Crikey! 100 reviews! You guys kick ass, big time! Keep 'em coming. They make my day. A cookie goes to Sparrow for being the hundredth.
Sorry it has been so long since I updated. I got a little tied up with finals week. I hope you all understood the last chapter. I really enjoyed writing it.
I saw The Two Towers the day it came out and I endorse it fully. Great flick!
The girls from Salem stood in shock when they saw the lightning shape scar. The scar was almost as famous as the boy who had it. Wizards around the globe knew the story of Harry Potter and Voldemort.
Headmaster Corey gave Harry an offended look. "What is the meaning of this?" she screamed at him. She turned back to stare maliciously at McGonagall. "Why is a student of yours masquerading in this fashion? This is a disgrace!"
Harry brought his hand down from his hair. He tried to send apologetic looks toward Susan, but she was too shocked to see them. "This is no masquerade, Headmaster Corey. I am Harry Potter."
Corey looked back to him and he felt the rage emanating from her. "Why have you lied about who you are?" she asked.
Harry reached into his pocket and pulled out his glasses. He put them on. "I am sorry you had to be misled, mam. But I lied for obvious reasons. I am hunted by those who are loyal to Lord Voldemort. I hadn't intended to reveal my identity, but things haven't gone as I hoped."
She looked at him with a mocking smile. "And how had you planned things happening?"
Harry felt a small wave of anger trace it's way up his spine. He felt his back stiffen. "I must admit that I had no prior knowledge of the display you were just shown. But the vision should have been more than enough to convince you of the evil of those we have dedicated ourselves to stop. I had hoped you would be able to see reason is this matter. I fear I have overestimated your courage and morality."
She visibly flinched back from the insult. When she spoke again, her voice trembled. "You don't understand! None of you do! Salem was founded to help young girls escape the brutality of those such as He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named. If I led my girls into this insane crusade, I would be going against what the school stands for. The very idea goes against everything we have been taught!"
Harry had no idea what to say to that. But his instincts told him to do what he had always done when there was no other choice. Attack. "Do you think that once Voldemort has lain waste to England, he won't set his eyes on America? Do you think you are safe? You're not! You never will be as long as Voldemort is alive."
Corey's shoulders had slumped throughout his speech. Harry realized that she wasn't a very strong woman. She was a coward, comforted by the safety of her school. Now that she was being shown the evils of the outside world, she was unprepared to deal with them. Harry felt pity for her and her ignorance.
McGonagall seemed shocked that he had spoken harshly to a Headmaster. But she didn't move to stop him. She obviously thought he was right to brow-beat the woman. As bad as he felt at yelling at her, Harry knew he had to do it.
"Death follows in Voldemort's footsteps." he said. "As soon as he sets foot on this continent, that death will come with him." He pointed a finger directly at Corey. She flinched away from it. "It will follow him right up to your doorstep. And no matter how thick your walls are, he will break them down. And you all will be murdered to the last." He brought his hands up and gestured to the other students from Hogwarts. "Why do you think we do this? We all have seen the evils of Voldemort, up close and personal. We thought Hogwarts was the safest place in the world until we saw the lifeless body of Cedric Diggory. If Voldemort has enough power to kill in Hogwarts, he will have little problem destroying your precious school."
Harry felt a hand on his shoulder. He turned to see Ron, who had an exhausted expression on his face. Evidentially, summoning the vision had taken a lot out of him. "Ease up, Harry." he whispered. "Can't you see what your words are doing to her. She scared."
Harry looked back at Corey to see her on the verge of tears. He shrugged Ron's hand off harshly. "She should be." he said loudly. "I am."
"Think on what has been said and shown to you tonight." he said roughly. "Voldemort won't stop. He won't stop until he is killed. And I fear we are fighting a losing battle. We need your help"
Corey let out a small moan and fell to her knees. A few of her student put steadying hands on her shoulders. Susan stepped forward with a look of anger on her face.
"Who do you think you are?" she asked softly. "How dare you treat her like that? You're nothing but a monster!"
Harry felt his heart break at her words. He hadn't realized how much Susan had come to mean to him until now. Over the last hour or so, she had quickly worked her way into his heart. He pulled in a breath to apologize, but he was stopped by Corey.
