Harry Potter - Series Fan Fiction ❯ Altered Destiny ❯ The Dark Mark ( Chapter 3 )
[ T - Teen: Not suitable for readers under 13 ]
By: wildchickfox 
Non Anime: Harry Potter - Series Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Comedy | Type: Self Insertion | Uploaded On: 07.14.2008 | Pages: 3 | Words: 4.8K | Visits: 235 | Status: Work In Progress
Non Anime: Harry Potter - Series Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Comedy | Type: Self Insertion | Uploaded On: 07.14.2008 | Pages: 3 | Words: 4.8K | Visits: 235 | Status: Work In Progress
“Talking”
Thinking
§Scene Change§
äTriplet Special Languageä
?Telepathic Communication?
A transition between AN, Review Responses, Dedications, and story
?Altered Destiny?
Chapter Three: The Dark Mark
“I can’t believe that last play by Ireland.” Ron gushed.
“I mean did you see how……” Charlie added.
“I can’t believe Krum actually made that catch…..” Bill shot back.
“We knew it would happen.” The twins chorused.
And on and on and on went the Weasley boys as the group traveled back to the tents. Ginny and Hermione were busy gossiping about the good looking players. Brittany was being a little quiet. She was walking beside Sondra who was also quiet, but that was normal for Sondra.
“I still think that it is bogus how Ireland won by the amount of goals they had. I mean Krum did catch the Snitch.”
“That’s beside the point, Bulgaria lost fair and square. Our cousin’s team is the best.” Mitchell bragged.
“That is total malarkey and you know it.” Draco shot back.
“Both of you shut up!” Brittany and Sondra growled.
“What’s the matter with you?” Draco asked her.
“Nothing, just shut-up the two of you are giving me a headache.” Brittany declared in an annoyed tone.
“What’s wrong with you?” Mitchell pressed.
“It’s my gift, those Veela just really get on my nerves. It makes me so mad.” Brittany stated. “Add to it other annoyances.” She grumbled.
Mitchell immediately understood what was happening and backed off. Brittany turned to her sister. The two began conversing in a language the triplets had used ever since they were little kids.
äIt’s not right. My powers are acting strangely. ä
äHow so? ä
äMy power seems to be trying to counter the Influence of the Veela. ä
äSo what? ä
äMy powers are acting stronger than usual. My gift seems all out of sync. It seems to be storing up. ä
äThen let it all out. ä
äI can’t I still have hardly any idea how my gift works. You can use your gift of sight with ease. Mitchell uses his gift of strength all the time. I need to learn how to use my gift. ä
äThen learn. ä
äI will! ä
By the end of the conversation Harry Draco, and Hermione were staring at the two siblings strangely. Sondra simply continued off into her own world. Brittany proceeded to ignore the looks and continued forward. The two females walked ahead of the group and into their tent. Harry, Draco and Hermione were still at a loss.
“What the hell was all that about?” Draco asked confounded.
“Ever since we were young the three of us would talk in that language. I guess it was something we made up for the three of us to use. We never stopped using it fully, but this is the first time Brittany has used it around people in the past few years.” Mitchell explained. “I hear Sondra saying things every once in a while, but I do not think she is ever talking to anyone.”
“So it is like languages that children make up to communicate with their friends secretly.” Hermione surmised.
“Exactly.” Mitchell smiled.
“Why is no one else concerned about it?” Draco asked.
“Well we’ve all heard it before.” Charlie explained. “Brittany would return to that language whenever she was under too much stress or strain. It was quite common to hear after she is so quiet for so long.”
“Is something wrong with her?” Harry asked.
“It’s just something the three of us have all had problems with. Brittany seems to have more trouble controlling her gift than Sondra or I.” Mitchell explained.
“Is she going to be alright though?” Harry pressed.
“She’ll be fine she is just unbalanced due to the fact that the Veela have a powerful racial trait that allows them to influence people. Brittany’s gift is one of Influence, but she does not know how to use it well enough. When Veela are gathered in an area where Brittany is at, her gift goes haywire. So she becomes quiet and passive until the balance is settled.” Mitchell explained.
“So after the balance is settled, she’ll return to normal?” Harry asked making sure he understood.
“Why are you so concerned Harry?” Mitchell asked in an annoyed tone.
“She’s my friend. Why do you not seem to care? You’re her brother after all.” Harry shot back.
“I would recommend that you both stop your arguing. It is only going to upset Brittany more.” Mr. Weasley advised.
“Alright.” The two males agreed.
With that said the males proceeded to enter one tent, while Ginny, and Hermione entered the other. The males were all busy giving play by plays for the entire Quidditch match. Mr. Weasley had even begun to enter the conversations as well. The female tent was that of quiet and peace. Ginny and Hermione were gossiping quietly about the cute boys, especially Aiden and Victor Krum. Brittany was on the floor sitting by herself sipping tea. Sondra was busy writing something in a strange language that neither Ginny nor Hermione could decipher.
“What are you writing?” Ginny asked.
Sondra sighed. “It is a letter to someone of Royalty from far away.”
“What language is that?” Hermione wondered. “I have never encountered it before.”
“It is an ancient language.” Sondra replied vaguely. “Only a select group of people can read and understand it.”
Brittany stood up, her curiosity taking hold. She looked over Sondra’s shoulder and began reading. “What is this about Regalia? What is going on, who is dying Sondra.”
Sondra stiffened and shooed her sister away. “Get out, go bother Mitchell or something. I’m busy. You do not need to worry about it alright.” Sondra declared angrily.
“Whatever.” Brittany sighed.
Brittany walked out and ignored the looks of shock upon both Ginny and Hermione’s faces. The two stared after her for a moment before turning to Sondra in question. Sondra ignored the two and continued to write her letter. Ginny and Hermione knew they were not getting answers out of either sibling at this point. With that they proceeded to return to their previous conversation.
