Dream of Deatheaters
By: Deep Shadows and EckoStalker
BE AFRAID BE VERY AFRIAD!! {Deep Shadows}
Several Days Later, after Artimis had finally convinced Alexis to give Lupin his room back…
Alexis shifted in bed, feeling the beginnings of a major migraine coming on. Uncomfortable, she twisted and turned, entangling herself in the bed sheets.
Her dorm in Gryffindor Tower was quiet and dark, the four other roommates sleeping peacefully beneath their quilts. Not a sound could be heard except for the rustlings of a restless Alexis.
Images and wisps of voices raced to and fro through Alexis's unconscious mind. Not making any sense whatsoever. She rolled led over. Pushing her heavier quilt onto the floor.
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It was pitch black outside and throughout the castle, pretty much everyone calm and happy. Except for one. All the way in the Slytherin House, Artimis also tossed and turned, sensing something wrong -an anguish from someone. Unnoticed and unwilling, a realization of who's it was surfaced in her restless head. Alexis...
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Back in Gryffindor Tower, Alexis had started trembling, the images becoming more distinct. The usually cool dorm room rapidly heated up a few degrees.
Causing the other girls to shift slightly -the rising heat gradually affecting their bodies.
Alexis saw brief and sudden flashes: the Forbidden Forest, much darkness, a clearing. She also felt a fear -unspeakable fear- once she viewed through the dimness a tight ring of figures.
Alexis's body tensed as she heard faint murmurings and whispers. Her anger swelled for a strange reason, and a few small wisps of green flickered over her sleeping body, but leaving just as soon.
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Across the school, Artimis frowned in her sleep -almost feeling a short echo of this fear. Her scarred arms itched, but nothing else occurred.
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The scenes in Alexis's mind crashed around painfully, but nonetheless becoming more and more detailed and distinct. Now, it was as if she was actually looking on as part of the group. She peered closer -her vision filled with billowing black cloaks and leering white masks. The term struck her. Deatheaters... Alexis realized suddenly, white-hot anger flashing through her.
Gradually sounds became clearer, the mumbles and murmurs occasionally sounding coherent. The words floated through Alexis's churning thoughts,
"... the time draws nearer..."
"... no one will interfere this time..."
"... people on the inside inform us..."
"... that idiot Dumbledore is without a clue..."
A flash inside the ring of Deatheaters. Glimpses of a throne-like structure... a hooded figure... Even in its restful position, an air of power and malice emanated from him. Yes, him. The Deatheaters continue their hushed conversations, the apparent leader in the midst of them seeming amused, almost content. Alexis felt a wave of familiarity course through her, followed by an overwhelming sense of deep loyalty to this figure. Her anger was fueled when she felt this, a loyalty she loathed horribly.
For this powerful being was indeed Lord Voldemort.
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Artimis awoke with a start, sweating and jumpy. She had clearly felt it -the sudden outburst of anger and fear from a distant source; a brief vision of green flame. She flew out of her bed, knowing all to well who this source was. She stumbled down the stairs and across the Slytherin common room, bolting down the hall towards the only person she thought of that could help.
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Flames slowly spread outward from Alexis as she lay rigid and trembling -lost within her premonition.
One of the girls near Alexis finally awoke, mumbling in irritation about the heat. Her eyes widened at the sight of the consuming green fire and she sat bolt upright -screaming hysterically and waking everyone else in Gryffindor Tower in fear. The three other girls inside the room stared in awe terror, then also bursting into a chorus of screams and hollers -while tripping and shoving to get out the door as the flames quickly singed and burned everything within a two foot radius from Alexis.
Alexis felt -no, knew- it was Voldemort, but didn't know how or why -his face was hidden and he did not speak. Alexis cringed inwardly and prayed desperately that he did not notice her, for she felt as if she was in plain view of everyone. Only two dominate emotions flooded Alexis -fear of being found out and anger, uncontrollable anger.
