Harry Potter and the Cult of Shadows

by chadsgirl824

AFTER HOGWARTS Harry now works at Hogwarts and has his hands full as the new Defense Against the Dark Arts instructor. But Voldemort's fate is still a mystery and dark forces are closer than anyone imagines. Written before OotP

6. Chapter 6

As the flames died down, Harry had to stifle a groan when he saw Marshall Thurston step out of the hearth and into the office. Why in the world would Dumbledore ask him to come, of all the ministers?

"Good morning, Minerva," Thurston began, his tone quite pleasant as he crossed to the headmistress' desk. "Sorry for the delay in my arrival. Albus was terribly busy with several important matters that couldn't be put off, so I volunteered to come, to begin this investigation. Others will be arriving soon, I assure you, and the school grounds will be thoroughly searched."

"Thank you for coming, Mr. Thurston," McGonagall nodded curtly, before gesturing towards the closest chair. "Please, have a seat."

"Yes, yes…now," Thurston said after clearing his throat softly, barely glancing at either Snape or Harry. He turned his gaze towards where Hadley was sitting, her eyes fixed on her feet, which were swinging back and forth beneath her chair. "Miss Thurnes?" he asked, his tone demanding her attention at once.

Hadley simply raised her head, a bored expression on her face. Harry let a small grin cross his lips. It appeared Hadley was already back to her normal self, and he wouldn't mind one bit if she gave Thurston a hard time.

"My name is Mr. Thurston, and I need to ask you a few questions," he continued stiffly.

Hadley shrugged as if she couldn't care less, and simply sat in silence, waiting, her gaze drifting around the room slowly.

"Miss Thurnes this is a serious matter," Thurston spoke up fiercely. "Now if you'll pay attention please. Tell me what happened last night…what made the dementors attack you?"

"Mr. Thurston," Snape began, quietly.

But Thurston merely held up a stiff hand, gesturing for the potions master to remain silent. Harry could almost see Snape's blood boiling at this, and honestly couldn't blame him. Hadley might not be the most well-mannered student, but Thurston had no right to treat her so rudely.

"If I knew, I'd tell you," Hadley said quietly, looking momentarily into the thin minister's eyes before lowering her gaze once more.

"That I don't believe," Thurston said snidely. "How is it that you have no idea…?"

"Mr. Thurston, there's no need…" Snape began again, angrily.

"Severus, I'll thank you to be quiet and let me do my job," Thurston said fiercely, his eyes flashing.

Snape's own eyes narrowed at the minister's words, and he crossed his hands over his chest, glowering darkly at Thurston.

"As I was saying," Thurston went on, heatedly. "I think it is possible, as Professor McGonagall explained to Albus earlier, that someone was able to curse you, forcing you unknowingly out into the forest…but there must be a reason. You must know what you did to…"

"I didn't do anything, alright?" Hadley shouted suddenly, an insulted gleam in her eyes. "I don't know why they would…"

"Miss Thurnes I won't stand for…" Thurston began.

"Thurston…" Snape started again, loudly, but this time Harry could no longer remain silent, and spoke up fiercely.

"Mr. Thurston, Hadley said she doesn't know why the dementors went after her…why are you so sure she must be lying? She's had a very frightening experience and you aren't helping matters any by yelling at her! Now if you want to talk, to ask questions that might really help you find who did this, fine…but stop pressing Hadley for information that it's very obvious she doesn't have."

As he finished speaking, Harry drew in his breath, waiting for Thurston to get angry; to scream at him for interrupting…but it never came. Instead, the minister nodded faintly, his jaw set tightly as he looked back at Harry.

"Yes, you're quite right," he said quietly. "My apologies, Miss Thurnes. I only wanted…"

But he was cut off yet again, as the green flames rose up once more in the hearth. The other ministers began arriving one at a time. Harry recognized both Arthur and Percy Weasley in the group, along with Draco Malfoy. They were all wearing steely grey robes that hung lower than usual, with hoods drawn up over their heads. When the fire died down once again, just over a dozen ministers stood in the office. One of them stepped forward as Thurston rose from his seat.

"Albus wants to see you, immediately," the minister spoke up quietly as he neared Thurston. "He said you weren't…"

"Very well, very well," Thurston cut in hastily, intentionally cutting off the end of the man's sentence. "I just need to speak with Miss Thurnes about…"

"No Marshall, Albus asked for you to return now," the man said pointedly.

Harry watched the discussion with interest, getting the impression Thurston was not asked to come here at all today. The two ministers spoke in hushed tones for a moment longer, before Thurston at last headed back towards the hearth, throwing floo powder into the small blaze and stepping in.

Harry stood up as the ministers that had just arrived moved further into the office. He stepped forward, wanting to speak with Mr. Weasley, when Snape suddenly stood up as well, sharply cutting in front of him and blocking his way. Harry glanced up at him questioningly, to find Snape glaring darkly at him, his eyes narrowed.

"Never interrupt me when I'm speaking again, Potter," he hissed in a deadly silent voice. Then before Harry could even open his mouth to utter a reply, the potions master turned briskly away, his black robes billowing out behind him as he crossed to where McGonagall was speaking to the minister who'd told Thurston to leave.

"Harry, how are you?" came a familiar voice to his right. Harry had no time to even consider why Snape could possibly be angry with him for defending Hadley, as Arthur Weasley came walking towards him, Percy following just behind.

"Hello sir, I'm fine thank you," Harry replied with a smile. "I didn't realize you'd be coming."

"Yes well, Albus wanted everyone that had some knowledge of the school's layout and the surrounding grounds to be here, for a more effective search, of course," he replied.

"Of course," Harry repeated, then looked over Arthur's shoulder at Percy. "And how are you Percy?" he asked pleasantly.

"Very well, thank you," Percy replied, his eyes on the floor. Harry shook his head faintly, sighing inaudibly. Percy had been so horrified to hear of what he'd done last year, that ever since he couldn't even stand to look Harry in the eyes. With Ron it was even worse, and he would usually leave the room whenever his younger brother entered. He was ashamed of his actions, but Harry wished he wouldn't be. What had happened was beyond Percy's control.

"That's good to hear. I'm glad you came, no one knows this school better than you, I'm certain," Harry said, smiling reassuringly. "You took your duties as a prefect and head boy very seriously, and you really know the school well."

"Thank you," Percy nodded, blushing ever so slightly. But Harry could see the smallest of grins cross the older boy's face, and was glad for that at least.

"Now," Arthur began again, glancing towards where Hadley still sat silently before turning back to Harry. "If you're up to it, I'd like to ask you what happened last night. Albus explained everything as quickly as he could, but before we start, if I could just speak with you and…Miss Thurnes, is it?' he asked, gesturing towards the small girl.

"Yes," Harry nodded. "I'll tell you whatever you need to know…" he trailed off, glancing over his shoulder. "Hadley seems alright at the moment, but to be honest she doesn't seem to remember much at all."

"Okay, that's what Albus said as well," Arthur nodded. "Just tell me what you can for now, and I'll talk to her after."

Harry nodded, feeling quite comfortable with Mr. Weasley speaking to Hadley, knowing he'd never pressure the young girl. He explained as quickly as possible the events of the previous night, while the other ministers spoke with McGonagall and Snape about what area's they would be searching first, and how they planned on covering the grounds. When Harry finished, Arthur looked quite disturbed by the story, unable to believe that dementors had been sent after Hadley with seemingly no reason.

"Thank you Harry," he said gravely. "I'll only speak with Miss Thurnes briefly as I'm sure the others are about ready to begin our search."

Harry nodded at him, giving an appreciative smile, as both Weasleys crossed to wear Hadley was sitting. Harry watched as Arthur knelt down in front of her, speaking quietly with a gentle expression on his face, before another voice drew his attention away.

"Next time a student runs off into the forest how about you get someone else to go in after them?" Draco Malfoy drawled as he came to a halt near Harry. "Or at least wear something that guards your stomach…" he trailed off, holding his own stomach as if it pained him.

"If I'd had any time to notify someone else I would have, and besides we really don't have much in the way of protective gear here…hey!" he said with sudden realization, his eyes growing wide, and then narrowing immediately. "You knew I was hurt last night, didn't you?"

"Well it was either that or my cook needs to be fired for not preparing my dinner properly," Draco replied sneeringly.

"Why didn't you tell anyone?" Harry asked, incredulously.

"The pain stopped," he shrugged.

Harry stared at him in open-mouthed shock for a brief moment, before finding his voice again.

"Well wouldn't the pain have stopped if I were to have been killed as well?" Harry asked.

"No, I would have known if you died, trust me," Draco replied, looking suddenly serious. "If there's one thing that was a constant in those lessons, it was that. So please, don't go dying on me…" he trailed off with a sudden shudder.

"Well I don't exactly plan on it…" Harry began slowly, "but just out of curiosity…what happens to you if I do?"

"Something I don't ever want to experience," Draco replied quietly as the other ministers seemed to be gathering together, to begin their search. Arthur was already finished speaking with Hadley, who still looked as if she'd rather be anywhere else at the moment, and Draco started to turn away, to join the others.

"Hey wait," Harry said quickly, catching Malfoy's attention once more. There was one question he'd wanted to ask since the group of ministers had first arrived. "What's with the grey robes? Why are you all wearing them?"

"Well, we're going out into the forest," Draco replied in an obvious tone. "We need these to make it harder for anything out there to sense our presence."

"Oh," Harry replied as Draco turned away again, making his way towards the others. He stood where he was a moment longer, and watched quietly as the ministers filed quickly out of the office, to begin their search of the grounds.

Much to everyone's dismay, very little was discovered when at last the ministry's search was completed. They were able to find the clearing in which Hadley had been attacked, as well as evidence that the dementors were there, but nothing that led away from that spot. Nothing that could shed any light on who the mysterious man had been.

There was also no trace that anyone had been inside the school that wasn't supposed to be, which meant one of two things. Either someone had discovered a way to break into the school unnoticed, a task that would prove to be quite difficult after what had happened during the previous year. The protections around the school now were stronger than ever. Or the person who had cursed Hadley on her way to Harry's office had authorized access to the school, and therefore it was someone they thought they could trust.

When the ministers had reported back to Albus, he directly informed Minerva that this would not be the end of their investigation. They would find who had done this as quickly as possible, to ensure the school remained safe for the students.

The weekend ended and the days passed by slowly, with classes resuming as usual. Harry had decided to wait until November to begin lessons on the Patronus, so he could at least finish what each class was currently working on. Hadley acted in class as if nothing had happened, for which Harry had mixed feelings. It was wonderful that she didn't seem to be effected by the weekend's events, but at the same time, a break from her antics during lessons would have been nice.

Snape and Troy went back to pretending Harry didn't exist, something that he didn't mind at the moment. He had nothing to say to Troy after his outrageous accusations towards Hadley just after she'd been attacked, and made sure to keep a close eye on the transfiguration professor whenever he could. Harry could tell Troy was even less fond of Hadley then he'd previously been, and he didn't much care for the redhead's temper.

Soon enough, however, Halloween arrived, and with it, the first visit to Hogsmeade. Harry had told Minerva he'd be glad to go for the day, to be there in the event one of the students needed him. Several other professors would be going as well, while the rest would remain at the school to look after the first and second years…and any other student who would not be attending.

