I won't be able to finish this before book five comes out, so just ignore the facts you read in The Order Of The Phoenix while you (hopefully) continue to read this.
Chapter Ten
White Death
Finally the first Hogsmeade visit of the year came along. The students were quite excited about it, as usual, and could not hide their smiles as they got to the village. Hogsmeade was a get away for all of them. After finding out that Peter Pettigrew had been behind Henry's curse, the teachers, especially Moira, Sirius and Remus, had been very inclined toward tracking him down. Now, almost a whole month after it had happened, there was still no sign of Peter. Abby was unable to find his whereabouts and could only see that something very powerful was keeping him hidden, enabling her to find him through the use of her power. Needless to say that neither Moira or Sirius was very happy about that.
Sophie and Henry, as well as Chloe, Aberforth and Nicholas were still at Hogwarts. Albus requested they stayed longer until they were completely sure it was safe to leave. Sophie didn't know exactly why, but she had a very strong feeling that information was being kept from her…information about her child's well being. She tried to ask Moira about it, but when she had reached the witch in her office, she gave up. Although she knew Moira was one of the "good guys" Sophie couldn't help but shiver whenever Moira looked her way. By watching the students after her class, Sophie found out she wasn't the only one.
"I'm not sure but I think Professor Crane can read minds" she had heard a scared second year Gryffindor say as he left the Defense Against The Dark Arts classroom.
She did ask Remus about it and he had assured her everything was being done to take care of Henry. He told her they would be safe in Hogwarts and that there was nothing to worry about. That's a waste of words for a mother, Sophie had thought. Remus wasn't recovering well from his last transformation. After the September full moon, he had complained of headaches, bad dreams and having trouble breathing. He said it had been probably just stress and that the next full moon would be better, but his eyes looked tired even after the cycle was over. Sophie had noted how attentive to him his friends had gotten and noticed that Moira's care toward him had made Abby a bit jealous.
"I think he brings that out in people, the need to look over him" Abby had whispered as she observed Moira and Lupin talking.
The month that had followed the lifting of Henry's curse had been unusually calm. Abby had started to attend the Divination classes as a guest speaker, which made the girls want to become Seers, and the boys…well…boys will always be boys, so they simply nodded and tried to keep themselves from asking Abigail out for the Halloween Ball. The bets were high for Sirius on that occasion, but they fell on Remus after Abby had gotten to Hogwarts. Remus Lupin was out of the running for he was taking the blond beauty to the dance, something both of them were quite eager about. On the other hand, it had become a hobby for Moira to annoy Sirius. He gave her flowers, chocolates in order to get her consent in taking her to the ball, but all she did was thank him and smile mischievously.
The other name on the list was Severus Snape, but in the past month, he was rarely seen. Always locked up in his dungeons, Snape had become grumpier than before, if that was possible. The ones that suffered with his mood were the Gryffindors, specially a certain trio. Hermione Granger, Harry Potter and Ron Weasley had become his target for detentions and deduction of points. Of course, Sirius had plenty to argue with him as well and a couple of times they came close to pulling their wands on each other, but Moira would appear out of thin air and stop them. She did her bit of arguing as well, and although she could actually be seen having civilized talks with Snape, they were rarely seen together.
"You are Professors, suppose to set the example for the students, and a good one I might add" Moira said firmly as she stepped between Sirius and Snape "I cannot believe he still has the power to irritate you" she had whispered to Snape "You should know better, and grow up, Sirius" she had hissed by Sirius' ear before leaving them to take care of their issues as two grown up wizards.
Sophie got a chance to get to know more about her new family and found out that there's a very nice game called Quidditch. Apparently, Henry had liked it too for when the first game of the season, Gryffindor versus Ravenclaw, took place, the little boy had reached his hands in the air as he tried to follow the flow of the broomsticks and yelled to the players in his soft baby voice "fly!" what sounded more like "fwy". As Sophie had noted, the teachers were also present at the game. Gryffindors lost the match by only a few points and that made a certain teacher very happy. While Remus, Sirius and, as odd as it might seem, Moira had been gloomy about their house's loss, the tall Potion's Master had a very evil grin upon his thin lips and by the look in his beady bottomless eyes, satisfaction of seeing the red and gold house defeated was running through him. Abby and Nicholas, who were Ravenclaws while in Hogwarts, could not stop cheering after the match. The Gryffindor team members looked quite unhappy, but according to their team captain, they still had a chance in getting the cup, depending, of course, on the other teams' scores.
Now, October was here and so were the Halloween decorations. As the date approached, the village near the castle was getting noisy. The weather had gotten a bit colder, but that didn't lessen the joy of the kids to be in Hogsmeade.
Nicholas presented Sophie with a very nice dark green cloak to put over her dress.
"Just so you won't catch a cold" he said "Sophie, I'm not trying to make you fit in or…"
"I know, love" she said sweetly "I didn't think you were. I always wanted to dress up for Halloween and now I've got my chance" she said smiling and kissing him softly on the lips "Of course I won't be the only one" Sophie noted and tiny Professor Flitwick passed by them, dressed in royal blue robes, smiling as he always did.
In less than minutes Hogwarts students and teachers had invaded the small village of Hogsmeade. The kids made their first stop at Honey Dukes and Zonkos while the teachers made their way into the Three Broomsticks. Several wizards and witches were also in the city, doing their shopping, taking care of their lives. Shop owners were dividing their time between work and decorating. Mrs. Grumbbs, a tall and extremely skinny woman who owned a Potions' shop on Main Street was putting her decorations on the outside when the students passed her by. Mrs. Grumbbs looked like a tall raven, with her short pitch-black hair, tiny black eyes and hooked nose. Some students would avoid her shop, betting she was somehow related to Snape, but there was one thing that separated both of them: Mrs. Grumbbs smiled and when she did, as odd looking as she was, no one could help but smile back. Pretty was what she became.
"Good day, children" Mrs. Grumbbs said as Neville and Megan passed by her.
"Good day" they said reluctantly.
"Dear me…Malfoy? Megan Malfoy?" Mrs. Grummbs asked approaching Megan, resting her hands on her knees so she could have a better look on the girl.
"You know me?" Megan asked, gray eyes wide.
"I knew your parents and you look incredibly like your mother" the lady said sweetly.
"You…you knew my father?" Megan asked, her gray eyes wide.
"Yes I did. He was great in potions and a dear friend. Why, your parents met in my shop, young lady. I might still have a picture of their wedding"
"Can I see it?" Megan asked , excitement in her voice.
"Well, of course. Come inside dear"
Mrs. Grummbs opened the door to her shop and Megan went inside without thinking twice. In a few seconds she was outside again, pulling Neville by his sleeves to follow her.
The Three Broomsticks was as noisy as usual, filled with laughing customers as well as a laughing matron. Madam Rosmerta was as curvy and pretty faced as always, still behind the counter, running her business. Then, without any warning, silence took over the tavern and heads snapped to look at the doors: Sirius Black entered the room. The only sounds that could be heard were the whispering and the heels of the tall wizard's boots on the wooden floor. Heads turned to look at him as he walked and mothers would take their children by their arms, almost dragging them away from him.
