A/N: I apologize for the bad layout of the Prologue and hope I didn't scare everyone away. If there is a band called "Selene's Mystery" – which I'm not aware of – I also apologize for using their name in my story. Otherwise I claim it is my own invention. The song 'Selene' sings is called "Whisper" and belongs to Evanescence. By the way, the words in italics are Sindarin (elvish) and belong to J.R.R. Tolkien but I borrowed them because I think it fits nicely. You can find the translations on the bottom of the page.

1. Selene

---------------------------------------------

The moon must be an angel,
Her halo surely heaven sent
Watching from above should the bells forget to ring
And we're but lonely travellers
Following the ray of light
All become the same when we begin to sing

Round and round we all go,
Where we stop nobody knows,
Heaven meets on the earth
For the sake of the song...

"Sake Of Song" by Blackmore's Night

--------------------------------------------

Someone is watching me.

A sick feeling started to spread in the pit of her stomach. She could feel the invisible eyes on her body, watching her every step. It was scaring her. The first time she noticed it had been two years ago, and ever since then she knew someone was following her. But whenever she turned around she realized she had been imagining it.

She sighed heavily. Maybe she should try to get more sleep. She was always so busy it was hard to find peace at night. Her friends and fellow band members would always tell her she should not overexert herself but how could she rest when there were people who needed her help?

Gwyneth, her mentor, had always told her to do everything in her power to ease the pain that existed on this planet and never distinguish between living and non-living, magical or non-magical creatures.

"Every being on this planet has its purpose. Some may be misguided but in the end they will realize their mistakes. You were put in this world to lead them back into the light" Gwyneth used to say.

Though she didn't fully understand the meaning of the old woman's words she tried her best to help the people. That was the reason why she had accepted Leila's – one of her Muggle friend's – offer to be the singer of her band. Growing up with a group of Irish minstrels, she had learned from an early age never to underestimate the healing power of music. It could mend broken hearts, give strength to those who listened.

After her mentor had left her two year ago she had joined the band "Selene's Mystery". It had been so much fun performing in front of hundreds of people, to see the delight on their faces when she started to sing. Although she was not sure whether they could understand the message behind her words, at least she could try.

Suddenly her mobile phone started to ring. She frowned, surprised that someone would call her five minutes before she would have to enter the stage.

"Hello?" she asked. There was no reply.

"Who is there?" she tried again. When there was still no one answering, she sighed and was about to hang up she heard a voice that made her blood run cold in her veins.

"It's me, pen neth."

Her eyes widened when she heard the familiar voice of the one person she had thought she would never have to face again.

"Gwyneth?" she breathed. This was not happening. This was so not happening… A low chuckle was heard. Even this small sound brought back so many memories that she had to close her eyes to fight them of. Now was not the right time to face her past. There would never be a right time.

"After all this years you have not changed at all, my dear Candice."

She shook her head. "How would you know?" Her voice was but a whisper. Then she cleared her throat and spoke up again. "Why are you calling me, Gwyneth?"

The older woman sighed. Candice felt her heart beating even faster as she waited for her to answer the question. She hadn't heard anything from Gwyneth – or any other member of the clan – for five years.

"I have to ask you a favour."

Candice held her breath as she waited for the woman to continue. She knew she should be angry, furious but all she could feel was relief because her former mentor seemed to be at good health. Tears threatened to run down her face.

"What is it?"

Gwyneth sighed. "I have no time to explain it to you. In fact, I shouldn't even have called you. But there was no other way to contact you fast enough. You are in London, right?"
Candice frowned. Her old mentor's voice sounded agitated.

"Yes, I am."

"Very well. There is a street called Grimmauld Place. Do you know it?"

"No. But I guess I could ask Leila or one of the guys."

"I need you to come there as soon as possible."

Gwynteh's voice sounded so urgent she couldn't possibly refuse her demand. There was something in the old woman's voice that alarmed her. Besides, she had always avoided arguing with her.

"I have a performance tonight. But if it's important I could go there afterwards."

Suddenly she heard someone else calling her name. Quickly she turned around and saw Nicholas, the drummer of their band, mentioning for her to hang up and join them. She motioned for him to wait and concentrated on the phone again.

