermione commented.
"Highly lacking in standards." Malfoy sneered peering into the boys' tent.
"Yes well. We're not on a vacation." Harry reprimanded him. Malfoy scoffed.
"Obviously not Potter. I was just implying that if we were going to our death we could at least be going down..." He trailed off. Edward who was still in Harry's arms had woken up and was gazing up at Malfoy.
"We're going to our what?" He wondered. Malfoy coughed uneasily.
"Nothing Eddie. Forget it. Come on, want to have a look around?" He took the boy from Harry's arms and walked away. Harry frowned after him. Malfoy had changed so much this year. He used to be such a conceited, selfish, cruel jerk and now he was worried about the welfare of a little boy he didn't even know.
"Who wants..." Ellanora distracted him, she was pulling food packages out of one of the packs and frowning, "Steak and vegetables...sausages and mashed potato...meat pies...curried lamb and rice...God! Is there anything that isn't meat?"
Harry tried not to smile as he made his way over to her. She was pulling out every single package of food.
"There is no...oh! Vegetable roll! I bags it." She exclaimed.
"What are we having then?" He asked crouching down next to her. She shifted away a little and glanced down at the packages.
"Um, sausages and mashed potato?" She guessed.
"Sounds good." Harry picked it up and walked over to the fire before looking from the packet to the fire and back to the packet.
"Er..." He turned to look at Ellanora who shrugged.
"Here." Ron appeared in front of him and took the packet from Harry before turning it over and reading the back of it.
"Cool. It even comes with plates. Feeds eight. Good, I can have two. Put it down and say the spell...open package where indicated...alright...stand back...Parboine!" He had ripped a corner of the package, placed it on the ground and waved his wand over it. The package exploded and Harry shook his head in mild disbelief. There were eight plates of sausages and mashed potato, which looked very good. His and Ron's stomach growled in unison.
"Dinner!" Ron yelled, his voice echoing down the cave corridors. Harry hit him.
"What was that for?" Ron growled rubbing his arm. Harry gave him a meaningful look.
"I know with everything that's happening this whole thing doesn't seem serious but we have to consider the fact that we're in a dangerous cave that was sealed up for a reason," He paused and lowered his voice, "And there might be Deatheaters in here...maybe even Voldemort."
"Oh, Right. How could I be so stupid?" Ron glared at the ground and cursed himself.
"You aren't Ron. Harry just likes to put a damper on the mood," Ellanora frowned at Harry, "If we're taking this whole thing lightly instead of spending every moment thinking that we're going to die then I say cheers to us for being so positive."
Harry lowered his eyes, "I didn't mean it like that."
"I know." She sighed and gave Ron her packet of food. Everyone was coming back, they had obviously heard Ron yell.
"I'm starving and cranky. I might not snap if I had something to eat." She told him. Harry knew it was her way of indirectly apologizing to him and he appreciated it.
Everyone wolfed down their dinner, even Hermione, in a matter of minutes. They were all hungry and cold and the warm dinner offered comfort. When the plates were empty they disappeared and everyone separated again. Ellanora put Edward to bed and walked away while Malfoy did the same in the opposite direction, Hermione summoned a log near the fire and her and Ron started talking while Ginny went into the girls tent to read and Harry decided to wander around for a little while. He knew the cave so well but it was still strange to actually be walking around inside it.
It soon bored him however and he made his way back up to where the campsite was. He heard lowered voices from the side of the boys' tent and curiously made his way over to them. Ellanora was sitting with her back against the tent while Malfoy was facing her, leaning against the wall of the cave. He was tracing designs in the ground with a stick while Ellanora talked to him. Harry knew he shouldn't have but he crouched towards them to catch what they were talking about. It was a little unusual after all to see them in each others company not snapping at each other.
"That won't happen." Malfoy said in a reassuring voice, stopping Ellanora's hurried speech. Harry heard her groan.
"Draco you don't know that." She told him.
"Yes I do," He said arrogantly, "I know everything."
