Silver Blood
Chapter 21: The Tide Turned
The hallways echoed with soft footsteps. Dimly lit candles were the only source of light in the entire castle. Shadows were no longer able to be distinguished by light because darkness became the more dominant force. The footsteps hesitated outside of the large office, which appeared unusually dark. Hermione rested her head against the door listening carefully.
"I think they're still talking," she whispered.
Ron was standing beside her with his arms crossed and only nodded silently. Ever since he had left the room he was beginning to suspect Harry hadn't been completely honest with them.
"I'm not sure it's a good idea," Hermione continued softly. "Maybe we should go back and tell Harry that he should just come with us even if he falls asleep during the meeting. That way Sirius wouldn't get angry or suspicious."
"I agree," Ron said without hesitation.
"All right then..."
Hermione trailed off as the door opened and none other than Sirius came walking out looking more distressed than before. He immediately caught sight of them standing there staring awkwardly.
"Ron, Hermione, where have you guys been?" Sirius asked, then his eyes narrowed. "Where's Harry?"
"He uh, went to bed," Hermione fumbled, slapping on a reluctant smile.
Ron just nodded, but Sirius could see the hesitant gaze in his eyes. Sirius walked forward, towering over them.
"What do you mean? The potion madam Pomprey gave him should've restored his energy by now."
Hermione's eyes widened and she shared a surprised glance with Ron.
"Oh no, if he's not going to bed then..." Hermione covered her mouth as she stared up at Sirius whose eyes had gone rigid with anger.
"He's sneaking off. You two get inside and tell the teachers. I'm going to start looking for him."
Ron and Hermione asked no questions as they dashed inside, hoping that it wasn't all ready too late.
XXXXX
The pain seared through his arm like ten blades, causing him to cry out even as he tried his best not to show he was in pain. Harry help his bleeding shoulder tightly, wincing even as the cold wind touched it lightly. Melarna pulled back her hand from the previous curse she had thrown at him. She wasn't like anyone he had ever faced before. If she had been a full witch Harry most likely would've been able to out-duel her, but because she was half demon she had an advantage over him.
She has an even bigger advantage because I don't have my wand.
Harry could feel a dull anger burning through him even through the burning sensation on his wound. Melarna had sliced his shoulder with a blast from one of her unusual powers, but it felt more like a burn. A cold laugh made him shakily stand to stare at her as she shook her head.
"You are making this too easy, Harry," she sneered, her now tinted red eyes glaring at him hungrily.
Harry gritted his teeth from the pain and glared at her with all his might.
"Where's my wand?"
Melarna began to roll her eyes but instead just continued to sneer down at him, smiling victoriously.
"Your wand is in better hands."
"Does Voldemort have it? Why would he want it? He's got his own wand!" Harry snapped angrily, wincing as his shoulder throbbed.
She sighed dramatically, "You really are ignorant, aren't you? You were dead! I can't even believe my own eyes. Now why would Voldemort...my lord let you keep your wand when you couldn't use it?"
"But why would he need it if he can't use it?" Harry retorted hotly.
There wasn't an immediate reply. Melarna stared at him as if he was the cause of all her problems. At the same time it looked as though she was thinking, her eyebrows furrowed in concentration. It was the only time Harry would have an advantage. He lifted himself all the way.
"He didn't tell you, did he? You really think you're one of his elite Death Eaters? He couldn't even tell you why he needed my wand, or why he needed me locked in a mind curse," Harry spoke bitterly, trying to buy some time.
Melarna glared at him enraged, "Silence! He didn't tell me right away for a reason. That doesn't mean I won't be rewarded when I bring you to him."
Hopefully, Ron and Hermione would realize he wasn't in bed and come rescue him. Even as the thought crossed his mind he could feel an aching guilt residing in his stomach.
If I hadn't lied to them I wouldn't be in this mess.
The sinking feeling only grew as he realized maybe he wasn't going to survive this time. Melarna had full advantage over him both powerfully and physically. Even though Harry had taken madam Pomprey's potion to help him recover his muscles were still sore and without his wand there was no way he'd be able to defend himself.
I'm not going to Voldemort, I refuse to! I will not see that pleasurable expression when he kills me as slowly as he wants! I WON'T!
Despite trying to convince himself, Harry felt helpless. She could easily over power him, knock him out and take him to Voldemort. Harry's eyes darted toward the door he came out of. He knew she wouldn't kill him, but she also wouldn't fail to injure him if he tried to run to the castle. His only hope was to distract her long enough to dash inside.
