A/N: Hi all! I'm sorry this was late! FF.net "grounded" me after I tried to pass my author's note out as a chapter. They banned me for almost five days! Whatever. So, this chapter had better get reviews! Hell, this story better get reviews... all I'm saying is that silence isn't always golden.
oh, and My Remus has no mustache! The movie people got it wrong! wrong! look at the illustrations in the book, do you see a mustache? No, I don't! sorry, I had to rant about something!
Well, so much for me being a bitch until I got at least 27 reviews, huh? Hey, almost 25 is a great number! Thanks to you all who reviewed! Oh well, I'm on a roll right now!
Roxoan, well, all I can say is thank you for replying.
It's called "common courtesy". Brenna's just being nice. Oh, and read carefully.
When Brenna says "that's Hogwarts", she's referring to the mountains on the horizon, which are the disguised wards to the school.
Also, take note that I did put reference that Harry was looking around... Harry opened his eyes, and gasped. Also, this is my first Harry potter fic. Check my profile; I haven't been around for a while. I did take some defense to your review, but then that comes naturally when you receive criticism. Also, yes, this is starting out slow, because things have to sink in and then build up. Don't worry, please be patient, oh, and tell everyone else you know to be patient as well.
Disclaimer: oh for heaven's sake go bloody well back if you wish to know whether or not if I own this miracle created by the genius woman who is J.K. Rowling
-----CHAPTER TWELVE-----
"Harry, thess won' go well, I kin feel et..."
"Brenna, calm down, everything's fine," Harry insisted.
Brenna and Harry were in Brenna's room, Harry watching his girlfriend pace before the fireplace. Brenna had unbuttoned the cuffs to her shirt, discarded her robe, taken her shoes off, and loosened her tie in her anxiety attack. She was getting them regularly, and Harry couldn't figure out why. Yes, things school wise were getting worse, classes were only getting harder and the tension was building between the DA and some of the Slytherins. Plus, Anestrothea was having trouble recovering, even though the attack had been over a month and a half ago. And Kasimir was supposed to come.
"Nah, nah, thess won' go well!" Brenna exclaimed, pulling her hair gently.
Harry ushered her over to a couch, and sat down with her; "Brenna," he said, "Brenna, stop ruining your hair!" he took her hands in his, and looked her in the eye; "Calm down," he said rationally; "What's the point getting worked up?"
"Wha's tha point?" Brenna asked, getting up again; "We've got a vampire comin' here! Are ya sure Dumbledore knows? Wha' about Hermione and Ron, thehh comin' too, righ'?"
"Hermione's iffish about it all, Brenna," Harry said; "Ron's with her now, trying to talk her into it. But you know hermione..."
"They won' let 'im come alone, ya know," Brenna mused, running her hands through her hair again; "Ah, I need somethin' ta calm me down. Um, Dobby, Linky, Elet?" she asked, looking around and clapping her hands.
Harry stared at her oddly, thinking Brenna had finally lost it. But, he heard a small (pop!), and a female house elf appeared.
"Linky, could you bring me some tea please?" Brenna asked kindly, looking at the elf. Again, her voice was clear like she was fresh from London; "And, some red wine for a visitor I'm having."
The house elf, Linky, looked around Brenna, eyed Harry with her large, brown eyes. She then looked to Brenna, curtseyed, and with a small snap she was gone. Brenna sighed, and went back over to plop back down on the couch beside Harry. She leaned on him, and he wrapped his arms around her.
"Bad day?" he asked, one eyebrow raising quirkily.
Brenna looked up at him; "No," she said, sounding aghast; "I took a lovely stroll 'round tha lake, chatted wit' a sea monkey, then headed back ta find a lovely set o' chocolates wrapped wit' pretty pink ribbon on mah bed."
"A hint?" Harry asked.
Brenna laughed quietly; "Nah," she said, sitting up. Unwillingly, Harry let her rise; "Jus', got lettahs taday an' I'm jus' a little worked up from 'em."
"About your grandfather?" Harry asked standing and moving over to the window.
Brenna nodded, sighing as she leaned against the wall; "Yeah," she replied; "He's on a cane, now. May says that 'e'll be back ta business in no time."
"You mean... he hasn't been working with the Order?" Harry asked, staring at her in disbelief.
