I do not own the rights to any of the characters that appear in my little
story. Now I do not claim I can tell a story nearly as well as J.K. Rowling
(if I could I'd be a millionaire). The best I can do is all I can offer. I
hope that you will be entertained.
Holly Potter
And The
Army of Darkness
Story: Kim West Edited: Autumn Winters
Before I begin to tell this story I should remind those who may not realize that this is indeed a sequel. If you have not read "Mists of Avalon" then you should stop reading this warning and proceed right away to that story. Oh and if there are any here who have not read any of the "Harry Potter" Books or haven't seen any of the movies then, What the bloody hell are you bothering with my story? Go read "Lemony Snicket" or some such thing. (Just kidding, I can't afford to lose any readers)
Alright now is there anyone left, or did I scare everyone off? (I did mention I was kidding about leaving?) Well, for those brave souls that are left, get comfortable, and grab yourself a bag of "Bernie Bots Jelly Beans" and prepare to be entertained.
Chapter One: From The Ashes
It had been a crushing defeat for the forces of darkness because despite their best efforts, Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry still stood. It was badly damaged, but it did not fall. Lord Voldemort however, did fall for he was taken away by none other than Holly Potter, and has not been seen since. How could a mere child constantly defeat the world's greatest wizard time after time, after time? It is this question that The Death Eaters (dark wizards) have come together to ask one another.
There on a dark foul hilltop stood a dilapidated, decrepit, old mansion. No green covered lawn did it possess, nor did it have any lush bountiful trees to adorn it. Instead it had ground black as coal and dead gnarled trees that probably wouldn't be good for kindling a fire let alone landscaping. This is where The Death Eaters gathered up their remaining forces to decide how to deal with the purity of wizardkind. Most argued with one another in an attempt to push forth their own views upon the chaos. This did stop when Bellatrix Lestrange, and Lucius Malfoy both entered the hall. All eyes fell upon them waiting for some word, some command from either of these formidable Death Eaters.
Lucius looked out to his fellow Death Eaters. "Now is not the time to vanquish our foes. We must gather our strength and strike at just the time tha..."
"No, no, no! We must strike now when they are still confused! We must go after those in power and make them pay. The rest will cower in fear like they used to do, "Bellatrix said grinning a toothy grin," We should make an example of this Holly Potter by doing away with her first."
Many assembled shouted in favor of such talk and wanted to start right away, but Lucius took the floor once more and addressed Bellatrix rather sternly.
"Do not underestimate Holly Potter as some mere child who can be so easily dismissed. She has foiled many attempts by our former master repeatedly. What makes you think that you will be able to succeed where even our Lord Voldemort could not?"
"Master still lives! He lives I tell you, and he will return! And when he returns his ever faithful Wormtail will be waiting!"
"Nobody doubts that Lord Voldmort still lives, Wormtail; none of our markings on our wrists have vanished, although for some reason the searing black ink is now tinged with a pinkish glow," responded Lucius.
"I sense his presence, but not in the realm we now share. I do not know where he is or when he will return, but I know he will return to us. This is why I say we attack now so that our Lord will be pleased with us when he does return."
"I am not saying we should not attack, but I do say, let us plan this out, and not be so hasty about it."
Bellatrix eyed Lucius with contempt. "A fine thing for you to say; you have not had to suffer in prison the way that some of have had to. No, you have lived in luxury mixing and mingling with those who are our enemies."
"It is necessary to know what The Ministry is planning, and you know it. If I were not privy to the latest, this very meeting place would not have been possible. I know that The Ministry has all of its Aurors looking for you at this very moment. I also happen to know where they are not looking."
"Oh, so we should all thank you for your great sacrifices to the cause Lucius? Hah! Go back to planning dinners with Fudge and Dumbledore and leave the real work for us to handle!" Bellatrix said snarling.
Lucius was about to argue when he noticed most in the room seemed to favor Bella and not him. Quickly realizing there was no way to win Lucius wisely backed down and bowed to everyone.
"Very well, go to vanquish young Potter if you must, but should you fail I have a plan of my own. I would wish you luck, but I know those who follow you Bella will go to their folly."
