The Battle Of The Basilisk

-20-

Ayano was trying not to faint.

Will and Raghavi were trembling and trying to explain their experience at the same time. Unfortunately, while Pranaty, Jane, and Charles listened in horror, Ayano was desperately trying to cling to the present. She dug her nails into the edge of another table and steadied her breathing.

I'm alive, I'm alive. Don't worry Ayano, you're not dying today. Not now. Focus. FOCUS.

"Earth to Ayano." Jane snapped her fingers in front of Ayano's face. "Calm down, please."

As if she was any calmer. Her pale, bare face was scrunched up in thought. Ayano noticed Raghavi's features compressed in a similar expression, except that she looked like she needed to vomit. Will was curled up in a ball, his blue eyes wide in fear. What did they see?

"Ayano?" Pranaty put a hand on her shoulder and instantly pulled it away. Ayano knew why- She was as cold as ice. "Are you alright?"

"I-"

"She needs to rest." Charles cleared his throat. "We all do. Up for more than 24 hours, that's what we've been doing. This is a big place, it ought to have more bedrooms than we think."

His gaze met Ayano's, and it came to her instantly. Of course, Charles knew what was happening to her body. He'd healed her. But sleeping....

"It's a good idea." Charles seemed to be assuring himself as well. "Come on, we can discuss things once everyone's freshened up a bit."

Jane didn't look too pleased but nevertheless strode out of the room, wringing her hands. Charles extended a hand to help Raghavi up, and Ayano felt a rush of something inside her- Something she associated with wanting to punch someone.

"I'll help her." She put in. "You take care of Will."

Without bothering to comprehend his reaction, she pulled Raghavi up and led her towards a swirling staircase on her right. They did not speak.

Finally, when they reached what was probably the second floor, Ayano burst "Are you and Charles together?"

Raghavi was still weak from whatever she'd seen, but she snapped to attention. "Me? And Charles?" Her brow corrugated. "No. Whatever made you think that?"

"You never told me that he even existed."

"I was defending him. He just wanted to stay away from the rest of the crowd, that's all."

"Right then." Ayano released her arm. "I'm taking that bedroom on the left. It has a nice door. You take whichever you like."

"You're taking that because it has a nice door?"

"Yes, is that a problem?"

Raghavi grew silent. After what felt like forever, she muttered "As you wish" and trudged into the room on the right, slowly shutting the not-so-nice door.

Ayano knew she was being cold, but she didn't care. Raghavi had hidden the reality of an entire human from her, not just a tiny little secret. She deserved it.

She stood in front of 'her' room and admired the door. She had an odd fascination with interior design, which was probably why Malfoy Manor attracted her. It was a very simple composition, with just smooth furrows towards the edges. They made it look as though the door was popping out slightly, creating a minute effect of creepiness. She placed her hand on the diamond doorknob and a chill passed through her- Creaking sounds seemed to come from the sides.

Ayano stepped back, the hair on her neck rising in a sharp prickle. Was it just the design, or was the door really popping out? She hastily drew out her wand.

"Whoever or whatever you are, I demand that you come out at once."

The creaking sounds continued. Something seemed to be pushing the door from inside, as if....

As if something were straining to get out.

Ayano kept her eyes on the door, mentally running through a list of offensive spells. The odd sounds persisted, making her heart slam against her chest. Someone appeared in the stairwell- Jane.

"Ayano? What's happening?"

Ayano gestured to the door.

"Wand out."

Jane obeyed the command without hesitation. Nobody moved a muscle. The sounds grew louder and louder, creating an air of tension.

Ayano could take it no more. "Alohomora!"

"Ayano, no!" Shouted Jane. But it was too late. The door sprang open, and all hell broke loose.

A long, smoky figure emerged from the darkness. High-pitched screams filled the air as it lunged towards Ayano and pinned her to the ground. Her wand slipped out of her hand and fell somewhere with a clatter. The silvery fog seemed to submerge into her eyes.

"JANE!!!" Ayano tried to get up, but the grisly creature seemed to have complete control over her body. The screams were deafening.

"AYANO!!" Shouts seemed to come from everywhere. She struggled to free her hands- Her best weapon, but the horrid thing had her immobilised. The acrid fog engulfed her, causing her to choke. Cold voices found their way into her ears, their words causing Ayano to freeze.

When all that is dark touches the light,

the monster will bring terror and fright,

to the weak, the strong, the brave and the loyal,

Malfoy blood, for victory against evil they will toil.

Abraxas will lend strength to the chosen,

Lucius will render time frozen,

Narcissa will radiate love and faith,

Draco will bring forth the eighth.

"AYANO!! AYANO!!"

She shut her eyes, but the voices grew louder and louder, penetrating the depths of her mind. The white fog behind her eyes swirled and created a familiar image, a sight that caused Ayano to scream in horror.

The yellow wallpaper. The light. The knife dripping blood. The woman, who smiled in satisfaction.

You will never be truly free of your past, Ayano.

Ayano could feel the air around her thinning.

Ayano could taste death once again.