Crushed
Chapter 4
By: EckoStalker

Disclaimer: J.K. Rowling owns Harry Potter and stuff. I get Alexis, Jason, Brad, William, Krinston, and Nathan. Artimis belongs to Deep Shadows. Besides the plot and these peoples, J.K. Rowling is in charge of everything else.

Author's Notes: I intend to make this story the turning point, the climax of my little novel thingy. Should only be one chapter left after this. You better like it! (Just playing, hehehe...)

--Sigh-- I wish I had a boyfriend...Oh wait... I JUST GOT ONE!! YIPPEE!!! Hehehe...

Artimis paced the Common Room, trying to think of how to approach this new conflict. It was Monday, classes were over at 2:00 now, and it was two days after her and Alexis's argument. Damn it, Alexis! You're so bloody stubborn! Can't you listen this once!?

She thought, even though she knew Alexis couldn't hear her. Artimis thought she knew why she couldn't get through to Alexis mentally. This was a new thing for Alexis, a new emotional conflict. That on top of the one she was having with Artimis and everything else as well. Too many emotions caused the barrier emanating from Alexis.

Artimis sighed in frustration. She had to watch them more closely now, she had a feeling Jason would act soon. Alexis will be heartbroken, but it's better than her getting hurt... or even worse, take his side...

Artimis stopped pacing, and decided to walk around to see if she could spot Alexis and her boyfriend. Alexis was mad at her, and Artimis was also a little angry at Alexis for thinking Artimis would want to break them up, which unfortunately held a degree of truth, but for different reasons. I have to get through to her soon... With that, Artimis exited the Slytherin dorms and took off down the halls.

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"Alexis, we have another job that requires your skills. Don't worry; it's nothing like the last one. That was a mistake. We'll be more precise this time." Jason explained quickly. Alexis looked up at him a bit worriedly, but nodded none-the-less. They were outside in the courtyard, sitting on the wall playing wizard's chess, Jason losing horribly.

"What kind of job this time then?" She spoke, a little sarcastically, she couldn't help it. She did like to taunt him at times. He frowned slightly, and then smiled as he caught her.

"Well, it's... a surprise. But, we need the teachers out of the way of the main gates to the school."

"Oh, really?" Alexis made a move that cornered his king with her bishop. "Check."

He frowned in concentration, moving a knight into her bishop's path, and smirked. "Yep, I have some buddies bringing in something big, but we can't let the teachers notice, not yet anyways."

"What do you mean, not yet?" Alexis questioned a bit cautiously as she gazed at him curiously, halting the game for a moment.

He looked up from the game, and smiled reassuringly at her. "It's a surprise for the teachers. I think they'll get a kick out of it."

"So, why can't you tell me?"

"Hon, its company policy." Alexis looked at him in perplexity. He explained. "We like to think of this little pranking thing we do ourselves as a company/group thing. We all love pranks, our specialty."

Alexis thought a moment, and then asked. "I was wondering you guys do all kinds of pranks, how come the Weasley Twins never picked you guys as candidates for their protégé thing? They never even mention you guys."

Jason's face darkened as he scowled." They didn't think we were respectable enough. Think we always went too far. Everyone makes mistakes in their pranking at times, you know. They just chose to see all of our mistakes in favor of the good ones. May even be a bit jealous."

Alexis looked down, saying softly. "Yeah. Probably..."

She studied the game board and smirked, speaking to her queen piece. It slid across the board, demolishing Jason's king piece. "Checkmate."

Jason shook his head in amazement." "You always beat me!"

Alexis smiled and sat back. "So, you sure this prank's alright?"

"Oh yeah, it's gonna be fine. Do you want to help...? You know, y, you don't have to... in fact, I kind of almost don't want y, you to." Jason said softly, looking at the ground.

Alexis looked confused. "Why not?"

"Well, I don't want you to get in trouble with anyone. That is, if you happened to get connected to it... or were seen helping... or something..." Jason stuttered, a bit nervous. Alexis moved the chess board and scooted beside him, putting a soft hand on his arm.