When the large group of students arrived in the bustling town, they immediately set off to explore. Harry noticed Ginny heading off with a group of her friends towards one of the many shops, as well as several other students he recognized heading every which way. The rest of the instructors set off towards the Three Broomsticks, chatting animatedly with one another, and for a moment, Harry considered joining them. But as they walked past the quidditch supply shop Harry couldn't help himself, he had to go inside.

The Moontrimmer 800 was displayed in the front window, now the official racing broom of the Quidditch World Cup, and Harry could only grin, knowing he had owned it first. As he walked through row upon row of shelves stocked with anything you could possibly need to clean, trim, polish, or refurbish your broom, as well as books on various maneuvers and techniques that were said to be surefire examples of how best to win your game, he began to feel a twinge of nostalgia. He missed playing quidditch, and a part of him envied Ron for doing what Harry had always wanted, playing for a professional team.

"Just one year," he said under his breath, as his eyes scanned everything around him. He hoped with all his heart that he could make it onto a professional team next season, anything so that he could play again.

The sound of faint laughter from nearby drew Harry out of his thoughts, however, and he glanced up to find a very familiar face staring back at him.

"I knew I'd find you in here."

"Mel!" Harry exclaimed happily, moving towards her at once and pulling her close for a brief moment. "What are you doing here?"

"Oh and I'm glad to see you too Harry," Mel replied jokingly as she backed away in the slightest, slipping her hands into his. Harry rolled his eyes.

"Of course I'm glad to see you!" he said quickly. "I just didn't expect it."

"And I hadn't planned on it," Mel countered. "But as it turned out, there wasn't enough to do at work today for me to stay on for the full shift, so I left early. I went to the school first but McGonagall told me you'd volunteered to come to Hogsmeade today. So of course, I knew exactly where to check first…"she trailed off, grinning widely.

"Well I'm glad you did," Harry replied, returning the smile. "So then, what shall we do?"

"Whatever you want," Mel shrugged cheerfully. "I don't want to change whatever plans you had…"

"Trust me, there were no plans," Harry laughed, releasing one of her hands as the two began to stroll around the shop. "I only came to get out of the school for a bit."

"That bad, huh?" Mel asked sympathetically.

"No, just…I'll explain later, alright?" he asked quietly, knowing he'd more than likely be explaining everything again at Ron and Hermione's later that night.

Mel nodded with a small grin, as Harry started to change directions, leading her towards the door.

"Where are we going?" she asked.

"For a walk," he replied with a faint grin. The two made their way into the crisp fall air, the light wind wafting through their hair as they walked.

"Not stopping for any prank toys this year?" Mel asked playfully as they passed by Zonko's.

"I don't think so," Harry laughed. "Well, maybe just to annoy Troy…" he trailed off, a mischievous grin on his face.

"Not Snape?" Mel asked, surprised.

"Not until he stops hating me for being the dark arts professor, no," Harry said, shaking his head slowly. "Otherwise I'll be eighty years old before I get any more lessons on the crystals…"

"So Snape's still refusing to teach you then?" Mel asked, knowing the answer.

"Well he hasn't brought it up since we last talked about it…and I actually did plan on trying to speak with him about it again…but never got the chance…" he trailed off, not wanting to talk about it any longer.

They strolled side by side through the streets of Hogsmeade, admiring all the shops and stands they were so familiar with, not even realizing how quickly the time was passing as they talked about nothing in particular, and just enjoyed themselves, all the while keeping an eye out to make sure all of the students were alright.

"I can't believe it's almost four o'clock," Harry muttered softly as he glanced at his watch before slipping it back into his pocket. "We're invited to Ron and Hermione's once it's past five."

"What shall we do until then?" Mel asked with a smile.

"C'mon, I'll buy you a drink," Harry grinned, nodding at the Three Broomsticks which was only a short distance away, and starting off towards the entrance. Once inside, he released Mel's hand, and helped her remove her cloak, before taking off his own and hanging them up beside the doorway. They made their way through the dimly lit pub until they found an empty table and sat down.

"Two butterbeers," Harry said when the waitress immediately bustled over to take their order, before quickly hurrying off to get their drinks.

"So I wanted to ask you," he spoke quietly, turning to Mel once they were alone again. "Are you having any luck finding a new job…or have you decided to stop looking?"

"I don't know what I'm doing," Mel replied, shaking her head solemnly. "With my job, or with the house…"

"What do you mean with the house?" Harry asked, taken aback. "You're not having problems…I mean, you can afford it…right?" he asked, hesitantly, knowing if that was indeed the dilemma he would help her without question.

"No…I mean, yes…I can afford it. Or rather my parents can," Mel said quietly. "They've been making the payments ever since Jack couldn't…it was the only help he'd accept from them, because it wasn't magic and he had no place else to live otherwise. I just think…it's so big, I don't need all that space just for me…"

"But?" Harry prompted, feeling there was more that she wasn't saying.

"But I feel horrible selling it…it was Jack's home. He worked hard for it…I just don't think I can live there anymore…" Mel said, her voice quivering slightly. Harry reached across the table, taking her small hands in his and squeezing them reassuringly.

"It's alright…I'm fine," Mel said quickly, blinking fiercely and regaining her composure. "I really don't have any trouble when I'm out doing things, or at work…and even at home if I'm busy then it's not a problem…but if I let myself think about it…it just feels so…so…empty," she finished with a helpless shrug.

"If you feel you need to get away…even just for a little while, then do it Mel," Harry said gently. "I don't think it'd be an exaggeration to say you need it. Time let's the pain fade, but it's not always enough…a change would probably do you some good…"

"Maybe…" Mel nodded, trailing off as the waitress came back with their drinks.

"I'm sorry I brought it up," Harry said apologetically after another minute. "I didn't mean to upset you…"

"No, it's okay," Mel said, nodding faintly. "I'm glad you care enough to ask…" she trailed off, looking sad again, before continuing, her tone quieter still. "My parents act as if nothing's wrong…when they talk to me they're anxious to tell me about their lives and ask me about mine…but not if the discussion includes Jack. And since we never found a…a…" she hesitated, her eyes welling up, before she once again blinked back the tears. "We never found him…so they say he's fine…off on his own…and that's as much as they'll talk about it."

Harry couldn't believe what he was hearing. He hadn't realized her parents were treating the situation so casually, and his opinion of them lowered further still.

"C'mon," Harry said softly, taking Mel's hands again and pulling her gently to her feet. He wanted to get her out of this dark place and into the fresh air, and hopefully get these painful thoughts out of her mind for now at least.

"But you paid for those," Mel said, nodding at the drinks.

"It's alright, don't worry about it," Harry said with a tiny grin. "Besides, I have to make sure all the students are back at the gate…can't leave any stragglers, even if I wouldn't mind forgetting just a few…" he joked.

"Those wouldn't be my former housemates you're talking about, would it?" Mel asked, arching one eyebrow and smirking faintly.

"Er…here, let me help you with your coat," Harry said hastily, changing the subject.

"Maybe I should stop by one of your classes some day," Mel continued on, wrapping her scarf around her neck just before they both stepped out into the early evening air. "I could tell them all about you…" she trailed off, a hint of mischief in her eyes. Harry couldn't help but feel relieved that she was already looking much better.

"Ah…thank you for the offer, really I appreciate it," Harry said sardonically. "But I'm afraid I'll have to respectfully decline."

"I wasn't offering," Mel said playfully. "I was telling you…"

"Well now that I know you might stop by…I'll be sure to be ready," Harry countered, smiling innocently down at her. As he spoke, he reached a hand into his pocket, glancing again at his watch. "Okay, I just have to check that all the students are accounted for," he said, realizing there wasn't much time left. "Then we can head to Ron and Hermione's."

"Great," Mel smiled softly, "Let's go then."

Harry nodded, and began leading the way through the still crowded streets of Hogsmeade, the chilly night air whipping around their faces, as they headed back towards the platform.

After making sure every last student was on his or her way back to the school, Harry and Mel began walking slowly back through the town of Hogsmeade. As neither of them had ever been to Ron and Hermione's house before, they couldn't simply apparate to the front door, but by the address Ron had given him, Harry knew the house was quite close by, and the walk wouldn't be too long.

When they neared the end of the main drag, the crowd had greatly thinned out, as it always did just by the Shrieking Shack, but Harry barely spared it a glance as he and Mel passed by, continuing on their way past the last few shops and into the residential area of Hogsmeade.

They walked along in silence, simply enjoying one another's company, until Harry finally began to slow down, after having gone several blocks.

"Thimbleberry…this is their street," he said quietly, nodding up at the sign on the corner.

"Wow…I hope you know what number they're at…because I can't tell these apart…" Mel stated, as they set off down the long cobblestone road. The buildings on both sides of the street were all three stories high, the front of each covered in a layer of brilliant red bricks. There was an alleyway on either side of each building and a set of stairs leading up to the doorway.

"Yes, they're at number seven," Harry grinned, glancing up at the nearest doorway and seeing they were close. When they reached the fourth building on their left, Harry led Mel up the short stairway and pushed open the front door. The foyer that lay within was rather large, despite the thin appearance the building had from the outside. The walls were covered in a soft, shimmering wallpaper, catching the glints from a delicate chandelier that was just above them. There was a warm fire blazing in the hearth against the wall to their left, and Harry stepped up in front of it.

"Weasley," he stated clearly into the empty hall, hearing his voice echo back at him. After only seconds, the yellow orange flames before him turned a clear blue, and Ron's face could be seen in the blaze.

"Thought it'd be you two," the redhead smiled widely when he caught sight of his guests. "Come on in."

Ron's face faded quickly out of view, but the flames kept their blue color. Harry glanced sideways at Mel, taking her hand in his once more, before they stepped forward together, into the oversized grate. The moment both of their feet were in the hearth, the fire began to twirl around them in a whirlwind pattern, as they were gently lifted from the ground. Only seconds later, however, Harry felt the floor beneath his feet again, and led Mel out of the fireplace, and into his best friends' apartment.

"This is beautiful," Mel breathed, glancing wide-eyed around the room they were now standing in. Harry nodded in agreement, looking around as well. They were obviously in the living room, for only a few feet away there was a good-sized sitting area, consisting of a couch, love seat and armchair. The fabric looked to be suede and it was a light auburn color. In the center of the cluster, sitting on a light reddish-brown area rug, was a low to the ground mahogany coffee table, and on either side of the couch sat two end tables, each with a large bronze lamp on its surface. The hard wood floor beneath them was polished to a shine. The walls appeared almost white, with the barest tint of russet, and upon them hung an enormous mirror just above the hearth, and two scenic paintings, showing fall settings. The only other pieces of furniture in the room, were an antique grandfather's clock on the opposite wall from the hearth, and, to Harry's surprise, a rather large wood-framed television which the seating area seemed to be angled towards.

"Hey you two," Hermione said happily, as she and Ron both came into the room to greet their guests. "I'm so glad you made it," she grinned.

"Thank you for having us," Mel replied immediately. "Your house is gorgeous!" Harry couldn't help but smile at her excitement.

"Thank you," Hermione blushed modestly. "Would you like to see the rest of it?"

"Yes, please," Mel nodded at once. The two girls started off, with Harry and Ron close behind, taking a small tour of the apartment. The hunter green and white bathroom wasn't too big, but just one glance showed which side of the room was Hermione's and which was Ron's. There could have been an invisible line right down the center of the double sinks, similar to a 'before and after' advertisement. Hermione quickly apologized for the mess, throwing Ron a withering glare to which he rolled his eyes good-naturedly and gave Harry a sideways smirk.

