Alternate Ending to the Alternate Ending
By: EckoStalker
Disclaimer: The Harry Potter Crew and World are not my property. But everything else is. Well, ours. Deep Shadows and mines.
Author's Notes: The whole bloody reason I wrote this one was so Deep Shadows wouldn't cry. She made me write it, saying I'm not allowed to kill Alexis like that. So, I hope you enjoy.
Once again: YOU MUST HAVE READ 7 YEARS LATER AND 'ALTERNATE ENDING'!
Severus Snape apparated back at Manor Dela Loyalty's entrance, out of breath and heart beating frantically. He raced into the Manor as Albus Dumbledore and Madame Pomfrey apparated into sight behind him, faces a mask of seriousness and worry.
Severus skidded around the corner of the Living room, eyes wide with hope. He stumbled to a halt at the sight that met his eyes, the wisp of vain hope vanishing into oblivion. Alexis Whyte's body lay limp and motionless in the middle of the Living room, sword removed from her bloody abdomen, and Artimis nowhere in sight. He fell back a step and grabbed to the doorframe for support, knees weak with disbelief.
He was too late... Alexis was gone... forever... for he had been too late...
"W, where's Artimis?" Severus asked quietly to anyone in general, noticing the woman's absence as he continued to stare at Alexis's body.
"She... she just got up and left... told us to watch over Ale... over her..." Aaron spoke softly, pointing to Alexis. "Told us she... she had some unfinished business to attend to..."
Aaron, who had walked in on this not minutes after Alexis's death, looked at him once, then around the room with a lost stare, hoping to find something to do, something to take his mind off of what he had walked in upon. Lupin sat against the wall beside Severus, head buried in his arms as he wept like a child, rejecting any comfort... wanting nothing, seeing nothing.
Ron was sprawled out cold beside Alexis, a few glistening tears lining his closed eyes, as Fred and George attempted to gently wake and move him away. They trembled with fear and disbelief themselves, trying their hardest not to look at Alexis's torn body, their oddly pale faces easily betraying their internal sadness and shock.
On a pushed aside couch, Hailey attempted to heal a long, deep gash across a half conscious Hermione's back, hands trembling, cheeks glistening with tears as she held back crying. Crabbe was settling an also semi conscious Draco in a chair, while Goyle ran to retrieve more medical supplies. Harry Potter stood stock still to the side of the Twins; face a mixture of shock and confusion, staring down at Alexis as he also tried to figure out what he was to do.
Dumbledore and Pomfrey entered the room, Madame Pomfrey's hands immediately shooting up to cover her mouth in saddened surprise. As soon as Dumbledore had stepped in, the room had ceased of all movement, all those that were conscious looking to him with glimmers of hope. Hope that he could set things right, that he could reverse this somehow, some way.
He studied everyone intently, his intelligent gaze finally resting upon Alexis's body in the middle of the room. His bright eyes dimmed somewhat, and he frowned intently. The gloomy pall of the room deepened even more so as the house occupants read his saddened expression, losing the faint wisp of reliability they had held for him.
But, the old wizard's expression just as suddenly changed to one of perplexity, confusing the people present even further. Even Lupin looked up from his self-induced misery momentarily, feeling the odd vibe. Dumbledore walked over to Alexis, gazing down and studying her intently. Everyone watched in a type of eagerness. He cocked his head in curiousness, kneeling down beside Alexis slowly, the Twins moving away respectfully, pulling Ron with them.
"Something is not right ... there is another force at work here..." Dumbledore spoke, mostly to himself. Severus stepped towards him in a type of curious wonder. Dumbledore closed his eyes and put one gentle hand on Alexis's head, the other over the place where her heart should've beat, though now it being still and quiet. He murmured a spell under his breath, everyone shivering involuntarily at the wave of magic that swept through the room from this wise old man.
It was quiet for a long moment, and then Dumbledore stopped the spell, opening his eyes and looking surprised. He looked up straight at Severus and spoke urgently. "Artimis must be found and brought back here, relatively void of major injury if possible."
Severus and Lupin gazed at him in pure bewilderment. Dumbledore stood and proceeded to explain quickly to all.
"I expect we all remember clearly the battle that took place in your third years at Hogwarts, am I correct? And I expect all who do remember the incident in which Artimis had been in great danger of death. Recall how Alexis had used her abilities to take in Artimis's essence while her torture, sustaining her in her mind until it was safe to return Artimis to her body." Dumbledore paused to let this all sink in to his audience before continuing.
