Severus Snape's POV

Only the Headmaster and I remained.

"Severus."

"Why should I trust you?" I burst out. "All along, you have been protecting Sirius Black behind my back!"

Dumbledore replied seriously, "There is not time to squabble about this. Particularly not when time is of the utmost importance. The point is, Severus, that I need both you and Sirius on my side. And right now, I must ask you - "

"I know," I cut him off. "I know exactly what you intend to ask of me." I lifted the left sleeve of my robe, and we both stared down at the Dark Mark etched onto my inner arm. I observed, "It is not as clear as it was an hour or so ago, when it burned black."

"But it is clear enough," Dumbledore said softly. His eyes flickered up to mine. "I imagine the Dark Lord's confidence will not be easy to gain back. He will thoroughly examine your mind, and he will test your physical endurance – both for confirmation of loyalty and as punishment."

"I am aware. It is why Karkaroff has already fled."

Dumbledore nodded. "If you are ready, Severus… If you are prepared…"

"I am."

It was difficult to explain what possessed me to give this seemingly confident answer and to account for what pushed me to accept this insane role as a double-double agent. All I could say was that deep inside, I had waiting for this moment ever since the night that Lily Potter was murdered and Harry Potter survived.

Yes, in a way, I thought, this is all inevitable. Ever since that fateful day where I overheard the prophecy, a series of events has been set in motion where I cannot help but move as a chess piece – a piece that is valuable to everyone except my own self, for the things I wish for have already passed me by…

"Good luck, Severus," Dumbledore said softly.

My eyes on the floor, I forced myself to take one step after another. As I walked out of Dumbledore's office and into what I knew would be one of the most painful and intense hours of my life, I leaned into my ability to shut off my thoughts and emotions – an ability I'd developed when I realized that screaming wouldn't make my father stop yelling at my mother, that crying would not make my mother live longer in this world, and that begging for forgiveness would not mean that forgiveness was granted. It was the ability that the likes of James Potter would never understand, as pampered and popular as he was growing up. I cursed this ability because it was born out of suffering; and yet I also recognized it as an unusual skill, one that made me well-suited to Occulumency and Legilimency and beyond that – for playing the role of a spy.


Raylynx Kingsley's POV

Jasper and I met at the train station. We boarded the train together, with neither of us saying a word.

It was only when Jasper had shut the door securely and cast anti-eavesdropping spells on it that he turned to me and said, "Sirius Black is an Animagus, is he?"

"Yes."

Jasper paced the small train compartment a few times before he finally sat in the seat across from me. Staring out of the window out into the darkness, Jasper murmured, "So, you were right."

"About what?"

"About his innocence. About waiting for him. About loving him. All of it."

"I wouldn't say I was right," I said honestly. "I had no way of knowing. I didn't have any answers until recently."

"Hm," was all Jasper said. He seemed to be thinking deeply.

In fact, I knew what Jasper was thinking about, and I knew that he felt that he couldn't say it aloud without hurting his pride. So, I spoke first. "Jasper. There's something I want to tell you. Something I want to make very clear."

Jasper finally looked at me. His gaze was hard and sharp. He waited for me to continue speaking.

"When I was yours, I was completely yours," I said, speaking aloud the words I had wanted to tell him for years now. "I never pretended to be yours while secretly seeing Sirius. That never happened. I swear it."

Jasper was still for a long moment. Then, he asked, "When did the two of you decide to be together?"

"I met Sirius for the first time the summer after you and I ended things. After that, it took us a while to get back together."

Jasper let out a long breath. "I don't why it took you two time to get back together, and perhaps this is rude of me to say, but I must admit that I am glad to hear it. Because it might mean that… well, there's a chance I meant something to you, after all."

My eyes dimmed when I heard the hurt in his words. "Of course you did. I'm sorry I made you doubt that."

Jasper didn't say anything, but the tension between us was considerably lessened.

After the conductor had passed us by, I reached into my pouch and pulled out Quincy's jar. I opened the lid. At once, Quincy poked his head out.

Jasper blinked. He vaguely remembered Quincy and the trouble Quincy had given him when Jasper had been trying to catch Sirius. "What… is that?"

Jasper sat forward and peered down at Quincy. Quincy sat and tilted his head back, looking up curiously at Jasper, too.

"Quincy," I replied.

"A fire salamander?" Jasper asked, remembering his uncle Godfrey once teaching him about fire-dwelling beings.