"Empty words, Lucius, for an empty mind."
Lucius's eyes flashed, but he did not respond; instead he headed out of the room and out of the mansion. He knew that whatever plan Bellatrix would come up with would fail and he did not want to be a part of it, but at the same time he had to let the others know there was an alternative plan waiting in the wings. If things do go badly, the ones that manage to survive will come to him, and he will welcome them back, but on his terms and nobody else's.
*******************************************
Early in the morning, Holly Potter made her way down the dirt road leading away from The Burrows where she lived with the Weasleys for at least the rest of the summer. She was not the only guest staying with the Weasleys, Hermione had dropped by as well to make things a bit more cheerful and of course to help with the upcoming birthday party in Holly's honor.
Holly could still hear Hagrid saying, "Its not every day your young lady turns sweet sixteen now is it?" Holly kept walking, smiling at the thought of the huge gentle giant. He was the first magical of the magical folk she had ever met. Sure he tore down a solid wood door with ease and nearly scared her half-to-death by calling out for her by name, but that was only because she didn't really know him for what he was. To the young witch he was simply an overgrown shaggy teddy bear who had a passion for all things wild and magical. Hagrid was a good friend and so were Becky and Hermione of that there can be no doubt, friends who have stuck with her through thick and thin.
Holly thought back to the past year and all of the great changes that took place, and while doing so she veered off the dirt path and made her way into the nearby forest. 'No more Dursleys to make my life a misery. Now that is worth smiling about.' Each of The Dursleys received swift justice for what they did to her. Uncle Vernon became a little boy, Aunt Petunia transfigured into a rat, and Dudley became a girl. Holly knew she would never see them ever again, and to say they would not be missed would be an understatement to say the least.
Holly stopped suddenly. "Yes!"
There was a hill just in front of her in a clearing beyond the trees. On top of the hill stood a great black dog which carefully watched Holly approach. The dog moved toward her and began to transfigure into Holly's Godfather, Sirius Black. Almost immediately clothing began to spring forth upon his body to cover parts that should be covered (hey, this is a Rated-G story after all). Actually if you must know, the clothing was there all along, but only apparates when Sirius is not in his canine form. At any rate, Sirius was now standing in front of his Goddaughter for the first time since that horrible incident that changed Harry into a girl.
What stood before him was a beautiful young girl on the verge of becoming a woman very much like her mother, Lily Potter. The pretty face, those twinkling eyes, the grace, and movements were so uncanny to Sirius that he nearly cried. The only differences were the hair, the glasses, and of course the scar upon Holly's forehead. All this time Harry had been becoming the spitting image of his father, and now this vision...it seemed impossible to comprehend. Sirius had to look down and away for a moment, an action that Holly mistook as rejection from her Godfather.
"I...am sorry you are disappointed in me," said Holly, turning away.
"No! Please don't go!"
Holly turned back to face a tear-streaked Sirius who rushed in to hug her. He wept openly while speaking very softly.
"You have never been a disappointment to me, my child. If anyone should be disappointed it should be you in regards to yours truly."
Holly suddenly broke free of Sirius's hug. "How can you say such a thing?"
The young witch began storming around her Godfather while wagging her finger at him.
"You mean more to me than you will ever know!"
"Holly, please calm down. I only meant that I haven't been around for you,"
"You were framed for a murder you did not commit. Am I supposed to blame you for that?"
"Well, no, but..." Sirius replied laughing.
Holly stomped her foot in frustration, put her hands on her hips, and stuck out her chin.
"What are you laughing at?"
"I never thought I'd live to say this to you, but you not only look just like your mother Lily, but apparently you have her temper as well. In fact, she used to stomp her foot and put her hands on her hips just like that when arguing with me, and on more then one occasion I might add."
Holly began to blush a brilliant red. "I look just like...my...mum?"
"Yeah, it is almost like walking back in time to when she was a student at Hogwarts," said Sirius while the two began to hug once more.
" Sirius, tell me about my mum."
"Oh, well your mother never really liked me all that much. For some reason she had this crazy notion that I was a bad influence on your father James."