Brittany entered the boy’s tent and walked over to her brother. She proceeded to nuzzle her head into his neck from behind him. He turned around and nodded before wrapping his arms around her. Brittany just stood there in his arms as Mitchell continued on with his conversation. Brittany’s strange actions were blown off by everyone except Harry and Draco.
“Mitchell. I am going out for a walk.” Brittany declared.
“Alright. Just yell if you need me.” Mitchell replied.
“Mkay.” Brittany agreed quietly.
She walked out of the tent without a word spoken to anyone else. Draco went to follow Brittany, but an angered Mitchell stopped him. Draco sighed and went back to the conversation with the other boys. Harry looked off towards the exit of the tent. Mr. Weasley noticed this and sighed. The poor boy had no chance with Mitchell being as he was.
“Harry, I was wondering if you could do me a favor?” He asked kindly.
“Sure. What do you need?” Harry responded.
“I need you to go and ask Sondra if she has that mt4 player for me to examine.” Mr. Weasley explained.
“I think you mean mp3 player.” Harry replied.
“Exactly. Will you do it?” Mr. Weasley wondered.
“Sure.” Harry agreed.
He walked out of the tent and was immediately greeted by an mp3 player being thrown at him. A hand caught it before it hit his face though. He looked to the owner of the hand and saw Brittany looking at her sister blankly.
“I did not say to throw it.” Brittany groaned.
“Whatever.” Sondra sighed.
“You heard us?” Harry stated aloud.
“Sensitive hearing.” Brittany responded.
“Are you okay?” Harry asked her, concerned.
“Yes I am. “ Brittany lied.
“I can tell you’re not Brittany. You never act like this.” Harry pressed.
“I am unbalanced.” Brittany stated.
“So how do you fix it?” Harry wondered.
“I need to use the built up power my gift is storing.” Brittany explained.
“How do you do that?” Harry wondered. “If there is anything I can do to help, I will.”
“I am not sure.” Brittany sighed plopping down onto the ground.
Harry joined her, with a little more grace. The two sat side by side just looking up into the sky. Brittany was quiet, but was less tense than before. Harry watched his close friend lost in thought.
What if she stays like this? I have to help her somehow. She’s just strange this way. Harry thought.
Brittany was busy yelling in her mind. Son of a bitch! Fucking damned Veela. Why the hell did they have to show their asses up! ARGH! I am so freaking pissed. Here I am sitting next to a cute guy who is concerned about me, and all I can do is try and think of ways to get back to normal. Fucking god damned Veela.
Harry looked back to his good friend and sighed. She seemed so stone faced. Her chocolate eyes seemed dead and uncaring. He liked her shinning happy eyes better. Brittany turned to Harry and nodded her head at him.
“What is on your mind?” Brittany asked.
“Are you going to stay like this?” He asked concerned.
“I’m not sure. Until the balance is settled I will remain like this. I am fine.” Brittany explained.
“But your not. You’re so different and it is not good. I miss the happy excited Brittany. You were happy during the game. What happened?” Harry pressed.
“The tension started out small, and thus I ignored it hoping it would go away. It built up and now I am stuck like this. I’m sorry to cause you trouble.” Brittany replied.
“Don’t bloody apologize!” Harry growled. “Just get back to normal. I like the normal, caring, fun loving Brittany.”
“I need to release the tension, and I do not know how. It usually releases by accident. Forgive me.” Brittany sighed again.
Harry was becoming more and more angered with her reactions. It was bothering him a little too much. He grabbed her face in his hands and forced her to look into he eyes. As he looked into hers he became lost in them. Harry leaned in towards his best female friend.
“Brittany, you need to come back. I miss the real you already. Please come back.” Harry whispered.
“I’m trying.” Brittany whispered back.
“Oi!” Shouted Ron coming out of the tent. “Are you coming ba…” He trailed off at seeing Brittany and Harry. “Oh, sorry mate.”
Harry blushed a little and pulled away. Brittany stayed in the same spot for a moment. An angry sigh escaped her lips before she stood up. Ron looked sheepish and apologetic. Brittany just ignored him. She walked towards the girl’s tent. She turned her head back for a moment.
“Goodnight.” Was the only word she whispered. Mother fucking, ARGH! I was so close to. I’m going to kill him. Now I am still stuck like this trapped in my own brain. Fucking worthless gift. What’s the point in the gift of influence if I do not know how to use it? I am never going to get back to normal at this rate. Confound it all. Bloody Ron, when I get my hands on him…oh he’s in so much trouble.
The inner rant was not apparent to anyone but Brittany herself. She did not notice Harry looking slightly put out. She did not notice Ron’s smirking face. She did not even notice when Harry went to punch Ron for good measure. She walked into the tent and went straight to bed.
“What was that for Ron?” Harry groaned.
“I’m sorry mate. I did not know you were about to snog Brittany.” Ron replied.
“I was not going to snog her! I think I was going to kiss her.” Harry sighed. “You have terrible timing.”
“Oh well, at least it was not Mitchell or Draco, they’d kill you.” Ron tried to cheer Harry up.
“It does not matter. It’s not like it will happen again. I think it is because of the imbalance in her.” Harry admitted dejectedly.
“You never know mate. She did spend time with you over the summer, and pretended to be your girl.” Ron pointed out.
“It does not matter. Let’s just go to bed. It’s late.” Harry responded.
“Alright.” Ron agreed.
The two males went into the boys’ tent and proceeded to go to sleep. It was late in the night, and everyone was exhausted. It was quiet and peaceful for a while. A few hours later a commotion began. Fires began spreading, and screams were heard.
“Get up!” Mr. Weasley proclaimed to everyone. He ran to the girls tent and woke the whole group up as well.
“Waz goin’ on?” Giny asked sleepily.
“Death Eaters are attacking. You must all go and run. Hide in the forest until I come to get you.” He declared.
“What are we going to do?” Hermione exclaimed.
