Swept From the Past

Chapter 54: The Emerald's Heart -- part seven

Severus stood in the classroom with Burns. She had used strong magic to replace the Dark Mark with Grindelwald's mark. Severus was scared for her. She was too imprudent and took unnecessary risks. She had resolved to fight Bellatrix Lestrange, although Bellatrix was ruthless and had killed everyone who'd crossed her path. How could the Potions master make Burns change her mind?

"I am the protector of Hogwarts!" Burns claimed. "And I have a score to settle with Bellatrix. Either I'll kill her or she'll kill me! If she kills me, I hope that my crew will take care of her husband as she took care of mine!"

For one second, Severus thought that Burns was talking about Black. He felt jealous. He refused to believe that Katarina would call Black 'her husband.' She had never loved the prat. She'd loved Severus! Black was stealing his place!

"I want her to have her heart broken and die from sorrow..." Burns added between clenched teeth.

The Potions master realised that Katarina wasn't talking about Black... She was talking about him, Severus. He held first place in her heart. But his relief didn't last. She wanted revenge for the pain Bellatrix had caused to her. For the pain he had caused to her. He was both pained and angry. Would she spoil their second chance to be together because she wanted to fight the woman who had ruined her life? Their life.

Burns cast a quick glance at him. He could read sorrow and bitterness in her eyes. And a great desire for vengeance.

"I hate Bellatrix," he hissed. "And I hope she suffers like she made us suffer. But I refuse to let her kill you!" he exclaimed. "I'll fight her in your place. You know I'm a very good fighter. I'll kill her for you!"

Severus wasn't sure he was powerful enough to win a fight against Bellatrix. She was an insane woman with strong new powers. Her desire to inflict pain on people didn't have limits. But what would happen if she found Katarina? Severus would do anything to protect his ex-fiancée. Maybe he would manage to weaken Bellatrix with a few spells?

"This is my battle," Burns said.

Severus didn't have time to reply. Suddenly, Burns fell on her knees. She breathed hard and seemed to suffer. Severus was worried. What was happening to her?

"Katarina!" he yelled. He knelt down beside her.

"Stop... calling me that!" she said with effort.

She looked ill. Her face had paled. A trickle of blood coming from her scar kept running down her cheek.

"What is going on?" Severus exclaimed. "Merlin, you look really ill! Tell me what's wrong! Is it just your scar or something else?"

He pulled his handkerchief out of his robes and tried to sponge the blood from her face. But she recoiled from his touch.

"I want to help you," he said, alarmed. "What's happening to you? Is Grindelwald hurting you? Or is it Bellatrix? Damn! Say something!"

"Get... away from me!" Burns spat.

"No!" he replied. "Never!"

"Cretin!" Burns said, breathing with difficulty. "If you stay here, I'll destroy you! That's what he said. I know he's right! I can feel the... Dark Magic coursing in my veins!" A red light flashed in her eyes. "If you want to live, go away!"

Severus was more scared for Katarina than for himself. Her insults and tactics of intimidation didn't touch him. If Grindelwald wanted to get rid of him, it meant that Severus had power over Katarina. The Potions master wouldn't leave her! It was out of question!

"I want to save you, silly girl," Severus replied. "I won't go away!" He paused. "I'll help you to fight Grindelwald!"

"You... don't understand... anything," Burns continued with rage. "Grindelwald is my... guide. He's my strength!"

"You think he's your strength," Severus replied. "But he'll only hurt you!"

"He'll help me... to save this bloody school!" Katarina exclaimed. "Get away from me! Don't force me to hurt you!"

"Katarina!" Severus shouted. "You must stop it now, stubborn girl! Stop listening to him! Stop listening to your desire for vengeance! Bellatrix doesn't even remember what she did to you! I modified her memory because I didn't want her to remember you had killed Blazy. I didn't want her to take revenge on you and kill you! Let me fight her in your place!"

The red light flashed in Burns' eyes again. She raised her hand in front of Severus. Blue energy went out of her palm. Severus felt a shock and was projected a few meters backwards. He hit his head on the floor. He felt dizzy, but wasn't knocked unconscious. With effort, he rose to his knees and stared at Burns. He gasped. A large circle of blue light sparkled around her. Her eyes had closed. She uttered incantations with a deep, guttural voice. A few meters from her, a blue barrier of energy had risen, preventing him from approaching her.

***

Burns' cheek ached like hell. Her scar was on fire. She had terrible nausea, felt dizzy, and fell on her knees. Bellatrix Lestrange had given her this scar a long time ago and was using that link to hurt her. The Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher could feel Bellatrix's nasty power spread in Hogwarts like a shadow of filth. Burns could smell the repugnant magic gathering all around her and feel it infiltrate her body. There was no doubt. Bellatrix was searching for her and wanted to exterminate her first. If Burns didn't fight back, Bellatrix would kill her. Then the bitch would take care of her crew, the teachers and the students in the school, except for the sons and daughters of the Death Eaters.

Burns breathed with difficulty. She suffered a lot, but needed to fight Bellatrix's hold over her. Grindelwald was the only one able to help her.

"Katarina!" Snape yelled. He knelt down beside her.

What was Snape playing at? How dare he kneel down beside her and call her 'Katarina?'

"Stop... calling me that!" Burns said with effort.

"What is going on?" Snape exclaimed. "Merlin, you look really ill! Tell me what you have! Is it just your scar or something else?"

How dare he ask her what was happening to her? He must know what Bellatrix was doing to her! He was one of the bitch's friends! Burns felt a deep rage growing inside her.

"Watttchhh outtt," Grindelwald said in her head. "Hisss presssenccce isss maaakkking youuu weeeaak! Fooocusss on yourrr miiissssionn! Fooocusss on Beeellatrixxx!"

The Potions master pulled his handkerchief out of his robes and moved his hand to her face.

'Why the hell is he trying to touch my face?' Burns wondered. She panicked and recoiled from his touch.

"I want to help you," Snape said.