"I sure the girls go crazy over how much of a conceited git you are." Ellanora snapped hotly. Harry grinned from his hiding place but his smile was wiped off his face at Malfoy's next comment.
"You did once remember." He retorted. Ellanora sighed.
"Once when I was young and stupid." She said defensively.
"What do you mean? You still are young and stupid," Malfoy paused before adding, "But as I recall I was the stupid one."
"You were." She agreed.
"And I was cruel."
"Too right."
"Can you lighten up please?" Malfoy pleaded, "I'm trying to apologize here."
"It's been a long time coming you know. So excuse me if I make it as difficult as possible." Ellanora said dryly.
"Ella come on. Do you know how hard this is?" Malfoy demanded.
"Alright," She waited a moment, "I accept your apology."
"I haven't made it yet." Malfoy pointed out.
"Yeah I know. But you were never one to apologize so I'm making it easier for you."
"Can I just do it! God, you are still as annoying as ever!" Harry saw Malfoy glare at her.
"Great apology..." She trailed off as he closed his eyes, "I'm sorry Draco. Go on and say it."
"I shouldn't have broken up with you-" He began.
"Doesn't matter. It was a forced relationship anyway," Ellanora sighed, "Our mothers always wanted what was best."
"Your mother wanted someone with class." Malfoy said coyly.
"And yours wanted someone who was rich and not entirely selfish and tarty." Ellanora sounded like she was smiling.
"Yeah," Malfoy said in remembrance, "I remember her telling me something. 'I've known Elizabeth Ridge for many years. We were in Slytherin together before she married that man. But her daughter is about your age and very respectable. Why don't you make something of it?'. I think after a few months of nagging I just gave in."
"I'm sorry you had to go through hell with me." Ellanora said sarcastically.
"It wasn't hell after a while. I rather liked you." Malfoy smiled.
"Ah. How blissful Third Year was," Ellanora stiffened a little, "Until you decided that you didn't want people to know about us...and then you broke it off."
"I'm sorry about that." Malfoy finally apologized. Ellanora seemed to shrug.
"It was Fourth Year Draco. I am very much so over it." She informed him.
"I just wanted you to know it was nothing to do with you. It was Father's influence-" He began but she cut him off.
"Don't try and use your Father as an excuse. You thought that you were too highly to hang out with some Hufflepuff Muggle-lover and you know it." She argued.
"True. Not anymore." Malfoy said defensively.
"I suppose," Ellanora said lightly, "Not since Ginny Weasley came into the picture and your Father left it."
"Having Mother around without Father is very different. I feel very different. And Ginny, well, she's helped me a lot. She still is helping me." Malfoy's voice softened.
"I wish I had someone like that." Ellanora said sadly.
"I'm sorry about your parents Ella," Malfoy crouched down in front of her, "I wanted to see you about them when I heard about it. Elizabeth and Philip were really good people. And you are a really good person. Eddie will be fine with you."
"Oh but I'm hopeless Draco! I can't do anything right for him. Look where he is now? And I'm a mess...I'm always a mess..." She had a sharp intake of breath. Harry thought it sounded like she was stopping herself from crying. Edward was right then, she never cried.
"You aren't. And it's right to be upset. You lost your parents! I don't know why you don't break down everyday and yell at everyone." Malfoy said resolutely.
"Why did he do it? They were supposed to be his friends. I hate your Father." Ellanora said vehemently.
"I'm sorry Ella. He shouldn't have. I want to have him put away forever in Azkaban for killing them. Him and all the others that did it. And I shouldn't have badgered you when you told me that it was him that killed them. I should have known it would have been. I am really, truly sorry." Malfoy muttered.
Ellanora remained quiet and Harry peeked around the corner of the tent. She had wrapped her arms around Malfoy and her eyes were closed tightly as she was hugging him firmly to her. Malfoy seemed unsure on how to act at first but he eventually wrapped his arms back around her. Harry then gaped at what Malfoy did next. He pushed her away from him, lent in and kissed her. It was only for a second and he then slowly pulled away and stared at her.
