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Chapter 8:- Bones


Gabrielle looked at the book in her hands but closed it slowly without reading anymore. For the past three days she had spend most of her time here. Here in Ginny's room, for most of it she went over what had happened at Privet Drive to see if she had missed anything. But she knew that she had not, she had failed, and she had lost. Everything that she had worked for, for the past year was now gone, Dumbledore would see to that.

She looked over at Ginny who was laying full length on her bed. She had spent almost as much time in this room as she had. For most of it the two of them had just sat there in silence only occasionally speaking to each other. At meal times Gabrielle tried to put a happy expression on but for most of them she just sat there quietly absorbed in her own thoughts.

Tomorrow was going to be the day. Tomorrow she was going to have to thank Mrs Weasly for her hospitality and then start the trip home. She did not know how she was going to face her parents but she could not stay here any longer there was just no point.

"I'm going to go back." She called out.

"To see Harry, is that wise?"

"No, back home to France."

"Why?" asked Ginny sitting up feeling concerned for her new friend.

"I've failed. It's that simple I was given a chance to convince Harry and I failed, Dumbledore will get my sister to train Harry instead."

"Can she do that?"

"Yes ... in a way. She has some control of this magic but not much. If she reads up I bet she will be able to teach Harry enough." Replied Gabrielle with a slight catch in her voice.

Ginny mulled over what was said for some reason she felt that it was wrong, their was just something about Gabrielle that made it right. Seeing Harry had brought it all the surface again, all of her old emotions, honestly to herself she did not know if it was just Harry on his own that had done it or had Gabrielle somehow helped? Whatever the reason she had liked the feelings that had ran through her when she had seen him and sat next to him on the grass.

"How Harry feeling at the moment?" she tentively asked.

"I don't know."

"Can't you just, you know, connect like you did in the woods?"

"I haven't tried."

"Why not?"

"I think he can tell when I do it. With training he would be able to tell, but even untrained I'm certain he can feel something so I don't want to upset him anymore."

"I would." Mused Ginny as she laid back.

Gabrielle looked at Ginny closely, the older girl had closed her eyes and was breathing slowly. Gabrielle knew that Ginny was trying to duplicate what had happened that day in the woods but knew that Ginny would fail. If she helped her or even if Ginny was close to Harry, she would succeed but here on her own she had little chance.

Closing her own eyes she vowed to not let her magic rule her, for once she turned away from her centre and it normal comforts and continued to just try and forget what had happened.

**

Susan continued to lay in the bath. She did not know how long she had been in there but it was a long time. She was adding new things to her diary and listening to the music from the wireless playing in the background. She like to keep a diary, not a detailed one, but one were she could jot down he musings.

This was her last day here in fact it was her last night, she had spent the early part of the evening having a large dinner with her Aunt. This was something of a tradition, the last evening would always be the same. A large meal, a relaxing soak, a few games of snap or something else finished with a small night cap. She noticed the night caps were getting bigger as she was getting older and the talking getting more serious but it was always fun.

She finished the last entry and closed her diary. The rapidly cooling bath water reminded her that it was time to get out. As she entered he bedroom dressed in only a bath sheet she looked at her still dripping hair. It was a matter of pride the condition that she kept her hair in. Perching on the edge of the bed she started to brush her hair dry as she looked out into the evening sky.

When she had gone into the bathroom the evening was a deep fiery red but now it was black, the clouds were obscuring what little moon light there was. She continued to ponder over her current situation, school was not much of a challenge. She had expected to be sorted into Ravenclaw because of her intelligence but for some strange reason the hat had placed her in Hufflepuff. The past year was one of many changing emotions whenever she thought about it all she could think of was Harry and the DA. Those evenings had always been special to her, the fellowship and camaraderie between the members was something considering that they were not in the same houses.

She continued to brush and brush her hair and felt herself relax into the familiar movements. Her mind slowly wandered to the others members, she felt that she could almost picture what some of them were doing. Hermione would be reading something, Ron playing a game, Luna drifting off into her own world. Ginny would be arguing or fighting with her brothers, Neville would be gardening. These were easy but Harry, he was difficult she just couldn't picture it.

Her body shivered slightly as her imagination tried to fill in the missing picture. She imagined him sitting behind her brushing her hair, or holding her hand to show her the proper wand movements. It was though he was there in the room but she suddenly felt that these images were wrong. However much her subconscious wanted it to be true she knew that it could not be. Harry did not look at her in the way she wanted him to. Closing her eyes she sighed and felt the Harry was probably alone, in a small dark room but yet still defiant.

