*Chapter Seven: The Half-Blood Prince*
Rayne sat reading through the Daily Prophet again. She sighed, throwing the paper down onto the table. Molly looked back at her then turned her attention back to her cooking.
"What's going on now?" Molly asked.
"The Ministry is guaranteeing students' safety at Hogwarts" Rayne leaned back in her chair. "First the bridges, and West Country. Amelia Bones and Emmeline Vance is murdered. Hurricanes popping up and temperatures are dropping in the middle of summer"
"Dark times ahead of us…" Molly muttered to herself.
There was a knock at the back door, Rayne stood and raised her wand.
"Who's there?" Rayne asked.
"Me, Rae" Tonks voice sounded from the other end of the door.
Molly quickly walked to the door, opening it and smiled up at Tonks. She hugged her.
"Tonks, dear. Good to see you again" She muttered.
Rayne smiled, lowering her wand. "Came for some more tea and sympathy?"
Tonks smiled at her slightly, nodding. Molly started making tea as Tonks took a seat next to Rayne.
"You try talking to him again?" Rayne asked.
"Yes, still the same" Tonks shook her head.
Rayne watched her cousin as Molly set the mug of tea in front of her. Tonks was thinner now, dark circles around her eyes and mousy hair.
"I know he's just worried, but he's being unreasonable" Rayne shook her head. "You know the dangers, Tonks. We all do. But you're willing to look past all that and he still won't relent…"
"He told me he feels the same…but he still says…" Tonks trailed off.
"Too old, too poor, too dangerous" Rayne echoed the words she heard too many times. "Rubbish if you ask me…"
Tonks laughed gently, taking a sip of tea.
"If you ask me, now is not the time to deprive ourselves of what we want" Rayne took a sip of her tea. "We need more happiness in this world, after all the mess going on"
Tonks stayed silent, thinking.
"I just…" Tonks started. "I don't know how to convince him"
"It'll just take some time, dear" Molly sat down opposite them.
Rayne nudged Tonks' arm, bringing her gaze to her. "He'll come around, Tonks…"
Tonks nodded, smiling slightly and leaned against Rayne's shoulder. Rayne wrapped her arm around her, rubbing her shoulder.
"And if not, I'll throttle him…" Rayne added.
Tonks burst into a fit of giggles, her body shaking with laughter.
"Thanks" Tonks muttered.
"Any time, little cousin" Rayne patted her back.
Three short knocks sounded on the door, Molly quickly standing.
"Who's there?" She asked, her voice trembling lightly. "Declare yourself!"
"It is I, Dumbledore, bringing Harry" Dumbledore's voice sounded.
Molly quickly pulled the door open. "Harry, dear. Gave me a fright. Didn't expect you before morning"
"Dumbledore ushered Harry into the kitchen. "We were lucky, Slughorn proved to more persuadable than I had expected. Ah, hello, Nymphadora, Rayne"
"Hello, Professor. Wotcher, Harry" Tonks gave a small, forced smile.
Rayne waved at them.
"Hi Tonks, Professor" Harry nodded to them.
"School's not back yet, Harry. It's Rae" Rayne smiled.
"I'd better be off" Tonks stood quickly. "Thanks for the tea and sympathy"
"Please don't leave on my account" Dumbledore looked to her,
"No, no, I need to get going. Night" Tonks hugged Rayne.
"Dear, why not come to dinner at the weekend, Remus and Mad-Eye are coming-" Molly started.
"No, really, Molly. Thanks anyway. Good night" Tonks quickly walked from the kitchen.
Rayne gave Molly a short look, walking after Tonks. Tonks paused to look up at the night sky, Rayne coming to stand beside her. They were silent for a moment.
"Don't lose hope, Tonks" Rayne finally broke the silence. "He'll come around soon enough. He does truly care for you. I can see it in the way he looks at you"
Tonks gave a short laugh, nodding. "You know. Bill looks at you the same way"
Rayne squinted her face in confusion, looking to Tonks. "What?"
"See ya, Rae" Tonks had a grin playing at her lips as she apparated away. Dumbledore came to stand alongside her.
"Stay safe, Miss Lestrange. See you at the start of term" He smiled at her, apparating as well.
Rayne walked back into the Burrow, Molly closed the door behind her and led Harry to the table, mumbling about him growing.
"You hungry, Harry?" Rayne asked.
"Yea, I am" Harry nodded.
Rayne nodded and pulled out her wand, flicking it as the iron pot set on the stove started bubbling. Molly continued to fuss about Harry, she heard her mention Hermione.
"Here you are" Rayne held her wand as the pot poured some onion soup in a bowl, she walked to the table and set it in front of him.
"Bread, dear?" Molly ask.
"Thanks, and yes please" He looked from Rayne to Molly.
Molly swished her wand, a board of sliced bread setting down in front of him. Molly settled into a seat opposite him as Rayne set the pot back on the stove.
"So you persuaded Horace Slughorn to take the job?" Molly asked.
Rayne sat down next to Molly as Harry nodded.
"He taught Arthur and me" Molly nodded. "He was your teacher too, wasn't he Rayne?"
"For my first year, yes. He retired after that"
"Did you like him, Harry?" Molly asked.
Harry shrugged slightly.
