Part IX

Said canine got off the boy and into a space near the fireplace. With a small pop a man with shaggy black hair and a growing beard, his clothes placed the canine, tacky from the duel at the Ministry in June, appeared.

"Merry Christmas, Harry," he smirked. Tears brimmed the green eyes and he jumped into his godfather's arms, crying silently. Sirius smiled soften and he patted his back, hugging back manly.

"It's ok. Cry all you want," he spoke. With a wave of his wand, Remus made the box disappeared and everyone smiled at the touching scene. Harry and Sirius parted the hug.

"I'm glad you're back," the boy-who-lived croaked.

"Glad to be back," Sirius ruffled his hair.

"Don't ruffle my hair!" pouted Harry. "You'll make it worse."

"Not that it is," his lover chuckled. He sent her a glare. But the glare softened into a smile.

"Can't stay mad at me, can you?" she grinned. Harry pouted again and the whole room burst into soft laughter.

-00-

The door to a blue bedroom opened and the owner immediately went to her closet. She opened the door and peered at her reflection inside. Opening the other door she closed her blue orbs and concentrated. Feeling the familiar pain at the back and the heavy weight, Ten opened her eyes to see a few more black feathers falling from her wings and she whimpered quietly.

"Everything ok?" someone asked. The heiress gasped and turned around sharply to see Harry at the doorway. "And what is that?"

"Harry," Ten bite the inside of her lip. "There's something you need to know. Something I should have told you."

"Has it got to do with your wings?" he asked uncomfortably.

Ten nodded, her head hung. Harry strode over to her and placed her head in his hands, lifting it gently.

"Take your time," he whispered. "And don't be afraid. I'm here and I won't leave you." He pecked her forehead, making the girl crack a smile.

"OK," she mouthed, going to her bed. Harry followed and sat down beside her, taking her hand in his and squeezing it once in a while.

"Remember when I was unconscious before our project and you were asking me about that session I had with Professor Koltchak?" the brunette started. The black-headed boy nodded. "Well, I'm cursed. Till I die.

"One night, I followed Professor Koltchak to the Forbidden Forest, only to realise it was a trap by a death eater. He used David to get to me. He tried to attack David, with this curse, but I interfered, risking my life to save him. The wings are the side effects."

"And, what does these wings do?" the boy-who-lived was quiet until now; dread filled his stomach at the unanswered question.

"With every feather that falls, I'm one step closer to death."

"NO!" Harry got up as quick as a flash, eyes wide at the answer. Ten looked away, tears brimming her eyes. There were footsteps; loud then getting quieter. Ten looked up to find Harry no longer in the room.

"Harry!" she cried, knowing he won't come back… for now. From sitting at the edge of her bed, the brunette slid to the floor crying. She brought her knees up and cried into her arms, falling asleep after a while.

-00-

Dream

One by one it fell, grazing over his pale skin, showering him as he looked up, sadness and guilty clearly shown in his eyes as well as tears that looks like crystals against the bright light. It was almost empty, the wings. Just the skeletons that held the feathers together were there. His heart was beating faster and the emptiness was growing faster.

He couldn't believe it. It was all coming true. What she had told him that Christmas night. He scolded himself for not being there for her through and through, making the rest of her life the happiest one.

Five black feathers left.

"I shouldn't have run away,"

Four black feathers left.

"I wasn't thinking right,"

Three black feathers left.

"I'm sorry,"

Two black feathers left.

"I love you."

One black feather left.

"TEN!!!!!!"

End Of Dream

-00-

Harry sat up; screaming inaudibly, sweat pouring all over his skin, his breathing was coming in short gasps, as if he had just ran a million miles marathon. His eyes darted from left to right, unfocused as the dream all came back to him.

He saw Ten, floating in the sky, with just a few black feathers left, her sapphire blue eyes dull and brimmed with tears. He saw how someone so innocent was cursed like this. How he came to realise how stupid he was, leaving her all alone when she needed him most. And then felt her limp body in his arms as he cried for her like he had never cried before.

"Ten," he gasped, getting out of bed, almost tripping over his tangle blanket. He raced out of his bedroom and down the corridor. When he reached Ten's door, he saw the light was still on underneath and banged the door open.

Relief began to show on his face, as he saw her, curled up, the feathers all still intact. He didn't know if she was awake or asleep but opted all the same in walking towards her quietly.

