A/N: Hello Everyone! I just want to quickly thank, BlackKat99, Yavannie, lilyfan, Neoma, Dark Vampiresss, The Grim, EyesofEmerald, Aerandir, and HolsyEvans for taking the time to review my little fic. I know I do this at the beginning of every new chapter, but that is only because I am so thankful to each and every one of my reviewers. I am truly honored, that you would all take time out of your busy day, to read my meager words. Thank you again! Ninde Annare
Chapter 12:
As I stand in the center of Severus' dungeon office, I feel myself cringe slightly. The room is cold and unwelcoming; it is a harsh change from Remus' office-which is so warm and inviting. Severus has gone to put the phial of my blood in a safe place. I begin to make my way towards the door; I feel uneasy here. I open the door slightly; it creaks and moans from the motion.
---Foot steps scrambling on stone floors---
"Kaida, you aren't leaving yet are you?" I turn to see Severus standing at the mouth of his storeroom, hair slightly disheveled.
"I'm afraid so Severus… That is unless you have anymore questions?" My mind has already begun to wander to more pleasant places; thoughts of books awaiting me in the library fill my mind. I watch his eyes dart back and forth as he reads my words midair. He moves slowly towards the swell of light flowing from the fireplace; his shadow hunches menacingly over his form.
"Kaida, there is something you should know… about Remus…" At the very mention of his name, my wandering mind is dragged back to the dungeons.
"Oh? And what would that be?" I try my best to sound nonchalant, all the while my mind races with possibilities. Remus is such a mysterious man; a part of my past that I know nothing about. A part of me longs to know more about him, to know his past, to know his thoughts, while another, wishes to remain aloof. My face gleams with curiosity as I wait for him to divulge his secret.
"Well, Remus is…he's…" He searches my eager face for a sign to proceed. I smile at him, urging he on. There is something playing on his mind…something big; I can tell by the way he purses his lips. With a great sigh, as though his best-laid plans had been burnt to cinders, he tells me, "…He's a git for standing you up…"
He knew?Shocked, I struggle with words to make amends for my insensitive organizational skills. "Severus, I'm sorry…I was so exhausted when we talked last night…I didn't mean to…" I fumble with the words. He looks at me with this unchanging expression, and suddenly a vestige of a grin flutters briefly across his tired face.
"It's alright Kaida. Your other engagements are not of my concern." His voice is tired and strained. His face remains emotionless, but there is annoyance in his eyes. Not wanting to aggravate him further, I bid the Professor 'good night' and turned to leave.
"Kaida?" I look over my shoulder as I open the groaning door of the dungeon.
"Perhaps, you could come visit me again tomorrow night?" His voice had suddenly taken on an amiable disposition that few have ever heard. His voice was tender and kindly, such odd traits to be found in such a stern man.
"I'm afraid not, Severus. I have already made plans for tomorrow…I'm sorry…"
"With Remus, I presume?" His sickly sweet voice gave way to his naturally harsh timbre. Slightly taken aback by the sudden change in his demeanor, I excuse myself and retire from the icy ambiance of the dungeons.
As I rise from the beastly twisted stairs of the dungeons, I catch the beautifully silvered light of the moon. It beckons me to bathe in its glow. Quietly I creep to the monstrous front doors of the school. With great effort, I heave open a door and slip out into the allure of the night. The rich smell of the grass and greenery forces out all my thoughts…all that remains is this moment. The dew of the grass beads around the hem of my robe, a thrill of escape fills me. It has been so long since I've ventured from the stone body of the school. It has been so long since I've seen the night sky, free of marble frames, and obstructions. I gaze up at the sky and feel myself become lost in its obsidian.
My heart wants to burst forth from me. I feel my senses become keener with the passing of the moon. A recklessness consumes me; I want nothing more then to run, to enjoy the chase…to hunt…
Why do I feel so tired? The night is young and yet…I feel myself grow faint…light headed…why am I so cold…why do I feel so full of grief and sadness? Everything is fading…disappearing…I'm falling…what's happening?
I look up from where I had fallen into a crumpled mass…to face a cloaked figure. Its face hidden from view, I can hear its labored breath…a dementor! I've faced them before, and they've never shown any interest in me, why now?
Memories…they want to feast on your memories…they want to suck the happiness from you…they hunger for it…run…run…Run while you still can!
I fight to stand, but its form looms over me…forcing me to the ground; I see its ashen hand come forward. It grabs hold of me; its touch sends icy waves of convulsions through my body. I struggle against its grip, if only I had my wand… I feel my strength failing me, my body is starting to grow limp…it's trying to suck out my soul…
What's that on the horizon?
I see the morning light begin to rise above the line of trees. I'm doomed. I have to break free of this creature or be lost forever in the heat of the morning light. I thrash violently in its grasp.
Suddenly I feel something inside me rise. Something inside me has awakened. I feel a surge of a once forgotten power swell inside me. The dementor releases me suddenly; does it sense the change in me as well? I feel my hands change-claws in place of nails. I feel my mind clear-the desire to survive engulfs me; I lunge forward, claws drawn. I swipe at it, driving it back as I bolt for the door. I slide into the foyer of the school, as I scramble to shut the door behind me. I lingered at the door longer then I should, for the morning light has started to burst through the dusty windows. Clutching the collar of my robes I pull it over my head, covering as much of my skin as possible. I run as quickly as my legs will carry me, through the lambent gauntlet. I feel the skin on my hands burn like a torch had been put to my skin. I run to the end of the corridor, into the awaiting shade of the windowless hall adjacent to it. Once in the safety of darkness, I looked at my hands-the skin is red and sore, peeling in places, blisters are scattered here and there. But despite the monstrous changes that the faint morning sun has done to them, they are still only hands-the claws have disappeared; melting back into the unseen depths from which they came. To think that the muted light of early morning had done this.
I made my way through the school, choosing my path carefully in order to avoid the piercing sunlight. I finally arrived at my chamber; with pained hands I grabbed hold of the doorknob. The cold brass against the burning of my skin was almost comforting…almost…if only the nerves of my hands weren't exposed and stinging. I pushed the cover of my coffin onto the floor. Then gingerly, I set my delicate frame into its bed of petals. I began to drift into a slumber…the wounds on my hands bared little consequence as they would heal quickly over the next few days; my vampire blood had once again saved me. My eyelids were heavy with a longing for rest, desperate to find a sleeping refuge. My mind on the other hand, was erratic with questions.
Why had I become so voracious earlier this evening?Why had I been bombarded with all those feelings once I set foot outside the castle's walls?
Where did that sudden surge of strength come from?
What is happening to me?
Questions continued to swirl in my mind at a dizzying pace. I had to know more…why was this all suddenly happening? But the need for slumber was too great…I would soon succumb to its grip…tomorrow…I will know more…tomorrow…