Chapter 14
The Price Of Revenge
By: Deep Shadows and EckoStalker
Disclaimer: We used 'Headstrong' By Trapt. We also used modified parts of William Shakespeare's Romeo And Juliet. in the lines: {To the death, I will back thee!} and (Aye, Nay will I turn my back and run!)
Author's Note: This is our Climax. Be ready for action. Lot's of it. And we advise you to not throw anything at us until you read the whole chapter. Please Read And Review. Also we plan on three more chapters then we will be done here and begin more serious work on 'Seven Years Later'. {Deep Shadows}
Artimis and Alexis dashed maddened through the woods some unknown force driving them. They slowed to a stop in a clearing. Suddenly about twenty Death eaters surrounded them. They snapped to awareness. Artimis swiftly shifted so her back was up against Alexis's.
{Alexis? Where are we?} Artimis requested, confused.
(I don't know)
{You paid more attention in Defense against the Dark Arts. What do we do now?} Asked Artimis slightly panicked.
(We didn't exactly have a class called 'what to do when you are surrounded by a pack of Death eaters) Alexis retorted. Artimis looked around in growing anger at the silver masks surrounding her. She could feel Diana boiling to escape. "Fight, I guess." Alexis said, her wand still in hand. They both rose up into their dueling stances. Understanding rushed to them that this would be their last time together. This was not a time of regrets; this was a time of action.
{To the death I will back thee!} Artimis remarked lovingly.
(Aye, Nay will I turn my back and run!) Replied Alexis.
"Let's make em proud!" Artimis said as a resolved look came over here face. A cold penetrating laugh filled the air. "Fighting is futile. You are mere children." Lord Voldemort's voice rang through the air, sending shivers down the girl's spine. Artimis glanced over her shoulder and saw The Dueling Club, including Lupin and Snape running up.
{Look, here comes the Calvary}
(Joy) Alexis said internally groaning.
"Join me! Let me show you true power and glory!" Voldemort called out to them.
"My lord, more come. He is with them!" a Death eater cooed to Lord Voldemort.
{We can't let them die because of us!} Artimis cried out to her companion.
(Any suggestions) Alexis questioned.
{Remember those hexes I told you were inhumane. Forget I said anything. Let em rip!}
(Yes ma'am) Alexis replied cheerfully. Artimis pointed her wand at a random Death eater. Alexis following suit. "Sangueflus!" they shouted. The two Death eaters fell to the ground, blood rushing from all their facial orifices. Taken aback Lord Voldemort shouted, "Do not do anything until I say!"
{Again} Artimis coaxed Alexis's ego as well as her own.
(Of course dearest) Alexis mentally cooed, sarcastic as ever. They moved their wand to other and yelled "Fagouro!" The Death eaters began scratching all over. "Enough! Do you children honestly think you can take on my loyal Death eaters?"
"Alexis, Artimis!" Was yelled as Lupin barreled through the ranks of the Death eaters. He turned his back towards them as a Death eater yelled "Cru-"
"Protego!" Alexis yelled before the final syllable was spoken. It rebound on its creator. Alexis breathed a sigh of relief as she felt Lupin near her.
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Lupin was totally shocked when Alexis had insulted his, and then physically threw him into a wall. He watched painfully and in confusion as she ran out, followed closely by Artimis. Snape yanked him up to his feet, to the great relief of the Weasley twins who were squished beneath him. Lupin pushed Snape aside and bolted out the door, Snape and the rest of the class following. What the hell just happened? I know Alexis that was definitely not Alexis. She actually lifted and threw me! Especially not her!
He ran quickly under the slightly darkening sky, and glimpsed two figures ahead of him and running into the Forbidden Forest. Why the forest? Artimis hates it in there... He heard Snape mutter worriedly, "Dumbledore said this would happen shortly..."
Lupin sped up through the thinned trees and shadows; he saw two small shapes and a ring of towering black figures. Death eaters...Oh no...
He heard a chilling voice faintly drift to his acute ears, and shuddered involuntarily as Voldemort's hissing tones insulted the girls. To his amazement the girls never wavered as they stood back to back, staring at the figures defiantly. It looked like an understanding was passing between them. Any other person I know would probably be hysterical and whimpering like puppies... He saw the girls set resolved looks upon there face as Artimis muttered something. He felt a glimmer of pride amongst his worry, when are Alexis smirked and threw the spell, seeming to enjoy hurting them. Pride but uneasiness as well. I don't know enjoying such things is sane...