"Yes, that's right."

"He shocked me quite badly when he spat a fireball in my face," Jasper murmured. But I could tell at once by the way Jasper was cocking his head at and looking at Quincy that he was rather taken with Quincy. "Impressive little fella, isn't he? For something so small."

Quincy blinked excitedly up at Jasper, knowing, somehow, that he was being complimented.

"Do you want to hold him?" I asked Jasper.

"Do you think he'd mind?"

Quincy shook his head politely.

I gently put Quincy in Jasper's palm.

"He's quite warm," Jasper noted, as he settled back against his seat and put Quincy on his lap.

"He's a nice companion, isn't he?" I said, smiling at the sight of the two together.

As the train gathered speed, Jasper fell asleep, with Quincy also snoozing away on his lap. I watched over Jasper, feeling a strange mingling of gratitude and repentance in my heart. It took me a minute to realize that Jasper no longer wore the ring around his neck, nor did he wear the ornate ring he used to bear at all times on his index finger.

I realized that Jasper must have lost other things in these past couple of years that we had been apart. Reaching over, I gently picked up Quincy and put him back in his jar, to make sure his fire wouldn't go out. Then, I took off my cloak and then carefully slid it under Jasper's head, so that he would be more comfortable as he continued to sleep.

The train raced on into the night.


Sirius Black's POV

Reaching out, I grabbed the back of Mundungus' jacket.

"If you try to run away again, I'll kill you myself," I growled through gritted teeth.

"I ain't tryin' to run away," Mundungus protested. "But what you're suggestin' is suicide. You want me to be seen with you in broad daylight? You're mental! Absolutely mental!"

"What part of 'trying to save your skin' don't you understand?" I said, frustrated. "Dumbledore's making me go out on a limb here to save your filthy hide, and you're putting up a fight! I always knew you were dirty, Dung, but I didn't take you to be a fool."

"I ain't a fool!" Mundungus said hotly. "Anyhow, how's I supposed to trust that you aren't a raving lunatic and murderer, huh? What if you're just takin' me away to murder me?"

I rolled my eyes at him. "If that were true, I wouldn't take you away to murder you. I'd do it right now."

I yanked Mundungus harshly to my side. "Now, stop squirming. Let's get this show over with."

"But - !"

Ignoring Mundungus' protests, I walked out of the dark shadows we had been hiding under. I dragged Mundungus down the sidewalk until –

"What's that man doing?"

"Who? Where?"

"There!"

"Wait, he looks familiar…"

"Oh my goodness, he's dragging someone behind him!"

"Wait! I know! That's Sirius Black!"

"Report him! Report him!"

"That oughta do it," I said grimly. Then, keeping a tight grip on Mundungus, I closed my eyes and turned, Apparating to none other than Grimmauld Place, the same house I'd avoided for over twenty years.


Severus Snape's POV

"Late." It had been thirteen years since I had heard the Dark Lord's voice. Now, it was more snakelike than ever. "You are very late, Severus."

I knelt before him. "My Lord."

"Am I? Am I still your Lord? Or do you know pay homage to another – Albus Dumbledore, perhaps?" Voldemort hissed. "I have heard of your position at Hogwarts, Severus. In fact, I saw for myself your allegiance to Dumbledore when you thwarted Quirrell several times in his attempt to retrieve the Sorcerer's Stone for me."

I did not attempt to justify myself. I knew that that would only anger him. Instead, I lifted my head, so that he could stare into my eyes.

A satisfied smirk appeared on his lips. "So, you know already, don't you? That I would never trust a word you say."

"Of course, my Lord. I, like you, do not trust the words that come out of a person's mouth."

"Good. But, Severus, you seem to have forgotten one thing."

I tried not to allow my body to stiffen in fear and only asked, as neutrally as possible, "My Lord?"

Voldemort's smirk only grew, as he reminded me, "For the weak-mind, Legilimency is the obvious answer. But, for the strong-minded – and you are strong-minded – I require an extra step."

I swallowed. I knew what was coming.

"Yes," Voldemort hissed softly, "I require their minds to be softened and their guards to be… let down, as it were, before I use Legilimency."

I forced myself to whisper, "Yes, my Lord."

Voldemort struck at once. "Crucio!"

My entire body seized up as unbelievable pain ripped through my body. But I gripped my hands into tight fists and bit the inside of my cheek.