"No, Susan." she said tiredly from her knees. "He's right. I have been misled. Everything he has said is true. Little truth of the outside world effects us at the school. We have been living a lie. We aren't safe."
Harry knew that her concession had been painful to say. He suddenly felt horribly guilty for yelling at her. But he knew it had been necessary. He walked slowly forward and knelt at Corey' side. "I am glad that you now know the truth." he whispered to her.
She looked up at him. Her cheeks were wet with tears. "I'm so sorry." she cried and flung herself into Harry's arms.
Harry didn't know what to do, so he simply held her. He would have laughed at the situation if it weren't so emotional. Here was an aging Headmaster being comforted by a sixteen year old student. She was trembling horribly as more tears ran down her face and onto Harry's shoulder. She felt very small in his arms.
Harry knew that if he didn't do something, she would cry in his arms for the rest of the night. He leaned forward and whispered into her ear. "You had better get up, Headmaster. If we keep this up any longer, people will think we fancy each other."
Her head whipped up in outrage. But after a moment, a smile broke out on her wrinkled face. "You're right, young man." She began to get up, and Harry helped her. Ron walked over and helped her as well. When she was up, she turned to Harry with an appraising look. "But if I were fifty years younger...you might have something to worry about." she said with a laugh.
Harry was too shocked to answer.
When Corey was brought to her feet, she gave Harry an affectionate pat on the cheek. But when she turned to Ron to do the same thing, she gasped loudly. "A Sentinel's Pin!" she screamed.
All of the girls from Salem gasped as well and began to stare fearfully at Ron. Ron noticed all the looks pointed in his direction and he began to blush slightly.
Corey continued to stare at Ron's pin. "A Sentinel!" she said with awe. "It's not possible. You're so young." she whipped her head to McGonagall and said, "Miverva, what does this mean?" She began backing away from Ron.
McGonagall, with her glowing wand above her head, said, "It's true, Abigail. He is indeed a Sentinel. His Release occurred only yesterday."
"Then why is he not in chains. He should have been sent to Ekthalia immediately. Who knows what horrors he will commit before he can be subdued? He'll kill us all!"
"Silence, Abigail! He does not know everything. I'd rather he didn't find out like this. Besides, the one he is bonded to is here with him." McGonagall said with a motion to Hermione, who stood only a few feet away. "He will not lose control while she close."
Corey had obviously gotten a hold of herself. She took a long breath and seemed to calm herself. "Just remember that I was the voice of reason when he goes mad. While this new development gives me further reason to not help you, I will pledge myself and my school. Our wands will be like thorns in the side of Voldemort
McGonagall smiled fondly. "Welcome aboard, Abigail."
Corey nodded. "I believe we have some planning to do."
"Yes, I believe we do. Unfortunately, preparations may take a few days." She turned to include Gabriel in what she said. "We are currently staying at a hotel, south of here. I am sure the owner of the hotel could find place for you and your students."
Gabriel and Corey nodded enthusiastically. Gabriel stepped forward. "I think that we all have had enough excitement for one night. We should retire to this hotel of yours, Minerva."
McGonagall nodded. "But I think the owner of this building should be informed about the lighting problem." she said, gesturing to the thousands of broken light bulbs throughout the room. "Hogwarts will pay all costs, of course."
Gabriel let out a great laugh. "Bless you, Minerva. Though I don't know how on earth I'll be able to tell the owner about this. Him being a Muggle and all."
McGonagall smiled. "Tell him the building was hit by lightning and the bulbs couldn't handle the power surge."
Gabriel laughed even louder at this. "Yeah, I'm sure he'll believe that one."
While the Headmasters chatted, Harry looked over at Ron, who had a troubled look on his face. When he saw Harry looking, he shrugged. He obviously had no idea of what Corey had been talking about.
Hermione detached herself from the crowd and ran over to Ron. She slipped an arm around his waist, and began leading him out of the room.
Harry finally allowed himself to relax. Things had turned out all right in the end. Both Stillwater and Salem would be helping them in the battle against Voldemort. The Bourbon Street Academy had refused to join, but Harry was sure they didn't want their help anyway.
