A/N - smut. Sorry, couldn't resist at least SOME action with the twins... they're just too damn shaggable! And as for Kulia, as with many descriptions I've seen for elves in the past (the taller, more human looking and rarer varieties that is) she has a gender neutral voice and facial features (both male and female elves are said to be extremely beautiful, but often not immediately discernible as male or female without obvious biological clues usually hidden by their clothes (smirk)). (As for the ingredients, we'll get to 'em!)

Chapter 35

Fred stirred, feeling blissfully contented. Kulia was half draped across him, her head resting on George's chest where he lay to one side. He smiled, feeling himself still nestled deep inside her. He stroked his hand down her pale, pristine skin. They'd never had a woman so energetic and enthusiastic... not to mention tight... no matter how many times they shagged her, she was still the tightest woman they'd ever had. Maybe it was simply a physical difference because she was an elf... if that was it, they would definitely have to search out more Snow Elves...

He ran his hand over the swell of her nice, firm rump. He was surprised to find himself getting aroused again. He wouldn't have thought it possible... he'd long since lost count of the number of times they'd shagged her...

She let out a little moan, feeling him firm up inside her. She shifted up tiredly, grinning down at him. "My my..." She murmured mischievously, "You just don't stop, do you?"

He grinned at her, taking ahold of her hips and pressing up into her in answer.

She shivered, her eyes fluttering shut as she groaned. "It wasn't a complaint..." She said with a grin, grinding her slender hips against his and starting to stroke him.

George woke at the movement and grinned as he saw what they were up to. He shifted up, his hands immediately finding her small but pert breasts and massaging them as he started nibbling on her neck. She shuddered and groaned as Fred started thrust up into her so she wouldn't have to move as much.

George kissed his way down and took one of her nipples into his mouth, toying with it playfully with his tongue. She shivered, twining her fingers in his hair and pressing him closer. Fred grinned, moving one of his hands over a bit, gently rubbing her with his thumb as he thrust up into her faster.

She cried out, wrapping her arms around George's head as her hips jerked against Fred. He grinned wickedly, not letting up. After less than a minute of that, she called out loudly as her body clamped down on him.

Fred closed his eyes, unable to handle the constriction, his choicer bits already overly sensitive from being very overused... he took a firm grip on her hips, stabbing himself up into her as he went over the edge.

As they started to come down, she released George's head and he shifted out of the way. She shivered as she let Fred slip out of her, then slumped down on top of him. After a minute or two of recovery, she glanced over at George with a little smile on her face, then started kissing Fred.

George grinned, shifting around behind her and taking ahold of her hips. He lifted them and she settled onto her knees, her top half still laying on top of Fred as she kissed him deeply. Fred wrapped his arms around her, holding her tight as George pressed into her with a groan.

She broke off the kiss, shifting her head over to the side with a groan as George started shagging her hard. Fred smirked, watching his brother's expression as he took her. He knew it wouldn't last long... they were all too tired to draw it out at this point. Even watching and feeling her getting shagged right on top of him couldn't get another rise out of him. He just kissed the pale flesh of her neck and ran his hands over her, waiting for George to finish.

And finish he did, just a few moments later. He held her hips flush against him for a long moment, excruciating pleasure on his face, then very gingerly withdrew, slumping down onto the bed beside them.

"Bloody hell..." He panted, rolling onto his back, "I don't think I'm gonna be able to shag again for a month..."

Kulia giggled tiredly, turning her head and resting it against Fred as she watched him lay there panting.

"We paid up then?" Fred asked with a smirk.

She laughed. "You were paid up about seven hours ago..."

They both chuckled tiredly.

The smile slipped away from her face and she sighed. She sat up, peering down at the two completely exhausted boys. "Well... a deal is a deal... guess it's time for the painful part..." She reached over and pulled open the drawer on the bedside table as they looked at eachother in confusion.

They both tensed as she pulled out a dagger, but before they could even get properly concerned, she grabbed up one of her snow white braids and lopped it off with a little snick from the razor sharp blade. She tossed the dagger back in the drawer and handed the severed braid to Fred. He and George looked at eachother. "What's this for?"