But he felt a jolt of fear when the Death eaters became agitated, as the girls quickly and efficiently dropped several to knees momentarily. He called to them as he reached a gap in the ring and skidded to a halt beside Alexis. Her eyes widened and she lifted her wand towards him. He stood in shock thinking she was going to attack. Instead she erected a shield around him as the Crutaciuos curse was flung at him. Smiling weakly, he stood with his back to her side and smirked, ready to defend them to the death as Alexis visually relaxed at his presence.
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Artimis dreaded this day for years. Today she would kill or be killed. She felt guilty that everyone had followed them. She smiled as she felt Lupin's back near hers. She sent a silent prayer. {Mother, Guide me and Protect them. I will avenge the wrong that was committed so many years ago. I fear it's too early for me to succeed with my life, but I will die trying.} Artimis stood tall, flicking her wand towards one of the objects of her anger. Suddenly there was a blinding pain in her body. She felt her nerves burn and twitch under her skin. She slumped against Lupin his back supporting her, as she fought the screams that threatened to overtake her. She remembered hearing a muffled curse. The as suddenly as it had came the pain subsided, yet she knew the curse was not over. In her mind she heard the screams as Diana drew all the pain away. "Thank you." She whispered standing again, much to the surprise of her attacker. A glint of joy flashed her features as she yelled "Petrificus Totalus!"
"I grow weary of this. Enjoy your fun my pets. Kill them." Suddenly, there was a surge of magic as the students released their spells. Artimis vaguely registered Lupin and Snape facing off as she dodged a stunning spell with a cartwheel. She landed facing Snape, she pointed her wand, saying "Imperio!"
[Callabella you know that wont work on me]
{I know that's why I tried, now you can be a good guy and keep your cover!} She replied smartly. "Defend them!" She yelled, pointing her wand to the cluster of students. Snape nodded and took of that way, Lupin behind him. She barely dodged a cutting curse, it catching her across her cheek leaving bleeding gashes. Glowering in anger she stunned the attacker and searched for Alexis. She was shocked at what she saw.
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Alexis saw the curse hit Artimis, but was too occupied with her own problems. She heard the stunning charm sent her way so she flipped over it launching, "Immobilus!" right back at the Death eater and her fell over frozen. Smirking she somersaulted forward and threw a disarming charm at one that was tearing into the Aaron boy, and he nodded , throwing a stunning curse at his attacker. Alexis turned as she heard the "Reducto!" shouted at her. The spell glanced her as she tumbled away a tad too late. It shattered the bones in her wand-free right hand. Thank God I'm left handed... She thought through a haze of pain, as she rolled on to her back.
Lupin yelled for her to move, but she didn't her him as she clutched her broken wrist. He ran up to her and shouted a repealing charm as he made her sit up. She gasped in pain, Lupin holding her arm steady as he pointed his wand at it saying "Ferula!" Bandages wrapped tightly around her wrist as the pained lessened. She heard "Expelliarmus!" Lupin was hit and sent flying backwards twenty feet from her hitting the ground with a groan.
Enraged, Alexis raised herself to her knees and pointed her wand, screaming "Sangueflus!" The tall Death eater said nonchalantly, "Impervious!" and Alexis in her weakened state could not dodge as her spell bounded back on her. She fell back bleeding profusely from her eyes and mouth, not to mention her nose and ears, traces of pain and rage mingling with her blood. The all of the noise was muffled and distant as the Death eater grabbed her cloaks and lifted her to her feet, pushing her roughly back a few feet. She wavered dizzily from slight blood loss as she stared at the leering figure in horror-laced anger.
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He stood before her, unrecognizable from the rest of the scum Death eaters. Alexis could feel it was him. She stood stock still, panting with exertion and bleeding from several areas, but her bright green eyes never wavered from his masked face. McNair took a hesitant step towards her, but Alexis narrowed her eyes and hissed vehemently, "Stay away you piece of shit Death eater." He halted and gave a small inhumane chuckle, lifting his mask slowly from his face. "I've waited for this moment, Alexis. Daughter."
"It's just Alexis, to you. And I've disowned you quite a while ago."
