A/N Sorry for the lack of updates. I've seriously had a drop in motivation of any kind. Since my constant partner in crime and best friend got a job that requires actual work I've been lonely. Though it left me with much time to write. Hmmmm. There are several made up spells in here. Ones that we invented ourselves after much research.
The first and maybe only is… Abscendo, it means "to separate"
Also I would like to add for the record, Absence of Hope has nothing to do with this story at all. Aside from both being Harry Potter they are not connected. There will be a sequel of sorts to this, but not that. No. That was a bit of insanity that happened while considering something else.
Thanks for reviewing.
Rem-cycle- THANKS! I'm a review whore. I LOVE long reviews. Thanks for all the kind comments about my writing. Honestly, Draco is still not a nice person. Nor will he ever be. He's always going to be our wonderful Draco. He's just got something to care about now. I've always loved Draco so I had to be kind to him. I really hate it when people just suddenly make him a nice guy. He's not and never will be nice. Tolerant maybe, but not nice. Keep reading.
Natbag- Draco grew up. He's still himself, just adult. And I don't even know if he loved his wife. I'd like to think he did, but mostly I think she was the only person he could ever talk to. He was close to her and they took care of each other in their own way. I love Draco. But then I think I've already said that. Thanks for reviewing.
Dementorchic- Thanks for reviewing. Keep it up. I am very fond of Bane now as well. Thanks again.
Lolua- WOW! Thanks for reviewing. And I thought I was the only one who did a happy dance. I think I may have to adopt you. But anyway, Draco. Yes the enigma that is Draco Malfoy. He's a jerk, and a butthead and a stupid prat, but he still loves his son. The only reason he even cares about the others is for Hermione's sake. And I have returned. The next chapter could take awhile though. I'm a lonely crow at the moment as my cousin and best friend is always working. She calls from work but it's not the same thing. Sigh. And I promise at least a few bits on the after of this story.
(Lolua's review for Absence of Hope) - Yeah. They have reason. And the funny thing is that right before you reviewed I was telling Dragonsbane that I didn't know why Hermione got sick. I was all confused about it, but she did and wrote it down all confused like. And then you reviewed and I realized why she got sick. And I think she felt like she couldn't get her hopes up only that it not be true. A mixed blessing to be sure. Please don't send the chickens after me. I swear this has nothing to do with Supposed Happiness. And I can promise Ron gets through in tact. As does Mione. There are plans in the works for the future. Also Dragonsbane says she is grieved for not posting in so long. But would love you to review her two latest. Potting Soil (which is very playful and naughty) and Strawberries (which should jerk some tears free)
Thanks everyone for reading.
(Remus)
The children were quiet. There was no laughter, no singing and no exploring. They sat in small groups around the room, talking in hushed voices, occasionally looking nervously at the small window or the door. Angelina did her best to comfort them, hefting Mia about with her and offering soft words to each of them. Meshach would have none of it and sat in a corner with Mab and Ivy, a frown permanently on his features. The two girls tried to cheer him up, but he refused and so they sat beside him in silence. Lotus had left her sister and was sitting with Lily and Bane on a cot. They both seemed to be listening to her intently.
I sat by the door and focused all my senses on the forest around us. If it had been closer to the full moon I might have been of better use. My thumb rubbed the edge of my wand absently as I watched the trees gently sway in the breeze, small animals leap from branch to branch and the red sun glitter down to the ground below.
"Are you sure you don't want me to watch for a while?" Angelina asked standing above me.
I looked up at her and shook my head.
"If something happened to you …" I began and looked back out the window near the door.
"Shouldn't we be trying to move the children, I mean, if Meshach is The Dreamer. If something is coming to hurts us we need to get out of here, or at least move the children."
"The only way in and out is the path, if something is coming it will be there and we can't chance meeting it." I explained rubbing my aching eyes.
Lack of sleep was making my head hurt, but I couldn't chance the rest.
"Are you sure you don't want to rest? I'll wake you if something happens." She offered again.
I motioned her to go back in the room as an odd noise reached my ears. Falling silent she edged back into the bedroom and shut the door behind her. I heard her voice telling the children to keep quiet. Very slowly I approached the door. The sound came again, a rustling in the forest. Something large. I tried to pick up a scent on the air, but found I could not.
My eyes strayed to the window and I saw the underbrush in front of the path shake violently. Raising my wand, I hoped to catch the creature off guard. With a curse on my lips I opened the door to find what I least expected.
Neville was supporting Harry who seemed to be injured severely. Dried blood stiffened his clothing and he stumbled as he walked. Ginny walked a short distance away, a pained look on her face.
"What happened?" I shouted and ran out to them.
Neville smiled half heartedly at me as I took Harry from him.
"Draco. We'll explain when we get inside." Ginny said.
I led them into the small building and placed Harry on my cot by the door. He looked up at me and whispered his thanks.
"What is going on?" I asked.
Ginny lowered herself to the floor near her husband and closed her eyes for a moment.
"It's been Draco all along. He's wrote on the walls, and attacked Neville and tried to kill Harry." She said pulling her knees to her chest.
"I don't understand, why would he do that? And what happened to Harry?"
"We don't know why he's doing it, but I'm sure it has something to do with Voldemort." She replied and Neville shivered at the name.
"And Harry?" I persisted, glancing at the boy already fast asleep.
"He and Draco and Ron all came out to get Lily and bring her back. Draco attacked the other two and … and thought he'd killed Harry. He brought Ron back alive and left him with us before running off again. Neville and I came looking for Harry's body … we thought … and … anyway we found him alive and he told us about Draco and we came here." She finished with a heavy sigh and leaned her head back against the cot.
"Where are the girls?" Neville asked looking around.
"Oh, yes," I remembered I'd sent them all to hide, "Come on out."
The bedroom door opened slowly and Angelina peeked out cautiously.
"You all can come out now. Neville, Harry and Ginny are here." I said waving her out.
"Daddy?" A voice piped up and the door was forced the rest of the way open.
