"Carrigan!" Sirius yelled his daughter's name as we entered the basement kitchen. Carrigan frowned as she brushed her hair out of her face. She dropped her backpack at the base of the stairs and stepped forward as Sirius came to her. He looked angry, but relieved, much like I felt. He held her shoulders as his blue eyes stared at her crossly. "What the hell were you doing!"
"Running away," Carrigan said smartly to her father as she peered at him with a bored expression in her blue eyes.
Benjamin, Remus and Arthur Weasley were the only other people in the kitchen. I frowned slightly at the sight of the men of the house sitting up waiting for us to return. It was not that late, and I wondered what everyone else could be doing at that moment. The kids were probably just on edge as the adults about Harry's situation and Carrigan running away. Keeping them locked up in their rooms was not going to help anyone.
Benjamin laughed lightly as he rolled his eyes. He stood up from the table and headed for the stairs to escape the family feud that was about to ensue. He passed Carrigan as Sirius pulled away and continued to yell.
"That is the stupidest thing I've ever heard! You're thirteen years old! You don't know how to defend yourself! You could have been killed or kidnapped and tortured!"
Carrigan turned and grabbed Benjamin's wrist. She pulled his large muscular body around, twisted his arm behind his back and pinned him flat against the kitchen table. She held one of his arms straight away from him, far enough back that if she moved it an inch more she'd dislocate his shoulder. His other arm she had twisted flat against his back.
A horrible silence fell around the kitchen as Carrigan leaned against the seventeen-year-old man's back. Remus and Arthur both stood up in surprise and readiness, as if they would actually be able to stop Carrigan if they wanted to.
"Benjamin," she said calmly. "Do you think I can defend myself?"
"For the most part," Benjamin replied.
"Carrigan," I sighed as I frowned at her. I understood the point that Carrigan was trying to make, but it was unnecessary. Sirius was just worried about her, like any father would be.
Carrigan released Benjamin, allowing him to stand up straight. He let out a long sigh of frustration as he looked at her with crystal blue, icy hurt eyes. Carrigan held her breath as she looked up at Benjamin, the realization that she had hurt someone other then me and Sirius by running off was sinking in. She turned away from him quickly and looked at her father, who looked so livid that I thought the foundation would come tumbling down around us if he had physical powers like me or Carrigan.
"I didn't say it was smart," she said with her arms crossed over her chest. "But I'm home now, I'm safe. We can all relax."
"I'm not getting you your tattoo," Sirius returned, there was no shake to his voice.
"What?"
Carrigan's arms dropped to her side in shock while her eyes opened wide, taking in Sirius with the most hatred I had ever seen her generate.
"You have to be punished for acting irresponsibly," he retorted with a yell. "You are rash and immature. I will not be getting you a tattoo for your birthday next year."
"Sirius, I think your decision of punishment is a little rash," I said softly as I stepped forward. Sirius turned his glaring eyes to me, to silence me, but that had never worked before for him, so I pressed on. "This is the first time Carrigan has ever done something irresponsible. The first time she has ever acted out—"
"It doesn't matter!" Sirius yelled over me. "She has to take responsibility for her actions and the consequences that follow."
"For Merlin's sake she's thirteen years old!"
"Fine," Carrigan said, surprising everyone. I bit my bottom lip and crossed my arms over my chest after snipping at Sirius. She bent low and picked up her bag, then looked at Benjamin who was standing by the stairs. "Mom, can I go for a run if Benjamin comes with me?"
"No, absolutely not," Sirius interjected.
Carrigan forced a sarcastic, bitter smile at Sirius. "I asked Mom for a reason."
"Only if Benjamin is up for it," I replied, ignoring Sirius. I gave Carrigan a weak smile.
"Well, I'm not up for it," Benjamin said looking at me with a frown. There was a stony, cold, frank look in his eyes as he turned his head to Carrigan, who looked more then shocked by his words. "I've had a long day. It's mentally exhausting to spend the entire afternoon meditating and concentrating all of your physical and mental energy on finding your charge. I need to rest. I am not up for a run, Carrigan."
"Benjamin," she whispered sadly as she looked at him with pleading eyes. He turned and walked away, disappearing up the stairs. I frowned as I looked at Carrigan. I don't think I had ever seen her so devastated in my life. She looked broken and fearful; she was afraid that she had lost Benjamin, but I knew she hadn't. I knew that she would always have him, just like I always had Gabriel because of the bond we shared.