**

Draco looked at himself in the full length mirror. He didn't know but suspected that dark clothes were going to be in order for whatever was going to happen this evening so had dressed accordingly. He studied the image for what he thought was an eternity trying to find flaw, all the time running through the exercises that he had been taught in the week.

He looked over at the desk and saw that the two letters he wrote were sitting safely in view. Something inside of him told him that he was ok and that he shouldn't bother to write them but he had ignored it and wrote them anyway. The first was to his Mother telling her everything that he could. He just wished that if she ever read it she would do better than him with the knowledge. The second was to Pansy, he had stopped and started that letter over the past few hours. Most if the time his insides were telling him no, not to write such drivel she is was only a woman but he continued despite himself.

When he finished the letter it was a long multipage ramberling of his feelings towards everything and nothing, but as he read it for the final time a burst of anger and power surged through him and he destroyed that letter, utterly. The new letter he wrote in its place was simple, very simple, it just said "Sorry".

Closing the door behind him he walked the darkening hallway the sounds of his footsteps echoing around. He descended the staircase and saw by the door the black cloak left on the table so that meant that his Aunt had already arrived. He opened the drawing room doors and saw his Mother and Aunt sitting in separate chairs looking into the fire.

"Are you ready?" asked Bellatrix

"Yes." Came the firm response.

Bellatrix got up from her chair and looked Draco over. She was slightly surprised at what she saw but was pleased that he had not dressed up. Not knowing exactly what was going to happen this evening slightly worried her but if what she suspected was going to happen did it was going to be an eventful evening.

"Ok Narcissa we've going."

"Be careful Draco." Breathed Narcissa

"I will be." Replied an equally quiet Draco.

The two of them left the large Manor and walked with a measured pace down the main drive. Draco knew that they were just walking to get out of the protective wards but the silence was very unnerving.

"So where are we going?" he called out.

"It's best if you learn now not to question."

"I just asked." Huffed Draco.

Bellatrix stopped suddenly and grabbed Draco. She spun him around so that he was facing her directly.

"You had better grow up and fast. This is no game, no school playground fun."

"I know that." Replied Draco sternly trying to pull himself free.

"Do you, do you really. Tonight you're going to see death, speak to death, touch death. One wrong comment, thought or just childish action will be your last, no warning, no nothing, just the end.

Draco looked into his Aunt's face as she lectured him the seriousness painted across it told him that she was not trying to scare him just warn him.

"Draco you have a lot to look out for tonight, I can not help you."

"What do you suggest?"

"Look at everything, comment on nothing."

Draco nodded once and followed his Aunt to the edge of the grounds, she gripped his arm tightly and he felt the tight squeezing around him associated with apparition.

**

Draco appeared next to his Aunt on a hillside, beside them was a small stand of trees. He could see a great distance but there seemed to be no buildings visible. A slight chill made him shudder at the though of where he was, absolutely nowhere.

"We're first?" he questioned.

"No just early." Came the quick reply from the dark trees. Draco's hand instantly went to his pocket before he could stop himself.

A dark figure immerged from the wood and walked slowly towards the pair. Draco studied the new comer but before the weak moon light illuminated this person his Aunt called out.

"Evening Severus."

"Bellatrix....and I see you're brought Draco."

"Evening Professor." Blurted Draco.

"Shut up boy, you'll do well this evening if only you keep quiet."

Draco had never been so reprimanded by Professor Snape and the shock of it caused him to remain silent.

"I hope he listens to you Severus as he seems incapable of listening to me."

Snape ignored this and looked out across the night, the small night sounds could be heard from the trees but eventually he spoke.

"So Bellatrix our master wanted him here tonight."

"Yes."

"Do you know why?"

"No." she replied

Snape continued to look at the view, with Draco being here with them he knew that his own position might come into question. Keeping his thoughts tightly locked up he just stood there and awaited.

Bellatrix studied Snape as he was standing there, something about him made her distrust him yet he seemed very calm.

"How many more are coming?"

Snape turned to look at the two before replying.

"Most if not all."

"Where are we going?"

"I haven't been told as well, but I think it's to do with where Wormtail has been for the past few days."