Ivy and Lotus grinned madly at the father and ran to latch themselves onto him. Neville gathered them into his arms, commenting on how big they'd gotten in such a short time. The other children seemed more reluctant to run at the adults. Lily had grabbed Bane's hand and was dragging him toward her mother.
"Mummy?" She asked tugging Ginny's sleeve.
Ginny opened her eyes and smiled at the two children in front of her.
"Hello sweetheart." She said.
"This is Bane." Lily said shoving Bane forward to meet her mother.
"Hello Bane."
"Is Lily's father alright?" He asked looking curiously at Harry.
"He just needs rest."
"Why don't you go lay down in the other room, Ginny. I can watch Harry for a bit. If anything happens I'll call for you." I promised.
She seemed reluctant to go, but with a glance at her husband she agreed and stood up again. I watched her slowly meander into the bedroom with Lily and Bane at her heels. It occurred to me that something other than Harry's injury had happened in the forest. There was tension I couldn't put my finger on.
"You know," Harry whispered staring at the ceiling, "his wand barely missed my heart."
"What?" I asked confused.
He smiled a bit and lazily lifted his shirt to show me a gaping hole just beneath his ribs. My stomach churned a bit at the sight.
"The enemy, who means to kill me, misses the goal. My friends, who mean to help, finish the job for him." His eyes shifted to Neville who was whispering quietly with his daughters in a corner.
"I don't understand."
He chuckled to himself and shifted a bit on the cot, wincing at the movement.
"Have you ever wanted to go back in time and just fix something, one little mistake …" He asked looking at me curiously.
"Yes." I replied sitting on the floor next to him.
"I did once. I fixed something. And you know, in the end, it didn't matter anyway. He still died."
"That couldn't be helped." I said wishing he would get to the point.
"I keep thinking that if I can just get back to where this mess started I can fix it. I can make it better. But in reality, it would all end the same way. I honestly don't know how much longer I can keep doing this."
"What?"
"Being the hero."
"It's not quite like that…" I started.
"I'm sick of it. Sure I do great things, but I never manage to save the people who mean the most to me. I always lose them, and it's always my fault. The world is safe, but at what cost? My family, my friends, my marriage and maybe this time … my life. I don't want to die, but I don't think I can do this anymore."
His fists were clenched at his sides as he returned to staring up into the air. I reached out and pulled his shirt back over the wound.
"What happened in the forest, Harry?" I asked.
"Which betrayal would you like hear about?"
"The one that made you feel this way."
He turned his face away from me and I thought I saw tears in his eyes, "I don't think I can talk about that one."
"Things will look different when all this is over." I said trying to sound hopeful.
"So," He said sniffing a little, "Did you and Tonks finally get it together?"
His rapid change of subject startled me, but I recovered and smiled when he mentioned her name.
"Not yet."
"You can't keep her waiting forever."
"I know."
His daughter laughed loudly from the other room and his hardened features truly smiled.
"I never thought I'd have a child. Not really. She was something of a surprise." He said quietly.
"A good surprise." I grinned back at him.
"Maybe you and Tonks will have one of your own soon." He suggested again shifting his weight.
My face fell, "No. I can't."
"Why not? Are you…" He let the sentence hang realizing we were discussing very private things.
"No, nothing like that, but there is a chance that my children will have the same illness as me. I don't think I could live with myself if I let my child go through that." I explained.
He eyed me for a long moment.
"Things are different now, I don't think they'd have as many problems as you did. Besides we don't even know if Tonks can have kids. Those scars of hers run deep. Don't let fear keep you from happiness."
I smiled a little at his wisdom, "Follow your own advise."
"Can I talk to my daddy now?" Lily asked pulling on my sleeve.
"Where did you leave Bane?" I asked glancing around the room for him.
"In the bedroom sleeping." She said and moved past me to crawl up onto the cot with her father.
I nodded to Harry and stood up to walk around.
(Harry)
She sat on the edge of my cot swinging her feet a little and eyeing me worriedly. I noticed her hair had once again escaped the ribbon that held it, even the strongest binding spell couldn't hold her unruly locks. With brilliant green eyes she watched me lay there, saw every bit of dried blood and every bruise on my skin. Her silence made me uncomfortable.
"Did you need something?" I asked kindly.
"No."
Slowly her fingers went to lift my shirt, instinctively knowing where the worst of the injuries was located. I stopped her and shook my head.
"You don't need to see that."
"Does it hurt?" She asked.
"Yes."
For a second time she looked me up and down.
"You bled a lot. Are you going to be okay?"
"I think so."
Her eyes narrowed thoughtfully and I desperately wanted to know what she was thinking.
"Did Bane's father hurt you? I heard Mummy say so." Her voice sounded a little panicked.
I considered my answer for a moment. Despite my severe hatred of Draco, Lily was very attached to his son. I'd never seen her take to someone so quickly or so well. There was always a barrier between she and the world, I could feel it between us and I saw it when she was with her cousins. However, in the few days she had known Bane they had become best friends.
"He did." I was honest and hated myself for it as she looked shocked.
"Why?"
"I don't know. We're going to find out though."
"Maybe it was Voldemort." She whispered leaning towards me.
"No. He's dead." I assured her.
"Meshach said that he saw him in a dream, he said he saw him coming here and that he'd killed you."
"But I'm not dead." I reminded her, but felt a chill at those words.
"No. But you could have died."
Suddenly Remus held up his hand for silence. I heard the noise then as well. A rustling in the forest. Lily hopped down and hurried for the bedroom, followed by Ivy and Lotus.
"Stay here." He ordered us.
Ginny came from the other room then, looking wide awake and terrified. Behind her the door shut and I heard a chair scrap up to lean against it. I gathered my strength and heaved myself into a sitting position, ignoring the mind numbing pain that engulfed my side. A hand grabbed my shoulder as I lost my balance and steadied me.
"Easy there." Neville said.
We watched as Remus slowly opened the door and peered out. I scrambled to my feet with a little help from Neville and limped forward. One hand reached for my wand while the other gripped the other man's arm for support. A glance about the room and I saw the others were armed as well.
