AN/- hey, guys i really wish you'd give me some feedback, this way i feel like no one is even reading it. So review and make me happy, i know you're good human beings anyways here's chapter 3 and thanks a lot Annie!

Chapter 3

Audrey, Gabrielle and Fleur walked slowly towards their tents discussing the new school year and the need to buy dress robes which all the three were most interested in talking about. They were so mixed up in talking that they didn't really notice the large mob shouting and screaming as it wildly ran towards them separating the three in different directions carrying them away with the massive wave of people.

Audrey had no idea what was going on except that while running with the crowd she heard some people shouting something about death eaters and as Audrey stopped suddenly a scared expression on her face, the crowd ran past her some throwing pitiful glances at her and some thought she had gone mad, but Audrey knew better than to run with the crowd, the crowd always got into trouble it was never sensible to be one with the crowd, instead being one on your own you could hide better and that's what Audrey planned to do as the array of trees in the now quiet forest offered her great amount of shelter than the burning tents on the other side in the campsite.

Audrey gulped as she hid behind a large pine tree she could hear footsteps coming from the distance and for some reason along with the footsteps she heard someone call her name out in desperation. She was too scared to look and for the first time in her life Audrey was being a coward.

"What if it was the Delacours who were looking for her—did she really need to hide—what would Remus say?—what would uncle Al say—most importantly would her father be ashamed of her current behavior-" she thought as the footsteps got closer and her name more audible.

"You're a coward Audrey Adams that is all you ever were-such a coward—go on run to mummy—go on—what no mummy here?—no daddy either?—who are you going to run to now Audrey, you coward? Who is going to save precious Audi now?" her head announced as tears lined her eyes, she let them fall but only a few tears and she felt better, a few tears and her fear was gone.

"I'm not a coward!-I'm not a coward!" declared Audrey coming out from behind the tree her wand held tightly in her hand, as the person who was shouting her name came into view and pounced on her hugging her tightly.

"Oh! Audrey, I'm so scared—let's get out of here," said Gabrielle as she looked around to see that they were the only two people in the deserted forest possibly full of death eaters lurking at the corners or behind trees.

"I'm not a coward—I will not run!" repeated Audrey gulping as Gabrielle let go of her abruptly her eyes wide as saucers.

"Oi! Lookie here Mondy—I got meself a catch here—fresh right out of the French bakery—it is!" laughed the death eater sniffing the air as he caught hold of Gabrielle's gold locks as she had tried to run. For a moment Audrey wanted to run as fast as her legs could take her but she didn't, she stayed there standing in her spot staring at the death eater shocked like a deer in a headlight.

Another one of the death eater's mates joined him as he too laughed,

"Goodnight isn't it mate?" grinned 'Mondy' or whatever he was called as he licked his lips looking at Audrey.

"Yes, lovely," laughed the other one holding on to Gabrielle; she couldn't control her tears anymore they fell softly on the ground. Audrey looked at her helpless friend wasn't she supposed to be part villa, weren't villa's ferocious things if they were harmed, maybe Gabrielle was all looks no strength.

"Let go of her," snarled Audrey her wand in her hand as she walked back standing opposite the death eaters who stood together, they laughed as Audrey pointed her wand at them.

"Bravery—is stupid, but very commendable, you'll make a good prize—I'll make good of you—I promise," snarled Mondy taking a step.

"Let go of her—or else!" shouted Audrey, "or else what?" she thought, she gulped and bit her lips, "You don't really have an answer do you Audi? Oh you make me laugh, coward!" said the voice in her head.

"Or else what my precious?" asked the death eater making his friend laugh.

"Or else—I will curse you so bad you won't even remember your name!" she snarled back at him, making the death eaters laugh even louder as the other let go of Gabrielle who dashed to her friend but as she ran the death eater shot a crucio at her.

"A little lesson girlie—we're tougher than you" smirked Mondy as Gabrielle fell to the ground screaming in agony as pain pulsed through every vein in her body.

"Expelliarmus," shouted Audrey as the death eaters wand shot out of his hand, the curse stopped its effect on Gabrielle who looked at Audrey horror filling her.