"I know what you mean. But, he can be charming when he wants to be. The Ministry is littered with his old favorites. Didn't think much of Arthur. But, he made a mistake. Arthur's been promoted." Molly beamed.
"That's great" Harry smiled.
"You are sweet. Scrimgeour has set up several new offices in response to the present situation. Arthur's heading the Office for the Detection and Confiscation of Counterfeit Defensive Spells and Protective Objects. Big job. Got 10 people reporting to him now!"
Molly went on to explain the situation with bogus defensive items. Molly's quiet 'oh' brought her out of her own world. She looked over to the clock as Arthur's hand on the clock pointing to traveling. Molly hurried to the door, Rayne could hear Arthur telling her to ask him a question and then he asked her a question in response.
"Harry! We didn't expect you until morning" Arthur said as he walked into the kitchen. He shook his hand.
"I'll get you some soup, Dad" Rayne stood and started heating the soup again.
Rayne half-way listened to Arthur discussing the work he did tonight. When Rayne turned around with a bowl of soup and set it in front of Arthur, Harry was stifling a yawn.
"Bed" Molly commanded. "I've got Fred and George's room all ready for you, you'll have it to yourself"
"Why, where are they?" Harry asked as he stood.
"They've moved into a flat over their store at Diagon Alley" Rayne answered.
"Come on, dear, your trunks already up there" Molly gestured him.
"Night, Mr. Weasley, night Prof—Rayne" He corrected himself, Rayne smiled.
"Night Harry" Both of them answered in unison as Molly led Harry upstairs.
Rayne looked over to Arthur.
"I'm going to grab a few hours' sleep, night Dad"
"Night Rae" He smiled after her as she climbed the steps and met Molly on the first landing.
"Night, Mum" Rayne kissed her cheek.
"Night dear" Molly patted her arms.
She walked into her small bedroom, yawning and crawled into bed.
Rayne only slept for a couple short hours, waking a little after five. She yawned, stretching in the bed and then sat up. She pushed herself off the bed, stretching again and slowly made her way back down into the empty kitchen. She pulled out her wand, stifling another yawn as the tea kettle floated to the stove and started heating up. Waving her wand to the pantry, a loaf of bread and a jar of marmalade flew to the table. She turned to the fridge, it opened as a pack of bacon, sausage, and a carton of eggs flew to the counter. Pans flew past, setting on the stove as she set the bacon and sausage in to cook.
Eggs flew from the carton, cracking into a pan and started scrambling themselves. Bread flew into the toaster, popping out and laying on a plate. Rayne peered back as Molly slowly made her way downstairs, yawning.
"Rayne dear, you made breakfast?" She asked.
"Figured I'd save you the trouble" Rayne smiled, pouring her a cup of tea. "The kids awake?"
Feet thumped down the stairs, answering her question. Ginny made her way to the kitchen first, followed by Hermione and Ron.
"Morning" Rayne called over her shoulder.
"Morning"
The children sat around the table as Rayne finished setting the plates on the table.
"Eat up" Rayne turned to make herself a cup of tea, adding a few peppermint leaves.
Rayne sat down alongside Molly, taking a piece of toast and spreading some marmalade on it. She took a bite.
"Should we make a tray to send up to him, Mum?" Rayne asked looking to Molly.
"Yes, yes. I was thinking the same. I'll get one together" Molly nodded and stood.
"Send a tray up to who?" Ron was the first to ask.
"Oh, yes. Harry arrived a few hours ago. He's probably still asleep" Rayne pointed up. "Now, now. Finish your breakfast and then you can go greet him" She said as the four started rising.
At her comment, they sat back down and started eating again. Molly got out the silver serving tray and started setting the plates on it. The four finished their breakfast and clambered up the stairs. Rayne laughed, pouring a glass of pumpkin juice and set it on the tray.
"What me to carry it up, Mum?" Rayne asked.
"No, no dear. I've got it. Finish your toast" Molly hoisted the tray and made her way up the stairs.
Rayne settled back down, sipping her tea and took another bite of toast. Molly came back downstairs, sitting and grasped her mug of tea. They started idle chatting, suddenly a large bang shook the house.
"What on earth?!" Molly shrieked.
Rayne sighed gently. "Something the twins left behind, I'm sure…"
After a few minutes, Hermione bounded down the stairs asking about owls. Rayne paused, looking at her black eye.
"Hermione, what's happened to you?" Molly quickly got up.
"I was holding a telescope and it punched me…" Hermione muttered.
Molly gestured her to sit and grabbed the book and flipped through it. Molly tried to remove the black eye, to no avail.
"Won't budge…" Molly huffed. "This has always worked before…"
"Fred and George probably made it to where you can't take it off" Rayne walked over.
"But it's got to come off! I can't go around looking like this forever!" Hermione cried.
"You won't, dear, we'll find an antidote" Molly assured her.
Hermione started pacing the kitchen.
"Are you sure no owls have arrived?" She asked.
"Yes, I'd notice…" Molly smiled.
"I know I messed up Ancient Runes" Hermione muttered.
"Rubbish. You're the best student I've ever had Hermione" Rayne looked to her, but she wasn't listening, just muttering to herself.