Susan, of course, hated him. Not only had he lied to her about his identity, he had humiliated her Headmaster. He knew that he had no chance to make it up to her. At least he would be able to apologize if she would be staying at the hotel.
He saw Quentin come towards him. Harry held his breath, waiting for another lecture about lying. But Quentin's face held only kindness. "I thought I should reintroduce myself." he said. "Quentin Boyd." He held out his massive hand for Harry to shake it.
"You're not angry at me for lying?" Harry asked, fearing the answer.
Quentin laughed. "Hell no! I can only guess what it's like to be you. Always pursued. Always hunted. I'm surprised you're as cool a guy as you are. I always thought Harry Potter would be a windbag, puffed up on his own fame."
Harry reached out and grabbed Quentin's hand. "Harry Potter. Pleasure to meet you."
Quentin reached out and ruffled Harry's hair. "Kids these days." he said.
Several other students came forward to introduce themselves to Harry. They seemed very impressed to be in the presence of a living legend. Even some of the Salem girls came over to shake his hand or speak to him, now that Ron had left the vicinity.
***
Ron and Hermione walked briskly towards the limo. They held each other's hand and were comforted by their closeness. However, Hermione would occasionally throw troubled glances over her shoulder and searched the parking lot.
The limo was parked at the end of an underground parking lot. The limo driver was supposed to drive to the entrance of the building when the banquet was over. But because the banquet had ended early, Ron and Hermione had decided to walk over. The environment of the banquet had turned a little ugly a the end there.
The parking lot was full of parked cars. Ron wondered why there would be any cars there if the banquet had consisted solely of wizards. He figured the parking lot must have been shared by some of the surrounding buildings.
"What was that woman talking about, Ron?" she asked in a troubled voice.
Ron shook his head. "I have no idea."
Hermione grabbed his shoulder and forced him to a stop. "I'm worried, Ron! She said you're going to go insane."
"I was there, Hermione! I heard what she said. But McGonagall seems like she knows what she's talking about. We'll ask her when she gets back to the limo. It'll be OK, Hermione." Ron said. But his face was troubled, as if he didn't believe what he was saying.
Hermione threw herself at him and hugged him fiercely. She was worried. Wrapped up in chains? She nearly cried at the thought of losing him. She had only just found him. After five years, they had finally realized the truth. And now it seemed as if something could take Ron away.
She was brought out of her dismal thoughts when she felt Ron's back stiffen. She looked up at his face and saw that he was looking into the shadows of the packing lot.
"Ron, what is it?"
Ron didn't answer. He shoved her roughly in the direction of the Hall. "Run!" he yelled.
"What's the matter?"
"There's something out there." he said, gesturing to the shadows. "Get out of here, now! I'll hold it off."
Screw that, Hermione thought. She wasn't going to let Ron come to any harm while she could do something about it. She pulled out her wand and looked right and left, searching for whatever Ron was feeling through the bond.
***
Ron searched frantically for whatever had made his head pound. Hermione was in danger. Just that thought made his head spin. The bond was reacting more strongly than ever before. It was even stronger than it was during the Kyle incident. Whatever was out there meant to hurt Hermione. And it certainly wasn't a bee.
He glanced over his shoulder to see Hermione still standing there. "Get inside, Hermione!"
Hermione shook her head firmly. "No. I won't leave you."
Ron felt two conflicting emotions rage through his body. Happiness that Hermione would stay by his side, and anxiety that she was still in harm's way. He didn't know what to do.
Though he couldn't see anything that could harm Hermione, he knew that something was out there in the shadows. He didn't know how he knew, but he was sure. Something dangerous.
He forced a smile on his face and tried one last time. "Don't worry, Hermione, It's the bond overreacting again. It's probably a dog or something. Just go inside. I'll be right behind you."
Hermione scowled at him. "Don't you dare pull that shit, Ronald Weasley. I saw the look on your face. You're worried. Unless you're going in with me, I'm staying right here."
Damn it, Ron thought. There was no way in hell he was going to go inside while there was something out here that would hurt Hermione. "All right. Just stay close to me." he said over his shoulder.
