great update! harry's kinda dumb... er, not dumb, just reckless...

Yes he is a bit reckless and you're going to find in the future so is she but she does it for him.

Later that night as Sarina lay in her bed trying to sleep, there was a light knock on the door and then it opened and Harry was standing in the doorway.

“Sarina, are you awake?” whispered Harry.

“Yes” she replied.

“May I come in?” he asked.

“Of course you can” she said quietly.

He walked into the room and sat down on the end of her bed.

“Sarina, I really want to apologise for today, I am sorry that I acted foolish” he hung his head.

“I know Harry and I am sorry that I yelled at you, it’s just that I was so scared that you had almost got caught, that my anger took over my relief. Just promise me you won’t do it again, the only way we are going to get through this is if we all keep a cool head.”

“I’ll try Sarina, that’s the best I can give you” he said.

Sarina sighed “it’s good enough.”

They looked into each others eyes and held the stare for a long moment.

“I guess I better get back to bed” whispered Harry.

“Stay with me tonight Harry, I want to fall asleep in your arms” said Sarina softly.

She moved over to the other side of the bed giving him room to crawl in beside her. He wrapped his arms around her and she laid her head upon his chest listening to the steady rhythm of his heart.

“We’re going to have to let the other’s know where I am Sarina, they’ll be planning my removal from Privet Drive in a couple of days time” he said.

“They already know that you have left there Harry, I sent Dobby to give them the message.”

“You’ve thought of everything” he said trying to stifle a yawn.

“I hope so” she murmured.

They fell asleep in each other’s arms and they both enjoyed the first peaceful night’s sleep they had both had in a long time.

Over the next few days they started researching places they thought Voldermort would use to hide his Horcruxes. The night before Harry’s birthday they were preparing to go to bed, for they were now sharing the same bed though nothing happened between them other than sleeping in each other’s arms, they both got a better night’s sleep that way.

“Seventeen tomorrow Harry, I bet you’re excited knowing that you’ll be able to use magic all the time” said Sarina.

“Yeah I know and I can’t wait” he replied.

“Goodnight Harry” she said and leaned over and gave him a kiss on the cheek.

“Goodnight Sarina” he murmured.

Harry awoke in the morning to see Sarina entering the room carrying a tray laden down with breakfast.

“Happy Birthday Harry” said Sarina brightly, placing the tray down on the side table. She leant over and brushed her lips against his and handed him a neatly wrapped package.

“Thank you” he said grinning.

He opened her birthday present to find a small gold medallion on a fine gold chain. Engraved on the medallion were the words “Always and forever”. He looked up at her with love in his eyes and a smile on his face.

“It’s beautiful” he said hoarsely.

“I’ve placed a charm upon it so that if we’re ever away from each other all you need to do is place your hand upon it and I will know where to find you. And as I have the other half the same will work in reverse” she said.

“That’s brilliant” said Harry as he placed the chain around his neck.

“Right, well let’s eat our breakfast and then we have to get organised seeing as we’re going to the Burrow this afternoon for your birthday party and then we’ve got the wedding tomorrow” said Sarina.

They arrived at the Burrow at three o’clock that afternoon and entered the kitchen to a loud chorus of Happy Birthday’s for Harry. While Harry was immersed in opening his birthday presents, Moody pulled Sarina aside.

“I’d like to know what you were thinking, going to get Potter on your own” he growled. “We had spent months planning his removal and you took it upon yourself to change it.”

“Because your plan had too may flaws in it and as I already had everything organised beforehand, I saw it as the perfect opportunity to get Harry without anyone knowing, that way there were no hiccups. Element of surprise Moody, is the best attack” Sarina said defiantly.

He stared at her with his magical eye for a moment and then gave a small grin.

“You should think about becoming an auror Taylor, with that kind of thinking. Good job” he gave her a pat on the back and walked off.

Sarina stared after him in surprise; she had just received a compliment from Mad Eye Moody. Hermione walked over to Sarina and greeted her with a hug.

“You’ve been busy over the holidays, I see” said Hermione.

Sarina chuckled “just a bit and you? Did you get your parents out okay?”

“Yes I moved them out just after I got home from school. There were no problems, they should be safe. What about your aunt’s how are they?” asked Hermione.

“They’re okay, they’re coming to the wedding tomorrow. They weren’t too happy with the way I left. You know not telling them anything but they realise why I did it.”

“Yes none of the Order were too happy about it, Mrs Weasley ranted and shouted for about four hours. I have never seen her so upset” said Hermione glancing over at Mrs Weasley.

Sarina sighed “yes I thought she seemed a bit cool with me and I am sure she won’t waste an opportunity to give me a blasting” she too looked over at Mrs Weasley and could see her eyes flash when she looked in Sarina’s direction.

“Which reminds me” Sarina muttered “they don’t know that we’re leaving school do they?”

“No they don’t” replied Hermione.

“Good we’ll have to get together later and go over plans on how we are going to leave after the wedding” Sarina stated.

Ron pulled Harry aside after he had finished opening his presents and said in a low voice so that the others wouldn’t hear.

“So you and Sarina have been living together for the past couple of weeks eh” he said giving Harry a nudge in the ribs and a sly grin on his face.

“Yeah but it’s not what you’re thinking Ron, nothing like that happened” muttered Harry.

“I understand” said Ron knowingly “you don’t want to kiss and tell.”

“There’s nothing to tell” said Harry sounding exasperated. “We’ve decided to wait for the right time.”

“When is the right time…”

“Look” Harry interrupted “let’s not talk about this anymore, let’s just enjoy the party.”

They spent the rest of the night talking and eating Mrs Weasley’s delicious cooking. Hagrid, Lupin, Tonks and Neville also came to enjoy the festivities. Mrs Weasley managed to corner Sarina halfway through the party and shocked her by crying on her shoulder, telling her that it was a brave thing for her to have done. Sarina walked away from her a little while later thinking was Mrs Weasley going to be as nice to her when she and the others leave in the dead of night not knowing when they will return.

As the others went off to bed Sarina, Harry, Ron and Hermione snuck out into the garden to discuss the arrangements for their departure the following night.

“……we can’t just leave without saying anything” Ron was saying angrily.

“And I say they’re safer not knowing anything” retorted Sarina. “If they are questioned of our whereabouts at least they won’t be lying when they say they don’t know” she added.

“It doesn’t feel right leaving like that” Ron muttered.

“Ron” said Hermione quietly and soothingly, “Sarina’s right it’s better this way.”

Ron turned to Harry and looked at him for backup. Harry took a deep breath, “all Sarina’s planning and arrangements have been successful. I think we should put our faith in her, she knows what she’s doing.”

“Well you would say that she’s your girlfriend” snorted Ron. “After all the sacrifices my family have made you all and this is how you want to repay them.”

“Sacrifices” hissed Sarina. “Sacrifices don’t you dare throw that in our faces Ron. We’ve all made sacrifices, Hermione has sent her parents abroad to keep them safe, I left my aunt’s without a word on where I was going and Harry is making the biggest sacrifice of his life. We appreciate what your family has done for us and the greatest repayment we can give them is their safety.”

“If you’re not up to this Ron I suggest you let us know right now before we make any more plans” she added.

Ron stared at her for a moment and then hung his head looking at the ground. Harry looked at Sarina nervously and Hermione looked as though she was about to burst into tears. Sarina was breathing heavily from anger, she would not have Ron or anybody jeopardising this mission not when Harry’s life was at stake. The most important thing in the world to her was Harry’s safety. After a long and awkward silence Ron finally spoke up.

“Okay we’ll do it your way” he muttered. “And I’m sorry I overreacted, it’s just hit home on what we’re about to do and I won’t lie to you I am scared but I want to come.”

Hermione walked over to him and wrapped her arms around him and Harry gave a nervous laugh to relieve the tension in the air.

“We’re all scared Ron” said Sarina “and if it makes you feel better we’ll send them a message after we have left.”

“Sounds good” mumbled Ron.

They went over the plans again to make sure they had everything down pat. They were preparing to leave during the wedding celebrations and synchronized their watches, so that if they were separated during the wedding they could still disapparate separately. Sarina had no intentions of being apart from Harry; it wasn’t a good idea to have him on his own. Once the plans were set they all headed to their beds to await the next day.

The day of the wedding showed summer in its true form, the sky was a clear blue and there wasn’t a cloud in the sky. A warm gentle breeze was blowing bringing the scent of honeysuckle. Sarina was putting the finishing touches to her make-up and stood back from the mirror to examine the effect. She had curled her hair and put it up in a loose bun and left a few wisps of hair floating about her face. She wore a simple dress in the palest pink, it had spaghetti straps and the bodice was fitted over her bust and torso and was dotted here and there with tiny crystals. The dress flowed down in soft waves almost skimming the floor, on her feet she wore silver sandal high heels and she held a tiny silver bag.

The ceremony wasn’t due to start for another two hours but with so many people in the house, Sarina thought it best to get ready early and then get out of everyone’s way. She went down the stairs to see people running this way and that and Mrs Weasley looking very harassed. Sarina ducked into the kitchen and quickly made her way outside as she walked through the garden she could see Harry, Ron and to her surprise Hermione.

“How did you get ready so fast Hermione?” Sarina asked. “You look wonderful by the way” she added.

“I did a lot of preparation last night” said Hermione matter of factly.

Sarina turned to look at the boys only to find Harry staring at her with a wistful look in his eyes.

“You look absolutely beautiful” he whispered taking a step towards her.
“You look pretty dashing yourself” she said smiling.

He leant down and brushed his lips against hers and then wrapped his arms around her.

“Who’s that?” she asked looking at the little wizard standing up at the altar.

“I can’t remember his name” said Harry “but he’s the one who will be marrying Bill and Fleur”.

“He’s very early” said Sarina.

“Yeah well he’s getting on a bit, the silly bugger got the time wrong” Ron sniggered.

Sarina leant up against Harry and laid her head on his shoulder and closed her eyes. She could picture herself walking down the aisle into Harry’s waiting arms and kissing him as the little wizard pronounced them husband and wife. She felt her heart constrict and a lump form in her throat, she wanted be Harry’s wife more than anything she knew they were meant to be together. She had never felt more certain, the last ten days proved that. She wished more than anything that it was she and Harry that were getting married today, she opened her eyes and looked at the little wizard standing up the front and her heart started beating very fast. Well why not she thought why couldn’t they get married today he was already here two hours early. It was as though fate had stepped in and was telling her this was the right thing to do.

She pulled herself out of Harry’s arms and turned to look at him with a smile on her face.

“Harry” she whispered.

He put a finger to her lips and smiled at her “Oh no you don’t, it’s traditional for the man to ask the woman.”

“What” she said sounding surprised. And before she knew it Harry was down on one knee and pulling a small box out of his pocket.

“I love you with all my heart Sarina and my life just wouldn’t be the same without you beside me. Will you marry me?”

He opened the box to reveal a beautiful diamond solitaire ring with a gold band.

Sarina didn’t even look at the ring as she threw her arms around him and squealed the word “yes.”

He stood up and placed the ring on her finger and then twirled her around.

He looked down at her “now” he said.

“Now” she breathed excitedly.

She watched as he ran off to speak to the little wizard and then she turned to look at Ron and Hermione.

“Er what just happened?” asked Ron looking very confused.
“They’re getting married that’s what, you dope” said Hermione jumping up and down gleefully.

“Ron, Harry’s going to need you help up front” giggled Sarina. “And here take this” she added handing him a gold wedding band.

She grabbed Hermione by the hand and walked around the back of the house “We have to be quick Hermione I don’t think Fleur is going to appreciate sharing her big day with Harry and me.” She turned and faced Hermione “you will be my matron of honour, won’t you Hermione” she added anxiously.

“It will be an honour” whispered Hermione her eyes brimming with tears.

“Thank you” said Sarina and she waved her wand over her dress and the pink now became white, everything else she left the same.

Hermione waved her wand in the air and then caught a bouquet of pink orchids in her hand and then handed them to Sarina. “You’ll be needing these,” she said as she waved her wand again and conjured a bouquet for herself.

“I’ll poke my head around and see if they are ready for us yet” said Hermione.

Sarina nodded and then looked up at the sky with a smile on her face. She was getting married – today! Her aunts were not going to be pleased that they were not going to be here to witness it. Maybe when they had finished chasing down Voldermort’s Horcruxes they could have another one, where they could invite anyone they wish to. Hermione walked back around the house with a smile on her face.

“Are you ready Sarina?” she asked.

“Absolutely” replied Sarina.

They walked back around the house and stood at the front of the marquee and then a second later Hermione started walking along the rich purple carpet that led to the front. Sarina followed a few paces behind her, never taking her eyes off Harry as he stood at the front watching her walk towards him. She reached Harry in no time at all; she turned to Hermione and handed over her bouquet for her to hold. She stood facing Harry with a bright smile on her face and he took her hand in his.

He leant over and whispered in her ear “I’ll say it again, you look absolutely beautiful Sarina.”

She gave him another smile but she could feel the tears starting to well up in her eyes. She loved him so much; her was her life, her best friend and her soul mate.

She didn’t hear much of what the little wizard was saying, she answered when she was supposed to and placed the ring on Harry’s finger when asked. But she could not take her eyes off him, he was the most important thing in her life and he took her breath away.