The bedroom was relaxing just to stand in, with a soothing, soft blue on the walls, and on mostly everything else as well. The bed was covered in a deep azure comforter, and at least half a dozen throw pillows, each one a different shade of blue. The dresser, closet, shelves and bedside tables were similar to the walls of the living room, in that they were all white, but this time with a tint of navy in them. There was a pewter lamp on each table, and just off to the left from the doorway was a full-length mirror. The lavish rug covering the floor had almost a muted sapphire coloring to it, surprisingly, however, it didn't seem too much. All the many textures and shades blended beautifully and made the room feel peaceful and serene.

There was a guest room that wasn't done up yet, as well as a study, and finally, the group came to the kitchen, where just about every object was moving in one way or another. Dinner was preparing itself, and the aroma was so heavenly that Harry's mouth began to water.

"We don't have a dining room so we'll have to eat out here," Hermione said apologetically, gesturing towards the round table set off to one side of the room, covered with a lace tablecloth and surrounded by four sturdy wooden chairs.

"Out here will be perfect," Mel assured her with a smile. "Everything is just so lovely!"

"Especially since I see you've managed to keep Ron from hanging up any of his Chudley Cannons memorabilia," Harry joked, smirking at his best friend. Hermione rolled her eyes and laughed.
"You wouldn't believe what he wanted to do with the bedroom," she said, shaking her head in mock horror. "The whole thing would have been that ugly orange color if I'd left it solely up to him," she said, waving her hand absently in Ron's direction.

"And if I'd left it up to her it would have been pink pastels," Ron countered, defensively, but unable to keep a small grin from showing through. "She can have her girly colors…but not in the bedroom…"

"Well I'm glad you ended up doing it the way you did, it really looks beautiful," Mel said again.

"Thank you," Hermione replied sincerely, before continuing. "We still have about an hour before dinner's ready…can I get either of you something to drink?" she asked. When both Harry and Mel declined, she went on. "Alright, come on into the living room then…Mel…I've haven't spoken to you in so long…how have you been?"

"Oh, you know…working and cleaning, same old boring stuff," Mel grinned and shrugged, not even hinting at what she had earlier revealed to Harry as the four friends lowered themselves onto the soft couches. "What about you? Are you enjoying your classes?" she said quickly, and Harry knew it was because she didn't want to talk about herself any longer. Hermione seemed to realize this as well, as a glint of understanding passed through her eyes, before she began to reply.

"Well I still don't have a definite major yet, but I'd have to say my favorite subject is Wizarding Law…it's so intriguing, I just get completely absorbed in it."

"Herm you'd get absorbed in a cookbook," Ron joked, earning him a pointed glare.

"At least I still read since after we graduated," she replied.

"I still read!" Ron cried in mock insult.

"I mean other than the scoreboard at quidditch matches…" Hermione shot back, smirking.

"Speaking of which," Mel broke in as Harry had decided to stay out of yet another argument between his friends. "How is quidditch going, Ron? I've barely been able to keep up with it this season…"

Ron quickly started telling Mel all that he had already told Harry during his visit to the school. His team wasn't doing too badly, and had only lost one of the four games they'd played thus far. They played every other week, usually on a Friday or Saturday, and the rest of the time was spent in grueling, intense eight-hour practices. The only thing he never brought up was the pay he received as a professional quidditch player, though Harry knew it was more than likely that Ron was making more money than his father ever did at the ministry.

"Alright Harry," Hermione spoke up after Ron had finished, "Your turn. Ron told me what happened when he was there a couple weeks ago…"

"Are you sure you want to know?" Harry asked, only half joking.

"Is it that bad?" Mel asked, a worried expression crossing her face. "It's not…it's not the Shadow Walkers, is it?" she added hastily.

"No, I haven't heard or seen anything from them at all since that first time," Harry replied, "Which is just fine with me. I guess Dumbledore was right…they must not be able to find me while I'm surrounded by so many other wizards."

"But that doesn't change the fact that they're more than likely still looking for you," Hermione spoke up quietly.

"I realize that," Harry nodded faintly. "What can I do though? I barely know anything about the Cult of Shadows, I haven't heard anything from Dumbledore to let me know that he's found anything either…and even though I know the crystals worked against them once…I'm forbidden to use them at the moment, as you all know…"

"Well then someone has to have a talk with the slimy git who's supposed to be helping you with the crystals and make him understand how important this is!" Ron spoke, angrily.

"Don't worry, I plan on it," Harry said calmly, but feeling the same anger that shown so clearly in his friend's eyes. Ron sighed with irritation, shaking his head, before speaking again.

"Alright, good enough for now, I suppose," he muttered, pausing a moment before going on, "Now what about Peeves and the Bloody Baron? Did you ever find out what was going on that day?"

"Peeves and the Bloody Baron?" Mel repeated, looking from Harry to Ron, questioningly. Harry started to explain quickly what had happened during Ron's visit to the school nearly two weeks ago.

"And you don't know what they wanted?" Mel asked, her eyes wide upon hearing the story.

"Not a clue," Harry shrugged. "Peeves was gone before we even saw the Baron…and he wouldn't answer me when I asked."

"It's just too odd," Hermione spoke up softly, her right arm bent up so that her hand rested on her chin, where her forefinger was tapping slowly, a look of concentration on her face.

"You're telling me," Harry snickered good-naturedly.

"No, I don't just mean that it's odd because they were near your office," Hermione said as she glanced up at Harry. "I mean it's odd because they weren't in your office."

"Okay, now you've lost me," Ron spoke up, looking at Hermione as if she had six eyes.

"Well, they're a ghost and a poltergeist, right?" Hermione began as if it should be obvious. "If they were looking for something inside Harry's office, why not just float through the door? Why would Peeves have to bang on it as if he were trying to get someone to come out…when he could have just gone in after them?"

"But there was no one there," Ron said.

"Well they obviously thought otherwise," Hermione replied.

"You're right," Harry said slowly. "I didn't even think of that before…why wouldn't they have gone in?"

"Maybe they're not allowed in the teachers' offices?" Mel suggested quietly.

"If that's so, I was never told…" Harry replied, "and besides I've seen Sir Nicholas in an office before…" he trailed off, shaking his head in confusion, before going on. "I guess I'll just try to talk to one of them again…next time I see them…"

"Did you tell McGonagall about it?" Hermione asked.

"No, I completely forgot about it by the time I saw her that night," Harry said quietly.

"Wow…was your detention with Hadley that bad?" Ron laughed.

"Bad is an understatement…and there was no detention," Harry replied, grimly.

"Why not?" Hermione asked, her expression clearly showing she was expecting the worst. For the second time since that night, Harry explained all that had happened from the moment he saw Hadley heading towards the forest, until the next morning when both he and the small girl were released from the hospital wing.

"McGonagall told Dumbledore everything…" Harry went on quickly, before any of his friends could find their voices to ask questions, explaining what had gone on during the meeting the next morning; including Thurston's seemingly unauthorized visit. "The ministry has already searched the school and forest, but came up empty," he finished.

"That's…that's so horrible," Mel whispered in shock. "Why would anyone find it necessary to send a dementor after that poor girl?"

"I think the only way we'd find out is by finding whoever that death eater in the forest was," Hermione said quietly.

"Yeah, good luck with that," Ron said, solemnly. "A tall man with a very strong grip whose face was hidden under the hood of his black cloak. That narrows it down…"

"Ron's right," Harry sighed darkly. "That man is the only person we know of that might possibly have the answers we're looking for, and I have nothing but a vague description of him to go by if I were to try and find him. Even if I did find him, I doubt he'd tell me anything…I have the strong impression he wasn't on our side…"

"But he did let you go," Mel said softly, "and in time to save Hadley as well…out of fairness…doesn't sound like any death eater I've ever heard of."

"Maybe he wasn't a death eater," Hermione said, but sounding as if she didn't entirely believe that.

"Right, just some guy in the dark forest who happens to be traveling with two dementors," Ron said, rolling his eyes at the suggestion. "He has to be a death eater."

"We don't know that though," Hermione countered. "Maybe he wasn't with the dementors…did you ever see him with them…?" she asked, turning her gaze back to Harry.

"No," he said after a brief moment. "He was standing right outside the clearing with me…just out of range to feel the effects of the dementors. They never looked in our direction until I used the Patronus Charm…and by then I doubt they could've seen him…but I have no idea where he went after he let me go."

Before anyone could utter another word, a loud, irritating, buzzing noise suddenly started blaring out at them from the kitchen. Hermione shot up from her seat and quickly started towards it.

"Dinner's just about ready," she said as she went. "We can continue the discussion in a bit…just give me a few minutes."

"I'll help you," Mel offered immediately, standing up and following Hermione, who quickly waved her wand to silence the annoying timer.

"And we'll wait here," Ron said, smirking at Harry and sitting back against the soft cushions as the two girls went about setting the table and taking the food out of the pots and pans, placing it into bowls and onto plates. Less than a minute had passed, however, when Hermione stuck her head back into the room from the doorway.

"Ron," she sighed, an exasperated edge to her tone.

"What?" he asked, sitting upright suddenly, immediately on the defense.

"There's no butterbeer in the refrigerator. I asked you to pick some up on your way home today…"

"Oh bugger," Ron muttered, sudden remembrance dawning in his eyes. "I'm sorry Herm, I really did mean to pick it up…it just slipped my mind…"

"Well you've got a few minutes…just run down to the corner and pick some up, alright?" she asked, turning and heading back into the kitchen.

"No, not to Steckler's place," Ron whined, his expression falling.

"It's just up the street," Hermione's voice floated in to him. "He's the closest one and you know he'll definitely have it."

"Yeah, only because nobody ever shops there…" Ron muttered, standing up with a sigh and looking at Harry. "Everyone hates Steckler," he said shaking his head gloomily and starting for the hearth.

"I'll go with you then," Harry said, calling out to the kitchen to let Mel and Hermione know he was going, before following Ron.

They arrived at the fireplace in the foyer only seconds later, and went through the doorway onto the quiet street. There was no noise other than that of the chilly breeze blowing around them, pushing their hair back from their faces.

"So who is Steckler and why does everyone hate him?" Harry asked, curiously as they walked.

"He's the paranoid owner of the small market on the corner," Ron said shaking his head in annoyance and pointing to the far end of the road. "I have no idea what his problem is, but he isn't friendly, he's always yelling at customers to hurry up and get out…and you can't even apparate there, he has an enchantment over the whole store that guards against it."

"That's insane," Harry commented, arching one eyebrow. "Maybe he was robbed and is trying to stop that from happening again?" he suggested.

"Maybe," Ron shrugged. "But whatever the reason I prefer to go elsewhere."

"Then I guess you better get a Remembrall for the next time Hermione asks you to bring something home," Harry joked.

"Shut up Harry," Ron laughed as they finally reached the small entrance to the shop. He grasped the door handle, pulling it open, just as a small, homely looking woman was about to step through. Both wizards stepped aside, allowing the lady in the tattered green cloak to pass by, before going into the store.

Harry had to stifle the sudden cough that was tickling his throat as the musty air filled his lungs. He didn't need to look around to see the store was not in good condition. There was a grate off to the left where at one time people probably used the floo network to arrive here, but now there was a pile of dirt and sludge where there should have been a fire. The shelves were stocked unevenly, and in some places not at all.

"Fourth time you've been in here today!" a scraggly looking old man from behind the front counter hissed maliciously at Ron. "I'm watching you boy!"

"Mr. Steckler I haven't been in here for over a week," Ron replied flatly, barely sparing the man a glance as he led Harry to the back of the store, to a large icebox in the corner.

