Harry Potter and the Angel of Justice

Chapter Twenty-Six - The First Casualty of War

Link to illustration. (This is a great one, BTW. Copy and paste)

"http://hpbook6.freewebpage.org/art/nomarks/Dark%20Mark%20over%20Hogsmeade.jpg"

Harry and his three friends set out for the last Hogsmeade visit of the year. It was the beginning of May and an absolutely beautiful day. He, Ron and Ginny had kept a close eye on Hermione the past three weeks and she had given them no signs of being suicidal. While Ginny never really believed that there was any reason to worry about Hermione, Harry and Ron spent many tense days observing her; Ginny had not witnessed the boggart incident after all. Hermione, however, seemed to be in such good spirits as they walked, that Harry just could not imagine her taking her own life.

"Hi Padma, Hi Luna," said Ginny to the two Ravenclaw girls as they neared Harry's group.

"Where are you lot headed?" asked Padma.

"To Madam Puddifoot's Tearoom, want to join us?" asked Hermione.

Luna nodded.

Padma replied, "Sure, but I have to stop by the Post Office first. I need to hire a long range bird to send a letter to Delhi. It's my cousin, Pari's, birthday on Tuesday."

"No problem," said Harry. "It's along the way."

The Ravenclaws joined their group and they continued walking. This year Harry had become quite accustomed to being friends with students from the other houses. Many of the second years that he had only given one lesson were now very friendly to him. He thought it was a nice change from -

The sound of women screaming up ahead snapped Harry out of his thought process.

"What's going on?" asked Hermione.

Two terrified witches ran past them. The witches were followed by three wizards, each carrying a young child, who looked just scared. The last man shouted a warning as he passed the students:

"Kids, run for your lives! They're here!"

"Do you think he means Death Eaters, Harry?" asked Ginny nervously.

"Sounds like it," said Harry as he and Ron drew out their wands. The girls followed suit.

"C'mon," said Harry as he started around the corner from where the people had fled.

When they rounded the corner Harry saw two Death Eaters in robes and masks. They were standing in front of a house that was directly across the street from the Post Office. No other people were visible.

The smaller Death Eater waved her wand and shouted in a female voice "MORSMORDRE!"

An enormous green skull appeared above the home and rose into the sky - the two Death Eaters disapparated. Like the previous time Harry had seen the Dark Mark, the skull looked as if it was made of emerald stars and had an evil serpent as a tongue. This time, however, because Harry knew its meaning, the Mark seemed much more sinister.

Hermione screamed in terror and grabbed Ron's arm. "That house," she said as she trembled, "it's where the Herberts live."

Harry heard the others gasp and he then felt Ginny push past him.

"Oh no, she's right," said Ginny. "We have to see if they're okay."

Ginny then slowly walked nearer the home. The others followed closely behind her. A few townspeople were now in the streets, also approaching the house. Several could be heard demanding to know where the aurors were.

Something buzzed by Harry's face making him jump. The others were also surprised, until they saw it was Lilandria - she had landed on Ginny's shoulder. The teens continued their slow march down the street. When they were about a half a block from the Herberts, there was a loud apparating crack. Mars appeared in front of the house causing all to freeze.

The red wizard looked up at the Dark Mark in disgust. After glaring at it for a few seconds, Mars advanced on the Herbert's front door. Another apparating sound was then heard and Dumbledore appeared several feet behind the Texan. Mars turned to face him.

Dumbledore shared Mars' disgusted look as he gazed upon the skull. The Headmaster then lifted his wand and jabbed it at the Mark.

"Amitto!" cried Dumbledore, and the skull started hissing. After a fews seconds, there was a very loud bang and the Mark was no longer present.

A moment later Steele appeared next to Dumbledore. She looked up at Mars, but he ignored her.

"The Herbert's?" asked Dumbledore.

Mars grunted affirmatively and reached out to grab the front door.

"Be careful, the house could be trapped," cautioned Dumbledore.

Mars nodded and opened the door slowly with his right hand. With the door open Mars then put his left palm on the inside of it. He again had that look on his face like he was trying to see something very far in the distance. After thirty or so seconds he spoke, "There were six of them. They came in the back way and attacked Judy first. They then captured the children. And and ...," said Mars as he voice broke. "Vile creatures! In front of their father's eyes ... tortured - and killed - all of them!"

"Just horrible," he whispered.

Mars' right hand then snapped the brass door handle off. His eyes had lost the far away look and were now filling with sparks of rage.