"Welcome back Sirius" said Madam Rosmerta said from the bar, as she put her hands on her hips, smiling broadly at him.
"Doesn't feel like welcome, Rosy" he said as walked toward the bar and sat down on one of the stools.
"Since when you care about that?" she said as she poured him a butterbeer "I see you still managed to keep a friend or two" she said.
"Hello Rosy" Remus said weakly and managing a smile "Can I have one too?" he said and the pretty faced witch poured him a drink as well and left to attend the other teachers "Don't mind them. They'll get used to you again" Lupin said, smiling.
"I guess…" Sirius said as he drank.
"Oh, this is great" Sophie said as she and Abby entered an old bookshop at the border of the town.
Located by a hill where a single old stone house stood, The Shinning Quill was not an ordinary bookshop. Considered one of the oldest shops in the wizard world, the store had very rare books of every kind. The shop was dark but cozy, and the bookshelves reached the high ceiling. On the back study tables were located with candles by them. The smell was sweet to the senses and the feeling of knowledge filled the place. It felt as if The Shinning Quill had everything you needed to know about the world.
"Hello there" said an old chubby man that came toward Sophie and Abby "How very nice to be visited by a Muggle" he said sweetly.
"Well…thank you…I guess" Sophie said, blushing.
"Miss Dumbledore, what a pleasure to see you again" the chubby man said, bowing in front of Abigail "I trust your family is doing fine"
"Yes they are, Mr. Sands" Abby replied sweetly.
"Well then, make yourselves comfortable and call me if you need anything" the old man bowed again and left for the tiny office on the back of the store.
Sophie looked around, amazed at the titles. There were quite a few that talked about Muggles.
"They use a different device for writing called pens. Oh my…it sounds as if we're a school subject" Sophie said as she read from one of the books.
"You are" Abby said as she lifted her hand and a book from one of the top shelves floated softly toward her "Muggle Studies. Students learn that in Hogwarts. It is quite interesting" Abby said as she looked through the book in hand "Maybe you should attend it, as a guest speaker. I'm sure kids would learn a lot from you" she looked at Sophie, smiling sweetly.
Sophie smiled back at Abby, indulging in the thought. Maybe she could actually teach them about her world. She knew many of them lived outside of the wizard world when they were not in school and that many of them had Muggle parents. Maybe she would do that…teach them, show them that there is a way of life that doesn't include magic, well, not the kind with spells and potions anyway.
"I'll talk to my uncle about it" Abby said, "I'm sure he'll like the idea"
"Thanks Abby" Sophie said softly.
"You are welcome" Abby replied, "I mean that".
Sophie smiled at her. Abby had never cared that she was a Muggle. When Nicholas had first introduced Sophie to his family, they all received her very well. Her parents, on the other hand, weren't that receptive of Nicholas at first, but he gained their hearts as he had gained hers. The two families had even sat down for dinner once and got along fine, until Henry was born. Up till now, Henry didn't show any signs of being a wizard and Sophie's mother had liked that. "It's better this way" she had said. Sophie never questioned her mother about it and decided not to think about the subject anymore. Seeing him smile and act like a normal child again was all the magic she needed and she was happy with that.
"Found it!" Abby said as she pulled a book from the pile on one of the shelves "The perfect gift for Moira"
"What is it?" Sophie asked, getting closer to Abby so she could read the title but there was none.
"This is one of a kind and I knew I could find it here" Abby said smiling "She'll be so pleased"
"Abby, there's no title" Sophie said.
"There is but it's invisible to the untrained eye" Abby said as she put the book near the window, letting the dim sunlight bathe it's cover. Suddenly the words showed up "Devouring Shadows".
"That's creepy" Sophie said as she braced herself.
"Only the title. This will help her out with some of her untrained abilities. I can't wait to see her face" Abby said as she took the book to the counter, her light green robes framing her steps.
"Good choice Miss Dumbledore" the old man said as he returned to the front of the store "I believe I know whom this will be going to"
Abby nodded.
"I better wrap this up nicely then" and with a snap of his fingers, the book was inside a deep purple box, adorned with lilac lace "I'll even give you a discount. Tell your cousin that's my part of the gift".
"I'll be sure to tell her Mr. Sands" Abby said smiling.
"I hope she likes it. This book is very hard to find, but as I always say to my customers, rare things can be found here" Mr. Sands said.
"Indeed" a deep melodic voice came from behind the two girls.
Abby's blood - her very soul - froze on the spot. She slowly turned to find the owner of the voice standing against the light. Even though he was surrounded by shadows, she knew that figure very well; the broad shoulders, the high chin and the cane. She could never mistake that cane.
"Mr. Malfoy" Mr. Sands said, trying not to let his fear show.
Lucius looked at Sands, and that was enough for the man to vanish into his tiny office. Then, with the pointed sound of the cane hitting the floor, Lucius slowly made his way toward the two girls, his thin lips forming an evil smile and his gray eyes piercing their very souls. The long silver blond hair was tied in a ponytail with a black bow and he was dressed from top to bottom in his usual black. He took Abby's hand in his and kissed the back of it softly, making icy shivers go down her spine.
"It's been a long time Miss Dumbledore" Lucius hissed "Where have you been hiding from me?"
Abby took a step back, but couldn't let go of his hand.
"I haven't... been…hiding" Abby said, shaking.
Lucius smiled evilly at her. He let go of her hand as his eyes fell upon Sophie, who was standing near Abby.
"Well, well, well" Lucius said, his smile vanishing "What have you got here? A Muggle" he hissed as he got closer to Sophie.
Sophie also took a few steps back. She knew this man could not be good to be around. His eyes were so cold and his voice…his voice messed with her mind.
"The very first Muggle Dumbledore" Lucius scorned "How shameful for your family. I cannot believe what you late aunt would have to say about this"
"She'd say, leave while you still can. And I strongly suggest you do" a soothing voice hissed.
Lucius turned around to find Moira by the door; her eyes set on his. Black surrounded her dress and robes making her pale skin stand out. The long dark hair was tied up as usual and as Moira stood in the sunlight, the reddish tone of her hair came out of hiding. The personification of danger had her arms crossed as she watched him.
"Lady Crane" Lucius said gallantly, his eyes not leaving hers "What a pleasant surprise"
"Are you finished here Abigail?" Moira asked, her eyes not leaving Lucius. Abby nodded "Then I suggest we leave"
In a flash, Abby took the book from the counter, Sophie's hand, and left the shop, dragging her sister- in-law with her.
"Your cousin is a rare jewel, my lady" Lucius said as he took a step closer to Moira "I understand how protective you are of her"
Moira advanced on Lucius slowly, as a predator on its prey. She came close to him, and standing on tiptoe, she put her face really close to his ear.
"You come close to her again, and I'll kill you...with your own wand" she hissed.
