Tempting Fate – Chapter 2 (A Long Way From Home)

"No time… GO RUN!" Desmond demanded.

Harry's eyes widened in fright, but his voice was enough to knock him into action. He was already on his feet, so it wasn't hard to run in the opposite direction. He didn't go far, which probably could have been a horrible decision on his part. Obviously, Desmond thought there was some type of danger and it wasn't like he could use magic freely. The letter from the Ministry still rang clear in his mind. And he didn't think it would be a good idea to get a second warning.

Harry wished he never had stayed a good distance away. Because the next thing that happened was sure to remain in his mind forever.

Desmond had tried to run into the opposite direction.

The air went dead silent as something shot the runaway Assassin.

"Desmond Miles, you are a hard lad to find…" a man said lowly.

"Desmond crumbled to the ground; he could hardly keep his eyes open.

Who are you?"

Harry watched in horror as some weird man picked up his unconscious new friend. Lugging Desmond over his shoulder. He just watched in despair as he was carried away and he couldn't do a thing.

Was that the danger that Desmond had detected? What did they want with him? Harry wasn't sure he wanted to know. He didn't even know if those men had magic or not? His eyes stared at the place where Desmond had collapsed. He didn't think they did, they never used a stunner. Did that mean Desmond wouldn't live to survive whatever they wanted with him? Harry wasn't sure he wanted to know that answer. But he couldn't help but hope that maybe Desmond may survive. He had run away before, maybe he could again. Though he imagined it would be different than running away from your parents.

Harry wasn't sure how long he just stared at that spot. But it was dark by the time he realized that he needed to head back to his relative's house. A place he hated with passion but couldn't escape from. But he didn't have any choice, so with a heavy heart, he made the slow trek back.

Normally Harry wouldn't be able to escape the jabs at his dead parents. Today, he had been tuning it all out. The anger that he had felt earlier, gone. It had been the reason he went to the park and now this… He wasn't sure he was able to feel anything at the moment. He just felt numb.

And for once, his aunt and uncle didn't try to bother him. If anything, they were trying to send him away back to his 'so called… bedroom.' If it had been any other time, he would have appreciated getting away from Marge. Her comments weren't even fazing him, which probably helped keep the bargain that he had with his uncle. But that was the last thing on his mind.

There was one thing that remained constant though, mindless worry.

That never stopped the scene from being on constant replay in his mind. Watching Desmond collapse and being carried away. He didn't think he would ever know who those men were, and he wasn't sure he wanted to know. Was it possible that he could be kidnapped?

Harry felt a shiver run through his body. It had never crossed his mind that it could happen. He still lived in the muggle world and you occasionally heard about kidnappings. There had been a number of times that he heard something about it on the telly. But he had never really paused to actually listen and pay attention to it. Maybe he should have, but he doubted that would change anything. But he couldn't forget that look of fear on Desmond's face.

Though he looked to be around his age, he had looked so terrified. Had Desmond known that they were coming for him? He had said that he had run away from his parents… but what if he was also running from something else?

Harry groaned in frustration, he had so many questions that remained unanswered. And the only person he knew that could answer them was gone. Was that what Desmond meant by when he said that he wouldn't understand. He knew there was something he wasn't telling him. Maybe that was it.

He looked out his window, Hedwig was still out hunting. He could ask Hermione about it, but he felt she would be just as lost as he was. Maybe even lecture him for going to the park. He had even expected Desmond to question him more. But he didn't, he took the answer at face value and didn't challenge his words. He saw the faded scar on lip, it reminded him of his own. And not the one that displayed on his forehead.

He just hoped that maybe he could ask Desmond about it. And for once he may not mind sharing his own. But he felt that hope would most likely be slim and rare.

Desmond felt his heart racing when he woke up. He felt this overwhelming sense of panic and the first thing he noticed was the white walls around him. He recalled feeling a blindfold on him, but it was gone now.

There was a metal table under him, it felt cold to the touch as it sapped the warmth from his clothes. There were windows all around, letting in light to the room. But there were also two metal doors that looked sealed. The room gave him a bad feeling.

"Where am I? Who are you?" Desmond cried out, trying to get away from the table he was on.

"Now there, there, Mr. Miles," came a male voice.

