Chapter 13: Transformation
With that, I woke with a gasp. I fell out of the couch with a thump, limbs flailing, and breathing heavily.
"Merlin!" I gasped, eyes adjusting to the dark room.
"Merlin's not here, but Stefan is!" Came a whisper, and I practically jumped out of my skin.
"Stefan!" I hissed, my heart racing faster than a hippogriff's hooves. "You can't sneak up on me like that!"
"You were moaning in your sleep. Remember, you gave me the Marauder's Map? Well, I found a secret passage that apparently opens up to the Ravenclaw common room..." he trailed off. "What's wrong?"
"I was almost..." I trailed off, taking deep, shaky breaths. I touched Stefan's hand with my fingertips, and I could tell my fingers were ice-cold by the way he flinched. "I met a Death Eater," I whispered. "I accidentally travelled into the realms in my sleep. A Death Eater pretended to be Fred..." I let out a strangled exhale and without a word, Stefan gathered me into his arms.
We sat like this for a while, my head buried into his shoulder. We were silent, lost in our own thoughts. I had almost fallen asleep again when he spoke in a low voice.
"Roxanne?"
"Hmm?" I said sleepily.
"We should go to bed," he whispered against my hair.
"Mmm."
"Roxanne?" I didn't reply. I felt like I was floating, but in the about-to-fall-asleep way, not the realms way. I was teetering on the edge between sleep and wakefulness. Somewhere in the back of my mind I heard a quiet laugh, and then there was the sensation of being picked up. Sometime in the next few moments I was deposited onto my soft mattress, and I was half-aware of the blankets being pulled gently to my chin. My brain was too muddled with sleep to even think of how Stefan got past the enchanted staircase to the girls' dormitory, but my tired mind knew enough that I loved him.
"Done!" Laine sang as we burst out of Muggle Studies, and she threw her books into the air, papers fluttering down to the stone floor. Outside, snow was pouring thick and hard, completely obscuring any light. It was only mid afternoon, but it looked like midnight. "Done, done, done!" Laine sang again, skipping away, not bothering to gather her books and papers.
"We'd better get those," Anna laughed, levitating our friends' things with a flick of her wand. "She'll be wanting them after Christmas is over!"
"Melody!" I exclaimed, jumping and turning to my best friend. "Two whole weeks, we've got! Two whole beautiful weeks!" I crowed, throwing my hands in the air. I wasn't about to go dumping my homework in the middle of the hall, but I felt like it nonetheless.
"It's going to be different, that's for sure!" Melody grinned back, linking her arm through mine. "Now we are sisters practically, since I'm going to start calling your parents mine," she grinned and winked, half-teasing.
"That's fine with me!" I laughed as we following Anna and Laine to the common room. "As long as you take Fred too!"
"Hmmm..." Melody stroked her chin. "Not sure about that one...just kidding!" She laughed, eyes shining. It was amazing what a mood Christmas could put one in. Mistletoe hung from practically every doorway, and even the ghosts were singing carols. Well, Peeves was sort of making up his own words (rude words) to traditional songs, but at least they were funny.
"Stefan!" I exclaimed, running headlong into my Durmstrang friend who I just happened to be in love with as I turned the corner. He was walking with his girlfriend but I noticed happily that they had neither stopped to kiss under the mistletoe nor were they holding hands. As a matter of fact, Lucy Brookes looked distinctly annoyed as her boyfriend's face broke out into a genuine smile, grabbing me by the upper arms.
"Happy Christmas, Stefan!" I exclaimed, beaming at him and wishing so hard it practically hurt that Lucy wasn't his girlfriend. Because there happened to be mistletoe above us.
"Happy Christmas, Roxanne," he grinned back, giving me a quick peck on the cheek. Then he released my arm and went off with Lucy, but I didn't care. As I took Melody's arm again, I was on cloud nine. I thought my smile might crack my burning cheeks, my grin was so wide.
"Someone's happy," Melody observed as we stepped out into the hallway, weaving through the happily shouting students.
"I know," I squealed, still grinning. "Mel, tonight I've got to talk to you about Stefan."
"Awww, do you loooove him?" She teased, pinching my cheek.
"No!" I yelled, perhaps a bit louder than necessary. "Well, yes," I whispered in her ear, and she let out such a scream that the first years to our right took off, frightened expressions on their faces.