Malfoy felt the hair on the back of his neck stand up as the words were spoken, as he realized the threat was very real. Not many people had that effect upon him. Only one to be exact but this one was all about punishing and not threatening. Lucius could see perfectly now why Voldemort wanted Moira back so badly. Since a Malfoy would always be a Malfoy and instead of feeling diminished by what the woman said, he decided to play her game, see how far she would go, how long it would take for her to lose her temper. Lucius took one more step toward Moira, standing inches away from her. He leaned down a bit so that their faces got closer.
"You can do better than that, Moira" Lucius whispered "I thought we were past threats. Why don't you do something instead?"
Moira smiled maliciously at him as she took one step away from him.
"What are you saying Mr. Malfoy?" she spoke loud and clear sounding as innocent as never before "I could never hurt anyone" she leaned next to Lucius once more "But don't tempt me" she hissed, her eyes as cold as her voice "It hurts me that you think that way" she said aloud again, sounding terribly disturbed "I never thought that someone I considered a friend, the father of one of my students, would think ill of me. I hope time will change your mind, Mr. Malfoy. Have a good day" then she turned on her heels and left the store.
Lucius stood there, frozen on the spot as the will to grip that witch's throat ran through him. Cunning and intelligent, Moira wouldn't let herself be thought of as a threat to the wizard world, not now that she was under the public scrutiny again. Oh, but there were ways to show that snake's true self, and Malfoy not only knew a couple of them, but wasn't afraid of using them.
Lucius turned as he heard Mr. Sands clean his throat. The look on his face was of disbelief, but the man wasn't crazy enough to voice his opinions of had just happened in his store. So Malfoy put the snobbish face he could muster on and elegantly walked out of the store.
"What was that all about?" Sophie asked as she, Abby and Moira walked toward the Three Broomsticks.
"I would also like to know" Moira said firmly, stilling a glance toward Abby.
Abigail walked in hurried steps, not meeting her cousin's gaze. How could she explain what had happened between her and Lucius Malfoy? She thought she would never have to tell anyone, but obviously, she was wrong. It had been a long time ago, but now, the images of their past were coming back to haunt her and by the tone of Moira's voice, she wouldn't let her alone until she knew everything.
As they walked through the streets Sophie could not avoid noticing how people whispered and turned their heads to follow their movements. She noticed that they weren't looking only at Moira but at her. Apparently, Moira didn't mind or didn't want to mind, but the attention bothered Sophie. She heard Moira being addressed as Lady Crane, as she elegantly walked by them, her head held high, her eyes set in front of her and her dark robes framing her steps. Some would actually take off their hats to her as she passed by them. Sophie would also hear the term 'Muggle' as she passed by and wondered if there was any other non-wizard person in the village. She thought that as she reached the bar they were heading, it would be better, but she was wrong.
Inside the Three Broomsticks the mood was the same. Sirius and Remus were by the bar, talking to Rosmerta, at ease now, laughing at the stories they were remembering. Their heads snapped toward the door as silence suddenly filled the room once more. Sirius' eyes found Moira's as she made her way to the table at the far back of the bar. Whispering filled the room once more. Abby and Sophie followed Moira to the back of the tavern, trying not to feel the awkwardness of having many eyes set upon them. In no time, Sirius, Remus and Nicholas were at their table.
"How do you like it here, love?" Nicholas asked Sophie.
"It is very nice" Sophie said, noticing how the two girls weren't making any comments about the blond gentleman "I don't think the people here are accustomed to seeing non magic folk around though"
"They aren't" replied Sirius "They aren't accustomed in seeing a lot of us, I might add" his eyes found Moira's.
"Excuse me" Moira whispered and left the table.
"Is it something wrong?" Remus asked Abby.
"No, nothing is wrong at all" Abby replied hastily "The pressure of the past is upon her shoulders, that's all. It'll pass"
Sophie frowned at her. It was the very first time she saw Abby lie and she was very bad at it. What about the blond gentleman? He clearly had upset them both and why on earth was she not telling them so they could go do something about it?
Lupin had his eyes on Abby. He could feel something was wrong for she was gripping a package against her chest protectively, as if it were a shield.
"So, what did you get?" Lupin asked.
"What?" Abby looked at him, snapping back from her thoughts "Oh, I got a present for Moira"
"Any ideas to help me out? I'm not good with these things" Sirius said.
"I know what I'll get her" Lupin said softly, looking at his cup of tea.
"I got ours already" Nicholas said "Don't worry about it" he told Sophie.
"May I ask something? It might sound stupid but" Sophie said and saw Abby's blue eyes wide, looking at her "I heard people calling Moira 'Lady Crane', why is that?"
They looked at each other as an uncomfortable silence filled the space between them.
"Moira was once engaged to a Lord" Lupin said in barely more than a whisper.
"Why didn't she marry him?" Sophie asked innocently.
Once again, they looked at each other. It was Nicholas' time to answer.
"Do you remember the wizard I told you about? You-Know-Who? She was engaged to him, to the Dark Lord"
Sophie's jaw fell. She looked at Moira, who was now drinking from a glass goblet, sitting alone by the bar. That was why people would talk about her on the streets. Sophie knew Moira was gifted in the Dark Arts, as they call it, but being engaged with the ultimate bad guy was something she would never have guessed.
"Is that why people are so afraid of her?" Sophie whispered, leaning toward the center of the table.
"Amongst other things, yes" Lupin replied "Moira broke off the engagement but couldn't get rid off the title"
"Yes, amongst other things" Sirius said as he saw Snape enter the bar.
"Excuse me" Abby said and left the table, walking toward Moira.
Moira had her back to the door. She was fully aware of how wizards were whispering about her, but she knew it would die out in a few days. Her attention was focused on what had happened between Abby and Lucius. Abigail never hid anything from Moira, she never had a reason to do so, but now, behaving like she was, Moira was certain something was very wrong. She couldn't imagine what had happened between them but one thing was certain; he better not have touched her.
"Moira...I need to tell you something" Abby said weakly, feeling tears form in her eyes.
"If it is what I think it is, please don't" Moira said harshly.
"It is not what you think" Abby said, trying to keep the tears from falling "I was...he"
"Did you have an affair with Lucius Malfoy?" Moira whispered to Abby low enough so no one could hear them.
Abby was stunned, not moving, not even breathing.
"How could you?" Moira asked between clenched teeth.
"I didn't have an affair" Abby sobbed weakly "He...oh, Merlin"
Moira took Abby's arm and took her to the back of the bar, away from everyone's glance. They went into one of the storage rooms.
"Abigail, look at me" Moira demanded "What happened?"
The pain in Abby's eyes was tangible. Moira's eyebrows shot up in her face.
"Did he hurt you?" she asked, holding her cousin's shoulders "Abby...did he" she couldn't bring herself to say it.
"He tried" Abby said shaking "But I got away. All he did was kiss me. I don't want to remember this anymore" she started to cry.
The images came back to Abigail, flooding her mind. The rhythmic sound of the cane on the floor as he approached her. Lucius' touch, soft at first, spellbinding, than harsh, demanding, his eyes on her, violating her secrets, and his lips on her skin... cold to the eye but warm to the touch. Lucius was a man like no one Abigail had known before and it terrified her. She remembered fighting to get away from him, but although she tried very hard she could never forget how she felt when she was in his arms, before realizing what he was about to do. She felt safe, valuable and completely hopeless.