Holly giggled and hit Sirius lightly in the chest with her fist." You probably deserved her being mad at you, whatever you did!"
"Now, there you go again sounding just like her, and using her crazy sort of logic as well," laughed Sirius up until he began to hear something, then he froze listening with great intensity.
"Wha..."
Sirius motioned to keep absolutely silent. The morning light suddenly began to fade into a pale, cold darkness, and then an eerie mist began to creep in, engulfing the entire area within moments. Then there was laughter, but it had no warmth or kindness behind it.
Sirius looked alarmed. "Run Holly! It's a trap!"
"No! I will stand and fight by your side," Holly said with firm determination.
Sirius smiled briefly. "You know, you still have plenty of your father in you. I could never talk him out of anything, no matter how foolish it was."
"Ah, look! Little, baby Potter wants to die along side my worthless Cousin Sirius."
"Bellatrix Lestrange! I would know that hideous cackle of yours anywhere." Sirius said grimly.
Several dark, hooded figures stepped forward closing in around Sirius and Holly. A woman (apparently Bellatrix) came into view. She had definitely seen better days, for she had a weathered, worn-out look about her, except of course for her eyes. These had a cold, harsh, malevolent evil to them.
Bellatrix focused her attention toward Holly. "You! My dear little Potter, will now pay for all that you have done!"
Holly sighed and rolled her eyes. "Yeah, yeah, heard all this rubbish before, I am really quite bored now, either get on with it or leave!"
Bellatrix grew just bit angrier at the attitude this young witch was showing her.
"Crucio!"
Holly was about to laugh when she suddenly felt an incredible amount of pain rippling through her body. She crumpled to the ground in complete utter shock at being at the mercy of The Cruciatus Curse. Ever since being blessed by The Goddess she had been rather immune to such magic, thus making her an extremely powerful force to be reckoned with, and because of all the extra power Holly now had to admit it was careless to underestimate the enemy like she just did.
"I trust I am not boring you, Potter?" Bellatrix asked, cackling with delight.
Sirius roared with rage pointing his wand at Bellatrix. He fired a red blast from it that was sent hurtling toward his relation, but she disapparated before the bolt could make contact. A counterstrike of wands fired point blank at Sirius from the rest of The Death Eaters. Sirius howled in sheer agony. His body stood there convulsing for a few moments before it fell to the ground, never to move under its own power again.
Holly screamed a blood curdling scream. She closed her eyes and soon everything began to fall away. No sky, no trees, and no earthly floor. It was a complete black void with the exception of The Death Eaters. They still surrounded Holly, and they were laughing at her. Yes, laughing at the helpless, weak, worthless wreck she had become. Nobody laughed harder than Bellatrix however; she continued to do so while grabbing her hair and lifting her up to her face.
"Holly Potter, what a pathetic little crybaby you are."
Holly managed to spit in Bellatrix's face, which made The Death Eater even more angry, if you can believe that were possible. She immediately slapped the young witch hard in the face with her free hand, sending her sprawling across a room that suddenly appeared out of nowhere. The room, upon closer inspection, seemed to be a hospital ward of some sort.
"Bring her to me!" Bellatrix bellowed while still wiping the spit off her face.
Two rather large oafs went over and picked up Holly like she was merely a ragdoll and trotted her off to where Bellatrix who was now standing by two beds.
"Come closer, my silly girl, and I will show you your future."
Holly was forced to look upon a man and woman resting in hospital beds. Both patients had vacant expression upon their faces, and they both looked withered away from the ravages of not time, but of something else. She knew the moment she saw them who they were, because she had seen them before when she accidentally shared Dumbledore's memories a couple of years ago.
"These two wretched creatures were once called Frank and Alice Longbottom, and were fairly decent Aurors at one time. Of course that was before I made them insane by torturing them," Bellatrix said grinning, "You see Potter, I am what is known as a Dream Catcher, and that is something both extremely rare and dangerous, let me assure you."
"YOU...KILLED...SIRIUS!"
"Stupid, silly, girl! Do you not hear a single word that I have said to you? You are currently dreaming, and have been for some time now. That nauseatingly sweet dream of yours with you and my cousin was not real. No, unfortunately Sirius is still alive; that was just my little way of getting your attention. It was rather effective don't you think?"
