Chapter 5 The Prisoner of Azkaban

The depression began the day after she said goodbye to Harry, she allowed herself to hug him, bore her mother's knowing smiles, the jibes from the twins and the exasperated looks from her brother Ron, allowing herself the hug she desired more than anything at that moment, one from the young man who'd risked life and limb to save her. Something she still believed was no small feat, and the more she thought on it, the more unlikely it seemed that it was just dumb luck as he insisted.

The morning the depression had sunk in came after a night of restless and nightmare filled sleep. She never screamed dramatically, but the evidence of her internal struggle was evident in the morning. Sweat soaked and twisted up sheets, strewn haphazardly around the bed as she rose, feeling slightly dizzy and unrested.

Showering did little to improve her mood, neither did banishing Scabbers out of the bathroom window, the smile and enjoyment was only fleeting as she heard him squeak frantically as he sailed as far as a Garden Gnome a revelation that caused her to chuckle darkly now that she'd found it was appearing more and more frequently around her. She was going to have to deal with the rat on a more permanent basis.

No, she knew there was no simple cure for the depression she was experiencing, Harry had said as much on the train ride home. It took time, and the love of her family. However, it wasn't her family she wanted to talk to about the Chamber and Voldemort/Tom Riddle, it was Harry. He was the one who had experienced it with her, seen Tom for what he truly was, explained to her who he was and how he was as much a wanker at 16 as he was when he killed Harry's parents.

Ginny sighed as she flopped into her seat at the kitchen table, black rings of tiredness under her eyes, stares from her family, them not knowing what to say or do and dancing on eggshells around her and avoiding her gaze. She didn't even really want to talk about the Chamber with Harry. No, all she really wanted was for him to be nearby, at Hogwarts that was possible but at home, well it had been a single day and she already had the sinking feeling of impending doom that she had when she realised something was wrong with her in the middle of the year.

Ginny's thoughts sailed through her head as she looked up and around, "I'm not hungry," She muttered and made her way into the living room, 'no, I need Harry.' Harry signified safety, and that reassurance was all she needed or wanted.

Ginny quietly dealt with the days as they came, one by one she counted down the days till when she would see Harry again, be able to escape the hawk-like yet evasive eyes of the family she loved. It was suffocating, and she felt like she was drowning in the midst of it all.

Walking to her room, she opened the window and looked out. 'Why me, what did I do to deserve this shit.' She caught herself thinking as she contemplated what would happen if she were to step out and simply fall.

"No." She sighed to herself, "I want to live."

Turning, she made her way back down the stairs and out back to the garden, where she saw Ron and the twins getting their brooms from the broom shed.

"Yeah, but Quidditch was cancelled." She heard Ron say across the yard, "That was the worst thing to happen…"

Ginny couldn't believe what she'd just overheard, that was the worst thing to happen this year? Not his sister being kidnapped, or his friend being petrified, or his other friend having to face down death nearly dying because of a monstrous snake? No it was bloody quidditch!?

Ginny's anger boiled over, and before she knew it, she was shouting at Ron. As she spoke, she could feel something inside her shifting. Her hair, which had never been unruly, exploded outward violently, almost as if it had a life of its own. The shadows of the yard seemed to grow darker, as if they were being pulled towards her, a spectre of death. Ginny's eyes flashed then changed into the violet colour that Harry had observed yet kept to himself in the hospital wing, unbeknownst to her.

Ron was taken aback by the sudden change in Ginny. He had seen her anger before, been on the pointy end of it a lot if he were honest with himself, but he'd never seen her like this nor anything like this before. He took a step back, the fear within him palpable, as did the twins beside her.

"Ginny, w—what is that? w–what's going on?" Ron asked, the concern evident.

Ginny, taken aback, immediately returned to herself shook her head, silent tears began streaming down her face. She felt like she was losing control of herself, like something was taking over. She couldn't explain it, but she knew that she didn't feel right.

"I don't know, Ron," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I just don't feel like myself anymore."

It was the next day that Ginny felt herself being whisked away to Egypt, in tow, as a nearly unwilling participant. Sure seeing Bill would be great, but she wanted to see Harry far more.