She smiled. "The last item on your list is a distilled essence that can only be derived from five ancient and mostly forgotten species of the 'fair folk'... two are extinct, one only found in the darkest parts of Africa, one only found deep in the outbacks of Australia, and one... well, one you just shagged." She said with a smirk. "My hair should be more than sufficient. Your Professor Snape should have no problem distilling it from what Draco has told me."

"Oh..." They said in soft unison.

"Actually he will probably only need six or seven strands considering the length... but I think you earned a little overtime... the rest is for you."

They looked at the braid. There had to be well over a hundred strands of hair there.

"Well... we should probably get cleaned up... anyone for a shower?" She asked with a smirk.

They both grinned.

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It was nearly another hour before they had finally gotten out of the shower. The water appeared to be a little bit too invigorating...

She had slipped on a robe once they had gotten out and left while they dressed. George carefully coiled up the long brain and tucked it away safely in his robes, then they made their way out in search of her. She was back at the desk in the livingroom.

She smiled over at them as they crossed to her. "It has been a true pleasure doing business with you gentlemen..." She said mischievously, rising to her feet. She took the box that had their other ingredients in it and placed it in George's hands, then leaned over it and kissed him, then took a second box, handing that one to Fred, and kissing him as well.

They looked down at the many bottles, vials and odd containers in the second box. There had to be at least twenty containers. "What's this?" Fred asked.

"We only asked for the six things..."

She grinned. "That is for Draco. Tell him that I am truly sorry... I had no idea the vault had been reverted to his name. Lucius ordered these items on what appears to now be Draco's account. I've already taken payment, so they are his now. I will do my best to retrieve the book that Lucius already took delivery of, and no further orders will be filled for him unless he comes up with his own money."

They blinked up at her. "Lucius Malfoy ordered this stuff?"

"When?"

"And what is it for?"

She grinned. "He placed the order about a week ago, and I have no clue what it's for. As I said, I usually don't ask... I only asked you because I'll not have my essence used in dark spells. I'm trusting you will make sure none of the remaining hair will be used to those ends."

"Of course..."

"We'd never use it for that..."

"We don't even make dark potions..."

"Perhaps some are a bit... mischievous..."

"But never really harmful." George finished with a smirk.

She beamed at them. "You two are just too adorable!" She said, shaking her head. She set about carefully closing up and securing the boxes. "Well, as I said, I'll get the book back if I can... but that Erumpent tail that you couldn't find... there is a reason. It appears your Minister of Magic recalled every last one last Sunday. They are only sold under strict Ministry control, so the supply is completely gone. I suppose I can try breaking into the Ministry vaults... but that would be pretty risky. They've made a lot of upgrades in their security of late... and I'm pretty sure I only know about perhaps two thirds of them despite the number of Ministry workers who owe me... apparently people didn't take kindly to finding out that a handful of school children and a bunch of Death Eaters could just waltz into the Ministry itself and get into the highest security area with such ease... and undetected at that!" She said with a smirk.

They chuckled. "That had to be embarrassing..."

"Too right..."

"Um..."

"Let's hold off on nicking it for now..."

"Wouldn't want you hauled off to Azkaban..."

"We'll talk to Dumbledore..."

"And see if we can get around Fudge..."

"But we may be back..." They grinned at her.

"I wouldn't mind that at all..." She said with a mischievous smirk.

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Fred and George walked so close together their shoulders barely broke contact. It was a bit nerve wracking walking through Nocturne Alley when it was nearly dusk. They longed to just apparate back to their shop, but after Voldemort's return became known and he started raids, the Ministry had put apparation blocking spells around every prominent area in the wizarding world to prevent sudden, massive invasions. They may be safe from swarms of Death Eaters, but those weren't the only threats around...

As they approached the end, Diagon Alley just coming into sight, they both started as they heard a little hiss from one of the dank doorways. They relaxed as they saw Oliver Wood peeking out and looking around warily, waving them over.

"Ollie..."

"Ya scared the life outta us mate."

"Who's watching the shop?"

Oliver rolled his eyes, "The shop closed nearly an hour ago... where have you two been?"

"Shopping." They said in unison, identical smirks on their faces.

"Ya ya... ok, don't tell me... look... I was trying to find you before you got back to the shop... you haven't got anything in there you shouldn't, do you?" He said, looking significantly at the boxes.

They looked at eachother, then back at him. "Why do you ask?" Fred asked evasively.

"Because we've had a couple of Aurors watching the shop since about half hour after you left..."