Hermione shrieked, her eyes on the sky as three owls swooped in. The trio went to untying the letters. After many minutes of comparing results, each of them was more relaxed. Hermione had done the best, Ron and Harry having done quite well themselves. They chatted about their results happily.
All through July, Bill and Arthur would bring home news of other disappearances, odd accidents and sometimes deaths. At the end of July, a birthday party was held for Harry. Rayne kept herself busy for most of it by helping Molly cook. Remus came to wish Harry a happy birthday and stay for dinner, Tonks never came. Rayne noticed that Remus, like Tonks, looked even sicker than usual. She sat down alongside Bill, grasping the wine goblet he handed her.
"There have been another couple of Dementors attacks" Remus sighed. "And they've found Igor Karkaroff's body in a shack up North. Dark mark had been set over it"
"Honestly, I'm very surprised he managed to stay alive that long" Rayne took a drink.
"Yes, me too. Sirius's brother, Regulus, only managed a few days" Remus grasped the plate of cake Molly passed him.
"Yes, well…perhaps we should talk about something different" Molly started.
"Did you hear about Florean Fortescue?" Bill asked, looking to Remus.
"That's who ran the ice-cream place in Diagon Alley?" Harry said quickly. "He used to give me free ice creams. What's happened to him?"
"Dragged off, by the look of his place" Bill sighed.
"Why?" Ron asked.
Rayne looked to Molly as she glared at Bill.
"Who knows? Must've upset them somehow" Bill gave a small shrug.
"Talking of Diagon Alley, looks like Ollivander's gone too" Arthur added.
"The wandmaker?" Ginny asked.
"That's the one. Shop's empty. No sign of a struggle" Arthur shook his head too.
"Ollivander was the best, and if the other side have got him it's not so good for us" Remus took a bite of his cake.
Rayne leaned back into her chair, sipping her wine in silence.
A few days later; Rayne spent the afternoon with Bill, the two sat on the couch for hours drinking mugs of hot chocolate. The Burrow was quiet except for them, everyone had went to Diagon Alley to buy their school supplies. It was nice having Bill at the Burrow for the summer, it felt like they were back in their school years. Rayne hated that come September she would have to leave and go back to Hogwarts. On September 1st, Rayne and Bill bid goodbye to everyone as they went to King's Crossing. Rayne and Bill ate lunch together, reminiscing that day on the train of their first year. When 1'oclock came, Rayne hugged Bill goodbye and stuffed herself and her trunk in the fireplace to go to Hogsmead Village.
Rayne sat at the high table next to McGonagall, beside her an older man took a seat.
"…Lestrange?" He asked.
Rayne looked over to him. "…Professor Slughorn?" She asked.
Rayne starred at her old Potions Master.
"You're a teacher?" Slughorn asked.
"Um, yes. I teach Ancient Runes" Rayne nodded. "I heard you were coming out of retirement?"
"Yes, seems I am. Dumbledore asked me to come back as potions master" He nodded.
Rayne nodded slightly, looking forward as Dumbledore stood and made his way to his podium.
"The very best of evening to you!" He smiled broadly. "Now, to our new students, welcome. To our old students, welcome back. Another year full of magical education awaits you"
Rayne seemed to zone out as he went on his usual tangent about the forbidden forest, Filch's banned objects and such. It was only when Slughorn stood that she snapped back to reality.
"-is a former colleague of mine who has agreed to resume his old post of Potions master. Professor Snape, meanwhile will be taking over the position of Defense against the Dark Arts teacher"
Rayne noticed that the Slytherin's were overjoyed to hear this. The whole hall was buzzing with whispers. Dumbledore silenced them
"Now, as everybody in this Hall knows, Lord Voldemort and his followers are once more at large and gaining in strength"
The whole hall seemed to shift in mood. Things were eerily quiet, tense. Dumbledore continued by explaining security measures within the school, students starred at him.
"But now" He smiled at them. "Your beds await. Let is say good night. Pip pip"
Rayne smiled slightly then looked to the students leaving the hall.
Rayne started to read the Daily Prophet every morning during her breakfast, looking out for the latest attack or occurrence. Today, she looked down at a small picture of a younger man who she read to be Stan Shunpike. He was the conductor of the Knight Bus. Arrested on suspicion of Death Eater activity. It seemed her life now revolved around teaching and reading the paper. She dreaded it every morning, wondering if today would be the day she found someone she knew starring back at her. Christmas break was coming up fast. Rayne wondered where the time went.
Rayne was walking through the courtyard back towards her office. She heard hurried footsteps and looked back to see Hagrid quickly making his way back to the castle, a student in his arms.
"Hagrid? What's happened?" Rayne asked.
"Ah, Rayne, good. Come with me, hurry. It's a curse" Hagrid said as he passed, Rayne quickened her steps to keep up with him.
They were silent until they burst through the doors of the hospital wing.
"Madame Pomfrey!" Rayne called then gestured to a bed as Hagrid laid the trashing student down.
Madame Pomfrey quickly made her way to them and gasped, covering her mouth.
"What's happened?" She asked.
"She's been cursed" Hagrid struggled to keep her arms still, Rayne holding her ankles down.
"Hagrid, go find Professor Snape. Quickly" Madame Pomfrey shooed him off.