"Jason, if you need my help, I'll gladly give it. Don't worry about me. Give the details, and I'm all set. I won't get connected to the stunt." She smiled warmly. He smiled back, and put an arm around her, drawing her close.

"Alright. I guess. It's tonight, at dinner. There will probably be two or three teachers patrolling around the doors. Just need you to get all authority figures out of the way to let loose... I mean, bring in the packages. Afterwards, get out of there, but don't look suspicious."

Alexis nodded, and then laughed." Sounds almost like an undercover mission. Tonight at dinner... bring in the packages... should I say Affirmative?" Together they laughed, easing the tension of the upcoming event.

She hugged him around the waist, and he returned it, kissing her gently. Alexis saw a movement out of the corner of her eye, and quickly glanced down the next hall. Artimis was briskly walking down it, searching for something. Alexis drew in a quick breath and got up, pulling Jason up in his confusion.

"Come on!" She pulled him into the next hall, into an abandoned classroom. She peeked out the door, seeing Artimis looking around the courtyard in confusion. After a moment, Artimis frowned a bit sadly, and continued on. Alexis glared minutely, though feeling a strong tinge of sadness and loneliness. Jason wrapped his arms around her and pulled her around to him. He grinned tenderly, and leaned his head down to her. They remained in the classroom for another five minutes, both lost in each other.

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"She is going to help, right?" William asked worriedly. Jason nodded, a bit disheartened, but not showing it. Brad chuckled. "Whoa, she is into you so bad, man! I see how she acts around you all the time! It's crazy."

Krinston leaned over to William, whispering in his ear. "I saw them in the courtyard. Didn't hear much, but I kind of think Jason is into her almost as badly."

William glanced up to make sure no one was listening in as Brad and Jason talked. "Yeah, but don't tell Brad. He loves taunting Jason, and it's not a smart topic to bring up around the two." Krinston nodded and sat back in his chair. All four of the pals were in a back section of the library, sitting at their usual table behind a huge self of books that blocked them from the librarian's view. Jason had left Alexis in the Common Room, telling her he had to make arrangements and update on the future prank.

Jason smirked at Brad, and then went business. "So, are we all set up for tonight?"

William pulled out a folder from his bag. "Yep, our sources down in Hoggesmeade got about three of the packages. They said that was all they could capture."

"They are at least medium sized right?" Brad questioned, taking the folder and pulling out a sheet, studying it. William was usually the one who took care of the technical stuff.

"They couldn't get any any bigger than about eight to ten feet, but their width is pretty good."

Krinston spoke," How will they know who to go after?"

"Stupid, they won't. Snape and Filch have patrol tonight. Root McGonagall out, and the things will go after them no sweat."

Jason said softly. "Yes, make McGonagall go warn the others and lock the students up. I'm not going to be responsible for any deaths."

"What do you expect to happen to the Professors then?" Brad taunted. Everyone was silent. Jason growled. "I doubt they'll get that far. Injure more possibly, but not killing blows."

"Hm..." Brad uttered, maybe a tad disappointed. Jason turned to Krinston. "Got the escape plans?"

"Uh huh. Back passageway down the second hallway. Filch uses it a lot. Soon as their loose, bolt." Krinston said seriously.

"Cutting it close... what about Dumbledore?" William questioned, playing with a piece of the paper.

"When Alexis starts the distraction, we'll let McGonagall make it to the Great Hall. Almost the entire school is in there at Dinner, so the students are out of the way. I got a hold of a friend and he came up with a few strong ass locking spells. We'll get all the exits. Dumbledore will be busy contacting the straggling students outside the Hall to stay in their Rooms, and busy with those locks for a long enough time for the damage to be done." Brad informed proudly.

Jason looked a bit worried. "Well, what about Alexis? She'll be around Snape and Filch, and in the path of the packages."

Brad grinned evilly. "Well, she better be able to run fast."

Jason stood up angrily, eyes blazing. "No. This is off if she's gonna get hurt."