Holly looked up with both fear and hope in her eyes. "He's still alive?"
"Yes, now stop interrupting me or I'll throw another Cruciatus Curse on you," Bellatrix sighed impatiently, "Alright then, let me see, a Dream Catcher can enter someone's dreams and turn them into nightmares. In The Dream Realm I reign supreme, which means all your extra little powers are useless, but then I suppose you already figured that out for yourself. You see, my dear, you have about the same chance these two had against me."
Bellatrix pointed her boney finger at the two mindless former Aurors and began to cackle once more. Holly wanted desperately to summon her powers and serve justice upon this evil woman who stood before her, but she could not. She remained completely helpless, which was not something she liked one bit. Meanwhile, Bellatrix continued gloating about her supreme power and how she ripped her victims apart.
"I tortured their minds until there was nothing left, and you what to know something Potter? I enjoyed it immensely, but I think I will enjoy ripping your mind to pieces even more."
"HOLLLYYYYY!!!"
A ringing voice cried out of nowhere. Bellatrix looked up, cursing under her breath, and then turned to face Holly once more.
"Potter! Meet me here tomorrow night at midnight if you wish to save what's left of these living carcasses."
"But those are Neville's Parents, you evil old hag!"
"You will pay for that last remark, but not tonight. Oh, if you try to bother The Ministry with this I swear to you I will kill Sirius Black and that is..."
"HOLLY! WAKE UP!"
Everything twisted and blurred for a moment, and soon Holly was back in her bed with Becky shaking her rather vigorously.
"Becky! Stop! I'm awake now."
Holly slowly sat up and faced a very worried Becky, Hermione, and Ginny.
"Are you alright then?" asked Ginny.
"I...think so." Holly replied weakly.
"What was that about Neville's parents? He never mentioned them to me before," said Becky anxiously.
Holly yawned asking the obvious. "Was I talking in my sleep?"
"No, it was more like yelling and screaming in your sleep, if you want to be precise about it." Hermione added.
"Is everything alright in there?" asked Mrs. Weasley through the door.
Before anyone else could reply Holly blurted out, "We're Fine...uh...just saw a gnome running under my bed...umm...sorry to disturb everyone."
"Oh that's alright dearie, think nothing of it." Mrs. Weasley paused a moment. "Becky Weasley! How many times have I told you to get rid of those filthy pests? First thing in the morning I want you and Ginny to search every square inch and throw those gnomes really far away this time. Do you girls hear me?"
Both Ginny and Becky replied in unison while giving Holly dirty looks. "Yes mum."
When Mrs. Weasley walked away from the door, Becky turned to face Holly. "Well, what's this all about? Why are we lying to my mum, and what about Neville's parents?"
Holly did not want to answer Becky's question because it was really something Neville should be bringing up. Then of course if Holly was going to have any chance of saving Neville's parents she knew that she could not do this by herself. She decided then to tell her friends everything that happened. The three girls listened to Holly with great interest though each had a look of horror and dread upon their faces.
"We have to tell The Ministry. It's the only way." Hermione said finally.
"No way! You heard what Holly said. If we tell anyone then Neville's parents might die, and Sirius along with them to boot," argued Becky.
"You don't know that for sure. If the Ministry..."
Holly cut off Hermione. "I don't care about The Ministry. Hang the stupid Ministry. They want Sirius back in prison for a crime he did not commit. Besides Fudge will never believe a word I say because he is a pompous old windbag who thinks of nothing else but his career."
Hermione continued to argue, but it was clear she was losing ground. "I know...but they...I mean...its too dangerous."
Holly almost burst out laughing. "More dangerous than what? I've faced and defeated Lord Voldemort more times than I care to remember. I have battled a giant spider, a dragon, a basilisk, dementors, and Death Eaters. What, at this point, would you consider to be more dangerous than that, Hermione?"
Hermione looked down at her shoes. "I suppose...I guess."
"Ha! If she's right, then that means you must be wrong!" Becky shouted with smug satisfaction.
"Quiet Becky, you're going to wake everyone up," Holly scolded.