A chilling voice broke through her pained unconsciousness, and Alexis flinched inwardly again- though she somehow had grimly expected it. It spoke to her in low, taunting tones. One day you will be apart of this, I look forward to it. At this, Voldemort turned his head, his hood falling back. Alexis stared in numbing horror into deep blood red eyes that seared into her mind, promising pain and suffering. He had found her, he knew that she knew... The voice laughed menacingly and Alexis screamed in her sleep.
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Artimis ran down the hallway, not caring that she had woken up her roomies Hailey, Pansy and the rest of the others in her dorm. Hailey followed her, wondering what was going on. Artimis raced down the corridor to Professor Snape's private quarters. She banged on the door loudly, ''PROFESSOR! PROFESSOR!" she heard faint shuffling and bumping on the other side if the door and she stood back quickly as it flung open. Before her stood Snape in a white tunic and black pants. "What is it?!" he slurred tiredly but alertly.
"Sir, it's Alexis. Don't ask me how, I know I just do. Come on, get dressed!" she yelled hurriedly as she continued to rush towards the statue exit of the Slytherin House. Snape stared in bewilderment, barely hearing but a few frantic words. He then grabbed his cloaks and swept out the door behind her.
Artimis ran as fast as she could towards the Fat Lady. Please let me make it, she thought as she ran up the stairs two at a time, Snape on her heels. She was barefoot, but remarkably kept her feet on the slippery stone.
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As Alexis's roommates burst out of their dormitory in a jumble of shouts and screams, Hermionie Granger was the only one present that kept her wits about her. Pushing the hysterical twits aside, she gracefully flew down the stairs, bolting past a startled Ron and Harry as all the Gryffindor boys amble out to see what was causing the ruckus.
No one dared venture up to Alexis's room, so everyone remained in the Common Room -some trying to calm the still screaming third year girls. Hermionie reappeared, dragging a stern McGonagall behind her. They hurried upstairs to the room, viewing a flaming, screaming Alexis still asleep atop a slowly diminishing bed of ashes.
McGonagall had been informed of Alexis's condition, and she thought she was ready for the worst. But one thing she wasn't told about -How do I stop her!?
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Artimis ran up to the Fat Lady and shouted breathlessly, "Slytherins Suck!" and the portrait obediently swung open. Snape didn't dare ask how she knew the password.
Artimis pushed and shoved her way roughly through the large crowd of people and screaming girls in the common room, Snape weaving behind her. They ran up the stairs and Artimis pushed past a stunned McGonagall, who looked to Snape in hopeful confusion. But Snape wasn't eye level anymore. He was on his knees, clenching his teeth against the ripping pain radiating from his Dark Mark tattoo.
Artimis ignored everyone and ran straight into the flames, expecting to be burnt, but remarkable not having a hair singed. Pushing this wonder aside, she sat on Alexis's stomach, grabbing her shoulders and yelling above the growing roars of the flame,
" Fight it! I'm here. Fight the fire!"
The two teachers watched on in mute astonishment, but Artimis ignored them, bent on waking Alexis from her trance.
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Alexis released all her fear and anger into the scream, and there was A LOT. She was vaguely aware of her bed disappearing along with her roommates, but that didn't matter. The voice had been too much. It tore into her very soul -forcing her to realize that she was waging war on something she couldn't control. She knew somehow she had stumbled upon a secret plot -and Lord Voldemort had found her out. She couldn't take it any longer, she wanted it all to stop. She wished to die and rid herself of all of it.
Then she felt a crushing weight on her stomach and a calming voice cut through her growing despair," Fight the fire!"
Ar... Artimis? H, how did you get h, here?... she wondered confusedly, but still focused on her friend's frantic calling and fought like hell against the anger that was threatening to consume her.
Slowly but surely, the flames withdrew and Alexis stopped screaming. Her eyes remained closed and she breathed in harsh gasps, still trembling.
Snape looked up in immense relief as the pain subsided in his arm, and McGonagall helped him shakily stand up.