“I now pronounce you husband and wife” the little wizard announced.

Harry and Sarina stood staring at each other tears in both their eyes.
The little wizard leaned over to Harry and said in a low voice “you may now kiss your bride.”

Harry reached out with his hands and placed them on Sarina’s face and leant in and kissed her ever so tenderly.

“I love you Sarina Potter” he said his voice constricted with emotion.

“Always and forever” whispered Sarina.

They held each other for a long moment staring into each other’s eyes, till the sound of clapping brought them back to the present. They turned and looked in surprise to find the whole Weasley clan, Hagrid, Remus, Tonks and Sarina’s aunts Jessica and Rachel standing under the marquee.

They moved down into the little crowd and people were congratulating them. Sarina looked up and saw Fleur standing in front of her and she gulped.

“I’m really sorry Fleur, we uh kind of gatecrashed your wedding with our own. We tried to do it quick and without much fuss” said Sarina sheepishly.

“Do not worry Sarina, I am happy for you both” she smiled warmly. “But I must go and finish getting ready.”

Sarina turned to her aunt’s. “I guess I owe you both an apology too. It was all very sudden; you know a last minute thing. But this is what I want what I have wanted for a long time.”

“We’re happy if you’re happy Sarina,” said Jess quietly giving her a hug.

Sarina looked at her Aunt Rachel to see if she felt the same way as Jessica did.

“It would have been nice to have had a little more notice, so that we could have organized a nice wedding for you. But we got to be here and I can see that he loves you very much and that’s all I could have ever asked for, congratulations” Rachel pulled her into a hug and then whispered in her ear. “Your mother would be so proud of you” she let her go so that she could brush away the tears.

They didn’t have much time to celebrate, as the rest had to finish getting ready and await the arrival of the guests for Bill and Fleur.

Harry, Sarina, Ron and Hermione found a quiet spot in the garden to talk.

“Congratulations Harry and Sarina, that was absolutely beautiful” gushed Hermione.

Ron slapped Harry on the back and gave Sarina a peck on the cheek. “So you’re an old married man now, probably going to find it hard to get around tied to the ball chain.”

“Gee thanks Ron” laughed Harry as Sarina took a playful swipe at Ron.

“Right” said Sarina with an authoritative tone. “We’re set for tonight, we’ll be leaving….”

“Uh Sarina” Hermione interrupted. “There’s been a slight change in the plan. Ron and I are going to the safe house tonight.”

“But why?” said Harry. “We shouldn’t go making changes now,” he added frowning.

“Uh well you two started it,” said Ron. “When you decided to get married on the spur of the moment.”

“Just because we got married doesn’t mean we don’t want you two to come with us” stated Sarina.

“We know that Sarina, it’s just that tonight is your wedding night. Don’t you two want some time together….alone” Hermione murmured.

Harry and Sarina looked at each other surprised. Clearly by the look on their faces neither had actually thought about it. Both their faces went slightly pink at the thought.

“That’s very thoughtful of you Hermione, thanks” mumbled Sarina not daring to look at her or Ron.

Ron nudged Harry in the ribs and whispered so that the girls wouldn’t hear. “I guess now is the right time” he gave Harry a sly grin.

“Shut up Ron” snapped Harry going redder in the face.

The wedding of Bill and Fleur was a beautiful affair; Fleur looked truly stunning in her wedding dress. With the ceremony over everybody was now enjoying themselves drinking, dancing and catching up with people. Harry and Sarina never left each other's’sides as they mingled with guests and danced together.

They found a quiet table near the back of the marquee and Sarina sat snuggled on Harry’s lap with her arms around his neck.

“This has been the best day of my life” she murmured in his ear.

He turned his face to hers and found her lips with his. He kissed her so softly lingering there for a moment before parting his lips and drawing her in closer. He kissed her so passionately that she started to get dizzy, he ran his hands up and down her arms and it sent tingles throughout her body. He pulled away gently and stared into her eyes.

“Mine too” he whispered.

They were just about to start kissing again when little beeping sounds came from their watches; it was time to go. They looked up and could see Ron and Hermione on the dance floor, they looked over at Harry and Sarina and they all nodded their heads once. Harry and Sarina got up from the chair and holding hands they made their way to the front gate. Nobody took any notice of them they were all having a good time and they probably thought the newly weds were trying to find a secluded spot for some privacy. They walked out through the gates and up the road, Ron and Hermione a little way along joined them.

“We’ll see you tomorrow,” Sarina said. “Any trouble let us know straight away.” She gave Ron and Hermione a quick kiss and hug.

“See you and thanks for everything, you’re are the best friends a person could have” said Harry and he gave them both a hug.

“Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do” said Ron grinning.

“Ron Weasley” exclaimed Hermione.

Ron looked at Hermione sheepishly while Harry and Sarina chuckled and then they held hands and twirled on the spot and disapparated.

Seconds later they were standing out the front of Rainbow Cottage, Sarina sighed they were home. They walked up the path to the front door, Sarina pulled out her wand to open the door when she was suddenly lifted into the air and found herself in Harry’s arms.

“We have to do this right” he smiled. “Alohamora” he muttered and the door swung open. He carried Sarina over the threshold and walked into the house.

“I see you’ve been busy” Sarina noted.

“I can’t take all the credit, I had some help” he replied.

The house was now full of flowers and dozens and dozens of candles burning their flickering light throughout the rooms. Harry carried Sarina straight to the bedroom; this room too was covered in flowers and candles. He put her down beside the bed and stood in front of her looking deep into her blue eyes with his green ones.

He placed his hands gently on her face and brought his lips down onto hers and kissed her ever so softly. He trailed his kisses down her neck and then wordlessly he walked around to stand behind her while placing soft kisses along her shoulders and at the nape of her neck. Sarina sighed softly and closed her eyes as she felt his soft kisses and warm breath on her neck she shivered in anticipation. Very gently Harry removed the pins that were holding her hair up and she felt her hair cascade down her back. He swept it to one side and kissed her neck again, he reached up and placed his hands on her shoulders and she felt him slide the straps of her dress off. He continued his kisses along the top of her back and across her shoulders until he was standing in front of her again.

His mouth found hers and he kissed her deeply his tongue exploring her mouth teasing her. She moved in closer to him and wrapped her arms around his neck and ran her fingers through his hair. He ran his tongue lightly over her lips; she felt shivers run up and down her spine and her body grew warm all over. He was kissing her neck again and she arched her back, her body greedy for more a small moan escaped her lips as she felt her dress fall to the floor. He was kissing her again with more urgency this time and he swept her up into his arms and placed her on the bed his lips never leaving hers.

A little while later they lay entwined in each other’s arms resting quietly.

“I could die tomorrow and still be the happiest guy in the world” he said huskily.

“Mmm I know what you mean” she murmured softly.
And then he was kissing her again and it started all over again. To say they didn’t get much sleep that night would be an understatement. They awoke late the next morning.

“Good morning Mrs. Potter” he yawned. “Or is it afternoon?”

“No it’s still morning but only just” she giggled.

He kissed her on the end of her nose and sighed happily.

“I forgot to ask you yesterday Harry, but how did you know that I was going to ask you to marry me?” Sarina asked.

“Because I was thinking the same thing and I could just tell by the look on your face” he said smiling. “I was going to ask you anyway maybe not yesterday but it seemed right at the time. That’s what I was doing the day we went to Diagon Alley, I purchased the rings.”

“Full of surprises aren’t you” she purred tracing her fingers up and down his arms.

“What about you? How is it that you just happened to have a wedding ring with you?” he asked.

“I bought that ring along time ago and have been carrying it with me ever since” she said quietly.

“How long ago?”

“About a week after I met you” she whispered.

Harry looked at her surprised. “You were that sure.”

“I was that sure,” she said.

She propped herself up on one elbow and then leaned over and kissed him full on the mouth and ran her fingers lightly over his chest.

“Again?” he asked grinning.

“Oh definitely again” she said chuckling softly and she pulled the covers over their heads.

By the time they had managed to get out of bed and into the kitchen it was definitely the afternoon and well past lunchtime.

Ron and Hermione arrived late in the afternoon and Sarina greeted them with hugs and kisses.

“Where’s Harry?” asked Ron.

“He’s out the back practicing with some spells” Sarina replied.

“Cool I’m gonna go out and practice with him” said Ron.

“Uh before you go anywhere Ron, I want to talk to you and Hermione first,” said Sarina seriously.

They looked at her with curiosity and apprehension.

“What’s wrong Sarina?” Hermione asked fearfully.

“There’s nothing wrong Hermione, I just want to get a few things straight before we undertake this mission.” She looked at both Ron and Hermione, this had to be done she had to make sure they were all on the same page otherwise things could go horribly wrong. They were looking at her expectant and slightly confused, she took a deep breath.

“We can all agree that the most important thing is to find and destroy Voldermort’s Horcruxes and that it’s up to Harry to destroy Voldermort himself” she said looking at them.

“Of course Sarina, we know what has to be done” said Hermione quietly still looking at her confused.

“What I’m trying to say is that it’s Harry destiny to destroy Voldermort. I believe that it has to be Harry and only Harry I don’t think it can be anyone else. I don’t know how long it’s going to take us before we reach the final battle. So the most important thing is for us to get Harry to that final battle. Do you agree?” she asked looking at them.

“Yes” they said unison.

“So if for some reason we should become separated, say for example that I was caught or left behind. Do I have your word that you will take Harry to safety and continue with the mission?” Sarina said.

Hermione looked horrified at the thought. “I don’t know Sarina, that’s asking a lot. What you’re asking us to do is turn our backs on you and let you die. I don’t think I could do that and I certainly know Harry wouldn’t allow it” whispered Hermione.

“That’s why we’re never going to tell Harry. Look I love you both but don’t get me wrong if the situation is the other way around I will not hesitate to get him out. This is not just about Harry destroying Voldermort, this is about freeing the wizarding world and if I have to sacrifice myself for a successful outcome then I will be glad to do it” cried Sarina.

Hermione opened her mouth to argue but Ron cut her off.

“Sarina’s right Hermione, I’ve been doing a lot of thinking about this and I have no problem sacrificing myself for Harry. You have my word Sarina, I’ll do everything in my power to keep him safe.”

“Thank you Ron” she looked at Hermione and raised her eyebrows in question. Hermione looked at the floor and then slowly raised her head to meet Sarina’s gaze and her eyes were brimming with tears.

“Okay you have my word” she sobbed.

“Good that’s settled, we can get this mission underway,” said Sarina firmly.

She helped Ron and Hermione put their things away and then watched from the kitchen window as Ron and Hermione went outside to say hello to Harry. She felt the fear consume her body and she gripped the kitchen sink until her knuckles were white. She wasn’t scared about dying if it meant that Harry was safe, no what really scared her was – what if they failed.

Well I hope you like it.

aaw! that was cute! how he knew what she was thinking and all, and asked her. great post.

I can't believe it's been almost three weeks since I posted, well here is an update. I am going away on holidays so it's going to be another couple of weeks before I can post again. Jenna I know that you are a big fan of Draco's and I just letting you know that he is coming into the story very soon. So on with the post....

Sarina’s aunts Jessica and Rachel were sitting in the kitchen of their house drinking tea and staring out the window.

“We haven’t heard from Sarina in months. You don’t think anything has happened to her?” murmured Jess with a worried expression on her face.

“No” said Rachel firmly. “We would have heard, the Death Eaters would be gloating if they had managed to kill one of Harry’s supporters, especially Bellatrix.”

“Yes well that’s why I am so worried. Sarina has really ticked of Bellatrix by escaping her twice. Now that she has escpaed Azkaban again she is out for Sarina’s blood” tears welled up in Jess’ eyes.

Rachel patted her on the arm and gave her a reassuring smile. “Sarina will be fine, she’s smart and she’s tough and she’s got Harry and the other’s with her.”

“But what about her gifts?” I don’t think she even realises what she is capable of, the things she will be able to do. Another reason to worry if the Death Eaters find out what she can do they might try and use her” Jess moaned.

“Well her powers musn’t have come through yet, otherwise she would be on our doorstep asking us about them. There’s no need to worry yourself about it just yet” Rachel said.

They went back to staring out the window and after a few minutes silence, Jess whispered more to herself than to Rachel. “I hope we’ve done the right thing.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Sarina and Hermione sat in the backyard of Rainbow Cottage watching Harry and Ron practicing their dueling. It had been six months since they had left the Burrow and come to the cottage to fulfil Dumbledore’s request on finding Horcruxes. They had spent those six months researching the Hogwart’s founders for any known relics they may have had and places they thought Voldermort would hide them. The process was long, tiring, time consuming and frustrating that was why the four could be found in the yard taking a well earned break.

Sarina sat watching Harry intently as he dodged and maneuvered around Ron’s hexes. She was dimly aware of Hermione talking to her, she watched Harry more closely and she felt a strange sensation in the pit of her stomach, something was wrong or the more she thought about it something was about to be wrong. She closed her eyes against the gnawing feeling in her stomach and as she did a picture flashed through her mind of Ron casting a spell at Harry but firing in the wrong direction. The flash of light hit the branch of the tree above Harry’s head and the branch falling.

She snapped open her eyes and jumped up and ran towards Harry. She pushed him out of the way just as Ron’s spell hit the branch. She heard a loud crack as the branch broke and she waved her wand and sent it soaring in the other direction.