“You are all going to split up into groups and escape.” Mr. Weasley explained. “Ginny. Bill, Charlie, and Mitchell will be going with you.”
“Alright.” She agreed. With that she ran off to fine her brothers and Mitchell.
“Sondra. The twins, Draco, and Percy are going with you. I figured you would keep them out of trouble.” Mr. Weasley declared.
“I understand.” Sondra replied with a grimace. She tool off to find her charges.
“Brittany, Hermione. You two are with Ron, and Harry.” He explained.
“Okay.” The girls replied. The two took off to find Ron and Harry.
“Please let them be alright.” Mr. Weasley whispered before running off in the other direction to help.
Every group was running for cover. Charlie led his group well and they were hidden away quickly. Mitchell was still unhappy his sister was not with him. But at least Ginny was there keeping him company at least. He hopped that his sisters were alright. Well he hoped that Sondra had not killed her charges yet. He hoped that Brittany was not in too much danger due to her uncaring demeanor.
Sondra was having quite the time trying not to kill Draco and Percy. Both were arguing non-stop. It was pointless and not helpful for the fact that they were to be hiding. Sondra growled at them and slapped them both upside their heads. The twins snickered and hugged their dear Sondra close. They were protecting her. Sondra groaned and hoped the others were doing better.
Ron, and Hermione were arguing about which way they needed to run. Running through the woods was not so easy in the dark. Ron was demanding they go one way toward thicker trees, while Hermione was arguing they needed to go the other way, farther from the campsite.
“Just go straight then.” Harry declared, becoming annoyed.
“Alright.” The others sighed. They knew not to cross Harry at the moment. He was not in the best of moods.
The group began running as fast as they could through the trees. After a few minutes they were surrounded by thick dark trees. Brittany, not paying attention to what she was doing, tripped on a large tree root and slipped. She tumbled down a steep hill and landed in some bushes. Luckily she missed the trees on the way down. In front of her was a clearing just beyond the thick bushes. She sat there and sighed. She looked at her injured leg and growled.
Son of a bitch I broke it! Great, just what I freaking need. Now I have to reset it and wait a few minutes for the wound to heal enough for me to keep going. Brittany though angrily.
“Brittany.” Harry called to her.
“I fell and broke my ankle. I need to reset it and wait about fifteen minutes to be able to run away again. Ten if I am to walk off.” Brittany responded.
“I’m coming down there.” Harry called out to her.
“Just go on, I’ll be fine.” Brittany replied.
“No!” Harry declared. He turned to Hermione and Ron. “You two go on and let whomever know, that Brittany was hurt. I will stay with her, just in case.”
“But…”Hermione began to protest.
“Hermione let’s go. Harry is right someone needs to stay with her. But if we all stay we could be noticed. The two of them would be alright. We need to let the others know what happened.” Ron stated being the voice of reason for once. I hope this makes up for interrupting you two. Maybe you’ll get a kiss now. Ron thought.
“Oh alright. Don’t get caught.” Hermione told him.
“I won’t. Now go.” Harry declared.
With that said Ron and Hermione continued on and Harry turned to the hill. He looked down the hill and took the safest route to the bottom. He avoided tree roots, which Brittany had probably tripped on. Once he reached the bush he witnessed Brittany set her ankle back in place with a sick crunch.
“Are you sure you’re alright?” Harry asked kneeling next to her.
“I’m fine Harry.” Brittany responded.
“You’re so clumsy.” Harry chuckled.
“I know.” Brittany sighed. “I’m sorry.”
“What did I say about apologizing? I’m not mad at you. It just means you need to be more careful.” Harry explained.
“I had to fall into a prickly bush.” Brittany grumbled.
“It’s okay. Here let me take them out for you.” Harry offered.
“Alright.” Brittany agreed.
One by one Harry took out the burrs that were attached to the unfortunate female. He smiled when they were all out. Brittany gave a little smile back at him. A chilly wind blew and Brittany shivered. She was clad in nothing but a tank top and boy shorts. Harry opened his arms and Brittany curled up in his arms.
Brittany looked up at Harry’s face to thank him. This is it. I need to have him kiss me. That will help balance me, I’m sure of it. “Thank you Harry. You’re always so kind.”
“It’s nothing.” Harry replied with a blush.
Brittany smiled a little wider at him, and her eyes gained a little of her old sparkle. Harry stared at her seemingly hypnotized. He began leaning in towards her. Brittany noticed this and leaned toward him as well. Ever so slowly they neared each other.
“Brit…”Harry whispered, but he was cut off by her soft lips making contact with his.
The kiss was soft and innocent. Brittany seemed to relax and become more her old self. Harry pulled back after a moment blushing wildly. Brittany wanted to pout; she wanted to kiss him more. He had such soft lips.
“Harry.” She whispered. “It’s helping me come back. Just a little more please.” Brittany explained.
Harry was shocked to say the least. This beautiful girl needed his kiss. She needed his kiss to get back to normal. Nodding his head he leaned in and captured her lips in his. Brittany sighed into the kiss and began to take it just a little further. Her gift was flaring around her. She needed to let it all out. She needed more.
This kiss increased in its intensity. The two teens were lost in a world all their own. Nothing existed but the gift. Brittany’s eyes glowed a light lavender pink for an instant. After that they returned to their normal caring chocolate brown.
Suddenly the sound of footsteps was heard running into the clearing. The sound of a twig snapping brought the two back into the real world. Harry and Brittany jumped in surprise and peered beyond the bushes.
A voice suddenly called out, “MORSMORDRE!”
Something vast, green, and glittering erupted from the patch of darkness, Harry and Brittany’s eyes were struggling to penetrate.
“Not Again!” Brittany whimpered and buried her head in Harry’s chest.
“What the…”Harry gasped holding Brittany.
Harry realized it was then a colossal skull. It was comprised of what looked like emerald Stars. It had a serpent protruding from it’s mouth like a tongue. As they watched it rose higher and higher, blazing in a haze of greenish smoke. It became etched against the black sky like a new constellation.