"Who the hell are you?!" Desmond demanded upon seeing an older man with a lab coat.

"I am Dr. Warren Vidic, if you must know."

"What the hell do you want with me!?" Desmond growled, not liking this.

"Your memories."

"So, what… you just kidnap a kid off the street?"

"But you aren't just any kid, are you? You're an Assassin," Vidic said.

Desmond gave a nervous glance between Vidic and the woman by the computer.

"I don't know what you're talking about," his voice tight.

"No need to play dumb with me, Mr. Miles. I know your history about running away from 'The Farm' two years ago and how you tried to escape to England. Not to mention, you have information we want, all locked away in that mind of yours. And you can either help us freely or with force."

Desmond gulped at that; he wasn't sure he would like the second option. And it was apparent that they didn't really care that he was still a teenager.

"You will find it most unpleasant and you don't even have to be conscious for it. Which of course will result in your death. So, what will it be? Do we need to do things by force?" Vidic asked.

"No," Desmond muttered.

"I thought you might see it my way. Dr. Stillman, if you please."

"Desmond, you will need to lay back down," Dr. Stillman requested.

Desmond didn't want to, that table or contraction felt ice cold to the touch. But he knew he didn't have much of a choice. And without further prompting he laid back down, though he felt occasional shivers run through him.

"A wise decision, one that will save your life… for now…" Vidic stated.

Desmond shivered at the threat.

He half listened to their explanation on what machine he was lying on. Something called the… Animus. He didn't really care what it was. But it somehow allowed them to view his so called 'locked memories.' And it wasn't hard to figure out what ancestor of his they wanted.

Altaïr Ibn-LaʼAhad. He could recall the teachings when he was younger, before he had run away. Altaïr had been credited in restoring the Brotherhood after Al Mualim had corrupted its purpose, not to mention he had been one of the youngest Mentors to date. He had always found him to be interesting. To learn how he had arrogantly broken all three tenants and later shifted to the wise Assassin that he would be known for. And now it looked like he was going to be forced to view his ancestor's memories.

"Dr. Vidic, do you remember what we discussed?" Dr. Stillman asked, not even looking up from her computer.

The man just scoffed and walked away.

She rolled her eyes while muttering under her breath.

"Desmond, this will feel a bit disorienting at first. Just remember that everything you are seeing is not actually happening. These are just memories."

Desmond just stayed silent; he didn't know these people. He didn't want to know them. He didn't ask to be kidnapped and brought here… wherever… here was. But again… he had little choice in the matter.

If there was anything he was glad about, it was that they didn't find Harry. He hoped he had done as he asked and ran without looking back. He sure hoped that he didn't witness him being kidnapped, he wouldn't wish that on anyone. But he couldn't help but remember the fear and unnerved look in those brilliant green eyes. Maybe one day he could explain himself… but that was not today, if ever…

Desmond had no conception of time while in that… machine… or Animus. He honestly didn't care what it was called. But it could have been hours… minutes… he didn't know.

"Dr. Stillman, what are you doing?"

The woman looked at Dr. Vidic defiantly. "Doing exactly what I told you I was doing."

"He needs to be in there. There is too much work to be done."

Dr. Stillman laughed, "and have another subject 16 on our hands. He is not an adult. He can't handle hours and hours of exposure. His mind isn't mature and stable enough for that. It's already a risk with him being in there as long as he was."

Dr. Vidic almost looked angry.

Desmond was almost scared for Dr. Stillman, but she remained firm. He already knew that nothing would bode well for who made that man angry. But he just let out a huge sigh.

"Very well…" he muttered before leaving the room.

Desmond watched him leave, not daring to breath a word. He didn't want Dr. Vidic ire to be focused on him.

"Don't worry about him, take the rest of the day and rest if you can. We can resume in the morning," Dr. Stillman said before taking her leave.

Desmond felt confused and it wasn't by the events he was seeing. But what did they mean by 'another subject 16?' Did something happen to him or her?

Harry had hoped by the time he was boarding the Hogwarts Express and heading to Hogwarts that his worries would lessen. They hadn't.

Probably the only thing good about this whole thing was that his Uncle Vernon had kept to his word. His uncle had not looked pleased about it, never liking the idea of his nephew having any fun. But it wasn't like Harry was going to entirely enlighten his uncle about what Hogsmeade is.