"Is there something else you need to tell me?" Candice tried to make her voice sound as neutral as possible. She didn't want the other woman to know how her unexpected call had affected her.

"Yes. I want you to look for number twelve, Grimmauld Place. You have to use your special abilities to discover it. A man called Albus Dumbledore is living there. He is expecting you."

Since she had learned not to question her mentor's motives she just said: "I will do what you ask of me."

"Fine."

There was an uneasy silence between them. Candice wanted to ask so many questions she didn't even know where to start. But at the same time she knew that she probably would not get pleasing answers. Maybe she never would.

"Candice!" she heard Nicholas yell again.

"I have to hang up", she finally said.

"Yes. I wish you good luck, pen neth."

The nickname brought back so many memories; she had to stifle a sob.

"Thank you, Gwyneth."

And then the connection was gone. Candice stared at her mobile phone for some moments until she felt someone grabbing her left arm.

"Candice! Are you finished? We have to be ready in two minutes."

She sighed and forced a shaky smile on her lips. Only then did she notice that her hands were trembling and she quickly drew in a deep breath to calm herself down.

"Yes, I am."

Nicholas frowned when he noticed her obvious discomfort.

"Who had been calling you?" he asked curiously. Candice just shook her head. He had always been very protective of her.

"No one," she said and started to walk towards her friends to prepare for their – perhaps last – show.

--------------------------------------------------

The crowd was getting excited.

They started to move, to cheer and to scream the name of the band that was to perform next. Obviously it was a very popular band because he had heard the people who stood around him say that they were only here to watch "Selene's Mystery". He had never heard about them before but then again, he was not that familiar with Muggle rock music. Hell, he did not know much about music at all!

If they are as bad as the other two bands I'm going to kill Hermione, he thought resentfully. It had been her idea to visit this concert tonight. She also liked "Selene's Mystery" which had surprised himself and Ron. They had never pictured their nice, studious Hermione to be a fan of Muggle rock music.

Harry groaned when he felt the man who stood before him step on his left foot again. He was getting tired and his feet were aching because he had been standing here for about four hours. Hermione had insisted that they should come here two hours before the concert started. She had been so anxious to see this stupid band and her constant chatter was getting on his nerves. Although he loved his best friend dearly she could be so annoying sometimes. This was even worse than her obsession with studying.

Now she was nagging Ron who smiled at her but Harry could see that it was a forced one. The redhead would do anything to see her happy – that was the reason why he had agreed to accompany her.

Or maybe he should kill Sirius instead. He was the one who had given them the tickets in the morning. "Have fun. I know I enjoyed rock concerts and especially Muggle rock concerts when I was younger" he had told them with a smirk.

But right now Harry did not have very much fun. How could someone enjoy standing in such a big crowd with sweaty, huge, beer-drinking and very hairy men and screaming fangirls for hours? It was a miracle to him.

Besides, the two bands that had performed so far had been horrible. They had been so loud that his ears were hurting.

Harry sighed as he watched the people who were standing around him. To his surprise he had noticed that not only Muggles attended this concert but also some wizards. He had seen some 5th year Hufflepuff girls when they had been waiting in front of the gates and even more of them in the mass of people around him.

"Harry?" he heard Hermione ask. Sighing, he turned his head to look at her.

"What is it, 'Mione?"

Her cheeks were red from excitement and her blue eyes were sparkling in the dim light.

"Are you alright? You don't seem to enjoy this concert very much," she stated, concern written all over her face. He didn't have the heart to tell her the truth so he forced a small smile on his face.

"Don't worry, I'm alright. I'm curious to see the next band", he replied. When Hermione grinned and turned towards him he almost regretted his words.

"Selene's Mystery will perform next. Oh, I'm dying to see them! They are really great. They have a female singer and she is absolutely gorgeous! Her voice is extraordinary and…"

Harry couldn't understand the rest of her sentence because suddenly the crowd started to cheer. The lights went off and now only the golden rays of the setting sun illuminated the sky. It would have been a beautiful scene if he had watched it somewhere – anywhere – else.

At least I don't have to listen to 'Mione's chatter any longer, he thought and then sighed heavily. He should stop thinking so negatively and at least try to enjoy the show. So Harry turned his attention to the stage again. He saw five figures standing in the shadows so the band had probably already entered the stage. But why didn't they start playing?

