Harry pushed the door open and in the blink of an eye Victoria flashed through the door and ran to her mirror. Harry barely had time to register what happened before a blood-curdling scream tore through the room. It was Victoria, she was staring at the mirror, pale as a ghost. Harry ran over and looked into the mirror as well. His mouth dropped open and his eyes seemed locked on the scene that was before him. Nick lay on the ground, in front of a tree—the wounded tree, and he was moving in small, slow movements. Harry couldn't see the details of his appearance, but it was definitely him. A large old mansion was seen in the background. Victoria moved to go through the mirror and Harry stopped her.

"Victoria, darling, no. It's too dangerous," he said, swallowing hard.

"Uncle Harry, I have to—I have to see if he's okay! Please?" She looked up at him, her large brown eyes brimmed with tears. Harry felt a tug at his heart, and he released his hand from her.

"Alright, but I'm coming with you," he said. Victoria wasted no time in going through the mirror in a flash, and Harry followed, hoping that it wouldn't break this time. He bit his tongue and went through—and nothing happened. He looked for Victoria, who was running towards the tree. The giant dead tree loomed over them, its knots and bark oozing with scarlet blood. Harry and Victoria bent down beside Nick.

"Nick, it's me Nick, its Victoria!" she yelped, prodding him. Nick faced to turn them and his head lolled to one side. Victoria let out a gasp and covered her mouth. Nick's face was bruised heavily and lined with an infinite number of cuts, which seemed to sting every time Nick moved a muscle. His hair was matted to his sweating forehead and shining with the slick of blood. Part of the blood was dripping from the tree and part of it was from Nick. His clothes were torn and his right leg was broken and stuck out at an odd angle. Harry looked at his chest. It was soaked through with blood and it seemed to emanate from his heart. Thankfully it was covered with his clothes, or Victoria would surely have fainted. This didn't look good at all. Victoria was sobbing, and looking into his eyes for some sign of recognition.

He moved a muscle and spoke just audibly, "Victoria…"

"Yes…please wake up," Victoria pleaded, crying.

Nick mustered up some strength and spoke a little louder, "Victoria…"

"Yes…oh who did this to you?" she asked furiously.

"Master…I told him to give Andrew back to you…and he—" Nick whispered, taking in a sudden sharp breath.

'Where is he, Nick?" Harry asked.

"With Andrew…in the house…" he said between breaths.

Harry looked at him closely, "Andrew's here? In the house?" he asked. Nick nodded. Harry looked at the house, its windows lit with yellowish light. Harry had just a second to process this before someone came running up to him. As the figure came closer, he recognized the long red hair.

"Ginny?" he asked in shock.

"Harry," she panted, "I came after you when I heard Victoria scream—what the bloody hell?" she looked at the two children on the ground, one crying and the other barely moving. She slowly comprehended what was going on and put a hand to her mouth.

"Ginny, you need to go back—and take Victoria with you. Nick just told me that Andrew's in that house," he explained, pointing to it.

"What? Oh my goodness…" she said softly.

"Victoria—you need to go with Aunt Ginny and go back—I have to leave now and it's too dangerous." Harry told her slowly.

"NO! I won't leave him! I'm staying here! Uncle Harry, you have to save him, you have to!" she screamed, tugging on Harry's robes.

To Harry's surprise, Nick spoke, "No, Victoria—go back. I'll be fine here, Harry will take care of me," he said, looking at Harry for his consent. Clearly, like Harry, Nick knew there was no point in saving him, so he was trying to get Victoria to leave.

"Yes," Harry said, identifying Nick's look, "I will take care of Nick, don't worry love, now go."

Victoria hesitated and stayed put by Nick's side. She gingerly put her hand on his and squeezed it hard. Tears flowed continuously from her eyes and she swallowed repeatedly.

"Victoria," Nick said, the faintest trace of a smile on his lips, "I won't leave you, ever. As long as you think of me and remember me, whenever you do—I'll be there." He looked at her squeezed her hand back.

"Promise?" Victoria asked, unbelievingly.

"Yes…I promise," Nick whispered. Victoria held back for a moment and then walked to Ginny, taking a hold of her hand. Ginny held it tightly and began to walk towards the mirror behind them. She stopped midway and turned back to Harry.

"Harry—I…I can't tell you not to go…but I don't want you to go," she said in a small voice. Her eyes were full of terror and her lip trembled slightly. Harry stood up from beside Nick and cupped her face in his hands.

"Ginny, this is my mission. It's my job, and my duty to my friends. I know it can't be easy every time I go but have faith in me, and I will return to you," he said, kissing her softly, "And also—send word to my aurors to meet me here right now."

"Okay, I will. But—just be careful Harry…" she said, and left with Victoria through the mirror. Harry sat back down next to Nick.

"You know, it was very noble of you—what you did by standing up to your master. It's just a shame that it turned out this way…I really am sorry Nick," he said, a sick feeling growing in his stomach.

"It's okay…I just wanted my best friend back, that's all," Nick said quietly. Harry's heart melted and he couldn't fathom how he head been so doubtful of this innocent young child before.

Harry patted his arm softly, "Is there anything you want me to do?"

Nick nodded, "Yes—get Andrew…as for me…there is nothing else…" he said, sucking in a sharp breath. He fell unconscious again and Harry slowly stood up. These were Nick's last moments…he knew. Leaves gathered at his sides, and blew over his face. The giant tree's branches ominously twisted and speckles of blood trickled onto Harry's robes. He walked away from Nick, to give him has last moments alone. He waited a while and then his aurors appeared, robes fluttering and wands at the ready. They marched towards him in single file, stern looks on their faces. Even Cedric had given up his pipe and trenchcoat for official auror robes.

Jamie spoke first, "Harry, we came as soon as Ginny notified us." Harry nodded in acknowledgement. They all paused a moment and looked up at the enormous house.

Cedrics's heavy accent cut through the air, "Found him, have ye? In that behemoth of a house? I reckon we got ourselves a big job eh?" he asked. Harry nodded sullenly. He took a few steps and looked feverishly at the house that loomed in front of them, in which their task awaited.

A/N: Hey everyone, I hope that was good, and sorry for the wait--I'm totally swamped with university work...yuck...but don't worry--I will finish the story--it might take a little longer though. And for the person that thought everyone was acting to normal---what makes you say that? Is it Hermione's virtually mirthless and spaced out attitude that confuses you? or the fact that she cries all the time? or that ron lost his game because he couldn't stop thinking about andrew? or that harry's frustrated because he can't find him? I just put in little bits of humor that alleviate the tensions sometimes, and change the reader's mood. anyways please review and get ready---in the next chapter YOU WILL FIND OUT WHO NICK'S MASTER IS! (I'm sure you may have some idea already)