[b]Here you go. Chapter four for anyone still reading this.
Jezabella: Cheers for reviewing!!!!!!
Chapter Four - What Do You See When You're In The Dark?[/b]
She awoke to the soft rain in her face. Her throat and mouth were dry so she opened her mouth slightly to let the cool water run down her throat, causing ripples of pain that ran from her head to her feet and back up. She slowly managed to open her eyes, then wished she hadn't as a wave of nausea hit her and black specs drifted across her vision. She kept her eyes shut while she waited for the pounding to recede to a dull ache.
She tried to move her arms but they were too heavy to lift. She managed to open her eyes again and was met by darkness surrounding her. How long had she been laying there?
She shivered reflexively which sent electricity down her spine, causing her to wince then cry out. At the moment movement seemed out of the question. She didn't think she was injured too seriously but her head was throbbing constantly making her thoughts jumbled and her tired and she knew from experience that she had concussion. How had she gotten here? She tried to concentrate, remember, but her thoughts were just too clouded.
The rain began to fall harder. She had to move, find shelter. At last she summoned the courage to try and roll over. Slowly she pushed with her right hand and twisted her shoulders to get onto her front. From there she pulled herself up to her knees, then she sat upright and stopped moving, her eyes closed, waiting for the nausea to pass.
It didn't take too long and she looked around, noting that she was in a forest and that shelter wouldn't be too hard to find. She dragged herself to her feet, feeling her muscles protest, and could feel areas of stickiness which she knew to be blood. She stumbled towards the nearest tree and slumped down against it, leaning back and closing her eyes. Rest. She needed rest before she tried again.
*****
When she woke next, it had stopped raining and dawn was approaching. The sky was brighter and her head wasn't throbbing as much.
She sat still, thinking. What had happened? How had she gotten here? An image flashed across her vision, making her open her eyes. A death- eater...in her home. She'd been taken, and she could barely remember being bundled into the back of a van, but there wasn't much after that. Had they stunned her?
She closed her eyes again and focused on the image of the death- eaters. Maybe going through the images in order would get her to what happened next.
They'd been talking. Something about Voldemort. They'd reached England and were heading for Voldemort lair. So she was now in England...in some unknown forest. What had they spoken about? Something about Harry and his friends...about how his friends were the key to himself...the key to defeating Harry...and were there names? For some reason a few popped into her head...Lupin...Kingsley...Tonks...
She sighed. She couldn't remember anything else. Except something about a struggle...and that she'd somehow managed to get away...had she fallen from the van as it was flying? She remembered something about falling through the air but was that just an old memory of one of her flights as a Hawk? She didn't know. She was just glad that she'd gotten away before she's been taken to Lord Voldemort.
All she really knew was that Harry's friends were in danger and she had to reach Dumbledore and Snape...had to get to Hogwarts...
That's all she could think about as she built up the strength to transform and fly away. The sensible thing would have been to find a fireplace somewhere near but her mind was fuzzy and she wasn't thinking clearly. All she could think of was Hogwarts.
*****
Harry sat down at the Gyriffindor table that night, thoroughly knackered. He'd been back at Hogwarts merely a week and he'd had so much homework already that he'd hardly got a wink's sleep. He was going to have to get into some sort of routine where he worked all week and slept all weekend somehow, but right now all he could think of was dinner. He was starving. And by the looks of things so were Hermione and Ron. Ron was piling his plate up with food as was Hermione.
"How was your day, Harry?"
Ron asked just before shovelling a mouthful of meat into his mouth.
"Tiring. I need sleep."
"So do I! I'd never thought I'd say this but I'm starting to get sick of the library already!!! And we've only been here a week!"
Hermione joined in.
"I'm just glad it's the weekend."
Harry stated, swallowing his mouthful.
"Got any plans yet? Other than sleep that is."
Hermione asked.
"Q'd'tch."
Ron mumbled around his food.
"Pardon?"
"Quidditch." Harry answered for him. "First tryouts tomorrow afternoon. You?"
"Sleep, and I thought I'd go and see Hagrid. Haven't seen him properly yet."
Hermione told them.
"I was going to go and see him tonight. Wanna join me?"
Harry asked them.
"Can't. Need to finish essay off so I can rest more this weekend."
"Ron?"
"I said I'd help Ginny prepare for the tryouts tomorrow. But say hi to Hagrid for me. Might see him tomorrow If I'm not sleeping!"
He replied. Harry laughed and nodded. After dinner he took a slow stroll out into the grounds and headed over to Hagrid's hut.
*****
After Kaitlyn was finally able to work out where she was, she started flying north towards Hogwarts. She didn't know the exact location but she could vaguely remember the route her parents used to take when they took trips up to Hogsmeade. She found the road with some difficulty and followed it up through the countryside. Usually she could do a trip like this in one flight but in the state she was in she'd had to stop every 15 minutes just to catch her breath. The cool air was helping her stay awake which she was grateful for.
Finally, close to dusk she reached what she knew to be the forbidden forest and headed towards the path that lead to the back of Hagrid's hut.
Swooping down she transformed back and landed on her hands and knees, thoroughly exhausted, and panting from the effort of changing back which seemed to take more out of her than anything. Her robes were torn and tattered and she was very pale. Blood stained her clothes, and made the material stick to the wounds.