"Well," Carrigan looked at me and Sirius. "I guess I'll just go to bed."
She grabbed her bag off the floor and disappeared before another word could be said. I turned my glaring green eyes to Sirius, who was ready to glare straight back at me.
"Why would you let her go out after what she pulled today?"
"Running calms her down," I said. "You're lucky she didn't fight you on it. I'm actually quite surprised that she didn't. She ran away because she heard us earlier today, Sirius. She heard you in your drunken stupor yelling at Benjamin. She ran away because she isn't happy here. Running calms her down and right now, I want her to be calm and happy."
Sirius shook his head and looked at the floor as his hands rested on his hips. I was surprised by his silence, that he had nothing to say; but I guess there wasn't anything else to be said. Sirius and I had yelled so much at each other that there was nothing left to be yelled about between us. Obviously, we were never going to get along. The short period of civility we had last year was all we were going to get. We could not be around each other for long periods of time because we'd just fight.
"Where is Gabriel?" I asked as I looked at Remus and Arthur who were both still sitting at the kitchen table. Their eyes were peering down into the glasses that sat before them, like they were the most interesting things in the world, and they weren't trying to ease drop on the argument that had just occurred.
"We haven't seen him," Remus said looking up with a frown. "Dumbledore came by briefly and said that he was looking for Carrigan."
I frowned. Gabriel was probably still out looking for his goddaughter. I had to go out and find him. I nodded my head at Remus' comment then turned on my heel to leave the house.
"How is Harry?" Sirius asked. His voice was still touchy, but it was obvious that he was trying to control his anger.
"He's frustrated," I replied. "Which I can relate to. But overall he's fine. Carrigan was with him."
Sirius studied me for a few moments. He seemed surprised by the fact. "Why was she with him?"
"I think you should ask her that," I replied looking him sharply in the eye. "tomorrow, when you've both had a chance to cool your heads."
Sirius was glaring at me as footsteps could be heard coming down the kitchen steps. We all turned to see Gabriel Quintin appear. He was carrying a letter in his hands and looking grim. I frowned deeply as I went to him.
"Did you find Carrigan?" he questioned instantly as we stopped in front of each other.
"Yes," I said looking up at him with concern. His eyes, which had been brown earlier in the day, looked tired and faded. They were a shade of hazel now. A cross between brown and green, as if they were in transition of switching color. "She was with Harry. She just went up to bed."
Gabriel nodded his head as some relief washed over his face.
"Is something wrong, Gabriel?" Arthur asked at the kitchen table.
Gabriel looked to him with a face that was not trying to hide anything.
"Yes," he said. "Dumbledore gave me an assignment when he stopped by the Ministry today about Harry. I came back here because he sent new directions."
Gabriel was being vague because Dumbledore had probably told him to keep this assignment for the Order secret, even from other Order members. Dumbledore often asked Gabriel to do things that he didn't want many people knowing about…things of a questionable nature that used his skills as an assassin and former Death Eater.
"Do you want me to go with you?" I asked very carefully. I was prepared for him to tell me no. Dumbledore had given him this assignment for a reason, and I wasn't sure how Gabriel would feel about me (his wife) coming with him. We had yet to go into the field together since our marriage was officiated.
I was asking to go because I was worried about Persephone's prophecy from earlier in the year. She had foreseen Gabriel's death before the end of the summer. She had specifically said that when Voldemort returned Gabriel would die, but his return had come and past and Gabriel was still here. I was worried that I had missed something. That somehow, Gabriel was not safe.
"Yes, I need your help," Gabriel said looking at me. I was relieved that I would not have to fight him on the matter. "I'm sorry I can not be more open with you all."
"We understand," Remus said with a bow of his head. "Dumbledore asked you for a reason."
"I just need to change," I said. "Good night everyone."
"Be safe, Cadence," Sirius said in a shallow tone as he gripped the kitchen table next to him. I glanced at him with sad eyes. He was looking at me with fearful midnight blue eyes. I recognized the fear from the years we had been in love—it was the look of a man who was afraid he was losing everything. I bowed my head to him before heading up the stairs. I could hear Gabriel following me.
