It is action time!
Once more, thanks a lot to Billdog718 for the beta.
There has been a huge lot of changes in this chapter since the first draft. The most important one is actually, the point where this chapter opens. The whole dynamics of characters has been altered, here.
The Hogsmeade Incident
Julie had been mulling things through the night. She had turned what Gillian had said over and over again in her head, to make sense of it all. She knew she had to find out the truth, now. If Gillian was right…
Julie hesitated to consider it. If Gillian was right, then Julie hadn't just been arrogant and a bit of a bitch. She also had been stupid.
She knew it wouldn't do any good to go to Robert with this. Not right now. She needed to find out more. So she had chosen to focus on one person, for the moment: Walters.
Granted, Walters hadn't been as involved in the smear campaign against Gillian as Cootes apparently was, but Gillian had mentioned the shocking spell at the beginning of the year, the one that had started the pitch fight. If Robert also had his hand in this, then Walters was a bit easier to pump for information than Cootes. Walters was far from the smartest guy in the school.
So, to the huge surprise of Kalindra and Mandy, when she stepped out of Potions, that morning, she caught up with Walters and planted herself before.
"A word, Jeffrey," she said, smiling.
"Wh... what do you want?" he asked, taken aback.
"It's just something that someone pointed out to me, a while ago," said Julie, casually.
"And honestly, I would have all but forgotten it, but I was working on some Defence theory, and I stumble upon it. It all brought it back to me."
"Er... okay?" said Walters, a bit stupidly.
"Just to be clear, when Robert taught you the Shocking spell, did he tell you the secondary incantation?" asked Julie, on the most conversational tone possible.
It was a bluff. She didn't know for sure Robert had taught him the spell, she needed it confirmed. She was relying on Kenneth's suspicion, that he had demonstrated, back then in the Defence Club. She just hoped she was selling it well.
"Well, no," said Walters. "He said that it wasn't to be used in school."
"I see," said Julie. "Just out of curiosity, how much of that fight on the pitch was planned in advance?"
"What?" asked Walters.
Julie's eyes hardened, then.
"You heard me," said Julie. "Don't deny it. You cursed Kenneth Lionheart deliberately. Everyone knows that. What I want to know is: who told you to do it?"
Walters looked a little unsettled, but recovered more quickly than she thought.
"I don't think I owe you any..." he began.
"Sure, be that way, Jeffrey," said Julie. "You think you can scare me off, is that it? Think again. Right now, I'm pretty cross and I can tell you, you don't want to have me as an enemy. I will have the truth."
"You think you can meddle, huh?" countered Walters. "Do you know what I do to people who meddle?"
"Don't threaten me, Jeffrey," said Julie, coldly. "I know you can't handle it, really."
"You think you can talk to me like that?" growled Walters.
"Well, I just did," said Julie.
"Well, maybe you need to be reminded of your place, then," said Walters, taking a step toward her, looking a bit menacing. "Don't think you can talk down to any of us just because you're Donahue's bit..."
The slap was quick, instantaneous, purely out of reflex. But Julie pulling her wand in nearly the same move was purely thought through. She forced Walters to back off, holding his cheek, until his back bumped against the wall.
"I would watch my mouth, Jeffrey, if I were you," she said, icily. "Now, unless you want me to become a bit... rough, you will answer me. Did you shock Kenneth on orders?"
"I... err...I," stammered Walters.
"It's pretty simple, Jeffrey," said Julie, more forcefully. "It's a simple yes or no. Did you shock Kenneth on orders?"
"Y... yes," said Walters.
"From Robert?" insisted Julie.
He nodded.
"I see," said Julie. "As for the rumours about Gillian, I know you're not nearly subtle enough to have spread those, but it was Robert, too, right?"
Walters' eyes widened a bit, but he finally nodded. Julie lowered her wand.
"Thanks you, Jeffrey," she said. "That was enlightening."
"You are crazy," said Walters.
"No," said Julie. "Right now, I'm furious. It's when I tolerated bullies like you around me that I was crazy. I'm better, now."
And on that, she strode away from him, and she headed for the next person she needed to confront.
Ian had brought Kieran along for a quick talk with his brother. They were heading for the greenhouse, for Ian knew that Ewan and his class were having Herbology, right now.
For all his skill as a rumour monger and a spy, he didn't have eyes everywhere. So, more often than not, he would ask some friends in Gryffindor to keep an eye out for him. When he wanted serious stuff he would ask Kalindra. If he wanted funny news, he'd go the simplest route and ask Terry.
But on this, he didn't feel like his friend would be what he needed.
When he reached the greenhouse, he saw the Gryffindor first year exit, along with the Hufflepuff. Ewan was in an animated conversation with Sven. Right behind him, Rachel Somersby was laughing at something Susan was saying. They all appeared in a good mood.
"Hello, Gryffindors," Ian called them out. "I was wondering if I could borrow Ewan for a moment."
"Only if you promise to give him back," said Rachel, grinning.
"Yeah, the git owes me money," said Michael Carthemius, with a vicious smile.
"Do you mind?" protested Ewan. "You think I want my big brother to know I'm indebted with the lot of you.?"
"How badly?" asked Ian, playing along.
"Three sickles," said Michael. "You'd better not cheat me out of this kind of coin, Malcolm."
"Ooooh," said Ian. "For that kind of amount, our Mum will turn him over to you."
"I'm surrounded by nutters," grumbled Ewan.
Ian winked to his brother's friends, before to walk off a bit with Ewan and Kieran, who looked thoroughly amused.
"Alright," said Ewan. "Now that you've given my friend yet another reason to take the mickey, what is it about?"
"I need you to do something for me," said Ian.
"You sure know the way to ask nicely," said Ewan. "Provide my friends with joking material, then ask for a favour..."
Ian shook his head, smiling. His little brother was a bit too smart for his peace of mind. Soon, he would have to watch out for him.
"Actually, I thought you'd be interested," said Ian. "You remember when you asked what you could do about the attack on Ichabod?"
Ewan's face grew a bit more serious, suddenly. He nodded.
"Well, you don't spread that one," said Ian, "but the big racket on the grounds, a few days ago, was about testing the wards. They are untouched, so it is possible that we have an intruder in the school as we speak."
"Are you serious?" asked Ewan. "But how could they hide? I mean... if the teachers know they're here..."
"They're working on it," said Ian. "We... we think that he may be disguised as a student."
"Is that even possible?" asked Ewan.
"Yes," said Kieran. "There are lots of ways to impersonate someone perfectly, with Magic."
"So what do you want me to do?" asked Ewan.
"Keep your eyes open," said Ian. "If you see something weird, you come to me, to Alexander, to McGonagall or Potter."
"And Professor Weasley," said Kieran.
"Right," said Ian. "Basically anyone but Snape."
"You think Snape wouldn't take it seriously?" asked Kieran. "Ian, that's..."
"I'm not saying that," said ian. "I'm saying that Ewan doesn't need the grief of dealing with Snape."
"Fair point," said Ewan. "Alright, I'll keep my eyes open. Do the twins know?"
"Yes," said Ian. "Why?"
"I can get them to help," said Ewan.
"You seem to get along nicely with them," commented Kieran, smiling.
"Sven and Susan? They're awesome," said Ewan, shrugging.
"I notice you spend less time with Chris," said Ian.
Ewan looked thoughtful at that.
"Yeah, well," he finally said. "It's not like we shut him out, but he spends most of his time reading and studying. He's a bit less fun than at the start of the year. Plus he doesn't get along well with the twins."
"Why?" asked Kieran, raising her eyebrows.
"Beats me," said Ewan. "It's nothing hostile... They just don't hang out together. And the twins are a bit more fun."
"You know that there is actually nothing wrong about reading, Ewan, right?" offered Kieran, with a cunning grin.
"Who says we don't read?" asked Ewan, mirroring her smile. "It's just... with the twins, you get to look up from the book and crack a joke about the meaning of a crack in the moon, when you're crystal gazing."
Ian snorted and Kieran had to fight a slight giggle.
"Apart from that, anything new?" asked Ian.
"Oh, well, you've probably heard about it, already," said Ewan, "but I was close when Julie smacked Walters and it was wicked."
"She did?" asked Kieran. "Why?"
"No idea," said Ewan. "And when I heard the noise of the slap, I didn't feel like asking."
"That's my brother," said Ian. "Wise beyond his years. Keep it up and you might even survive the abuse from Rachel and Susan."
"Ha ha," said Ewan, darkly. "Well, if you're done wasting my time, my hilarious brother, I have a class to catch. Unless you want to explain to McGonagall."