Alexis's' face glistened in pain induced tears as Artimis hollered forcefully, "Open your bloody eyes and look at me!"
Alexis obeyed and focused blearily on Artimis's concerned face inches from hers. Behind and above her, though, she viewed Professor Snape's flabbergasted stare.
At the sight of him, Alexis again went rigid and her eyes glazed over, all the while glaring at Snape. The deep cold voice whispered in her mind, trying to persuade her. Traitorous... liar... DEATHEATER!
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Severus didn't know what to expect. The banging at his door was urgent and the voice was unmistakably Ms. Callabella's. I can't even sleep in peace. He rushed to the door and there she stood, fright in her eyes. She quickly threw a string of information at him, but all he really caught was," Alexis... don't ask... Get dressed!"
Totally at a lost, he merely reached for his nearby cloaks and took off after her.
Next thing he knew, they were through the Gryffindor portrait hole -hearing a rather offending password- up the girls dorm stairs and him rolling on the floor in agony as he saw Artimis barrel into the flames that were her friend and yelling something to Alexis about fighting it. He watched the fires pull back, along with his pain, and stood up, walking over to Alexis and Artimis. He watched in horror again as Alexis stared at him in fury, going rigid and ready to explode. Fearing for the already injured Artimis who was seated atop her raging companion, he grabbed Artimis's shoulders and pulled her back, shielding her from an expected attack.
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Alexis watched her body react as if from a different perspective. Someone else's rage was enveloping her, using her power for its own will, though she was still apart of it. But this time instead of her entire body being wreathed in flame by her anger, it was harnessed, though not consciously, and directed to her balled up fists. Alexis was no longer herself as an evil being inhabited her and controlled her every movement. Alexis watched in frustration from her separate corner oh her mind, still being tapped into the anger, but not being in control of it. Her vision changed as her eyes widened, pooling over in a solid shade of bright green, sparkling like jewels as they stared in hatred at Severus Snape. She raised one arm -the flames spinning and twirling around her fist as she prepared to hurl a jet of searing fire his way. Alexis grinned sardonically, a grin not her own; as the real, trapped, Alexis desperately tried to fight off this powerful other side of herself.
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Artimis glanced at her companion, seeing the green fires slowly move to her fists as Alexis stood up. She saw the grin and her pure green eyes, feeling a pull in her heart of need and desperate fighting. She saw Alexis's eyes focus on Professor Snape, a look of pure hatred and evil in them. No... she isn't... oh, damn... she is... Artimis realized, and without thought, she dived in front of Professor Snape who was once again on his knees, clutching his arm and grimacing in barely controlled pain. Artimis spread out her arms in front of him, shielding him and speaking in a defiant voice," Alexis, I know you can hear me. Don't! I can feel you fighting. Please, keep fighting. He is not a danger to you or me. Relax." She turned her head slightly to see several people watching in the doorway. Professor McGonagall looked at her in curious helplessness.
"Get them out of here, I think she might flare up again." Artimis shouted quickly. McGonagall nodded, and pushed them down the stairs, making everyone group together in the Common room.
Artimis again turned her gaze to Alexis, who held up her flaming fist but hesitating in an obvious inner turmoil. "Professor Snape, you may want to leave." Artimis whispered, trying not to break her friend's concentration. Snape looked up at her as indignantly as was possible for him at the moment. through clenched teeth, he growled,'' I'm not leaving. Stop trying to protect me. I can handle myself. Since when have you had any authority over me!"
"I don't, but I'm immune to her fire. You saw it yourself. But I think you are still very much susceptible to It.'' she spoke calmly, her eyes never leaving Alexis's. Snape remained stubbornly in place, so Artimis remained standing in front of him, protecting him as best as she could.
