Chapter 20: The Plan
"No, dammit!" The Death Eater howled as his fist swung right through us. "I used all my energy knocking you over-just wait until the 21st comes!" He shouted as we scrabbled backwards for the spot we'd come in. "Just wait and we'll have our powers back! WE'LL BE JUST AS POWERFUL AS YOU!" He roared just as the world began to fade.
"Oh bloody hell!" Scorpius gasped, jumping to his feet. "Godric and Merlin, holy shit-hell Roxanne, what was that?" Scorpius's voice cracked with excitement. "You've been doing that all year?"
"We were solid," I muttered. "Scorpius, the spell didn't work."
"What do you mean?" His smile faded. "Of course it did!"
"No, the anchor and seeker spell," I sighed, shaking my head. I was immensely disappointed.
"It's okay," Scorpius soothed. "It's fine, we'll try again tomorrow, okay?" I nodded and tried to keep down the panic building in me like a raging inferno.
"Weasley." I bit back a scream, stumbling back in the half-melted snow and falling straight onto my butt, looking up with an open mouth at Stefan, who stood in front of me sheepishly, hands in his pockets and hair longer than usual, the ends curling slightly.
"Wha-wha-" I was speechless. I jumped to my feet quickly, brushing off the slush. How had he found me? I was in the middle of the woods, near the Shrieking Shack. All of the other students should have been at Hogsmeade.
"Wolf nose," he said stiffly. "Listen, I know you're kind of...mad..."
I let out a small snort but he just plowed on. "I've got to tell you something important so just listen for a moment alright? Don't yell," he commanded and I looked at him fiercely. "You know when we duplicated the book so we could both practice those spells on our own as well?"
I nodded, not looking him in the eye. "You can give it back if you want, since you said I was on my own with that," I said in a wounded voice and he let out a noise in between a growl and an exasperated sigh.
"Someone's stolen my copy, Roxanne!" He shouted, and my head whipped up, eyes wide.
"What?" I screeched, taking a step forward toward Stefan, looking imploringly in his eyes. "It has to be Nikola!" I gasped. "I know you don't want to face it but I know there's something up with him-"
"-say you're right," Stefan said slowly. "We've got a real problem here. We've got to get it back."
I took a deep breath and looked up at Stefan. He was rubbing his temples, eyes closed. His eyebrows were scrunched down over his eyes, his jaw clenched.
"Hey," I said softly, putting my hands on his fingers and pulling them down. His eyes flew open and he gave me a look of surprise. "Don't worry," I cocked my head, looking up at him. Another expression shot across his face, fast as a running wolf, and it was gone before I could read it. I missed him. "We'll find it. We can sneak onto that ship of yours and find it, if you want." I let my hands fall down from his, but as soon as we separated he quickly grabbed my hands once more and I bit back a smile.
"I'm sorry," he blurted. "When I said you're on your own, I didn't mean...I didn't try to...you'll never be alone, not while I can help it," he promised firmly, touching my chin. I lifted my head, and for a moment my heart stuttered as I realized we were going to kiss-
"Stefan?" A lilting, feminine voice floated through the woods and we jumped away from each other, Stefan cursing.
"Bloody hell," he swore, clapping a hand to his forehead. "Here-come and hide." He took my arm and pulled me behind a clump of bushes, branches growing together and obscuring us from the trail.
"Who's that?" I questioned, peering over the bush. "Stefan, who is that?"
"Er...my date," he mumbled, not meeting my eyes.
Whack. I shocked myself by smacking his arm, glaring at him with what was probably very obvious hurt. "Why did you bring another stupid date in here?" I demanded, heart tightening painfully. "Never mind that, it's not like I care anyway," I said bitterly, turning away.
"Stop that!" Stefan whispered fiercely, taking my face in his hands and pulling me forward gently towards him until our faces were inches away. "I'm through pretending I don't care when I care more than anything in the world!" He said stormily, eyes boring into mine. I was frozen, my hands resting lightly on his shoulders, stomach swooping excitedly.
"I haven't been entirely useless while we haven't been speaking, you know," I told him proudly. "I've had Scorpius training with me so I can stay prepared for-" suddenly he grew cold and drew his hands away, his face growing stony.