A figure came strolling out of the darkness, about fifty yards away. It wore a dark blue cloak and it's hood was drawn up, hiding its features. Though he couldn't see its face, Ron could tell it was a woman. There was a slight roll in her hips.
Even as the woman drew closer, Ron couldn't see her face. He remembered a time when he would have never hurt a woman, but if this one wanted to harm Hermione, he would have no qualms about tearing her apart.
He knew that she was the danger. This woman was the reason his bond had reacted.
When she was less than twenty yards away, Ron yelled, "Stop right there."
She continued walking towards them.
Ron grabbed the neck of his expensive, black robe and pulled down with all of strength. The robe tore straight down the middle, and Ron shook it off. The robe had been to heavy, it would've slowed him down. Now all he wore were the black pants he had on underneath his robe, and a white T-shirt.
"Who are you?"
She didn't answer. She just kept walking.
When she was less than ten yards away, Ron ran towards her. He could feel the rage pounding through his veins as he swung his huge fist at the woman. At the last possible moment, the woman dodged out of the way.
Off balance, tripped and fell to the ground. When he got his footing, he saw that the woman was walking towards Hermione, who was pointing her wand straight at the approaching figure.
"Petrificus Totalus." Hermione screamed.
The woman was hit by the spell and was frozen in place. Ron sprinted over towards her to be able to jump her when Hermione released her. But before he could get there, the woman gave a loud scream and began to walk towards Hermione again.
"Ron!" Hermione screamed. "She broke through my spell! It felt like it melted off of her! What do we do?"
Ron didn't bother to answer. Instead, he ran full speed towards the woman and tackled her. Ron and the woman tumbled and rolled over the concrete. He knew that he had scraped one of his arms pretty badly, but he couldn't take his hands off of the woman.
Once their rolling came to a stop, Ron and the woman began to struggle. The hood of her cloak side off of her head, and Ron could see her face. Ron would have thought she was beautiful if it hadn't been for the mocking smile on her face. She had fair skin and long, black hair.
The woman was far stronger than Ron. She easily lifted him from the ground. He struggled as much as she could, but her grip was like a vice. With a mocking laugh, the woman slammed Ron onto the pavement.
Ron felt his arm break as he collided with the concrete. He felt tears spring into his eyes as he fought to not scream. The woman kicked him hard in the stomach, then turned to Hermione.
Ron felt his shattered bones in his arm grind as he forced himself to his feet. Hermione was in trouble. He felt the power course through him. He knew he should have died when the woman slammed him to the ground. The bond was protecting him somehow.
Not enough, he thought as he limped after the woman.
Hermione began casting every spell she knew at the woman. But the spells seemed to disappear when they hit the woman.
When the woman reached her, Hermione tried in vain to punch the woman. The woman simply caught her hand. With a surprisingly gentle look on her face, the woman said, "I'm sorry." She whipped out her other hand and punch Hermione in the side of the head. She slumped down to the pavement.
When Ron saw this, his vision went red and the pain disappeared. He walked slowly towards the woman. She turned to him and smiled. She stood calmly, waiting for Ron to reach her.
When he walked within her reach, she swung a powerful over-hand punch that connected with the side of his face. His head whipped to the side, but he kept his feet. His ears were ringing when he punched out at the woman.
His punch caught her on the chin and she seemed stunned. He reached out with his good arm and grabbed her by the throat. With a mighty heave, he launched her away from him. She flew through the air and crashed through the windshield of a parked car.
To Ron's surprise, the woman simply opened the passenger side door and extracted herself from the car. Her smile was even wider as she began to walk towards Ron. "You're strong for being so young, Mr. Weasley." she said. "They aren't many people who could have done that to me."
She knows my name!, Ron thought.
As if reading his mind, the woman said, "Yes, I know who you are. You are a wanted man, Mr. Weasley." She had reached Ron by this point and she kicked out at him with her heavy boots.
Injured as he was, Ron couldn't move quick enough to dodge the kick. The air rushed out of him and he doubled over. She kneed him in the face and he collapsed to the ground, holding his shattered arm.
The last thing he heard before slipping into unconscienceness was, "The Brotherhood has you now, Mr. Weasley."