"Crucio!"

My heart was thundering in my chest. My nails dug into my palms, deep enough to make them bleed.

"Crucio!"

Finally, a hard huff left my mouth.

A grin appeared on the Dark Lord's face, and it was with more relish than ever that he cried out again, "CRUCIO!"

At long last, a terrible scream left my mouth. I fell over and screamed outright against the grass as unbelievable pain ripped through my body.

"Good, we're getting there now," the Dark Lord said gleefully. "Again! Crucio!"

"Ahhh!"


Remus Lupin's POV

"Remus Lupin, is it?"

"Yes," I replied.

Ted Tonks, a friendly-looking man, held out his hand.

I reached out and shook it.

"How can I be of help to you, Remus?"

"Dumbledore's sent me."

"Ah. Well, then, you better come inside." Ted stepped back from the doorway so I could come in.

"My wife and daughter are home, too," Ted told me, as he shut the door behind us. "You know my wife, I think?"

"Andromeda," I said.

"Yes, that's right." As Ted spoke, he led me into a living room.

As I walked in, I could voices from the adjacent room.

Someone was saying, in an exasperated voice, "Not again, Nymphadora!"

And a bright voice replied, "Sorry, Mum! Here, I'll fix it right up."

"How you ever got to be an Auror, I'll never know."

"Well, I barely passed the stealth part of the exam."

"So, they're not sending you out on any dangerous missions, are they? If they know how clumsy you are, they'll only send you out on safe missions, right?"

"Aw, Mum, I know how to be quiet when it's needed!"

"I'd prefer if they only sent you on safe missions."

"Mum, c'mon, I'll be perfectly fine. Don't you trust your own daughter?"

At that point, Ted had popped his head into the kitchen to announce that they had a guest.

Andromeda came to the doorway.

Standing a bit awkwardly in the living room, I said, "Hello."

"Remus Lupin, is it?" Andromeda said, sounding just like her husband in that moment.

"Yes, that's right."

"It's been a long time since I've seen you. The last time we met, you were still tagging around Sirius."

I smiled sheepishly, for that was still true.

"Mum, the food's burning!"

Andromeda turned around and said, "Well, then, turn off the stove! Goodness, Nymphadora, use your head and stop being so loud! We have a guest!"

"Oh! Sorry."

"Er – I'm sorry to intrude, but it's urgent business," I said.

"Of course. Sit down," Ted offered, gesturing at a chair.

A second later, Andromeda came back out. This time, she was followed by a sprightly-looking young woman with bubblegum pink hair.

The Tonks family sat together on the sofa across from me.

"If Dumbledore himself sent you, the news must be serious," Andromeda reasoned. She looked grim, even frightened.

I nodded seriously. "It's the worst news, I'm afraid."

Ted's brow furrowed. "What do you mean, son?"

I felt a feeling of intense dread as I had to tell this family, who were already looking at me with such apprehension on their faces: "I'm afraid that Voldemort has returned."


Severus Snape's POV

"Up, Severus. Get up."

I lay there on the ground, panting, for a long moment. I wasn't sure how much time had passed.

"Up!"

A harsh whip-like sound rang out, and I felt a sharp cut on my face. A second later, blood began to gush out of the wound on my cheek.

Slowly, I pushed myself up off of the ground and stood up.

"Good…" the Dark Lord hissed. "Very good. Come closer, Severus. Now, it is time to see whether or not you were telling the truth."

Without giving me a chance to breathe, the Dark Lord suddenly appeared before me, grabbed my face roughly, and staring hard into my eyes, he cried out, "Legilimens!"


Raylynx Kingsley's POV

To our horror, Jasper and I found that the entire village was gone. At least, it had been abandoned. The huts and buildings that had once glowed with life and magic were completely barren.

I lifted my wand. "Homenum Revelio."

There was no response.

"What could have happened?" I wondered. "Where is everyone?"

Suddenly, Jasper grabbed my shoulder. "Look," he hissed, nodding his head.

I followed his line of sight – only to see blood-red eyes blinking at us from the darkness of the nearby forest.

"Vampires," I breathed out.

Even as I announced that word, an entire line of red eyes began to appear from the darkness.

"Run," Jasper said shortly.

We turned and began to sprint.

Only, as soon as we had turned our backs, no less than ten vampires came flying out of the woods.

"Jasper!" I screamed.