And just like his Uncle had promised, Marge was gone after that week. A week that he could scarcely remember. It felt like he was more going through the motions than actually doing anything. Which is probably why he was staring out of the window, waiting for the train to move.

He hadn't seen Ron or Hermione yet and he was a bit glad for it. And then… at the same time he wasn't. He was sure they could be able to distract him, for how long… he didn't know. He didn't even have time to think about Mr. Weasley's warning.

The man had only warned him about Black not even thirty minutes ago. And that had brought the confusion. What would Black want with him?

Everyone said that Black was a murder, but was he a kidnapper as well? Was he helping those took Desmond? Maybe they mistaken Desmond for himself? Even if they had, would they have let him go or killed him?

Again, it was too many questions and no answers. But it caused a shiver to engulf his body.

But… those men didn't have magic, or they would have stunned him. And Black was a wizard, would he really resort to muggle means?

Harry had to shake his head, he really needed to get a grip. It had been a month and he still felt as frantic as the day it happened. Which he didn't find a good feeling, how was he going to last the rest of the year if he kept acting like this?

Suddenly someone's fingers were in front of him, snapping.

Harry had jerked back slightly before realizing there was something in front of them.

It was Hermione.

"Harry, you alright? You've been out of it for half an hour," she asked concerned.

"I don't know…" Harry mumbled.

Hermione and Ron shared a look.

"Whatever it is, you can tell us," Hermione said.

"Can't keep everything bottle up inside, mate," Ron helpfully added.

Hermione glared at Ron, who just sheepishly grinned at her.

"Thinking about Black isn't going to do you any good," Hermione said.

"Its not him!" Harry barked.

Hermione looked taken back and hurt.

"Sorry," Harry mumbled, running a hand through his hair. "Its… it's not him."

Hermione and Ron looked confused.

"Who is it, mate?" Ron asked.

"I met a friend this summer…" Harry started.

Hermione's eyes perked up; interest piqued.

"He saw me doing accidental magic…" Harry revealed.

"Harry!" Hermione lectured.

The small Gryffindor rolled his eyes, "don't tell me it doesn't happen to you on occasion, Hermione."

Hermione huffed, "well… yes…"

"I don't think it really surprised him, maybe at first… He says he 'saw' my magic."

"He could be a squib," Hermione thought out loud.

Harry nodded, that thought did come across his mind.

"Something happened, that's why you're so worked up?" Hermione guessed.

Harry nodded.

"I'm not sure exactly what happened. All of sudden, Desmond tells me to run—"

"Desmond?" Hermione cut in, before realizing what she did.

Harry continued after she muttered a quiet sorry.

"I think he saw something I couldn't. I ran… but I looked back and hide. I felt like I had to know what he saw or noticed," Harry's voice grew pained.

"Oh Harry…" Hermione said softly, slightly catching on what had happened.

"He fell… and I just stood there… I didn't do anything. Then they just took him," Harry went quiet, a tear fell down his cheek.

Hermione grabbed Harry into a quick hug while Ron just gave him an awkward pat on the back.

"I can't imagine what that must have felt like," Hermione had tears in her eyes.

"I don't even know if he's alive, he could be dead for all I know…" Harry cried out.

Hermione looked unsure, she wanted to comfort her friend. But what could she say? That he was probably alive… She didn't even know this… Desmond… fellow. But he clearly had a bond with her best friend.

"Oh… Harry… I know it may not seem like it. But it'll get better…"

Harry hiccupped, "how? When they find his body?"

Hermione looked unsure; she didn't think there was a way to make Harry believe things would be okay. And Ron wasn't any help, he looked as lost as her, if not more. And she didn't want to voice what she really thought. That maybe Sirius Black may have been behind it and he could already be dead. Especially if that mass murderer mistaken this Desmond for his friend. But there was another part of her that knew that occasional kidnappings could happen. It was rare where she lived, but she did remember her mum and dad talking about it once or twice.

"Harry, he may still be alive, you have to believe that," Hermione pleaded.

"I don't know what to believe right now…" Harry mumbled.

Hermione gave Harry a helpless look before she felt coldness wash over her. She felt like she had lost all the happiness in the world.