Sentinel Tests on the way. Harry tries to make up with Susan while worrying about his missing friends. Give me feedback!
Sorry it has been so long since I updated. I got a little tied up with finals week. I hope you all understood the last chapter. I really enjoyed writing it.
I saw The Two Towers the day it came out and I endorse it fully. Great flick!
The girls from Salem stood in shock when they saw the lightning shape scar. The scar was almost as famous as the boy who had it. Wizards around the globe knew the story of Harry Potter and Voldemort.
Headmaster Corey gave Harry an offended look. "What is the meaning of this?" she screamed at him. She turned back to stare maliciously at McGonagall. "Why is a student of yours masquerading in this fashion? This is a disgrace!"
Harry brought his hand down from his hair. He tried to send apologetic looks toward Susan, but she was too shocked to see them. "This is no masquerade, Headmaster Corey. I am Harry Potter."
Corey looked back to him and he felt the rage emanating from her. "Why have you lied about who you are?" she asked.
Harry reached into his pocket and pulled out his glasses. He put them on. "I am sorry you had to be misled, mam. But I lied for obvious reasons. I am hunted by those who are loyal to Lord Voldemort. I hadn't intended to reveal my identity, but things haven't gone as I hoped."
She looked at him with a mocking smile. "And how had you planned things happening?"
Harry felt a small wave of anger trace it's way up his spine. He felt his back stiffen. "I must admit that I had no prior knowledge of the display you were just shown. But the vision should have been more than enough to convince you of the evil of those we have dedicated ourselves to stop. I had hoped you would be able to see reason is this matter. I fear I have overestimated your courage and morality."
She visibly flinched back from the insult. When she spoke again, her voice trembled. "You don't understand! None of you do! Salem was founded to help young girls escape the brutality of those such as He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named. If I led my girls into this insane crusade, I would be going against what the school stands for. The very idea goes against everything we have been taught!"
Harry had no idea what to say to that. But his instincts told him to do what he had always done when there was no other choice. Attack. "Do you think that once Voldemort has lain waste to England, he won't set his eyes on America? Do you think you are safe? You're not! You never will be as long as Voldemort is alive."
Corey's shoulders had slumped throughout his speech. Harry realized that she wasn't a very strong woman. She was a coward, comforted by the safety of her school. Now that she was being shown the evils of the outside world, she was unprepared to deal with them. Harry felt pity for her and her ignorance.
McGonagall seemed shocked that he had spoken harshly to a Headmaster. But she didn't move to stop him. She obviously thought he was right to brow-beat the woman. As bad as he felt at yelling at her, Harry knew he had to do it.
"Death follows in Voldemort's footsteps." he said. "As soon as he sets foot on this continent, that death will come with him." He pointed a finger directly at Corey. She flinched away from it. "It will follow him right up to your doorstep. And no matter how thick your walls are, he will break them down. And you all will be murdered to the last." He brought his hands up and gestured to the other students from Hogwarts. "Why do you think we do this? We all have seen the evils of Voldemort, up close and personal. We thought Hogwarts was the safest place in the world until we saw the lifeless body of Cedric Diggory. If Voldemort has enough power to kill in Hogwarts, he will have little problem destroying your precious school."
Harry felt a hand on his shoulder. He turned to see Ron, who had an exhausted expression on his face. Evidentially, summoning the vision had taken a lot out of him. "Ease up, Harry." he whispered. "Can't you see what your words are doing to her. She scared."
Harry looked back at Corey to see her on the verge of tears. He shrugged Ron's hand off harshly. "She should be." he said loudly. "I am."
"Think on what has been said and shown to you tonight." he said roughly. "Voldemort won't stop. He won't stop until he is killed. And I fear we are fighting a losing battle. We need your help"
Corey let out a small moan and fell to her knees. A few of her student put steadying hands on her shoulders. Susan stepped forward with a look of anger on her face.
"Who do you think you are?" she asked softly. "How dare you treat her like that? You're nothing but a monster!"
Harry felt his heart break at her words. He hadn't realized how much Susan had come to mean to him until now. Over the last hour or so, she had quickly worked her way into his heart. He pulled in a breath to apologize, but he was stopped by Corey.