He shook his head and gave a short derisive laugh. "Can't rid of me that easily, dear. You forget who you are and where you belong." He spoke softly and slyly, taking another step towards her. Alexis moved back again, shakily brandishing her wand, wanting to tear him apart, but now frozen in place under his calculating gaze. In her peripheral vision, she saw Lupin racing towards them -anger and protectiveness clearly displayed in his actions. But at about fifteen feet from them, he jerked to a stop, quizzically putting out his hands as if feeling an invisible wall blocking him. McNair amusedly saw Alexis's stare flicker towards the werewolf's efforts, and he gave one of his infamous insane laughs. It sent chills down her spine.
"I won't have petty inferences, Alexis. No one will interfere with this."
Alexis felt a grim glimmer of satisfaction. Oh, but that's exactly what I had hoped for... McNair became stony faced now, the insane glint in his eye now covered by his mission to please the Dark Lord Voldemort. "Join Alexis. You were born to be one of us. You cannot deny your fate any longer. Lord Voldemort can use his gifts, put them to his noble causes."
"I'm not denying my fate at all. Father. My fate is my own. It is to destroy you -even if it means destroying myself as well."
McNair sneered, and thoughtfully replaced the silvery mask upon his face. "You are foolish and stubborn, girl. Like your mother. But my Lord promised me she would be taken care of shortly. Since she so adamantly refused to aid me..."
Alexis froze and started trembling with fear and anger, tears welling in her eyes. Mother... he wouldn't...
Oh, but you know he would... echoed a dark voice in her head, causing her to turn deathly white. "Can't you ever just leave me the hell alone!?" Alexis sobbed, clutching her head and wincing with all the thoughts and assumptions reverberating off the walls in her mind. McNair laughed mockingly, tauntingly pulling out his wand. "Looks like my Lord wishes to have some fun before I dispose of you...But it don't have to be this way. Your life will be spared if you join us."
Alexis dimly heard him through the roaring torrent of memories and thoughts, the familiar anger flaring up unheedingly. But Alexis didn't put up too much of a fight as she stared into the black eyeholes of her Death eater father's mask. Faintly, she heard Lupin hollering to her, slamming his fists against the shimmering barricade of magical energy. On the outskirts of her vision, a long, lanky form sprinted up beside the frantic Lupin and warily touched the obstacle, watching her hand easily pass through.
{I'm coming, HOLD ON!}
Distracted momentarily, Alexis turned to see Artimis barreling though the barrier, wand drawn, and a frantic look in her eyes. McNair used this time to flourish his wand at Alexis's turned form, shouting triumphantly, "Imperio!" as Alexis quickly lost all sense in her mind and body, as if she was drifting into a lazy slumber. Alexis dimly watched her body being forced to step back and urged to brandish her wand. She saw herself pointing it threateningly at Artimis. Artimis looked at her with shock trying to skid to a halt. Alexis panicked, trying to fight off the curse sluggishly. McNair and the chilling thought specter of Voldemort laughed cruelly in her mind as Alexis was made to undergo stressing concentration and forced to shout in anguish, "CRUCIO!". Alexis watched in mute horror as her best friend fell to the ground, writhing and cringing upon herself, her cries of agony tearing into Alexis's consciousness.
Unknowingly, the precious link between the two friends was strengthen, opening up new doors in their minds to each other. Alexis felt this power clouding her senses and thought quickly of the only way to save Artimis from the torture.
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Lupin stood outside, staring helplessly in fury and rage. McNair laughed maniacally, still holding a trembling Alexis in his control. Lucius Malfoy appeared within the magic circle, grinning slyly as he stood silent, watching the fray. He drew his wand and pointed it at Artimis's convulsing form. "Seven long years I've waited for this. Let's see how strong your father will be now that he will lose the last living woman in his life." He cackled. He drew himself up and with contempt in his voice he yelled, "Avada Kedavra!" A blinding green light flashed through and hit Artimis's body. She went still as a womanish voice yelled "NOOOOO!" in pain in Alexis's head.
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Apollo had always been wary of his sister's friend, Alexis. When Alexis flared up in Dueling Club, he decided to forbade Artimis any further contact with her. He saw Artimis take off after the girl towards the Forbidden Forest. Damning her, he followed everyone else. He gawked when they came across his baby sister standing tall in the face of several Death eaters. He felt a familiar hatred stir in his stomach. These men had taken his mother and elder sister, and broken his father, he was not about to lose Artimis to them too. When that chilling voice yelled "Kill them!" He was the first to react. He was a quidditch player and loved playing beater. Dodging incoming spells, he charged forward taking any Death eater in his way down as he went. Artimis was ahead of him. He saw her dash through a shimmery shield to the Alexis. He heard the Death eater yell, "Imperio!" and watched in shock as Alexis cast the Crutacious curse on Artimis. He stared in renewed pain as his little sister cringed and flopped on the ground holding in screams that he knew she was feeling. Then he heard Lucius Malfoy and watched him raise his wand and kill his sister. Everything froze. Apollo let years of anger and longing take over fuelling his rage. It was said that twelve generations back that the Callabella's had Celtic Barbarians in their blood. Apollo let his blood boil and take control. He turned and began killing Death eaters. He was so berserk that he did not notice his sister rise from the dead.