When we reached the third floor landing, I was surprised when the door to the girls' bedroom opened. Carrigan stepped out into the hall in her pajama shorts and tank top, with her arms crossed tightly over her chest; the purpose in her step made me wonder how long she had been waiting for us to come upstairs.
"Hi," she said awkwardly. I paused and looked her over.
"Something the matter?"
"I wondered if I could speak to Gabriel for a moment," she whispered as she looked away from me to her godfather. Gabriel was standing on the step just below the landing behind me. I looked at him and shrugged my shoulders, unsure of what Carrigan could want.
"Absolutely," Gabriel said extending his hand to Carrigan. He touched her elbow gently, with an affectionate pinch. Then he held out the letter from Dumbledore to me. "Read this. I'll meet you in the foyer in a few moments."
I nodded my head as I took the letter.
"Where are you two going?" Carrigan asked quickly as she glanced between us.
"On an errand," I replied stepping forward and kissing her forehead. "I love you."
Carrigan's eyes were full of worry as I stepped back. She grabbed my arm abruptly. "Please, be very careful. I may not be a Seer, but I am having dreams of your death for a reason."
"I know," I whispered softly. "But we're strong girls, Carrigan."
"The strongest," Carrigan nodded with a weak smile. I returned the jester before patting her hand on my arm and pulling away. I gave Gabriel a glance before moving up the stairs.
"Let's go to the library," Gabriel suggested to Carrigan as I walked away.
"Alright," she said and I heard the bedroom door close behind her. I looked over my shoulder as I mounted the next set of steps to the fourth floor of bedrooms to see Gabriel and Carrigan walking down the hall to the library for some privacy.
I opened the letter from Dumbledore as I walked into the bedroom. I gently closed the door behind me before pulling the letter out of the envelope. I stood next to the door while I read the short note carefully. I sighed with some aggravation. This note did not explain anything of what Dumbledore had asked Gabriel to do.
Despite what we discussed before, I have learned that the details have changed. Stop by the Leaky Caldron for a drink tonight.
I folded the note up and returned it to the envelope. I took my wand from my boot and lit the paper with the tip of my wand. Carefully, I held the corner as the paper burned brightly before me. I sighed as the ash fell to the floor. When the paper was completely engulfed, I released it, dropping it to the ground. With another flick of my wand water poured on the miniature fire on my bedroom floor. The wet mess of ash on the bedroom floor stained the wood and made the room stink. I flicked my wand for the third time and the mess disappeared without a hitch. Returning my wand to my boot, I turned to the wardrobe and dug through my clothing looking for a black shirt to wear. Once I found a long sleeve black blouse, I changed my clothes for the night on the town I was about to spend with Gabriel.
When I arrived in the foyer of the house, it was empty and barely lit. A single candle sat on the windowsill, burning dully on the short wick. I crossed my arms over my chest and peered out the window as I waited for Gabriel to join me. I hoped that Carrigan was finally opening up to someone about the stresses she was under. Obviously, she had discussed things with Harry earlier that day when she ran off, but she was still troubled. The first step to recovery was discussing her problems. Carrigan was a very rational girl, despite her young age, and while she was going through a lot—physically, mentally and emotionally—I knew that she would logically find a solution to manage her problems.
I turned when I heard Gabriel coming down the steps. He looked calm and docile. Carrigan knew she could go to him for anything, and it was clearly written all over his face that she had him wrapped around her finger. I smirked as he approached me, wondering what kind of a father he would have been to the son we lost. There was no doubt in my mind that he'd be an amazing and honorable father, but would our boy be able to play Gabriel's heart strings as easily as Carrigan?
"Everything is alright?"
"Yes," Gabriel nodded as his hands rested on my hips. "Although, she is very worried about us going out tonight."
"Because of these dreams?"
"Not just those. She reminded me of Persephone's prophecy," he said very slowly as his hand moved to my cheek. His fingertips stroked my jaw smoothly. "I know that's why you asked to come."
"You can't change your mind. You said you needed my help. I'm going with you."
"I wouldn't dream of trying to change your mind, darling," he laughed. "You're more stubborn then Carrigan. I know there is no way to stop you from coming with me tonight."
"Good. Let's go then."
I turned and made for the front door. Gabriel followed me out onto the dark quiet courtyard of Grimmauld Place. He closed the door to Number Twelve tightly behind him before fixing his coat and descending the stairs to meet me on the sidewalk.