Suddenly the wood all around them erupted with screams. Harry did not understand why, but the only possible cause, was the appearance of the skull. It had risen high enough to illuminate the entire wood like a huge neon sign.
“Who’s there?” He called, scanning the darkness for the person who conjured the skull.
“Shut up Harry. Get down here.” Brittany hissed.
“What’s the matter?” Harry wondered.
“It’s just like from thirteen years ago, when death eaters killed my family. It’s the Dark Mark. It’s Voldemort’s sign.
A series of popping noises signaled the arrival of twenty wizards surrounding them. Without pausing to think, Harry yelled. “Get down.” Then threw himself on top of Brittany who was unable to protect herself.
“STUPEFY!” Roared twenty voices. Raising his head a fraction of an inch, Harry saw jets of flashing red light flying over them.
“STOP!” Yelled a voice the two recognized. “Stop that’s my niece!”
“Uncle Cornelius!” Brittany exclaimed from under Harry.
“Brittany! Are you alright?”
“No, I twisted my ankle. Harry and I were, um…” Brittany explained but then trailed off.
“You were doing what?” Another wizard exclaimed angrily.
“Nothing.” Brittany responded quickly.
“Nothing eh? I doubt that. You both look guilty, and you are at the scene of the crime!” He exclaimed.
“Barty Crouch! They’re only children. They could not have done it.” A kind witch tried to reason.
“Then why are they here where the Dark Mark was conjured, looking guilty?” Barty pressed on.
“We were snogging alright!” Harry exclaimed.
A few coughs were heard. Barty did not look convinced. “I doubt it.”
“Harry and I were making out, why do you think he is on top of me. We were interrupted by this guy who screamed an incantation. He was standing over there. Then the skull appeared!” Brittany exclaimed.
“Oh! Stood over there did they?” Said Mr. Crouch turning popping eyes on Brittany, disbelief etched all over his face. “Said an incantation did they. You seem very well informed about how that dark mark is summoned missy.”
“It appeared thirteen years ago over my house when my father was murdered. In case you’ve forgotten, Mr. Crouch.” Brittany shot back.
“Whatever do you mean?” He asked.
“It happened at my sister’s house, her first husband was murdered while she was away. The triplets lived.” Cornelius explained. “Death eaters had come to kill them.”
Everyone except for Mr. Crouch seemed to think that neither Harry nor Brittany would have been able to conjure the skull. At Brittany’s explanation they all raised their wands and pointed toward the dark trees across the clearing.
“We were too late,” said the witch in the woolen dressing gown shaking her head. “They’ll have disapparated.”
“I don’t think so said Mr. Diggory. “Our stunners went right through those trees. There’s a good chance we got them.” He goes to check.
“Amos be careful.” A few wizards said warningly.
Mr. Diggory raised his wand, squared his shoulders and disappeared in the darkness. A few seconds later he comes out with the house elf Winky in his arms. Harry noticed Winky had his wand clutched in her hand.
“That’s my wand. But, how did she get it?” Harry wondered
“She must have done it during the game. She was there.” Brittany suggested. “Probably when those damned Veela came out. I seriously hate them.”
“But she could not have conjured it. It was a man who said the spell.” Harry explained.
“True.” Brittany agreed.
“I is not doing magic with it sir.” Winky explained. “I is just picking it up sir. I is not making the dark mark sir. I is not knowing how.”
“Well, we’ll soon see!” Growled Mr. Diggory.
“There is a simple way of seeing the last spell the wand performed, elf. Did you know that?” Winky trembled and shook her head frantically. Mr. Diggory raised his wand and raised it tip to tip with Harry’s. “Prior Incantato.”
Harry heard Brittany gasp, horrified. A gigantic serpent tongue skull erupted for the point where the two wands met.
“So,” said Mr. Diggory in a kind of savage triumph, looking down upon Winky, who was still shaking convulsively.
“I is not doing it!” She squealed, her eyes rolling in terror. “I is not, I is not, I is not knowing how! I is a good elf! I isn’t using wands! I isn’t knowing how!”
“You’ve been caught red-handed elf!” Mr. Diggory roared. “Caught with the guilty wand in your hand.”
“Amos! Mr. Weasley said loudly. “Think about it! Where would she have learned it?”
“Perhaps, Amos is suggesting,” said Mr. Crouch, cold anger in every syllable. “That I routinely teach my servants to conjure the Dark Mark.”
There was a deeply unpleasant silence. Brittany added a fitting ‘Dun Dun Dun,’ with a gasp. She was silenced with a dark look from her uncle. She quieted and shrank behind Harry.
“Mr. Crouch…not, not at all!”
“You have now come very close to accusing the two people in this clearing who are least likely to conjure that Mark!” Barked Mr. Crouch. “Harry Potter, and myself!” I suppose you are familiar with the boy’s story Amos?”
“Of course, everyone knows.” Muttered Mr. Diggory.
“And I trust you remember the many proof I have given over a long career that I despise the Dark Arts and anyone who practices them.” Mr. Crouch shouted.
“Mr. Crouch, I, I never suggested, you had anything to do with it.” Amos muttered again.
“If you accuse My elf you accuse me, Diggory!” Mr. Crouch exclaimed. “Let me deal with my elf! Where did you find the wand Winky?”
“I is finding it there sir.” Winky explained.
“There you go, she found it. Winky was unfortunate enough to come across the wand at the wrong time. I had told he to stay in the tent, but she disobeyed. I will punish her. And that means clothes.” Mr. Crouch began.
“No Master, Not clothes, NOT CLOTHES!” Winky screamed.
“I have no use for an Elf who disobeys me.” Mr. Crouch explained.
“Amos, would you hand Harry his wand back?” Asked Mr. Weasley.
“Of course Arthur.”
