Bewitching the Mind and Ensnaring the Senses

CHAPTER SIX: Sectumsempra

Severus:

The werewolf lunged forward and I placed my arm in front of Ana, drawing my wand. We stepped to the side but not quick enough. I watched as the werewolfs claws sliced through the skin on her arm and stomach, leaving her cloak in tatters. Blood gushed from her body spraying the perfectly white snow. She let out a scream before falling to the ground and passing out, clutching her arm. The snow around her began to turn crimson. The werewolf began to lunge at her.

"Sectumsempra" I shouted as white light shot from my wand and slashed its ribs. It whimpered and bared its teeth before beginning to approach me. "Sectumsempra" I shouted again this time cutting its face. It reared back and let out a guttural growl still coming at me. It swung its paws, reaching for me. The air smacked between us. Realizing it could not get to me it turn back to Ana and began slinking in her direction.

"SECTUMSEMPRA" I shouted again waving my wand erratically, cutting it over and over. It howled then turned to quickly limp off into the darkness. The howl would attract other werewolves. We had to leave. I looked at Ana still clutching her arm surrounded by a lake of blood. Swiftly I gathered her into my arms. Hot blood caused my clothes to cling to my body. She began to shake as her eyes fluttered.

"I'm here, you'll be okay."

"Severus please" she choked out.

Her breath became labored and gurgled. Every moment she tried to scream agony filled my ears. My feet were catching what felt like every root on the forest floor as I stumble to the tree lining. When we reentered the open air I began to run faster slipping on the slick snow. Tears froze to my cheeks. The castle felt a million years away. With each stride I broke I seemed to be making no progress.

Ariana:

With each step Severus took scorching pain radiated throughout my body. It burned and ripped life fire leaving no part untouched. No matter how hard I try to control my breathing it feels as though I'm surrounded by water, sinking, unable to find air. I try to refocus my attention to my limbs by attempting to open and close my hands. Only left was able to move. My right felt detached.

Severus:

Upon entering the castle doors I began to loudly plead for the help of anyone who could hear my voice as I made my way to my class room. Quickly I cleared everything from a desk and laid her limp body on the tabletop. Her muscles were beginning to fail and her skin was becoming clammy as sweat poured from her body. She was fading quickly. I removed strips of her robes and tied them above the gashes on her arm to slow the bleeding. No one was coming to help.

Ariana:

The pain that once burned hot had faded to dull ice. Black filled the edges of my vision. The only thing I could hear was my own heartbeat. My breath came in ragged, shallow gasps. Seconds passed as I lay there, then, I heard a voice. A black mass was swarming around me. It moved up and down and mumbled the same sounds over and over. I wanted to move but it felt as though the gravity had shifted, weighing me down, pinning me to whatever I laid on.

Severus:

I fumbled to grab powdered silver and dittany. My hands steadied as I began to crush them together. Blue smoke plumed from the bowl. I ripped what was left of her robes away exposing her arm and mid section. Without hesitation I poured the powder over her open wounds. She began to moaning shiver. The first signs of life I'd seen since I laid her on the table. Placing the bowl down I pulled out my wand. "Vulnera Sanentur" I chanted over and over again unclear of when to stop. The blood that had pooled on the table receded and smooth skin formed over the jagged wounds, making them appear as if they were never there. Everything settled uneasily. The room was stilled. She was not moving. Her skin still appeared papery and pale. Her chest is still rising and falling. She is alive. Removing my cloak I draped it over her body in a weak attempt to warm her. I began gathering honey-water, valerian root, nettle leaves and the various other ingredients required for a Blood-Replenishing potion.