He hurried from the room, Rayne struggling to keep Katie on the bed. Madame Pomfrey grasped her wrist, also struggling to keep her down. Soon, Professor Snape entered into the ward and came up short as he watched Katie. He walked to her, holding his wand out as he started uttering some words. Slowly, Katie settled relaxing and stopped fighting against their holds. When she laid still in the bed, Rayne released her ankles.
"W-will she be alright?" Rayne asked.
"That is uncertain…that was a very powerful curse put on her. I think I was able to stop it before it spread too far." Snape said before sweeping out of the ward.
Rayne looked to Madame Pomfrey, she peered to her as she started settling Katie into the bed.
"You go on, Professor. I've got things covered now" Madame Pomfrey nodded.
Rayne nodded back to her, walking from the ward.
Rayne sighed heavily as she walked down the corridor. She wore a maroon cocktail dress with delicate gold embroidery and a pair of heeled ankle boots. Slughorn had all but cornered her and forced her to say she would go to his Christmas party. She tried as hard as she could to avoid him, but in the end he always gets what he wants. She looked around the corridor at the decorated walls, the only noise was the soft click of her heels on stone. As she got closer to his office, she heard the murmur of conversation and music.
Rayne stepped into the doorway, looking around at the curtains draped around the room. A large flash of light instantly blinded her, she rubbed her eyes and looked up to see a man holding a camera. Slughorn appeared out of nowhere, beaming at her.
"Ah, Lestrange. Come in, come in!" He exclaimed.
Before she could say anything, Slughorn was dragging her across the room and introducing her to people. He paused at a slightly older man, smiling at him.
"Eldred, I'd like you to meet Rayne Lestrange. A favorite of mine in her first year here at Hogwarts. You've must have heard of her parents" Slughorn started talking.
Rayne wished she could just apparate away from here. The taller man behind Eldred was making her nervous, the way he starred at her as if he wished to devour her.
"Oh, excuse me won't you" Slughorn scampered off.
Rayne gave a polite bow and made her way through the crowd to stand against a wall. She sighed, wondering if she would be able to sneak out without being noticed.
"Drink?"
Rayne looked up to Neville, wearing a white and black uniform and carrying a tray of goblets.
"Neville, how are you? Oh, and yes dear, please" She held out her hand as he handed her a goblet.
"Doing fine. I wasn't able to remain in the club, but I don't mind. Sorry I can't talk a little longer" He bowed to her and went off to serve more drinks.
Rayne took a sip of her wine, glancing about at the faces. She noticed Sybil in a far corner, but had no interest in engaging in conversation with her as she looked very tipsy. Looking around again she noticed Ginny. Ginny caught her eye, making her way over to her.
"Rae, I mean Professor. Having fun?" Ginny grinned slightly.
"Loads, can't you tell" A grin spread on her face too. "Are you here with Dean?"
"Yes, he's gone off to talk to the Editor of the Daily Prophet I think"
Someone knocked into Rayne, quickly pulling her forward as they hid behind her. Rayne glanced back to Hermione.
"Hermione? What on earth are you doing?" She asked.
"Hiding" Hermione peered over Rayne's shoulder to look around.
"From who?" Rayne asked.
"Cormac…all he's done is talk about himself and Quidditch…and he's far too…forward for my liking" Hermione ducked back behind Rayne's shoulder.
"Forward?" Rayne quickly glared around the room. "Where is he?"
Ginny set a hand on Rayne's arm.
"I don't think teachers are supposed to beat students, Rayne…" Ginny smiled slightly.
"Then I'll put him in detention for the rest of his years" Rayne growled under her breath.
"Actually looks like you've got an admirer yourself" Ginny inclined her head.
Rayne looked over to see the same tall man starring at her. She thought she heard his name as Sanguini and that he was a vampire.
"Yea, but I don't think his mind is on snogging…" Rayne tore her gaze from his, looking back at Ginny.
"Oh, I saw a place behind those curtains to hide" Hermione said quickly and hurried off. Rayne shook her head.
"Having fun, Ginny?" Rayne asked, turning her attention back to her.
Ginny shrugged her shoulders. "I suppose it's a nice experience"
Rayne laughed slightly. "Wish I had the same optimism"
Rayne heard some angry voices, her and Ginny turned to see Filch dragging Draco into the room.
"Professor Slughorn" Filch said as Slughorn quickly made his way to them. "I discovered this boy lurking in an upstairs corridor. Claims to have been invited to your party"
"Ok, ok I was gatecrashing" Draco said quickly.
Rayne watched her cousin, he looked paler than usual with a sickly gray tinge to his skin and his eyes had dark circles under them. Snape came out of the crowd and up to them.
"I'll escort Mr. Malfoy out" Snape said slowly.
Draco pulled himself from Filch's grasp and sneered at Snape.
"Certainly…Professor" He turned, the two walking from the room.
Slughorn gave a small laughed. "Ok, carry on everyone, carry on"
The crowd slowly went back to their activity. Rayne looked to Ginny.
"I think I'll leave, Ginny" She patted Ginny on the shoulder, leaving before she could say thing.
Slughorn came out of nowhere again, blocking her path to the door.
"Leaving, Miss Lestrange? You can't yet. Party is just started" He smiled at her.
"I, um, really must go. You see, Draco's my cousin. I worry about him" She tried to shuffle aside.
