(20)Lost In The Forrest

Ron! Ginny fumed. We've been stuck in this forrest forever! Admit it! We're LOST!

No we're not! Ron grumbled. I'm just taking us by a round-about way just in case!

HMPF! Ginny scoffed. We're lost & it's your fault!

We are NOT LOST! Ron yelled.

The two of them wandered through the forrest, ducking out of sight occasoinally if anything moved! An hour passed.

OK, we're lost! Ron sighed. He shivered a little.

It's getting dark, Ginny said. We'll never get out of here!

We will to! Just not today! Ron whined.

Spend a night? In this forrest?! Ginny exclaimed. You're crazy!

It'll be fine! Not like it's full moon or anything! Ron muttered. Not tonight!

What about the Centaurs?

We're "foals"! Ron said, making quote marks in the air with his fingers. They won't bug us! Besides, I don't think any of them come in this far!

Maybe we could use this cave? Ginny pointed to a hole in the rocks.

Yeah, sure! Ron shrugged.

They crawled in & settled down to sleep. It was a cool night but the warmth of spring was in it. Ron didn't sleep much, keeping an eye open for anything. Towards dawn, he finally fell asleep.

Get up! someone ordered. Ron felt something shaking him. He blinked his eyes open. It was the next morning, though the forrest was still gloomy. Ron looked around & stared into the eyes of Firenze. I've been looking all over for you two! Now get on & I'll get you out! Ginny was already on. Ron jumped behind her. Hang on! ordered the Centaur.

What if we meet Bane? Ron squeaked.

I'll handle him! Firenze muttered as he began cantering.

Bane suddenly blocked his path. So you again decide to let a human ride you?! sneered the blonde-maned Centaur.

Step aside Bane! Firenze snapped. We always help the foals!

They're a little old to be called foals! Bane snorted.

If they're young enough to be Hogwarts students then they're young enough to be called foals! Firenze declared. Now move aside or I will force you aside!

I'm not moving! Bane stamped his big hoof defiantly.

Firenze lowered Ron & Ginny to the ground & pushed them aside. Fine Bane! Be arragant! He galloped into Bane, ramming him broadside. Bane fell over. He tried to get up but Firenze kicked him in the hind legs. There was a cracking sound as Firenze's large hooves struck. Bane didn't get up. Firenze lowered his head so they were face to face, noses nearly touching. You know? Perhaps there is a reason we are part horse & part human! I will let the Centaur band take care of you! Ron? Ginny? Let's go!

Firenze headed for the castle with Ron & Ginny riding him. He let them off at the door. You will be safe with Albus. A word of warning: do not go towards the direction of Hogsmeade Village. You may or may not be able to see them but a rather large flock of Thestrals are gathering there & they are most unfriendly at this time! I must leave you now! Goodbye! Firenze ran off into the forrest.

Flock of Thestrals? Ron shrugged.

Wonder what happened? Ginny said.

Lupin slowly pulled out of bed. Something special had happened? Then he remembered & smiled softly. Finally, the Marauders were avenged! He headed for Dumbledore's office at a fast pace, almost running. YES! Lupin burst through the door, making everyone leap out of their skin! Finally, he's gone! Oh----er---sorry! Didn't mean to startle anyone!

Sure you didn't! Snape muttered.

& what are you so happy about? Tonks asked.

Wormtail! Lupin stated simply.

Remus, if you have finally settled your Maurauding business, is it safe to assume everything is under control? Dumbledore eyed him closely.

Lupin glowered at Snape. Perfect control! he agreed.

Very well then! Dumbledore leaned back in his chair. Don't you ever lose control of your wolf like that again!

No sir! Lupin promised. However, I have no one else to make me lose it! Well except maybe THAT! he pointed at Snape who growled back.

Stop it you two! Tonks ordered, half-smiling. Lupin sighed heavily.

Now to the tasks at hand! Dumbledore interupted them. We must find our last intruder as well as the Weasley children in the forrest!

