The Footsteps of my Father

The Footsteps of my Father

Chapter Eighteen

-The Dueling Tournament -

Sindaria landed, changing back into her human form, stumbled, and raced up the steps to the back door of the Conner Manor. "Gabriel! Sarah!" she yelled, trying the door (locked), and resolved to pounding on the door.

The door swung open and Sarah opened it, looking quite tired. But when she saw the look of terror on Sindaria's face, she immediately became attentive. "Ari? What's wrong?"

"Please, you have to help me," Sindaria said, the memory of her family's death flashing before her. Fresh tears sprung to her eyes and began flowing down her cheeks.

"Oh, my Lord, come on," Sarah said worriedly, taking Sindaria gently by the arm and leading her inside. "GABRIEL!!" she yelled. "Let's get you something warm," Sarah said, leading Sindaria into the sitting room. She pulled out her wand, and, muttering a few words, made a teapot and several cups appear. She poured the hot tea and helped Sindaria drink it, whose hands were shaking so badly that she couldn't do anything.

Gabriel ran in a minute later, wild-eyed and worried. "What? What's wrong?" he asked breathlessly and then his gaze landed on Sindaria. He looked back at Sarah. "What happened?"

"I'm not quite sure," Sarah said, sitting down next to Sindaria and placing an arm around her. Gabriel walked over and sat down in a chair near Sindaria.

Sindaria turned and buried her face in Sarah's robes, sobbing uncontrollably. "Shh, love, it'll be okay," Sarah said soothingly, stroking Sindaria's hair. Sarah embraced her, keeping her close.

Gabriel swallowed, watching Sindaria, lines of worry etched across his face. "Ari?" he said softly.

Sindaria lifted her head, her tear-stained face glinting in the light from the lamps. "You can tell us," Sarah said softly.

Sindaria swallowed, fighting back the fresh wave of tears. "I - I - m- my family," she managed. "H - he killed them." And then she could speak no more, for her body was racked with sobs.

"Oh, my Lord," Sarah whispered, hugging Sindaria and looking at Gabriel. "What about your father?" Sarah asked, looking back down at Sindaria.

"H - he's the one that took me to Him. Please, you have to help me!" Sindaria cried, bolting back suddenly, her eyes wide. "You can't let him take me! My father wants me to serve Him!"

"Hush, love, no one is going to take you anywhere," Sarah said, pulling Sindaria close and Sindaria buried her face once again in Sarah's robes. Sarah looked at Gabriel worriedly. "How did Voldemort know where she lived? Even her real father didn't."

Gabriel sat back, thinking. "They must have someone on the inside, someone who knows where Ari lives."

"But who?"

Gabriel bit his lip, looking quite worried. "I don't know."

* * *

A few hours later, once Sindaria had calmed down enough to be able to tell them exactly what had happened, they discussed exactly what they could do to help her. They agreed to help her in any way they could and that included having her come stay with them over the spring holiday. However, they said that she should return to her father's house immediately, before he suspected something. They would watch over her and constantly owl, making sure she was okay. They reassured her that nothing could happen to her while she was on Hogwarts grounds. It was only if she left them. Gabriel would find out what he could and they planned to see if they could find some way of adopting her or safe-guarding her from the Dark Lord. Gabriel said he would speak with Dumbledore and see what they could do. In the mean time, however, she should keep all of this a secret, for anyone could be a spy of Voldemort and if the Dark Lord found out what they were planning, it would be very bad indeed.

* * *

That evening, Sindaria sat up in her bedroom at her father's house, trying not to think about what had happened the previous night. However, it was quite hard, and she finally made her way downstairs. So far, she didn't think her father knew that she had left, and that was one of the only good things that had happened in the past few days. She didn't know what her father would do if he knew that she had left.

As she walked down the long corridor, ignoring the horribly stares from the portraits, she came to the spiral staircase. Making her way down the staircase, past an open door, she heard her father's voice. She halted in her steps, leaning against the wall, listening.

"Yes, I found her," she heard her father say. A crackling of flames could be heard. He must be speaking to someone though the fire, Sindaria thought.

"So she's not a Squib, after all," she heard a woman muse.

"No, she's quite powerful. He wants her for his own purposes and I plan to deliver. After that disgrace last year when he came back and we had to grovel to get back into his graces, I don't want any more foul ups. Our Inner Circle has grown smaller and somehow, that boy managed to weasel his way in. He's very close to her and that works to our advantage. What about your son?"

"He's friends with her, nothing more," the woman said curtly. "However, he is better friends with one of her best friends, Raven Sanders."

Raven! Sindaria thought worriedly.

"Well, she can't be in the way. Your son needs to get close to Sindaria."

"Nick, they're brother and sister! How close are you talking?" the woman asked incredulously.

"Nothing like that!" her father said hurriedly. "I just mean that he needs to win her trust. If he can, that's one more source for us and we can use it to our advantage. Your husband -"

"Is a fool," the woman hissed. "If we can pull this off, I will not have to put up with him any longer and Draco will be safe. That's the only reason I'm doing this, Macnair. You'd best be remembering that," she said coldly.

"You know I'm only looking out for all of us, Narcissa," he said.

"Yourself, you mean," she scoffed.

"No, my daughter and your son as well."

"Our daughter, and if you were actually looking out for the rest of us, I'm bloody innocent. Goodbye." There was a crackle of flames and she was gone.

"Interfering woman," she heard her father hiss. "She's more trouble than she's worth. The Dark Lord will be very pleased when I bring him Sindaria, before that boy does."

Draco??!! Oh, Lord, Sindaria thought, closing her eyes, leaning against the wall. Is there anyone I can trust anymore? She ran up the stairs before her father could find her outside his study.

* * *

Over the next week, Sindaria stayed in her room with only Firaxis to talk to. Of course, he was very wise and helped her to recover a bit, although that memory would forever remain etched in her mind. She began practicing her magic, wandless and thought, for focusing on that helped her damper the pain that clenched her chest whenever she wasn't doing something.

One day, Firaxis had brought the Daily Prophet to her and on the front page, was an article about her family. Her chest tightened as she looked at the black and white photograph of her house, the Dark Mark glittering above it.

Ministry officials have been all over this Muggle home, which was the source of a Death Eater attack. Officials have yet to find out exactly why this home was the target, but have speculations that will be worked out as soon as possible. This has been yet another attack on an innocent family, as just recently, an attack was made near Hogsmeade, where several Aurors were killed. The remaining Aurors managed to capture several Death Eaters, but whether or not He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named has actually risen, is still up to speculation. However, after this most recent attack, the Ministry is in an uproar. Memory Charms had to be placed on numerous Muggles that managed to see the destruction near Hogsmeade and the Mark above this house.

Sindaria put the paper down on the bed, not able to read anymore. Tears were running down her cheeks. I doubt I'll even be able to go to the funeral . . .

She walked downstairs to try and talk to her father, showing him the article, but he refused to let her leave and she ran upstairs, collapsing on her bed, sobbing. I miss my family so much! Why did this have to happen? WHY?!!

Several times she went into the library and sat for hours, pouring over books, trying to learn as much as possible and ease the pain.

One evening, the night before she was returning to Hogwarts, she sat in the library, reading. She leaned back against the chair, setting the finished book on the stack. I need something else. These aren't helping me. She stood, stretching, and walked over to a bookshelf that she hadn't inspected yet. Primarily, because it housed books that she knew she shouldn't be looking at. However, she was bored, and she needed something to take her mind off all the pain. She had already practiced magic for hours and was quite tired.