"Well, it seems to me that Alexis had somewhat passed that ability to Artimis when that had happened those many years ago."
Harry Potter's eyes widened as he immediately caught on. "Do you mean to say that... Alexis's body is dead... and Artimis is keeping Alexis alive... in her own mind?"
Dumbledore nodded solemnly and everyone gasped almost simultaneously. He spoke quickly.
"But, it will be only temporary. For one, it's not one of Artimis's true powers; it's a derivation of Alexis's. So she wouldn't be able to sustain Alexis for too long. Plus, back in the battle of your school days, Alexis had taken Artimis into her mind before she had actually been killed. From what I know, Artimis had somehow managed to capture Alexis's essence in her mind after Alexis had died. That only gives us a short amount of time before her essence dies fully and is lost to us forever. So, you must retrieve Artimis as soon as possible so we can perform the proper spells and restore Ms. Whyte."
Severus nodded and turned to Lupin. "Let's go Remus... I believe both of those girls' lives depend on this..."
Lupin gazed up at him in a speechless daze, still stuck on the part that meant Alexis was still, in a way, alive.
Dumbledore shook his head. "I believe Professor Lupin is unable to accompany you this time Severus. You will have to bring Ms. Callabella back. Do not jar her too bad, she must be handled delicately. If not, the pain or shock will sever the connection between Alexis and Artimis, most like resulting in both their deaths."
Severus gulped, but nodded determinedly. Dumbledore nodded back, turning to the room. "I will require all of your help. This is not an easy spell to perform, and my old body doesn't have enough strength by itself anymore to do this on its own. Madame Pomfrey, do you think you can heal Alexis's wound at least somewhat to avoid any more problems on her part upon her return?"
"I can heal the surface wound, but she would have to be... alive... to take the potions to heal it fully internally. But I will do my best." Pomfrey spoke quietly as she kneeled besides Alexis's bruised body, scanning it intently. Severus stood watching curiously until both Weasley Twins yelled. "Move it Snape!"
He jumped, snapping out of his dazed reverie, then turned and sprinted out the door, trying to recall all the locations of all the Deatheaters he had once known, wondering how the hell he was gonna get Artimis to come back.
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Her world was an abyss of nothingness, yet, full of something... some foreign presence, something odd. All there was at first was pitch-blackness as the pain and stresses of her mortal body slipped away mercilessly. But for once, Alexis was not afraid of this blackness. A soothing calm washed over her, as her essence suspended in this limbo of sorts, like a waiting room to someplace bigger. Then Alexis suddenly felt herself being pulled upward, as if by many gentle invisible hands. She went with it willingly, the familiar thrill of something to explore filling her soul. A bright but warm light suddenly flared into existence, replacing the darkness fully.
Alexis waited a moment, calmer than she had ever been. She felt an odd sensation where she once had feet, and looked down. Her sparkling green eyes... she had eyes here?... widened as she viewed two spotless and scarless feet connected to two small ankles. Alexis looked up, her white, choppy hair fluttering as if in a gentle breeze.
--People have bodies in heaven? Well, they have to edit that notion back on earth...-- Alexis thought, though hearing it through her newly formed mouth. As the bright light dimmed, she dimly recognized that she stood on the edge of a large white island of rock, beyond which she fancied she saw the foamy spray of the ocean. She gazed back behind her, seeing that she stood on the edge of a precipice that fell off into the dark abyss from whence she had emerged.
--My dear Alexis...--
A voice echoed softly like the wind around her. She looked back, seeing figures approaching her. She squinted for a clearer look, viewing the outline of a petite form clothed in a flowing gown of white and silver satin. What captured Alexis's attention the most were the wisps of snow-white hair that framed the slender face of the woman.
Alexis's mouth hung open and she whispered. --M... mother?--
The woman closed her lavender eyes and smiled, nodding her head. Ghosts of tears shone in Alexis's green eyes as she hesitantly walked towards her, reaching out in disbelief. Alexis's mother, Vanessa Whyte, reached out as well, touching and grasping Alexis's hand lovingly. Alexis stopped, and then enveloped her in a tight hug, trembling with joy, tears sliding down her cheeks. She felt gentle hands smoothing her hair and smiled, never knowing how much she missed that touch.
--Sshhh, my daughter... it is alright...-- Vanessa spoke, kissing the top of her head gently.
--Mother... I have missed you so much... I have tried my hardest to make you proud... but it was hard without you there to help guide me...-- Alexis spoke into her embrace, looking over her shoulder as hundreds of forms sprang up behind them, though too far away to be seen clearly. Two of those forms approached, one man and one woman.