"Here," he said, picking up the bottom half of a cardboard box from a pile of them beside the freezer and handing it to Harry. "Just hold that for me."

Harry nodded in reply, as Ron swung open the icebox and began pulling out tall glass bottles of the rich, golden liquid. He placed them hastily in the box bottom that Harry held, until they had a dozen, and could fit no more.

As the two men turned around, Harry caught sight of Steckler peering suspiciously down the aisle at them, before pulling his head hurriedly out of view, and scurrying back behind the counter.

When Harry and Ron reached the front of the shop only seconds later, they crossed to where Steckler stood, glaring at Ron, and Harry set the box down.

"What d'you need all those for?" the old man sneered, gesturing sharply at the bottles.

"To drink," Ron replied flatly, rolling his eyes. Steckler stared back at him, a snarl curling upon his thin, dry lips, but he didn't make any response. He threw the bottles carelessly into two thin bags, before thrusting them across to Ron, who was silently fuming.

"Six galleons," Steckler spat indignantly.

"What?" Ron exclaimed, angrily. "Last time it was two!"

"This time it's six," the old man grinned wickedly. Ron shook his head, glowering darkly and thrust his hand into the money sack under his cloak.

"Here Ron, let me get it," Harry said quietly, reaching for his own pouch.

The old man looked towards Harry for the first time since he'd entered the shop and opened his mouth to speak, stopping suddenly, however, as his eyes flickered up to Harry's forehead.

"No," Ron said firmly, flat out refusing Harry's offer.

"I wouldn't take his money anyway," Steckler said scornfully, tearing his gaze from Harry's scar just long enough to grab the six gold coins that Ron had slammed down on the counter, before looking back and meeting Harry's deep green eyes.

"Get out," he hissed. "I don't want you in here again, hear me? Not ever!"

Harry was taken aback by the man's words, not sure what he'd done to offend him, but had no chance to consider it as he felt himself being ushered out of the shop by Ron.

"What was that all about?" Harry asked as they began the walk back.

"Don't take it personal," Ron said lightly. "He's an irritable old man…and he said the same thing to me when I first went there as well…" he shrugged, trailing off as his eyes focused on something in front of them. Harry glanced up as well; to see the woman they had passed upon entering the store standing just a few feet away.

Her frayed green cloak was pulled tightly around her, the thin hood drawn up over her head. She was glancing all around, and Harry couldn't guess what she might be looking for, but just her stance alone made it seem as if she were afraid.

"Miss?" Ron asked softly as the two slowed to a halt. "Can we help you with something? Are you lost?"

The frail looking woman visibly stiffened at the sound of his voice, and she turned away without sparing them a glance, shuffling off in the opposite direction. Harry and Ron exchanged confused glances, and continued walking, trying to keep their distance from the woman, as it seemed they'd frightened her.

"Does she live around here?" Harry asked quietly.

"I don't know," Ron shrugged. "I didn't get a good look at her face…and even if I did I don't really know all of our neighbors yet-"

He cut off abruptly, coming to a sudden halt and taking a sharp breath as the sound of a weak yell filled the air. Harry and Ron looked up the road immediately to see the woman's head and arms poking out of a nearby alleyway, grasping frantically to the corner of the building.

"Looks like something's trying to pull her into the alley!" Harry said urgently, feeling a jolt of alarm stream through him. He and Ron hastily dropped the bags they were carrying and drew their wands, starting into a dead run towards the woman.

Harry and Ron were less than ten feet from the struggling woman, closing the gap quickly, when suddenly another arm reached out from the shadows, covering the woman's face as it pulled her into the dark passage. They heard a strangled cry, and then nothing as they put on a burst of speed, skidding to a stop at the alley's entrance and turning down it abruptly. They both came to a shocked halt, however, as their eyes fell upon the site before them.

Harry felt his jaw drop as he saw a tall woman in a dark cloak, with long, thick, matted black hair; forcing the smaller woman to her knees from behind; there was a distinctively blue tinge to the taller woman's pasty skin. The frail woman was weakly struggling and whimpering fearfully through some sort of black material that had been shoved into her mouth, while another identical, raven-haired woman stood in front of her, and took hold of her delicate wrists. She raised her other hand, reaching up and running her thin, spindly fingers through her knotted mane, before pulling it back, a tuft of black hair in her hand.

Staring in horror, Harry watching as the tangled tresses oozed off the taller woman's palm, covering the feeble wrists she held in her grasp and binding them together. He realized with a sickening churning in his gut what was in the smaller woman's mouth as well, and the gruesome thought seemed to snap him back to the present.

Lifting his wand with sudden determination, he aimed it at the closer of the two dark women, as neither of them had seen either him or Ron yet.

"Petrificus Totalis!" he cried fiercely, watching as the discharge from the tip of his wand directly hit its mark, and the raven-haired woman had no chance to react, before falling stiffly to the hard ground. His action snapped Ron out of the momentary trance as well, and both wizards turned quickly to the second woman, who was glaring at them with narrowed, white eyes, clearly enraged. The sound of ripping fabric filled their ears at once, as the furious woman seemed to arch her back. Suddenly her cloak bubbled out from behind her for a brief moment, and in the next instant, it burst open.

Harry's heart raced rapidly in his chest, and he heard Ron gasp in terror beside him, as he saw what looked to be eight, hairy spider legs now protruding from the dark woman's back. She snarled furiously, her teeth bared threateningly as she began to advance on them. Ron jumped back immediately, frantically raising his wand at the woman and crying out the words to perform the body bind, but she was ready. The curse splattered harmlessly against the wall of the building as the tall woman leapt suddenly into the air with such amazing speed and strength, that Harry and Ron lost sight of her.

"Where did she go?" Ron whispered, fearfully, glancing anxiously above them.

"I don't know," Harry replied grimly, scanning the area as well before lowering his gaze to the small woman who was still kneeling on the ground. With one more cautious glance above him, Harry stepped forward hastily, crossing the short distance and dropping to the hard stones beside the shivering woman.

"It's alright, we're going to get you out of here," Harry assured her, as the woman timidly raised her gaze to his. Tears streaked the sides of her face and her eyes shone bright with terror. Harry raised his hand gently towards her face, but she flinched away sharply.

"I swear I'm not going to hurt you," he said quietly, trying not to sound rushed but knowing they had to get out of there. His gaze flickered briefly down to the still form of the woman he'd petrified with the curse, before glancing back up. "I'm just going to take the gag out…" he continued, raising his hand again. She didn't pull away this time, and Harry took hold of the slick tangle of hair in her mouth. The thin ends were twisting lazily, and adhered themselves to Harry's fingers at the slightest touch. Feeling a wave of sickness rise in his throat that he quickly forced down, Harry wrenched back on the dark tuft, feeling the slick, sticky coating on his skin, and quickly swiped his hand along the rough cobblestones beneath him, scraping the hair off.

The small woman began coughing violently, her throat obviously raw from what had been done to her, and Harry held her steady for a moment, until the fit had subsided.

"Harry!" Ron hissed, still standing near the alley's entrance. "Hurry up!"

Harry nodded hastily, before turning his attention back to the woman. He gently took hold of her wrists, bound tightly with the web-like hair before raising his wand.

"Liquefacio," he said, watching as the bonds immediately began to dissolve, forming a foul smelling black puddle on the uneven ground.

"Come on," he said softly, getting ready to stand. "We have to get you-"

The sound of movement echoing through the passage caused Harry to cut off abruptly as he quickly searched the air above him, but could see nothing. The petite woman let out a small, frightened moan, visibly shaking as she raised her eyes, looking for the second dark-haired woman and taking short, panicked breaths.

Ron was trying to look everywhere at once, aiming his wand at anything that caught his eye. For a brief moment that felt like ages, no one made a sound, when suddenly a deadly, predatory snarl echoed through the dim passage.

"Lumos!" Ron yelled in trepidation, directing the beam above him and crying out in shock at the sight that met his eyes. He had been too slow, the spider-like creature had already started her attack, and before Ron could utter another word, he was forced painfully to the hard, stone ground as she landed directly on top of him.

"No!" Harry cried, immediately bringing his wand up, only to be shoved aside as the small woman pushed him out of her way in her frenzy to escape the dark alley. Harry straightened up to see the tattered green cloak billowing out from behind the petite woman, as she flew past Ron and the spider creature.

Aiming his wand again, Harry intended to stun the spider creature, only to find he couldn't. Ron had managed to push himself partially away from the dark woman, and the two were struggling against one another, recklessly rolling around on the cobblestones. Harry knew if he missed…if he hit Ron instead, the spider creature could get away again, and he might not be able to revive Ron in time before she made another attack. Ron's wand was still held tightly in his hand, but he was unable to use it as the woman was gripping his wrist fiercely. She gave him no chance to even attempt to reach for it with his other hand as she clawed frantically at his face and neck with her long, sharp fingers, while the black, hairy legs protruding from her back sought to hold him in place.

Cursing vehemently, Harry lowered his wand for a split second, knowing he'd have to get closer to help his friend and starting to rush forward, when something heavy smashed into him from behind, knocking the air out of him and slamming him to the hard ground. He tasted blood as his chin smacked into the stones beneath him, and his teeth clicked painfully together. He was dimly aware that he'd lost his grip on his wand as his vision blurred sickeningly in front of him and he was painfully forced around onto his back.

Harry lay stunned as the figure leaning over him swam in and out of view, while the sounds of Ron's struggle continued on just a short distance away, but he could barely hear it. His head was throbbing in agony, and he clenched his teeth in determination, knowing he couldn't allow himself to pass out. Suddenly he felt someone grasp his shirt just below his neck, before he was wrenched harshly to his feet. His vision was still somewhat blurry; thin trickles of sweat were stinging his eyes, but the figure was closer now, and he was staggered to see the dark-haired woman he'd paralyzed standing before him.

Harry barely had time to consider how she'd broken hold of the body bind so quickly, when he saw her raise her free hand to her hair, tearing out a thick tuft of it and pushing it at his face. Feeling an abrupt surge of adrenaline at the thought of the hair being put in his mouth, Harry lifted his arms, gripping the spider creature's hand still holding tightly to his clothes, and pulled on it with all of his remaining strength, twisting it violently.

An enraged shriek pierced through his aching head as Harry continued to fight against the raven-haired woman's relentless grasp. To his great relief, she had dropped the hair in her other hand, but the feeling was short-lived. She raised her arm, swiftly closing her long, thin fingers around his throat, and shoved him backwards. Harry felt a sharp pain as his back was slammed violently into the wall of the building behind him, but he had no time to be concerned about it. The woman was tightening her grasp on his neck, quickly and effectively cutting off his air. He had already released his hold on her other hand and was trying desperately to pry her fingers away from his throat. The sound of ripping fabric echoed once again through the alley, and in seconds, Harry could dimly see eight, dark legs protruding from this woman's back as well.

In an instant his grasp on her arm was broken, as the thick, hairy legs shot around from behind her, forcing his arms down and pinning them to the wall he was up against. He felt a thick wave of panic rising in his gut as he struggled to force air down his constricted throat, fighting weakly against the spider creature's grasp and barely resisting the urge to simply pass out as she effortlessly lifted him off his feet, his back sliding roughly against the wall.

The spider creature leaned her face ever so close to Harry's, until they were barely an inch apart. He was no longer aware of any other noises in the passage as he felt her hot breath upon his face and he gasped for air, a foul stench assaulting his nose. She bared her sharp teeth, hissing aggressively at him, and Harry felt the last of his strength swiftly draining away.