The mention of the animagus caused Bellatrix to worry. Voldemort was using him more and more as some sort of spy. That was her traditional role, many years back, but now she was just a regular Death Eater to Voldemort.

A small popping noise announced the arrival of two more people. These new people turned and looked at Bellatrix, Snape and Draco. Nothing was said just a few nods were given.

A shrill cry from the woods behind told those waiting that their master had indeed arrived. Time slowed for them as they waited for his appearance. Slowly his image disengaged itself from the dark wood as he strolled towards them. As he got closer Bellatrix saw more figures emerging from the woods.

"Are so we have all arrived I see, good." Said Voldemort.

He strolled into the middle of the group looking at each person individually.

"Norden, are the Giants ready for their fun?"

"Of course, one word and they will start."

"Very well then send them on their way the distraction will be most welcome. Take Brown with you as well and over watch the response. I want a full report on the Ministry's incompetence."

Two of the figures bowed at this command before diapparating away on their mission.

"Wormtail your report."

"Yes my lord." Stammered the small bowed man. "She is there at her house, I have seen her. She has also company her niece is visiting as well."

"Her niece?"

"Yes I think she is a Hogwarts student."

Voldemort stood there in thought before turning to face Draco. Draco could feel the penetrating glare of those eyes and instantly remembered what he had been taught. Clearing his mind he started to go through the exercises that would keep his secrets away from Voldemort, but before he could even start Voldemort addressed him.

"Ah Draco a perfect opportunity I think for you to show your loyalty."

"Of course my lord." He replied in a strong voice.

Voldemort gave Draco one final look before turning back towards Wormtail.

"Continue." He commanded.

"The house is protected with various wards. I'm unsure of what there all are but they are strong, even I am unable to get through them."

"No matter, that's why Greenberg is here, right?" he asked turning to look at one of the men that had appeared with him.

Draco looked at this same man, he clearly did not know him but he looked young and strong. His appearance and the calm acceptance of Voldemort's gaze told Draco that he was unafraid and well used to this type of work. He replied in a deep yet powerful voice. "No problem my Lord, as always I will just need time."

Voldemort did not even bother to reply to this statement and just turned back to look at Wormtail again.

"Is that all."

"Um...no...there are also tracks of two people who seem to be guarding the property."

"Once more as expected. Grayback I expect a better performance than the last?" Voldemort called out.

"Of course." Came a strong voice from woods.

Draco wanted to turn and look at the owner but stayed where he was, the voice had frightened him. It was either that or the knowledge of who it was, his father's journals and spoken about Grayback. They had mentioned that he was one of the few that did not truly fear Voldemort. They mentioned that there was a lot more to Grayback than most people knew, even Voldemort.

Draco leaned a little closer to his aunt and asked.

"What went wrong last time?"

But instead of a fulsome reply all that he received was a pointed look followed by a shush.

The group waited for the next command from Voldemort but nothing came. Eventually Voldemort strolled out down the hillside alone.

**

Susan entered the front room and saw that her Aunt was still reading that book. She had been reading it for most of the week and in the past few days it seemed that every spare moment was consumed in reading that book. Susan had tried to find out what it was about but every time that she had come close to her, her Aunt had put the book away out of sight.

"Ah Susan how do you feel now?" inquired her Aunt, whilst she put her book down beside her.

"Great thanks." She replied as she sat down on the sofa and tucked her legs up.

She was wearing a pair of long legged thin silk pyjamas and the fire in the room was only just keeping the cold away. As she adjusted herself to get more comfortable she felt her wand dig into her side. For some reason as she left her bedroom she had picked it up, normally in the evenings she would just leave it upstairs but tonight she had tucked it into the waist band.

"Drink?"

Susan just nodded in response and a small tumbler of golden liquid appeared on the side table. She took a small sip and felt the fiery liquid travel down her throat. It was not unusual for her to have alcohol especially here but the feeling of breaking the rules made it taste so much better.

The two of them started to talk and they soon lost track of time as the conversation flowed.

**
Norden appeared on the side of a deep valley, beside him was Brown. He knew little of Brown except that he was reliable, Norden just hoped that he would not do anything stupid with the Giants.

"There they are." Pointed Norden wholly unnecessary to the large fire at the base of the Valley. Even from their distance you could see the large figures moving about the makeshift camp.

"There's not many?" enquired Brown.

"No but after tonight more may come."

Brown nodded and followed Norden down the side of the valley towards the bright fire.

