Lovers In a Dangerous Time
Chapter Fourteen
When we are Apart...
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Harry found it hard to concentrate as he made his way down the stairs and into the bar area of the Leaky Cauldron. Having just said goodbye to Ginny for the night he had to force his feet to go in the opposite direction of her. Never in his life would he have thought that he would ever be so close to someone. It was terribly hard to be away from her. He didn't know if it was because they were lifemates or because he was her sire, whatever it was, it wasn't fair.
I'll be fine Harry, we're just going to go and check out the three homes located on the hill. If something goes wrong you and Erin will be notified immediately.
Harry took the last few steps and responded, I don't like being away from you, I feel like part of me is missing.
Harry... Without saying anything, Harry could feel Ginny's emotions. He found himself feeling lighter as he could tell it was hurting her more than him.
As Harry reached the bar he spotted Erin with his face hovering over a drink, looking rather depressed. Harry hesitated for a moment then pulled out a chair beside him and sat down. He was sure that Erin sensed him there, but Harry didn't press it. If he didn't want to talk then Harry wasn't going to force him. And after all they didn't know each other real well. But Harry felt a strange connection to Erin after finding out he lost his lifemate. Considering he almost lost his own.
"Hey Harry." Erin said grimly. "Leisha and Ternia should be here in a moment."
"Oh good." Harry said then hesitantly added, "How are you, I didn't mean to upset you yesterday. I still have a lot to learn and..."
"You didn't upset me anymore than I already am. I'm happy for you and Ginny, it's just hard to see you two together. It reminds me so much...oh, never mind. You don't want to hear my sob stories."
Harry put a hand on his back, "We're going to get him, Malincov. We will both have our revenge. I'm sorry about Casey, but you should be glad that you haven't turned into someone like Malincov. We're both lucky that we resisted him from what I understand."
Erin finally lifted his head and feebly smiled at Harry, "Thank you for not pitying me, I can't stand when people do that."
"I have lost loved one's, I understand some of your pain. Though I can't even begin to image what it would be like to lose a lifemate. The worst thing in the world is to feel pity, and I don't pity you. I admire you for holding your own, your a stronger man than I."
Just then the door opened, letting in the night air. Harry stirred in his seat as he set eyes on Ternia. She was so much older looking than Leisha, it was hard to believe they were sisters. The only thing they shared was the same body style. As they both walked towards Harry and Erin they were the same height and carried themselves the same.
"Hello Harry, Erin." Leisha said. "Let's grab a table so we can talk."
Harry and Erin stood up and followed the sisters to a table in a corner, well away from the other patrons of the bar. Just as Harry was about to sit down he felt Ginny brush his mind, Harry, we're leaving now. Don't ignore me...I may need you.
I'm here Ginny, the sisters just got here. We haven't started talking yet.
The barman came up, took the sisters drink order then headed back to the bar. The moment he was out of earshot Ternia said, "First of all I'd like to apologize for what happened the other day. You have to understand that I have to put a show on for Malincov or he will realize that I'm not faithful to him. Secondly I can't stay long, when I left I got word that Malincov is due back today."
"So, what is this information you have for us." Erin said hastily, Harry thought he sounded rather rude.
"Alright, first you need to know that I am Malincov's secret keeper of his new house. You won't find it unless I tell you. And I can't do that because he has placed wards around me."
"Wards? I don't understand." Harry said.
Leisha leaned up in her seat, "He has placed a charm around her that if she tells anyone he will know right away and be at her side within seconds. We can't risk her cover by letting her tell you. We need her to remain undercover."
"He has also placed a type ward around you and Harry." Ternia said as she pointed to Erin and Harry in turn. "If he dies, you will feel extreme pain. You need to be aware of it because if your not prepared for it...it could kill you."
"There are ways of breaking wards. We could stop this from happening." Erin said as he turned his focus to Harry.
Suddenly Ginny burst through Harry's mind, Harry were on the hill, by the lake house we were in last week. What's wrong, I can feel your distress. Harry was shocked that he could see images of the ran down fish house through her eyes as if she was sending him mental photographs. Something else to add to the list of oddities between them.
You may as well come home, Malincov's house is being protected by a secret keeper.
"Harry, did you hear me?" Erin asked, confused at the distant look on Harry's face.
"Oh, sorry. How can we break down wards?" Harry said.
Harry! Are you listening to me? Ginny screamed.
I can't listen to both of these conversations, only contact me if your in need of help. I'm sorry...it's to hard.
"If we can figure exactly what he did we can cast defensive spells around us that will block them. The trouble is, figuring out what he's done. If we know that they are meant to cause pain then we can eliminate a few of them. When Tracy comes back we can ask her, she has a good knowledge of this sort of thing." Erin said.
"My friend Hermione could help too, that is if you will let me contact her."
"We can discuss that later." Erin replied. "Ternia, did you have any other information for us, I don't want you sitting here to long. You need to get back."
"Just that he is prepared for both of you, he knows that your trying to go after him. Because of that you lack the element of surprise. You and your people need to be on high alert. I wouldn't put anything past him, he could even show up here and attack you. That is if he knows your here, with him able to read your minds somewhat he could know." Ternia said.