He was acting as if he worried about her. Bloody actor!

"Yourrr pooower isss verrry strooonng," Grindelwald said. "Ittt willl becccome strooonnger. Daaark Maaagic willl heeelllppp youuu..."

"What's happening to you?" Snape continued. "Is Grindelwald hurting you? Or is it Bellatrix? Damn! Say something!"

"Heee musssstt gettt awwwayy frrrom youuu immeeediatelyyy," Grindelwald whispered in her head. "Orrr youuu'lll destroyyy himmm. Yourrr pooower willl destroyyy himmm."

"Get... away from me!" Burns spat.

"No!" Snape replied. "Never!"

"Cretin!" Burns said, breathing with difficulty. "If you stay here, I'll destroy you! That's what he said. I know he's right! I can feel the... Dark Magic coursing in my veins!" Very powerful Dark Magic ran in her blood. "If you want to live, go away!"

"I want to save you, silly girl," Snape replied. "I won't go away!"

Imbecile! If Snape stayed here, she'd kill him! Her power was too strong! Too violent!

"I'll help you to fight Grindelwald!" Snape added.

"You... don't understand... anything," Burns continued with rage. "Grindelwald is my... guide. He's my strength!"

"You think he's your strength," Snape replied. "But he'll only hurt you!"

"He'll help me... to save this bloody school!" Katarina exclaimed. "Get away from me! Don't force me to hurt you!"

"Katarina!" Snape shouted. "You must stop it now, stubborn girl! Stop listening to him! Stop listening to your desire for vengeance! Bellatrix doesn't even remember what she did to you! I modified her memory because I didn't want her to remember you had killed Blazy. I didn't want her to take revenge on you and kill you! Let me fight her in your place!"

Snape had modified Bellatrix's memory? What was that rubbish?

"Puuushhh himmm awwwayy nowww!" Grindelwald exclaimed.

Burns obeyed Grindelwald's order. She raised her hand in front of Snape. Blue energy went out of her palm. Snape was projected backwards. A blue barrier of energy rose a few meters from her, in case Snape would try to approach her. The barrier wouldn't last. Burns had to be quick. She closed her eyes.

Bellatrix's power was too strong. If it was possible, Burns' nausea increased even more. She felt her blood was poisoned. Was her Dark Magic strong enough to repel Bellatrix?

"Fiiighttt herrr!" Grindelwald exclaimed. "Puuushhh Beeellatrixxx's maaagic outtt of yourrr bodyyy. Gettt riddd of herrr influuuenccce! Shhhow herrr thattt youuu're nottt afffraid of herrr!"

'No, I'm not afraid of her,' Burns thought. 'I'm strong! I'm powerful! I'll make her pay for what she did to me!'

Burns had a vision of the day she'd been tortured. Of Bellatrix's happy face when she had scarred Katarina's cheek. Of the moment the bitch had uttered Snape's name, destroying Katarina's hopes at the same time... Of the moment Snape had taken off his mask...

Burns became enraged. She wouldn't let Bellatrix end what she had started! She wouldn't let Snape end what he had started! She would fight the Death Eaters until she had no life left in her body!

"Ussse yourrr haaate!" Grindelwald said. "Fooocusss ittt on yourrr mooortaaal eeenemy! Beeellatrixxx hasss to payyy!"

Burns felt her power increase and resist Bellatrix's strength. Now, Burns' Dark Magic got the upper hand on her enemy's. Her whole body fought this disgusting invasion. Suddenly, she felt the magical connection break up. She fell forward and caught herself with her hands. Although the link had been severed, Burns knew the fight was not over. Her nausea increased. She held her neck with her hand and retched.

"Katarina!" Snape exclaimed.

"Gettt riddd of the lasssttt bittts of herrr pooower!" Grindelwald exclaimed.

Burns' stomach lurched. A serpent snaked out of her mouth. The sensation was awful and terrifying, but Burns kept control of her emotions as much as possible. Suffering was her fate. The serpent's body slipped out of her mouth completely and writhed on the floor. It was fifty centimetres long. The Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher coughed and fell on her left side. She was exhausted and breathed with difficulty. Tears pricked up her eyes. She could hear Snape uttering spells to get rid of the serpent, but she knew it wouldn't work. The barrier blocked his spells. And even without the magical defences it wouldn't have worked. The snake was not a real snake. It was the shape Bellatrix's nasty power had chosen to take. There was only one way to get rid of it...

Burns needed a few minutes to rest, but she couldn't let that snake live. With a sudden movement, she grabbed the dagger from inside her cloak and crawled forward. She drove the blade into the snake and lacerated the whole length of its body. A greenish smoke went out of the mutilated body.

Burns breathed hard. She gulped. Her hand tightened around the dagger. Then she crawled on the floor and tried to get up.

"Remove this barrier immediately, silly girl!" Snape hissed. He looked both terrified and angry. His voice quavered. "You're cruel!" he continued. "How can you allow me to witness your suffering and not let me help you?"

"Igggnorrre himmm," Grindelwald said.

"Do you still think I don't care?" Snape snarled. "I care about you deeply... and for you! You don't know how much!"

"Heee's lyyying," Grindelwald said.

Burns took a deep breath and snorted. She realised she had dropped Grindelwald's wand. She got up on her knees with difficulty, grabbed the wand on the floor, and put it back within her cloak. Then she stood up and tried to keep her balance.

"Is it all that you can do, Bellatrix?" she said with effort. "A snake?" She breathed hard. "I deserve more than that, don't I? How disappointing... You did better last time!"

She stared out the window. People were fighting on the grounds. Jets of light flew all around. The final round of the battle had started.

She pulled her flask of Firewhisky out of her cloak. She tore off the cork with her teeth and spat it away. Then she drank the whole flask and threw it away too. She felt the Firewhisky warm her body and restore her strength. Dark Magic had made its way into her body. She felt truly evil and powerful.

"Now," she spat with hate, "let's see who's the most powerful. You or me?"