Suddenly all lights went out, except for one single spotlight that was directed at the middle of the stage. The crowed cheered even louder. "She's coming!" a girl that was standing in front of him screamed and Harry winced. Why were they all so excited about this stupid band? They couldn't be that good, could they?

Then he suddenly heard a sound coming from the several loudspeakers that were placed all around them. It was so quiet that Harry almost failed to notice it at first. Only when it became louder he realized that someone was humming a melody into the microphone. All the people around him stopped cheering and screaming and just kept on staring at the stage, where a large, glowing crescent, held by a thick rope was slowly being lowered down, stopping shortly before it reached the ground.

The humming grew louder and now Harry was able to hear the tune more clearly. It sounded sad, almost desperate but it was also very harmonious and beautiful. After some time the keyboard joined in, supporting the singer and giving the melody a longing undertone.

After some time the large crescent started to move again, slowly turning around and Harry realized the singer had to be on the other side.

Harry caught himself holding his breath in anticipation. Only now he realized his heart was beating much faster than usually. Like the rest of the audience he wanted to see the singer who could silence several hundred people just by humming a simple melody.

When the moon had turned around completely it revealed a small figure in a long red dress sitting on it. Golden wavy tresses were spilling all around her, contrasting the dark red fabric nicely. From the distance Harry couldn't see any details but he saw enough to feel a rush of heat pulsing through his body. She was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen, even more beautiful that the Veelas he had seen at the Quidditch tournament some years ago.

She stopped humming the melody and got up from her sitting position to take her place in front of the other band members. The spotlight was still directed only at her as she gracefully lifted her head to look at the audience.

"Selene!" he heard someone yell and suddenly the spell she had put over everyone was broken. The people started cheering again, much louder than before. The noise finally brought Harry's thoughts back to the present. He was still staring at her, like she would vanish if he didn't keep on looking at her. He saw a wide smile spread on her face. Then she lifted a hand and the drummer started to play the rhythm of their first song.

The guitarist waited until it was time for their entry and soon the whole hall was filled with the loud, slightly aggressive melody.

Harry had never been much into music before – and certainly not into rock music – but somehow he found that he liked the way the ground he was standing on vibrated so he could feel the music instead of just hearing it. Who would have thought I would end up liking hard rock, he thought absentmindedly, not really sure why this thought had entered his head. But when 'Selene' started to sing all thoughts were erased from his mind.

"Catch me as I fall

Say you're here and it's all over now

Speaking to the atmosphere

No one's here and I fall into myself

This truth drives me into madness

I know I can stop the pain if I will it all away…"

Her voice certainly matched her looks. That was the first thing Harry noticed. It sounded clear and was not as high as he had expected. Again there was a slightly desperate undertone, like she was trying to deliver a secret message but failed miserably.

"Don't turn away

Don't give in to the pain

Don't try to hide

Though they're screaming your name

Don't close your eyes

God knows what lies behind

Don't turn out the lights

Never sleep, never die…"

Her voice was so clear that Harry could understand the lyrics as well. Usually he wouldn't pay too much attention to something like this, but for some reason the words 'Selene' sung hit a nerve.

"I'm frightened by what I see

But somehow I know

That there's much more to come

Immobilized by my fear

And soon to be blinded by tears

I can stop the pain if I will it all away

If I will it all away…"

In a way it felt like she was voicing the thoughts that had troubled him for so long. The insecurities. The fear of failing to live up to everyone's expectations. The possibility that he wouldn't be able to protect the ones he loved. Or the whole wizarding world for that matter.

"Fallen angels at my feet

Whispered voices at my ear

Death before my eyes

Lying next to me I fear

She beckons me shall I give in

Upon my end shall I begin

Forsaking all I've fallen for

I rise to meet the end…"

The instruments had stopped playing when she had sung the last lines, except for the synthesizer in the background. Her voice sounded more urgent than before, like she wanted to convey a message. Harry frowned when he heard them. Was this the end of the song? Somehow it didn't feel right for the song to end like this. It had been reflecting his own emotions so frighteningly well before, would he end up giving in to the pain?

When the guitars started to play again, he sighed and chided himself for having such irrational thoughts. It was just a song after all, right?