"Get out of here," said Ian, feigning an urgent tone.
Kieran chuckled again, but quickly grew a bit more serious.
"What do you think happened between Walters and Julie?" she asked.
"I don't know," said Ian. "But I can bet you whatever money Ewan owes his mate that Donahue's not going to be happy about it."
Julie had been prevented to confront Robert by class. When she finally found him, he was once more holding court in the Great Hall, with his friends gathered around him. When he saw her, his eyes showed something that Julie didn't like. Had she really missed it, the whole time?
There was a hint of calculation, when Robert laid eyes on her.
Robert got to his feet, causing everyone to shut up.
"You wanted to see me, Julie?" he asked.
There was something in his tone that irked her even more. He was way too casual about all this. He was acting as if nothing was amiss. But by now, he had to have been told what had happened with Walters.
"A word, Robert?" she said, coldly. "Not here."
Robert acted surprised, but nodded.
"Alright," he said.
So they walked away from his group of friends and Julie led him into a deserted classroom. Once they were in, she turned to him and waved her wand to close the door. She must have looked pretty angry, because he didn't try to smile.
"So, Jeffrey told me you slapped him," he simply said.
"I suppose he told you why I did. Or did he simply go with the 'she's crazy' bit?" she countered.
"He didn't go into details," said Robert, coolly. "Walters doesn't like being humiliated, especially by..."
"Go on," said Julie. "Did he also refer to me as your bitch?"
Her anger was audible in each and every one of her words. Robert did tense a little.
"So what was it about?" he asked.
"Oh, I don't know," said Julie. "How about the fact you taught him a very powerful offensive spell, just so that he could strike Kenneth in the back? Or maybe the way you started this awful smear campaign on Gillian... What were you thinking?"
"So you actually believe that?" said Robert.
"Oh, don't insult my intelligence, Robert," said Julie, dryly. "I may have been stupid enough to fall for it at the moment, but when I'm faced with the facts, I still can put two and two together. Will you at least have the honesty to admit to what you did?"
"You make it sound like such a big deal," said Robert.
"Because you think it wasn't?" said Julie. "Come on! You caused the fight on the pitch. It sent dozens of students to the Hospital Wing! And I'm not even talking about the hell you put Gillian through. What was the point of that? You did all of this, just so that Kenneth and I kept fighting?"
The look on Robert's face was clear enough. She had been right on the mark. So this was true. Julie felt a ton of ice suddenly fall into her stomach.
"I can't believe it," said Julie. "This is completely insane. You came up with that scheme... I mean, you taught the spell to Walters, just so that he could strike at Kenneth. And you knew... you knew that Kenneth would suspect you. You set yourself up, just so that I would rise to your defence? That's... that's sick! Not to mention the damage to your own House, to your friends, to my friends... What the hell, Robert?"
"Oh, come on, Julie," said Robert. "No one got hurt."
"Kenneth spent a whole day in the infirmary!" said Julie. "You could have used Walters' spell anytime. You chose to do it on the pitch. You had to know it would escalate, or you wouldn't have insisted to get me out of there. What was the plan? To have Kenneth trampled on during the fight?"
Robert didn't respond, so Julie pushed on.
"And then, for some demented reason, you spread a rumour on Gillian, hoping that it would again cause me and Kenneth to fight?" said Julie. "Why? Why would you even care if Kenneth is my friend?"
"I can't have my girlfriend be friends with Lionheart," said Robert.
"You don't decide who my friends are, Robert Donahue!" shouted Julie. "Do you think that you own me or something?"
"I'm not blind, Julie!" said Donahue. "You think I don't know how you still feel about him?"
"So?" said Julie. "How does that justify what you did? Even if I'm not completely sure of my feelings, how the hell does it justify starting a school fight and ruining someone else's reputation?"
"I wasn't going to give Lionheart the chance to steal you from me. I was getting tired of waiting for you to make up your mind, so I made the decision for you," said Robert.
"By forcing the events to break off my friendship with Kenneth," said Julie. "That's... that's so bloody arrogant of you, Robert!"
"Arrogant?" said Robert.
"Yes, arrogant!" said Julie. "You're so convinced that I'm supposed to be yours that you will step over everything and everyone to make sure that happens. Well, let me tell you a little secret, Robert. You don't get to decide."
Robert's eyes narrowed.
"You're the one who started hitting on me the moment I arrived in this school," said Julie, coldly. "That makes the decision mine and mine alone."
"And yet, you didn't make the decision," said Robert. "Oh, sure, you were dating me. You kissed me, you held my hand, you stood by me, but I could tell, you weren't sure. You were still longing for..."
"I didn't cheat on you, I didn't betray you. I didn't snog other boys while I was dating you," said Julie, cutting off his tirade. "What more did you want, exactly?"
"I expected a little more loyalty," said Robert.
"Loyalty?" said Julie. "We're not married, Robert! I never promised you everlasting love. We're bloody sixteen, what did you think? That I would be your trophy wife? That you would control everything in my life, including the friends I have? That I would, how Walters elegantly put it, learn my place?"
This had the merit to shock Robert, who looked a little startled.
"Now, Julie, don't make me sound like I'm a medieval jackass, here," said Robert.
"But that's what you act like!" said Julie, furiously. "Just because we had a few dates at school, just because we kissed a few times, you thought you had the right to decide who I should be friends with! And to make sure of that, you manipulated the entire school! You don't get to do that!"
Her fury was beyond what she had expected. Now that she was confronting it, she realised how much of her life Robert had a hold on. She had let him steer her away from her friends, robbing her of her choice. She had been so dazzled by him that she let him play her like a freaking violin! Sure, she had chosen to stay with him, but now, she could understand how revolting this had been for Kalindra, for Mandy... for Kenneth, to see her with Robert.
You'll have to crawl before Kenneth to make amends for this, Julie, she told herself.
Robert wasn't going to let it go without arguing, though.
"You act all flustered, and outraged, but don't deny it, Julie," he said. "You liked being courted."
"So what if I did?" Julie retorted. "So I'm a stupid teenager who makes bad calls. Still doesn't give you the right to trick me!"
"Well, if you don't like to be tricked, then you don't play the game," said Robert.
"You don't even have the honesty to admit your wrongs!" she said, between her teeth.
"I don't believe in wrongs. I think that someone had said something like: 'All's fair in Love and War'," said Robert. "I wasn't going to lose you to Lionheart. No way."
"Why is that so abhorrent to you?" asked Julie.
"Because, I don't see why he would get a girl like you and I wouldn't," said Robert.
"So that's it," said Julie, fiercely. "It was never about me, it was about getting what Kenneth didn't. I'm a bloody prize."
"You're something precious, Julie," said Robert, smoothly. "Something that attracts everyone like light attracts a butterfly. I won't let go. I won't back away from anything to get close to you. Maybe it's my way to show my love."
Julie narrowed her eyes.
"And maybe I don't want that kind of love," she said.
"Really?" said Robert, getting closer, riveting his eyes to hers. "Then why are you trembling right now?"
He surely thought that she was about to break down again and surrender to his seduction. Maybe he wasn't that clever, after all. Julie suddenly grabbed his collar and pulled him very close to her face. Robert's triumphant look made her smile.
"See my hand, Robert? I'm not trembling anymore!" she said, with narrowed eyes.
Robert's assurance shattered as things were not going the way he expected them to go. Julie pushed him away from her, and he stumbled back.
"We're done," she said, coldly. "I don't know how I could delude myself so much about you. Maybe you thought that I would be flattered by what you've done just to keep me, well I'm not!"
"Oh, you do that very well," said Robert, icily. "The outraged virtue, the innocence betrayed. You're not perfect either, Julie. Again, you think I didn't notice how you've spent the year keeping me at arm's' length? You think I didn't see the looks you sent Lionheart? What was I, some back-up plan?"
"You were my choice!" said Julie. "I chose to stay with you. I thought we could make it work. You can question my feelings, all you want, because, yes, if we're honest, right now, I'm not sure about them myself. I was torn between you and Kenneth. But despite him saving my life and being anything but patient with my repeated screw-ups, I still kept dating you. It should have been enough for you."
"I don't settle, Julie," said Robert. "I don't accept that a girl would settle for me."
"Well, then you'll be glad, because I won't be settling for you, anymore," said Julie. "I thought I was settling for a decent guy. But that you would feel entitled to manipulate my life, because you're my school years boyfriend? Screw that, Robert."
She moved toward the door, before turning back to him.
"Oh, you can rest easy, though," she said. "You're not losing me for Kenneth. You're losing me on your own."