Harry looked at her astonishment on his face. “How did you know that was going to happen?”

“I saw it just now” she panted. He was looking at her with a mystified expression so she went on. “I closed my eyes and saw the picture flash in my mind about thirty seconds before it happened.”

Ron let out a low whistle. “This is excellent we’ll know what’s coming before it actually happens.”

“How long have you been able to see things?” Harry asked Sarina.

“Well this was the first time. It’s never happened before and I honestly don’t know whether it will happen again” replied Sarina.

“Oh I think it will happen again Sarina” said Hermione. “This is truly a remarkable gift you have.”

“I don’t know Hermione, I don’t know how to control it. It just came out of nowhere,” she said. “And by the way I’m sorry I wasn’t listening to you before when you were talking but I was concentrating on Harry” she added looking at Hermione with a guilty expression.

Hermione looked at her confused. “But I wasn’t talking Sarina, I didn’t say anything.”

“Yes you were” Sarina said. “You were saying that you were worried about your parents or something like that, I wasn’t listening properly.”

Hermione’s eyes widened in shock and she stared at Sarina with her mouth open.

“What” said Sarina in alarm.

“Sarina I – I wasn’t talking about my parents but I was thinking about them. Sarina what you heard were my thoughts” Hermione cried.

“Don’t be silly,” Sarina said looking at Harry and Ron as though Hermione had gone crazy. “If I could hear your thoughts then why can’t I hear anything now.”

“Well my head’s empty,” said Ron seriously. “So you would have no hope there.”

Harry laughed and Sarina smiled weakly but Hermione was adamant. “Sarina I am telling you what you just heard were my thoughts.”

Harry put his arm around Sarina and stared accusingly at Hermione. “Stop it Hermione you’re scaring her.”

But Sarina pulled herself out of Harry’s embrace and looked at him with wide eyes. “Oh my god Harry, I think Hermione’s right” she took a few deep breaths and continued. “You were just thinking that Hermione had gone crazy and that nobody can read people’s thoughts especially without using a wand. You actually scoffed at the idea.”

Harry was stunned he looked at Sarina then to Hermione and then back to Sarina again. “How did you do that?”
“I think I might know, let me try something. Ron give me your hand” she ordered.

“What are you going to do?” he asked nervously.

“Oh for heavens sakes Ron it’s not going to hurt” said Sarina exasperated. And she took a step towards him and grabbed his hand. She stood quiet for a moment and then let out a laugh and dropped his hand.

“What happened?” asked Harry eagerly.

“Well Ron was thinking that this is the most ridiculous thing he has ever heard and was more concerned about what was for lunch” laughed Sarina.

Ron looked at her nervously. “So you heard everything in my head.”

“Yes” she answered. “But only when I have contact with you.”

“Well this is both good and bad,” said Hermione grimly.

“Why’s that?” said Ron. “I think it’s bloody brilliant meself.”

“Yes it’s good for us” replied Hermione. “But if the Death Eaters were ever to find out what Sarina can do, they would probably try to use her.”

“Well it’s not likely they’re ever going to find out,” said Harry thoughtfully. “I mean she’s only just found out herself.”

“I think,” said Sarina slowly. “That I need to speak to my aunt’s to see if they know anything about this.”

Later that night Sarina and Harry were sitting in the arbor making arrangements to visit Jessica and Rachel the following day.

“Harry” said Sarina softly. “Can I ask you something?”

“Sure Sarina, what’s up.”

“Well I was just wondering when the time comes for you to face Voldermort. Do you think you will be able to kill him? She asked.

Harry looked at her with a thoughtful expression; he was silent for a long time.

“I mean” Sarina continued. “When it comes down to it, do you think you will be able to go through with it – taking someone’s life.”

“I don’t know Sarina. I don’t want to be a killer but I don’t think I’ve got any other option” Harry whispered.

“I understand Harry – I do. I’m just scared because if I was in the same situation, I don’t know if I could do it” she mused.

“Well let’s pray that you’re never in that situation,” said Harry quietly. “Come on let’s go to bed, we have to be up early if we’re going to see your aunt’s” he added.

The following morning they were up at the crack of dawn, they dressed silently and headed out the door. They walked up the path and stood just outside the magical barriers of the cottage. They took each other’s hands and twirled on the spot and disapparated to Sarina’s aunt’s house.

They arrived in the little country lane leading to Jessica and Rachel’s house and proceeded to walk up the road. They were halfway there when the house came into view and they stopped short as the sight before them. There were a group of cloaked figures milling around the house and high above them in the air was the Dark Mark.

Hey I've finally caught up with you.
bravo for you!
I'm enjoying it a lot more now that you have moved away from JKs story (because now I have no idea what to expect). I love the relationship between Sarina and Harry (their wedding made me warm all over).
So now you have to write more!!!!

Thanks very much for that Jen, I'm really glad you are enjoying it. I have written at least another ten pages, I just have to try and get it typed up but it should be in the next couple of days.

Mel
xoxo

Finally a post and it's a long one.


Sarina swayed on the spot and continued to stare at the Dark Mark. Her legs gave way and she crumpled to the ground as though in slow motion. Harry knelt down beside her and threw the Invisibility Cloak over the both of them.

“We need to get out of here Sarina” he whispered hoarsely.

Sarina just looked at him unable to speak, the tears falling freely down her face. She felt Harry pull her to her feet and then they Disapparated under the cloak back to Rainbow Cottage. Once they arrived back, Harry half carried her back into the house. They walked through the door to find Hermione standing in the living room with a worried expression on her face.

“I saw you arrive,” she said pointing at the window. “What’s happened?”

“Well we uh…” Harry looked at Sarina unsure of what to say.

“I need to get some air” sobbed Sarina and she ran through the house out into the backyard. She could hear Harry calling her name but she just kept running until she reached the boundaries of the yard and she collapsed onto the grass.

She sobbed her heart out as she lay on the cold wet grass. When at last her sobs had subsided she pulled herself into a sitting position and tucked her knees up under her chin and wrapped her arms around them and rocked back and forth. All this time she had been so concerned about looking for Horcruxes and everything she could to protect Harry, to keep him safe and alive that she had not given a thought to her aunts. That they could also be in danger had never even occurred to her. How could she have been so stupid, Bellatrix attacked her aunts last year trying to get to her and now that she was on their hit list she should have realised that her family would be in danger also? A fresh wave of tears coursed down her cheeks, the pain in her heart was unbearable the realisation that the last of her relatives were gone forever never to come back hit her like a hammer.

She took a few deep shuddering breaths trying to regain some control over her emotions, she sat up straight and gave herself a little shake, they still had a job to do and she couldn’t afford to fall to pieces now. She would push aside the pain for now and when this was all over then she would succumb to the grief. She stood up thinking about the Death Eaters and what they had done and she felt the anger course through her body, her feelings had changed now because now if she is ever faced with the situation she will have no hesitation to kill.

Week’s later Sarina sat at the kitchen table researching through some books. Harry, Ron and Hermione had gone to Diagon Alley for some supplies. She had been in no mood to go which she knew wasn’t the smartest idea of letting Harry out of her sight but she had given Hermione strict instructions to keep him out of trouble. She could not watch him twenty fours hours a day even she needed a break sometimes. Sarina pushed the books away and leant back in the chair and rubbed her tired eyes, they were getting absolutely nowhere in their search for the Horcruxes. She seriously felt like screaming in frustration instead she got up and walked to the front door and stepped outside into the cool crisp air. Spring was almost upon them, she took a deep breath and looked around her the garden was sorely neglected, weeds were now covering all the pretty flowers and shrubs and the garden gnomes were running wild. Sarina made her way up the garden path to the front gates. She stood by the gates and looked at her watch, the others should be arriving home very soon. She sighed how much longer would it be before they got a break through to find some satisfaction from this journey. She stared around her thinking the abilities she had discovered that she possessed a few weeks ago were really developing fast. She was also now able to shut down her mind not only from emotional pain but physical pain as well (after she cut her hand on a knife she was amazed to find that although her hand was bleeding she did not feel the pain). She also found that her talent for seeing things ahead of time only worked with Harry and those around him. Otherwise she would have been able to save her aunts no she thought don’t think about that now, there will be time later for that.

She had been staring at the letterbox without really seeing it now that she had shaken herself out of her reverie she noticed that an envelope was sticking out of it. She frowned slightly how could anyone have delivered a letter here with all the protective spells placed around the house. She looked around her as if to see the person who delivered it but of course there was nobody there, she walked slowly to the letter box taking her wand out of her pocket along the way. She stopped in front of the letterbox and hesitated it would be stupid to retrieve the unknown letter it could be booby-trapped. She rocked back and forth on her feet, well she wouldn’t know what it was if she didn’t take it out.

“Wingardium Leviosa” she whispered pointing her wand at the envelope. She levitated it a foot in front of her so that she didn’t have to touch it. She noticed to her surprise that it was addressed to her personally.

She walked back into the house with the envelope hovering just in front of her. She sat at the kitchen table and let the letter land on the table in front of her. She stared at it for a moment and then waved her wand over it and muttered different incantations trying to discover any dark magic that might have been placed upon it. After five minutes of this and recounting every spell she knew, she concluded there was nothing wrong with it. She laid her wand upon the table and picked up the envelope. She opened it up and read the letter that was inside it. When she finished reading it she placed it back on the table with a worried expression on her face, she didn’t know if this was a good thing or a bad thing but she thought it best not to wait to find out. She pulled out the chain from around her neck and placed her hand upon the gold medallion there and she felt it grow warm under her fingers. She then ran to the bedroom and picked up a bag that she had packed months ago ready for such occasions.

She was just walking back into the kitchen when the front burst open and Harry, Ron and Hermione came hurtling into the house.

“Sarina” Harry called frantically. “Are you here, are you alright?”
“I’m in the kitchen” she called back.

“What’s happened?” he asked. “I got your call,” he said holding out the medallion and then noticing her standing there with the backpack. “What’s going on?”

“The cottage has been compromised, we need to leave now” she replied.

“But how?” asked Ron.

“Read this” she said handing the letter to Harry.

Harry, Ron and Hermione quickly read through the letter and then looked back at Sarina when they had finished.

“I don’t understand,” said Ron

“We haven’t got time to discuss it now, Hermione go get your bag and let’s go” Hermione nodded and ran to her room to get her bag. Sarina looked at Harry and said “Do you have your cloak with you?” he nodded just as Hermione ran back into the kitchen. “We’ll go out the back way, let’s go.”

They ran out the back door and ran the length of the yard and climbed over the back fence, once they were on the other side they took hold of each other and Disapparated on the spot. They arrived seconds later to the safe house only to find that it had been burnt to the ground. They all looked on in horror at the sight before them; their last safe refuge was gone.

Sarina kicked at the ground in anger all her preparations and safe guards were all gone, the job to keep Harry safe had just got a lot harder.

“Bloody hell” she growled in fury. “This had just made life a thousand times harder.”

“It’s alright Sarina, I’ve got the tents in my bag. We’re just going to have to rough it for a while” Hermione said calmly.

“It look likes we’ve got no other choice” muttered Sarina.

They took one last look at the smoldering ashes of their last safe place and took each other’s hands and turned on the spot. They appeared seconds later amongst towering trees that were so close together that the sun was not visible in the sky. They all shivered from the cold and the dark.

“Where are we?” Ron asked looking around at their surroundings.

“A place where my parents and I used to go camping. There use to be an old abandoned cabin just a little way along but I don’t know if it’s still there” said Hermione.

“Let’s go have a look,” said Harry.

They followed Hermione through the trees. Nobody had obviously come this way for a very long time, there was just a hint of a path but leaves, shrubs and tree roots, mostly covered it. The journey was no an easy one they kept getting snagged on low branches and their legs were being scratched from dead sticks and twigs. They walked on for about twenty minutes when they came upon a small clearing and there stood a small log cabin that had obviously not had any inhabitants for a very long time. They stood looking at the building for a moment taking in its dilapidated state. It still seemed to be in one piece, which was a good thing.

“You know what this reminds me of,” said Harry.

“What?” Ron said nervously.

“The Gaunt’s house, the one I seen in the Pensieve with Dumbledore” Harry replied.

“Well let’s hope to god there’s nobody like that living in it now” muttered Sarina.

They started forward hesitantly and approached the cabin wearily. They climbed the stairs to the front porch and stood in front of the door.

“I think we better knock…just in case” whispered Hermione nervously. She raised her hand and held it in the air teetering on the verge of knocking.

“Well are you going to knock or what?” hissed Sarina.

Hermione gave her a reproachful look and then rapped on the door three times. They all held their breaths as they waited but after a few moments nothing happened. Harry took a step forwards and pushed open the door and entered the cabin, the other three following close behind him. The place was disgusting there was an awful smell coming from somewhere in the depths of one of the rooms, there was dirt everywhere, spider webs hung from the ceiling to the floor, the windows were so full of grime you could not see out of them and what furniture there was – was broken.

“Well with a bit of cleaning we could make it livable” said Hermione with forced airiness.

“Hermione” Ron moaned. “It would be just easier to use the tents. It will take a lifetime to get this place clean.”

“Oh Ron” snapped Hermione. “You’d say anything to get out of a bit of work. It won’t take that long the place is not that big.”

