Marmoris | Rabastan Lestrange [1] ✔︎

55 | DESTINY

Phoenix had her fingers so tightly closed around her wand that her knuckles turned white, as she fired one spell after the other at the cloaked Death Eaters, which had already reached the fifth floor. The air was filled with a loud buzzing, consisting of shouted spells, screams of pain and explosions. The young girl didn't know when she had decided to fight with her wand and against the people, which were supported by her family, but when she saw how Maureen was thrown back by a spell, she didn't hesitate to help her. The pink-haired girl was like a sister to her, and nobody was allowed to hurt her family. She tried to keep an eye on her friends, but as they got separated she lost sight of them. There was a constant fear of suddenly finding one of their bodies on the floor in the back of her mind, which made her concentration wobble at times. She had good grades, but soon she realised that the only thing keeping her from losing the duels were in fact Jack's lessons about concentration. She didn't have experience in duels – or any practical use of magic for that matter.

Suddenly she made out Sirius little ways away from her. Her heart jumped at the sight of her brother being uninjured, but she must have lost her focus in that second as an immense pain shot through her body. She screamed and fell to the ground. It felt like she was covered with flames and even her insides were burning. Barely she could feel the tears streaming down her cheeks, as another wave of pain hit her and she cried out again. Was this what dying felt like?

Then suddenly the pain was gone. Whimpering and shaking she lay on the ground, unable to move a single inch. Her breathing was uneven and her body was numb from the pain. She didn't have the strength to close her hand around her wand that was right next to her on the ground when somebody shoved their arms under her back and knees and picked her up. Her head fell backwards as the person pushed through the crowd of fighting people and descended the stairs.

It took her a while after she was placed down on the cold floor to finally be able to sit up.

And there he was.

Rabastan sat next to her with two of his fingers pressed against his temples at both sides, his blonde hair a complete chaos and a Death Eater mask lying next to where he was kneeling. Despite seeing the mask, Phoenix didn't hesitate and laced her arms around his body. She could feel his body relax and almost immediately she felt him hugging her back. She was still shaking, both from the exhaustion of the pain and from sobs, which came along with the tears that covered her face.

"I thought I would never see you again", she whispered.

Rabastan pulled away from her, cupping her face with his hands. "I will always come for you, Nix." Another tear escaped her eye, which he softly brushed away. "I am so sorry. All of this is my fault. I thought I could at least save you. I didn't want to see you get hurt like this. Didn't you get my letter?"

"I did, but Jack asked me not to leave."

"He shouldn't have done that."

Phoenix shook her head. "No, he was right. It is supposed to be my destiny to fight for our world, isn't it? Perhaps I have to use my powers although everybody will see me as a freak from now on." Suddenly her eyes widened. "We have to go back."

"You don't have to. It isn't fair to load this burden on your shoulders", Rabastan told her with a concerned look on his face.

Phoenix covered one of his hands with hers. "I can't have anybody die because I didn't fight. I have to do this."

Rabastan released a deep breath and nodded. His face slowly neared hers. He breathed, "May I?"

This time it was her that placed her lips on his, giving in to a sweet kiss. He moved his lips softly against hers and pulled her closer by her waist. This kiss was different than the others. It was real - and it made Phoenix heart beat faster in her chest.

When they broke away, Rabastan rested his forehead against hers, caressing her cheek with his thumb. She could feel her lips tingle and her whole body felt warm. He whispered, "Please use your powers and be careful. I can't watch you getting hurt again."

She nodded. "You do the same."

They got up and went back to the staircase. The audible noises made it clear that the Death Eaters must at least have reached the fourth floor. A loud cry of pain made a shiver run down Phoenix' spine. Hesitantly Rabastan's hand found hers and laced their fingers between each other. She gave it a soft squeeze, trying to find hope in his warm touch.

Suddenly she stopped and looked up at him. He hadn't put his mask back on, but he was carrying it in his other hand. "Are you going to fight for him?"

"I have to. Once in his army means that you can't go back", he told her.

She swallowed. "Then why did you join him in the first place?"

"Please don't. Don't make me regret this more than I already do. This is the first time that my parents have acknowledged me as their son. It may sound selfish, but I needed that little piece of recognition. I still need it, I guess", Rabastan explained vaguely.

"I understand. I wish I had the courage to do the same. Family means so much, but I can't get myself to do it. I feel like I would sign a contract for killing innocent people."

"You don't have to. Women are not forced to fight in battles." With those words he kissed her forehead and put his mask back on. "Be safe, Nix."

-----------

Hey you,

I'm excited to tell you that there are only a few chapters left after this one, but of course Rabastan and Phoenix' journey isn't over yet. It is rather just the beginning and there's way more to come. Originally, their sixth year at Hogwarts should have been finished in about thirty chapters, but as it turned out way longer I decided to split the story in two or even three books. Therefore, I can announce that there will be a sequel to 'Oceans Deep'. I don't want to reveal the title yet, as it might spoil the ending of this part of the story, but it will be revealed in the epilogue at latest.

The second part will most likely be published either in December or January, depending on when I finish 'Oceans Deep', as I want to have time to write a couple of chapters ahead and edit this part of the story.

Love, Enya