We watched as the brush parted and a familiar form strode out. His back was perfectly straight and he walked with an air of importance. The very air crackled about him. The wand in his hand was held ready for battle and his eyes darted to where we had gathered.
Remus stepped out and raised his wand, a spell on his lips. Frantically I tried to pull him back, but he sidestepped from my grasp.
"Ava … ," Draco seemed to falter for a mere second, "Stupify!" He shouted and the werewolf took the stunning spell straight to the chest and flew backwards against the side of the cabin.
Ginny shoved us out the door and ran past me to his side, her hands checking his pulse. Neville made a noise and I looked back towards our attacker to find him doubled over.
"Stupefy!" Neville shouted and I felt the spell fly past my head.
It caught the other man by surprise, hitting him in the shoulder and shoving back a few paces.
"Stupefy!" I cried myself and caught him in the other shoulder.
It's seemed he would fall then and give us time to bind him, but instead he straightened up and turned his eyes on Neville and I. Energy flowed towards him as he gathered strength, we raised our wands again to cast another spell, but before we could speak a cry rang out.
"Abscindo." A bolt of blue light flew towards us.
Neville tried to move us out of the way, instead we found ourselves flying in two different directions. There was a moment of vertigo and then the low stone wall met my back knocking the breath from me. Gasping I searched for my wand and found it lay a few feet away. I struggled to get it, falling on my side and dragging myself forward. A scream from the house caught my attention and I looked to find Remus has gotten up only to fall down again holding a bloody spot on his head. I searched for Neville, but didn't see him, continued to reach for my wand.
"No, no." A strange voice said and I looked up from the dirt and grass to find Draco staring down at me.
Death stared from his eyes, which were glowing faintly red. I stared back still fighting to breathe, though I knew that in a few moments that breath would mean very little.
"Ava…" He began pointing his wand at me.
I flinched a little and waited for darkness, but it never came. Instead he had closed his eyes and seemed to be fighting to get the words out. Using his distraction I edged closer to my wand, feeling it against my fingertips, just a little further. A sharp pain ripped through my side and warmth spread from the reopened wound, still I stretched to gain my weapon.
(Neville)
The blue light threw me from Harry's side and onto the ground near the wall, for what seemed like ages I couldn't force myself to move. The impact had come so quickly I was having trouble controlling my limbs, but regained command quickly, clambering to my feet. Instinctively I began looking for my wand, it lay at my feet and I scooped it up, standing ready for another attack, but it did not come. Instead I heard Ginny scream from where she was trying to help Remus.
Unsteadily I made my way to the front of the cabin again. Ginny was trying to bandage a gash on the back of the werewolf's head, his refusal to hold still was making it difficult.
"Leave it." He growled and tried to stand again.
"No." She hissed back and pulled him down to finish tying the bandage.
I grabbed the older man's arm and held him still for her.
"Thanks." She mouthed.
My eyes searched for Harry and I found him crawling across the ground for his wand. The dark figure of Draco Malfoy was standing directly over him. I saw the fear in Harry's eyes, saw his panicked efforts to get the wand and saw the enemy prepare to attack. Without thinking I found myself running, willing myself to get to him before the spell did.
"Cruio!"
I felt myself scream, but the pounding of blood in my ears drowned out the sound. Every nerve burned and pain coursed through me. Through the torture and through the screams I could hear something else, something I hadn't heard in a long time. I willed my mind to focus on it, to forget the pain, but I could not. My body writhed as I fought, anguished wails resonating through my head. Then suddenly it was over and I lay gasping in the dirt, my limbs twitching involuntarily.
"Neville?" Harry's voice was filled with dread.
"Did … did you hear?" I asked laying there weakly.
"What?" He asked and his face came into view over mine.
"Did you hear?"
He shook his head and looked up as we heard another scream.
"Hermione." He said flatly.
"No." I said not understanding.
A shudder went through my body and I whimpered a little. The sound I had heard before was back, a gentle whisper of song, a voice I had nearly forgotten.
"Why would you do that?" It asked.
"Because you love him." I murmured.
"I love you, Neville. Only you."
"I know. But I thought…" I began.
"Only you."
"Please don't leave." I begged, feeling lost.
"I'm waiting." The voice said and I thought I felt a brush of lips across my cheek.
"No…"
"Thank you." And she was gone.
"Neville?" Harry was calling again.
"Yeah." I choked the word out.
"Can you get up?" He asked.
I took a deep breath and held it for a moment, then slowly released it. Every bit of me ached and I was unsure if I could even sit up, let alone get to my feet. Very carefully I pushed myself up into a sitting position, then waited while the world ceased to spin.
"The others can't hold him off for long, we're going to have to do something." Harry said using my arm to become seated.
Another scream echoed through the forest and I looked up to find Ginny holding her arm close to her body and trying to help Hermione to her feet. Remus lay sprawled face down on the ground, unmoving. The only person standing between Draco and the house was Fred Weasley, his wand held at ready, knees bent to dodge. Through the haze that was my mind I couldn't remember why Fred and Hermione were there. They hadn't traveled with us.
"Stupefy!." Fred shouted and Draco fell back a step.
"Diffendo." The other man said and a large gash opened up on Fred's shoulder.
Movement nearby caught my attention and I turned to see Lily slipping out a window near the back of the cabin. Close behind her were my daughters and Bane Malfoy.
(Ginny)
I could not see beyond the doorframe, but I heard when Remus slammed against the cabin wall. I had seen the flash of light and knew a spell had hit him, but from my position it was hard to tell what kind. I prayed desperately that I would be able to help him and shoved my injured husband and Neville aside. Paying little mind to the man that stood in the midst of the clearing, I hurried to Remus' side. His pulse was strong, but there was a large gash on the back of his head from the impact.
"Come on, lean up for me." I whispered in his ear.
A groan answered and he obeyed unsteadily. Brushing back his greying hair I inspected the wound closer. There was more blood than I thought I could stand, but somehow managed to keep myself from passing out. The cut itself was not large and a bandage would work for the moment. I ripped off the edging of my shirt and began to wrap it around his head.