"How do you think the school will react to that?" said Robert. "You know how this will look?"
"Is that all that matters to you, Robert?" she said. "How you look to the school? Is that so bloody important? No one cares, Robert. It may seem like they do, but they don't. That's the whole point of school. If you think otherwise, you're mental. So, to be clear, yes, I'm dumping you. And as for what people will say, I seriously don't care. Good bye, Robert. Needless to say, we're not potions partners anymore."
And she pushed the door opened, walked out of the classroom, walked into the group of Slytherins that kept glued to each and every step Robert took in the school. They were in her way. It was almost as if they were expecting to hold her here. She sent a warning around.
"Get out of my way," she said, simply. "And for the jerks who were listening in. Yeah, Robert and I are over. Deal with it."
She pushed past them and walked away, a furious weight on her chest dissolving as she went. There had been something oddly liberating in that break-up. Now, at least, she was facing her mistakes.
Maybe, now, she would be able to properly fix things.
After his stormy return in the Common Room and his short exchange with Kenneth, Thierry had started to avoid his friends a little. Kenneth was surprised by such an attitude. Kalindra was, too. But Mandy was worried. She was starting to wonder if she hadn't done something wrong. Unlike what everyone believed, Mandy could be pretty vulnerable. With Kenneth, Kalindra, Jennifer and the Gryffindors, she could reveal herself and show the inner strength she had. For the others she was a just a strange girl with a curious look and curious expansive manners. So she was afraid of rejection more than anything else. So Thierry's attitude was striking her right in the heart, especially after the Ball, when they had grown closer. Thierry was the only one she had dared to tell her full name, which was for Mandy a great mark of trust.
Kenneth wondered why Thierry was trying to keep apart from them. This didn't make any sense. He had friends inside the Gryffindor Tower, and for these friends, it was obvious that he had a problem. But still, although he had comprehensive people around him to talk about this, Thierry preferred cut himself from them. What could that be?
What could push someone like Thierry to get apart from his new found friends?
The answers to that question were obviously linked to that secret Thierry was trying to hide from his mentor. Kenneth was starting to suspect something, but the idea he had was just too awful from him to consider it lightly. That would have been worse than anything. He needed something more solid to go on, at this point.
He took this to heart, knowing that somehow, Amanio counted on him. This wasn't a bad move. Kenneth was, in regards to the Brotherhood, an outsider. At the very least, it meant a pair of fresh eyes to try and sort out what Thierry was hiding.
So Kenneth was weighing his options.
The next week went on smoothly, except for Thierry's behaviour. But even that seemed to improve, since he started to talk to them again, and especially with Mandy. He even came to apologize for his rudeness to Kenneth. He didn't want to develop on the reason of his snapping, but since he wanted to patch up things, Kenneth chose not to push the issue. Again, he needed more before mentioning the subject with Thierry. So he dismissed his apology with a smile, and things got better on the whole.
But, from that moment, Kenneth was paying way more attention to Thierry's behaviour, trying to see signs of what he was hiding.
Soon he realised that most of Thierry's time was spent between, study, his friends, and his fellow Novices. Thierry was really close of three of them: Orlando, the Ravenclaw that was in Ian's year, along with Werner and Raphaella, who were both in Ravenclaw, fifth year.
When he had first observed her, Kenneth had thought for a moment that Raphaella had a discreet crush on Thierry, and that possibility had scared Mandy to death. But, between Thierry's comments about being raised together and now that he had had the chance to look at them more closely, he could tell they acted more like siblings than anything else. Raphaella was actually showing signs of liking Jeremy Wats, if Kenneth wasn't mistaken.
Wats. Now that was interesting. From his own account, Thierry had been raised in the Brotherhood for all his life. Jeremy Wats hadn't. He had been brought in later. Maybe, as a partial outsider, he could shed some light on the matter.
With a new sense of purpose, Kenneth went to meet the Brother, as soon as he could, which meant the next lunch, as it happened. He made sure to be seen neither by Thierry, the rest of his friends and also from the Slytherin circle which Wats was part of, despite having been sorted to Ravenclaw. These days, he knew that Donahue was pissed, for some reason.
He didn't need to raise the tension.
The tension in the school was pretty high. Well, to be honest, most of the students missed it, but for those who knew of the worries of the teaching staff and the warning of Aria Entwistle, the Hogsmeade Weekend was a source of concern.
So this was why, actually, Ian was relieved that the attendance to the Hogsmeade outing that took place that Saturday was actually pretty low. It seemed most people didn't need to head there, either because whatever they needed to buy had been stocked up enough during Valentine's Day, or because the weather wasn't that great so they chose to remain in the castle, warm and cosy.
Still, Ian needed to get down there to find a gift for his Mum's birthday. It was coming up around Easter and he needed to retrieve something he had ordered, so that he could send his owl Merlin in time. His friends, bored out of their wits, had chosen to come with him. Kieran had no lesson planned with Flitwick, since the older teacher was focusing on the question of the threat to the school. Terry needed new kneepads for the next Quidditch game, after ruining the last ones during a particularly spectacular landing, during practice. So Quidditch Quality Supplies, the Hogsmeade branch, was on their list. Kieran being with them, Ian knew that they would have to stop at the bookshop.
Joel was actually the reason why they were heading for the Quidditch shop first. He had openly asked where everyone wanted to go. Terry had been the first to plead his case, but Ian had noticed that Joel had in fact been asking Gina, more than anyone else, where she wanted to go. Since Gina didn't mind the Quidditch shop, it worked out for him. Ian was amused to see how mindful of his girlfriend Joel was. Well, the guy seemed to have it figured out quite nicely.
So the mood in the group was fine. Ian was surprised that Diana wasn't protesting too much about the destination. But she didn't seem to mind anything, as long as they were with Orlando. Ian saw his friend shoot quick looks at the Novice. Orlando wasn't noticing any of them, but each time Diana was looking away, she was kind of blushing.
Ian realised that there was clearly love in the air.
But something was telling him that, unfortunately, it wasn't the only thing in the air.
"I don't like this," said Harry.
"I hear you," agreed Alexander, standing guard near the door of the house.
The two of them were waiting for Walter Amanio to return from a quick trip he needed to take to the Ministry of Magic in London. As usual, when they needed to travel to the Capital, they used Ginny's home in Hogsmeade. She still kept it, even if she lived in the Castle. She had bought it when she had started to work in the Prophet. Now, she was renting it out, which didn't hurt her finances. But it was on the condition that anyone among her friends would be allowed to use the garden to apparate and come back to London. The tenants didn't mind one bit. They didn't care much for gardening, so they didn't spend much time in the jungle of Ginny's yard.
Harry was pretty annoyed with the whole meeting. If Walter was targeted, then to get him out of the school for a silly meeting was dumb. But the Board of Governors had been adamant. There were some concerns that needed to be addressed, regarding the safety of having the Brotherhood in Hogwarts.
Harry distractedly wondered how much of the concerns voiced by the Board were actually coming from Terrence Macke, who would never let any chance to mess with the teachers pass by him.
So, now, he and Alexander were standing guard near Ginny's house, so that they could escort Walter home, as soon as he returned from London. And Harry didn't like the feeling of anticipation that was building inside him. Maybe it was his old reflexes from the war, maybe it was the warnings from the elusive Aria Entwistle. He couldn't shake the feeling that something was coming. And he hated that.
From the corner of his eye, he caught sight of someone heading into the Three Broomsticks. Kenneth was walking in with... Jeremy Wats?
This was surprising. As far as Harry knew, Kenneth had little to no contact with the older Novice. And now it looked like he was dragging the Brother in the pub for a conversation. What could they possibly have to talk about?
Harry found that he had curiously mixed feelings at seeing Kenneth out there. On the one hand, he didn't like the idea of Kenneth or any of the Novices being caught in trouble, should trouble arise. On the other hand, should things prove Harry right and go sideways, it was always reassuring to have Kenneth around. His wand could come in handy.
Still wondering what the young Wandmaster could want with Jeremy Wats, Harry resumed his watch of the streets around.
"I'll admit I was surprise that you wanted to talk to me," said Jeremy, settling down in his chair, facing Kenneth over two butterbeers. "I thought you Lions didn't speak too much with the friends of Slytherin."
"Well, first, it all depends on the Slytherin," said Kenneth, with a wry smile. "Second, you are not in Slytherin. If I remember well, the Hat sorted you in Ravenclaw. So, my reputation should survive."
Jeremy had a smirk.
"So what is this about, Lionheart?" he asked.
"I was wanted to talk to you about Thierry," said Kenneth.