"Incendia!" a weak yet determined voice cried out suddenly, and Harry unexpectedly found himself sliding quickly back down the wall, taking deep, painful, wonderful gasps of air as he slumped to his knees. The alley was alight all around him, and he glanced up through hazy vision to see the spider creature just a few feet away, engulfed in searing hot flames. He heard her agonizing screams of pain echoing in his head as she fell to the ground, twisting and thrashing, her movements quickly growing fainter.

"Harry, get up…get up!" Ron's voice suddenly broke through, a frightened urgency in his tone as he grasped one of Harry's arms and tugged him quickly to his feet.

"Ron…how did…?" he began, unable to finish his sentence as he choked on the words passing through his raw throat. Ron paused only long enough for Harry to catch his breath again, before pressing forward.

"We can talk about it later," Ron said quickly, glancing around anxiously as they moved. They exited the alley immediately and started for the apartment.

"You're bleeding," Harry croaked, finally getting a good look at his friend once they were on the lighted sidewalk.

"So are you," Ron shot back, his eyes flickering to the lower half of his friend's face. Harry realized it must have been from when he was pulled to the ground in the first place, but he didn't care right now. All that mattered was finding out what those things were, and more importantly, what they wanted.

As they closed the short distance to the building in which Ron lived, Harry's thoughts drifted back to the woman who the spider creatures appeared to first be after. Who was she? What had she done to cause these things to attack her? Had she gotten away, or was she perhaps lurking somewhere nearby, waiting to see what happened to the creatures?

"We have to find that woman," he spoke up hoarsely, voicing his thoughts.

"You meant the one who got us into that mess? What for?" Ron asked, seemingly appalled at the idea.

"To find out about those creatures," Harry replied, simply.

"We know how to kill them, that's enough for me," Ron said stubbornly. Harry looked over at his friend for a brief moment, before speaking again.

"How did you escape from the one you were fighting?" he asked, curiously, remembering how very impossible it had looked to him that Ron would get out of his predicament.

"Well…she was scratching at my face, and my neck…I couldn't aim my wand at all," Ron spoke hesitantly, as they reached the stairs to the apartment at last. "All I could do was use my other hand…so I did the same thing to her that she did to me…"

"And that worked?" Harry asked, thinking it sounded too easy.

"Not right away, no," Ron said, glancing down at the blood dripping from the thin scrapes on his neck and face; staining his clothes. "When I happened to catch her in the eye though, and I mean a good one, my fingernail scraped right under her eyelid, I could tell it hurt her a lot more than anything else I was doing. So I kept going for her eyes, and she started attacking faster, but something was different…it was like she was panicking now, because she kept missing. When I finally managed to hit her one last time in the eye she leapt backwards, and ran up the alley. I saw her climb the fence at the end, but that was it…and then I went to help you…"

"So their weakness is their eyes," Harry said, as the two now stood just in front of the hearth in the foyer. "Good to know," he said, raising one hand instinctively to his bruised throat.

"C'mon," Ron said, nodding towards the fireplace, his exhaustion now clearly evident in his voice. "Let's go upstairs…the girls are probably worried…who knows how long we've been gone…"

Harry nodded in agreement, wanting very badly to just sit down and rest for a few minutes, as he was still very weak from what had happened. Ron touched his wand to the top, right corner of the grate, and the flames immediately swirled into the same light blue coloring they'd taken on before. They stepped into the hearth together, appearing seconds later at the fireplace in Ron's apartment.

Harry had just begun to wonder why the girls hadn't come looking for them, as surely they'd been gone much longer than it ever should have taken to run to the corner market, when the sudden sound of silence engulfed him. The lamps in the room were now off, and the only light came from the ever-moving glow of the fire.

"Hermione…? Mel?" Ron called out immediately, and Harry could hear the same worry in his friend's tone that he was feeling at this exact moment. Ron had his wand gripped tightly in his hand, and Harry reached into his pocket, retrieving his wand as well, when an unexpected voice spoke softly from their far left.

"Expelliarmus."

The wands were ripped from both wizards' hands before either of them had a chance to realize what happened, and they both spun on the spot. A tall man in a long, black cloak stepped out of the shadows in the corner of the room. His hood was drawn up over his head, covering his face.

"Who are you?" Ron demanded angrily, his eyes flashing. "What have you done with Hermione and Mel?"

The man made no reply, pocketing both of the wands that had just flown to his grasp, before raising his own wand again, and pointing it at Ron.

"Stupefy."

There was no time to dodge, and Ron was hit squarely in the chest by the curse. Harry's mind was racing as his friend slumped roughly to the floor beside him. What was going on? What did this man want?

"You must be tired," the dark man stated crisply in a voice that sounded oddly familiar. He slowly began stepping forward, advancing on the younger man. "Why don't you sit down, Harry? There's something I need to take care of…I promise, it won't take long…"

Suddenly it clicked; Harry knew where he recognized this voice from.

"You're the one who was in the dark forest…" he said as the man stopped only inches from where Harry stood, his legs now shaking from fatigue. The man did not reply, but instead reached forward and roughly grasped Harry by the arm, forcing him towards the couch a few feet away.

"I said sit," the man stated firmly as he pushed Harry into the seat.

"What do you want?" Harry spat angrily, glaring up at the hidden face.

"Patience," the man drawled, an amused tone to his voice, before bringing up his wand. Harry felt a stab of fear that he forced away, having no idea what this man intended to do to him, when he was suddenly showered with a soft mist. The pain in his throbbing muscles alleviated immediately, as did the burning in his raw throat. The overwhelming pull of exhaustion was thrust away…it was as if the struggle with the spider creatures never happened.

"Who are you?" Harry asked warily, not sure what to make of this man.

"My name is Adrik," the voice from under the dark hood replied curtly.

"You are the man from the forest, aren't you?" Harry asked, knowing he had to be right. "Why were you after Hadley?"

"We're not here to discuss that today," Adrik replied evenly.

"Then what are you here for?" Harry demanded. "Where are Mel and Hermione?"

"They're perfectly alright," Adrik said, "I have no intention of harming your friends…" he trailed off, his gaze falling on Ron's limp form. "Don't move," he said absently to Harry as he started towards the hearth. Harry watched with growing apprehension as Adrik slowly crossed the room, weighing his chances. If he could take him by surprise while his back was turned, he might be able to get his wand back. But if Adrik saw him coming, Harry knew he had no hope of defeating this man who had such overwhelming strength.

Harry sprung up from his seat, however, when the man aimed his wand at Ron, only to feel relief an instant later when he used the same magic to heal the unconscious wizard's injuries.

"I told you no harm will come to your friends," Adrik said knowingly without turning to look at Harry. "Now sit."

Harry slowly lowered himself back down to the couch, feeling uneasy, but deciding not to attempt to cause any trouble for Adrik until he knew more about what he was up against. Numerous questions were racing through his mind, but before he could find the voice to ask even one of them, a sudden popping noise echoed through the air around them, and Harry felt his jaw drop, stunned as he saw who had apparated into the room.

The tattered green cloak, the delicate frame…it was the woman from the alley. The one the spider creatures had been after…

"We lost Zuri," the woman said furiously, crossing the short distance to where Adrik stood.

"We will fix it, don't worry," he replied confidently. "As soon as we finish our task here."

The woman turned her head, fixing her gaze on Harry, a dark scowl etched on her features.

"Is it already started?" she asked evenly.

"Yes," Adrik nodded, faintly. "Everything's in the next room, why don't you wait here, I'll bring it in."

Harry watched as the small woman nodded impatiently, and Adrik turned, starting for the kitchen. She tore her gaze away from him then, ripping at the homely green cloak she was wearing, and letting it fall to the floor, along with all indications of her frailness.

She had long, flowing, silky black hair that hung below her hips. Her petite frame now looked toned and strong, and her rough skin was smooth and soft. The rags she had appeared to be wearing before were nowhere to be seen, and she stood clothed in a long, sleeveless, black gown.

"What do you want?" Harry asked abruptly, amazed at the transformation but keeping his mind focused. "Why did those spider creatures attack you?"

"The Skeins didn't attack me," the woman laughed wickedly. "They belong to me…you could say that I am their mother." She closed her eyes, tilting her head back for a brief moment, before opening them again, revealing a most unnatural sight. It was as if her eyes had been inverted. The whites of her eyes had gone jet black, and the pupils and irises seemed to meld together, forming an intense white circle in the center of each.

"Their mother?" Harry repeated with faint shock.

"Yes…but now your friend has murdered one of my children, and seriously injured another" she continued, the tone of her voice growing low and deadly. She slowly turned her gaze away from Harry, bringing it to rest on Ron.

"What did you expect him to do?" Harry asked quickly, ready to lunge at the woman if she tried to go for Ron. "You're the reason we went down that alley in the first place…and they tried to kill us!"

"But they didn't kill you, did they?" she shot back furiously, her anger-filled eyes once again meeting Harry's.

"What is it you're here for?" Harry asked, forcing calmness into his tone.

"You'll find out soon enough," she hissed, a tiny smirk touching her lips.

"Then why did you lead Ron and I to those…those things…the Skeins…? You let them attack us, nearly kill us…only to later heal our wounds…it doesn't make sense…"

"You'll get no explanation from me," the woman said darkly, crossing her arms over her chest. "Now shut your mouth and wait quietly."

"Lilith," Adrik's deep voice called out gently. "The boy is only confused, no need to be harsh with him…" he trailed off, an underlying amusement in his tone.

Harry turned his head towards the kitchen door and felt his stomach flip. Adrik had his wand out in front of him, maneuvering three objects through the air. One was a rather small cauldron, a cloud of blue smoke billowing out above it…the other two, were Mel and Hermione. The two girls were struggling in mid-air, their wrists and ankles bound with cords, and thick gags in their mouths.

"You said you wouldn't hurt them!" Harry yelled angrily, jumping up from his seat, ready to do whatever was necessary to save his friends. He could clearly see the confusion and fear in both of their eyes.

"And you'll notice, that aside from perhaps a slight discomfort, they are quite unharmed," Adrik replied casually, setting the cauldron down a few feet from where Harry stood, before maneuvering both girls over to the wall beside the hearth. He set them down so they were sitting up and against it, before dropping his gaze to the limp form on the floor. With another wave of his wand, Ron was lifted through the air and propped up beside Hermione, before he was quickly bound and gagged as well.

Leaning down towards Ron's head, Adrik positioned his wand just in front of the redhead's face.

"Enervate," he whispered, and within seconds, Ron's eyes fluttered open. For a moment, he stared at the hidden face in front of him, a disoriented look in his gaze, when suddenly he seemed to realize he couldn't move, and a wave of fear and confusion passed through his eyes as he began to fight against his restraints.

Adrik straightened up slowly, stepping several paces away from the three struggling captives and facing Harry once more.

"Let them go," Harry said immediately. "They have nothing to do with this…"

"How would you know?" Adrik snapped abruptly. "You don't have any idea what I'm here for." He paused then, glancing down at the three once more before bringing his head back up. "But you're right, they have no part in this…I just like an audience…" he trailed off, obvious enjoyment in his voice.

"Just tell me what you want!" Harry cried suddenly, standing in place, fighting the urge to lunge at the stronger man. He knew there was no hope of defeating him that way, or he would have done that long before this moment.

Adrik waited a moment before replying slowly and deliberately.