Harry's eyes widened as a luminous green light headed his way. He just barely rolled out of its way, scraping against his all ready wounded arm. The curse missed him and hit the protection shield guarding the castle. The curse withered almost instantly. Harry was in so much pain now he didn't know if he could even stand.
"Pity," she feigned sadness. "The great Harry Potter is once again on the ground."
She laughed at her own horrible joke and approached him. Harry lay on the ground holding his arm and breathing deeply.
"Get up," she ordered, pointing her wand at him.
Harry didn't move. Did she really expect him to fight when he was weakened all ready? Harry hissed as she grabbed his cloak and pulled him to his feet. He could feel his eyes watering from the pain but he held back his urge to scream. Instead he managed a glare at her. Melarna stared at him for a minute, her eyes glancing down at his bleeding shoulder before returning back on him. Without hesitation she grabbed his chin so roughly he thought she was trying to break his jaw.
"Yes, my master will be very pleased to see you in this position. However...this was a bit bad timing. I almost forgot that he had other plans," she said more to herself, as if Harry wasn't there. "I guess he'll have two victims, now won't he be happy..."
"Two?" Harry spoke up, barely able to talk from her squeezing his jaw.
Melarna's smile grew, "Oh yes, didn't you know? He's trying to find a child to sacrifice. But don't worry, he'll enjoy killing you the best."
"He won't...get away with it," Harry muttered, wincing as she squeezed him harder.
Melarna let out a cold laugh that had no humor in it whatsoever, "And you think you can stop him? You're not even a match for me, Harry. My, my, you have big dreams...Dreams much bigger than you and that's going to get you killed some day."
"At least I'm not an ugly half breed demon!" Harry spat, trying to hit the spot that would make her very angry. He had nothing against demons but he figured she'd be touchy about being half demon.
Sure enough she threw him to the ground by his chin so he landed on his shoulder. Harry let out the scream he had been holding as pain flooded through his whole arm and upper back. Melarna was seething with anger as she shakily pointed her wand at him, her body glowing a bright red like before.
"You take that back!" she hissed.
Harry didn't respond as he lay on the ground helplessly.
"TAKE IT BACK!"
Deep crimson flames surrounded her, melting the ground beneath her feet and traveling toward Harry's immobilized body. Harry could only stare with wide eyes as the lava hot flames touched his cloak, ready to devour him...
The door bolted open as figures raced out of the castle doors. Harry saw to his relief Professor McGonagall, Professor Sprout, Remus, Ron, Hermione and Sirius. Harry's eyes widened as he realized just how much trouble he'd be in with his Godfather. Quickly he averted his gaze toward the flames lapping at his shoes.
"Back away from him at once!" Professor McGonagall pointed her wand straight at Melarna.
Melarna's concentration was broken and the flames slowly began to disappear as she saw she was outnumbered. She took one last look at Harry then jumped up and disapparated with a small pop. Harry could feel himself being lifted up carefully by several hands.
"Oh dear," Professor Sprout gasped, setting eyes on Harry's deep cut.
"Ron, Hermione, take him to the hospital wing," Professor McGonagall told them.
The two friends nodded and reached out to each take one of Harry's arms.
"No."
Harry froze as his Godfather's stern voice increased the tenseness in the air. Ron and Hermione had too frozen with hands barely under Harry's arms. Sirius stepped forward, as Harry bowed his head to keep from having to look him in the eye.
"I will take him," Sirius said, his tone making no room for argument.
Slowly, Ron and Hermione took their arms from under Harry's, causing him to stumble slightly. A strong hand grabbed his uninjured shoulder to keep him standing, but the pressure wasn't friendly. Harry refused to meet his eyes as he was led away in silence.
Once he was inside the castle again he felt more relieved, until Sirius broke the uneasy silence.
"You lied, Harry," he said flatly. "You lied and it could've gotten you killed."
Harry's mouth was dry but he had to defend himself, "She wasn't going to kill me."
The force of them suddenly stopping caused Harry to bump his shoulder into Sirius' back and he hissed with pain. He soon recovered and felt Sirius' grip on his other arm tighten.
"Harry, look at me," Sirius said sternly. "Look at me!"
As gradually as he was able to do, Harry lifted his gaze to stare into Sirius' stern and angry eyes.
"Who was she?"