"Thanks Draco." Ellanora said softly. Harry was fuming. Stupid, blonde git. Why did the gift of wooing girls come naturally to him? It just wasn't fair.
Harry turned and stomped away from where they were. At the fire he saw Ron and Hermione still sitting there. Ron had his arm draped around her and she was resting her head on his shoulder.
"I just don't know what to do. I'm so scared...Oh! Hey Harry, how was your walk?" Hermione asked as she caught sight of him.
Harry scowled, "Interesting enough."
Hermione shivered, "It's awfully cold don't you think?"
Ron pulled her closed and Harry rolled his eyes.
"Whatever. I'm going to bed." He walked away from them and crawled into the boys' tent. He was startled slightly when he saw a head of red hair.
"Ginny? What are you doing in the boys tent?" He demanded.
"Checking on Edward. He's so cute." She told him, glancing down at the sleeping boy.
"Yeah okay," Harry hopped into his bunk, "Did you know Malfoy is a slimy, sleazy git?"
"You forgot 'selfish, rude and stubborn'. Why Harry?" Ginny turned to him and Harry sighed.
"I wish he hadn't come. I wish he didn't have to be here. I hate him! I really do. I don't know how you can stand him!" Harry shook his head in disbelief. Ginny smiled.
"Sometimes I can't. He's changed. Without his dad around he doesn't have to pretend to be someone else. It's a lot better for him. I wish all of you could just get along." She stood up and made to leave the tent.
"Yeah, that's never going to happen," Harry frowned thoughtfully for a moment before calling after her retreating figure, "Ginny!"
"Yeah?" She turned back to him and yawned.
"You remember that night I talked to you and you were really upset from the fight you had with Malfoy?" Harry wondered.
"Yeah." Ginny nodded.
"What did he do?" Harry asked.
"What did he do..." Ginny frowned in confusion.
"You felt bad because he did something. You called him all these names...and stuff. And you said he did something that made you feel really bad." Harry reminded her.
Ginny's eyes lit up a little, "Oh. Yeah, I remember."
"What did he do?"
"I don't know if I should..." She looked unsure.
"Come on Ginny."
She sighed, "He cried Harry."
"He...what?" Harry was bewildered. Stony, unfeeling Malfoy cry?
"Not like a baby or child cries. He just sat down on the floor and hugged himself and there were tears running down his face," She paused and smiled, "And then he looked up at me and said in this really angry voice 'I am nothing like my Father Weasel'. I think he said it more for himself than for me. I was too angry to do anything so I just stormed away from him. But I'm glad you told me to apologize. I really like him."
"Even though he goes off kissing other girls." Muttered Harry.
"Pardon?"
"Nothing," Harry's brow furrowed in thought, "He is different though."
"Yeah," Ginny's smiled widened, "For the better. Anyway, I'm tired. Goodnight Harry."
"Night." Harry mumbled. She disappeared and his anger eventually dissolved. Ellanora wasn't his girlfriend after all, she could do what she wanted. Plus, he thought as he dozed off, it hadn't really been a romantic kiss anyway.
* * * *
Harry awoke the next morning to the sound of laughter. He opened his eyes and immediately spotted Ellanora in their tent tickling Edward. Edward was laughing uncontrollably.
"Ella! Ella stop it!" Edward screamed.
"Why? I tell you to get up and you don't! I think you need to be punished!" She grinned evilly and continued to tickle him while Edward continued to squeal. At that moment Ron emerged from the bathroom, the tent was very alike the ones that had been used at the Quidditch World Cup, wrapped in a towel because he had just had a shower. It took a little while but he eventually looked up and spotted Ellanora.
"Ella!" He yelled in alarm. She turned to gaze up at him and her smile disappeared as her face reddened.
"Ron, You...you're...where are your clothes...you're…naked… " She gaped at him. Harry hoped she wasn't gaping because she was enjoying the sight.
"Ella!" Ron yelled again.
"Right! I'm sorry!" She turned and left the tent quickly. Harry noticed Malfoy was also awake now and the two boys stared at each other for a minute before looking at Ron who was frozen on the spot. Harry burst into fits of laughter first, followed by Malfoy and then Edward.