"Bloody hell..." George muttered.

"Listen, scive off the next few days..."

"We'll owl you when it's ok to come back..."

"We can get someone else to watch the shop."

"I'm not trying to get out of..." Oliver started.

They smiled, "Never said you were mate." George said, cutting him off.

"But you've got a career to think about..."

"We really appreciate your help..."

"But it's not worth you getting kicked off the team."

Oliver gave them a little grin, then nodded. "Alright then. Owl me." He said, grinning, then pulling up his hood and walking back out into Diagon Alley.

Fred and George looked at eachother. "Fudge."

"Wanker."

"Well?"

"Maybe..."

"Naw. Too risky."

Fred brightened, "We could..."

"Definitely." George said and they nodded in agreement, turning as one and making their way back into the dreaded Nocturne Alley in the gathering darkness.

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"Harry dear..." McGonagall said gently, "You have to go now... we have to get you back to the tower.

Harry lifted his head from where it had rested on Hermione's hand, which he held clasped between his own. He had long since run out of tears, and his weary eyes looked deadened as he looked up into her face. "I'm staying." He said, his voice dull.

"You can't stay here, Harry. It simply isn't safe. Madam Pomfrey will be moving Hermione into her quarters so she can watch over her, but we simply cannot allow another student's life to be in jeopardy... Her quarters aren't as well equipped with the proper warding spells. She is only risking staying there in case she needs her supplies."

"I don't care." He said, staring fixedly at Hermione.

McGonagall knelt beside his chair, looking up at him, her eyes as sad as he'd ever seen them. "Harry, please... we will get her back... but you staying here will do nothing for her. Her soul is not simply lost... it will not find it's way back on it's own... it has been stolen... and until we get it back, she will remain just as you see her whether you are here or not. I don't think she would want you risking your life needlessly."

Harry shifted his gaze, staring at her imploring eyes for a long moment. If only she knew. Hermione probably would want him risking his life after what he'd done to her. And now there was no way he would ever be able to make amends for what he'd done... and it was he who had carried that demon... probably even brought it to Hogwarts... it was all his fault... he should be the one laying there lifeless... not her. Why hadn't it taken him? It had plenty of time... he was sure now that it was planning on returning to him... it would take him over again and there would be nothing he could do. You can't fight demons. They're too strong. That's what Ron had said.

"Harry dear..." McGonagall implored softly.

He looked over at Hermione. She was right. There was nothing he could do for her. And even if by some miracle she managed to get back, he was probably the last person she'd want to see. He sighed, letting go of her hand. His hands felt stiff from holding hers for so long. He'd been there since they opened Gryffindor Tower that morning. He would have been there the night before, but they hadn't told them until the Tower was sealed for the night, and refused to open it again.

He got up and followed her as she led him out. His stiff muscles were protesting, but he ignored them.

When they got back to the Tower, he went right to his room before she could call everyone into the common room, getting into his bed and pulling the hangings and laying on his back, staring up sightlessly. It was time for the nightly roll call to make sure everyone was present, but he couldn't face being around all the others... and besides, she knew he was there.

About ten minutes later he heard the door opening and shutting as his roommates came in. They must be done with the sixth years. They started at seventh year and worked their way down for roll.

"Didn't see Potter..." Dean's voice said. They obviously hadn't seen him slip past, and didn't realize he was in the room already.

"Ya... wonder who's soul he's off stealing now?" Seamus said darkly. Harry tensed.

"Oh come on... it was that demon!" Neville said defensively.

Seamus snorted. "Ya, well Harry's that demon's little puppet, now isn't he? You saw how he's been looking lately. Looks like he's been on the rattle ever since that thing left him. Probably can't wait to get it back. Always been a power hungry little prat... probably loves what it does when it's in him! Bet it lets him watch..."

"He just looks upset... I mean wouldn't you?" Neville said stubbornly, "It stole Hermione's soul... you know how he feels about her..."

Dean snorted. "I know that demon sure liked to shag her... I came in the room one time when it had her up here... sounded like he was fucking her arse off... but she sure didn't sound like she was enjoying it much..."

"That's nothing..." Seamus said mischievously, "I heard her roommates saying she was crying when they woke up the other day... and they found her knickers on the floor in the common room! Sounds like Harry was keeping her warm for it... He's probably down in the Hospital Wing shagging her body as we speak! Might as well... even if they get her soul back, it's not like anyone's gonna want her after a demon's been having its way with her!"