"I thought I was over this, but I'm not Moira" Abby sobbed "I can't face him again I just can't"
Abby embraced Moira, resting her head upon her cousin's shoulder as tears fled her eyes. On the shelves of the storage room, bottles began to rattle, and wood began to crack. Moira shot her eyes closed as she tried to control her temper, as she tried not to think of what happened to her cousin in Lucius' hands, as she tried not to think of what might have happened if she hadn't gotten to the bookshop in time. Your cousin is a rare jewel. Two bottles shattered, making Abby gasp and look at Moira.
"Don't do anything, Moira, please" Abby pleaded.
Another bottle shattered, falling to the floor.
"Please" Abby held Moira's hands "I don't want anyone to know. I'll just stay away from him, he can't do anything to me now...if anyone finds out, he'll be finished"
Moira regarded Abby. She was right. Lucius had a reputation to follow and if anyone found out that he tried to force himself on a Dumbledore, it would be the end of it. But even so, Moira couldn't simply stand there and do nothing about it.
"When did this happen?" Moira asked, her voice dangerously low.
"A few years ago" Abby said "We met in Knockturn Alley"
"What were you doing there, Abby? You know you are not supposed to go there by yourself" Moira reprimanded her "I'm sorry...did you tell anyone?"
Abby shook her head 'no' as tears streamed down her face.
"What about Remus?" Moira asked
"No, he can never know about this, Moira" Abby said urgently, her voice trembling "I can't imagine what he would do. I can't...I can't lose him"
Moira hugged her cousin again. Her mind was in turmoil. Not only what Abby had told her but what Remus had, about caring for another woman. He couldn't care for another girl, not while he had Abby. It was too confusing. Maybe he had forgotten all about the other for he had been acting very normal toward her, very romantic and attentive as he had always been. Maybe she should ask him about it, make sure that Abby was going to be taken care of by him.
"What will you do?" Abby asked, her head on Moira's shoulder.
"I don't know" Moira said weakly "But if he touches you again or even comes near you...I'll make sure he'll put that cane of his to a good use" she said firmly "I'm sorry" Moira said, looking in her cousin's eyes "For thinking you...for saying those things"
"I don't blame you" Abby said softly, looking at the floor.
Moira raised Abby's chin.
"It wasn't your fault. Don't ever think that, understand me?" Abby nodded weakly "But I don't want you wondering down over at Knockturn Alley again, you hear me? That's no place for you"
Abby took Moira's hand in hers. How could two girls of the same family be so different and yet so alike? Since they were kids, Moira watched over Abby, not paying attention to her complaints. I can see the future, cousin. I'll be fine on my own, Abby used to say, but Moira paid no attention. Clearly she had been right. Abby saw what would happen between her and Lucius moments before it did, and that was the only thing that made her get away from him. If she hadn't seen it, she probably wouldn't have found the strength to fight him. Abigail never thought Moira would react the way she did. She thought she wouldn't understand, that she would curse Lucius on the spot, but she didn't…she understood what had happened, how it had happened, and Abby saw why. She knew it because it had happened to her. For a second, Moira's defenses were down and Abby saw a glimpse of what had happened between her and Tom Riddle, how he enchanted her, deceived her and, thus, hurt her. She saw Moira's heart break before the defenses were up again, and her past and future were blocked from her view once more.
"How can anyone think you're evil?" Abby said quietly, looking at the depth of her cousin's eyes "A Dark Witch with a golden heart. You're one of a kind"
"That's the problem" Moira whispered, not meeting her cousin's gaze "Malfoy was right about one thing though" she turned to Abby "You truly are a rare jewel. Fighting him the way you did, then and now, took a lot of courage, a lot of strength. Don't ever forget that"
"I had a good teacher" Abby said quietly.
Smiling weakly Abby wiped the tears away from her face, and with a wave of her hand, the red marks on her face that showed she had been crying were gone. Moira, on the other hand performed the Reparum charm over the bottles that her mind had cracked. Slowly, the two cousins left the room, talking as if they were whispering innocent secrets to each other, not letting people realize what had really happened. Abby went back to the table, sitting by Remus, squeezing his hand tightly, as Moira went back to her lonely bar stool.
Feeling anger still run thorough her veins, Moira focused on the table where her friends were sitting. Nicholas and Sophie were deeply engaged in conversation with Remus and Sirius, as Abby joined them. Poor girl, she didn't want to imagine what she had been through. If she tried, Moira was sure more than mere bottles would burst and that in a matter of seconds her hands would be gripping Lucius' throat. Although, Moira thought, he didn't know she knew about his 'encounter' with Abby. It was far from her mind putting her cousin in the spotlight with something like this, but knowing this could came in handy if needed. Moira shivered as she sipped her drink, trying not to think about it, telling herself that Abby was all right, that she was safe with Remus, safe beside the man who returned her affections.
The day wasn't half way gone and if she planned to make it back to Hogwarts safe, she had to think about something else so her eyes traveled the room, finding Madame Rosmerta talking to Minerva at their table. She saw students drinking their Butterbeer and commenting on the new items at Zonko's and about the best flavors of sweets. At one of the tables were Harry, Ron and Hermione. Harry had a camera in his hands and he took pictures of his friends, including Megan, who had entered the bar with Neville awhile back, holding a small parcel in her hand and a wide smile upon her lips. Well, the girl accepted to be in the picture with Hermione and Ginny only because everyone insisted. Once a Malfoy, always a Malfoy. Moira smiled to herself, feeling glad that the girl found friends in her own house, and wasn't being left out. She was relieved that one member of that family could still be "saved".
Harry's eyes found Moira's and he smiled. That was James' smile on his lips. Harry looked remarkably like his father, even acted like him, but his eyes were Lily's. There were times he even sounded like his mother, the same authoritarian tone. Moira returned the smile discretely, feeling the anger inside her heart calm down a bit as she looked at Harry. He didn't fear her anymore and that was comforting. The boy returned his attention to his friends as they left the tavern. Moira's eyes traveled back to the bar and she found a young man, no older than eighteen, tall, dark red hair and big brown eyes looking straight at her. He, on the contrary of many in the village, smiled at her and came forward, approaching the bar slowly.
"What can I help you with?" Moira asked as she sipped her drink.
"That is usually my line" the young man said, blushing "I'm new here. This is my first job"
"Congratulations then" Moira said.
"I'm sorry Miss Crane but I must say it is an honor to meet you. Aunt used to say she knew you, Mr. Black, Mr. Potter and Mr. Lupin, but I never believed her"
Moira's eyes narrowed as another problem found its way into her mind, as a probable solution for it.
"So you're Rosmerta's nephew?" the boy nodded "It's good that you're helping her around here" she took another sip from the glass, looking at the boy from the rim "What is your name?"
"Alexander Kieran" he said.