--I have always been there to guide you Alexis... you did make me proud, and you will continue to do so...--
Alexis looked up in slight confusion, Vanessa smiling with a glint of something else in her shining lavender eyes. Alexis looked to see who the other two were, and recognized Andres Callabella as one. She smiled in amazement and he smiled back, nodding approvingly. Alexis's gaze drifted to the woman he held in his arms. She gasped as she immediately knew who she was, though had never seen her before. For Miranda Callabella looked exactly like her daughter Artimis.
Vanessa looked back at Miranda, both exchanging a knowing smile as Vanessa stood back a step, Alexis looking to her in slightly frantic confusion. --Just look to the stars... I will always be there, my daughter...--
--Mother? Wh, what do you mean?...--
Vanessa smirked and shook her head. --It is not your time yet... --
--What?--
Vanessa laughed. --Tell Remus he's doing a fine job... I love you...--
--Wait.. Mother!...-- Alexis spoke in amazement as Vanessa stepped towards her and pushed her, sending Alexis falling over the edge of the precipice. Alexis cried out in surprise, her last sight of this realm being Andres, Miranda and Vanessa standing side by side, watching her descent.
Then, there was blackness.
Alexis hit something seemingly solid and gasped in shock, still lost in blackness. But this blackness seemed suffocating, as if Alexis was in some small space. A flash of light shone blindingly, and Alexis thought she saw the glint of a sword blade. Another flash, and she saw a hand attached to the sword blade, slicing downwards upon something. Confused beyond belief, she watched as the next, longer flash showed something red and thick, the sword coming away sticky with the substance. Alexis suddenly realized it to be blood. The next flash stayed somewhat, and Alexis saw through eyes not her own, watching as they entered a large, elaborate house, seeing a sliced open body lying in the doorway. She knew it wasn't her own when she viewed Bellatrix Lestrange's head laying severed off to the side of it, the expression on it a look of pure shock and fear. She dimly felt a great swelling of accomplishment upon seeing this, though she was horrified with confusion beyond reason. Her gaze turned as if scanning the house, though Alexis didn't will it to be so. She looked closer at the blood stained sword, finally recognizing it as Artimis's. Alexis suddenly felt a great sense of Oh-My-God as she realized that the body and mind she had returned to was not her own, but that of her dear friend Artimis's.
Oh boy... here we go again... Alexis thought as she fell to the control of Artimis's mind.
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Severus apparated at the first house he could remember, viewing the dark and menacing entrance to the Lestrange Manor. Artimis was nowhere in sight, but he could feel the air charged with energy and anguish. He raced up to the door, looking around warily. He stepped foot into the house, but froze as he gazed down at the floor. He had found Bellatrix Lestrange... well... at least part of her. A clean slice across the former deatheater's neck and shoulders had relieved her of her head, which Severus found near a staircase as he entered the Manor. He noticed several other long, deep slices across her chest and ribs, knowing that Artimis had come in here swinging. He walked upstairs, following the faint smell of iron. He entered the nearest room, but stepped back out quickly as the grisly sight within it. He looked back once more, feeling a bit sick. It was Lord Lestrange, Bellatrix's husband, lying in the room... or more so, around the room. Blood spattered across the desks and shelves, painting the walls and staining the once beautiful carpet. Lestrange himself was quite unrecognizable, being in about five or so messy pieces strewn across the room. Severus noted that Artimis was not here and quickly left, though the sights fresh and greatly detailed in his mind. The carnage vaguely reminded him of an attack he had once seen... and attack made by, wolves. Alexis's Animagus form was a wolf... would that essence have traveled to Artimis as well?
Severus stopped outside the Manor, glad for the fresh cool air that held down the bile in his throat. But, how could Dumbledore be right about Alexis being in Artimis's mind? Wouldn't she be able to at least tell Artimis she was alive or prevent this from happening? But then he realized that Alexis was small, her essence most likely smaller. And Artimis was a much bigger person; Alexis would most likely be lost in that body and mind of hers. And Artimis wasn't one to control easily, so Alexis controlling her, even temporarily, was really out of the question.