Skimming over the books, she pulled out a book entitled, An Intermediate's Guide to the Dark Arts. She nodded, tucking it under her arm, and pulled out a few other books, Advanced Hexes, The Unforgivable Curses, and The History of the Dark Arts. She walked over to the chair and sat down; beginning the reading she knew she shouldn't be doing.

A few hours later, her father came in and she looked up from An Intermediate's Guide to the Dark Arts. "Father," she said slowly.

He looked at her coolly; his gray eyes so like her own glancing at the book she was reading and then back at her face. She could have sworn that there was a hint of a smile on his face. "As much as I hate to interrupt your reading, I have urgent business that I have to attend this evening. You will go The Leaky Cauldron and spend the night there and Floo to Platform Nine and Three Quarters in the morning." The look on his face made her nod.

"Yes, Father."

"You can take any books from this library but if you get caught with certain items, you are not to admit they came from here. Is that clear?"

"Of course."

"Good. Let's go." She stood, grabbed a few books, and followed her father out of the library. After packing her trunk and taking it downstairs, along with Firaxis, who was grumbling about being woken up, they Flooed to The Leaky Cauldron. Her father paid for her room and left. Tom, who remembered her from the first time she had come, helped her carry up her trunk and got her settled in.

"It's good to have you back, Ari," Tom said, smiling warmly.

"Thanks," Sindaria said, attempting the first smile in a few weeks.

"I hope you don't mind my asking, but I was wondering, what are you doing hanging around with the likes of Macnair?"

Sindaria looked down, swallowing, busying herself with repacking her trunk.

"I mean no offense, Ari."

"I know, Tom. I know." She sighed. "The people that I came in here were my adopted parents. Macnair is . . . is my father."

"Bloody hell," Tom whispered. "I mean," he added hurriedly, "that's good that you've found your father."

"Tom, I know he's a bad person. I just don't have much choice at the moment who I have to live with."

"What about the people that came with you?"

"They're dead," Sindaria said in an emotionless voice.

"Oh, Lord, Ari, I'm sorry," Tom said softly. Sindaria folded her robes, packing them on top. Her hand came to rest on the music box that her mother had given her. It had a guardian angel on the top and in the inside. Her mother had given it to her before she had left for Hogwarts, telling her it would watch over her and protect her. There was a family photograph on the inside cover and when she opened it, looking at the photograph, tears sprang to her eyes, flowing down her cheeks in wet rivers. "If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask."

"Thank you," Sindaria whispered, wiping the tears from her eyes. She heard Tom's footsteps recede and she put the box back into her trunk, closing the lid.

After a few minutes of just sitting on the floor, the pain fresh in her chest, she stood, straightened her robes, and headed downstairs, hoping to relieve some of the anguish that filled her heart.

* * *

A robed figure stood in a dark room, speaking with a man sitting in a chair. "My Lord, you wished to speak with me."

"Yes," the man sitting in the chair said, his voice soft, but full of menace. "Have you been able to make more Polyjuice potion?"

"Yes, my Lord. No one knows I use it expect you and Macnair."

"Good; and it will stay that way."

"Yes, my Lord."

"Does your father suspect anything?"

"No, my Lord."

"He is a powerful Auror."

"Yes, my Lord."

"And you informed me that he is a spy. He needs to be taken care of."

The robed figure hesitated for a moment and then bowed his head. "Of course, my Lord. I will do as you wish."

"Your mother is an Auror as well. You are to sever your ties, do you understand?"

"Yes, my Lord. I understand."

"Very good." There was silence for a few moments. And then the man spoke. "You will continue using the Polyjuice as your cover, for none of the other Death Eaters know that your father is traitorous. Your identity will be revealed when it is time."

"Yes, my Lord."

"In four months, you will become a Death Eater, but the only others that will be present will be Macnair, Malfoy, and Nott."

"Yes, my Lord."

"You may go. Make sure it is done."

"Yes, my Lord."

He bowed and left the room.

* * *

Dominic threw on the invisibility cloak and headed back to Hogwarts, sneaking near the Forbidden Forest and onto the grounds, after a quick stop at Honeydukes. When he entered the common room, he handed out the sweets that he had found and headed up to his dorm, saying that he was tired. Using a secret passageway that Raven had told him about, he walked up a hidden flight of stairs and up to a small courtyard that overlooked the lake. This was the same one that he and Ari had gone to.

He took off his black Death Eater robe and threw it to the ground, walking over to the edge, looking at the shimmering lake. The moon rose above it, lighting up the edges of the woods. The mountains sat in the distance, dark and foreboding. He leaned on the stone ledge, putting his face in his hands.

It wasn't supposed to be like this . . . I am loyal to Voldemort, I will not change that. I was doing okay, getting ready to turn her over to him. And then . . . Lord, had I known I would have fallen in love with her, I would never had agreed to this. But I will not be traitorous like my father. I know where my loyalties lie . . . yet . . . I hate this! Why am I so bloody confused?! Dominic lifted his head, looking out at the mountains. Can I really go through with it? Can I really murder my own parents?

Then there was that little voice in his head, the one that always helped to drown out the one he hated. Think about it, Dominic. You are loyal; your father betrayed the one you are loyal to. And he has to pay. Traitors can not betray and live. You know that if they found out who you were, they would hand you over in an instant and you'd be rotting in Azkaban the rest of your life. They would show you no mercy; nor should you show them any.

Then that hated voice was back. But they're your parents! You can't murder your own flesh and blood! Yet another murder would stain your hands! And you are only fourteen!! You are the one responsible for the death of Sindaria's family, her entire family!!! Does that mean nothing to you?!!! You are the one that told the Dark Lord where to find them. It was your fault! Now are you going to add yet another murder to your list?! And your own parents?!

You are loyal, Dominic. Don't let your doubts make you question your loyalty, the reassuring voice said.

They're your parents!! MURDERER!!

"SHUT UP!!" Dominic yelled and looked down, breathing hard. He stood there in silence, not moving. Finally, he straightened, picked up his cloak, and headed back down to his dorm, falling into a fitful sleep.

* * *

On the way back to Hogwarts, Sindaria sat in a compartment all alone, thinking. Raven's box sat in her hands, her music box placed safely inside along with many photographs. The previous evening, she had gone down to visit Tom and try to ease her pain. Tom had introduced her to Hagrid, and for a few hours, Sindaria found that she could actually smile. Hagrid loved animals as much as she did and when he found out that she was an Animagus and that she could speak with animals, he was overjoyed. Then, he told her about an injured winged horse that he had found in the forest and that he had been trying for a few weeks to help it, but it wouldn't let him near it. She had agreed to help him and she knew that being around an animal would help her recover.

She leaned her head against the cool glass. At least she would be back at Hogwarts, with her best friends and Dominic. They would always be there for her and she didn't know what she would do without them.

* * *

When she returned to the common room it was nearly empty, as a large group of them had gone to Hogsmeade for the day. She headed up to her dorm, lying down on her bed, burying her face in her pillow. And she let the tears that she had been holding back surge forth.

A few hours later, she heard footsteps and excited voices. Raven and Liriel. Sindaria had fallen into a nightmarish sleep, visions of her dead family filling her dreams. She was currently sobbing into her mattress, having thrown her pillow across the room in anger. She pounded her mattress with her fist. Why, why, why?!!! Finally, she just laid there, her shoulders heaving.

"Oh, and you should have seen him!" Sindaria heard Raven exclaim, walking into the room. "He began dancing with Madam Rosmerta and then he jumped onto the table and - Oh, my God! Ari!"

Sindaria heard a rush of footsteps and then felt the bed shift as her two best friends clambered onto the bed beside her. "Ari, what happened?" she heard Liriel ask.