A burst of energy nearby caught me off guard. Neither of the other men were standing there. I looked frantically for my husband. He lay against the low wall gasping for breath. His attacker seemed confused so I tried to find Neville. As I searched Remus lurched to his feet only to totter over and nearly hit head again. I screamed involuntarily and caught his arm, helped him to the ground. Again I tried to wrap his head. The man struggled and batted my hands away.
"Leave it." He ordered and tried again to get up.
"No." I stated.
Neville appeared and grabbed Remus' arm, holding him still while I finally bandaged the wound. I mouthed my thanks. Suddenly Neville gasped and rushed past us towards Harry. I spun and heard someone use the cruciatus curse. Draco stood with his wand pointed at Neville, who writhed in pain on the ground, his animal screams echoing around us. I was frozen until beside me Remus stood.
"Stupefy!." He shouted and blue light streamed towards the blonde man.
Draco flew backwards and landed hard on the ground.
"Neville." I whispered and went to step forward.
Remus grabbed my arm and pointed towards the forest. Hermione and my bother Fred were emerging from the trees. I watched as they surveyed the scene and she ran for Draco's body.
"Hermione! No!" I screamed, but it was to late.
A flash of light blinded me momentarily and she flew back several yards to lie very still on the ground. Remus had shoved past me and was making his way across the yard towards Draco with his wand raised menacingly. I took a deep breath and made for Hermione, somehow avoiding the attention of our attacker. I watched over my shoulder as the older man advanced, trying to keep myself out of danger, my footing betrayed me and I tripped, fell hard on my left arm. Daggers of pain lanced through me, but I scrambled to my feet and made it to Hermione's side.
"Exanimus!" Draco shouted from behind me.
I turned and screamed as Remus fell to his knees and then landed face first in the grass.
"Hermione? You have to get up." I said and she mumbled something.
Another glance back to the cabin showed Fred standing between it and Draco. The sparkle in his eyes spoke of his anger, his friends were hurt and his girlfriend and baby were in danger, he'd keep them safe or die trying.
"What happened, Ginny? I don't understand." Hermione said as I tried to heave her up.
"Draco's evil. He betrayed us. You have to get up."
"The children?"
"Safe for the moment. UP." I commanded.
She obeyed and then pointed to something, "Ginny! The children!"
I turned and saw Lily, Bane, Ivy and Lotus all standing to the side of the cabin.
(Hermione)
I heard the screaming before Fred did. He was looking nervously over his shoulder as though he were afraid something had followed us, and jumped when I grabbed his arm.
"Did you hear that?" I asked.
He stopped to listen carefully and shook his head.
"Someone screamed. Come on." I took hold of his hand and dragged him along the path as quickly as I could.
I could see light where the forest thinned and thought I saw movement. Another scream pierced the air and Fred began to run, this time pulling me. We shoved through the underbrush and emerged into a scene that made very little sense.
Remus shouted a stunning spell that hit Draco squarely in the chest, sending him flying to a few yards from where I stood. Neville and Harry both lay on the ground, the former twitching involuntarily and the later very much alive. My mind did not have time to process Harry being alive, instead I ran to Draco's side. Surely there had been a mistake, they had not meant to hurt him, I repeated those words over and over in my head.
"Draco." I said approaching him.
Something wasn't right in his eyes; they flickered maddeningly with a red blaze. A smirk grew on his lips and he raised his wand at me.
"Draco, it's Hermione." I said.
"Mudblood." He muttered.
I edged closer.
"Stupefy." He growled, there was a flash of light and I was laying on the ground unable to catch my breath.
Ginny was there looking over me, holding her arm close to her body. Another spell flashed behind her.
"Hermione? You have to get up." She said urgently.
"What's going on?" I asked, but it came out garbled.
There was a pause as she looked back at the cabin fearfully, then down at me.
"What happened, Ginny? I don't understand." I said as the other girl grabbed my hand and tried to pull me up.
"Draco's evil. He betrayed us. You have to get up." She cried frantically.
My mind raced, but all I could think of were my children.
"The children?" I asked.
"Safe for now. UP!" She ordered loudly and I obeyed.
Once on my feet I had to fight to keep my balance. As I wavered in place I looked towards the cabin. Fred was standing opposite Draco, wand raised, ready for battle. His shoulder was bleeding badly and he seemed to be weakening quickly, but he stood his ground.
To the side I saw movement, and peering closely I saw Lily, Ivy, Lotus and Bane all standing in the shadow of the building. My oldest son was just climbing out the window to join them.
(Angelina)
I shut the door behind me and shoved a chair against it, knowing that it would do little to protect us. The children huddled together, Mia was crying, and I went to them. There were no comforting words I could say, no game I could distract them with, they knew as well as I did that this could be the end. It frightened me to think of death, so I gathered Mia into my arms and held her tightly, silently praying that I was strong enough to defend them.
Screams echoed from outside and Meshach ran for the window, but I caught his shirt and held him back.
"No. It's to dangerous." I whispered.
He glared at me, but obeyed.
For a long while we sat in silence, listening to the mayhem outside. Voices shouting spells and then a long wail that didn't sound human. At that the twins stood up and started for the window as well.
"Don't." I said.
They looked at me angrily, "Someone hurt our father."
"You have to stay. I'm sure he'll be alright."
They turned away and stared at the window, but did not move toward it.
Again a few minutes passed. I heard another voice, this one familiar. Leaping to my feet I sat Mia on the ground and broke my own rule, rushing to the window. Fred stood with his back to me, blood stained his sleeve, but he continued to stand ready against Draco Malfoy. The fight was drawing closer, soon he would be inside and then it would be to late.
"Alright," I said turning to look at my young charges, "you guys are going to slip out the window. Meshach, take them into the forest and hide. Don't come out until I come and get you."
"Aren't you coming with us?" Mab asked with a trembling voice.
"I'll be along. Come on."
One by one I helped them climb out of the building.
"What if something happens to the baby?" Meshach asked as I helped him up.
"Go on now." I told him.
