Disclaimer: I don't own anything that you recognize as anyone else's. I
do not own the planet inhabited by chickens especially.
Dedication: This chapter is dedicated to Lamina Court for letting me use the chicken planet. Check out her story "The Greatest Thing You'll Ever Learn". And then the sequel should be coming out soon. It's called "Is Just To Love". Thanks a bunch. Both for letting me use the chicken planet and for writing such a great story!
A/N: I would like to say something to a few people. Kala: Welcome back to the internet!!!! Don't be a stranger to AIM! I've missed talking to you! Whitelighter Enchantress: POLKARIFIC Cristalfairy: Your review made me soooooo happy!!!! I loved it! It made me want to update sooner. Thanks! Lamina Court: One word. Hearth.
The next few months were uneventful. February passed without a single Death Eater attack anywhere. The first Dueling Club meeting in March was canceled because Cadance and Cati came down with the flu and spent two nights in the hospital wing. Cati, in her campaign for optimism, had commented that if they had had their powers still, they could have blown things up every time they sneezed. Cadance had hit her with a pillow. Madame Pomfrey had yelled at them both.
While February was Death Eater free, March had brought a new sweep of Death Eater attacks. Everyone had just sat down to dinner in the Great Hall when the alarm went off signaling a Death Eater attack. Cadance groaned. "Is this my punishment for locking the Head of the White Lighter Council in my office?!" she exclaimed looking at the ceiling. Cadance and McGonagall got up and ran off. They quickly changed into their Auroring Uniforms. They ran off to Hogsmeade to Apparate to the Ministry to get their assignments. On the way, they passed the Hogwarts Aurors, who were running up to the school in the event that the battle was a distraction so that there was no one at the school to protect it.
"See ya, Cadance, Professor McGonagall," said Cati.
"Okay," said Cadance. "Come up to the school tomorrow for breakfast. We'll have pancakes."
"Sounds like fun," said Cati.
"Did someone say pancakes?" asked Sirius.
* * *
"Minerva!" exclaimed Cadance as she shot some spells towards the Death Eaters.
"Yes, Cadance?"
"I. Want. A raise."
"Don't tell me, tell Bob Reynolds," said McGonagall as she side-stepped a curse. "If you get that raise, tell him I want one, too."
"Yeah, if we ever make it out of this," said Cadance looking at all the bodies around her.
Several Death Eaters snuck up behind Cadance and McGonagall. They muttered a few choice words. Cadance and McGonagall fell and knew no more.
* * * "You wanted to see me, Uncle Albus?" said Jen as she walked into her uncle's office the next morning.
Dumbledore looked up from a letter at his desk. "I think you better sit down."
* * * Ron looked up from his work when he heard the portrait hole open. Hermione had insisted that they spend the morning doing homework since it was Sunday and there was nothing to do anyway, Harry and Ron had complied and Ginny joined them.
Jen had just come running through the Gryffindor Common Room up the stairs to the girl's dormitory and had slammed the door. "What's wrong with her?" asked Harry.
"I don't know," said Hermione looking on after her. "C'mon, Ginny. Let's go find out."
Ginny and Hermione got up and went to Jen's dorm (which was also Ginny's in case you're wondering or didn't know or both or neither or whatever). Hermione knocked on the door. "Jen. Jen, can we come in?"
A muffled reply came from inside. Ginny opened the door. Jen was lying face down on her bed with her head in her pillow. "Jen, what's wrong?"
Another muffled reply.
"I'm sorry, I didn't quite catch that," said Hermione.
Jen answered again, clearer this time.
Hermione's hand flew to her mouth. Ginny looked at the ground and then hugged Jen, who was sobbing hysterically.
* * * "Professor Dumbledore!" exclaimed Cati as she bolted into his office. She was out of breath. She had run all the way up from Hogsmeade. "Professor Dumbledore, there's a rumor going around the Aurors in Hogsmeade."
"I'm afraid it's true," said Dumbledore.
Cati sunk into one of the chairs in front of his desk. "No. It can't be true. It just can't be."
"It is," said Dumbledore.
Cati whipped the tears from her eyes and stood up. "I have to go," she said.
"I know," said Dumbledore. "You can use my fireplace. The Floo Powder is on the mantle."
She nodded. She used Floo Powder to travel to Charlie's house. He was sitting at the kitchen table eating cereal when Cati rolled out of his fireplace.
"Hey, Cate," he said. "What are you doing here?"
"Cadance and McGonagall are dead," said Cati.
* * *
The Order of the Phoenix met again that night. Arthur Weasley had contacted Dumbledore to let him know that he would be late. Dumbledore cleared his throat but stayed in his seat and kept his head down. Everyone looked at him. "After yesterday's massacre, we are left without two of our members," he said.
"Maybe they're not dead," said Cati. "The Death Eaters got rid of all the bodies, but that doesn't mean that everyone who was there died. Maybe they're playing a joke on us."
"That would be a sick and twisted joke that not even Cadance would be capable of," said Sirius.
"I can't help but think that if they had had their powers," began Dumbledore.
"No," said Remus shaking his head. "It wouldn't have affected anything."
"How can you be so sure?"
"I can't," said Remus. "But, you can't dwell on it."
"I was wondering if perhaps two of you could perhaps take over as Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor and Transfiguration Professor for the remainder of the year," said Dumbledore.
"I'll do it," said Cati.
"Me, too," said Remus.
"And Hagrid?" asked Dumbledore. "I want to move up your assignment. You must leave as soon as possible rather than waited until after school lets out. You must leave no later than tomorrow."
"Yes, sir," said Hagrid.
"And Charlie? Would you be willing to take over Hagrid's class while he is gone?" asked Dumbledore.
"Sure," said Charlie without looking up. "Okay."
Just then, Arthur Weasley Apparated in. "Latest news from the Ministry," he said. "There were 32 Aurors summoned to the battle last night. It was previously thought that there was a Dark Mark sent up for every one of them. But when counted, there were only 30 Dark Marks."
"Only?" retorted Sirius sarcastically.
"That leaves two Aurors unaccounted for," said Cati.
"Maybe the Death Eaters just made a mistake," said Severus.
"Maybe," said Mr. Weasley. "But maybe not."
* * * "I'm sorry to hear about your sister," came a drawling voice from across the Great Hall. It was a few days later at Breakfast. Cati had taken Cadance's place and Remus had taken McGonagall's.
Jen lifted up her head from the table. "No you're not," said Jen.
"Yes, you're right," he said. "I'm actually really glad."
"Get the hell out of here, Malfoy," said Harry.
"It's a free country, Potter," spat Malfoy. "I can stand where I please."
"Not if you don't have all your limbs, Malfoy," said a voice from behind them. Cati was standing there with wand in hand. "Don't try my patience."
Malfoy stood rooted for a second and then sauntered off towards the Slytherin Table.
"Hold your temper, Harry," said Cati who noticed that Harry, too, had wand in hand. "I can afford to lose mine, but you cannot."
"It's not fair," he said.
"Nothing ever is," said Cati putting her hand on Jen's shoulder. "Take it from someone with experience."
Just then, Lucius Malfoy came storming into the Great Hall.
"Wow, how did Malfoy contact his dad that fast?" asked Seamus.
"Obviously he didn't, Seamus," said Hermione rolling her eyes. "He didn't have time."
"Dumbledore!" spat Malfoy. "I would like a word with you." He stormed up to the Head Table, practically pushing Cati onto Hermione.
"Would you like me to go with you, Albus?" asked Snape quietly. Dumbledore shook his head and followed Malfoy to the back of the Great Hall.
Harry, Ron, and Hermione looked at each other and then got up and rushed to the door pushing their ears up against it.
"Eavesdropping is not good," said Cati. "Shove over."
Malfoy was steadily raising his voice and they could hear him. "Uh oh," said Ron. "What if he pulls his wand out on Dumbledore?"
"God help him if he does," said Cati. "Now shush."
"I do not like your choice of replacements for the two deceased teachers," Malfoy said.
Dumbledore said something that they could not hear. By this time Sirius had joined them.
"I will not have my son being taught by some werewolf and a half-breed!"
"Half-breed?" asked Ron. "Is that like a muggle-born?"
"Kinda," said Cati. "You see I get my sorceress powers from my mother and my father was muggle born so that makes me half sorceress, half witch, half muggle."
"Wow," said Sirius. "Most people are just made up of two-halves. You're made up of three."
"Oh," said Cati. "I guess that means I'm part witch, part sorceress, part muggle. Wouldn't that make me a part-breed?"
"No, Cati," said Sirius. "Just sit down before you hurt yourself."
"I'm having an identity crisis," said Cati.
"Right," said Sirius.
"Shh! They're still talking!" said Hermione.
"I can't hear anything anymore," said Cati.
"Because you're talking," said Hermione.
"So are you," said Cati.
"Will both of you shut up?" asked Ron.
"Shhhhh!"
"You're being louder than I am!" argued Ron.
With everyone arguing, they didn't notice the doors were now open and Dumbledore was staring at them curiously. He cleared his throat and the stopped. "Don't you have classes to get to?" he asked.
"Probably," said Cati. "All right, you heard the man, go to class."
* * * A few more days later * * *
Cati walked into the Common Room that was formerly shared by Cadance and McGonagall. She was staying in the spare room in there. But when she walked past Cadance's old room, she noticed the door was open. She peaked inside. Arabella Figg was sitting on Cadance's bed looking through a box. Cati walked in. "When did you get here?" she asked.
"Just a few minutes ago," said Arabella. "Albus sent me an owl. We have to start clearing out Cadance and Minerva's rooms. We could use some help if you want to stick around."
"Sure," said Cati lowering her head to the floor.
"Albus and Jen should be here soon," said Arabella.
"Bill and Charlie were supposed to meet me here," said Cati. "They should be here soon too."
"The more the merrier," said Arabella dully.
"If only that were true," said Cati.
Dumbledore walked into the room with Jen behind him. "Let's get this over with," said Jen.
Arabella continued looking through the box. She pulled something out. It was an envelope. "To be opened only after I die," said Arabella reading off of the envelope.
"Oh yeah, Cadance mentioned that," said Cati. "Back when Drew died."
"Albus," said Arabella turning towards Dumbledore and handing him the letter. He took it and pocketed it.
Arabella conjured some boxes and they began packing the stuff on Cadance's desk into the box. It was then that a box fell off of a shelf and onto Cadance's bed. Jen saw it out of the corner of her eye. Nobody else noticed. Jen walked over to it. There was a Phoenix and an inscription on the top. Jen began to read the inscription, "Sdrow esehtyast solsaw tahw eer fot."
Cati, McGonagall, and Arabella all turned and looked at her. "What did you just say?" asked Cati.
"Sdrow eseh-," began Jen before Cati stopped her.
"Don't repeat it!" she exclaimed.
"But you just said," began Jen again.
"I say lots of things that I don't mean," said Cati. "If Cadance where here she'd probably have some sort of Bill-ish comment, but let's not get into that now."
It was then that Bill and Charlie walked in. "I heard my name," said Bill.
"No you didn't," said Cati.
"Bill, Charlie, why don't you and Jen go into Minerva's room to start cleaning it out," said Dumbledore.