“I agree with Ron” Sarina burst out. “We haven’t got time to be cleaning up this place. We need all our time looking for Horcruxes.”

Hermione looked at Sarina furiously and opened her mouth to retort but Harry quickly interjected before an argument could break out. He turned to Sarina and said soothingly. “Look if we each do a room it shouldn’t take that long and it might just clear our heads and we can start searching again with fresh minds.”

“Fine” muttered Sarina and she stalked off to one of the rooms anything to get away from the others.

She stood in what appeared to have been a bedroom; it was just as filthy as the rest of the house. She wasn’t very good at these domestic chores; she had always concentrated on spells and hexes to get her out of trouble or mainly to protect Harry. She hadn’t been bothered with these mundane spells, she sighed as she looked around the room and raised her wand and waved it around the room.

After a few hours had passed Sarina had not made much progress when Harry came into the room.

“Still going?” he asked lightly placing his arms around her waist.

“Yes” she sighed. “I just can’t get the hang of this cleaning thing.”

“Here I’ll give you a hand,” he said and waved his wand, the room became considerably cleaner.

“There that’s better isn’t it” he laughed.

“Show off” snapped Sarina.

“What’s got you in such a bad mood?” Harry asked quietly.

“Sorry I don’t mean to be it’s just that all those preparations and plans of creating a safe place for all of us have just gone down the toilet and now Hermione’s taking charge and well I feel kind of useless now” she said sheepishly.

“Come here” he whispered and pulled her against his chest. “You’re not useless if it wasn’t for you the past six months would have been very difficult. But you should have taken into account that there was a possibility of being compromised.”

“I suppose” she murmured.

“There’s something else isn’t there,” he said.

“You’re going to think I’m being silly,” she cried.

“Try me.”

“Well I know that we’ve got a job to do and it takes a lot of our time but well you know it would be nice if we had a little time to spend together….alone. We are newlyweds after all” she hated to sound whiny it just wasn’t her but she needed him to know that she was missing time with him.

He kissed the top of her head and then pulled away from her slightly so that he could look into her eyes. He gave a devilish smile and then lowered his lips to hers and kissed her deeply. When he pulled away from her again, she was slightly breathless.

“I promise you that from now on, we’ll take a little time out each day for each other okay and I’ll make up for the past few weeks of neglect…tonight” he murmured nuzzling her neck.

“I’m going to hold you to that” she said laughing.

With the cabin now entirely clean and totally livable they resumed their research for Horcruxes. Over the following weeks and after many arguments and disagreements they had finally decided to check out the details of the anonymous letter they had received back at Rainbow Cottage.

“I say we go tomorrow and have a look around and see if there is any truth in this letter,” said Harry.

“Are you mad” snapped Sarina. “That letter is obviously a trap to draw you out into the open.”

“It’s alright Sarina, we’ll take the necessary precautions but we need to check this out. That letter was very detailed in their descriptions of what the Horcruxes are and where to find them” Harry gave her a reassuring smile.

“I’m still uncomfortable with this and can’t you wait a couple of days until I’m better, I can’t possibly go anywhere with the way I’m feeling right now” she said irritably.

Sarina had taken it upon herself to eat some berries off a tree without finding out if they were edible first and found herself violently ill hours later. She not only had to endure hours upon hours of having her head in the toilet but she also had to put up with know it all looks from Hermione who wasted no time in telling her that if she had come to Hermione first before eating them she would have known that they were poisonous.

“I think if Ron and I go this time…just to check the places out,” he added quickly as both Sarina and Hermione opened their mouths to protest. “Just to see if the details in the letter are correct and if it is then we’ll all go and get the Horcruxes. I doubt if Ron and I can do it on our own anyway. I think we’ll probably need you girls to help.”

Ron nodded his head enthusiastically, Hermione looked thoughtful but Sarina was outraged.

“No Harry, it’s not a good idea for us to separate” she turned to look at Hermione. “I can’t believe you’re actually considering this” growled Sarina.

“Well if they’re careful, take the necessary precautions and don’t do anything rash. I can’t see why that it can’t work,” said Hermione calmly although a look of panic flashed through her eyes.

“This is Harry and Ron we’re talking about” bellowed Sarina. “Reckless is their middle name.”

“Sarina that’s enough” said Harry quietly but quite firmly. “I know you’re worried but I think this is the best idea and like I said we’ll be careful.”

“Fine whatever” she muttered angrily. “You’ll do what you want anyway, I’m going to bed.” With that she stormed off into the bedroom blinking back the tears. She flung herself onto the bed and brushed away the tears with an impatient hand. She refused to cry she had spent a good part of the last year trying to keep Harry safe and he still continued to do just as he pleases with no thought of the effect it will have.

She loved him truly she did but this obsession she had of keeping him safe was starting to feel more like a duty. She felt compelled to protect him at whatever cost. She closed her eyes and let her mind sink into a peaceful oblivion. Of all her special gifts she liked this one the best, to be able to shut everything out so that she felt nothing. She could hear Harry making his way to the bedroom, she turned on her side and kept her eyes closed, her mind was at peace and she didn’t feel like having it disturbed.

Harry crawled into the bed beside Sarina. “Are you awake?” he whispered.

Sarina lay still with her eyes closed and kept her breathing even.

Harry sighed. “Good night Sarina, I love you.”

Sarina opened her eyes but did not turn to face him and a single tear rolled down her cheek I love you too she said silently.

Sarina awoke early the next morning and the first thing she thought was how much better she felt, her stomach had stopped hurting. The second thing she thought as she heard Harry moving around the room was that he and Ron were leaving this morning. She rolled over in the bed to see Harry standing there fully dressed.

“You’re still going?” she asked with an accusing tone.

“Yes nothings changed” said Harry quietly.

“You know this is a stupid idea,” she said sitting up in the bed.

“Please don’t start Sarina, we have to check this out.” He looked at her and then his expression softened. “We’ll be back before you know it” he leaned over to give her a kiss but she turned her head so that his lips caught her cheek instead. He stood up and sighed and ran his fingers through his hair, he looked as though he would have liked to say something else but instead he walked towards the door.

“I’ll see you later” he called softly as he left the room.

Sarina sat still on the bed and stared at the wall, she was being unreasonable she knew it but she couldn’t help it. She could hear Harry, Ron and Hermione talking in the other room. Any moment he was going to leave and if something went wrong he might never come back. She threw back the covers and jumped out of the bed and ran out of the room, through the cabin and out onto the porch, just as Harry and Ron was twirling on the spot.

“I love you Harry,” she yelled but he had already disapparated.

“Crap” she muttered. Hermione placed a hand on her shoulder. “It’s alright Sarina he knows.”

“I’ve been a right royal pain in the butt, Hermione I’m sorry,” she said looking at her friend guiltily.

“It’s okay, I’m worried too” Hermione murmured.

They both stared at the spot where their loved ones had just left and both of them thinking and praying that they will return safely.

A little while later Sarina couldn’t take sitting around waiting for the guys to return, told Hermione that she was going out to see if she could find some food for dinner.

“I’ll come with you,” said Hermione getting up from her chair.

“That’s alright Hermione, I’ve got this and besides I don’t think you’re going to appreciate what I’m going to do” said Sarina grimly.

“What are you…never mind your right I don’t want to know” said Hermione.

Sarina set off into the woods. She was sick of the little amounts of food they got to eat; she was going to hunt real food – meat preferably. She walked deeper and deeper into the woods treading as quietly as she could and staying alert to any animal they she should come across. She heard something move in the bushes to her right, she turned and crept silently towards the sound. She walked about twenty yards and stopped when she saw a deer grazing in a small clearing. Why did it have to be a deer she thought with dismay as a picture of her and Harry’s patronuses flashed through her mind. She should leave it and go and hunt something else but her stomach rumbled precisely at that moment. She raised her wand with a shaky hand and opened her mouth to utter the curse she never thought she would use. But there was a flash of light and a bang and her wand flew out of her hand. She turned around to see three hooded figures walking towards her; the deer scampered off into the woods.

“Now look what you’ve gone and done” said a deep voice. “You scared our dinner away.”

Sarina stared at the three figures drawing closer to her. She wouldn’t be able to make a run for it, they all had wands and hers was somewhere in the bushes. Crap, crap, crap she thought panicking don’t do anything stupid and you might just be able to walk out of here. Yeah right.

“Sorry about that” she said sweetly. “I didn’t see you there. I’ll just get my wand and go and find something else to hunt.”

The second and slightly smaller figure bent down and picked up her wand. “Now what’s a girl like you doing out in the middle of these woods?”

“Hunting, like you” she replied.

The third figure was beside her before she had even finished talking.

“Mmm fresh meat” he rasped. He sniffed the air around her. “I do so like the smell and feel of a girl, so soft.”

“Easy Greyback” said the first figure. “We don’t know what we’ve got here yet.”

Sarina’s breath caught in her throat and the bottom fell out of her stomach. Death Eaters and the werewolf standing there with his breath on her throat.

“What’s your name girl?” asked the second guy.

“Katie Bell” she answered.

“Hmm I don’t think so,” said the first guy. “I thought I recognised you the moment I laid eyes on you.” He pulled out a piece of paper, looked at it and then looked at Sarina. He thrust the paper at her and said. “You look awfully like that Sarina Taylor, the one said to be Harry Potter’s girlfriend.”

Sarina looked at the paper and saw her face staring back at her along with Harry, Ron and Hermione’s.

“Well I’m not Harry Potter’s girlfriend anymore, he broke up with me at the end of school last year and took off. I haven’t seen him since” she said defiantly.

“Is that so, I think we’ll take you straight to the Dark Lord and see if he can’t persuade you. Greyback take her” he ordered.

Greyback made a lunge at Sarina, she raised her arm and elbowed him hard in the face, and he gave a low grunt of pain as he staggered slightly. Sarina then gave him a swift kick between the legs and he cried out and fell to his knees. She went to punch him in the face but felt herself flying in the air backwards. She hit the ground and quickly rolled onto her stomach, she pulled off her wedding rings and stuffed them into the pocket of her jeans. She then yanked off the chain from around her neck and placed it underneath her, she was not going to put Harry in danger by using it or the Death Eaters finding it.

She could hear the other two Death Eaters laughing and heard one of them say. “She’s a feisty one I’ll give her that. On your feet girl” he growled.

Sarina rose to her feet making sure that she stood on the medallion so that the Death Eaters couldn’t see it. Greyback also stood up and looked at Sarina hunger burning in his eyes. He advanced towards her slowly no she thought this is not how I pictured dying being eaten alive by a werewolf. I want to go out in a blaze of glory fighting to protect the ones I love. She rearranged her stance ready to defend herself again; she would kill him if she had to.

“Back off Greyback, I’ve got this. Stupefy” there was a flash of light and Sarina knew no more.

She was awoken later to find herself lying on the floor of what looked like to be a study. There were bookshelves lined with a different assortment of books, the walls were a dark green and there were pictures of serpents lining the walls, the lights were dim and were casting an eerie glow about the place. Before she could look any further she felt herself being roughly pulled to her feet, she stood up and when she had regained her balance she yanked her arm out of her captor’s hold. She heard laughing and looked around to find herself facing six death eaters, the three that had caught her and two more men she had never seen before and Bellatrix Lestrange.

“Well I see we meet again” sneered Bellatrix.

“Yes and I can honestly say it’s not a pleasure” Sarina retorted.

Bellatrix’s eyes narrowed dangerously. “You always did have a smart mouth.”

“All the better to **** you off” laughed Sarina.

Bellatrix gave a low growl and raised her wand.

“No Bella we have our orders” came a drawling voice that she had heard before. Sarina turned to see Lucius Malfoy entering the room.

“I know what the orders are Lucius” snapped Bellatrix. “But it was never said that I couldn’t have my fun first.” She smiled evilly at Sarina and her eyes lit up at the thought of pain she was about to inflict. Sarina stared back into those eyes and felt her mind and body shut down.

“CRUCIO” roared Bellatrix.

Sarina stared at her with an almost lazy expression. She could see the curse hitting her body but she couldn’t feel anything and she watched amused as Bellatrix’s face went from a triumphant smirk to one of shock and then frustration. She lifted the curse and looked around at the other Death Eaters.

“What is this magic?” she shrieked.

“One we have evidently never encountered before” came a high cold voice. Sarina turned her head; Lord Voldermort had entered the room.

Hmmmm, she's in trouble now!
Or is she?

you are an incredible writer. I am very impressed. Keep up the amazing work!

Why thank you very much Liam *blushes* i'm really glad that you like it. And thanks to you also Jen for reading I really appreciate it.

Should have a new post in the next couple of days.

Mel

Harry and Ron both returned to the cabin with triumphant looks upon their faces.

“Sarina, Hermione we’re back” Harry called out.

Hermione came bursting into the room and one look at her face told Harry something was very wrong.

“What is it Hermione? Where’s Sarina?” demanded Harry.

Hermione burst into tears. “I don’t know, she went off into the woods hours ago and she hasn’t returned. Oh Harry I’m sorry I shouldn’t have let her go out on her own, she said she was going to look for some food.”

“Don’t worry Hermione, she’s smart enough not to go too far. She probably doesn’t want to come back empty handed,” said Harry with false confidence.