Hermione gave Becky a dirty look but decided it was best to wait until later to get back at her friend.
Holly Potter
And The
Army of Darkness
Story: Kim West Edited: Autumn Winters
Before I begin to tell this story I should remind those who may not realize that this is indeed a sequel. If you have not read "Mists of Avalon" then you should stop reading this warning and proceed right away to that story. Oh and if there are any here who have not read any of the "Harry Potter" Books or haven't seen any of the movies then, What the bloody hell are you bothering with my story? Go read "Lemony Snicket" or some such thing. (Just kidding, I can't afford to lose any readers)
Alright now is there anyone left, or did I scare everyone off? (I did mention I was kidding about leaving?) Well, for those brave souls that are left, get comfortable, and grab yourself a bag of "Bernie Bots Jelly Beans" and prepare to be entertained.
Chapter One: From The Ashes
It had been a crushing defeat for the forces of darkness because despite their best efforts, Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry still stood. It was badly damaged, but it did not fall. Lord Voldemort however, did fall for he was taken away by none other than Holly Potter, and has not been seen since. How could a mere child constantly defeat the world's greatest wizard time after time, after time? It is this question that The Death Eaters (dark wizards) have come together to ask one another.
There on a dark foul hilltop stood a dilapidated, decrepit, old mansion. No green covered lawn did it possess, nor did it have any lush bountiful trees to adorn it. Instead it had ground black as coal and dead gnarled trees that probably wouldn't be good for kindling a fire let alone landscaping. This is where The Death Eaters gathered up their remaining forces to decide how to deal with the purity of wizardkind. Most argued with one another in an attempt to push forth their own views upon the chaos. This did stop when Bellatrix Lestrange, and Lucius Malfoy both entered the hall. All eyes fell upon them waiting for some word, some command from either of these formidable Death Eaters.
Lucius looked out to his fellow Death Eaters. "Now is not the time to vanquish our foes. We must gather our strength and strike at just the time tha..."
"No, no, no! We must strike now when they are still confused! We must go after those in power and make them pay. The rest will cower in fear like they used to do, "Bellatrix said grinning a toothy grin," We should make an example of this Holly Potter by doing away with her first."
Many assembled shouted in favor of such talk and wanted to start right away, but Lucius took the floor once more and addressed Bellatrix rather sternly.
"Do not underestimate Holly Potter as some mere child who can be so easily dismissed. She has foiled many attempts by our former master repeatedly. What makes you think that you will be able to succeed where even our Lord Voldemort could not?"
"Master still lives! He lives I tell you, and he will return! And when he returns his ever faithful Wormtail will be waiting!"
"Nobody doubts that Lord Voldmort still lives, Wormtail; none of our markings on our wrists have vanished, although for some reason the searing black ink is now tinged with a pinkish glow," responded Lucius.
"I sense his presence, but not in the realm we now share. I do not know where he is or when he will return, but I know he will return to us. This is why I say we attack now so that our Lord will be pleased with us when he does return."
"I am not saying we should not attack, but I do say, let us plan this out, and not be so hasty about it."
Bellatrix eyed Lucius with contempt. "A fine thing for you to say; you have not had to suffer in prison the way that some of have had to. No, you have lived in luxury mixing and mingling with those who are our enemies."
"It is necessary to know what The Ministry is planning, and you know it. If I were not privy to the latest, this very meeting place would not have been possible. I know that The Ministry has all of its Aurors looking for you at this very moment. I also happen to know where they are not looking."
"Oh, so we should all thank you for your great sacrifices to the cause Lucius? Hah! Go back to planning dinners with Fudge and Dumbledore and leave the real work for us to handle!" Bellatrix said snarling.
Lucius was about to argue when he noticed most in the room seemed to favor Bella and not him. Quickly realizing there was no way to win Lucius wisely backed down and bowed to everyone.
"Very well, go to vanquish young Potter if you must, but should you fail I have a plan of my own. I would wish you luck, but I know those who follow you Bella will go to their folly."
"Empty words, Lucius, for an empty mind."