"Just a Death Eater," Harry replied, clenching his teeth from the throbbing pain in his arm.
"Just a Death Eater! Harry, do you realize she could report to Voldemort and tell him you're alive. Then you'd have even bigger problems. Hogwarts isn't strong enough to hold off any attacks right now!" Sirius snapped.
"I can handle myself!" Harry retorted back without thinking.
Sirius' grip tightened, "Can you?"
He grabbed Harry's sore arm gesturing to the deep wound on his shoulder. Harry didn't even glance at it, he knew Sirius was right. He still hated to be yelled at as if everything was his fault. He knew Sirius and his friends just cared, but he had been fighting Voldemort practically his whole life.
"She won't tell him. She said that he— "
"I don't want to hear it, Harry!" Sirius shouted, shaking him slightly. "You lied to Ron and Hermione and snuck out of the castle. You still haven't fully recovered from the last mind curse that almost got you killed and then you decide to go away from teh protection of Hogwarts without your wand?! What were you thinking?"
Harry could feel his temper boil. He knew he was wrong, but he didn't need Sirius yelling at him about it.
"I thought it was Dumbledore, okay?" Harry said, trying to keep the anger out of his voice.
Sirius' gaze narrowed as he took deep breaths, apparently also trying to control his temper. Finally, he wheeled around and pulled Harry with him until they reached the hospital wing.
Madam Pomprey had no trouble helping his wounds and giving him more potion to help him recover faster. The entire time Sirius remained silent with crossed arms watching Harry carefully as madam Pomprey bandaged his shoulder and told him to put two drops of the blue liquid she handed him every couple hours. Once she was done Harry got up to leave.
"Where are you going?" Sirius' stern voice sounded from behind him.
Harry stopped, unable to turn to face his Godfather.
"To the common room to be with my friends," Harry stated firmly.
He walked out of the hospital wing without a glance back and headed toward the common room. Ron and Hermione looked as though they had been discussing something when he entered. Hermione immediately stood up to greet him.
"How's your shoulder, Harry?" she asked concerned.
"Fine," Harry said, slumping into a chair.
Hermione looked taken aback but instead just nodded and sat back down.
"You shouldn't be mad at us, you're the one who lied," Ron stated.
"Not you too!" Harry stood up, facing away from them. "I all ready know I made a mistake okay?"
"Harry...we know you know, but we're just worried that the next time we won't be able to save you," Hermione said quietly.
Harry didn't turn but he nodded, "I know and I'm sorry...I wasn't prepared to be attacked. Next time I'll be more prepared."
"Harry, you're not thinking of sneaking out again are you?" Ron snapped exasperated. "Do you know how many times we've had to save you all ready? You can't just keep getting into trouble like this!"
Harry wheeled around angrily, "And how would you know what it's like, Ron? You have no idea how it is to watch people die and having someone after you your whole life! I can't let Voldemort win!"
"Harry," Hermione stood up, approaching him, "that's not what we mean. You're not strong enough right now. And even if you had your strength you don't have your wand. I mean, how do you know the curse put on you is completely gone? No one could figure out what was placed on you or how to help you. What if v-Voldemort wants you to go looking for him? What if this whole thing was a set up for something bigger?"
The room was silent for several minutes. Harry just stood there in thought, a grim expression on his face.
"I don't know," he answered softly. "I have no idea if there's anything else behind this curse, but I can't just sit here and wait for something to happen. That's not how I am and it's not how I was before."
"Just because you didn't die before, nor now, doesn't mean you can't die at all!" Ron snapped, trying to get through to his friend. "For all you know, you could make matters worse. We just have to let Dumbledore work with the Ministry and— "
"And what, Ron? Wait for more innocent people to die? Wait for the world to fall apart?" Harry interrupted, clenching his fists at his sides. "He's going after a child, Ron. An innocent child for a sacrifice, and I can't let him. No one deserves that fate."
Hermione put a hand on his shoulder that wasn't wrapped up, "What child?"
Harry sighed heavily, "The woman attacking me was a Death Eater. She thought she was going to bring me to Voldemort so she told me he's after a child."
"Do you even know where he's going after the child?" Ron asked skeptically.
"No, but I can use one of Snape's potions to give myself a premonition. I know that I get them so there has to be a way to call on one," Harry said, looking at them with a determined expression.
Ron shook his head, "Harry, you're not strong enough to take on loads of Death Eaters to save one person."
"I won't have to. I can find a way to save the child from here," Harry said.