She hauled herself to her feet and staggered, tripping along the path towards the edge of the forest. 'Not far now', she kept telling herself. 'Keep going, almost there'.
She reached the end of the forest and wobbled unsteadily around Hagrid's hut. Before she got all the way around she heard Hagrid's door open and voices exit - one she knew to be Hagrid's unmistakable voice. Trying to get breath she called out to him without success. Her mouth was too dry. She made it around the hut and saw his large looming figure moving away with a smaller male figure.
"'agrid, 'a'rid..."
She tried again, but it came out more of a croak that couldn't be heard over Hagrid's voice. She cleared her throat and tried again, putting all of her energy and breath into it.
"H'grid!"
It worked. The two figures turned around, frowning. Then Hagrid's eyes opened in surprise when he saw the young woman slipping and stumbling on the still slightly wet ground from the rain the night before.
"Kaitlyn?!"
He called out in question.
Knowing she was going to be okay now, she collapsed to her knees and watched as both the figures ran over to her. The smaller figure reached her first and as she fell sideways, he caught her and lowered her to the floor, protecting her head. She looked up and saw Hagrid kneeling beside her.
"Kaitlyn?"
She looked at them, her eyes losing focus for a moment.
"H'grid...Voldemort...took me...got away..."
Her eyes lost focus again, and she looked up, just making out a lightning shaped scar before slipping into peaceful, painless unconsciousness.
Harry looked shocked and started up at Hagrid. Hagrid was staring down at the woman with a confused look on his face, then his expression set into a determined, commanding look and he looked at Harry.
"'Arry, go an' get Dumbledore. Tell 'im Kai'lyn's 'ere and I'm takin' 'er to the 'ospital wing."
Harry nodded, then helped Hagrid pick the woman up, before sprinting off across the grass towards Dumbledore's office.
He was just turning into the corridor where Dumbledore resided when he banged headfirst into a black-clothed man, and fell backwards. Looking up, he's horrified to see Professor Snape standing there slightly shocked, having just caught his balance. He looks down to see who'd banged into him and his eyes filled with anger when he sees Harry sitting on the floor, panting.
"Mr. Potter!!!"
Snape grabbed Harry by the collar of his cloak, and hoisted him roughly to his feet.
"WHAT DO YOU MEAN BY RUNNING THROUGH THE CORRIDORS AT THIS TIME OF NIGHT!!!"
Harry clutched the stitch in his side as he panted, completely out of breath from running.
"Hagrid - girl - unconscious - Dumbledore needed - "
Snape looked half frustrated but his anger seemed to wane slightly at the mention of Dumbledore.
"Mr. Potter - take a breath. You're making less sense than normal."
Harry took a breath.
"A woman collapsed outside Hagrid's hut - haven't seen her before. Hagrid told me to get Professor Dumbledore while he took her to the hospital wing, told me to tell him Kaitlyn's here - "
Snape suddenly grabbed Harry's shoulders hard. Harry looked shocked for the second time that night and felt his nerves stand on end as Snape's fingers dug in.
"Did you say Kaitlyn?!"
He demanded.
"Uh - yeah."
"Are you sure? Are you absolutely positive that's what Hagrid called her??"
"Yeah!"
Harry said defensively. Snape thought quickly, a look of horror and fear passing though his face like a breeze, before his mask was back in place. Harry wasn't even sure he'd seen it.
"The password for his office is Liquorice Wand."
And with that he vanished around the corner with a swish of his black robes. Harry stood there stunned, then ran the rest of the way to Dumbledore's office.
Dumbledore's reaction was just as shocking as Snape's. He stood suddenly at the mention of the name, making Harry jump. Then he thanked Harry quickly and told him to get to his common room because it was close to curfew.
*****
Dumbledore reached the hospital wing to see Professor Snape talking to Hagrid. Madam Pomfrey was bustling around a bed halfway down the room.
"Ah Severus, I see you've heard also."
"Yes. I 'banged' into Mr. Potter outside your office. Hagrid here was just telling me that Miss Morgan stumbled out of the woods and collapsed."
"Did she say anything?"
Hagrid answered him.
"Jus' a few words...V-Voldemort...took me...and got away. Then she lost con'sciousness."
Dumbledore nodded.
"Thanks Hagrid."
Hagrid gave a nod and left the room.
"Did you know anything about this?"
Dumbledore asked Snape. Severus shook his head, a shocked expression on his face.
"Nothing. Lord Voldemort never mentioned anything about this - wait...There was something...he had a job for his three top servants...they went into his office. I mentioned it to you but that was almost two months ago, before the Department of Mysteries incident. I figured it had something to do with that because the three he spoke to were there."
"Okay. So, it must have been this they were planning."
Snape agreed with him, then they moved down the room to look at Kaitlyn whom they hadn't seen in person since she'd attended Hogwarts.
She'd changed a lot since then. She'd gone from the young, outgoing child to the older quiet woman. Snape noticed that she'd grown about 5 inches making her around 5'6''ish. She had an athletic build, her hair was now short, dyed black and was hanging limp around her face and ears. Even though her appearance was bedraggled, pale and clammy, Snape could see the girl he knew in the woman before him.