Erin stood up and extended a hand to Ternia, "Thank you for your information, you really shouldn't linger any longer. Every second is a risk."
Ternia took his hand and pulled herself up off the chair, "I agree, I wish we had more time to talk. Perhaps soon enough we will. Take care of yourselves, both of you. My fate rests with you."
"I'm going to escort her back into Diagon Alley so she can apparate safely." Leisha said as she stood up and crossed over to her sister. "I will be back shortly."
Harry wasn't sure why but he was feeling exhausted, he sat back down and buried his face in his hands. He felt Erin beside him as he pulled his chair back and sat down also. The barman arrived with the drinks and grunted when Erin made a comment about him being slow. Harry lifted his head slightly and pulled his butterbeer towards him.
"Harry can I ask you something?" Erin said.
"Shoot." Harry replied.
"There is something funny about you and Ginny, isn't there?"
"What do you mean?"
"Well, other than being lifemates and you being her Sire. You have some sort of odd connection between each other. Harry, can you speak to each other...telepathically?" Erin wondered as he sipped his firewhiskey.
Harry turned his head to give Erin his full attention, "How did you know? Can all vampire lifemates do that?"
"No Harry, they can't!" Erin said with excitement. "It's an extremely rare gift, I have only known of one other person who could do it. This is a great gift Harry. You two could greatly benefit the VLG. We could use you as messengers for different assignments. With you in one location and her in another..."
"Stop right there, you have no idea how hard it is for us to be apart right now. I'm almost sick with the thought that I'm not with her. I will not let you use us for your advantage. What Ginny and I have is private and we will not be exploited for your cause." Harry said sternly.
"That's right, I refuse to be used." Ginny said from behind Harry and Erin.
Harry jumped up from his chair and nearly tackled her to the ground. He was so happy she was safe and back in his arms he could have exploded with joy. Her face, hair, skin...it was intoxicating, he loved every inch of her. It was pain, pure pain to be separated from her. Never in his life would he let that happen. Before the only thing that mattered was keeping her from harm, now it was not only that but being with her at all times. How could he have ever thought of running away from her, the very sight of her made his mind swim with so many emotions.
God I'm glad your back, that was he worst. Harry said as he pulled out a chair for Ginny to sit down.
We were only gone for about a half an hour. But yes, I agree. It is very hard to be away from you. What has happened to us? Ginny replied.
"So, how did it go with the scouts. I know I will get a full report from Tracy, but I'd like to hear your thoughts, Ginny." Erin said.
"It was rather boring really. And much faster than I thought it would be. We went down to Rosebush Hill and stood at the highest point. We could see that old fish house by the lake, then the other three houses. I watched as Tracy and Jamie did some odd scans over the houses and found nothing. Then when I told Jamie that Ternia was Malincov's secret keeper they sorta gave up and we came back."
Erin frowned, "Harry did you tell her that Malincov was coming back today? If you had stayed you may have seen him or some other activity going on."
Ginny turned her gaze to Harry, "No, he didn't tell me that part."
Harry looked cornered, "Well, It's really hard to listen to other people talk and concentrate on Ginny at the same time. I guess I didn't think about it being important."
"Well, I think that we may still have time. Why don't you two go back to the hill and keep a watch out for anything. I'll come with Tracy and Jamie in bit, I want to see what their scans said first" Erin stood pushed his chair back and stood up once more.
"What exactly are we looking for? For Malincov to be taking a nice stroll in the woods? He's not going to show himself out in the open when he knows we are hunting him." Harry said.
"No, but you never know. I don't think he left Ternia alone on purpose, he tracks her every move. He has something up his sleeve and I want to find out what it is. I have had my doubts about Ternia for a long time, I only put up with her because Jamie asks me too. But not this time, I think there is something else going on. I trust you Harry, use your best judgment. Now hurry before we miss something." Erin dashed off across the room and up the stairs. Harry had never seen him so excited before, it was invigorating.
"Come on Ginny, Erin knows more about what's going on then he puts off. I believe him, I think something is going on. Take me back to where you were before." Harry said as he stood up and offered a hand to Ginny.
Ginny smiled and took his hand, "Oh, I love when things get exciting."
"Ginny! This is serious!" Harry said, shocked at her sudden attitude. "You sound just like your brother, Ron."
"Well, I am a Weasley." Ginny replied smartly as they walked hand in hand towards the back of the bar and a safe area to apparate from. "Take my arm, I'll lead the way."
Harry quickly checked his back pocket for his wand, then Ginny's pocket for hers then put a hand on her arm. "Okay, let's go."
Ginny almost shivered with excitement as she spun around, leading Harry. His robe billowing around them as they landed with a soft thud on the peak of a very large hill. Trees surrounded them from behind and a large open field was in front of them. A large glistening lake down the hill, looking like a mirror reflecting the cloudy night sky. Off in the distance was the glow of several houses from the muggle village that Malincov so disgustingly talked about destroying. Harry and Ginny pulled out their wands then sat down on the cool, soft earth.
"I guess now all we do is wait and watch." Ginny said as she sat as close to Harry as she could.
Harry wrapped an arm around her, "And hope that we see him before he sees us."