"Who?" He growled, glaring at me.
"Scorpius," I said, confused. "Stefan, there's only two weeks left, I thought you'd want-"
"Not with him!" He shouted, and to my surprise his voice trembled and broke with emotion. "Roxanne, d'you think I want for a second some other bloke to-"
"Oh, there you are!" We both jumped as a dark-haired girl stepped forward, sizing me up with hazel eyes and long lashes. I glared right back, immediately feeling some sort of defensiveness flare up in me, and I had to stifle the urge to grab Stefan's hand in mine.
"What are you looking at?" I snapped rudely, and the girl looked taken aback.
"I'm looking for my date," she announced, matching my cold tone. Much to my dismay, she took Stefan's hand in hers. Stefan hadn't really moved throughout all of this; he was still glaring at me like I'd just informed him I'd murdered his family.
I watched in trembling anger as the happy couple walked away, laughing and talking. Their voices carried to me long after they'd gone and then they stopped suddenly.
Horrible feelings burst into my chest, squeezing my heart painfully. I instinctively wrapped my arms around myself, grinding my teeth together. They were kissing, I knew it.
It wasn't fair! I cried, the words safe in the confines of my own mind. Stefan, I love you! I thought wildly, desperately, and shifted into a wolf. Before I knew what I was doing I had rushed in between them, forcing them apart and streaking off through the slippery slush. I was glad that wolves couldn't cry. My feelings inside were bitter and painful; it was easier not to feel at all.
I stumbled back towards Hogsmeade cold and wet, hair plastered to my face.
"There you are!" Rose called, jumping down from the steps of the Three Broomsticks and racing towards me, grabbing my shoulders. "Bloody hell, you look like you just went rolling through the snow!"
I laughed, because she really had no idea.
"Melody was looking for you...and so am I," she said tentatively, and only then I remembered that she had been mad at me because she thought I liked Scorpius. Too, actually, I should say mad at me too.
"I'm really sorry," she said mournfully, pulling something out of her pocket. "And...got you some chocolate," she sang, dangling the small package in front of me. "So anyway. That's my forgiveness bribe..." she raised her eyebrow.
"Hmmm..." I pretended to consider. "Now do you believe I don't like Scorpius?"
"Yes!" Rose said firmly. "I was stupid. I was just...I dunno," she sighed. Then, a tall boy with freckles splashed across his face sidled up to Rose, wrapping his arm around her shoulders and planting a sloppy kiss on her cheek. Rose closed her eyes briefly and a muscle in her jaw twitched, like she was trying very hard to stay calm.
"Hello, Timothy," she said in a strained voice, politely removing his hand from her shoulder. Help me, she mouthed and just like that, a plan clicked into place in my head. I wasn't going to help her; Scorpius was. They'd get back together and then Stefan would see I really didn't like him...we'd all be happy. Most of us, anyway...I had a feeling nothing I could do would help with the situation concerning Laine and Anna.
"And then I duelled that Timothy guy right then and there in the middle of the Great Hall," Scorpius was telling me excitedly as we trained, conjuring up blocks of gray matter. Well, I was; Scorpius was trying hard, but no to no avail yet. "And Rose came up afterwards and kissed me, and she said she was sorry and I apologized as well..."
I felt bad, but at this point I completely tuned Scorpius out. A growing feeling was sprouting in the pit of my stomach, ugly and forcing me to acknowledge it when I really didn't want to look at it.
This wasn't working with Scorpius. If I tried to go into the Realms with him, at the rate he was coming along, he'd only be a liability. Both to himself and me as well.
With a tugging sensation on my limbs like a heavy blanket was settling over me, I pulled together the biggest chunk of gray, rock-looking substance I'd ever made. I flung my arms out and it exploded, flying everywhere into small shards.
Scorpius threw his hands up, but they disappeared before raining against him.
"Nice," he looked at me with a sheepish grin. "I just can't...blimey Roxanne, I'm sorry," he sighed, rubbing his eyes. "Every time it's try, it's just like...I dunno, like there's a block in my head." He reached out wordlessly, pulling me into a side hug where he awkwardly patted my arm. He rested his chin on my head and I let out a deep exhale, trying not to stress.