"The Leaky Caldron?"
"Dumbledore told me about a meeting," he said looking up and down the street. "between some Death Eaters. He's not sure why it's so important, but for Snape to hear about it at a meeting, then we know it's important."
"What if my Father is onto Snape?" I questioned after pondering what Gabriel had said. "What if this is a trap?"
"That's a risk we're going to have to take," Gabriel shrugged. I didn't like that answer.
"Any ideas about who the Death Eaters are?"
"No," Gabriel said. "Don't know why they're meeting either. Come on, I'll Apparate us."
I didn't object as Gabriel wrapped me in his arms snuggly. I laid my head on his chest and closed my eyes tight, concentrating on clearing my mind so we would not be splinched as he Apparated us to the other side of London. The feeling of being squished through a tight tube then pulled apart, stretched, and squished again was sickening. I clenched my jaw as we traveled through space, our bodies pressed fiercely against each other, invading each other's personal space. When are feet hit solid ground I released a sigh of relief.
"Still don't like that?" Gabriel asked quietly.
I pulled out of his arms and shook my head as I covered my mouth with my hand. I frowned and fought every desire to vomit.
"I'll never like it," I replied peering around the quiet alley we had Apparated into. We were in the alley behind the buildings across the street from the Leaky Caldron. I stepped towards the end of the alley to peer out at the Muggle street. It was late enough to not be very busy with evening traffic. Gabriel came up along side me.
"Reminds me of that time Sirius asked me what your pant size is for a security question."
I laughed lightly. "How things have changed."
"Not really," Gabriel said looking down at me. "I still know your pant size and I bet you he still doesn't like that."
I rolled my eyes at his cheeky response. In the silence, Gabriel playfully smacked my butt with his open palm. I jumped with surprise and looked up at him with raised eyebrows.
"Let's go," he said cocking his head towards the Muggle street. I followed him easily, taking his hand as we walked down the sidewalk, so it looked like we were a couple on a date.
"What's your plan?" I whispered.
"We're going to get a drink," Gabriel said leading me across the street as he checked traffic. When we reached the doors of the Leaky Caldron, which looked like an old abandoned pub on the outside, Gabriel opened the door carefully for me and motioned for me to enter first. I stepped in, thanking him, and took in the dark busy pub.
It was loud inside, despite the abandoned front put up to keep Muggles away. There were people crowded into tables, booths and at the bar. I had never seen the pub so busy. I looked at Gabriel who motioned to two open seats at the bar. I pushed my way through the witches, wizards, hags and goblins to reach the bar.
"What can I get you?" asked the witch who was behind the bar pouring drinks for two goblins on high stools next to me.
"I'll have a shot of fire whiskey," I said.
"Same," Gabriel said with a nod and pulling out his coins. He dropped enough for the two shots on the counter, and extra for the bartender. She poured us the liquor, collected her coins, then moved away, ready to attend to other thirsty patrons.
"What are we doing, if we don't know who we're looking for?" I questioned looking up at Gabriel.
"I have a feeling we'll know who we're looking for when we see them," he responded to my quick comment. "Dumbledore said to get a drink—let's drink." He clinked the edge of his shot glass to mine and downed his shot. I looked around the crowded pub before taking my shot with my head tipping back. As I sat back up straight, placing the shot glass upside down on the bar counter, a familiar face caught my eye. I grabbed Gabriel's arm and quickly turned so that my back was to the pub. Gabriel looked down at me with raised eyebrows, worried that something peculiar was happening.
"What is wrong?" he whispered in my ear as he leaned down.
"Mitchell is across the bar," I motioned over my shoulder. Gabriel looked over my head discreetly as his hand rested on my back. He pretended to lean in and kiss my ear, keeping up with the act of being a couple on a date, and spoke.
"We weren't able to spare a tail on him. Is it possible he just hasn't left the country yet?"
"He made it seem he was getting out of here as fast as possible. Who is he talking to?"
"No one," Gabriel replied.
"I can go up to him—"
"—no."
"If we weren't together and were still partners wouldn't you come say hi to me if you saw me in a bar?"
"It depends on your company."
"If I was alone?" I insisted.