"Roxanne!" She exclaimed. "You've just got to tell him!"
"He has a girlfriend, Melody," I grudgingly reminded her.
"So? I'm sure he would dump Lacey in a heartbeat-"
"Lucy," I corrected, but Melody plowed on.
"-bet he doesn't even care about her! I bet he's just using her to make you jealous!" Melody gasped as the realization dawned on her. I snorted.
"I wish! You should see the way they look at each other, Mel," I sighed. "Honestly, it doesn't matter. Maybe they won't go out forever..." I wasn't going to let anything ruin my perfect mood, not even the little fact of Stefan's relationship.
The afternoon passed in a flurry of good-byes and leaving students; by nightfall, the majority of the Hogwarts population had completely disappeared and the hallways were emptied. Melody, myself, and three other Ravenclaws were the only ones left in Ravenclaw sitting in the Great Hall. Due to the lack of students and teachers-there were two teachers left, McGonagall and Kingsley-the barriers between students had completely broken down all twelve of the students were congregated happily at one table as Kingsley spoke a quick speech, and then our early Christmas feast appeared in front of us in all its potatoes and gravy, melt in your mouth bread and turkey glory. Even the professors were sitting with us, talking and laughing with the students.
The Great Hall was decorated beautifully, with no less than twelve trees completely bedecked in ornaments and twinkling lights. All the House banners had been replaced with merry banners of Christmas festivity, and from the ceiling above, white fluffy snow was falling and disappearing gracefully before it hit the table.
"This is delicious," I announced, filling my place with a bit of everything. "Aren't you hungry?" I turned to Melody, hand frozen in the air over the gravy bowl.
"What? Oh!" She sat up with a start, and gave me a small grin.
"You feeling alright, Mel?" I questioned, turning my attention to her. The laughter and talking of the students faded as I turned all attention to my best friend. She was looking very pale, and her eyes lacked their normal sparkle. They looked more gray than blue, and even her hair looked limp.
"Yes," she said firmly, grabbing a bit of turkey and biting into it robustly as if to prove just how very alright she was. I gave her a suspicious look and turned to my left, where Stefan was sitting. A quick glance around the table told me that Lucy Brookes was not in attendance; only Nadia was there, and I wasn't going to even pay attention to her.
"You're going to stay at Hogwarts?" I tapped his shoulder and he turned to me, his mouth full of potatoes.
"Mm-hmm," he nodded, swallowing. "Our father is travelling." He gestured to Nadia and himself and took a sip of his pumpkin juice. I didn't know much about Stefan's family except that his mother had died when he was a boy, and his father was a professor. "What about you?"
"I'm staying here with Melody until Christmas night," I explained, heart thumping madly as Stefan gave me one of his crooked grins. I ached to run my fingers through his black hair, put my hands on his cheeks and kiss him-
"I got you a present," Stefan announced suddenly, clearing his throat. His cheeks grew slightly red, and I burst into a glowing smile, which made his eyes go wide. His face was filled with some expression that I couldn't read, but I could swear it was...longing. Our hands were centimeters away from each other at the table, and my heart sang with happiness as he brushed his warm fingers over mine, our eyes meeting in a secret glance. I gave him a small grin and he returned it, our faces close.
"I hope you all have enjoyed this feast," Kingsley announced, standing up and smiling kindly at all of us. "Five days until Christmas, and I will do everything in my power to make sure each and every one of you have the best holiday you've ever spent," he promised, and we al burst into cheers.
"Melody?" I turned to my other side, realizing with a start that she was gone. I turned back toward the doors that opened into the Great Hall...they were swinging slightly, like someone had just exited them.
I turned back around as our owls swooped down toward us, weighed down with heavy packages and letters. I had a letter from practically everyone in our family, meaning that I was swamped in an avalanche of white and I scrabbled to pick up all of my envelopes. Stefan helped me grab them, our fingers brushing as he handed me the pile he'd collected.
"Thanks," I whispered, giving him a smile. He held my gaze for a moment before turning back and beginning to feed all of the owls that waited expectantly for some sort of compensation in return for flying so far in a snowstorm. By the time all of the birds had all been fed, nearly all of the students had wondered off back to their common rooms, full-bellied and happy.
"Well, I'm going to go back to the common room," I announced, standing up from my table.