Even though he knew that these Deatheaters had death coming their way, Snape still found it kind of harsh for it to be this graphically done. He shook his head roughly, and then came up with an idea of where Artimis would most likely visit next. He stood still and apparated away quickly, popping back in front of Villa Malfoy, searching the immediate surroundings. He heard a high-pitched scream and spun to look towards the entrance. He saw a mass of black, then the glinting of sword edge as it rose over a head of black hair. It swung downwards and sideways, cutting off the scream harshly. Severus saw a body fall in front of the person and sword, recognizing the face of Narcissa Malfoy. The figure stepped over it nonchalantly and entered the house, leaving Narcissa in the doorway with a long bloody gash traveling diagonally from her shoulder to her hip, all but severing her in half. Severus quietly ran up to the doorway, ignoring the body and gazing into the house cautiously. He witnessed the face off between Lucius Malfoy and what he recognized to be Artimis, spattered in blood and clutching the sword, eyes blazing with an internal fire.
Lucius held out his wand shakily at Artimis, backed against the far wall as he gazed at her in fearful shock. Artimis looked at the wand and his weak position, throwing her head back and laughing insanely. Severus stepped back in shock as he listened to the laugh, hearing a vague echo of what he remembered as Alexis's own laugh.
"Oh my God... Dumbledore was right..." Was all he could mutter as Artimis ran at Lucius with lightning speed, slicing the sword and separating his wand, and hand, from the rest of his body. Lucius let out a blood-curdling scream as Artimis smirked and slashed again, tearing a gaping wound across his chest. He fell back, choking up blood as he gazed at Artimis wide eyed.
She growled in a deep voice. "This one's for Alexis." As she plunged the sword into his stomach. He doubled over as she wrenched it out, spinning and cleanly slicing across his neck, his head rolling away as she posed in the same place, sword still held out, watching Lucius's body fall to the floor.
Severus swallowed, wide eyed as he coughed quietly for reluctant acknowledgment. Artimis stiffened, turning around in a deathly calm, staring at him indifferently. She calmly stalked towards him, sword clutched tightly in her fist, not a hint of recognition in her eyes.
Severus backed away quickly as he quickly extracted his wand, fumbling for a spell as Artimis came closer.
"S... Stupefy!" He yelled shakily, pointing his wand as he continued backing up. The spell hit Artimis full on and she collapsed to the ground, laying still. Severus breathed shakily for a moment, staring down at her warily. He pocketed his wand and slowly approached her, watching for any signs of her awakening. Cautiously leaning down, he reached and attempted to remove the blood and gore stained sword from her death grip. He pulled hard, but it wouldn't budge from her grasp.
"Oookay..." He frowned. Shrugging his shoulders. He gently lifted Artimis in his arms, sword and all, and walked out of the house, once more ignoring the mutilated bodies. As soon as he crossed the threshold of the front door into the open, he apparated out of sight.
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Dumbledore had just finished informing the household occupants of the spell they were soon to perform. They all listened intently, eager to help in any way possible. Pomfrey stood up from beside Alexis's cool body, looking down at her a bit nervously.
"I've done my best to heal her under the circumstances. But she will have to be treated very soon after she awakes..."
"Thank you Madame Pomfrey, it will do for now." He looked around at the young wizards around him. Most all were in the right state of mind to do this, with the exception of Ron, whom the Twins were still trying to wake up further, now resorting to sharp slaps across the face, and Lupin, who remained sitting by the doorway still. Dumbledore stood at Alexis's head, the others positioning themselves around her. Now all they needed was...
"I got her! What now? Tell me what to do!" Severus spoke breathlessly as he appeared in the doorway, Artimis limp in his arms. Draco stepped towards him worriedly, looking at Artimis.
"She's only stunned, she's not out cold..." He informed him before he jumped to conclusions.
"Very good Severus. Lay her beside Alexis. And be so kind as to assist Lupin, he's still sitting at the wall." Dumbledore spoke calmly. Severus nodded and quickly walked over, gently laying Artimis beside Alexis, then running over and grabbing Lupin by the shoulder, yanking him to his feet and dragging him towards the forming circle as he stared at him in a kind of stupor.
When all stood around the two figures, they looked to him expectantly. He nodded and explained.
"Now, this is a transfer of energy. Spells like this either require blood or physical contact. I think we've all seen enough blood for today, so instead we all with have to links hands."
All nodded except Severus and Lupin, Severus gazing at him as if saying You-have-GOT-to-be-kidding. Lupin merely stared down at Alexis, still oblivious to everything around him. Dumbledore frowned and spoke to him gently. "Remus, we will need you with us for this to be successful..."