"Keep running, Raylynx! Don't look back!"

Even as Jasper shouted those words, I could feel the vampires gaining quickly on us.

All at once, three voices shouted out, "Incendio Maxima!"

Jasper and I gasped in shock as a river of fire came crashing down into the ground just behind us. The fire was so hot that I could feel the back of my hands and neck starting to burn.

"Come on!" someone called, from up ahead. "Get out of there!"

I reached over and grabbed Jasper's arm to pull him forward. Together, the two of us pitched forward, narrowly escaping the vampires who were screaming loudly and clawing at the raging fire before them.

We had run about a hundred yards forward, when we were about to make out the people who had saved us. My eyes widened. There were Jared and Alexia Kaius, as well as Abbe, their lifelong butler who was essentially their grandfather and guardian.

"Jared!" Jasper called out.

Jared reached out and clasped Jasper in a tight hug. "It's been too long, old friend."

Meanwhile, Alexia had grabbed my hand and was hurriedly checking me over. Abbe nodded at me and Jasper, but he kept his eyes on the vampires, making sure that they were retreating back into the forest.

"Come," Alexia said. "We'll lead you to the village."

"So, everyone's safe?" I asked.

"Yes," she replied. "But everyone had to evacuate."

"The vampires suddenly became overwhelmingly strong," Jared explained. "Sehtzer and Iseline were forced to take their people to higher grounds, where there's more sunlight and less trees, and rebuild their village."

"When the vampires become stronger?" Jasper asked. "Was it recent?"

"Yes. Only two days ago."

Jasper and I looked at each other. That solidified what we had guessed – that the rise of the vampires was connected with the rise of Voldemort.

"The vampires were clever. They surrounded the village," Jared explained. "Sehtzer and Iseline sent to us for help because he needed someone to disrupt the full barricade. Abbe, Alexia, and I came prepared – storing fire in jewels and the like – and we were able to blast a way through to allow everyone in the village to run out and escape. But it was extremely difficult and many villagers had to ward off vampires as they escaped."

Besides him, Alexia nodded. She told us regretfully, "Even now, several of the village folks are in need of treatment from vampire bites and burns."

"I reckon I can be of some help with that," Jasper said.

"Yes, thank you," Alexia said fervently.

Abbe then asked, wonderingly, "How did the two of you know to come?"

Jasper and I looked at each other.

"Well," I answered slowly, "something terrible has happened. And it's connected to the vampires."

"What?" Alexia asked, seeing the grim look on Jasper's and my faces. "What's happened? Tell us."

My hand clenched into a fist, as I said those horrible words, "He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named has returned."

Jasper and I couldn't see the newfound village until we were inside it, for there were protective enchantments all around the village. As soon as I came in, I noticed, in the entryway, a familiar sword hovering within a golden Runic circle.

"Jared," I said, "isn't that - ?"

"The sword of Damocles, yes," he replied. "It helps immensely with strengthening the protective barriers around this place."

Abbe led the way to Sehtzer and Iseline's tent.

Sehtzer and Iseline both stood up when they saw us.

Sehtzer said, "I trust you have some understanding of why the vampires have suddenly come to possess such terrible strength."

"Yes," I replied. "I'm afraid we do."

Sehtzer, Abbe, Jared, and I all sat down, and I began to convey to Sehtzer exactly what had occurred in the past seventy-two hours.

When evening began to fall, however, we had to break from discussion. It was the full moon tonight and Jasper had to prepare for his transformation.

Turning to Iseline, Jasper said, "Well, Iseline. It'll be best to take my blood when I'm in my werewolf form. I've brought the Wolfsbane Potion with me. Shall we?"

Iseline looked at Jasper with profound gratitude. "Thank you, Jasper. Your good deeds shall never be forgotten by our people."

I stood up as well. "May I help?"

Iseline looked over at Jasper. Jasper gazed at me for a long moment, before he nodded.

The three of us left the tent together.


Sirius Black's POV

I opened the front door of Grimmauld Place and shoved Mundungus through the doorway.

"Ow! Why you've gotta be such a brute?"

"Shut up!" I said. "We don't want to wake up the old hag - "

"TRAITOR OF MY FLESH! HOW DARE YOU RETURN TO THIS HOUSE? YOU, WHO SHUNNED EVERYTHING ABOUT YOUR INHERITANCE!"

Mundungus slapped his hands over his ears.