"I'll walk you," Stefan announced, standing up quickly to join me. I had the sneaking suspicion that McGonagall and Kingsley were watching us eagerly, and was that-was that money they were exchanging under the table?
We travelled silently to the entrance of the Great Hall, stopping under the doorway.
"That's mistletoe there," Stefan whispered, putting his hands on my shoulders. Believe me, I wanted nothing more than to kiss him right there.
"Yeah, it is," I whispered, looking down at the ground. "But Lucy is your girlfriend."
"I wish she weren't," Stefan whispered furiously, tapping under my chin so I would meet his eyes. I looked at him reluctantly, raising an eyebrow. If you want me, fight for me, I pleaded silently.
The next thing I knew Stefan was crushing me into a tight hug, arms circling around my waist and holding me close to him. He rested his chin on top of my head and one of his hands came up and began to stroke my hair; I rested my head on his shoulder and closed my eyes tight.
"You're special," Stefan whispered, and I bit my lip to hide my huge, growing smile.
"Melody?" I called, stepping into our room. It was completely empty, and her bed was untouched. It was all strangely silent, and I shivered suddenly. I sunk onto my bed, humming to myself to break the silence that I was so unaccustomed to. The first envelope was in Uncle Harry's handwriting.
Roxanne,
Happy Christmas and I hope to be seeing you again soon. I got your letter saying you completed the task I gave you, good girl! I always knew you were a clever witch.
Now I've got to tell you something important: follow Melody. Don't let her get out of your sight, sneak after her if you have to and remember the story of Remus, James, Sirius, and Peter. Alright?
Best of luck.
Harry
I set the letter down, completely puzzled. My eyes widened-I'd already let Melody leave, and I'd barely noticed! I smacked my forehead, groaning. I stepped out of the room and flew down the stairs, tightening my warmest cloak around my neck and fingering the wand in my pocket.
"Mel?" I called, stepping into the common room: empty. There was not a soul in the room, the only noise were the crackling flames.
I burst out of the door and into the corridors, running down at full speed.
"Melody!" I called, and something at the window caught my eye.
It was a miracle that I could see through the whirling snow, which was coming down fast and heavy. It was dark, but if I squinted I could practically make out...
A bobbing light from a wand. Someone was trudging slowly out into the snow; I didn't waste a second. I whirled around and sprinted down staircases and through corridors, panting heavily but not stopping to breathe. By the time I threw open the doors to the grounds of Hogwarts, my lungs were burning and my sides were aching. I closed my eyes and let the snow and wind blow my robes and hair back, the cool air caressing my skin. I remembered Harry's letter, and as I recalled the words, everything began to fall into place.
The story of the Marauders, the task Uncle Harry had given me: I was to become an Animagus. So that meant that...
I fell forward, my limbs contracting as I began to shake.
I felt my skin bubble and roll, my bones grinding as they completely rearranged themselves. Fur sprouted from my skin, bushy and coarse.
It wasn't long before I lay panting on the snow, no longer cold. No; now I was a black wolf, with amber eyes and padded feet. I turned back towards Hogwarts and looked up. The castle loomed over me, light from the windows spilling out onto the snow. Everything was different through a wolf's eyes, and I felt different, somehow; but I still knew my real identity.
And now I knew Melody's.
Melody was a werewolf, and I was meant to be the James to her Remus. Harry had told me that while the other Marauders were in their Animagus forms, Remus wouldn't hurt them and in fact enjoyed their company. I trotted forward, leaping and bounding through the snow.
As I cantered forward, anticipation tightened in my gut and my senses heightened; the wolf in me knew what was coming, a hunt of sorts. I let out a howl at the moon, and wondered if Melody was doing the same.
I'm coming, Mel! I thought, my heart racing.
It was ironic, the animal that was my Animagus form. I chose it, when Melody didn't have any say in the matter. When could Melody have been bitten? My thoughts flashed back to earlier that year at Diagon Alley, and the werewolves we'd stumbled upon. But...Melody hadn't been bitten, had she?
Whenever it was, it certainly explained her odd behavior throughout the year. Maybe her parents had discovered her, and that was why they'd disowned her...it made a lot more sense.
I began to run forward, surprisingly smooth and lithe. Running was just as easy as if I'd been doing it my whole life; I flew over the snow like my feet were wings. I let out a happy sort of bark, leaping and twisting in the air playfully.
