Chapter 12 --- De-spirited
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CHAPTER TWELVE(Spirit of the Snake)
As the carriage hustled forward, Remus leaned his head out the window.
He only hoped that both boys were okay until he could get there…
…the problem was… what would he do when he got there?
()
"Ok, we don't have a choice in this so we are just going to have to work together." Harry said through the corner of his mouth.
Spade had disappeared into the green fire and they hadn't seen nor heard wind of her for several minutes… in the time she was giving them, Harry only hoped he could convince Draco to go along with this.
"If we die, I am blaming you." Draco muttered.
They were standing back to back and looking around the stone room.
"Fine, just follow my lead." Harry said.
"Your lead, Potter? I don't think—"
A blast of green light, that reminded Harry of a certain killing spell, seared outward from a stone statue of a snake on the wall.
Each boy had tried to run a separate way and the result had both of them on the floor, the fire just nearly scorching the top of their heads.
"Yes! My lead! We are both going to die if you don't co-operate."
"Why can't you follow my lead?" Draco whined as both boys stumbled to their feet, still connected.
"Fine!" Harry said exasperated. "You lead and if we die, I'm blaming you!"
Draco muttered something under his breath and then apparently changed his mind, "No, your lead."
Harry seethed, stupid Slytherins and their stupid—
"I can hear you." Draco said in a low voice.
"Sorry." Harry shrugged and they dodged another spark of green fire.
There was a loud clapping noise and Spade appeared at the other side of the room. "Boys, have you finished your bickering? I'm just getting started."
They didn't answer her.
She smirked, "Excellent."
She raised her hand and snapped her fingers, the green fire that was lighting the room flickered momentarily and then misty outlines of green snakes approached them from all sides.
"Great, just great." Harry cursed and anxiously moved towards the middle of the room.
"Why don't you use that tongue of yours and tell them to bugger off?" Draco suggested.
"I don't think they'd listen." Harry said and they switched spots in the middle. Harry facing the left side of the room with Draco facing the right.
"You speak to snakes do you?" Spade said and they could see her looking amused through the mist. "So do I. But I assure you, they'd not heed your words…" One of the snakes hissed and a stream of green fire shot past the two boys. "Oh!" Spade said. "I almost forgot to tell you, the snakes breathe fire… charming, no?"
"Oh very." Draco said without looking at her and he pushed himself and Harry out of the way of another blast of steaming green.
Malfoy, Harry said in his head. Do you have your wand?
Yes, of course I have my wand, what do you think I am? A—
Shut up and listen, when I say, bring it out and cast any spell you can think of. There's a good chance none of them will work… but have to do something—
Fine, but I want to say when.
Harry nearly punched the blonde. FINE! Just do it!
Ok, touchy, touchy, …the snakes were coming closer……. NOW!
They both reached for their wands and sent a series of spells at the snakes.
The sudden moments alarmed the snakes and soon both boys were dodging fire from all sides.
The only spell that seemed to work was Lumos.
"Lumos!" Harry yelled and a stream of white light shot from his wand and into a snake, the snake disappeared.
"That's the one!" Harry said excitedly. "Draco! It's Lumos!"
"Great! …wait, did you just call me—"
A shot of scorching emerald shot past him, interrupting his query.
He sent white light at the serpent, and it instantly disappeared.
This new revolution wasn't without payment, the white light seemed to send the snakes into a frenzy and they attacked with even more fury.
Harry and Draco were unable to move away from each other and that handicapped them to a certain degree.
It was hard to dodge the green fire when you had to worry about the person behind you and you were unable to make certain moves.
"This isn't working!" Harry cried, "They just keep coming from those stupid statues!"
Draco looked around and noticed that Harry was indeed correct, the snakes kept renewing themselves… this was not working.
It only took Draco a moment to realize what they had to do.
"The statues! Aim for the statues!" Draco called and Harry changed his wand's target.
They continued to dodge the snakes' fire and sent their spells toward the gray stone statues.
Once the white light had hit the snake statues the eyes would light up green and the flow of snakes from that statue would stop.
They made their way through one entire side, hitting the snakes that were closest to stop their fire before it was sent and then taking the moment of not dodging to hit a statue.
They were doing pretty well until. "Arg!" Draco cried and Harry tried to see over his shoulder.
Draco had caught fire.
Draco had stomped it out quickly, "Dammit, these were my good robes!" He said and there was a loud ding noise.