They looked on as she mumbled incoherently on the bed, disorientation obvious on her face as Madam Pomfrey bandaged her more serious wounds. Disjointed words such as 'let me go', 'Oh God, please' and 'no, I won't' were heard among the mumblings. A few moments later the Hogwarts nurse moved over to them.
"How is she?"
Dumbledore asked.
"She has no serious injuries - just cuts and bruises. But she's malnourished, dehydrated and suffering from exhaustion."
"Is she awake enough to answer any questions?"
Snape asked before Dumbledore could speak.
"You can try - but only until I've mixed her a potion to treat the dehydration and malnutrition. And given her some sleep potion. She needs rest Albus, and lots of it."
She said sternly to the headmaster. Dumbledore nodded, and he and Snape moved closer, trying carefully to wake her up. Dumbledore commands her name and she jolts awake and stares. It takes her a moment for recognition to set in.
"Profes...Dumbledo..."
She mumbles, her voice fading out slightly.
"Kaitlyn, what's happened? How did you get here?"
Kaitlyn took a few breaths before answering, gathering up her strength.
"Death-eaters...took me...got away...got to save Harry's friends...in trouble...their the key...save them...protect...Lupin...Tonks...Kingsley...long list..."
The rambled sentence took a lot out of her and she closed her eyes breathless. Madam Pomfrey came bustling back over and told them to leave her patient to rest. She gives Kaitlyn the potions to drink and they send her right out. Dumbledore and Snape moved away to speak in silence.
"This isn't good Professor."
Snape told him.
"It's a wonder she's even here. I don't want to even think about how she got away before they got her to Voldemort."
"What was she talking about Harry's friends being the key?"
"I think Voldemort has finally realised that it's Harry's friends that make him stronger. Kill everyone he knows and it'll weaken him and may even make him do something foolish like go out for vengeance."
"So, what did he want with Ms. Morgan? He knows you have the necklace and that it's protected..."
"Maybe he was hoping to put her under the Imperious curse to get the necklace for him. She is one of the only people who can get through the protective barriers."
"At least she managed to get away before whatever his plans were, were put into action."
"I'm not so sure she did."
Dumbledore said, almost to himself. Snape gave him a confused look.
"What if he did get to her and put a memory charm on her? We'd never know."
"So, what do you want to do? Send her away again?"
Dumbledore thought this through for a moment.
"No. She needs to stay here. We need to keep a close eye on her. But I think we should move the necklace further away from her. She'll know if it's close."
Snape nodded.
"So, what's the plan?"
"For now I want you to stay here with Kaitlyn 24/7 until she wakes. I'll get someone to take your classes. In the meantime I'm going to contact Remus, Tonks and Kingsley, make sure they keep their heads down."
"It might even be best to get them here. Hogwarts is one of the safest places after all."
Snape suggested. Dumbledore agreed with him, then left him to watch over Kaitlyn.
*****
Meanwhile, Harry had charged up to Gryffindor tower.
"Hermione! Ron! You won't believe what just happened!"
They both looked up as Harry ran over to them and slouched down into the armchair. Harry set into his tale from the moment he left Hagrid's hut right up until he was sitting with them.
"I've never seen Snape act like that before. I think he actually looked worried for a moment - and Dumbledore was positively stunned!"
"I wonder who she is?"
Hermione said.
"Someone important by the sounds of things. You ever heard of a Kaitlyn before?"
Ron asked. Both Harry and Hermione shook their heads.
"Did you get a last name?"
Hermione asked.
"No."
Harry shook his head.
"Well, it's the first mystery of the year, I vote we try and find out who she is."
Ron stated.
"I'm in."
Harry smiled.
"Oh, you two are insufferable. Why don't you leave the poor woman alone. If it has anything to do with either of you I'm sure you'll get told."
She stood and stormed upstairs, books and parchment in hand. Harry and Ron gave each other a look.
*****
She backed against the cold wall and shook with fear, a tear rolling unchecked down her pale cheek. He ran a hand down one cheek, watching as she flinched and choked back a sob. His touch was cold and hard, sending a shiver down her spine. Without looking away from her with his dead, crimson eyes, he leaned in close to her ear and whispered softly in a voice of thunder sheathed in silk.
"What do you see when you're in the dark? When the demon's come for you?"
Kaitlyn takes a shaky sigh, her head moving on the pillow as if trying to get away from something. Snape looked up at her as her eyes shot open from the nightmare. He waited for her to adjust to her surroundings and notice him.
"Professor Snape?"
She questioned.
"Miss Morgan."
He acknowledged. She gave him a small smile as she moved to get comfortable.
"You haven't changed a bit...except...more wrinkles..."
He looked shocked at her straightforwardness.
"If you were a student I'd have given you a dozen detentions for that remark, Miss Morgan."
She laughed tiredly.
"Then I'm very glad I'm not a student anymore. I know what you're detentions are like!"
For once a small smile graced Professor Snape's face but vanished quickly.
"How are you...feeling?"
He asked awkwardly.
"Tired...How did I get here?"
"You don't remember?"
"Not really. I remember flying...and being so tired I couldn't think straight...but..."
She went silent. Snape filled the stillness with his harsh, but gentle voice.
"Hagrid found you stumbling out of the forest, mumbling something about death-eaters. You told us you'd been caught but managed to get away."