Welcome home, I thought grimly to myself.


Raylynx Kingsley's POV

Dawn broke and Jasper transformed back into his human form. He was exhausted, both from the transformation and blood extraction.

Iseline gave Jasper a Blood-Replenishing Potion and Numbing Potion.

Afterwards, we brought Jasper into a separate tent and helped him into a cot.

"I'm fine," he reassured us. "Thank you."

Just then, someone poked their head into our tent. "Iseline, I'm sorry to intrude, but you're needed. Vampires have been sighted nearby."

Iseline left at once. I looked back over at Jasper.

"Go," he said to me, blinking tiredly. "Go help them. I'll be fine."

"All right," I replied quietly. "Try to sleep, Jasper. I'll come back if anything's happened."

I left, following Iseline to see if I could be of any help.


The situation was extremely tense, as we could see no less than thirty vampires flitting around the village. The village folk had all lined the perimeter, in case the enchantments broke. Sehtzer stood in the middle of the village, ready to give orders if needed. Iseline stood before the hospital tents, to guard the wounded and sick.

Abbe, Jared, Alexia, and I had all joined the perimeter guard.

Thankfully, the protective enchantments held. The vampires could neither see us clearly nor enter the village.

Still, at one point, a vampire threw herself at the protective barriers with such force that the protective barrier evaporated her and all that was left was a thick river of blood sliding down the barrier above our heads, as it we were standing in a glass globe.

I grimaced and shut my eyes. Jared and Alexia also turned their faces away from the grotesque sight. However, Abbe was staring at the blood intently.


Finally, the vampires disappeared.

Sehtzer called everyone except the usual patrol guards off.

A number of people followed Sehtzer into the tent, including Abbe, Jared, Alexia, and myself.

We stayed silent as the people from the village spoke to Sehtzer urgently. I did not understand their language, but it was clear that they were asking him questions and giving him suggestions.

Sehtzer listened to them all. He debated with each person, carefully and thoughtfully. Then, all at once, everyone rose and left together. Though the expressions on everyone's faces were grim, they seemed to have found some sort of resolve to go forward with.

Sehtzer turned to us. "I still cannot understand where the vampires' newfound strength comes from. I know, Raylynx, that you have come to tell us that He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named has returned. Clearly, that is centrally linked to what is occurring here. We know that the vampires aided He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named and the vampires are too cunning not to have struck a bargain that didn't substantially benefit them. But how? How is their power linked? How is it that, as soon as the Dark Lord revived, the vampires gained innumerable strength?"

Finally, Abbe said, in a heavy voice, "A blood bond."

"What?"

"A blood bond. The transfer of blood from one being to another, when done with intention, forms a bond between two individuals…" Abbe explained slowly. "It can be a direct means of salvation, but it will have lasting effects."

"Why do you think that, Abbe?" Jared wondered.

"Because I saw the blood from the vampire creature today," Abbe said. "Usually, vampire blood is thin, almost like water. But that creature's blood is thick – almost as if - "

"They had mixed their blood with a human being," Sehtzer finished.

Abbe nodded. "Exactly."

As Abbe spoke, I suddenly remembered my own bond with Remus and how, when he had given me his blood to save me from my own vampiric wounds, it had affected both Remus and me ever since. We could literally feel in our blood whenever something terrible was happening to the other.

"He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named must have somehow shared his blood with all of these vampires," Abbe guessed. "In return, they must have shared their blood with him, thus giving him the basis for regeneration. From what Raylynx has said, it also sounds like the Potion used to revive him came from old vampiric lore."

Sehtzer frowned deeply. "Then, it sounds as if the only way to defeat the vampires is to kill every last one or else to defeat He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named."

There was another long silence, until finally, Abbe agreed quietly, "Yes."


The discussion of Voldemort's return took us all deep into the night. It was nearly dawn when we all broke away into our separate tents.

Abbe, Jared, Alexia, and I all returned to the tent where Jasper was resting. Thankfully, Jasper was asleep.

I lay in my cot, overwhelmingly tired. And yet – my mind was abuzz.

Voldemort's deal with the vampires…

The prophecy concerning Harry and Voldemort…

Voldemort's creation of Horcruxes…

The Goblet of Fire and its intense ability to ensure that contestants participate in the TriWizard Tournament…

The relationship between Pendragon, Merlin, and the Enchantress…

I don't fully understand any of these relationships. Yet, what is clear to me is that all of these relationships imbue significance from contract magic.