"What about him?" asked Jeremy, apparently surprised.
"More precisely, I'd like to talk about Thierry and Anselme," said Kenneth, pointedly.
"Oh," said Jeremy, sobering up a bit. "I see."
"You see what I'm talking about?" noted Kenneth.
"Of course," said Jeremy, with a sad nod. "I mean, only Alan denies anything is odd, there. But he's so damn loyal to Master Anselme that it shouldn't surprise me."
"Loyal?" asked Kenneth.
"Alan has been brought in the Order by one of Anselme's closest pupils," said Jeremy.
"From the very first day, he has been... following the lead of Anselme very strictly."
"You mean he's sucking up," said Kenneth.
"That's a way to put it, yeah," admitted Jeremy. "But, to your point, then, yes, I'm aware something is clearly wrong between Thierry and Anselme. I have never really understood why."
"You have details?" asked Kenneth.
"It's more of a general feeling," said Jeremy. "I'm not like Thierry, you see. My parents are alive and well, and they live near Boston, in America. They sent me to Brocéliande, because it's a prestigious training to be admitted in the Brotherhood of Merlin. The Sanctuary is my home, but I haven't spent my whole life there. Thierry was brought in very young, much earlier than me. When I arrived and joined the Novices, I could tell right away that Anselme was out to get Thierry whenever he got the chance."
"Any idea why?" asked Kenneth. "I mean, the way Thierry and Amanio speak about it, it's because Thierry doesn't meet Anselme's standards."
"No, there it more than that," said Jeremy, decidedly. "I mean... I think Anselme truly hates Thierry, for a reason that I can't fathom."
"Doesn't he come after the others?" asked Kenneth.
"He does," said Jeremy. "Let's be honest, here, the guy is a jerk. But he seems to be more inclined to criticize Thierry. You remember when we came in your school to be sorted? The robes Thierry was wearing?"
Kenneth nodded.
"Robes of penance," said Jeremy. "Thierry had broken curfew a few hours before we had to leave in a hurry. He wanted to go see his Unicorn friend. You met her."
"I did," said Kenneth, smiling at the memory of his encounter with Ivoire.
"I think that Alan broke curfew as well, that night. He was off to see a girlfriend he has in the village," Jeremy went on. "Well, you didn't see Alan wearing the black rim, did you? That's how it works. For things that others get away with, Thierry gets the full punishment. He gets singled out."
"But why?" asked Kenneth.
"I don't know," said Jeremy. "If you ask why Alan escaped the robes of penance, I'd say that's because he's such a devout follower of Anselme that a few minor infractions can be tolerated. In fact that's probably why Thierry gets it all and worse than most of us."
"What do you mean?" asked Kenneth.
"He rebels," said Jeremy, sadly. "Not against the masters, just against Anselme. He stands up to him. And Anselme does not like that. At all."
Kenneth was about to ask for more when he suddenly heard a curious commotion outside. All of his instincts suddenly warned him.
Something was very wrong.
Julie couldn't part with the idea that something was about to go wrong. It had nagged at her, since the moment she had woken up. A tension in the air, fragments of a dream she had the night before, she didn't who what it was, but the feeling was messing with her head.
The castle wasn't that deserted, for a Hogsmeade Weekend. Not that many people had headed down in the village. But still, Kalindra, Rob and Kenneth were out there. Kalindra had claimed she needed new quills after a spell gone wrong had broken the ones she had. Julie had let her off the hook for that one. The way they were bent, and all, she knew that Kalindra had been lying.
Spell gone wrong, my eye! Snogging session gone out of control, more like!
The thought brought a smile to Julie's face. She was glad to see Kalindra so happy with Rob. The two were cute to watch. Finally someone had it simple around here.
She didn't know what Kenneth was doing down there in the town. Did he need something? He hadn't mentioned any need for supplies. In fact, he had been pretty secretive about his plans. To be fair, he didn't confide in her. No, they weren't back there, yet. But Kalindra herself didn't know what he was up to.
Thinking of Kenneth made Julie realise that she still hadn't told anyone about her breakup with Robert. She wondered why.
You'd think that would be a way to get back in everyone's good book in Gryffindor.
But, yet again, that would also mean being confronted with the reality of it, and with the fact that her next move was inevitably, to tell the truth to Kenneth. She dreaded that, she wouldn't lie to herself about it. She was terrified that what little she had recovered of their friendship could be blown to ashes if she told him the whole truth.
Sighing, Julie tried to relax a little more. She was lying on her bed, looking at the ceiling, right now, going through the huge mess that were her thoughts, these days. Maybe a nap would help. It's not like she had any plans on heading out of the castle, right now. She had determined that the safest way to keep anyone from risking their life for hers was to simply stay where it was safe. She consciously removed herself from the equation. If her life wasn't threatened, then no one, especially no Wandmaster with little concern for his own sake, would have to do anything stupid to haul her arse out of the fire.
Forcing her eyes closed, she tried to dispel the nervousness that was bothering her. But at the moment he eyes were shut, something exploded in her mind.
Raphaella Di Angelo was retreating, her staff raised before her and terror etched on every trait of her young face. She was surrounded in shadows, who wielded wands. Her back hit a wall; a wall that Julie knew. She had seen that kind of wall down in Hogsmeade. With no way out, Raphaella had no way to defend herself very long. The spells that flew at her tore down her defences quickly and she was sent to the ground, with an anguished cry of pain. Tears streaked her cheeks as she raised a begging face toward her attackers. But if she looked for mercy, she found none and Julie's consciousness shook in horror on seeing the sick flash of the spells hitting the young girl, who fell again, her chest bleeding and her eyes going empty as she died.
"No!" shouted Julie, shaking herself from the vision. She got up in a hurry, grabbing her wand and heading down to the common room. There, she found a few students, and first among them, Fields and Thierry, who raised concerned looks at her sudden entrance.
"Something is going to happen in Hogsmeade!" she said. "I need to find the teachers. Come on!"
Without missing a beat, Fields and Thierry were right behind her, as she rushed through the portrait hole. But, as fast as they were, they couldn't find a single teacher. When, in desperation, Julie was heading toward the wing where she knew the teachers lived, she ran into Miss Weasley, who caught her eye and saw immediately that something was wrong.
"Julie?" she asked, very seriously. "What did you see?"
"An attack," said Julie. "Raphaella. She was surrounded. Someone was killing her."
She could tell Thierry had suddenly tensed at that.
"Where is Miss Di Angelo?" asked Miss Weasley.
"Down in the village," said Thierry. "Master Anselme gave everyone permission... Julie?
Who was attacking?"
"I don't know," said Julie. "We need to warn everyone."
"There is no time," said Miss Weasley. "We need to get down there."
"But..." said Julie. "I'm not supposed to leave the grounds."
"I know that, Julie," said Miss Weasley. "You should stay. Mr Fields, Mr De Vannes, I may need your help."
"Of course," said Fields, nodding gravely.
Julie couldn't help but feeling wrong. There was a sense of threat that was... overwhelming, somehow. Miss Weasley and two students, even joined by the teachers, down there, wouldn't be enough. She knew it. She could feel it in every fibre of her being. They needed help. They needed...
Looking down at her pendant, Julie had a sudden revelation.
"I'm coming with you," she said.
And before anyone could protest, she started running. She was nearly jumping down the stairs, into the Entrance Hall, when Thierry, Fields and Miss Weasley caught up with her. But she didn't stop.
"Julie!" called Ginny. "You will be exposed out there. You could be in grave danger."
"I'm counting on it!" said Julie, without slowing her pace.
"Oh, bloody hell, I hate it, when I'm right," said Harry.
As soon as Walter and his companions had apparated in Ginny's backyard, the streets around had echoed with loud cracks, as many figures apparated in. Immediately on guard, Harry, Alexander and Snape, who had been accompanying Walter and Wilhelm to the Ministry, formed a triangle around the two Brothers, ready to fight.
There was no moment of tension, no exchange of threats. As soon as the figures came into view, spells started flying. Harry didn't know if it was Snape who had fired the first one or Alexander.
He didn't care. The battle was on.
All around them, he could hear distant explosion. The enemy had showed up in numbers, to cause as much mayhem as they could, to make sure no one would be able to rescue their targets. The confusion was incredible. The whole of Hogsmeade appeared in frenzy, with people running scared, others being cursed randomly.
But what had caught Harry's attention above all else were the robes worn by the enemy. He exchanged one single look with Alexander, who nodded. He had recognized them too. Harry sent a quick shocking spell to catch one of the Warlocks of Atlantis, who had stepped out of cover.