Lupin looked up at him vacantly, then back down at Alexis, tears still brimming in his eyes. Severus sighed in frustration, turning to him and grabbing him by the shoulders, forcing him to look him in the eye.
"Remus, your love for her is just as strong as ours, if not stronger. We can't do this without you. If you don't snap out of it and focus, there's no way we can bring either of them back."
Remus looked at him in confusion, then once again at the floor. Severus shook him in frustration. "Damnit Lupin! ..." He sighed. "If it helps any, I heard her... I heard Alexis, Remus. She really is still here!" Lupin snapped his head up with interest.
Dumbledore raised an eyebrow, asking. "You heard her?"
"Yes... I swear, Artimis was laughing like Voldemort... but I could hear Alexis's voice under it... it was the same laugh Alexis gives when I fall into one of her bloody pranks..." Snape explained quickly. Lupin looked at him intently, then down at Alexis. He took a deep breath, and then grasped Ron's hand, which was beside him, then held out his other to Severus, gazing at him expectantly. Severus looked at it in disgust, then at Dumbledore beside him almost pleadingly. It was Draco's turn to get annoyed as he spoke hoarsely, hands latched to both Harry's and Hermione's.
"Get over your damn self Snape and just take his hand! You want them to die! If you don't, I'll wake Artimis up... and I don't think she'd be to happy with you..."
Severus glared at him, but looked down at Artimis nervously. He closed his eyes and shook his head, gingerly taking Remus's hand in his right, and Dumbledore's in his left. Everyone else followed suit without any more arguments. Dumbledore smiled smally in approval. He spoke again. "This also requires your full attention. We can't have someone going off and daydreaming. Stay focused. Now, listen, and then repeat after me. And DON'T break the spell, keep speaking no matter what you see."
He immediately started reciting a complicated spell that consisted mostly of Latin. The group listened intently, having to go over it a few times before it actually sank in. After knowing they had it down, Dumbledore took a deep breath and spoke, "Now, we begin."
He closed his eyes and lifted his head as he kneeled down, once again letting the magic laden words roll off his tongue, listening as the twelve other voices joined him as they also kneeled, the tones rising and falling in waves of magic. It was as if the room itself dimmed, though it be full daylight outside. All continued, eyes closed, thoughts fully centered on the two women in their midst. Through their eyelids, they saw an intense white light. They opened their eyes to see what was happening, though still chanting the powerful spell. Both bodies in the center glowed, Alexis's carrying only a faint inner glow, flickering like a candle, as Artimis's body shone almost blindingly. Their chanting intensified, and a nonexistent breeze blew through room, whipping their hair around their faces as they watched in amazement. The two young women's bodies actually lifted several inches above the ground, a good portion of bright light from Artimis leaving her body and hovering between the two, though Artimis's body still remained pretty bright, in comparison to Alexis's. The large ball of sparkling energy split into two, both spheres swirling around each other almost playfully. Dumbledore quickened his recitations, urging the others to do so as well. The orbs spun around each other faster, veering off and weaving between the people surrounding Artimis and Alexis's floating bodies. Feeling the surges of energetic power flying around them, the group grew uncomfortable and their chanting faltered and hesitated a bit. Dumbledore spoke louder, attempting to keep it going steadily. The group caught on with him and continued, watching the orbs spin upwards.
With a last spiral around each other, the two bright spheres took a dive downward, colliding into Artimis and Alexis's body, thudding them back onto the floor. Everyone stopped chanting abruptly, watching in amazement. The room brightened partially as everyone watched the still forms of the woman eagerly.
"Well, let's see if this worked..." Dumbledore murmured mostly to himself as he pulled out his wand, pointing it at Artimis, then at Alexis, and speaking. "Enervate!"
Artimis breathed in deeply, wincing. She slowly opened her eyes, looking around dazedly. The group gazed back, though noting something strangely odd. Instead of the clear, sapphire blue eyes of Artimis, her eyes were a bright, emerald green, full of confusion and wonder. Beside Artimis to her right, Alexis also opened her eyes, them showing the blue that should've been Artimis's. Artimis spoke, but in a voice not her own, but Alexis's.
"W, what?... I feel... odd... and why am I pale! I look like Snape! Oh my God, what's going on!" She cried, growing frantic as her gaze darted around panicked like.
"You feel odd? I'm a bloody midget! Oh god... I'm soooo sorry Alexis... this really fucking hurts..." Alexis gasped in Artimis's voice, grimacing with pain.
Dumbledore quickly took out his wand and quickly stunned them both, shaking his head in amusement. Everyone gazed at him in shocked confusion after he quickly stunned the two of them again.