Sindaria tried to speak but all that came forth was more sobs. "Oh, Ari," Raven said softly, hugging her best friend. Liriel rolled Sindaria over onto her back, lifting her up so that she was propped in Liriel's arms. Liriel hugged her tightly and Raven scooted closer, enveloping her in a large hug.

"Shh, it'll be okay, Ari. We're here for you," Liriel whispered. "Remember what you said to me? All for one and one for all."

"He - he . . . he murdered my family . . . my entire family," Sindaria sobbed, burying her face into the arms of her best friends.

"Oh, Ari . . ." Raven comforted. "I'm so sorry."

"I know how you feel," Liriel said softly. "I know what it's like . . . and don't ever forget that I will always be here for you. I will never leave."

"Me neither, Aremis."

"Thank you," Sindaria whispered and closed her eyes, the anguish that filled her slowly receding.

She sat in her friends' arms for a long time, not moving. Finally, she sat up, and, wiping the tears from her eyes, she told them everything that had happened over break and they in turn, had told her all they had been up to. Raven told her how Dominic had snuck out several times using an invisibility cloak and bought sweets for them from Honeydukes. It had been quite a treat.

* * *

The next day, classes began again and for that, Sindaria was grateful. Immersing herself in her studies, the pain was eased slightly. And begin around Raven, she couldn't help but smile at times.

"Oh, you should have heard him!" Raven said, chewing on an apple during lunch on Monday. Liriel was busy in the library, studying as always. "He wouldn't stop talking about you!"

Sindaria blushed slightly, glancing over at the Slytherin table where Dominic met her eye. He smiled and she felt a wave of happiness wash over her.

"Hello? Earth to Aremis!" Raven said, waving her hand in front of Sindaria's face.

Sindaria blinked, looking at her best friend. "What?"

"You were completely gone there," Raven said, laughing.

"Oh, sorry," Sindaria said, smiling slightly.

Raven gave her a sideways look. "Next time to do that, I'm going to dump a bottle of Canary Ink on your head."

"You wouldn't!" Sindaria said, looking at Raven, her eyes wide.

Raven smirked. "Oh, you bet I would."

"Porthos!"

"Aremis!" Raven mocked. Sindaria picked up a grape and threw it at Raven. Raven ducked. "Help! I'm getting attacked by Killer Grapes!"

Everyone laughed and Raven jumped out of her seat, running out of the Great Hall, Sindaria chasing after her with a handful of grapes.

As Sindaria was about to tackle Raven, someone grabbed her around the waist, spinning her around. She looked up to see Dominic's bright blue eyes looking down at her, a grin on his face. "Pelting your best friend with grapes now? What has this world come to?"

Sindaria took a grape and threw it at Dominic, laughing for the first time in awhile. Dominic grabbed her hand, preventing her from throwing any more grapes. "Resorted to throwing grapes . . . tsk, tsk."

"Want me to throw something heavier?"

Dominic, however, didn't answer, and kissed her instead. The loneliness that she had felt washed away and she felt as though everything could be alright again.

"Get a room!" she heard Raven yell and Sindaria spun around to face Raven, who was standing at the base of one of the moving staircases.

"Killer Grapes!" Sindaria yelled and broke from Dominic's embrace, chasing after Raven, flight after flight, throwing grapes.

When they reached the common room, both of them collapsed onto the couch, breathing hard. Then they collapsed into laughter. "Oh, that was fun," Raven said, taking a deep breath.

"Yes, it was."

Raven looked at her. "At least I got you to laugh."

Sindaria nodded, smiling. "For that, I am grateful. Thanks."

"What are best friends for?"

* * *

That evening, the three of them were sitting around a table, working on their History of Magic essays, when Raven climbed up onto the table, clearing her throat.

Everyone looked at her. "Welcome to yet another episode. Episode VI: Return of the Killer Grapes!"

Liriel looked up at Raven, arching an eyebrow, "When did they attack before?" Raven looked thoughtful

"Well, you weren't there . . . right then . . . ." she mused, "Return of the Killer Feather!!!"

Then she jumped off the table, tackling Liriel, conjuring a feather and tickling her with it. "Oh, Lord, stop!" Liriel gasped, tears in her eyes from laughing so hard. At least the carpet was plush, for Liriel was flat on her back.

All the Ravenclaws around them were laughing, watching the scene unfold. Sindaria was sitting back, laughing as Raven pinned Liriel, tickling her some more. Then, the two of them stopped and looked at Sindaria, grinning wickedly.

"Oh, no . . ." Sindaria said, her eyes wide. She stumbled out of her chair and raced towards the stairs.

"Aremis!" she heard Raven call and suddenly, they tackled her in the hallway and she was put under the Tickle Torture.

"Cheer up! Laugh!" Liriel demanded.

"I'm laughing! I'm laughing!" Sindaria managed, tears in her eyes. Her best friends sat back, grinning.

"Good!" Raven said.

"Hey! You three! Professor Flitwick is here!" Francis yelled up from the base of the stairs. The three jumped up and ran downstairs, standing under the archway, looking at Professor Flitwick who was standing on top of one of the tables.

"I would just like to make an announcement," he said in his squeaky voice. "As you know, I am a former dueling champion and I have spoken with the other professors and the headmaster, and we are going to have a Dueling Tournament!"

Cheers rose up in the crowed of Ravenclaws and Flitwick held up his hands, quieting them down a bit. "The Champion will face me in the end. We will have a bracket system. The Preliminaries are next week, so anyone wishing to test their skill, meet in the Great Hall at eight o'clock on Thursday. Thank you." Flitwick climbed down and left.

As soon as they heard the portrait close, the room became very noisy, filled with excited chattering.

"Are you going to enter, Porthos?" Sindaria asked.

Raven grinned, nodding. "Oh, you bet! I've been dueling since I was five."

"FIVE?" Liriel and Sindaria both asked, shocked.

Raven nodded. "I had a play wand that could only do a few spells up until I was eleven, when I bought my school wand, and my parents, since they're both Aurors, taught me how to duel. And I love doing it!"

"I think I'm going to enter, too," Sindaria said.

"Brilliant!" Raven exclaimed.

"Well, I'll be rooting you both on from the sidelines. I don't have the time," Liriel said.

Sindaria and Raven looked at her. "Athos! You can't break up the Three Musketeers!" Raven exclaimed.

"I'm still going to be there at your matches," Liriel assured her. "I just won' be participating."

Raven shrugged. "It's your loss." She looked at Sindaria. "You know, with your abilities, you'll be quite a dueler."

"You think so?" Sindaria asked.

Her friends nodded. "Oh, most definitely," Liriel said.

"Will you help me get ready for it?" Sindaria asked, looking at Liriel.

"I'll see what I can do."

Sindaria yawned. "Blimey, I'm tired. I'm going to go get some sleep."

"But that's what History of Magic is for!" Raven said.

"True, but I want more than an hour of sleep. Goodnight," Sindaria said, smiling, and headed back upstairs. As soon as her head hit the pillow, she was fast asleep.

* * *

During Charms the next day, they were working with Tickling Charms and by the end of the class, everyone was on the floor, laughing. It took Professor Flitwick ten minutes to walk around and lift the charm. Raven nearly fell off of her desk, she was laughing so hard and when the charm was lifted, she really did fall off and down onto the desk below her. She wasn't hurt at all; it just made her laugh even harder.

After Broom Flying, which was going a lot better now that they could at least hover a bit, Sindaria walked over to Hagrid's hut to talk to him and see if he wanted to go see the winged horse. "So yeh can really talk ter animals?" Hagrid asked as they walked through the Forbidden Forest.