"No, Susan." she said tiredly from her knees. "He's right. I have been misled. Everything he has said is true. Little truth of the outside world effects us at the school. We have been living a lie. We aren't safe."
Harry knew that her concession had been painful to say. He suddenly felt horribly guilty for yelling at her. But he knew it had been necessary. He walked slowly forward and knelt at Corey' side. "I am glad that you now know the truth." he whispered to her.
She looked up at him. Her cheeks were wet with tears. "I'm so sorry." she cried and flung herself into Harry's arms.
Harry didn't know what to do, so he simply held her. He would have laughed at the situation if it weren't so emotional. Here was an aging Headmaster being comforted by a sixteen year old student. She was trembling horribly as more tears ran down her face and onto Harry's shoulder. She felt very small in his arms.
Harry knew that if he didn't do something, she would cry in his arms for the rest of the night. He leaned forward and whispered into her ear. "You had better get up, Headmaster. If we keep this up any longer, people will think we fancy each other."
Her head whipped up in outrage. But after a moment, a smile broke out on her wrinkled face. "You're right, young man." She began to get up, and Harry helped her. Ron walked over and helped her as well. When she was up, she turned to Harry with an appraising look. "But if I were fifty years younger...you might have something to worry about." she said with a laugh.
Harry was too shocked to answer.
When Corey was brought to her feet, she gave Harry an affectionate pat on the cheek. But when she turned to Ron to do the same thing, she gasped loudly. "A Sentinel's Pin!" she screamed.
All of the girls from Salem gasped as well and began to stare fearfully at Ron. Ron noticed all the looks pointed in his direction and he began to blush slightly.
Corey continued to stare at Ron's pin. "A Sentinel!" she said with awe. "It's not possible. You're so young." she whipped her head to McGonagall and said, "Miverva, what does this mean?" She began backing away from Ron.
McGonagall, with her glowing wand above her head, said, "It's true, Abigail. He is indeed a Sentinel. His Release occurred only yesterday."
"Then why is he not in chains. He should have been sent to Ekthalia immediately. Who knows what horrors he will commit before he can be subdued? He'll kill us all!"
"Silence, Abigail! He does not know everything. I'd rather he didn't find out like this. Besides, the one he is bonded to is here with him." McGonagall said with a motion to Hermione, who stood only a few feet away. "He will not lose control while she close."
Corey had obviously gotten a hold of herself. She took a long breath and seemed to calm herself. "Just remember that I was the voice of reason when he goes mad. While this new development gives me further reason to not help you, I will pledge myself and my school. Our wands will be like thorns in the side of Voldemort
McGonagall smiled fondly. "Welcome aboard, Abigail."
Corey nodded. "I believe we have some planning to do."
"Yes, I believe we do. Unfortunately, preparations may take a few days." She turned to include Gabriel in what she said. "We are currently staying at a hotel, south of here. I am sure the owner of the hotel could find place for you and your students."
Gabriel and Corey nodded enthusiastically. Gabriel stepped forward. "I think that we all have had enough excitement for one night. We should retire to this hotel of yours, Minerva."
McGonagall nodded. "But I think the owner of this building should be informed about the lighting problem." she said, gesturing to the thousands of broken light bulbs throughout the room. "Hogwarts will pay all costs, of course."
Gabriel let out a great laugh. "Bless you, Minerva. Though I don't know how on earth I'll be able to tell the owner about this. Him being a Muggle and all."
McGonagall smiled. "Tell him the building was hit by lightning and the bulbs couldn't handle the power surge."
Gabriel laughed even louder at this. "Yeah, I'm sure he'll believe that one."
While the Headmasters chatted, Harry looked over at Ron, who had a troubled look on his face. When he saw Harry looking, he shrugged. He obviously had no idea of what Corey had been talking about.
Hermione detached herself from the crowd and ran over to Ron. She slipped an arm around his waist, and began leading him out of the room.
Harry finally allowed himself to relax. Things had turned out all right in the end. Both Stillwater and Salem would be helping them in the battle against Voldemort. The Bourbon Street Academy had refused to join, but Harry was sure they didn't want their help anyway.