He let this sink in for a moment. He could see the thoughts and questions flying across her face.
"Everything's just a blur...and I don't remember telling you anything."
"Get some rest. Professor Dumbledore will be down soon and he'll want to talk to you."
She nods and closes her eyes. Within moments she's back in her restless slumber.
*****
Snape looked up from his book mid afternoon as the doors to the hospital wing opened and Dumbledore entered, his robes billowing out behind him, a small smile on his face and a twinkle in his eyes.
"Severus, how has she been?"
Professor Snape stood, half bowing to the headmaster.
"She awoke early this morning, I'm presuming from a nightmare. She seemed well and even managed to insult me, but she's couldn't remember much. I told her to get some more rest."
Dumbledore's face lit up in a concealed smile at the thought of Severus being insulted by a former student, but he said nothing, just nodded.
"Did she mention anything?"
"She said she remembered flying and being exhausted but said that everything else was a blur to her."
"Well, hopefully when she's rested well she'll be able to tell us more."
"Did you manage to contact Lupin and the others?"
"I did..."
Dumbledore and Severus, continuing with their conversation, failed to notice Kaitlyn's eyes frown, as if trying to get back to sleep but couldn't because of the noise. She opened her eyes and looked up at them. For a moment she just watched, then:
"You know this is a hospital ward. People are trying to sleep here."
They both turned and looked at her.
"Miss Morgan. Good to see you awake at last. How are you feeling?"
Dumbledore questioned cheerfully, sitting down on the chair Snape had vacated.
"What; other than still tired and aching all over?"
Dumbledore's eyes twinkled in amusement. He found it amazing that after everything this young woman had been through she still had the capacity to crack small jokes.
"Other than that, yes."
"Fine. I got away...I made it here, not completely in one piece but it's better than where I would have ended up, right?"
She spoke with a slight attitude in her voice but Dumbledore put it down to half controlled emotions.
"It's important that you can tell us everything you remember from the moment you were taken from the house to how you get here."
She nodded against the pillow, then pulled herself up into a sitting position with a grimace.
"Okay. First thing I remember...a gloved hand grabbing me from behind...I was tied up and I think I was bundled into a van. They must have stunned me because I don't remember half the journey, but when I regained consciousness I kept still and quiet and listened. I could feel the movement's of the van and I remember them talking about Harry Potter and his friends and how they were the key to his downfall. Then they started laughing about who his friends were.
"After that I can't really remember much but I think they must have untied me when they stunned me. I remember the wind under my wings...and lots of trees...I think I must have escaped over a forest or something...and that's it. Next thing I know I'm waking up here."
"Can you remember all of the names?"
"I'm afraid not. The only names that come to mind are Lupin, Tonks, Kingsley and I think there was another that was mentioned...I think it was Moody's...but from what I remember about him they were always trying to capture him."
Dumbledore smiled.
"Yes, he was quite a thorn in their side."
"What are you going to do? With me and that. Am I going back home? My old home with Sally and Dave - I'm guessing that spell is still working there, right?"
"It is still in effect, yes. But I think it would be safer if you stayed here."
"And what of the others? And the necklace? I don't want to be anywhere near it...I can feel it here..."
She whispered.
"It will be removed as soon as possible. Don't worry about that. As for Remus, Tonks and Kingsley, as soon as it's safe for them to leave HQ, they'll be coming here as well. So you've got nothing to worry about except getting back to full health."
"And what then? You can't just keep me trapped here doing nothing all day every day. I'd go stir crazy!"
"Well, if Severus doesn't mind I'm sure you could help him out in Potions lessons."
He glanced up at Snape who for a moment looked appalled at the mere hint of having help, then his face went expressionless.
"I'm sure if Miss Morgan doesn't mind my...'company', then she's welcome to sit in on my lessons."
Kaitlyn held back at laugh. He was so territorial at times. Then she noticed a thought cross his face.
"Although by the looks of things Professor Harbage won't last anywhere near the length of any of the other Defence teachers so maybe I can take his place and Miss Morgan takes over my lessons."
Snape gave Dumbledore a questioning look, but Dumbledore's face was emotionless.
"Actually, I'd already noticed that and thought that maybe Professor Lupin would like his old job back for this year seeing as he's going to be shut up here as well."
Snape's face looked like thunder and Kaitlyn daren't look at it for fear of being killed by the mere look in his eyes.
"Very well."
He said with barely controlled resentment. Dumbledore's expression went slightly sympathetic.
"Severus, we've spoken about this. You know why..."
They looked at each other for a long moment, then Snape turned away indicate agreement with his decision.
"For now," Dumbledore said, turning his attention back to Kaitlyn. "I suggest you get some more rest."
He turned to Snape.
"Your jobs done here Severus. Thank you. You can go and relieve Professor White from your classes."
She laid back down and watched as both Dumbledore and Snape left the room, leaving her alone. She sighed and tried to get rid of the sad, disheartening feelings inside her. She was safe. She was at Hogwarts...yet, something wasn't right. It was probably the necklace being so close she told herself, and made herself stop worrying. Might as well get some sleep, she certainly knew she needed it.