"That is why I said not to falter or break the spell. Let's try this again."
Still grasping the hands of Severus and Pomfrey, Dumbledore closed his eyes once more and began the spell, everyone joining in quickly. The room darkened once again, sooner this time as the group focused harder, fighting back exhaustion. Artimis's and Alexis's bodies once again lifted off the floor, the glowing orbs of energy seeping from their bodies, though Artimis's still remaining somewhat brighter even with the life essence leaving her...
The two glowing orbs lifted once more in their foreign dance, spiraling and twisting around each other as they lifted upwards. The spell rose in pitch with anticipation as the spheres spun in a tight circle, then shooting downwards like miniature comets, jolting into the two women and throwing them back onto the floor. There was another bright flash of light that swept throughout the room from the women as the spell sealed its magic permanently, leaving all blinded temporarily.
Those present finished the spell, breathing heavily. The light vanished, leaving the room quiet and still. Upon looking at the two women, they were joyful to see two chests rising with the inhale of breath. Everyone held their breath as Alexis shifted uncomfortably, grimacing painfully. Artimis also shifted, swallowing as she groaned aloud.
Alexis opened her shining green eyes, her gaze blurred and smarting even with the dim lighting. Everything came into focus and she noticed all the house occupants plus two had created a tight circle around her and Artimis, who lay beside her. They watched her worriedly, and Alexis noticed all of them held hands with one another, which struck her as very peculiar. She spoke quietly in a dry and sore voice.
"Why is everybody holding hands? Did I miss out on everyone singing KumBiYa or something?"
The group let out the breath they had been holding, the tenseness of the room lessening greatly. Artimis commented as she opened her eyes. "Oh man... it feels like someone decided to play Yo-Yo with my brain..."
Alexis smirked, but then gasped as her body started to regain back it's feeling. She looked up in time to see a wall of black surrounding her and she yelped in surprise. Suddenly, she felt strong arms around her, lifting her up slightly, and she gazed through folds of black cloth to see none other than Severus Snape's face mere inches from hers. He hugged her tight, slightly trembling, then pulled back a little, speaking quietly with a small smile. "You worried me..."
Alexis's eyes widened as Severus let her go, laying her gently back on the floor.
"Is this heaven? Cause if it is, it's a whole lot stranger than I thought it would be... oh, wait... oh god... nope, I'm not dead... it hurts too damn much..." Alexis moaned, grimacing as her abdomen throbbed horribly, almost constricting her breathing. Severus smiled and ignored everyone as they looked at him with shock. Artimis looked at Alexis, wincing as she spoke. "Damn... hey, wait a minute... how did you...?"
Artimis was cut off as Ron diverted Alexis's attention by grabbing her shoulders. Alexis looked up at him in confused wonder, taken aback by the tears of joy and relief in his soulful blue eyes. She swallowed nervously, smiling, as Ron touched her cheek with a shaking hand, as if to make sure she was real.
"Alexis... you... you're back..." He spoke incredulously. Alexis nodded sheepishly, wincing at her soreness.
"Well... as back as I'll ever be... though as of right now, I wish I wasn't..." She groaned. She went to say something else, but before she could get the words out, Ron had leaned down and kissed her deeply, hands cradling her face. Alexis's eyes widened in shock at first, but quickly fluttered close as she melted against the floor, kissing him back just as passionately. The whole room went silent.
Ron pulled back after a moment, smiling tenderly. Alexis kept her eyes closed for a moment, grinning to herself. She then half opened her eyes and looked up at him.
"Oh, and just in case I don't get another chance to say it... I love you." Ron told her gently. Alexis drew in a breath, heart flitting wildly.
"Wow... I think I feel a lot better now..." She whispered, then sighed contentedly and closed her eyes again, almost slipping off into peaceful unconsciousness. Ron started with worry as well as Severus, and both helped lift her up to a half sitting position, Ron shaking her gently. Artimis raised herself up on one elbow and slapped Ron, who flinched.
"Damnit... you have got to stop that! She just came back from the bloody dead, then you have to go and make her pass out? Geesh, stay away from her for a while..." She scolded him, watching Alexis worriedly. She moaned and shook her head, looking around in a daze. She looked at Artimis and smiled. Artimis smiled back, and then looked down at herself in confusion.