A wave of heat hit Ginny as she stepped out of the Ministry of Magic Portkey point in the Egypt office. The dry Egyptian air was stifling, sapping her energy even further. Cairo's bustling magical district was a frenzy of activity that was at odds with the numbing lethargy she felt inside.

"Bit of a change from Ottery St Catchpole, eh?" Her father's voice cut through her thoughts, forcing her to pay attention to her surroundings. Arthur Weasley was grinning like a child in a sweet shop, his eyes wide with amazement as he took in the sights and sounds of magical Cairo.

"Aye, that it is," agreed Molly, trying to keep an eye on all her children as they wandered amidst the colourful stalls. Despite the nagging sense of worry that was gnawing at her, Ginny found herself begrudgingly captivated by the spectacle before her. Stalls were laden with every magical artefact imaginable, vendors were calling out to passersby, and children were chasing each other around, their laughter ringing out like a balm for her troubled mind.

"Look, Gringotts!" Percy pointed out the white sandstone building looming at the end of the thoroughfare. "Just like Diagon Alley, isn't it?"

"Yeah, if Diagon Alley decided to have a permanent beach day," Fred piped up, earning a chuckle from his twin "And forgot the water!" George replied. The familiar banter felt like a soft echo of a life she could barely remember, a life before the depression.

"Let's get going, then," Arthur suggested, and they all dutifully followed, with Ginny trailing behind. Despite the remarkable resemblance to the Gringotts in London, Ginny found herself wishing she was back home, where the air was cooler and less laden with the unfamiliar scents of a faraway land.

"Bill!" Her father's voice echoed around the vast atrium, causing several heads to turn their way. A blush spread across Ginny's face as she wished for the floor to swallow her up. Why did he always have to draw attention to them?

"Please, Dad, keep your voice down," Bill urged, appearing from the end of a row of tellers, a sheepish smile on his face. After a quick round of greetings and a few embarrassing remarks from Molly, Bill led them back out into the cacophony of the Cairo streets.

The sun was relentless, casting long shadows over the bustling city as they navigated their way towards the pyramids. Despite her low mood, Ginny couldn't ignore the grandeur of the ancient structures looming in the distance.

"Blimey," Ron said in awe, mirroring Ginny's sentiments exactly. As they neared the pyramids, she felt a sense of reverence for the ancient civilization that had constructed these magnificent monuments. For a moment, the profound sense of awe pushed her inner turmoil to the background.

They followed Bill into the pyramid, the immediate drop in temperature a welcome relief from the scorching heat outside. The dimly lit passageways were a stark contrast to the bright, chaotic world outside. As they journeyed deeper into the structure, the ancient walls seemed to hum with energy, making her feel small and insignificant.

"This section here," Bill explained, pointing to a particularly intricate carving, "was one of the most heavily cursed areas we've come across."

Fred and George exchanged excited glances, igniting a spark of nostalgia in Ginny. For a fleeting moment, she felt a hint of the lightness she used to feel before her world turned grey.

As they left the pyramid, Ginny took one last glance at the colossal structure. This world of ancient wonders was distinctly different from the one she was used to, but it also felt oddly comforting. Maybe, just maybe, she could find something here to stir her from the suffocating grip of her depression. But for now, she would hold onto the faint glimmer of hope that this trip had ignited within her.

Bill kept the private tour group moving into another Pyramid, this one not open to the public, eventually leading them to a cavernous room within. "We just cleared this room yesterday." Bill stated looking around as though it were all new to him. "So we haven't unlocked any further, nor all of the secrets in here. You're welcome to have a look around." He granted them access to the room, waving them in.

Ginny's heart rate sped up as she entered the room, for some reason feeling a sense of apprehension. While it was unlike anything she'd ever seen before, treasure everywhere still to be catalogued, artefacts in alcoves within the wall and murals decorating the large walls; she still felt a sense of unease.

Making her way around the room, she was drawn to a huge picture of a feminine shaped figure, it was white, surrounded by black shadow with its hair fanned out around its head. The thing that caught Ginny's attention though were the gems used for its eyes, they were a rich violet.