I was totally caught off guard when a wall of fur and warmth crashed into me, pushing me into the ground and in the snow.
I let out a surprised yelp, twisting and turning under the solid mass. I wriggled my way out, all my wolf senses tingling and alert. I growled and sunk into a threatening position, but the second wolf-black, like me, with dark eyes-bowed into a submissive stance, but then jumped up after I was assured it wasn't going to attack me.
The wolf let out a small bark, the kind that I knew in the back of my wolf mind meant stay back. The black male continued standing in front of me, but somehow I sensed its presence was non-threatening.
Then he jumped at me, and suddenly he was human, and I was changing as well. He was on top of me, pinning me against the snow.
"Stefan!" I let out a yell, gasping as the transformation was complete. I looked down at myself wildly, suddenly having the fear that my clothes hadn't transformed with me. Thankfully they had, however, but I was still soaked from the snow and freezing, my teeth chattering and body trembling. "Stefan, wh-what are you doing out here?" My teeth shook. "Y-you're an Animagus too, and a w-wolf-"
"Roxanne, what are you doing?" Stefan screamed above the howling wind. "Melody is a werewolf! Are you insane? Why are you out here?!"
"How long have you known?" I shouted back, hair whipping across my face.
"Since September," Stefan called. "When she got that package from your aunt. It was wolfsbane."
"I've got to go out there, Stefan," I pleaded, rubbing my arms to stay warm. We stood and moved close together to stay warm; he wrapped his arms around my back and I put mine around my waist. "You're not going to stop me. So you can either come or go back, but I'm going."
"Do you even know where she is?" Stefan shouted, and still I could barely hear him. I shook my head, the freezing wind stealing the words from my lips.
Stefan's answer was to transform into a wolf; he looked back at me expectantly.
I changed as well, and trotted after him. I was instantly warmer, my shaggy fur preserving my body heat. We trotted side by side, he a bit taller than me.
Before long we had entered into the Forbidden Forest, and a prickle of fear stabbed through my heart before I remembered; I wasn't human, and neither was Stefan.
I knew it was completely dark, but I could clearly see each detail; shadows flitting across my vision and the snow still falling heavily.
I whirled around, and would have tripped over my four feet if it wouldn't have been for the wolf's gracefulness. Melody was howling behind us, advancing slowly with her teeth bared. She stood on her hind legs and howled, spit flying from her lips. Her fangs gleamed in the moonlight and she fell back onto four legs, tightening into a defensive pose.
Stefan sprang forward and nipped at her playfully, looking like a tiny puppy next to Melody's hulking werewolf form.
She growled at him at first, ears flattening against her skull. But gradually, she began to warm to the black wolf. She must have been used to him; this wasn't the first time Stefan had come out here.
She let out a small growl and howled happily, engaging in a game of chase with Stefan. They weaved throughout the trees, and I sat back on my haunches, waiting for an opportunity to cut in.
They finally came back into the clearing, Stefan nudging Melody towards me. He walked backwards, walking us.
I stood up slowly, making sure to keep my eyes locked on Melody but not holding eye contact; she'd take that as a sign of aggression. I could smell her curiosity tinged with dominance; she was the alpha female and she knew it. I stopped in front of her and flipped over, my belly up in the ultimate sign of submission.
She stuck her cold nose on my ribs, sniffing me delicately. She gave a grunt of satisfaction and allowed me to flip over; she leaned down to meet me and we touched noses, and now I had her scent.
It wasn't until I stepped away, barking at her playfully, that I realized how fast my heart was racing and how I was trembling. My Uncle Harry's words floated through my head:
A werewolf would kill their best friend before thinking about it. You've got to be careful. I wouldn't give you a job where I know you'd be hurt, and I know you won't if you stay cautious and keep in your Animagus form.
The three of us, Stefan and I flanking Melody, raced each other through the hills, up and down and weaving through the trees. We passed several creatures; giant Acromantulas with glowing red eyes, observing us carefully from their webs: unicorns, who fled from our presence, and others that I couldn't identify.
I took a turn around a thorny bush and went sprawling into Melody, and we tumbled over each other down a small hill, snow flying behind us.
She barked at me, butting her head against my leg. She leaped up once more and I followed, running after her and darting between her legs. I could run so far as a wolf, further than I could ever even think about as a human. These last few days in my wolf's skin were strange and something I was completely unaccustomed to; raw meat suddenly tasted marvelous, and I required little to no sleep. We hunted together, and slept in a huddle to preserve heat.