"Hermione's a nice girl..." Neville said, taken aback.

Seamus snorted. "You mean she was a nice girl. Wonder who Harry's gonna start molesting next time it gets in him?"

Harry's chest was aching so bad he could barely breath. Tears he didn't even know he had left were streaming from the corners of his eyes. He took a deep breath and let it out as silently as possible, trying to studiously tune out their voices. He didn't think he could handle this much longer. He heard them start back on the subject of Hermione and could stand no more. He carefully reached under his mattress, pulling out the old pillowcase he kept the things he wanted kept hidden in. He pulled out the invisibility cloak and secured the pillowcase to his belt, then covered himself with the cloak.

He slipped out the side of his bed that faced the wall, then padded silently towards the door. The other boys were all sitting on their own beds as they talked. Harry silently turned the doorknob, then gave the door a little nudge, letting it look like it was drifting open on it's own. The other boys' heads snapped around as he slipped out, then Seamus snorted. "Can't you even shut a door properly Neville?" He said ruefully, getting up to close it as Harry hurried down the stairs.

Harry had to pause on one of the landings as the second year boys went past towards their room. He hurried down the remaining stairs, then looked around. McGonagall was on the first years and would be finishing in a moment... but it appeared quite a number of students were lingering in the common room.... and it was pretty obvious many of the little gossip groups were talking about him. He even heard his name mentioned several times.

Harry let out a silent sigh. There would be no escape for him in the Tower, invisible or not.

"Well, they're all present and accounted for." McGonagall said, rolling up her list and turning to the two waiting Aurors who oversaw the testing and roll call each night.

They nodded and left through the portrait hole.

Seamus watched through the cracked open door with a wicked smirk as the Aurors were unwittingly followed out.

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Harry stared down at the Marauder's Map by the light of his wand. The halls were empty, as expected. The Aurors had all withdrawn to the rooms they had set aside for them during their stay and all the other students were in their respective dorms. There were teachers holed up in their rooms in various places, and even Filch had locked himself in his office with Mrs. Norris. He sighed as his eyes combed the map. How many times had he scoured it since being returned to the Tower? He had been so sure it would show the demon... it showed everything, didn't it? And yet he had never once caught so much as a glimpse of it on the map. He sighed and folded it up.

He shuddered as he thought about the demon lurking in the darkness somewhere. He let the cloak slip down around his shoulders. No point hiding anymore. He just walked the empty corridors for a time, his soft footfalls echoing eerily off the cold stone walls.

He didn't really know what to do now. He was sure Madam Pomfrey would have sealed off her quarters by now... and besides... he wasn't sure he could handle seeing Hermione's lifeless body again.

He sighed, feeling the reassuring shape of his photo album in the pillowcase at his waist. He needed a place to hole up for the night. He looked up, recognizing the hallway. He made his way down to the statue of Boris the Bewildered. "Pine fresh." He said softly.

Much to his amazement, the door opened. Didn't they ever change the password? He slipped through into the Prefect's bathroom, bolting the door behind him. He looked around the grand white marble room. It was just as magnificent as he remembered it. He looked over at the portrait of the mermaid. She was fast asleep, but he felt a bit uncomfortable knowing she could wake and watch him without his even knowing. He slipped off his shoes so his feet wouldn't make noise on the floor. He recalled all too well how these walls reverberated any sound. When he reached the portrait, he took ahold of it, gently lifting it. He looked around, spotting a small door. He carried her over and opened it. It was a linen closet stocked with fresh towels. He carefully fit the portrait in, draping a towel over it and closing the door.

He looked around, feeling more at ease. The hundreds of candles around the room had come to life as soon as he entered, and now filled the room with a warm glow. There was nary a shadow to be found in the entire room. That was reassuring.

He let out a deep sigh as the conversation his roommates had been having bubbled back up to the surface of his mind. It wasn't as if they had said anything that far from reality... he'd done terrible things... and if that thing had it's way, he had no doubt he would be doing more... and soon.