Harry collapsed onto his knees in front of her, the memory of the dream flooding back into his mind. He bit his bottom lip, biting back his sob. Reaching towards her, he unfolded her arms and gently rested his head on her knees, tears falling freely from his green orbs. Getting no reaction from her, he lifted his head up, looking at her fair and innocent face. Her lips were just an inch away and he leaned forward. Caressing her, he kissed her chin, brushing their lips together, her cheek, until he felt movement. But he didn't stop. He continued, kissing each of her eyelids and finally her forehead, did he stopped and watched her open her orbs.

"Harry?" she whispered, focusing her vision on him.

"I'm sorry," he croaked, resting his head back on her knees, looking up at her. "I didn't mean to run away from you. I just… I was scared," and he let it all out; his crying his tears, he let it all out.

The heiress was taken back at this but her love for him didn't stop her from stroking his hair. Feeling her own tears getting to her, she rested her forehead against his, her hair covering their faces from the side.

"I love you," he whispered.

"I love you, too," the brunette smiled. Moving her head lower, she kissed his lips softly and gently. Sighing against her lips, Harry placed a hand at the back of her head, bringing her face closer and adding more pressure against the kiss. The moaning he received gave him the signal to lick her lips and she opened her mouth eagerly. Tilting his head to one side, he plunged his tongue into her territory gently, tracing her teeth before seeking for her tongue. She moaned loudly at the contact.

Slowly as if in a trance, they both moved slowly, while stick to lip-lock. Harry got up into a kneeling position. Ten moved to the side and slid into a lying position on the ground, bringing Harry on top of her. But the kiss from that position wasn't long and they broke apart, lacking for air.

Ten was flushed from the heated kiss and her eyes darkened to navy.

"I won't leave you ever again,"

She smiled at the whisper. "Can you stay with me? Tonight?"

The boy-who-lived smiled back. "I told you, I wouldn't leave you." He got up, bringing her along. Closing her eyes, the wings on her back returned into her body, flinching softly at the pain. Harry wrapped his arms around her, his hands massaging her shoulder blade as she leaned into him. She moaned softly at the ministrations, making Harry smile softly.

"You like that?" he asked. He received an immediate nod from her.

"Can I have a back massage one day?" she giggled. Without answering her question and picking the heiress bridal-style, he placed her gently onto the bed.

"Just tell me when, and I'll do it, angel," he answered, lying down beside her. He wrapped an arm around her waist loosely. Bringing up the covers, Ten snuggled into her lover and fell asleep immediately.

-00-

Late in the afternoon, a few days after New Year, Harry, Ron, Ginny and Ten lined up beside the kitchen fire to return to Hogwarts. The ministry had arranged this one-off connection to the Floo Network to return students quickly and safely to the school. Only Mrs Weasley was there to say goodbye, as Mr Weasley, Fred and George, Bill, Fleur and Remus and Tonks were all at work. Mrs Weasley dissolved into tears at the moment of parting. Admittedly, it took very little to set her off lately; she had been crying on and off ever since Percy had stormed from the house on Christmas Day with his glasses splattered with mashed parsnip (for which Fred, George and Ginny all claimed credit).

"Don't cry, mum," said Ginny, patting her on the back as Mrs Weasley sobbed into her shoulder. "It's OK…"

"Yeah, don't worry about us," said Ron, permitting his mother to plant a very wet kiss on his cheek, "or about Percy. He's such a prat, it's not really a loss, is it?"

Mrs Weasley sobbed harder than ever as she enfolded Harry in her arms.

"Promise me you'll look after yourself… stay out of trouble…"

"I always do, Mrs Weasley," said Harry. "I like a quiet life, you know me."

Ten stepped forward as Harry parted and gave Mrs Weasley a quick hug and a few comforting words. Mrs Weasley gave a watery chuckle and stood back.

"Be good, then, all of you…"

Harry stepped into the emerald fire and shouted, "Hogwarts!" he had one last fleeting view of the Weasley's kitchen and Mrs Weasley's tearful face before the flames engulfed him; spinning very fast, he caught blurred glimpses of other wizarding rooms, which were whipped out of sight before he could get a proper look; then he was slowing down, finally stopping squarely in the fireplace in Professor McGonagoll's office. She barely glanced up from her work as he clambered out over the grate.

"Evening, Potter. Try not to get too much ash on the carpet."

"No, Professor."

Harry straightened his glasses and flattened his hair as Ron came spinning into view. When Ginny and Ten had arrived, all four of them trooped out of McGonagoll's office and off towards the Gryffindor Tower. Harry glanced out of the corridor windows as they passed; the sun was already sinking over grounds carpeted in deeper snow than had lain over The Burrow garden. In the distance, he could see Hagrid feeding Buckbeak in front of his cabin. He felt his hand touched someone, and then his fingers entwining. He turned around to stare into a pair of bright sapphire eyes, twinkling, but still a bit tired.