Lucius's eyes flashed, but he did not respond; instead he headed out of the room and out of the mansion. He knew that whatever plan Bellatrix would come up with would fail and he did not want to be a part of it, but at the same time he had to let the others know there was an alternative plan waiting in the wings. If things do go badly, the ones that manage to survive will come to him, and he will welcome them back, but on his terms and nobody else's.
*******************************************
Early in the morning, Holly Potter made her way down the dirt road leading away from The Burrows where she lived with the Weasleys for at least the rest of the summer. She was not the only guest staying with the Weasleys, Hermione had dropped by as well to make things a bit more cheerful and of course to help with the upcoming birthday party in Holly's honor.
Holly could still hear Hagrid saying, "Its not every day your young lady turns sweet sixteen now is it?" Holly kept walking, smiling at the thought of the huge gentle giant. He was the first magical of the magical folk she had ever met. Sure he tore down a solid wood door with ease and nearly scared her half-to-death by calling out for her by name, but that was only because she didn't really know him for what he was. To the young witch he was simply an overgrown shaggy teddy bear who had a passion for all things wild and magical. Hagrid was a good friend and so were Becky and Hermione of that there can be no doubt, friends who have stuck with her through thick and thin.
Holly thought back to the past year and all of the great changes that took place, and while doing so she veered off the dirt path and made her way into the nearby forest. 'No more Dursleys to make my life a misery. Now that is worth smiling about.' Each of The Dursleys received swift justice for what they did to her. Uncle Vernon became a little boy, Aunt Petunia transfigured into a rat, and Dudley became a girl. Holly knew she would never see them ever again, and to say they would not be missed would be an understatement to say the least.
Holly stopped suddenly. "Yes!"
There was a hill just in front of her in a clearing beyond the trees. On top of the hill stood a great black dog which carefully watched Holly approach. The dog moved toward her and began to transfigure into Holly's Godfather, Sirius Black. Almost immediately clothing began to spring forth upon his body to cover parts that should be covered (hey, this is a Rated-G story after all). Actually if you must know, the clothing was there all along, but only apparates when Sirius is not in his canine form. At any rate, Sirius was now standing in front of his Goddaughter for the first time since that horrible incident that changed Harry into a girl.
What stood before him was a beautiful young girl on the verge of becoming a woman very much like her mother, Lily Potter. The pretty face, those twinkling eyes, the grace, and movements were so uncanny to Sirius that he nearly cried. The only differences were the hair, the glasses, and of course the scar upon Holly's forehead. All this time Harry had been becoming the spitting image of his father, and now this vision...it seemed impossible to comprehend. Sirius had to look down and away for a moment, an action that Holly mistook as rejection from her Godfather.
"I...am sorry you are disappointed in me," said Holly, turning away.
"No! Please don't go!"
Holly turned back to face a tear-streaked Sirius who rushed in to hug her. He wept openly while speaking very softly.
"You have never been a disappointment to me, my child. If anyone should be disappointed it should be you in regards to yours truly."
Holly suddenly broke free of Sirius's hug. "How can you say such a thing?"
The young witch began storming around her Godfather while wagging her finger at him.
"You mean more to me than you will ever know!"
"Holly, please calm down. I only meant that I haven't been around for you,"
"You were framed for a murder you did not commit. Am I supposed to blame you for that?"
"Well, no, but..." Sirius replied laughing.
Holly stomped her foot in frustration, put her hands on her hips, and stuck out her chin.
"What are you laughing at?"
"I never thought I'd live to say this to you, but you not only look just like your mother Lily, but apparently you have her temper as well. In fact, she used to stomp her foot and put her hands on her hips just like that when arguing with me, and on more then one occasion I might add."
Holly began to blush a brilliant red. "I look just like...my...mum?"
"Yeah, it is almost like walking back in time to when she was a student at Hogwarts," said Sirius while the two began to hug once more.
" Sirius, tell me about my mum."
"Oh, well your mother never really liked me all that much. For some reason she had this crazy notion that I was a bad influence on your father James."
Holly giggled and hit Sirius lightly in the chest with her fist." You probably deserved her being mad at you, whatever you did!"