He settled down cross-legged on the smooth marble, leaning up against the wall and pulling the pillowcase free from his belt, pulling out the photo album and opening it. He stared down longingly at the photo of his mother and father holding him as a baby and waving happily. He flipped more pages. Another photo of his parents together and happy... they always looked so happy... would they be as happy if they were alive today? If they saw what their son had come to? He closed his eyes and flipped the page, unable to look at his mother's face. She had died to save him... and for what? He was beginning to think she should have just stepped aside... she would have been alive and well still if she had...

He opened his eyes and felt an icy dagger plunged into his heart. It was the picture of him with Hermione on one side, Ron on the other. They looked so happy... smiling, beaming faces... not a care in the world... He turned the page and found tears streaming down his face. It was a picture of him and Sirius the Christmas before... Sirius had his arm around him, looking as happy as he ever remembered seeing him.

He let the book slip out of his fingers, falling back onto the pillowcase before him. He hugged himself, but couldn't stop the shaking. All he needed was a picture of Cedric Diggory and his photo album would be complete...

He sat there for a long time, staring sightlessly at one of the candles as the cold marble leached the heat from his body. He finally came around as a great shudder went through him. He got up and wandered over to the huge pool-like tub. He might as well use it to get warmed up. He found the only spigot that was not marked with a colorful gemstone and turned it on. Fresh, clean water poured out. He wasn't in the mood for any of those fancy scented and foamy spigots. He adjusted the water, nudging the hot water on more until it was just this side of scalding, then let it run. He stripped off his clothes as the tub filled unnaturally fast. He looked over at the photo album, then went over and picked it up. His fingers caught on the pillow case, lifting that as well, and he felt something slip out of it, clattering as it hit the floor. He looked down at spotted the source of the sound. His breath caught in his throat. He leaned down and picked up the hilt of the ruined knife Sirius had given him.

He returned to the tub, setting his things out on the pillowcase, then slipped into the water. He let out a little hiss as the steaming water enveloped him. The chill in his bones eased away, replaced by a pleasant growing numbness. He shifted around, propping his head up with one arm resting on the edge while he pulled the album over and started leafing through it again with the other hand.

He paused, page half lifted. "Go away Myrtle." He said tiredly, flipping the page the rest of the way over.

He heard a ghostly, petulant sound of disappointment behind him as Myrtle slipped out of the spigot she'd been peeking from. "You aren't supposed to be here Harry."

"If you don't like the company, leave. Everyone else does." He said tonelessly, not bothering to look at her.

She huffed, crossing her arms across her chest. "You know very well that it's dangerous to be out right now. Dumbledore would be very cross at you if he knew!" She said with an authoritative whine.

He rolled his eyes. "I'm probably safer here. Being in the dorms didn't help me last time." He sighed as he came across another picture of him with Ron and Hermione. It was winter, and Ron had on that silly hat he used to tease him about...

"You'll be in real trouble when they find out!" She warned.

He snorted a laugh. "They don't care. Please, most of them would rather they kick me out. Everyone thinks I'm that demon's little plaything. They're more afraid of being around me than they are of being out alone in the dark!"

She pouted. "Harry..." She whined sadly.

"Just get out!" He growled.

She huffed. "You shouldn't be here all alone!"

He let out another snort of laughter. "What are you going to do if that thing comes here and takes me? Hmm? You're dead!" he said gruffly, trying to offend her so she'd take off like she usually did when upset. No matter how rude it was, he couldn't handle humoring her right now.

"I could tell someone!" She said, raising her chin importantly.

He looked over at her incredulously. "Tell someone. Tell someone? You must be joking. What good will that do while I'm slaughtering the whole lot of them???" he growled.

Her eyes widened behind her thick spectacles, taken aback by his anger.

"Just GET OUT!" He yelled striking his hand against the water and sending a splash of water at her.

It passed right through her of course, but she looked offended. She huffed angrily and stuck her tongue out at him, diving down and disappearing into one of the spigots.

He sighed, turning back to the book and wiping his wet hand on the pillowcase. When it was dry, he picked up the knife handle, examining it. Sirius' knife. The blade was all but gone now... not even half an inch of it remained attached to the handle... the rest melted away... lost to his arrogance and stupidity... just like the man who had given it to him... the closest thing to a father he'd ever had...

He opened the album to the picture of Sirius and propped it up. He folded his arms on the side of the tub and rested his chin on them, staring longingly at the photo as he rubbed the handle of the knife with his thumb.

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