"NO!" Snape yelled.

Burns cast a quick glance at the Potions master. The barrier had disappeared. Snape pointed his wand at her.

"This is suicide," he snarled. "I won't let you kill yourself, Katarina!"

Burns frowned. What was that bastard trying to do? How dare he intervene in the fight? How dare he call her 'Katarina?' Burns' rage increased even more. She had to get rid of this gnat immediately. She held her right hand in front of her and squeezed the air while she stared at Snape. She wanted to hurt him and crush him between her fingers. She wanted to kill him... She felt his throat contract in her hand. It gave her a delightful sensation ... She saw his wand drop onto the floor... his hands travelling to his throat, trying to free himself from her grip... the panicked stare in his eyes. The eyes of the man she'd loved. The horror of the situation hit her. She felt a hard knock in her breast.

"No!" she yelled. She released him from her grasp. He lost his balance and fell on his knees. He coughed hard and massaged his throat.

Tears dropped from Burns' eyes and froze on her skin. "God, what did I do?" She gasped. She placed her hand on her mouth and turned away. She couldn't stare at Snape.

"Ka...tarina," Snape said with a hoarse voice.

"Go away from me!" she exclaimed. "I'm dangerous! I'm evil! I've already warned you! If you stay close, I'll kill you! I don't want to!"

No, she didn't want to kill him! How could she have hurt him? Her chest hiccupped.

"Fight... Grindelwald..." Snape replied.

"No..." She whimpered. "He's my only chance to save the school..."

"Don'ttt lettt thisss Deathhh Eaterrr weeeaaken youuu!" Grindelwald said in her head. "Youuu arrre the boyyy's onnnly hooope..."

"Harry," Burns whispered. Lily's and James' son. Sirius' godson. Her godson... almost. The hope of the Wizarding World. Burns' tears stopped. She couldn't be weak. For Harry...

"Don't... sacrifice yourself," Snape said.

"The ssserrrppent hasss disssappearrred," Grindelwald continued. "the Sssooomnusss Ligaaatusss Cuuurssse hasss faaaiiiled. Buuut annnothhher ssserrrppent isss cccoming. Shhhe isss verrryyy ccclose."

"Bellatrix," Burns murmured. No doubt Bellatrix would try to hurt Harry and kill him. She'd torture him... as she had tortured Katarina...

"Don't... leave me..." Snape said.

"Duuumbbbledorrre isss nottt pooowerful enouuughhh to prottteeect Harrryyy," Grindelwald said. His whisper became louder and louder. "The boyyy needdds yourrr helppp! Savvve himmm frrrom Beeellatrixxx nowww orrr ittt willl beee too laaate!"

Suddenly, the Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher heard a thunderous sound, as if something had exploded. She gasped. "Harry!" she exclaimed. "Noooo!"

"Ka...tarina!" Snape exclaimed. "I... don't want to lose y--"

"I have to go," she interrupted. Harry needed her help. She snapped her fingers and Disapparated.

***

Harry was sitting on the cold floor of the Great Hall with Dumbledore. The boy was exhausted from his fight with Voldemort. He wondered how the battle was going for his friends and the rest of the school. Voldemort had said that the Death Eaters would kill people who defended the castle. That Bellatrix would take care of Burns. Harry was scared. He didn't want Bellatrix to kill anyone. He remembered what had happened with Sirius! Harry's jaw clenched in fury.

"Professor Dumbledore," he asked. "Why... did Voldemort say that Bellatrix had new powers? What did he mean?"

Dumbledore looked tired, but he replied to Harry's question. "Bellatrix Lestrange..." he said with a weary voice, "has absorbed the powers of the Azure Stone. The stone... gives its owner great power."

"Really?" Harry asked. This news wasn't reassuring. "Do you think... Professor Burns is powerful enough to fight Bellatrix?"

The old man sighed. "Professor Burns... is powerful enough to fight Bellatrix," he said. "But I do not know... if she is powerful enough to defeat her. My theories are useless now. Only the future will tell. Unfortunately... I do not have power over Professor Burns' fate." The Headmaster looked and sounded worried. "Or over the fate of anyone," he added. "I am afraid that the Somnus Ligatus Curse has drained most of my strength."

Harry understood. He couldn't imagine using magic now; he felt so exhausted. He thought of the man who had intervened in his nightmares. Did he dare ask Dumbledore the question he was burning to ask?

"Who was that man who helped me against Voldemort?" he asked.

Dumbledore's eyebrows arched. An expression of sadness passed in his eyes.

"He was my best friend," Dumbledore replied. "It was a very long time ago." He paused and appeared to be thoughtful. "A great man," he continued. "But things... things did not turn well for him. Sometimes, sorrow makes people act strangely... even badly." The old man sighed. "He had a sad story," he added. "His wife was murdered. It destroyed him."

An old friend of Dumbledore's whose wife had been murdered? Who acted badly? Was he... Lord Grindelwald? No, it was impossible! Harry was probably mistaken... Grindelwald was dead. No... Dumbledore must have had lots of old friends...

"Why did he help me?" Harry asked.

"Hmmm..." Dumbledore responded. "I do not know," he said. "I guess he has his own plans..." He kept silent.

Suddenly, Harry heard a creaking sound. He turned his head. The doors of the Great Hall opened. McGonagall, Ron, Hermione and three pirates entered the Hall. Harry was surprised. What were his friends doing here?

"Harry!" Ron and Hermione shouted in unison. They rushed over to him.

"Are you all right?" Hermione asked. She embraced him. She seemed on the verge of tears.

"Yes," Harry replied. "I... I'm fine." He didn't know what to say. The nightmares... the fight with Voldemort... that man who had helped Harry... There was so much to talk about. He didn't know where to start. He wasn't sure he could speak about it now.

"So, the boy is fine," a man commented. "That's good news."

"Yeah," the second man replied. "The kids didn't risk their lives for nothing."

"The Capt'n should hire them," the third man added.