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Alexis concentrated what little bit of free will she had and delved into Artimis's confused mind. Alexis felt two presences in her friend's head -both in agony and pandemonium, though one was overruled with darkness and brooding. Alexis mentally latched onto the other string of life and staggered back physically as she yanked the essence of Artimis out of her tortured body and into her own.
Alexis almost passed out with the exertion of her Imperioed body and the weight of supporting the confused spirit of Artimis, now stuck in Alexis's mind.
{Alexis, What... how... WHAT AM I DOING HERE!?} Artimis screamed, seeing through Alexis's eyes her own body writhing in torment at Alexis's own hands. Alexis was numbed with shock and couldn't answer -McNair continued his hold on her, still thinking Alexis was killing her best friend. {Alexis! WHAT ARE YOU DOING TO ME!?... hold on... what the fuck!?... Fight it, damnit! You've been under worse stress than Imperio...}
(Artimis?... but, if you're here... who's there!?) Alexis thought in horror as she watched Artimis's body flailing in pain. She caught a glimpse of her eyes - and vaguely registered them brown.
Artimis read the thought, and both girls whispered in shock, Diana.... Artimis was fed up with this crap, searched with mental fingers into Alexis's mind, probing for the barricade that kept Alexis from her free will.
(Damn it Artimis, hurry up! This isn't exactly pleasant and comfortable!) Alexis thought mentally, wavering as she tried to maintain them both in her overstressed mind.
"I'm almost there!... Well this isn't a walk in the park for me! Your mind is complicated and finding the right hallway is difficult!" Artimis's voice rang out of Alexis's small form. Lupin and Snape both turned and looked at her, shell shocked. As they watched Diana die in Artimis's body, Artimis found the wall and tore it down, causing Alexis to drop to her knees. Artimis upon hearing Diana's last words, cried out in sorrow for her now entirely dead sister.
There was complete and utter silence, the barricade around them blocking out the distant shouts and clamors of numerous others things taking place. Severus now stood besides Lupin, gawking in emotionless shock for the moment. Alexis breathed raggedly and grimaced, clutching her head as she yelled through gritted teeth, "Can't .... keep... you... in... much longer..."
McNair, confused watched silently. Lupin and Severus - prevented from interfering, now thought Alexis had totally lost it and braced themselves for an expected torrent of flame. Alexis cowered down and yelled, "Get out of my fucking head!"
Alexis jolted back, and Artimis's body shuddered. The four spectators stumbled back in feared awe as Artimis bolted upright, eyes unfocused and glaring at Alexis's hunched form. "Well sorry! Don't get all pissy at me... Didn't mean to make it painful..." Artimis slurred, slowly readjusting to her own body. Lucius gasped, but Artimis heard it and froze, her body going rigid in anger. Slowly Artimis turned and crouched, staring at him, her eyes widening in out-of-control rage as she went totally berserk.
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"Impressive qualities, Alexis. My Lord can use them for great advantages... Are you steadfast in your choice?" McNair asked quietly. Alexis unsteadily got to her feet, sweating and trembling. The bubble-like shield she felt was in place again, and she quickly glimpsed Lupin and Snape waging their own battles, Artimis was clearly occupied. Finally, I have him to myself.
"Yes, my decision has already been made." She stared defiantly into his own green eyes, anger swelling in her chest as she thought of all the trouble this person -her father- had caused her and those around her. Her best friend and her mother had already suffered.
Mother... she is still alive... I know she is...
Don't be so certain, girl. Shall I play back her dying screams of terror and pain for your enjoyment? I think you would benefit from them...
"NOOOO! I'll kill you for that!" Alexis practically roared as her anger was fueled and erupted, her eyes pooling over into a solid shade of bright green. But she did not feel the sudden loss of control she usually did when the green fires took over her frame. This time a deathly calm overtook her, and she gracefully moved into her dueling stance. McNair shuffled back a few steps in awe, but quickly regained his composure, idly lifting his wand.