"The Warlocks," whispered Walter. "Merlin help us."
"You know these guys, I take it," said Harry.
"Of course," said Walter. "When Albus told me they had returned, I was astounded. I didn't know it was them I faced, all those years ago. They are here for me, but anyone with the robes of the Brotherhood is at risk."
"What do they want with you?" asked Alexander, blocking a Cruciatus narrowly and blasting the attacker back with a backhand, charged with Chaos magic.
"I suggest we sort this out later," said Snape, icily. "We need to move."
"The day I agree with you, Severus, is when we are really in trouble," said Harry, wryly.
They began taking the offensive, and marched as quickly as they could to get out of the open street. They needed cover, if they wanted to reach Hogwarts safely.
Harry couldn't help thinking of his students out there. He had to focus on Walter, right now. But how the hell did they know he would be here?
"What the hell?" exclaimed Joel.
There had been a loud sound echoing in the street. An explosion... Ian started to gather his will, immediately on his guards. There were screams starting to rise from the streets.
"Take cover!"
"Watch out!"
And there were spells flashing in the sky. Ian started to read the magic around them. And he saw who was attacking Hogsmeade.
"Oh no, not these guys again!" he said between his teeth.
But on the corner of their street, silhouettes in long hooded robes appeared: Warlocks, three of them. Ian's mind inflamed with rage. He remembered too well who those guys were.
"Prepare to fight," said Ian.
The silhouettes raised wands and took aim.
"Get the Novice alive," said one of them.
And three spells shot through the air. But Ian pushed Orlando on the ground. All of his friends got to the ground, too. Ian deflected one attack and sent it back to the caster. Ian had to dodge another spell, and it sent him away from the group. Joel fell on the ground next to him avoiding another attack.
"They're going after us again?" said Joel. "I thought they had learned not to mess with Hogwarts!"
"They're slow learners," said Ian, getting back on his feet.
He saw that many wizards were trying to surround Orlando, trying to trap him. He darted his hands to the Warlocks and shouted a simple sentence.
"Get off him!" he roared.
And a gigantic wave of power flowed from him, whisking the Warlocks away, while Orlando stood still, in the middle of the streets. The Warlocks all hit a wall, or were knocked out on the ground. Ian summoned a shield to protect Orlando from another attacker. And he retaliated with another force wave that pushed away the dark wizard.
Ian gestured to his friend to take cover behind him. Around him, Kieran, Joel, Terry, Gina and Diana had all their wands in their hands, forming a circle around the target of the Warlocks.
"Come on, let's get back to the school," said Ian.
They began to walk cautiously, surveying any corner of the streets to see any attackers.
Ian, suddenly saw Kenneth run in one adjacent street. The young Wandmaster looked like he had just stepped out of the Three Broomsticks, Jeremy Wats at his heels.
"Kenneth!" shouted Ian, catching his attention.
The Gryffindor Wandmaster stopped dead and turned to him, finding him quickly.
"They're after the Brotherhood," said Ian.
"You need help?" asked Kenneth in the distance.
"We'll be fine," said Ian. "Go!"
Kenneth nodded and ran away, leading Wats away from the fight.
Ian saw another silhouette appearing in a corner, taking aim with his wand. Ian waved his hand and the Warlocks was thrown off the ground. He sent him on a roof and snatched his wand from him. He sent the wand to Kieran. Kieran took it in her left hand.
Another attacker appeared.
"Stupefy!" shouted Kieran, waving both wands at him.
Not only was he stunned, but he hit the wall behind him violently. Everyone turned to Kieran. She had round eyes.
"Wow," she said, looking at the two wands. "I'll try to remember that one."
"Okay, then," said Terry. "Keep your wands out, Lady. I'm placing myself under your guard."
"Terry," said Ian.
"Yes, half-pint?"
"Shut up," said Ian.
"Right, Sir," replied Terry with a smile.
They all resumed their walk out of the streets of Hogsmeade. Ian just hoped that everyone was as safe as they were so far.
Kenneth was now running even faster than before. Once he had heard Ian warn him about the brothers, he knew that Julie's vision was about to come real. He was about to risk his life in the defence of the Brotherhood. But the difference was that he was on his guards, right now. All he had to do was to get Jeremy to the safety of the wards and find the other Novices.
Ian was already looking after Orlando with his friends.
Kenneth suddenly stopped, his wand on guard. He had the confusing impression of being watched. Not like when the twins have been looking at him. No it was more like a presence near him. A presence that was familiar in a strange way. Something really disturbing. What was going on? Was it a spell?
Kenneth looked around, and saw a silhouette watching him from a corner of the street he was in. the silhouette suddenly rushed away. And there was definitely something familiar with it. He hesitated going after the stalker, but reconsidered, remembering that he had Wats with him.
Kenneth jerked out of his thinking when he heard some noise close to the corner of the next street. A group of Warlocks showed up. They all raised their wands at once, when they saw Jeremy. They must have believed that Kenneth was just a weak student, an obstacle easily dealt with. Kenneth waved his own wand in a swift move and his Fire Whip came out of the tip. He lashed it in a circling move and all the wands got snatched away from their bearers.
The Warlocks didn't have any time to realise what was happening to them. Jeremy suddenly hit the ground with his staff, sending a shockwave that sent the whole group flying. Kenneth linked it with another slash of his wand, and his whip caught them, one by one. When they fell to the ground, they were all stunned.
"Wow," he said out loud, surprised this spell had worked so well.
"Yeah, I was about to say that," said Jeremy. "Thanks for the quick thinking, though," he added.
"Don't mention that," said Kenneth. "Apparently, that's what I'm here for."
"I don't follow?" said Jeremy.
"Thierry and Amanio said that I am the Knight," said Kenneth. "Mean anything to you?"
The way Jeremy had gone pale, suddenly, told Kenneth that it did.
"Wow," said the Novice. "The Knight? Oh, bloody hell, I knew I had seen the name Lionheart somewhere. I'm so stupid!"
"We'll worry about that later," said Kenneth. "Do you know who else is in town? Among your Brothers?"
"Beside Orlando?" said Jeremy. "Raphaella. She said she needed a few books. No, no, no, that's not good. Not Raphi."
"We'll find her," said Kenneth, firmly. "Come on."
Jeremy nodded and they headed out of this street, led by Kenneth's wand tip, thanks to the location spell he had just cast on Raphaella.
They reached the main street of the village, which was plunged in total confusion. There were Wizards everywhere, running for shelter from the attack.
Suddenly, on his left, he caught sight of Raphaella, running from a group of six Warlocks, looking terrified. He and Jeremy rushed to catch up with them, leaving the main street's total mayhem. He ran right after the group, who had gone to the right. He emerged in a dead end. Raphaella was trapped!
Warlocks were marching on her, and she had raised her staff, but she looked completely terrified. She was completely outnumbered. Kenneth didn't hesitate a second. He waved his wand and his fire whip hit two of the Warlocks, sending them against the nearest wall. Jeremy's own blasting curse caught three others and knocked them out. Raphaella succeeded in blocking the attack of the last one, but just barely. Kenneth stunned him quickly and they rushed to meet her. Raphaella threw herself in the arms of Jeremy, sobbing in fear.
"We got to get you in safety," said Kenneth.
Raphaella looked at him, as if she didn't understand.
"Come on, Raphi," said Jeremy. "We need to move."
Still trembling, Raphaella followed them. Kenneth figured that if she didn't get a grip soon, it could be very difficult to get her to safety.
Julie's blood was rushing in her ears, as she reached the Hogwarts gates. As soon as they were there, she saw that students and bystanders were running to the grids in a panic.
As soon as they passed the gates, Julie could feel the curious tingling of her necklace. She felt a rush of relief. Her idea was working.
"We must find Raphaella, quickly," said Thierry, very tense.
Miss Weasley nodded and took the lead, while Thierry cast a spell to locate his friend. Julie looked around as she followed. The scene was lost in complete confusion. But there was one thing very clear, there. No one was fighting back except for a few people.
And the silhouettes that she saw leading the assault sent a cold chill through her spine.
"The Warlocks," she said.
"Yes," said Miss Weasley. "I'm never going to hear the end of it, now. Hurry up."
"She's over there," said Thierry, urgently, pointing to his left.
They followed his direction until they stumbled upon a scene that caused Julie to freeze for a second. A group of Warlocks had surrounded both Raphaella and Jeremy Wats, but standing right before them, ready to fight, unafraid as always, was Kenneth.
Miss Weasley didn't lose any second.
"Expulso!" she shouted, darting her wand.