And Harry collapsed and screamed… and screamed…

Then there was a glowing silver orb that transformed into a wolf. She was stunned as she watched the glowing magic chase away some dark creature.

Hermione tried to curl Harry's body to her, he was shivering against her.

"What's wrong with him?"

"Let me see him," the man that had been sleeping had asked.

Hermione nodded and backed away slowly. She had forgotten that he had been in the compartment this whole time.

The older man slid his hands underneath Harry's legs and upper back. Since the 13-year-old had fallen out of the seat, the man eased him on the seat spread out.

He smiled as Harry began to slowly regain color to his face.

"Your friend will be fine; he was simply overwhelmed by its presence."

"What was that?" Hermione's voice sound frightened.

"A dementor, one of the guards of Azkaban. No doubt searching the train for Sirius Black."

"Thank you—" Hermione begin to say.

"Professor Lupin," he provided her.

Hermione's eyes went wide with excitement, "you're the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher!?"

Remus smiled, "he will awaken in a few minutes. Give him this, Dementors can have a terrible effect on people. You will need to divide it amongst yourselves. I will be back; I must have a word with the conductor."

Hermione bit her lip and nodded. Her gaze wandered back over to Harry, who was starting to stir after fifteen minutes or more had passed.

"Harry!? Harry!?" Hermione was frantic.

Harry's eyes flashed open and quickly looked around him. As if he was trying to find someone.

"Harry… Professor Lupin went to talk to the driver," Hermione said.

"Not him… Desmond?!"

"Harry… he's not here… he's probably never been here… you said he was kidnapped remember?"

Harry's face looked crestfallen at that, he looked like he was about to start crying again.

That's when Hermione saw the new arrival.

"Professor!" she cried. "What's wrong with him? He thinks his friend was here."

"Calm down… it's okay. Mr. Potter, I would eat some of that chocolate, it will help," Remus said calmly.

Harry nodded as he took a small bit. Though he notice it did help some, not much.

"Dementors are a foul creature, they bring forth your worst memories or fears. And can suck the happiness from you until you are left with nothing but misery," Lupin explained.

"What did you see," Lupin asked gently.

"Desmond…" Harry choked, "he was dead…"

Remus nodded, "It is nothing but an illusion in your mind. You must separate the two of them. I am deeply sorry to hear about your friend. But Dementors will thrive on that pain. It is not real. Though I am sad to say I can not provide you any comfort about your friend."

Harry nodded; it didn't make him feel any better about it. He still could recall that intense fear, screaming as he saw a knife slam into Desmond's body. It had felt so real… Maybe that's what actually happened that day at the park… Desmond hadn't been just kidnapped and never to be seen again. He had been killed and they may have disposed of his body. Was there any blood… He couldn't remember.

Harry had to shake his head, maybe the professor was right. That creature… that Dementor… was using his fears against him. But it was so hard to shake those images from his mind.

Harry breathed deeply as he took another bite of chocolate. It was helping… Slowly regaining the warmth that he had lost.

"Its only been a month… its only been a month… he's not dead… he's not dead…" Harry kept repeating to himself.

He wasn't sure if he quite believed it, but Hermione and Ron looked hopeful and full of worry.

"He made an impact on you," Hermione noted.

Harry nodded, "I don't know how… but he did. Maybe because he didn't know WHO I was and just listened and seemed to accept me. It felt like some sort of bond… I don't know…"

"There are some scenarios where a witch or wizard's magic can bond with another. It would be hard to explain if he was a muggle. But that doesn't mean it doesn't happen," Remus cut in.

Hermione looked intrigued by that. She had never heard of such a thing.

"I'm sure you would feel it if he were dead," Hermione brought up.

"Can't lose hope just yet, mate," Ron attempted.

Harry looked unsure, "I don't know…" But there was a strike of hope that maybe Hermione was right and this new professor as well. He himself had never heard of such a thing. Did this have anything to do with that special vision of Desmond's? He just figured it was normal worry for a friend. Did that mean there was something he wasn't seeing… Something that Desmond knew that he didn't.

Harry growled frustrated, he just wished he had some type of answer. And he was tired of the tears that had been running down his face earlier. His voice already felt hoarse as if he had been screaming. He wanted answers… but he also knew he wasn't going to get any…