"It's okay," I tried to keep my voice from shaking. Fred and Tonks; could I save them on my own?
"Even though I don't think I'll be any help, I still want to come. I still want to be there-"
"No," I said quickly, shaking my head and cutting him off. "No way. Scorpius, this was a bad idea. I'm not letting you come and risk getting snatched by a Death Eater. You know what the risk is, don't you? If they can trick you to staying past midnight, you're stuck there forever," I said grimly. "And you could accidentally bring one back, or they could kill you-"
"I still want to help," Scorpius said firmly. "Roxanne, please can I-"
"You can be there in the real world, keeping me anchored," I said firmly. "Not this one."
We appeared back in the Room of Requirement, where Scorpius left after making sure I was alright. He had a date with Rose; I nodded tiredly, trying to look happy for him. As soon as he was gone the room changed, constricting until it was a small, cozy space with a soft bed piled high with pillows. I let out a moan of pleasure as I flung myself onto the soft mattress, burying my face in the pillows. Within minutes, I was asleep.
"Roxanne? Helloooooo? Anyone home?" I opened my eyes, blinking harshly. I could see nothing save the blindingly harsh light glowing in my eyes. I put my hand up to shield it, and it dimmed. I gave a little start, covering my hand with my mouth in horror. Had I crossed over to the Realms in my sleep again? I squeazed my eyes shut, trying to cross back-
"Wait!" The voice I had heard before-Fred's voice-said again, and this time warm fingers brushed my arm.
"Get away!" I yelled, holding my hands up to defend myself against the person who looked like my uncle. My heart was beating fast and I stood with my knees bent, legs separated slightly, ready to either fight or run.
"I swear I am Fred Weasley, born April 1st 1978, son of Molly and Arthur Weasley. I started Weasley's Wizard Wheeze's with my brother George, your father, and once we had a sign advertising U-No-Poo that said Why are you worrying about You-Know-Who? You should be worrying about U-No-Poo, the constipation sensation that's gripping the nation!"
Despite myself I let out a snorting laugh, and Fred grinned at me response.
"Alright," I laughed, sitting down on the grass. "What if a Death Eater comes?"
Fred shook his head. "Nope, my brilliant wizarding skills are fool-proof, Death Eater proof, and on a related topic, constipation proof-"
"Alright, alright," I put my hands up, laughing.
"Really though, this is all in my head. So no Death Eaters! As it gets closer to the 21st, the veil separating your world and ours is getting thinner, meaning it's gotten much easier to talk to you. Also, it's why everything's solid. How's everything coming, by the way?"
"Not good at all," I cried out, frustrated. I buried my head in my hands and the misty scene of the woods disappeared and dancing lights swam behind my eyelids.
"Hey, hey," Fred said softly, taking my wrists down from my eyes. "It's going to be alright, Roxanne. I know I can't say anything that will get you not to come..." he trailed off, and I fixed him with a stare.
"No, you can't," I said pointedly. "So you may as well give up your hinting."
"Right, right," Fred sighed, rolling his eyes and sitting back. "Fine then. Well, anyway, I yanked you out of your lovely dreams about Stefan-who-oh bloody hell, I almost forgot to tell you! Stefan-you should know about him," Fred said gravely.
"What about him?" I rested my elbows on my knees.
"I'm not sure how much of this you know. He and the other students from Durmstrang came for one reason; Nikola wanted to get in the shields."
"I knew that," I said slowly. "But Stefan...he couldn't...he's not like the others..." I trailed off.
"I thought he was at first," Fred admitted. "But I've been watching him, and I know...I know he's going to do the right thing. His sister though, you've got to watch out for her. Nadia? She's an evil, conniving-"
"Is this her, Fred?" Came a loud voice from behind the trees and a tall witch with hair the shade of shocking bubblegum pink came stumbling out, tripping over the tall weeds, spinning around, and catching herself just in time but shooting her hand out to steady herself on a tree.
