Hey guys. Thanks for the great reviews
Lemur: you'll have to wait and find out who saved her won't you!!! Please keep reading!
JeanieBeanie33: Glad I've captured your attention!!! I will write as fast as my Muse will let me!!
Oirams: It was a Prologue - PROLOGUE!!! You're not meant to find out yet why she's important and all that hinting was just a way to get people to come back and read on...found that you get more reviews if you post chapters every so often rather than all at once. You have to grab their attention as you go along and get them to come back for more. I'm planning on this fic to be quite long, so please be patient - there will be bone - I'm just not gonna show you the whole thing at once - I'm gonna peel back the skin slowly. And 'downfall' was in regard to her parents and not her whole life. Her parents are loving and caring but she doesn't get to see her father enough and she misses him. That's all.
Chapter One - Soul Survivor.
"Time to go to bed Kaitlyn, honey. It's 10.30 - already way past your bedtime."
Kaitlyn looked up from her second year Potion's book she'd asked her mum to get her already even though barely into the holidays.
"But I wanted to see Dad before I went to bed. He said he'd be home."
She told her mum.
"I know he did but it looks like he's had to work on again. You can talk to him in the morning, he's got a couple hours off tomorrow."
Kaitlyn nodded sadly, bid goodnight to her mother with a hug, and walked sadly up the stairs.
Reaching her bedroom she changed into her pyjamas, brushed her shoulder length light brown hair and pulled it into a ponytail, and was about to get into bed when she heard the front door open and close.
She looked up, smiled, and ran from the room and down the stairs. Stopping on the first step she saw her dad placing his cloak up on the hooks in the hall by the door. Her mother was standing to her right in the doorway between the hall and the lounge.
Kaitlyn knew something was wrong straight away, from the concern on her mothers face to her fathers slow, deliberate movements.
"Jacob, darling, what's happened?" Her mother asked, the fear in her voice very real. "Has someone been...? Who is it?"
Her mother took a step closer. Her father, who for a moment had leaned against the wall for support, turned to face them. His face pale and clammy, and his body shaking from barely contained...something. Panic radiated on her mothers face as Kaitlyn felt a dull ache in the pit of her stomach swell. Her mother moved closer to her father asking him again to tell her what had happened.
Her fathers lip was quivering and there were tears in his eyes. He was completely silent, the only noise being the wind outside which had been getting stronger all day as if in preparation for a hurricane. Her mother took another step closer, just past Kaitlyn on the bottom stair.
"Jacob, you're scaring me. What is it? Is it Frank or Alice? Prof. Dumbledore? Who?!"
The look in Jacob's eyes sent shivers of fear down both Kaitlyn's and her mothers spines which got worse as they saw Jacob slowly pulling out his wand, his hands shaking considerably as he took the wand in both hands and lifted it with some force - like an invisible hand was pushing down upon it.
"Dad?" Kaitlyn questioned as the wand was aimed at her mother. Her father's body language was saying kill if it hadn't been for the shaking, but his eyes held so much sorrow and fear. Both her and her mother were rooted to the spot in shock.
"Jacob?"
Her mother questioned, fear in her heart as she took a step back.
An unforgivable curse shot out of Jacob's mouth as if it had been held in for ages and a red streak flew out of the wand, hitting her mother...and the next thing Kaitlyn knew she was staring at the body of her mother laying spread eagled on the floor - eyes wide and mouthed in the shape of an 'O'. An Earth shattering scream pierced Kaitlyn's ear drums and she started to move her hands up to her ears when she realised that it was her screaming.
She looked over to her father, the scream dying on her lips and was shocked to finds him on his knees, hands clutching his head, mumbling 'no, I won't' over and over and over...
Kaitlyn stood there stunned, not knowing what to do, not able to get her brain in gear other than to think 'mum's dead, dad killed her, she's dead'. And not even that made any sense to her. For a moment she thought to run but her body wouldn't obey her. Then she thought to transfigure but again she couldn't seem to move.
Her father looked up at her, his eyes saying everything and nothing. The wand lifted back up and a sudden calmness overcame her. She could be with her mother still. She closed her eyes and waited for something - anything.
"I'm sorry..."
The whisper barely hit her ears and she opened her eyes. Her father had turned the wand on himself and he closed his eyes.
