Chapter 7

"What was that?" Nick asked, staring blankly at the woman as she stood from her chair.

"It's a perfectly reasonable theory." She mused, flicking some dirt from under her fingernails as she sauntered over to a large bookshelf. "You've been in the company of mudbloods and blood-traitors for four long years. How am I expected to believe that you aren't really one of them in disguise? The fact that Hermione Granger, a rather clever mudblood, was daft enough to write her location to her daughter is reason enough to be suspicious."

"Huh?" Nick was frozen in her seat. She could only think of two things at the moment, the first being that her wand was safely tucked away in a strap over her thigh and the second being that she could easily win a duel with this over-plucked witch, but where would she run to?

"If you'd please?" Headmistress asked, watching Nick menacingly as a hole began to open up inside the wall.

"Please what?" Nick questioned, standing up and fingering her wand through her dress.

"If you'd please" Blupillo repeated, taking an intimidating step towards Nick. "Walk through this whole."

"Isn't there some sort of rule that states that no student shall be caught without their spouse in an enclosed space." Nick took a stab in the dark. Remembering her grandfathers advice that farthest shots were normally the closest in these situations.

"Excuse me?" Headmistress seethed, furious for some reason. Nick took this as confirmation that that rule was indeed, correct and continued with a stronger voice.

"The rules." Nick said, speaking clearly. "Do they not state that I can't go in there without Hamal?"

"Pottersprouts." The headmistress swore.

Not feeling safe enough to sit back down, Nick drew a breath of relief as the cursing headmistress walked out of her office and into the empty hallway. As the door closed with a loud 'bang', Nick fell to her feet and started racking her mind for an alternative.

"I swear if I ever under appreciate the rules again..." She mumbled, wondering at her luck as she pulled her wand out from under her gown. Feeling the familiar small oak wand in her hand, she let out a breath she didn't know she was holding. Standing back up and unconsciously assuming the defensive position, Nick twirled her wand in her fingers while keeping a sharp eye on the doorknob.

Once Hamal arrived, Nick had two options. The first, the better of the two in Nicks' opinion, would be to simply attack. Not muggle attack, though she wasn't above that either, but with her wand. She was skilled enough to take on the Headmistress and a few other faculty but more than three at once would definitely hurt her. Also, as much as she hated him, she had dragged Hamal into the mess and it would be up to her to keep him safe.

"That's sufficiently complicated." She muttered, putting her wand away as she realized that nothing is more important than staying safe for the next few months. On December 25th she'd be transported back in time, and it would do her well to go back in time in good health, and not as a half-dead fugitive on the streets.

"Hurry up Mr. Idemamo." The headmistresses voice called from outside the door. Tensing up slightly, Nick moved into a less blatantly defensive move. She kept her arm on her stomach, so she could have faster access to her wand, and he other hand was gripping the table in case she needs to make a quick getaway. The doorknow starting jiggling and Nick looked back on the wall where she saw that white spider. Reaching her hand over to it impulsively, it jumped on her arm w/o a second thought and crawled up its shirt.

"Smart creature." She muttered, surprisingly grateful for this small comfort. "I shall name you my lucky charm if I make it out of this safely."

The door opened.

"Ah!" A triumphant Pillo entered, smoothing down the front of her white blazer and a few stray hairs. Hamal walked in behind her and gave Nick a questioning look. He's eyes looked so hurt and sad Nick realized he thought she betrayed him.

"Oh for godsakes, it's not that." Nick whispered, as he made his way over to her. He didn't even look angry, or menacing. He looked so sad and broken that Nick couldn't hold her tongue "I didn't say anything."

"So why am I here?" He questioned. Raising an eyebrow slightly at the Headmistres who was currently struggling with a bookcase.

"I'm sorry I dragged you into this." Nick whispered, as the hole in the wall began to open up. "It's my problem really. Just stay back and don't do anything brave or stupid."

Both stood watching the Headmistress, who stood watching them.

"Well get a move on!" She cried, shooing the two students into the hole. Hamal starting walking first but she subtly pulled him back and walked in front. She wouldn't have any injuries he may sustain on her conscience.

Lights suddenly flashed and a dimly lit cave-like room, decorated with only two couches and a fireplace, was revealed to them. On the walls of this room were chains and knives and swords.