Ginny stared at them with an intensity she was unaware of, after some time, there was a crack in the wall and a grinding of stone upon stone. Her attention broken, she looked around and saw Bill running over to her, wand out a worried look adorning his features.

"Are you okay? What did you do?" Bill rushed out as he reached her side.

"N-Nothing…" Ginny said hurriedly, as though to declare herself innocent. "I was just looking into its eyes…"

Bill started muttering detection spells and casting furiously, while Molly grabbed Ginny by the shoulder and pulled her backward into a protective embrace, as though she were barely older than an infant once more.

"Strange." Bill said softly.

"What's strange son?" Arthur asked.

"Well, it's quite clearly free of traps, but I can't enter for some reason." Bill said looking back to Ginny. "Sprite, c'mere."

"No, absolutely not!" Molly declared immediately.

"Mum, enough!" Ginny shouted, unbeknownst to her, Bill saw her eyes flash violet for a moment, as Molly released her in shock. "I'm not damned well 6 years old, Bill said there were no traps, he just wants me to check something. Sheesh."

Molly nodded as Ginny pulled herself free from the embrace and made her way to Bill's side.

"Take 2 steps that way Sprite," Bill said softly, Ginny did and Bill's eyebrows raised. "Come back, grab my hand then try take me with you." Ginny did as he asked and he was able to walk forward. "Interesting," he said softly as they both made their way forward. Bill stopping her every now and then while he checked it out and they continued into the room at a cautious pace.

The room was dark, and devoid of light or decoration. Unlike the previous rooms which held treasure, artwork and depictions, this room had a single artefact, a golden staff with a purple gem at the top mounted in a plinth at the end of the room.

After a moment observing the staff, a clear blue light shot out of it and encompassed Ginny.

Waiting for anything to happen, Ginny held her breath, but nothing came. The staff simply dissolved into dust and vanished, without a trace. "Well that was anticlimactic." Ginny stated as Bill led her back out of the room, a strange look in his eye.

That night in the hotel, had Ginny sitting in the room alone reviewing her day. Bill had almost removed them from the Pyramid forcefully, the consequences of what had happened to Ginny unknown.

On a whim, she decided to pull out her status plate. Ever since the Chamber of Secrets, her plate had been devoid of information, as though she had no past or future. Something which bothered her greatly. Upon seeing her status plate now though, shock and fear thundered through her:

Ginny Weasley – Age: 12 – Female – Level: 14

Job: Banshee

Strength: 45

Vitality: 120

Defence: 25

Agility: 25

Magic: 550

Magical Defence: 250

Skills: Banshee Scream, Soul Manipulation 1/5, Shadow Manipulation 1/5, Quick Learning, Magical Resistance, Spectre Evasion, Empathy

Job Specific Skills: (+Sonic Scream -Banshee Only-)

Affinities: Soul Magic, Shadow Magic, Defensive Magic, Magical Combat

Ginny almost burst into tears right there, but she kept her cool for the minute, she needed to speak with her eldest brother. In trepidation she rose, her legs operating mechanically as she made her way to her brother's room. Fear and bile rose as she knocked on Bill's door and waited.

"Sprite," he said gently as he opened the door, Ginny merely handed Bill her status plate, hands shaking tremulously as she did so. "What's the mat…"

Bill stopped mid-sentence as he observed the detail within the small stone tablet, Ginny felt her heart pounding in her chest, anxiously waiting for Bill's reaction. Finally, he looked up at her. "I think I have an idea of what might have happened to you," he said slowly. "But I need to ask you something first. Do you remember anything of the Chamber?"

Ginny whimpered slightly, a wave of dread washed over Ginny, making it difficult for her to meet Bill's gaze as she shook her head. "Do you remember looking down at the scene, watching Harry save you or anything?" Once more Ginny shook her head, fear and trepidation building. "I'm going to be honest with you Gin-bug." Bill said softly, sitting back on the bed and reaching for her, taking her into his arms as she accepted the comfort of the embrace.