It took her many attempts to wiggle from the party. She looked around, hearing voices coming from another corridor and set off towards the sound. She stopped, starring at Snape and Draco talking. They ceased their conversation when they saw her.
"Ah…Miss Lestrange…come to check on your little cousin?" Snape asked.
Draco glared to Snape, walking down the opposite way. Rayne hurried after him, leaving Snape behind.
"Draco?"
He ignored her.
"Draco!"
"What?!" He whirled around, Rayne stopped in front of him.
"Are you alright? You look sick" Rayne watched him. "C-come to my office, let's sit and have some tea"
"I don't want tea" He said sharply.
"Draco, I'm worried about you"
"I don't need you to worry about me, either!" He raised his voice.
"What's going on? Why are you acting like this?"
"Just leave me alone" He sneered and turned, stalking off.
Rayne watched him, grimacing gently and clinched her hands.
After her conversation with Draco, Rayne couldn't help but steal glances at him wherever she saw him. In the halls he was aloof, even with his group of friends. He didn't seem to laugh and joke as he used to, either. At meals, when he was even present at them, Rayne started to notice that he hardly ate anything but just stared into space with a bored look on him. She had heard that he stopped going to Quidditch practices and even ceased his prefect duties. McGonagall had informed her that Draco was neglecting his work, having missed many homework assignments already. Her heart ached each time she looked at him.
Christmas break was finally upon them, and Rayne was happy to be back at the Burrow. The small house was decorated top to bottom, finished with a small stupefied gnome that had bite Fred's ankle. The wireless was blasting a broadcast by the singer Celestina Warbeck, Molly listening intently. Fred, George and Ginny were playing a game of exploding snaps. Remus was sitting by the fire, watching the flames lick around. Rayne sat with her legs propped over Bill's lap, reading over her Magical Hieroglyphs and Logograms textbook. Bill was leaned over, testing his own knowledge of hieroglyphs. Soon, applause sounded over the wireless with Molly joining in.
"Shall we have a nightcap, then?" Arthur asked, standing. "Who wants eggnog?"
"I'll help you, Dad" Rayne plopped the textbook in Bill's lap and stood, walking after him.
Rayne helped Arthur pour eggnog into glasses, walking them out and passed them around as. They sat together, drinking their eggnog. Soon they went off to bed.
Rayne woke early, the sunrise barely peaking over the horizon. She looked to the small pile of gifts sitting on her desk and smiled slightly. She picked up the lumpy brown package first, opening it to find a sapphire blue jumper with a golden 'R' on the front. She smiled, quickly pulling it on. Picking up another brown package, she unwrapped it to find a Skiving Snack Box with a note saying 'In case you don't want to teach a lesson' from Fred and George. She laughed slightly, shaking her head. She got a box of crystallized pineapple from Molly and Arthur, and some cauldron cakes from Ron. Picking up the last present, she opened it to find a small dragon hide pouch. She opened it, looking down to the tumbled and polished gemstones. Reaching in, she picked one up and rubbed it. She turned it over, looking at the Rune inscribed on it. She smiled, pulling out other runes and marveled at them.
Rayne set the stones back into the pouch, putting it in her pocket as she made her way downstairs. She walked into the kitchen as Bill looked back to her, she threw her arms around him.
"Thank you so much. There are beautiful!" She beamed up at him.
Bill grinned down to her. "Glad to hear you like it. Took me ages to gather all the stones"
Rayne smiled, pulling from him then looked to Molly staring at them. Molly quickly got back to chopping. Soon everyone was up and gathered in the living room or kitchen, talking and cooking. Rayne sat at the kitchen table with Ginny, the two of them doing some rune castings. Molly hurried across the kitchen getting dinner ready, Arthur silently taking any command issued to him. Soon they were all gathered around the table and enjoying Christmas dinner together. Rayne looked at the time, sighing.
"I guess Tonks isn't going to come, huh?" She asked Molly.
"Seems like it…" Molly sighed too.
Harry looked up at the mention of Tonks.
"Tonk's patronus changed its form. At least Snape said so. I didn't know that could happen"
Rayne shot a glanced at Remus, he bowed his head down to eat.
"Well. Sometimes a great shock can cause that" Rayne looked back to Harry.
"It looked big, and it had four legs" Harry said.
Rayne scoffed slightly, looking off. "I bet it is…"
Before Harry could ask what she meant, Molly was suddenly on her feet with a hand over her heart.
"Arthur!" She yelled. "It's Percy!"
"What?"
Arthur quickly looked back, along with everyone else. Percy was making his way across the snowy yard, and next to him was the Minister.
"He's…he's with the Minister!" Molly exclaimed.
Percy opened the back door, standing there watching them. There was silence, finally he spoke.
"Merry Christmas, Mother" He said stiffly.
"Oh, Percy!" Molly threw herself into his arms.
Rayne's eyes turned to the Minister.
"You must forgive this intrusion. Percy and I were in the vicinity, working you know, and he couldn't resist dropping in and seeing you all"
Rayne's eyes turned back to Percy. She had a hard time believing this, Percy looked like he'd rather be anywhere but here. Rayne kept her eyes locked on Percy, who tried his hardest to not look at any of them.