"Well, Alexander Kieran, I believe you could help me" she said, "You see, we've been trying to track down a man called Peter Pettigrew. Ask your aunt about him, she'll tell you his story. Would you be so kind to send an owl to Hogwarts if you hear anything?" she asked sweetly but firmly.
"Of course" he said, puffing his chest out proudly "As soon as I know anything, I'll let you know Miss"
"Thank you" she said and the boy left for the kitchen, smiling and walking proudly.
Moira's eyes found her friends' table. Abby had her head lying on Remus' shoulder and he caressed her hand softly. Moira sighed relieved as she saw them. Sirius was not there anymore but had moved to another table where Professor Vector, Sinistra and Flitwick were talking. Moira took another sip of her drink and her eyes found Alexander again as he served one of the students' tables. He smiled broadly at her.
"One more second and he will start to drool" Snape grunted behind Moira.
"It isn't polite to sneak up on people, you know?" Moira said not turning to look at him "The boy just wants to help"
Snape pursed his lips and snorted.
"Jealous?" Moira asked as she drank the last remaining liquid from her goblet, eyes on Snape.
Snape snorted again and that made Moira smile. They stayed like that for a while, in silence. Snape ordered a goblet of whine.
"Incredible" Moira said and saw through the corner of her eye Snape look at her "A whole minute without arguing" she said and looked at him "I think we have reached our record".
"Indeed" he replied and looked straight ahead again. The word made her remember Lucius and that was not a safe subject for her to remember now.
"Well, since we are in such good terms, what have you been doing for all these years, Snape?" Moira, asked turning to face him again "I mean, we haven't spoken in over fifteen years. We used to talk more" she added the last note softly, with longing.
"What have you been drinking, Crane?" he asked seriously, turning to look at her.
"Pumpkin juice" she said fast "Don't change the subject. I'm curious...we've known each other for a long time and you never told me anything regarding your life - outside of Hogwars that is, and the Death Eater thing doesn't count. I don't want to hear it. And that is not fair since you knew all about my engagement" Moira said very fast as if she would lose the courage to ask if she spoke normaly.
"I don't think it is any of your business" Snape said dryly, turning back to his drink.
"And the time for arguing is back. It was nice while it lasted" Moira said as she rose from her stool.
If it had been in any other time during their lives, Moira would be casting spells over herself, trying to undo what she just did, but now, things were different. She felt as if she's been hiding her feelings for far too long and maybe, just maybe, if she got him to tell her enough, to give her a clue that he cared for her in any way, she might just tell him what she's been hiding for so long. In the past month that was what had been happening to her, and the thought of making herself that vulnerable toward him scared her, so she avoided him. His constant fights with Sirius didn't help either, but Moira couldn't deny what her heart was asking. She has been lying to herself for far too long, pretending that she could live on hating Snape, having him a close range but never at her reach and that lie was tearing her apart Her father had once said that love was strength and not weakness and she could see how right he was now. After seeing why Henry was cursed, fear took hold of Moira and she dreaded the mere thought of Voldemort getting near her again. She looked at Abby and saw how devoted to her Remus was and she envied that. She knew that if Remus ever found out what Lucius had done, the wolf in him wouldn't wait for the full moon and that is what Moira wanted. She wanted someone who would slay dragons for her, who would protect her from everything and everyone even if she didn't need protection but she knew, as she had told Remus once, that she wouldn't allow herself to live that lie again, not with Snape not with anyone else. Well, love didn't let her make that choice and as she is sitting here, loosing herself into his deep black eyes, she could no longer deny the craving inside of her.
She turned toward him once again, standing beside him on the bar, eyes looking for his.
"I need to talk to you" she said in a more serious tone of voice.
Snape looked at her, frowning. The light tone she was using to question him had vanished and a more serious, delicate one took its place. He was scared to hear what he thought she was going to say. He thought of so many different things that could leave those delicious lips of hers, and although many could make his day, they could never happen and were better left unsaid. For a long time Snape has been meaning to ask her why she hadn't fought back when he had hurt her, right after the attack on the school, but he was afraid to hear the answer. If it was the perfect one he wanted, if she cared for him, he thought he would not be able to control himself. As much as he hated to admit, Snape didn't trust himself when he was around Moira. He had an impeccable amount of self-control, but when she entered the room, the effort to keep that control was exhausting. He wished for a day when he didn't have to keep himself at arm's length from her, but he knew that that day would never come. But right now, Moira was right next to him, apparently ready to tell him what he needed to know, what he wanted to know and it hit him. The day was here, but what about him? Was he strong enough...or weak enough to say that he wanted her, that he needed her? Did he...love her? Was he capable of love or was all of this he had always felt toward her passion, lust? It could not be only the desire to obtain the unobtainable… Snape knew what he felt and hated himself for feeling it, for allowing the thought of being vulnerable, of having a weakness, but he could not help it as much as he tried.
"I need to tell you something" Moira said in barely more than a whisper "I've been meaning to tell you for a long time actually. I don't think here is the place but..." Moira stopped her line of thought and as a deep frown took hold of her face, she moved to look at the entrance to the bar. As she saw the owner of the essence that had reached her nostrils, Moira's face went from calm to angry in a matter of seconds "Oh, this is just perfect" she whispered under her breath. Suddenly the brush of anger that had broken upon her because of Lucius, returned when she saw his sister, Maeve. Of all times, she had to show up now.
Snape searched for the person she was talking about and found a blond woman standing by the entrance to the Threes Broomsticks. With silver blond hair that hanged just above her shoulders, gray eyes and thin rosy lips, Maeve Malfoy made her entrance. As soon as she saw Snape, a sly grin appeared on her lips as she made her way toward him. Snape's eyebrows dropped and his lips curled. This could not happen in a more inconvenient time. He turned to the bar, noticing that Moira had moved to have her back turned to Maeve.
"Hello Severus" Maeve said provocatively "I never thought I'd see you around here"
"What are you doing here, Maeve?" Snape asked, a bit of irritation in his voice.
"Now, Severus, that is not nice" she came a bit closer to Snape "What happened to ´hello, I'm glad to see you, Maeve´?" she smiled at him "You can say I'm here to bid you company. If my memory serves me correctly, you didn't complaint about it last time"
Moira's head turned to him fast and a look of disbelief took hold of her chocolate brown eyes. In a matter of seconds, the look vanished and her eyes turned ice cold and indifferent again. She cleaned her throat softly as she moved passed Maeve. The blond witch toward her.
"Oh, Moira…" spite in her voice "I didn't see you there. Having a good day?"
Moira's eyes found Maeve's. Indifference took hold of her face, perfectly masking the pain she was in. She was glad Maeve had interrupted her before she had the chance of spilling her feelings toward Snape. So there was more to them than just acquaintance. She had asked and she had gotten her answer.
"Yes, lovely time" she murmured firmly "Excuse me" and she left the bar, not meeting Snape's eyes.
Maeve turned to Snape after she had made sure Moira had left the bar.
"Three is a crowd anyway"
A big sign on the outside of Honey Dukes got the attention of a lot of students. It read in big golden letters: MAKE UP YOUR OWN FLAVOR OF BERTTIE BOTT'S EVERY FLAVOR BEANS!