His words stayed with me though. What if something happened to the baby? But, Fred needed my help. So I shook off my fear and gently lowered Mia out the window to be scooped up by her older sister. Without another thought I pulled the chair away from the door and went to help my friends.
The first and maybe only is… Abscendo, it means "to separate"
Also I would like to add for the record, Absence of Hope has nothing to do with this story at all. Aside from both being Harry Potter they are not connected. There will be a sequel of sorts to this, but not that. No. That was a bit of insanity that happened while considering something else.
Thanks for reviewing.
Rem-cycle- THANKS! I'm a review whore. I LOVE long reviews. Thanks for all the kind comments about my writing. Honestly, Draco is still not a nice person. Nor will he ever be. He's always going to be our wonderful Draco. He's just got something to care about now. I've always loved Draco so I had to be kind to him. I really hate it when people just suddenly make him a nice guy. He's not and never will be nice. Tolerant maybe, but not nice. Keep reading.
Natbag- Draco grew up. He's still himself, just adult. And I don't even know if he loved his wife. I'd like to think he did, but mostly I think she was the only person he could ever talk to. He was close to her and they took care of each other in their own way. I love Draco. But then I think I've already said that. Thanks for reviewing.
Dementorchic- Thanks for reviewing. Keep it up. I am very fond of Bane now as well. Thanks again.
Lolua- WOW! Thanks for reviewing. And I thought I was the only one who did a happy dance. I think I may have to adopt you. But anyway, Draco. Yes the enigma that is Draco Malfoy. He's a jerk, and a butthead and a stupid prat, but he still loves his son. The only reason he even cares about the others is for Hermione's sake. And I have returned. The next chapter could take awhile though. I'm a lonely crow at the moment as my cousin and best friend is always working. She calls from work but it's not the same thing. Sigh. And I promise at least a few bits on the after of this story.
(Lolua's review for Absence of Hope) - Yeah. They have reason. And the funny thing is that right before you reviewed I was telling Dragonsbane that I didn't know why Hermione got sick. I was all confused about it, but she did and wrote it down all confused like. And then you reviewed and I realized why she got sick. And I think she felt like she couldn't get her hopes up only that it not be true. A mixed blessing to be sure. Please don't send the chickens after me. I swear this has nothing to do with Supposed Happiness. And I can promise Ron gets through in tact. As does Mione. There are plans in the works for the future. Also Dragonsbane says she is grieved for not posting in so long. But would love you to review her two latest. Potting Soil (which is very playful and naughty) and Strawberries (which should jerk some tears free)
Thanks everyone for reading.
(Remus)
The children were quiet. There was no laughter, no singing and no exploring. They sat in small groups around the room, talking in hushed voices, occasionally looking nervously at the small window or the door. Angelina did her best to comfort them, hefting Mia about with her and offering soft words to each of them. Meshach would have none of it and sat in a corner with Mab and Ivy, a frown permanently on his features. The two girls tried to cheer him up, but he refused and so they sat beside him in silence. Lotus had left her sister and was sitting with Lily and Bane on a cot. They both seemed to be listening to her intently.
I sat by the door and focused all my senses on the forest around us. If it had been closer to the full moon I might have been of better use. My thumb rubbed the edge of my wand absently as I watched the trees gently sway in the breeze, small animals leap from branch to branch and the red sun glitter down to the ground below.
"Are you sure you don't want me to watch for a while?" Angelina asked standing above me.
I looked up at her and shook my head.
"If something happened to you …" I began and looked back out the window near the door.
"Shouldn't we be trying to move the children, I mean, if Meshach is The Dreamer. If something is coming to hurts us we need to get out of here, or at least move the children."
"The only way in and out is the path, if something is coming it will be there and we can't chance meeting it." I explained rubbing my aching eyes.
Lack of sleep was making my head hurt, but I couldn't chance the rest.
"Are you sure you don't want to rest? I'll wake you if something happens." She offered again.
I motioned her to go back in the room as an odd noise reached my ears. Falling silent she edged back into the bedroom and shut the door behind her. I heard her voice telling the children to keep quiet. Very slowly I approached the door. The sound came again, a rustling in the forest. Something large. I tried to pick up a scent on the air, but found I could not.
My eyes strayed to the window and I saw the underbrush in front of the path shake violently. Raising my wand, I hoped to catch the creature off guard. With a curse on my lips I opened the door to find what I least expected.
Neville was supporting Harry who seemed to be injured severely. Dried blood stiffened his clothing and he stumbled as he walked. Ginny walked a short distance away, a pained look on her face.
"What happened?" I shouted and ran out to them.
Neville smiled half heartedly at me as I took Harry from him.
"Draco. We'll explain when we get inside." Ginny said.
I led them into the small building and placed Harry on my cot by the door. He looked up at me and whispered his thanks.
"What is going on?" I asked.
Ginny lowered herself to the floor near her husband and closed her eyes for a moment.
"It's been Draco all along. He's wrote on the walls, and attacked Neville and tried to kill Harry." She said pulling her knees to her chest.
"I don't understand, why would he do that? And what happened to Harry?"
"We don't know why he's doing it, but I'm sure it has something to do with Voldemort." She replied and Neville shivered at the name.
"And Harry?" I persisted, glancing at the boy already fast asleep.
"He and Draco and Ron all came out to get Lily and bring her back. Draco attacked the other two and … and thought he'd killed Harry. He brought Ron back alive and left him with us before running off again. Neville and I came looking for Harry's body … we thought … and … anyway we found him alive and he told us about Draco and we came here." She finished with a heavy sigh and leaned her head back against the cot.
"Where are the girls?" Neville asked looking around.
"Oh, yes," I remembered I'd sent them all to hide, "Come on out."
The bedroom door opened slowly and Angelina peeked out cautiously.
"You all can come out now. Neville, Harry and Ginny are here." I said waving her out.
"Daddy?" A voice piped up and the door was forced the rest of the way open.
Ivy and Lotus grinned madly at the father and ran to latch themselves onto him. Neville gathered them into his arms, commenting on how big they'd gotten in such a short time. The other children seemed more reluctant to run at the adults. Lily had grabbed Bane's hand and was dragging him toward her mother.