Susan, of course, hated him. Not only had he lied to her about his identity, he had humiliated her Headmaster. He knew that he had no chance to make it up to her. At least he would be able to apologize if she would be staying at the hotel.
He saw Quentin come towards him. Harry held his breath, waiting for another lecture about lying. But Quentin's face held only kindness. "I thought I should reintroduce myself." he said. "Quentin Boyd." He held out his massive hand for Harry to shake it.
"You're not angry at me for lying?" Harry asked, fearing the answer.
Quentin laughed. "Hell no! I can only guess what it's like to be you. Always pursued. Always hunted. I'm surprised you're as cool a guy as you are. I always thought Harry Potter would be a windbag, puffed up on his own fame."
Harry reached out and grabbed Quentin's hand. "Harry Potter. Pleasure to meet you."
Quentin reached out and ruffled Harry's hair. "Kids these days." he said.
Several other students came forward to introduce themselves to Harry. They seemed very impressed to be in the presence of a living legend. Even some of the Salem girls came over to shake his hand or speak to him, now that Ron had left the vicinity.
***
Ron and Hermione walked briskly towards the limo. They held each other's hand and were comforted by their closeness. However, Hermione would occasionally throw troubled glances over her shoulder and searched the parking lot.
The limo was parked at the end of an underground parking lot. The limo driver was supposed to drive to the entrance of the building when the banquet was over. But because the banquet had ended early, Ron and Hermione had decided to walk over. The environment of the banquet had turned a little ugly a the end there.
The parking lot was full of parked cars. Ron wondered why there would be any cars there if the banquet had consisted solely of wizards. He figured the parking lot must have been shared by some of the surrounding buildings.
"What was that woman talking about, Ron?" she asked in a troubled voice.
Ron shook his head. "I have no idea."
Hermione grabbed his shoulder and forced him to a stop. "I'm worried, Ron! She said you're going to go insane."
"I was there, Hermione! I heard what she said. But McGonagall seems like she knows what she's talking about. We'll ask her when she gets back to the limo. It'll be OK, Hermione." Ron said. But his face was troubled, as if he didn't believe what he was saying.
Hermione threw herself at him and hugged him fiercely. She was worried. Wrapped up in chains? She nearly cried at the thought of losing him. She had only just found him. After five years, they had finally realized the truth. And now it seemed as if something could take Ron away.
She was brought out of her dismal thoughts when she felt Ron's back stiffen. She looked up at his face and saw that he was looking into the shadows of the packing lot.
"Ron, what is it?"
Ron didn't answer. He shoved her roughly in the direction of the Hall. "Run!" he yelled.
"What's the matter?"
"There's something out there." he said, gesturing to the shadows. "Get out of here, now! I'll hold it off."
Screw that, Hermione thought. She wasn't going to let Ron come to any harm while she could do something about it. She pulled out her wand and looked right and left, searching for whatever Ron was feeling through the bond.
***
Ron searched frantically for whatever had made his head pound. Hermione was in danger. Just that thought made his head spin. The bond was reacting more strongly than ever before. It was even stronger than it was during the Kyle incident. Whatever was out there meant to hurt Hermione. And it certainly wasn't a bee.
He glanced over his shoulder to see Hermione still standing there. "Get inside, Hermione!"
Hermione shook her head firmly. "No. I won't leave you."
Ron felt two conflicting emotions rage through his body. Happiness that Hermione would stay by his side, and anxiety that she was still in harm's way. He didn't know what to do.
Though he couldn't see anything that could harm Hermione, he knew that something was out there in the shadows. He didn't know how he knew, but he was sure. Something dangerous.
He forced a smile on his face and tried one last time. "Don't worry, Hermione, It's the bond overreacting again. It's probably a dog or something. Just go inside. I'll be right behind you."
Hermione scowled at him. "Don't you dare pull that shit, Ronald Weasley. I saw the look on your face. You're worried. Unless you're going in with me, I'm staying right here."
Damn it, Ron thought. There was no way in hell he was going to go inside while there was something out here that would hurt Hermione. "All right. Just stay close to me." he said over his shoulder.
A figure came strolling out of the darkness, about fifty yards away. It wore a dark blue cloak and it's hood was drawn up, hiding its features. Though he couldn't see its face, Ron could tell it was a woman. There was a slight roll in her hips.