"So be it." He spun and lashed out, the duel had begun.
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It was the oddest thing in the world, watching yourself die. Artimis was relieved when she returned to her own body, but it seemed hollow, empty, as if something was missing. Artimis felt that she had lost a part of herself, and that part was Diana. Artimis spoke to Alexis as she got up forcing her body to react. Then she heard that voice and remembered what he had done and what he had said. She turned to Lucius Malfoy, hunching her shoulders, crouching almost cat-like. She growled, letting all the loneliness, rage, and despair fuel her anger. She yelled out and power surged from her, her body growing tense as her focus locked on him. He stood there wand out, staring at her in fear. She pounced on him, her body weight forcing him to the ground, his wand falling away. They rolled out of the dome as if it were air. She tore his mask away, witnessing the truly fearful look on his face. She felt her hands tear at his face, her nails ripping lines across his face. The scent of his blood filled her nose, and she went into uncontrolled bloodlust.
She ripped and tore his hair out, he screamed and she wallowed in it, all sanity leaving her. Tearing away his Death eater cloaks she found a dagger. Clutching it with both hands she carved into his forehead the word 'Death eater'. He screamed in pain and she threw her head back and laughed, her laugh carrying a tinge of joy and pure bliss. She lifted the knife and plunged it deep into his shoulder. He slumped under her as she felt her rage ebb and the cruel reality of her deed filled her. Strong hands grasped her shoulders pulling her up from his body. She turned to look into the coal black eyes of Severus Snape. He looked at her in worry and understanding and she cracked. She dove into his arms as all the emotional walls she had put up came crashing down. She cried into his shoulder-letting out seven years of losses, of pain, of loneliness come down in tears. She felt him grip her tightly, his hand rose up to pat her head. "It's over. Your fine. I'm here. I won't let him get you." she heard him whisper in her hair. After she calmed down and she pulled back. His eyes looked tear-rimmed as he looked at her. She breathed a sigh of relief and fell over unconscious, for once at true peace.
Several minutes later she awoke in a sitting position, leaning against him. She heard Alexis yelling curses at her father. She was overcome with a urge to comfort her friend. Too weak to physically show support, she did the next best thing. She struggled with her over worked mind for the words to the song that pumped Alexis on the workout floor. Slowly, but surely the words to 'Headstrong' by Trapt filled her mind. She pushed up away from Snape to his surprise, and she began singing, her voice wavering at first but still carrying a tone of love. "Circling your head, Contemplating everything you ever said..." Alexis froze and grinned evilly, her head moving with the melody. "...Now I see the truth, I got a doubt, A different motive in her eyes and now I'm out..." Artimis sang, her voice growing louder and more confident. Everyone looked in wonder at her. Covered in blood, broken, Artimis gave that song her all. "...Back off, I'll take you on, Headstrong to take on anyone, I know that you were wrong, And this is not where you belong..." Alexis stood taller, drawing energy from Artimis's voice. Artimis was vaguely aware of someone singing with her. She turned her head to see Hailey, eyes closed, face upturned to the sky, singing the song with her. Slowly the guys joined in the song, adding their deep tones to the softer ones of the girls. Everyone of the students sang, lending their strength to Alexis. Remus Lupin catching the words, sang with his all, his adult male voice completing the melody. Snape sat there, aware of magic flowing from this beaten child in front of him, but not knowing the kind. Alexis knew she was loved, and today was not the day to die. She smiled hearing Artimis's voice magically boost her confidence.
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Alexis stood straight, forgetting her pain as she and her father proceeded into dueling positions. What amazed her was that she wasn't angry, she knew her mission -to destroy him. That's all she felt at the moment. His clear deep voice echoed inside their little dome of protection, "Crucio!" At the first syllable, Alexis shouted back, "Protego!"
McNair swiped his wand harshly, shattering her shield spell. Again, she yelled ,"Diffindo!" McNair stumbled back, holding his gashed open chest. He glared up at her and growled, "Impedimenta!"
Alexis dodged, rolling onto the ground and gasping in pain as she fell on her wrist, giving McNair time to yell, "Lepidae!"