"I need to head to my grandfather's office. He said he needs to talk to me," Ten said quietly, an apologetic features written on her face.

"No need to be sorry about it," Harry pecked her forehead. "You go ahead, and I'll meet you in the Gryffindor common room."

Ten smiled and pecked his lips lightly and briefly, before parting from him, walking down the third floor corridor towards the golden gargoyle.

"Baubles," said Ron confidently, when they reached the Fat Lady, who was looking rather paler than usual, and winced at his loud voice.

"No," she said.

"What d'you mean, 'no'?"

"There is a new password," she said. "And please don't shout."

"But we've been away, how're we supposed to-?"

"Harry! Ginny! Ron!"

Hermione was hurrying towards them, very pink-faced and wearing a cloak, hat and gloves.

"I got back a couple of hours ago, I've just been down to visit Hagrid," she said breathlessly. "Did you have a good Christmas?"

"Yeah," said Ron at once, "pretty eventful when Percy came."

"Percy came back?" Hemrione's eyes were wide.

"Yeah, with Dumbledore and Ten," Harry nodded.

"Tell me all about it when we get inside," breathed Hermione. "Password: Abstinence."

"Precisely," said the Fat Lady in a feeble voice, and swung forward to reveal the portrait hole.

"What's up with her?" asked Ginny.

"Overindulged over Christmas, apparently," said Hermione, rolling her eyes as she led the way into the packed common room. "She and her friend Violet drank their way through al the wine in that picture of drunk monks down by the Charms corridor. Anyway, what happened?"

"Percy came over with Dumbledore. He was holding Ten in his arms," answered Harry.

"What do you mean by that?"

"I mean he was holding her, bridal-style. She was asleep in his arms when they arrived. Turned out that she was bringing back Sirius."

"Sirius is back?" squeal the bushy-haired girl.

-00-

"And no one had any idea who did all of this?" asked the heiress, putting down a copy of the Daily Prophet. There has been a round of murder, seven dead people in the wizarding world, their pictures moving about on the front page.

"Apparently not," sighed her grandfather. The candle on his desk was lit, brighter than the other candles around the room, the flames dancing on the tip. In the brightest light, Ten could see the tiredness in the blue orbs she inherited, as well as the increasing lines on his forehead. Indeed Dumbledore is getting old, and our young heroine fear of his death, when the time would come for him to leave the world.

"And is Voldemort involved in this?" she asked, looking at where Sirius lay. The man had turned back into his animagus form, sleeping on the couch, drooling over the rich red carpet.

"There has been no word from any of the order whether or not this is connected to him," spoke Dumbledore.

"Are there any clues?" she needs to find more information, that's her job in the order, to help.

Her grandfather shook his head.

"Well, we don't know who commit this murder, we don't know if it is linked to Voldemort nor do we have any clues to his plans whatsoever. From what I can think of, there's nothing to do but wait,"

"I was afraid of that answer, when I thought of it too," his quiet voice rang.

"Grandfather, don't get too worked up in this, please. I'm here, you're not alone," she smiled her rare smile, reserved only for her grandfather. Dumbledore smiled back tiredly and stretched out his arms.

Getting up from her seat, Ten strode to her only living relative and gave him his favourite bear hug.

"I love you," they both said at the same time. A chuckle escaped their lips.

"Grandfather, go to sleep. You're tired," frowned the brunette.

"Yes, madam," he smiled and got up. With a wave of her hand, the lights of the office dimmed and she closed the door softly as she made her way out.

-00-

The portrait hole leading to the Gryffindor common room opened and a female figure entered later that night. Her hair was tied up into a high ponytail, her bangs covering her dull blue eyes, puffy red from crying. Her cheeks were sticky from dried tears as she walked further into the warm common room.

"Hey, you're back," someone spoke softly. She could almost see his smile, even when she didn't look at him. "Did he wanted to talk to you that much to hold you back for over two hours?"

"No," Ten's voice cracked. "We only talked for about half an hour,"

Heavy footsteps made their way towards her, his hand on her upper arm.

"Ten, what's the matter?" his soft, soothing voice asked. "Ten, look at me." Ten did as she was requested; open her dull blue eyes, tears crystallizing when her face bathed in moonlight.

"Ten? What happened?" Harry gasped, wiping her tears that were rolling down her cheek. "He wasn't harsh on you, was he?"