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Alexis saw her friend, but could do nothing to stop herself. Another being was controlling her body as she felt the raw power of it filling her. A voiceless suggestion taunted her, . Attack, he is what you most fear and hate. One of those who has made you this way... Push your fear aside and focus on your anger -it is from this you draw out your gift! Alexis dwelled on this for a moment, but realized she couldn't attack even if she wanted to -Artimis was blocking the way in front of Snape. I can't attack her too... she's my best friend. Alexis thought timidly. The voice laughed -deep and mirthless, Friend!? A friend won't stand in the way of your revenge. You have much to learn... Alexis raised her fist unwillingly -ready to send the jet of flames their way -but she continued to argue- therefore slowing the attack. I won't hurt her... and Snape didn't do this, my FATHER did! Leave me alone! I won't do this!
The cold voice paused, contemplating her struggle. You have much potential, but are ignorant to how you could tap into it! Destroy them...
"NOOOOO!!!" Alexis yelled aloud this time, the two in front of her staring in shock.
Hmmm... you put up a good fight. But I WILL have you obey me. NOW!!!
Alexis yelled in agony as she was forced to release the flames -a fireball heading straight for the pair.
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Artimis feared the worst. Then she heard the deafening "NOOOOO!!!" escape from Alexis's lips. She relaxed -thinking it was over- and moved towards Alexis. Then she realized the desperate plea and defeat in her eyes. She quickly turned and pushed Snape all the way onto the ground. The fireball hit her back, but quickly dispersed, leaving not a mark or blemish. A look of relief tinged Alexis's eyes. But Artimis's mind fought her.
Little sister, stop her. Don't protect him. Attack her back! Diana called.
"No!" she yelled. But Diana was too strong at this moment. Artimis jumped at Alexis, grabbing her fists and slamming them behind her.
"Fight!" Artimis yelled as she now waged her own battle.
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Alexis tried to stop the fireball, but her inner tormentor was too strong. The voice laughed -and it cut through Alexis like a red hot dagger. There, not too bad...
Stop it! Alexis screamed her in mind, watching in relief when it didn't kill Artimis. But she was worried when Artimis lunged and slammed Alexis's wrists painfully into the wall behind her, the flames still dancing and spinning. Snape was lying prone, almost passed out from the continuation of the pain coursing through him through his pain numbed arm.
Unwillingly, Alexis sneered in contempt -clearly not herself- and for the first time, the being spoke through her in a deep chilling voice," Ah, so you still fight do you? All the more joy I'll have when I destroy you two."
Alexis gazed into her friend's eyes and saw Artimis was indeed fighting something herself.
Blue and brown colors battled and swirled harshly for dominance in Artimis's eyes, and Alexis knew if the brown won, there'd be no hope for her. Then a hopeful thought struck her of her own accord. Maybe if I anger Artimis enough, Diana will rid of me... then I won't... wouldn't be able to hurt anyone else!
The evil being in her head stopped suddenly, yelling in confusion and frustration. What are you playing at foolish girl? You wish to die?!
And so will you. Alexis said knowingly. She managed to smirk sadly at Artimis -who stared back in confusion. Alexis yelled," Come on! What are you waiting for?!" Alexis fought and gained some control over her body -using it to push against her friend roughly -hoping to goad Diana out. "Finish me off then!"
Stupid girl! What are you doing?!
Getting rid of you!
The being yelled in frustration. Not that easily, you twit... I'll send for you, and you WILL come... if you live... with this comment, he vanished in a wisp, just as Artimis's eyes turned and she prepared to strike.
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Artimis focused on holding back Diana. You can't... I won't let you! she cried.
Don't stop me, Diana chided. Artimis could feel herself ebbing, her inner strength diminishing. She thought fast and hard, trying to find a way.
"Alexis, help me!" she yelled out, trying to find strength. Then she lost control. Diana laughed as she took over.
Artimis took Alexis's wrists, flinging her to the floor by a wincing Snape. Alexis's flames died away as she stared in quiet patience. Snape lay still, breathing heavily, slowly releasing his arm.
"Ah, two with one stone." Diana taunted, her voice holding contempt, her fists balled at her sides.
"Since my sister's strength failed her, I'll take my time." she sneered. Then her eyes switched briefly.
