A/N: MyStOrIeS, you read my mind. I know, there will be a little clash over the whole "OMG Crookshanks isn't a cat and he's a guy and he was in the girls dorms'" thing. Tee hee!!!!
Oh, the Hades bit. Yeah sorry, that's when my mom came in and everything so... ya know, no cussing when parents are around! But, it i
Disclaimer: well, I think we know by now whether or not if I own anything.
---CHAPTER NINETEEN---
Harry found it hard to carry Brenna after reaching the second floor. She was now unconscious, and he was having a fitful time trying to keep her in his arms and her head to his chest. Harry stopped and leaned against the wall, but his breathing caught as he heard people coming down the hall. He froze, and waited as a small group of third years past. When they reached the stairs, Harry let out a sigh, then continued on to the Room of Requirement. He reached the appropriate floor, and found it, the big door a welcoming sight.
Harry pushed it open, and gasped. The room looked like a small library and study, but there was a large psychiatrist-office-style sofa {a/n: wazzit called?}. There were seemingly mountains of books, and a plethora of different sizes of cushions around a blazing fire in its place. There was also a small cabinet.
Harry wasted no time in setting Brenna on the sofa, and took the cloak off, slinging it over the back. He watched her worriedly for a moment, and then turned to a pile of books he saw. Taking the one on the top, he saw that the title was actually a question, one that startled him...
'The Soul Beacon is...'
What shocked him further was that there was no author.
Harry went over, and picked up a big, over-stuffed cushion. He set it by the couch, sat down upon it, and put the book on his lap. He stared at the gold lettering on the crimson cover. Finally, he gathered the assurance to open it, glancing up at Brenna. Sighing, Harry opened it, and began to read...
'Soul Beacon: the one light which is able to create and distribute enough power to vanquish great evil. The first Soul Beacon was an elf by the name of Anglithae. It was created from the combined powers of the Four Winds, the Six Stars, and the Nine Wise...'
Harry's head jerked up as he heard a mad raking sound on the other side of the door, coupled with a loud yowling. Harry jumped up, dropped the book, and rushed over. He opened the door, and an orange blue shot in. Harry followed it, but his head snapped painfully back when he heard "I'm gonna kill you, cat!" coupled with a "Ron, please stop! Think rationally!"
Harry rubbed his neck and opened the door, walking back and bending down under the sofa where the blue had gone. Orion was huddled beneath, his large amber orbs fearfully watching the door.
"The redhead will kill me!" he hissed anxiously.
"Why?" Harry asked.
"I told—"
"Alright, where'd the bloody beast go?!" Ron asked irately, barging into the room.
"Shut up!" Harry retorted irately, getting up and turning to Ron.
Ron opened his mouth, but it closed when he saw Brenna was asleep. Hermione came in, cheeks flushed and her being a little winded, but she gasped.
"Harry, what happened?" she asked in a hushed whisper, Ron closing the door and locking it. He began stalking around the room, looking for Orion.
"Part of..." Harry began, and then he paused. He still hadn't told them...
"Well?" Hermione asked, moving over to Brenna as she did. She sat down on the edge of the couch, placing her hand on Brenna's forehead. Brenna mumbled something, turning her head away as her eyes closed even tighter. Hermione jerked her hand away.
Orion came from his hiding place, glaring at Harry; "You didn't tell them?!" he asked incredulously; "Harry, they should—GYAAHHHH!!" he yowled as Ron grabbed him harshly by the scruff of his neck.
"Gotcha, you pervert!" Ron said, a wicked grin on his face; "Now you'll pay for spying on Hermione!"
"Hermione, Harry, save me!" Orion yowled, eyes shut tight with pain as he was clawing at Ron. Ron held him away, but was walking towards the fire. "I've no interest in witches! She's not my kind nor within the rightful ages anyway!"
"Oh, so she's not good enough for you?!" Ron asked, dangerous fire in his eyes. And it wasn't from the reflection of the fire place.
"Yes!" Orion replied madly; "She's not an elf, therefore not worth my love in that manner! Perhaps it's you who is perverse!"
"Yeah, that can be you're last thought—!"