Amos handed back the wand to Harry who placed it in it pocket. Mr. Weasley motioned for the two teenagers to follow him. Brittany stood up with some difficulty and began following Mr. Weasley. Harry supported her by wrapping an arm around her waist, just in case. They returned to the tent and proceeded to fall back asleep. Brittany was curled up next to Harry, still freaked out by the huge Dark Mark hovering just beyond their tent.
Thinking
§Scene Change§
äTriplet Special Languageä
?Telepathic Communication?
A transition between AN, Review Responses, Dedications, and story
?Altered Destiny?
Chapter Three: The Dark Mark
“I can’t believe that last play by Ireland.” Ron gushed.
“I mean did you see how……” Charlie added.
“I can’t believe Krum actually made that catch…..” Bill shot back.
“We knew it would happen.” The twins chorused.
And on and on and on went the Weasley boys as the group traveled back to the tents. Ginny and Hermione were busy gossiping about the good looking players. Brittany was being a little quiet. She was walking beside Sondra who was also quiet, but that was normal for Sondra.
“I still think that it is bogus how Ireland won by the amount of goals they had. I mean Krum did catch the Snitch.”
“That’s beside the point, Bulgaria lost fair and square. Our cousin’s team is the best.” Mitchell bragged.
“That is total malarkey and you know it.” Draco shot back.
“Both of you shut up!” Brittany and Sondra growled.
“What’s the matter with you?” Draco asked her.
“Nothing, just shut-up the two of you are giving me a headache.” Brittany declared in an annoyed tone.
“What’s wrong with you?” Mitchell pressed.
“It’s my gift, those Veela just really get on my nerves. It makes me so mad.” Brittany stated. “Add to it other annoyances.” She grumbled.
Mitchell immediately understood what was happening and backed off. Brittany turned to her sister. The two began conversing in a language the triplets had used ever since they were little kids.
äIt’s not right. My powers are acting strangely. ä
äHow so? ä
äMy power seems to be trying to counter the Influence of the Veela. ä
äSo what? ä
äMy powers are acting stronger than usual. My gift seems all out of sync. It seems to be storing up. ä
äThen let it all out. ä
äI can’t I still have hardly any idea how my gift works. You can use your gift of sight with ease. Mitchell uses his gift of strength all the time. I need to learn how to use my gift. ä
äThen learn. ä
äI will! ä
By the end of the conversation Harry Draco, and Hermione were staring at the two siblings strangely. Sondra simply continued off into her own world. Brittany proceeded to ignore the looks and continued forward. The two females walked ahead of the group and into their tent. Harry, Draco and Hermione were still at a loss.
“What the hell was all that about?” Draco asked confounded.
“Ever since we were young the three of us would talk in that language. I guess it was something we made up for the three of us to use. We never stopped using it fully, but this is the first time Brittany has used it around people in the past few years.” Mitchell explained. “I hear Sondra saying things every once in a while, but I do not think she is ever talking to anyone.”
“So it is like languages that children make up to communicate with their friends secretly.” Hermione surmised.
“Exactly.” Mitchell smiled.
“Why is no one else concerned about it?” Draco asked.
“Well we’ve all heard it before.” Charlie explained. “Brittany would return to that language whenever she was under too much stress or strain. It was quite common to hear after she is so quiet for so long.”
“Is something wrong with her?” Harry asked.
“It’s just something the three of us have all had problems with. Brittany seems to have more trouble controlling her gift than Sondra or I.” Mitchell explained.
“Is she going to be alright though?” Harry pressed.
“She’ll be fine she is just unbalanced due to the fact that the Veela have a powerful racial trait that allows them to influence people. Brittany’s gift is one of Influence, but she does not know how to use it well enough. When Veela are gathered in an area where Brittany is at, her gift goes haywire. So she becomes quiet and passive until the balance is settled.” Mitchell explained.
“So after the balance is settled, she’ll return to normal?” Harry asked making sure he understood.
“Why are you so concerned Harry?” Mitchell asked in an annoyed tone.
“She’s my friend. Why do you not seem to care? You’re her brother after all.” Harry shot back.
“I would recommend that you both stop your arguing. It is only going to upset Brittany more.” Mr. Weasley advised.
“Alright.” The two males agreed.
With that said the males proceeded to enter one tent, while Ginny, and Hermione entered the other. The males were all busy giving play by plays for the entire Quidditch match. Mr. Weasley had even begun to enter the conversations as well. The female tent was that of quiet and peace. Ginny and Hermione were gossiping quietly about the cute boys, especially Aiden and Victor Krum. Brittany was on the floor sitting by herself sipping tea. Sondra was busy writing something in a strange language that neither Ginny nor Hermione could decipher.
“What are you writing?” Ginny asked.
Sondra sighed. “It is a letter to someone of Royalty from far away.”
“What language is that?” Hermione wondered. “I have never encountered it before.”
“It is an ancient language.” Sondra replied vaguely. “Only a select group of people can read and understand it.”
Brittany stood up, her curiosity taking hold. She looked over Sondra’s shoulder and began reading. “What is this about Regalia? What is going on, who is dying Sondra.”
Sondra stiffened and shooed her sister away. “Get out, go bother Mitchell or something. I’m busy. You do not need to worry about it alright.” Sondra declared angrily.
“Whatever.” Brittany sighed.
Brittany walked out and ignored the looks of shock upon both Ginny and Hermione’s faces. The two stared after her for a moment before turning to Sondra in question. Sondra ignored the two and continued to write her letter. Ginny and Hermione knew they were not getting answers out of either sibling at this point. With that they proceeded to return to their previous conversation.
Brittany entered the boy’s tent and walked over to her brother. She proceeded to nuzzle her head into his neck from behind him. He turned around and nodded before wrapping his arms around her. Brittany just stood there in his arms as Mitchell continued on with his conversation. Brittany’s strange actions were blown off by everyone except Harry and Draco.
“Mitchell. I am going out for a walk.” Brittany declared.