Brad scowled and jumped up, grabbing Jason by the collar and throwing him on the table roughly. He got in his face and growled. "This is not being called off. We made too many plans and spent to much money and time on this. Your little pet is not getting in the way of this."

William said softly." Jason, we can give her another escape route for when she gets loose of the Professors."

"Yeah, I know a few. Don't worry, she'll be fine." Krinston reassured.

Everyone was quiet for a moment, and then Brad pulled Jason off the table. He glared for a moment, and then looked back at the table. "Y, you're right. Sorry, just a b, bit nervous. I'll give her the escape route."

Brad nodded, and then punched him lightly. "Sorry dude. Little riled up myself. But this has to happen. Those damn teachers aren't messing with us any more."

Jason nodded, took the paper from Krinston and studied it. Everyone was quiet for a moment, thinking this over. Soon, the boys got up, heading for the Gryffindor Common Room for preparation.

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"Lighten up, Remus. You worry too much." Severus growled, growing tired of the looks of wariness and concern Lupin kept giving to Alexis's new 'friend'.

"I don't know Severus. I've seen his acts once or twice before. Don't want him rubbing off on Alexis."

Severus rolled his eyes, glancing quickly at the Gryffindor table. Dinner usually went along these lines ever since Alexis made known visually her new acquaintance. "She's a girl. He's a guy. It was bound to happen sometime. Look at Artimis, for God's sake."

"I know, that worries me too. But we found out how good she keeps Draco in line. Don't know if Alexis can do the same. Hoping it's not the other way around."

Severus sighed, and glared at the werewolf, who kept stealing glances at the two students, who were sitting together, talking animatedly. Remus is getting worse, and it's only the beginning of supper... "You're not her parent, Remus. Lay off.... I can't believe I'm arguing with you on her side..."

Severus growled, quickly shutting up and turning back to his food, eating quickly. He had first shift in a few moments for patrol of the front grounds of the school with Filch and McGonagall. Lupin ate also, more slowly and distractedly though, he didn't have patrol this time due to the full moon for the next three days.

Lupin had tried speaking with Alexis before, but she was never to be found after classes and every time after DADA class, the Kinsler boy would usually drag her off before he had a chance to confront her. Both Professors also noticed a strange vibe between Alexis and Artimis, in fact, with Alexis and most of her other friends -Apollo, the Twins, Harry and his crew... It was weird, and they knew it had something to do with Alexis's relationship.

Well, Lupin does have some right to worry... but it's not my problem. Severus quickly added, catching himself being a little concerned.

Snape finished his meal, and stood, nodding his head at the teachers in dismissal. McGonagall following him, he quickly exited through a back entrance, the two Professors making there way to the several halls at the front gates of the school that were closely bordered by the Forbidden Forest.

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A few moments passed at the Gryffindor table, and Jason and Alexis talked fervently, trying to not look suspicious. They watched inconspicuously as Snape, McGonagall, and Filch left for the first patrol. Jason quickly reached in his robes and pulled out a piece of paper, handing it to Alexis, who took it in confusion.

Jason explained. "Escape route. I got this whistle and when you hear it, lose the two Professors near the front doors and get out as fast as you can by this route. I'll meet up with you later."

Alexis nodded in confusion, but didn't ask questions. She was told she would find out later. But she didn't know why she had to escape and be safe...

Krinston walked up to the table and whispered something in Jason's ear. He got a prepared look in his eyes and turned to Alexis. "Come on. Time to start." So, as nonchalantly as possible, the four boys and Alexis stood and left the Great Hall, Lupin and Artimis staring after them in worry.

The boys and her hid in a darkened doorway one hall away from the fronts doors, dimly seeing the outline of a grizzled figure walking away from them, followed by a cat. Jason turned to Alexis and held her. "You got a plan?"

"Oh yeah."

"Be careful. Don't forget to get out of there after the signal." Alexis nodded, and Jason kissed her deeply, hugging her tight. Alexis smiled inwardly, always weak-kneed when they were together this passionately. He stepped back and nodded. Alexis smiled and closed her eyes, focusing on her Animagus form as the boys watched in awe. After the transformation, she shook her head to rid of the kinks and stared up at the humans curiously with the infamous wolf grin. Krinston shook his head in amazement. "I have got to learn that!"