"Who does that to a child?" thundered Mars.

"A monster. Nothing less is capable of their deeds," responded Dumbledore.

"A monster?" said Mars angrily. His eyes were now shimmering. "We fight not wizards and witches, but monsters you say? Well, there are no rules when you fight monsters, you just kill them before they kill you. Isn't that right?"

"What are you saying, Mars?" asked Dumbledore.

"I'm saying, they too can be touched. Everyone has vulnerabilities and weak links. Not all of their assets can be concealed like their leaders that hide from me," answered Mars who now had his wand in his hand.

"You must not lower yourself to their level, Mars," warned Dumbledore sternly.

Both wizards looked very angry as they faced each other. Harry felt Ginny lean in under his left arm and put an arm of hers around his waist - she was trembling. He himself was too confused to feel scared. He could've never imagined Dumbledore and Mars shouting at each other.

Harry felt his hairs begin to stand on ends as Mars replied, "If my enemy is in the gutter, then it is there that I must kill him."

"I implore you Mars. The war cannot be won this way. You agreed with me on this when you first arrived," responded Dumbledore, whose eyes were also alight and his whole body glowed with power.

"If we had done things my way, the war would have already been won!" barked Mars as he approached to within five feet of Dumbledore.

"But at what cost?" demanded Dumbledore as his unblinking eyes stared straight into Mars'.

"Costs?" thundered Mars. He then pointed at the Herbert's house. "The costs of your mistakes lie before us for all to see. They are but the first of the innocents doomed to die because of your inaction!"

Dumbledore's blaze of anger ceded. His eyes were no longer full of fire, but of pain and sadness.

"I will stand no more idleness!" shouted Mars. "My brethren shall be summoned." Mars paused for a few seconds and then added icily, "Blood will follow blood."

Dumbledore stood in place looking very shocked.

"Sally, you will stay with Harry until I return," ordered Mars.

"Angel no! I would be at your side," shouted Steele fiercely.

"Do you defy me, Commander?"

Steele stood up straight, snapped her feet together and nodded smartly to him. "As you demand."

*CRACK*

Mars was gone.

Lily took off from Ginny's arm and flew up into the air and out of sight.

A haze of confusion still lingered in the area. No one said a word for over a minute until Steele broke the silence, "Professor, we should get your students back to the castle don't you think?"

The Headmaster snapped out of his trance, "Yes Sally, that is a prudent idea."

Steele flashed Dumbledore a nasty look that he didn't see.

Dumbledore said, "Sonorus," and held his wand to his throat. "Attention Hogwarts students. This is Headmaster Dumbledore speaking, you are to immediately head back to the castle. No delays, no matter how short or important will be accepted. Once you reach the castle, go straight to your common rooms. Any teachers in Hogwarts are requested to assist with the return of the students and then meet in the staffroom. Thank you."

"C'mon, y'all heard the Headmaster," said Steele as she nudged Harry back towards Hogwarts. "He said no delays."

The subdued group of students and Steele started walking back to the school - Dumbledore had stayed in Hogsmeade to supervise the return. Once they were out of the village Hermione looked up at Steele.

"What did Mars mean when he said, 'They too can be touched.'?"

"He meant that while Voldemort still operates in secret and is hidden, there are public faces that support his cause but not openly. These faces will be touched," answered Steele.

"Like the Committee Against Dark Sorcerers?" asked Hermione.

"Yes darlin', exactly like them. I expect they and a few others will not have a good week," replied Steele who then put her arm around Ginny who was still shaking.

"But I remember Dumbledore telling Mars that he didn't want open war with CADS." said Harry.

"Angel can be subtle hon, but he may not be this time," answered Steele who was still looking at Ginny. "Honey, why are you still trembling?" she asked Ginny kindly, but Harry noticed her eyes were as cold as ever.

"I've never seen him so mad," answered a frightened Ginny. "His eyes were scaring me - I don't like being frightened of him. And he-he was yelling at Dumbledore. I never imagined that could happen."

"Now don't be so worried. Those two have had arguments before - Angel always forgives him in the end," said Steele.

Hermione shot a vicious look up at Steele, but if the Defender noticed it she wasn't letting on.

Steele escorted the Gryffindors all the way up to the Fat Lady. Once there she bid them good day and watched them enter the tower. Lunch was being served in the common rooms so food was covering many of the tables. The four sat down and ate their meal silently.