As they got closer and closer to the centre of the camp they saw the destruction that these beasts had created, trees uprooted, rocks crushed it looked like that aftermath of a battle.

Silence descended as the pair of them entered the firelight, on the far side of the fire sat a huge Giant flanked by two equally impressive specimens. All three of them were fingering clubs that they had fashioned out of trees.

"Greetings" called out Norden.

"What you want?" bellowed the chief.

"To see if you have everything that you need."

The chief looked at the pair and Brown could easily see that the chief was trying to think of something.

"We want more food." He eventually bellowed.

"Ok, no problem but you are going to have to collect it yourself."

"Why?" asked the chief suspiciously.

"There's so much that we can carry it." Called out Norden in a loud voice so all those gathered could hear.

The other Giants started to move about at this announcement, a pile of food was indeed what they wanted.

"Can't you use your stick thingy?"

"They won't work on this food." Replied Norden quickly.

The chief continued to look at the pair of them, Brown could see the Giant trying to work out all that had been said but it was equally as clear that the others just wanted the food.

Before the chief could ask another question Norden called out again.

"The foods that way..." pointing to the end of the valley "... in a village."

It was all the encouragement that some of them needed. Without waiting for the chief some of those gathered around the fired started to move in the direction of the village. It was not long before the whole tribe was bounding down the valley towards the promise of food with the chief at the back bellowing at his followers to let him have first pickings.

"Easy isn't it?" asked Norden looking the backs of the lumbering Giants.

"Yes." was all that Brown replied.

"Come we had better follow. Our Master has instructed us to take note of the Ministry response."

"I bet they're going to have fun controlling those beasts." Chuckled Brown.

**

Amelia chuckled at the end of the last story, the evening was going exactly how she had hopped. The two of them had been talking for what seemed no time at all but a glance at the clock told her that in fact it was almost midnight. As she took a sip of her drink she looked again at Susan. She had not liked the thought of giving the younger girl a drink or two to loosen her up but she saw that it had worked.

The alcohol was having the effect that she wanted and so it would allow her to approach the subject that Susan would not have wanted to talk about.

"So Susan any boys out there for you?"

This question only slightly caught her off guard.

"Well...um...no."

"Come now there must be someone at school you like?"

"Not really Aunty, I've been studying so really don't have time."

Amelia knew that the younger girl was lying and pushed on.

"Oh...that's strange then."

"What do you mean?"

"Well I thought I saw a little green in your eyes?"

Susan's mind immediately leapt to the right conclusion at the words that were spoken by her Aunt. She felt the blush rise to her face and so quickly dropped her head so that she could hide it.

"Now Susan don't be embarrassed."

"I'm not." she quietly answered.

"He's a very nice young man."

"It's not just that!" replied Susan quickly.

"Then tell me?" asked Amelia not showing her anxiety.

"He's much different that what is portrayed. At school he could be the lord and master but he is not. Yes he gets into trouble, brakes the rules but you should have seen him in the DA. He was serious yet so helpful to everyone, it was though he cared, truly cared that everyone learnt all that they could."

"So how do you feel about him?"

Susan dropped her head again as she actually thought about what was asked. She had many a fantasy but what did she really feel. Did she like him, respect him, love him?

"I don't know, I look at him as a friend yet I want more even though I know that I can't."

"You can't?"

"Look at me Aunty I'm plain, very plain. He would never notice me, I'm not beautiful like some of the other girls. I'm not even in his house, he hardly ever sees me. So how could I have any chance I'm just another student at Hogwarts to him."

"Don't think that my dear."

"I may not want to but it's the truth." Cried Susan

"Now...now... don't get upset just answer this. How do you really feel when you are near to him?"

Susan did not have to think about this one, this was easy.

"Happy, so happy that I want to be their forever."

Amelia's face broke into one of the biggest smiles that Susan had ever seen.

"Susan you are destined to be one of the luckiest people out there, if you want it."

"What do you mean?"

"I've been reading."

"Yes I saw."

"Ah...but not what I have been reading. I have managed to read most of this book..." she indicated the book on the floor. "...and if it is to be believed you will play a crucial role in world events."

"What do you mean? What's in that book?"

"The book is one I managed to convince the Unmentionables to let me borrow. It's about ancient magic and powerful bonds, within it..." but Amelia was interrupted at that very moment, on and mantelshelf a small golden hand bell started to ring.