Hermione and Ron exchanged surprised glances before waiting for Harry to continue.
"If I can find a way to just close off one section of the protections around Hogwarts then I would be able to use a powerful charm to astral project myself to wherever Voldemort is."
Ron stared at him skeptically, "But I thought you said you couldn't feel Voldemort's presence anymore, except when you're right near him."
"Well, I can't, but if I used a premonition summoning potion I could tap into his presence," Harry responded.
"Harry...it's a very dangerous charm to perform, and you are limited to what you can do in an astral projection form. What if Voldemort sees you? Or a Death Eater? Or better yet, what if that woman all ready told Voldemort you were alive and he's setting up a trap?" Hermione glanced at him expectantly.
"I have to try," Harry said stubbornly. "He won't be able to do anything as long as my body remains here. And if he sees me...Well, I'll just have to be careful so that doesn't happen."
"I have a question," Ron said. "What if you find the child and manage to not be seen by anyone, then what? How would you bring the child back here?"
"I won't. I'll just take him or her to their parents and then find a way to distract the Death Eaters until they escape," Harry said.
Ron and Hermione both looked at him doubtfully, but finally Hermione sighed.
"All right, Harry. We can't stop you either way, so we'll help. But...if anything happens, you've got to tell Sirius so he can take appropriate precautions. If you're seen there's no doubt Voldemort will want to come here immediately and finish what he thought he had," Hermione firmly stated.
"And just remember that you have limited time after you take the potion and perform the charm. If you wait too long before coming back you might get stuck out there and returning you would take help from Professor McGonagall, which means we'd have to tell them we let you do this. Sirius is all ready angry with you," she warned.
"I know that," Harry stated harshly. "But he doesn't understand how I feel."
Ron folded his arms casually, "How do you feel?"
"I feel that since I have defeated Voldemort numerous times, including nearly killing him and binding his powers for a while, that I have a duty to protect those much weaker than myself. If Dumbledore and I are the only ones in the wizard world, so far, to be able to defeat Voldemort then everyone will be helpless. Even if there is another child out there like me who might have a chance to stop him, Voldemort will find out and try to kill him. I don't even know if that's why he wants this child, but we can't let him get away with it. If we do he'll only become more powerful," Harry explained.
"Well, we'll need to go to the restricted section once again," Hermione nodded grimly. "So let's go while the teachers are distracted."
XXXXX
The group of dark hooded figures stood awaiting the right moment to leave. They all stood around quietly and patiently. It was nearly time to set the last step toward victory. Melarna approached the group gladly noticing that she hadn't been missed. The Death Eaters were waiting for Voldemort to appear and lead them to the village to find the child. After Melarna had failed in retrieving the little boy Alec, her lordship had successfully found a new target. However, he hadn't told them when they would leave, where they were going, or what the child looked liked.
I don't even know if I'm looking for a boy or a girl.
Melarna clenched her fists. Was it possible that she just hadn't been told because of her failure? No, that wasn't possible. For Wormtail had screwed up many more times than she could count and still he was invited. She could see him shivering by a small group of Death Eaters, his pale face and unnaturally wide eyes just barely visible beneath his hood. He was pathetic...
Her eyes dilated as they lay upon the silver hand fitted so gracefully upon his weak, scrawny arm. He didn't deserve to have such a power. The hand was more than looks. It was powerful enough to punch through concrete and could turn certain objects to dust, as long as there wasn't a powerful spell, charm or curse placed upon them. And he could even summon a protective shield for a short time to protect his miserable, wretched self.
Gradually, she closed her eyes and took a deep breath, letting the cold, still air move around her. In a split second her eyes snapped open tinted crimson to show she was ready for bloodshed. And that village would be destroyed, as a warning to the wizard world and for Dumbledore just how her lordship planned.
But Harry...should I tell him he's still alive? Then he'll ask me when I found out and he'll figure out I've known for some time. Would he care that I wanted to surprise him by bringing the boy to him alive? No...because I don't have the boy, he is safe in Hogwarts, which means he is protected. If only I hadn't been interrupted. I should've just grabbed him right away but I had to let my demonic side take over...
She grinded her teeth together, hoping that she would find some relief in making her lord proud if she found the child sacrifice. Her lips curled into a sneer.
And then I can tell him about Harry, saying I was just watching Hogwarts to make sure the rumors of him having survived were true. I will be his elite Death Eater.