"Shut up." Ron said, a scowl firmly planted on his face.
"Is that the first time a girl has seen you like...that?" Malfoy inquired pointing at Ron's half-naked figure. Ron glared at him.
"Yes it is," He snapped, "And I'll hope it doesn't happen again. Thanks for telling me she was in here."
"Sorry mate." Harry apologized trying to hide his grin. Ron rolled his eyes and proceeded to get changed.
Half an hour later everyone was packed and ready to go. Ellanora and Ron kept as far away from each other as possible and Harry couldn't help smiling at their distance. His smile disappeared however when Malfoy resumed walking at the back of the group with Ellanora and Edward.
"Ready everyone?" Hermione asked before adding when everyone nodded, "I want to say I'm very sorry about the Portkey thing. I hadn't thought it through enough and...well, I'm sorry."
"It's okay Hermione," Ginny told her happily, "It's a thing of the past, literally. So let's keep going then."
"Man Ginny," Ron shook his head, "I get more and more worried the keener you get about this whole trip. It's really worrying."
"Well then prepare yourself to worry more Ronnikens," Said Ginny curtly, "Because I intend to enjoy this trip. It beats exams and classes that's for sure."
"Ginny. How can you say such a thing?" Hermione was flabbergasted. Ginny merely grinned and they all began to walk down into the depths of the cave once more.
* * * *
The cave seemed to be endless. After every corner turned there were several more corners to turn. And then after those several corners there were several more. The packs were heavy and the group was no longer given the privilege of walking downhill as gradually the cave began to escalate steeply.
"What I wouldn't give for a break." Ron panted.
"Tell me about it." Harry agreed. Malfoy groaned, unable to muster the energy to speak.
"Oh dear," Ellanora mused, "It seems the men have lack of...what can I say...a sense of endurance."
Ginny giggled, "I'll say. But let's give them a break."
"We have been walking for hours." Hermione considered. Malfoy dumped his pack on the ground thankfully.
"It's settled then," He announced, "A ten minute break."
"And who died and made you leader?" Ellanora wondered laughing. A sharp, deep voice laughed with her.
"No one yet missy. But we can change that." A man in a dark cloak stepped out from around the corner of the cave, followed by several others. Everyone stood up alarmed and reached for their wands.
"I wouldn't if I were you," The man warned raising his wand, "Or you will be dead within seconds."
"Just kill them now and get it over with," A female voice urged, "The Dark Lord will not tolerate any interference's in his plans."
"Voldemort is here?" Ron wondered weakly. The Deatheater closest to them growled.
"You dare to utter the Great Ones name!" He snarled. Ron shook his head.
"Just kill them." The female Deatheater urged again. The first Deatheater turned to her.
"You think I don't want to...what if there are other plans that-" He was cut off.
"Stupefy!" Two voices yelled. Harry turned to see who else had their wand out as well as him. It was Ellanora. She was standing with a look of determination on her face, a hand gripping her brothers shoulder protectively.
"You shouldn't have done that!" The female Deatheater declared as the first Deatheater slumped to the ground. The seven remaining Deatheaters raised their wands.
"Watch me do it again!" Harry snapped, "Stupefy! Stupefy!"
"Impedimenta!"
"Stupefy!"
"Reducio!"
"Stupefy!"
"Stupefy!"
"Impedimenta!"
Harry shot spells out of his wand faster than he ever had before. His friends caught on quickly and began doing the same, whilst trying to dodge the spells that were being shot back at them. There was nothing to hide behind, nothing to shield themselves from the spells. It was really like facing death head on without any defense. Harry didn't know how it happened, but eventually all the Deatheaters had collapsed on the ground.
"Gosh!" Hermione panted, "That was horrible!"
"Tell me about it," Ron groaned, "Is everyone alright?"
"No! My brothers leg! Ron! He's hurt it!" Ellanora exclaimed. Ron made his way over to them. Edward was on the ground holding his leg out flat in front of him. Hermione and Harry walked over to them and Hermione bent down to examine the wounded leg.