Hermione sobbed into Ron’s shoulder. She wasn’t so sure; Sarina had been feeling a little out of sorts lately. Hermione knew that Sarina liked to be in control of situations and that had been taken away from her when they had to move out here and Hermione was worried that she might just do something reckless to prove something.

“I think we should go and look for her Harry, she’s been gone too long” sobbed Hermione.

Harry nodded and headed back outside, he didn’t want to panic but he had a sick feeling in the pit of his stomach. Why the hell would she go off on her own after all the times she had lectured them about it?

“Which way did she go Hermione?”
“It was this way Harry” Hermione replied pointing in the direction with a shaking hand.

So they all headed off into the woods, just as Sarina had done hours ago.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Sarina looked into those red eyes of the creature that stood before her. She called him a creature because there was nothing human about him. She should have been scared of him but she wasn’t, she knew she was going to die the moment she had been caught. So if that were the way it was going to be, she would play games with them just as they planned to play her.

“So here stands the girl who has managed to keep her precious Potter safe but failed to do the same for herself” he hissed.

“Oh well” she said brightly. “I guess you can’t have your cake and eat it too. But you don’t seem to have what you want either” she cocked her head to the side and smiled.

“How dare you” roared Bellatrix.

Voldermort put out a hand to Bellatrix. “It’s all right Bella,” he said quietly. “She’s a brave one, I admire someone that can speak their mind. She knows that she is going to die at our hands, I can see the acceptance in her eyes. But before she does I want Potter first and she is the key to bringing him to me.”

“That’s never going to happen” Sarina said coldly. “I don’t even know where he is,” she added.

“Oh but I think you do and I realise you’re not going to tell me now. So I think we’ll keep you locked up and I think we’ll eventually wear you down” he smiled at her mockingly. “Greyback take her down to the cell and I need her alive, so only small bites.”

Greyback moved towards Sarina with a malicious smile upon his face. He was two feet away when Sarina moved, she had her hand around his throat before he knew what had hit him. She tightened her hand around his throat restricting his airway. He made gagging and gurgling noises as he struggled to throw her off. She watched out of the corner of her eye as Lucius raised his wand, she maneuvered the werewolf in front of her so that the stunning spell hit him instead and he fell to the ground unconscious.

Voldermort chuckled quietly in the corner. “Ah Lucius you reacted too soon, she almost had him.” He turned and looked at Sarina amusement on his face. “Do you intend on fighting all of us” he said gesturing towards the other Death Eaters.

“I might have succumbed to the idea of dying here but I never said I was going to go without a fight” she said defiantly.

“So brave – Stupefy” he hissed. Sarina fell to the floor. “Now that I have made it easier for you take her down to the cell” and with that he left the room.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


“Harry it’s getting too dark to see mate, we’re not going to be able to find her when there’s no light” Ron said reasonably.

Harry looked at Ron with a grim expression. “We can’t leave her out here all night Ron, she could be hurt – SARINA” he yelled.

They had been out searching the woods for hours but there was no sign of Sarina. Harry had felt uneasy before but now he was terrified it was so dark they couldn’t see two feet in front of them and it was starting to get cold and who knew what kind of animals were out here. He shouldn’t have left if he hadn’t then Sarina would not have gone off on her own. If anything happens to her he will never forgive himself – never.

“SARINA” he called out again as he stumbled blindly in the darkness.

“Harry” came Hermione’s quiet voice. “Harry, Ron’s right we can’t keep looking in the dark. We will have to continue searching in the morning.”

Harry’s shoulders slumped in defeat he knew they were right, they were probably going around in circles, as it was they couldn’t see where they were going. But the thought of leaving her out here was just too unbearable.

Hermione placed a hand on his shoulder. “We’ll come back out first thing in the morning.”

Harry just nodded he couldn’t speak, he knew the tears were so close to falling. He took Hermione’s hand and they disapparated back to the cabin.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Sarina had been here three days, well that’s what her watch told her. The cell was dark and windowless so she couldn’t tell if it was night or day but going by the watch on her wrist it was eight o’clock in the morning. She had endured being tortured for the past three days, though she never felt the pain while the Death Eaters used their various curses for she still shut down her mind and body. But when she was brought back to the cell she would lift the veil of numbness to preserve her energy and that’s when she felt the aches on her body from having the Cruciatus curse used on her. Her arms, legs and face were covered with lacerations and bruises from being punched, kicked and whipped. She also thought she might have a couple of broken ribs. She was being fed once a day on a tiny amount of stale bread and water. Voldermort was right they were going to wear her down, she knew that she would not be able to shut down her mind forever and with the small amount of food she was given she would grow weaker everyday. But she would not give up and she certainly would not bring Harry to them, she didn’t care what they did she would rather die than put him in danger.

Her physical pain was nothing compared to the pain in her heart. She knew that Harry was probably beside himself with worry, she had been gone three days now and he would have no idea where she was. She missed him terribly and she felt ashamed at the way she had acted towards him before she had been caught. Sarina felt the tears slowly roll down her face, she was going to die in this place…alone. She just hoped that Harry realised how much she loved him and that he continued on with the job of finishing Voldermort because then it would all be worth it. She just prayed that Hermione would follow her instructions.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Harry, Ron and Hermione were out searching the woods again, this was the third day of searching for Sarina but there was still no sign of her. Harry knew that Ron and Hermione thought it was pointless to keep searching because if she was out there, she was probably already dead. But he knew he couldn’t give up just yet there still might be hope. They trudged deeper into the woods, Harry decided to detour to the right he walked on for a bit when he noticed a small clearing. He started to walk towards it when he noticed a piece of pink material caught on one of the branches. He took it off the branch and looked at it.

“Hey Hermione” Harry called. “What was Sarina wearing?”

“Uh jeans, a white t-shirt and she had a pink jumper tied around her waist” Hermione answered.

Harry held up the piece of material to show Hermione. “Does this look like…” but he trailed off as he saw something gold lying on the ground. He walked over quickly and bent down and picked it up. His heart constricted in his chest and he was finding it hard to breathe. For in his hand was Sarina’s gold medallion chain.

“Harry what is it?” Hermione asked frightened.

He held up the chain for her to see and she gasped and her hand flew to her mouth as tears welled in her eyes.

“Uh Harry, you better take a look at this,” said Ron in a hoarse voice.

Harry turned around to look at Ron and he felt the colour drain from his face. Ron was standing there holding up a Death Eaters mask.

Harry fell to his knees clutching the chain to his chest as his body racked with sobs. The pain and despair engulfed him like a blanket and the realisation that she was gone hit him like a ton of bricks. If she had been taken by Death Eaters there was no way that they would let her live, she was on their hit list. He pressed his face into his hands and howled like a wounded animal, he had lost yet another loved one how much more was he supposed to take.

Ron helped him to his feet and he sagged against him unable to support himself any longer. He felt Hermione take his hand and they turned on the spot. They arrived back at the cabin and Harry stumbled blindly inside and went straight to the bedroom, which was a bad idea because everywhere he looked there were reminders of Sarina in every corner of the room. Her clothes lying in a pile, photos she had put up and worst of all was her scent that still lingered in the room.

Harry sat on the bed staring at a photo of Sarina for the next few hours until a soft knock on the door broke him out of his reverie. Hermione entered the room and approached Harry hesitantly; she sat down beside him and wrapped her arms around him. He buried his face into her shoulder and sobbed all over again, she rocked him back and forth rubbing his back as the tears fell down her own face. Ron stood in the doorway and watched his best friend grieve over his lost wife and he knew nothing they said or did was going to stop his pain. Ron tried to brush away the tears that were falling freely down his own face; he turned away and walked outside for some air. This was the straw to break the camel’s back, Harry had lost so many loved one’s already but to lose the love of his life, he knew that it was going to take him a long time to recover if ever.
Harry’s sobs finally subsided and he pulled himself from Hermione’s embrace and sat up straight and brushed the tears away.

Hermione looked at him with sadness etched in her brown eyes. “I’m so sorry Harry” she whispered.

Harry just nodded and took a deep shuddering breath, he looked away from Hermione’s sad face but as his eyes scanned the room all he could see were Sarina’s belongings placed around the room, this did not help.

“Harry” said Hermione in a soft voice. “I was asked to give you this if anything like this should happen. I don’t know if it will do any good or not but I think you should read it” she placed the envelope on his lap. She walked to the door and called over her shoulder. “I’ll leave you in peace.”

Harry stared down at the envelope and his heart gave a painful lurch as he recognised Sarina’s handwriting. He stared at it for a moment and then with fumbling fingers he opened and unfolded the letter inside. He began to read;

Dear Harry

If you are reading this letter it means that I am no longer with you. I’m so sorry to have left you for it was not my intention and certainly not my choice. Just know this I love you and I will always love you. You have been the best husband in the world and I thanked God everyday for bringing you to me. My life was so happy and full of joy because you were in it.

I know that you still have a job to do and please Harry for me I want you to finish it. I know in my heart that it has to be you and only you to defeat Voldermort and his Death Eaters and free the wizarding world from the darkness. I made Ron and Hermione promise me that they would see that you completed the job so please don’t be too hard on them. Please Harry for me do your grieving later when you have fulfilled your destiny.

You are my best friend, my lover and my soul mate and I will love you always and forever.

Sarina.

P.S. Make sure you take out a couple of Death Eaters for me.

Harry put down the letter and felt fresh tears form in his eyes, he clutched the gold medallion in his hand so tightly he could feel the metal cut into his flesh. How did she expect him to just forget her and go off and continue his search for Horcruxes when he felt as though his heart had been ripped from his chest. He lay back down on the bed and closed his eyes the medallion still clamped tightly in his hand and Sarina’s letter lay on his chest. He wanted to fall asleep and never wake up again.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It had now been a week that Sarina had been locked in this cell. She was sitting on the floor with her back against the wall and facing the door. She had been given a slight reprieve the Death Eaters had not come for in the past three days. So Sarina had used that time to do some basic karate moves, stretches and meditation. Her body still ached from the various degrees of torture but it was bearable, she knew that it wasn’t smart to let her captors know of her special talent but she wasn’t going to give them the satisfaction of seeing her in pain.

She heard footsteps approaching the cell and she quickly got to her feet and squared her shoulders, she wanted them to see her standing tall and ready. The lock in the door gave a loud click and her body tensed here we go again she thought and she shut down her mind and body.

“Stand away from the door” came a voice she thought she recognised.

She didn’t bother to answer; she just stood pressed against the wall. The door opened and the figure walked inside holding a lamp in one hand and a tray in the other. He quickly placed the tray on the floor and hung the lamp on the wall. Sarina blinked against the sudden brightness of the room and once her eyes had adjusted she peered to get a closer look at the newcomer. He turned towards her and she gasped in surprise standing in front of her was Draco Malfoy.

“You” she hissed.

“Yeah me” he said quietly. There was none of that familiar drawl or smirk on his face. In fact looking more closely he looked paler than usual and his face was drawn in a tight grimace as though he was constantly in pain.

“Well look at you, right where you wanted to be in amongst Voldermort’s most devoted servants. Your parents must be so proud,” she said sarcastically.

He winced at her words but said nothing.

“Oh that’s right you don’t like saying his name. I would have thought bringing about the death of Albus Dumbledore you would have been rewarded most highly” she sneered. He continued to stare at her with a frightened expression. “Obviously not” she added in a whisper.

“I brought you some food, be sure to eat it all you’re going to need your strength” his voice cracking and with that he left the room and locked the door behind him.

Sarina stared after him for a moment and then she walked slowly over to the tray of food. She couldn’t believe her eyes there were chicken legs, roast potatoes and pumpkin, a loaf of bread and a jug of pumpkin juice. She looked at the meal with ravenous eyes, it was probably poisoned but she didn’t care. She sat down beside the tray and started shoveling the food in before anyone came in and took it off her.

After she had finished eating she sat back against the wall and patted her stomach contently. Now that she had a belly full of food she felt more alert, her mind was clear and her body felt stronger. She looked up at the lamp hanging on the wall and an idea formed in her mind. She reached up and pulled it off the hook, she blew out the lamp and waited a few moments for it to cool down. Then she took off her jumper, T-shirt and tank top; she placed the tank top around the lamp and hit it against the floor. She heard the glass break; she unwrapped the tank top and found two nice large shards of glass. She put her T-shirt and jumper back on and wrapped the rest of the broken pieces of glass in her tank top and tucked it into the corner of the room. She picked up the two shards of glass and slipped them up the sleeves of her jumper. Let’s see how they like this she thought grinning to herself.

She didn’t have long to wait about an hour after Draco’s departure she could hear people walking down the corridor to her prison. She hoped there was only two of them, one would be even better it would make the odds a little easier. The lock on the door clicked and the door swung open and two Death Eaters entered the room.

“Time for a little more persuasion, Taylor” the black haired on sneered.

Sarina gritted her teeth, she would have loved to shout that her name was Potter now but she wasn’t that stupid. She crossed her arms across her chest and hung her head as she walked forwards; she could feel the shards of glass sticking into the palms of her hands.