Sindaria nodded. "Ever since I was young and once I discovered I had magic, I found that I could talk to them a lot easier. I think before that I wasn't sure exactly what was going on. There was this one time when I was nine and I heard a voice say 'help!' and I thought it was a person, so I ran in the direction of the voice. I never found a person, but I did find a cat that had got itself stuck in a window. I helped it and when it left, I could have sworn it said 'thanks'. At the time, I brushed it off as hearing things, but once all those odd things I told you began happening to me and the Conners explained what I was, it made much more sense."

Hagrid smiled. "I'm so glad that yeh can do that! It's brilliant! I've always had a love fer animals, but now that yeh can talk ter them . . . I can' wait! Oh, here it is."

Sindaria looked around at the clearing, not seeing anything. "There's nothing here."

"Well, that's because this winged horse is a black one. It can become invisible."

"Oh, isn't that a Thestra?" Sindaria asked. "It's considered unlucky, isn't it?"

Hagrid looked ready to burst with happiness. "Yeh know yer animals!"

Sindaria grinned. "Yes, I love animals." She closed her eyes, listening to the forest around her. "Hello?" she said softly.

Hello, the word came like a breeze, washing over her.

"It's here," Sindaria whispered and Hagrid nodded.

Sindaria stepped out in the middle of the clearing. "Can you show yourself to me?"

There is someone else with you . . . I am afraid.

"Don't be afraid. He wants to help you. He loves animals.

Yes, I sensed that . . . what is your name?

"Sindaria."

It was quiet for a few moments, and then the most amazing creature appeared in front of Sindaria. The horse was huge, nearly has big as Hagrid, and black as the blackest nights. Its eyes, however, were extraordinary. They seemed to catch all the light, reflecting it in a brilliant display of colors. Its black wings were huge and even though they were folded at the moment, Sindaria could tell that they must span at least fifty feet.

"You're beautiful," Sindaria whispered, taking a cautious step towards the animal.

Thank you. My name is Krishna. The horse shifted as if his front hoof was bothering him.

"You're hurt. Will you let us help you?"

Krishna looked at Sindaria with one of his multi-colored eyes and then bowed his head. I would be grateful for your help.

Sindaria motioned to Hagrid, who walked over and knelt beside Krishna. He began bandaging the horse's leg where there was a huge gash. As Hagrid put some disinfectant potion on the wound, Sindaria saw Krishna shudder slightly and she walked over, placing her hands on the bowed head. She leaned her face against Krishna, soothing him.

"It'll be over soon, I promise," she whispered.

You can change your form . . . I sense that.

Sindaria smiled, looking into Krishna's eyes. "Yes, I'm an Animagus."

You have an extraordinary ability, young one. Use it wisely.

"I will do what I can."

"There, yeh'r all fixed up now," Hagrid said, standing.

Thank you. I must go.

Sindaria stepped back as Krishna lifted his head, testing his weight on his bandaged leg. "Do you have to leave?"

Yes, but we will meet again. And then he disappeared.

Hagrid turned to her. "What did he say?"

"He has to leave," Sindaria said softly, looking at the spot where Krishna had vanished. Meet again? What did he mean? "He says thank you for your help."

"I'm glad that I could help 'im," Hagrid said. "I wish I could talk ter animals . . ." Hagrid added wistfully.

Sindaria looked at him and smiled. "You do a lot of good even without being able to talk to them. They sense your healing touch and that's why animals take to you so easily. As with me, they sense the Animagus and Natural part of me . . . you have a gift, Hagrid."

Hagrid smiled, a few tears coming to his eyes. "Yeh'r too sweet, Ari," he said. "Yeh don' deserve all that pain." He enveloped her in a huge hug and she could barely breathe. Finally, he let her go and she smiled, taking a few deep breaths.

"Thanks, Hagrid."

* * *

That evening, Raven and Sindaria practiced their dueling, on each other and on inanimate objects. Raven wasn't kidding when she said she could duel. She was extremely good and Sindaria learned a lot from her. Lying in bed that night, she could feel all her bones aching and she fell into an exhausted sleep.

As the week passed, their practices grew even harder, preparing for the Preliminaries that were coming up on Thursday. Wednesday, during Transfiguration, they were working on Switching Spells, where they had two objects and had to Transfigure each into the other. Alex, as usual, managed to blow up his objects, but unlike all the other times where he would just laugh, he just sat there, looking at his smoking objects, his face black. "I'm sorry, Professor," he said softly and didn't say a word for the rest of the period.

This was highly unusual, for Alex was nearly as loud as Raven during class. After class, Sindaria saw Alex head off towards the Slytherin common room and ran after him, stopping him in the corridor. "Alex?" she said, her hand on his shoulder. He looked at her, his face unreadable. "What's the matter?"

"It's . . . nothing," Alex said, looking down and moving to leave.

"Stop. Alex, I know there's something wrong. You're never this quiet, even when you're sick. Like the time you had that horrible cough and you could barely talk, but you still kept chattering away in the hospital room? Madam Pomfrey was ready to kick you out because you wouldn't stop talking." Alex didn't even crack a smile and Sindaria grew extremely worried. The Alex she knew was never without a smile on his face. "Alex, please."

"Just leave me alone. You don't know what I'm going through," Alex suddenly snarled, wrenching his arm out of Sindaria's grasp. She looked at him, shocked. "You don't understand. You grew up with Muggles, how could you ever understand? You're just a Mudblood."

At this point, Sindaria lost her usual controlled temper. This was not the Alex she knew, for he would never say something so nasty. There was something seriously wrong. "Alexander Nott! How dare you call me that! What is your problem? You're never like this! And how do you know I can't understand what you're going through? How do you know that I'm not going through the same thing? My parents, my entire family, is dead! DEAD!!! Do you hear that Alex? DEAD!!" Alex looked slightly taken aback from this outburst and revelation. The picture on the front of the Daily Prophet had just shown a Muggle home; no one knew that it was her house except for Dominic, Raven, Liriel, and the Conners. Most of the professors most likely knew as well. Sindaria took a deep breath and, glancing around at the students that had stopped to stare, she said much softer, so only Alex could hear, "My father is Macnair, Alex; how do you think that makes me feel? Having a Death Eater as a father? And one that wants me to follow in his footsteps?"

Alex swallowed and suddenly the hardened look on his face shattered. "Oh, my God, Ari, I'm so sorry," he said and embraced her. "Please forgive me."

Sindaria stepped away. "Alex, we're friends. Of course I forgive you. Just don't ever act like that again!" Alex nodded. "Now, will you tell me what's wrong?"

Alex took a deep breath. "Can we go somewhere a little more private?"

Sindaria nodded. "Of course. I know just the place."

She led him to the secret passageway that led up to the hidden courtyard and sat down next to Alex on the stone bench. "That's a beautiful sight," Alex said, looking out at the lake and the mountains. "It's very relaxing."

Sindaria nodded. "Yes, it is."

They sat in silence for a few moments, and then Alex spoke up, still looking out at the lake. "My father . . . he's a Death Eater. As is my brother." Sindaria sat quietly, just listening. She could tell this was hard for Alex to talk about. "And . . . they want me to become a Death Eater as well. There's a meeting over the spring holidays where I am to be initiated as an Apprentice to my father." Alex looked at her. "Ari, I don't want to be a Death Eater! But . . . my father won't give me the choice. I'm going to be forced into something that I don't want!"

"No one can force you to do anything," Sindaria said, placing a hand on Alex's arm. "My father wants me to be a Death Eater as well, but don't you think for a minute that I'll give in easily. I'll fight him to the very end, whatever that may be. Don't let them push you around, Alex."

Alex nodded, looking down at the ground. "I know you're right, Ari . . . I just hope I'm strong enough to refuse."

"You do what you think is right. It's not my decision. It's yours."