Bill and Charlie, for once in their lives, took the hint and went out of the room with Jen, shutting the door behind them. No sooner had they shut it, however, they began to eavesdrop from outside.
"Did she just say what I think she just said?" asked Cati.
"Only if what you think she just said is what I think she just said and if it is what we both think she just said," said Arabella. The sad thing is this all made perfect sense to Cati.
"Do you think what she just said did what it was supposed to do, assuming that what we think she just said is what she just said?" asked Cati.
Dumbledore was examining the box (although Bill, Charlie, and Jen couldn't see it). "I don't know," said Dumbledore. "Do you feel any different?"
"No."
"Neither do I."
"So you don't think she just unbound our powers?" asked Cati.
"I would find it highly unlikely," said Dumbledore. "If she had Cadance's crystal she might have had a chance."
"Uh, Professor?" said Cati. She opened the box. Inside was a blue crystal (which were the exact same color as Dumbledore and Jen's but since we don't care about fashion right now.). "She did have Cadance's crystal."
"How much would you be willing to bet that Cadance put that crystal in that box and put the box on that shelf with a plan in mind?" asked Arabella.
"She really should have come with an instruction book," said Cati. "So do you think Jen unbound our powers?"
"I don't know, try to blow something up," said Arabella.
"Okay," said Cati. "How about if I blow up the door since Bill, Charlie, and Jen are standing right behind it listening to every word we say." The people inside the room heard a series bumps, thuds and groans. The opened the door and the couch was turned over and Bill was lying across the table.
"Jumping over a coffee table is not safe," said Bill. "They really should put holes in the middle."
"But then that would defeat the purpose," said Cati.
"I don't care. I'll be right back," said Bill getting up and running out of the room.
"How did you know we were listening?" asked Jen.
"I had a feeling," said Cati. "Hey wait a minute, does that mean that I have my powers back?"
"Either that or that Bill, Charlie, and Jen are very predictable," said Arabella.
Then Bill ran back in with a jigsaw. He ran over to the table and cut a hole in the center.
"Where did you get the jigsaw?" asked Cati.
"Well, I could tell you, but then I'd have to kill you," said Bill hopping into the hole and then onto the other side of the table. "I could hook you with up staple gun though."
"Nail guns get better distance," said Cati.
"Yeah, but staple guns are more accurate," said Bill.
Cati felt a jolt inside of her and then she closed her eyes. She saw a man pounding his fist on a table. His mouth was moving but she could not hear words. She could tell he was angry. She saw him whip out his wand and cast a spell. When she opened her eyes she was on the floor and looking up into Bill's face.
"What happened?" asked Arabella.
"I think I just had a premonition," said Cati.
"A violent premonition," said Arabella. "You were screaming."
"What did you see?" asked Dumbledore. Bill helped Cati to her feet.
"I think I saw Voldemort," said Cati. "And he was angry."
"Are you certain?" asked Dumbledore.
"No," said Cati. "But I'm pretty sure."
Meanwhile, at Voldemort's lair
"Bring them to me," hissed Voldemort. He sat down in his high-backed chair. A few minutes later, two Death Eaters pushed two women in Auroring robes into the chamber so forcefully that they hit the floor. They slowly rose to their feet.
"Well, well, well," said one of them. "Is it time to ruin Voldie's day already?"
Cadance and McGonagall were standing in Voldemort's Throne Chamber. And they were very much alive.
"You try my patience, Ms. Dumbledore," said Voldemort.
"Forget it, Betty," said Cadance. "We're not telling you what you want to know. We're not telling you who the Heir of Gryffindor is and we're not telling you how to steal the Book of Light so you can overthrow the Source of all Evil. That is your plan isn't it? You overthrow the Source and then take over the underworld and from there take over the entire Wizarding world."
"You've almost got it right, Ms. Dumbledore," said Voldemort. "Except why would I stop at just the Wizarding world? I want the Muggle one, too. And why do you call me Betty?"
"Well," said Cadance. "It's very hard to be scared of a man named Betty."
"She's right you know," said McGonagall.
"I'm willing to strike a deal with you," said Voldemort. "You tell me everything I want to know, and I'll reserve you a seat of power in my new world order."
"No," said McGonagall.
"Absolutely not," said Cadance.
Then, a Dark Lighter Apparated in. "Excuse me, My Lord," he said bowing.
"What is it?" asked Voldemort. The Dark Lighter approached Voldemort and they began talking in hushed tones.
Cadance and McGonagall took up the opportunity to talk quietly. "Cadance are you sure about this?"
"No," said Cadance. "But it's worth a shot. We annoy the heck out of the Dark Lord and then we might be able to get him angry enough to either kill us or angry enough to make a stupid mistake."
"Kill us?" asked McGonagall. "I'm not liking your plan."
"Hey, after so long we're not going to be able to resist the Imperius Curse. I'd rather be dead then be forced to spill the beans and get innocent people killed," said Cadance.
"I hate it when you're right," said McGonagall.
"All righty then," said Cadance. "Then let's get to work." She turned around to where Voldemort was still talking with the Dark Lighter. "Excuse me? Did I just hear you say 'Use the force'?"
Voldemort looked at her strangely. "What?" he asked.
"Use the force," said Cadance. "Are we dressed properly? Maybe we should go and get a Jedi costume. We can pick up a couple of them. And some light sabers. We can get you a big black helmet while we're out. Oh and some Chinese food. I haven't had Chinese food for a long time. I wonder if the Jedi had Chinese food."
"I think you've been keeping them locked up for too long," said the Dark Lighter. "This one's gone loony."
"No," said McGonagall. "She's always been like this."
"TELL ME WHAT I WANT TO KNOW OR I WILL KILL YOU!" exclaimed Voldemort.
"Okay, okay," said Cadance rolling her eyes. "You don't have to shout. You could have just asked politely!"
"Cadance, what are you doing?" asked McGonagall.
"We don't know who the heir of Gryffindor is and that's the truth! We've been messing with your mind the whole time!" said Cadance (haha! What a good liar!).
"What?!" exclaimed Voldemort.
"Hold your horses, Voldie-poo," said Cadance. "You didn't let me finish. I might know of someone who does. But if I tell you, I want to rule Cuba. You see, first I'm going to send all the people that live there to America. Then I'm going to get 4 million ducks and they're going to inhabit the country instead! I will be duck queen!"
"Fine, whatever, just tell me who knows!" exclaimed Voldemort.
"Okay," said Cadance. "What you do is you go to Tipsy's Tavern. Don't make eye contact with the bar tender. There will be a demon in human form sitting at the bar. He's American. Go up to him, tap him on his left, not right, shoulder and stick your tongue out at him while humming the Canadian National Anthem."
"Are you serious?" asked Voldemort.
"Yes, and you didn't let me finish again," said Cadance. "Then you have to say Bippidi Boppidi Boo. And then he's going to get up and go out back. Wait approximately 38.432 seconds and then follow him. He will tell you whatever you want to know."
"And you're sure of this?" asked Voldemort.
"Yes, but you must go alone," said Cadance. "He won't tell you a thing if there's someone else with you."
"Please escort these two ladies back to the dungeon," said Voldemort to the Dark Lighter. He bowed and then held up his bow.
"We know, we know," said Cadance as she and McGonagall walked towards the door with the Dark Lighter following close behind.
They made their way to the dungeon and the Dark Lighter shoved Cadance and McGonagall in. The room was quite contrasting to the dungeons at Hogwarts. There actually were windows and it wasn't really cold. Cadance had said it's probably because there's no psycho Potions Master who likes to keep the atmosphere creepy. After the Dark Lighter had locked the door and left, McGonagall spoke. "I can't believe you told him that."
"That was pretty good wasn't it?" asked Cadance. "And Cole is indestructible. If we're lucky, he'll kill Betty."
"How do you know that Cole is going to do all of those things and not just try to blast him at Bippidi Boppidi Boo?" asked McGonagall.
"Cole will know," said Cadance. "He always does."
***A FEW HOURS LATER***
Two Death Eaters threw Cadance and McGonagall back into Voldemort's Throne Chamber. They again got to their feet. Voldemort was fuming. "You're a bitch," he said.
"You're alive," said Cadance.
"Yes, your little friend didn't put up much of a battle," said Voldemort.
"But you didn't kill him," said Cadance. "Cole Turner, aka Balthazar, is indestructible."
"Can you say the same for yourself?" asked Voldemort angrily. He banged his fists on the table next to him.
"Can you?" asked Cadance simply.
He whipped out his wand. "Flamaro Insento!" he shouted. Cadance, as a reflex, through her arm out in front of her with her fingers pointing upward. The spell suddenly changed direction, hitting the table next to Voldemort. Cadance, McGonagall, and Voldemort's eyes grew wide.
"Cadance," said McGonagall.
"Minerva," said Cadance.
Voldemort pulled his arm back and threw a fireball. Minerva through her hand out in front of her and the fireball flew backwards hitting the table, which burst into flames. Voldemort put out the fire. "Well," said Voldemort. "You two are now officially more trouble than you're worth. I don't know how your powers became unbound but I do know this: I have no further use for you. But how to get rid of you?"
Just then a demon shimmered into the room. He had on robes of black and his hood completely covered his face. He slowly raised his arm, which was completely covered by his robes. Poking out from inside the long sleeve was a scroll. Voldemort took it and read it out loud. "By order of the Source of all Evil, the two imprisoned Sorceresses shall be released to the bearer of this scroll. No questions asked. Failure to cooperate will result in the Source taking back the powers bestowed upon you and your immediate extermination."
"Refuse to turn us over!" exclaimed Cadance.
"What is the meaning of this?!" asked Voldemort angrily. The messenger just pointed at the scroll. "This could be a good thing. It is the perfect way to get rid of you. Take them away, I care not."
The demon turned slowly and pointed out the door. Cadance and McGonagall started walking towards the door with the demon close behind. They got out the door and closed it behind them. The minute they were outside, they each felt someone grab them and clamp a hand over their mouth. They began to struggle.
* * * "Cati?" said Jen. "I have a weird feeling."
"I do too," said Cati. "But I can't think of what it could possibly mean. Cadance used to get them when someone was in trouble or when someone died."
"So it's like the spidey-sense for witches?" asked Jen.
"I guess so," said Cati.
* * * "Shhh! Don't scream, you'll get us all caught!" Cadance and McGonagall stopped struggling. They were released and they turned around to see who it was.
Cole was standing there in long black robes with Leo the White Lighter on his left and a young woman in white on his right (You remember Leo, don't you? He was the hot White Lighter from Tipsy's Tavern).
"Cole," said Cadance. "What are you doing here?"
"I stopped by to have tea and biscuits with Voldemort," said Cole sarcastically. "What do you think I'm doing here? We're here to rescue you. But we'll explain later. Right now we have to get out of here. Here. You might need these." He handed them their wands. "I got them off of one of the moronic guards out front. Now, let's go."
They snuck down the corridor. "Any ideas on how we're getting out of here?" asked Cadance.
"Floo Powder," said Cole.
Then they heard a voice ringing through the hallway. "ARGGGGGHHHHHH!!!! GET THEM GET THEM!"
"I think we've been found out," said the young woman who was with Cole and Leo.
"I think you're right," said Leo.
