Once again, I apologize for the delay. As I suspected, the Homework load for the finals was killer. See the Review Responses for Beta info.

Once More Into the Breach

Chapter Two

A Rescue

As Tarlna journeyed, she wondered about herself- especially her new body. She'd heard of the Valdemaran Companions, and she seemed to have similar abilities. As she ran as fast as only a Companion should be able to, she realized that it was because her body was unconsciously drawing from a ley-line. Her keen ears caught the sound of bells- not really chiming, but in a deeper pitch. She couldn't pinpoint where she'd heard the sound before, and before she could, she had reached her destination.

As she approached the house, her body- again without her foreknowledge- sort of melted itself into shadow. When she moved, she was silent, and for this she was glad. It had irked her to know her feet- hooves, she corrected herself- would always give her away long before she was seen.

Tarlna ghosted inside, and was drawn to a small door by the sound of whimpering… a boy-child, her new senses informed her. She looked at the door, unable to open it without destroying it. She wished she was a smaller animal- a kyree maybe, with more dexterous paws. And then she was.

Tarlna first noticed that she was shrinking, then she felt her muscles and bones readjust, and finally her short, fine hair grow longer and coarser. The change was almost over before she really thought about it, it was that quick. She looked down, and sure enough, she possessed paws. This is an interesting development… she thought. I don't know if anything else will surprise me tonight… How wrong she was…

As she wrestled with the lock on the door- a simple sliding bolt- she noticed an odd odor coming from the closet, or cupboard, or whatever it was. It took her a moment to place, but when she did, she growled. She stopped herself. Did I just growl? I didn't even notice… Another sound caught her attention.

"I'm sorry, Uncle Vernon! I'll be quieter… I promise!" Again she growled, this time deliberately. How dare he! Whoever this human is to harm a defenseless child! My Child! He can't even be called human… Whoever he is, he's a monster! Even lower than animals… they don't harm their children!

She finally got the door opened, and padded into the dark, dank space beneath the stairs.

Little Harry woke from another nightmare to the sound of someone struggling with the lock on his cupboard. Twice in one night! He whimpered out his apology, hoping it wouldn't make Uncle Vernon angrier.

"I'm sorry, Uncle Vernon! I'll be quieter… I promise!" He thought he heard an animal growl, but it was probably just Uncle Vernon… The door opened, and he flinched out of habit into his corner. He jumped when something wet and cold nudged his arm, and he opened his eyes to see a gigantic wolf looking down at him. If he had been any other child, he would have screamed, but silence had been beaten into him for as long as he could remember.

:Get on my back, my child, and I will carry you to safety. We shall leave this miserable mudpit far behind us as we journey to our new home. Come, child…: Tarlna coaxed as gently as possible, and slowly the child uncurled and looked at her.

"Are you really going to take me away, Lady?" He asked, trembling as if expecting a beating for asking questions. Actually, Tarlna angrily mused, he probably was. She answered him gently, though, very careful not to let her anger become visible.

:Yes, Child. Get on my back, and we will go.: Harry did as he was bid, and soon, they were galloping off into the distance to the place where Tarlna had entered this world. The Gate was still standing- barely.

Tarlna quickly spoke to her charge. :Child, this may be a little… disorienting. Don't worry, I'll be with you.: Harry nodded, and together they stepped into the Gate, into a new world where neither knew exactly what was in store for them.

End Chapter

A big thanks to everyone who reviewed, and to so it is written, Jewelle2, and silvrfoxfire for offering to beta for me. I'll be getting back to you on my decision soon. Thanks for all the support, and sorry for the lateness of the chapter. Since school is finally out, I should be able to update more often.

God Bless!

RiverSong DreamShadow