It was quite a while later that we came upon the village of Hogsmeade. It must have been late, because nearly all the lights in the houses lining the streets were out. The streetlights glowed, illuminating the drifting snow piling in the streets and against the houses which stood side by side, like old friends.
I let out a growl, knocking into Melody's shoulder. I caught Stefan's eyes, and I could sense his wariness. It was late, but what if someone was out?
Melody let out a bark at me, and I shrunk back. She nipped me slightly, drawing blood from my shoulder. She began to walk forward and Stefan bounded to my side, butting his head against my side and standing in front of me, his snout nuzzling my furry cheek.
I shook my head-a human gesture which probably looked very odd in a wolf's body-to assure him that I was alright. The wound was tiny.
We looked to the werewolf; she was stepping out onto the streets, churning the snow with her paws. We followed closely behind her, wary. She stood up on her two hind legs and walked eerily like a human, pausing once to sniff the air.
Without warning, she bounded forward suddenly, tearing through the streets and turning corners faster than we could keep up.
We streaked through the snow, barking and howling at Melody. Lights flickered on throughout the houses; we were waking up the villages.
Melody tore through a metal fencing like it was wet paper, and lunged at a flock of chickens who began clucking angrily, which soon escalated to terrified shrieks. Melody tore into them, and feathers flew everywhere, blood turning the snow crimson.
Stefan let out a howl and we lunged forward, carefully picking through the fence that Melody had torn through. I heard the door open behind me, and the strangled noise of a woman's scream.
"W-werewolf!" She let out a piercing shriek, and several of her neighbors' doors flew open. Screams filled the streets, and she pointed her wand with a shaking hand at Melody, looking less like an opponent and more like a tasty meal for Melody.
The werewolf whipped her head around and growled menacingly; she lifted her face to the moon, and howled.
At the same time Stefan and I lunged toward the woman, who had dropped her wand in terror. I could smell her fear; sweat and urine tingeing the air, luring Melody to her like bait. I heard what Melody heard, her heart pumping blood through her veins. Melody lunged and I launched myself at her, landing on her back and digging my claws in. Several skew spells were shot over my head, but they stopped as soon as they started. The villagers were too terrified. Cracks of apparation and disapparation rung through the village; slamming doors and screams and yells, and the woman shrieked and threw her hands up. Melody kept charging, her teeth bared and a low growl rising in her throat.
Just as she would have barreled into the woman Stefan flung himself at Melody, colliding in the air with a great impact. I was still on her back and we all began to fall.
In a furry mass of growling and snapping we slammed to the ground, but as soon as we stopped skidding we quickly jumping to our feet. Stefan and I stood in front of the woman in her open doorway. We growled at the werewolf and she sized us up, beginning to advance again. She swiped a paw at Stefan and caught him across the chest. He yelped and fell backwards, blood dripping from his fur.
Melody leapt and I met her in the air, claws slashing and teeth bared. She sunk her fangs into my paw and I let out a bloodcurdling howl as her jaws clamped down. I shook myself out of her grip, unable to put any weight on my front leg.
She rose to her hind legs, preparing another lunge, but I jumped up to meet her and bit into her shoulder. She let out a wolfish scream and scratched at my back as we fell backwards into the snow, writhing and clawing. Stefan bounded forward again, biting at Melody's leg and trying to pull her out of the fenced area.
Someone appeared behind the woman and shot a spell that flew past Melody's head harmlessly before the door was slammed and bolted. At least the woman was safe now.
But now Melody turned on us, snarling viciously. She lunged at us, snarling. Stefan and stumbled backward, but it was futile. We had too many injuries. I sank to the ground with a whimper, and Stefan flopped down beside me.
Suddenly, Melody stopped. She let out a surprised whine and looked to the horizon, where pink light from the sun was beginning to touch the black of the sky. She let out a wail and trotted off into the distance, disappearing behind the trees.
Slowly, doors began to open, just a crack, and villagers called out to one another in hushed, worried tones. I tried to stand, but as soon as I set my injured paw down I flopped back again on the snow. I had minor cuts all over my body, on my back, flanks, and legs; but my left paw was completely mangled from Melody's bite.
I looked to Stefan; I couldn't tell how shallow his cuts were because blood was matted thickly in the fur covering his chest.