"I want you to sit down."

Harry hesitated several seconds before doing as the man asked, seeing him bring his hands up to the dark hood covering his ever-hidden face. Adrik began to slip the hood back slowly, keeping his head down as he did so. Harry could see the stronger man was completely bald, but that was all, until ever so slowly, the man began to lift his face.

Harry grimaced in horror at the sight before him, and from just a across the room, he heard Hermione let out a cry which was strangled by the gag in her mouth, but her eyes were wide with alarm. The others looked equally frightened, but Harry could tell Hermione knew something about this man, whose image he now wished to erase from his mind.

Adrik's eyelids were unevenly sewn shut with thin, black string. They were sunken into his head, indicating that the eyes underneath were no longer there. His skin was smooth, and hairless, with the exception of one sharp scar on the left side of his upper lip, twisting the soft pink flesh into a harelip.

"Lilith, check on the potion dearest," Adrik said quietly, and the raven-haired woman nodded once, before gliding smoothly past him towards the cauldron. The tall man took hold of the armchair across from Harry, shoving it closer to the younger man before lowering himself into it.

"As I said, it shouldn't be long," Adrik said with a smirk. Harry could only gape at the man, not having expected this at all. Perhaps what shocked him most of all, was how Adrik had given him the clear impression he could see just fine…

"What do you want with me?" Harry asked faintly, when at last he found his voice again.

"You're going to drink something for me," Adrik replied casually, "and then my wife and I will leave you…"

"And what is it you want me to drink?" Harry asked suspiciously, his gaze flickering briefly to the cauldron.

"It won't kill you," Adrik replied, a slow grin spreading across his face.

"I don't believe you," Harry stated immediately. "If you didn't want me dead why have the Skeins attack Ron and I?"

"I have my reasons, which I don't care to share with you," Adrik replied stiffly. "I wouldn't have let them kill you though…I need you very much alive right now."

"What for?" Harry asked angrily.

"You're just full of questions, aren't you?" Adrik laughed darkly. "Too bad I can't answer them for you. Though I'm sure you'll understand…at some point or another…"

Harry stared at the dark man, loathing his presence, despising the feeling of helplessness surrounding him at this moment, but there was nothing he could do…

"You work for Voldemort, don't you?" Harry asked quietly.

Adrik paused a long moment, and Harry had the overwhelming sensation that the blind man was staring directly into his eyes, before he heard the deep voice reply.

"I will serve the Dark Lord until I breathe my last breath…and when I die, it will be for him."

Despite the fact that Harry was already certain Adrik was a death eater; he felt a violent chill run up his spine upon hearing the reply.

"It's ready," Lilith's voice floated over to them then, and Harry glanced over his shoulder, to see her moving towards him, carrying a large glass in her hand. She handed it to Adrik, before sinking down onto the arm of the chair beside him, and fixing her gaze on Harry.

"This is it then, Potter," Adrik said, holding the glass out to Harry.

"No," Harry replied, shaking his head. It didn't look as if any liquid were in the cup at all, there was a large, blue flame flickering about madly, a tendril of smoke rising into the air above it. "I'm not drinking that."

"Don't be difficult, Harry," Adrik said, his tone dark and demanding. "If I have to force this down your throat, believe me I will…"

Before Harry could utter a word in reply, however, Lilith jumped up from the chair, crossing towards the three captives.

Harry stood up abruptly as Lilith stopped next to Mel, kneeling down beside her and grasping a handful of her soft, blonde hair. Mel tried in vain to free herself from the dark woman's grasp, but there was ultimately nothing she could do without the use of her hands. Ron and Hermione were struggling futilely against their restraints as well, to no avail. Before Harry could take one step towards his friends, however, he was shoved roughly back into his seat by Adrik, who stood over him, keeping him where he was.

All he could do was watch helplessly, as Lilith drew a long, sharp knife from under her gown, bringing it up to Mel's soft neck and digging it into her skin.

"Drink it," Adrik said again, thrusting the glass towards Harry once more.

Harry took the cup without hesitation. He glanced sideways at Mel, seeing soft tears trickling slowly down her face, before raising the glass to his lips and tipping his head back, downing the flames in one gulp.

In an instant, Harry's throat began to burn so intensely, that he lost his grip on the glass, bringing his hands to his neck as it smashed to the hardwood floor. The potion spread through him like lightning, making it feel as if his whole body were engulfed in searing, white-hot flames, and he pressed himself further into his chair, holding in the cries threatening to escape him, consumed by the pain.

His eyes were squeezed tightly shut as the agony was far too great, he couldn't think clearly, and wished fiercely for it to end. He didn't even feel it when Adrik, an amused sneer on his lips, leant down and grasped Harry's right wrist in his large hand, twisting it so the underside was facing up. The dark man drew a long wand from within his black robes, and placed the tip of it firmly up against the soft skin of Harry's wrist, just under his thumb.

"Opacus inquino igniculus avocare," Adrik spoke confidently, and a red light could barely be seen outlining the tip of his wand from where it was pressed against Harry's skin. In seconds, Harry felt the searing heat consuming him begin to drain out through his wrist, and Adrik's entire wand started glowing…first red, then slowly becoming blue. Harry felt his strength returning rapidly, and the pain was entirely gone as Adrik pulled his wand away, but he did not release his hold on the younger man's wrist. Harry had no time to think about what the purpose of putting him through that was, if only to take it away seconds later, when the dark man spoke again.

"Opacus signum."

The tip of Adrik's wand flashed so brightly Harry had to avert his eyes, and when he looked back a moment later, it was glowing a dazzlingly bright yellow-orange. Harry had no time to react as the grip around his wrist tightened painfully, and his arm was pulled forward sharply, before Adrik thrust his wand harshly into the exact spot he'd placed it only moments ago.

Letting out a cry of agony through clenched teeth, Harry did all he could to free his arm from Adrik's grasp, trying frantically to pry the immovable fingers off of him. It felt as if the skin on his wrist were melting away as the wand was pressed mercilessly into him, charring and scorching the skin beneath it. A sickening aroma of burnt flesh filled Harry's senses, and he fought to remain conscious through the tears of pain that were blurring his vision.

After what felt like ages, Adrik at last pulled his wand back, the light at the tip extinguishing at once. He slipped it into his pocket, drawing his hand back out with what looked to be a shimmering powder trickling from his clenched fist. He held it over Harry's wrist, letting a minute amount drizzle onto the blackened, blistering wound, before releasing his hold completely.

Harry instantly slumped back into the chair, shaking from exhaustion, clutching his wrist to his chest, and breathing heavily as beads of sweat ran down his face.

"Come Lilith, we are finished here," Adrik spoke darkly as he turned away from Harry, facing his wife once more.

"They took one of mine…" Lilith hissed vengefully, still holding the blade's razor-sharp edge against Mel's soft throat, looking hungrily down upon the helpless, shaking girl.

Harry turned his gaze, only just realizing the dark woman hadn't released Mel, and he immediately began to stand, only to find he couldn't. He wasn't sure exactly what had been done to him, but he felt as if his veins were suddenly filled with led…he could barely move.

"You promised…" he croaked, tearing his gaze away from Mel's terrified blue eyes and glaring hatefully up at Adrik. "You promised my friends wouldn't be hurt…"

"Lilith," Adrik spoke again in a commanding tone, ignoring Harry. "I promise you when the time is right, you can have your revenge…but not tonight. You have moved Zuri already, I trust?"

"Now is right," Lilith replied, darkly, before a look of pure hatred contorted her pale face. "One of my children was killed!" she screamed furiously.

Mel winced in fear through the gag as the dark woman wrenched back on her hair painfully, the knife still pressing into her throat.

"I've already told you, we will fix it," Adrik replied soothingly, starting to move quickly across towards his wife, and speaking again, his voice becoming stern and cold. "Now stop this at once. Release the girl; she is not the one who killed Zuri. We don't have time to waste."

Harry watched, barely breathing, as Lilith's hateful, determined expression slowly faded into one of misery and torment. She began to weep softly, losing her grip on the dagger and letting it fall harmlessly onto Mel's lap, before bringing her hands to her face. Mel let out a muffled sigh of relief, her shoulders slumping from the released tension, as she set her eyes upon the knife lying uselessly in front of her.

Adrik leant down and scooped the blade up in one swift motion, slipping it into his robes, before reaching forward and grasping one of Lilith's arms, pulling her gently to her feet.

"Do not cry, my love," he cooed softly, embracing his wife. "Everything will be alright, I promise you. But I must insist we leave now…"

Lilith drew back from his arms, nodding faintly, and in that fleeting second, all traces of sadness vanished from her expression. She cast a dark gaze over the three captives, setting her inverted eyes upon Ron and glowering at him, pure loathing in her gaze.

"Go and retrieve the item for me dearest, won't you?" Adrik spoke again, smiling softly at the dark woman. "I've left it out there," he said, gesturing towards the kitchen. Lilith nodded once more, and turned without a word, starting towards the next room. Harry looked after her curiously, wondering what this item was, but when she returned seconds later, she was carrying a heavy looking burlap sack held tight to her chest.

"Good night, Harry," Adrik said darkly, drawing four wands from his pocket and setting them down on the coffee table, before wrapping one arm around his wife as she pressed against him. "Until next time…" Harry glared hatefully back at the hideous face before him, still unable to move.

"I'm terribly sorry, ladies," he continued on, turning his head towards Hermione and Mel, a surprisingly sincere tone to his voice, "for disturbing the lovely dinner you were making. It was most rude of me, but unfortunately…I had little choice."

The two stared warily back at him, unable to reply had they even wanted to. Adrik turned his eyeless face back to Harry once more, and without another word, both he and his wife disapparated, leaving the four friends in silence.

Harry struggled to push himself up in his seat, but he could barely move. He glanced helplessly over at his friends who were still working against their restraints, but seemed to be getting nowhere. His wrist was tingling now, but the throbbing had dissipated. He glanced down, preparing himself for the sight of the wound he was sure would be there, and felt his jaw drop in surprise.

The burnt, charred skin was gone…completely healed. There were no blisters, no blood…his wrist was just as it had been before he drank the potion, with one exception.

Just under his thumb, where Adrik's wand had been pressed into his skin, was a small, circular mark. It had the faintest blue glow to it and within the circle were seven smaller ones, the edges of each touching, but not intertwining.

Harry stared at the mark, his brow furrowing in confusion. Was this what all that pain had been for…or was there more to this than he could see? The blue glow was growing fainter by the second, and Harry wanted to examine it closer, but sighed in frustration, as he couldn't manage to lift his arm more than an inch from his leg, where it rested.

Less than a moment later, the circular mark had faded entirely from his wrist, and Harry felt his strength rush back to him with a sudden jolt. He sat upright immediately, bringing his wrist close to his face, in hopes that he might still be able to see something more, but it was in vain. The blue glow had vanished, and the mark along with it.

Deciding to worry about it later, Harry stood quickly from his seat and grabbed the wands from the table. He hurried across the room to where his friends were and removed their gags first. Then, drawing his own wand from the bunch, he waved it over the three of them quickly, before kneeling down beside Mel as her bonds fell loosely to the floor.

"Are you alright?" he asked anxiously pulling her into a fierce embrace.

"I'm fine," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper. Harry could tell she was forcing it to remain steady.

"I'm sorry," Harry said, sincerely. "I'm so sorry…"

"Well it wasn't your fault," Ron spoke up flatly as he and Hermione helped each other up. "So let's skip the apologies and work on figuring out who those two gits were."