"Ron!!!" Harry and Hermione shouted, both rushing over. Harry pulled Ron back, while Hermione slapped his hands and caught Orion. She held him to her chest, whispering soothing nonsense to the cat while stroking his fur gently. Orion turned and looked hatefully at Ron as Harry let him go.
"Ron, how dense are you?!" Harry asked, "Honestly, he's an elf! And he's Brenna's brother, for gods sake!"
"What?!" Ron and Hermione asked in unison. Hermione dropped Orion in surprise, and the cat growled.
"So much for remorse," he muttered, getting to his feet shakily; "I will not be treated in such a manor!" he hissed, baring his fangs as he growled and looked at Ron. Hairs stood on in, claws were bared, and the fight was on. Orion made to lunge, but Harry stepped in and scooped him up, taking him over and plopping him down by Brenna.
"Stay," he said, pointing to the spot.
"I'm no mongrel, either," Orion muttered darkly.
"Alright, hold on!" Hermione said loudly when Ron started muttering and Orion was grumbling. Harry was preoccupied with keeping Brenna asleep and out of it, she apparently needed the rest.
"Don't yell!" Orion said hoarsely, padding back over to the couch and jumping onto it; "Brenna must rest!" he hissed, turning around to them.
"Please explain to us... what's going on?" Hermione asked exasperatedly.
Ron sat down amongst the cushions, and so did Hermione. Harry was silent, looking up from his sitting position on the couch. Orion did as well. They exchanged glances.
"You explain;" Harry said finally, sighing, "It's complicated."
Orion sighed, then turned to the other two; "Well, you know I am Brenna's brother. Mind you I'm in no line with McNay. But, it has a great deal to do with it all. Perhaps the beginning would be best..."
And so he explained the coming of the Torch, how it had been passed to Brenna, and of course he told them of McNay, though he didn't go so far as to say he was now in line with Voldermort. Only Harry knew that, and he swore he'd keep it his own secret. But Orion finished almost two hours later. Surprisingly, all of them were attentive; even Ron didn't falter or fall asleep.
"So, Brenna..." Hermione said finally, in a choked sounding voice.
"Is a living power house," Ron finished, sinking further into the cushions. He was staring ahead, a look of numb shock on his features.
Orion nodded; "To say the least," he replied, sighing; "I thought it was a mere rumor myself, but when Brenna collapsed in the first symptoms, I... my fears were confirmed only further more..." he bowed his head sadly, got down, and padded over to Hermione. She scooped him up into her lap, and he curled up, heaving a shaky sigh. She began to stroke his back, gazing sadly over at Brenna.
"It doesn't sound like it's such a bad thing," Ron mused; "I mean, Harry, she could contend with you, mate. No offense, of course..."
Harry shook his head; "No," he said wearily; "Her magic's completely different than mine."
"How so?" Hermione asked.
Orion lifted his head, turning around so his face could be seen by everyone else; "Harry's magic is hereditary, like Brenna's, but he received it directly from his parents," he paused; "Brenna's is passed down, spread through and over in her blood. It's unstable, in a sense, for that reason alone."
Harry picked up the book he had been reading, and opened it; "Orion," he said; "What are the Six Stars?" he asked, looking up and at the cat.
Orion looked at him, then the book, then up at the ceiling. It had changed, now resembling a starry night sky; "Six stars were chosen to draw power from, in the dawn of the Beacon. Ara, the altar, where which all was to be brought. Vulpecula, the fox, from which skill was forged;" as he spoke, certain stars were pulled down to them, to create the constellations. It was beautiful, they floated around like little gathering of pixies; "Phoenix, from which courage and wisdom was taken. Lupus, the wolf, from which power and strength was revealed. Columba, the dove, from which brought peace to the mind, body, and soul. And Hydra, the water serpent, from which speed was attained;" he sighed; "With these six, the precedence of creating the torch within a soul was born..." he laid his head on Hermione's knee, and hummed forlornly as his eyelids drooped.
"How do you know all this stuff?" Ron asked, eyeing the cat critically.
Orion lazily looked at the redhead; "By living my eighty years of life watching those I love fall and die," he replied glumly; "Reading old tomes to distract myself from the reigning terror of evil, passing through my days hoping to see a better tomorrow," he sighed wistfully; "If wishes were dreams, one could sleep forever..."