"Whoops!" She laughed lightly, trotting towards us. I squinted at her, and then my eyes widened.
"TONKS!" I yelled, and jumped to my feet. She looked exactly like the pictures, just older...and Teddy. I could see the resemblance.
"Oh, how is he?" She asked excitedly, gripping my shoulders. "How is Teddy?"
"He's he's-getting married," I choked, trying to get over the fact I was sitting here, talking to two dead people.
"Oh, Merlin," she whispered, her brown eyes tearing up. "My little boy..."
"Is Remus here too?" I asked excitedly as she pulled me forward into a hug.
"No," she shook her head, her eyes growing weary with sadness. At the mention of her husband, her face seemed to age years. "Though it's for the best, I'm glad he was able to move on. I'm sorry I haven't been able to talk to you earlier, love," she touched my chin, smiling. "Some of us aren't as strong as your uncle over there," she winked at Fred. "So, any chance I can tell you to let us be? Neither of us want you risking your safety just to save two souls who should have died a long time ago-"
"Stop it!" I exclaimed, covering my ears. "Next person who says something like that, I'll-I'll-well, I don't know what I'll do yet, but it'll be bad!" I threatened, and Tonks bit back a smile.
"Your father's daughter" she announced, looking at me fondly. "It will be nice to be back. Not that," she added quickly. "Not that we're expecting you to actually do this. There have been wizards with three times your training and age who have failed."
"But that's alright, cause I've got..." Stefan, I wanted to say, but then I stopped. His name made my insides feel like they were being jolted around violently. "Why is it that I was the only one who could hear you, at first? Why haven't you tried to reach out to any of the other cousins?" I questioned them.
"It's because you're an extraordinary witch, Roxanne," Fred stood next to me, and I looked up at him with a doubtful expression.
"Me? I'm normal," I whispered.
"What?! You became an Animagus in months, you did all of the mental training it took to get you here in a tenth of the time it takes the greatest wizards!" Fred protested vehemently as Tonks beamed.
"That's far from normal," she added jovially. I bit back a smile, staring at the ground.
"Well," I said hesitantly. "I'm going to try my hardest to bring you both back. So just hold tight, okay? Less than a week to go," I said in a shaky voice. With that, the scene faded around me until the trees and Tonks and Fred were replaced with the room I slept in, the flames crackling warmly from the wall.
"Miss Weasley, will you please demonstrate how to Transfigure this desk into a couch?" Professor McGonagall snapped me back into the real world, and I sat up quickly. I swallowed hard, throat dry and uncomfortable. The whole class was silently watching me; Melody, sitting next to me, gave me a pitying expression.
"Er-yeah," I said in a hoarse voice, standing up on legs that felt like jelly. As if in a trance I made myself to the front of the room. After two failed attempts McGonagall let me sit down, taking pity on me.
I stumbled back to my seat, barely aware of anything that had just happened. I hadn't slept more than two hours in the past two nights combined and I was dead on my feet. I went back to mentally reciting the spells to get me into the realms over and over again in my head, even though I'd memorized them long ago. I had to have everything perfect. For the last few days I'd been doing nothing but concentrating on getting to the Realms. I had been neglecting homework, sleep, even meals. Melody thought I was sick, and I knew I was worrying her and Scorpius and Rose.
"Miss Weasley?" I pulled my head up, realizing it wasn't the first time McGonagall had said my name. I noticed with a start that already the other students were up and working, and I was still sitting at my desk, head in my hands as I stared off into the distance, eyes glazed over and my mind a million miles away. My eyes flickered over to Stefan and Melody who were very obviously talking about me; they both looked away as soon as they saw me looking. Melody looked nervous and Stefan looked downright scared.
"Miss Weasley!" McGonagall repeated sharply and I jumped, looking at her.
"Sorry, Professor," I blurted, standing up so quickly that I stumbled, dizzy.
"Are you alright?" She caught my elbow, looking at me with an alarmed expression on her face. "Roxanne, I wish to speak to you later; come see me after class." She released me once I had regained my balance and she walked away briskly. I shuffled to where Melody and Stefan were standing. I was too exhausted-physically and emotionally-to say anything so I just stood there, staring out the window as they both looked at me with the same expressions of concern.