"Always remember I loved you and Heather more than anything..."
The once again the unforgivable curse burst from his mouth and he fell sideways, limp. Kaitlyn watched as a strange necklace she'd never seen before burned out from his chest and slid on the chain around his neck and down towards the floor.
Kaitlyn was left standing there. Her parents bodies laying either side of her. She couldn't think, or move, or speak. Nothing made any sense anymore. Everything she treasured was gone and she couldn't make head nor tail of it. She felt numb. Her legs weakened and she sank down onto the step.
She didn't move to what seemed like hours to her, but was in fact a matter of minutes. Finally, unable to take in the scene in front of her and deafening silence she transfigured into a Hawk and flew up the stairs.
*****
A few minutes later the front door burst open and Professor Dumbledore and Professor Snape entered. They took in the scene and Dumbledore looked solemn. Snape hit the wall with his fist. He'd only got word of someone going to kill the Morgan's a few moments before and it was already too late.
"Jacob and Heather...this is really going to hit home."
Dumbledore said sadly. Snape looked around frowning.
"Where's Miss Morgan?"
He said realising she wasn't in the hall. They both looked at each other.
"You don't think...maybe she wasn't here..."
Snape started, worried that Voldemort might have taken her, but hoping all the same that maybe she'd stayed at a friends that night. Dumbledore looked even more solemn at the thought of Kaitlyn.
"Check upstairs."
Dumbledore told him. Snape nodded and moved silently up the stairs, wand at the ready. Not that it mattered how much noise he made - the wind had whipped up to gale force. He checked Kaitlyn's room first - empty. The spare room - empty. The bathroom - empty. Then he entered the main bedroom. The balcony doors were open, the curtains whipping around as the doors moved back and forth.
"Miss Morgan?"
He questioned. He went out onto the balcony, then spotted her. She was sitting hugging her knees in a tree, that was as tall as the house, if not taller. A wooden platform had been made between some of the branches like a tree house.
"Miss Morgan?" She didn't appear to have heard him shout over the wind. "Kaitlyn?!" He tried again, and again no reaction.
Prof. Snape looked down to see Dumbledore exit into the garden. Snape caught his attention and gestured to the tree. Dumbledore moved to stand by the trunk and looked up.
"Kaitlyn?"
Dumbledore tried. Nothing. Snape, realising that this approach wasn't working apparated onto the platform near to Kaitlyn. He had to catch his balance quick as the tree was actually swaying in the stormy weather, then he bent down to her level. Her eyes were unfocused and she was staring into space.
"Miss Morgan."
Prof. Snape commanded. It worked. Slowly her head lifted and her eyes half focused on him.
"Are you hurt?"
He asked. She shook her head slowly and shivered. He looked slightly relieved that she appeared uninjured, then looked down, appearing very uncomfortable sitting in a swaying tree in a storm, while Kaitlyn looked almost at home.
"Why don't we get out of this tree and into the warmth."
Prof. Snape suggested, more of a command than a question. She shook her head again.
"He killed her."
She said softly. Snape frowned and looked down at Dumbledore who was too far away to hear what she'd said. Dumbledore saw the look and knew he was having trouble coaxing her down. He apparated up with them as the first spots of rain started to fall.
"What did you say, Kaitlyn?"
Snape asked again for Dumbledore to hear.
"He killed her."
Dumbledore looked just as shock as Snape.
"Who killed her? Kaitlyn?"
Dumbledore asked gently.
"Dad did."
Both Dumbledore and Snape looked knocked for six by this remark.
"Jacob? Jacob did this?!"
Snape questioned.
"He uh...he...he..." She frowned trying to get her thoughts ordered. She looked up at the rain falling quite heavily down on them, soaking them to the bone and something swept through her, distancing her enough to speak.
"He came in and...and he had his wand...but he felt different...not him...his eyes looked sad but he lifted his wand and...and..."
She shivered as she took a breath. She didn't need to finish the sentence.
"Then he...pointed the wand towards me...I closed my eyes and waited...then he said he was sorry and he killed himself...and...and a necklace appeared around his neck...I...I..."
She looked towards the house as if she could see through the walls into the hallway. Soaked through and black hair dripping, Snape looked more serious and grim than usual at Dumbledore, who was thinking quickly.