“Alright. Just yell if you need me.” Mitchell replied.
“Mkay.” Brittany agreed quietly.
She walked out of the tent without a word spoken to anyone else. Draco went to follow Brittany, but an angered Mitchell stopped him. Draco sighed and went back to the conversation with the other boys. Harry looked off towards the exit of the tent. Mr. Weasley noticed this and sighed. The poor boy had no chance with Mitchell being as he was.
“Harry, I was wondering if you could do me a favor?” He asked kindly.
“Sure. What do you need?” Harry responded.
“I need you to go and ask Sondra if she has that mt4 player for me to examine.” Mr. Weasley explained.
“I think you mean mp3 player.” Harry replied.
“Exactly. Will you do it?” Mr. Weasley wondered.
“Sure.” Harry agreed.
He walked out of the tent and was immediately greeted by an mp3 player being thrown at him. A hand caught it before it hit his face though. He looked to the owner of the hand and saw Brittany looking at her sister blankly.
“I did not say to throw it.” Brittany groaned.
“Whatever.” Sondra sighed.
“You heard us?” Harry stated aloud.
“Sensitive hearing.” Brittany responded.
“Are you okay?” Harry asked her, concerned.
“Yes I am. “ Brittany lied.
“I can tell you’re not Brittany. You never act like this.” Harry pressed.
“I am unbalanced.” Brittany stated.
“So how do you fix it?” Harry wondered.
“I need to use the built up power my gift is storing.” Brittany explained.
“How do you do that?” Harry wondered. “If there is anything I can do to help, I will.”
“I am not sure.” Brittany sighed plopping down onto the ground.
Harry joined her, with a little more grace. The two sat side by side just looking up into the sky. Brittany was quiet, but was less tense than before. Harry watched his close friend lost in thought.
What if she stays like this? I have to help her somehow. She’s just strange this way. Harry thought.
Brittany was busy yelling in her mind. Son of a bitch! Fucking damned Veela. Why the hell did they have to show their asses up! ARGH! I am so freaking pissed. Here I am sitting next to a cute guy who is concerned about me, and all I can do is try and think of ways to get back to normal. Fucking god damned Veela.
Harry looked back to his good friend and sighed. She seemed so stone faced. Her chocolate eyes seemed dead and uncaring. He liked her shinning happy eyes better. Brittany turned to Harry and nodded her head at him.
“What is on your mind?” Brittany asked.
“Are you going to stay like this?” He asked concerned.
“I’m not sure. Until the balance is settled I will remain like this. I am fine.” Brittany explained.
“But your not. You’re so different and it is not good. I miss the happy excited Brittany. You were happy during the game. What happened?” Harry pressed.
“The tension started out small, and thus I ignored it hoping it would go away. It built up and now I am stuck like this. I’m sorry to cause you trouble.” Brittany replied.
“Don’t bloody apologize!” Harry growled. “Just get back to normal. I like the normal, caring, fun loving Brittany.”
“I need to release the tension, and I do not know how. It usually releases by accident. Forgive me.” Brittany sighed again.
Harry was becoming more and more angered with her reactions. It was bothering him a little too much. He grabbed her face in his hands and forced her to look into he eyes. As he looked into hers he became lost in them. Harry leaned in towards his best female friend.
“Brittany, you need to come back. I miss the real you already. Please come back.” Harry whispered.
“I’m trying.” Brittany whispered back.
“Oi!” Shouted Ron coming out of the tent. “Are you coming ba…” He trailed off at seeing Brittany and Harry. “Oh, sorry mate.”
Harry blushed a little and pulled away. Brittany stayed in the same spot for a moment. An angry sigh escaped her lips before she stood up. Ron looked sheepish and apologetic. Brittany just ignored him. She walked towards the girl’s tent. She turned her head back for a moment.
“Goodnight.” Was the only word she whispered. Mother fucking, ARGH! I was so close to. I’m going to kill him. Now I am still stuck like this trapped in my own brain. Fucking worthless gift. What’s the point in the gift of influence if I do not know how to use it? I am never going to get back to normal at this rate. Confound it all. Bloody Ron, when I get my hands on him…oh he’s in so much trouble.
The inner rant was not apparent to anyone but Brittany herself. She did not notice Harry looking slightly put out. She did not notice Ron’s smirking face. She did not even notice when Harry went to punch Ron for good measure. She walked into the tent and went straight to bed.
“What was that for Ron?” Harry groaned.
“I’m sorry mate. I did not know you were about to snog Brittany.” Ron replied.
“I was not going to snog her! I think I was going to kiss her.” Harry sighed. “You have terrible timing.”
“Oh well, at least it was not Mitchell or Draco, they’d kill you.” Ron tried to cheer Harry up.
“It does not matter. It’s not like it will happen again. I think it is because of the imbalance in her.” Harry admitted dejectedly.
“You never know mate. She did spend time with you over the summer, and pretended to be your girl.” Ron pointed out.
“It does not matter. Let’s just go to bed. It’s late.” Harry responded.
“Alright.” Ron agreed.
The two males went into the boys’ tent and proceeded to go to sleep. It was late in the night, and everyone was exhausted. It was quiet and peaceful for a while. A few hours later a commotion began. Fires began spreading, and screams were heard.
“Get up!” Mr. Weasley proclaimed to everyone. He ran to the girls tent and woke the whole group up as well.
“Waz goin’ on?” Giny asked sleepily.
“Death Eaters are attacking. You must all go and run. Hide in the forest until I come to get you.” He declared.
“What are we going to do?” Hermione exclaimed.
“You are all going to split up into groups and escape.” Mr. Weasley explained. “Ginny. Bill, Charlie, and Mitchell will be going with you.”
“Alright.” She agreed. With that she ran off to fine her brothers and Mitchell.
“Sondra. The twins, Draco, and Percy are going with you. I figured you would keep them out of trouble.” Mr. Weasley declared.
