Chapter 3

July 9, 2011

BAM!

Thud

"Get up!"

Groaning, Issac got up again and took the fighting stance. This has been going on for the last 3 hours. Every time, he stands up, takes a new approach, Derek counters it effectively and sends him back to the ground. This round was no different either; within minutes Issac landed on the floor of Derek's loft on his back.

"Can't we take a break now?", Issac croaked out rubbing his elbow.

"Another half an hour, then." Derek stated.

Issac tried to protest but he knew that wouldn't work on him, so he stood up slowly again. But as he started to take his position, they were interrupted by a sound.

Tap. Tap. Tap. Tap.

It was an owl, a snowy owl perched on the windowsill of the loft. As soon as Derek turned towards it, Issac slumped to the nearby wall, finally getting his required rest. He supposed he should thank the owl for this, for he knew it would take at least an hour – during which Derek would read whatever letter that owl brought with great concentration, give the bird water and some treats that he had never seen before, and then proceed to write a reply, carefully enclosing it in an envelope and tie it neatly on its leg – before the owl took flight again.

This was the routine whenever that owl came. Issac has no idea who sends it, or the better question would be who sends letters through owls in 21st century. And, the most confusing of all was, whenever Derek received a letter from that owl, he would read it at once forgetting everything that's going on around him, either with barely a smile of fondness, or a frown of seriousness. It's not like Issac wasn't curious. He was, every time this happened. In fact, during his earlier days as a beta werewolf, he had tried to voice out the question, only to receive, "It doesn't concern you." The way Derek had stated, with an air of finality that he never mentioned it again. Nor did Derek's other two betas Boyd and Erica.

As Issac took small sips of water from his bottle, and his wounds healed, he started to think about his life in these 5 months, or more likely how his life changed in these 5 months. Back then he was just a shy kid, who used to be abused by his own father, and worked at the graveyard as a part-time job. Until one night, the man in front of him, came as a saviour with an exciting offer – to make him stronger, to be able to protect himself, not only from his father but also from other bullies – and Issac didn't hesitate for once to accept it.

But that's when the real problems began. Not two days after, his father was brutally murdered, he got arrested on suspicion, the full moon happened, the hunters were after them, a vicious creature named the kanima was lurking around the streets of Beacon Hills, and of course Scott and his rivalry with Derek. Although the last one was only a problem during the earlier days. Now, although not really friends, they had sort of become allies. In fact, sometimes Scott even invites him, whenever he and Stiles are going somewhere to have fun. Which is kind of a relief, against Derek's gruelling training, and their tiresome quest for finding Boyd and Erica.

The two had left the pack and have now been missing for almost three months. Although they had no idea who had taken them, Derek and Peter had a hunch. They said it was a dangerous pack, one in which all were alphas. He still remembered the day they saw their pack symbol on the door of the Hale House, and Derek and Peter's panicked face watching it. Issac had guessed if the older Hales were this scared, then Boyd and Erica were definitely goners. Still, they tried not to lose hope in their search. Derek had told him not to tell Scott and Stiles for reasons he had no idea about. He knew that Derek and Scott never got along well, but this was pointless, especially at a time when he would need as much help he would get. And Scott was the person who would never just leave someone if they needed assistance.

As he was thinking about all this, Issac heard a very soft 'No'. He turned around and froze at the sight before him.

The said man was clutching the letter tightly, in his hands, with so much pressure, that it started to tear up already. His face was white as a sheet, and his eyes were wide with shock, desperation and helplessness, that Issac had never seen before, all at once. He slowly and carefully stood up so as not to startle him, as he heard soft murmurs coming from Derek.

"Why…Why…Why…?"

Issac was clearly perplexed. What could be in the letter to bring this unusual reaction from Derek of all the people, who had never shown any other emotion to anyone except the signature scowl?

"Derek…?" he spoke out carefully.

Derek seemed to break out of his stupor and looked at him as if he had nearly forgotten that he was not alone in his loft. He glanced at the paper for a moment and then hastily stuffed it into his back pocket, simultaneously schooling his features, then cleared his throat,

"Um…training is dismissed for today. You can go." He turned to the window; hands clasped at his back.

Okay, now Issac was curious beyond measure. Surely it must have been that urgent otherwise, Derek never dismisses training like that. Although he wasn't very sure whether he'd get any suitable answers from him, he still urged, "Derek what is it? What's there in the letter?"

Derek spoke from his position, "Nothing, I just want to be alone for now.", his voice sounded hollow.

"But…"

He whipped around to face Issac, "What did I say? I don't want to talk to anyone now. Training. Is. Dismissed. Go." He commanded, a voice mixed with anger and annoyance.