"Get her out of here. Alice, Frank and Kingsley should be at HQ. Then bring Kingsley back here. I'll go and find this necklace."
He told Snape who half nodded in acknowledgment.
"Come on Kaitlyn, lets get out of this tree, you're soaking through."
She shook her head.
"No. I can't. I can't move."
For a moment Snape looked only slightly annoyed - more for the fact that he was feeling slightly nauseous in the swinging tree.
"Kaitlyn, it's not safe here anymore."
Dumbledore told her.
"No it's my home. Mine and mum and dads."
Snape put his hand on her shoulder in an unusual gesture for him.
"Miss Morgan, Kaitlyn..." She looked at him He looked into her eyes. "Listen to me...listen. They're gone. They're gone. It's going to be hard to take in but right now I need you to put it from your mind because we have to get out of here. Can you do that for me? Can you be strong?"
She looked straight into his eyes and trusted him.
She nodded, looking away and transfigured into a Hawk. Snape apparated down with Dumbledore and met Kaitlyn at the bottom of the tree. Transfiguring back her legs gave way and Snape just managed to catch her and he held her upright, her hands holding onto his arms slightly, but her vacant expression never wavered from his face. It was something solid and grounded for her to focus on.
Dumbledore picked up a brick laying discarded in the garden and silently cast a spell on it, turning it into a portkey. Handing it to Snape, he made sure they were both holding it, then, counting to three he triggered it. Snape felt the familiar tug behind his navel, then found himself in the hall of HQ, water dripping off the both of them leaving small puddles below their feet.
Kaitlyn looked around slowly, taking in the scene. She'd never been to the Order's headquarters before. Snape led her into the living room, a hand on her shoulder. She seemed to have gone back into the daze she was in when they found her only this time a little more attentive. The Longbottom's and Kingsley Shacklebolt were sitting waiting and they stood when the door was opened.
"Kaitlyn!"
Alice Longbottom said running over.
"Come and sit down by the fire love - you're wet through."
Frank Longbottom and Kingsley let Alice deal with her and they moved over to Snape, who was wiping a hand down his hair to get rid of some of the water.
"Jacob and Heather?"
Frank questioned. Snape shook his head. Frank and Kingsley looked down horror-struck.
"I can't believe it."
Kingsley said quietly.
"How's Kaitlyn doing?"
They look over at the girl sitting on the couch my the fire, staring into the flames while Alice bustled about trying to get her warm and charming up a pot of tea.
"She's been like that since we found her. She told us that Jacob killed Heather, then killed himself."
Frank and Kingsley looked even more horrified at this news.
"Jacob would never do that!"
Frank said with Kingsley agreeing.
"Not willingly anyway."
Snape said.
"Dumbledore's still there - we need to get back. Asked if you could join us." He said to Kingsley, who nodded grabbing his cloak. "Will you be okay with her?"
Snape asked Frank, gesturing towards Kaitlyn, who was staring with a vacant expression up towards Alice who was bustling around her still in a sort of motherly way.
"Sure. Sure."
Frank nodded. Snape gave a small bow in thanks and turned to leave. His hand reached out for the handle.
"Where are you going?"
He turned to see Kaitlyn standing and pushing the blanket Alice had given her off her shoulders.
"I have to get back to Professor Dumbledore. Mr. And Mrs. Longbottom will look after you."
He glanced at Frank, who'd taken this opportunity to quietly tell Alice about Jacob and Heather.
"Don't leave me."
Kaitlyn said, taking hold of his arm.
"Kaitlyn. I have to go. Now let go of my arm, please."
He said gently.
"No. Don't leave me. They left me. They left me."
Snape realised what she meant but didn't know what to do or say about it.
"Look Severus, I'll go if you want. You stay."
Frank told him, joining them again. Snape thought for a moment, then nodded.
"Okay."
Frank half bowed back, then he and Kingsley left. Snape sat Kaitlyn back down by the fire, then sat near her. Alice started bustling around between both Kaitlyn and Snape, conjuring up another blanket for Snape who was still wet, while brushing a stray tear from her cheek so that Kaitlyn couldn't see it.
*****
Well? Hope you guys keep reading. This story will be coming out of the past soon I assure you. I just like to let my Muse work for me - I already have the basic layout of the story (I guess like J.K Rowling) it's how I like to work. So please keep coming back.