"I think we should run," said Cole. They ran the rest of the way down the corridor. Cole led them into a room. He pulled Floo Powder out of his robes and threw some into the fireplace. "All right," said Cole. "If you cannot orb or shimmer, you're leaving via the fireplace. We'll meet you at Tipsy's." He put the Floo Powder in Cadance's hands. Leo orbed away while he shimmered out.
They heard Voldemort screaming again and it sounded closer this time. Cadance, McGonagall, and the woman who was with Cole and Leo before all dove into the fireplace at the same time, all shouting "Tipsy's!"
Cole and Leo reached down and pulled helped them to their feet when they rolled out of the fireplace. Cadance pulled Cole into a hug. "OH MY GOD I CAN'T BELIEVE YOU JUST DID THAT!"
"CADANCE, IS THAT YOU!"
"KALA!"
"HELLO PROFESSOR MCGONAGALL!"
"Nice to see you again, Kala," said Professor McGonagall as she dusted herself off.
"I THOUGHT YOU TWO WERE DEAD!" exclaimed Kala.
"No, we're alive and kickin'," said Cadance. By this time, everyone who was in the bar was staring at them. Oblivious of this fact, McGonagall, Cadance, Cole, Leo, and the other woman made their way over and sat at the bar. "Okay, now, how the hell did you know where we were and that we were alive."
"Well," said Cole. "I knew you were alive the minute Voldemort showed up and tapped me on the shoulder and stuck my tongue out at me while humming the Canadian National Anthem. I remembered a similar situation a few years ago where you wanted me to take out a demon for you, so you sent him here to do something really stupid and I took him out back and set him aflame. I knew that only you would send the Dark Lord here to hum the Canadian National Anthem."
"You sent the Dark Lord into my bar?" asked Kala in disbelief.
"I told him not to make eye contact with you," said Cadance. Kala rolled her eyes. "So what did you do next, Cole?"
"Well, I wasn't sure if anyone else was alive and with you, but I figured that at the very least Minerva was over there was with you. So I called Leo and asked him to help me. And he brought Wendy with him. Oh, I forgot to introduce you to Wendy." He indicated to the woman who was with him. "This is Wendy. Wendy, that is Cadance and Professor McGonagall."
"Wendy is kind of like a White Lighter who was granted their life back," explained Leo.
"I died a long time ago and after being a White Lighter for a while, I was re-granted life and Leo and his wife and his sister-in-laws have been helping me readjust," said Wendy.
"Well, anyway," said Cole. "They came. I put on the robe and wrote out the scroll and now we're sitting here at a bar and we're not drinking anything. What is wrong with this picture?"
"Well, while I'd love to sit here and drink with you, Cole, I think that Minerva and I should get back to the school," said Cadance.
"Exactly," said McGonagall.
"All right," said Kala. "See you later."
"Goodbye, Cole, Leo, and Wendy," said Cadance. "And thanks again."
They Apparated out and into Hogsmeade. "Minerva," said Cadance. "I'll race you to the school."
"Sorry, Cadance," said Minerva. "I can't hear you unless mentally you are at least 3 feet tall."
"Please," begged Cadance.
"Oh fine," said McGonagall. "But only because the faster we get there the closer I am to a shower and bed."
They ran up to the school and through the hallways. Classes were going on so they met no one in the corridors. "We should stop at my uncle's office," said Cadance.
"Right," said McGonagall. They ran up to Dumbledore's office, but Dumbledore was standing out in front. His eyes twinkled and he was smiling.
Cadance took one look at him and then said, "Okay, that's it. How long did you know?"
"Since you first used your powers this afternoon," said Dumbledore. "I've been waiting all afternoon."
"Really?" asked Cadance. "It must have been boring."
"Oh, Catalin provided some entertainment. You see, she's taking over your class and she was teaching your Third Years about Poltergeists. She and Peeves were in a sort of prank war," said Dumbledore. Then he pulled both of them into a hug. "I am so glad that you two are alive." Cadance and McGonagall both gave muffled replies. He let them go. "What did you say?"
"Oh nothing, you were just suffocating us," said Cadance. "Now I think that we'd better go back to our rooms and shower and change and whatnot."
"I call first shower," said McGonagall.
"Not if I get there first," said Cadance taking off down the hallway, leaving McGonagall with no choice but to run after her.
Cadance got into the bathroom first and she ran in and locked the door. "Cadance, that is not fair!" exclaimed McGonagall. Cadance didn't answer.
"MINERVA!" exclaimed a voice from behind McGonagall. McGonagall turned around to see Arabella standing there.
"Hello, Arabella," said McGonagall. There came a semi-muffled exclamation from inside the bathroom. "I think Cadance says hello."
"Are you ghosts?" asked Arabella.
"No," said McGonagall. "Do I look see-through?"
"White Lighters?" asked Arabella.
"Absolutely not," said McGonagall. "We're not dead. What are you doing here?"
"Well, I was cleaning out Cadance's room," said Arabella. "But I guess that's not necessary now. Good thing we hadn't really started on your room at least. I'm a little confused now. We all thought that you were both dead."
McGonagall explained everything to Arabella.
Cadance came out of the bathroom in her bathrobe. "Hey, Arabella," said Cadance. "I'll come and talk to you in a second." She walked into her room. "WHAT THE HECK HAPPENED IN HERE!"
"Good luck," said McGonagall as she went into the bathroom.
Arabella walked into Cadance's room. "Sorry, Cadance," she said. "But we thought you were dead so we were cleaning out your room."
"Well, its okay," said Cadance. "I'll put it all back together later."
Just then they heard Jen's voice call from inside the Common Room. "Arabella! I came back to help! I know I'm supposed to be in class but it was just Defense Against the Dark Arts so I figured I could miss it this time." By this time she was in Cadance's room.
"Just Defense Against the Dark Arts!" exclaimed Cadance. "Girl, get your ass to class before I go Jackie Chan on you. Just Defense Against the Dark Arts indeed! That class can mean the difference between life and death! Now go to class!"
"Geez, okay," said Jen as she turned around and headed out the door. "I mean it was just one class."
Cadance and Arabella looked at each other with raised eyebrows. Cadance tapped her foot a few times. Arabella looked at her watch. "Five, four, three, two," she said. Right on cue Jen ran back into the room.
"OH MY GOD!" she screamed pointing at Cadance.
"Nice to see you, too," said Cadance.
Jen ran over to her sister and hugged her, almost knocking the both of them over. Good thing Cadance has good balance. "I thought you were dead."
"Nah," said Cadance. "It takes a little more than Death Eaters to get rid of me and Professor McGonagall. You're stuck with us. Now help me find clothes. It's a mess in here."
"We hadn't even started on your clothes yet," said Arabella. "They're all still in your wardrobe."
Fifteen minutes later, Cadance had gotten dressed and dried her hair and was on her way to her classroom to surprise Cati. Classes were just letting out. Cadance hid around the corner until the class had gone. Then she peaked in the door. Cati was sitting at the desk flipping through a book. Cadance had put on her long coat and Indiana Jones hat. Cadance leaned on the door frame. "Want to go for a little adventure in the Forbidden Forest?" she asked. Cati looked up.
"AHHHHHHHHHHHH!"
"Well, gee, you could have just said no," said Cadance.
"WHERE THE HECK DID YOU COME FROM!!!!" exclaimed Cati.
"Voldemort's lair. It's actually not such a bad place. He had this really nice wallpaper," said Cadance.
"YOU'RE ALIVE!!"
"You noticed," said Cadance. Cati got up and ran over to Cadance engulfing her in a huge hug.
"What about Professor McGonagall?" asked Cati.
"She's alive, too," said Cadance.
"So what were you saying about an adventure in the Forbidden Forest?" asked Cati. "We could surprise Charlie along the way. Hagrid's off doing something for Dumbledore and so Charlie has been teaching his class."
"Oh, I like the way your mind works," said Cadance. "But what about classes? You have one coming up in 15 minutes."
"Actually, you have one in 15 minutes," said Cati. "You're alive; you can teach the little terrors now."
Fifteen minutes later, the 6th Year Gryffindors and Slytherins walked into Defense Against the Dark Arts. They took their seats. Cati was sitting in her chair reading the newspaper with the newspaper held up high enough that they could not see her face and with her feet on the desk. Or at least they thought it was Cati.
Then, the door opened and Cati walked in. "Sorry, I'm late. I had some very important business to take care of."
The entire class looked at Cati and then at the person sitting behind Cati's desk then at Cati. The person lowered the newspaper revealing Cadance. "Oh my god," said Hermione out loud.
"Did you know that tomorrow is National Squirrel Appreciation Day?" asked Cadance. "They really put the darndest things in the newspaper."
"Aren't you dead?" asked Malfoy.
"Nah, it's going to take a lot more than Voldemort, Death Eaters and Dark Lighters to kill me," said Cadance. "Uhhhh, well, maybe not."
"Do you mean to tell me," began Ron. "That you were in Voldemort's lair and then you escaped and you're alive to tell us about it???"
"Sure," said Cadance. "I wouldn't phrase it that way, but that about sums it up."
"You have all the fun," said Cati shaking her head.
Hermione put her hand in her air. "Hermione, I refuse to acknowledge you until you put that hand down and just shout out what you have to say. You've been in my class for almost 2 full years now," said Cadance.
"Is Professor McGonagall.?" asked Hermione.
"Of course. She's fine too," said Cadance. "Now, I'm not really in the mood to have class so you're all dismissed."
"Just like that?" asked Hermione. "You're not even going to tell us how you escaped?"
"I used the fireplace," said Cadance. "Now go study, get good grades, become little geniuses, and never become Aurors."
* * * Cadance and Cati were walking towards Hagrid's hut by the Forbidden Forest, because that is where Charlie was holding his classes. They knew that he didn't have a class at the moment and they hoped that he would be there. Luckily, he was. His back was towards them. Cadance snuck up behind him and jumped on his back. "CHARLIE!!!!" she exclaimed.
"OH MY GOD!" he exclaimed.
"I've been getting that a lot lately," said Cadance.
"YOU'RE ALIVE!" he exclaimed.
"Indeed," said Cadance. Charlie set her down on the ground and then pulled her into a hug. "Charlie, I can't breathe. Why are people trying to suffocate me today?"
"Sorry," said Charlie letting go.
"Well, it's getting on dinner time," said Cadance. "Let's go the Great Hall."
"There's still an hour until dinner," said Charlie looking at his watch.
"Then let's go sit in the Great Hall like we used to when we were younger and we had nothing better to do until dinner," said Cadance.
"Oh, I'm up for that," said Cati.
They headed to the Great Hall and sat down on (yes on, not at) the Head Table. "Cadance," said Cati. "I forgot to mention this earlier, but your sister found your crystal in your room in a box and she unbound our powers."
"Oh, that explains a lot," said Cadance. "Well, what did you tell her the crystal was?"
"We didn't say anything. She's probably going to ask you," said Cati.
"Great," said Cadance sarcastically. "That's just great."
"So other than the whole trapped in Voldemort's lair thing how are you doing?" asked Charlie.
"Oh, I'm simply Polkarific," said Cadance.
"Polkarific?" asked Charlie. "Polka!" He grabbed Cadance and pulled her off the table and proceeded to polka around the room with her.