"Now, there you go again sounding just like her, and using her crazy sort of logic as well," laughed Sirius up until he began to hear something, then he froze listening with great intensity.
"Wha..."
Sirius motioned to keep absolutely silent. The morning light suddenly began to fade into a pale, cold darkness, and then an eerie mist began to creep in, engulfing the entire area within moments. Then there was laughter, but it had no warmth or kindness behind it.
Sirius looked alarmed. "Run Holly! It's a trap!"
"No! I will stand and fight by your side," Holly said with firm determination.
Sirius smiled briefly. "You know, you still have plenty of your father in you. I could never talk him out of anything, no matter how foolish it was."
"Ah, look! Little, baby Potter wants to die along side my worthless Cousin Sirius."
"Bellatrix Lestrange! I would know that hideous cackle of yours anywhere." Sirius said grimly.
Several dark, hooded figures stepped forward closing in around Sirius and Holly. A woman (apparently Bellatrix) came into view. She had definitely seen better days, for she had a weathered, worn-out look about her, except of course for her eyes. These had a cold, harsh, malevolent evil to them.
Bellatrix focused her attention toward Holly. "You! My dear little Potter, will now pay for all that you have done!"
Holly sighed and rolled her eyes. "Yeah, yeah, heard all this rubbish before, I am really quite bored now, either get on with it or leave!"
Bellatrix grew just bit angrier at the attitude this young witch was showing her.
"Crucio!"
Holly was about to laugh when she suddenly felt an incredible amount of pain rippling through her body. She crumpled to the ground in complete utter shock at being at the mercy of The Cruciatus Curse. Ever since being blessed by The Goddess she had been rather immune to such magic, thus making her an extremely powerful force to be reckoned with, and because of all the extra power Holly now had to admit it was careless to underestimate the enemy like she just did.
"I trust I am not boring you, Potter?" Bellatrix asked, cackling with delight.
Sirius roared with rage pointing his wand at Bellatrix. He fired a red blast from it that was sent hurtling toward his relation, but she disapparated before the bolt could make contact. A counterstrike of wands fired point blank at Sirius from the rest of The Death Eaters. Sirius howled in sheer agony. His body stood there convulsing for a few moments before it fell to the ground, never to move under its own power again.
Holly screamed a blood curdling scream. She closed her eyes and soon everything began to fall away. No sky, no trees, and no earthly floor. It was a complete black void with the exception of The Death Eaters. They still surrounded Holly, and they were laughing at her. Yes, laughing at the helpless, weak, worthless wreck she had become. Nobody laughed harder than Bellatrix however; she continued to do so while grabbing her hair and lifting her up to her face.
"Holly Potter, what a pathetic little crybaby you are."
Holly managed to spit in Bellatrix's face, which made The Death Eater even more angry, if you can believe that were possible. She immediately slapped the young witch hard in the face with her free hand, sending her sprawling across a room that suddenly appeared out of nowhere. The room, upon closer inspection, seemed to be a hospital ward of some sort.
"Bring her to me!" Bellatrix bellowed while still wiping the spit off her face.
Two rather large oafs went over and picked up Holly like she was merely a ragdoll and trotted her off to where Bellatrix who was now standing by two beds.
"Come closer, my silly girl, and I will show you your future."
Holly was forced to look upon a man and woman resting in hospital beds. Both patients had vacant expression upon their faces, and they both looked withered away from the ravages of not time, but of something else. She knew the moment she saw them who they were, because she had seen them before when she accidentally shared Dumbledore's memories a couple of years ago.
"These two wretched creatures were once called Frank and Alice Longbottom, and were fairly decent Aurors at one time. Of course that was before I made them insane by torturing them," Bellatrix said grinning, "You see Potter, I am what is known as a Dream Catcher, and that is something both extremely rare and dangerous, let me assure you."
"YOU...KILLED...SIRIUS!"
"Stupid, silly, girl! Do you not hear a single word that I have said to you? You are currently dreaming, and have been for some time now. That nauseatingly sweet dream of yours with you and my cousin was not real. No, unfortunately Sirius is still alive; that was just my little way of getting your attention. It was rather effective don't you think?"