“I understand.” Sondra replied with a grimace. She tool off to find her charges.
“Brittany, Hermione. You two are with Ron, and Harry.” He explained.
“Okay.” The girls replied. The two took off to find Ron and Harry.
“Please let them be alright.” Mr. Weasley whispered before running off in the other direction to help.
Every group was running for cover. Charlie led his group well and they were hidden away quickly. Mitchell was still unhappy his sister was not with him. But at least Ginny was there keeping him company at least. He hopped that his sisters were alright. Well he hoped that Sondra had not killed her charges yet. He hoped that Brittany was not in too much danger due to her uncaring demeanor.
Sondra was having quite the time trying not to kill Draco and Percy. Both were arguing non-stop. It was pointless and not helpful for the fact that they were to be hiding. Sondra growled at them and slapped them both upside their heads. The twins snickered and hugged their dear Sondra close. They were protecting her. Sondra groaned and hoped the others were doing better.
Ron, and Hermione were arguing about which way they needed to run. Running through the woods was not so easy in the dark. Ron was demanding they go one way toward thicker trees, while Hermione was arguing they needed to go the other way, farther from the campsite.
“Just go straight then.” Harry declared, becoming annoyed.
“Alright.” The others sighed. They knew not to cross Harry at the moment. He was not in the best of moods.
The group began running as fast as they could through the trees. After a few minutes they were surrounded by thick dark trees. Brittany, not paying attention to what she was doing, tripped on a large tree root and slipped. She tumbled down a steep hill and landed in some bushes. Luckily she missed the trees on the way down. In front of her was a clearing just beyond the thick bushes. She sat there and sighed. She looked at her injured leg and growled.
Son of a bitch I broke it! Great, just what I freaking need. Now I have to reset it and wait a few minutes for the wound to heal enough for me to keep going. Brittany though angrily.
“Brittany.” Harry called to her.
“I fell and broke my ankle. I need to reset it and wait about fifteen minutes to be able to run away again. Ten if I am to walk off.” Brittany responded.
“I’m coming down there.” Harry called out to her.
“Just go on, I’ll be fine.” Brittany replied.
“No!” Harry declared. He turned to Hermione and Ron. “You two go on and let whomever know, that Brittany was hurt. I will stay with her, just in case.”
“But…”Hermione began to protest.
“Hermione let’s go. Harry is right someone needs to stay with her. But if we all stay we could be noticed. The two of them would be alright. We need to let the others know what happened.” Ron stated being the voice of reason for once. I hope this makes up for interrupting you two. Maybe you’ll get a kiss now. Ron thought.
“Oh alright. Don’t get caught.” Hermione told him.
“I won’t. Now go.” Harry declared.
With that said Ron and Hermione continued on and Harry turned to the hill. He looked down the hill and took the safest route to the bottom. He avoided tree roots, which Brittany had probably tripped on. Once he reached the bush he witnessed Brittany set her ankle back in place with a sick crunch.
“Are you sure you’re alright?” Harry asked kneeling next to her.
“I’m fine Harry.” Brittany responded.
“You’re so clumsy.” Harry chuckled.
“I know.” Brittany sighed. “I’m sorry.”
“What did I say about apologizing? I’m not mad at you. It just means you need to be more careful.” Harry explained.
“I had to fall into a prickly bush.” Brittany grumbled.
“It’s okay. Here let me take them out for you.” Harry offered.
“Alright.” Brittany agreed.
One by one Harry took out the burrs that were attached to the unfortunate female. He smiled when they were all out. Brittany gave a little smile back at him. A chilly wind blew and Brittany shivered. She was clad in nothing but a tank top and boy shorts. Harry opened his arms and Brittany curled up in his arms.
Brittany looked up at Harry’s face to thank him. This is it. I need to have him kiss me. That will help balance me, I’m sure of it. “Thank you Harry. You’re always so kind.”
“It’s nothing.” Harry replied with a blush.
Brittany smiled a little wider at him, and her eyes gained a little of her old sparkle. Harry stared at her seemingly hypnotized. He began leaning in towards her. Brittany noticed this and leaned toward him as well. Ever so slowly they neared each other.
“Brit…”Harry whispered, but he was cut off by her soft lips making contact with his.
The kiss was soft and innocent. Brittany seemed to relax and become more her old self. Harry pulled back after a moment blushing wildly. Brittany wanted to pout; she wanted to kiss him more. He had such soft lips.
“Harry.” She whispered. “It’s helping me come back. Just a little more please.” Brittany explained.
Harry was shocked to say the least. This beautiful girl needed his kiss. She needed his kiss to get back to normal. Nodding his head he leaned in and captured her lips in his. Brittany sighed into the kiss and began to take it just a little further. Her gift was flaring around her. She needed to let it all out. She needed more.
This kiss increased in its intensity. The two teens were lost in a world all their own. Nothing existed but the gift. Brittany’s eyes glowed a light lavender pink for an instant. After that they returned to their normal caring chocolate brown.
Suddenly the sound of footsteps was heard running into the clearing. The sound of a twig snapping brought the two back into the real world. Harry and Brittany jumped in surprise and peered beyond the bushes.
A voice suddenly called out, “MORSMORDRE!”
Something vast, green, and glittering erupted from the patch of darkness, Harry and Brittany’s eyes were struggling to penetrate.
“Not Again!” Brittany whimpered and buried her head in Harry’s chest.
“What the…”Harry gasped holding Brittany.
Harry realized it was then a colossal skull. It was comprised of what looked like emerald Stars. It had a serpent protruding from it’s mouth like a tongue. As they watched it rose higher and higher, blazing in a haze of greenish smoke. It became etched against the black sky like a new constellation.
Suddenly the wood all around them erupted with screams. Harry did not understand why, but the only possible cause, was the appearance of the skull. It had risen high enough to illuminate the entire wood like a huge neon sign.
“Who’s there?” He called, scanning the darkness for the person who conjured the skull.