"Mummy?" She asked tugging Ginny's sleeve.
Ginny opened her eyes and smiled at the two children in front of her.
"Hello sweetheart." She said.
"This is Bane." Lily said shoving Bane forward to meet her mother.
"Hello Bane."
"Is Lily's father alright?" He asked looking curiously at Harry.
"He just needs rest."
"Why don't you go lay down in the other room, Ginny. I can watch Harry for a bit. If anything happens I'll call for you." I promised.
She seemed reluctant to go, but with a glance at her husband she agreed and stood up again. I watched her slowly meander into the bedroom with Lily and Bane at her heels. It occurred to me that something other than Harry's injury had happened in the forest. There was tension I couldn't put my finger on.
"You know," Harry whispered staring at the ceiling, "his wand barely missed my heart."
"What?" I asked confused.
He smiled a bit and lazily lifted his shirt to show me a gaping hole just beneath his ribs. My stomach churned a bit at the sight.
"The enemy, who means to kill me, misses the goal. My friends, who mean to help, finish the job for him." His eyes shifted to Neville who was whispering quietly with his daughters in a corner.
"I don't understand."
He chuckled to himself and shifted a bit on the cot, wincing at the movement.
"Have you ever wanted to go back in time and just fix something, one little mistake …" He asked looking at me curiously.
"Yes." I replied sitting on the floor next to him.
"I did once. I fixed something. And you know, in the end, it didn't matter anyway. He still died."
"That couldn't be helped." I said wishing he would get to the point.
"I keep thinking that if I can just get back to where this mess started I can fix it. I can make it better. But in reality, it would all end the same way. I honestly don't know how much longer I can keep doing this."
"What?"
"Being the hero."
"It's not quite like that…" I started.
"I'm sick of it. Sure I do great things, but I never manage to save the people who mean the most to me. I always lose them, and it's always my fault. The world is safe, but at what cost? My family, my friends, my marriage and maybe this time … my life. I don't want to die, but I don't think I can do this anymore."
His fists were clenched at his sides as he returned to staring up into the air. I reached out and pulled his shirt back over the wound.
"What happened in the forest, Harry?" I asked.
"Which betrayal would you like hear about?"
"The one that made you feel this way."
He turned his face away from me and I thought I saw tears in his eyes, "I don't think I can talk about that one."
"Things will look different when all this is over." I said trying to sound hopeful.
"So," He said sniffing a little, "Did you and Tonks finally get it together?"
His rapid change of subject startled me, but I recovered and smiled when he mentioned her name.
"Not yet."
"You can't keep her waiting forever."
"I know."
His daughter laughed loudly from the other room and his hardened features truly smiled.
"I never thought I'd have a child. Not really. She was something of a surprise." He said quietly.
"A good surprise." I grinned back at him.
"Maybe you and Tonks will have one of your own soon." He suggested again shifting his weight.
My face fell, "No. I can't."
"Why not? Are you…" He let the sentence hang realizing we were discussing very private things.
"No, nothing like that, but there is a chance that my children will have the same illness as me. I don't think I could live with myself if I let my child go through that." I explained.
He eyed me for a long moment.
"Things are different now, I don't think they'd have as many problems as you did. Besides we don't even know if Tonks can have kids. Those scars of hers run deep. Don't let fear keep you from happiness."
I smiled a little at his wisdom, "Follow your own advise."
"Can I talk to my daddy now?" Lily asked pulling on my sleeve.
"Where did you leave Bane?" I asked glancing around the room for him.
"In the bedroom sleeping." She said and moved past me to crawl up onto the cot with her father.
I nodded to Harry and stood up to walk around.
(Harry)
She sat on the edge of my cot swinging her feet a little and eyeing me worriedly. I noticed her hair had once again escaped the ribbon that held it, even the strongest binding spell couldn't hold her unruly locks. With brilliant green eyes she watched me lay there, saw every bit of dried blood and every bruise on my skin. Her silence made me uncomfortable.
"Did you need something?" I asked kindly.
"No."
Slowly her fingers went to lift my shirt, instinctively knowing where the worst of the injuries was located. I stopped her and shook my head.
"You don't need to see that."
"Does it hurt?" She asked.
"Yes."
For a second time she looked me up and down.
"You bled a lot. Are you going to be okay?"
"I think so."
Her eyes narrowed thoughtfully and I desperately wanted to know what she was thinking.
"Did Bane's father hurt you? I heard Mummy say so." Her voice sounded a little panicked.
I considered my answer for a moment. Despite my severe hatred of Draco, Lily was very attached to his son. I'd never seen her take to someone so quickly or so well. There was always a barrier between she and the world, I could feel it between us and I saw it when she was with her cousins. However, in the few days she had known Bane they had become best friends.
"He did." I was honest and hated myself for it as she looked shocked.
"Why?"
"I don't know. We're going to find out though."
"Maybe it was Voldemort." She whispered leaning towards me.
"No. He's dead." I assured her.
"Meshach said that he saw him in a dream, he said he saw him coming here and that he'd killed you."
"But I'm not dead." I reminded her, but felt a chill at those words.
"No. But you could have died."
Suddenly Remus held up his hand for silence. I heard the noise then as well. A rustling in the forest. Lily hopped down and hurried for the bedroom, followed by Ivy and Lotus.
"Stay here." He ordered us.
Ginny came from the other room then, looking wide awake and terrified. Behind her the door shut and I heard a chair scrap up to lean against it. I gathered my strength and heaved myself into a sitting position, ignoring the mind numbing pain that engulfed my side. A hand grabbed my shoulder as I lost my balance and steadied me.
"Easy there." Neville said.
We watched as Remus slowly opened the door and peered out. I scrambled to my feet with a little help from Neville and limped forward. One hand reached for my wand while the other gripped the other man's arm for support. A glance about the room and I saw the others were armed as well.
We watched as the brush parted and a familiar form strode out. His back was perfectly straight and he walked with an air of importance. The very air crackled about him. The wand in his hand was held ready for battle and his eyes darted to where we had gathered.