They walked on either side of her their wands pointing at her, as they walked Sarina slowly pulled out the shards of glass hidden in her sleeves. They were halfway up the corridor when she struck; she flung her arms out on either side of her and plunged the glass in as deep as she could into the flesh of the two Death Eaters. They yelled out a scream of pain, she quickly grabbed the smaller guy’s wand out of his hand and stunned him. She turned on the other and hit him with the body bind curse. She hesitated for a split second to see the two Death Eaters on the floor with blood pooling around their bodies before she turned on her heel and sprinted up the corridor. She ran up a small flight of stairs and came out onto a landing, she looked left and right she didn’t know which way was out. She took off down to the right, she moved quickly and quietly as possible. The screams from the two Death Eaters must have been heard by the others and it wouldn’t take them long to come and investigate the noise. She kept on running how big was this place. She rounded a corner and came face to face with Greyback the werewolf, she stunned him before he could even blink in surprise and as she walked passed him she gave him a good hard kick in the ribs.

“See how you like it” she muttered as she continued through the house. She could hear yells coming from behind her and she started to run but she had only taken a dozen steps when three Death Eaters appeared in front of her. She waved the wand wildly and doubled back the way she had come but she knew it was no good the voices she heard before were just around the corner. She looked for a way out while ducking the curses being fired at her but it was no good they were upon her. One of them seized her by the hair and yanked her backwards, she kicked out her legs and swung her arms around trying her hardest to connect with someone. They placed the body bind curse on her and dragged her up to the study. They threw her to the floor and lifted the spell; she struggled to her feet and looked around her.

“You are determined to make life more difficult for yourself aren’t you” said that dreaded high cold voice.

She shrugged her shoulders she could not be bothered to retort.

“I can make this all stop if you just give me what I want,” he said quietly.

She looked him straight in those red eyes and said just one word. “No.”

He waved his wand and she felt her body go rigid again, he walked over to her and stood directly in front of her. He stared at her with those horrible red eyes for a long time. Nobody in the room dared to make a move as he scrutinised Sarina’s face and then he reached out with those long pale fingers and placed them on the side of her face. If she could have moved she would have flinched at his touch, his hands were so cold and she felt as though she could feel the evil running right through them. At his touch she could hear words though his mouth never moved.

I have clearly underestimated this one, she is strong and very resilient and the power she possesses, why it almost matches my own. He was taken by surprise by this. Maybe it would be better to take her out himself, Bellatrix has already failed twice, and yes maybe it wasn’t a good idea to trust others with this. Yes that is the best idea but not before she has brought Potter to me.

He cocked his head to the side and smiled at her baring his teeth in a kind of sneer, he dropped his hand from her face. She looked back at him trying her best with her eyes not to let him know what she had heard.

“So the rumors are true” he whispered so that only she could hear. “I can see now how Dumbledore set it up nicely and you don’t even realise do you? Your hero has played you both.” And with that he waved his wand and she felt her body unfreeze and he strode over to the door and left the room.

Sarina watched him walk out the door as the confused thoughts rushed through her mind. What rumors was he talking about and what has Dumbledore done?

Just one question. When she ran away from the death eaters - why didn't she just apparate out of there? Protective charms?

WOW! What an exciting chapter! I wonder what is going on with Draco? hmm I'm going to have to ponder these new developments! lol
Post soon please, you're fantastic!

Ron and Hermione sat on the porch outside the cabin talking in low voices.

“Hermione we need help here. I don’t know what else to do, it’s been four days and Harry refuses to move off that bed” Ron ran his fingers through his hair in frustration.

“He needs time Ron, he’s just lost the love of his life. We have to try and be patient” Hermione said sadly.

“We don’t have time Hermione” he hissed angrily. “In case you haven’t noticed people are still dying and You-Know-Who is taking over everywhere” he pointed his finger towards the cabin. “He’s the one to stop it and he’s wallowing.”

“Ron” Hermione said her anger rising. “I’m pretty sure if it was one of your family, I don’t exactly think you would be the life of the party either.”

Ron let out a long deep sigh. “I know and I’m sorry, it’s just that it’s got to be him and we can’t do it without him. We made a promise to Sarina that we would keep him on the right track, that we would make sure he continued until the job was done. I thought after he read that letter from her he would be right to go.”

“Yes I thought that might perk him up also, but it seems to have had the opposite effect doesn’t it” Hermione looked towards the cabin and shook her head.

“Look don’t get mad okay,” he said quietly. “But I have been sending and receiving messages from my family” he put up his hand as Hermione opened her mouth. “I know what you are going to say but I don’t care I needed to know that they were alright. They have moved from the Burrow into a safe house that dad organised. I say we take Harry there, maybe they can help get him out of the catatonic state he’s in.”

Hermione looked at Ron thoughtfully. “You know what I think that just might be a good idea but how are we going to convince Harry to go” she said apprehensively.

“I’ll take him by force if I have to” Ron said grimly.

They said quietly for a moment both lost in their own thoughts and then Ron spoke breaking the silence. “I say we go now.”

“Now” said Hermione in alarm.

“Yes now there’s no point in waiting around any longer,” he said firmly.

“Well let me clear the place first before you approach Harry. That way we’ll be ready to go at a moments notice” and she dashed inside.

An hour later they were knocking on the door to Harry’s room. They entered after a moment when nobody answered; they found him lying on the bed staring listlessly at the ceiling.

“Uh Harry we need to talk to you for a moment’ said Hermione tentatively. When he didn’t respond she ploughed on ahead. “Ron and I thought it might be a good idea to leave here and go to his family’s house.”

He turned his head to look at Hermione. “Don’t you think that’s one place the Death Eaters will go to look for us.”

“No mate” said Ron. “They moved a few weeks ago they’re at a safe location now.”

“Well you two have fun,” Harry said in a dull voice. “I have to stay here and wait for Sarina to come back.”

Ron looked at Hermione in alarm; this was not something he was expecting. His best friend had lost it – big time.

“Harry” said Hermione quietly. “Sarina’s not coming back she’s…”

“She’s not dead,” Harry yelled. “She has managed to survive three attempts on her life already, so this time won’t be any different. She’s going to come back and if I’m not here she will think I have deserted her. I won’t do that to her, I’m not going anywhere” he said his voice cracking.

Ron took his wand out of his pocket. “Sorry to have to do this to you mate but it’s for your own good.” He raised his wand and sent a stunning spell at him but Harry was to quick for him and he blocked it but unfortunately for him he was not quick enough against Hermione. He fell back onto the bed unconscious; Hermione covered her face with her hands and sobbed. Ron walked over to her and placed his arms around her and kissed the top of her head.

“It was the only way” he told her reassuringly. “When we get back to my parents hopefully they will be able to sort him out.” But he looked doubtful it was going to take a miracle to bring Harry out of this state.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Sarina awoke to a strong smell of something she didn’t recognise and someone dabbing a wet cloth on her face. She groaned loudly as she felt the pains in her body, she tried to lift her arm but it felt so heavy.

“Try not to move too much,” said a voice beside her.

A moment later a light appeared and Draco Malfoy was sitting on the floor with a cloth in one hand and a bottle in the other.

“I have mended the broken bones in your body and I’m now attending to your cuts and bruises” he said pouring some liquid onto the cloth.

Sarina closed her eyes tight was this some kind of hallucination or trick because why would Draco Malfoy be trying to help me. She opened her eyes again but he was still there.

“How long have I been out?” she asked curtly.

“Most of the night, it’s almost morning” he replied.

She couldn’t remember much of what happened last night, she remembered being in the study and the various degrees of torture being used and then it went blank.

“Was I stunned?”

“Uh no I think you passed out, they were rough last night” he muttered.

Damn it she was growing weaker and they knew it now. She tried to sit up but found it rather painful. Draco put a hand on her shoulder to push her back down. “I think you should lie still.”

She shrugged away from his hand. “I don’t give a rat’s what you think” she seethed. “And why are you trying to help me anyway? Trying to fix me up so I’ll be ready for my next round of torture.”

He looked at her for a moment his hand still hovering in mid-air and then he dropped it by his side and leant up against the wall.

“No that’s not what I am trying to do,” he said quietly. “They don’t know that I am down here, if they did well then…” he trailed off shuddering.

“So why are you here? It’s not like you to be risking your life for someone else” she said grimacing in pain as she brought herself upright.

“You don’t remember what happened last year, do you?”

“I remember you bringing Death Eaters into the school and the murder of Dumbledore” she answered.

“No before that” he said.

She looked perplexed she had no idea what he was talking about. She shook her head.

“You’ve had a memory charm placed upon you. If you will allow me, I will remove it so that we can talk” he removed his wand from inside his robes.

She eyed him suspiciously. “Who put a memory charm on me?”

“I will not say and don’t bother asking me again” he snapped in irritation.

“Hey don’t go getting snotty with me. I think I have a right to know and you’re the one who brought it up” she snarled.

He sighed and ran his hand across his forehead. “I’m sorry okay. Do you wish to know the full story or not?”

“Oh fine do what you have to do,” she said exasperated.

He raised his wand and pointed it at her. She closed her eyes he was either going to kill her or he wasn’t at this point she did not really care. There was a flash of light and then nothing; she opened her eyes again.

“I don’t feel any different,” she said looking down at her body.

“Well you’re not supposed to, but when I ask you questions you will be able to recall those memories that had been wiped” he explained.

Sarina looked at him warily. “Go ahead then, what is it you want to say.”

Draco took a deep breath and ran his fingers through his hair. “Do you remember when you were attacked and lay in that coma?”

Sarina thought for a moment and then looked at him with anger flashing in her eyes. “Yes I remember now, it was you – you tried to kill me” she spat.

He sighed a long drawn out sigh. “Actually no I didn’t try and kill you. I was supposed to but I couldn’t do it, so I purposely placed you in that coma. I just wanted to get you out of harms way. The Dark Lord wanted you dead and ordered me to do it. I’m no killer Sarina, so I did the next best thing I put you in a deep sleep and was going to keep you like that till this was all over…but I guess you had others ideas and you managed to come back after only a week.”

Sarina was taken aback she had not expected this. “Okay so you didn’t try and kill me…uh thanks for that” she said slowly. “But I do remember speaking to you in the hospital wing after that and you promised me that you were going to speak to Dumbledore about your other mission and you didn’t, did you. Because of you he is dead, you brought those Death Eaters into the castle” she said with an accusing tone.

“Yes I take full responsibility for that,” he said quietly. “But I had no choice he threatened to kill my mother if I didn’t do it. You know after I spoke to you I knew that my life would be in danger if I didn’t go through with it, but I accepted it” Draco gave a small shudder. “He obviously knew that so that’s why he decided to threaten the only other person in the world I cared about.”

Sarina didn’t know what to say she could certainly appreciate the situation he had been in. Draco took advantage of the silence and continued with his story.

“So when we returned and he found out that I had failed another job. He…he…uh…he killed my mother anyway right in front of me” he stammered and dropped his head.

Sarina felt sick how could anyone be so cruel. She reached out with her hand to place on his shoulder but it hovered there a moment before she dropped it back in her lap. “I’m so sorry Draco” she whispered. “But…and I have to ask this but why would you stay here and work for him. Especially since you know what he is like, he has no feelings, he doesn’t care about anyone you must know he’ll turn on you in the blink of an eye.”

“I know that” he retorted. “I never said I was working for him. No I’m working on the inside to bring him down. How else do you think you got those details in that letter.”

“That was you,” she said stunned. “But how did you know where to find me?”

“I placed a tracking spell on you. I have been able to follow your movements for months” he replied shrugging.

Sarina stared at him open-mouthed and then closed it again as the anger coursed through her body. “Well I don’t know what you were trying to achieve but the result is me being caught and ending up in here” she seethed.

“You have to believe me when I say I truly did not want that to happen. I thought I was helping you, I know what you are looking for and I know where they are so I passed the information on” his voice dropping to a whisper.

“How could you possibly know what we’re looking for?” she asked sharply.

“The person I am working with has a lot of information and they have been helping me to get the information to you. And don’t bother asking names I will not say” he added.

Sarina shook her head at this turn of events, Draco Malfoy risking his own life to help others. “This is just too bizarre,” she said lightly. She couldn’t take sitting down any longer her body was starting to cramp. She raised herself off the ground and stood up a little too quickly. The room began to spin and she swayed on the spot, she flung out her arm looking for that wall for support. Draco reached and grabbed her on the arm.

“Easy there” he said with concern.

Sarina closed her eyes against the spinning and took a deep breath.

God she looks awful, I can’t stand to see her like this. I still love her…

Sarina pulled her arm out of his grasp; she did not need to hear this right now. “Sorry I’m fine now,” she said through gritted teeth. “Just got up a little too quickly” she looked around the room that had been her home for the past week, she didn’t want to have to look at him. “What is this place?” she asked after a moment.

“It belongs to the Lestrange’s” he replied. “It’s the meeting place for the Death Eaters, it’s got the tightest security placed upon it and around it. So it’s impossible to break out of,” he added quietly.

Her head snapped towards him and her eyes flashed angrily. “Yeah I kinda found that out for myself thanks” sarcasm dripping in her voice.

“Well you asked” he retorted.

“All right, all right I’m sorry” she muttered she didn’t feel like getting into an argument right now. She bent over and tried to touch her toes with her fingers every part of her body screamed in agony. She took a deep breath and forced herself to keep going.

Draco watched her silently his eyes full of admiration at how much she had gone through and was still able to find the strength to keep going and not give up.