The shockwave that shot from its tip caught the Warlocks off guard, clearing a way through the group. Julie stunned one attacker herself and saw Kenneth react at once, using the distraction to lash his Fire Whip at the rest. Soon, the students, novices and Miss Weasley were the only ones standing. Thierry reached Jeremy and Raphaella.
"You're alright?" he asked.
"I am," said Jeremy. "Raphi is a bit shaken."
"We need to get them out of here," said Kenneth.
"What about the others?" asked Thierry.
"The others stayed in the Castle," said Jeremy. "Orlando is here, but he's with Malcolm and his friends."
"He should be alright," commented Miss Weasley.
And then Kenneth saw Julie.
"What are you doing here?" he asked, furiously. "Julie, it's not safe! You're still a trophy for these guys!"
"I know," said Julie. "But I saw Raphaella getting killed. I couldn't..."
She was interrupted by another group of Warlocks approaching, wands raised. Julie, for a second, thought they were going to catch her friends off their guard, but suddenly, a series of cracks in the air, signalled the arrival of new people.
"What the..." said a woman's voice. "Stupefy!"
The quick reflexes of the leader of the new group of wizards started another quick battle, but the new faces were experienced. In a second, the woman had dispatched three Warlocks on her own. When Julie's friends joined the fray, the rest was taken down easily.
The woman turned and Julie recognized her. Hunter Tonks, the woman who had led the Order of the Phoenix to her rescue in the Maze of Era. Her relief at seeing her was so great she nearly felt her knees weaken.
The woman started giving orders to secure the area, while she did something to a coin in her hand.
"Wotcher, Ginny," she said. "I see you needed a hand."
"Quite the nifty timing, Tonks," said Miss Weasley. "How did you...? Oh, that was your plan, then, Julie? That's why you insisted on coming?"
Julie, seeing that Ginny had understood, nodded.
"I knew we needed back up," she said. "I thought that if I was suddenly in danger, that would raise the alarm at the Order."
"Well, it did," said Tonks. "I've called the Aurors, too. They're on their way. In the meantime, I'd suggest the Hogwarts grounds for you, kids."
"Capital idea," said Ginny, tensely, dragging the whole bunch of them after her.
They were reaching the main street, when a series of blasting spells cut through their way, forcing them to rush for cover. Julie threw herself behind a wall, as the pavement of the street exploded before her eyes.
And it was then she realised she had been cut off from the group. They were on the other side of the street. The right side, if they wished to reach Hogwarts.
"Julie!" called Ginny.
She was about to call back, when she heard someone reply.
"She's okay!" Kenneth shouted, and she realised he was right beside her. "Get the novices out of here! They're the targets! We'll be fine. We'll join you at the gates!"
"Are you sure, kid?" Hunter Tonks called back.
"Go!" Kenneth retorted, firmly.
With a single nod, Ginny and Miss Tonks moved, leading Thierry, Fields, Wats and Raphaella away. Julie turned to Kenneth and realised that she was now alone, caught in a battle in Hogsmeade, with Kenneth as her sole protector. Dozens of haunted nights suddenly caught up with her and she felt a heavy vice grip around her heart.
Her vision was upon her!
The confusion in the streets was indescribable. Spells were flashing in every direction and students were running everywhere, in search for some cover. Thierry was following the steps of the woman called Tonks, who was leading them to safety. He was throwing quick looks to Raphaella, as he went. She was moving very close to Jeremy, who was on the lookout, ready to cover her, if need be.
"Are you okay?" asked Thierry.
The Italian girl nodded, her breath still a little short, but looking like she was finally getting a grip on herself.
"Yes," she said. "Thank you so much for showing up. I mean... I think they would have killed me. Who are these guys?" she finally asked.
"The Warlocks of Atlantis," said Thierry.
"But they've been wiped out by Merlin himself," objected Jeremy, thunderstruck.
"Didn't Master Amanio tell you anything? They're back," said Thierry. "They attacked Hogwarts last year."
"This isn't possible!" exclaimed Raphaella.
"Look, last year they tried to capture Julie, because she's the descendant of an Atlantean King. They want to raise the Bane. So if you think they're not real, who are these guys?"
"Don't get mad at me," said Raphaella. "I simply didn't know."
"Sorry," said Thierry. "I'm a little tense."
"No kidding," said Raphaella, smiling.
"Okay, we'll talk about it, when we're back in Hogwarts," said Thierry. "I still don't believe you weren't informed of the return of these bastards!"
Then suddenly he realised how it was possible. He had learned about that only through Kenneth and Kalindra. Master Walter had told him about it, later, when they had discussed Kenneth and his ignorance of his status as the Knight. But the other Novices were only told about those things by…
"Anselme, you lousy scum," cursed Thierry suddenly.
Raphaella threw him a surprised look.
"He knew! He knew all and he never told you. He didn't even warn you! I just can't believe he did that!"
"Watch out!" shouted Raphaella, suddenly pushing him against a wall.
Just in time. Lightning hit the wall just near the spot where he was standing earlier. Thierry summoned a shield immediately, and blocked the next attack. They were attacked by a group of a dozen Warlocks. Miss Weasley and Miss Tonks were putting up quite a fight, but some attackers still targeted them.
"Stun him!" he told his friend.
"Stupefy!" shouted Raphaella.
The spell hit the Warlocks square in the chest, and he dropped on the ground, motionless. Thierry and Jeremy tucked Raphaella back on her feet, and they ran, following Tonks and Weasley, who had cleared the path.
When they finally reached the Gates of Hogwarts grounds, there were many students running along the path toward the school. And there were still some attackers, trying to catch a few preys. Thierry spotted one and stunned him. One of his companions tried to retaliate by a shocking Spell.
"Sphere!" shouted Fields, from behind Thierry.
The Shocking spell was suddenly trapped into an energetic sphere, and the Gryffindor used it to shock back the Warlock and three of his companions. Some students joined their group, mostly seventh years. They had their wands in their hands and they created some kind of safe hedge to the Gates, covering the flight of their fellow students. Soon, there weren't many students left. Thierry saw Ian and his friends escort Orlando back inside the grounds. Ian nodded to Thierry and stopped at their side.
He then summoned another gigantic shield, to cover the escape of the students.
"Get Raphaella inside," said a Ravenclaw Seventh year to the Novice.
"No way, I'm not leaving you," said Thierry.
"They're after you," said Ian. "We need to get you in safety, okay? You take care of them," he told his Housemates. I'm guarding the Entry for the others."
The Ravenclaw nodded and led his friends in an escort of Thierry, Jeremy and Raphaella.
Thierry protested, but soon he realised that Ian was right. They were the target. But then he remembered something. Master Walter was out of the castle, today!
Before he could get back, he met Master Anselme, who came running from the Castle.
"De Vannes, what do you think you're doing? What's going on here?"
His tone was again scandalized and angry. But Thierry's own wrath suddenly burst out.
"What were you thinking of, not telling them about the Warlocks!" he shot back. "They had no idea who was attacking them! Are you insane?"
"You dare to speak to me like this?" roared Anselme.
"Raphaella was almost killed by the Warlocks, and she had not even a clue of who they were. They had the right to know!" snapped Thierry.
"You don't decide of what I have to tell…"
"So where were you?" asked Thierry, fiercely. "Since you decide of what we must know, you must have decided to protect us all by yourself! Where the hell were you?"
"Enough, Mr De Vannes," said the voice of Professor Flitwick, who reached them at this moment. "You will get to the castle, and remain carefully in your Common Rooms. We will discuss the rest of this matter later."
"Sir," said a Slytherin Seventh year. "Thierry has only the safety of us all on his mind. He had been awesome defending us against the Warlocks."
Flitwick shot Thierry an impressed look, but Anselme's was even more furious.
"We'll speak of this again," said the Novice master, on a threatening tone.
Thierry held his gaze without blinking, but then Raphaella tucked him away, toward the Castle. She was looking quite worried, but not for her.
"You're in for trouble, big time," she told him.
"Not really something new," said Thierry, sadly.
"What do you mean?" asked Raphaella, surprised.
"Forget it," said Thierry.
He knew quite well that Anselme wasn't likely to swallow this one. And he was sure that, indeed, they would speak of this later.
With a sigh, he headed to the castle door. With a genuine relief, he realised that Amandine hadn't been out there, today. He wondered where the others were, when he saw Kalindra and Rob in the Entrance Hall. They were alright. Most of his friends weren't in Hogsmeade, today, so they were alright as well. He then spotted Gillian Crawley and Eamon Clark, who were entering the Castle, looking over third years.