[b]Well? Comments more than welcome. Actually appreciated, I like to know if people are enjoying this.[/b]
Jezabella: Cheers for reviewing!!!!!!
Chapter Four - What Do You See When You're In The Dark?[/b]
She awoke to the soft rain in her face. Her throat and mouth were dry so she opened her mouth slightly to let the cool water run down her throat, causing ripples of pain that ran from her head to her feet and back up. She slowly managed to open her eyes, then wished she hadn't as a wave of nausea hit her and black specs drifted across her vision. She kept her eyes shut while she waited for the pounding to recede to a dull ache.
She tried to move her arms but they were too heavy to lift. She managed to open her eyes again and was met by darkness surrounding her. How long had she been laying there?
She shivered reflexively which sent electricity down her spine, causing her to wince then cry out. At the moment movement seemed out of the question. She didn't think she was injured too seriously but her head was throbbing constantly making her thoughts jumbled and her tired and she knew from experience that she had concussion. How had she gotten here? She tried to concentrate, remember, but her thoughts were just too clouded.
The rain began to fall harder. She had to move, find shelter. At last she summoned the courage to try and roll over. Slowly she pushed with her right hand and twisted her shoulders to get onto her front. From there she pulled herself up to her knees, then she sat upright and stopped moving, her eyes closed, waiting for the nausea to pass.
It didn't take too long and she looked around, noting that she was in a forest and that shelter wouldn't be too hard to find. She dragged herself to her feet, feeling her muscles protest, and could feel areas of stickiness which she knew to be blood. She stumbled towards the nearest tree and slumped down against it, leaning back and closing her eyes. Rest. She needed rest before she tried again.
*****
When she woke next, it had stopped raining and dawn was approaching. The sky was brighter and her head wasn't throbbing as much.
She sat still, thinking. What had happened? How had she gotten here? An image flashed across her vision, making her open her eyes. A death- eater...in her home. She'd been taken, and she could barely remember being bundled into the back of a van, but there wasn't much after that. Had they stunned her?
She closed her eyes again and focused on the image of the death- eaters. Maybe going through the images in order would get her to what happened next.
They'd been talking. Something about Voldemort. They'd reached England and were heading for Voldemort lair. So she was now in England...in some unknown forest. What had they spoken about? Something about Harry and his friends...about how his friends were the key to himself...the key to defeating Harry...and were there names? For some reason a few popped into her head...Lupin...Kingsley...Tonks...
She sighed. She couldn't remember anything else. Except something about a struggle...and that she'd somehow managed to get away...had she fallen from the van as it was flying? She remembered something about falling through the air but was that just an old memory of one of her flights as a Hawk? She didn't know. She was just glad that she'd gotten away before she's been taken to Lord Voldemort.
All she really knew was that Harry's friends were in danger and she had to reach Dumbledore and Snape...had to get to Hogwarts...
That's all she could think about as she built up the strength to transform and fly away. The sensible thing would have been to find a fireplace somewhere near but her mind was fuzzy and she wasn't thinking clearly. All she could think of was Hogwarts.
*****
Harry sat down at the Gyriffindor table that night, thoroughly knackered. He'd been back at Hogwarts merely a week and he'd had so much homework already that he'd hardly got a wink's sleep. He was going to have to get into some sort of routine where he worked all week and slept all weekend somehow, but right now all he could think of was dinner. He was starving. And by the looks of things so were Hermione and Ron. Ron was piling his plate up with food as was Hermione.
"How was your day, Harry?"
Ron asked just before shovelling a mouthful of meat into his mouth.
"Tiring. I need sleep."
"So do I! I'd never thought I'd say this but I'm starting to get sick of the library already!!! And we've only been here a week!"
Hermione joined in.
"I'm just glad it's the weekend."
Harry stated, swallowing his mouthful.
"Got any plans yet? Other than sleep that is."
Hermione asked.
"Q'd'tch."
Ron mumbled around his food.
"Pardon?"
"Quidditch." Harry answered for him. "First tryouts tomorrow afternoon. You?"
"Sleep, and I thought I'd go and see Hagrid. Haven't seen him properly yet."
Hermione told them.
"I was going to go and see him tonight. Wanna join me?"
Harry asked them.
"Can't. Need to finish essay off so I can rest more this weekend."
"Ron?"
"I said I'd help Ginny prepare for the tryouts tomorrow. But say hi to Hagrid for me. Might see him tomorrow If I'm not sleeping!"
He replied. Harry laughed and nodded. After dinner he took a slow stroll out into the grounds and headed over to Hagrid's hut.
*****
After Kaitlyn was finally able to work out where she was, she started flying north towards Hogwarts. She didn't know the exact location but she could vaguely remember the route her parents used to take when they took trips up to Hogsmeade. She found the road with some difficulty and followed it up through the countryside. Usually she could do a trip like this in one flight but in the state she was in she'd had to stop every 15 minutes just to catch her breath. The cool air was helping her stay awake which she was grateful for.
Finally, close to dusk she reached what she knew to be the forbidden forest and headed towards the path that lead to the back of Hagrid's hut.
Swooping down she transformed back and landed on her hands and knees, thoroughly exhausted, and panting from the effort of changing back which seemed to take more out of her than anything. Her robes were torn and tattered and she was very pale. Blood stained her clothes, and made the material stick to the wounds.
