Breaking the shadows

Lost?

1998

Wednesday June 10th

I had packed it away in my duffle bag, as we continued our journey across town a sweet old lady approached us as we sat down to rest and get some waffles at a diner: "Dearest kids, what happened to you?"

All looking confused, as we didn't know if she spoke to us or some other kids nearby, Harry put his waffle down and answered the old lady: "Nothing's happened to us we've just been camping in the woods the past six days."

Old lady: "You all look horrendous, you all need a shower, and some clean clothes."

Looking down on myself I saw that my shirt had been stained by mud in the search for Astra.

"The thing is ma'am; it hasn't been possible for us in the woods."

Old lady: "Then come with me home, I'll wash your clothes and you can take a shower."

"That's very kind of you."

As I had spoken, I saw the looks on Luna and Draco's faces, they didn't seem too sure of the old lady. Draco whispered to me: "Are you sure we can trust her?"

"I'm not sure, but she seems nice right."

Luna: "But you thought so too with Ashton, and she could be related to him."

"Ashton?" The old lady replied: "Do you know my grandson, Ashton?"

"No, we don't know him, you are very kind, but we'll be all right."

Old Lady: "Nonsense, you are coming with me home and I'll make some food for your journey."

"It's really okay ma'am."

Old lady: "Don't call me ma'am sweetheart, call me Mrs Ravens, dear."

Hermione: "Let's just go."

I nod, we pay for our waffles, and we just run out of town, nearly knocking over the table.

Suddenly I hear Ginny screaming, I drop my duffle bag and I see Neville taking it, I run back towards Ginny. I can't find her anywhere, but I hear her scream again, and I feel someone grabbing my arm. I turn quickly and hit the person holding on to me. It's Ashton, and as I face him, he's just laughing: "You thought you could hit me? How cute. I have your little girlfriend and if you want her back, you'll have to do exactly as I say."

"I'll never listen to you." I snare at him, which just makes him grin even more.

Ashton: "I've been watching you, and I know all about you and Ginny, and your relationship, it was really cute how you two thought you were alone the other day, so nice to see some real action, not what I'm into but who cares."

"You pervert" I scream, but he tightens his grip on my hands so I fall to my knees, and I can't move.

Ashton: "Now, you are coming with me, and I do to you what Ginny did the other day, and I promise you, you'll enjoy it."

"Never."

Ashtons hands let go for a brief second, and then I feel the cold metal around my wrists, and the next second I'm tied to a tree. I struggle to get up. Ashton appears in front of me with the biggest grin on his face.

"Now, shut your beautiful little mouth and keep still." Ashton says.

I open my mouth to scream but no sound comes out.

Ashton turns away from me, and pours a drink, and he offers it to me, I turn my head away and keep my lips shut, but then I feel so heavy, and I see a needle has been stuck into my arm, I feel really dizzy and just before I pass out, I taste the bitterness of the drink Ashton is pouring into my mouth.

I wake up after what feels like days, I had the most surreal dreams, it was like I relived my entire life in minutes. One moment I was a teenager making out with Ginny the next I was a little baby, stealing toys from Hermione.

When I come to my senses, I realise I am laying naked on the forest ground, covered in mud. My hands have been released and there is no-one in sight, anywhere.
I get up and I start wandering around, my legs feel like jelly and my head is heavy.
I have stumbled around the forest for a while when I hear a familiar voice: "Harlow, Ginny? Where are you."

The voice sounds desperate and confused. I fall to the ground again but this time I get caught by someone, as the person yells: "Hermione over here."
I realize its Luna, Luna has found me, and she caught me.
I hear Hermione approaches, my body is shaking by now, the air is getting chilly by the minute. As I feel Hermione's hand on my bare skin, I hear her say: "Luna go get her duffle bag and don't let the boys near."
I hear Luna running, and returning a second later, I feel Hermione taking my hand and the comfortable feeling of cloudy fabric on my skin. Not long after I don't feel as cold anymore. But my body still feels heavy.
I hear more footsteps approaching and I hear Hermione asking: "Any news on Ginny?"
"Nothing yet." Ron answers "But we will find her, Draco and Neville are still looking for her."
Hermione: "Ron, do you have some water?"
Ron: "Yes, here."
And the next second I taste the water down my throt.

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Puplished: 30-06-23