Firenze found them! Harry led his DA team in. Neville, Breann & the others filed in with Ginny & Ron close behind. Merida sat close to her father & watched Harry & Lupin, trying not to laugh. Lupin looked cute, blushing like that! Harry took no notice, of course! Merida shook her head at both of them. There was only one way out of this since Lupin stubbornly kept quiet.

Excellent! Dumbledore smiled at Ron & Ginny. Now we must make the castle secure again.

We have a problem in the forrest, Ron said. It seems all Death Eaters are conglomerating there. I've over-heard some mention that the Dark Lord is close to full-filling a special plan but couldn't figure out what it was!

They may be attempting to surround us, said Mcgonagall.

Alright, we must separate, said Dumbledore. Half of us will remain here to gaurd the castle while the rest of us enter the forrest. Remember, I don't want anyone alone! And despite certain.........instincts, Dumbledore raised an eyebrow at Lupin. under NO circumstances is anyone to be wandering off! Do I make myself clear? Another raised eyebrow was cast in Lupin's direction. The werwolf shifted nervously in his chair! Good! sighed Dumbledore. Hopefully if all goes well, we can clear this up before tonight & then prepare for Voldomort to come!

Leaving Kinsgley in charge of Hogwarts, Dumbledore led his group into the forrest. Ron & Ginny led them to the place where they had over-heard the conversation. After this, we got lost! Ron said. I think we followed them & didn't pay attention to where we were going!

We DID follow them! Ginny crossed her arms. Ron made a face!

Spread a little then, said Tonks. See if you can find a trail.

Dumbledore, Tonks, Snape, Moody, Lupin & Mcgonagall began moving through the forrest with Harry leading Ron, Ginny & Merida behind. Before anyone could get very far, they were ambushed.

Think you can escape?

Everyone spun around. Bane?! Ron & Ginny gasped.

I was found by Antonio, Bane replyed. After him & his freinds helped me I told them to be expecting you! GET THEM! Bane trotted off as a swarm of death Eaters surrounded the Aurors!

Everyone aimed for everyone else. It happened to fast! Spells & hexes went flying. No one knew who they were aiming at but at this point it really didn't matter.

Exitos!

Crucio!

Expelliramus!

Protecto!

Everta Statum!

Avada Kedavra!

Bane fell immediatly, dead. Firenze trotted passed, not even looking. He had to get to Dumbledore now! At least it wasn't Firenze that had killed Bane. Centaurs weren't supposed to harm another. Firenze took everyone by surprise, running down anyone & everyone with a Death Mark. He almost ran for Snape but remembered just in time! Sorry, Professor! Firenze ran in a new direction.

Anytime Firenze! Snape snapped. Anytime! Snape had his own problems to worry about. He didn't need a load of horsepower ramming him over! Someone jumped on him from behind. Snape threw him off. They stared at each other a moment. Marcus Flint! Snape sneered. So nice to see you again!

Get off, mud-blood lover!

Oh really? Snape snapped. You don't seem to mind being with half-bloods yourself?

What's that supposed to mean? Flint sneered.

I mean I'm going to see to it that you NEVER see my daughter again! Snape aimed his wand. Crucio! Flint collapsed to the ground, screaming. I want to teach you my own version of a lesson in respect first! Then I'll kill you! After five long minutes, Snape lifted his spell. Feel better? Flint groaned. Perhaps I should put you out of your misery! Avada Kedavra! Feeling rather proud, Snape hurried back to Dumbledore & Firenze.

Great, said Dumbledore. Now we just need to find Remus, Harry & Merida!

Merida is missing? Snape stared.

She headed in that direction, Dumbledore pointed. So did Remus! As for Harry, I do not know! We'll find her, Severus! We'll find all of them!

Maybe Remus died! Snape grumbled.

Exitos! Lupin ordered, throwing a Death Eater off Merida. Follow me! He ran into the forrest, Merida close behind.

Crucio!

Merida get down! Lupin yelped. She tripped & fell over him. Lupin stepped backwards with her & the ground gave way. They fell into a hidden hole. OW!