She hauled herself to her feet and staggered, tripping along the path towards the edge of the forest. 'Not far now', she kept telling herself. 'Keep going, almost there'.
She reached the end of the forest and wobbled unsteadily around Hagrid's hut. Before she got all the way around she heard Hagrid's door open and voices exit - one she knew to be Hagrid's unmistakable voice. Trying to get breath she called out to him without success. Her mouth was too dry. She made it around the hut and saw his large looming figure moving away with a smaller male figure.
"'agrid, 'a'rid..."
She tried again, but it came out more of a croak that couldn't be heard over Hagrid's voice. She cleared her throat and tried again, putting all of her energy and breath into it.
"H'grid!"
It worked. The two figures turned around, frowning. Then Hagrid's eyes opened in surprise when he saw the young woman slipping and stumbling on the still slightly wet ground from the rain the night before.
"Kaitlyn?!"
He called out in question.
Knowing she was going to be okay now, she collapsed to her knees and watched as both the figures ran over to her. The smaller figure reached her first and as she fell sideways, he caught her and lowered her to the floor, protecting her head. She looked up and saw Hagrid kneeling beside her.
"Kaitlyn?"
She looked at them, her eyes losing focus for a moment.
"H'grid...Voldemort...took me...got away..."
Her eyes lost focus again, and she looked up, just making out a lightning shaped scar before slipping into peaceful, painless unconsciousness.
Harry looked shocked and started up at Hagrid. Hagrid was staring down at the woman with a confused look on his face, then his expression set into a determined, commanding look and he looked at Harry.
"'Arry, go an' get Dumbledore. Tell 'im Kai'lyn's 'ere and I'm takin' 'er to the 'ospital wing."
Harry nodded, then helped Hagrid pick the woman up, before sprinting off across the grass towards Dumbledore's office.
He was just turning into the corridor where Dumbledore resided when he banged headfirst into a black-clothed man, and fell backwards. Looking up, he's horrified to see Professor Snape standing there slightly shocked, having just caught his balance. He looks down to see who'd banged into him and his eyes filled with anger when he sees Harry sitting on the floor, panting.
"Mr. Potter!!!"
Snape grabbed Harry by the collar of his cloak, and hoisted him roughly to his feet.
"WHAT DO YOU MEAN BY RUNNING THROUGH THE CORRIDORS AT THIS TIME OF NIGHT!!!"
Harry clutched the stitch in his side as he panted, completely out of breath from running.
"Hagrid - girl - unconscious - Dumbledore needed - "
Snape looked half frustrated but his anger seemed to wane slightly at the mention of Dumbledore.
"Mr. Potter - take a breath. You're making less sense than normal."
Harry took a breath.
"A woman collapsed outside Hagrid's hut - haven't seen her before. Hagrid told me to get Professor Dumbledore while he took her to the hospital wing, told me to tell him Kaitlyn's here - "
Snape suddenly grabbed Harry's shoulders hard. Harry looked shocked for the second time that night and felt his nerves stand on end as Snape's fingers dug in.
"Did you say Kaitlyn?!"
He demanded.
"Uh - yeah."
"Are you sure? Are you absolutely positive that's what Hagrid called her??"
"Yeah!"
Harry said defensively. Snape thought quickly, a look of horror and fear passing though his face like a breeze, before his mask was back in place. Harry wasn't even sure he'd seen it.
"The password for his office is Liquorice Wand."
And with that he vanished around the corner with a swish of his black robes. Harry stood there stunned, then ran the rest of the way to Dumbledore's office.
Dumbledore's reaction was just as shocking as Snape's. He stood suddenly at the mention of the name, making Harry jump. Then he thanked Harry quickly and told him to get to his common room because it was close to curfew.
*****
Dumbledore reached the hospital wing to see Professor Snape talking to Hagrid. Madam Pomfrey was bustling around a bed halfway down the room.
"Ah Severus, I see you've heard also."
"Yes. I 'banged' into Mr. Potter outside your office. Hagrid here was just telling me that Miss Morgan stumbled out of the woods and collapsed."
"Did she say anything?"
Hagrid answered him.
"Jus' a few words...V-Voldemort...took me...and got away. Then she lost con'sciousness."
Dumbledore nodded.
"Thanks Hagrid."
Hagrid gave a nod and left the room.
"Did you know anything about this?"
Dumbledore asked Snape. Severus shook his head, a shocked expression on his face.
"Nothing. Lord Voldemort never mentioned anything about this - wait...There was something...he had a job for his three top servants...they went into his office. I mentioned it to you but that was almost two months ago, before the Department of Mysteries incident. I figured it had something to do with that because the three he spoke to were there."
"Okay. So, it must have been this they were planning."
Snape agreed with him, then they moved down the room to look at Kaitlyn whom they hadn't seen in person since she'd attended Hogwarts.
She'd changed a lot since then. She'd gone from the young, outgoing child to the older quiet woman. Snape noticed that she'd grown about 5 inches making her around 5'6''ish. She had an athletic build, her hair was now short, dyed black and was hanging limp around her face and ears. Even though her appearance was bedraggled, pale and clammy, Snape could see the girl he knew in the woman before him.