Tucking her head under his chin, Bill explained his thoughts to her. "This is strictly between you and me, no one can know, not mum or dad or anyone, got that?"

Ginny nodded, fear reaching a crescendo. "Ginny, I think you died in the Chamber, and Harry re-joined your soul to your body when he destroyed the diary." Bill whispered. "I think you might be undead." Panic gripped Ginny's chest, making it hard to breathe as she tried to process what her brother had just told her.

"No… No." Ginny countered, tears spilling down her cheeks. "I can't be, I have a pulse, I have… I'm not cold… I'm alive!"

"Shhh." Bill explained softly, "Yes you are alive, but I think you definitely died, and I think it changed you completely. I think some soul magic was at play and it was changing you as it was draining you. All of that change wasn't reversed when Harry saved you, and while he did save you, the damage was already done. You are something of a living-dead, that Pyramid this afternoon confirmed it for me."

Ginny just listened quietly, tears never ending as he spoke. "W-What do I-I do?" She pleaded softly with her brother.

"Well," Bill said softly, "for now you live life as normally as you can, but there is something you need to understand, almost as important as keeping this a secret. The Egyptian scripts say that Banshee's are bound by codes, and by that code, you belong to Harry."

"B-Belong?" Ginny whispered fearfully, A confusing mix of emotions filled Ginny: shock at the idea of belonging to someone, but also a strange sense of relief that it was Harry.

"Yes, I don't know much more than that, but you need to be…"

At that moment Arthur charged into the room that Bill and Ginny were in, observing the tender moment before him, thinking nothing more than Sister venting to Brother. "Ginny, pack your things, we need to leave." Arthur said hurriedly. "There has been an accident at Privet Drive. Harry's house is destroyed, Harry is gone and we think Sirius Black has something to do with it, because he escaped Azkaban yesterday."

Ginny fainted.

The school year had been a waking nightmare for Ginny from the moment she arrived, first was the most obvious; Harry had vanished without a trace. It was in the papers; everyone was talking about it and everyone was saying Sirius Black had already killed him.

What wasn't reported on, was that her friend and silent protector in Slytherin house, Daphne Greengrass was also missing, and everyone in Slytherin knew that Ginny was on her own. On her first night she had to wait until nearly 1am before she could go to bed, hiding from Malfoy and his goons who she knew were looking for her. She was doing well in avoiding him so far, however it could only last so long.

It made Ginny wish that she had just ran to Harry in the Leaky Cauldron when she spotted him. She knew instantly it was him, she could feel it deep within her core that it was him, and then he winked at her. She especially wished it now, as she was running for her life from several members of Slytherin house, she only had two weeks of the year left to go before she could escape this cesspit of a school, but that was obviously now too far away.

Daphne Greengrass had told her what happened to girls that were unprotected, and she was not going to become one of those, so she ran with everything she had to escape, to reach the safety of the teachers or her brothers.

However, her luck ran out as she ran into a dead end. Crabbe, Goyle and Nott hot on her heels. "Give it up, Weasley." Nott declared with a laugh, the malevolence clear within his cold, muddy brown eyes, "We're only gonna have a bit of fun."

"No no no no." Ginny moaned as despair filled her. She wished with everything that Harry was there, that he could save her. She drew her wand but didn't know how she was going to get rid of 3 of them.

"Oooh, you got the Weaslette." Malfoy said as he rounded the corner, seeing Ginny standing there, fear soaking her being. Heart thundering in her ears. Praying that a teacher would come around the corner and save her.

That was not going to be the case. Crabbe made the first move, attempting to grab at her. "Volamucus" She shouted, the spell ran true and he was instantly fighting off Bat Bogeys. Her next target was Goyle, who was quickly doing the same, however Nott and Malfoy were onto her too quickly.

"Petrificus." Nott shouted, and Ginny felt her hands, arms and legs snap to her body, her wand falling out of her hand.