After he finished eating, Harry didn't know what to do. There was simply no way he could manage any homework, even with his Occlumency training, and he didn't feel like joining the discussions of the other Gryffindors. Rampant rumors were flying around the room about what had happened in Hogsmeade. None that Harry could hear were even close to the truth, but he had no wish to relive those awful events by correcting someone.

Ginny, who had finally stopped shaking, stood and walked over to Natalie MacDonald.

"Natalie, do you think you could bring your wizard's wireless box down to the Common Room? We could use a bit of news."

Natalie nodded and headed for the girls' dormitories.

"Good idea, Ginny," said Harry as she came and sat between he and Ron.

"Do you think," said Hermione as she stared into the unlit fireplace, "that when Mars said, 'My brethren shall be summoned', he meant more Spirit Defenders?"

"Yeah," answered Ron. "Who else could it be?"

Hermione sighed and continued to stare at the ashes.

Natalie brought down the wizard's wireless, put it on the top of a hutch and turned it on. Most of the Gryffindors moved to that part of the Common Room to listen to the broadcast.

At first there was a bit of static and then a familiar voice rang out.

"Good evening British wizards and witches, this is Rita Skeeter, coming to you live from the Atrium, in the Ministry of Magic. We have our reporters all across the country to keep you informed of tonight's breaking events.

"Minister Cornelius Fudge's office has announced there will be a very important press briefing in five minutes. Speculation has it that he will appoint CADS Chairwoman Jo Anne Lennon, as Minister of Magic and resign. Several senior members of the Committee are here in person, but not Ms. Lennon herself."

"Her???" yelled Hermione. "They can't let her be Minister!"

Many other students were also shouting.

"There's no way Fudge would appoint Lennon. He hates her," said Harry.

"I don't know. Mars did warn us that the Ministry might fall without a fight," said Ginny quietly so only the four of them could hear.

"Ah yes, here comes the Minister now," said Rita over the wireless. "Behind him are two wizards. One is a black man wearing an odd outfit. Oh okay I have just been notified that he is a Demon Fighter from the Americas and the other wizard is - oh my, it's the infamous American, Mars."

"What's he doing there?" demanded Ron.

"Shh," said Hermione.

"The two Demon Fighters are flanking the Minister as he takes the podium."

"Good day citizens and press," started Fudge. "Today has been one of the most difficult days in my life. For the last several hours I have been in meetings with my heads of departments and have finally come to a decision. It is the toughest choice that I have ever made in my long career as Minister of Magic."

"He is gonna resign," said Dean Thomas.

"As of this moment, Jo Anne Lennon, chairwoman of the Committee Against Dark Sorcerers, is ordered to disband her organization and turn herself in for questioning. All the officers of the Committee, both junior and senior, are also wanted for questioning. Grave charges have been leveled against them from a variety sources and this will be an opportunity for the accused to tell their side of the story. "

"Did he say arrest Lennon rather than appoint her?" asked Rita.

Noises of surprise could be heard coming from the crowd at the Ministry and the Common Room.

"We will give them two weeks to get their affairs in order and then any hold outs will be hunted down. That is all. No questions I am afraid," finished Fudge.

"What a shocking development, instead of -," Rita was saying when screaming interrupted her.

"You can't do this!" screamed a woman from the crowd. "You'll be out of power in a week Fudge."

"Displacio!" cried the unmistakable voice Mars.

More screams were heard.

Rita was now yelling over the commotion. "Mars has now hit the seven CADS officers with a Displacement Charm, but how can that be? He, er, used some sort of spell that has them airborne and moving towards a group of aurors. Yes, he has dropped them to the ground and they are being relived of their wands and arrested."

Several third year boys clapped and yelled "Get'em Mars!"

Hermione glared at them, "This isn't a match you three!"

The boys all stopped clapping and looked down.

"Let's see if we can get a word with the American. Oy Mars! A word please! This is Rita Skeeter with WWN - oh well he just disapparated. I have however, just been told that an incident is developing in Knockturn Alley. So were are going to hand the broadcast over to our reporter on the spot, Jane Flat-Chest."

Harry and Ron wrinkled their brows at the comment while many Gryffindors giggled.

"What did that butchy skank just call me?" asked an American accented female voice over the wireless.

"Live wand Jane," said a man's voice.