Issac let out a sigh and taking his bottle, he proceeded towards the door. If Derek didn't want to speak, there was absolutely no way you could make him talk. Although annoyed at his behaviour for dismissing him like this, Issac couldn't help feel a little concerned for him. In all these five months that he had known Derek, he had somewhat guessed, that the person who sends these letters must be someone he cares about deeply. The way his eyes light up or gets solemn with worry whenever that owl swoops in the room, gives an obvious inclination to that. And the way, Derek just closed himself today, it could only mean that something grave might have happened to that person. But it also boggles his mind about the way Derek tries to be secretive about it. Does he think that talking about this person would bring harm to him/her? And from whom? From Issac, Scott, Stiles, Peter? Or from someone else? Perhaps he would never know.

As the loft door slid to close, the last glimpse of Derek that Issac saw was him slowly moving towards that snowy owl and petting it softly.

Far away in the picturesque valleys of Scotland, the morning sun shone brightly, dappling through the trees, creating mysterious shadows. The blue sky was dotted with milky clouds that drifted lazily in the gentle breeze of summer. The faint chirping of birds could be heard from afar. In such a morning, with all its peacefulness and serenity, we can spot a tiny station, on which a magnificent scarlet train stood in all its glory. On its body, in bright gold was written 'Hogwarts Express' in bold letters. Overall, the scenery gave quite an impression as taken straight from the children's books.

The scenery gets more fairytale-like as from above the tree-tops surrounding the station, the silhouette of a vast castle can be seen, with many turrets and towers, standing in full grandeur. Yet, it is not like this view is available to anyone, as only those whose blood contained magic can appreciate its magnificence; others, often termed as 'muggles', would only see ruins in its place. The castle serves as the main building of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, also regarded as the finest wizarding school in the world.

Every year, on such a morning near the end of June or beginning of July, students of the school can be seen coming to the platform with their trunks and other luggage, chattering and laughing in groups, to climb into the Hogwarts Express, which would take them home for the summer vacations. Saying goodbyes to each other with a smile, promising to meet each other or making plans during the holidays, being excited for the new school year, that is the usual norm that can be observed among them. This, however, is not the case today. The students spilt out through the entrance gates of the station into the platform quietly, donned in their school robes, hauling their trunks in the luggage compartment, and climbing into the train. But there is no laughter, or joy, or excitement. Almost all of their heads are hung low, with the worry about how the next year would turn out, what things they were going to face, whether all of them would be able to be back for the new term. After all, their beloved school, as they knew it, wouldn't be the same anymore. There were tearful and heartfelt goodbyes, promises to stay in touch, although they themselves weren't quite sure, how much they may live upto that promise.

Among the last ones to enter the platform were three friends – two girls and a boy. The boy was the tallest among the three, with flaming red hair and blue eyes supporting a pale-freckled face. One of the girls had big bushy-brown hair, tied into a ponytail, with light skin and brown eyes. And the other one needed no description as she was the one and only Amara Hale or Amaryllis Potter. Like the other students, they also hauled up their luggage, without exchanging any words. However, instead of the uncertainty that filled the eyes of the majority of the other students, their eyes were fixed with a grim determination, for the mission that was led out to them, for the path they had chosen, and the decisions they'd have to take to continue in that path.

Before climbing, Amara turned back to take a longing look at the silhouette of the castle, that could be seen atop the trees. For this is the last time, she would be seeing it, the place she called her second home, the place where she learned magic and made friends that would stay life-long, the place they shared so many adventures and made memories, the place she would be seeing the last time as a free school. Suddenly she noticed something above its towers and placed a hand above her eye to guard the sunlight blocking her vision. Even from this far, she could make out the black-winged creatures soaring high above the sky circling the towers of the castle – the thestrals. The whole sight in front of her looked as if the school itself was a person, a mother, who had, for so many years, guarded the students within its walls and provided them with a safe haven but was now no more capable to do so; who was bidding farewell to her children for one last time before she was engulfed into darkness and they set foot into the harsh cruelties of the real world, without her protection.

A hand touched her shoulder, making her flinch a little, but she didn't turn around. She knew who it was, she was just startled by the suddenness of the touch. It was the boy with flaming red hair, her first best friend in the Wizarding World, Ron, who now gently spoke, "Ama, let's go."

Taking one last look towards the castle, Amara let out a sigh, then turned to him. "Yeah," she breathed out.

Ron, in a way, guided her towards their compartment, for he knew, she would have never moved from her spot otherwise. Their bushy-haired best friend, Hermione was leaning by the compartment door. As the trio entered, they noticed three other occupants. A girl with flaming red hair and freckled face, just like Ron, a boy with blond hair and chubby face, and another girl with dirty-blond hair and dreamy pale-silvery eyes. Ginny, Neville and Luna, the three other pillars of the Dumbledore's Army, the ones who had gone with them to the Department of Mysteries a year back to save Sirius without any hesitation, the ones to come out first to fight along with them, when the Death-Eaters had attacked the castle. The trio gave them all respectful nods and took their seats by the window.