It was at this point that Sirius and Remus ran into the Great Hall. "Oh my god, it is true!" exclaimed Sirius.
"Hello!" said Cadance cheerfully as she and Charlie polka-ed around Sirius and Remus.
It was then that Professor McGonagall entered the Great Hall. "Cadance, your uncle says." but she didn't get to finish her sentence as Sirius interjected.
"PROFESSOR MCGONAGALL!" he exclaimed running over to her.
"Don't touch me," said Professor McGonagall. But Sirius, being Sirius, didn't listen. He grabbed her and then joined into Cadance and Charlie's polka. "SIRIUS BLACK YOU RELEASE ME RIGHT NOW!"
"C'mon Professor, you know you're having fun," said Sirius. "So how is everyone?"
"Polkarific!" exclaimed Cadance and Charlie at the same time.
"Sirius, if you don't let go of me this instant I'm going to kick you where it hurts," said McGonagall threateningly.
Sirius immediately let go and grabbed hold of Cati instead. "Hey, Cadance?" said Sirius.
"Yes, Sirius?" asked Cadance.
"You owe me a pancake breakfast," said Sirius.
"Oh yeah, me too," said Cati.
"Tomorrow," said Cadance.
"Yes!" exclaimed Sirius.
"Minerva, what were you saying about my uncle when you came in here?" asked Cadance.
"He says that we're going to have an Order of the Phoenix Meeting after dinner tonight," said McGonagall.
"Can we talk about llamas at the meeting?" asked Sirius. "Because I really believe that they are very under-rated creatures."
* * * "Charlie, do you have to follow me everywhere?" asked Cadance exasperatedly.
"Yes," said Charlie. "Because you just get yourself in trouble when left to your own devices."
"I was only gone for a week and a half," said Cadance. "You couldn't have missed me that much."
"You have no idea," said Charlie. "So why are you going to you Uncle's office again?"
"To get the Book of Light," said Cadance. "We're taking it to Professor McGonagall's office to hide it."
"Okay," said Charlie. They reached the stone gargoyle and Cadance gave the password. A few seconds later they were in Dumbledore's office. "So where's the book?"
"I don't know," said Cadance. She walked over to Dumbledore's desk and opened it. "Ohhh lemon drops."
"Cadance," said Charlie. "Focus. I want to get to dinner. I'm hungry."
"You're always hungry," said Cadance popping a lemon drop into her mouth and giving Charlie one. She opened up another drawer. "Ah ha. I found it. Let's get it Minerva's office."
They quickly left Dumbledore's office and moved to McGonagall's. "Where are we hiding it?" asked Charlie.
"Minerva emptied the bottom desk drawer for it," said Cadance. She opened it, put the book in, and then locked the drawer.
"Alright, now let's go to dinner," said Charlie.
"Just wait a second," said Cadance. She walked over and looked out the window towards the Quidditch Pitch. The sun was beginning to set. "Hey, Charlie? Do you think there's a planet out there that's entirely inhabited by chickens?"
"Cadance, chickens are all girls," said Charlie. "How would they reproduce?"
"Maybe they're asexual chickens," said Cadance.
Charlie looked down at her and smiled. He shook his head. "Maybe."
"Look at how pretty it is out there," said Cadance looking at the sunset. Charlie put his arm around her shoulder.
"Can we go eat now, Cadance?" asked Charlie.
Cadance looked up at him and smiled. Then she opened the window. "Are you still going to follow me everywhere?" she asked.
"Cadance," said Charlie. "No. That lake is, like, 40 degrees. And it isn't exactly the greatest weather for swimming."
"Aw, Charlie, it'll be fun," said Cadance climbing onto the windowsill.
"Cadance!" exclaimed Charlie as she jumped.
"WAHOOOOOOO!!!!" exclaimed Cadance.
"Oh she is in big trouble," said Charlie as Cadance hit the lake.
* * * "Minerva?" asked Dumbledore. "Where's Cadance?"
Suddenly, he heard a scream coming from outside. "WAHOOOOOOO!!!!!"
"Never mind," said Dumbledore.
* * * Charlie climbed up on the window. "I'm going to kick her butt," said Charlie under his breath. Then he jumped into the lake after her. He hit the cold lake with a splash. He looked around for Cadance but he couldn't see her. "Cadance!" He looked around some more. Suddenly he felt someone tug at his leg and he went underwater. When he resurfaced Cadance was next to him laughing hard.
"Give me a heart attack, why don't you?" said Charlie.
"Sorry, Charlie," said Cadance splashing him a little.
"It's getting dark," said Charlie. "We should probably go in."
"No," said Cadance. "Just a little longer. Please?"
"It's getting cold," said Charlie. "Your lips are turning blue."
"We can pretend it's lip gloss," said Cadance.
"You don't wear lip gloss," said Charlie. "You're going to get hypothermia."
"Ah, I'll be fine," said Cadance. "Please. I like it outside."
"Why are you so adamant about staying outside right now?" asked Charlie.
"I want to look for the chicken planet," said Cadance.
"Okay, now I know you're getting hypothermia," said Charlie. "At least let's get out of the lake."
"Okay," said Cadance. They swam to the edge of the lake and crawled out. They dried their robes off with their wands and then they sat down next to a big rock next to the lake. "So what have I missed in the past week and a half?" she asked.
"Nothing really," said Charlie. "Cati almost turned Professor Trelawney into a bat though."
"And I missed it," said Cadance.
"Well, it's bound to happen again some time," said Charlie.
"Hmmm," said Cadance putting her head on his shoulder.
"Sleepy?" he asked.
"Just a little," said Cadance. "It's been a long day."
"Yes, it has," said Charlie.
Just then there was a booming noise coming from the direction of Hogsmeade. Cadance screamed and dug her face into Charlie's shoulder.
"Oh goody, it looks like Fred and George came up with a new product to sell," said Charlie.
Cadance kept her face dug into Charlie's shoulder. "I'm not going back! They can't make me!"
"Cadance, are you okay?" asked Charlie.
Cadance looked up and looked around. "Where are the Death Eaters?"
"There are no Death Eaters," said Charlie. "It was just Fred and George. They set off their newest set of fireworks whenever they come up with a new product. They've been doing it all week." Charlie noticed that she had gone pale, almost like Sirius had when he was first out of Azkaban. She was also beginning to shake. "Cadance?" He pulled her close to him and hugged her. By this time it was completely dark outside.
Just then a light came out from behind the rock. "Cadance, Charlie?" said a familiar voice.
"Right here, Professor," said Charlie. Professor Dumbledore was standing there with his wand lit. He was looking down at Cadance and Charlie.
"We were beginning to worry about you," said Dumbledore. "What's wrong?"
"We just had a little bit of a false alarm," said Charlie.
"I see," said Dumbledore, and Charlie could see in his eyes that he really did see and probably understood more than Charlie did himself. "Well, why don't you two come up to dinner now?"
"Think you can make it?" asked Charlie quietly to Cadance. Cadance nodded slowly. Charlie helped her to her feet and put his arm around her. They walked up to the school about two paces behind Dumbledore. By the time that they had reached the school, Cadance had regained her composure. They got into the Great Hall and went to take their seats at the Head Table.
"Hey, there they are," said Cati when they came over.
"We heard you jump into the lake and we thought you had drowned," said McGonagall.
"No, we're fine," said Charlie. He looked over at Cadance who nodded slowly.
"Good, so let's eat," said Cati.
After dinner, they all headed towards the Order of the Phoenix Meeting Room. The other Order Members were to be arriving in about a half hour. Everyone took their customary seats. The only members who were there at that moment were Dumbledore, Snape, McGonagall, Cadance, Remus, Sirius, Arabella, and Charlie. Cadance put her feet up on the table and balanced her chair on two legs.
"Oh," said Dumbledore. "Perhaps I should mention that you seven and myself are the only Order Members who know that Minerva and Cadance are alive."
"Oh this should be an interesting meeting," said Arabella.
It was at this point that Fred and George walked through the door. They went at sat down at their seats without even noticing the two long-lost teachers. Cadance decided to speak up. "Hello, Fred, George," said Cadance.
"Hey, Cadance," said Fred. "You'll never guess what we came up with today. It's awesome. It's a trick broomstick and-." He paused for a second. "Aren't you two dead?"
"OH MY GOD!"
About 10 "Oh my God"s later, everyone had arrived and the meeting began. Dumbledore stood up. "I know all of you are wondering how exactly Minerva and Cadance escaped so I'm going to let them tell you."
"Minerva, why don't you tell it," said Cadance.
McGonagall nodded and then began. "We were fighting one second, and losing very badly I might add, and then the next thing we know we're bound and gagged in Voldemort's dungeons."
"Right," said Cadance. "So two Death Eaters come and get us and drag us to Voldemort who demands that we tell him everything that he wants to know. Naturally, we refused."
"And naturally he was angry," said McGonagall.
"Right," said Cadance. "Exactly. So everyday he would yell and at us."
"And everyday Cadance would be cocky and annoying back. She was brilliant. I swear she almost got steam to come out of his ears," said McGonagall.
"I believe that," said Snape, who had been on the receiving end of Cadance's cockiness several times throughout the years that Cadance had been at Hogwarts.
"Well, today, he insisted that we tell him who the Heir of Gryffindor was. So I fed him a false story about how he could find out who it was," said Cadance. "I sent him to Tipsy's to see Cole and had him do something along the lines of say 'Bippidi Boppidi Boo' and hum the Canadian National Anthem while jumping up and down or something like that. Cole took him out back and I had hoped that Cole would be able to kill him, or at least maim him, but no such luck. But since Cole is indestructible Voldemort at least couldn't kill him. So he figured that we were alive and he got this White Lighter named Leo and this Former White Lighter named Wendy and he came and rescued us. And now we're here."
"Yes, after Cadance made a short detour to the lake," said Charlie.
"You came along," said Cadance. Charlie stuck his tongue out at her. Cadance punched his arm jokingly.
"Wait a second," said Mr. Weasley. "We've been making plans to put an end to Voldemort for the past year. We have the man-power, the supplies, and the plans for a surprise attack on Voldemort's lair. But we've had one flaw; one hitch in our plan."
"Harry has been too young?" offered Cadance.
"We've all been too chicken?" offered Sirius getting a book thrown at him by Cadance.
"The new Aurors are rookies and not ready to come with us to try and vanquish the Dark Lord?" offered Remus.
"No!" exclaimed Mr. Weasley. "We don't know where Voldemort's hideout is!"
"Ohhh!" said Fred. "Of course. We don't know where Voldemort's hideout is!"
"Yes, but Cadance and Minerva, you two where just there!" exclaimed Mr. Weasley.
"There's one problem," said Cadance. "We don't know where Voldemort's lair is, per se."
"Yes," agreed McGonagall. "We were brought there, and then we Floo- Powerdered out."
"Yes, but those three people who rescued you-," said Mr. Weasley.
"Actually, it was a demon, a White Lighter, and a former White Lighter," said Cadance.
"Whatever," said Mr. Weasley. "The point is they went to get you so they must know where it is."
"He's got a point," said Cadance.
"I'll work out the details with the Ministry," said Mr. Weasley. "And after that, we'll get these people to take us to Voldemort's lair. This all could be over within a week."