"Oh, Orion," Hermione said sympathetically, stroking him gingerly.
"Ah, but my life matters not at the moment," Orion said, lifting his head; "'Tis Brenna we must think of now..."
Harry nodded; "Okay, now the Nine Wise," he said, continuing to read.
"Borona, Samsil, Frelesam, Morndan, Arthwise, Margasquae, Terrasu, Greduel, and Asyria. The Nine Wise, or the Gengedelea," he added, squinting as he watched the book; "What book is that?"
Harry shrugged; "It has no author," he replied simply; "Just, answers to some questions," he showed them the cover; "See?"
"How interesting!" Hermione exclaimed, setting Orion on the cushion as she rose. He pouted indignantly, but was silent.
Hermione walked over, and picked up a book from a random stack. She looked at the cover, eyes wide; "What to do when faced with evil," she read aloud, and quickly opened it. Then she looked disappointed, "Fight righteously, using the power from one's heart and clear mind," she slammed the book; "So, the Room has a sort of sense of cruel humor?"
"Apparently," Orion said, smirking good-naturedly; "Ooh, try the one below it, the blue one."
Hermione picked up the small blue book; "I can't read it," she said; "It's in another language!"
At once, Orion leaped from his sitting spot, and rushed to Hermione. She bent down and set the book on the floor, and Orion hovered over it; "It's in Ancientriss!" he exclaimed; "Ah, the olden tongue! I don't think anyone can speak it, let alone read it!"
"Brenna might," Harry said; "It could be one of her questions," he looked at her worriedly, "Orion, why hasn't she woken up yet?" he asked, looking at the cat.
There was a weary shrug of the shoulders from the cat, and Orion sighed; "I don't know, Harry!" he said exasperatedly; "I'm not a complete know-it-all! Perhaps she's weary, like us all!" he added, growling as he clawed at the book; "It's important but I-can't-read-it!" he muttered, kicking the book and walking away from it. He slumped in a crouch by the fire, staring at the flames.
"Well, maybe we should get Pomfrey?" Ron asked, ignoring Orion's ranting.
"No, I don't think that would be wise," Orion said, sighing. He looked weary and tired, eyes dulled for some reason; "The woman does not know, and we don't need it spreading like wild fire..."
"I agree," Hermione said, Harry and Ron nodding silently.
"It's late," Ron said, rising as he glanced at the clock; "Almost curfew..."
"And since when, pray tell, have any of you thrown caution to the wind?" Orion asked, looking around at them all. He sighed; "But of course, you two are Prefects..."
"Yes, we are," Hermione said, closing another book; "Listen, Ron, Harry, carry Brenna up. Orion and I will go ahead, to make sure the coast is clear..."
Orion had gone to the door, looking back at them gravely. But, he froze when they heard footsteps outside, echoing as they made their way down the hall. There were two sets, then another... then a fourth! They all froze, listening.
"Albus, they aren't anywhere!"—Minerva McGonagall.
"Yes, Pr-Professor, it appears th-that they've... v-vanished!"—a very worried Flitwick.
"Now, calm down, everyone,"—Albus Dumbledore; "I assure you, they are fine."
"Albus, this isn't good! When I got word that they'd found out, all four of them--!"—Kingsley; "What might happen if they find out everything!"
"Kingsley, perhaps we should just gave you a job here," McGonagall said; "You're here more than you are at the Ministry!"
"Who cares about my job, where is my goddaughter!?"
"Keep y-your v-voice down, Mister Sha-Shacklebolt!" Flitwick stuttered; "Th- this isn't s-solving anything!!!!!"
"I quite agree, but there was no need for alarm," Dumbledore replied calmly; "For you see, I happen to know myself that they are all quite safe, right... here..."
They four within heard a gentle tapping against the door.
/Oh no!/ Harry thought, slowly standing.
Orion had thought the same, and in a moment of delusion, he had the impression he was human again and braced himself against the door.
"You're a cat, dumbass!" Ron hissed almost inaudibly, walking over and scooping the straining feline up and walking back.
They waited, in silence, praying the door wouldn't open.