The store was packed and the most intriguing flavors were being tried.
"Almond with honey" Hermione said smiling as she poured the ingredients inside the pot with plain beans.
"That sounds good" Ginny said "I'll get chocolate and strawberries"
"They would be a hit if we were to go trick or treating" Harry said.
"What's that?" asked Ron.
"That's what Muggles do on Halloween" Hermione said, "They dress up in costumes and knock on houses saying 'trick or treat'. Usually people give out a lot of candy, that's the treat, but the ones that don't get a trick"
"That sounds like fun" George said.
"Well, my uncle Vernon wasn't too pleased when eggs got thrown at our door and windows. They didn't give out candy nor let me out on Halloween" Harry said as he put his camera back into his robes.
"Now you don't have to worry about that anymore" Hermione said, patting Harry's back "We can all celebrate Halloween with lots of candy"
"Without the tricks" Ginny said, narrowing her eyes at the twins.
The room had a sweet smell to it, a mix of several scents and spices. The colorful jars of candy made the shop look as if it came out of a children's book. The room was not only filled with Hogwarts students. Pointy hats and colorful robes went in and out of the store, making beans, buying chocolate frogs and getting tons of different sweets wrapped up to go. Harry looked around and couldn't keep inside the smile that reached his lips. He was home, he was in the world that he belonged. He looked at his side and Hermione was going through her list, making sure all of her gifts were bought. She would always send sweets home to her parents, since they were hard to find in the Muggle world. Knowing they were dentists, Harry found her choice of gifts quite amusing, but she would write a note along with the sweets, reassuring them she was brushing her teeth after every meal and piece of candy.
As they were leaving Honey Dukes, Harry stopped by the door, his eyes locked to the other side of the street. His lips parted but no sound came out of them. He frowned, squinting his eyes trying to focus, trying to make sure he was seeing what he thought he was.
"Harry, what is it?" asked Ron, stopping beside him.
Harry blinked and there she was. A woman, dressed in midnight blue, with a baby in her arms, his head limp on her shoulder, fast asleep. He could hear the lullaby from where he was standing, but could not see her face.
"It's her" Harry whispered "It's the woman in my dreams"
Ron and Hermione looked at where Harry was staring but there was nothing there. No woman, only the side wall to the Potion's shop.
"Harry, there's no one there" Hermione told him softly.
"Here, stand over here and look straight ahead, you can't miss her" he said, taking Hermione by her elbow and moving her to where he was standing. When he looked up again, the woman was gone "She was right there" Harry said frowning "I saw her"
"Maybe we should talk to Sirius, Harry" Ron said as he took his friend's elbow, leading him to the Three Broomsticks.
"It's one thing to dream but a completely different one to see her while you're awake" Hermione said, following the boys.
Moira had walked to the very borders of Hogsmeade, trying to calm herself down, trying not to go back to the Three Broomsticks and slap Snape's face. She thanked Maeve for having interrupted them. What if she had been a bit late? Moira would have told Snape about how she felt and would have made a complete fool of herself. Although she was 'saved' from that, the young Dumbledore could not ignore the heartache those words had caused; that and the fact he hadn't told her about them. Moira knew he would never have but still, she could not believe this was happening. Deep down, she knew this could come true, she knew that they would end up together, having an affair, but knowing is very different from supposing, and although it was better for her to know, so she avoided the humiliation of opening her heart to him, the pain was so great, she wished she hadn't heard it. The sky had darkened and every now and then the sound of thunder could be heard. A storm was coming.
Moira closed her eyes. She just wanted to disappear, to simply vanish...anything not to be feeling as miserable as she was. Anything not to imagine Snape's thin fingers caressing another woman's skin, his voice in her ear, his lips kissing somebody else's lips. Her hand went to her face as she found a drop streaming down. She looked up at the sky, looking for the cloud that had let the raindrops fall, but found none. It wasn't rain but the outcome of the tempest that had settled on her heart. Another teardrop streamed down her face, but Moira took it away with her fingertips. It had been a long time since she had cried, years actually, and she wasn't about to start now. She was not going to allow Snape, a formal Death Eater, the man who had taken her to Voldemort, to hurt her like this, she wouldn't let him have that power over her.
Slowly, Moira turned and started on her way back to town, praying she wouldn't run into Snape again. The lonely sounds of her heels on the pebbles was hypnotic, but not enough to make her oblivious to the fact that she was being followed. The person following her made no sounds, but his smell told Moira he was a man. She remembered it, but couldn't quite say who it was. Moira stopped near the town, already being able to see the shops and houses at a distance, and turned only to find her shadow on the ground. Narrowing her eyes, Moira went looking for the man she knew was watching her. Wand in reach and spell on the tip of her tongue, Moira entered an alley that took her to the backdoor of an antique shop. Her steps were cautious, as the scent got stronger. It was pleasant cologne but there was something else to it...something different that Moira couldn't identify.
"Lady Crane" a male voice said from the back of the alley.
Moira's posture toughened as she recognized the voice. From the back of the alley, Liam Laois emerged from the shadows. The father of Iago was a tall, handsome man, with broad shoulders, a goatee, strong features, short dark hair and deep navy blue eyes. He came toward Moira, a sly smile on his lips and a venomous look in his eyes.
"He did not lie" he whispered as he got closer to Moira "You are beautiful. Even more than when we were younger, I might say"
"I'm flattered, but I do not believe you followed me to comment on my looks" Moira said firmly, her eyes not leaving Liam's "And of course this is not about your son".
Liam Laois was more than just the father of Iago and a wealthy wizard. He was known for being one of the cruelest Death Eaters. Unpredictable, Liam saved no efforts to get what he wanted or whom he wanted. Moira knew him from her school days, and her knowledge of his actions taught her enough not to underestimate him.
"I'm not following you, Lady Crane, I'm biding you company" he hissed getting a bit closer to her "You seemed so lonely back there that I thought you could use a friend", he said as he reached for a strand of hair that had come loose and was over her face. Moira took a step away from his reach and frowned.
"I don't recall ever being your friend" Moira replied, angrily "In the beggining of the school year you told me you needed to meet to talk about your son. Mr. Laois, now is not the time nor place so, if you'll excuse me" she turned to leave.
"There's nothing for you that way, my lady" he spoke after her. Moira stopped with her back turned to him "I don't know why you insist on going against your instincts" his voice was closer "You should know better" he whispered by her ear.
Moira turned quickly finding herself inches away from Liam.
"You should know better than take these liberties with me Mr. Laois" she hissed menacingly "Please, keep your distance" she hissed between clenched teeth.
"Or what? You'll curse me? The father of one of your students, in the middle of a fearing Hogsmeade? I don't think so" his eyes locked on hers.
"What do you want?" she asked, taking another step back.
Liam smiled at her, his navy blue eyes glittering.
"If you came all this way only to invite me to join you, you wasted your time" Moira said turning to leave again "Malfoy already tried and didn't succeed".