Alexis laughed inwardly, then loped off after the diminishing figures of Argus Filch and Ms. Norris. The boys carefully made their way down another hall to intercept them at the front doors and wait.

Alexis put her stealth skills to work and padded as quietly as she could down the corridor, trying to lessen the small clicking of her nails against the hard floor. As soon as she was within about 20 feet of the cat, Alexis crouched lower, then sprinted right at her. Filch and Ms. Norris both turned at the echoing poundings behind them and witnessed a lean, blindingly white, wolf racing straight for them. Ms. Norris, cat instincts kicking in, hissed horridly, and jumped, twisting her body and streaking down the corridor as Alexis in wolf form shot up to them, panting and barking happily as she gave chase. Filch jumped out of they way of Alexis, almost falling. He yelled unhappily after them, and also took off after the pair, yelling all them.

Severus was stalking down the hall, casually searching for any students to growl at. He stopped at the sound of many pattering of feet, and gazed around in confusion. He turned towards the way he came, and his eyes widened. Coming straight for him was Ms. Norris, hissing and racing just ahead of the loping form of a white wolf. Snape scowled, vaguely registering it as Alexis. He braced himself in the middle of the hall, expecting him to stop. Ms. Norris completely ignored him and jumped, clawing up his robes and vaulting off his shoulders as he stumbled back. Alexis yipped excitedly, wolf antics in play, and charged after her. She noticed Snape and tried to stop, but instead skidded along the smooth, slippery floor and bowled into Severus, tangling with him as he fell over. He yelled angrily, and pulled out his wand. On impulse, Alexis grabbed it in her teeth, then jumped off his stomach, knocking the breath out of him. Then, she continued the chase after the frantic Ms. Norris, who was heading for the front doors. Filch ran past Snape without a glance, anger and worry for his feline pet etched on his features.

"Bloody hell! That girl will be the death of me..." Snape growled as he

gathered himself and briskly ran after them, intent on getting his wand back.

Ms. Norris led Alexis right to Professor McGonagall, who watched them coming in terror. She was standing in the hallway right next to the front doors.

Alexis let the cat go, and quickly transformed into her human form. She smiled insanely at McGonagall, who was confused beyond speech, and yelled, as told, using Snape's wand, "Impedimenta!"

The temporary immobilization spell hit the teacher and she stood frozen. Alexis shrugged her shoulders and returned to wolf form, holding the wand in her mouth and raced to the next corridor, noticing Ms. Norris cowering at the other end of the hallway opposite the front doors with her advanced vision. Alexis loped toward the glaring cat, and crouched playfully in front of her, oblivious to Snape and Filch running past the hall where McGonagall stood, and heading for Alexis.

Alexis heard a sharp whistle and turned quickly, but was cornered by the two people, Ms. Norris taking this chance to bolt. Alexis backed against the wall, tail between her legs as the two adults approached. Alexis dropped Snape's wand and cocked her head.

"Nasty little girl. Scaring poor Ms. Norris... can we get her expelled, Professor?" Filch asked huffily, glancing at Snape. Severus glared at Alexis's wolf form and spoke, " Accio wand!"

He pointed his wand at Alexis and spoke a spell. Alexis barked in surprise as she was forced roughly out of the Animagus form, soon staring up at the angry adults from her place on the ground as a human. "Owww... that is not pleasant..." Alexis grumbled, rubbing her sore neck.

"Neither will be your detentions. 30 points from Gryffindor!" Snape scowled, stepping forward and yanking Alexis up. Suddenly, the front doors banged opened deafeningly, and all three looked out into the dimness of the open doors. Then, all three backed up a step in utmost horror at the three beasts moving in.

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As soon as the Immobilization charm wore off, McGonagall took off after Alexis, a terse look on her features. She stumbled back in surprise, as the two huge wooden doors slammed open. McGonagall was a hallway away, but saw clearly the three forms of Severus, Filch, and Alexis standing almost directly in front of doors as three huge, hairy, almost black ten foot spiders ambled in, their many faceted eyes glued to the three smaller humans.

