I'm sorry this took so long, but the last couple of months have been anything, but fun! I had to go through Surgery for my headaches and i still haven't completely recovered, even though the doctors said it wouldn't take my more then two weeks to do so. Then again I've learned when it comes to abnormal health problems I've usually have them. Anyway I'm really sorry and I hope you enjoy!
Chapter Twenty-Three: Shadow's of the Past
"Now remember Harry . . ."
"Stick to the Plan. Sirius, I know. I'm not deaf I heard what the Professor said," Harry replied irritably.
"Yes, but you seem to have selective hearing most of the time," Sirius replied frankly. "Especially when it comes to listening to authority."
"I'm sorry did you say something?" Harry asked, sticking his tongue out.
"Are you sure it's a good idea to send those two in to scout together?" Remus asked, addressing the chuckling man beside him.
"They'll be fine my dear boy," Dumbledore said, eyes twinkling madly as he watched Godfather and Godson bicker. "Whether you want to admit it or not, those two are our best fighters and together they're even more dangerous."
"If that's supposed to make me feel any better Professor, it doesn't," Remus muttered.
Dumbledore chuckled, "My boy you should have more faith in your family."
"Oh I have faith in their abilities," Remus assured him. "It's faith in their maturity level I lack."
"You know Moony that's not a very nice thing to say about Harry," Sirius said suddenly, joining their conversation.
"What makes you think I was talking about Harry?" Remus asked, turning around and giving Sirius a pointed look.
"Well I know for a fact you weren't talking about me," Sirius said, lightly twirling his wand around in his fingers. "Because you know Moony that could be very hazardous to your health."
"See point proven," Remus said, shaking his head and turning back to face the still chuckling Professor.
"Well Remus, if you think you can talk Sirius into letting someone else go with Harry then by all means do try," Professor Dumbledore said merrily.
"Professors," Harry said, interrupting the three adults. "I do believe we've given the other members enough time to get into position. Which means Sirius and I should really get going and carry out our part."
"Harry's right," Remus said, consulting his watch. "Everyone should be in position awaiting their signal."
"Then by all means, let's not keep them waiting," Sirius said clasping Harry on the shoulders. "You ready to do this kid?"
"Yes," Harry said, scowling irritably at his Godfather. "And don't call me kid."
"You got it . . . kid," Sirius said, laughing as he easily dodged under Harry's swing before quickly changing into Padfoot and dashing off.
"Harry," Dumbledore said softly as Harry prepared to leave. "You two be careful and watch your backs."
"We will and don't worry, we'll be fine," Harry said, smiling slightly before quickly turning into an eagle and taking to the sky, flying high into the air until he was soaring just above the black looking grim.
When Harry had first arrived in Dumbledore's office and reported about the attack, Dumbledore had wasted no time in assembling the Order members just on the outskirts of the town Harry had seen before quickly informing them of the situation.
Since Harry's vision had only shown very little detail of the attack and the town has half populated with wizards and witches and no visible sign of attack could clearly be seen from their distance, Dumbledore hadn't wanted to go charging in there blindly, risking unnecessary life. Instead, Dumbledore had laid out a plan, he split the 42 assembled members into 21 groups of two; each partnered with a member that balanced out their skills. Dumbledore had then informed them that he was sending in one team to scout out the situation thoroughly before they were to send up one of three signals from their wand to the remaining Order Members waiting just outside of town.
Red sparks meant the town was under attack. Members should enter with extreme caution. Blue sparks meant the town was under aggression. Members should enter and defend. Green sparks meant the town was under no fire and it was safe to proceed. After the signal had been sent up and it happened to be either red or blue then each Order Member had been given a specific responsibility to fulfill.
Ten out of the nineteen groups were going in as the attack force to try and defend against the Death Eaters. Two other groups were going in for the purpose of prisoner transfer to a designated place where another group of two were waiting and ready to stand guard over them. Then another two groups were going in for panic control and to try and get the muggle civilians out unharmed. The remaining five groups were assigned to injured transportation. Two groups to find the injured, two to transport them to the group of elves who were waiting just outside of town ready to heal and stabilize before handing them off to the remaining group who would then transport them to St. Mungo's.
Of course their plan was working off of the soul hope that Voldemort would not activate an Anti-Apparation shield around the city. If he did then the responsibility would relay solely on Harry and his ability to mesmerize in and out of the shielding. This was the reason why Harry and Sirius found themselves the nominated scouting team, just incase Harry had to get them out in a pinch.
Finally, after circling the city twice Harry spotted his Godfather, back in human form, ducked in an alleyway gesturing for him to come down.
"Did you see anything?" Sirius asked once Harry had landed and had changed back.
"Not a thing, how about you?" Harry asked.
"Just a couple of drunks," Sirius said. "Are you sure this is the right town?"
"Positive," Harry said, looking around. "But I don't understand? Voldemort should have been here for at least 20 minutes. Why is there no sign of attack?"
"Well," Sirius replied slowly. "There could be two possible explanation for that. One, he came here for something or someone and wants to keep it quiet. Or two, he's simple not here."
"Sirius I know what I saw," Harry said testily. "Voldemort's here. I know it, I'm just not sure where."
"I don't know Harry, this town seems pretty qui . . ." Sirius suddenly trailed off as a look of comprehension passed over his face.
"Sirius what is it?" Harry asked anxiously.
"Harry this is the first vision you've had since you disappeared this summer right?" Sirius asked.
"Yes." Harry answered even more confused.
"And you haven't had one at all this summer?" Sirius asked again.
"No Sirius I haven't," Harry replied.
"But you use to get them at least once a month if not more in fifth year, right?" Sirius question yet again.
"Yes!" Harry answered, now annoyed. "Demin trained me over the summer to block all unwanted visitors from entering my head, Sirius you know all this, oh shit!"
"Exactly," Sirius said grimly. "I don't believe what you saw was a vision, at least not the kind we all thought it to be."
"If it wasn't a vision then what was it?" Harry asked, frustrated. "It seemed so real."
"I don't know, but I think we'd better get back to Dumbledore and explain," Sirius said.
"Oh I'm afraid you're not going to be going anywhere, anytime soon my pets," an unfamiliar voice breathed right into Harry's ear, causing him to start so badly that he jerked backwards only to stiffen quickly as he found a sharp object being pressed against his throat.
"Careful my pet, we wouldn't want you to getting blood on my clothes now, would we?" the same creepy voiced said again, making Harry shiver.
As Harry remained silent his captive slightly shifted his attention to the now enraged Sirius who was currently standing stock still, wand pointed straight at his heart from another black shadow nearby.
"My Master will be pleased to see you too my pet," Harry's captive informed Sirius.
"Your Master can go to hell," Sirius spat venomously.