“I have to get back upstairs before someone notices I’m missing” he told her quietly.

She stopped her stretching and looked at him with a hard expression. “Right well I wouldn’t want you to get in trouble or anything,” she said stiffly.

He hesitated for a moment and then walked to the door. “I’ll send down some food for you” he called over his shoulder and then he was closing the door and she heard the lock click.

She stared at the door miserably for a while, she wished he didn’t have to go at least when he was here she wasn’t alone even if he was Draco Malfoy.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Harry escaped from the inside of the safe house out into the yard; he walked over to the orchard and sat down against the base of a large apple tree. He was seething with anger if he could he would leave here and go back to the cabin but Mr. Weasley had placed an enchantment on him so that he was bound to the place. He hadn’t spoken to Ron and Hermione for the past few days he was still angry with them for dragging him here without his consent. He slammed his fist into the ground and growled in frustration, he was very close to losing control. He reached into his pocket and pulled out the letter Sarina had written and re-read it again. He was even starting to get angry at her now, she left him behind and she expected him to carry on without her. He was starting to feel that she was more obsessed with finding the Horcruxes than she had been with him.

He looked up when he heard footsteps approaching, he watched as Ginny Weasley drew closer to where he was sitting. He scowled why couldn’t they just leave him alone for five minutes.

“Hey Harry” Ginny said brightly. “Mum sent me down here to get some apples, she wants to make apple pie for dessert” she held up the basket she was holding.

“Great” Harry muttered rolling his eyes.

Ginny chose to ignore this and started to pull some apples from the tree. “So what are you up to today?” she asked airily.

“Look Ginny I know what you’re trying to do and I’m not up for small talk okay” he growled. “So you can go back and tell the rest of them that as well, I just want to be left alone.”

Ginny’s eyes narrowed and her face flushed with anger. “Oh for god sakes it’s not all about you. The wizarding world is in total chaos and you’re sitting under an apple tree wallowing. We all loved Sarina too you know and we miss her but she’s not coming back Harry and it’s about time you realised that.”

Harry quickly got to his feet anger burning in his eyes. “What…are you hoping to step in and take her place” he regretted the words as soon as they were out of his mouth.

Ginny raised her hand and slapped him hard across the face. “How…dare…you” she hissed. “I would never…” she took a deep breath. “What I was trying to say was that sitting around moping all day is not going to bring her back” she pointed at the letter in his hand. “She requested just one thing from you Harry and I thought as a tribute to her memory, you would fulfil it” she picked up the basket of apples and stormed back to the house.

“Wait…Ginny I’m sorry” he whispered but she didn’t hear him.

Harry slumped back against the tree and rubbed his stinging cheek. He looked back down at the letter in his hand and closed his eyes. All right Sarina for you, I will finish this.

Oh, very well written! Add more soon, this is brilliant!

Sarina lay on the cell’s floor quietly sobbing, she had been locked up and tortured for a month now. She wiped her face and didn't know if she was brushing away the tears or blood. It had been Bellatrix’s turn last night and she had been merciless. She was in agony her body had been beaten so badly that she couldn’t move, she could taste the blood in her mouth and couldn’t even turn her head to spit it out. She just wished they would kill her and be done with it, she knew she wasn’t going to be able to take much more.

She heard the lock give a loud click and then the door swung open, please no more she thought I can’t take anymore right now. She closed her eyes and waited feeling sick.

“Sarina” came a whispered voice.

“Draco” she said her voice cracking.

“Oh god what have they done to you” he cried. He knelt down beside her and put down the things he was holding in his hands.

“What’s that?” she asked looking at the rectangular object he was still holding.

“It’s just a mirror” he said. “I thought after I fixed you up, you could have a look to make sure I…uh got things right.”

She closed her eyes for a brief moment and then said. “Show me now.”

“In a minute, wait till I have mended you first.”

“Show…me…now” she demanded.

He hesitated for a moment and then placed the mirror in front of her face. She gasped when she saw her reflection, her face was black and blue, there were deep red welts, her eyes were swollen and her lips had been split open and there was blood oozing from them. She forced her head away from the gruesome sight and retched.

“Hold still while I repair the damage” croaked Draco.

“Draco” she pleaded. “Please just put me out of my misery. They’re going to kill me anyway, just do it now I can’t take it anymore.”

“S-Sarina I – I can’t” he stammered. “I couldn’t take your life, I just couldn’t.”

Sarina started to cry in earnest now, the tears stinging her face as they rolled down her cheeks. Her body shook with sobs causing more pain to run through her body.

“Shh Sarina” whispered Draco. “I’m working on it, you just need to hold on a little longer.”

Her sobs slowly subsided and she looked at Draco. “What do you mean?” she asked him.

Draco waved his wand over her body and face muttering different incantations as he went. When he had finished her body felt considerably better although it still ached, it was not as bad as before. He held the mirror up to her face again and she looked at her reflection. The swelling was gone, the bruises and welts had faded and the blood was gone.

“That’s better isn’t it” he said softly. “The bruises will eventually go as will the welts.”

“Till the next time” she murmured.

“Well hopefully I’ll have you out before the next time” he said with false confidence. “The others are busy at the moment, so you won’t be their priority.”

She didn’t want to get her hopes up but her heart started to beat with excitement at the thought of getting out of here…alive.

She looked at him for a moment. “Thank you for helping me” she said. “If it wasn’t for you coming to me every night I think I would have lost it a long time ago.”

“Don’t thank me just yet” he said seriously. “We still have to get you out of here.”

“Er…Draco I’m assuming you’re organising some sort of daring prison escape but aren’t you worried he will find out what your are planning. I’m surprised he doesn’t already know that you’re coming to see me everyday. He seems to know everything else going on around him” she frowned as she said this.

“As I said before I’ve got someone helping me. Don’t worry the plan will work, we’ve just got to get the timing right” he gave her a faint smile.

“Well forgive me if I don’t share your confidence” she raised herself into a sitting position.

Draco reached out and put a hand on her shoulder to steady her. At his touch she heard the faint whispers of his thoughts.

Don’t worry Sarina I’ll do my best to protect you. I’ll get you out of here even if I have to die doing it. God I love this girl even after all this time. Maybe if I prove to her how much she means to me, then maybe I’ll stand a chance…

Sarina shrugged away from his hand, she felt guilty for listening to his thoughts and she felt guilty for being taken by his words. She placed her hand on her jeans pocket and felt the wedding rings resting inside. She was just grateful for his help these past weeks, she did not have feelings for Draco Malfoy. Did she?

Draco dropped his hand by his side and looked away with a hurt expression on his face. She still didn’t trust him but he would show her that he is a man of his word.

“I better get back upstairs Sarina, I will come back later” he got up and left the room.

Sarina put her head in her hands, she did not need these confusing thoughts right now.

Wow... I'm going to be nice and not tell you it was crap.
Keep writing, I need more things to distract me from sleep.
YAY Mel!

You girls are so odd with eachother!
I loved it Mel, keep up the good work. I think I see where this one is going and I must say I am very excited to see it come to fruition.
Cheers!
Liam

It had now been six weeks since Sarina disappeared into the woods and never returned. Harry was still miserable but he was doing what Sarina had requested, he pushed the pain away for the moment and was now focusing wholeheartedly on finding the Horcruxes. He, Ron and Hermione had gone to the locations that Harry and Ron had gone to previously and now they were two Horcruxes down.

He was walking around the yard with his hands in his pockets when he noticed Ginny in the vegetable patch. He had not spoken to her alone since that eventful afternoon out by the apple tree. He made is way over to her slowly.

“Hey Gin” he called. “Do you need a hand?”

She looked up at him and smiled. “Yes please” she panted as she tugged on a carrot and lost her grip and fell on her behind.

Harry burst out laughing at the sight of her, it was the first time he had laughed in weeks. She was stunned to see him laughing and she joined in quickly.

“I’m glad to see you find it amusing” she giggled as she got back to her feet.

“Well it was funny,” he said lightly.

“Don’t just stand there, come and get your hands dirty” she scolded.

They spent the next couple of hours picking out vegetables for Mrs Weasley. Ginny kept up a light banter as they worked. Harry found the work fulfilling as it stopped him from thinking of other things and Ginny was a great companion, she never walked on eggshells around him and she pulled no punches, she always said what she was thinking.

Once they had finished they both sat on the ground taking a breather. Harry looked at her; he still owed her an apology for the way he had spoken to her last.

“Hey Gin, I…uh…I just wanted to apologise for what I said to you when we were out by the apple tree” he began.

“It’s alright Harry, it’s all forgotten now” she said.

“No it’s not, I shouldn’t have said what I said and I’m truly sorry for ever saying it. And I also want to thank you for the wake up call, if it hadn’t been for you I would probably be still sitting under that tree” he gave her a genuine smile and felt as though a weight had been lifted off his shoulders.

“Anytime Harry” she murmured. “Come on we better get these up to mum before she throws a fit.”

They got up and walked side by side back to the house and Harry felt as though there was change in the air.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Lord Voldermort sat at the huge desk in the study of the Lestrange’s house, his elbows resting on top of the table and his fingers were laced together under his chin. He did not move or even look up when there was a knock upon the door.

“Enter” he called.

The door to the study opened and Lucius Malfoy entered the room. He walked over to the desk and bowed in front of Voldermort.

“You wish to see me, my Lord,” he said while still stooped in a bow.

“Yes Lucius take a seat” he gestured towards the chair.

Lucius Malfoy took the chair offered to him and sat directly opposite Voldermort. He waited for him to speak but Voldermort did not say anything he simply stared at Lucius with those blood red eyes. Lucius shifted uncomfortably under his gaze but he held his tongue.

After what seemed an eternity Voldermort finally spoke. “It seems we have a slight problem, Lucius. I wonder if you know what it is?”

Lucius bowed his head. “No my Lord.”

“Your son Lucius, your own flesh and blood is helping the Taylor girl,” he said in a dangerously quiet voice.

“I assure you my Lord, Draco would never…”

“Silence” Voldermort cut in. “I know for a fact he has been helping her. Now the question is what do we do about it?”

“My Lord allow me to take care of Draco, I will see to it that he is punished” Lucius said.

“You know what happens to betrayers Lucius” Voldermort hissed. “This is not the first time he has disobeyed my orders, I have been lenient on him for you. But no more he has to die.”

Lucius flinched but said nothing; he simply hung his head.

“He can share the cell with his sweetheart. I am giving her another two weeks to give me Potter, if she still refuses then she dies and so does your son and you can be the one to do it” he waved his hand to dismiss him and then turned towards the fireplace.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Sarina lay on the floor of the cell trying to get to sleep when the sound of shouting and screaming outside the door made her jump to her feet and press herself against the wall.

The door to the cell banged open and a figure was thrown inside and then the door closed shut and was locked. Sarina remained pressed against the wall as the figure groaned on the floor.

“S-Sarina” the figure croaked.

Sarina recognised his voice at once, she ran over to him. “Draco are you alright” she whispered.

“There’s a light in my pocket” his voice sounded muffled.

She reached into his robes’ pocket and pulled out a flashlight, she wondered for a moment at why Draco would possess a muggle object but she shook her head quickly now was not the time. She flicked the button on the light and it flooded the room, she looked at Draco and gasped in horror, his face looked like hers did only days ago.

“What the hell happened to you Draco?” she asked looking upset.

“He found out that I was helping you” he made to get up but Sarina put a hand on his shoulder and pushed him gently back down.

She gritted her teeth, she knew this would happen she knew it was too good to last. The hope of getting out of here just blew up in her face.

“Just rest now” she said trying to choke back the tears.

“I’m sorry Sarina, I’ve just made things worse” he said quietly.

“Don’t’ worry about that, there’s nothing we can do about it now” she looked away from him so that he would not see the disappointment on her face.

“Sarina, there’s something else. He’s given you two weeks and if by then you haven’t given him Harry he’s going to kill you, kill us both” he said flatly.

Sarina took a deep breath and turned back to face Draco. “Then so be it” she whispered. ‘I’ve been preparing for this ever since I was caught at least now I know” she looked at Draco sadly. “I’m just sorry you got dragged into this.”

“It’s okay I knew the risks when I chose to help you. But don’t give up just yet, there’s still my accomplice he’s still working on it” he said.

“I’m not going to hold my breath” she muttered.

Later on that morning they came for Sarina. Four Death Eaters dragged her out of the cell room and up to the study. Voldermort was waiting in the room for her; he dismissed the others with a wave of his hand and did not speak until they were alone.

“I trust you know why you are here,” he said.

“Yes and you might as well kill me now, I’m not going to tell you anything” she retorted.

He smiled at her and raised his wand. “A little persuasion perhaps.”

Sarina tried to shut down her mind and body but knew it was no good she was too weak. She closed her eyes and waited for the pain to begin.

“Crucio” he hissed.

She felt the spell hit her and although it wasn’t excruciating it did hurt. She gritted her teeth against the pain, she didn’t want to scream out and let him know that she was feeling it. He lifted the spell and the pain stopped, she opened her eyes and looked at him hoping not to betray anything.

“It’s starting to hurt isn’t it” he chuckled. “Just give me what I desire.”

“Go to hell!” she spat.

His eyes narrowed dangerously and she could see the sparks of anger in them. “Have it your way…CRUCIO” he roared.