With these thoughts in mind she rose her head high and blended in with the rest of the hooded Death Eaters. Just as she pulled up her hood a loud pop rang out breaking the silence. All of the Death Eaters immediately turned to face forward as Voldemort appeared in a long, completely black robe lined with silver. His crimson eyes stood out against his pale skin and dark robe making him appear much more intimidating.
I think he has more robes than I do.
Melarna quickly pushed the amusing thought to the back of her mind knowing very well that Voldemort could sense when any of them were thinking anything remotely disliking about him. However, her half demonic self was able to block him from entering the deeper part of her mind. It was finally time to collect their last piece before the reign of the Ministry and world fell into the hands of her dear lord.
Without a word, the large group followed Voldemort as he led them toward the village. It was several miles from there but it could've been worse. With all the creature attacks going on it was much easier for the Ministry to be distracted with other things. The walk was silent and the pace was kept even. Melarna could just barely hear Wormtail whimpering slightly from time to time. The pathetic weasel hadn't even killed anyone since the Triwizard Tournament took place. He felt strong against unsuspecting victims and killed when their backs were turned, but a whole village was nerve-wrecking to him. Melarna would definitely enjoy the trip watching him crumble helplessly.
And hopefully my lord will finally get rid of him and spare us all the grief of having to see him by his side all the time even though he does nothing!
She didn't even try to hide the bitterness in her thoughts. The anger was just boiling as they came to a halt. She peered around some Death Eaters to see a small village lit with torches and floating candles to light up the peaceful town.
It won't be peaceful any longer. In fact, everyone here will take their last breath.
Melarna's eyes began changing color again as the excitement for blood grew within her. She couldn't help but anticipate hearing all the screaming. Her daydreaming stopped as Voldemort turned around and stared at all of them.
"You all know what I expect you to do. I want no one to escape this except for the child I need. Remember, this child will give off an aura once you say the spell: Revealio Cariendo. If they do not glow at all...," he paused. "Kill them."
With a swish of his robe he turned back around and took out his wand, or technically Harry's wand. Melarna's thoughts immediately sunk at the reminder of the boy who had not come with her as planned, and who also knew they were after a child.
But he doesn't know where and when. And besides, he doesn't have his wand. Would he really risk it?
Her eyes narrowed. She'd just have to keep an extra close eye out. If any of the other Death Eaters saw him and captured him, even if he somehow found a way there, her "promotion" to elite Death Eater by Voldemort's side would be ruined. She wouldn't allow it. She felt the group move as the Death Eaters all pulled out their own wands. She chose not to in order to act as a civilian then use her demonic powers to her pleasure. She had an advantage over everyone else since she could just use her special vision to see if they glowed.
So why am I not an elite Death Eater? Why does he choose to keep putting me through these test? I have an advantage over all of them! I should be the one at his side on every mission!
The cries of the Death Eaters echoed as they charged forth from all sides, wands raised. It didn't take long for villagers to begin screaming once they realized they were being ambushed. Voldemort was in front conjuring a curse to keep them sealed within the village so no one could escape. Instead of following the Death Eaters she disappeared and reappeared in the center of the town watching villagers running for their lives with their families. No one suspected her to be with the Death Eaters since she wasn't charging in like a maniac.
Melarna chose the house closest to her and summoned her invisibility mode. She crept inside and saw a mother struggling to get some supplies in a bag. She had a daughter and son near her and their father had his wand out and was at the moment producing a shield around them so they couldn't be seen.
But I can see you...
She let out a cold laugh that caused the mother to scream and turn around, holding her wand out shakily before her.
"Victor!" the woman cried.
The father turned and looked around, "There's no one here, hurry up!"
"Oh, but there is," Melarna's cold voice rang out to the horror of the father and mother who stood stunned, although they couldn't see her.
"I'm afraid I'll have to take your children."
The boy and girl screamed as they suddenly disappeared. The woman screamed in horror and began crying for her children. The father was so stunned his shield broke. Melarna took the chance to put them out of their misery. One child would die definitely, and the other would be killed eventually or right away so there was no point in them trying to escape. Her eyes glowed deeply and turned a bright red while her hands were held out in front of her. In a flash, flames licked around the house preventing the two sobbing parents from escaping. Soon the floor was melting from the heat and the screams grew louder until the whole house was burned to ashes in a matter of minutes.
Melarna appeared again in the alley behind the house and waved her hands. The crying children appeared before her looking around for their parents desperately.