"My, my, what language," the same voice replied as he silently motioned for his partner to disarmed Sirius and Harry. "I believe some improvement of manners are in order, but first tell me my pets, which one of Voldemort's traitorous little servants told you we were here and ruined all our fun early."
Harry and Sirius quickly traded confused looks, but otherwise remained silent.
"Not going to tell my pets?" the voiced asked sulkily. "Oh well I'm sure my Master can get you to talk more willingly. But first how would you like to watch some of the show? It should be starting soon and I've heard it's going to be real . . . explosive."
"Thanks, but no thanks," Sirius said darkly. "We have places to be, people to rescue, so if you'll excuse us . . ."
"We'll be going," Harry finished as he drove his elbow hard into his capture's gut while also grabbing the arm with the knife in it and using it to hurled his captor's bodily over his shoulder and straight into Sirius' surprised captor where they both collided with the ground in a tangle of limbs. Sirius then quickly seized both of their wands back and with a couple of stupefy's had knocked the two captors unconscious.
"Are you all right?" Sirius asked, gently seizing Harry's chin and turning is up so he could examine the neck where the knife had been.
"I'm fine, you?" Harry asked.
"Just peachy," Sirius said releasing Harry's chin and turning his attention to their two prisoners. "Don't look like your normal Death Eaters, do they?"
"No," Harry said frowning slightly as he looked over their two mysterious abductors.
Both captors were dressed from head to toe in tight black material, muggle style, with a large print of a serpent on their backside. The outfit was even completed with a mask, which was pulled down over their faces leaving only their eyes visible.
"They look like something you'd see out of a muggle ninja movie," Harry replied absently. "I didn't even hear them approach, did you?"
"No," Sirius said, jabbing his toe into one of the capture's side and flipping him over.
"Do you think it's possible they aren't Voldemort's Death Eaters?" Harry asked.
"I'm not sure," Sirius said frowning. "But I'm betting that they are. Just because they're dressed different, they're still wearing black and they still answer to some slim ball called Master."
"True," Harry said. "So what are we going to do with them?"
"We'll take them back to Albus. I'm pretty sure they can answer a few of our questions," Sirius said devilishly. "Willingly or not."
"I'll bet," Harry snorted. "But what about the att . . ."
BOOM!
"Attack," Sirius finished grimly as the ground beneath them lurched violently as black smoke billowed high into the air above the surrounding houses. "I don't know what Voldemort's up to, but it can't be anything good. Signal the Order
Harry and get them in here, code red. I'm going to take care of Mutt and Jeff here."
Harry nodded and quickly did as he was told and shot red sparks high into the air also sending up a quick prayer that everyone would remain safe.
"Come on Harry, we've got our own job to do." Sirius said gripping Harry's shoulder as he came up behind him.
"What about those two?" Harry asked jerking his thumb at the two prisoners. "You just going to leave them here?"
"Yep!" Sirius said smirking. "I've marked them so they should be picked up soon by prisoner transport. In the mean time I don't think they'll be going anywhere."
Harry nodded thinking Sirius did have a good point considering that the two were practically bounded from head to toe. So telling Sirius to hold tight Harry mesmerized them both to their assigned location where they were met immediately with a scene of panicked muggles and curious on lookers who were luckily being taking care of by Order members in charge of civilian control.
"What's the status?" Sirius asked as Eric Figg approached Harry and him from the front of the house that was currently on fire. "Where are Bill and Charlie?"
"Bill and Charlie have already entered the house to search for survives, we are to stand by and wait. As for groups one through ten, they have already engaged the enemy in combat and all other groups should also be in position. Apparation at this point is possible, so rescue one is a go," Eric efficiently and quickly informed them.
"Understood," Sirius said and with a nod Eric returned to his sister's side.
"Was he in the army at one point in his life?" Harry asked, looking at Eric's retreating form incredulously.
Sirius snorted. "No, but you must admit that was very informative."
"Yeah," Harry said coughing.
"Come on we need to get ourselves ready," Sirius said, gently guiding Harry away from the smoke where they both proceeded to cast burn-repel and bubble head charms over themselves before returning to the front of the house just as
Charlie came dashing out with two children's bodies slung over his shoulders.
"They're both alive, but just barely," Charlie said as he hurriedly handed them off to Harry and Sirius, whom immediately took them without question and apparated away to the medic camp where they handed them off to the first healer that approached them before quickly leaving again without a word.
Harry and Sirius worked like this for about twenty minutes, just working from house to house, transporting the injured to the medic camp. Upon their return to their tenth house Eric intercepted them again.
"Bill and Charlie left to the edge of town where three more house have gone up in flames," Eric quickly informed them. "We are to follow our tracking bracelets from here on out. Arabella and I have the west side, you guys take the east."
"Understood," Sirius said, nodding.
"Good and remember to be careful," Eric said as he apparated away.
"Well you heard the man," Sirius said, waving his wand over his wrist, activating his bracelet.
Before each transport team had left Dumbledore's side he had given them each a magical bracelet to wear. Once activated, they displayed three colors of dots according to the markers that had been placed on the individual by the discovery team. Red dots meant prisoners, blue was for the injured, and black was for the dead and all the wearer had to do was touch the dot and it would instantly Apparate, or in Harry's case mesmerize, the wearer straight to that location.
"Please tell me yours isn't reading what mine is?" Harry asked apprehensively.
"Merlin," Sirius breathed as he observed his activate bracelet. It was showing a quarter of the town's population in blue dots and another fourth in black.
"Voldemort has been here the whole time like you said, he just quietly slaughtered the whole town."
"Come on, we can figure this mess out later," Harry said. "Right now we've got work to do."
Sirius nodded numbly as they both disappeared with a pop to their next location and got to work moving patient after patient as fast as they could to the healers.
"How you holding up?" Demin asked Harry as Harry handed over the latest victim to him. "And where's Sirius? You two are supposed to stay together no matter what."
"I'm fine and I thought Sirius was right behind me," Harry said frowning. "I'd better go see what's wrong." Harry said before mesmerizing himself away.
"Harry!" Sirius cried as Harry appeared beside him. "Don't you dare leave my sight again!"
"I wouldn't have left your sight if you had followed my like you were supposed to," Harry said irritably.
"And I would have followed you if I could have," Sirius shot back.
"What is that supposed to mean?" Harry asked.
"It means that I can't Apparate any more," Sirius said.
"What do you . . .oh," Harry suddenly said, understanding. "Oh crap."
"Oh crap is right," Sirius said, running a hand through his hair.
"So now what?" Harry asked.
"Now . . ." Sirius started to reply when he was interrupted by Arabella who was sprinting up the road.
"Sirius can you still Apparate? Because Eric and I can't! We believe they have activated an anti-Apparation shield," Arabella huffed out when she reached them.