So Ron and Hermione had risked their lives for Harry? What had happened? And why did they carry swords?

"We heard voices behind the door," Ron said. "Your voice." Ron's face held an expression of relief. "McGonagall said it was good news if you could talk."

"Professor McGonagall," Dumbledore corrected. He smiled gently.

"I'm so glad that the snake has disappeared!" Hermione exclaimed. "We worried about you!"

Harry smiled. He had worried about them too. It was nice to see that they were fine.

"Albus," McGonagall said. The Transfiguration Teacher appeared to be moved too. She took a handkerchief out of her robes and wiped her eyes. "Professor Burns told me about the Somnus Ligatus Curse." She sniffed. "I feared that the serpent would swallow you both."

"Fortunately, Minerva," Dumbledore replied, "he did not. Harry came out of his nightmares in time."

"Nightmares?" Ron asked.

"Later, Ron," Hermione responded softly. "Harry needs rest."

Harry thought Ron would retort something, but he didn't. He just nodded. What was going on? Had Ron and Hermione made up? It was strange...

"We must leave the Great Hall," Dumbledore said. "We are not safe here. Please, gentlemen, help an old man up..."

Two men gathered around Dumbledore and gave him support. Ron and Hermione helped Harry to stand up too.

McGonagall approached Dumbledore. She looked worried. Both teachers stepped a few meters away.

"Albus," she whispered, "what is going on?"

"Bellatrix Lestrange will come here," Dumbledore murmured.

McGonagall gasped. "What can we do?" she asked.

"Retreat," Dumbledore responded. "Bring Harry and his friends to safety. Use the Floo Network."

"But Bellatrix?" McGonagall asked at very low voice. "She's so powerful... Remember she defeated thirty Aurors by herself. She killed Roger Mastin and John Fielder. She... What will she do to the school? To the students?"

"I know," Dumbledore responded. He looked at the Transfiguration teacher gravely.

"Thirty Aurors?" Hermione exclaimed. She looked terrified. To be honest, Harry was terrified too. He hadn't realised Bellatrix was so powerful. Knowing her, she would kill all the people in the school just for pleasure.

McGonagall glared at Hermione. Then she turned back to Dumbledore and made two more steps away. "She destroyed the Heart of the Emerald," McGonagall whispered so low that Harry could barely hear her. "We can't defeat her without it!"

The what? What were McGonagall and Dumbledore talking about? Harry was confused. He stared at Ron and Hermione. They didn't seem to understand anything either.

"For the moment," Dumbledore replied, "we must think of Harry. He is her main target."

But suddenly, Harry heard a thunderous sound coming from the Entrance Hall, as if something had exploded. The group jumped.

"Bellatrix destroyed the front doors of the castle," Dumbledore said out loud. "We must leave the Great Hall by another way."

Burns Apparated a few meters from them.

"Professor Burns!" Harry exclaimed. Burns turned around. Harry gasped. Her scar was bleeding. What was...

"Bring Harry away!" Burns snapped. "NOW!"

"Come," Dumbledore ordered the group. They hastened in the direction of the antechamber, back across the Hall. They were halfway there when Harry heard someone giggle. He looked behind him and almost stopped running. Burns stood at the same place, her back turned to Harry. At the opposite side of the Hall stood Bellatrix Lestrange.

"Oh no," Bellatrix said, "Potter won't go anyway!" She raised her wand and pointed it at Harry.

Burns placed her hands in front of her, her palms facing Bellatrix. She uttered incantations. A blue barrier of energy rose a few meters from her, spanning the whole width of the Hall like a wall. Blue light which looked like electricity came from her and spread on the floor. It disappeared when it touched the wall, as if absorbed by the fence. Harry remembered when Burns had used the same kind of barrier to prevent Lupin, in his werewolf shape, from approaching her. But now, the wall of energy seemed to be really resistant. The blue barrier had never appeared so clearly. It seemed that Burns had become stronger.

Bellatrix's spell flew out of her wand, but didn't pierce the blue wall.

"Bitch!" she yelled.

"Nice name," Burns responded ironically. "Mine is Burns."

"Give me the boy or you'll die!" Bellatrix shouted.

Burns laughed. "I have a choice? I thought you'd want to kill me anyway..."

Bellatrix aimed another spell at the barrier. The jet of light hit the blue wall with force and produced a loud thud. Burns' body jerked as if she'd felt the shock coming from the spell.

"Harry!" Hermione called. "Don't look! Keep running!"

Harry obeyed, although he would have liked to stay and help Burns. But he was too tired to do anything. He felt furious and helpless. Burns wouldn't resist Bellatrix for long. The Defence against the Dark Arts teacher was only trying to impede Bellatrix and give Harry time. The boy wondered if it was the last time he would see Burns... like the last time he'd seen Sirius... It was so unfair!

With regrets, he entered the antechamber and spotted the fireplace. Dumbledore faced the fireplace and uttered words, but Harry wasn't listening. He was too afraid for Burns and all the people who remained trapped in the school. Lupin... Ginny... Harry felt he was deserting them...

Dumbledore gave him a handful of Floo powder.

"Go to Grimmauld Place, Harry," the Headmaster ordered.

Harry obeyed and disappeared in green flames, away from the danger.

***

Burns stood in the Great Hall, a few meters from the wall of energy that she had produced. Bellatrix couldn't approach, but the insane woman kept uttering spells to destroy the wall. Burns felt a violent shock each time a spell hit the barrier. The impact caused damage to her powers. Soon, the Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher wouldn't be able to prevent Bellatrix from approaching. But that Harry had got away was most important.

"Dumbledore is a coward," Bellatrix said. "A weak old man unable to fight me."

'A coward?' Burns snorted inwardly. Dumbledore had risked his life for Harry. The Headmaster had shared the connection created by the Somnus Ligatus Curse. He had helped Harry to go out of his dangerous nightmares. There was no cowardice in that.

"Impppeeede Beeellatrixxx," Grindelwald said in her head. "Ussse herrr weeeaaknesss to gaaain tiiime!"