Ten shook her head furiously. More tears fell at the motion. She opened her mouth to answer his question, a small croak came out. She opened again; the lump in her throat stopped her from speaking. She opened her mouth one more time; a sob escaped her. It was all she needed as she burst into crying again, letting her head hung.

"Ten!" Harry wrapped his arms around her, holding her close. He let her use his shoulder, his chest as he led her to the couch in front of the fierce fire. Sitting on his lap, and wrapping her arms around his neck, the brunette welcome his warmth and let him comfort her. He always loves stroking her hair.

"Grandfather's dying," she whispered after half an hour of calm and comfort. Harry slowed his motion but didn't stop.

"I'm sorry to hear that,"

"It's not fair!" she cried, letting out a sniff.

"Life will never be fair, Ten. And even if he is gone, he's not gone forever. His spirits linger in the air, watching over you, making sure you gain happiness and help whenever you need. But most of all, you won't be alone when he will be gone. You have me. I love you so much to let you live in the dark, Ten. I won't let you go," with that, his own eyes were brimming with tears as he nuzzled her neck to seek his own comfort.

Ten sighed; knowing that everything he said was true. Just because they're not here, doesn't mean they're truly gone. You just can't see them, but somewhat feel their presence.

"I know," she whispered. "Thank you,"

"Your welcome," he croaked, feeling her pain.

Time passed and the event tired young Ten out. She had immediately fallen asleep after five minutes in Harry's arms. Harry felt her even breathe on his skin as well as hear it and looked down at her, smiling softly at how peaceful she looks. He would put her to bed in her room and just before he got up from the couch he remembered he didn't know her password. The other options were sleeping on the couch or take her to his room. At the thought of sleeping on the couch and having his back hurt from the position, Harry got up and picked Ten up bridal-style, taking her to his room.

"My love," he whispered. There was a soft 'click' and the door to his room opened. He entered the Gryffindor theme bedroom and headed straight to the bed, placing his lover down onto it gently, wrapping her in the red blanket. With a wave of his wand, he changed her into her nightclothes; black jogging bottoms and white t-shirt. He waved his wand again, changing himself into his nightclothes; red shirt and black bottoms. With a last wave of his wand he made the fire in the fireplace, that lay against one wall, lit up, giving enough heat for the night before climbing into bed, next to the female.

He took off his glasses, placing them on the bedside table, and lay down on his side, facing Ten. Letting out a sigh, he wrapped his arm around her waist loosely and let his eyes drop, falling asleep.

-00-

Dream

Something was out there. I can tell that much. I haven't seen it, but I felt it and it's not good. It did pretty hard damages, that I can see right now. And there it goes again.

Everything in sight was burnt, the once mighty castle of Hogwarts destroyed, its remnants all around me. Sadly, I could do nothing but watch as it kept killing everyone in sight.

Whoever it was, student or teacher or Auror… everyone who moved, or could still move was killed in the next instant.

And blood.

The blood, all the blood… I think that's the worse part. Of course that in carnage such as this one, there would be blood. But so much of it? As I descended the hill that led me to the valley that was most attacked, small rivers of the thick red substance followed me along, making me look forwards as to not see it.

The sight… the blood, the bodies… I doubt that it'll leave my mind, that I'll be able to forget it.

And then, the faces… the pale faces. Some didn't even have a single drop of blood. I'd say they would be alive, if it wasn't their eyes, soulless… lifeless… wide and unbelieving.

Only something like that could do this.

But now I knew. It couldn't be just a simple coincidence. It was far too dark to be something else. I doubt it was actually them. The couple that was once invaded my dreams. No, only one of their creations, perhaps… either way, I knew it came from them.

That black aura; the darkness itself; it was inside the creature that's tearing people apart with it's mouth, ripping their limbs, their heart out. The scream, screeching through the dark as the creature growled with satisfaction. Then silence, as it advanced to another being, doing the same damage. Another scream and growl and then silence; It's like a cycle, a never-ending cycle.

Our time of calmness is coming to an end. I know that. All my visions, the Death Eater attacks on the newspapers… everyone knows.

We had enough time to be in the grey. People will have to choose: black or white, dark or light.

That thing- whatever it was, I still don't know- hovered over me now, as I looked up. It smiled deviously, mouthing something. At first, I didn't understand, but then…

"Soon." It was the word it was trying to say to me.

I simply nodded. It wasn't the end of that vision, I'm sure of that. Even though it was the first time I'm having this vision, this dream, it's not the end, or else everything would have changed. Maybe I would have woken up by now, but I haven't. First, it was just the destruction, then all the blood, and finally the bodies. The new part this time was the killing while I watched.