Alex looked at her and cracked a small smile. "Thanks, Ari. You're a really good friend." He hugged her and they stood.

"I'll always be here for you; don't ever hesitate to come to me."

Alex smiled. "I won't."

* * *

Thursday evening, the students that were entering the Dueling Tournament stood to one side in the Great Hall. The hall had been completely transformed. Instead of four tables, there were many smaller tables placed around where the individual duels would be taking place. Bleachers had been set up in various areas so that other students could watch the preliminary duels.

Sindaria stood next to Raven, Dominic, and Alex, listening as Professor Flitwick described the rules. "Now, since there are about twenty of you here, the winners of their duel will go on to the rest of the Dueling Tournament. The ten finalists will be meeting with me several times up until the actual Tournament in April, two weeks before the spring holidays. There is a sheet tacked up at each table, telling who will duel where. Find your tables and get ready."

"This is going to be wicked!" Raven exclaimed as they walked around, finding their spots. "Oh! Here's mine! Oh, bloody hell," Raven cursed.

"What?" Sindaria asked.

Raven pointed to the paper where it said her name and the person she was paired up with.

Raven Sanders vs. Victoria Wilkes

"She's no match for you," Dominic said, grinning. "I wouldn't worry."

"Oh, I'm not worried," Raven said, smiling. "I'll be glad to knock her down a few notches in pride. I just wanted to face her in the actual Tournament."

They laughed and Raven climbed up onto the table, leaving the other three to keep wandering. "Here I am," Alex said, pointing.

Alexander Nott vs Ronald Weasley.

"A fifth-year?!!" Alex exclaimed. "Is that fair?"

"He's a Weasley, Alex," Dominic said. "You'll be fine." Alex looked at them worriedly and then climbed up onto his table.

Dominic and Sindaria kept walking and found Dominic's place.

Dominic Conner vs Malcolm Baddock.

"See you in the finals," Dominic said, smiling, and climbed up onto the table. Sindaria waved and weaved through the many tables, finally finding her match.

Sindaria Olsen vs Blaise Zabini.

Blaise, huh? Sindaria thought with a smile. This shall be interesting.

Sindaria climbed up onto the table and saw that Blaise was already standing there, running a hand through his red hair. "Ready?" Blaise asked with a grin on his face.

Sindaria grinned back. "This is going to be brilliant!" She glanced out over the mass of people at the other tables where the duelists were taking their places.

Sindaria turned back to Blaise, taking out her wand. "You're left-handed?" Blaise asked, arching an eyebrow.

"That make you nervous?" Sindaria asked with a smile.

"No, it's just . . . different."

"Places!" they heard Flitwick's amplified voice call. Sindaria and Blaise spun on their heals, taking three steps back and turning to face each other. "On three, cast your charms! But only to disarm! We don't want any deaths! One! Two! Three!"

"Rictusempra!" Blaise yelled and Sindaria countered.

"Contego," Sindaria said, waving her wand over her body and then, before Blaise could react, she shouted, "Auri Velico!"

Blaise missed the counter-curse and his ears began twitching madly. "Finite Incantatem! Petrificus Totalus!"

"Demo Capillus!"

"Vicissitudo!"

"Stringo Visum!"

"Preoccupo Oratio!"

Sindaria tried to counter the Lip-Locker Curse, but failed and couldn't speak. Blaise, whose vision was impaired, smirked and was about to say the Disarming Charm when Sindaria closed her eyes and thought Stupefy! And Blaise fell over, Stunned. Pointing her wand at her mouth, she thought, Finite Incantatem, and she could speak again. "Expelliarmus!" Sindaria shouted and Blaise's wand flew into her outstretched hand.

The students that had been watching cheered loudly and Sindaria grinned. She waited until Flitwick had written down the winner and then she walked over to Blaise. "Ennervate," she said and Blaise staggered up. She handed him back his wand and they shook hands. "Good job."

Blaise grinned. "You were brilliant, Ari. Bloody hell, you can duel!"

"You'll have to thank Raven for that. She's the one that's helped me prepare."

"How did you Stun me?" he asked, confused. "You couldn't speak."

Sindaria smiled secretively. "One of my many hidden talents."

Blaise just shook his head, laughing and the climbed off the table, running over to where Raven and Vicki would be facing off. Their duel was still in progress, and was turning out to be the longest. All the other pairs had finished and these two were still going at each other's throats.

"Necto!" Raven yelled but Vicki counter-cursed.

"Engorgio!"

"Expulsum!"

"Furnunculus!"

"Exornus!"

"Locomotor Mortis!"

"Invertespatium!" Vicki flew back, landing hard. She was covered in fur from a previous curse and Raven had cat ears instead of regular ones.

Vicki leapt up and yelled, "Tarantellegra!"

Raven countered it and yelled, "Sasprissianis!"

Vicki barely dodged getting hit with the Jelly Legs Jinx and shouted, "Expelliarmus!" Raven's wand flew from her hand but Raven only grinned. The students around the table were groaning but quieted when they saw Raven smirking.

"Sorry, Sanders," Vicki sneered. "Looks like you lost. Professor Flitwick! We're finished!"

"Not yet," Raven whispered and held out her hand. "Impedimentia!" And Vicki froze. "Expelliarumus!" Raven called and Vicki's wand flew into her hand. "Now we're finished."

Raven walked over and took her wand from Vicki's grasp, placing it in her robes. Flitwick walked over and reversed the spell on Vicki. "Raven Sanders will continue on to the next round."

The entire room erupted into cheers, as every student, even the other duelers, had been watching the match in anticipation. Vicki just glared at Raven and stormed off. Raven grinned, hopping down off of the table and running over to where Dominic and Sindaria stood.

"That was wicked!" Sindaria exclaimed. "You were amazing!"

Raven grinned. "Thanks! You won?" Sindaria nodded. Raven looked at Dominic. "How'd you do?"

"I was up against Malcolm, but I won. He put up a good fight though."

"Brilliant," Raven said. "Now, for some celebration! Duelists! Ravenclaw common room!" Raven shouted and the mass of students flooded out.

That evening, after hours of partying, Sindaria lay on her bed, exhausted from the preliminaries. "Porthos?" she called.

"Hmm . . ." Raven murmured.

"I didn't know you could do wandless magic."

"Yeah . . . I learned how last year . . ." she murmured and then she was snoring softly.

Sindaria looked up at the dark blue hangings above her bed. This tournament is going to be quite interesting.

* * *

As the weeks flew by, everyone was studying hard for their upcoming exams and for the Dueling Tournament. Several days each month, Flitwick had the duelists meet and practice. Those nights, Sindaria and Raven came back to the common room, thoroughly exhausted. A few times, Sindaria went out and visited Hagrid to see what new creature he had adopted. She never did see Krishna again, though. She and Firaxis, however, had many conversations, mostly about school; a few times, he actually spoke with her about her father and what she was going to do. She still hadn't decided.

Alex seemed to be doing better and was back to his usual self. Raven was hyperactive, as usual, constantly bringing laughs from everyone, even the professors. The Three Musketeers were well known and had already been named the next Marauders.

Every few days, Sindaria received a letter from Gabriel and Sarah and, along with all her friends; she was able to enjoy life again. She knew her parents wouldn't have wanted her to be depressed.

Sindaria was doing well in her classes and had even managed to win respect from Snape for her Potion-making. Quidditch season had started back up again and Ravenclaw had its first match against Hufflepuff, which they ended up winning, steam-rollering Hufflepuff. Gryffindor ended up beating Slytherin in early April, so it would be Ravenclaw versus Gryffindor at the end of May, in the final match for the Quidditch Cup.