"Voldemort sent his servants to do the job in his place," Burns replied. "He attacked Harry in his dreams. Who is the coward?"

"Shut up!" Bellatrix yelled. Her voice shivered. "Don't utter my Master's name!"

"Ussse herrr priiiddde agaaainssttt herrr," Grindelwald whispered.

"Scared of his name, aren't you?" Burns said. "And you dare call Dumbledore a coward?"

"This is respect, not cowardice," Bellatrix retorted.

"Maaake herrr ussse herrr pooower," Grindelwald said.

"Good pet," Burns replied mockingly. "Your Master will be proud of you. With luck, he'll give you a biscuit and will allow you to lick his toes. If he hasn't already done so." She laughed.

"I'll make you regret those words, half-blood," Bellatrix snarled. "My Master said you liked to provoke your superiors. He asked me to make you pay for your insolence!"

"Maaake herrr wassste herrr energyyy," Grindelwald continued.

"My superiors?" Burns laughed again. She snorted. "Couldn't he come in person? Was he afraid that I would cringe at the sight of his disgusting snake-face? Or maybe he was too intimidated to meet a half-blood like him?"

A powerful jet of light hit the barrier again, making Burns' body jerk. But her suffering didn't matter. She had to gain time and weaken Bellatrix. The bitch shouldn't leave the Great Hall. Otherwise, Bellatrix would attack Burns' crew and cause damage to their defences. She was too powerful for them. They could not destroy her in her current state.

"How dare you call my Master that filthy name!" Bellatrix shouted.

"Gooo ooonnn," Grindelwald whispered.

"But that's what he is," Burns replied. "A filthy half-blood. Exactly like me. Disappointing, isn't it?"

"SHUT UP!" Bellatrix bellowed. Her eyes became slits of fury.

"I don't fear you," Burns spat. "And I don't fear him."

"You should," Bellatrix replied. Suddenly, her anger seemed to fade. A mocking expression appeared on her face. "The serpent was his idea," she continued. "The Dark Lord thought that making you spit a snake was very funny. The best way to make you bend before his power ... or mine, since I uttered the incantation." She laughed. "Did you like it? I've heard that this kind of hex hurts a lot..." she said with a childish voice.

Burns' jaw clenched. Spitting the snake had been awful. She hoped she could make Bellatrix pay for that.

"Ussse Voooldemoooort'sss priiiddde," Grindelwald whispered. "Douuubttt hisss abbbiiilitiiies..."

"Not a very original hex," Burns replied ironically. "Is Voldemort able to think of anything other than snakes? Or is it too complicated?"

"The Dark Lord is the most powerful wizard in the entire world!" Bellatrix bellowed. "He can do anything with magic. And I'm second only to him. Thanks to him, I'm the most powerful witch in the entire world!" She laughed like a devil.

"Ussse herrr priiiddde nowww," Grindelwald said.

"Witch or bitch?" Burns asked ironically. "The first letter makes all the difference."

Bellatrix's laughter stopped. "I'll show you how great are my powers," she hissed. "I'll destroy your stupid protective wall. It's sad that Dumbledore has run away. I wanted him to witness your fall and realise how weak he is compared to me."

What an arrogant insane woman! How dare she strut like that? She derived her powers from the Azure Stone! Those powers were not hers!

"Provoookkke herrrr," Grindelwald whispered.

"Dumbledore is the most powerful wizard in the entire world," Burns responded. "His powers are stronger than Voldemort's. Stronger than yours. And he didn't borrow them, unlike you."

Bellatrix glared at Burns. A new spell crashed against the barrier with force. The impact was violent. For Burns, keeping the blue wall raised was like carrying a heavy burden. She needed to release the weight for a few seconds to get back her strength. She couldn't hold out much longer.

"Ohhhhh," Bellatrix said with a girlish voice. "Little Katarina looks tired! Put that barrier down and I'll make you sleep... forever... Of course, I'll have to torture you first! Then I'll find Potter and I'll torture him too. Dumbledore must have hidden him somewhere in the castle." She paused. "I'll take care of the old fool too."

'She'll be disappointed,' Burns thought. 'Harry must be safe now. But she'll want revenge on my crew and the other students. I must hold.'

"Don't you have anything to say, Burns?" Bellatrix asked. "It is difficult to resist to my power, eh? Every spell I send to your barrier weakens you. It's sad that you can't recreate the real barrier anymore. You wouldn't have felt my attacks. Just one incantation and the whole domain of Hogwarts would have been protected. All the students would have been saved." She paused. "Of course, I'll kill them one by one now. All because of you!" She giggled.

"Provoookkke herrrr agaaain," Grindelwald whispered.

"Bloody bitch," Burns spat. "You're just an insane woman who got her powers by chance. Voldemort chose you because you're so stupid that he can control you. Once he has what he wants, he'll kill you. He won't risk having you turn against him. You're just a toy he'll decide to break at the right time. You're pathetic!"

This time, Bellatrix looked really furious. Rage was written all over her face. She uttered a spell with a ferocity she hadn't shown until now. The hex was too powerful. It hit the barrier with force, hurting Burns at the same time with violence. Flashes of lightening spread all around the blue wall. Suddenly, Bellatrix uttered another spell. The jet of light hit the barrier and pierced it.

"Disssapparattte nowww!" Grindelwald shouted.

Burns snapped her fingers just as the spell was about to hit. She Disapparated, leaving Bellatrix's spell flying through empty air.

***

Severus was on his knees, trying to find his composure again... His throat was still sore. Katarina had tried to kill him. To strangle him... For one second, he thought she would succeed, but then she'd stopped. He'd seen her frozen tears, heard her shame, watched her shocked expression when she'd realised what she was doing. She hadn't wanted to hurt him. Grindelwald had made her attack him. And now, she'd left to save Potter. Potter... Severus' rage increased. Hadn't the awful boy done enough? Would Severus lose Katarina because of a kid with a gigantic ego like his conceited father?