"Oh, ahem. This is Jane Flatchet reporting from Graveyard Corner in Knockturn Alley. This building, full of stores long rumored to be trafficking in the Dark Arts, has been surrounded by oddly dressed Demon Fighters and various other wizards. None of them are ministry officials, as far as I can tell. There is a tall red-headed wizard with a pony tail here that seems to be in charge. He and a blond witch with a French accent have enveloped the entire structure in an Anti-Disapparation Jinx. I think the leader is now making his demands to the occupants."

A loud and familiar voice then came across the wireless.

"You have five minutes to throw out your wands and then exit the building with your hands up. After those five minutes all force necessary will be used to take the building."

"That was Bill," said Ginny nervously. She leaned over in her chair and onto Harry's shoulder.

"Sounds like Fleur is with him," added Hermione. She put her hands over her mouth.

"In five minutes we'll find out how the occupants will respond to this dire warning. Many of You-Know-Who's supporters owned stores here before the first war," said Jane.

Harry then heard some yelling in the background of the broadcast and he thought he also heard curses being cast.

"Ten people have just taken off on broomsticks from the roof. And the wizards on the ground here are tossing jinxing at them," explained Jane.

"Displacio!" Harry heard Bill and Fleur cry.

More screams were heard and then a couple of disgusting thuds.

"Eurgh, now that is gross," said Jane.

"Jane!"

"Yes, um four of those attempting to flee on their brooms were knocked off and fell to their deaths, but the other six seemed to have escaped. Oh a wizard has just apparated here next to the leader. My he is very tall," said Jane.

"That's him, Jane. That's Mars."

"Well he's speaking with the leader and that French witch. He looks annoyed by something the red-headed wizard has said. I think the five minute ultimatum is almost up. Wait. The French witch is approaching us. Can you give us your name, Madame?"

"No," said Fleur's voice. "You are too close. It is verree dangerouse now. Back up, back up. Vite, vite!"

"Are you crazy? I'm not going anywhere, this story is too big. Hey! Quit pointing that wand at us," barked Jane.

"Displacio!" called out Fleur.

Jane and her assistant screamed and many thuds were heard over the wireless.

"Well," said Rita's voice interrupting the silence. "It looks like we lost contact with Jane in Knockturn Alley for now, but don't worry about old Flat-Chest, she's a toughie. This is Rita Skeeter back at the Ministry. Let's crack on shall we? We have Victor, in the small wizarding enclave of Meurtres End in Wiltshire, who tells us Demon Fighters and Ministry wizards have been skirmishing with Death Eaters. Do you have any eye witnesses, Victor?"

"I sure do Rita. Jamie here says he saw the entire confrontation. Could you tell our listeners the events you just witnessed?" asked Victor.

"Four of them mercenaries apparated in front of the Malfoy Manor 'bout ten minutes ago," explained Jamie.

The mention of the name Malfoy made all the Gryffindors sit up in their chairs and listen more intently.

"They started casting jinxes at the manor, not sure what they all were but I think one of them musta stopped you from apparating, because Mrs. Malfoy came running out of the house trying to get away. But they spotted her right off and all four of them blasted her to bits. No warning or nothing," said Jamie in disgust.

"In cold blood?" asked Victor.

"Well she had her wand out, but she had no chance. They then set the place on fire and as you can see it's just about burnt down," explained Jamie.

"What did they do then?" asked Victor.

"The four of them headed over to the Nott house, but they were prepared there. Five wizards and witches in masks stormed out of the house and started throwing curses at the mercenaries. One from each side got hexed really bad, but then six ministry wizards came up from behind the Notts and cursed them in the back," finished Jamie.

"Thank you Jamie, for that harrowing tale," said Victor melodramatically. "The Demon Fighters then torched the Nott house which is burning as we speak. If any more important battles break out here in Wiltshire, you can be sure WWN will be there first! Back to you Rita."

"What do you mean, we don't have a reporter in north London? Get anybody who can speak English over there now! This is a tremendous opportunity - people eat this stuff up. We haven't had any war coverage in over a decade. Why if I -," Rita's was yelling until interrupted.

"Live wand, Rita."

"Oh, yes, lovely. Thank you for that engrossing interview, Victor. We have Jill in Godric's Hollow and Jane has recovered in Knockturn Alley, but first this terribly important announcement:"

Harry heard a group of children singing.