"Oh no...not now..." breathed Amelia.

***

Draco could begin to feel the cold start to seep through his outer clothes. He did not know for certain how long that they had been standing there but he estimated that it was at least two hours. For the whole of that time everyone had just stood there looking out into the distance. Not a word was spoken, in fact Draco could not remember if anybody had actually moved.

The stiffness in his shoulders was screaming to him that he had to move soon but something about the moment told him that he had to stay still, but then suddenly they saw Voldemort move from the his position further down the hill.

He slowly walked up to the group then slowly drew his wand.

"The time is right." He called out waving his wand in a large circular motion. As it moved through the air it emitted a dark cloud that first encircled and then enveloped the whole gathering. Draco felt the sudden squeezing sensation of apparition. He could not feel the movement of time but eventually he started to feel the unsqueezing that preceded the arrival.

Almost instantly the dark cloud dissipated leaving the group standing in the same formation as before. Draco started to look round at the surroundings. They were in a village, there were not many house but they all looked new. He continued to look at the surroundings before he noticed that he was almost the last person still standing there, most of the rest had moved off to towards the last house. This house was slightly apart from the rest and was surrounded by high bushes and backed onto a large wood.

Just looking at that house Draco knew that it was magical, he could not identify why but something inside of him was telling him that it was magical.

"Come Draco stay with me." Command Voldemort as he strolled down the street.

Draco quickly glanced at his Aunt but her expression was unreadable and so he followed Voldemort down the street.

**

John Ryder looked up at the night sky. The clouds from the early evening had disappeared so it was a clear yet cold night. He was back on duty at the Bones residence. Both he and his partner Paul were circulating the grounds. They liked to do this at least once an hour. That was what they had been taught, to check the grounds and wards each hour. It was boring yet no more that just sitting in the garage waiting.

John continued the walk looking at the ward anchors. Protecting Amelia was nice yet inside he was worried, very worried. She was just such a good target, Amelia protested that everything was fine but the reports that he had been reading told him differently.

As he turned the corner he pulled his wand out and muttered a spell. The end of the wand glowed with a light blue and he smiled. He walked on thinking that soon he would be back inside with a nice warm cup of coffee.

Paul looked across the lawn to see if there was any sign of his partner. He was older in years and experience but was the junior of the two. He shook his head at the thoughts that were running through it. Why were they doing this, for the past four weeks various members of the department were "guarding" Ministers, like they were under threat or something.

He continued on not really looking at what he was doing as there really was no point was there?

**

Grayback crept silently up to the edge of the property, with him were two of his pack. He was always being used by Voldemort nowadays for the "messy" first steps. It was not this that was making him reconsider his agreement, it was that Voldemort was not giving him what had been promised, new pack members.

He glanced over his shoulder at one of his companions and nodded towards the other side. The young man nodded silently and crept off into the distance as silently as Grayback.

Grayback signalled to his other companion and the pair of them crept into the shadow of the bushes. They found a small opening and started to prise it wider, it was not long before the pair of them had slipped through and started to search for their quarry.

**

Draco stood with the rest of the Death Eaters and Voldemort a little way away. The others seemed to take this as normal. They all stood there in there own little worlds once again in silence. Draco did not hear him move closer but felt the presence as Voldemort moved closer.

"So Draco, tonight you will see true power."

"Yes my Lord." he replied without looking around.

"Ah...you fear me. Good, fear is good. If they fear you they will do your will."

At this cryptic statement Draco's mind instantly transported him back to his first night back. Yes fear was good, fear made the women do what he wanted. Fear made HIM powerful. He could feel power inside of him respond to these thoughts.

As he stood there one side of the house was bathed in a bright green light. Then almost instantly from the other side there was a slight noise followed by a rainbow effect of light.

Voldemort looked round the group a smiled a tight smile.

"Greenberg your turn. Severus see that no harm comes to him."

"Yes my lord." They both replied and started off.

**

John Ryder never saw the attack. He had just turned the corner when he though he noticed some change to the bushes, like they had been tampered with. The idea of a cup of coffee made him react differently then he should have. He stopped and looked at the small hole trying to think of what animal had made it when he saw it.

The bright green tip of a wand pointing at him from the centre of the hole was that last he saw. His body hit the ground with barley a noise. A young man's arm reached out and pulled the body towards the hole.