"Have our defenses tried to break it?" Sirius asked.
"That's what Eric went to find out," Arabella heaved. "But I honestly don't think they're going to be able to break it, from what I can tell it's a very powerful shield."
Sirius cursed softly under his breath while Harry sighed wearily, "Guess that means I'm on double duty."
"Harry, I'm really sorry about this," Arabella said miserably. "We were really counting on them not putting up a shield. I figured since one wasn't up when we got here then we where pretty much safe, I guess I was wrong."
"Don't feel too bad Arabella," Sirius said. "I have a feeling that Voldemort and his little Death Eaters have been here waiting for us, we just took them a little by surprise at first."
Arabella gave Sirius a puzzled look, but Sirius just shook her off, "I'll explain later, but for now I think you and Eric will be best used helping Dumbledore fight off the Death Eaters. Harry and I will take care of the injured."
"Are you sure?" Arabella asked. "We could still help out."
"No," Harry replied quickly. "Sirius is right, your help would be much better utilized with Dumbledore."
"Well, if you're sure," Arabella said, a little uncertain. "Please just be careful and watch your backs."
"Will do," Sirius said as Arabella turned and retreated back down the smoke-filled road.
"We've got a lot of work to do," Harry sighed.
"That we do," Sirius said. "But first how do you fee, l and I want an honest answer."
"As good as can be excepted under the circumstances," Harry replied honestly.
"Umm, what about your magic?" Sirius asked.
"Er . . ." Harry said hesitantly. "It's ok."
"Harry," Sirius said warningly.
"Really Sirius it's ok," Harry said. "My magic reserve is down a little, but it's nothing to worry about."
"Give me your hands," Sirius demanded.
"Sirius I'm fine!" Harry said, taking a defensive step backwards.
"Harry either give me your hands or I'm going to take you back to the medic camp where you will remain without argument until the attack it over," Sirius threatened. "Now give me your hands!"
"No, and besides you can't," Harry countered. "We've got a job to do. A job only I can do where lives are depending on it."
"I can and I will," Sirius said, losing his patience. "Your safety is and always will come first. So either give me your hands or your going straight to the medic camp."
Harry sighed and finally held out his hands to Sirius, palms up. Sirius held out his own hands over Harry's, palms down. Sirius then started to mutter a spell under his breath causing their hands to pulse pure white with magic for ten seconds before it suddenly halted for a few second then abruptly released their hands from the spell.
"Ouch," Harry cried, jerking his hands back. "That hurt."
"Sorry," Sirius said, immediately consulting the parchment that had appeared in his hand. "I never was very good at that spell."
"Then why the heck do you use it?" Harry asked, nursing his poor hands. "I know there's other spells you could have used."
"True, but that one was the easiest and fastest to perform," Sirius replied absently. "And . . . you where being difficult."
"You did that on purpose?" Harry cried indignantly.
"Maybe," Sirius finally said, looking up and smirking. "Oh, it didn't hurt that bad, stop whining."
"Jeez, what happened to my loving and caring godfather?" Harry asked.
"He disappeared the moment his Godson decided to put others lives before his own, interfering with the basic principle of Godfathering," Sirius said solemnly.
"Er . . . right," Harry said, wanting to skip that argument. "So what's the verdict?"
"The verdict, my dear Godson, is that your magic reserve is down and not just a little either," Sirius said. "Has it ever dropped this low in so little time?"
"I wouldn't call nearly two hours just a little time," Harry said before hastily continuing as Sirius threw him a dirty look. "But to answer your question, no it hasn't ever dropped so fast, but then again I've never done so much mesmerization before, it's bound to be a little taxing on my magic."
"I suppose," Sirius said, considering Harry's words carefully. "But I still don't like it."
"Look Sirius . . ." Harry started to argue, but stopped as a wave of dizziness suddenly washed over him.
"Harry!" Sirius cried as Harry collapsed into his arms.
"Something's wrong," Harry voice said quietly from it's place against Sirius chest as he clutched his head in pain and leaned heavily on his Godfather for support. "Something's terrible wrong."
"What do you mean?" Sirius asked, concern clearly evident in his voice.
Instead of answering Harry gripped his Godfather by his forearms and mesmerized them both to the spot where his senses where telling him that there was something wrong.
"Harry why did you . . .?" Sirius started to ask before abruptly choking off as he caught sight of what laid before him.
It was a large dome like sphere covering at least one fourth of the town and it's houses. It was pure black in color and was radiating off sheer dark power that it made Sirius shiver.
"Sirius," Harry asked tentatively. "What in the four founders is that?"
"I haven't got a clue," Sirius said, eyes narrowing. "But whatever it is, it can't be good. I think you and I should get out of here and warn the others."
"I . . . I think we're a little to late for that," Harry said, turning his eyes away from Sirius and loosening his grip.
"What do you mean?" Sirius asked, looking at Harry intently.
"Voldemort," Came Harry's quiet whisper.
"What! Where?" Sirius asked throwing his Godson behind him without a second thought and drawing his wand.
"Not here," Harry continued, his voice growing distant. "Not anymore. He's gone."
"Harry what are you talking about?" Sirius asked turning back to Harry in confusion only to find that his Godson's face had gone pale and his eyes had glazed over, a faraway look in them.
"Voldemort, he was here at first," Harry replied as if his Godfather hadn't spoken. "He wasn't here for the purpose of aiding his Death Eaters in the muggle torture though. He came here for another purpose, a more destructive purpose."
"Purpose? What purpose?" Sirius asked.
"The purpose of setting a trap. A trap to capture Albus Dumbledore and make him suffer. A trap that he succeeded in accomplishing," Harry answered unblinkingly.
"Harry what are you talking about?" Sirius asked, looking at his Godson in confusion.
"Albus Dumbledore has been captured," Harry repeated.
"Harry how do you know this?" Sirius asked.
"I can sense it, I can hear it, I can feel it," Harry replied in the same distant voice that wasn't his own.
"Harry, you're really starting to scare me," Sirius said, gripping Harry's shoulders. "What ever spell that's got a hold of you, fight it Harry."
Harry just continued to stare right through his Godfather like he wasn't even there until Sirius in frustration gave Harry's shoulders a shake, causing whatever spell that had a hold of Harry to finally break. Harry then stumbled backwards slightly his eyes closing before he pitched forward straight into Sirius's arms who caught him automatically before slowly lowing them both to the ground.
"Harry?" Sirius asked as his Godson's emerald eyes tentatively reopened looking, much to Sirius's relief, confused, by otherwise normal.
"Sirius?" Harry asked hoarsely. "Why I'm I on the ground."
"Because you passed out," Sirius said as he slowly helped his Godson into sitting position.