"Okay... I know that this can't all be Alexis's blood... there's way too much for her little body..." Artimis mused, seeing the red stained sword still clutched in her hand. Severus spoke. "Uh, funny story there... let's just say there's two less wizarding families to worry about now..." Artimis's eyes widened and she grew paler than usual, looking at the sword, then at Alexis's stomach, then back at the sword once again. She dropped it quickly as if it had burned her, looking to Alexis, horrified.
Several worry free laughs rippled around the circle of witches and wizards, all of whom were sitting on the floor, regardless of appearance. Though, one did not laugh with the others, but sat on his knees, eyes wide with shock and mouth agape. The whole time Lupin had just watched Alexis, letting it sink in that she wasn't gone... that his daughter was still alive...
Alexis looked over and caught his eye, and the smile left her face at his tear stained expression. The room felt the deep vibe and quieted, watching them wonderingly.
Alexis spoke quietly, voice full of happiness and relief. "F... father..."
Lupin inhaled sharply, the one word bringing tears to his eyes as he swallowed painfully. Everyone else was surprised as well, that word being one Alexis rarely, if ever, spoke aloud. She always considered Lupin her real father, but the whole concept of calling him by that title had always uneased her, so she never spoke it, though Remus respected her choice without dispute. But this was one of those times where she felt she needed to say it, as much as for her sake as his.
He spoke in a hoarse whisper. "My dear Alexis..." This of which brought tears to her eyes. He slowly scooted to Alexis's side, Ron backing out of the way respectfully. They gazed at each other for a moment, and then Remus enveloped her in a huge hug, trembling and tears slipping down his face as he closed his eyes. Alexis hugged him back, burying her face in his shoulder as Remus kissed the top of her head, smoothing down her hair tenderly. He choked out brokenly.
"I thought I had lost you for good... I wouldn't be able to take the death of another of my loved ones..."
Alexis swallowed back her tears, speaking quietly. "I... I saw my mother... she looked so beautiful, so happy... and, she spoke to me..."
Remus looked down at her oddly. Alexis continued with bewilderment.
"She said... that, that you were doing a fine job... of raising me... I don't understand, did... did you know her?"
She felt Remus stiffen, and she looked up to see his face full of deep concentration. He hugged her tight and spoke.
"That is a story for another time perhaps... very soon, but not now..." Alexis nodded, content for the moment with that. She shifted painfully, chest starting to send stabbing pains through her from no doubt a few fractured ribs. She grimaced, trying to breath properly, but Remus wouldn't let go of her. Severus saw her unease and spoke hastily.
"Lighten your grip Remus... you're likely to kill her again..."
Remus quickly let go, and Alexis let out a sigh, closing her eyes. Remus lowered her back onto the floor carefully, gazing down at her tenderly. Artimis scooted in around him. "Good, you're done. Cause now it's my turn." She spoke waveringly as she wrapped Alexis in a tight hug, the sudden pressure making Alexis gasp out. She was barely able to choke out past the fabric of Artimis's shirt in her mouth. "With this whole hugging fest going on, we could always start singing KumBiYa again. You all finished without me... Artimis... y, you're cracking my spine... ooowww... those were my ribs that time... oohh gosh..." She moaned as Artimis lightened her grip, tears soaking her cheeks.
"I'm so sorry... I, I wasn't myself... oh my gosh, I could n, never live with myself had you not c, come back... please forgive me..." Artimis rambled off, shaking her head apologetically. Alexis reached up and covered her mouth, quieting her once again. She replied. "Artimis, I forgave you as soon as you stabbed me..."
Artimis smiled widely, hugging her again, Alexis hugging her back. Artimis sat up, wiping her eyes then grasping Alexis's shoulders as Alexis looked up at her in confusion.
"And now... You gave up on me! Alexis Whyte never gives up, especially on me! What the hell were you thinking! ... My god, I'm so furious I could kill y... wait, I already did that..." Artimis said quietly in wonder, Alexis watching her worriedly at the last statement. Artimis shrugged and continued, glaring at Alexis.
"Well! Explain yourself!"
Alexis sighed, shaking her head. "Your not gonna like it, but please refrain from slapping me, I have enough breaks and bruises to last me for a while..."
Artimis rolled her eyes, and then waited for her explanation. Alexis took a deep breath. "Well... I knew that if I kept fighting you, we would get nowhere. But I soon realized that if I had somehow, I don't know, let you kill me, it might have jolted you enough that you would come back to your senses... and, be okay..."
"WHAT? You planned for me to kill you! "
"Listen, I'm not done! ... I kind of, had a vision of sorts... it was like I already knew that you would have to stab me... and I would actually have to die... not just get some flesh wound... it wouldn't have worked then..."