Then, isn't one way of solving all this to end contract magic?

And, in the case of Horcruxes, it's the only way I can think of of separating the piece of soul from its container without having to destroy the container – in other words, of saving Harry while destroying Voldemort.

I sat up in my cot. Voldemort's back now. That is the horrifying truth. Therefore, it's more urgent than ever that I find a way to kill Voldemort without maiming the 'containers' in which he transferred parts of his soul. For Harry's sake.

I cannot bear the thought of a world where Harry has to die for the rest of the world to be saved. After Lily and James' deaths, after Dorcas and Marlene's deaths, after Alice and Frank's loss of self… I cannot accept a world where I knowingly have to give up Harry. I simply can't accept that version of the world.

I got up from my cot.

Reaching into my pouch, I first pulled out Quincy's jar. I carefully placed it atop my cot.

Quincy, who had been awake, tapped his paws on the glass jar, as he wanted to get out.

I slowly shook my head at him. I can't, Quince, I'm sorry.

Then, reaching back into the pouch, I pulled out the Goblet of Fire. I had managed to track it down in the cupboard that Barty Crouch Jr. had locked me away in before leaving for Ollivander's.

Moving very quietly so as not to disturb Abbe, Jared, Alexia, and Jasper, all of who were sleeping in their cots, I knelt down at the center of the tent. Pulling out my wand, I drew a Runic circle, linking together symbols that meant that Abbe, Jared, Alexia, and Jasper would neither hear nor see me. Then, clutching the Goblet in my hand, I stepped into that circle.

I stared at the Goblet.

I remembered what Dumbledore had said to me, when I had gone to request that he help me find a way to break the contract between the Goblet and Harry. He had said, "I am saying that it is not only impossible, but undesirable, to break this Goblet. You do not know what else you would be undoing were you to succeed."

He had also said, "The fight we are living through now is only one iteration of the light versus the dark. Do you truly wish to sacrifice all merely for our single iteration? It would be equivalent to burning all language to write a single poem."

My brow furrowed as I thought hard about the choice that lay before me.

Of course I'm afraid of what I might undo or set off unknowingly, I thought. But what if the truth is that, in every iteration of the light versus the dark, innocent lives have to be sacrificed? Isn't that a situation in which it would be worth trying to change or re-forge contract magic so that, in going forward or in looking back, history and war no longer demands the necessary evil of sacrificing innocent lives?

I gripped the Goblet harder. Besides, it's as I told Dumbledore – the right action is the one that saves what is in the moment. I have to believe that. I have to.

With a trembling hand, I raised my wand and pointed it at the Goblet.

A low growl erupted in my mind, Child, do not do this…

I took a deep breath. Then, I drew a complicated circle within the already existing circle. I drew 'Contract' and 'Linkage' runes and then 'Mental' Runes so that they were overlapping circles. Then, tracing the perimeters of both circles, I carefully and intentionally wrote 'Breaking' Runes.

Finally, when the circle was done, I placed the Goblet in the middle of the interlocking circles. I raised my wand, pointed it at the Goblet, and then whispered fervently, "Evanesco."


Jasper Riley's POV

Clank, clank, clank.

What is that… sound…?

My eyes flickered open.

At the same time, I saw Alexia stirring in the cot across from mine.

It took me a moment before I realized that something was clanking around furiously in the cot to my left.

I got up from my cot, though I had to pause as an intense vertigo passed through me. Gripping the stake that held up one end of my cot, I cautiously walked over to the other cot where the sound was coming from.

The cot appeared empty, but I could see something moving around in the center of it. I gripped the two cloth ends and opened it – to see Quincy, still in his jar, using all of his might to bump the jar around the cot.

"Quincy?" I said, confused. "What's wrong?"

Quincy knocked his feet against the jar forcefully before pressing up his little snout against the jar, as if to indicate that something was behind me.

I looked over my shoulder. There was nothing there.

But Quincy seemed insistent that something was wrong, and just as I thought that, I realized, Where is Raylynx?

I could see Abbe, Alexia, and Jared, all sleeping peacefully in various cots in this tent. But I couldn't see Raylynx. Reaching out, I hurriedly unscrewed the jar. Quincy popped out at once. Then, throwing his head back, he let out a worried squeak before he scurried off of the cot and onto the floor.