Unnoticed by the horrid creatures, McGonagall gasped, then raced back towards the Great Hall, intending to warn Albus Dumbledore.

She ran into the double doors, heading straight for the high table under hundreds of curious stares. Behind her, the double doors slammed shut with a loud boom, several surprised screams coming from some of the younger students. Dumbledore stood in confusion as McGonagall approached, she whispered quickly. "Albus, three of the Forest spiders have entered the school. Severus and Argus are there with a student."

"You and the others didn't feel them approach?"

"No. We were... distracted. Alexis Whyte decided to get some attention at that... precise, time..." McGonagall trailed off, now suspicious of Alexis's antics. Dumbledore looked solemn as he spoke over the hushed voices of the students, his smooth voice booming around them.

"All students will remain in here for now. There has been an incident where some of the more dangerous local wildlife have entered the school. No one will leave." Instantly, hundreds of frightened voices commenced conversations. Artimis had stood up, and was making her way quickly to the doors. "SILENCE!" Dumbledore spoke. Everyone shut up. "Ms. Callabella, if would be so kind as to take a seat..."

"Alexis and her friends are out there! They just left!"

Dumbledore and a few other teachers looked at each other in concern and some in much suspicion. Artimis remained standing by the door.

"Headmaster, they couldn't leave if they wanted to." Lupin spoke up grimly. He pulled aggressively against one of the back doors, but it didn't budge. He tried several spells on it, but it still remained locked. Dumbledore turned back to the students. "Everyone will remain calm!"

All the teachers grouped around Dumbledore as Madame Hooch ran up. "All the other exits are locked as well."

The Headmaster spoke, "Minerva has just informed me that several of the large spiders from the Forbidden Forest have been let loose inside the school. Severus and Argus were spotted the creatures, along with a student. I've already located the few students outside the Hall, and they have taken safety precautions."

"Aragog! He wouldn't send..." Hagrid spoke frantically.

"Rubeus, I have a feeling it wasn't Aragog in the least..." Dumbledore said softly, thinking.

"Headmaster, I can't stay here too long." Lupin spoke up quietly. All the teachers now remembered the full moon was in effect.

"You have taken your Wolfsbane potion, Remus?" Professor Sprout spoke up hopefully.
"Yes, but Severus was out of a good amount of the ingredients. This one will only last to about eleven to midnight. It's 8:00."

Everyone contemplated the issue at hand, several teachers being issued to calm the students. The rest of the Professors talked in growing agitation about locking spells and hoping Severus and Filch knew how to handle the situation until Dumbledore found a way to open the doors.

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Severus, Filch, and Alexis were now all against the wall as the giant spiders curiously stepped into the school from outside. Alexis dimly saw behind the beasts four masculine forms racing across the entrance and bolting inside behind the monsters and taking off down another hallway.

Alexis thought dumbly. No... they wouldn't... Jason wouldn't lie to me... it, it wasn't them... please, no...

The spiders spotted them and the largest one, roughly ten feet tall, shoved past the two smaller ones, both about seven or eight feet, and stepped towards them aggressively. Its fangs dripped saliva, its many faceted eyes sparkling hungrily as it examined them. it was almost entirely black, several grey stripes going down it's hairy back. Alexis whimpered, and Filch practically croaked as he stared in horror.

Severus evaluated the situation. Three wizards... one a squib... one a tiny student... and me... damnit, why me... where are the other bloody teachers!?

Snape swallowed and stepped out in front of Alexis, Filch discreetly moving behind him also as Snape brandished his wand. Another spider scuttled forward, this one a lighter color, almost totally striped gray. The larger spider lashed out at it, and it cowered down, moving next to the other small one. The big one started forward hungrily. Snape yelled, "Immobilus!"