Dedication: This chapter is dedicated to Lamina Court for letting me use the chicken planet. Check out her story "The Greatest Thing You'll Ever Learn". And then the sequel should be coming out soon. It's called "Is Just To Love". Thanks a bunch. Both for letting me use the chicken planet and for writing such a great story!
A/N: I would like to say something to a few people. Kala: Welcome back to the internet!!!! Don't be a stranger to AIM! I've missed talking to you! Whitelighter Enchantress: POLKARIFIC Cristalfairy: Your review made me soooooo happy!!!! I loved it! It made me want to update sooner. Thanks! Lamina Court: One word. Hearth.
The next few months were uneventful. February passed without a single Death Eater attack anywhere. The first Dueling Club meeting in March was canceled because Cadance and Cati came down with the flu and spent two nights in the hospital wing. Cati, in her campaign for optimism, had commented that if they had had their powers still, they could have blown things up every time they sneezed. Cadance had hit her with a pillow. Madame Pomfrey had yelled at them both.
While February was Death Eater free, March had brought a new sweep of Death Eater attacks. Everyone had just sat down to dinner in the Great Hall when the alarm went off signaling a Death Eater attack. Cadance groaned. "Is this my punishment for locking the Head of the White Lighter Council in my office?!" she exclaimed looking at the ceiling. Cadance and McGonagall got up and ran off. They quickly changed into their Auroring Uniforms. They ran off to Hogsmeade to Apparate to the Ministry to get their assignments. On the way, they passed the Hogwarts Aurors, who were running up to the school in the event that the battle was a distraction so that there was no one at the school to protect it.
"See ya, Cadance, Professor McGonagall," said Cati.
"Okay," said Cadance. "Come up to the school tomorrow for breakfast. We'll have pancakes."
"Sounds like fun," said Cati.
"Did someone say pancakes?" asked Sirius.
* * *
"Minerva!" exclaimed Cadance as she shot some spells towards the Death Eaters.
"Yes, Cadance?"
"I. Want. A raise."
"Don't tell me, tell Bob Reynolds," said McGonagall as she side-stepped a curse. "If you get that raise, tell him I want one, too."
"Yeah, if we ever make it out of this," said Cadance looking at all the bodies around her.
Several Death Eaters snuck up behind Cadance and McGonagall. They muttered a few choice words. Cadance and McGonagall fell and knew no more.
* * * "You wanted to see me, Uncle Albus?" said Jen as she walked into her uncle's office the next morning.
Dumbledore looked up from a letter at his desk. "I think you better sit down."
* * * Ron looked up from his work when he heard the portrait hole open. Hermione had insisted that they spend the morning doing homework since it was Sunday and there was nothing to do anyway, Harry and Ron had complied and Ginny joined them.
Jen had just come running through the Gryffindor Common Room up the stairs to the girl's dormitory and had slammed the door. "What's wrong with her?" asked Harry.
"I don't know," said Hermione looking on after her. "C'mon, Ginny. Let's go find out."
Ginny and Hermione got up and went to Jen's dorm (which was also Ginny's in case you're wondering or didn't know or both or neither or whatever). Hermione knocked on the door. "Jen. Jen, can we come in?"
A muffled reply came from inside. Ginny opened the door. Jen was lying face down on her bed with her head in her pillow. "Jen, what's wrong?"
Another muffled reply.
"I'm sorry, I didn't quite catch that," said Hermione.
Jen answered again, clearer this time.
Hermione's hand flew to her mouth. Ginny looked at the ground and then hugged Jen, who was sobbing hysterically.
* * * "Professor Dumbledore!" exclaimed Cati as she bolted into his office. She was out of breath. She had run all the way up from Hogsmeade. "Professor Dumbledore, there's a rumor going around the Aurors in Hogsmeade."
"I'm afraid it's true," said Dumbledore.
Cati sunk into one of the chairs in front of his desk. "No. It can't be true. It just can't be."
"It is," said Dumbledore.
Cati whipped the tears from her eyes and stood up. "I have to go," she said.
"I know," said Dumbledore. "You can use my fireplace. The Floo Powder is on the mantle."
She nodded. She used Floo Powder to travel to Charlie's house. He was sitting at the kitchen table eating cereal when Cati rolled out of his fireplace.
"Hey, Cate," he said. "What are you doing here?"
"Cadance and McGonagall are dead," said Cati.
* * *
The Order of the Phoenix met again that night. Arthur Weasley had contacted Dumbledore to let him know that he would be late. Dumbledore cleared his throat but stayed in his seat and kept his head down. Everyone looked at him. "After yesterday's massacre, we are left without two of our members," he said.
"Maybe they're not dead," said Cati. "The Death Eaters got rid of all the bodies, but that doesn't mean that everyone who was there died. Maybe they're playing a joke on us."
"That would be a sick and twisted joke that not even Cadance would be capable of," said Sirius.
"I can't help but think that if they had had their powers," began Dumbledore.
"No," said Remus shaking his head. "It wouldn't have affected anything."
"How can you be so sure?"
"I can't," said Remus. "But, you can't dwell on it."
"I was wondering if perhaps two of you could perhaps take over as Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor and Transfiguration Professor for the remainder of the year," said Dumbledore.
"I'll do it," said Cati.
"Me, too," said Remus.
"And Hagrid?" asked Dumbledore. "I want to move up your assignment. You must leave as soon as possible rather than waited until after school lets out. You must leave no later than tomorrow."
"Yes, sir," said Hagrid.
"And Charlie? Would you be willing to take over Hagrid's class while he is gone?" asked Dumbledore.
"Sure," said Charlie without looking up. "Okay."
Just then, Arthur Weasley Apparated in. "Latest news from the Ministry," he said. "There were 32 Aurors summoned to the battle last night. It was previously thought that there was a Dark Mark sent up for every one of them. But when counted, there were only 30 Dark Marks."
"Only?" retorted Sirius sarcastically.
"That leaves two Aurors unaccounted for," said Cati.
"Maybe the Death Eaters just made a mistake," said Severus.
"Maybe," said Mr. Weasley. "But maybe not."
* * * "I'm sorry to hear about your sister," came a drawling voice from across the Great Hall. It was a few days later at Breakfast. Cati had taken Cadance's place and Remus had taken McGonagall's.
Jen lifted up her head from the table. "No you're not," said Jen.
"Yes, you're right," he said. "I'm actually really glad."
"Get the hell out of here, Malfoy," said Harry.
"It's a free country, Potter," spat Malfoy. "I can stand where I please."
"Not if you don't have all your limbs, Malfoy," said a voice from behind them. Cati was standing there with wand in hand. "Don't try my patience."
Malfoy stood rooted for a second and then sauntered off towards the Slytherin Table.
"Hold your temper, Harry," said Cati who noticed that Harry, too, had wand in hand. "I can afford to lose mine, but you cannot."
"It's not fair," he said.
"Nothing ever is," said Cati putting her hand on Jen's shoulder. "Take it from someone with experience."
Just then, Lucius Malfoy came storming into the Great Hall.
"Wow, how did Malfoy contact his dad that fast?" asked Seamus.
"Obviously he didn't, Seamus," said Hermione rolling her eyes. "He didn't have time."
"Dumbledore!" spat Malfoy. "I would like a word with you." He stormed up to the Head Table, practically pushing Cati onto Hermione.
"Would you like me to go with you, Albus?" asked Snape quietly. Dumbledore shook his head and followed Malfoy to the back of the Great Hall.
Harry, Ron, and Hermione looked at each other and then got up and rushed to the door pushing their ears up against it.
"Eavesdropping is not good," said Cati. "Shove over."
Malfoy was steadily raising his voice and they could hear him. "Uh oh," said Ron. "What if he pulls his wand out on Dumbledore?"
"God help him if he does," said Cati. "Now shush."
"I do not like your choice of replacements for the two deceased teachers," Malfoy said.
Dumbledore said something that they could not hear. By this time Sirius had joined them.
"I will not have my son being taught by some werewolf and a half-breed!"
"Half-breed?" asked Ron. "Is that like a muggle-born?"
"Kinda," said Cati. "You see I get my sorceress powers from my mother and my father was muggle born so that makes me half sorceress, half witch, half muggle."
"Wow," said Sirius. "Most people are just made up of two-halves. You're made up of three."
"Oh," said Cati. "I guess that means I'm part witch, part sorceress, part muggle. Wouldn't that make me a part-breed?"
"No, Cati," said Sirius. "Just sit down before you hurt yourself."
"I'm having an identity crisis," said Cati.
"Right," said Sirius.
"Shh! They're still talking!" said Hermione.
"I can't hear anything anymore," said Cati.
"Because you're talking," said Hermione.
"So are you," said Cati.
"Will both of you shut up?" asked Ron.
"Shhhhh!"
"You're being louder than I am!" argued Ron.
With everyone arguing, they didn't notice the doors were now open and Dumbledore was staring at them curiously. He cleared his throat and the stopped. "Don't you have classes to get to?" he asked.
"Probably," said Cati. "All right, you heard the man, go to class."
* * * A few more days later * * *
Cati walked into the Common Room that was formerly shared by Cadance and McGonagall. She was staying in the spare room in there. But when she walked past Cadance's old room, she noticed the door was open. She peaked inside. Arabella Figg was sitting on Cadance's bed looking through a box. Cati walked in. "When did you get here?" she asked.
"Just a few minutes ago," said Arabella. "Albus sent me an owl. We have to start clearing out Cadance and Minerva's rooms. We could use some help if you want to stick around."
"Sure," said Cati lowering her head to the floor.
"Albus and Jen should be here soon," said Arabella.
"Bill and Charlie were supposed to meet me here," said Cati. "They should be here soon too."
"The more the merrier," said Arabella dully.
"If only that were true," said Cati.
Dumbledore walked into the room with Jen behind him. "Let's get this over with," said Jen.
Arabella continued looking through the box. She pulled something out. It was an envelope. "To be opened only after I die," said Arabella reading off of the envelope.
"Oh yeah, Cadance mentioned that," said Cati. "Back when Drew died."
"Albus," said Arabella turning towards Dumbledore and handing him the letter. He took it and pocketed it.
Arabella conjured some boxes and they began packing the stuff on Cadance's desk into the box. It was then that a box fell off of a shelf and onto Cadance's bed. Jen saw it out of the corner of her eye. Nobody else noticed. Jen walked over to it. There was a Phoenix and an inscription on the top. Jen began to read the inscription, "Sdrow esehtyast solsaw tahw eer fot."
Cati, McGonagall, and Arabella all turned and looked at her. "What did you just say?" asked Cati.
"Sdrow eseh-," began Jen before Cati stopped her.
"Don't repeat it!" she exclaimed.
"But you just said," began Jen again.
"I say lots of things that I don't mean," said Cati. "If Cadance where here she'd probably have some sort of Bill-ish comment, but let's not get into that now."
It was then that Bill and Charlie walked in. "I heard my name," said Bill.
"No you didn't," said Cati.
"Bill, Charlie, why don't you and Jen go into Minerva's room to start cleaning it out," said Dumbledore.
Bill and Charlie, for once in their lives, took the hint and went out of the room with Jen, shutting the door behind them. No sooner had they shut it, however, they began to eavesdrop from outside.