“Shut up Harry. Get down here.” Brittany hissed.
“What’s the matter?” Harry wondered.
“It’s just like from thirteen years ago, when death eaters killed my family. It’s the Dark Mark. It’s Voldemort’s sign.
A series of popping noises signaled the arrival of twenty wizards surrounding them. Without pausing to think, Harry yelled. “Get down.” Then threw himself on top of Brittany who was unable to protect herself.
“STUPEFY!” Roared twenty voices. Raising his head a fraction of an inch, Harry saw jets of flashing red light flying over them.
“STOP!” Yelled a voice the two recognized. “Stop that’s my niece!”
“Uncle Cornelius!” Brittany exclaimed from under Harry.
“Brittany! Are you alright?”
“No, I twisted my ankle. Harry and I were, um…” Brittany explained but then trailed off.
“You were doing what?” Another wizard exclaimed angrily.
“Nothing.” Brittany responded quickly.
“Nothing eh? I doubt that. You both look guilty, and you are at the scene of the crime!” He exclaimed.
“Barty Crouch! They’re only children. They could not have done it.” A kind witch tried to reason.
“Then why are they here where the Dark Mark was conjured, looking guilty?” Barty pressed on.
“We were snogging alright!” Harry exclaimed.
A few coughs were heard. Barty did not look convinced. “I doubt it.”
“Harry and I were making out, why do you think he is on top of me. We were interrupted by this guy who screamed an incantation. He was standing over there. Then the skull appeared!” Brittany exclaimed.
“Oh! Stood over there did they?” Said Mr. Crouch turning popping eyes on Brittany, disbelief etched all over his face. “Said an incantation did they. You seem very well informed about how that dark mark is summoned missy.”
“It appeared thirteen years ago over my house when my father was murdered. In case you’ve forgotten, Mr. Crouch.” Brittany shot back.
“Whatever do you mean?” He asked.
“It happened at my sister’s house, her first husband was murdered while she was away. The triplets lived.” Cornelius explained. “Death eaters had come to kill them.”
Everyone except for Mr. Crouch seemed to think that neither Harry nor Brittany would have been able to conjure the skull. At Brittany’s explanation they all raised their wands and pointed toward the dark trees across the clearing.
“We were too late,” said the witch in the woolen dressing gown shaking her head. “They’ll have disapparated.”
“I don’t think so said Mr. Diggory. “Our stunners went right through those trees. There’s a good chance we got them.” He goes to check.
“Amos be careful.” A few wizards said warningly.
Mr. Diggory raised his wand, squared his shoulders and disappeared in the darkness. A few seconds later he comes out with the house elf Winky in his arms. Harry noticed Winky had his wand clutched in her hand.
“That’s my wand. But, how did she get it?” Harry wondered
“She must have done it during the game. She was there.” Brittany suggested. “Probably when those damned Veela came out. I seriously hate them.”
“But she could not have conjured it. It was a man who said the spell.” Harry explained.
“True.” Brittany agreed.
“I is not doing magic with it sir.” Winky explained. “I is just picking it up sir. I is not making the dark mark sir. I is not knowing how.”
“Well, we’ll soon see!” Growled Mr. Diggory.
“There is a simple way of seeing the last spell the wand performed, elf. Did you know that?” Winky trembled and shook her head frantically. Mr. Diggory raised his wand and raised it tip to tip with Harry’s. “Prior Incantato.”
Harry heard Brittany gasp, horrified. A gigantic serpent tongue skull erupted for the point where the two wands met.
“So,” said Mr. Diggory in a kind of savage triumph, looking down upon Winky, who was still shaking convulsively.
“I is not doing it!” She squealed, her eyes rolling in terror. “I is not, I is not, I is not knowing how! I is a good elf! I isn’t using wands! I isn’t knowing how!”
“You’ve been caught red-handed elf!” Mr. Diggory roared. “Caught with the guilty wand in your hand.”
“Amos! Mr. Weasley said loudly. “Think about it! Where would she have learned it?”
“Perhaps, Amos is suggesting,” said Mr. Crouch, cold anger in every syllable. “That I routinely teach my servants to conjure the Dark Mark.”
There was a deeply unpleasant silence. Brittany added a fitting ‘Dun Dun Dun,’ with a gasp. She was silenced with a dark look from her uncle. She quieted and shrank behind Harry.
“Mr. Crouch…not, not at all!”
“You have now come very close to accusing the two people in this clearing who are least likely to conjure that Mark!” Barked Mr. Crouch. “Harry Potter, and myself!” I suppose you are familiar with the boy’s story Amos?”
“Of course, everyone knows.” Muttered Mr. Diggory.
“And I trust you remember the many proof I have given over a long career that I despise the Dark Arts and anyone who practices them.” Mr. Crouch shouted.
“Mr. Crouch, I, I never suggested, you had anything to do with it.” Amos muttered again.
“If you accuse My elf you accuse me, Diggory!” Mr. Crouch exclaimed. “Let me deal with my elf! Where did you find the wand Winky?”
“I is finding it there sir.” Winky explained.
“There you go, she found it. Winky was unfortunate enough to come across the wand at the wrong time. I had told he to stay in the tent, but she disobeyed. I will punish her. And that means clothes.” Mr. Crouch began.
“No Master, Not clothes, NOT CLOTHES!” Winky screamed.
“I have no use for an Elf who disobeys me.” Mr. Crouch explained.
“Amos, would you hand Harry his wand back?” Asked Mr. Weasley.
“Of course Arthur.”
Amos handed back the wand to Harry who placed it in it pocket. Mr. Weasley motioned for the two teenagers to follow him. Brittany stood up with some difficulty and began following Mr. Weasley. Harry supported her by wrapping an arm around her waist, just in case. They returned to the tent and proceeded to fall back asleep. Brittany was curled up next to Harry, still freaked out by the huge Dark Mark hovering just beyond their tent.