Paul spun round as soon as he saw the light and as he turned his arm caught on one of the bushes and stopped him. This saved his life, not for long though, but enough for him to save one other that night.

The bright green beam shot over his shoulder where his head would have been if he had not been caught up. Instinct and training instantly took over. He dropped to the ground as two beams of red passed over his head. His hand scrambled for his wand as he felt his heart pound in his chest.

He rolled once then twice and pointed his wand towards the house. As soon as his hand steadied a bright blue beam shot out and hit the side of the house. He rolled back trying to look for is assailant now that his primary job was complete. A growling snarl from his right made his turn to look that way. The man running towards him was untidy and unkempt. The snarling coming from him was causing spittle to flow down his chin. Then instantly this person was on top of him, punching, kicking even trying to bite him.

Paul gathered his arms under his assailant whilst trying to ignore the blows. Using almost all of his strength he pushed the man away. He traced the man with his wand ready to stun him, when he knew his battle was over, forever. The curse that hit him did not kill him instantly, but it made no difference, he could feel the blood pumping out of his arm and side. He tried to gather his robes to try and stop the bleeding and so did not see the second cure hit the side of his head. He felt no more after that.

**

Greenburg walked up to an unmarked point outside of the house with a quick wave a barrier or side of a dome was momentary visible to all. He quickly studied this barrier before it faded from sight. A second wave made it visible again, but once more only briefly.

"Hum...very strong." He muttered.

"But can you do it?" Asked Snape

"Yes ... but it's going to take time."

"How long?"

"I don't know?" Greenburg replied looking over the grounds once more.

"Just hurry."

Severus continued to stand there looking at the outside of the house, hopefully the sentries had not warned anybody, if they did then he might have to show his true colours soon. Shaking his head he looked at the young wizard, it was obvious that the young man was totally absorbed in his work at the moment. In his life time Snape had broken many a ward but none as complicated as those he saw now. Wherever Voldemort had gotten this Greenberg he was very valuable.

**

Amelia sprung to her feet and looked round her mind and her heart was running wild. As she looked at each of the doorways as trying to figure out what was the best to go when eyes fell on Susan. She had gotten to her feet as well and looked scared.

"What is it Aunty?"

"He's here."

"Who?"

"He who must not be named, or some of his followers at least."

"Why!" cried Susan.

"For me." Amelia slowly replied she now knew what she had to do. She pulled her wand put and moved forwards towards the main door.

Susan looked at her Aunt as saw a look of resignment on her. Not really knowing what else to do she pulled her wand out as well.

"No Susan, this isn't your fight."

The thoughts of the DA flooded back into Susan's mind as she remembered the training. She remembered what Harry had told them, it was their fight, she had to stand and fight.

"No Aunty it is my fight. It's everybody's fight." She replied standing up straight

Amelia shook her head at her niece.

"Yes this is your fight but, this here, right now isn't your fight."

"What?"

"You can do a lot more than stand here with me."

"But?"

"Susan you are special, very special."

"But Aunty." Replied Susan with tears in her eyes.

"No Susan you have to run and hide. You have to help him, help him be all that he is destined to be."

"Who?"

"The one you love... Harry. You have to go to him and help him. Help him with anything and everything."

"What are you saying?"

"Help Harry, give him anything that he wants."

"But Aunty." Cried Susan with the tears flowing freely.

"Susan that's your fight."

Susan lowered her head at this and let the tears run freely.

"Susan you are going to have to hideout."

After a few moments Susan raised her head.

"Susan, hide in the kitchen until they break in, when they do run. Run for the woods and hide like you did from me, remember?"

"Yes." She replied with a quiet voice.

"Hide in the woods until he comes. He will come for you, you just keep hiding until he does."

"Aunty." Cried Susan as she flung herself into her Aunts arms.

"Go now Susan, hurry and please don't look back."

Susan broke from her Aunts embrace and ran to the kitchen, she climbed under the table, turned her back on the front room and waited.

Amelia looked at the retreating form of her niece and breathed a little easier. Death was coming through the door but she was not worried. She had a few minuets and looked round the room to see if she had missed anything. Glancing at the book she realised that she had almost made the worst mistake. Quickly picking it up she threw it into the fireplace and watched its important text disappear in smoke.

She had one final task to complete before the wards collapsed and finding a small scrap of paper she wrote a single word. Folding the paper she grasped it with her free hand and waited, waited for death.