"I'll have a stroll around the yard while you catch up with Percy. Well, if anybody cared to show me your charming garden…Ah, that young man's finished, why doesn't he take a stroll with me?" Scrimgeour looked to Harry.
There is was, the real reason for this visit. Harry stood, assuring both Remus and Arthur as he walked out with Scrimgeour. The kitchen again fell into silence, all eyes trained on Percy. Molly bustled about to get a place set for him.
"Unnecessary, Mother. I won't be staying" He said curtly.
"A drink, then, you must be parched" Molly went to the counter.
"Again, unnecessary" He repeated.
After many minutes of forced small talk and frank comments, Rayne was ready to get up and punch some sense into Percy. No one knew who ended up hitting him, but Percy had stormed from the Burrow with his glasses splattered with mashed parsnips. Molly had been on edge ever since that day, crying over any and everything. The Floo network was connected to offer a safer return to Hogwarts. After comforting Molly, Rayne ushered Ron, Harry and Ginny into the fireplace before stepping in herself.
"To Hogwarts!" She said as they vanished.
Harry and Ron stepped out first.
"Evening, try not to get too much ash on the carpet" She heard McGonagall's voice.
They exited the fireplace, Rayne waving them was the walked from the office. Rayne walked over to McGonagall and sat in one of the chairs, watching as a trickle of students came through.
The next few months were as quiet as they could be. Rayne sat at the high table, she looked around at the students, noticing Katie Bell. She smiled, happy to see the girl back on her feet after being cursed. She gazed around the room, stopping as Draco stepped into the hall. He was even sicklier than last she saw him, and had a face of sheer panic. He turned on his heels, marching off the way he came. She furrowed her eyebrows, standing and made her way down from the staff table. It took her a while to get past the crowd of students. She set off down the hallway, trying to figure out which way Draco went.
After some wandering around, she stopped and looked down at the puddle of water coming out of a bathroom. She flinched, hearing a loud thump inside and pulled the door opened. She starred at Harry as he looked back at her with horror on his face.
"Harry? What are you-" She stopped when she looked down at a body strewn at Harry's feet, blood sweeping over the water. "…Draco…"
Rayne quickly raced past Harry, crouching in the water next to him. Gashes covered his chest and arms, blood seeping through his white shirt. He sobbed quietly, trying to catch his breath. She pulled out her wand, holding it over his chest.
"It's ok, Draco, its ok" She soothed then started muttering an incantation, the wounds knitting themselves together. "Draco, Draco?"
He panted, starring up at her. She grasped his arm, pulling him up and leaned him against herself.
"It's ok, we'll get you to the hospital wing" Rayne looked up to Snape standing behind Harry, his gaze going from Draco to Harry.
Rayne walked past them and down the corridor, supporting Draco.
"It's ok Draco, It's ok" She kept saying over and over again.
When she got to the hospital wing, she gently laid Draco onto a bed. Madame Pomfrey came rushing over.
"What's happened?" She asked.
"I-I healed him, he just needs some rest" Rayne drew the curtains, holding her wand out as Draco's clothing changed from his uniform to a pair of dry pajamas.
As she bustled around, Madame Pomfrey left her to do what she wanted. Rayne pulled the blankets around Draco, gently tucking him in. She laughed slightly at this.
"I remember before I went to Hogwarts…I used to tuck you into bed and we would read a fairy tale together" She muttered, fighting back her tears.
She breathed in a ragged breath, setting about folding his now dried uniform and setting them on the bedside cabinet. She fussed around some more with the sheets, smoothing them before she sunk into a chair beside the bed. She laid a hand over his, gently gripping it. Tears rolled down her face as she covered her mouth with her free hand, looking down at him.
After what seemed like hours, Madame Pomfrey came behind the screen.
"Lestrange, there is someone who wishes to talk to you" She said in passing.
Rayne stood, making her way to the door. Tonks looked to her, her smile flattering.
"What happened? You look horrible"
Rayne laughed gently, shaking her head. "Draco got injured, I was just staying with him. What's going on?"
"Dumbledore is going to be gone again. He's asked us to patrol" Tonks stopped her as she went to walk by. "No, no. You stay here. Draco needs you more"
"I can't just abandon my post" Rayne shook her head.
"Our hall intersect anyway, I'll take both. Besides, you look like you need a rest yourself" Tonks smiled slightly. "We'll keep you updated"
Rayne nodded, watching Tonks walk away. She turned, walking back to the hospital bed and sank back onto the chair. She grasped Draco's hand again, giving it a gently squeeze. Hours later, Rayne was slumped over with her head laying on the edge of the bed fast asleep.
In the late hours of the night, Draco opened his eyes and starred up at the ceiling. He slowly shifted his gaze to Rayne sleeping soundly, holding his hand. He quietly sat up, watching her for long moments before gently releasing her grip on him. He stood, silently dressing. He looked back to Rayne still asleep and turned, making his way out of the ward. Rayne shifted in her sleep, grimacing gently.
The bald man with slits for a nose stood before her, he laughed menacingly as he watched her.
"Rayne, kill him. Kill him to prove your loyalty to me!" He bellowed, his voice echoing through the blank space.
Rayne starred down at Draco, on his knees before her. He was sobbing quietly, starring up at her with pleading eyes.
"Do it now!" The man screamed.
Rayne raised her wand, pointing it at Draco's heart.