"Yes, if you were alone, I would. But if you were being greeted by a man in a black suit with a scar over his eye, then no. No, I'd stay on my stool at the bar."
I turned slightly to look across the bar at the corner booth where I had spotted Mitchell Scott sitting to see a man sliding into the seat next to him. The man that had taken the seat looked forbidding; dark and dangerous, dressed completely in black, with jet black slicked back hair and a greasy goatee. His skin was as pale as snow and he appeared to have a long ugly scar on his left eye, like Gabriel had said.
"Well no, if that guy was sitting down to talk to me I wouldn't think you'd come over either," I retorted.
Gabriel smiled and kissed my forehead. "Let's just play it cool and keep an eye on him. He may not be the one we're looking for."
"So, it's just coincidence that he's here?"
"Of course not," he responded. "You know I don't believe in coincidences."
I smiled. "I'm going over there. Play it cool. I would go over to say hi to my partner, whether he was alone or not."
Gabriel rolled his eyes as I hopped off my stool and started to weave through the crowded pub towards Mitchell's seat. His amber eyes fell on me almost immediately, as if he knew I was coming. I smiled at him and continued through the crowd. The dark haired man, with the scar, glared viciously at Mitchell before standing up and moving away from the table. I followed him with my eyes and saw him heading for the back of the Leaky Caldron, where witches and wizards could pass into Diagon Alley.
Got him, Gabriel's voice rang quietly in my head with Legilimency. I glanced at the back door and saw him following the man dressed in black. I reached the table Mitchell was sitting at and slid into the seat next to him.
"Cadence," he said with a long, annoyed sigh.
"Hello Mitch," I smiled as he looked down at his glass and took the last gulp of his drink. "I thought you were taking a vacation."
"I'm leaving in a few minutes."
"With your friend? I'm sorry I scared him off."
"Gabriel won't be able to find him," Mitchell said instantly with a soft glare at me. "And you should leave him be. You should go now, Cadence."
"Why?" I whispered very slowly.
"You don't know what you're getting involved with."
"I'm pretty sure I do," I responded quickly. "Mitch, if my Father has come after you, I can help. I will help you."
"No, you can't help me with my burden."
"What could be so bad?"
Mitchell looked pained. His hands were clutching his mug of ail with white knuckles. He looked unsure and nervous. Before either of us could exchange another word a loud explosion erupted through the pub, tearing the walls of the Leaky Caldron open. People, food, wood and other forms of debris flew everywhere as the shockwave from the explosion spread through the crowded pub. I ducked down under the table as Mitchell dived out of the booth, apparently trying to use the explosion as a diversion for his escape. It didn't phase me though. I jumped out from under the table as smoke and dust filled the air and grabbed onto Mitchell's ankle so he couldn't get away.
"Cadence!" he shouted at me. "Get off!"
Another explosion plowed through the Leaky Caldron, causing more screams and hysteria. I pulled back as stakes of wood flew at me like sharp daggers ready to stab the life from me. I covered my face and ducked under the table again. Something sharp grazed my stomach, causing me to convex in with sharp agony. I clamped my arm to my side as the debris tumbled around me. Looking down, I saw blood soaking into my blouse, causing me to curse with annoyance. The cacophony in the pub died down within moments of the second explosion. I sat up straight, threw the disheveled tabled top off me and attempted to stand up. I fumbled against the bench seat of the booth that was covered in dust and loose shards of wood. With my arm still pinched against my side to keep pressure on my stomach, I kicked the table away from me. Mitchell's body lay before me, covered in fallen beams from the ceiling of the pub. I stood completely dumbfounded as I stared at his mutilated body beneath the planks of wood. Mitchell Scott was dead.
In the depths of my center I knew that the explosions were meant to kill him, or be a distraction allowing an assassin to kill him. Obviously, what ever burdened my partner was enough to get him killed. My insides were twisting with discomfort at the thought of what Mitchell could have been caught up in. Like father, like son. The burden of evil and deception ran in his family.
I frowned deeply as I took in the sight of the destroyed pub around me. Complete bedlam had erupted in the pub. Thankfully, the front of the Leaky Caldron that faced the Muggle street was intact, but the back of the pub leading to Diagon Alley was destroyed. My heart dropped into my stomach. Gabriel had been following the man Mitchell was meeting to the back of the pub when the explosion occurred.