"No, Audi, we're not of age—you can't" shouted Gabrielle but Audrey knew better, even though the area was a muggle region there were too many wizards and too much chaos, the ministry couldn't possibly accuse her for any spell, least they knew, it could be someone using her wand to cast it.

"Screw that-" barked Audrey as the unarmed death eater got pissed mad and dashed towards Audrey to retrieve his wand while the friend tried to gain hold of Gabrielle again, but Audrey was fast she had to prove to herself, she was no coward, death eaters or not she wouldn't be afraid, she had no need to, after all she was a witch, a witch who knew her magic.

"Impedimenta-" shoted Audrey as Mondy felt his forward movement being obstructed and he fell head first to the ground.

"Kill her-" shouted Mondy as the other death eater shot death curses at Audrey and Gabrielle who was now supported by Audrey as she tried her best to dodge them.

But then out of the shadows came someone, his wand tip shining brightly with light as two stunners were fired from it that hit the death eaters square in the chest.

"Go run," said the man, it was him—that professor, the man who she had, had a staring competition with—

"Audrey, come on," said Gabrielle through breaths as she tugged at Audrey's jacket.

"Go!" shouted the man again as the death eaters stirred awake.

"Audrey!" begged Gabrielle again, but Audrey didn't move she was stuck on the spot staring at the man like he was something that fascinated her, an odd sort of being.

The man shot two more stunners at the death eaters so that they were completely knocked out and then looked skyward, Audrey joined him in his ministrations of the sky but then when Audrey turned to look at him, he threw her a final glance lifted his head, turned around and then disappeared into thin air.

Audrey was surprised where had the man gone, what was this magic? she hadn't seen her mother do it could wizards and witches disappear at will?—he was so dark and mysterious, she craved to know more about him, who was he—she searched her mind for his name, whatever it was she couldn't possibly recall it, it was like it had been whipped away from her memory, but his face was still very evident and had made a permanent mark in her mind, his hair, his cold features and most of all his deep manly voice—this man held Audrey's mind in turbulence, he held an unapproachable demeanor that she had been warned about but he seemed as if all he needed was to be spoken to—yes, that was all she wanted to do, speak with him, just once, to know who he really was.

"Audrey!" cried Gabrielle bringing Audrey back from her trance as Audrey helped her friend steady up. She felt certain as she helped Gabrielle walk ahead, they would find safety and they would find it fast.

"You are no coward Audrey Adams—never forget that," she told herself as her mind bowed to her in submission as if clapping for her valour, making her feel worthwhile.

Rachel had thoroughly enjoyed that evening with Jean seemed like he too had lightened up without Audrey around and he was now devoting all his attention to her or rather her mouth for the time being, so far she seemed to have played a perfect host and given him a perfect birthday party, just him and her, it had been long since they had done that, god she hated to say it but time without Audrey felt good, no it was marvelous, Jean now turned his attention to her neck as he slowly trailed kisses from her left ear till her neck met her shoulder blade.

They had, had a good evening so far, a lovely dinner, wonderful cake, brilliant wine and more brilliant wine and now some quality time together as the wizard wireless was changed from the quidditch stadium commentary to the romantic music station.

Just when Jean was going to forward his administrations to Rachel's bedroom the soft music burst to life with the announcer sounding like he had just seen a ghost.

"We interrupt this program with a special news bulletin—we have received news from our ministry sources stating that tonight at thirty minutes passed eleven the Quidditch world cup campsite had been attacked by men in mask claiming to be death eaters, several have been injured and several yet missing, there have been no causalities so far-I repeat we interrupt this program with a special news bulletin— stand by for more and the minister's speech," finished the panicky announcer as his voice was drowned by the minister's.

Rachel didn't hear any more after 'death eaters and campsite', she gasped trying to breadth, failing as Jean pulled her back into his arms trying to comfort her but she struggled free of him, she got up from the couch put on her running shoes pulled out a jacket, put it on and filled it with muggle money and galleons along with her wand.