Fizzing Whizzbies, sherbet that's round

Fizzing Whizzbies, floats off the ground

Fizzing Whizzbies, you'll eat them in haste

Fizzing Whizzbies, you can't beat our taste

"Hello there, witches and wizards this is Edmund Whizzbie and I am proud to announce that Fizzing Whizzbies are the official sweet of this war against Dark Wizards. The war will be over one day and what better way to celebrate victory than sharing a box of Fizzing Whizzbies floating sherbet balls with your friends. Just remember, one box is never enough! Thank you."

Fizzing Whizzbies, sherbet that's round

Fizzing Whizzbies, floats off the ground

Fizzing Whizzbies, you'll eat them in haste

Fizzing Whizzbies, you can't beat our taste

"This is Rita Skeeter at the Atrium, in the Ministry of Magic and I will be with you all night, keeping you informed on the war. Right now we have Jill in Godric's Hollow, where, from what I hear, the fur is really flying. Is that true, Jill?"

"There has been intense fighting here, Rita. It has been from street to street and house to house with each side taking casualties," answered Jill's voice.

"How about civilian casualties? Godric's Hollow is heavily populated," asked Rita.

"Well, I have been informed by the Ministry that the proper term is now collateral damage. And there certainly has been some here. Even a few muggles were caught in the hexfire after the noise attracted their attention," said Jill.

"You must have some really scrumptious interviews for us, Jill. Please go ahead with them, so our listening audience can know what a war is really like," said Rita very enthusiastically.

"Rita, I have with me Roger Mossback, who is a retired auror that helped in the fight against Grindelwald, over five decades ago. Mr Mossback, could you tell us what you've seen today?" asked Jill professionally.

"I've seen a lot brave lads and lasses tonight doing the things we should have done years ago," said Mr Mossback forcefully.

"What things do you mean?" asked Jill.

"Standing up to those dark wizards, what else? We're getting soft in this country I tell you. Letting the youth today run around with no discipline - it's a disgrace. This is what happens when you go easy on your troublemakers. It's a damn shame we had to wait for these foreigners to push us into action," replied Mr. Mossback, who seemed to be getting really stirred up.

"But what about the innocent wizards and witches caught in the middle? Or the unfortunate muggles, who just happed to wonder by at the wrong time?" asked Jill.

"You can't make an omelet with breaking a few eggs, Missy. War is Hell, you know. Your lot has no idea what sacrifice even means!" answered Mr. Mossback.

"Thank you, Mr. Mossback. Rita, as I scan the surroundings, evidence of collateral damage is readily apparent. Scores of buildings have been damaged or destroyed," said Jill.

"Jill, I thought you said collateral damage was used to describe civilian casualties?" asked Rita.

"Well Rita, the Ministry uses the term to describe any harm to non-military items or personnel. That way it is easier to forget the damage done to the civilians. Oh, er, excuse me Rita, I meant to say easier to report the damage done," said Jill apologetically.

"Well, it certainly makes it easier for me to say, Jill," add Rita.

"We are going to try to get in a little closer -" Jill was saying until interrupted.

"Excuse me Miss. C-could you help me please?" asked an unknown woman's voice. She sounded very distraught.

"Of course. I'm Jill Jordonpour, a reporter with WWN. How can we help?"

"It's my husband, Georgie. I haven't seen him since the fighting started. H-he's not a Death Eater or an auror, just a clerk at St Mungo's," said Georgie's wife with her voice breaking. A young girl could be heard crying in the background.

"Do you think he got caught up in the fighting?" asked Jill.

"I don't know, b-but I have a horrible feeling - why would anyone hex a clerk at a hospital? He wasn't a threat. H-here's a picture of him. If you see him Miss, please tell him his wife and daughter love him and want him to come home," said the woman who was starting to cry.

"Is daddy here?" asked the young girl.

"No dear, let's go home and wait for him."

"I wanna see daddy!" screamed the girl and then she began crying loudly.

"C'mon baby, we'll see him soon," said the woman in a despairing voice.

The wireless was silent for a few seconds.

"Jill, are you there, dear?" asked Rita in an annoying cheerful voice.

There was a sniff. "R-rita," then another sad sniff was heard. "That's all from Godric's H-hollow," said Jill with her voice too now breaking. For a few seconds Harry thought he could hear Jill and her assistant crying over the air.

"Rita, say something!" said Rita's assistant.

"Um, welcome back to the Atrium in the Ministry of Magic, where Cornelius Fudge, the Minister himself, today announced the dissolution of the Committee Against Dark Sorcerers. This announcement triggered skirmishes across Britain that continue to rage. But as a WWN listener, you'll have the best seat in the country as we bring you all the action, all night.