"Muggle torturing devices?" Nick whispered, as she hurried to the farthest end of the room, making sure Hamal was close behind. "Keep up!" She hissed, and stood behind a couch, pulling Hamal in beside her. "If anything happens, duck."

"What in darks-name is this-" Hamal started, but was quickly interrupted by Pillo.

"This, Hamal, is a matter of discipline for which you must be present for. I have an inkling this girl isn't who she says she is." She shot Nick a stern look before turning back to Hamal. "Just sit back and enjoy the show dearie."

"Exscuse me?" He asked, almost choking on his words. "You mean your going to…" His voice trailed off and Pillo nodded in the affirmative. "But you've never… not to a student."

"Matters of utmost importance dear lad. Now sit."

"But.." Hamal stuttered, trying to think straight. He looked over at Nick and at once guilt consumed him. They could have been friends, they could have been best friends if he had just told the truth. He didn't have to treat her so badly, not after she was so nice to him. He vowed that if, and when, they did get out of this he would definetly explain all. He would explain the prophecies, he would explain how he's been avoiding their dreams. He would explain why he lied. But in the mean time, "No Headmistress. I refuse to stand by and watch my fiancée tortured."

Both jaws dropped, and if you looked closely enough you could see a third, tiny little spider jaw set itself with determination and nod furiously.

"No." Nick said, finally catching her bearings. "I can take care of myself."

"No." Hamal retorted. "Judging by this situation, you obviously cannot."

"Oh this is wonderful!" Headmistress squealed, and both heads snapped towards her in surprise. A squeal never meant anything good from a sociopathically insane disciplinary. No, squeals were very, very bad. "I knew our spouse-system was working! Look at how close you two are! And Hamal, I understand very well what you mean. In that case, I shall just torture you both. In turns, equal timing, equal force…"

Her voice trailed on as Hamal and Nick exchanged looks. Nicks' was utterly furious and Hamals was defiant. Scoffing, they both turned away from each other and set their gazes on the headmistress.

"Nick." The headmistress said. "Or should I say Nymphadora Tonks…"

Hamal gasped audibly and Nick rolled her eyes.

"No." She said plainly. "You really shouldn't."

The Headmistress looked furious and she raised her wand. "Crucio!" She yelled, pointing her wand at Hamal while watching Nick. Nick flung herself on Hamal to push him down. She wouldn't have this on her conscience.

The pain was immediate. It spread from her shoulder, which is where the curse hit, over to her stomach. It hit her legs in seconds and spread into her arms. When it reached her head she convulsed. The pain was like a white hot fire burning every part of her on the inside out. She wouldn't give the satisfaction of screaming though, so she held her fist tightly controlling her right hand with immense self restraint as the rest of her convulsed terribly. It was all she could do to keep her hand in a fist.

"Nick!" Hamal screamed, standing beside her.

"You bitch!" Another voice cried, the pain stopped instantaneously. Nick started breathing hard, not even having noticed her new pet spider transformed into a fully formed pink-haired woman.

"I knew it!" The Headmistress cried, and flipped her wand uselessly as Tonks had already casted expelliarmus. She caught her wand effortlessly and walked over to Nick.

"Are you alright luv?" She asked, keeping her eyes and wand on the Headmistress.

Nick nodded, too wide eyed and surprised to speak.

"I need you too to close your eyes and look away. I have to do something I'm not quite proud of."

The two acquised immediately, both guessing accurately what she meant.

"Avada Kedrava." She whispered, a green flash spread through the room as the head mistress was struck down. "Incendio."

The smell of burning flesh encompassed the room as all it's occupants lowered there heads and consumed themselves with similar thoughts. These kinds of things, murdering and burning bodies, had to be done. Despite the guilt that consumed them all, they all understood that. And that type of experience brings people closer than anything else.

…After clearing the air of the smell with a helpful spell, the three sat down on the couches, the silence still consuming them. By silent consent, Nick and Hamal had sat together, her hands in his. Tonks sat across from them, watching the two with careful eyes.

"I'm sorry." She finally spoke. "You're much to young to worry about secret rebel groups and overthrowing governments."

"Harry was my age."

"True. But we can't all be Harry."