"Alexis! Give me back the strength I gave you!" Artimis's voiced begged. Snape moved over to Alexis. "Tell her how much she means to you. If you don't, I fear we all are dead." he whispered through gritted teeth. It was just what Alexis needed to hear.
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Alexis fought, but with herself this time. I don't want to live any longer... I'll just cause more pain...
Then she noticed Professor Snape behind her, clutching his arm and gasping in past pain and agony. No... I can't be the cause of his death too...
She had to help Artimis and Snape live, but that would mean sparing herself too. This is too much... wait, no it isn't...
She stared up in determination, then turned to Snape after his comment." I'm sorry Professor. I can't do that. My life is over." With that, his eyes widened, and she rammed him, making him roll out of the door. She painfully pulled herself up and slammed it, yelling, "Collaportus!"
Alexis turned and stared into Artimis's eyes -which were full of surprise and anger. Alexis spoke softly," Two birds, eh? Looks like you forgot how to count after all your years locked away. Why don't you leave her the hell alone? I'll make you a deal, I let you kill me and then you leave Artimis be, but explaining that it wasn't Artimis who destroyed me. Got it?" Alexis stood wavering, trying to keep her strength in the face of things.
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Artimis watched and prayed her friend would understand. She watched as Alexis pushed Snape out the door, and heard the trademark cutting remark. But the little piece at the end scared Artimis. She's not serious, is she?
On the contrary, Little Sis, I think she's never been as serious as this in her entire life. Which is about to be cut short like she wants.
Artimis tried to hold Diana back, but she couldn't.
Artimis -Diana- sauntered forward, placing her hand under Alexis's chin. "I'd like to see you try and make me leave her alone." Diana replied, glaring triumphantly at Alexis.
Artimis continued to try and force her way through; Alexis standing there defiantly. Facing her gave Artimis hope. That's what I need... she thought as she saw a conflict rise within Alexis.
"Hope!" Artimis yelled, grabbing control for a moment. Alexis shook her head, and Diana stilled her face with the hand holding her chin.
"Deatheater spawn. Hope. Hmm, you have nothing but lust for pain and power. You will follow your blood and will kill all I hold dear. I can not allow this!" Diana mocked. Artimis forced a part of herself out, knowing the only way Alexis could tell was through her eyes.
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Alexis was confused on what Artimis was trying to get through to her. Artimis -taking control- had yelled a single word, "Hope!"
Alexis was very much lost, but she steeled herself, looking into her friend's once warm eyes and staring back, willing that Artimis would recognize her.
Alexis wished Diana would get it over with -for now she was having doubts. Damn it, Artimis! You don't understand. This is to help everyone. And I know Diana won't let anything happen to you.
Alexis took the scathing remarks with deathly calm. Hopefully, she glared back, stating," If you mean killing Artimis, you are sorely mistaken. I would never hurt her -which is why I haven't kicked your ass yet. But I am quite intrigued on how you won't allow me to do anything. Do explain." Alexis smirked mockingly, hoping it was enough to anger Diana. They stood quiet for a moment, Alexis's knees ready to give out in exhaustion and fear, but her determination kept her standing.
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Diana was taken aback, and Artimis was filled with hope as her friend declared that she would never be harmed at her hands. Artimis took control. She quickly grabbed her wand and pointed it at herself and yelled," Petrificus Totalus!"
She smiled as she felt all her muscles go tight. I can't hurt her now... Diana can't either.
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Severus was amazed as Artimis pushed him out of the fire's path. He was even more amazed when she went diving for Alexis. Until he realized it was Diana and not Artimis. He watched in blinding pain as the two stared each other down. His scarred tattoo burned madly while Alexis flamed up, and all he wished for was it to stop.
Snape's jaw dropped as he heard Alexis taunt Diana, wanting for her to kill her. Foolish child! She is playing with a force she doesn't understand! he thought amazingly.
He heard Artimis beg Alexis for help, and he wished he could provide it. It was tearing him apart to watch these two young people warring over things they couldn't control. He wanted to help.