They were working on particular hard Potions and Transfiguration homework when Raven had had enough and jumped up onto the table. "Okay! No more homework!" Everyone looked at her, interested, as every time Raven announced something, funny things happened.

"Raven, what are you doing?" Liriel asked, looking up at her best friend.

"I have written a poem." She cleared her throat and held out an imaginary scroll. "Four score and yesterday, Moldie Voldie went mad, thanks to the Three Musketeers!" She bowed deeply. "Thank you."

Everyone was laughing and Liriel had to hide her face behind her book. "Where do you come up with that stuff?" Sindaria asked, laughing.

Raven shrugged. "I'm very talented," she said, grinning.

At that moment, Professor Flitwick walked in. "Ms. Sanders, could you please follow me?" he asked.

Raven nodded. "Sure, professor," she said slowly, hopping off the table. She glanced back at Liriel and Sindaria, confused. She mouthed 'what's going on?'

Liriel and Sindaria shrugged and Raven left with Flitwick. "She probably got in trouble for something," Liriel said.

Sindaria chewed her lip thoughtfully. "Maybe . . . but I didn't get that feeling . . . there's something wrong."

"You think we should follow?"

"Definitely."

Sindaria and Liriel stood and headed out of the common room.

"Where are you two going at this hour?" a voice asked and they spun to see Dominic walking towards them.

"Blimey, Dominic, you scared us there for a second," Liriel said, smiling. "What are you doing up?"

"Heading back from the library." He looked at their worried faces. "What's wrong?"

"Professor Flitwick just called Raven out of the common room. We're worried," Sindaria said.

"Well, why are we just standing around, then? Let's go find her," Dominic said and they began walking.

As they walked, Dominic squeezed Sindaria's hand. "It'll be okay," he said softly.

"I hope so," Sindaria whispered. As they turned a corner, they saw Professor Flitwick walking down the hall, but there was no Raven. "Excuse me? Professor? Where's Raven?"

Professor Flitwick stopped, looking at them. "She's in the Headmaster's office. I suggest you three go back to your common rooms before you get points deduced. Miss Sanders is fine. She'll be back later." With that, Professor Flitwick left and the three stared at each other.

"What do you think happened?" Sindaria asked.

"I don't know . . ." Dominic said softly. "Huh."

"Well, we'd better get back," Liriel said. "I for one don't want to lose our house points. Ravenclaw deserves the House Cup and we won't win it if we keep losing points."

"You're right," Sindaria said, sighing. She looked at Dominic. "You think she'll be okay?"

Dominic nodded. "Don't worry." He kissed her. "You three are unbreakable." He walked away from them, heading towards his own common room. Liriel and Sindaria headed back to Ravenclaw Tower.

They sat up all night, waiting for Raven to return, but she didn't. The next day, they didn't see her in any of their classes and were growing quite worried as they headed back to their common room. The next day was the Dueling Tournament and Raven hadn't been to their meeting that afternoon. She was still in the tournament, provided that she surfaced the next day.

"God, I hope she's alright," Sindaria said as they walked through the tunnel and entered the common room.

Liriel nodded and then she froze. Sindaria followed her gaze and saw that Raven was sitting in one of the chairs, looking into the fire, her face emotionless. The common room itself was quite empty and it was eerily quiet.

"Raven!" Sindaria cried, running over to her best friend, squatting down next to the chair in which Raven was sitting.

Liriel pulled up a chair and sat down, looking at Raven. "Raven? What happened?"

Raven's eyes reflected the light from the fire, betraying no emotion. She just stared at the fire. "Raven? Please! What's wrong?" Sindaria asked, Summoning a chair and sitting down, looking at Raven, quite worriedly.

A solitary tear trickled down Raven's cheek but she didn't say anything. Then they noticed that a copy of the Daily Prophet was lying in her lap. Sindaria picked it up and on the front page it read 'Ministry is stunned. Three families of Aurors were murdered.'

"Oh, God," Sindaria said softly. "Raven, I'm so sorry." Sindaria handed the paper to Liriel, who had a similar reaction.

"We're here for you," Liriel whispered and they climbed into the huge chair, hugging Raven and not letting go for a very long time.

Raven didn't speak a word to anyone and when she came into the tent where the duelists were meeting before the Tournament, she still hadn't spoken a word. Everyone was beginning to worry, for the Raven they all knew and loved was always hyper and always talking and coming up with new pranks to play. This Raven never spoke and had a very determined look on her face. None of the other duelists especially wanted to duel her, for they knew how good she was.

"Alright, everyone, now here's the list of matches," Professor Flitwick said, standing on top of a table and looking at the ten duelists. "Ronald Weasley versus Raven Sanders; Harry Potter versus Wesley Caroltin; Draco Malfoy versus Sindaria Olsen; Brandon Nott versus Dominic Conner; and Graham Pritchard versus Colin Creevey."

Sindaria looked at Raven, watching worriedly as Raven gripped her wand tightly in her hands, looking quite angry and determined. Sindaria had never seen her like this and it was frightening.

"We'll be doing one match at a time and we will announce the winner after each. You will all stay in this tent until it is your time to duel. At that time, you may leave and walk out onto the pitch. You will all be able to watch the final duel up in the stands. Good luck. Listen for your names." Professor Flitwick hopped off the table and left the tent, which was silent with tension.

The Quidditch pitch had been transformed for the Dueling Tournament and the stands were packed with students and professors, as well as other adults.

"WELCOME TO THE FIRST DUELING TOURNAMNET!!" Sindaria heard the announcer yell from outside. It was Lee Jordan, one of the Weasley twin's good friends. He also did the commentary for the Quidditch matches. "We're going to have a very exciting day! We have ten extremely talented duelists and this shall be quite a show! Now, without further ado, the first match! Fifth-year Gryffindor Ronald Weasley versus first-year Ravenclaw Raven Sanders!"

Sindaria watched as Ron and Raven walked out of the tent and listened as the match went on. Curses and hexes were shouted and Sindaria could hear the crowd "oohing" and "aahing." Sindaria wanted to be out there so badly, but she knew she had to wait.

"Nervous?" Dominic asked, sitting down next to Sindaria.

"I'd be lying to you if I said 'no'," Sindaria said with a smile.

Dominic put his arm around her waist. "You'll be fine."

Sindaria looked up at Dominic, smiling. "Thanks."

They heard a loud 'thud' from outside and they both looked towards the flap in the tent. The stands were silent and then there was loud applause.

A few minutes later, Raven stormed in, sitting down in a corner and refusing to speak with anyone. Ron limped in a few moments later and immediately Harry ran up to him. "Ron! What happened?"

"Watch out for her, Harry," Ron said, wincing. "She's good. Real good." Harry helped Ron over to a bench, sitting down next to him.

"Blimey! That was one incredible match! Now, to the second match! Second-year Slytherin Graham Pritchard versus fourth-year Gryffindor Colin Creevey!"

Graham and Colin headed out, but not before Graham winked at Dominic, who smiled back.

"That's going to be slaughter!" Ron exclaimed. "Slytherin versus Gryffindor?"

"You have a problem, Weasel?" Draco sneered.

Ron glared at Draco. "Shove it, Malfoy. Be glad that you don't have to face me."

Draco smirked. "I wouldn't want to taint my hands dueling you, Weasel."

"Why you -!" Harry grabbed Ron's shoulders, sitting him back down on the bench.

"Calm down, Ron. Malfoy will get his due."

Draco just smirked and turned to Brandon, deep in conversation.

"Is she going to be alright?" Wesley asked, nodding to Raven.

Sindaria looked at him and then looked at Raven, who was clenching her wand tightly in her fist. "I hope so, Wesley, I really do."