Holly looked up with both fear and hope in her eyes. "He's still alive?"
"Yes, now stop interrupting me or I'll throw another Cruciatus Curse on you," Bellatrix sighed impatiently, "Alright then, let me see, a Dream Catcher can enter someone's dreams and turn them into nightmares. In The Dream Realm I reign supreme, which means all your extra little powers are useless, but then I suppose you already figured that out for yourself. You see, my dear, you have about the same chance these two had against me."
Bellatrix pointed her boney finger at the two mindless former Aurors and began to cackle once more. Holly wanted desperately to summon her powers and serve justice upon this evil woman who stood before her, but she could not. She remained completely helpless, which was not something she liked one bit. Meanwhile, Bellatrix continued gloating about her supreme power and how she ripped her victims apart.
"I tortured their minds until there was nothing left, and you what to know something Potter? I enjoyed it immensely, but I think I will enjoy ripping your mind to pieces even more."
"HOLLLYYYYY!!!"
A ringing voice cried out of nowhere. Bellatrix looked up, cursing under her breath, and then turned to face Holly once more.
"Potter! Meet me here tomorrow night at midnight if you wish to save what's left of these living carcasses."
"But those are Neville's Parents, you evil old hag!"
"You will pay for that last remark, but not tonight. Oh, if you try to bother The Ministry with this I swear to you I will kill Sirius Black and that is..."
"HOLLY! WAKE UP!"
Everything twisted and blurred for a moment, and soon Holly was back in her bed with Becky shaking her rather vigorously.
"Becky! Stop! I'm awake now."
Holly slowly sat up and faced a very worried Becky, Hermione, and Ginny.
"Are you alright then?" asked Ginny.
"I...think so." Holly replied weakly.
"What was that about Neville's parents? He never mentioned them to me before," said Becky anxiously.
Holly yawned asking the obvious. "Was I talking in my sleep?"
"No, it was more like yelling and screaming in your sleep, if you want to be precise about it." Hermione added.
"Is everything alright in there?" asked Mrs. Weasley through the door.
Before anyone else could reply Holly blurted out, "We're Fine...uh...just saw a gnome running under my bed...umm...sorry to disturb everyone."
"Oh that's alright dearie, think nothing of it." Mrs. Weasley paused a moment. "Becky Weasley! How many times have I told you to get rid of those filthy pests? First thing in the morning I want you and Ginny to search every square inch and throw those gnomes really far away this time. Do you girls hear me?"
Both Ginny and Becky replied in unison while giving Holly dirty looks. "Yes mum."
When Mrs. Weasley walked away from the door, Becky turned to face Holly. "Well, what's this all about? Why are we lying to my mum, and what about Neville's parents?"
Holly did not want to answer Becky's question because it was really something Neville should be bringing up. Then of course if Holly was going to have any chance of saving Neville's parents she knew that she could not do this by herself. She decided then to tell her friends everything that happened. The three girls listened to Holly with great interest though each had a look of horror and dread upon their faces.
"We have to tell The Ministry. It's the only way." Hermione said finally.
"No way! You heard what Holly said. If we tell anyone then Neville's parents might die, and Sirius along with them to boot," argued Becky.
"You don't know that for sure. If the Ministry..."
Holly cut off Hermione. "I don't care about The Ministry. Hang the stupid Ministry. They want Sirius back in prison for a crime he did not commit. Besides Fudge will never believe a word I say because he is a pompous old windbag who thinks of nothing else but his career."
Hermione continued to argue, but it was clear she was losing ground. "I know...but they...I mean...its too dangerous."
Holly almost burst out laughing. "More dangerous than what? I've faced and defeated Lord Voldemort more times than I care to remember. I have battled a giant spider, a dragon, a basilisk, dementors, and Death Eaters. What, at this point, would you consider to be more dangerous than that, Hermione?"
Hermione looked down at her shoes. "I suppose...I guess."
"Ha! If she's right, then that means you must be wrong!" Becky shouted with smug satisfaction.
"Quiet Becky, you're going to wake everyone up," Holly scolded.
Hermione gave Becky a dirty look but decided it was best to wait until later to get back at her friend.