"Wouldn't have worked! My God, you're messed up..."
"Come on, you know I'm the self sacrificing type... quit getting so dramatic over it... it's over... though, can you either drug me or kill me again? It still feels like I have a damn hole in my stomach..." She complained, closing her eyes painfully. Artimis shook her head but smiled gratefully. She looked up, locking eyes with Draco, who was gazing at her worriedly. Artimis's gaze traveled down to his swollen throat; deep, bloody punctures around it from her nails. Artimis teared up, looking away ashamedly. Draco shook his head, getting up and walking around to her, kneeling next to her and grabbing her chin, making her look at him.
"Draco... I... I'm so sorry..."
He shook his head. "No. Forget that alright? I'm alive, you're alive, and Alexis is alive... unfortunately... but that's all that matters. Know that I love you, and that this doesn't matter, alright?" He spoke seriously, voice scratchy and hoarse, obviously paining him. But he ignored it in his concern and love for Artimis. Artimis saw this and smiled, nodding. He smiled back and kissed her, hugging her tightly.
Alexis smirked at the two, then plopped back prone on the floor, fighting to stay awake. Dumbledore, watching the whole ordeals in respectful silence, finally spoke up. "Madame Pomfrey, I believe you should take over from here. You assistance would be greatly appreciated no doubt."
The nurse nodded, standing and summoning medical supplies to her. Alexis looked at her gratefully.
"Let's get the immediate problems out of the way, then I insist you move to a less crowded and busy place, you will need lots of rest for the next several days..."
"You kidding? I'm gonna sleep for the next several days..." Alexis grumbled as Madame Pomfrey mixed together a potion to help ease her pain. Ron gently helped Alexis to a sitting position so she could drink it, her making a face at its bitterness. She looked up at Artimis, to whom the nurse had stole away from Draco and had proceeded to bind her bruised and swollen wrist.
"You know, when we get old, we're probably gonna look back and laugh at all this."
Remus snorted with slight disagreement, causing Alexis to laugh. She winced and growled at him. "Ooohhh, ow... don't make me laugh, please..." He shook his head at her amusingly. Artimis looked over at her and added in.
"You know, I've realized something... we're like bloody cockroaches... I mean, I've died once, you've died once... yet here we sit..."
"Yeah, no matter how much you squish us, we keep coming back!" Alexis quipped, both giggling. Alexis attempted to sit up on her own, but failed and fell back onto the floor. Remus immediately knelt next to her and very carefully hoisted her into his arms, cradling her tenderly. She looked up at him gratefully.
As Pomfrey continued to patch up Artimis first, she spoke without looking up. "Oh, and congratulations dear."
Artimis looked at her like she was insane. "What have I done today that I deserve congratulations for?"
Pomfrey looked up at her in surprise. "Oh, you didn't know?"
Artimis gazed at her in confused suspicion. "Know what?"
Draco looked up from where he was talking quietly to Aaron, listening with interest.
"Why dear, you're pregnant."
All noise abruptly stopped, and Artimis's eyes widened. She looked to Draco with a drugged kind of smile, and the last things she heard was Alexis's laugh and Severus grumbling "Well, that explains her insanity...", before her knees gave way and she collapsed to the ground.
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Several Long Days Later...
"Bloody hell, if I trip, I want you to explain to Madame Pomfrey those bruises... that lady hasn't left me alone since..." Alexis grumbled as Artimis led her carefully down the stairs from her Tower.
"Oh hush, I want to show you something..."
It had been about four days, most of the issues having been settled and Alexis finally being able to move around somewhat easier. Artimis kept her hands over Alexis's eyes as she guided her slowly into the Foyer, positioning her in front of one of the walls. Artimis smiled and removed her hands, stepping back. Alexis gazed upwards at the wall, seeing Artimis's sword suspended there, blood stains and all. Beneath it was a shiny bronze plaque with some writing engraved on it. Alexis cocked her head and leaned in to read it. She finished and she smiled widely, turning to Artimis.
"I love it." She commented.
Artimis nodded. "Knew ya would."
Alexis turned back to it and grinned, reading it aloud:
"The sword, which Artimis Callabella had used to kill Lucius Malfoy... Alexis Whyte too... but we fixed her."
A Chapter well written and an Chapter well done,
Now That Ecko has pleased me,
The next story got done...
Deep Shadows
(I know the ryhme is bad, but come on, I was CRYING!)