"I did?" Harry asked bewildered. "Why?"
"You don't remember a thing you just said, do you?" Sirius asked not really that surprised.
"No, the last think I remember was appearing here and you saying we should leave and then . . ."
"Then what?" Sirius urged.
"I remember feeling sensations and hearing voices that weren't my own," Harry confessed. "It was like I was inside other people's minds. I could literally feel their emotions and hear what they were saying."
"But yet you don't remember anything you just said to me?" Sirius asked.
"Yes. No," Harry said, gripping his head. "This is so frustrating! It's like I'm trying to decide which part of me is me."
"Harry stop it," Sirius said as he observed at his Godson worriedly. "I think you and I should return to the medic camp."
"NO!" Harry said jumping to his feet. "There was a reason I was drawn here!
There is something I'm supposed to be remembering! Something important!"
"Harry I don't think . . ." Sirius started, but was cut off by Harry.
"I . . . remember something about Voldemort and a . . . trap," Harry mumbled as he started to pace. "The trap I was referring to is probably that black sphere . . . Oh crap the Sphere! Dumbledore!"
"Harry what are you . . .?" Sirius started to ask, but stopped when his Godson suddenly took off towards the sphere and at dead run.
Cursing under his breath Sirius followed.
"Harry what in the nine hells do you think you are doing?" Sirius asked as he skidded to a stop beside his Godson.
"Dumbledore," Harry said simply as he reached out as if to touch the sphere, but didn't. "He's trapped inside this thing Sirius. Along with over half the other Order members."
Sirius blinked, "You mean it was true?"
"I remember what happened now," Harry replied softly. "When we both arrived here after mesmerizing, my mind and my thoughts were suddenly, how do I say this . . . it was like they were pushed aside as other peoples thoughts and emotions suddenly crowed my mind. There were so many I thought my head was going to explode when all of a sudden I was pulled towards one individual's thoughts. It was Voldemort's thoughts that I was drawn to Sirius, it was his thoughts I spoke to you."
"WHAT!" Sirius exploded.
"Not his current thoughts," Harry explained quickly. "Like I said before, he's gone from this place. I think it was lingering thoughts from moment before that I was somehow picking up."
"Lingering thoughts? How is that even possible?" Sirius asked, completely baffled.
"I don't know, maybe it's an extension of my telepathic powers or maybe it's a new power, I don't know. But what I do know is that Dumbledore and the Order members are indeed trapped inside this thing and need our help," Harry said.
"Harry," Sirius breathed, bewildered. "How . . . this is . . . Merlin I need to sit down."
"You don't believe me, do you?" Harry asked softly.
"Oh no, I believe you all right," Sirius said, running a hand through his hair. "It's just a lot to take in without understanding how."
"How what?" Harry asked. "How can I suddenly hear peoples lingering thoughts? Or how are we going to help the Order?"
"Both I suppose," Sirius said, laughing slightly. "Can this situation possibly get any worse?"
"Sirius," Harry groaned. "Did you have to say that? Everyone knows it always gets worse after somebody asks that."
"Stupid muggle superstitions," Sirius muttered under his breath. "Can you tell me how many people are trapped in there with Albus?"
"Well considering that Professor Dumbledore was part of the attack unit, I'd say everyone that was in that unit along with Eric and Arabella. So I'd say around 22," Harry said pensively. "Though that's not counting the muggles."
"Wonderful," Sirius said. "If all the attack unit is trapped in there then that means are only other living hope of knowledge to these two problems is also inside there."
"Sirius, Remus isn't your encyclopedia of answers," Harry said, rolling his eyes. "You should learn to solve problems on your own."
"Harry I have absolutely no idea what we're dealing with here," Sirius said waving his arm animatedly at the sphere. "That thing is radiating so much dark magic I'm surprise we're not dead from just standing near it!"
"So does that mean you don't have any ideas of how to defeat this thing?" Harry asked.
"What do you think?" Sirius asked rhetorically. "Do you think you can mesmerize yourself through?"
Harry gave him a look that clearly said do-you-think-I'd-still-be-standing-here-if-I-could?
"Er . . .right," Sirius said. "What about Demin and Kairi, think they can help?"
"Maybe," Harry shrugged. "Couldn't hurt to ask."
Sirius opened his mouth agree when he was interrupted by familiar voice.
"Sirius! Harry! Thank Merlin!" Bill Weasley said, coming to a skidding stop beside the two wizards looking relieved. "Are you two ok? Do you know what this sphere thing is? Do you know where the others are?"
"Bill, breathe," Harry said, slightly amused. "And to answer your questions, yes we're ok, no we don't know what black dome thing is, and yes we know where the others are."
"Brilliant," Bill said smiling. "Charlie and I got a little worried when we couldn't find anyone after this sphere appeared. So where are the others?"
"Well, everyone that was on the fighting unit is stranded in there," Sirius said jerking a thumb at the black dome.
"What?" Bill blinked. "I'm sorry I don't thing I heard you quiet right."
"No Bill I'm afraid you did," Sirius said. "We've probably got around 40 people trapped inside there, half being our Order members, the other half muggles."
"You mean my parents are trapped in there?" Bill asked, horrified.
"Afraid so," Sirius said.
"You have to get them out of there!" Bill cried before suddenly turning on Harry and gripping his shoulders. "Harry, why haven't you gotten them out of there! I know you have the power to do it?"
"Bill I can't," Harry said. "I don't know what I'm dealing with here."
"What do you mean you can't? What have you been doing all summer if not studying? You must have the answer," Bill cried, shaking Harry forcefully. "Now get them out of there!"
Bill . . ." Harry protested weakly as his Godfather none too gently pulled Bill off of him.
"Bill will you get a hold of yourself!" Sirius snapped angrily. "I know you're worried about your parents, but you're not the only one with family members trapped in there!"
Bill jerked back from Sirius' grip like he had been slapped before suddenly hanging his head in shame, "I'm sorry Sirius I just lost control, I shouldn't have jumped on Harry like that."
Sirius sighed, "It's alright Bill, just make sure it doesn't happen again. We all need to keep a cool head if we're going to figure this out. But for now I need you to find Charlie and then go inform the medic crew to pack up and get themselves back to Hogwarts, except Demin and Kairi, we need them sent here. Then after you're done with that go tell the prisoner camp to pack up as well and take their captives up to the temporary ministry building, where they are to stay and stand guard until either your father, Albus, or Amos shows up."
"Understood," Bill said slowly. "What do you want Charlie and I to do after we're done with all that?"
"Roam the town and make sure we've got everyone out," Sirius said. "Then after that stay on the edge of town, just in case we have some straggling Death Eaters still lingering around."