"Did she just say what I think she just said?" asked Cati.
"Only if what you think she just said is what I think she just said and if it is what we both think she just said," said Arabella. The sad thing is this all made perfect sense to Cati.
"Do you think what she just said did what it was supposed to do, assuming that what we think she just said is what she just said?" asked Cati.
Dumbledore was examining the box (although Bill, Charlie, and Jen couldn't see it). "I don't know," said Dumbledore. "Do you feel any different?"
"No."
"Neither do I."
"So you don't think she just unbound our powers?" asked Cati.
"I would find it highly unlikely," said Dumbledore. "If she had Cadance's crystal she might have had a chance."
"Uh, Professor?" said Cati. She opened the box. Inside was a blue crystal (which were the exact same color as Dumbledore and Jen's but since we don't care about fashion right now.). "She did have Cadance's crystal."
"How much would you be willing to bet that Cadance put that crystal in that box and put the box on that shelf with a plan in mind?" asked Arabella.
"She really should have come with an instruction book," said Cati. "So do you think Jen unbound our powers?"
"I don't know, try to blow something up," said Arabella.
"Okay," said Cati. "How about if I blow up the door since Bill, Charlie, and Jen are standing right behind it listening to every word we say." The people inside the room heard a series bumps, thuds and groans. The opened the door and the couch was turned over and Bill was lying across the table.
"Jumping over a coffee table is not safe," said Bill. "They really should put holes in the middle."
"But then that would defeat the purpose," said Cati.
"I don't care. I'll be right back," said Bill getting up and running out of the room.
"How did you know we were listening?" asked Jen.
"I had a feeling," said Cati. "Hey wait a minute, does that mean that I have my powers back?"
"Either that or that Bill, Charlie, and Jen are very predictable," said Arabella.
Then Bill ran back in with a jigsaw. He ran over to the table and cut a hole in the center.
"Where did you get the jigsaw?" asked Cati.
"Well, I could tell you, but then I'd have to kill you," said Bill hopping into the hole and then onto the other side of the table. "I could hook you with up staple gun though."
"Nail guns get better distance," said Cati.
"Yeah, but staple guns are more accurate," said Bill.
Cati felt a jolt inside of her and then she closed her eyes. She saw a man pounding his fist on a table. His mouth was moving but she could not hear words. She could tell he was angry. She saw him whip out his wand and cast a spell. When she opened her eyes she was on the floor and looking up into Bill's face.
"What happened?" asked Arabella.
"I think I just had a premonition," said Cati.
"A violent premonition," said Arabella. "You were screaming."
"What did you see?" asked Dumbledore. Bill helped Cati to her feet.
"I think I saw Voldemort," said Cati. "And he was angry."
"Are you certain?" asked Dumbledore.
"No," said Cati. "But I'm pretty sure."
Meanwhile, at Voldemort's lair
"Bring them to me," hissed Voldemort. He sat down in his high-backed chair. A few minutes later, two Death Eaters pushed two women in Auroring robes into the chamber so forcefully that they hit the floor. They slowly rose to their feet.
"Well, well, well," said one of them. "Is it time to ruin Voldie's day already?"
Cadance and McGonagall were standing in Voldemort's Throne Chamber. And they were very much alive.
"You try my patience, Ms. Dumbledore," said Voldemort.
"Forget it, Betty," said Cadance. "We're not telling you what you want to know. We're not telling you who the Heir of Gryffindor is and we're not telling you how to steal the Book of Light so you can overthrow the Source of all Evil. That is your plan isn't it? You overthrow the Source and then take over the underworld and from there take over the entire Wizarding world."
"You've almost got it right, Ms. Dumbledore," said Voldemort. "Except why would I stop at just the Wizarding world? I want the Muggle one, too. And why do you call me Betty?"
"Well," said Cadance. "It's very hard to be scared of a man named Betty."
"She's right you know," said McGonagall.
"I'm willing to strike a deal with you," said Voldemort. "You tell me everything I want to know, and I'll reserve you a seat of power in my new world order."
"No," said McGonagall.
"Absolutely not," said Cadance.
Then, a Dark Lighter Apparated in. "Excuse me, My Lord," he said bowing.
"What is it?" asked Voldemort. The Dark Lighter approached Voldemort and they began talking in hushed tones.
Cadance and McGonagall took up the opportunity to talk quietly. "Cadance are you sure about this?"
"No," said Cadance. "But it's worth a shot. We annoy the heck out of the Dark Lord and then we might be able to get him angry enough to either kill us or angry enough to make a stupid mistake."
"Kill us?" asked McGonagall. "I'm not liking your plan."
"Hey, after so long we're not going to be able to resist the Imperius Curse. I'd rather be dead then be forced to spill the beans and get innocent people killed," said Cadance.
"I hate it when you're right," said McGonagall.
"All righty then," said Cadance. "Then let's get to work." She turned around to where Voldemort was still talking with the Dark Lighter. "Excuse me? Did I just hear you say 'Use the force'?"
Voldemort looked at her strangely. "What?" he asked.
"Use the force," said Cadance. "Are we dressed properly? Maybe we should go and get a Jedi costume. We can pick up a couple of them. And some light sabers. We can get you a big black helmet while we're out. Oh and some Chinese food. I haven't had Chinese food for a long time. I wonder if the Jedi had Chinese food."
"I think you've been keeping them locked up for too long," said the Dark Lighter. "This one's gone loony."
"No," said McGonagall. "She's always been like this."
"TELL ME WHAT I WANT TO KNOW OR I WILL KILL YOU!" exclaimed Voldemort.
"Okay, okay," said Cadance rolling her eyes. "You don't have to shout. You could have just asked politely!"
"Cadance, what are you doing?" asked McGonagall.
"We don't know who the heir of Gryffindor is and that's the truth! We've been messing with your mind the whole time!" said Cadance (haha! What a good liar!).
"What?!" exclaimed Voldemort.
"Hold your horses, Voldie-poo," said Cadance. "You didn't let me finish. I might know of someone who does. But if I tell you, I want to rule Cuba. You see, first I'm going to send all the people that live there to America. Then I'm going to get 4 million ducks and they're going to inhabit the country instead! I will be duck queen!"
"Fine, whatever, just tell me who knows!" exclaimed Voldemort.
"Okay," said Cadance. "What you do is you go to Tipsy's Tavern. Don't make eye contact with the bar tender. There will be a demon in human form sitting at the bar. He's American. Go up to him, tap him on his left, not right, shoulder and stick your tongue out at him while humming the Canadian National Anthem."
"Are you serious?" asked Voldemort.
"Yes, and you didn't let me finish again," said Cadance. "Then you have to say Bippidi Boppidi Boo. And then he's going to get up and go out back. Wait approximately 38.432 seconds and then follow him. He will tell you whatever you want to know."
"And you're sure of this?" asked Voldemort.
"Yes, but you must go alone," said Cadance. "He won't tell you a thing if there's someone else with you."
"Please escort these two ladies back to the dungeon," said Voldemort to the Dark Lighter. He bowed and then held up his bow.
"We know, we know," said Cadance as she and McGonagall walked towards the door with the Dark Lighter following close behind.
They made their way to the dungeon and the Dark Lighter shoved Cadance and McGonagall in. The room was quite contrasting to the dungeons at Hogwarts. There actually were windows and it wasn't really cold. Cadance had said it's probably because there's no psycho Potions Master who likes to keep the atmosphere creepy. After the Dark Lighter had locked the door and left, McGonagall spoke. "I can't believe you told him that."
"That was pretty good wasn't it?" asked Cadance. "And Cole is indestructible. If we're lucky, he'll kill Betty."
"How do you know that Cole is going to do all of those things and not just try to blast him at Bippidi Boppidi Boo?" asked McGonagall.
"Cole will know," said Cadance. "He always does."
***A FEW HOURS LATER***
Two Death Eaters threw Cadance and McGonagall back into Voldemort's Throne Chamber. They again got to their feet. Voldemort was fuming. "You're a bitch," he said.
"You're alive," said Cadance.
"Yes, your little friend didn't put up much of a battle," said Voldemort.
"But you didn't kill him," said Cadance. "Cole Turner, aka Balthazar, is indestructible."
"Can you say the same for yourself?" asked Voldemort angrily. He banged his fists on the table next to him.
"Can you?" asked Cadance simply.
He whipped out his wand. "Flamaro Insento!" he shouted. Cadance, as a reflex, through her arm out in front of her with her fingers pointing upward. The spell suddenly changed direction, hitting the table next to Voldemort. Cadance, McGonagall, and Voldemort's eyes grew wide.
"Cadance," said McGonagall.
"Minerva," said Cadance.
Voldemort pulled his arm back and threw a fireball. Minerva through her hand out in front of her and the fireball flew backwards hitting the table, which burst into flames. Voldemort put out the fire. "Well," said Voldemort. "You two are now officially more trouble than you're worth. I don't know how your powers became unbound but I do know this: I have no further use for you. But how to get rid of you?"
Just then a demon shimmered into the room. He had on robes of black and his hood completely covered his face. He slowly raised his arm, which was completely covered by his robes. Poking out from inside the long sleeve was a scroll. Voldemort took it and read it out loud. "By order of the Source of all Evil, the two imprisoned Sorceresses shall be released to the bearer of this scroll. No questions asked. Failure to cooperate will result in the Source taking back the powers bestowed upon you and your immediate extermination."
"Refuse to turn us over!" exclaimed Cadance.
"What is the meaning of this?!" asked Voldemort angrily. The messenger just pointed at the scroll. "This could be a good thing. It is the perfect way to get rid of you. Take them away, I care not."
The demon turned slowly and pointed out the door. Cadance and McGonagall started walking towards the door with the demon close behind. They got out the door and closed it behind them. The minute they were outside, they each felt someone grab them and clamp a hand over their mouth. They began to struggle.
* * * "Cati?" said Jen. "I have a weird feeling."
"I do too," said Cati. "But I can't think of what it could possibly mean. Cadance used to get them when someone was in trouble or when someone died."
"So it's like the spidey-sense for witches?" asked Jen.
"I guess so," said Cati.
* * * "Shhh! Don't scream, you'll get us all caught!" Cadance and McGonagall stopped struggling. They were released and they turned around to see who it was.
Cole was standing there in long black robes with Leo the White Lighter on his left and a young woman in white on his right (You remember Leo, don't you? He was the hot White Lighter from Tipsy's Tavern).
"Cole," said Cadance. "What are you doing here?"
"I stopped by to have tea and biscuits with Voldemort," said Cole sarcastically. "What do you think I'm doing here? We're here to rescue you. But we'll explain later. Right now we have to get out of here. Here. You might need these." He handed them their wands. "I got them off of one of the moronic guards out front. Now, let's go."
They snuck down the corridor. "Any ideas on how we're getting out of here?" asked Cadance.
"Floo Powder," said Cole.
Then they heard a voice ringing through the hallway. "ARGGGGGHHHHHH!!!! GET THEM GET THEM!"
"I think we've been found out," said the young woman who was with Cole and Leo.
"I think you're right," said Leo.