They looked on as she mumbled incoherently on the bed, disorientation obvious on her face as Madam Pomfrey bandaged her more serious wounds. Disjointed words such as 'let me go', 'Oh God, please' and 'no, I won't' were heard among the mumblings. A few moments later the Hogwarts nurse moved over to them.
"How is she?"
Dumbledore asked.
"She has no serious injuries - just cuts and bruises. But she's malnourished, dehydrated and suffering from exhaustion."
"Is she awake enough to answer any questions?"
Snape asked before Dumbledore could speak.
"You can try - but only until I've mixed her a potion to treat the dehydration and malnutrition. And given her some sleep potion. She needs rest Albus, and lots of it."
She said sternly to the headmaster. Dumbledore nodded, and he and Snape moved closer, trying carefully to wake her up. Dumbledore commands her name and she jolts awake and stares. It takes her a moment for recognition to set in.
"Profes...Dumbledo..."
She mumbles, her voice fading out slightly.
"Kaitlyn, what's happened? How did you get here?"
Kaitlyn took a few breaths before answering, gathering up her strength.
"Death-eaters...took me...got away...got to save Harry's friends...in trouble...their the key...save them...protect...Lupin...Tonks...Kingsley...long list..."
The rambled sentence took a lot out of her and she closed her eyes breathless. Madam Pomfrey came bustling back over and told them to leave her patient to rest. She gives Kaitlyn the potions to drink and they send her right out. Dumbledore and Snape moved away to speak in silence.
"This isn't good Professor."
Snape told him.
"It's a wonder she's even here. I don't want to even think about how she got away before they got her to Voldemort."
"What was she talking about Harry's friends being the key?"
"I think Voldemort has finally realised that it's Harry's friends that make him stronger. Kill everyone he knows and it'll weaken him and may even make him do something foolish like go out for vengeance."
"So, what did he want with Ms. Morgan? He knows you have the necklace and that it's protected..."
"Maybe he was hoping to put her under the Imperious curse to get the necklace for him. She is one of the only people who can get through the protective barriers."
"At least she managed to get away before whatever his plans were, were put into action."
"I'm not so sure she did."
Dumbledore said, almost to himself. Snape gave him a confused look.
"What if he did get to her and put a memory charm on her? We'd never know."
"So, what do you want to do? Send her away again?"
Dumbledore thought this through for a moment.
"No. She needs to stay here. We need to keep a close eye on her. But I think we should move the necklace further away from her. She'll know if it's close."
Snape nodded.
"So, what's the plan?"
"For now I want you to stay here with Kaitlyn 24/7 until she wakes. I'll get someone to take your classes. In the meantime I'm going to contact Remus, Tonks and Kingsley, make sure they keep their heads down."
"It might even be best to get them here. Hogwarts is one of the safest places after all."
Snape suggested. Dumbledore agreed with him, then left him to watch over Kaitlyn.
*****
Meanwhile, Harry had charged up to Gryffindor tower.
"Hermione! Ron! You won't believe what just happened!"
They both looked up as Harry ran over to them and slouched down into the armchair. Harry set into his tale from the moment he left Hagrid's hut right up until he was sitting with them.
"I've never seen Snape act like that before. I think he actually looked worried for a moment - and Dumbledore was positively stunned!"
"I wonder who she is?"
Hermione said.
"Someone important by the sounds of things. You ever heard of a Kaitlyn before?"
Ron asked. Both Harry and Hermione shook their heads.
"Did you get a last name?"
Hermione asked.
"No."
Harry shook his head.
"Well, it's the first mystery of the year, I vote we try and find out who she is."
Ron stated.
"I'm in."
Harry smiled.
"Oh, you two are insufferable. Why don't you leave the poor woman alone. If it has anything to do with either of you I'm sure you'll get told."
She stood and stormed upstairs, books and parchment in hand. Harry and Ron gave each other a look.
*****
She backed against the cold wall and shook with fear, a tear rolling unchecked down her pale cheek. He ran a hand down one cheek, watching as she flinched and choked back a sob. His touch was cold and hard, sending a shiver down her spine. Without looking away from her with his dead, crimson eyes, he leaned in close to her ear and whispered softly in a voice of thunder sheathed in silk.
"What do you see when you're in the dark? When the demon's come for you?"
Kaitlyn takes a shaky sigh, her head moving on the pillow as if trying to get away from something. Snape looked up at her as her eyes shot open from the nightmare. He waited for her to adjust to her surroundings and notice him.
"Professor Snape?"
She questioned.
"Miss Morgan."
He acknowledged. She gave him a small smile as she moved to get comfortable.
"You haven't changed a bit...except...more wrinkles..."
He looked shocked at her straightforwardness.
"If you were a student I'd have given you a dozen detentions for that remark, Miss Morgan."
She laughed tiredly.
"Then I'm very glad I'm not a student anymore. I know what you're detentions are like!"
For once a small smile graced Professor Snape's face but vanished quickly.
"How are you...feeling?"
He asked awkwardly.
"Tired...How did I get here?"
"You don't remember?"
"Not really. I remember flying...and being so tired I couldn't think straight...but..."
She went silent. Snape filled the stillness with his harsh, but gentle voice.
"Hagrid found you stumbling out of the forest, mumbling something about death-eaters. You told us you'd been caught but managed to get away."