"Understood," Bill said nodding, before hesitantly asking. "You are going to get everyone out, right?"
"You can count on it," Sirius said determinedly. "Now go we need Demin and Kairi here as soon as possible."
Bill nodded and turned to leave before suddenly stopping and turning back around to face Harry. "I'm really sorry I lashed out at you Harry. I know you care about my parents just as much as any of us Weasley's. I really I'm sorry."
"I know you are so don't worry about it," Harry said, waving it off. "You can just considerate our first sibling fight, Merlin knows I've had enough of them with Ron."
"Thanks Harry," Bill said laughingly as he turned and took off to complete his tasks.
"Now what?" Harry asked once Bill was out of sight.
"Now, we wait," Sirius said, turning back around to examine the black dome more closely.
"Thank you captain obvious," Harry said, rolling his eyes before quickly adding. "By the way, thank you."
It took Sirius a second to figure out what Harry was thanking him for before he suddenly chuckled. "Think nothing of it, after all I can't have someone going around picking on my kid now can I?"
"Ha, Ha, you're really funny," Harry said sourly. "And stop calling me kid."
"Oops, sorry, forgot," Sirius said, smirking.
"Yeah I'll just bet," Harry said. "Couldn't you have just said you're welcome like any other normal person?"
"I suppose I could've," Sirius said thoughtfully. "But where would be the fun in that?"
"Sirius, are you ever going to grow up?" Harry asked, exasperated.
"I repeat, where's the fun in that?" Sirius asked, smirking.
"That's it, I give up," Harry said, throwing his hands in the air. "You're completely impossible."
"Know it, love it, and always will be it," Sirius said giving a mock bow.
Harry just rolled his eyes and was about to tell his Godfather to grow up when he saw two familiar figures approaching them fast. "Looks like Demin and Kairi are almost here."
"Why thank you Harry I couldn't quiet see them myself," Sirius remarked lightly.
"Sometimes I wonder why I even bother talking to you," Harry muttered.
"That's a simple question to answer," Sirius said innocently. "It's cause you love me."
"Sometimes I really wonder," Harry said shaking his head. "Hey you two!"
"Hey yourself," Kairi said as she stopped beside Sirius. "New toy of yours?"
"That's what we were hoping you could tell us," Sirius said. "Because frankly I've never seen anything like it."
"You've got me," Kairi said shrugging. "I've never seen anything like it either, Demin?"
When Demin didn't answer her three sets of eyes turned his way only to find that the Elf had gone remarkably pale and was looking down right horrified.
"Demin?" Harry asked worriedly.
"No, it's not possible," Demin whispered, seemingly unaware of the three set of eyes that were watching him attentively. "They're dead, I know they are. I watched them die!"
"Demin what are you talking about?" Kairi demanded. "Do you know what this thing is? And who's dead?"
Demin slowly turned to Kairi his purple eyes haunted as he spoke two words, "The twins."
Kairi's reaction was much like her brother's as her eyes got huge with disbelief and her face lost all color.
"That's impossible," Kairi whispered.
"Would someone mind filling us in on what's going on?" Sirius asked impatiently.
"Because it's obvious you know what, or at least who, we're dealing with."
"I think we need to bring Lord Nico here," Demin said instead.
Harry, who had learned quickly to trust Demin's judgment, nodded without a word and quickly mesmerized himself straight into Hogwarts hospital wing were the portkey should have delivered the group of elves just minutes before.
"Harry what are you doing here? Are you hurt? Do you need some help," Caryn asked as she quickly approached the searching wizard.
"No I'm fine. Really I'm," Harry said hurriedly as Caryn was about to poke him. "I'm here to find Lord Nico, do you know where he is?"
"Yes," Caryn said, studying Harry carefully. "He's in Madam Pomfrey's office. Are you sure you're ok?"
"Yes,, I'm fine thanks," Harry said quickly dashing off towards the office and entering it without knocking.
"Mr. Potter what do you think . . ." Madam Pomfrey started to say but was quickly silenced by Harry.
"Lord Nico, Demin sent me to get you," Harry rapidly explained to the elderly elf that sat in front of Poppy's desk. "I'm sorry but I don't have time to explain just hold on."
And with that Harry grabbed Nico's arm and they both disappeared from the office leaving a startled med-witch behind.
When Harry reappeared seconds later it was to the exactly same spot where he had disappeared from minutes before where he released Lord Nico only to have the elderly elf step forward a little and stare at the dome in horrid fascination.
"Great now we have another one," Sirius said exasperated. "Would someone please explain what's going on?"
"Is there anyone trapped inside there?" Lord Nico asked ignoring Sirius's question.
"Of course there's people trapped inside there, why else would we bring you here?" Sirius said. "We've estimated around forty people. Half wizards half muggles including Albus."
"Good Mythusei save us," Lord Nico murmured to their eleven god. "Please tell me no ones tried to get them out using magic?"
"As far as we know no one has tried to do anything," Harry answered confused.
"Thank Mythusei," Lord Nico and Demin mummer together.
"Ok I'm only going to ask you this one more time," Sirius said calmly. "WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON!"
All three elves started at Sirius's outburst while Harry remained calm beside his Godfather, showing he was in complete agreement with him.
Lord Nico finally nodded at the two wizards and took a deep calming breath and started. "This is another creation of Elf magic. Very dark and powerful elf magic that I haven't seen in years."
"Since the end of your war?" Sirius reasoned.
"That would be correct," Lord Nico said, sighing. "This is another weapon that was used during our war by our enemies. It's named the Entanglement Dome, based on what it does to those trapped inside of it once activated. But how Voldemort knows about it, let alone recreated it, I don't know."
"You don't know!" Sirius said mockingly. "Let me refresh your memory and remind you of what attacked us on our own school grounds not to long ago! This dome was probably made by the same elves!"
"What you don't understand, Mr. Black, is that only two people could have created this sphere and as far as a know they're dead," Lord Nico replied calmly.
"Well obviously they're not as dead as you think! Or maybe there's some other deranged elf out there that has learned how to create it," Sirius retorted.
"Sirius, it's not that simple," Demin stepped in. "This trap takes a lot of active magic to create, active magic that elves simply do not have on their own and since this dome can't be created by more then one type of elf magic . . ."
"Then it had to have been created by elfin twins," Harry cutting in,, his eyes lighting up in sudden understanding. "Together Elfin twins have enough active magic to do it and since they're twins it's basically one in the same type of magic."
"I see that your many hours in our library hasn't gone to waste on you," Lord Nico said, smiling slightly at Harry.
"But I don't understand, I thought Demin and Kairi were the only set of Elfin twins still alive today, unless . . ." Harry said suddenly trailing off in uncertainty.
"Unless what?" Sirius prompted.
