It's a Long Story

Chapter Nine Twisting Realities

Carlisle POV

"Are they still practicing?" Charlotte asked as she waltzed into the kitchen.

She's looking worse and worse. Her hair is a mess of her once perfect curls, her once bright green eyes have dimmed, and her weight loss is frightening me. No matter how much I beg her to stop and rest she waves me away or tells me about the dangers of the situation again.

"Yes, they've been out there since the fight and you went upstairs." I told her as she watched them with calculating eyes.

After her suggesting they learn dark magic they had a very intense argument. Harry was so against even learning better defense spells he and Hermione stormed outside to practice while Charlotte went back to her work in the attic.

"They're going to get themselves killed." She rubbed her face in her hands.

"Maybe not, that spell looks pretty powerful." I rubbed her back in an attempt to cheer her up.

She brushed me of and threw one of the kitchen windows up.

"Potter! Granger! We need to talk!" She called and slammed the window back down.

They cautiously came into the kitchen looking unsure what Charlotte might do.

"What's up?" Harry asked.

"We need to get serious. Expelliarmus is not going to do anything against Bellatrix brand of dark magic." She sat at the table.

"I'm sure it will. We fought and lived through the war for a reason." Harry dismissed her.

"Oh really?" Charlotte laughed a strange giddy sounding laugh that was not even recognizable.

"Care to bet on a duel?" She smirked "If I win using dark magic then you have to let me teach you more effective defense spells. If you win...I'll quit dark magic." She smiled and a dangerous look crossed her features.

"I accept." Harry turned and went back outside while Charlotte followed.

"He's going to get himself killed one of these days." Hermione shook her head and went outside to referee the duel I suppose.

"Everyone, let's head outside." I called to my family members.

*********Charlotte POV**********

"Harry you're nothing but a fool." Hermione chastised him as he drew his wand.

"Charlotte? What are you doing?" Bella asked coming outside with the rest of the Cullens.

"Dueling. Its fun sport you should really enjoy this little sister!" I cheered feeling an overwhelming sense of adrenaline.

Harry nodded to me and we both walked five steps forward, he drew his wand, and I raised my hand.

"Where's your wand?" He questioned looking shocked.

"You don't need one when you're as powerful as me." I smirked, tipped my hand, and turned back to position and walked my five steps. I turned as did Harry, bowed, then raised my hands in spell casting manner.

"Enroulez et enveloppez votre cou!" Black arms extended towards Harry to wrap around his neck.

"Expelliarmus!" He tried to defend himself but it was no use against me. His wand dropped to the ground and I dispersed the spell with a wide smiled on my face.

"I win. Now you learn." I smirked.

"Charlotte! What was that?!" Bella cried in horror.

"A chocking charm. Simple really but very effective!" I laughed and I look of pure fear crossed her face.