He just hoped that Kenneth, Julie and Master Walter would be okay.
"Come on, Julie," said Kenneth. "We need to move, now!"
He caught her arm and started to pull her after him. Julie didn't say anything and just followed him. It took a few second for her to return to reality. All of her fears suddenly rushed back in her mind and she spoke up.
"What are you doing?" she said.
"It's obvious, isn't it?" said Kenneth. "I won't let this scum get to you."
"But... I told you... My vision," she stammered.
"Yes, you warned me, so I was prepared, and with that in mind, I didn't fall defending a brother," said Kenneth. "Come on!"
Julie's feet moved almost out of their own will. She was running beside him in a matter of seconds. Thoughts were clashing in her mind, confusing her. As they turned one corner, she saw a hunchbacked witch, used as an ensign for a potion shop. This sent an icy chill through her spine and her heart skipped a beat. After they passed the ensign, she saw a wall explode in the distance and heard the whistling sound of a fireball. The vision was now unfolding before her waking eyes. She stopped dead in her tracks.
"Kenneth, please!" she begged him. "You can't stay with me, it's too dangerous!"
"What the hell are you talking about?" retorted Kenneth, puzzled. "I won't leave you."
"You don't understand," she said. "I saw this... I saw it and I can't stop it. You're in danger!"
She was growing hysterical, now. But Kenneth suddenly grabbed her shoulder and turned her to face him.
"Listen to me! I don't care about the danger, Julie!" said Kenneth. "This is what I can do. This is what I'm good at. At least, at least, let me protect you! Trust me, okay?"
And just then, the words pierced the walls she had built around her heart and she could only nod at that.
"Move," he said, pulling her back in his race.
They ran through the alleys, and passed the pet shop that Julie remembered so well. She could hear the panicked sounds of the animals, terrified by the battle sounds. After the pet shop, she saw the windows explode on the next house, but the terror she had felt in her vision felt curiously off, this time. Something didn't fit. She was... she was supposed to be alone!
When they emerged of the narrow street, Julie's eyes were immediately drawn to the right, where she knew the attacker would be. And she saw him wave his wand at them. Like in a slow motion, she saw the red light of his spell flash at the tip of his wand.
Before she could even scream, Kenneth had pulled hard on her hand and sent her to the ground.
"Duck!" he said, before throwing his torso back, dodging the red sparks.
He linked his move by a jab of his wand and then sent the attacker against the wall behind him. Kenneth twirled his wand three times and disarmed his opponent, catching his wand as the man was collapsing, stunned. He then turned to Julie.
"Are you alright?" he asked.
Julie was speechless, her eyes were glued to the stunned form of the attacker. He... he hadn't killed Kenneth. It... the mere thought made her feel like she had been hit in the head by a bludger.
"Julie, are you alright?" asked Kenneth, urgently.
Julie managed a weak nod, before getting back on her feet. She felt lightheaded.
It hasn't happened!
"We can't stay here," said Kenneth. "Come on!"
She followed him as he resumed his running. How was it possible? How could the vision... Suddenly a thought tore through the haze of her mind. The vision had been wrong! Kenneth was alive! This suddenly cleared her mind and she got her wand ready, decided to make it out alive, now that Kenneth hadn't sacrificed his life for her. She was ready for a fight, now.
"On my signal," said Kenneth, without any hesitation. "Now!"
He cast a spell on his right. Julie reacted and aimed to the left. She found a target immediately and sent a stunner at it. She found her mark and the hooded form fell on the ground, motionless. Kenneth covered Julie from a red flash of light and retaliated by a shocking spell that caught two warlocks. She then caught an intense look from Kenneth. She knew at once he was expecting cover. She saw an attacker aiming at them and fell on one knee to cast her disarming spell, freeing Kenneth's line of sight. He then spun his wand over his head, and his fire whip once more sprung from the tip. He lashed that whip in a circle that caught a few warlocks in one blow. Julie blocked another curse aimed at him and the next suddenly blocked by a shield that neither Kenneth nor Julie had summoned.
Julie saw, with immense relief Professor Potter appear, along with the Entropist and Snape, the lot of them escorting Masters Amanio and Wilhelm. The adults joined the fray and they fought until the group of warlocks was down.
Potter then turned to the students.
"So, I did feel your necklace ringing," he told Julie. "I was otherwise occupied, sorry. How are you even here? Weren't you supposed to stay in the castle?"
"I... I had a vision," said Julie. "And I couldn't find a teacher, so we rushed here with some help."
"We... as in?" asked Potter, pointedly.
"Fields, Thierry and your fiancée," said Kenneth in her place. "She said that it was actually part of a plan?"
He directed the last bit to Julie, and she realised that he hadn't understood why she had showed up, really.
"Since we couldn't warn anyone, I thought of another way to raise the alarm," said Julie.
"Oh," said Potter, understanding immediately. "Nice thinking, there."
"What?" asked Amanio, visibly confused.
"Julie has a necklace," said Potter. "It's constantly monitored by the Order of the Phoenix, in case she finds herself in danger. Julie voluntarily showed up in this battle to alert the Order more quickly. So, who showed up?"
"Hunter Tonks," said Julie. "She brought some people with her and once here, she called the Aurors."
"Not that you appeared to need any, eh, Miss Carteret?" said Lockenburn, smiling. "I see your bodyguard didn't lose any of his edge."
Kenneth didn't smile at that. He was still tense, ready for another fight.
"We should retreat to the Castle," he said.
"I concur with that, Lionheart," said Snape.
"Alright, let's get out of here," said Lockenburn.
Julie and Kenneth nodded. The Entropist opened the march toward the Gates of Hogwarts. Kenneth covered the backs of Amanio and Julie, while Potter and Wilhelm were covering the front. Suddenly, Julie felt a lot more serene.
"Where are my students?" asked Amanio.
"Orlando is with Ian," said Kenneth. "They were safe when I saw them. Thierry, Jeremy and Raphaella are out with Miss Weasley and Miss Tonks."
"They'll be fine, then," said Potter. "I wouldn't worry too much about that. I trust Ginny and Tonks with my life. Besides, Thierry is more than able to defend himself and his friends."
"Jeremy told me that only Raphaella and Orlando were in Hogsmeade," said Kenneth.
"Then we're the only ones remaining," said Snape. "Let's head back. Aurors are on their way."
As if to prove his words, there were suddenly more sounds of spells, and loud pops, indicating some apparitions. Potter told something to Snape and the dark looking teacher headed back to the Gates, running surprisingly fast.
"I thought this guy only knew how to glide," said Lockenburn with a smile.
"There are students, Alex," protested Potter, hiding his amusement.
"Sorry," said Lockenburn.
Kenneth exchanged one look with Julie. She smiled nervously. He had a half smile in return.
"They're heading this way!" echoed in the distance.
Suddenly, many silhouettes appeared around them. Warlocks, ready to strike.
Lockenburn reacted immediately, and a huge wave swept four of them away. Professor Potter blocked the stunning spell from one of them, which was aimed at Amanio. Potter threw the old Master on the ground, and stunned one of his foes. Julie blocked one stunning spell.
"Everte Statum!" she shouted furiously.
Her opponent was thrown against a wall next to him. His head hit the stone and he fell, knocked out. Kenneth shot an impressed look at Julie, but he had no time to compliment here. He had to deflect another attack, aimed at Potter, this time. He made three slashing moves and a strange kind of star appeared in front of him, and headed to the Warlocks, shocking them out of the way.
"Good shot," said Potter.
Kenneth didn't reply, but instead shot one lightning to another Warlock who was trying to get above them by the roof of the nearest house. Julie took her aim and stunned three more opponents, covered by Kenneth's defence.
The battle lasted for some more time, and there were always new Warlocks to step in where others had fallen. Julie looked at Kenneth. She was starting to get tired, but he looked relentless. He stepped closer to her, and summoned a shield right before her.
"Take some rest," he ordered.
Julie wanted to protest but the in his eyes derailed her train of thought. He deflected another attack. Professor Potter stunned the caster.
"Enough!" shouted Alexander.
He waved both his arms and a huge wave shook away the whole group of attackers. Only some of them remained on their feet.
Julie, after having recovered, faced one of them, ready to fight once more, her wand ready, but suddenly, a strange sound echoed in the sky, and all the Warlocks suddenly looked nervous. Julie saw Professor Potter and Lockenburn exchange a quick look and a smile.
The sound echoed again and Julie knew what it was, this time. It was a Phoenix's song.