"Speaking of action, my esteemed colleague from Chicago, Jane Flat-Chest, experienced some of the fighting first hand, as she was hexed by one of the combatants. Share your story with us, would you, Jane?" asked Rita in an disgustingly fake sweet voice.

"For the last time Rita, it's pronounced FLACHET!" growled Jane.

"Oh, sorry about that, dear. Slip of the tongue," replied Rita.

"Whatever," said Jane crossly. "The French witch I mentioned earlier, hexed both David and I, knocking us back forty or so feet. While we were tumbling Mars and the red headed wizard conjured something that fell from the sky and just pummeled Graveyard Corner into dust. It was very loud and we could feel the explosions, but thanks to the hex we didn't see anything."

"Jane, if the French witch hadn't knocked us backwards I think we would have been dust along with the building," said a voice Harry assumed was David's.

"That could be true," said Jane. "All of the combatants left after the building was pulverized, so we are here alone."

"Well, we are just glad that you are okay, Jane. Nothing is more important to us at WWN than the safety of our fellow workers, citizens and civil servants. Which is why I'd like to remind our audience before we go out to Victor in north London, that this portion of the war against dark wizards is sponsored by Fizzing Whizzbies, the original floating sherbet balls," said Rita.

"Oh I've had enough," said Hermione in disgust. "They're every bit as bad as muggle news announcers. I'm going to bed."

Harry, Ron, Ginny, Mary, Dean and Mark all nodded and also stood up. Most of the other Gryffindors watched them with confused looks. Harry said goodnight and walked over to the boys' staircase. He was very thankful again for his Occlumency lessons, he doubted he could have slept otherwise.

When Harry awoke the next morning, he was surprised to see that Neville and Seamus were already out of bed. He woke Ron, and they went down to the Common Room to meet the girls for breakfast. The boys were shocked to find most of the Gryffindors already in the Common Room gathered around the wizard's wireless.

"Have you lot been out here all night?" asked Ron.

Many of the Gryffindors nodded or said yes. Harry and Ron glared at the others. Ginny and Hermione then entered the Common Room.

"Well, we have to keep up with the breaking news," said Neville to Ron.

"Has anything happened then?" asked Hermione.

Neville shook his head.

"Then what have you been listening too all night?" demanded Ron..

"Loads of interviews," answered Natalie MacDonald.

This got Harry's attention. "Who have the reporters been talking to? Defenders? Aurors? Mars?" asked Harry eagerly.

"Well, mostly the reporters have been talking to each other," explained Neville.

"That's suppose to be newsworthy?" asked Harry incredulously. "Rita Skeeter and Jane Flat-Chest getting all catty?"

Neville shrugged and turned his attention back to the wireless.

"C'mon, lets eat," suggested Hermione.

The others agreed and the four opened the painting to leave for the Great Hall. Once outside of Gryffindor Tower, they were immediately greeted by Steele.

"Good morning, Gryffindors. Can I join you for breakfast?" Steele said brightly.

"Of course," answered Ginny.

As they walked down a staircase, Harry asked Steele, "Were you up all night in front of our tower?"

"No no, Harry. I maybe Angel's half-sister, but I am not him. I still need to sleep," she answered.

"Meaning that Mars doesn't need to?" asked Hermione.

"It's not that he doesn't need to honey, it's that he can't," said Steele as they reached the Gryffindor table.

The five of them sat down and started gathering food on their plates. After they began eating, Hermione spoke to Steele. "Why can't he sleep?"

Steele looked confused at the question. "Angel told me that you four were very close to him. Do y'all really not know about his condition?"

Hermione, Ron and Harry all shook their heads but Ginny spoke up.

"I knew that he hadn't slept for the past six years."

"Six years?" gasped Hermione.

"How come he only told you Ginny?" asked Ron.

"I asked him. One Sunday night he was up all night training me and Luna. Hermione then told me that he was with her and Padma Monday night and I noticed on Wednesday that you two looked dead tired, so I knew he had been up with you Tuesday. Three solid days without sleep and he didn't look tired at all. I asked him how he managed."

"What did he say?" asked Hermione.

"He said a Malsumis spirit cursed him six years ago and afterward he could never sleep again," said Ginny.

"Is that all he said of it, Ginny?" asked Steele.

Ginny nodded.

"Modesty does not suit him," said Steele shaking her head.

"I don't understand," said Ginny.