He let this sink in for a moment. He could see the thoughts and questions flying across her face.
"Everything's just a blur...and I don't remember telling you anything."
"Get some rest. Professor Dumbledore will be down soon and he'll want to talk to you."
She nods and closes her eyes. Within moments she's back in her restless slumber.
*****
Snape looked up from his book mid afternoon as the doors to the hospital wing opened and Dumbledore entered, his robes billowing out behind him, a small smile on his face and a twinkle in his eyes.
"Severus, how has she been?"
Professor Snape stood, half bowing to the headmaster.
"She awoke early this morning, I'm presuming from a nightmare. She seemed well and even managed to insult me, but she's couldn't remember much. I told her to get some more rest."
Dumbledore's face lit up in a concealed smile at the thought of Severus being insulted by a former student, but he said nothing, just nodded.
"Did she mention anything?"
"She said she remembered flying and being exhausted but said that everything else was a blur to her."
"Well, hopefully when she's rested well she'll be able to tell us more."
"Did you manage to contact Lupin and the others?"
"I did..."
Dumbledore and Severus, continuing with their conversation, failed to notice Kaitlyn's eyes frown, as if trying to get back to sleep but couldn't because of the noise. She opened her eyes and looked up at them. For a moment she just watched, then:
"You know this is a hospital ward. People are trying to sleep here."
They both turned and looked at her.
"Miss Morgan. Good to see you awake at last. How are you feeling?"
Dumbledore questioned cheerfully, sitting down on the chair Snape had vacated.
"What; other than still tired and aching all over?"
Dumbledore's eyes twinkled in amusement. He found it amazing that after everything this young woman had been through she still had the capacity to crack small jokes.
"Other than that, yes."
"Fine. I got away...I made it here, not completely in one piece but it's better than where I would have ended up, right?"
She spoke with a slight attitude in her voice but Dumbledore put it down to half controlled emotions.
"It's important that you can tell us everything you remember from the moment you were taken from the house to how you get here."
She nodded against the pillow, then pulled herself up into a sitting position with a grimace.
"Okay. First thing I remember...a gloved hand grabbing me from behind...I was tied up and I think I was bundled into a van. They must have stunned me because I don't remember half the journey, but when I regained consciousness I kept still and quiet and listened. I could feel the movement's of the van and I remember them talking about Harry Potter and his friends and how they were the key to his downfall. Then they started laughing about who his friends were.
"After that I can't really remember much but I think they must have untied me when they stunned me. I remember the wind under my wings...and lots of trees...I think I must have escaped over a forest or something...and that's it. Next thing I know I'm waking up here."
"Can you remember all of the names?"
"I'm afraid not. The only names that come to mind are Lupin, Tonks, Kingsley and I think there was another that was mentioned...I think it was Moody's...but from what I remember about him they were always trying to capture him."
Dumbledore smiled.
"Yes, he was quite a thorn in their side."
"What are you going to do? With me and that. Am I going back home? My old home with Sally and Dave - I'm guessing that spell is still working there, right?"
"It is still in effect, yes. But I think it would be safer if you stayed here."
"And what of the others? And the necklace? I don't want to be anywhere near it...I can feel it here..."
She whispered.
"It will be removed as soon as possible. Don't worry about that. As for Remus, Tonks and Kingsley, as soon as it's safe for them to leave HQ, they'll be coming here as well. So you've got nothing to worry about except getting back to full health."
"And what then? You can't just keep me trapped here doing nothing all day every day. I'd go stir crazy!"
"Well, if Severus doesn't mind I'm sure you could help him out in Potions lessons."
He glanced up at Snape who for a moment looked appalled at the mere hint of having help, then his face went expressionless.
"I'm sure if Miss Morgan doesn't mind my...'company', then she's welcome to sit in on my lessons."
Kaitlyn held back at laugh. He was so territorial at times. Then she noticed a thought cross his face.
"Although by the looks of things Professor Harbage won't last anywhere near the length of any of the other Defence teachers so maybe I can take his place and Miss Morgan takes over my lessons."
Snape gave Dumbledore a questioning look, but Dumbledore's face was emotionless.
"Actually, I'd already noticed that and thought that maybe Professor Lupin would like his old job back for this year seeing as he's going to be shut up here as well."
Snape's face looked like thunder and Kaitlyn daren't look at it for fear of being killed by the mere look in his eyes.
"Very well."
He said with barely controlled resentment. Dumbledore's expression went slightly sympathetic.
"Severus, we've spoken about this. You know why..."
They looked at each other for a long moment, then Snape turned away indicate agreement with his decision.
"For now," Dumbledore said, turning his attention back to Kaitlyn. "I suggest you get some more rest."
He turned to Snape.
"Your jobs done here Severus. Thank you. You can go and relieve Professor White from your classes."
She laid back down and watched as both Dumbledore and Snape left the room, leaving her alone. She sighed and tried to get rid of the sad, disheartening feelings inside her. She was safe. She was at Hogwarts...yet, something wasn't right. It was probably the necklace being so close she told herself, and made herself stop worrying. Might as well get some sleep, she certainly knew she needed it.
[b]Well? Comments more than welcome. Actually appreciated, I like to know if people are enjoying this.[/b]