"Are you alright, Roxanne?" McGonagall peered up at me, concern evident in her eyes as the last students trickled slowly out of her room.
"Fine." I nodded, stifling a yawn. "Just haven't been getting much sleep is all," I told her the half-truth smoothly.
She gave me a hard look like she didn't believe me for a moment.
"I have been teaching teenagers for far too long to know an excuse when I see one," she said bluntly, rising to her feet. "Your marks have been slipping, and not just in my class. Do you have an explanation?"
Trying to raise my uncle and Ted's Mum from the dead.
I shook my head, brain too tired to come up with something believable.
"Well," she said, sounding slightly defeated. "I know you are not in my house, Roxanne, but if there is anything you need, anything at all..." she trailed off, looking at me with a pitying expression. "Just know you can come and speak with me." She put a hand on my shoulder, and I widened my eyes at the affectionate gesture.
I woke with a start, the edge of a book digging in sharply to my cheek. I sat up quickly, heart quickening with panic. How long had I been asleep? I jumped up, the slowness of sleep sliding quickly from my mind.
I threw open the curtains next to my bed in the dorm; it was night, and the room was empty. I let out a brief sigh of relief. I'd only been out for a few hours than, but I felt incredibly well-rested.
As I made my way down to the Great Hall, my stomach growled loudly. I mentally calculated how much time I had until March 21st...I had only two days. It was the 19th today. I quickened my pace and slid quickly into my seat at the Ravenclaw table, wanting to get back to my work as quickly as possible. I had to continue working on the spell that would allow me to differentiate a Death Eater from Fred and Tonks...
I was only half-listening as Melody began talking to me, and I only really came to attention when Rose slid in beside me, looking at me with an odd expression.
"Where were you in classes all day?" She asked curiously as I buttered my roll. Melody gave her a strange look from the other side of me.
"I was there," I said slowly. "Are you feeling alright?"
"No you weren't..." Rose crinkled her brow. "I distinctly remember you not being there because-"
"She was asleep," Melody blurted, looking rather guilty. I whirled on her at once, eyes wide.
"What?" I whispered in a hoarse voice. "Melody, exactly how long did you let me sleep?"
"Er...you fell asleep with those books all around your bed yesterday afternoon after classes and now it's...well, the next day."
"The next day?!" I shrieked, and half of our table turned to look at me. The bun fell out of my hand, rolling to the floor. I could tell my face had gone a pasty white, and Rose was looking at me worriedly.
"Roxanne, what's been wrong with you lately? Stefan keeps coming to us and saying you won't let him help you with something-" Rose started.
"What day is it?" I said in a calm voice.
"You really need to tell us what the matter is, Roxanne," Melody said patiently, putting a hand on my shoulder.
"Tell me what the date is!" I shrieked suddenly, making them both jump.
"Friday, March 20th," Rose said slowly. "What has that got to do with anything-"
"Bloody hell!" I moaned, jumping to my feet and racing out of the Great Hall after grabbing a piece of bread and a banana to snack on.
I raced out of the doors, but not before my eyes had flickered to Stefan who was watching me with a pleading expression on my face. I refused to look acknowledge him. I could do this on my own.
I pounded up the stairs, groaning when I heard a second pair of footsteps not far behind me. I turned reluctantly, my hand on the banister.
"Roxanne, wait!" Melody called, black hair and robes bouncing around her as she flew up until she was on the step above me.
"Yeah?" I took a bite of the bread, trying not to notice how my stomach was growling, craving more. I hadn't properly eaten in a day, if I'd been out as long as Melody said I was.
"You've been gone out of the common room more than you've been in it," she started, blue eyes searching mine. "You haven't been eating, or sleeping, and when you have been sleeping, you've been thrashing around and talking. I'm pretty sure you're not turning into a werewolf,but Roxanne, please tell me," she pleaded. "I let you help me...let me help you."
I locked eyes with her, twisting my robes between my fingers-a nervous habit. I very consciously put my hands down at my sides.
"Okay," I said solemnly.