Thousands of white hot stabbing pains ripped into her body, making her collapse onto the ground, cringing and biting her lip in silent agony. But she did not cry out. Instead of weakening her, the curse fueled her anger and energy, making her senses sharper and more acute. She stood up against the torrents of pain and yelled strongly, "Deprescino !" McNair cried out and fell to his knees. His blood felt as if was boiling and bursting through his skin, as dozens of slashes and cuts appeared over the span of his body. Alexis smirked and kept on with the curse, feeling an immense joy at his agonized and submissive state.
McNair managed to raise his wand shakily and spat out, "Dissoculo! " A wave of blackness overcame Alexis as the Blinding curse hit her full on. She cried out in anguish, frightened finally. It was always in the dark that the hunter became the hunted, the tormentor was overridden and made to feel the pain they had caused. Alexis fell to her knees, rubbing viciously to rid herself of the blindness. She heard McNair's cold laugh, though considerably less after his torture," What is it, dear? Are you having difficulty?" Alexis wobbly got to her feet, shouting "Immobilus!" in every direction. McNair merely laughed as he easily dodged her impulsive attempts. Alexis started to feel enraged along with her helplessness, and she noticed her body heat rise slightly. She trembled and remained frozen, totally lost. Then something tore through the blackness like a lighthouse beacon in a storm. A jumble of defiant but beautiful notes reached her ears, calming her. Artimis?...
More voices joined and she recognized HER song. She distingushed several voices - including Lupin's- but Artimis's wonderful tones stood out. Her hope renewed, Alexis grinned as she came upon a solution. The singing grew as Alexis stood straight, gaining strength. She felt her rage not ebb, but grow - this time she could control it though- she held it in as she spoke, " Foolish Death eater, I don't need sight to find you." She shifted, taking on her animagi form of the white wolf, and slowly released her flames. The wisped like boots around her feet as Alexis scented the air. There was the blood of Lucius and then the distinct smell of her father's blood, she honed in on it. The sound of the voices prevented her from losing control and going insane. Thank you Artimis...
She smelt his fear and followed her nose. McNair threw curse after curse, but Alexis dodged them using her instincts to move, hearing and sensing every intake of breath to cast another spell. Then she struck. After his last desperate yell of "Crucio!" Alexis honed in on his voice and raced towards it, flames licking her body and erupting from her mouth as she howled in triumph and rage.
Shadows shifted as Alexis's vision slowly returned and she saw McNair tearing of flaming robes as Alexis pounced. He screamed as Alexis gnawed and tore, ripping flesh and cracking bones. His wails and screams of pain pushing Alexis into deeper rage and she smelled the burning flesh of her father. Her vision became clearer and it was filled with blood and green fire. Alexis continued, growling and slashing teeth at every available piece of his body. He mumbled curses now and then, most everyone of them hitting her, but she didn't feel a thing in her venting of her past pain and mental torments. The singing around her faltered, but Alexis was fueled enough. For Artimis, For my Mother, For Lupin, FOR ME.... she thought as she tore into the body of McNair. His cries died down and he went limp, the spark of insanity that meant life, in his eyes was wisping away.
Trembling, Alexis backed away, blood staining almost every inch of her white fur, the green flames pulsating with her ragged breathing. Her rage died down and gave way to despair and sorrow. She had just killed a person, with her own body, but her grief wasn't for him but for her friends around her - she had caused them so much pain and confusion, and had to watch her do this. Then her mother. Dead, He said he had destroyed her, I'm Alone!... Her brain numbed as she shifted to her human form, staring blankly at the remains of her father. The former Death eater McNair.
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Artimis could not take her eyes from Alexis as she killed the man who had caused her so much pain. The song stopped but the air was still charged. She felt the despair and heard the lone thought, (I'm Alone!)
"I'm still here you damn moron!" Artimis yelled. Alexis didn't budge so Artimis fell to her hands and knees and crawled past the barely breathing form of Lucius Malfoy to her. She reached Alexis and wrapped her arms around her trembling shoulders. "I...Am...Still Here!" Artimis said through forced breaths. She was pushing herself farther than she should but she was not about to lose Alexis to insanity, not when they had just won. Artimis wanting an answer grabbed Alexis's shoulder and shook her, "I am still here! You are not alone! I am still here!" She repeated relentlessly. Artimis noticed a hint of recognition in Alexis's eyes and collapsed trying to keep herself conscious, forcing herself to breath fully even though every muscle in her body twitched from the curse. She heard the domineering voice of Dumbledore and felt the shield fall. Artimis let her head fall back as she whispered, "We... Are... Safe now." She moaned in pain as exhaustion and pain took her.