"He's broken it," She whispered, "He won't be able to walk on it very well."
"He can't go any further then." Ron stated firmly. Ellanora let out a breath.
"Thank god." She sighed.
"What?" Harry turned to stare at her.
"He can't go any further. That means he isn't coming with us anymore...where's Ginny?" She wondered suddenly. Everyone looked up startled and found Ginny a few meters away, lying on the ground.
"Ginny!" Ron yelped running over to her. He picked her up and pushed her hair out of her face.
"Ginny..." Malfoy murmured kneeling down beside her. He looked extremely worried. Everyone else hurried over to Ginny and gazed down at her apprehensively.
"It's okay," Ron frowned feeling her pulse, "She's just unconscious. She must have been stunned."
"Innervate." Hermione said gently, placing her wand on Ginny. Ginny's eyes flickered open and she sat up gingerly.
"Ow..." She moaned. Ron hugged her.
"Ow!" She moaned even more loudly. Ron let her go and smiled down at her.
"How are you feeling?" He asked gently.
"Like I might...throw...up..." She bent over next to him and did exactly that. Ron pulled a face and stood up quickly.
"Gross." He muttered. Ginny glared up at him.
"Is everyone else okay?" Asked Harry. The rest nodded. He frowned at Ellanora who was walking over the bodies of the Deatheaters and around the corner.
"Are you up for walking Ginny?" Hermione inquired. Ginny rolled her eyes.
"Yeah Hermione. I just got knocked out by two Deatheaters and I'm feeling peachy," She noted Hermione's hurt expression, "Sorry. No, I'm not feeling very well at...all..."
Ginny bent over and threw up again. Hermione pulled a face this time but held Ginny's hair away from her face.
"Alright then," Ron said decidedly, "We'll stay here for the night."
"No we can't," Ellanora reappeared from the corner, "We have to keep going. And I mean now. We have to keep going now."
"Are you crazy?" Ginny exclaimed, "We were just in a battle and both I and your brother are hardly up to moving!"
"Ron, Harry...can you come around the corner for a moment please?" Ellanora asked, ignoring the fierce glare Ginny was giving her.
Harry followed her slightly perplexed.
"What's that matt-" He began but stopped as he turned the corner. He was facing the gateway to the passage he dreamed about. The pictures, strangely, were on the walls surrounding the passageway. They looked just the same as always, like five-year-olds had gotten face paint and gone crazy. Ron frowned.
"Is this...where you put your blood on the wall and it...opened?" He wondered. Harry nodded meekly.
"Exactly it," He laughed a little, "We were right around the corner and we didn't even know it."
"Yeah, some leader you are." Ron murmured. Harry's head turned sharply to look at him.
"Excuse me?" He demanded.
"You heard me." Ron sniffed. Harry scowled.
"I'm a better leader than you would ever be." He snapped.
"Stop it..." Ellanora told them.
"A better leader? I bet if you gave someone else the chance to try instead of always taking over...you know what? Forget it. You'll just get in a huff and try and prove you were-" Ron began snidely.
"I would not! You're the bloody temperamental one! Always complaining about this and having to have everything go your way!" Harry growled.
"Stop it!" Ellanora pleaded. Both boys turned to look at her.
"You see what's happening? You're fighting for no reason." She pointed out.
"No we aren't...we're fighting because..." Harry trailed off, unable to actually find a reason. Ron frowned and glanced at Harry in confusion.
"Sorry mate. I don't know why...I don't know." Ron said apologetically.
"Me too. It's this cave." Harry told them. Ellanora rolled her eyes.
"Come on! This is my point. We have to destroy that Staff now. Look what it does when you aren't even touching it." She shook her head.
"You're right," Harry agreed, "The Deatheater's must have been guarding the entrance...because its open."
"Which means that Voldemort is already in there." Ron said shocked. All three looked at each other in horror and ran back around the corner.
"We have to go! Right now!" Harry commanded.
"He can't," Hermione nodded her head at Edward, "And Ginny is too weak to walk. Heading off would be just too dangerous for the both of them."