"You mean you didn't recognize them?" Hermione asked in shock, staring disbelievingly at Ron.

"Did I give you the impression I spent a great deal of time with them?" Ron shot back sardonically.

"Guys, not now!" Harry said at once, while helping Mel to her feet. "Hermione, do you really know who they were?" he asked eagerly. She nodded in response, before turning away abruptly and sprinting across the room, through the door to the study. Harry and Ron exchanged bewildered glances, but knew better than to ask questions. Hermione would no doubt have more answers than the two of them combined when she returned.

Harry began to lead Mel across the room and back to the couch, before lowering them both onto it. She was rubbing her neck absently, and Harry gently reached up, slipping his fingers through hers and moving her hand away so he could get a better look at it.

"Does it hurt badly?" he asked, seeing several thin scratches across her throat, but no blood. Mel silently shook her head in reply, and Harry drew her close to him, as she rested her head upon his shoulder.

"Here!" Hermione's muffled voice cried out from the next room. They heard her grunting in her effort to move whatever it was, and Ron stood up quickly, ready to go help her, when there was a loud thud, followed by brisk footsteps.

Hermione reentered the living room, carrying an enormous book propped against her hip as if it were an infant, only much larger. She reached the coffee table and released the book onto it, paying no attention as the small table shook from the impact.

"I'm not even going to ask how many times you've read through this…gargantuan book…to know you'd have to look in it so quickly…" Ron muttered in amazement as he took his seat again.

"Good," Hermione replied curtly, catching her breath from the unexpected exercise and dropping to her knees, before beginning to flip furiously through the thin, crisp pages. The book wasn't exactly old, that Harry could tell right away, but he hadn't the slightest clue as to what Hermione was so adamantly searching for within its pages.

"There," she said suddenly, thrusting the book away from where she knelt beside the table and towards Harry. He glanced down, scanning the page quickly, before raising his gaze hastily and looking at Hermione.

"Adrik and Lilith…Lestrange?" he asked quietly, feeling his stomach flip. "They were the Lestranges?"

"The Le-what's?" Ron asked in obvious confusion. Hermione gave him such a withering look that Harry believed she would have taken the book and slapped him with it, if only it weren't so heavy.

"The Lestranges!" she said exasperatedly. "They're Voldemort's most loyal death eaters! Responsible for countless deaths, pure blood, half blood, muggle…it makes no difference to them! They showed no remorse for their crimes…"

"But…they can't be," Harry stated almost to himself. "I've seen the Lestranges before…they…they didn't look like that…" he trailed off, remembering the image from so long ago, through the Pensieve in Dumbledore's office. "Adrik had his eyes…and Lilith's were…well, they weren't backwards…"

"It's got to be them," Hermione said softly. "Adrik lost his eyes while he was in Azkaban…and Lilith-"

She stopped abruptly, visibly tensing as did everyone else in the room, when numerous loud pops rang through the air, and several people apparated into the apartment.

Harry thrust his hand into his pocket, drawing out his wand and standing immediately, barely noticing the others doing the same thing, as he turned to face the new intruders. But a mere glance around the room was enough to cause a wave of relief to wash over the four friends, who immediately relaxed and lowered their wands.

"Sirius," Harry nearly laughed as his godfather stepped forward, concern and worry etched in his features.

"What happened?" Sirius asked anxiously, gripping Harry by the arms and looking him over, seemingly expecting him to be hurt.

"How…how did you…?" Harry began, trailing off as he caught sight of Draco just a few feet away, a blank expression on his face.

"Painful enough to tell someone this time?" Harry couldn't stop himself from asking as he caught Draco's eye.

"Shove it, Potter," Malfoy snapped impatiently. "Just tell us what happened so we can stop it from happening again."

"Harry, Draco…enough arguing, please," Dumbledore's voice spoke up from the opposite side of the room. Harry turned to see the head minister crossing over to him, with Marzia by his side. "Are all of you alright?" he continued, letting his penetrating gaze move slowly over the four friends.

"We're fine now," Ron answered, before gesturing around at the couches. "You can…you can all sit down…if you like…"

"Should we search the house first?" Sirius asked, a suspicious glint entering his eyes as he glanced around.

"No, they're gone now," Harry replied flatly, lowering himself onto the couch with Mel, Ron and Hermione. Dumbledore took the armchair while Sirius, Marzia and Draco took the smaller couch.

"Who's gone?" Marzia asked. "Who was here in the first place?"

Harry opened his mouth to reply but Dumbledore spoke first.

"The Lestranges…" he said gravely. The four friends all looked up at once, to find the head minister's eyes fixed on the book Hermione had brought out to show them.

"Yes," Harry nodded faintly.

"What did they do?" Sirius asked grimly, his eyes narrowing upon hearing their name.

Harry glanced sideways at his friends. Here they were, once again, about to explain and relive a terrible experience they'd shared. Knowing it was the only way they'd get any closer to figuring this out, however, Harry simply shook his head, and began to tell the story.

For just over an hour, the four friends talked without interruption, each filling in their part of the evening's events. Harry and Ron told of the incident with the woman in the alley, and the ghastly attack by the Skeins, pausing as Hermione and Mel started explaining what had happened while the boys were gone.

They had been finishing up with dinner when they heard movement in the living room, and went in, expecting the boys to be back. Instead of Harry and Ron, however, they found a dark hooded man and an exceptionally tall woman with pale blue skin standing just by the hearth. The woman hissed angrily, before moving slowly towards them, and the two girls were so taken aback, that they never saw the man raise his wand.

Hermione got a shot off first, intending to petrify the woman, but she was ready, dodging the bolt of energy that left the wand, and as she did, the hooded man's curse which he'd already called out, sped through the air and slammed into Hermione's chest.

Mel hesitated a brief moment as Hermione's unconscious form crumpled to the floor, before training her own wand on this intruder. She was stopped from doing anything further, however, as the tall woman lunged at her from a few feet away, taking hold of her arms and pinning them to her sides. The man crossed the room silently, stopping near Hermione to retrieve her wand from where it had fallen to the floor, before turning to Mel and ripping her wand from her grasp.

"What do you want?" Mel asked, trying to hide the fear in her voice while helplessly struggling against the woman's hold on her.

"I have something for Mr. Potter, and it must be given to him tonight…" the man drawled slowly as he turned his hidden face away from Mel, and pointed his wand at Hermione. Mel watched as he tied the unconscious girl up, feeling her stomach twist in panic.

"Harry isn't here," Mel said, glaring defiantly at him.

"Yes I know," the man replied, lifting Hermione's limp form and bringing it through the door to the kitchen, before setting her down on the floor against the corner cabinets. The tall woman followed his progress, never taking her white eyes off of him.

"Your boyfriend," he continued as he came back into the room, stopping directly in front of Mel, "is on his way back from the market with young Mr. Weasley, I'm quite aware of his location. But he won't be back just yet, I'm afraid…there's a small detour waiting for him, so I have time to prepare…"

"Prepare what?" Mel demanded, pulling fiercely against the grasp on her arms, her blue eyes flashing angrily and her voice growing louder as she continued. "What do you want with him!?"

For several seconds, the man made no reply, when suddenly a soft, dark laugh emitted from under the black hood.

"My but you have a temper, Melanie," he said with clear amusement, lifting his right hand and running one thick finger down the side of her soft face as she tried to pull away. "You and I should have a talk someday…" he drawled, as his hand slipped down, falling to his side. He reached into his pocket and redrew his wand, continuing on with a soft sigh. "But not today, I'm afraid…I have other things to take care of…"

With those words he lifted his wand, waving it over Mel once, and stepping back as thin cords quickly snaked their way around her, binding her wrists and ankles tightly.

The dark man slid his wand back into his pocket, before motioning the tall woman to step back. He moved forward, reaching around Mel and lifting her into his arms, carrying her into the kitchen as she struggled against him. He set her down on the floor beside Hermione, and leant over her.

"I do apologize, I so hate to rush," the dark man spoke, his tone dripping with sincerity as he smoothed Mel's hair beneath his fingers. "Such a shame…" he whispered.

Without another word, the dark man stood up, crossing to the small window on the opposite side of the kitchen. The tall woman followed him, watching as he rummaged through his cloak, setting several small packages and vials on the corner of the table.

"The cauldron?" he asked, and the tall woman nodded, turning and exiting the kitchen for a brief moment, before returning with a miniature black pot. Mel watched uneasily, as the man drew a small, burlap sack from the pot, and set it gently on the floor beside him with a heavy thud, before he began mixing the ingredients he'd lain on the table together.

Opening the window, the tall woman jumped up, perching on the sill and leaning partially out into the crisp, night air, but kept her gaze on the cauldron as the dark man continued to work in silence, his back to Mel and Hermione. When a thin tendril of black smoke was curling its way out of the pot, the man set the vial he'd been holding down on the table, and picked up the burlap sack.

Mel tried to shift her position, wanting to see what he was doing, but froze immediately as the dark man's cold, demanding voice filled the air.

"This isn't for your eyes Melanie, I suggest you stay put…"

Not waiting for a reply, the man reached into his robes again, extracting a small, thin, metal barb. Try as she might, despite the sinister warning, Mel couldn't see what the man was doing from where she sat on the floor, and the next thing she knew, their was a low rumbling coming from the belly of the cauldron. The black smoke took on a blue tinge as it continued to billow into the air.

The noise lasted for mere seconds but Mel could feel the floor shaking beneath her. When it suddenly stopped, the tall lady still perched at the window jumped up suddenly, leaning out further into the darkness, as if listening for something.

"It is time…go," the man commanded of the woman, and she obediently slipped silently out the window. He reached into his cloak yet again, drawing out a rough looking piece of cloth, and placed it over all but an inch of the cauldron's opening, leaving a space so the smoke could filter through, and drift out the window.

Mel realized at once that Harry and Ron must be about to return, and glanced nervously back and forth between the man and the hearth. He had finished working on the potion for the moment, and held two long white cloths in his hand as he strode across the room towards the girls. Kneeling down beside Mel, she could do nothing to move away as he took the first piece of cloth and shoved it into her mouth roughly, tying it behind her head. She glanced over as he did the same thing to the still unconscious Hermione, before he stood again.

"He went into the living room then," Mel said quietly. "I watched him…he put out all the lights and hid in the corner…waiting for you to arrive…"

Harry felt his blood boiling after hearing what Adrik had done to Mel. If the stronger man had been in his presence at this particular moment, he felt he'd have no trouble fighting him this time. And what did he mean…such a shame? His thoughts were interrupted, however as Draco's voice cut in.

"Alright so what then?" he asked, impatiently. "I know what I felt didn't all come from your battle with the Skeins."

Harry turned on Draco; clearly livid at the statement he'd just made, and opened his mouth to tell him off, when Sirius spoke first.

"What is wrong with you?" he asked, with obvious disgust in his voice, glaring at the former Slytherin. "Show a little compassion…or some human decency at least."

"I just want to know what happened tonight," Draco snapped, irritably. "They aren't the only ones who had a bad night, you know…"

"Well we're telling you what happened, aren't we?" Hermione jumped in, glaring heatedly at Draco.

"And I think if you really wanted to argue about it, our night was worse than yours, Malfoy," Ron added snidely.

"If you're all quite finished," Dumbledore spoke up, sternly. "Would it be possible to continue with the explanation?" The three ducked their heads sheepishly, and Dumbledore turned to Harry, who was still glaring angrily at Draco.