"You know me better than that. I don't follow anyone's steps. All I am saying is that He can be very... persuasive"
Moira stopped and turned once more to face him. Her eyes were narrowed and anger took hold of her.
"Are you threatening me?" she asked almost amused.
"Oh, no, no, no. I wouldn't dream of it" Liam said as he approached her "I do respect your powers, Lady Crane, is just that, well...I would hate to see you hurt" He then started to laugh softly "Oh, what am I saying" he looked at her again, pure hatred in his eyes "I would absolutely love to see you dead but, unfortunately, that is not my decision to make", he said and smiled again.
Moira narrowed her eyes at him as her perfectly trimmed eyebrows were put together in a frown. He wasn't talking about her joining Voldemort...it was something else. He was keeping her away from Hogsmeade. Before she knew it, she had turned away from him, running away from the alley, into Hogsmeade.
"Such a waste of potential. Don't tell me I didn't warn you" Liam whispered amused.
As Moira got closer to the main street, rain began to pour down. The sky had turned a deep tone of gray and students were using impermeable spells on them as they continued to walk in and out of shops. Sophie and Sirius were crossing the street when she saw Moira.
"What… Sirius, why is she running?" asked Sophie.
Sirius turned and saw Moira running toward them. Occasionally she would look up to the sky, looking for something.
"Inside NOW!" Moira demanded as she ran past students "Get inside. Lock the doors. DO IT!"
As they saw their Professor actually scream at them for the first time, the students didn't wait for a second order. Running into the stores, taverns and restaurants, the kids vanished from sight. Then what she feared hit her. The pain came so deeply and intensely, Moira actually stopped in the middle of the street, put her head up and painfully pulled air into her lungs. Her left shoulder blade started to sting as she closed her eyes tight, concentrating, trying not to pass out. Thunder rumbled. Her heart was in flames and air was not getting to her lungs. She opened her eyes but what she saw was not the streets but the inside of the Three Broomsticks. Harry was lying on the floor, his body twisting, and his lips purple. She closed her eyes and the image shuffled as she pulled air in again. Curtains flowing, a body on the floor, a cradle, green light. When Moira opened them again there were the so familiar red eyes and hissing.
"No" she whispered "You are not taking him" and her knees faulted her.
"Got you" Sirius said as he put his arms around her, catching her before she hit the ground "Moira what is it, what's happening?" despair in his voice.
Moira looked up at him; her eyes wide. He didn't know. Sirius didn't know what was going on.
"Harry" Moira said weakly, struggling to stand again. As the tips of her long fingers touched Sirius face, the image of Harry twisting on the floor hit him. His heart hurt inside his chest and air escaped him. Moira took her hand from his face "I have to get to him" she said panting.
Sirius helped Moira up and started on their way toward The Three Broomsticks but something made them stop. A light that didn't belong with the storm caught their attention. As they turned, in the sky the Dark Mark was shinning brightly. The streets were deserted except for Moira and Sirius, who stood alone, in the middle of the road, staring at the mark. Sirius felt her squeeze his hands as she pulled air in.
"Go" he said "I'll take care of them"
Moira looked up at him and nodded. Behind her, in the gray sky, broomsticks came flying. There were at least ten Death Eaters mounted on their broomsticks, throwing spells and curses, making things explode and people scream. Moira heard it and her heart felt for Sirius, but she had to get to Harry. The pain was getting stronger, making it very hard to keep running. The storm unleashed its fury over Hogsmeade, and apparently it wasn't the only force out of control. The pain was still strong but there was something stronger taking control of Moira; the image of her mother, lying on her bed, cold, dead. Tom's eyes, his promises, his lies. All of it came back to her in a matter of seconds, the same time that it took the Death Eaters to get to her. It didn't take long for Death Eaters to position themselves around town, circling Sirius and, to Moira's despair, getting to The Three Broomsticks before her.
"Out of my way" Moira hissed, trying as best as she could to hide the pain she was feeling.
"We'll get out after he's taken" a Death Eater said, putting himself in front of the tavern's door "Don't get involved, Lady Crane. We're not here for you"
The second Death Eater cursed, as he couldn't get the door to open. Looking through the windows, Moira could see McGonagall and Flitwick pointing their wands to the door and windows. She thanked them silently as they continue to seal the place with spells. Moira's attention turned to the Death Eaters in front of her. They seemed to hesitate in sending spells her way. The pain was getting harder to control. Harry was slipping between her fingers and she couldn't let that happen. She had to finish this before it was too late.
"Don't try my patience. Out of my way" Moira said. The Death Eaters pulled out their wands "I thought so" Moira's pupils dilated.
"What's going on?" yelled Ginny "Harry!"
Harry fell to the floor without any warning. His body twitched from side to side and he struggled to breathe. As soon as he hit the floor, Ron and Hermione were by his side, trying to hold him still but not achieving their purpose. Everyone in the room opened space around them. McGonagall was on her feet; moving toward the doors with Flitwick by her side, casting guarding spells.
"He's trying to take him away" Abby said urgently, her blue eyes wide "He's taking Harry away" she urged.
In a matter of seconds, Remus was by Harry, holding his back against his chest, his right hand over his scar and his left arm around him, from shoulder to waist, like a seatbelt.
"Hermione, Ron, I need you to help me" Remus said, struggling to keep Harry still "Get his hands and tell him to stay. Give him reasons to stay with us"
Hermione had tears streaming down her face as she started to tell him how Halloween was going to be fun and how they had a lot of Quidditch games to play. Ron, who had his face very pale now, told him about Christmas holidays, of how they would explore the castle and, probably get in trouble. While this was going on, Remus was whispering something under his breath and the best Hermione heard was.
"Fight him, Harry. Please, don't give in"
"Don't leave us, Harry" Hermione pleaded by her friend's ear.
"Please, Harry" Ron whispered. Tears filled his eyes as he saw Harry's jet-black hair begin to turn white.
Everyone screamed as the body of a Death Eater was thrown against one of the windows. He fell on the ground outside but was soon taken up in the air by a wave of Moira's hand. In a matter of seconds, the Death Eater was on the other side of the street, lying on his back, unconscious. The same was on the path of the other Death Eater but Moira didn't get her chance. Air escaped her as the pain took hold of her body and she was caught off guard. Before she could react, Moira was lying against a door of a shop, on the other side of the street.
"Moira!" Sirius screamed, looking at her slam against the door and fall to the ground.
It was all the few remaining Death Eaters needed. Before Sirius could turn to Moira, he was on the ground, twisting and turning with unbelievable pain. The Crucio curse hit him. All Sirius could think of was of letting go, let them take him away so maybe the pain could stop, but that wasn't what happened. The pain did stop but at another price. When Sirius took control of his muscles and focused his eyesight, his jaw dropped. The three remaining Death Eaters had their feet hanging from the ground, their hands on their throats, choking. Sirius turned on his stomach and saw Moira holding her bare hands at them, her eyes dark as night itself fixed on the three masked men. A crack of lightening sounded and the men weren't there anymore. She fell to the ground.
"Moira" Sirius said, getting closer to her, but she waved her hand at him, pointing at the Three Broomsticks.