"Okay...okay...um....Ron and I will go...Malfoy too and you girls stay here and watch Ginny and Edward." Harry decided. Hermione looked thoughtful.
"Okay. Be careful but." She warned them. Harry nodded.
"Why can't I come?" Ellanora demanded. Harry sighed, he didn't have time for this.
"Because you should stay here and watch your brother-" He stopped when she shook her head.
"I'm coming. I've come this far. I trust Hermione to watch him. If I go, that way I'll know he will be protected because I'll help do what we came here to do!" Ellanora argued.
"You can't!" Harry protested.
"Why?"
"Because...um..." He fought to find a reason.
"You're a girl and you'd just get in the way." Ron said hurriedly. It was very much so the wrong this to say.
Hermione narrowed her eyes at him, "What was that Ronald Weasley?"
"I didn't mean it like that. I just meant...Well I mean it, but not in a bad way." He said defensively. Ellanora was fuming.
"You prat! I'm coming! Especially now that you have said that!" She said firmly.
"But-" Harry began. Stupid Ron and his big mouth.
"But nothing! I'm coming and that is final!" She glared at them daring them to argue. No one did.
Good-byes were quickly said, a few were lingering such as Hermione with Ron and Harry and Ellanora and her brother but it still wasn't long before Malfoy, Harry, Ron and Ellanora were headed off into the passageway towards the Staff of Vigor.
"Be careful!" Hermione and Ginny called after them.
"We will!" They called back.
"I love you Eddie!" Ellanora called over her shoulder.
"Yeah okay." Edward mumbled barely loud enough for her to hear.
"Well then. If I get hurt he'll wish he'd said something nicer than that." Ellanora said huffily. Harry smiled and wondered if he should put an arm around her. Ron grabbed her hand and squeezed it, causing Harry to scowl.
"You won't get hurt." He assured her. She bit her bottom lip.
"I hope not...I hope none of us do."
"Here here." Malfoy muttered.
* * * *
The passageway was a little bit strange to Harry. In his dreams it had always been hazy and he was rather unfamiliar with it. He wasn't the only one who was nervous though. Not a single person tried to make conversation. Harry assumed they thought that if they talked Deatheater's would jump out at them and they would be dead within moments.
"I can't stand this silence." Ellanora whispered after what felt like hours.
"Sh," Ro commanded, "You want them to hear us coming?"
"She's quieter than you Weasel." Malfoy snapped. Ron frowned.
"I thought you were supposed to be nice to us?"
"I am but Ginny isn't here to hit me over the head now is she?" He pointed out. Ellanora giggled.
"Don't encourage him." Harry told her gently. She giggled even more loudly.
"Sh!" Ron told her again.
"I'm sorry," She said between giggles, "I'm just so nervous."
Malfoy smiled and raised his wand, "Sorry Ella. Silencio!"
Ellanora glared at him as she tried to talk. Malfoy sighed.
"Peace and quiet." He muttered happily. Ellanora raised her hand and hit him over the back of the head.
"Dammit!" Malfoy exclaimed rubbing his head.
"You know, I've never seen her this quiet." Ron noted. Ellanora turned to glare at him and sauntered over next to Harry, ignoring the other two.
"What's this? Trying to make the rest of us jealous?" Malfoy sneered. Ellanora rolled her eyes.
"I think she's scared. And with one of you putting spells on her and the other making fun of her I doubt she wants to walk back with you." Harry pointed out. Ellanora nodded vigorously.
"It's only a little spell," Malfoy said defensively, "She'll start chatting away again in about five or ten minutes."
Harry scowled a little in remembrance of what he had seen Malfoy and Ellanora do last night.
"And you like her lips better when words aren't coming out of them right Malfoy?" He growled. He heard Ron and Malfoy both stop walking and Ellanora stiffened next to him.
"What Potter?" Malfoy demanded quietly.
"I saw you kiss her." Harry said, unable to stop himself. Ellanora's eyes widened.
"Yeah, I did. So what?" Malfoy said icily.