"Describing the suffering he has endured, as merely a curse is a massive understatement. Describing Pillan, as just another Malsumis spirit is criminally deceptive. Angel's defeat of Pillan is the greatest achievement in history. For this act Angel is famous in the West and revered in the South - naming your son or daughter Angel or Angela after him is common there," explained Steele.

Harry thought her eyes seemed to warm up as she spoke of her cousin.

"Can you tell us about Pillan?" as Hermione carefully.

"Pillan, is the greatest of the Malsumis spirits. About every a hundred and fifty years he appears and ravages the South. His presence stirs up hatred in men and war always breaks out where he roams. Storms, earthquakes and volcanoes are left in his wake. Crops fail, herd animals develop disease and then famine follows. A brigade of lesser Malsumis spirits follow along with him to enjoy the suffering of muggles and wizardkind alike," explained Steele.

"This Pillan sounded worse than anything imaginable," thought Harry.

"And Mars killed this thing?" asked Ron.

"Killed? Oh no darlin', you can't kill something like Pillan. He was just turned away early. Normally Pillan stays for five to seven years, sometimes as long as eleven, but Angel dispatched him after only a month," answered Steele.

"And no one had ever managed that before?" asked Hermione.

"Never. Once about 900 years ago Pillan's reign of terror ended after only ten months, but no one knows why. When this last manifestation started, the seven greatest Spirit Defenders were assembled to try and force Pillan away. All but one of these were great leaders of the Defenders and used to being in charge. Angel was already making a reputation for himself so they accepted him grudgingly as the leader.

"They tracked Pillan and his brigade to a mountain in Southern Chile, Cerro Hudson. When the Defenders started their ascent the brigades of Pillan set upon them. They were well experienced in fighting Malsumis spirits and after a day of battle they had dispatched them with only one casualty: one of the witches was knocked off the side of the mountain and into a ravine. She was understandably left for dead as they pressed on up the mountain. However, while she was injured and unconscious, she stilled lived.

"The next day they met Pillan at the summit of Hudson and attacked. At first they seemed to be winning. While Pillan's prowess in battle is legendary, he had never before been attacked by such an organized and powerful group. However, there was to be no quick victory. Pillan made the mountain erupt underneath them with lava and ash shooting high into the air. Four of the defenders were instantly killed and another mortally wounded. He died within hours."

"That left just Mars and one defender?" asked Harry who now noticed that several other students had gathered around their group listening to Steele's tale. Luna was standing right beside Steele, almost leaning on her.

"Yes, Harry, just Angel and a witch named Fiona Firebrand were still fighting. Fiona was greatly gifted in fire magics, so she could survive the heat and lava. The remaining two fought Pillan for an entire week without any chance for rest. Several more times the volcano erupted, which caused horrible destruction to the surrounding countryside.

"Finally on the seventh day, Angel decided that Pillan had been weakened enough to try a Dismissal Charm. When the spell was cast, a battle of then wills began. Fiona could not help Angel with the casting of the spell, but she did her best to distract Pillan. After several hours of mental jousting, Pillan finally gave in, but just before he was forced away, he cursed both the Defenders.

"Fiona was driven insane and to this day the poor dear is totally incoherent. Angel warded off the insanity but a special curse was set upon him. Pillan cried as he vanished, 'From you I shall steal the gift of Evaki. Your only peace now abandons you for all time.' Pillan, you see, learned much about Angel during their battle of wills and knew exactly how to hurt him the most," finished Steele sadly.

"Gift of Evaki? What's that?" asked Hermione.

"Sleep. The only respite my dear Angel had from his visions was when he slept. Most seers are actually at their most transcendental when they sleep. Their dreams show them many mystical things, but for Angel it was a time of rest and renewal that was now gone forever. As Pillan said, he shall never know peace again," answered Steele.

"That's horrible," said Ginny whose eyes were sprinkling with tears.

"How about the witch in the ravine? Did she live? Did she go insane too?" asked Harry.

"She lives and while I've had a few people call me insane, they never say it to my face," said Steele smiling, but her eyes had gone cold again.

"You?" gasped the crowd around her in unison.

"Yes, me. If my Angel is in a fight I will be at his side. Unless of course he orders me not to be," Steele said irritably.

"How long were you in the Ravine?" asked Ron.

"We can discuss that later Ron. Y'all need to start eating your breakfast - it's the most important meal of the day you know?" said Steele as she stood. "I have to speak with your Headmaster now."