Lemur: you'll have to wait and find out who saved her won't you!!! Please keep reading!
JeanieBeanie33: Glad I've captured your attention!!! I will write as fast as my Muse will let me!!
Oirams: It was a Prologue - PROLOGUE!!! You're not meant to find out yet why she's important and all that hinting was just a way to get people to come back and read on...found that you get more reviews if you post chapters every so often rather than all at once. You have to grab their attention as you go along and get them to come back for more. I'm planning on this fic to be quite long, so please be patient - there will be bone - I'm just not gonna show you the whole thing at once - I'm gonna peel back the skin slowly. And 'downfall' was in regard to her parents and not her whole life. Her parents are loving and caring but she doesn't get to see her father enough and she misses him. That's all.
Chapter One - Soul Survivor.
"Time to go to bed Kaitlyn, honey. It's 10.30 - already way past your bedtime."
Kaitlyn looked up from her second year Potion's book she'd asked her mum to get her already even though barely into the holidays.
"But I wanted to see Dad before I went to bed. He said he'd be home."
She told her mum.
"I know he did but it looks like he's had to work on again. You can talk to him in the morning, he's got a couple hours off tomorrow."
Kaitlyn nodded sadly, bid goodnight to her mother with a hug, and walked sadly up the stairs.
Reaching her bedroom she changed into her pyjamas, brushed her shoulder length light brown hair and pulled it into a ponytail, and was about to get into bed when she heard the front door open and close.
She looked up, smiled, and ran from the room and down the stairs. Stopping on the first step she saw her dad placing his cloak up on the hooks in the hall by the door. Her mother was standing to her right in the doorway between the hall and the lounge.
Kaitlyn knew something was wrong straight away, from the concern on her mothers face to her fathers slow, deliberate movements.
"Jacob, darling, what's happened?" Her mother asked, the fear in her voice very real. "Has someone been...? Who is it?"
Her mother took a step closer. Her father, who for a moment had leaned against the wall for support, turned to face them. His face pale and clammy, and his body shaking from barely contained...something. Panic radiated on her mothers face as Kaitlyn felt a dull ache in the pit of her stomach swell. Her mother moved closer to her father asking him again to tell her what had happened.
Her fathers lip was quivering and there were tears in his eyes. He was completely silent, the only noise being the wind outside which had been getting stronger all day as if in preparation for a hurricane. Her mother took another step closer, just past Kaitlyn on the bottom stair.
"Jacob, you're scaring me. What is it? Is it Frank or Alice? Prof. Dumbledore? Who?!"
The look in Jacob's eyes sent shivers of fear down both Kaitlyn's and her mothers spines which got worse as they saw Jacob slowly pulling out his wand, his hands shaking considerably as he took the wand in both hands and lifted it with some force - like an invisible hand was pushing down upon it.
"Dad?" Kaitlyn questioned as the wand was aimed at her mother. Her father's body language was saying kill if it hadn't been for the shaking, but his eyes held so much sorrow and fear. Both her and her mother were rooted to the spot in shock.
"Jacob?"
Her mother questioned, fear in her heart as she took a step back.
An unforgivable curse shot out of Jacob's mouth as if it had been held in for ages and a red streak flew out of the wand, hitting her mother...and the next thing Kaitlyn knew she was staring at the body of her mother laying spread eagled on the floor - eyes wide and mouthed in the shape of an 'O'. An Earth shattering scream pierced Kaitlyn's ear drums and she started to move her hands up to her ears when she realised that it was her screaming.
She looked over to her father, the scream dying on her lips and was shocked to finds him on his knees, hands clutching his head, mumbling 'no, I won't' over and over and over...
Kaitlyn stood there stunned, not knowing what to do, not able to get her brain in gear other than to think 'mum's dead, dad killed her, she's dead'. And not even that made any sense to her. For a moment she thought to run but her body wouldn't obey her. Then she thought to transfigure but again she couldn't seem to move.
Her father looked up at her, his eyes saying everything and nothing. The wand lifted back up and a sudden calmness overcame her. She could be with her mother still. She closed her eyes and waited for something - anything.
"I'm sorry..."
The whisper barely hit her ears and she opened her eyes. Her father had turned the wand on himself and he closed his eyes.
"Always remember I loved you and Heather more than anything..."