Remus stepped out and raised his wand, a spell on his lips. Frantically I tried to pull him back, but he sidestepped from my grasp.
"Ava … ," Draco seemed to falter for a mere second, "Stupify!" He shouted and the werewolf took the stunning spell straight to the chest and flew backwards against the side of the cabin.
Ginny shoved us out the door and ran past me to his side, her hands checking his pulse. Neville made a noise and I looked back towards our attacker to find him doubled over.
"Stupefy!" Neville shouted and I felt the spell fly past my head.
It caught the other man by surprise, hitting him in the shoulder and shoving back a few paces.
"Stupefy!" I cried myself and caught him in the other shoulder.
It's seemed he would fall then and give us time to bind him, but instead he straightened up and turned his eyes on Neville and I. Energy flowed towards him as he gathered strength, we raised our wands again to cast another spell, but before we could speak a cry rang out.
"Abscindo." A bolt of blue light flew towards us.
Neville tried to move us out of the way, instead we found ourselves flying in two different directions. There was a moment of vertigo and then the low stone wall met my back knocking the breath from me. Gasping I searched for my wand and found it lay a few feet away. I struggled to get it, falling on my side and dragging myself forward. A scream from the house caught my attention and I looked to find Remus has gotten up only to fall down again holding a bloody spot on his head. I searched for Neville, but didn't see him, continued to reach for my wand.
"No, no." A strange voice said and I looked up from the dirt and grass to find Draco staring down at me.
Death stared from his eyes, which were glowing faintly red. I stared back still fighting to breathe, though I knew that in a few moments that breath would mean very little.
"Ava…" He began pointing his wand at me.
I flinched a little and waited for darkness, but it never came. Instead he had closed his eyes and seemed to be fighting to get the words out. Using his distraction I edged closer to my wand, feeling it against my fingertips, just a little further. A sharp pain ripped through my side and warmth spread from the reopened wound, still I stretched to gain my weapon.
(Neville)
The blue light threw me from Harry's side and onto the ground near the wall, for what seemed like ages I couldn't force myself to move. The impact had come so quickly I was having trouble controlling my limbs, but regained command quickly, clambering to my feet. Instinctively I began looking for my wand, it lay at my feet and I scooped it up, standing ready for another attack, but it did not come. Instead I heard Ginny scream from where she was trying to help Remus.
Unsteadily I made my way to the front of the cabin again. Ginny was trying to bandage a gash on the back of the werewolf's head, his refusal to hold still was making it difficult.
"Leave it." He growled and tried to stand again.
"No." She hissed back and pulled him down to finish tying the bandage.
I grabbed the older man's arm and held him still for her.
"Thanks." She mouthed.
My eyes searched for Harry and I found him crawling across the ground for his wand. The dark figure of Draco Malfoy was standing directly over him. I saw the fear in Harry's eyes, saw his panicked efforts to get the wand and saw the enemy prepare to attack. Without thinking I found myself running, willing myself to get to him before the spell did.
"Cruio!"
I felt myself scream, but the pounding of blood in my ears drowned out the sound. Every nerve burned and pain coursed through me. Through the torture and through the screams I could hear something else, something I hadn't heard in a long time. I willed my mind to focus on it, to forget the pain, but I could not. My body writhed as I fought, anguished wails resonating through my head. Then suddenly it was over and I lay gasping in the dirt, my limbs twitching involuntarily.
"Neville?" Harry's voice was filled with dread.
"Did … did you hear?" I asked laying there weakly.
"What?" He asked and his face came into view over mine.
"Did you hear?"
He shook his head and looked up as we heard another scream.
"Hermione." He said flatly.
"No." I said not understanding.
A shudder went through my body and I whimpered a little. The sound I had heard before was back, a gentle whisper of song, a voice I had nearly forgotten.
"Why would you do that?" It asked.
"Because you love him." I murmured.
"I love you, Neville. Only you."
"I know. But I thought…" I began.
"Only you."
"Please don't leave." I begged, feeling lost.
"I'm waiting." The voice said and I thought I felt a brush of lips across my cheek.
"No…"
"Thank you." And she was gone.
"Neville?" Harry was calling again.
"Yeah." I choked the word out.
"Can you get up?" He asked.
I took a deep breath and held it for a moment, then slowly released it. Every bit of me ached and I was unsure if I could even sit up, let alone get to my feet. Very carefully I pushed myself up into a sitting position, then waited while the world ceased to spin.
"The others can't hold him off for long, we're going to have to do something." Harry said using my arm to become seated.
Another scream echoed through the forest and I looked up to find Ginny holding her arm close to her body and trying to help Hermione to her feet. Remus lay sprawled face down on the ground, unmoving. The only person standing between Draco and the house was Fred Weasley, his wand held at ready, knees bent to dodge. Through the haze that was my mind I couldn't remember why Fred and Hermione were there. They hadn't traveled with us.
"Stupefy!." Fred shouted and Draco fell back a step.
"Diffendo." The other man said and a large gash opened up on Fred's shoulder.
Movement nearby caught my attention and I turned to see Lily slipping out a window near the back of the cabin. Close behind her were my daughters and Bane Malfoy.
(Ginny)
I could not see beyond the doorframe, but I heard when Remus slammed against the cabin wall. I had seen the flash of light and knew a spell had hit him, but from my position it was hard to tell what kind. I prayed desperately that I would be able to help him and shoved my injured husband and Neville aside. Paying little mind to the man that stood in the midst of the clearing, I hurried to Remus' side. His pulse was strong, but there was a large gash on the back of his head from the impact.
"Come on, lean up for me." I whispered in his ear.
A groan answered and he obeyed unsteadily. Brushing back his greying hair I inspected the wound closer. There was more blood than I thought I could stand, but somehow managed to keep myself from passing out. The cut itself was not large and a bandage would work for the moment. I ripped off the edging of my shirt and began to wrap it around his head.