Severus picked up his wand that had fallen on the floor and stood up with effort. He had to do something. Anything! He couldn't accept what was happening... He quickly stepped to the door. Once he was in the corridors, he realised he didn't know where to go. Madam Hooch had talked about Potter being the victim of a hex and Dumbledore being at his side. But she hadn't mentioned where. Severus hadn't wanted to know... He had just wanted to board The Emerald Star. He sighed in irritation. Bloody Potter!

Severus thought. The explosion he'd heard had seemed to come from the great doors. Most likely, Potter had been in the Great Hall when he'd been hexed. The Potions master decided to run to the ground floor, not wanting to waste a minute. But when he went down the stairs that led to the second floor, a jet of light coming from nowhere hit the wall just above him. A few portraits cried out and fell down from the shock of the spell. Severus sidled to his right to avoid the falling pictures and the fragments of wood and stone. He turned around and saw Crabbe. The Death Eater stood on mid-floor without his mask. His wand was pointed at Severus.

The Potions master didn't think. He kept running downstairs in the direction of the second floor.

"Stupefy!" Crabbe shouted.

Severus ducked in reflex. Again, the spell hit the wall, just missing his head. The hex projected splinters, rocks and screaming portraits all around. Severus reached the second floor and followed the corridor on his left. He couldn't progress lower without being too exposed. He had to get rid of Crabbe first. The Potions master kept running and turned a few corners. He took a little corridor on his left, stood with his back against the wall, and tried to calm his breathing. He waited for Crabbe there, his wand at the ready.

Severus pricked up his ears. He heard footsteps. He was ready to fight his adversary. Suddenly, he saw Crabbe at the junction of the corridors.

"Stupefy!" he yelled, pointing his wand at Crabbe. The hex hit the Death Eater and projected him away. But Goyle appeared at the corner of the corridor too, approaching from the same direction as Crabbe.

"Expelliarmus!" the Death Eater yelled, pointing his wand at Severus.

But Severus was a good fighter. He'd spent his years as a student taking care of not being hit by unexpected spells. His experience as a spy had taught him to be always vigilant.

"Protego!" the Potions master shouted. The magical barrier created by the spell deflected the attack and threw it back to Goyle, disarming the Death Eater right away and projecting him backwards.

"Stu--" Severus yelled.

"Accio Wand!" a voice shouted behind Severus. The Potions master's wand flew out of his hand. What...? Severus turned around, surprised. Lucius Malfoy stood a few meters behind him, at the junction of another corridor. Malfoy had an awful sneer on his face and pointed his wand at Severus. Lupin stood beside him, a defeated expression on his face. His ankles were bound with a ball and chains, hobbling his steps. His wrists were bound too. Why hadn't that bloody werewolf shown his presence? Severus could have fought Lucius if he'd heard him approaching!

"Severus," Malfoy said sarcastically, "my dear old friend." His stare betrayed his hate. "Goyle," Malfoy said to the man who had stood up and taken his wand back. "Wake Crabbe up. I'm sure he wants to say hello to Severus. We all want to say hello to him."

Lucius motioned for Severus to move to his left. The Potions master obeyed and found himself in a dead end. Malfoy stood in front of him, blocking his access to freedom. And the way to Katarina. Severus became enraged.

"Werewolf," Malfoy spat, "go to his side."

Lupin obeyed. Severus noticed that the balls and chains that bound his ankles didn't make any sound when the werewolf walked. Malfoy had obviously used a Silencing Charm on him. Crabbe and Goyle stepped to Malfoy and pointed their wands at Severus and Lupin. They had nasty stares. One word from Lucius and Severus and the werewolf would be killed right away.

"I hope that you liked our little feast," Lucius said to the Potions master. "We thought we'd drop in on your Spring Ball this year. The Dark Lord said that vampires have always liked Mudbloods and purebloods. Vampires are really repugnant creatures... they don't have a discerning palate when it comes to bloodlines." He paused. "They're not the only ones, apparently," he added. He stared at Severus disdainfully. "Disgusting," he said.

Severus was fuming. How dare Lucius insult Katarina or Severus' feelings for her? The Potions master had seen much more in her than her blood. Narcissa and Bellatrix couldn't compare to her. Severus' jaw clenched. If only he could make Malfoy pay for his words!

Malfoy looked at Lupin. "I wonder if the vampires would drink your blood, werewolf," he said. "Maybe we should try to see what would happen?" He laughed. Crabbe and Goyle imitated him. "Anything to say, werewolf?" He removed the Silencing Charm on Lupin. "So?"

Lupin shook his head. Lucius' laughs doubled.

Severus cast quick glances around. He had to run away. He had to save Katarina before it was too late. Malfoy stared at him with a sadistic smile. A smile which meant he knew what Severus wanted to do. That he would never let Severus escape to rescue his fiancée.

***

Burns Apparated to her quarters. She breathed rapidly. Her heart pounded fast. She had escaped just in time. One second more and she'd have been hit by Bellatrix's spell. Why had Grindelwald asked her to Disapparate? Now, Bellatrix would attack the rest of the school. Burns felt she was a coward. She should have stayed in the Great Hall! She should have fought against Bellatrix instead of leaving! A duel which would have left one of them dead. Her jaw and fists clenched.

"Why did you ask me to Disapparate?" she whispered.

"Youuu helppped the boyyy to escaaape," Grindelwald replied in her head. "Buuut youuu neeed mooorrre energyyy to caauuse damaaage to Beeellatrixxx. Shhhe isss too strooonng fffor youuu. The neeexxt tiiime youuu'lll meeeet herrr, youuu musssstt beee strooonnger."

Burns felt tired again. Grindelwald was right. Bellatrix was too strong for her. Their 'fight' had exhausted her. Creating a barrier to stop Bellatrix's spells had required a lot of energy. How could she wound the insane woman if she couldn't stop her spells for more than a few minutes? How could she prevent the other Death Eaters from killing people? Now that the doors to the castle had been breached, nothing would keep Bellatrix and her Death Eater friends out... Being stronger? Yes, but how?