The once again the unforgivable curse burst from his mouth and he fell sideways, limp. Kaitlyn watched as a strange necklace she'd never seen before burned out from his chest and slid on the chain around his neck and down towards the floor.
Kaitlyn was left standing there. Her parents bodies laying either side of her. She couldn't think, or move, or speak. Nothing made any sense anymore. Everything she treasured was gone and she couldn't make head nor tail of it. She felt numb. Her legs weakened and she sank down onto the step.
She didn't move to what seemed like hours to her, but was in fact a matter of minutes. Finally, unable to take in the scene in front of her and deafening silence she transfigured into a Hawk and flew up the stairs.
*****
A few minutes later the front door burst open and Professor Dumbledore and Professor Snape entered. They took in the scene and Dumbledore looked solemn. Snape hit the wall with his fist. He'd only got word of someone going to kill the Morgan's a few moments before and it was already too late.
"Jacob and Heather...this is really going to hit home."
Dumbledore said sadly. Snape looked around frowning.
"Where's Miss Morgan?"
He said realising she wasn't in the hall. They both looked at each other.
"You don't think...maybe she wasn't here..."
Snape started, worried that Voldemort might have taken her, but hoping all the same that maybe she'd stayed at a friends that night. Dumbledore looked even more solemn at the thought of Kaitlyn.
"Check upstairs."
Dumbledore told him. Snape nodded and moved silently up the stairs, wand at the ready. Not that it mattered how much noise he made - the wind had whipped up to gale force. He checked Kaitlyn's room first - empty. The spare room - empty. The bathroom - empty. Then he entered the main bedroom. The balcony doors were open, the curtains whipping around as the doors moved back and forth.
"Miss Morgan?"
He questioned. He went out onto the balcony, then spotted her. She was sitting hugging her knees in a tree, that was as tall as the house, if not taller. A wooden platform had been made between some of the branches like a tree house.
"Miss Morgan?" She didn't appear to have heard him shout over the wind. "Kaitlyn?!" He tried again, and again no reaction.
Prof. Snape looked down to see Dumbledore exit into the garden. Snape caught his attention and gestured to the tree. Dumbledore moved to stand by the trunk and looked up.
"Kaitlyn?"
Dumbledore tried. Nothing. Snape, realising that this approach wasn't working apparated onto the platform near to Kaitlyn. He had to catch his balance quick as the tree was actually swaying in the stormy weather, then he bent down to her level. Her eyes were unfocused and she was staring into space.
"Miss Morgan."
Prof. Snape commanded. It worked. Slowly her head lifted and her eyes half focused on him.
"Are you hurt?"
He asked. She shook her head slowly and shivered. He looked slightly relieved that she appeared uninjured, then looked down, appearing very uncomfortable sitting in a swaying tree in a storm, while Kaitlyn looked almost at home.
"Why don't we get out of this tree and into the warmth."
Prof. Snape suggested, more of a command than a question. She shook her head again.
"He killed her."
She said softly. Snape frowned and looked down at Dumbledore who was too far away to hear what she'd said. Dumbledore saw the look and knew he was having trouble coaxing her down. He apparated up with them as the first spots of rain started to fall.
"What did you say, Kaitlyn?"
Snape asked again for Dumbledore to hear.
"He killed her."
Dumbledore looked just as shock as Snape.
"Who killed her? Kaitlyn?"
Dumbledore asked gently.
"Dad did."
Both Dumbledore and Snape looked knocked for six by this remark.
"Jacob? Jacob did this?!"
Snape questioned.
"He uh...he...he..." She frowned trying to get her thoughts ordered. She looked up at the rain falling quite heavily down on them, soaking them to the bone and something swept through her, distancing her enough to speak.
"He came in and...and he had his wand...but he felt different...not him...his eyes looked sad but he lifted his wand and...and..."
She shivered as she took a breath. She didn't need to finish the sentence.
"Then he...pointed the wand towards me...I closed my eyes and waited...then he said he was sorry and he killed himself...and...and a necklace appeared around his neck...I...I..."
She looked towards the house as if she could see through the walls into the hallway. Soaked through and black hair dripping, Snape looked more serious and grim than usual at Dumbledore, who was thinking quickly.