"Don't cry children, I want to see if one of you holds a special ability," Melarna spoke as calmly as she could.
The little girl's big brown eyes looked up at her with fear.
"W-who are you?"
"Melarna, now hold still," she said flatly.
Her eyes locked on them as she waved her hand upward. The children sat trembling until her hands came down again.
They didn't glow, I'll have to kill them. Aw, and I'm actually feeling bad about it...just a little.
Melarna's smile grew as she prepared to burn the unsuspecting children until a huge explosion sounded and she turned to see several Death Eaters flying past the alley. The ground shook violently, scaring the kids and causing them to hold onto each other. "What was that?" she said aloud.
Forgetting about the children, she rose high above the houses to see what had caused the strange noise. An unfamiliar hue caught her eye as she stared around the village. The first thought that crossed her mind was the Ministry, but on closer inspection she realized that it couldn't have been them because on the other side of the village the Death Eaters were terrorizing every person.
"Hmm...that's strange," she muttered.
She flew off to get closer noticing many Death Eaters scattered about unconscious. Then she saw it. There in the back of the village was a hole in the curse shield her lord had created to keep them out. Many villagers were escaping and there was no telling how many had all ready escaped through that.
Can it be the Ministry? How did they know we'd be here?
Melarna made a move to close it back up until she heard a loud voice nearby.
"I found the child! I found the sacrifice! My lord it was Merick!"
No! Someone all ready found the child!
Melarna swept down around the houses following the screaming. A young girl was crying in a corner and clearly glowing a golden hue as Merick kept his wand pointed at her. She kept invisible hoping to somehow distract him and take the credit for herself. Hopefully Voldemort couldn't hear the maniac screaming.
"My lord I found her! Come here girl!" he shouted at the girl in a fierce tone.
She whimpered and cowered back some more, her shoulder-length black hair hiding her face from view.
"I said come here!" he bellowed angrily. "Or I'll make you!"
He raised his wand and prepared to fire a curse in order to make her obey.
"Stupefy!" a voice shouted.
Merick barely had time to turn before he was rendered helplessly and collapsed in a heap, unconscious. Melarna was shocked, wondering if someone else had the same idea as she did.
"Are you all right?"
Melarna looked down to see that the girl was no longer alone. Someone, who appeared to be a male figure, was kneeling in front of her to help her to her feet. The girl was still whimpering but took the hand graciously, muttering a thank you.
Suddenly, Melarna's eyes locked onto the figure's shoulder. Around it a bandage was wrapped securely and a small amount of blood was still seeping through. In fact, it was in the same spot as...
No, this can't be happening!
"Harry Potter!" she seethed.
Immediately, the figure spun around blocking the girl from view and looking around him. Sure enough it was Harry Potter.
"Show yourself!" Harry shouted, putting his arms protectively to block the girl even more.
"How did you find this village?" Melarna shouted, finally appearing in the air above him.
It didn't matter that he saw her, for she knew he wasn't armed with a wand. It would've taken Harry hours to walk all the miles to the village, even if he had figured out where it was. So how was he here in front of her at the same time they had arrived?
"You!" Harry snapped angrily, glaring daggers at her.
Melarna's eyes narrowed, "You should've stayed in your little protective cage you meddling brat! You have no right to ruin my lord's plans!"
"And you have no right killing innocent people!" Harry spat back.
Melarna's eyes flashed threateningly as she glared down at him wanting to kill him as slowly as possible. Instead, a smile spread across her face.
"You foolish boy, you're unarmed. And your weak, or don't you remember?"
Harry didn't appear to be intimidated by her words. Instead he backed up closer to the girl, reaching his hand down so she could grab it.
"That girl is mine!" Melarna screamed, summoning an energy ball.
Harry spun around and grabbed the girl in his arms.
"Close your eyes and trust me!" Harry exlaimed to her.
The girl nodded and did as she was told, wrapping her arms fearfully around him and squeezing her eyes shut. Melarna's eyes blazed as she summoned fire on all sides of them to prevent them from escaping. But instead of feeling victorious like she thought she would, she saw Harry suddenly vanish with the girl in his arms.
"What?! NO!" Melarna screamed with fury, the fire spreading to several other houses caused by her rage. "How could I not have figured it out? He astral projected and now he has the child sacrifice! That boy will pay hell for that!" she hissed.