Ginny's fear was now palpable as Malfoy then cast "Incarcerous," she was now also tied up. She had no escape, no way of knowing what was going to happen to her, the terror within her was insurmountable as the pair reached out to her, grabbing her shoulders to keep her upright. "We're going to have a good old time, aren't we blood traitor?" Malfoy crooned while he roughly grabbed her hair. "You know, Weasley, I've heard rumours that Potter was too noble to touch a pureblood like you. But we're not as chivalrous."

"NO!" As Malfoy's taunting words reached her ears, a boiling rage mixed with her fear deep within her, creating a powerful emotional storm. She could feel the energy surging inside her, an unfamiliar force that seemed to cry out for release. As her captors taunted and made to touch her, the intensity of her emotions became unbearable, and without a conscious decision, Ginny's scream of "NO!" tore through the air creating a visible shockwave, cracking the stone of the castle.

The Petrificus spell forcefully cancelled, the ropes shot off her, Malfoy and Nott were launched backward into the walls. Crabbe and Goyle were forcefully pushed back away from her, skidding along the floor as her scream continued.

Just as she stopped and readied herself to run once more, Snape rounded the corner, wand raised he cast; "Stupefy." Ginny's world went black.

Ginny awoke slowly, recollection of what happened to her came back instantly as she made to sit up with a gasp. However she was bound to the Hospital Wing bed by shackles, clasping each hand and leg to the bedframe.

"Miss Weasley." The soft voice of Albus Dumbledore sounded to her right, he had her stats shimmering in front of him on a golden panel. Not for the first time Ginny felt the pangs of fear reach into her chest and grip at her heart. "I don't know what you are playing at, but you cannot be here. You are a danger to yourself, the school and the children in it. I will have you sent home imme…"

"No wait, please you don't understand." Ginny pled, but Dumbledore flicked his wand and silenced her. Not a moment later, Snape, Lucius Malfoy and the Minister for Magic walked in, with other men who she assumed to be the fathers of the boys that attacked her that day. "Please, please Professor, just listen to me." She begged while silenced, but her pleas were unheard as the next thing that was brought into the Hospital Wing was a Dementor, much to Dumbledore's visible horror.

Ginny heard the taunting of Tom Riddle immediately resound in her head, Bill telling her she was undead, and now she heard and saw the Slytherin boys chasing her through the corridors of Hogwarts, yelling out to her that they'd have her. Once more, Ginny blacked out.

The torture seemed never ending, in between the breaks of the internal torment, she'd noticed that she was in some sort of cell, then the realisation hit her. She was in Azkaban.

The Azkaban cell was a small, dank space with walls covered in mould and grime. A single flickering torch cast eerie shadows on the damp stone walls, while the cold, musty air carried the distant wails of tormented souls. The floor was covered in a mixture of dirt and straw, providing little comfort to the prisoners. As Ginny Weasley awoke in this oppressive tower, her heart began to race with a tremulous fear that sent shivers down her spine. Panic gripped her chest, making it difficult to breathe as she tried to process the reality of her situation. Her mind raced with nightmarish thoughts of Dementors and an uncertain future, leaving her paralyzed by an overwhelming sense of dread.

Time passed both quickly and slowly for Ginny. Aurors and other men passed her cell, looking in and continuing. However, one looked in and stood there, his oily hair partially covering a face marred by a few scattered scars. Shifty, cold eyes gleamed from beneath thin, furrowed brows as he watched her lay there. He licked his dry, pale lips, revealing a slightly crooked smile as Ginny slowly looked up and met his unsettling gaze. "A few women have been through here… But none quite as lovely as you…" The Azkaban Guard said softly, his voice low and unnerving, sending a shiver down her spine.

There was a noise off to the side and another man approached. Ginny figured it was only a matter of time before that man would be in her cell. She wept bitterly. As Ginny lay in her cold, damp cell, her mind raced with thoughts of her friends and family. She wondered if they knew where she was, and if they would ever come to rescue her. A small spark of hope flickered within her, but it was quickly smothered by the oppressive weight of Azkaban, thoughts of that guard entering her cell and what he would do to her and the terrible uncertainty of her future. She struggled to hold onto the memory of Harry's reassuring wink, but the darkness that surrounded her seemed to tear every last shred of hope away, leaving her feeling utterly lost and alone.