"Unless . . . the Yang Twins are somehow alive," Harry finished off, blankly refusing to meet Demin's eyes.
"Harry do I even have to ask how you know of that name?" Demin asked shooting his sister a dirty look. "Because I know for a fact that it's not public knowledge one would find in the library."
"If you're thinking it was Kairi that told me, then you're wrong," Harry said.
"Then how else would you know?" Demin demanded before his eyes widened in comprehension. "You read my personal war journals, didn't you?"
"Yes I did," Harry said defiantly.
"Harry how could you? You had no right . . ." Demin started to yell before abruptly stopping and taking a deep breath. "I'm not going to get into this argument right now, but rest assured that we're going to have a long talk about this later."
"I'm sure we will," Harry muttered.
"Good, now that, that's out of the way, would someone mind telling me about these Yang twins and why they are so special?" Sirius asked impatiently.
Harry, Demin, Kairi and Nico all traded quick looks, a silent message passing between the four before Harry stepped forward to explain.
"It's not exactly who they are, rather what they are, that makes them special. You see any set of Elfin twins that are born in their Realm are special because they're such a rarity."
"Way to make us sound like some type of abnormal freaks," Kairi muttered under her breath and wrinkling her nose in displeasure.
"Kairi I don't have to say anything to make you look like an abnormal freak,"
Harry replied cheekily before turning back to Sirius. "You see Sirius Elfin twins are so rare, they only have a set of them born every two centuries. That is, except for the year Kairi and Demin were born."
"Indeed," Lord Nico mummer. "That year we had a very rare occurrence where two sets of twins were born instead of the customary one, but the most extraordinary thing about the entire event was their actual birth. You see each set of twins were born one male one female and were delivered exactly one day apart, down to the very last second."
"Whoa," Sirius said looking from Kairi to Demin. "How come I was never informed of all this?"
"A lot of reasons really," Harry said shrugging. "You didn't ask, it didn't come up, it didn't seem important, didn't want you getting an even bigger head after you found out you were dating a powerful elfin twin. The list goes on and on."
"You know Harry you're coming really close of getting everyone angry at you," Sirius said.
"Wouldn't be the first time," Harry said, grinning.
"Hrhmm," Lord Nico said clearing his throat. "Anyway Sirius, when the two set of twins were born, we were all so excited and amazed that we didn't even stop to think about what it meant. It wasn't even until years down the road did we even start to wonder when we notice the Yang twins odd behavior."
"Odd how?" Sirius asked.
"At first it was just small things like keeping to themselves and not making any friends. Then they started to spend all their free time locked up in the library going through every book they were allowed to read and by the time they had reached the age of nine they had surpassed our normal education."
"So they were extremely bright and ambitious," Sirius said, a little lost. "How does that make them odd?"
"It wasn't that they were smart and liked to study that made them odd, it was the fact that at a very young age they listened to no one and followed no one's rules."
"What about their parents?" Sirius asked. "Where were they?"
"They were around for a while, but they never had any control over them," Demin said. "Then eventually they were murdered in cold blood by the twins."
"What?" Sirius asked, appalled. "You mean . . . ? How could they?"
"They claimed it was an accident and at the time we believed them," Lord Nico replied. "It wasn't until months later did we discovered what really happened. That they had planned on killing them for awhile."
"How old were they?" Sirius asked softly.
"Nine," Lord Nico said sadly. "Nine and already accomplished murderers."
"So what happened to them? After their parents death?" Sirius asked.
"The council sent them to live with their uncle, their father's brother. That arrangement only lasted two months when they ran away, but not before they had left their uncle mortally wounded," Lord Nico replied.
"Yes, but they made one last visit before they disappeared that day, didn't they Lord Nico?" Demin asked bitterly.
"Yes. Yes they did," Lord Nico answered remorsefully.
"As long as I live I will never forget that day," Kairi sudden whisper drew everyone's attention to her. "After the twins left their Uncle's home they came straight to ours, coming right through our bedroom window without even making a noise. That's when they woke us up using very painful high level magic. We didn't even stand a chance. They bounded us to our beds and just proceeded to torture us. When we asked why they were doing it they laughed and told us it was entirely our fault that their lives were so messed up. They claimed that if our parents hadn't conceived us first then they would have been living a happy life and not us. That's when they untied us and dragged us down to our parents bedroom."
"Kairi stop, you don't need to do this," Demin said painfully.
"No, they have the right to know," Kairi said stubbornly even though tears were threatening to fall.
"Kairi it's all right, I already know," Harry said softly.
"I expected as much," Kairi said, smiling softly. "But Sirius doesn't know and I want him to."
"Know what?" Sirius asked looking between Harry and Kairi.
"About our parents. About our past," Kairi said softly. "We see after the Yang twins dragged us out of our beds and down to our parents' room they killed our parents in cold blood while . . . Demin and I wat . . . ch helplessly."
"After they were done making us watch they said we had a choice, join them or die. We choose to fight," Demin quickly picked up the story, trying to save his sister from further torment. "But like Kairi said we didn't stand a chance against them, they had us cornered and bound again before we had even really had a chance to get started. They would have succeeded in killing us too, but fate had it's own plans for us and we were saved by our own twin abilities that manifested itself in our desperate time of need, transporting us to safety."
"And that was the last that anybody saw of the Yang twins until years later when they showed up in the war, wielding powers and tricks we'd never before seen or dreamed of," Lord Nico concluded the twins' story.
There was silence for a moment as everyone gave Sirius time to absorb all their information and Demin and Kairi to regain their composer.
"When you said new tricks were you talking about the mystic orbs and this Entanglement Sphere?" Sirius finally asked, deciding to deal with the current problem at hand.
"Precisely," Lord Nico said. "We had never seen anything like them until the war broke out. However, it didn't take long to discover who was behind them seeing how the Yang Twins made sure they left their mark."
"Is there a reason the Yang twins went so violent? Did it have something to do with two sets of twins being born the same year?" Sirius asked.
"Yes we believe so." Lord Nico said. "A couple of years after the Yang twins disappeared we found a journal that belong to their parents when we searched their house. What we found written in the journal was most disturbing. You see it was common knowledge to the public that this young couple was ambitious and wanted fame and riches, we just didn't realize how much. In the journal it explained that they were going to invent a spell or a potion that would allow them to conceive twins, seeing how being the parents of twins were considered a very high honor in our Realm. It took this couple close to a year to finally create a potion that would achieve such a feat, but what they didn't know at the time was that a set of twins had already been conceived two days before. We believe the Yang twins' parents messed with a force of nature that should never been messed with. It's what the elders come to call the Ying and Yang factor, if there's a good, there's has to be a bad, to balance out the powers."