"Rachel—where are you going?" Jean said unbelievably.

"My daughter is there Jean—you cannot expect me to just sit back and relax," she snapped back at him.

"Audrey is a smart girl Rachel—I know she is alright—and going there is not safe—I don't think I can let you go," he said getting up himself.

"Then come with me," she said pleadingly, Jean looked a little worried and tried to say something but nothing really came out.

"I'll see you later," huffed Rachel racing herself out of the door and apparating away to the campsite.

When Rachel arrived at the sight her eyes took in the amount of destruction that had been caused, but there was no time for that, she looked up to see the dark mark floating gallantly in the sky as if it owned it, no this wasn't people claiming to be death eaters—this was the work of marked men. Rachel looked around as her shoes crunched the remnants of a tent, looking around she found light coming from a white tent that was still up several people seemed to have gathered round it, some in bandages and slings.

She ran towards the tent hoping to find Audrey there with the Delacours all safe, but she did find the Delacours only the father and Fleur, her eyes roamed hungrily around the tent but they were not satisfied with what she saw, her heart ached painfully, what had become of her daughter, where was she and Gabrielle? And just a moment ago she had been enjoying time without Audrey—she was a horrible mother—she was a horrible selfish person.

She walked up to the Delacours, Mr. Delacour looking worriedly at the entrance hoping his daughter and her friend would come strolling in any minute while Fleur argued with the aurors.

"Don't you understand—my sister and her friend are still out there—go find them!" she barked ordering the auror as he and his colleague held a cup of tea in their hands looking at her like she had gone mad.

"Look ma'am we are trying our best—our best team is out there—they'll find them!" smirked one of the aurors.

"Try harder-you stupid ass," shouted Fleur angrily marching towards the entrance as her father held her back.

"But Dad— Gabby is out there-" said Fleur angrily as she struggled in her father's arms.

"I'll go," said Rachel walking up to the Delacours as Fleur launched herself into her arms as Mr. Delacour looked thankfully at her.

"No need for that," said Audrey her face covered in sweat as Fleur took Gabrielle from her and Rachel launched herself onto her daughter while Audrey buried her head into her mother's beautiful auburn hair.

"Oh! Audrey," said Rachel refusing to let go of her daughter as Audrey let silent tears slip onto her mother's shoulder.

"Oh! I wish I could still pick you up," laughed Rachel running her soft hands into her daughter's hair as Audrey still refused to let go of her mother.

The Adams waited till Gabrielle came around as the aurors wished to talk to Audrey and Gabrielle together, while Fleur eyed them loathingly.

"So what happened?" asked an auror smiling, Audrey couldn't believe he was smiling, what a git.

"Death eaters—tried to-" started Gabrielle but she couldn't really continue.

"Hmm...I understand," said the auror sympathetically.

"No you don't-you weren't there to save our skins—git!" finished Audrey looking at the auror offensively as the auror looked at her disbelievingly.

"I-," he began.

"Get lost-" finished Fleur easily as the auror got up indignantly and cleared off before there was trouble. Gabrielle smiled at her best friend whose hand was still in hers while the healer fixed the bruise on her head.

"Audrey saved my life," smiled Gabrielle as Fleur looked pleasantly at Audrey.

"I didn't that man did—did you see him?" Audrey asked her friend who nodded briefly.

"You did first—that's what counts," finished Gabrielle simply.

"What man?" asked Rachel suspiciously.

"I don't remember his name—but he was there—and he saved our lives," finished Audrey shaking her head mysteriously.

Severus entered the gates of Hogwarts, home—he was finally home. He took a deep breath as he walked into the school, into the entrance hall and towards Dumbledore's office to let the man know about the events that had just been set into their world. His mark had been acting outlandish lately, darkening and lightening by the minute but Severus had thought best to ignore the topic with Dumbledore, but it could not be ignored any further, not after what had just happened.

Severus was just about to climb up to Dumbledore's office when he was met by someone he had not totally side-lined.

"Good evening Severus," smiled Minerva coming out of the shadows as Severus stopped in his path.