Harry and Daphne finished practising the last spell that they had to study to master the Tome of Shadows. They'd spent an indeterminate amount of time down in the Boss Room of the labyrinth.

As soon as they'd mastered the spell, the blue light appeared before the pair and quickly turned into a panel:

Congratulations, Harry Potter and Daphne Greengrass!

You have successfully completed the quest, "The Lost Cape of Shadows."

As a reward, you have gained unique skills and abilities related to the Lost Cape of Shadows and the Tome of Shadow Magic.

Your magical knowledge has grown immensely, and you have proven yourselves worthy of receiving a follow-up quest from The Goddess of Magic.

"Cool," Harry stated simply, dropping the Tome of Shadows and burning it with an 'Incendio' spell to ensure no one would ever find it.

The blue light didn't leave however, causing Harry to wonder what the follow up quest was. He immediately hoped it didn't involve delivering the book somewhere. The panel changed then, and Harry's blood turned to ice, then fire as he read the text.

Emergency Quest: Save Ginevra Weasley!

Description: The Goddess of Magic has sensed a grave danger befalling Ginevra Weasley, who is currently imprisoned in the dreaded Azkaban. Her life and sanity are at stake, and she requires immediate assistance. The Goddess of Magic tasks Harry Potter and Daphne Greengrass to rescue Ginevra Weasley from her dire situation and ensure her safety.

Objectives:

1. Travel to Azkaban.

2. Infiltrate the prison and locate Ginevra Weasley's cell.

3. Rescue Ginevra Weasley and escape from Azkaban.

4. Ensure Ginevra Weasley's safety and well-being.

Bonus Objectives

1. Remain undetected

2. Rescue Ginevra without killing any guards

Rewards:

- A new powerful travelling companion.

- A unique skill of your choosing for your new companion.

Bonus Objective Rewards:

- One bonus objective met: 50% permanent xp boost to your new Travelling Companion

- Both bonus objectives met: Additional Skill of Accelerated Growth for your new Travelling Companion.

Note: This is an Emergency Quest. Time is of the essence, and failure to complete the quest within 2 hours will result in the loss of Ginevra Weasley's life. Upon accepting this quest you will immediately be portkeyed to Azkaban Island.

Time Remaining : 1 Hour 59 Minutes

Do you accept this quest? (Yes/No)

"Daphne." Harry growled as the timer on the panel counted down, a murderous rage he hadn't felt since the Dursley's thundering through his veins. His Survival Instinct roared at him that saving Ginny would be to his benefit.

"The Goddess of Magic wants us to save her, look at those rewards she'll receive if we're successful with everything." Daphne stated, staring in shock at the screen.

"When we're successful." Harry corrected her with a snarl, causing Daphne to look up at him. "Do we have everything?"

"No, I'll be right back, don't accept it without me!" She was gone and back quicker than Harry would have thought, ensuring her artefact cloak was secured to her, covering her backpack, Handing Harry his. He took it, still glaring at the screen before him. "Harry, listen… I know you want to shred the place, but seriously. We still have to be careful."

"Yeah, we'll use Stealth the whole way through."

"And what about the dementors?"

"What about them? Hold my hand, put on your Mental Shield skill and share it with me, just like we did for Stealth Field."

"Okay Harry." Daphne said, after being with him for nearly a year now, she was more than a little scared. She had seen intense Harry, determined Harry, but never Bloodlusting–Enraged-Destroy-the-World-to-get-what–I-want Harry. "Harry, you need to de-activate Bloodlust and Berserk, this is a stealth operation."

Harry sighed and deactivated the skills that automatically activated with his rage, Daphne too sighed in relief before she looked up at the screen and said. "Yes."

Thank you!

"Never seen thaaaaaaaa?!" Daphne shouted as they were instantly portkeyed away from the labyrinth they had called home for the last few months.

As Harry and Daphne were unceremoniously deposited on Azkaban Island by the portkey from The Goddess of Magic, the ominous presence of the prison immediately weighed on them. The desolate island was surrounded by turbulent, ice-cold waters that seemed to crash against the rocky shores in an endless chorus of despair. The air surrounding the island was heavy with an oppressive feeling of dread, as if the very atmosphere sought to drain them of all hope and happiness.