The curse hit her with such force that she felt winded, her body was on fire and it felt as though a thousand knives were piercing her body. She felt her knees buckle and then give way as she dropped to the floor. And the scream that left her lips was like nothing she had ever heard before. She placed her hands in front of her on the floor as she continued to scream.

He lifted the spell again and she rolled up into a ball on the floor panting. Her body was shaking from head to toe but she refused to cry in front of him.

He knelt down beside her and whispered in her ear. “Something for you to think about, Taylor, I will see you tomorrow. Maybe then you might be a little more accommodating.”

She didn’t even hear him leave as she was being roughly pulled to her feet and taken back to her cell.

Sarina lay on the floor of the cell with Draco by her side. She had just endured another round of torture from Voldermort; this had been going on for the past ten days with Voldermort growing more furious and more sadistic as each day passed that she refused his request.

“Draco” she croaked with tears running down her face. “I can’t take it anymore, I just can’t please help me.”

Draco looked at Sarina with anguish on his face; he put his arms around her and held her gently. “I know,” he said rocking her back and forth. “You just need to hang on a little longer, it’ll be all over soon” he tried to hold back the tears, he couldn’t bear to see her like this.

Sarina was now so weak that all her abilities she had possessed were now gone. If it hadn’t been for Draco she would have lost the will to fight long ago. Who would have thought that the guy who was so full of himself and sometimes-cruel back at school would turn out to be a kind and thoughtful guy after all?

She felt his arms around her and she felt comforted and content to be with him. These past ten days of being locked up together, she had learnt a lot about him and found that she liked him, a lot more than she should. She closed her eyes trying to block out the pain she was feeling and she felt his lips brush her forehead and she was confused at how good that felt and guilty because she wondered what they would feel like against her lips.

Great chapter Mel! You already know what I want you to write next! LOL
*hugs*
Krissy

You and Krissy sure are affectionate! lol
Another great chapter Mel. I think Krissy and I have the same hopes for your story! Keep up the writing!
Love,
Liam

that is sexy i just wish they were allowed to tell about sex on ss

Okay this one is dedicated to Krissy and Liam. And thanks to Nitro for reading as well.

Harry awoke again in the middle of the night from another vision he had- had. It was the same one Voldermort was torturing somebody but he could not make out the person properly. He tried to close his eyes and go back to sleep but the picture was still in his mind, he had the strong feeling that he knew this person but he still could not see their face.

He got up out of bed and crept quietly out of the room and made his way into the yard. He walked over to the love seat in the garden and was surprised to see someone already there.

“Ginny” he whispered. “Is that you?”

Ginny jumped slightly at the sound of Harry’s voice and turned to face him. “Harry you startled me” she said hoarsely.

“What are you doing out here?” he asked quietly as he looked at his watch. “It’s one o’clock in the morning.”

“I couldn’t sleep” she murmured. “So I decided to come out here, what are you doing up?”

“Same reason” he replied. “Voldermort is keeping me awake” he rubbed his scar which was still prickling.

Ginny looked alarmed. “What did you see?”

“The same vision I’ve been having for days. He’s always torturing the same person but I can’t see their face” he groaned as he sat down beside her and put his head in his hands.

Ginny put her arms around him and said in a soothing voice. “It’s alright Harry, you’ll get through this, you’ve just got to stay strong.”

Harry felt comforted by her words and the feel of her arms around him. He felt closeness to her then and a slight fluttering started in his stomach. He was starting to feel a little confused at where his thoughts were going but he could not seem to move from her embrace.

“Why couldn’t you sleep Ginny?” he asked after a moment breaking the comfortable silence.

She pulled back slightly to look him in the face, her brown eyes looking into his green ones. A hint of colour touched her cheeks before she spoke.

“After all this time and although I know your heart belongs to someone else. I…still…love you and I know that it is wrong” she ducked her head so that he couldn’t see her eyes.

He cupped her chin with his hand and tilted her head back and looked into his eyes. “Ginny…I…don’t know what to say” he whispered.

He knew he didn’t have to say anything his instincts kicked in and he leaned forward and brushed his lips against hers in a soft kiss. She responded eagerly wrapping her arms around his neck and kissed him back passionately. They were locked in a tight embrace with a kiss that seemed to go on forever, when…

“Oi, what the hell is going on?” yelled a voice.

Harry and Ginny jumped apart as though they had received an electric shock and looked up to see Ron standing there looking furious.

“Ron” Harry said guiltily. “I…uh…we were just…”

“I know what you were doing” Ron muttered angrily. “Ginny go back into the house – NOW!”

Ginny jumped up from the seat her face ashen and tears in her eyes as she fled the scene.

Harry jumped up too and looked at Ron angrily. “You didn’t need to speak to her like that.”

“She’s my sister and I will speak to her anyway I like” he retorted. “I wake up to find your bed empty and come looking for you and I find you out here snogging my sister” he hissed.

“Ron let me explain” pleaded Harry.

Ron held up his hand. “I don’t want to hear it Harry. She’s been in love with you since she was ten years old. I will not have you using her as some rebound fling while you try to get over Sarina.”

“That’s not what I was doing,” said Harry angrily.

Ron snorted. “It’s only been two months, are you telling me that you have forgotten her already and you’re ready to move on.”

“No, I will never forget Sarina” he croaked. “But I was not using Ginny either. It just happened and for the first time in ages I felt happy. But if you want I will stay away from her…until it’s a better time” he added.

Ron stared at Harry for a long time before speaking. “She’s my sister Harry, do not mess her around” he turned on his heel and walked back into the house.

Harry watched him leave and sighed. He felt confused but he also felt clear-headed. That kiss he just shared with Ginny was something he had never experienced before. He thought that he and Sarina were destined to be but as he thought back to their time together he had to admit to himself that it didn’t even come close to what he felt for Ginny.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Sarina lay on the floor of her prison with her head in Draco’s lap as he held her and whispered to her that he would look after her and that everything would turn out all right.

She listened as he talked to her and confusing thoughts were running through her mind. Maybe because Draco had turned out to be a wonderful guy after all or maybe it was because he was here with her when she didn’t want to be alone. Whatever it was she knew that she had developed deep feelings for him.

“So tomorrow’s the big day, we get to die together” she said trying to make light of the situation they were facing.

But it was anything but funny. When did her life become so unimportant? When was it said that she had to sacrifice herself for others? There were so many things she hadn’t got the chance to do and now she never would. She started to cry it wasn’t fair her life wasn’t supposed to be like this.

Draco pulled her up into his arms and cradled her against his chest. “Shh Sarina, please don’t cry there’s still hope” he whispered.

She looked into his eyes. “It’s going to take a miracle to get us out of here. Do you have that much faith?” she asked.

He chuckled lightly. “I didn’t before but I do now. Watching you withstand all that torture, I think anything is possible.”

She gave him a small smile. “Thank you again for being here with me. You’ve made life a lot more bearable. Not that I want you to die or anything but I’m glad I’m not alone” she choked on the last words and tears spilled from her eyes.

He brushed his lips against her forehead and murmured words of encouragement. She moved her head slightly and found herself so very close to his face, she looked into his eyes and then to his lips. She wanted him to kiss her; she wanted to feel the closeness of him, to have someone love her before she died. She looked back into his eyes and he must have understood the look of longing in them because he moved his head in closer and kissed her on the lips ever so softly.

She was so surprised by the tenderness of his lips and how fast her heart was beating. This was like nothing she had ever felt before. She threw away her abandonment and wrapped her arms around him and kissed him passionately. They kissed long and hard until she was left breathless and as he started nuzzling her neck she knew that she wanted to be with him forever. He turned his lips back to hers and she felt his hands run up and down her arms sending tingles throughout her body. But as she was enjoying the sensation of his lips on hers, her brain was screaming at her that this was wrong. She actually belonged to someone else.

She pulled away from him abruptly. “S-sorry I can’t do this” she panted. She released herself from him and sat up against the wall.

He looked both disappointed and sad. “Did I do something wrong?” he asked in a small voice.

“No it’s not you” she sighed. “I haven’t been completely honest with you Draco” she reached into her jeans pocket and pulled out her wedding rings and held them up for Draco to see. “Harry and I got married last summer” she whispered tears rolling down her face.

He looked stunned for a moment and then his face fell into one of anguish. “I see” was all he could say.

“I’m so sorry Draco” she whispered. “Since the day I met him I always thought he was the one for me, I never thought of anyone else he was my life. I always felt the need to be there for him…to protect him at whatever cost. I have come to realise that I mistook that need for love but now after you I know that I was wrong” she looked at him willing for him to understand.

He looked at her with hope in his eyes. “Are you saying what I think you’re saying?”

She reached over and put her hand on his cheek. “Yes Draco it’s you who I should have been with. For some reason I have been blind to the possibility.”

He moved his head closer to hers and kissed her again and she knew that they only had hours left together. She slid her hand down from his cheek to the front of his shirt and slowly undone the top button. He took a sharp intake of breath and grabbed her hand.

“Are you sure?” he asked his voice trembling.

“I’ve never been more sure” she whispered.

He kissed her hard on the mouth entwining his fingers through her hair. With shaking fingers she continued to undo the buttons on his shirt. He moved his kisses down to her neck just as the door to cell burst open.

“Aww look at that we’re interrupting” came a snide voice.

Sarina and Draco apart quickly and looked towards the door.

“Sorry to break up this happy union but it’s time to go” the voice said nastily.

Sarina got to her feet slowly, her breathing coming in quick bursts. This was it; this was the end of her life. She looked at Draco and tried to give him a reassuring smile but it didn’t come out quite right. She was scared, for the first time since coming here she realised that she didn’t want to die, she wanted to live, she wanted to be happy and she wanted to be with Draco. She took him by the hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. He returned her squeeze with a light pressure of his own and he smiled at her and his eyes held some reassurance. She felt comforted by this and even felt a little stronger within herself.

I love you Sarina, I always have and I always will. Even though we are about to die, I will always have felt lucky to have met you.

Sarina looked at Draco, surprise written all over her face. She had heard his thoughts for the first time in weeks; some of her powers had come back. She felt a slight glimmer of hope maybe Draco was right they might still get out of here alive. She gave him a sly grin and a wink as they walked out of the cell for the last time.

They were taken up to the study, where they stood in the centre of the room. Bellatrix was there as was Lucius Malfoy, Greyback the werewolf, Dolohov, Travers, a couple of Death Eaters she didn’t know and for the first time since being here Severus Snape. Voldermort was nowehere to be seen. Bellatrix seemed to read Sarina’s mind because she spoke up.

“The Dark Lord is attending to other matters at the moment but he will be here shortly” she smiled through bared teeth.

“Can hardly wait” Sarina muttered under her breath.

Bella’s eyes narrowed slightly. “Thought we might have a little fun first before it’s time to say goodnight.”

Draco moved in front of Sarina acting as a shield. Lucius looked at his son with a hint of regret on his face.

Bellatrix shrieked with laughter. “You really turned out to be a disappointment, Draco. You protect this half-breed who has been fraternising with the enemy. You are prepared to spill your pure blood for this trash” she screamed.

“Yes I am,” he said quietly.

Snape moved forward and took Draco by the arm to move him out of the way. “Come now Draco, you do not need to make this harder on yourself.”

“It’s okay Draco” Sarina whispered. “I can handle it” and as she gave him a sideways glance she could have sworn that she saw Snape slip Draco a wand. But she turned her attention back to Bellatrix. “Well what are you waiting for Bella” she sneered. “Give it your best shot.”

Bellatrix’s eyes narrowed and her lip curled as she pointed her wand at Sarina. “You always did have a smart mouth” she muttered. “CRUCIO” she yelled.

Sarina felt a slight jolt to her body but that was it, the pain never came just like she knew it wouldn’t. She smiled back at Bellatrix whose face was full of fury.

“Is that the best you got Bella, you seem to be losing your touch” Sarina said while giving a fake yawn.

“How is this possible?” she seethed.

Before Sarina could say anything Voldermort entered the room. “Looks like there won’t be any fun for you tonight Bella. Perhaps we should just get on with it” his deadly voice sent shivers down Sarina’s spine.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Harry awoke yelling and screaming, his scar was on fire and he clutched at his head against the throbbing pain. He felt, as though his whole head was going to explode, the pain was ferocious. He was dripping in sweat and he felt sick from the blinding pain. The lights came on just as he vomited over the side of the bed.

“Harry what is it?” Mr Weasley asked in a terrified voice.

Ron was kneeling beside Harry’s bed, Hermione had perched herself at the end of the bed, Ginny was sitting on Ron’s bed and Fred, George and Mr and Mrs Weasley stood in the doorway.

“I-I just had another vision,” Harry said in a shaky voice while rubbing his scar.

“And what did you see?” Hermione asked sharply.

He looked up at all the people in the room; all pairs of eyes staring back at him with the same scared expression.

“He was torturing Sarina” Harry said quietly. “She’s still alive.”

::does a little happy jig:: YAY!!! I loved it Mel! Keep up the awesome writing. You have made me (and probably Liam) so freaking happy! Wahoo!
Love you to pieces!
Krissy

Haha I'm so glad that I made you happy. Means you're really going to love the next post, woops might have given too much away. Lol we'll see.

Thanks again Krissy.

Love Mel