---
A/N: Mwhahaha I'm evil!!!! Cliffhanger!!!!! TBC-oh it will come quickly, maybe! review
Oh, the Hades bit. Yeah sorry, that's when my mom came in and everything so... ya know, no cussing when parents are around! But, it i
Disclaimer: well, I think we know by now whether or not if I own anything.
---CHAPTER NINETEEN---
Harry found it hard to carry Brenna after reaching the second floor. She was now unconscious, and he was having a fitful time trying to keep her in his arms and her head to his chest. Harry stopped and leaned against the wall, but his breathing caught as he heard people coming down the hall. He froze, and waited as a small group of third years past. When they reached the stairs, Harry let out a sigh, then continued on to the Room of Requirement. He reached the appropriate floor, and found it, the big door a welcoming sight.
Harry pushed it open, and gasped. The room looked like a small library and study, but there was a large psychiatrist-office-style sofa {a/n: wazzit called?}. There were seemingly mountains of books, and a plethora of different sizes of cushions around a blazing fire in its place. There was also a small cabinet.
Harry wasted no time in setting Brenna on the sofa, and took the cloak off, slinging it over the back. He watched her worriedly for a moment, and then turned to a pile of books he saw. Taking the one on the top, he saw that the title was actually a question, one that startled him...
'The Soul Beacon is...'
What shocked him further was that there was no author.
Harry went over, and picked up a big, over-stuffed cushion. He set it by the couch, sat down upon it, and put the book on his lap. He stared at the gold lettering on the crimson cover. Finally, he gathered the assurance to open it, glancing up at Brenna. Sighing, Harry opened it, and began to read...
'Soul Beacon: the one light which is able to create and distribute enough power to vanquish great evil. The first Soul Beacon was an elf by the name of Anglithae. It was created from the combined powers of the Four Winds, the Six Stars, and the Nine Wise...'
Harry's head jerked up as he heard a mad raking sound on the other side of the door, coupled with a loud yowling. Harry jumped up, dropped the book, and rushed over. He opened the door, and an orange blue shot in. Harry followed it, but his head snapped painfully back when he heard "I'm gonna kill you, cat!" coupled with a "Ron, please stop! Think rationally!"
Harry rubbed his neck and opened the door, walking back and bending down under the sofa where the blue had gone. Orion was huddled beneath, his large amber orbs fearfully watching the door.
"The redhead will kill me!" he hissed anxiously.
"Why?" Harry asked.
"I told—"
"Alright, where'd the bloody beast go?!" Ron asked irately, barging into the room.
"Shut up!" Harry retorted irately, getting up and turning to Ron.
Ron opened his mouth, but it closed when he saw Brenna was asleep. Hermione came in, cheeks flushed and her being a little winded, but she gasped.
"Harry, what happened?" she asked in a hushed whisper, Ron closing the door and locking it. He began stalking around the room, looking for Orion.
"Part of..." Harry began, and then he paused. He still hadn't told them...
"Well?" Hermione asked, moving over to Brenna as she did. She sat down on the edge of the couch, placing her hand on Brenna's forehead. Brenna mumbled something, turning her head away as her eyes closed even tighter. Hermione jerked her hand away.
Orion came from his hiding place, glaring at Harry; "You didn't tell them?!" he asked incredulously; "Harry, they should—GYAAHHHH!!" he yowled as Ron grabbed him harshly by the scruff of his neck.
"Gotcha, you pervert!" Ron said, a wicked grin on his face; "Now you'll pay for spying on Hermione!"
"Hermione, Harry, save me!" Orion yowled, eyes shut tight with pain as he was clawing at Ron. Ron held him away, but was walking towards the fire. "I've no interest in witches! She's not my kind nor within the rightful ages anyway!"
"Oh, so she's not good enough for you?!" Ron asked, dangerous fire in his eyes. And it wasn't from the reflection of the fire place.
"Yes!" Orion replied madly; "She's not an elf, therefore not worth my love in that manner! Perhaps it's you who is perverse!"
"Yeah, that can be you're last thought—!"
"Ron!!!" Harry and Hermione shouted, both rushing over. Harry pulled Ron back, while Hermione slapped his hands and caught Orion. She held him to her chest, whispering soothing nonsense to the cat while stroking his fur gently. Orion turned and looked hatefully at Ron as Harry let him go.