The door flung open behind us, hitting the house with a bang.
"Landon!" The very woman we'd just protected shrieked, running out in the snow toward us in her slippers. "Landon, these are the wolves that protected me...I...I think they're Animagi!"
Her husband rushed out behind her and he lifted Stefan in his arms.
"They're injured," he said softly as blood dripped from Stefan's weakly stirring form to the snow below.
"So is this one," the woman said softly, bending down to stroke my head. "Are you an Animagus?"
I looked at her and blinked slowly, my vision hazy with pain. From behind, another pair of arms lifted me gently into the air. My pain was overtaking me but I knew one thing. I couldn't let them see who I was; I was unregistered. Although Uncle Harry had forged documents that would protect me, if word got out what Stefan and I could do, people would realize Melody was a werewolf.
I thought Stefan was thinking the same because we locked eyes and he made a move to jump to the ground. I did the same and yelped as I tumbled out of the man's arms, hitting the ground hard.
"Wait-stop!" The woman called after us as we began to half-limp, half-trot out of the village. "You need medical attention!" She yelled after us, but we continued our pace.
We kept on, and on, practically dead on our feet. I was woozy from blood loss and exhausted. It wasn't long before we came to the clearing where we found Melody, curled up and whimpering, her form trembling. I fell face-first into the snow, and my vision went black.
When I woke up, snow was falling softly to the ground around me, and my shivering body was wrought with aches and pain. Not an inch of me didn't hurt.
I shifted to a human, lifting my head and rising into a sitting position. I turned wildly to where Melody should have been, and began to crawl, following her tracks. My vision tunneled and my breathing was labored, threatening to send me into unconsciousness again. I caught a glimpse of Stefan; he was still a wolf, still sleeping.
Melody's footsteps in the snow were almost filled in with the newly falling snow, but I could still make out where the began to drag and then, abruptly changed to the footprints of the human. Far in front of me, I saw a heap on the ground that looked suspiciously like a person.
I turned my head painstakingly slowly as a noise from the trees on my right alerted me. I must have been hallucinating...
"Kingsley," I croaked as Pomfrey rushed forward to Melody, covering her with some sort of cloak. I closed my eyes, and sank blissfully into sleep once more.
I woke up to see a familiar face hovering over me anxiously, pale and worried.
"Stefan?" I croaked, but it sounded more like Stuu?
"Bloody hell, Roxanne," he whispered hoarsely, and fell forward onto the hospital bed I was laying in, wrapping his arms around me and resting his head on my shoulder. We were in the hospital wing, and it was night time. Other than us and one occupied bed across from us, the wing was empty.
For a moment, I couldn't remember what had happened. I hardly even noticed the fact that Stefan was shirtless; my mind was spinning and still slow from sleep and medication. Or maybe it was because of the pain everywhere in my body. He pulled back when I let out a groan of pain, and I inspected myself. I was wearing clean clothes, though how I'd gotten into them I didn't know.
Then everything flooded back, and I gasped with the realization of what had transpired.
My left hand was heavily bandaged, and I felt along my back for the cuts I knew Melody had left. They seemed partially healed, as were the rest of the cuts and bruises littering my skin, though I still looked a sorry mess. And so did Stefan; the cuts covering his muscled chest were covered in white bandaging, with some sort of blue liquid leaking through.
"Oh Merlin," I whispered, covering my mouth with my good hand. I let out a hysterical laugh, and began to pepper Stefan with questions.
"How did you become an Animagus? Are you registered? You're a wolf! My gosh, that's insane! Have you been with Melody before when she was a werewolf? She seemed to already be used to you. Are you hurt still? Are you alright?" Stefan swung himself beside me in the bed, shoulder touching mine.
"Nadia and I have been Animagi since we were little; our mother taught us. We're registered-are you alright?" He brushed his fingers down my bruised arm and my stomach gave the sensation of missing a step in the stairs.
"Yes," I whispered. "You?"
"Good as new," he winked at me, mouth twisting into a half smile.
I let out a small moan, and held my arms out for a hug. I didn't have to say anything, Stefan already knew.
Hey guys! I am soooo sorry for this delay, but I have been SO busy lately. We just got a new puppy, and also just got back from London. But don't worry I am going to post multiple chapters right now while I have a few minutes to myself.
-Cassia