The imposing prison structure loomed over the island like a colossal, malevolent beast. Its black, weathered stones seemed to have absorbed the countless torments and sufferings of its prisoners, giving off an aura of pure darkness. The tall, narrow towers were adorned with menacing gargoyles, their twisted, snarling faces watching over the forsaken landscape. Harry silently wondered if these were just statues.

The entrance to Azkaban was a massive, iron gate, rusted from the constant exposure to saltwater and the passage of time. It stood as an unyielding reminder of the hopelessness that awaited those who crossed its threshold. Beyond the gate, the prison's cold, damp halls echoed with the distant wails and screams of tormented souls, each sound a testament to the cruel existence endured by its inhabitants.

As Harry and Daphne cautiously approached the fortress, they could feel the icy tendrils of despair trying to claw at their minds. They knew they had to tread carefully within the confines of this dreadful place, lest they succumb to the overwhelming darkness that had claimed so many others. And with the fate of Ginny hanging in the balance, they steeled themselves against the despair and pressed on, determined to save their friend from the clutches of Azkaban's wretched grasp.

Daphne squeezed Harry's hand and silently activated her Mental Shield, sharing it with him as they made their way through the entrance and into the Prison. Harry noted the instant relief, while he heard the screams of himself trapped under the staircase, the sobbing of Ginny and another woman pleading with someone, it was muted by the fury and determination within him.

As Harry and Daphne stealthily made their way through the halls of Azkaban, the unsettling atmosphere only grew more intense. The stone walls were damp, covered in a layer of grime and mould that seemed to thrive in the darkness that permeated the prison. The narrow, dimly lit corridors twisted and turned, creating a labyrinthine network that seemed designed to disorient and confuse any who dared to enter.

The screams of prisoners echoed through the hallways, their cries of anguish and despair resonating deep within Harry and Daphne. Each desperate plea served as a chilling reminder of the fate that awaited those who fell into Azkaban's merciless grasp. The pervasive air of hopelessness that filled the prison seemed to amplify the tortured sounds, creating an eerie symphony of suffering that haunted their every step.

Dementors glided through the corridors, their ghostly forms casting long, twisted shadows on the cold stone floors, leaving rime in their path. Their ragged, tattered cloaks seemed to absorb the very light that surrounded them, creating pockets of darkness that threatened to swallow everything in their path. The bone eating aura that surrounded the Dementors sent shivers down Harry and Daphne's spines, their very presence a chilling reminder of the prison's cruel purpose.

Despite the ever increasing sense of dread that permeated the air, Harry and Daphne continued to navigate the labyrinthine halls, bolstered by the mental shields Daphne had shared with Harry. They moved silently, cautiously avoiding the ever-present Dementors, which seemed to not notice them as they inched closer to their goal. Each step they took was a testament to their determination, as they faced the horrors of Azkaban in their quest to save their friend.

Harry's head acted as though it was on a swivel, keeping an eye out for the red headed young woman. Luckily the duo didn't have far to travel, unluckily, there was a guard within the cell standing over the huddled up form of Ginny Weasley. She was curled in a ball in the corner of the cell as the wretched looking guard reached down to stroke her hair reverently, causing Ginny to shake uncontrollably.

Bloodlust poured out of Harry, causing Daphne's eyes to snap to him. The man instantly jumped and squealed in fear, looking for the threat. Harry cancelled his stealth, but not his Hide Presence.

"Y-y-you can't be here." The guard squeaked.

"Oi, Goddess of Magic. Can I kill this scum?" Harry said softly. There was no response. "Guess not," He growled before he turned and realised where he was. He was in Azkaban, and what was in Azkaban? Dementors! The feral trademarked grin slapped itself on Harry's face once more as he strode up to the guard, looking a little more ruthless than normal as he stared him dead in the eye. The guard drew his wand, but Harry merely Quick Stepped toward him and snapped it in his hand. He then twisted the guard's wrist causing the man to go with it or break his arm.