A window burst a few meters from Burns, making her jump. She cast a look outside and saw a multitude of jets of light flying all around. The burning carcass of The Emerald Star lit the darkness, allowing her to see what was happening on the Hogwarts' grounds. The battlefield was a mess. Pirates and Death Eaters fought among the dead bodies of the trolls and the giants. Both camps were scattered everywhere without any logic. The line of defence had disappeared. The pirates were not trying to defend the castle anymore. They were trying to defend their lives. Or trying to have their personal vengeance... Burns couldn't blame them for that...

But now the entrance to the castle was unguarded. Surely Bellatrix Lestrange wasn't the only one who had entered.

'The students,' Burns thought. 'I must protect the students.' What could she do? Disapparate to the different Houses? And then? Activate a spell to lock the entrance doors? She had already asked one of her pirates to do it, in case other students would try to leave their dormitories again. Disapparating to the school Houses wouldn't change anything. And anyway, Burns had to gather her energy, not waste it...

How could she protect Hogwarts? The next time she would cross Bellatrix's path, it would be her last. Burns felt so angry and afraid... so helpless... Even if she managed to get stronger and wound Bellatrix, what would happen once the insane woman had killed her? Was someone in Burns' crew able to finish the job? After having fought all night against all sorts of enemies? If only Dumbledore had been able to fight! But now... It was so unfair! Burns sighed in irritation. All those innocent people would die without reason! She realised with bitterness that giving her life for them wouldn't probably be enough.

'My cloak,' she thought. She pulled her Invisibility cloak out of one of her drawers. Seeing without being seen. It was an advantage she had to use.

"The sssecccond fffloorrr," Grindelwald whispered. "Gooo to the sssecccond fffloorrr. Peeeople neeed yourrr helppp... Theyyy willl givvve youuu energyyy in retuurrrn..."

Burns put the Invisibility cloak on her shoulders and grabbed Grindelwald's wand. She snapped her fingers and Apparated to the second floor. Then she quickly walked in the corridors, hidden under the cloak.

"Fffollowww the cccorridorrr on yourrr lefffttt," Grindelwald said.

Burns kept walking as silently as she could. Soon, she heard voices and followed the sounds. She arrived at a corner that led to a little corridor. She cast a look in the passageway and repressed a gasp. Lupin and Snape stood up a few meters from her. They were surrounded by Malfoy, Crabbe and Goyle. The three Death Eaters had removed their hoods and masks. They pointed their wands at Lupin and Snape, who appeared to be disarmed. Burns raised an eyebrow. Was Snape really disarmed? It was nonsense...

"Thisss isss a cccoverrr," Grindelwald whispered in her head. "In caaase the Deathhh Eaterrrsss arrre defeeeaated. Heee'sss theirrr ssspyyy..."

'Yes," Burns thought, 'their spy.' An actor. Snape was too prudent to ruin his plans. And his ankles and wrists weren't bound like Lupin's.

Her fists clenched. She had to intervene. She couldn't leave Lupin in trouble. How could she fight Bellatrix, knowing that Lupin was in danger? Damn! Even with her cloak, she couldn't attack the group so easily. Crabbe, Goyle and Malfoy -- and Snape probably -- were too numerous for her. She had to pay attention. Her powers were still a bit flat. One mistake and the Death Eaters would kill Lupin. She couldn't risk such a thing. She had to divide the group to win the advantage. A sudden and nasty idea occurred to her. She smiled in anticipation.

'Now,' she thought, 'between Crabbe and Goyle, who is the stupidest one?'

***

Remus watched Lucius disarm the Potions master without being able to do anything. That damned Silencing Spell prevented him from uttering a word. Remus felt vanquished. How could he have been so stupid? He'd been caught off guard, hit from behind by Lucius' spell. And now how could he help Severus, bound as he was in these chains? Severus was Katarina's only hope. What would happen to her now?

Crabbe and Goyle stood beside Malfoy, who was taking pleasure in making a speech. Their wands were pointed at Remus and Severus. Impossible to escape.

Malfoy looked at Lupin. "I wonder if the vampires would drink your blood, werewolf," he said. "Maybe we should try to see what would happen?" He laughed. Crabbe and Goyle imitated him. "Anything to say, werewolf?" He removed the Silencing Charm on Remus. "So?"

Remus gulped and shook his head. Being a werewolf was already awful. But being bitten by vampires? This idea was terrifying.

Malfoy's laughs doubled. Then he stared at Severus with a sadistic smile.

"How is your little half-blood whore, Severus?" Malfoy asked. "Tut tut, no need to reply. Knowing Burns, the little idiot tried to save Potter. I bet Bellatrix has already killed her."

Remus looked at Severus. The Potions master's jaw clenched. His eyes were throwing daggers. Remus could guess how furious the Potions master was. But the werewolf was more worried than furious. Bellatrix had killed Sirius. What if she found Katarina or Harry? He hoped with all his heart that nothing bad had happened to them. That they had managed to hide in a place where Bellatrix wouldn't find them. No doubt that Katarina would do anything to protect Harry.

"With luck," Malfoy continued, "Bellatrix will keep Burns' head as a trophy. If you're nice, she'll be glad to offer it to you. After all, it should be yours, don't you think so?" He laughed. Crabbe and Goyle joined Malfoy's mirth.

Remus' heart tightened. The idea that Bellatrix might be torturing Katarina now was horrible. Remus couldn't understand the Death Eaters' cruelty. How could a human take pleasure in being so malicious, telling Remus and Severus that Katarina would suffer a horrible death?

"As for you," Malfoy added to Severus, "the Dark Lord will be glad to give you the payment you deserve. He hasn't forgotten you and is impatiently waiting for your next meeting."

Crabbe and Goyle kept laughing stupidly. Then Goyle's body stiffened. He stopped laughing and turned his head as if something had caught his attention.