"No" She choked out.
"YES!" The man's voice was filling her mind. "NOW"
"Avada!" Rayne raised her wand, ready to strike down at him.
"NO!" Rayne screamed, jolting out of sleep. She sat bolt upright in the chair, her breathes uneven and ragged.
She stood, hearing the commotion coming from somewhere deep inside the castle. She broke out in a run, trying to find the center of the noise. Soon she found herself in front of the great hall, staring with wide eyes. Death Eaters were making their way up the long hall, Snape and Draco leading the small group. Her mother, Bellatrix, was cheerfully smashing cups and plates on the Gryffindor table. They stopped when they saw her, wands raised.
"Draco…" She muttered, staring at him.
He looked back at her with wide eyes. Bellatrix let out a gleeful laugh, leaping from the table.
"Rae, Rae, baby" She giggled, watching her.
Rayne knew she should draw her wand and fast, but stood frozen in place.
"Draco…why?" She asked.
Bellatrix cackled, jumping up and down. "Why? Because he knows where his legacy lies!
Bellatrix stumbled over herself as she walked, like a drunkard. She held up her wand.
"Maybe you need to learn to do the same!" She shrieked.
Bellatrix flicked her wand, sending Rayne flying through the air. She was thrown against the throne like chair on the head table, toppling and slamming into the hard stone like a rag doll. Bellatrix's screams of laughter echoed the hall as the windows were blown out, shattered glass raining down like a waterfall as Rayne covered her head. Rayne quickly made it to her feet, staggering as blood dripped onto the floor.
"Draco!" She called as they made their escape.
She tried to run after them, her ankle giving a shuttering crunch noise as she crumbled onto her knees. She panted, struggling to stand again.
"R-Rayne!"
She quickly looked up as Tonks treaded through the glass to her. Rayne grasped Tonk's shirt.
"T-Tonks, Draco…he…" Rayne felt more tears stream down her face, Tonks wrapped her arms around her waist to help her up.
"I know, I know" She said soothingly. "Come on. We need to get to the hospital wing…it's Bill"
Rayne's heart caught in her throat.
"What happened?" She asked quickly.
"He was attacked by that werewolf, Greyback. We're not sure exactly how he'll react. He wasn't transformed when he attacked him" Tonks said quickly.
Tonks lead Rayne back to the hospital wing. Rayne looked to Neville laying in one of the beds, Professor Flitwick in another opposite him. At the end of the hall was Ron, Hermione, Luna and Remus. They looked back at her, Remus standing to help Tonks with Rayne.
"We'll get you into a bed and Madame Pomfrey can take a look at you" Remus assured her.
"No, Bill" She stared at the bed.
"You need to be healed" Remus looked to her.
"I want Bill!" She screamed.
Tonks and Remus looked to each other but said no more, helping Rayne to the bed. Rayne stared down at her best friend, fresh tears falling over her face. His face was slashed, three claw marks going from his right temple down to his left cheek. There were claw marks all over his arms and chest. Rayne's voice caught in her throat as she shrugged off Tonks and Remus's arms to sink down onto her knees and grasped Bill's hand. She wailed, letting out choking sobs. Her whole body was trembling. Everyone stepped back, letting her sob in peace.
After a while, Rayne heard the doors open again. She didn't look back, she didn't care who it was. She only stared down at Bill. From the corner of her eye she saw Remus move forward.
"Are you alright, Harry?" Remus asked.
"I'm fine. How's Bill?" Harry asked.
There was silence. They started talking about healing him. All in vain, Rayne knew he would never be truly healed. She didn't care, she just wanted him to open his eyes. To tell her that he's alright. Looking down at him now, he could pass for dead. And that scared Rayne to death.
"Dumbledore's dead" She heard Ginny say.
"No!" Remus's voice echoed the ward.
Now Rayne looked up, looking back to where Harry and Ginny stood.
"How?" Tonks asked.
"Snape killed him. I was there, I saw it. When we arrived back on the Astronomy Tower there was the mark. Dumbledore was will, weak. But I think he realized it was a trap when we heard footsteps. He immobilized me, I was under the invisibility cloak. And then Malfoy came through the door and disarmed him. More death eaters came, and Snape used avada kavavra on him…"
Rayne buried her face into her hand, more tears falling from her face.
"It's my fault…I was with Draco in the hospital wing. I shouldn't have fallen asleep. I should have patrolled the corridors like I was supposed to. I could have stopped Draco, maybe even stopped Dumbledore's death.
"It wasn't your fault, either, Rayne!" Remus said quickly, looking to her. "No one could have seen this coming"
More talking came from behind her, but she didn't care to listen anymore. She heard McGonagall's voice, recounting what had happened. Again she heard the doors open.
"Oh, Bill!" She heard Molly shriek, she came around the other side of the bed, kissing Bill's forehead.
Arthur placed a hand on her shoulder, there was more talking. Slowly, Bill began to stir. Rayne was the only one to notice at first.
"Bill?" She whispered.
Molly looked down to her son, everyone's eyes went to him too. He slowly opened his eyes, peering over to Rayne. A weak grin spread across his face, Rayne laughed slightly and smiled.
"You look awful" He muttered.
"You're one to talk" Rayne shot back.