It's my job as a Professor, I don't care anything for these annoying children, he sternly reminded and tried to convince himself.
He watched as Diana flung Alexis painfully to the ground, her flames receding and Snape relaxing as his pain eased mercifully. When Artimis looked at them, he knew they were done for. She towered over them, an angry scowl on her face, her fists clenched furiously. He listened quietly to Diana berate Artimis's attempts at control. Artimis had gained control once, and yelled to Alexis for hope.
But Alexis was obviously intent upon her own demise, but he felt it was a bit to early to die. So he discreetly scooted over to her and tried to reason with her. It obviously didn't do much because Alexis gave him a sad smile, commented, and the next thing he knew he was tumbling down the stairs and landing at Ronald Weasley's feet. He stood wobbly, shivered and walked carefully back up the stairs.
As he reached the room, he heard the spell and desperately hoped that both of them were alive. He opened the door to see Alexis over Artimis, who was paralyzed and smiling. Didn't Artimis's voice cast the spell? He then watched as Alexis bent down and started beating her hands against Artimis's chest, tearing in frustration.
"You can't do this! You were suppose to kill me! Why didn't you let Diana finish me!?"
Snape quickly rushed over to Alexis and pulled her off. He grasped her shoulders and looked in her desolate green eyes. "You listen to me. Death will solve nothing. Don't ever attempt that again! If she had killed you, she would have signed her own death decree as well!" he yelled furiously at this child for trying to throw away her life.
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Alexis was dumbfounded by Artimis's reaction, which had forced Diana out of her. Her old friend Artimis stood staring up at her. Blinded by this sudden turn of events, Alexis realized her goal had been destroyed. Artimis is alright, but I'm suppose to be dead!
Tears slipping down her face, Alexis flung herself at the prone form of Artimis.
Alexis continued to scream at her, her anger drowned out by despair as she weakly beat against Artimis. She was suppose to kill me, Damn it! Now it won't ever stop... Artimis smirked in grim satisfaction as if she knew what Alexis was thinking.
Alexis was vaguely aware of Snape pulling her off and gazing in her eyes, saying something about how stupid it was to think like this. He quickly lifted the spell from Artimis, then turned to watch Alexis stare ahead blankly, falling to her knees and repeating quietly," Please, please kill me. Make it end. Please..." Snape stared in shocked reverie as Artimis stood up.
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"I want to be dead to the world again please." Artimis sighed loudly. Obviously Snape didn't find it funny. Artimis moved to Alexis and smacked her in the face. "Get a hold of yourself! I'm not going to kill you and neither is he no matter how much you ask. Now get up and show some damn self respect!" She scolded, wrenching Alexis upon her feet. Artimis found herself glaring at Alexis, who just stood there dumbly. "If you ever, EVER, try to convince me to kill, I will lock you in a room and make sure you live as long as I do!" she yelled. She saw Professor Snape looking at her funny. "What are you looking at?" she said and immediately regretted it.
"Excuse me?" he asked a look of anger on his face. She turned to face him completely. "Sorry Sir, I was just frustrated."
"Not an excuse. Detention. Noon. Tomorrow." he said with malice as he stormed out of the room obviously to keep from berating them. Artimis, fed up, immediately turned and punched Alexis in the jaw, knocking her out. She rubbed her knuckles while she mumbled "I have had enough of this." She grabbed a blanket from one of the bed and wrapped Alexis in it. She walked with Alexis in her arms down the stairs out of her dorm. She glared at everyone as she walked down and there were whispers "Password needs to be changed, expect a Slytherin Raid tonight." Artimis in anger swiftly rushed out and took Alexis to the classroom. She turned, locked the door, placed Alexis down and collapsed from exhaustion and overworking herself. Damn you Alexis.... Damn you to hell..... I didn't ask to be a pawn in your death plot.... Damn you.... at least your ok...were that last thoughts she had before sleep captured her.
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