All the green snake's eyes died out and continued their flow of green misty serpents.
"What the hell!" Draco cried. "Do we have a time limit!?"
Spade's voice echoed from somewhere they couldn't see, "Yes, that and you got hit."
Harry frowned, so they had a certain amount of time to get all the statues before they turned back on and they had to do it without getting hit?
"Hey! Stop your musings and spell!" Draco yelled and him and nudged him with his shoulder, Harry shook the thoughts from his mind and did just that.
"Look," Harry said in between cursing at the serpents. "I have an idea."
"Great, because I'm all out." Draco said and then killed another snake.
"We're not going to be able to get all the statues in time, so let's try this: You curse all the snakes in the way of one statue and when it's clear we switch places, I'll get the statue and you curse all the snakes of the next statue, then we switch again. It'll go faster when we don't have to worry about who's cursing which."
Draco thought about this, "Ok, but I want to curse the statues."
Harry clenched his fists and said through his teeth, "FINE."
"Ok then, let's go."
()
Sirius was absolutely beaming; he'd just been to play Quidditch in the town with the same name. He hadn't played in so long and it was a welcome familiar.
He was looking out at the oddly colored sky when he noticed a strange orange light in the far off distance.
"Hey," He said and tapped the driver of the carriage on the shoulder. "What's that?"
The driver looked over and saw the light as well, "Oh that? That's Lady Spade's domain. It looks like she's entertaining some guests at the moment."
Sirius frowned, "Aren't we going to go see her town?"
The driver shook his head. "I'm sorry but the King gave me strict orders not to visit Winters' domain."
"Why?" Sirius asked.
The driver shrugged. "Apparently there's a big secret going around that the king doesn't want you to get involved in."
Sirius sat back into his chair again. "A secret, hm?"
()
After two failed attempts, much cursing and near hurting a certain pompous prick, Harry and Draco had finally managed to turn off all the snake statues in time and without getting hit by passing fire.
There was a sound like a chime and Harry sighed in relief. They wouldn't have to do it over again.
"Well, took you long enough." Spade scoffed, stepping back into the arena.
"I'd like to see you in that position!" Draco said defensively.
Spade raised an eyebrow and sent a ray of light into the centre of the arena. There was a mirror and the light bounced off the mirror and into each of the statues.
Harry almost yelled in frustration. How were they to know it could have been that easy?
"So," Spade said and examined her nails, "Are you ready then?"
Harry was nearly trembling with anticipation. "Come on." He said and Spade grinned.
She drew her own wand and her eyes flashed green fire.
For a second she looked as though she could have been a snake herself and then she charged at them.
Harry moved to the side, forcing Draco to do the same.
"What are you doing? Hex her!" Draco cried.
Harry frowned, keeping his eyes trained on Spade and trying to concentrate. "Are you forgetting that nothing seems to work except Lumos?" Harry said.
Spade lunged at them again and again Harry pushed himself and Draco out of the way.
"Try it!" Draco said, trying to see over his shoulder at the snake-lady.
"Lumos!" Harry sent a light ray at her but it only bounced off her robes.
"Did you really think that would work?" Spade asked.
"No." Harry admitted and they stared at each other.
They walked in a circle, surveying the enemy… Draco was like a tag-along trying to fall into step with Harry but finding it hard since he couldn't even see where Spade was.
"Are there any spells that work against you?" Harry asked.
Something in the Boy-Who-Lived had changed. His voice was much more mature and there was a glint in his eye that was thrilled at the situation.
"Oh, I'm sure there are some." Spade said with a smile. She looked to be enjoying herself as well.
Spade said something in snake and pointed her wand at the duo.
Draco felt himself being pulled along again as they were thrown to the side.
There was a spray of rubble and rock. Harry held his arm up to shield himself from any damage and when the rock smoke had cleared, they went back to studying each other.
"What the hell?" Draco said as he was pulled up and along. "Why aren't you doing anything?" He hissed.
"I'm thinking." Harry said, never taking his eyes off Spade.
"About what? Just bloody curse her!"
Harry seemed to maul something over in his head and then seemed to decide.
He pointed his wand at Spade and she didn't even flinch, she looked vaguely amused. She knew that a boy of his age couldn't possibly be experienced in the type of spells that had an affect on her—
"Expecto Patronum." …… Spade was wrong.
The spell sent her flying backward and she hit a wall hard.
She let out an undignified shriek and hadn't guarded herself properly.