A burst of energy nearby caught me off guard. Neither of the other men were standing there. I looked frantically for my husband. He lay against the low wall gasping for breath. His attacker seemed confused so I tried to find Neville. As I searched Remus lurched to his feet only to totter over and nearly hit head again. I screamed involuntarily and caught his arm, helped him to the ground. Again I tried to wrap his head. The man struggled and batted my hands away.
"Leave it." He ordered and tried again to get up.
"No." I stated.
Neville appeared and grabbed Remus' arm, holding him still while I finally bandaged the wound. I mouthed my thanks. Suddenly Neville gasped and rushed past us towards Harry. I spun and heard someone use the cruciatus curse. Draco stood with his wand pointed at Neville, who writhed in pain on the ground, his animal screams echoing around us. I was frozen until beside me Remus stood.
"Stupefy!." He shouted and blue light streamed towards the blonde man.
Draco flew backwards and landed hard on the ground.
"Neville." I whispered and went to step forward.
Remus grabbed my arm and pointed towards the forest. Hermione and my bother Fred were emerging from the trees. I watched as they surveyed the scene and she ran for Draco's body.
"Hermione! No!" I screamed, but it was to late.
A flash of light blinded me momentarily and she flew back several yards to lie very still on the ground. Remus had shoved past me and was making his way across the yard towards Draco with his wand raised menacingly. I took a deep breath and made for Hermione, somehow avoiding the attention of our attacker. I watched over my shoulder as the older man advanced, trying to keep myself out of danger, my footing betrayed me and I tripped, fell hard on my left arm. Daggers of pain lanced through me, but I scrambled to my feet and made it to Hermione's side.
"Exanimus!" Draco shouted from behind me.
I turned and screamed as Remus fell to his knees and then landed face first in the grass.
"Hermione? You have to get up." I said and she mumbled something.
Another glance back to the cabin showed Fred standing between it and Draco. The sparkle in his eyes spoke of his anger, his friends were hurt and his girlfriend and baby were in danger, he'd keep them safe or die trying.
"What happened, Ginny? I don't understand." Hermione said as I tried to heave her up.
"Draco's evil. He betrayed us. You have to get up."
"The children?"
"Safe for the moment. UP." I commanded.
She obeyed and then pointed to something, "Ginny! The children!"
I turned and saw Lily, Bane, Ivy and Lotus all standing to the side of the cabin.
(Hermione)
I heard the screaming before Fred did. He was looking nervously over his shoulder as though he were afraid something had followed us, and jumped when I grabbed his arm.
"Did you hear that?" I asked.
He stopped to listen carefully and shook his head.
"Someone screamed. Come on." I took hold of his hand and dragged him along the path as quickly as I could.
I could see light where the forest thinned and thought I saw movement. Another scream pierced the air and Fred began to run, this time pulling me. We shoved through the underbrush and emerged into a scene that made very little sense.
Remus shouted a stunning spell that hit Draco squarely in the chest, sending him flying to a few yards from where I stood. Neville and Harry both lay on the ground, the former twitching involuntarily and the later very much alive. My mind did not have time to process Harry being alive, instead I ran to Draco's side. Surely there had been a mistake, they had not meant to hurt him, I repeated those words over and over in my head.
"Draco." I said approaching him.
Something wasn't right in his eyes; they flickered maddeningly with a red blaze. A smirk grew on his lips and he raised his wand at me.
"Draco, it's Hermione." I said.
"Mudblood." He muttered.
I edged closer.
"Stupefy." He growled, there was a flash of light and I was laying on the ground unable to catch my breath.
Ginny was there looking over me, holding her arm close to her body. Another spell flashed behind her.
"Hermione? You have to get up." She said urgently.
"What's going on?" I asked, but it came out garbled.
There was a pause as she looked back at the cabin fearfully, then down at me.
"What happened, Ginny? I don't understand." I said as the other girl grabbed my hand and tried to pull me up.
"Draco's evil. He betrayed us. You have to get up." She cried frantically.
My mind raced, but all I could think of were my children.
"The children?" I asked.
"Safe for now. UP!" She ordered loudly and I obeyed.
Once on my feet I had to fight to keep my balance. As I wavered in place I looked towards the cabin. Fred was standing opposite Draco, wand raised, ready for battle. His shoulder was bleeding badly and he seemed to be weakening quickly, but he stood his ground.
To the side I saw movement, and peering closely I saw Lily, Ivy, Lotus and Bane all standing in the shadow of the building. My oldest son was just climbing out the window to join them.
(Angelina)
I shut the door behind me and shoved a chair against it, knowing that it would do little to protect us. The children huddled together, Mia was crying, and I went to them. There were no comforting words I could say, no game I could distract them with, they knew as well as I did that this could be the end. It frightened me to think of death, so I gathered Mia into my arms and held her tightly, silently praying that I was strong enough to defend them.
Screams echoed from outside and Meshach ran for the window, but I caught his shirt and held him back.
"No. It's to dangerous." I whispered.
He glared at me, but obeyed.
For a long while we sat in silence, listening to the mayhem outside. Voices shouting spells and then a long wail that didn't sound human. At that the twins stood up and started for the window as well.
"Don't." I said.
They looked at me angrily, "Someone hurt our father."
"You have to stay. I'm sure he'll be alright."
They turned away and stared at the window, but did not move toward it.
Again a few minutes passed. I heard another voice, this one familiar. Leaping to my feet I sat Mia on the ground and broke my own rule, rushing to the window. Fred stood with his back to me, blood stained his sleeve, but he continued to stand ready against Draco Malfoy. The fight was drawing closer, soon he would be inside and then it would be to late.
"Alright," I said turning to look at my young charges, "you guys are going to slip out the window. Meshach, take them into the forest and hide. Don't come out until I come and get you."
"Aren't you coming with us?" Mab asked with a trembling voice.
"I'll be along. Come on."
One by one I helped them climb out of the building.
"What if something happens to the baby?" Meshach asked as I helped him up.
"Go on now." I told him.
His words stayed with me though. What if something happened to the baby? But, Fred needed my help. So I shook off my fear and gently lowered Mia out the window to be scooped up by her older sister. Without another thought I pulled the chair away from the door and went to help my friends.