Awakened by Quincy's squeak, Alexia sat up. "Jasper? Is everything all right?"

Before I could respond, Quincy had flung himself at the ground only –

Alexia and I both gasped as Quincy went flying back, as if he had hit a barrier.

At this, both Abbe and Jared woke up as well.

"What's going on?" Jared said sleepily. "Are we needed…?

Meanwhile, Alexia leapt up from her cot and ran over to Quincy. "What is this?"

"It's a fire salamander. It's Raylynx's pet," I explained quickly. "And Raylynx isn't here."

Alexis turned to me with wide eyes. "Oh… Oh, no."

Just then, Abbe stepped dazedly towards the center of the tent.

"Abbe?" Jared said cautiously. "What is it?"

"Is it just me… or is the hue of light different there?" Abbe murmured, his voice raspy with sleep.

"Hue of light?" Jared repeated, confused.

"Look." Abbe lifted his hand and pointed.

We all looked closer. At first, I could see no difference at all in the air before me. But then, slowly, I could see it – the slightest flash of gold-red, followed by a streak of pale blue, only to vanish quicker than a blink.

Just then, we heard footsteps running towards the tent.

All four of us hurriedly held up our wands – but it was Sehtzer who came bursting into the tent.

"Get back!" he roared.

Abbe and I hurriedly stepped to one side, and Jared grabbed Alexia and pulled her back to the other.

Sehtzer lifted his wand. As he did, a number of the Runes all over his body began to glow brightly, visible even through his clothing as golden patches of light.

Sehtzer closed his eyes tightly. He gritted his teeth, as if he was fighting against something.

He muttered harshly, "Raylynx… Kingsley… You've crafted your Runic Circle well… Too well! Let me through!"

With a rough shout, Sehtzer thrust his wand forward.

CRACK!

A loud, sharp sound – almost of breaking glass – sounded out. Then, horrified gasps rose from all of us as a most terrible sight appeared: Raylynx Kingsley, hovering in mid-air, burning alive, wide-eyed and screaming, and clutching in her hands what could only be the Goblet of Fire.


Remus Lupin's POV

It was the day after the full moon. I was having a truly rough time recovering.

I always think it'll get easier someday, somehow, but it never does, I thought ruefully.

In particular, there was this intense burning sensation running up and down my limbs that I couldn't quite explain. I wondered if the poison from Barty Crouch Jr.'s trunk was still present in my system and had perhaps reacted poorly to the Wolfsbane Potion. But then again, in my head, I couldn't quite shake off the feeling that the burning pain might be coming from another source, from Raylynx…

Knock, knock.

I groaned silently. I don't want to get up. I don't feel that I can. Please…

I was currently staying in Hogsmeade, for I had just met with Kingsley Shacklebolt and Hestia Jones who had been tipped off and asked to meet me at the Hog's Head by Arthur Weasley. I had given Shacklebolt and Jones as much information as I could. In return, they had both decided, on the spot, to return to the Order of the Phoenix. After sending a coded message to Dumbledore, I had then squirreled myself away in one of Aberforth's rooms and taken the Wolfsbane Potion, to wait out the long night of my transformation.

Knock, knock.

With a long sigh, I made myself get up and limped over to the door. I opened it to find –

"Wotcher, Remus."

I blinked. It took me a second to place the woman standing in front of me, though her bubblegum-pink hair instantly jogged my memory.

"Nymphadora?" I said, confused by her appearing at my door. For, to my disappointment (although not to my surprise), Andromeda Tonks had once again declined to participate directly in the Order of the Phoenix. She had agreed, however, to allow us to call upon her to use her house as a safehouse and to pass along any information that would help us in defending possible victims.

Although a part of me had wanted to convince Andromeda to commit fully to the Order, I could see that it was difficult for Andromeda to choose either way. At one point, Ted had reached over to hold Andromeda's hands as she made those decisions. Also, while I did admittedly feel frustrated by her lack of action, I also admired the fact that Andromeda, of all people, felt compassion for those of her family that were still Death Eaters.

All that to say – I wasn't sure why Nymphadora Tonks had come all the way to Hogsmeade to come talk to me, when her family had already made the decision to largely stay out of the fight.

"You look terrible," Nymphadora said, looking up at me.

I blinked. "Oh, sorry."

"No, it's nothing you need to apologize for," Nymphadora said quickly. "Rather – are you all right? Should I get you something? Or should I come back at another time?"