Draco moved Harry over so he could see.
"So," Spade said dragged herself to her feet. "Perhaps you aren't as green as I thought you to be."
Harry only smirked.
Draco was panicking inside. He couldn't do that! What could he do? He was helpless! He was going to have to let bloody Harry Potter save him….
()
Remus could see an orange light penetrating the clouds in the distance.
They were getting ever closer to Spade's domain.
"Excuse me?" He said, tapping the driver on the shoulder. "I'm in a hurry, do you mind?"
The driver seemed to panic and he immediately quickened the pace.
The ride became much bumpier but the horizon was coming up a lot faster.
After what seemed like a terribly long time, Remus finally came to the gates of Spade's City.
He thanked the driver (who was surprised at this and turned red and flustered) and made his way inside.
People all around instantly backed out of his way and kept their heads down.
This made Remus uneasy but determined as he was to find Harry and Draco, he continued forward with fake confidence.
When he got to the main building, two women were immediately at his side.
"Your Highness! Lady Spade is not expecting you! She is 'taking care' of your errand as we speak!"
Remus frowned, what errand? Something to do with the two boys, most likely.
"I need to see her, immediately." Remus said and did his best to look menacing.
He must have looked convincing because the girls scrambled to do his wishes.
"We'll tell her at once!" One girl cried and they ran down a hall.
Remus nervously stood in his place and waited.
Hopefully he could keep up his façade until both boys were safe.
()
Draco was bleeding… not bad, but bleeding.
After a frenzy of exchanged spells, much dodging, and disgruntled groans, Spade had managed a hit.
Harry was good at dodging but Draco was a little slower.
"Are you okay?" Harry asked, keeping his head low behind a pile of debris.
"No," Draco stated haughtily. "My robes are utterly ruined."
Harry rolled his eyes, "This isn't the time, Malfoy."
Draco just glared at him.
"Come on now, not scared are we?" They could hear Spade's voice around the room. "Hiding like rats in a hole?"
Harry was about to jump up and show her just who the rat was, but Draco stubbornly wouldn't move and since they were stuck together, this was not a good thing.
"Malfoy!" He hissed quietly, fixing the blonde with a menacing glare.
"Listen Potter, you two have been swapping spells for an hour now! This isn't getting us anywhere!"
"Eventually I'll get her and then—"
"That's not good enough! We need to think of something else."
Harry knew he was right and hunched back down.
"Now listen," Draco said. He was sick of being helpless. "I have a plan."
()
The girls were back in a hurray.
"Your Majesty! We're sorry, but Lady Spade has disenabled her intercom, we are going to have to go up to her room."
Remus nodded hurriedly, "Fine, fine, let's hurray."
The girls were eager to oblige and they led him through the hall.
()
"Ok, you loud-mouthed hag," Draco said and he stood (with Harry) to face Spade.
"Oh?" Spade said and she looked disappointed. "You now?
This irked Draco, "Yes me! I can spell just as well as Potter can!"
Spade didn't look convinced.
"Besides!" Draco continued angrily. "I'm going to make you pay for that shot at my robes!"
Spade sighed, "Whatever Blondie."
Draco sent her his most menacing Malfoy-glare and stepped forward.
"You do know that you'll have to hit my brooch to win, right?" Spade said lazily. "You have four minutes."
Draco winced, "What!?"
Harry sighed, "Weren't you paying attention before?"
"Shut up back there!" Draco said and stepped toward Spade again.
Draco sent some random spells in Spade's direction but she either blocked or dodged them all.
Hurry up, Malfoy, three minutes! Harry said in his head.
I know! Draco returned and he switched his position on the floor.
Spade looked confused at him as he made his way around several piles of rubble.
"What are you doing?" She asked.
Draco ignored her and continued searching for something.
"Aha," He said quietly and nudged Harry to let him know he had found what he was looking for.
Spade looked extremely bored, "Look, no offense but can I fight the four-eyes now? He was more fun."
Draco was about to sputter protests at her but Harry shoved him from behind. Come on!
Draco nodded and sent a load more of useless spells against her.
Harry was concentrating on watching Spade's reflection on the floor mirror.
More to the right. Harry thought and Draco moved as to manipulate Spade into the position.
Up a little more. Harry thought and again Draco did just that.
A chime sounded somewhere. "Thirty seconds." Spade said and she looked letdown. She wouldn't get to fight Harry again.