"You've heard the prophecy haven't you/" Nick asked, and Hamal's eyes shot up. "I'm going to have to be."

"I'm sorry sweet." Tonks said softly. "An d that's why I'm here. I've spent the last few years away from the order learning more about magic than Voldemort himself."

"So you're here to train me?"

"Yes. I assume you haven't yet told your frirned?" She nodded towards Hamal who eyed her suspiscously.

"Told me what?" Hamal asked, looking down at me. "What haven't you told me?"

"We've never really been the best of pals." I defended myself.

"Well you're going to need to be." Tonks said, clearing her throat. "Do you have any idea who we are?"

"I assume you're participants in some sort of a rebel group." He said, looking bewildered.

"Not just any rebel group." Tonks explained. "You're sitting with half of the remaining order. Hermione and Ron are still alive somewhere."

That did it. I had been trying so hard to keep strong and mourn Severus at a later time, but the mention of my grandparents pushed thoughts of him to the front of my head. Everywhere I looked, my head flooded with memories of the old man. Senile, as he was, yet still loving. He was quick to judge and harsh on those that annoy him; but he was still my great uncle.

A hand grabbed my shoulder and I looked up as Hamal squeezed my arm assuringly.

"Thanks." I mumbled, wiping my face as I realized I had been crying.

"Theres something I should tell you all." Hamal said, shaking his head. "Before you decide if you can trust me."

"In all honesty you would have been obliviated had you reacted badly." Tonks said simply, her brown eyes widening with a protective quality.

It made sense as well. The Order was her life, she lost her love in the Order, she lost her family. Her and Remus got married just before my grandmothers seventh year at Hogwarts. They had a family, had a baby. Their son, Teddy Lupin, was attacked by Fenrir Greyback as retaliation for Lupins 'betrayal' as the werewolves saw it. Teddy couldn't survive the bite and died at age 3. A year later, Tonks and Remus fought gallantly in the final war. I never met Remus, but I know that he was a wonderful and trustworthy man. He died at the hands of Lucius Malfoy, who was killed in turn by Tonks.

Tonks fled after the war, into hiding. She remained in constant touch with remaining order members and after a half of a year in hiding she moved off into Albania to learn the most primitive and advanced of magics. In my 15 years of life all I ever heard of Tonks was how she had just discovered this, or figured a way around that. I had gathered she was a brilliant witch and I always enjoyed the letters she sent.

She sent letters to us once a week. One time, a few years ago, she addressed a letter to me. In it, she wrote about how Harry felt about his destiny. How we all have destinies laid out for us, and how I shouldn't feel angry that I've heard mine. She told me not to worry about the past nor to worry about the future. She said that as one destined to live in multiple era's, I must take full advantage of living in the present.

I blinked through my tears and looked at Tonks dead on. Her hair was a mousy brown, not the vibrant pink I normally heard when describing her, her eyes were a beautiful shade toffee and her nose was strong. She had an air of experience around her, a dark aura surrounded by one of humanity. She nodded at me and I sat, dazed, until I noticed a tear drop from her face too. Releasing myself from Hamal, I walked over and sat under the crook of her arm.

"I miss him too love." She said, kissing the top of my head. "Lord, even Harry didn't deal with any of this."

"He's a lot stronger than I'll ever be."

"We often surprise ourselves."

&&&&

"Who are you?" Hamal said, looking at Nick with beady eyes. "You knew Harry Potter?"

"Never met him." Nick answered, at the same time as Tonks said,

"He was a bloody brilliant wizard and I can guarantee a quick end to this meeting if you say one wrong word about him."

"Right." Hamal said, still a bit spooked by her display earlier. "Noted."

"Nick here is the prophesiesed." Tonks began, rubbing circles on Nicks shoulder.

"I know." Hamal blurted, before biting his tongue. "Sorry,"

"Wait!" Nick interrupted, "How do you know?"

"Those dreams…" hamal answered, explaining the book he had.

"This is awesome." Hamal cried, just as the door closed behind Nick. Despite his voice, which was laced with sheer joy, his face was a stony calm.

"For darks-sake we're alone Hammy! Be normal!" Nick said, laughing at his behaviour.

"Right." Hamal agreed, letting his face fall into a sloppy grin.

"Much better!" Nick cried, before giving him a real hug.