"Evening Minerva," said Severus curtly.

"How was your outing with the Malfoys?" Minerva asked making small talk.

"Nothing, out of the ordinary I can assure you," drawled Severus looking at Minerva who walked up to him.

"Good, now if you're looking for my husband—it would be stupid to go dashing to his office right now don't you think?" she asked knowingly.

"The kitchens then?" smirked Severus getting down from the steps he had climbed.

"Indeed, I'm made to believe the house elves have prepared a special office for him there," said Minerva shaking her head as Severus smiled faintly biding her goodnight and finding his way towards the kitchen. On his way his mind once again lingered on the notion of what would have happened if he had not followed the French girl—she had a beautiful name that one- Audrey, lovely name, common but lovely. He wondered about her origin, who was she half French- half British odd sort of combination for the wizarding kind, maybe she was muggle born or half blood, no certainly not with the magic that engulfed her that girl must have had some strong parents or guardians, strong, pure blooded. After all she had proven to be tougher than the villa. Pride filled Severus for an unknown reason and a smiled graced his usually cold face, but on reaching the portrait of the pear he raised his wards again unwilling to give in to Dumbledore so easily.

"Ah—Severus, I have been expecting you-" smiled Albus greeting Severus with his customary smile as Severus gave Dumbledore an odd expression.

Severus knew very well that the batty old man knew what exactly had happened tonight and instead of being grave he gave Severus a smile he would reserve only for him. It was bizarre because even though the time was frightful Dumbledore managed to be rather content with his hot chocolate and pumpkin pasty, an odd combination to begin with in the first place thought Severus.

"And I may not be wrong to assume that you are aware of the evenings events" began Severus sitting down as a happy house elf pulled him a cushioned chair.

"What cans Milo gets for professor Snape sir?" began a bouncy house-elf.

"Nothing—leave us in peace," said Severus sharply not looking at the elf.

"He'll have the usual earl-grey Milo," smiled Dumbledore as the house elf bowed but Severus looked down at the tiny elf.

"No—get me something strong—anything that is not—soft," finished Severus dangerously as the elf gulped and bowed to retrieve a scotch with ice for Severus.

"So you were saying?" began Dumbledore as his mug refilled itself.

"The dark mark was no accident—you know as well as I do Albus- they were there for a reason," began Severus.

"How is your mark?" asked Albus concernedly as Severus took of his black coat and rolled up the sleeve of his white shirt, his mark was darker than ever and he noticed a little movement in it as well.

"Peculiar—very peculiar," said Dumbledore pulling the man's hand into his and studying it closely.

"What does it mean?" asked Severus a little taken aback.

"It means he's becoming powerful, Wormtail is feeding him well I suppose," joked Albus letting go of Severus's arm as the man covered his mark.

"Really Dumbledore—you find this funny?" asked Severus anger rising, Dumbledore was an odd man and Severus would never completely understand how the world's greatest wizard could be so deranged and yet manage to have a perfectly well settled life.

"Now, now Severus as the muggles say laughter is the best medicine and besides what is done is done, you nor I can undo what has happened tonight, but what we must understand is that caution will be a better friend in the future if we promise to keep friendship," smiled Dumbledore.

Another sermon, another twisted riddle, another dead-end answer, Severus was tired of dead ends, but his life never really did have straight roads, even if they had been for a while they would always be separated by deeps divisions and diversions that would break him so badly-Oh! What was use? He was a broken man—there was no mending him, why bother?

"Have they decided upon the host school then?" asked Severus finishing his second glass of scotch this time without ice.

"Yes, delightfully it will be held at Hogwarts this year," said Dumbledore happily.

"Yes, how delightful—another piece of responsibility," muttered Severus sarcasm dripping his from every word.

"Now, now my boy negative vibes are the ones putting us down—we must be proud, we must stay charismatic," said Dumbledore as Severus rolled his eyes.

"How typically Gryffindor of you!" smirked Severus as Dumbledore clanked his mug with Severus's glass.

"Indeed," smiled Albus drinking the remaining contents of his mug.