Sorry! Merida rolled off.

It's alright! Lupin shook himself a bit like a dog.

Any ideas on how to get out of here? Merida stared up at the circle of sky above them.

Just become a bird & fly up! Lupin said.

I----er---I can't! Merida stammered. Mystique fell off! I tried Accio but it won't come! Must be stuck somewhere!

You're telling me you can't escape? Lupin looked ready to faint.

We'll just have to wait for someone to find us! Merida shrugged.

Better be before dark! said Lupin.

Why? Merida stared for a moment. Lupin didn't answer but gave her an odd look. Tonight?!?! NOW?! Lupin nodded. In that case, we'd better hope someone finds us before dark!

We must have gone through this forrest a million times! Moody snarled. Maybe they're just back at the castle!

Kingsley would have sent us a sign if anyone showed up at the castle, Dumbledore said. I've been watching the sky & nothing!

Severus, calm down! Mcgonagall soothed. We will find her!

It's not Merida I'm hyperventilating about anymore! Snape leaned against a tree gasping for air. Oh, I don't have time for this! Not now!

You're hot! Mcgonagall felt him over. Albus, I'll take him to Poppy!

She can't help! Snape said quickly. It's the----the burning of the werwolf blood! It lasts about an hour before full moon! Oh, Merlin, I don't have time for this! Snape kneeled down, panting.

W-W-WERWOLF?!?! Tonks & Mcgonagal yelped. Snape cast a pleading look at Dumbledore.

Oh Severus! Tonks groaned when Dumbledore was finished. I'm so sorry!

I don't need pity! Snape snapped.

Not that! said Tonks. I mean I'm the one usually keeping you & Remus apart. I'm sorry I didn't keep a closer eye on you two last Christmas.

There was nothing you could have done! snape said a bit more softly. He was so fast! It just happened so fast! Albus how much time before moonrise?

Just a few minutes! Dumbledore nodded as he began backing away.

Cover your trail as you go! Snape warned. I'll be sure to try following any of you! Go!

As the others disappeared into the forrest, Snape transformed. He was a black wolf that looked like it had waled through white paint. The paws were "dipped" in white. A rather pretty wolf except the tail. It was somewhat crooked & mangled, compliments of Lupin!

Look on the bright side, Remus, Merida said. At least you had extra Wolfsbane Potion this time! & I know a wolf's worst fear. I'll use that against you!

How can you use the moon against me? Lupin asked somewhat panicked.

Not the moon! Something else! Merida said.

Hmmmm,Lupin sighed. But I didn't take any Wolfsbane!

WHAT?! Merida glowered. Why?

Because your father made it! Lupin said. I haven't used any ofe his Wolfsbane for over a year. It was starting to make me sick & once, when I decided to get myself checked, traces of liquid silver was found! I think----I KNOW your father's been poisoning me! I didn't have ANY Wolfsbane at all this month!

He can't be poisoning you! Merida yelped.

Merida if I had known this would have happened, I would have taken it this month! Lupin held her close. But now--------well-------I'm not going to lie but you may very well die tonight if not worse!

Alright! Merida tried to think. Um-----I know this is an extremly stupid question but, got any silver on you?

Actually, I do! Lupin pulled out his wand. The core is silver unicorn hair!

Perfect! Merida snatched it away & split it open down the seams. I'll reseal it tomorrow. Lupin smiled weakly, knowing there would be no tomorrow for her. Merida made three rings around her. She placed the silver hairs & the few sickles she had on her in the center ring, leaving the inner & outer ring blank.

What are you going to do to me? Lupin was somewhat curious.

If I tell you, I'll lose my edge of the element of surprise! Merida declared. Just wait!

The moonlight began to fill the hole. Merida I---- Lupin stared at her. I'm sorry!

Remus, if you kill me, you kill me! Merida tried to calm both him & herself. But I'm going to give you one hell of a fight first!

Once this starts, I can't stop it! Lupin whispered sorrowfully...........

& then he changed!