"Wehl, nah fe'ld wahk," Brenna said, rubbing her eyes and sighing.
"Please don't start speaking in Montogneh, or whatever you call it," Harry begged, knowing that sigh.
Brenna shook her head, then walked over to the fire and waited. Harry continued to watch the window. Ten minutes past, then the fires started turning green. Brenna let out a shriek of surprise, jumping up and rushing over to Harry. Harry chuckled and wrapped an arm around her, and they waited to see who would come from the flames. But Harry gripped his wand in his hand behind his back just in case.
Remus Lupin's head appeared, then he slipped out of the fire; "Hello there, lovebirds," he said sweetly, getting up and dusting the soot and ash from his robes; "Didn't run into anything, did I?"
"No, Remus," Harry said, frowning slightly as Brenna slipped from him. She went to open up the window.
"I take it Mister Galstoph has yet to arrive?" Lupin asked, sitting down on one of the sofas.
"Nope," Harry said; "How are you, Remus?" he was referring ot the attacks.
"Oh, much better," Lupin said, "Tonks was released a week ago, and she's currently staying in her flat until everything gets back to normal."
"That's good to know," Brenna said quietly, looking down.
"Oh, when Anestrothae woke and found out he was at St. Mungo's, oh it was a sight!" Lupin said with a laugh. This caused Brenna to look up and smile. Her grandfather didn't much trust medi-witches other than the family employed one, May... "All the old man wanted was to be taken home to recover, but he couldn't get out of talking Ancientriss! You should have seen the nurses's faces! It was priceless! Oh, and when May tried to calm him down-!"
There was a tiny snap, and Linky returned with a tray filled with four cups and a teapot, then a glass of deep red wine. She smiled to Lupin as she sat the tray on the coffee table, turned to Brenna, curtseyed, and left with another snap. Brenna quickly poured out three cups, handing one to Lupin.
"Oh, why thank you, Brenna," he said gratefully, taking the cup.
Brenna smiled, taking a cup of her own, "Harry?" she asked, motioning to the tea.
Harry shook his head, moving to the open window.
"So, how do you think Kasimir will come along?" Lupin mused, sipping on his tea.
"Hmm, probably as a bat," Harry said, chuckling quietly. Lupin laughed quietly as well, but Brenna looked utterly confused; "Muggle reference," Harry said, looking at her briefly. Brenna nodded, rolled her eyes wearily, then sipped her tea.
Harry watched the window. Against the moon, he saw a flying shape fast approaching. It was small, but separated into two. They were ravens; one was Squawk, obviously because the one had a letter attached to his long, gangly leg. The other seemed to be older, more elegant in its flight compared to the dart-about nature of Squawk.
Harry backed away as the two ravens came in closer. Squawk came flying in, cawing awkwardly as he almost flew into a bookshelf before making a sharp turn to fly about the room. Finally, after a moment of indecision, he came to the conclusion to land on the armrest beside Brenna. He hopped up it, and nuzzled a lock of Brenna's hair. Brenna smiled and stroked his head, then set her tea cup down to take the letter.
Harry looked at Squawk's companion, who now perched on the windowsill. Harry noticed that the breast feathers were tinged red, like blood. Its eyes glittered with knowing, and a little intrigue. Harry took a step back, giving the bird space.
"Mister Galstoph," Harry said, and the bird nodded.
At once, the bird landed on the floor. With a caw, it was surrounded by a dark glow, and grew larger. It grew and lost its feathers, wings traded in for arms and talon for legs and boots. Soon, the elegant frame of Kasimir Galstoph was standing in place of the bird. His black robes finally billowed around his body, and the transformation was complete. A cane appeared in his left hand, the pommel that of a silver raven's head.
Squawk squawked indignantly from his perch, and Kasimir shot him a look; "Vell, you ver de von to choose our route," he remarked, smirking, then he looked back to Harry; "Mister Potter," he said regally, holding out a hand.
Harry noticed how Kasimir's skin was not as pale as before, rather, almost a healthy tan. In fact, he seemed very taken care of and groomed. His face was not so pointed, giving him handsome features. Harry never the less shook Kasimir's hand, and then both walked over to the couches. Harry sat beside Brenna, while the other couch was taken by Kasimir. The vampire set his cane by his side, leaning it against the armrest.