Ron Weasley.

Hermione Granger.

Draco Malfoy.

Iris Koltchak.

Harry Potter.

All dead. Not a single sparkle in their eyes. All around me, there was only me. All around me…

There was only death.

Suddenly there was this flash of bright green light, that almost blinded me, have I not put a hand to cover my hues. When it was over, I looked and screamed,

"GRANDFATHER!!"

End of Dream

-00-

"GRANDFATHER!"

Tenebrae Dumbledore, sat up straight, gasping for breath, her hand reaching out as if catching her grandfather's dead body she just dreamt. Her blue hues were wide and scared; the tears twinkled in the moonlight soon rolled down her cheeks. She let down her hand and was about to bring up her knees when she heard and felt shuffling from beside her. Almost jumping out of her skin, Ten looked beside her to fin Harry poking his head out under the blankets, eyes opened and also sitting up.

"Ten? Ten! You ok?" his voice was filled with concern as he asked those questions.

Said girl looked at her lover, and it took her a few full seconds to realise that he was alive, and in one piece. The scared look in her eyes turned to relief as she threw her arms around his waist, sobbing onto his chest.

"Ten?" Harry blinked at the sudden motion. Nevertheless, he wrapped his own arms around her, holding her close to stop her from shaking. It took Ten five full minutes to stop crying and calm down. After that she wiped her tears away and pulled back, her eyes red and puffy, her blue hues dull and scared.

"What's wrong?" Harry whispered, running his knuckles against the side of her face gently. Ten closed her eyes, welcoming the caress.

"I… had a nightmare," she croaked. "About all of us."

Harry didn't stop his motion, but his face became serious. He gently pulled a few strands of her hair away from her face, using the excuse to run his fingers through her silky tresses.

"I first saw this invisible creature, killing everybody; students, teachers, Aurors and Death eaters. Then I helplessly watched as it ripped you and the others apart, limb from limb, tearing out your heart." She gulped, the lump in her throat stopping her, but she continued, ignoring the pain as much as she can.

"And then this flash of bright green light and grandfather…" she stopped there, choking on her sobs as tears returned once more. Harry didn't need telling twice. The hand at the back of her head pulled her head down, and placed it against his chest, where she could hear his steady heartbeat. Just by its mere sound she broke into tears again, clutching onto Harry's shirt tightly.

"Ten," Harry rubbed her back, making small circles here and there. "I'm not going to leave you. I promise you."

"But what if you die like I saw?" her voice muffled.

"It won't happened," he frowned. "I love you too much to let you go. And so does Dumbledore."

"I know," he heard her say. After a while, they pulled back. Ten took several deep breaths before looking up and locking her blue orbs with his green one. Just by this simple look, there was something akin to great relief, almost as if she was asking for comfort. A small smile curved up his lips and he leaned forward, gently catching her lips with his in a gentle kiss.

Even if she didn't asked for this, she was glad he made the move. Just by touching his lips like this did she feel relaxed and secure in his arms after that nightmare of hers; the dream obviously shaken her a lot.

The hand on her hair travelled down her body and rested over her waist, his other hand doing the same and pulling her close to his body, giving her the warmth she secretly crave; he felt her Goosebumps. One of her own arms wrapped around his neck, her free hand fisted the t-shirt on his shoulder as his tongue traced her lips.

Tilting her head to the side to give him a better access and to allow the kiss to be deepened, the girl parted her lips invitingly. Playfully, he nipped at her lower lip before he entered her mouth with his tongue, searching for hers. At the contact, they both groaned softly at the same time.

Cursing their lungs for having to breath, they broke the heated kiss, looking into each other's eyes, navy blue locking with forest green, darkened by passion.

Looking over him as she caught her breath, she caught his lips again, this time more harshly, hearing him moan against her lips. She changed her position without breaking the heated kiss; she placed her legs either side of him and sat on his lap. Using her weight, she slowly and gently made him lay down on the bed, with her on top just as he traced her lips once more.

The hands rested over her waist was still there, this time to hold her balance as she opened her lips invitingly and letting him invade her once more that night. They both moaned at the contact. Harry ran his hands up and down her sides, making her moan and break the heated kiss.

They smiled at each other as they gazed into each other's hues, the blue orbs filled with love and care only for him to see.

"I love you" he whispered those three special words. Ten rested her head against his chest, a small smile on her lips as she heard his fast beating heart, beating in time with hers.

"I love you too."