Suddenly 'Selene' lifted her gaze to stare in his direction. No, not only in his direction, but at him. Harry blinked but when he opened his eyes again, he still had the feeling she was looking at him directly. He knew that it was impossible – he was standing too far away from the stage, there was no way she could see him in the crowd. When she raised her voice again, the words seemed to pierce his very soul.

"Don't turn away

Don't give in to the pain

Don't try to hide

Though they're screaming your name

Don't try to hide

God knows what lies behind

Don't turn off the lights

Never sleep, never die…"

Don't give up.

This seemed to be the message 'Selene' wanted to deliver to the audience. Harry had no idea how the others felt about it but suddenly he felt like he understood.

I will never give up. As long as there is still hope I will fight against the darkness.

Harry made a silent vow while the band played the last few notes of their first song. The blurred image of 'Selene' looking at him would stay with him and remind him of this special night.

----------------------------------------------

The room which had been assigned to Remus Lupin at the Order's headquarter was small and when he had first set his foot in it, there had been a gloomy, inhospitable aura. It had taken him hours of cleaning and redecorating until he had felt comfortable. But the result was more than pleasing. The formerly bare stonewall was now covered with red and orange hangings and a carpet covered the wooden floor. Remus had transformed the old furniture into a new bed made of birch wood and a matching wardrobe. Since he couldn't bear to part with his old desk, he had kept it.

Usually Remus tried to keep his room clean and neat, but now books and papers were scattered everywhere. He was sitting on one of the two armchairs that were positioned in front of the fireplace, his head buried in his hands as he continued to scan the pages of the book he had just pulled out of the bookshelf. When he didn't find what he had been looking for, he tossed the book away and sighed.

"Why does it have to be so difficult?" he asked himself. After the meeting was over Remus had decided to do some research. Even though he knew much about magical creatures he had never been particularly interested in elves. It was just as Severus Snape had said earlier – they were peaceful creatures who were good at summoning spirits and creating useful magical artefacts. They had a close connection to nature and didn't like wizards very much though Remus knew that it had not always been like this. A long time ago elves had formed alliances with wizards and helped them when they felt it was needed to restore peace in the world. But this was common knowledge.

It was the way in which elves had aided the wizards that was interesting. And this was where the word 'Sacrifice' came into existence. He didn't know much about 'Sacrifices' so since they would have to deal with one of them soon, he wanted to be prepared. Only now he realized how difficult it was to find out more about this species. He had not found any useful information in his books, only horrible stories about 'Sacrifices' that stood up against their masters. Somehow he didn't believe they were vile creatures, after all they had a connection to the elves.

Remus had been so lost in his thoughts that he flinched when he heard someone knocking on his door. Startled, he looked at his watch. It was well past midnight already. Who could possibly want something from him so late at night?

"Come in," he called tiredly, not really sure he wanted to have a visitor now. His research had been so frustrating that he only wanted to go to bed and rest for a while.

When the door opened and a tall, slim figure, dressed in ever-present black robes entered the room, Remus had to blink a few times until he could be sure that he wasn't imagining this. But he caught himself before his unexpected guest could notice his surprise.

"Good evening, Severus," he greeted the other man who had started to survey the small room with a frown.

"I always thought you had a thing for decency," Severus Snape replied as his eyes lingered on the papers and books lying on the floor. Remus ignored his visitor's impolite behaviour and just offered a smile.

"Usually I have, but sometimes when I get involved with an important task I'm too distracted to remember."

The potion master just nodded and then looked at him inquiringly. Remus suppressed the urge to take a step backwards when the other man's black eyes met his, slightly surprised at the intensity lingering within. Severus Snape had an irascible temper sometimes – and a sharp tongue to match – and his eyes suited the image Remus had of him.

After some time Severus broke the eye contact.

"Have a seat," Remus offered his guest and the other man hesitantly sat down on the red armchair that was placed opposite from the one Remus had occupied before. When they were both seated Severus continued to survey the room. Silence spread, and Remus started to feel awkward. After all, it was not like the other man was a regular guest in his quarters – actually, this was the first time he came to his rooms voluntarily. Knowing the purpose for the potion master's presence had to be something important, he broke the silence.

"Do you want tea or something?" Well, not the best way to start a conversation but at least it brought the other man's attention back to him.

"Don't you think it is too late to drink tea?" Severus said with a smirk on his face.