"Get her out of here. Alice, Frank and Kingsley should be at HQ. Then bring Kingsley back here. I'll go and find this necklace."
He told Snape who half nodded in acknowledgment.
"Come on Kaitlyn, lets get out of this tree, you're soaking through."
She shook her head.
"No. I can't. I can't move."
For a moment Snape looked only slightly annoyed - more for the fact that he was feeling slightly nauseous in the swinging tree.
"Kaitlyn, it's not safe here anymore."
Dumbledore told her.
"No it's my home. Mine and mum and dads."
Snape put his hand on her shoulder in an unusual gesture for him.
"Miss Morgan, Kaitlyn..." She looked at him He looked into her eyes. "Listen to me...listen. They're gone. They're gone. It's going to be hard to take in but right now I need you to put it from your mind because we have to get out of here. Can you do that for me? Can you be strong?"
She looked straight into his eyes and trusted him.
She nodded, looking away and transfigured into a Hawk. Snape apparated down with Dumbledore and met Kaitlyn at the bottom of the tree. Transfiguring back her legs gave way and Snape just managed to catch her and he held her upright, her hands holding onto his arms slightly, but her vacant expression never wavered from his face. It was something solid and grounded for her to focus on.
Dumbledore picked up a brick laying discarded in the garden and silently cast a spell on it, turning it into a portkey. Handing it to Snape, he made sure they were both holding it, then, counting to three he triggered it. Snape felt the familiar tug behind his navel, then found himself in the hall of HQ, water dripping off the both of them leaving small puddles below their feet.
Kaitlyn looked around slowly, taking in the scene. She'd never been to the Order's headquarters before. Snape led her into the living room, a hand on her shoulder. She seemed to have gone back into the daze she was in when they found her only this time a little more attentive. The Longbottom's and Kingsley Shacklebolt were sitting waiting and they stood when the door was opened.
"Kaitlyn!"
Alice Longbottom said running over.
"Come and sit down by the fire love - you're wet through."
Frank Longbottom and Kingsley let Alice deal with her and they moved over to Snape, who was wiping a hand down his hair to get rid of some of the water.
"Jacob and Heather?"
Frank questioned. Snape shook his head. Frank and Kingsley looked down horror-struck.
"I can't believe it."
Kingsley said quietly.
"How's Kaitlyn doing?"
They look over at the girl sitting on the couch my the fire, staring into the flames while Alice bustled about trying to get her warm and charming up a pot of tea.
"She's been like that since we found her. She told us that Jacob killed Heather, then killed himself."
Frank and Kingsley looked even more horrified at this news.
"Jacob would never do that!"
Frank said with Kingsley agreeing.
"Not willingly anyway."
Snape said.
"Dumbledore's still there - we need to get back. Asked if you could join us." He said to Kingsley, who nodded grabbing his cloak. "Will you be okay with her?"
Snape asked Frank, gesturing towards Kaitlyn, who was staring with a vacant expression up towards Alice who was bustling around her still in a sort of motherly way.
"Sure. Sure."
Frank nodded. Snape gave a small bow in thanks and turned to leave. His hand reached out for the handle.
"Where are you going?"
He turned to see Kaitlyn standing and pushing the blanket Alice had given her off her shoulders.
"I have to get back to Professor Dumbledore. Mr. And Mrs. Longbottom will look after you."
He glanced at Frank, who'd taken this opportunity to quietly tell Alice about Jacob and Heather.
"Don't leave me."
Kaitlyn said, taking hold of his arm.
"Kaitlyn. I have to go. Now let go of my arm, please."
He said gently.
"No. Don't leave me. They left me. They left me."
Snape realised what she meant but didn't know what to do or say about it.
"Look Severus, I'll go if you want. You stay."
Frank told him, joining them again. Snape thought for a moment, then nodded.
"Okay."
Frank half bowed back, then he and Kingsley left. Snape sat Kaitlyn back down by the fire, then sat near her. Alice started bustling around between both Kaitlyn and Snape, conjuring up another blanket for Snape who was still wet, while brushing a stray tear from her cheek so that Kaitlyn couldn't see it.
*****
Well? Hope you guys keep reading. This story will be coming out of the past soon I assure you. I just like to let my Muse work for me - I already have the basic layout of the story (I guess like J.K Rowling) it's how I like to work. So please keep coming back.