"In a sick twisted way that does makes sense," Sirius said, making a face. "The only thing I don't understand it that everyone seems to think they're dead. So if that's true who could have created this?"
"That's what's got me so worried," Lord Nico confessed. "Only the Yang twins are capable of creating this, so the only option it leads me to believe is that they are not as dead as we had thought them to be."
"That's impossible and you know it Nico!" Demin cried. "I killed them with my own hands!"
"You did?" Kairi asked, taken aback. "Why didn't you ever tell me?"
"I didn't see the need to get you involved," Demin said, turned his saddened eyes toward his sister.
"You didn't feel the need?" Kairi repeated dangerously. "They killed our parents in cold blood right in front of our very eyes and you don't see the need? DAMN IT DEMIN THEY WERE MY PARENTS TOO! I HAD JUST AS MUCH RIGHT TO KNOW THAT YOU KILLED THEM AS MUCH AS I HAD THE RIGHT TO KILL THEM MYSELF!"
"Kairi, please you don't understand," Demin said softly. "It nearly killed me to watch you walk around like a zombie years after their deaths. It took you so many years to recover Kairi that I just couldn't bring myself to tell you about the Yang twins. I just couldn't."
"I understand that Demin, really I do," Kairi said. "But it still should have been my choice to make, not yours."
"I knew it then as I know it now," Demin said. "But I still can't say I'm sorry I never told you."
"As much as I hate to voice this, but it looks like Kairi will have her chance to choose to face them or not," Lord Nico's voice interrupted the two siblings from where he was kneeling beside the sphere. "There is no mistake who's magic made this. The Yang twins are back."
"I don't believe, I can't believe it." Demin demanded. "They are dead."
"I don't know how, but they are indeed very much alive," Lord Nico said, leaving no room in his voice for argument. "And this in itself is grave news for it seems they have teamed up with Voldemort."
"We'll have to deal with what that exactly means later," Sirius interrupted. "Right now I want to know how dangerous this Entanglement Sphere is and how are we suppose to get around it?"
"The Entanglement Sphere even though very sinister, is actually really very ingenious." Lord Nico said, sounded very much like Dumbledore that the two Wizards traded uncomfortable looks. "Once activated the very walls of the dome slowly start closing in, until eventually the walls close in so close they suffocate the people inside."
"WHAT!" Harry and Sirius shouted.
"Then why in Merlin's name have we been standing around talking!" Sirius continued yelling. "We need to get them out of there, now!"
"Ah, but you see that's the ingenuous part," Lord Nico said. "The walls only start narrowing in on the trapped when someone from the outside like us tries to use magic to get them out. Thus why I asked you first thing if anyone had tried to use magic and as long as no one has then people inside are quite safe for now. "
"The Sphere may feel and look very dangerous, but in all actuality all it is, is a very simple spell that feeds off any outer source that is offered to it, like magic," Demin said bitterly. "The Yang twins found it quite entertaining that the very people that they trapped inside by such a simple spell ended up dying at the hands of their very own friends when they tried to rescue them."
"That's just sick," Sirius said. "But what's even more sickening is that they have teamed up with our Realms most sickening bastard."
"Indeed," Lord Nico mummer. "This has uncovered an even bigger threat then we had first thought."
"Like Sirius said, we can deal with it later, right now I think we should get Dumbledore and the Order out of there," Harry said still anxious about the dome and their friends trapped inside.
"Harry's right," Sirius said. "So how do we get them out of there, I'm assuming that since you discovered what the shield does you also discovered how to break it."
"Yes and no," Lord Nico said. "We discovered through immense testing that since twin power created the dome, then twin powers were able to break it."
A surprise gasp from Kairi drew everyone's attention to her. "That was what all that testing Demin and I did during the war was for, wasn't it?"
"Yes that is exactly what it was for," Lord Nico confirmed.
"How come I was never informed of that fact? Or better yet how come I was never pulled into the field to actually put our testing into action?" Kairi asked incredulously.
"Because in order for your magic to have worked on the dome you would have had to work it from the inside," Lord Nico explained gently. "And no matter how hard we researched we never could discovered a way to get the two of you inside safely for you to accomplish that."
"You knew what they were trying to accomplish with the testing the whole time, didn't you?" Kairi said, pointing an accusing finger at her brother.
"Of course I knew," Demin said bitterly. "I was the field general in command, it was my responsibility and duty to know."
"But not your responsibility or duty to inform your sister of the truth," Kairi said angrily.
"Kairi this isn't the time for this," Demin said.
"Will there ever be a right time for you to explain all this?" Kairi asked. "I knew we both had secrets and demons we didn't want to share with each other, but not something like this Demin."
"Kairi there was no need for me to tell you the truth about the testing. The elders couldn't find a way to get us in and therefore the spell we practice was useless. I knew that if I had told you, you would have gone out and done something stupid."
Kairi glared at her brother and opened her mouth to reply when Harry suddenly interrupted, "So what you're saying is that if we can only get Kairi and Demin safely inside the dome, they'll be able to break it and get everyone out without any consequences?"
"In theory yes," Lord Nico said. "But we've never been able to get them in."
"Then why don't we do it now and see if your theory's not right," Harry said calmly.
"I thought you said you couldn't mesmerize yourself through that," Sirius said accusingly.
"I can't," Harry said. "But I think I know someone who can."
"Who?" Four incredulous voices asked.
"Just give me a minute and I'll show you," Harry said, grinning widely as he sent out a telepathic call that was answered immediately by Destiny and Fawkes who appeared beside him in two identical balls of fire. "Say hello to your one way ticket into the Entanglement sphere."
All four adults just started at Harry incredulously before Demin finally said, "Harry I don't know if you're completely mad or extremely brilliant."
"I prefer extremely brilliant," Harry said as he held out his arm for Destiny to settle on.
"Are you telling me that these two Phoenixes can transport Demin and Kairi through the sphere safely?" Lord Nico asked.
"That's indeed what I'm telling you," Harry said. "All Demin and Kairi have to do is hold on and Destiny and Fawkes will do the rest."
"Then what are we waiting for?" Kairi said. "Let's get ourselves in there and get to work."
"I agree," Demin said. "I'm not going to watch anymore of my friends die especially when I have the power to stop it now."
"Then if you both agree to do this then go and be careful," Lord Demin said. "Do you remember the spell?"
"Yes," Demin and Kairi said, nodding.
"Good, then go," Lord Nico said sighing, unable to believe the answer to their problem had always been so close.
"What do we you need to do?" Demin asked, turning to Harry.
"Nothing, but be careful," Harry said soberly as Destiny left his arm to settle on Demin's shoulder as Fawkes did the same to Kairi. "They say you will feel a little burning sensation, but it won't hurt, just hang on and it'll be over and you'll be inside."