"Ron, how dense are you?!" Harry asked, "Honestly, he's an elf! And he's Brenna's brother, for gods sake!"
"What?!" Ron and Hermione asked in unison. Hermione dropped Orion in surprise, and the cat growled.
"So much for remorse," he muttered, getting to his feet shakily; "I will not be treated in such a manor!" he hissed, baring his fangs as he growled and looked at Ron. Hairs stood on in, claws were bared, and the fight was on. Orion made to lunge, but Harry stepped in and scooped him up, taking him over and plopping him down by Brenna.
"Stay," he said, pointing to the spot.
"I'm no mongrel, either," Orion muttered darkly.
"Alright, hold on!" Hermione said loudly when Ron started muttering and Orion was grumbling. Harry was preoccupied with keeping Brenna asleep and out of it, she apparently needed the rest.
"Don't yell!" Orion said hoarsely, padding back over to the couch and jumping onto it; "Brenna must rest!" he hissed, turning around to them.
"Please explain to us... what's going on?" Hermione asked exasperatedly.
Ron sat down amongst the cushions, and so did Hermione. Harry was silent, looking up from his sitting position on the couch. Orion did as well. They exchanged glances.
"You explain;" Harry said finally, sighing, "It's complicated."
Orion sighed, then turned to the other two; "Well, you know I am Brenna's brother. Mind you I'm in no line with McNay. But, it has a great deal to do with it all. Perhaps the beginning would be best..."
And so he explained the coming of the Torch, how it had been passed to Brenna, and of course he told them of McNay, though he didn't go so far as to say he was now in line with Voldermort. Only Harry knew that, and he swore he'd keep it his own secret. But Orion finished almost two hours later. Surprisingly, all of them were attentive; even Ron didn't falter or fall asleep.
"So, Brenna..." Hermione said finally, in a choked sounding voice.
"Is a living power house," Ron finished, sinking further into the cushions. He was staring ahead, a look of numb shock on his features.
Orion nodded; "To say the least," he replied, sighing; "I thought it was a mere rumor myself, but when Brenna collapsed in the first symptoms, I... my fears were confirmed only further more..." he bowed his head sadly, got down, and padded over to Hermione. She scooped him up into her lap, and he curled up, heaving a shaky sigh. She began to stroke his back, gazing sadly over at Brenna.
"It doesn't sound like it's such a bad thing," Ron mused; "I mean, Harry, she could contend with you, mate. No offense, of course..."
Harry shook his head; "No," he said wearily; "Her magic's completely different than mine."
"How so?" Hermione asked.
Orion lifted his head, turning around so his face could be seen by everyone else; "Harry's magic is hereditary, like Brenna's, but he received it directly from his parents," he paused; "Brenna's is passed down, spread through and over in her blood. It's unstable, in a sense, for that reason alone."
Harry picked up the book he had been reading, and opened it; "Orion," he said; "What are the Six Stars?" he asked, looking up and at the cat.
Orion looked at him, then the book, then up at the ceiling. It had changed, now resembling a starry night sky; "Six stars were chosen to draw power from, in the dawn of the Beacon. Ara, the altar, where which all was to be brought. Vulpecula, the fox, from which skill was forged;" as he spoke, certain stars were pulled down to them, to create the constellations. It was beautiful, they floated around like little gathering of pixies; "Phoenix, from which courage and wisdom was taken. Lupus, the wolf, from which power and strength was revealed. Columba, the dove, from which brought peace to the mind, body, and soul. And Hydra, the water serpent, from which speed was attained;" he sighed; "With these six, the precedence of creating the torch within a soul was born..." he laid his head on Hermione's knee, and hummed forlornly as his eyelids drooped.
"How do you know all this stuff?" Ron asked, eyeing the cat critically.
Orion lazily looked at the redhead; "By living my eighty years of life watching those I love fall and die," he replied glumly; "Reading old tomes to distract myself from the reigning terror of evil, passing through my days hoping to see a better tomorrow," he sighed wistfully; "If wishes were dreams, one could sleep forever..."