Angling himself behind him, arm pinned to his back the guard whimpered in pain. "You w-want the girl, take her, take her."

"I am" Harry growled as he exited the cell, his rage now insurmountable, forcing the guard along before him. The nearest dementor took notice of the man gliding over to its meal. "Enjoy, frosty." Harry stated darkly, ignoring the smell of fear and memories of the cupboard he was once a captive of. The man screamed once as Harry threw the man toward the Dementor, which seemed to catch him and wasted no time in sucking the soul out of the screaming guard.

Technically, he was still alive, Harry reasoned to himself.

Harry re-entered the cell, reactivating his Stealth Field and deactivating his Bloodlust. He noticed the Dementor didn't try to come into the cell, so he figured the Hide Presence skill worked well enough on them. "Ready to leave Daphne?" Harry said softly.

"She's not in a good way, Harry. She's completely spent." Daphne said softly. "We need to get her out of here and give her some mana cores, food and rest to rejuvenate her."

Harry merely nodded and picked the shaking Ginny Weasley up, his Stealth Field and Hide Presence now covering her, she simply vanished from existence to all those in the Wizarding World. Daphne grabbed his arm and her Mental Shield skill covered him once more and Ginny too. The smell and feel of the cupboard underneath the stairs that was starting to encroach on his consciousness as his fury slowly dissipated faded into memory once more.

As soon as Daphne's mental shield covered them both, Ginny's clouded eyes looked up. "H-Harry?" The hopelessness in her voice tore at him, he felt Daphne's grasp on him tighten in response too.

"Yeah Gin, we're getting you out of here."

"Thank you." Ginny whispered as she passed out.

Harry looked over to Daphne, her expression was as thunderous as he felt. They made their way to the edge of the Island where they'd portkeyed in and stood there. "We've satisfied the Quest, but nothing's happening." Daphne said softly, looking over to Harry and Ginny. Then to the pair's relief, the blue light appeared once more.

Congratulations, Harry Potter and Daphne Greengrass!

You have successfully completed the quest, "Save Ginevra Weasley!"

Your rewards for satisfying all the quest conditions and bonus objectives will be granted when you re-enter a safe zone.

Portkeying you to your last known location.

Harry, Daphne, and Ginny were portkeyed away from Azkaban Island, leaving behind only an open cell, a missing prisoner, and a soulless guard as evidence of their self-guided tour.

Safely back in the master bedroom of their Labyrinthine accomodations, Harry sat on the edge of the bed while Daphne was tending to Ginny as he watched the gentleness with which she did such a task. "Thankfully she wasn't there long." Daphne said softly, "A week, two at most, she just needs some rest for the moment, but I think one of us should stay with her at all times until she wakes."

"Okay, good." Harry said softly, looking over to the blue screen that had changed as soon as they'd arrived. Once Daphne had finished, she too looked over to the screen.

Daphne made her way over too and looked at the blue screen Harry was observing.

Congratulations, Harry Potter and Daphne Greengrass!

You have successfully completed the quest, "Save Ginevra Weasley!"

Your rewards for satisfying all the quest conditions and bonus objectives are as follows.

- Ginevra Weasley is now your Travelling Companion

- You may choose one of the following skills for Ginevra:

o Sense Presence

o Stealth Field

o Intuition

o Night Vision

- Ginevra Weasley will now gain 50% bonus experience

- Ginevra Weasley has been granted a derivative of the Accelerated Growth skill

Please choose the reward skill for Ginevra…

"Which one do you think, Daphne?" Harry asked softly.

"We don't know what skills she currently has. We should wait and get her to decide with us. She would appreciate it, I'm sure."

"Okay," Harry merely said as he lay down beside Ginny. Daphne lay on the other side of her, she reached over and put her arm across her grabbing Harry's hand and dragging it over to her side.

"I am sure she would appreciate the warm embrace; I don't know for sure, but without us both at school, she would have had a hard time of it."

Harry cursed softly under his breath at his mistake of leaving her behind, before he tucked Ginny under his arm and allowed himself to rest, eventually sleep claimed him.