"What's up, Goyle?" Malfoy asked.

"Uh?" Goyle replied. He looked at Malfoy. "Thought I heard a sound," he said. "A song. Must be dreaming."

"Didn't hear anything," Crabbe commented.

"And you, filthy werewolf," Malfoy said, staring at Remus, "Bellatrix will take care of you."

Of course Bellatrix would take care of Remus. She would take care of everyone in the castle!

"She has always dreamt of having a pet she could torture all the time," Malfoy continued. "Spending years in Azkaban gave her interesting ideas on the matter... It's--"

Goyle hummed a song. Remus was disconcerted. Malfoy stopped talking and glared at Goyle.

"Didn't you hear?" Goyle asked. "Someone's singing!"

"You are singing," Malfoy snarled.

"Not me," Goyle replied. "Someone else. I hummed the song I heard!"

Remus was all ears but he didn't hear anything.

"You're nuts," Crabbe said.

"It's in your head," Malfoy hissed. "Stop interrupting me!"

"I know what I've heard," Goyle replied. "Someone's singing to provoke us! Someone is about to attack us!"

If only it was true. But Remus doubted it. People were fighting for their own lives now. They were busy fighting the Death Eaters outside the castle.

"Go and have a look around then," Malfoy snapped.

"Why me?" Goyle asked. "Why don't he go?" he said, pointing at Crabbe.

"Because..." Malfoy replied. He looked very irritated. "Oh, bloody..." he said and sighed in exasperation. "Crabbe," he continued and snapped his fingers, "go and check that we're alone."

Crabbe grumbled. He nodded and walked away. Remus had always known that Goyle was cowardly, but seeing it was truly... odd.

"What was I saying?" Malfoy asked. He appeared to be thoughtful. "Ah, yes..." he continued, "the werewolf..." He stared back at Remus. "It pleased me to see Bellatrix inject you full of potion... You'd have devoured Potter, and the authorities would have executed you. A brilliant plan. Mine. It's a pity that Burns stopped you."

Remus had expected to hear that. He couldn't forget what the Death Eaters had done to him. He couldn't forget that he had almost killed Harry and Katarina. He felt guilty to be what he was. A dangerous beast who woke up when the full moon rose in the air...

"You've always been brilliant," Goyle said with a voice that sounded a bit feminine. Even his gestures looked odd...Or had Remus made this up?

"Thanks," Malfoy replied with a conceited expression that showed he had enjoyed the flattery. He didn't seem to pay attention to Goyle's odd voice. He was probably too focused on his speech to notice anything.

"Now, werewolf," Malfoy continued with a sadistic smile, "be sure Bellatrix will make you regret your existence. She'll teach you the meaning of the word tortu--"

"You're so sexy, Lucius," Goyle said.

'What?' Remus wondered, astonished.

"What?" Malfoy asked out loud. He stopped talking and stared at Goyle with wide eyes.

Goyle moved forward abruptly. He grabbed Malfoy's body with force and kissed him roughly on his mouth. Goyle's wand dropped to the floor. The Death Eater embraced Lucius. His mouth still pressed against Malfoy's, he stood him up against the wall violently, making him let go of his wand. Goyle's strong build gave him an advantage on Malfoy. Malfoy appeared to be horrified. He fought Goyle's powerful grasp without being able to free himself. He hit the Death Eater's head with his fists and kicked him with his legs again and again with no result.

Was Goyle really kissing Malfoy? Remus was puzzled. He realised suddenly that he was staring at the scene stupidly.

Severus picked up Goyle's wand from the floor.

"Accio Wands!" he uttered. The remaining wands flew to the Potions master's hands. Remus grabbed his own wand between his joined hands and pointed it at the snogging couple. "Stupefy!" Remus and Severus shouted at the same time. The combined spells knocked out the two Death Eaters. Remus looked at Malfoy. His face had turned livid as if he'd been unable to breathe.

A flick of Severus' wand and Malfoy and Goyle were bound together with tightened chains. Remus got rid of his own chains.

"What happened?" Remus asked.

Severus smirked. He looked jubilant. "Either it's the Imperius Curse," he replied, "or Goyle has an awkward secret he should reveal to his wife." He chuckled.

Remus thought of Malfoy's horrified face when Goyle had kissed him. He repressed a laugh. It was the kind of spectacle James and Sirius would have liked to watch. The kind of trick they would have played... But who had used the Imperius Curse?

Severus looked around as if he tried to detect a presence.

"Who...?" Remus asked.

"Burns," Severus interrupted. "That's exactly what she would do... I bet she took care of Crabbe. Clever girl," he said softly. "Should have been sorted into Slytherin."

Just from Severus' words, Remus could guess the adoration and the pride the Potions master had for Katarina. Remus was proud too, although he doubted that the Katarina he knew would have dared to use such tactics. Yes, there was more Slytherin in her than before. But in such circumstances, it wasn't that bad. She had disarmed two Death Eaters without risking any of their lives. But wait a minute...

"Are you sure it was Katarina?" Remus replied. "If Harry..."

"I don't know what happened with Potter," Severus hissed, "but I know it was her. I must find her again. Bellatrix is insane. If she finds her..."

Remus perceived the anguish in the Potions master's voice. And he remembered what Malfoy had said. Remus knew that Bellatrix's sadism had no limits. He didn't want anything to happen to his little sister.

"I'll go with you," Remus said.

Severus growled.

"For Katarina..." Remus added. "Bellatrix is dangerous. We'll be stronger if we're united against her."

Severus frowned. "Humph," he said, "I suppose it's true. But I warn you. Katarina is mine!"

Remus rolled his eyes. "I know," he replied with a bit of irritation. "What word didn't you understand in the sentence 'she's like a sister to me?' I'm not in love with her. You are. So you'd better save her and tell her that you love her instead of warning me."

Severus screwed up his eyes. "Fine," he whispered under his breath. "For her..."

Remus sighed. "Let's go, then."

***

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