"Mr. Potter?"

Tearing his gaze away from Malfoy and nodding stiffly, Harry started talking again, telling about all that had happened after he and Ron arrived back at the apartment. He spoke quickly; trying to remember every detail of the process Adrik had put him through using the potion and the spell. Finally, just over half an hour later, he finished speaking, and looked hopefully to Dumbledore for an explanation…or anything that might make the evening's events make more sense.

"Harry, would you show me where exactly the mark on your wrist appeared?" the head minister asked, seriously.

Nodding faintly, Harry held out his right arm, underside up, and leant over the arm of the couch towards the headmaster.

"Just below my thumb there," Harry said as Dumbledore took hold of his hand gently, examining it. "Like I said, it faded pretty quickly, I didn't get a good look…"

"But it was a circle, you're certain of that?" Dumbledore asked.

"Yes…with seven smaller circles within it."

"Seven within it…" Marzia repeated faintly, before abruptly leaning forward in her seat. "Were they all lined up along the edge of the larger one?" she asked, anxiously.

"Yes," Harry nodded at once. "Why…do you recognize it?" he asked, not sure if he wanted to know the answer, judging by the sudden look of worry that had settled over her features.

"I…I think it's…" she trailed off, her eyes flickering uncertainly to Dumbledore.

"You are correct, Marzia," the head minister nodded gravely. "It is the mark of the Cult of Shadows."

"What?" Harry cried in shock, jerking his hand back without even realizing he did so. "How? Are the Lestranges part of the cult?" he asked quickly.

"If they were, they would not have needed to go to such lengths to put that mark on your arm," Dumbledore replied evenly. "Adrik always had a fondness for working with hallucinations, illusions…and especially…forgeries."

"How would one normally get the mark then?" Hermione asked.

"I do not know," Dumbledore replied quietly, shaking his head. "The cult has many well kept secrets, and has never shown any sign that they would be willing to answer our questions about them."

"Maybe…maybe he did it wrong then," Harry said hopefully, while not believing his own words. "I mean, I can't see it anymore…"

"No, you usually don't see it," Marzia spoke up. "And only the Shadow Walkers know how to make it reappear."

"So what exactly is this mark going to do?" Sirius asked suddenly, concern evident in his voice. "Will the cult be led straight to Harry now? Will they be able to track him?"

"I do not know," Dumbledore said again. "We are aware the cult uses the mark as a way of showing that a new member has been fully initiated into their ranks. But aside from that, we know very little about it."

"Then how do we get it off of him?" Sirius pressed.

"Adrik is the only one who can answer that question, I'm afraid," Dumbledore replied.

"Well we have to find another way then," Mel said quietly, a determined look in her eyes. "We can tell you the words he used in the spell…and I know I wasn't very helpful in what he put in the potion but I can at least tell you what some of the ingredients resembled…"

"Melanie, I wish it were that simple," Dumbledore replied sadly. "But if we do not know the exact components and the specific amount he used of each, there is nothing we can do. If we tried to work on an antidote of some sort, we might end up hurting Harry more than he has already been. Adrik is also known for making sure you cannot undo what he has done…"

"Alright so we stay away from the antidotes," Draco spoke up then, sounding nervous at the very thought.

Harry bit back against replying to Malfoy, who obviously only cared for his own well-being, and turned to Dumbledore again.

"What do I do then?" he asked. "Should I leave the school? I don't want to endanger the students if the Shadow Walkers can find me there…"

"What you do is your decision, Harry," Dumbledore replied evenly. "If you're asking my opinion, I would say it isn't necessary that you leave Hogwarts. There is no certainty in the notion that the cult can track you now that you've been given their mark, and if they did, you would be their only target."

"And that's supposed to be reassuring?" Sirius asked, clearly incensed. "How can we be certain Harry's not going to be attacked by these things that can hide in the shadows…because that's exactly what they are!?"

The head minister looked into Sirius' angry, worried eyes, before replying quietly.

"We can't."

For a moment, Sirius said nothing, not having expected that reply from the head minister, and his jaw dropped in shocked silence.

"Sirius, it's not as if anything's changed," Harry began quietly.

"What do you mean? Everything's changed!" he replied abruptly, his eyes betraying the fear he felt for what might happen to his godson.

"The cult has been looking for me for a while now…and we've known from the start that they use scents to track people with…they're going to find me sooner or later…"

"And I'd much rather it be later!" Sirius replied fiercely. "We need time…we need to know more about them…how to fight them!"

"I can assure you that I've been using as much time as I can spare to try and obtain this information," Dumbledore interrupted quietly. "I've also assigned several ministers to this as well. If there is anything, we will find it, I promise you."

Sirius looked as if he were going to argue again, but Marzia's hand on his arm caused him to hesitate as he turned his gaze to hers.

"Being angry isn't going to change the facts Sirius," she said quietly. "We're all going to do whatever we can to try and solve this, but yelling about it won't fix it."

Shaking his head faintly, Sirius let out a heavy sigh before speaking quietly.

"I know…you're right," he began, her words having partially diffused his anger for the time being. "It's just so…frustrating…"

The soft sound of Hermione clearing her throat caused everyone to suddenly turn in her direction, and she began speaking in a small voice.

"I don't mean to interrupt…but isn't there another problem we should be worrying about?" she asked.

"Which is?" Ron piped up from just beside her.

"Well…why would the Lestranges put the mark of the cult on Harry in the first place?"

"We need to know what it does before we can answer that, don't we?" Mel asked.

"Just think about it for a moment," Hermione began, a look of concentration settling in her eyes. "Let's say the mark does allow the Shadow Walkers to trace Harry; why would the Lestranges want that? The one shadow Harry spoke with on that day when he was almost taken made it quite clear he didn't expect Harry to be returning…and Marzia said they don't care about torturing or killing anyone who angers them…"

"And?" Sirius prompted, apprehensively.

"Well…we know the Lestranges work for Voldemort…and we know Voldemort wants to be the one to…to…kill Harry…so he can gain control of his powers. But if someone else kills Harry…someone without Faerunian blood…the powers just leave him, passing on to the next bloodline and waiting for the next Psion to be born, right?"

"Right," Harry nodded faintly, "and Voldemort would be left with nothing."

"So that can't be what he wants then," Ron spoke up. "There must be some other reason behind giving Harry that mark."

A soft silence fell over the room, as everyone tried to come up with some other explanation, but it was nothing that could be solved in such a short time.

"I think it would be best for now, if you four had some rest," Dumbledore spoke up softly. "When I arrive at the ministry office tomorrow morning, I will notify those that are already working on this of the new information we are now looking for.

"Fine, I'm tired anyway," Draco spoke up sharply as he stood from his seat. "Goodnight," he said to no one in particular, before disapparating from the room.

"What a stupid git," Ron muttered under his breath, shaking his head in disbelief.

"Did you honestly expect anything other than that from him?" Hermione asked, rolling her eyes, before looking to Dumbledore. "How did you know where to come, anyway? I'm assuming Draco told you first…but did any of you have our address?"

"Hey that's right," Harry said, suddenly. "I don't remember even telling anyone I was coming here tonight…"

"Which I hope you never forget to do in the future," Sirius said, giving his godson a pointed stare. "It took us too long to get to you tonight…"

"So how did you finally find us then?" Mel asked.

"As Hermione said," Dumbledore began. "Draco did indeed come to me when he first felt the pain. He had already left work for the day, and used the floo network to return as I was just getting ready to leave. When he arrived at my office and explained what he'd felt, I immediately sent word to Sirius to meet us at the school, which is where I assumed you would be," he paused, looking towards Harry. "When we didn't find you in your quarters, however, I spoke to Minerva, who said you hadn't returned from Hogsmeade that day, but several students had seen you and Melanie together, so no one was worried. Sirius suggested we ask Ginny Weasley if she knew anything, since you have always had a close friendship with her, and as it happened she knew exactly where you were. She pointed out this location to us on a map, and we immediately left the school grounds, apparating here as quickly as we could."

Harry looked towards his godfather as the headmaster finished speaking, to see Sirius was still giving him a sharp stare.

"Alright, I'm sorry," Harry half-laughed as he spoke. "I promise to send you detailed notes on my plans for the rest of the year, alright?"

"It's all I ask," Sirius joked, winking at his godson.

Harry shook his head in amusement, but he knew his godfather had a point. If he'd told them where he was going to be in the first place, they might have arrived before Adrik had the chance to finish what he was doing.

"If you all feel you are alright then, it is time for me to be on my way," Dumbledore spoke up then, his piercing gaze falling over each of the four friends in turn, and they all assured him they would be fine. Once he had disapparated from the apartment, Sirius and Marzia stood as well. Sirius expressed his worry over the situation once more, but had resigned to the fact that for the time being, there was nothing more they could do. Harry promised he would be careful, and that he would tell them where he planned on going if he thought he'd be away from Hogwarts for a long while, before they too, disapparated.

"I should get going as well," Mel said softly, heading to where she'd hung her cloak after she'd arrived, but Harry stopped her suddenly, gently grasping hold of her arm.

"Are you…I mean…I'm not sure if you should…" he stammered.

"Harry," Mel interrupted quietly, a small, knowing smirk on her lips. "I'm not afraid of the dark…and I can be alone in my own house, don't worry about me."

"That's impossible," he smiled down at her.

"Me being alone in my house?" Mel asked, confused.

"No, me not worrying about you…" he trailed off, leaning down, brushing his lips against hers, kissing her softly.

"I'll be fine," Mel whispered as they slowly parted. "And promise me you'll be careful Harry…"

"I promise," Harry grinned reassuringly. He couldn't help but laugh then as Mel tried unsuccessfully to stifle a rather large yawn, before regaining her composure and smiling sheepishly up at him.

"Go, get some rest," he laughed, leaning down and kissing her forehead, before leading her across the room to her cloak. He helped her on with it slowly, wishing her a good night, before stepping back several paces, and letting her disapparate.

"I should head off too, guys," Harry said quietly, looking back towards where his friends stood, smiling as they watched the exchange between Harry and Mel. "I'm really sorry about dinner…" he trailed off, causing Ron to throw his hands up in the air, exasperated.

"Not your fault, Harry," Hermione replied with a laugh. "We'll do it again sometime…don't worry."

"I look forward to it," Harry grinned.

"I'll be checking the library at school," she spoke up again quickly. "If I find anything at all on the cult, I'll let you know right away."

"Thank you," Harry nodded in appreciation, smiling down at her. "Just don't start letting those lovely grades slip, now…" he teased.

"Oh that would never happen and you know it," Ron shot back, jokingly.

"Good night, Harry," Hermione sighed, rolling her eyes as she shook her head at Ron.

"Good night," Harry replied, pulling on his own cloak and fastening it around his neck, before disapparating. He reappeared as close to the school as possible, on the platform where he and Mel had left all the students earlier, only to find Hagrid there, waiting for him.

"Professor McGonagall tol' me to meet you out 'ere," he explained upon seeing Harry's surprised expression. Harry just smiled back, and began to walk with his friend, knowing Dumbledore had probably contacted Minerva the moment he'd arrived back at his home, and asked that she send someone to meet Harry. The two friends talked for the duration of the walk, and Hagrid went on about all that had happened during the feast that evening, while Harry listened and laughed. He had to decline the offer of tea and cake that Hagrid extended, as he was truly beginning to feel the exhaustion setting in now. He said goodnight to his friend, and headed back inside the school, making his way to his quarters, and very glad that this night was over.