Her eyes glowing dangerously red as a hue surrounded her body, producing a bloody light that could probably be seen for miles. Her hair grew longer as it too turned red to match her eyes, flailing about her shoulders. Her nails grew to daggers and her clothes ripped as she began to change. Her skin darkened to an unnatural color and her skin was covered in black markings to replace her clothes. The demon's eyes flashed as it summoned the strongest power it could muster.
XXXXX
With a loud thump Harry could feel his legs tremble as he hit the floor, almost losing his balance. His energy seemed to drain even more as he tried his best not to fall as he held the small girl close to him. A symbol was etched into the floor with candles all around it as the spell to help him astral project. The symbol grew faint as they fully appeared. Harry looked up to see Ron and Hermione still holding their wands out, which both were linked with a blinding white light to help keep the charm under control. Potion bottles were scattered elsewhere and the bottle he had swallowed quickly in order to give him the premonition of the village in order to astral project there was still laying on the floor near the symbol.
Ron and Hermione spotted him and their wands dropped causing the bright light to cease and the symbol beneath his feet in the shape of a crescent moon, or something like it, faded away.
"Harry! What...?" Hermione began as she saw the small girl in his arms.
Harry was panting for breath and finally let her go.
"I saved her, she was the sacrifice. I didn't have time to find her family so I brought her here," he explained. "She'll be much safer inside Hogwarts away from them."
"I don't have a family," the girl suddenly spoke up, looking at him with large hazel eyes.
Hermione stuffed her wand in her robe and approached the girl cautiously.
"You don't?" she asked sadly, kneeling down so she was the same height as the little girl.
The girl shook her head, "No, my adopted family was killed though. I escaped because I was in the back room and I heard the screaming. I used my adopted brother's wand because I asked him for it."
"Wait...so you knew they were coming?" Harry asked, looking down at her confused.
The girl nodded.
"Yeah, I've been having bad dreams about scary men dressed in black coming to the village. I've had the dream for three nights and I knew they were coming for me. But I couldn't outrun that one guy. I thought I was going to die," she sniffled. "But then you saved me," she smiled brightly up at Harry.
She grabbed Harry's hand suddenly looking up at him with wide eyes, "You're Harry Potter aren't you?"
Harry smiled awkwardly, "Er...yeah, listen you're going to have to stay here for a while until Dumbledore gets back. He'll know where you can go that's safe."
The girl nodded excitedly, "I don't mind. I'm not scared knowing you're here."
Harry could see Ron's eyebrows rise in amusement and Hermione's smile grew. She tried to suppress her laughter at the awkward look on Harry's face.
"Should we bring her to Professor McGonagall?" Ron asked.
Hermione nodded, "I'll do it. Is that all right if I separate you from Harry for a bit? You'll see him again later."
Ron snorted and bit his lip to keep from laughing as Harry glared at her. The girl didn't seem to notice anything and nodded enthusiastically.
"Okay. Bye Harry," the little girl waved sweetly.
Harry smiled as genuinely kind as he could and waved back as Hermione led her to the common room door.
"What's your name?" Hermione asked as the door opened for them.
"Violet," she answered with a giggle as they left the room.
The room was silent until Ron burst into laughter.
"Looks like you've got yourself another fan, Harry."
Harry folded his arms and sent a glare toward him, "Shut up, Ron. At least I saved her. You and Hermione were trying to convince me not to do this. And just think if she would've died."
"All right, so your idea was good this time," Ron rolled his eyes. "Sirius is still going to throw a fit."
Harry let out a sigh, "I know, but I can deal with it. He'll get attacked to her in no time and know I did the right thing. Besides, I wasn't caught was I?"
Ron grinned, "You better not jinx it. Come on, we've got to meet Sirius and them in Dumbledore's office anyway. They said something about getting a message from Dumbledore."
Harry's eyes lit up immensely as Ron turned around heading out of the common room. Harry took a step forward to follow when his eye caught something. He bent down looking at the floor and noticed that one piece of it appeared to have a red stain on it. Suddenly, the red stain began to spread giving off a strange glow as it traced back the symbol that had been on the floor previously.
Harry's mouth felt dry as he made a move to jump only to find that his feet couldn't move. He tried to reach out to grab something but nothing was in reach. The floor began to glow again with the symbol used to astral project even without Ron and Hermione's wands helping it, except it was glowing a deep crimson color. Harry opened his mouth to scream for Ron but he was pulled under before he could utter a sound.
TO BE CONTINUED...