"Understood," Demin said, turning to his sister. "Are you ready?"
"As ready as I'll ever be," Kairi said, nodding.
"Good," Demin said. "Harry we're ready."
"All right just close your eyes and count to five, when you open them you should be inside the dome," Harry said, stepping back from the pair as Sirius and Nico did the same just before Kairi and Demin disappeared in two thick balls of fire.
"How exactly are they going to break the sphere's magic?" Sirius finally asked, breaking the silence.
"Using their twin magic they're going to basically overload the sphere's magical circuits and break it down piece by piece," Lord Nico explained.
"How long will that take?" Harry asked.
"Once their magic has worked it's way through the dome and have reversed the Yang twins' magic it should take no more then ten minutes to break it down completely," Lord Nico answered.
"So we're back to waiting again," Sirius said wearily.
"It would appear so," Lord Nico said, smiling slightly. "I take it, Mr. Black, that waiting isn't one of your strong points?"
Harry snorted, "That's the understatement of the century."
Sirius's smacked Harry over the back of the head lightly for that comment and opened his mouth to rebuke him when the ground suddenly lurch violently beneath them causing them all to stumble slightly before regaining their balance.
"What was that?" Sirius asked.
"Do not worry," Lord Nico quickly assured them. "This is normal, it means the spell is working."
"Right," Sirius said nervously looking around. "Are you sure it's safe to stand right here."
"Perhaps it would be wise to move back a little," Lord Nico remarked lightly. "Just incase."
"Just incase he says," Sirius muttered, grabbing Harry by the arm and hauling him backwards, away from the dome.
"You know Sirius I can walk on my own," Harry said amusedly.
"Yes, I'm sure you can," Sirius said, tightening his grip on Harry's arm rather than loosening it.
Harry just rolled his eyes and allowed his Godfather to continue to pull him along when his head suddenly exploded in pain making him stumble and would have falling if Sirius hadn't caught him.
"You can walk on your own, uh?" Sirius asked amused which quickly turned into worry as his Godson clutched his head and whimpered.
"Harry what's wrong? What's the matter?" Sirius asked, clutching his Godson close to him.
"Make it stop! Please Merlin make it stop!" Harry moaned clawing at his head.
"Harry, make what stop?" Sirius asked petrified while he lowered his Godson to the ground.
"Please make them stop!" Harry sobbed out before his body went into convulsions and his hands started to viscously claw at his eyes.
"NICO!" Sirius shouted, quickly grabbing his Godson's arms and pinned them to his side. "NICO, HELP ME!"
"Sirius what happened? What's wrong with him?" Lord Nico asked, quickly kneeling beside Sirius and helping hold down Harry's convulsing body.
"I don't know," Sirius snapped helplessly. "He just collapsed in pain."
"Sirius he's going to choke on his tongue," Lord Nico said fearfully. "We need to hold it down with something."
Sirius was about to snap at Nico to just use his elf magic when Harry's mouth opened and let out a pain filled scream, his body arched up as a pulse of magic sent Sirius and Lord Nico flying from his body several feet. And just as fast as it had come it stopped and Harry lay completely still.
Sirius frantically scrambled to his feet and raced back to his Godson's side and quickly checked for a pulse, relief flooding through him as he found a weak, but steady pulse.
"What just happened?" Lord Nico asked as he steadily got to his feet.
"I don't know," Sirius said, turning his full attention to Harry when he let out a groan. "Harry, it's Sirius, can you hear me?"
"Siri?" Harry asked weakly, finally managing to open his pain-filled green eyes.
"Yeah kid it's me," Sirius said, clutching Harry's hand tightly. "How do you feel?"
"Awful," Harry crocked out as he tried to set up. "What happened?"
"I don't know, but don't you dare move," Sirius snapped, refusing to let Harry sit up.
"Sirius I'm fine," Harry protested weakly.
"Sure you are," Sirius snorted. "You are not moving from that spot until I say so. Nico can you scan him?"
"Of course," Lord Nico said, stepping forward.
"No Sirius we need to move," Harry said, quickly sitting up despite his Godfather's protests.
"Harry I told you, we're not moving!" Sirius said angrily.
"No Sirius I really think we should move," Harry said, grabbing Sirius's face and jerking it so he could see the dome. "Now."
"What the . . .?" Sirius asked, looking at the black dome that was now slowly turning white and pulsing with power.
"Run now," Lord Nico said.
"Nico what the hell is happening?" Sirius asked, scooping his Godson in his arms and making a dash for it.
"The dome has taken on too much magic," Lord Nico yelled as he continued to run. "It's going to cause a backlash of magic."
"I thought you said that there was no consequences in breaking the dome?" Sirius said.
"There aren't, at least there wasn't during our testing," Lord Nico said as he quickened his pace. "We've never tested one with so much magic in it, though I don't think it will hit the people from inside."
"That's just great," Sirius panted. "While Demin and Kairi are saving everyone inside the sphere we're going to be killed out here by the backlash of their magic."
"Not if we move faster," Lord Nico said, looking behind him. "Wait a minute, Harry can you mesmerize us out of here?"
"Of course," Harry said, closing his eyes and grabbing Lord Nico as he tried to draw on his magic only to find that it wasn't there.
"Harry now would be good," Lord Nico voice said nervously.
"I can't," Harry stammered. "My magic . . . it's gone."
"What?" Sirius asked, looking down at Harry in horror but didn't get a further chance to inquire as a loud explosion erupted behind them and the backlash of magic hit them full on within seconds, knocking them clean off their feet and hurling them through the air where their flight came to a painful and abrupt end when all three men hit the ground hard, rolling several times before coming to a stop.
It took Harry a few moments to regain his breath and to realize that he was not dead and unluckily still conscious.
Groaning, Harry tried to haul himself to his feet only to fall back to the ground in complete agony before panic suddenly gripped him as he remembered that his Godfather had been shielding him from most of the backlash
"Sirius?" Harry called out, panicked. "Sirius, please answer me."
When Harry still received no answer he got slowly and painfully to his knees to look around only to find his Godfather several feet away from him lying completely still.
"Sirius?" Harry asked as he slowly crawled his way over to him until he was right beside him. "Sirius, please be ok," Harry begged as he started to check his Godfather over.
"Well, well, well. What do we have here?" Harry heard a familiar voice breath near his ear. "Looks like master won't be disappointed after all, will he my pet?"
Were the last words Harry heard just before his world went black.
I did it again, didn't I? I honestly didn't plan on leaving another cliffhanger, but the more a typed the longer this got and I finally had to cut it off at 32 pages. I'm sorry, but I am working on the next chapter, so until next time!
Oh, one more thing, thanks for the reviews, it's what keeps me Going!
Thanks to my Beta NATURAL ANTHEM!