Rayne's heart swelled, he was going to be alright. He was still her Bill. Not even caring who was in the room, Rayne pulled herself up to his chest and kissed him. She felt his hand tangle into her hair, holding her there for a moment longer as he returned her kiss. When they broke apart, they only starred into each other's eyes and smiled. Molly was the first to say anything.
"About time" She chided.
The two glanced over at their small audience, all of them watching and smiling. Rayne felt a blush spread across her face, hiding her face into Bill's pillows.
"You see. You see. She loves Bill, even knowing he's been bitten. She doesn't care!"
Rayne looked back up to see Tonks glaring at Remus.
"It's different" Remus said tensely. "He will not be a full werewolf. The cases are completely different"
"But I don't care either! I don't care!" Tonks grabbed hold of Remus, shaking his robes. "I've told you a million times"
"And I've told you a million times-" Remus started.
"That you are too old, too poor, and too dangerous" Rayne echoed the words she'd heard a million times, too.
Remus looked to her, slightly surprised. Rayne looked to him.
"Don't you understand, Remus?" She asked him. "She could have anyone in the world. If she wanted someone whole and young and rich then she would of gone and found her one. But she didn't, even after every rejection she still wanted you! It was always you!"
Remus stuttered, trying to find his words. "This…is not the moment to discuss this. Dumbledore is dead…"
"Dumbledore would have been happier than anybody to think that there was a little more love in the world" McGonagall shot at him.
The doors opened, Hagrid walking up the length of the ward. He spoke with McGonagall.
"Hagrid, please tell the Heads of Houses that I want to see them in my office forthwith. I would like you to join us too. Before I meet them I would like a quick word with you, Harry. If you'll come with me…"
Hagrid, McGonagall and Harry made their way out of the ward, things falling silent again. Madame Pomfrey finally got Rayne to sit in a chair to heal her ankle and cuts. Rayne stayed beside Bill, hardly leaving his side. She didn't go to meals in the great hall, but rather ate with Bill in the hospital wing. He had gotten a taste for very rare meat, a characteristic of a werewolf no doubt. Still Rayne didn't mind, she was just happy that he was alright. Slowly his wounds healed over into scars. While still pronounced, they didn't look as bad as fresh wounds.
"I think it gives you a rakish appearance" Rayne grinned slightly.
"Your saying I look better with the scars, huh?" He grinned back at her.
Many nights Rayne would find herself lying beside Bill in his hospital bed, snuggled close to him as they slept. Madame Pomfrey only shook her head with a smile on her face and go on about her duties. On the day of Dumbledore's funeral, Rayne helped Bill dress as he was still a bit weak. Fred and George had come to the hospital wing, the two smiling at them.
"So, Mum told us" Fred gave them a mischievous grin.
"About time, too" George mirrored his brother's grin.
"When will you officially be part of the family?" Fred asked, helping Bill stand.
"We've only been dating a few days" Rayne smiled slightly.
"Yes, right. Try since you came home for Christmas when we were four" George glanced to her, slinging his arm around her shoulder.
The four made their way to the lake, Molly and Arthur were already seated. Rayne sat down next to Molly, Bill next to her. He leaned against her slightly, Rayne wrapping her arm around his back to help support him. Fred and George took a seat beside them. Soon the chairs were filled, whispers of conversation. There was a surge of music, Rayne looking over to the lake where the merpeople sang, their voices ringing of loss and despair. She looked back as Hagrid made his way up the center aisle, crying silently as he carried Dumbledore's body wrapped in purple velvet. He stepped up, laying the body on the white marble table. Bill gently squeezed her hand in reassurance.
The table and Dumbledore's body was engulfed in white flames, in its place stood a white marble tomb. A shower of arrows soared and struck the ground, the centaurs paying their tributes. Rayne's gaze lifted to the sky, the light summer breeze whishing through her air. Now that Dumbledore was gone, even Hogwarts was no longer safe. She shuttered to think of what was to come.
On the platform, Rayne was able to catch Harry before he boarded the train.
"Harry? May I ask you something?" She asked.
"Of course" He nodded, starring up at her.
"It's…about Draco…do you think he…would of…" Rayne couldn't finish her question, her heart heavy.
"No. I don't think he would have" Harry was still watching her.
She looked back to him.
"He was already lowering his wand before the death eaters came. He looked very scared. He said if he didn't do this, then Voldemort would kill him. But, I don't think he would of done it regardless"
She nodded slowly, patting Harry on the shoulder.
"Thank you Harry…thank you. Have a safe trip. I'll see you soon" Rayne smiled at him.
He smiled back up at her, turning and boarding the train. Rayne stood there for a moment, starring at the brightly red color of the train. Was Draco still alive right now? Had Voldemort already disposed of him? Her heart burned, her mind turning back to her nightmares. The train whistle blared, knocking her out of her thoughts. She waved to the students as they hung out the windows. When the train left around the corner, there was an eerie silence that seemed to fill the air.
THIS CHAPTER. This one was the hardest by far emotionally to write for me. This book, though, is what started this fanfiction. It has always been my favorite book, too. I hope you all enjoyed this chapter. The next chapter will be about Rayne's childhood. I was going to add it in with this chapter but I just couldn't make it fit right so figured it would go as its own chapter before the Deathly Hallows.