"Not at all. I think it's quite relaxing to drink a cup of tea in the evening." Before his guest could reply he got up and fetched an old looking tea pot from his desk as well as a second cup from one of the shelves. His own cup was still placed on the small sideboard next to his chair. Remus ignored the frown on the other Professor's face and handed him the teacup after filling it with a dark red liquid.

"It is herbal tea with cherry flavour," he explained and offered a faint smile when Severus Snape eyed first the used porcelain teacup and then him curiously.

"Try it, it's not poisoned, you know," Remus urged after the other man just continued staring at him. Hesitantly he lifted the cup to his lips and did as he was told.

"It's not bad, right?" Severus didn't bother to give an answer, but Remus noticed that he took another sip before lowering the cup to the sideboard.

"I have not come to discuss tea with you, Lupin," the other man started. Remus just shrugged and refilled his teacup. "I already guessed that this is not the purpose of your visit. After all, I kind of forced that topic on you."

Severus eyed him warily. It almost seemed as though he was trying to see whether the werewolf made fun of him. When all he got was a polite smile, he decided to continue.

"I came here because I was told that you have a vast knowledge of magical creatures. Not only from your own experience, but also because you are interested in the topic. And on that background I think you might be the only one who will be able to understand not only the importance of a 'Sacrifice' in this war but also comprehend what had happened the last time the elves made this special offer."

Remus looked at his guest questioningly. This was probably the longest speech he had ever heard Severus hold outside his classroom. At least when he was around. "Most of the order members are interested in magical creatures. And certainly all of them are curious about the history of the 'Sacrifices'."

The potions master sighed took the teacup again in his hands. "They might be interested in this topic, but as I said, they will not be able to actually comprehend it. You did some research on it already, didn't you?" He pointed at the books that covered the floor.

"Yes," he admitted. "But it was futile. There is almost no information in the regular books."
"And that exactly is the reason why I am here," Severus concluded.

Now Remus was confused. "I'm sorry, Severus, but I don't think I understand what you are trying to say."

"There is a reason why the story of 'Gurvelon' is not written down in any of the common books. There must be more to it than just the aspects we know. Albus has to know some things about it otherwise he would have refused the offer. And my intention is to find out more about it."

Remus looked at the other wizard and saw a strange gleam entering his eyes. He had never imagined that Severus Snape of all people could get so passionate about a matter like this.

"Not that I mind your visit, but that still doesn't explain why you are here."

The intense black eyes focused on him. "I plan on doing my research in secret. I will use my advantages as a spy to gather more information. But it is impossible for me to gain access to other important sources that you on the other hand could explore without many difficulties."

Remus studied the other man's face. His jaw was clenched and also he appeared to be composed, the way he sat there, his back straight, sipping his tea in pretence of calmness, only his eyes betrayed his aloof behaviour. Suddenly Remus knew it had not been easy for Severus Snape to approach him – him of all people! – with this matter.

"I offer you an exchange of information," the other man continued. "Since we will both be doing research it will benefit you as well to know what the Dark Lord's followers know about the 'Gurvelon' incident."

The former Gryffindor contemplated the offer for a moment. He still couldn't understand why Severus had approached him or what he had meant about him being able to comprehend whatever had happened back then. He had to admit that it was the best way to get most information and eventually answers to his many questions.

"I agree to your proposal," Remus said, his voice earnest. "I will let you know when I find out anything interesting."

"Very well."

After hearing that, Severus Snape emptied his cup of tea and stood, after carefully setting the mug on the sideboard. Without another word he walked turned around and left the room, closing the door behind him. Remus continued to stare at the closed door, listened to the retreating footsteps until they were gone. It took him some time before he could fully comprehend what had just happened.

"Has Severus Snape really asked me to form an alliance with him?" he whispered, not really believing the words himself. And then, some time later: "And I accepted willingly to help him with his secret research?"

He shook his head and lifted the teacup to his lips again. All he could do for now was waiting and see how things would progress from now on.

--------------------------------------------------------------

I do realize that some people – for example Harry and Hermione – act quite out of character. But then again, this is only fanfiction, right? Find out more about the task Candice's mentor has given her and what the Order has to do with it in the next chapter.

gurvelon – sacrifice

pen neth – little one