"I-wait-what?" She spluttered. "You're-you're going to tell me?"
"Yes," I said calmly.
"Oh, good-I thought I was going to have to force it out of you!" She relaxed, grinning at me and threading her arm through mine. "First do you want to start with why Stefan's been moping around like a kicked puppy every time he sees you?"
"He's not moping, believe me. Anyway, I'll get to that. It all started when I began to hear a voice..."
"...so the Room of Requirement is where I'm going to do it," I finished. "So maybe if something goes wrong I can keep them contained in there since I can manipulate the room pretty well. I'm going at it by myself and I'm going to do it at noon, that's when the book I told you about said I'm supposed to start doing the ritual stuff."
"I want to go with you!" Melody burst, putting her hands on my shoulders. Her eyes were shining with tears; though why, I didn't know. "Roxanne, that's-that's horrible you're going to have to do this by yourself! Death Eaters!" She whispered, looking appalled and terrified. "I'm going with you, I don't care what you say!"
"You can't," I said roughly, grimacing. "There's no way, you've got to go through all this training that we can't even begin to scratch the surface of in less than a day. Don't you remember what I told you? It took months!"
"Maybe...maybe if we start right now..." she trailed off as I shook my head.
"I'm at least going to sit there with you," she said firmly. "So I can help if you...if you bring the wrong ones back."
I let out a sigh. "Please, don't," I begged. "The only thing you can do is...is...if I'm not back by...three o' clock, say-if I'm not back by then, get Kingsley. Tell him everything."
Scorpius's POV
"Er-" I cleared my throat. This was awkward...I felt so out of place here with Stefan and his Durmstrang friends, even though they were sitting at the table I'd been at for six years.
They all looked up at me, pausing from their laughter over dinner. My eyes flickered to Rose behind me, and she gave me the go! motion with her hands. I rolled my eyes and turned back around to see Stefan standing, slightly taller than me, glaring down at me.
"Whoa-er, hey, mate." I took a step back, drawing myself up to my full height.
"What do you want, Malfoy?" Stefan drew himself up as well, still taller than me.
"Roxanne," I said in my deepest voice, and something in his face flickered, just for a moment. "I take it you know about-" I stopped, turning and walking a few steps. I turned to see if Stefan was following me; he was right behind me and nodded as we stepped out behind the doors of the Great Hall, down a darkened corridor.
"I take it you know that I tried to go into the Realms with Roxanne," I whispered, even though we were completely alone. Stefan's dark eyes flashed and he shrank down, suddenly looking very much like a young boy. He ran his hands over his face and through his hair, staring at me with wide dark eyes.
"Yeah, I know."
"It didn't work." The words hung between us, heavy.
"I know that, too. What am I supposed to do? I've tried talking to her, threatening, begging-she doesn't want anything to do with me. She won't let me help her," Stefan said, agitated.
"You want to know what I think?" I asked quietly, and Stefan glared at me mutinously. I plowed on quickly-
"I think for a guy who looks so hopelessly smitten like you, you're sure not doing a lot to go after her," I said all in one breath, and for a moment Stefan looked enraged before giving me a sheepish half smile.
"She's just so-"
"Stubborn," we said at the same time, and we both relaxed.
"Kind of annoying," I admitted.
"Mmh," Stefan grunted, nodding. "Very. So, uh, Rose."
"Yeah." I nodded.
"How long?"
"Almost a month," I grinned, and he nodded.
"Good job."
"Thanks. Anyway...it's...it's got to be you, mate, I can't do it. Every time..." I trailed off, embarrassed. Why wasn't Rose doing this? I was good at one word conversations with other blokes, like the one we'd just had. Not this emotional stuff. Al was one of the few I'd really connected with. Speaking of him...if Al saw me right now...I shuddered at the thought, but plowed on. "Every time we went to those weird mind games and she looked at me, I knew she was wishing I was you. It's always been you." I cleared my throat awkwardly.
Stefan looked at me, a sort of burning hope in his eyes.
Without a word he started to run, springing out of the hallway.
"You go, mate," I shouted after his back, pumping my fist in the air. "Whoooo!"