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Alexis felt hands on her shoulders, but even though her eyes were open and the spell gone, all she saw was a field of willed darkness. Both her parents were dead. Mother was gone, and Alexis herself had killed her father. I'm a murderer. I fucking killed him... but... no one stopped me... does that make it ok? Another part of her, the determined tough part of her spoke up. Yes. Damnit... everyone expected you to. They probably would have done the same bloody thing... Alexis was jerked roughly and dimly saw Artimis covered in blood screaming at her. Alexis merely stared at her in confusion - not really fully aware of her surroundings. I have no one to go to... Mother is dead... No one who'll understand why I had to kill him. Alexis thought stubbornly, her view clearing. Artimis was down and out, sprawled at her side. The bloodied burnt corpse of her father a few feet away. She felt a just noticed smothering lifted from her as the Headmaster shattered the transparent dome around the three forms.
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As soon as the force wall had collapsed, Lupin raced towards Alexis skidding to a halt and falling to his knees. He gently pulled Alexis's gaze from the now unrecognizable form of the Death eater. He was frightened by the look of emptiness, for she merely gazed at him blankly, no sense of familiarity.
Snape ran briskly up beside him and kneeled by Artimis. He was checking her pulse when Lupin grabbed his shoulder and he looked up confused. Lupin glared in worry. "Is she still in there? Find out damnit!" he hollered not waiting for an answer. Snape didn't comment, he instead looked deep in her eyes, probing for her mental self. Lupin watched din growing agitation. Snape blinked and sighed, 'Yes Remus. But she is very lost now. I can't even lead her out of her stupor. It will take a lot to bring her back to normal."
"What? Why? It was intense but what could've..."
"Remus, McNair had Voldemort kill her mother before the battle. I think the only one who can bring her out is deeply unconscious and fighting with her own losses..." Lupin stared in mute horror and understanding.
"So she's alone. That's what Artimis was going on about. That's the reason..." he whispered. Snape had a look of deep thought and concern, and looked cautiously at Alexis's still staring form. Her eyes were dull and hollow, the only sign of life in her was her shaky and shallow breathing.
Lupin, determined, stood and carefully lifted Alexis, cradling her body close to his. He whispered "You are never alone, Alexis. We're all here for you, and I'll make sure I never leave you, you're more than welcome in my life." Lupin looked on the verge of tears, al his affection and adoration for her bubbling for the surface. Snape looked away in respect, paying attention to Artimis.
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Severus tried to keep Artimis from crawling away but he couldn't get her once she passed the shield. He wondered what she meant by saying she was still there. he realized it must be more for herself, the for the unaware Alexis. When she collapsed he feared for her life. Not many people get up from the Killing Curse. Actually only one other has. When the wall fell he found himself rushing along side Lupin, like a worried father. When he looked into Alexis he shuddered inwardly, angered that these girls had to face all this. Artimis moaned and he automatically scooped her up holding her close. Never in his existence had he felt a need to protect so strong. These girls had grown up in one night. Such a cruel world to allow this...
He watched Remus pick up Alexis and head towards the castle. He saw other students helping the fallen ones and amazingly everyone seemed alright. Dumbledore and McGonagall were checking them all. He followed Lupin's example and Artimis smiled in her sleep as he carried her. He walked carefully, clutching her like she was gold. When they reached the infirmary he laid her down and sat waiting while poppy checked her over. Damn you Artimis, why did you have to remind me I have a heart... He thought as he waited to be told if she was alright. When he was told she suffered only exhaustion he was overjoyed. He sat in Dumbledore's office relaying the events of the evening from beginning to end. Dumbledore listened intently with that twinkle in his eye.
"Severus. I would like you and Remus to stay in the infirmary. If the girls wake up I would think that they would like you there."
"Yes Headmaster. I will inform Remus." He said getting up.
"No need. He is already there. I believe he is petitioning for custody of Ms. Whyte. What are you thoughts on that?"
"I believe that he would kill to keep that child safe. He almost did tonight."
Dumbledore smiled and dismissed him. He rushed back to Hospital ward and sat next to Remus, between the beds of the bravest girls he knew.
Well? What did you think. This is our longest chapter and it took us two nights of no sleep to finish. we hope you all like it. And i bet you guys thought we killed Artimis. Never. Well this is that part where you review and tell us we suck and should go back to our hole. --Toodles-- {Deep Shadows}