And in a sudden flash of light, Albus Dumbledore stood in the street near them, looking pretty scary, right now. He didn't pause to ask anything. He turned his eyes to the Warlocks and with an elegant wave of his wand, cast a spell that Julie didn't even recognize. But all the walls around the warlocks seemed to come to life and formed into massive soldiers that charged at them, causing a lot of damage, and, Julie guessed, serious injury. Another wave of his wand and a sudden rain of fire began to fall on the ranks of the Warlocks who had made the mistake of staying too close together. The fire only targeted the Warlocks, by some incredible bit of control. Julie was looking, fascinated, as Dumbledore, without breaking a sweat or even moving aside from his wand hand, took out half the force of the enemy, while the fighting went on in the background. At some point, those who remained standing seemed to answer an unheard call, and the Warlocks began to disapparate en masse.
The battle was over.
"Sometimes I do remember why he's the boss," said Lockenburn, grinning.
Potter helped Master Amanio on his feet, with the same smile on his face.
Kenneth rushed to Julie, to check if she was okay. She realised that she had absolutely no injury. But the tension of the fight was dissolving and the horror of the afternoon caught up with her. Tears came to her eyes and her breathing became ragged.
"Are you okay?" asked Kenneth.
"I'll be fine," said Julie, sobbing lightly.
She suddenly burst into tears and threw her arms around him. She felt him hesitate a second before holding her tightly against him. She cried against his chest for a long moment, unwilling to care about the implications. She was just exhausted.
"I'm so tired of all of this!" she said. "I wish they would leave us alone!"
"They weren't after you, this time," said Kenneth, throwing a look at Amanio. "But I won't let them get to you or to anyone else. You hear me?"
Julie raised eyes full of tears to him.
"You hear me?" repeated Kenneth.
Julie nodded. At last, she believed him.
"Come on, let's get you back to the Castle," said Kenneth, helping her on her feet.
Potter had joined Dumbledore. The Headmaster looked focused on restoring the walls he had altered and putting out fires.
"Are there any injuries among the students? The civilians?" asked Potter.
"I do not know, at this time, Harry," said Dumbledore. "I have been warned, while I was at the Ministry. Next thing I know, Fawkes was near me, so I let him take me where I was needed."
"That would have been Julie," said Harry. "I know you instructed Fawkes to watch over her."
"Miss Carteret?" said Dumbledore, surprised, as he turned to her. "I thought you had agreed to remain within the castle bounds."
"I had, Sir," said Julie, frankly. "But I had a vision of Raphaella being killed and I needed to raise the alarm. I found no teacher, so I came here... I thought that would get the Order's attention."
"Very noble thinking, Miss Carteret, but certainly imprudent," commented Dumbledore. "I think that the points taken and given will be cancelled out, this time, I'm afraid."
"I don't mind that, Sir," said Julie. "I'm just glad we got to Raphaella in time."
Dumbledore nodded to her and exchanged a few words with Potter. The young teacher nodded and gestured for their group to follow. They didn't linger. Apparently, the headmaster was going to assist in the clean-up.
She and Kenneth followed the teachers and the Masters and they finally reached the Gates of the school grounds, and beyond them, the protective enchantments of the wards. Julie began to feel a little safer.
But when she reached the gates, she saw that Robert was there, apparently shepherding the younger students up the path that led to the castle. When he saw her, his eyes hardened.
He walked to her, frowning. As he reached her, he pushed his way into Kenneth, who fell to the ground, his clothes smeared by mud.
"What the hell are you doing here?" asked Robert.
"I fail to see how it is your business, Robert," said Julie.
"Oh, yes?" Robert sneered. "So while we're together, you can't leave the castle to the point that it damages our relationship, but now you can run free with him?"
"Robert..." she began, shocked of his implication.
Kenneth got back to his feet. Robert caught his look and frowned even deeper.
"What are you looking at, Lionheart?" he asked.
"Never mind," said Kenneth. "Get out of the way. Julie needs to be taken back to the castle."
"So why is she out here in the first place, then?" snorted Robert.
"She was here to try and save someone's life," said Kenneth, coldly. "I doubt you're familiar with the concept. Let us through."
"Oh, so noble, so heroic, Lionheart," said Robert, sarcastically. "I'm getting tired of being looked down by you. You don't get to talk down to me."
"I wouldn't if you weren't making a scene, right after we stepped out of a battle," retorted Kenneth. "I have other worries than to deal with your bloody pride. Now, get out of my face!"
"Or what?" replied Robert, growing furious.
"That's enough!" Julie shouted, drawing a curious look from the both of them, which would have been comical, if Julie wasn't that furious, right now.
She was exhausted, she was confused, still a little jumpy from the battle, and she couldn't deal with all of this, right now.
"Robert," said Julie. "Step out of the way. Now."
"So that's it, then?" he said, icily. "You pick him, then?"
"This is not the time," said Julie, coldly. "And it's not the place. If you haven't noticed, we have been under attack, here!"
"And I suppose he saved your life again, huh?" he said. "And I suppose it's so selfless, too. Making a move, there, Lionheart?"
"Oh, grow up, Donahue," said Kenneth, coldly. "Not everyone does stuff for their own gain."
Julie saw his icy calm and realised he was doing all he could not to explode. Professor Potter joined them at this moment.
"It's all taken care of," he said. "But I think you'll be safer inside the Castle, Julie."
Julie nodded at that, and then Potter turned to Kenneth.
"Can you escort her back on your own?" the teacher said.
"We'll be fine," said Kenneth, still holding gaze with Robert.
Potter nodded and walked to talk with Lockenburn, who was taking over from Ian, who had maintained a huge shield to cover the gates. She was glad to see him unharmed, as well, but she then saw that Robert wasn't moving.
"We're not done," he said.
"Yes, we are," said Kenneth. "Move."
"You think I will let you steal my girlfriend?" hissed Robert, furiously.
"Oh, for Merlin's sake," grumbled Julie, as she stepped between the two. "You know full well why I broke up with you, Robert. Don't try to twist it until you can blame it on Kenneth, or on anyone but yourself. I told you that we are done. Now, step out of the way."
She had punctuated her words with a push of her finger into his shoulder. She barely caught the shocked look she got from Kenneth. But the rage in Robert's eye, she did see. He suddenly grabbed her wrist.
"We are not done," he said.
"Let go of me, Robert," said Julie, forcefully.
"You think you will blame this on me?" said Robert. "I thought you had actually some points, that you were actually upset with me. But it's all a bunch of lies, isn't it? You just wanted a chance to go for Lionheart, so that you could have it both ways. It was all to hide the fact that you're a heartless..."
Again, the slap was let loose before she realised it. It caught Robert on the cheek and caused him to stumble. She thought that he was going to finally let go. But he didn't and pulled at her arm so suddenly that he twisted it, until she let out a small cry of pain. Before she could do or say anything, Kenneth had moved. He had lunged at Robert and landed a punch on his jaw that sent Robert tumbling to the ground, letting go of her.
"Kenneth, no!" exclaimed Julie.
"You bloody…" said Robert, reaching for his wand.
"What's the matter with you?!" shouted Julie, shocked.
"He hurt you!" said Kenneth furiously. "I didn't go through ranks of Warlocks for this jerk to hurt you!"
"Enough!" shouted Potter, returning to the scene. "That will be five points from both Houses! Keep that wand away, Mr Donahue!"
Robert's hand, who had been fumbling for his wand, froze over his sleeve. He gave up and struggled to get back on his feet.
"Now," said Potter. "Mr Lionheart will escort Miss Carteret back to the castle. And then I expect both Mr Donahue and him in my office as soon as this mess is sorted out. Mr Donahue will return to the Castle with me."
Kenneth didn't object. He simply nodded.
Julie, still under the shock of what had just happened, followed Kenneth without a word. They walked up the path from the Gates toward the castle, walking in the forest in silence. Julie had walked away without a single glance at Robert. He was likely to be furious about this, but frankly, at this point, she didn't care. He had brought this on himself.
The silence weighed heavily on the both of them as they reached the lake, the towers of Hogwarts coming into view. She wanted to speak up, but her mind was so jumbled, right now, that she didn't dare. In her mind, images from her visions fought with the memory of Kenneth defeating the hidden attacker. It was all too confusing.
They had reached the castle and Kenneth led her silently to the portrait hole of the Gryffindor common room. When she was inside the hole, he finally spoke up.
"I'm sorry," he said simply, while the portrait was swinging closed.
She remained stunned in the shadowed tunnel, too shocked to move. Sorry? What was he sorry for?
To be continued very soon. The next bit will deal with a very shocking aftermath of the fight. Hope you liked this one.
See ya!