"Veren't dere supposed to be udders?" Kasimir asked as he reached over and took the glass of wine.
"Oh, true," Lupin said, looking over at Brenna and Harry; "Where are-?"
"Hermione wasn't up to it, so Ron stayed with her," Harry said.
Both dark creatures nodded thoughtfully, Lupin sipping on his tea as Kasimir asked; "Vell, I am here, vhat questions do you have for me?" he sipped on his wine.
"First off," Harry said; "Would you know anything about," he paused, searching for he right words. Brenna handed him the other cup of tea; "Thank you," Harry said to her, taking a sip; "Okay," he turned to Kasimir; "Say that... there's this veil... and if you fell through it... you'd... disappear... Would you still be alive after that?"
Kasimir eyed him; "Hmm," he mused, sipping on his tea; "I do know ov dis veil dat you speak ov..." he looked over as Lupin coughed and rose, moving over to the window. Harry bowed his head, and Kasimir looked from on to the other, only his eyes following the two.
"Somethin' happened," Brenna said, wrapping an arm around Harry comfortingly. Squawk even hopped over and nuzzled Harry's shoulder.
Kasimir nodded; "Dis veil," he said; "Eet all depends on ooh falls through eet. Vhy do you ask? Oh," he said, "Never mind," he sipped on his wine.
Harry nodded; "I've got another question," he said, looking up. Suddenly, his eyes seemed bloodshot.
Kasimir nodded; "Suppose," Harry began, looking down; "how many dark creatures are on Voldermort-" Lupin and Kasimir both flinched, and Brenna even stiffened, though not visibly; "Sorry, well... how many are on his side?"
Kasimir sighed; "You von't have to vorry about vampires," he said, "My kind shall deal wit dem. As for other creatures, Ogres, Vervolves, dementors," Brenna shuddered at this, and Harry patted her hand for no apparent reason; "Nearly one t'ousand, as an estimate."
Harry and Lupin both stared at Kasimir in disbelief, "All together?" Lupin asked.
Kasimir nodded; "Yes," he said; "Dough, dey are all very spread apart... eet is not likely you vill vun across more dan twenty, all together, anyvays," he once more took a sip of his wine.
"I have a question," Lupin suddenly said; "How come you are not on their side? Why are you with ours?"
Kasimir rolled his eyes and sighed; "Vhy am I constantly saying dis?" he asked; "I am no barbaric killing machine! Just because I vas bitten does not make me one of dem! I still have dignity, and a man beneath this dead shell! Do not badger me, Verevolf, for you are in no better a position!"
His voice grew louder with every word, and the outburst brought on silence; "Mister Lupin," Brenna said after a minute; "Please, don' upset anybody. Kasimir," she looked at the vampire.
Kasimir rose, facing Lupin with a heated stare. Lupin was looking at him angrily as well; "Ooh do you t'ink you are?" Kasimir said spitefully; "To dem, you are no better dan me. To dem, you are almost lower dan me. So vhy are you t'inking me untrustworthy? I am on dis side because I have t'ings to lose as vell!"
"Yes, food, that's why you're on our side!" Lupin shouted; "Magic blood isn't healthy you, so Muggle blood best fits, doesn't it? As long as you have food, you're fine!"
Kasimir's cane flew from its place and into his hand, and the vampire gripped in a vice-like hold; "I vould rather die eef I got de chance to fight for dis side," he said, nearly a hiss; "And blood is not food, but a life force. I need eet to survive, not to sooth a hungry yearning;" he paused; "I vill be here longer dan you, Remus, I vill have to live wit de choices your Ministry makes. I do not vant to see dis world go to Hell so quickly!" his voice was quieting, but still held that deathly hatred-filled tone; "I do not vant children growing up, afraid of to walk in de streets, afraid to leave deir homes... You remember vhat dat vas like, do you not, Remus? Den vhy do you deny me de feeling to prevent eet? I have a son, Remus, and dat is my main reason for fighting Voldermort! My wife died because of dat... dat monster, and I vill not see anyvon else I care about fall at his hands!"
Remus was just staring at him, as were Brenna and Harry. Harry couldn't understand it for some reason, yet he could in another, odder aspect. On one hand, he had seen adults duke it out, but never a werewolf and vampire. There were reasons underlying this argument than let on. Harry knew not homosexually, Remus' heart had belonged to and only to Sirius', he knew that. And Kasimir apparently had had a wife. It must have something to do with both being dark creatures, night monsters, enemies fighting on their enemy's side...