"I think we should run," said Cole. They ran the rest of the way down the corridor. Cole led them into a room. He pulled Floo Powder out of his robes and threw some into the fireplace. "All right," said Cole. "If you cannot orb or shimmer, you're leaving via the fireplace. We'll meet you at Tipsy's." He put the Floo Powder in Cadance's hands. Leo orbed away while he shimmered out.
They heard Voldemort screaming again and it sounded closer this time. Cadance, McGonagall, and the woman who was with Cole and Leo before all dove into the fireplace at the same time, all shouting "Tipsy's!"
Cole and Leo reached down and pulled helped them to their feet when they rolled out of the fireplace. Cadance pulled Cole into a hug. "OH MY GOD I CAN'T BELIEVE YOU JUST DID THAT!"
"CADANCE, IS THAT YOU!"
"KALA!"
"HELLO PROFESSOR MCGONAGALL!"
"Nice to see you again, Kala," said Professor McGonagall as she dusted herself off.
"I THOUGHT YOU TWO WERE DEAD!" exclaimed Kala.
"No, we're alive and kickin'," said Cadance. By this time, everyone who was in the bar was staring at them. Oblivious of this fact, McGonagall, Cadance, Cole, Leo, and the other woman made their way over and sat at the bar. "Okay, now, how the hell did you know where we were and that we were alive."
"Well," said Cole. "I knew you were alive the minute Voldemort showed up and tapped me on the shoulder and stuck my tongue out at me while humming the Canadian National Anthem. I remembered a similar situation a few years ago where you wanted me to take out a demon for you, so you sent him here to do something really stupid and I took him out back and set him aflame. I knew that only you would send the Dark Lord here to hum the Canadian National Anthem."
"You sent the Dark Lord into my bar?" asked Kala in disbelief.
"I told him not to make eye contact with you," said Cadance. Kala rolled her eyes. "So what did you do next, Cole?"
"Well, I wasn't sure if anyone else was alive and with you, but I figured that at the very least Minerva was over there was with you. So I called Leo and asked him to help me. And he brought Wendy with him. Oh, I forgot to introduce you to Wendy." He indicated to the woman who was with him. "This is Wendy. Wendy, that is Cadance and Professor McGonagall."
"Wendy is kind of like a White Lighter who was granted their life back," explained Leo.
"I died a long time ago and after being a White Lighter for a while, I was re-granted life and Leo and his wife and his sister-in-laws have been helping me readjust," said Wendy.
"Well, anyway," said Cole. "They came. I put on the robe and wrote out the scroll and now we're sitting here at a bar and we're not drinking anything. What is wrong with this picture?"
"Well, while I'd love to sit here and drink with you, Cole, I think that Minerva and I should get back to the school," said Cadance.
"Exactly," said McGonagall.
"All right," said Kala. "See you later."
"Goodbye, Cole, Leo, and Wendy," said Cadance. "And thanks again."
They Apparated out and into Hogsmeade. "Minerva," said Cadance. "I'll race you to the school."
"Sorry, Cadance," said Minerva. "I can't hear you unless mentally you are at least 3 feet tall."
"Please," begged Cadance.
"Oh fine," said McGonagall. "But only because the faster we get there the closer I am to a shower and bed."
They ran up to the school and through the hallways. Classes were going on so they met no one in the corridors. "We should stop at my uncle's office," said Cadance.
"Right," said McGonagall. They ran up to Dumbledore's office, but Dumbledore was standing out in front. His eyes twinkled and he was smiling.
Cadance took one look at him and then said, "Okay, that's it. How long did you know?"
"Since you first used your powers this afternoon," said Dumbledore. "I've been waiting all afternoon."
"Really?" asked Cadance. "It must have been boring."
"Oh, Catalin provided some entertainment. You see, she's taking over your class and she was teaching your Third Years about Poltergeists. She and Peeves were in a sort of prank war," said Dumbledore. Then he pulled both of them into a hug. "I am so glad that you two are alive." Cadance and McGonagall both gave muffled replies. He let them go. "What did you say?"
"Oh nothing, you were just suffocating us," said Cadance. "Now I think that we'd better go back to our rooms and shower and change and whatnot."
"I call first shower," said McGonagall.
"Not if I get there first," said Cadance taking off down the hallway, leaving McGonagall with no choice but to run after her.
Cadance got into the bathroom first and she ran in and locked the door. "Cadance, that is not fair!" exclaimed McGonagall. Cadance didn't answer.
"MINERVA!" exclaimed a voice from behind McGonagall. McGonagall turned around to see Arabella standing there.
"Hello, Arabella," said McGonagall. There came a semi-muffled exclamation from inside the bathroom. "I think Cadance says hello."
"Are you ghosts?" asked Arabella.
"No," said McGonagall. "Do I look see-through?"
"White Lighters?" asked Arabella.
"Absolutely not," said McGonagall. "We're not dead. What are you doing here?"
"Well, I was cleaning out Cadance's room," said Arabella. "But I guess that's not necessary now. Good thing we hadn't really started on your room at least. I'm a little confused now. We all thought that you were both dead."
McGonagall explained everything to Arabella.
Cadance came out of the bathroom in her bathrobe. "Hey, Arabella," said Cadance. "I'll come and talk to you in a second." She walked into her room. "WHAT THE HECK HAPPENED IN HERE!"
"Good luck," said McGonagall as she went into the bathroom.
Arabella walked into Cadance's room. "Sorry, Cadance," she said. "But we thought you were dead so we were cleaning out your room."
"Well, its okay," said Cadance. "I'll put it all back together later."
Just then they heard Jen's voice call from inside the Common Room. "Arabella! I came back to help! I know I'm supposed to be in class but it was just Defense Against the Dark Arts so I figured I could miss it this time." By this time she was in Cadance's room.
"Just Defense Against the Dark Arts!" exclaimed Cadance. "Girl, get your ass to class before I go Jackie Chan on you. Just Defense Against the Dark Arts indeed! That class can mean the difference between life and death! Now go to class!"
"Geez, okay," said Jen as she turned around and headed out the door. "I mean it was just one class."
Cadance and Arabella looked at each other with raised eyebrows. Cadance tapped her foot a few times. Arabella looked at her watch. "Five, four, three, two," she said. Right on cue Jen ran back into the room.
"OH MY GOD!" she screamed pointing at Cadance.
"Nice to see you, too," said Cadance.
Jen ran over to her sister and hugged her, almost knocking the both of them over. Good thing Cadance has good balance. "I thought you were dead."
"Nah," said Cadance. "It takes a little more than Death Eaters to get rid of me and Professor McGonagall. You're stuck with us. Now help me find clothes. It's a mess in here."
"We hadn't even started on your clothes yet," said Arabella. "They're all still in your wardrobe."
Fifteen minutes later, Cadance had gotten dressed and dried her hair and was on her way to her classroom to surprise Cati. Classes were just letting out. Cadance hid around the corner until the class had gone. Then she peaked in the door. Cati was sitting at the desk flipping through a book. Cadance had put on her long coat and Indiana Jones hat. Cadance leaned on the door frame. "Want to go for a little adventure in the Forbidden Forest?" she asked. Cati looked up.
"AHHHHHHHHHHHH!"
"Well, gee, you could have just said no," said Cadance.
"WHERE THE HECK DID YOU COME FROM!!!!" exclaimed Cati.
"Voldemort's lair. It's actually not such a bad place. He had this really nice wallpaper," said Cadance.
"YOU'RE ALIVE!!"
"You noticed," said Cadance. Cati got up and ran over to Cadance engulfing her in a huge hug.
"What about Professor McGonagall?" asked Cati.
"She's alive, too," said Cadance.
"So what were you saying about an adventure in the Forbidden Forest?" asked Cati. "We could surprise Charlie along the way. Hagrid's off doing something for Dumbledore and so Charlie has been teaching his class."
"Oh, I like the way your mind works," said Cadance. "But what about classes? You have one coming up in 15 minutes."
"Actually, you have one in 15 minutes," said Cati. "You're alive; you can teach the little terrors now."
Fifteen minutes later, the 6th Year Gryffindors and Slytherins walked into Defense Against the Dark Arts. They took their seats. Cati was sitting in her chair reading the newspaper with the newspaper held up high enough that they could not see her face and with her feet on the desk. Or at least they thought it was Cati.
Then, the door opened and Cati walked in. "Sorry, I'm late. I had some very important business to take care of."
The entire class looked at Cati and then at the person sitting behind Cati's desk then at Cati. The person lowered the newspaper revealing Cadance. "Oh my god," said Hermione out loud.
"Did you know that tomorrow is National Squirrel Appreciation Day?" asked Cadance. "They really put the darndest things in the newspaper."
"Aren't you dead?" asked Malfoy.
"Nah, it's going to take a lot more than Voldemort, Death Eaters and Dark Lighters to kill me," said Cadance. "Uhhhh, well, maybe not."
"Do you mean to tell me," began Ron. "That you were in Voldemort's lair and then you escaped and you're alive to tell us about it???"
"Sure," said Cadance. "I wouldn't phrase it that way, but that about sums it up."
"You have all the fun," said Cati shaking her head.
Hermione put her hand in her air. "Hermione, I refuse to acknowledge you until you put that hand down and just shout out what you have to say. You've been in my class for almost 2 full years now," said Cadance.
"Is Professor McGonagall.?" asked Hermione.
"Of course. She's fine too," said Cadance. "Now, I'm not really in the mood to have class so you're all dismissed."
"Just like that?" asked Hermione. "You're not even going to tell us how you escaped?"
"I used the fireplace," said Cadance. "Now go study, get good grades, become little geniuses, and never become Aurors."
* * * Cadance and Cati were walking towards Hagrid's hut by the Forbidden Forest, because that is where Charlie was holding his classes. They knew that he didn't have a class at the moment and they hoped that he would be there. Luckily, he was. His back was towards them. Cadance snuck up behind him and jumped on his back. "CHARLIE!!!!" she exclaimed.
"OH MY GOD!" he exclaimed.
"I've been getting that a lot lately," said Cadance.
"YOU'RE ALIVE!" he exclaimed.
"Indeed," said Cadance. Charlie set her down on the ground and then pulled her into a hug. "Charlie, I can't breathe. Why are people trying to suffocate me today?"
"Sorry," said Charlie letting go.
"Well, it's getting on dinner time," said Cadance. "Let's go the Great Hall."
"There's still an hour until dinner," said Charlie looking at his watch.
"Then let's go sit in the Great Hall like we used to when we were younger and we had nothing better to do until dinner," said Cadance.
"Oh, I'm up for that," said Cati.
They headed to the Great Hall and sat down on (yes on, not at) the Head Table. "Cadance," said Cati. "I forgot to mention this earlier, but your sister found your crystal in your room in a box and she unbound our powers."
"Oh, that explains a lot," said Cadance. "Well, what did you tell her the crystal was?"
"We didn't say anything. She's probably going to ask you," said Cati.
"Great," said Cadance sarcastically. "That's just great."
"So other than the whole trapped in Voldemort's lair thing how are you doing?" asked Charlie.
"Oh, I'm simply Polkarific," said Cadance.
"Polkarific?" asked Charlie. "Polka!" He grabbed Cadance and pulled her off the table and proceeded to polka around the room with her.