"I'm fine."

"Oh. Well, that's good. Sorry I said anything."

I tried to hide the fact that I felt like I was about to pass out, as I asked her, "Why are you here?"

"Right." With that one word, Nymphadora's energy suddenly shifted. She stared up at me with fierce determination as she boldly began to state, "I want to do it! I want to join the Order - Ah!"

As soon as I realized that what she was about to say (shouting it out into the middle of the corridor of an inn, no less), I'd grabbed her arm and yanked her inside.

Unfortunately, we did not make for a graceful duo – Nymphadora was clumsy and I was feeling quite weak. So it happened that Nymphadora tripped over my feet and barreled into my chest. Unable to catch her in time, I fell backwards. We went sprawling on the floor together.

I hastily disentangled from her and then knelt beside her. "Nymphadora! Are you all right?"

She was laughing. "I'm fine!"

"Sorry!" I apologized. "But listen, you can't just go shouting about things like that. It's not safe. Someone might overhear."

Nymphadora, who was still lying on the floor, shook her head brightly at me. "No, you're right. I'm sorry about that. Thanks for stopping me."

We both got up from the floor.

Looking up at me again, Nymphadora repeated, "But I meant what I said. I want to join the Order."

I hesitated. "I'm not sure I have any right to ask this, but – do Ted and Andromeda know that you're doing this?"

"They know," Nymphadora replied. "Mum's against it, of course. But Dad convinced her that it was time for me to make my own choices. I'm already an Auror, anyways – and Mum hates that, too."

My heart felt for Andromeda. She must be so worried for her daughter. Yet, I couldn't help except look at Nymphadora, who was standing there, as confident as I'd ever seen anyone, and looking at me with such courage in her eyes, and think that we needed her in the Order.

Yes, I reckon she's exactly the type of person we need in the Order – intelligent, bright, active, and not as world-weary as the rest of us.

"How about it?" Nymphadora asked me, while holding out her hand. "How'd you like to have me as an ally, Remus?"

I slowly reached out took her hand. "Very well. I will let Dumbledore know that you wish to join the Order. Thank you, Nymphadora."

Nymphadora wrinkled her nose. "I'd prefer if you called me Tonks, actually."

"Hm?"

"Tonks. Just Tonks. No Nymphadora."

"Oh." I paused. "What's wrong with Nymphadora?"

"You really have to ask that question?"

I smiled a little at the obvious dissatisfaction on her face. "Well, no," I admitted. "I suppose I can see why you dislike it without you explaining it to me."

Nymphadora nodded. "Yes, well, I'm glad you see my point of view. So – it's 'Tonks.' Remember that, please. Anyways, I should head back to the Ministry. Don't want to be late again."

She strode over to the door and opened it. "I'll catch you later, Remus." Then, with a wink, she was gone.

I barely had time to ponder the whirlwind of energy that was Nymphadora Tonks when suddenly, a sharp, piercing pain shot straight through my heart. I gasped in pain. Clutching at my heart, I staggered back. In my mind, a furious, frightened voice, shouted out, without knowing exactly why, Raylynx!


Sirius Black's POV

Ding dong!

"TRAITOR! WHAT INTENTIONS DO YOU HAVE FOR THIS HOUSE? ANSWER ME AT ONCE, SIRIUS ORION BLACK! YOU THEIVING, WRETCHED TRAITOR! YOU ARE NO SON OF MINE!"

With a growl, I pointed my hand at my mother's portrait. The curtains slammed shut.

Then, I walked over to the front door and opened it.

There stood Molly Weasley, equipped with all sorts of cleaning items. "Sirius. Dumbledore told me that you would require assistance with Grimmauld Place."

I lifted my eyebrow at Molly. "Are you intending to scrub the entire place away? 'Cause I wouldn't mind that."

"Don't be silly," Molly returned, as she stepped inside, jostling me with all of the things she'd brought. "It's to be our new headquarters. We'll have to make it nice and cozy."

"Nice and cozy might be difficult, Molly," I warned her. "Fit to live in – that might be the more realistic standard."

"Well, you never know – Oh." Molly suddenly fell slightly as she saw the row of dead house elves' heads lining the hallway before her.

I reached up and scratched my chin. "Yeah, we've a way to go before 'nice and cozy.'"


a/n: Happy New Year's!