"So I don't want you kissing her." Harry told him. Malfoy smirked.
"I'll do to her whatever I damned well want." He retorted. Harry clenched his fist.
"I'm warning you not to." Harry cautioned him. Malfoy rolled his eyes.
"Ah! And while I take heed of that feeble warning I'll tell you again: I will do with her whatever I want." Malfoy repeated firmly. Harry raised his fist ready to knock some sense into his companion but Ellanora grabbed his arm and pull it down fiercely.
"It's the cave," Ron told them, "It makes you angry. Don't get mad."
"It...makes you angry?" Malfoy's face reddened, "No one told me we were going into a crazy cave!"
"Okay. Okay," Harry shook his head and unclenched his fist, "It's okay. I'm fine now. Er...sorry Malfoy."
"Yeah Potter. Sorry." Malfoy said stiffly. Ellanora sighed, sounding relieved.
"Let's just keep walking then." Ron suggested. They did and a few minutes later Harry felt himself get tapped on the back. He jumped and turned around to see Malfoy.
"A word Potter." Malfoy demanded lightly. Harry took a few steps back so he was next to him.
"Hurry up then." Harry told him. Malfoy glared at him but continued.
"It wasn't that kind of kiss." He shrugged.
"It looked like that kind of kiss." Harry said stiffly.
"It wasn't. It was more of an apology sort of thing. And I think she needed the comfort. I assure you there is nothing going on between either of us. You can get her." Malfoy explained hurriedly. Harry cleared his throat.
"Who says I want to get-" He began.
"Oh come on Potter! It's very obvious." Malfoy pulled a face.
"Okay. But," Harry paused, "She doesn't like me."
"Yeah well...to the rest of us it's obvious that you are head over heels for her but she takes a bit of convincing." Malfoy stated knowingly.
"But I asked her out on a date." Harry said quietly, feeling awkward about having this kind of conversation with Malfoy.
"Just a date. Is that all? She gets asked on them all the time. Asking her out on a date is nothing special." Malfoy sneered. Harry frowned.
"She gets asked out all the time?" He wondered.
"Well she used to. Before she became so," Malfoy paused and lowered his voice, "Before her parents died she was happy and cheerful all the time. She's just stressed and grieving. Give her some space but go for it."
"I don't like getting advice from you." Harry told him. Malfoy shrugged.
"It's your choice Potter. I'm the one whose known her for years." Malfoy pointed out.
"You broke up with her because she wasn't up to your high standards though." Harry pointed out back. Malfoy lowered his eyes at him.
"I think you did more that see us kiss." He snapped. Harry's cheeks went pink.
"Nevermind. Come on. Ron and Ella are way ahead." He turned and walked quickly, trying to catch up to his friends. Malfoy sighed and followed him a few feet from behind. Harry turned a few corners before he eventually came to a very large clearing. Ellanora and Ron were crouched behind a small stone wall. Harry lowered himself and made his way over to them.
"Well?" He asked when he and Malfoy reached them. They turned around slowly. Ellanora was white and fear was written all over Ron's face. Ron bent forward.
"We found the Staff." He whispered.
"Good." Malfoy smiled a little. Ron shook his head.
"Not good? Is there a problem?" Harry raised an eyebrow.
"Yes." Ellanora squeaked, her voice returning.
"What then?" Harry demanded. Ron closed his eyes and sighed.
"The problem is that we found Voldemort and about twenty Deatheaters as well."
~ ~ !!! ~ ~
A/N: Well well well…only a few chapters to go. Anybody know what's going to happen hey? Guess away because I don't even know. As soon as I've written a chapter I put it up…so right now I have no chapter 16…maybe I should go and do it…
Me222: I like the new characters too! Yeah it will definitely be done before Christmas unless some kind of disaster destroys my computer!
Hplova4eva: Thanks for the nice reviews! :)
Kagome19: Here you go! I hope you liked it! I wouldn't want you half-dying now! So you still think Edward is going to die hmm?
Iniysa: I hope you liked it! I'm glad you like it so much!