It was at this point that Sirius and Remus ran into the Great Hall. "Oh my god, it is true!" exclaimed Sirius.
"Hello!" said Cadance cheerfully as she and Charlie polka-ed around Sirius and Remus.
It was then that Professor McGonagall entered the Great Hall. "Cadance, your uncle says." but she didn't get to finish her sentence as Sirius interjected.
"PROFESSOR MCGONAGALL!" he exclaimed running over to her.
"Don't touch me," said Professor McGonagall. But Sirius, being Sirius, didn't listen. He grabbed her and then joined into Cadance and Charlie's polka. "SIRIUS BLACK YOU RELEASE ME RIGHT NOW!"
"C'mon Professor, you know you're having fun," said Sirius. "So how is everyone?"
"Polkarific!" exclaimed Cadance and Charlie at the same time.
"Sirius, if you don't let go of me this instant I'm going to kick you where it hurts," said McGonagall threateningly.
Sirius immediately let go and grabbed hold of Cati instead. "Hey, Cadance?" said Sirius.
"Yes, Sirius?" asked Cadance.
"You owe me a pancake breakfast," said Sirius.
"Oh yeah, me too," said Cati.
"Tomorrow," said Cadance.
"Yes!" exclaimed Sirius.
"Minerva, what were you saying about my uncle when you came in here?" asked Cadance.
"He says that we're going to have an Order of the Phoenix Meeting after dinner tonight," said McGonagall.
"Can we talk about llamas at the meeting?" asked Sirius. "Because I really believe that they are very under-rated creatures."
* * * "Charlie, do you have to follow me everywhere?" asked Cadance exasperatedly.
"Yes," said Charlie. "Because you just get yourself in trouble when left to your own devices."
"I was only gone for a week and a half," said Cadance. "You couldn't have missed me that much."
"You have no idea," said Charlie. "So why are you going to you Uncle's office again?"
"To get the Book of Light," said Cadance. "We're taking it to Professor McGonagall's office to hide it."
"Okay," said Charlie. They reached the stone gargoyle and Cadance gave the password. A few seconds later they were in Dumbledore's office. "So where's the book?"
"I don't know," said Cadance. She walked over to Dumbledore's desk and opened it. "Ohhh lemon drops."
"Cadance," said Charlie. "Focus. I want to get to dinner. I'm hungry."
"You're always hungry," said Cadance popping a lemon drop into her mouth and giving Charlie one. She opened up another drawer. "Ah ha. I found it. Let's get it Minerva's office."
They quickly left Dumbledore's office and moved to McGonagall's. "Where are we hiding it?" asked Charlie.
"Minerva emptied the bottom desk drawer for it," said Cadance. She opened it, put the book in, and then locked the drawer.
"Alright, now let's go to dinner," said Charlie.
"Just wait a second," said Cadance. She walked over and looked out the window towards the Quidditch Pitch. The sun was beginning to set. "Hey, Charlie? Do you think there's a planet out there that's entirely inhabited by chickens?"
"Cadance, chickens are all girls," said Charlie. "How would they reproduce?"
"Maybe they're asexual chickens," said Cadance.
Charlie looked down at her and smiled. He shook his head. "Maybe."
"Look at how pretty it is out there," said Cadance looking at the sunset. Charlie put his arm around her shoulder.
"Can we go eat now, Cadance?" asked Charlie.
Cadance looked up at him and smiled. Then she opened the window. "Are you still going to follow me everywhere?" she asked.
"Cadance," said Charlie. "No. That lake is, like, 40 degrees. And it isn't exactly the greatest weather for swimming."
"Aw, Charlie, it'll be fun," said Cadance climbing onto the windowsill.
"Cadance!" exclaimed Charlie as she jumped.
"WAHOOOOOOO!!!!" exclaimed Cadance.
"Oh she is in big trouble," said Charlie as Cadance hit the lake.
* * * "Minerva?" asked Dumbledore. "Where's Cadance?"
Suddenly, he heard a scream coming from outside. "WAHOOOOOOO!!!!!"
"Never mind," said Dumbledore.
* * * Charlie climbed up on the window. "I'm going to kick her butt," said Charlie under his breath. Then he jumped into the lake after her. He hit the cold lake with a splash. He looked around for Cadance but he couldn't see her. "Cadance!" He looked around some more. Suddenly he felt someone tug at his leg and he went underwater. When he resurfaced Cadance was next to him laughing hard.
"Give me a heart attack, why don't you?" said Charlie.
"Sorry, Charlie," said Cadance splashing him a little.
"It's getting dark," said Charlie. "We should probably go in."
"No," said Cadance. "Just a little longer. Please?"
"It's getting cold," said Charlie. "Your lips are turning blue."
"We can pretend it's lip gloss," said Cadance.
"You don't wear lip gloss," said Charlie. "You're going to get hypothermia."
"Ah, I'll be fine," said Cadance. "Please. I like it outside."
"Why are you so adamant about staying outside right now?" asked Charlie.
"I want to look for the chicken planet," said Cadance.
"Okay, now I know you're getting hypothermia," said Charlie. "At least let's get out of the lake."
"Okay," said Cadance. They swam to the edge of the lake and crawled out. They dried their robes off with their wands and then they sat down next to a big rock next to the lake. "So what have I missed in the past week and a half?" she asked.
"Nothing really," said Charlie. "Cati almost turned Professor Trelawney into a bat though."
"And I missed it," said Cadance.
"Well, it's bound to happen again some time," said Charlie.
"Hmmm," said Cadance putting her head on his shoulder.
"Sleepy?" he asked.
"Just a little," said Cadance. "It's been a long day."
"Yes, it has," said Charlie.
Just then there was a booming noise coming from the direction of Hogsmeade. Cadance screamed and dug her face into Charlie's shoulder.
"Oh goody, it looks like Fred and George came up with a new product to sell," said Charlie.
Cadance kept her face dug into Charlie's shoulder. "I'm not going back! They can't make me!"
"Cadance, are you okay?" asked Charlie.
Cadance looked up and looked around. "Where are the Death Eaters?"
"There are no Death Eaters," said Charlie. "It was just Fred and George. They set off their newest set of fireworks whenever they come up with a new product. They've been doing it all week." Charlie noticed that she had gone pale, almost like Sirius had when he was first out of Azkaban. She was also beginning to shake. "Cadance?" He pulled her close to him and hugged her. By this time it was completely dark outside.
Just then a light came out from behind the rock. "Cadance, Charlie?" said a familiar voice.
"Right here, Professor," said Charlie. Professor Dumbledore was standing there with his wand lit. He was looking down at Cadance and Charlie.
"We were beginning to worry about you," said Dumbledore. "What's wrong?"
"We just had a little bit of a false alarm," said Charlie.
"I see," said Dumbledore, and Charlie could see in his eyes that he really did see and probably understood more than Charlie did himself. "Well, why don't you two come up to dinner now?"
"Think you can make it?" asked Charlie quietly to Cadance. Cadance nodded slowly. Charlie helped her to her feet and put his arm around her. They walked up to the school about two paces behind Dumbledore. By the time that they had reached the school, Cadance had regained her composure. They got into the Great Hall and went to take their seats at the Head Table.
"Hey, there they are," said Cati when they came over.
"We heard you jump into the lake and we thought you had drowned," said McGonagall.
"No, we're fine," said Charlie. He looked over at Cadance who nodded slowly.
"Good, so let's eat," said Cati.
After dinner, they all headed towards the Order of the Phoenix Meeting Room. The other Order Members were to be arriving in about a half hour. Everyone took their customary seats. The only members who were there at that moment were Dumbledore, Snape, McGonagall, Cadance, Remus, Sirius, Arabella, and Charlie. Cadance put her feet up on the table and balanced her chair on two legs.
"Oh," said Dumbledore. "Perhaps I should mention that you seven and myself are the only Order Members who know that Minerva and Cadance are alive."
"Oh this should be an interesting meeting," said Arabella.
It was at this point that Fred and George walked through the door. They went at sat down at their seats without even noticing the two long-lost teachers. Cadance decided to speak up. "Hello, Fred, George," said Cadance.
"Hey, Cadance," said Fred. "You'll never guess what we came up with today. It's awesome. It's a trick broomstick and-." He paused for a second. "Aren't you two dead?"
"OH MY GOD!"
About 10 "Oh my God"s later, everyone had arrived and the meeting began. Dumbledore stood up. "I know all of you are wondering how exactly Minerva and Cadance escaped so I'm going to let them tell you."
"Minerva, why don't you tell it," said Cadance.
McGonagall nodded and then began. "We were fighting one second, and losing very badly I might add, and then the next thing we know we're bound and gagged in Voldemort's dungeons."
"Right," said Cadance. "So two Death Eaters come and get us and drag us to Voldemort who demands that we tell him everything that he wants to know. Naturally, we refused."
"And naturally he was angry," said McGonagall.
"Right," said Cadance. "Exactly. So everyday he would yell and at us."
"And everyday Cadance would be cocky and annoying back. She was brilliant. I swear she almost got steam to come out of his ears," said McGonagall.
"I believe that," said Snape, who had been on the receiving end of Cadance's cockiness several times throughout the years that Cadance had been at Hogwarts.
"Well, today, he insisted that we tell him who the Heir of Gryffindor was. So I fed him a false story about how he could find out who it was," said Cadance. "I sent him to Tipsy's to see Cole and had him do something along the lines of say 'Bippidi Boppidi Boo' and hum the Canadian National Anthem while jumping up and down or something like that. Cole took him out back and I had hoped that Cole would be able to kill him, or at least maim him, but no such luck. But since Cole is indestructible Voldemort at least couldn't kill him. So he figured that we were alive and he got this White Lighter named Leo and this Former White Lighter named Wendy and he came and rescued us. And now we're here."
"Yes, after Cadance made a short detour to the lake," said Charlie.
"You came along," said Cadance. Charlie stuck his tongue out at her. Cadance punched his arm jokingly.
"Wait a second," said Mr. Weasley. "We've been making plans to put an end to Voldemort for the past year. We have the man-power, the supplies, and the plans for a surprise attack on Voldemort's lair. But we've had one flaw; one hitch in our plan."
"Harry has been too young?" offered Cadance.
"We've all been too chicken?" offered Sirius getting a book thrown at him by Cadance.
"The new Aurors are rookies and not ready to come with us to try and vanquish the Dark Lord?" offered Remus.
"No!" exclaimed Mr. Weasley. "We don't know where Voldemort's hideout is!"
"Ohhh!" said Fred. "Of course. We don't know where Voldemort's hideout is!"
"Yes, but Cadance and Minerva, you two where just there!" exclaimed Mr. Weasley.
"There's one problem," said Cadance. "We don't know where Voldemort's lair is, per se."
"Yes," agreed McGonagall. "We were brought there, and then we Floo- Powerdered out."
"Yes, but those three people who rescued you-," said Mr. Weasley.
"Actually, it was a demon, a White Lighter, and a former White Lighter," said Cadance.
"Whatever," said Mr. Weasley. "The point is they went to get you so they must know where it is."
"He's got a point," said Cadance.
"I'll work out the details with the Ministry," said Mr. Weasley. "And after that, we'll get these people to take us to Voldemort's lair. This all could be over within a week."