The spider vaulted aside quite gracefully for it's size, and the spell glanced the third spider. It hissed loudly as it's left side was paralyzed. Alexis looked at Snape angrily, stepping forward from behind him with her wand. "What are you doing?! Quit trying to protect it! If it gets to us, we're its next meal!"

"I know this, Whyte. Now get back... Stupef..." Snape was cut off as a stream of silky white string threw his wand hand back against the wall, making it stick. Alexis dodged another whip of it, and yelled, "Diffindo!''

An inhumane sound emitted from the advancing spider as the spell glanced it, chopping off one of its many legs. She smirked, and beside them Filch squeaked and passed out. Severus struggled with the web around his hand as Alexis stepped forward, holding out her wand. Severus yelled." Bloody hell! Whyte, get me loose and get back here!"

"Immobilus!" Alexis yelled, but missed as the injured big spider fell back, knocking one behind it to the ground and making it miss the spell. Alexis cursed under her breath, and quickly turned to loosen Severus. Suddenly, she yelped and fell to the ground, her left foot glued to the floor with the same sticky substance. A spider ambled forward and was no more than ten feet from them. Alexis held her wand aimed at Severus's trapped hand and spoke, "Incendio!"The web melted off, and Severus yelped as it burned his hand slightly. "Sorry, Professor... stupefy!" Alexis yelled quickly behind her, it hit the spider, but merely slowed it down. Severus shook his hand out and held his wand up. He looked up in mute, discreet terror as the spider loomed over him now. He held up his wand, erecting a shielding spell as it lunged at him. Alexis saw him in troubleand yelled a stunning spell, at the same time as Severus. The spider collapsed on Snape, out cold and Snape trapped under it, pinned and rather uncomfortable.

Well, at least it didn't eat him...

Alexis melted off the webbing on her foot and stood up. The biggest spider was up off the other, stumbling towards Alexis as the smaller one followed. Back outside, through the dimness, Alexis saw something that tore at her. Brad stood there, laughing his ass off, William and Krinston also.

And there stood Jason. He was laughing also.

Alexis stood stock still, Severus staring at her in confusion, then in the direction she was looking in, but couldn't see anything. A dark scowl covered his face at Alexis's inactivity, and he struggled weakly to get his wand and arm free from under the stunned spider.

Alexis could only stand there as the spiders approached. It was him... oh my God... Jason... h, how could he...

A blinding rage filled Alexis and she stood up defiantly. N, no way... I, I can't believe it... no...

Alexis stepped forward to meet the spiders, and the green flames she was familiar with burst around her as she raised her wand. The spiders stumbled to a halt in confusion. Dimly Alexis heard yelling, it sounding like Artimis, and she saw a figure running from behind the spiders. Alexis turned her attention to the big spider as the smaller one was distracted by the lanky, black haired figure.

Jason... I trusted you... I was in love with you... why...

Alexis yelled, "Incendio!'' and a jet of the green flames from her body raced and twirled down her arm and into her wand, bursting out from the end in a stream of magical flames and hitting the spider in the face. It screamed as well as a spider could, and reared up. Alexis snickered grimly in satisfaction at it, though scowling, and noticed the smaller spider behind it being pelted with spells, by who she dimly recognized as Artimis. Then the smaller spider fell, knocking Artimis harshly into the wall, where she slumped to the ground, growing still. Alexis grew more angry at this, blaming Jason and his buddies for the hurt these beasts were causing. She stepped forward, and raised her hands and dropping her wand, smirking as she sent two jets of flames at the spider again. The stench of burning flesh from the spider reached her nostrils as Alexis walked within about five feet of it. Without warning, the spider slashed a leg at her, and sliced her arm. Alexis stumbled back a step as her arm burned as if her own fires were turned on her. Alexis scowled and continued sending flares of green fire at the beast, the pain and heat spreading through her body from her arm, soon clouding her senses.

When she saw the beast finally fall in a burning heap, Alexis lowered her arms, and fell to her knees. Her anger and flames slowly died away, and she dimly saw people running towards them. The pain of her gashed arm and burning as the spider venom raced through her body soon took over Alexis, and she fell into numb oblivion.