There was a loud explosion and then Graham and Colin walked back in, both of them black with smoking hair. "Charm backfired," Graham said, wincing.

Draco glared at Colin, who shrunk back and fled over to Harry. Draco stood, took Graham by the arm, and led him to where he and Brandon were sitting.

"First-year Ravenclaw Wesley Caroltin versus fifth-year Gryffindor Harry Potter!"

"Good luck!" Sindaria whispered as Wesley headed out of the tent. She watched as Harry stood, spoke in undertones to Ron, and then left for his match. Sindaria stood and walked over to where Ron was sitting. "You okay?" she asked.

Ron looked at her. "Why aren't you hanging out with your Slytherin boyfriend?"

Sindaria folded her arms. "Ronald Weasley, just because I have friends in Slytherin, doesn't mean that I have to hang around them every second. I have friends in all the other houses as well. Besides, why would I be talking to you?"

Ron shrugged.

"What's it like out there?"

"It's pretty nerve-wracking," Ron admitted. "Those stands surround you and it's just you and the other person down on the pitch. And, of course, Professor Flitwick, the referee."

"What happened out there?"

"Your friend is good with curses; that's all I can really say. She threw them at me so fast; I barely had a chance to react."

"Bloody hell . . ." Sindaria whispered. She looked over at Raven, who had a very stormy look on her face.

"Is Raven okay?" Ron asked, following Sindaria's gaze.

"I hope so. She hasn't spoken a word for days and it's really worrying us. She usually so loud."

Ron let out a soft chuckle. "Yes, she's quite loud. Even in History of Magic, I hear she's always energetic. Binns probably doesn't know what to do with her."

Sindaria laughed. "Yes, that's quite true. This one time, Binns was droning on about the goblin rebellions, pacing, or floating I suppose, in front of the class. He was talking about how the goblins sometimes snuck up on their enemies, for they were quite stealthy, and then they'd ambush them from behind. Well, Raven decided it was too boring and she snuck down to the front of the class. She began stalking Binns from behind, holding up her hands like one of those monster movies. She leapt through him and scared the living daylights out of him. It was hilarious! Not that she scared Binns, but just the entire event. It was the highlight of that day."

Ron laughed. "That does sound hilarious. Wish I could have been there."

Sindaria nodded, grinning. "It was bloody brilliant."

Harry and Wesley came back a few minutes later, breathing hard.

"First-year Ravenclaw Sindaria Olsen versus fifth-year Slytherin Draco Malfoy!"

Sindaria stood. "Here goes nothing."

"Good luck," Ron said.

"Thanks," Sindaria said, smiling.

Dominic walked over to her and gave her a hug. "He may be one of my best friends, but win . . . I know you can."

"Thanks, Dominic," she said and took her wand out of her pocket, walking out of the tent with Draco.

They faced each other on the pitch, smiling as Professor Flitwick had them shake hands and spaced them out, preparing them to duel. Sindaria tuned out the people that surrounded her and focused on Draco.

"One! Two! Three!"

"Flipendo!" Draco shouted and Sindaria dodged the jinx

"Silentium!"

"Expulsum!"

"Confundo!"

"Furnunculus!"

"Tarantellegra!"

"Impedimentia!"

"Locomotor Mortis!"

They continued firing off spells at each other and then Draco hit her with a Full-Body Bind curse, knocking her flat on her back. She couldn't move a muscle, but she could still think. If she could have moved her lips, she would have grinned. Draco walked over and was reaching for her wand when she thought 'Invertespatium!' and Draco flew back, landing hard on the pitch, the wind knocked out of him. 'Expelliarmus!' she thought and his wand flew towards her, landing in her rigid hand. 'Finite Incantatem,' she thought and blinked, standing and gripping both wands in her hand.

Walking over to Draco and helping him up, they headed back to the tent, the cheering of the crowd deafening around them. "How did you do that?" Draco asked in awe. "You were in a Full-Body Bind!"

"True, but I could still use my mind," Sindaria said, grinning.

"What?"

"I have many hidden talents, Draco; you have yet to figure them all out," Sindaria said simply and headed over to Dominic, who enveloped her in a huge hug, kissing her.

"I knew you'd win! Brilliant job!"

"Thanks," Sindaria said, grinning. She looked at Harry and Ron, who both grinned and gave her thumbs up.

"Fourth-year Slytherin Dominic Conner versus fifth-year Slytherin Brandon Nott!"

"My turn," Dominic said, pulling away.

"Good luck." Dominic smiled, winked, and headed out of the tent, followed by Brandon.

Several loud curses and explosions were heard and then it was silent. The crowd erupted into applause a few minutes later and Dominic and Brandon entered, looking extremely worn. They collapsed onto a bench, breathing hard.

"Now, we will have a fifteen minute break while our five semi-finalists get ready for their matches."

Professor Flitwick walked in a few minutes later, holding a short scroll. All the duelists turned their attention to him. "First, I want to congratulate you all on a brilliant performance. We had several extraordinary matches. These are the following semi-finalist matches and they will go in the order that I read: Dominic Conner versus Graham Pritchard; Raven Sanders versus Sindaria Olsen; and Dominic Conner versus Harry Potter. Good luck. The rest of you are welcome outside in the stands."

Professor Flitwick left and the duelists that weren't in the semi-finals gave their 'good lucks' to everyone and left, leaving Dominic, Graham, Raven, Sindaria, and Harry alone in the tent. Dominic and Graham sat talking in a corner; Raven was still secluding herself from everyone, and that left Sindaria and Harry sitting together, talking.

"Well, looks like you've done well. Didn't do too badly on your exams last term," Harry said, smiling.

Sindaria chuckled. "Yeah, thanks to Hermione. Don't know what I would have done without her. You're really lucky to have her for a friend."

"You're pretty lucky yourself," Harry said. "The Three Musketeers." He laughed. "You've got two really good best friends."

"So do you."

Harry laughed. "Yes, I suppose I do." He glanced at Raven, who was still glaring angrily at the ground. "Is she going to be alright?"

"Lord, I hope so. This is really worrying me," Sindaria said, looking at Raven. "She has never acted like this before."

"Her parents were killed, weren't they?"

Sindaria looked at him. "You read about it?"

Harry nodded. "Yes. It seems everyone is losing their parents . . ." he said softly.

"And now!! For our first match of the semi-finals! Fourth-year Slytherin Dominic Conner versus second-year Slytherin Graham Pritchard!"

Dominic looked at Sindaria, who gave him a big smile, and left the tent, followed closely behind by Graham. When they came back, Dominic was grinning and whispered, "Good luck!" as she passed him to go out for her match.

"First-year Ravenclaw Sindaria Olsen versus first-year Ravenclaw Raven Sanders!"

"Are you okay?" Sindaria whispered as she and Raven walked out. Raven didn't answer and instead, took her place, facing Sindaria. Flitwick had them shake hands and prepared them for the duel.

"One! Two! Three!"

Raven wasted no time in shouting several curses at Sindaria, who barely managed to avoid them. "Exornus!" Sindaria yelled but Raven deflected the curse easily.

"Penipotentus!"

"Petrificus Totalus!"

"Preoccupo Oratio!"

"Sasprissianis!"

"Reducto!" Sindaria leapt out of the way barely, as the ground exploded beside her. Her heart was beating quickly and she quickly dodged several more curses thrown at her by Raven.

"Vicissitudo!"

"Rictusempra!"

"Tarantellegra!"

"Impedimentia!"

"Furnunculus!"

"Stringo Visum!" Sindaria tried to dodge, but the curse hit her, causing her vision to become blurry. The Conjunctivitis Curse. Sindaria squinted, trying to make out Raven, but all she saw was a black blur.