Even as the woman drew closer, Ron couldn't see her face. He remembered a time when he would have never hurt a woman, but if this one wanted to harm Hermione, he would have no qualms about tearing her apart.
He knew that she was the danger. This woman was the reason his bond had reacted.
When she was less than twenty yards away, Ron yelled, "Stop right there."
She continued walking towards them.
Ron grabbed the neck of his expensive, black robe and pulled down with all of strength. The robe tore straight down the middle, and Ron shook it off. The robe had been to heavy, it would've slowed him down. Now all he wore were the black pants he had on underneath his robe, and a white T-shirt.
"Who are you?"
She didn't answer. She just kept walking.
When she was less than ten yards away, Ron ran towards her. He could feel the rage pounding through his veins as he swung his huge fist at the woman. At the last possible moment, the woman dodged out of the way.
Off balance, tripped and fell to the ground. When he got his footing, he saw that the woman was walking towards Hermione, who was pointing her wand straight at the approaching figure.
"Petrificus Totalus." Hermione screamed.
The woman was hit by the spell and was frozen in place. Ron sprinted over towards her to be able to jump her when Hermione released her. But before he could get there, the woman gave a loud scream and began to walk towards Hermione again.
"Ron!" Hermione screamed. "She broke through my spell! It felt like it melted off of her! What do we do?"
Ron didn't bother to answer. Instead, he ran full speed towards the woman and tackled her. Ron and the woman tumbled and rolled over the concrete. He knew that he had scraped one of his arms pretty badly, but he couldn't take his hands off of the woman.
Once their rolling came to a stop, Ron and the woman began to struggle. The hood of her cloak side off of her head, and Ron could see her face. Ron would have thought she was beautiful if it hadn't been for the mocking smile on her face. She had fair skin and long, black hair.
The woman was far stronger than Ron. She easily lifted him from the ground. He struggled as much as she could, but her grip was like a vice. With a mocking laugh, the woman slammed Ron onto the pavement.
Ron felt his arm break as he collided with the concrete. He felt tears spring into his eyes as he fought to not scream. The woman kicked him hard in the stomach, then turned to Hermione.
Ron felt his shattered bones in his arm grind as he forced himself to his feet. Hermione was in trouble. He felt the power course through him. He knew he should have died when the woman slammed him to the ground. The bond was protecting him somehow.
Not enough, he thought as he limped after the woman.
Hermione began casting every spell she knew at the woman. But the spells seemed to disappear when they hit the woman.
When the woman reached her, Hermione tried in vain to punch the woman. The woman simply caught her hand. With a surprisingly gentle look on her face, the woman said, "I'm sorry." She whipped out her other hand and punch Hermione in the side of the head. She slumped down to the pavement.
When Ron saw this, his vision went red and the pain disappeared. He walked slowly towards the woman. She turned to him and smiled. She stood calmly, waiting for Ron to reach her.
When he walked within her reach, she swung a powerful over-hand punch that connected with the side of his face. His head whipped to the side, but he kept his feet. His ears were ringing when he punched out at the woman.
His punch caught her on the chin and she seemed stunned. He reached out with his good arm and grabbed her by the throat. With a mighty heave, he launched her away from him. She flew through the air and crashed through the windshield of a parked car.
To Ron's surprise, the woman simply opened the passenger side door and extracted herself from the car. Her smile was even wider as she began to walk towards Ron. "You're strong for being so young, Mr. Weasley." she said. "They aren't many people who could have done that to me."
She knows my name!, Ron thought.
As if reading his mind, the woman said, "Yes, I know who you are. You are a wanted man, Mr. Weasley." She had reached Ron by this point and she kicked out at him with her heavy boots.
Injured as he was, Ron couldn't move quick enough to dodge the kick. The air rushed out of him and he doubled over. She kneed him in the face and he collapsed to the ground, holding his shattered arm.
The last thing he heard before slipping into unconscienceness was, "The Brotherhood has you now, Mr. Weasley."
Sentinel Tests on the way. Harry tries to make up with Susan while worrying about his missing friends. Give me feedback!