"And still, you think I should trust you?" Remus asked; "You killed somebody, Kasimir! And not just one... five!"
"After you vent on your monthly rampage!" Kasimir nearly shouted; "Dose people vere dying, anyvay! After you attacked de t'ree from de Ministry, and de two others you bit! I vas saving dem from a life of misery and persecution! You cannot blame me for covering your hide! I have for the past year! Ever since Sirius Black disappeared, I have made sure you do not go on a mindless rampage!"
Lupin was shaking from anger now; "I believe that this meeting is finished," he finally said, trying to control his tone.
Kasimir looked to Brenna and Harry; "I am sorry you bot' had to witness dis," he said, "Are dere anymore questions?"
Harry and Brenna both shook their heads; "Den ve are finished here," Kasimir said, approaching the window. Lupin walked to the fire, and in a flash, both were gone. Squawk flew over and perched on the window, watching Kasimir fly off into the night.
Harry and Brenna sat in silence, then Harry spoke; "Well, maybe Ron and Hermione shouldn't have come..."
Brenna nodded; "I've nevva seen Kasimir look so... mad," she said.
"Yeah, and Remus," Harry shook his head; "I should go to bed..."
"No," Brenna said as Harry got up. She held his hand; "Please," she said, looking up at him worriedly; "I'm scared now, Harry. Please stay..."
Harry smiled, and sat down; "Erm, what's that letter?" Harry asked, motioning to the letter Brenna had left on the table.
Brenna stared at it dully before picking it up, and opening it. Harry read it as well...
"Dear Miss Brenna McBennitae... we, of the Council, are displeasured to tell you that your brother, Ammil McNay, has escaped-"
Brenna gasped, covering her mouth. Harry looked at her, then continued...
"Due to this, it has been decreed that you shall henceforth reside at Hogwarts, under the safe and watchful care of Sir Albus Dumbledore, until it is secure for you to return to the Estate, where you will be moved to as soon as your brother is apprehended once again. You are by no means to walk outside alone. regardless of the wizard wards, as Sir Albus will be notified in his letter. If you must go to a wooded area for personal reasons, a guard will be sent for... Sincerely, Seresta Montage, matriarch of the Montage Line."
Harry stared at Brenna. She had let go of the letter, and was now crying into her hands; "Brenna?" Harry asked, holding the letter; "What-?"
His question was stopped as the letter crumbled into ash. Harry let the remains fal lto the floor, shaking his hand of the rest.
"Harry," Brenna said; "Weh're in trouble..."
"What?" Harry asked.
Brenna took her hands away, "I said... weh're in trouble. Et's not safe 'round me, anymore..." she covered her face with her hands again.
"Brenna, you're brother..."
"Will beh lookin' fah meh, yeah I know;" Brenna got up, and closed the window. Squawk cawwed quietly, and Brenna held out her hand. He hopped onto her wrist, and Brenna held the raven to her chest as she stroked its back. She sighed and looked out the window.
"You're brother, McNay," Harry said, getting up; "Why was he 'locked away'?"
Brenna closed her eyes; "'E turned ta Voldermort," she said quietly; "Mark an' all... 'e helped kill so many people... an' of mah own people..." she opened her eyes, fresh tears; "An' your magic canna stop 'im. 'E's found wats 'round it," she looked at Harry as he walked over; "I'm dead..."
"Not if I can help it," Harry said, wrapping his arms around her from behind and causing Squawk to fly off with an indignant caw. Harry rested his chin on Brenna's shoulder, though he had to lean down to accomplish it. Brenna sighed and held to his arms, closing her eyes. Harry stared at her, then did the same. The two stood there thinking until both grew weary. Harry could care less why McNay was after Brenna, or why the letter had referred to Dumbledore as "Sir". All that mattered was that Brenna was distressed and worried...
And what made it even odder was that Harry could vaguely feel it, tugging at the back of his mind like it was his own feelings he was trying to cover up.
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A/N: Thank you everybody for the reviews! Sorry this was so late, I was grounded by both FF.net and my mother. anyway, there ya go! Review! Review! Thanks!