"Oh, Orion," Hermione said sympathetically, stroking him gingerly.
"Ah, but my life matters not at the moment," Orion said, lifting his head; "'Tis Brenna we must think of now..."
Harry nodded; "Okay, now the Nine Wise," he said, continuing to read.
"Borona, Samsil, Frelesam, Morndan, Arthwise, Margasquae, Terrasu, Greduel, and Asyria. The Nine Wise, or the Gengedelea," he added, squinting as he watched the book; "What book is that?"
Harry shrugged; "It has no author," he replied simply; "Just, answers to some questions," he showed them the cover; "See?"
"How interesting!" Hermione exclaimed, setting Orion on the cushion as she rose. He pouted indignantly, but was silent.
Hermione walked over, and picked up a book from a random stack. She looked at the cover, eyes wide; "What to do when faced with evil," she read aloud, and quickly opened it. Then she looked disappointed, "Fight righteously, using the power from one's heart and clear mind," she slammed the book; "So, the Room has a sort of sense of cruel humor?"
"Apparently," Orion said, smirking good-naturedly; "Ooh, try the one below it, the blue one."
Hermione picked up the small blue book; "I can't read it," she said; "It's in another language!"
At once, Orion leaped from his sitting spot, and rushed to Hermione. She bent down and set the book on the floor, and Orion hovered over it; "It's in Ancientriss!" he exclaimed; "Ah, the olden tongue! I don't think anyone can speak it, let alone read it!"
"Brenna might," Harry said; "It could be one of her questions," he looked at her worriedly, "Orion, why hasn't she woken up yet?" he asked, looking at the cat.
There was a weary shrug of the shoulders from the cat, and Orion sighed; "I don't know, Harry!" he said exasperatedly; "I'm not a complete know-it-all! Perhaps she's weary, like us all!" he added, growling as he clawed at the book; "It's important but I-can't-read-it!" he muttered, kicking the book and walking away from it. He slumped in a crouch by the fire, staring at the flames.
"Well, maybe we should get Pomfrey?" Ron asked, ignoring Orion's ranting.
"No, I don't think that would be wise," Orion said, sighing. He looked weary and tired, eyes dulled for some reason; "The woman does not know, and we don't need it spreading like wild fire..."
"I agree," Hermione said, Harry and Ron nodding silently.
"It's late," Ron said, rising as he glanced at the clock; "Almost curfew..."
"And since when, pray tell, have any of you thrown caution to the wind?" Orion asked, looking around at them all. He sighed; "But of course, you two are Prefects..."
"Yes, we are," Hermione said, closing another book; "Listen, Ron, Harry, carry Brenna up. Orion and I will go ahead, to make sure the coast is clear..."
Orion had gone to the door, looking back at them gravely. But, he froze when they heard footsteps outside, echoing as they made their way down the hall. There were two sets, then another... then a fourth! They all froze, listening.
"Albus, they aren't anywhere!"—Minerva McGonagall.
"Yes, Pr-Professor, it appears th-that they've... v-vanished!"—a very worried Flitwick.
"Now, calm down, everyone,"—Albus Dumbledore; "I assure you, they are fine."
"Albus, this isn't good! When I got word that they'd found out, all four of them--!"—Kingsley; "What might happen if they find out everything!"
"Kingsley, perhaps we should just gave you a job here," McGonagall said; "You're here more than you are at the Ministry!"
"Who cares about my job, where is my goddaughter!?"
"Keep y-your v-voice down, Mister Sha-Shacklebolt!" Flitwick stuttered; "Th- this isn't s-solving anything!!!!!"
"I quite agree, but there was no need for alarm," Dumbledore replied calmly; "For you see, I happen to know myself that they are all quite safe, right... here..."
They four within heard a gentle tapping against the door.
/Oh no!/ Harry thought, slowly standing.
Orion had thought the same, and in a moment of delusion, he had the impression he was human again and braced himself against the door.
"You're a cat, dumbass!" Ron hissed almost inaudibly, walking over and scooping the straining feline up and walking back.
They waited, in silence, praying the door wouldn't open.
---
A/N: Mwhahaha I'm evil!!!! Cliffhanger!!!!! TBC-oh it will come quickly, maybe! review