Then she was hit by something, some sort of curse, but she was completely dazed, and couldn't think straight. She felt her wand fly out of her hand, but she didn't think anything of it. She stumbled around, thinking blissful thoughts. Suddenly, a wave of light overwhelmed her and she was back at the pitch, her vision fine again and thinking normally. She blinked, looking around at the stands.

She looked at Raven, who smiled for the first time in several days. Then Raven walked away, tossing Sindaria her wand as she walked by. Sindaria followed her back to the tent, determined to see what was wrong with her. Dominic and Harry were called out at that time and left Sindaria and Raven alone.

"Raven, please talk to me," Sindaria said, sitting down next to Raven.

Raven looked at her, her face expressionless. They sat that way for several minutes and then Raven broke down. The tears kept coming and she buried her face in Sindaria's arms, sobbing loudly.

"Oh, Raven," Sindaria whispered, stroking Raven's long hair and holding her tightly. "Let it all out. It helps. I know."

Raven was still sobbing in Sindaria's arms when Dominic and Harry came back, both looking tired.

"The finalists are first-year Ravenclaw Raven Sanders and fourth-year Slytherin Dominic Conner! The final match will commence in a half an hour!"

Dominic sat down in a corner, lying down on a bench and closing his eyes, trying to sleep a little and relax his sore muscles. Harry, with a smile at Sindaria, left the tent, heading to the stands to see his friends.

Raven lifted her head; her face stained with tears, and looked into Sindaria's eyes. "It just hurt . . . so much," Raven managed; the first words she had spoken in days.

"I know, I know," Sindaria soothed. "You know you'll always have me and Liriel. We'll never leave you. Don't bottle up your emotions; you have a habit of doing that. It'll only make it worse. Don't ever be afraid to cry."

Raven nodded. "Yes . . . but I think I was in shock . . . I just couldn't believe it," she said softly, looking down. She straightened and Sindaria turned to face her best friend. "I couldn't believe they were gone. Just like that. I really believed that he couldn't reach them, couldn't hurt them. I was so wrong," she said bitterly. "And now I'm alone."

"No, you're not alone," Sindaria said firmly. Raven looked at her. "You have me and Liriel. The Three Musketeers, remember? All for one and one for all. We'll never leave each other."

Raven smiled. "You're right. Thanks, Aremis."

"You win, Porthos. You show them."

Raven nodded and hugged Sindaria. "Thanks for being the greatest friend anyone could have."

Sindaria smiled, pulling back. "Next time you decide to go all quiet, make sure you tell us first and don't scare us like that again!"

Raven chuckled. "I won't."

"Class was quite boring without you."

Raven grinned. "I would think it would be. Did Binns actually sigh in relief?"

Sindaria laughed. "Most likely." She stood. "Well, I'm going to head up to the stands. Good luck."

Raven smiled. "Thanks."

Sindaria walked over to Dominic, nudging him awake. "I'm going to head up now. Good luck."

Dominic sat up, grinning. "Thanks. We'll see what happens." He glanced at Raven. "Is she okay now?"

Sindaria nodded. "Yes, thankfully."

"Good." Dominic kissed her. "I'll see you after the match."

Sindaria smiled. "See you then." With one last wave to Raven and Dominic, she headed outside and up into the stands. She found Liriel and Alex sitting in one of the front rows, discussing who they thought would win.

"Hiya, Ari!" Alex said, grinning as she took her place next to Liriel.

"Hi."

"You were brilliant!" Liriel exclaimed. "I can't wait to see this match!"

"I know; it's going to be quite interesting."

At that moment, they heard Lee announce, "AND THE FINAL MATCH IS ABOUT TO BEGIN!!!! We have seen many talented witches and wizards today and this final match will be no exception! Raven Sanders, our beloved Ravenclaw prankster along with the infamous Fred and George, will be giving us quite a show today! And Dominic Conner, although a Slytherin, one of the coolest guys you could ever know! And now, what you have been all waiting for. THE FINAL MATCH!!!!"

Sindaria, Liriel, and Alex all sat on the edge of their seats, watching as Raven and Dominic walked out onto the pitch, shaking hands and facing off.

Once the match started, she could hardly follow them, for it was all a blur. She heard them yelling various curses and as the match continued, it began to get more heated. Explosions rocked the stands as parts of the pitch exploded around them. Several times, both of them were thrown back by curses or explosions.

"How long has it been?" Sindaria asked after awhile.

"I don't know, but it seems like an awfully long time," Alex said.

"Nearly an hour," someone piped up and the three friends looked at each other in astonishment and back at the duelists.

"Bloody hell!" Sindaria whispered.

The curses were flying even faster now and it didn't seem like an end was in the near future. Suddenly, Dominic managed to disarm Raven, taking her wand, but then, after waving her hand over her body, she disappeared! Dominic spun around, trying to see her, but she had vanished.

Shocked gasps filled the audience.

"Where is she?" Sindaria asked.

"I don't know . . . she just vanished!" Alex managed, his eyes wide in shock.

"It's an Invisibility Charm," Liriel informed them and they looked at her. "I saw a paper of spells that she had been writing down, and that charm was on the list."

"Isn't that rather advanced?" Alex asked.

"Oh, definitely, but Raven's been doing this since she was five," Liriel said.

They nodded and looked back at the duelists. Suddenly, Dominic was thrown back and he landed, hard, not moving. He had been Stunned. Raven appeared beside him and picked up his wand, grinning triumphantly.

"AND RAVEN SANDERS WINS THE DUELING TOURNAMENT!!!!!"

The applause was deafening and Sindaria, Liriel, and Alex all had sore throats from screaming so loudly.

* * *

After the match, they all congratulated Raven on the match and also Dominic, as he had done brilliantly as well. That evening, in the Ravenclaw common room, there was a huge party in honor of Raven's victory and the last Ravenclaw didn't get to bed until well into the next morning.

The next week was spent cramming for the exams and when they got the results, they were quite shocking.

"RAVEN MARIA SANDERS!!! I don't believe it!" Sindaria cried, her mouth wide open, staring up at the list of scores.

"What?" Raven asked, casually walking through the crowd of students and up to her shocked best friends.

"Look at that!" Liriel said. "How did you manage it?!"

Raven glanced up at the scores and grinned. "What can I say? I'm quite talented."

"First in the entire school! That's brilliant!" Sindaria cried and hugged her best friend excitedly.

"Hermione is right there by me," Raven pointed out.

"Well, still, being first!"

"We still have finals; these were just mid-terms."

"Oh, don't be so modest!" Liriel said. "Do you know what this means? If you get top again for finals, we have a very good chance of winning the House Cup!"

Raven grinned. "Wouldn't that be brilliant?"

"On to the spring holidays!" Sindaria exclaimed. "Sleeping and eating; that's all we have to do."

Raven and Liriel smiled. "Amen to that! You're going to the Conners, right?"

Sindaria nodded. "Right. Dominic's leaving tonight, but I'll be going tomorrow afternoon."

"Brilliant," Liriel said. "We'll see you went you get back, okay?"

Sindaria nodded. "Definitely."

"Now let's go celebrate! No more tests for a week!" Raven exclaimed and hauled her two best friends towards Ravenclaw Tower.

* * *

He took a deep breath, standing in the edge of the forest by the manor. The wind whipped his black cloak around him, a few leaves rustling at his feet. He heard a howl on the wind and it went straight through to his core. He gripped his wand tightly in his fist, and pulled his hood down over his face with his other hand, his face now in shadow. Reaching up into the hood of his robe, he pulled down the mask of a Death Eater, the white gleaming eerily in the moonlight. He began walking towards the manor.