"Perfect!" Harry said under his breath. "Malfoy, keep her there."
Draco said and Harry lined up his wand.
Then, "Expecto Patronum!"
The spell bounced off the mirror and hit Spade directly in the chest where her snake brooch was located.
She gasped loudly and stumbled backwards.
Almost instantly, Draco and Harry sprang apart.
"Yes!"
Spade fell against a wall and seemed to be shaking.
"Hey," Harry said and stepped toward her, "Are you okay?"
Spade smirked. "Oh just fine. Here's your prize."
She threw the medallion at Harry and he caught it.
"Clever," She said and shakily got to her feet. "Very clever."
"Thank you," Draco said and adjusted his robes. "I am, aren't I?"
Spade seemed to be mauling something over in her head and then she smiled.
"Before you go…" She aimed her wand at Draco.
Harry felt his stomach drop and his eyes widened.
But he couldn't do anything in time.
"DISCREDO PHASMA!"
A bolt of white light shot into Draco and the Slytherin fell to the floor.
"YOU CHEATER!" Harry roared and Spade only smirked.
Harry quickly debated weather to go to Draco or attack the cheating snake.
He was at Draco's side in an instant. "Malfoy! Malfoy!"
Draco was cold, his face was pale and he wasn't breathing.
"WHAT DID YOU DO!?" Harry screamed and holding the blonde in his arms, turned to Spade.
Spade wiped a streak of blood from her upper eye and didn't answer.
She watched the whole exchange with much amusement.
"Draco—" Harry said and pressed his hand to Draco's cheek. "Come on, you coward! Open your eyes! Malfoy!"
Harry didn't know why but the thought of losing Draco was unbearable. They'd already come so far, he couldn't die! He felt much the same way he did when Sirius had fallen through the veil… but there was a difference… this time was--
There was a loud bang and the doors to the room opened.
"Lady Winters! Forgive us, but the king—"
"Harry!" Remus cried and was quickly at Harry's side.
"Lupin! Draco… he's…. he's…. you have to do something!"
Spade was standing and she was watching Remus very carefully.
"What happened?" Remus asked trying to feel for Draco's pulse.
"HER!" Harry cried and pointed at Spade.
He was on his feet and ready to fit but Remus grabbed his arm.
The memory of Remus holding him back when he wanted to save Sirius from Bellatrix's spell came back and before he knew what he was doing, he had punched Remus in the face.
Remus stumbled away but didn't look offended.
Harry realized what he had done and he felt tears prick his eyes. "Lupin—I'm sorry… I just—I can't… I thought… I didn't mean…"
Remus only nodded and pulled him into a tight hug.
Harry was choking sobs and he was vaguely aware that there were other people in the room. He didn't care.
"What did you do to him?" Remus said angrily, looking up at Spade.
Spade didn't show any sign of emotion and she said, "Who are you?"
Remus blinked and then realized that it was a perfectly liable question.
"Lady!" One of the girls cried. "The king—"
"That's not the King." Spade said and fixed Remus was a deadly stare.
Remus felt threatened and he nudged Harry. "Harry… let's go…"
He kept his eyes on Spade in case she tried something and at Harry's choked words, Remus picked up Draco's lifeless body and they made their way to the door.
When Remus and Harry had gone, taking Draco's cadaver with them, Spade looked over at her two servants, "Get Romulus over the communicator… I need to speak with him."
COME ON! Hit me with your best shot! I know you all hate me! …but if you think about it… they haven't even KISSED yet… so----
REVIEWERS IF CHAPTER ELEVEN
dances I love you all!! Review, Review! Or I will bite you! (rhymes, )
athena321
Hee, thanks for the beg! I'm honored that you don't usually do it. Yeah, I'm dragging out the relationship but I don't want to make it go ungrounded, you know? I like to play with their emotions first.
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driven to insanity
Thanks so much for reviewing! you are one of the few who actually use 'please' v
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moonlit kitten
Ah, such a compliment. Don't die though! My story loves you! And I do too! 0.0!!
loopy chick
I'm sorry you're getting impatient! But please wait a while longer! As soon as… um… well I don't wanna give away anything… but you have to admit, people don't cry over people they don't like—Thank you for your compliment and review!
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Wow! I love you! You're so supportive. Thanks so much for your kind words and insight!
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ddz008
Thank you lots for reviews and words! You have the same birthday as my sister o.o… weird… You'll never be too old for a little slashyness! You make me happy too!