"Get to him, slow it down" she whispered "It's not over" Sirius looked up to the end of the street and one last Death Eater was approaching them "Get to him, Sirius. Get to Harry, please"
And Sirius ran as fast as he could, bursting the doors of the Three Broomsticks open as the teachers undid the spell. He ran to his godson, keeling down beside him. In a blink, Snape was by him, holding a dagger in his hand. Sirius looked up at the Potion's Master and nodded. Holding the right palm of his hand to Snape, and having Remus do the same with Harry's left one, Snape let the dagger slide by their clear skin.
"My blood" Sirius said "Your blood" and Harry's hand was tainted with the crimson of his blood "Our blood!" Sirius held Harry's hand in his, as they both twitched, seeing and feeling the same things "Fight him, Harry!" Sirius demanded, his eyes unfocused "You did it before, Harry. Don't let him win" and his hair started to go gray.
On the outside, Moira struggled to get to her feet once more, composing her posture as best as she could. Although the rain impaired her sense of smell, Moira knew who this Death Eater was, she recognized his walk, and right now, it would be delightful to face him.
"You don't ever listen, do you?" he asked, as he approached her.
"I guess I don't" she said, her voice firm but panting.
Moira tried, but the pain hit her so intensely that she couldn't keep control of herself anymore and fell to the floor. She saw Harry on the floor of the tavern, his hair going white. She saw Sirius trying to bring him back, his own hair going gray. There was nothing that could be done to stop White Death. They weren't strong enough to keep Potter here and Voldemort was not going to let him go. She had to get to him.
"They've got her" Abby whispered, her hands pressed against the windows "They've got Moira"
Snape turned to the window. He couldn't help the wave of fear that ran through him when he saw Moira lying on the floor, rain pouring down over her inert body. The last standing Death Eater walked toward her slowly, savoring the sight, his wand pointed at her. Snape' wanted to pound against the window, but he couldn't.
"Get up, Crane" Snape whispered to himself.
The Death Eater put the tip of his boot on Moira's stomach and pushed her so she now layed face up on the floor. He kneeled down next to her, putting his arms under her body, raising it closer to him. She opened her eyes, and frowned as she saw him take his mask off. The Dark Mark shone behind him, making it difficult for her to see his face but she knew whom he was, she knew what he was capable of. In any other situation she could have won, but not now. Moira struggled to keep her mind focused, but the pain was too strong.
"You don't look so powerful now, my lady" he whispered in Moira's ear, sending shivers down her spine.
"Get away from her" Snape murmured to himself from inside the tavern.
The Death Eater looked into her eyes, holding her against him. The witch so many feared was now vulnerable in his arms. He had no idea why so, but there she was, in the rain, no wand in hand, no strength to curse him. This was going to be easier and more enjoyable than he thought.
"Beautiful as well as deadly" he murmured as his hand caressed her face "I'm glad you're not poisonous" and pulling her closer to him, kissed her fully on her lips.
Snape gripped the doorknob but another hand moved over his, making him stop.
"Don't move" Abigail whispered to him.
"AH!" The Death Eater let go of Moira's body, holding his lips.
"I told you to keep your distance" Moira hissed wiping the Death Eater's blood from her lips with the back of her hand.
"This isn't over, Moira" the Death Eater said and apparated away.
"It's just starting" the young Dumbledore murmured as she painfully tried to get up from the floor.
As soon as Moira was up again, she managed the strength she had left and ran as fast as she could toward the Three Broomsticks, the doors banging opened without her having to touch them. As she got inside, everyone moved out of her way, pushing their backs against the walls. She put herself where Remus was seated, holding Harry securely against her. As soon as she put her hand over his scar, his back arched and he screamed.
"Keep it up!" Remus pleaded, looking at Hermione and Ron "Tell him to come back!"
They kept whispering things to him but now Harry was screaming and Sirius was controlling himself not to scream as well.
"Let go of him" Moira whispered under her breath.
Hermione was in tears as was Ron, Neville and Julie. Megan was leaning against a wall, her gray eyes on Harry but no tears were coming from them. She was too much in shock to cry, to say anything. She had seen her mother in town and seen her vanish with her uncle. Somehow, she felt guilty about what was going on, felt as if she could have done something to stop it, although she knew she couldn't. Her eyes traveled to the doors of the tavern and Megan saw her cousin staring at Harry as well. The superior look Draco usually had on his face was gone as he saw Harry scream. It was the very first time Megan saw genuine fear in Draco's cold gray eyes. She knew why he was so scared and she felt the same. A war had started and being a Malfoy was not going to be easy on them. Megan looked back at Harry, whose hands were in fists and she silently started to mutter a spell of her own, asking him to come back.
Moira was whispering things no one could understand but some by the hissing sounds was parseltongue. From time to time, a grunt escaped her lips, indicating she too was in pain, but nothing could tear her away from Harry…nothing. Then without warning, Harry arched his back, opened his eyes wide and pulled air into his lungs. Moira shut her eyes tightly and as Harry's back came down and they were slammed against the bar that was behind them, taking Sirius along. Harry screamed and started to cough, as air came back to him and his hair started to go back to its usual color. His hands found Moira's and held them instinctively. Sirius lied down on his back and coughed as well, his hand letting go of Harry, healing instantaneously.
"Breathe, Potter, breathe" Moira said softly, still holding him to her "You're safe" she whispered by his ear, closing her eyes and taking deep breaths herself.
Harry opened his eyes to find a room filled with students, teachers and people he never saw before in his life, looking at him. Some were weeping, some smiling and some just too stunned to do anything. He felt horrible, as if he had been hit by a hundred Crucio curses. So much had gone through his mind, he saw his mother, his father, he saw a man calling to him, telling him it was time to meet his parents, and the woman in his dreams crying. Harry felt his soul be torn away from inside him and it hurt to lose it almost as much as it hurt to get it back. It felt as if he was dying in slow motion.
"What ..." he started to ask but was too weak to continue.
"Hush" Moira said by his ear "Rest" and Harry found his eyes closing at her command.
"Hagrid" Moira called softly, "Take him to the Medical Ward" Moira asked softly "Tell my father what happened" Hagrid came forward and carefully took Harry away from Moira and into his arms. Moira got up slowly and painfully, taking Remus' hand to help her up. Hagrid looked into Moira's now chocolate brown eyes as the room did the same. "Tell him Voldemort's powers are back"
A/N: Okay, so the White Death will be more carefully explained in the next chapters, don't worry. The whitening of the hair was one of the effects I had planned for it since the very beginning so sorry if it looks like copy from "X- Men" or some other work. White Death does have other effects and a very interesting reason, so stay tuned for the next chapter.
The "My blood, your blood" spell was taken from "Practical Magic". I've always loved it so this was a way for me to pay tribute to the film and to show the magical bond between godson and godfather.
Since I'm at work right now, I can't actually do that thanking everyone I usually do at the end of every chapter, but you all know who you are and that I LOVE YOU!
Hope you liked it! Be good, eat right and smile always! See you in the next one!