The whole ride, the six of them sat together in comfortable silence, mentally preparing themselves for the unforeseeable future they were about to be plunged in. They gave each other comforting smiles every now and then. At one point Amara and Neville had eye contact, and she noticed for the first time that the scared little boy he used to be had vanished into thin air, and in its place a brave, grown-up man, a fighter, and a leader sat in front of her; a person she could now easily trust with handling the responsibility of Dumbledore's Army in their absence. She raised her brows slightly, silently asking the same. Neville nodded with firm resolution, with a reassurance blink of his eyes. Amara gave another smile as a thanking gesture. As for the trio, they had their hand clasped in each other the whole time. It was an act of promise that no matter whatever happens next, they would face it together, always.

Derek

I had never imagined that a day would come when I will find the quill shaking in my hand as I write a letter to you. I still remember the last time we talked to each other. You were telling me about the big loft you'd bought for us in Beacon Hills. About your training with Issac, and the still progressing quest for finding your other two betas. How much you wanted me to come there to spend the vacations with you. And I swear…for a moment, I actually imagined myself to be there, having fun with you, practising fighting with you, meeting your pack and getting to know them. Despite so many painful memories associated with that town, I longed to go and stay there for the first time in 6 years, I longed to be with you brother. Alas! Fate does not depend on dreams and desires.

It was a week ago, that the Death Eaters had sneaked into Hogwarts using the vanishing cabinet kept in the Room of Requirement with the help of Malfoy. There were the Order members, teachers, and members of DA, but it wasn't enough. It was a terrible fight, everywhere you could see only dust, debris and blood. Fortunately, the others are still alive, although badly injured, and Bill was nearly mutilated by Fenrir Greyback. But Dumbledore is no more. He is DEAD! And it was Snape, out of all the people. Yes, Snape; he looked him in the eye and killed him. I was there, on the Astronomy Tower, where this happened, and…and I couldn't do anything, to save him. Dumbledore had immobilized me and hid me under my invisibility cloak. I was still, and just watched and watched, as he plummeted from the tower onto the ground far beneath.

Yesterday was his funeral. All the officials from the Ministry, the Order members, the students, the teachers, and even the centaurs, the mermaids, and the giant squid had made their presence, as he was laid to rest on the Hogwarts grounds by Hagrid. And that is when I realized something. This would be the last time that I would be seeing Hogwarts as a free school, the last time I could keep the oncoming war out of my mind and live like a normal teenager and the last time I would ever feel safe within the walls of this castle. Even though the Order members are on constant watch and will continue to guard us till we reach the King's Cross station, I can already see the hope dwindling from their eyes. It's funny actually, how an old man used to keep so many things in order in his tight grip; how we always were comforted even in the extremely dangerous situations, when we saw his smiling face with twinkling eyes; how now we all have to fear about the forthcoming future of ourselves, our families, Hogwarts and the Wizarding World, all because our sense of security is also gone along with him.

And so, with a heavy heart, I'm writing this letter to you, to say that I'm not coming to Beacon Hills anymore. Since Voldemort and the Death Eaters' main hurdle is now removed, I would be the one to be hunted next, and there is no way I can go there without the Death Eaters tailing me, bringing more dangers to the town than it already has. I can't do that to those people. I won't do that! As for my 7th year, I'm not going back to Hogwarts for the next term either, for I know it is not going to be the safe haven anymore, as I knew it.

It was only after the funeral, when my mind became completely clear with only one agenda in sight. I'm going to complete the mission that Dumbledore and I started, no matter how long it takes – days, months, or years. Ron has insisted that I stay with the Weasleys till Bill and Fleur's wedding, and then he and Hermione is also going to join me as we embark on this journey. I don't know how to go about it; I don't even know where to start; I just know that we're going to finish off Voldemort this time for good.

Farewell brother, and please forgive me if I ever offended you. Because I love you, as I see you smile, even if that's a rarity; when you become protective of me when you try to act as my parent and scold me but end up laughing when you apply that 'sour wolf' look to everyone but me. And I will always love you, no matter what you think. I know, you must be thinking of joining me too in this mission. But I'm sorry I can't allow that. It is too risky for you to come all the way to Europe. Even the muggles here are in danger, although they have no idea what's going on. And besides, you are needed there.

Now that you have a pack, take complete responsibility for it. Your betas, they are not just your subordinates, they are your children. Take care of them. Protect them. Be the alpha, that I always see in you, that Laura saw in you. Protect our hometown from the dangers that come. And please take care of Hedwig. I don't think it would be very convenient and safe to carry around an owl when you're travelling.

Lastly, be happy and remember me in the best light possible. If I make it out of this alive, then I'll surely come back to you. But…if something happens to me during the war…THIS IS MY FINAL GOODBYE!

Your loving sister

Amara