Shadow and Flame

Getting to the Bottom

Charlie paced about the study, pondering all he witnessed.

The final memory had been Mcgonnagal's, retrieving a box containing Eden Carrow's memories and the single one from Rafe Bennett.

"You're finished then." She said, folding her hands gracefully in front.

"I don't remember running into her." He rubbed the back of his neck. "You said the boy was found. This Wesley Orson?"

Her lips puckered. "His body."

"I see. And what became of them? Bennett and the... girl?"

"He hasn't been seen since the family's funeral. And as I said before, no one knows what became of Miss Carrow."

"Could these memories've been tampered with? Her animagus..."

"Now you see why I need you."

"No, professor." He tucked his hands in his pockets. "I don't."

"I received this box anonymously three weeks ago. Not long after, a student reported seeing a dragon. Then another came forward and another. Of course Hagrid couldn't contain himself. Began asking what it looked like."

"And?"

"A welsh greenback with white streaks down its back. Sound familiar?"

"What would you have me do?"

"Come now, Mr. Weasly. I assumed you'd have caught on." She clicked her tongue. "I feel you might be the only one of us equipped to bring Eden Carrow back."

"And once I do?"

"I suppose we'll deal with that when the time comes. We haven't the slightest idea what state she'd be in, considering the proof we have that he used both the imperious and cruciatus curses on her. Who knows what else."

Charlie scratched the scruff on his cheek, sucked in by this past. Her past.

"Alright." He gave in. "I'll go and investigate."

"Try to be discreet, Mr. Weasley. For we both know that the poor creature's been used before. And could very well be used again."

He gave her a nod, heading out to the castle grounds.

Upon entry he thought of his own time here, running off every chance he could in hopes of finding a dragon.

Eden Carrow had entered the woods as he did, in the company of someone she perceived to be a friend.

And she never returned.

Charlie rummaged through her memories while he walked, trying to find the warning signs. Wes had always been to her rescue. He kept her secret while sharing his own. He seemed to have every interest in getting closer to her. How could she have known betrayal was about to come on swift wings?

But a line of conversation struck him just then. Something she said about them being from dark wizarding families. Had he tried to get out of the stereotype the Slytherins possessed, only to go dark himself?

Charlie caught himself in a chilling thought. What if the memories had been altered somehow? The professor didn't seem to think so.

But it'd been many years since the girl's disappearance. Years of possible wearing down.

Had Eden Carrow truly been kidnapped and forced to do the unspeakable?

Or could she have given in, acting of her own accord in what appeared to be the sparks of young love?