"You know what this means to me?" Hamal asked, relating back to one of their conversations. In their seven dreams together only three involved real conversation. Two were frivolous and fun, but one was serious. They talked about everything, from their lonely lives to their favorite activities. It wasn't until the last dream Nick found out Hamal was gay, but she had figured it out long before that.

"Do you know what this means to both of us?" She cried, squeezing him tighter as he spun her in a circle, her dress floating around her.

"Well." A deep voice interrupted their laughter, and Nick and Hamal both looked back towards the door.

"Siru, lets' leave." Hellixia begged, grabbing on his hand to pull him away. Siru threw her hand off his and gave her a blood-chilling look before turning towards the pair that was now standing beside each other.

"I'm Siru." He said, stepping close to Nick. Nick shot him a bored look and scoffed at his held-out hand. The two girls gasped at her boldness, but were quickly silence with another glare from Siru. "Care to introduce yourself?" He asked, raising an eyebrow at Nick.

"No." She said bluntly. "Not too much."

"Feisty." Siriu smirked, and looked up at Hamal who had been glaring at him the whole exchange. "You always did get the good ones."

"Happy with my leftovers?" Hamal retorted coolly.

"She's not your leftovers." Siru said, raising an eyebrow again. "You never had her in the only way that matters."

"Might not be my leftovers." Hamal continued. "But she's something I never wanted."

"One mans' trash..." Siru started,

"Is another mans recycling." Nick interrupted, turning her head up to face Hamal. "Shall we?"

"Lets'" Hamal agreed, looking back to Siru. "I don't want you anywhere near her."

"Afraid I'll steal her too?"

"Afraid you'll contaminate her." Hamal countered, before sweeping down the hallway with Nicks' hand in his.

"Really," Electra muttered, and quickly shut up when Siru glared in her direction.

"Let's go then." He said, smiling in a way that made the girls gulp. It was the look her got whenever he was going to do something he shouldn't; and with Siru, there was only a few things even he wasn't allowed to do.

…..

"That was…" Nick started, as the two made their way to their rooms.

"Different" Hamal finished, and both broke out in laughter. Hamal walked over to where Nick stood and wrapped her up into a tight hug, squeezing her for all he was worth. "I'm so glad!"

"Can't" Nick choked "Breathe."

"Sorry love!" Hamal apologized, as they rounded the last corner.

"This really is pretty brilliant." Nick said, elbowing Hamal in the stomach playfully. "We both agreed if there was one thing we could have, it'd be a friend."

"Pretty pathetic."

"But it works on us." Nick shot him a grin and winked. "Then again…"

"What doesn't eh?" Hamal finished, opening the door to their room so Nick could walk in first. A bit shocked at this gentlemanly behaviour, Nick grinned and stepped through the door. The blinding flash of light hit again and she cringed,

"What is that?" She asked, blinking furiously.

"Wizarding Camera. The doorway takes a picture of anybody that comes in." Hamal explained, locking the door behind them "To prevent adultery."

"I still can't believe this." Nick said, throwing herself back on her bed, Hamal sat down beside her and poked her stomach.

"You'd better believe it." He said, rubbing patterns with his finger on her gown. "This is going to sound corny- Potter corny, but I've always wanted a friend."

"So you've said." Nick said absentmindedly, biting on her lip.

"I mean it." Hamal continued. "I'm sick of being this fake, evil bastard all the time."

"Than don't be it." Nick advised, propping herself up on her elbows. "Be yourself."

"Yeah and have an auror pull a Lupin on me." Hamal rolled his eyes.

"Pull a who?" Nick asked

"Pull a Lupin…" Hamal repeated again, in a 'duh' tone as though that explained everything. "Remus Lupin?"

"No.." Nick said sarcastically. "Really?"

Hamal threw his head back in a laugh and then through a pillow at Nick.

"As in lynching you anti-social fool."

"Sorry I haven't been keeping up with pop culture lately." Nick said, rolling her eyes. "Homes."

"Sorry… what?" Hamal asked, glancing her way before starting to change his clothing.

"Homes." Nick explained. "Your new nickname you homosexu-"

"Shhh!" Hamal cried, sticking his hand on Nicks mouth. "You want to get me murdered."

"Course not Homes." Nick said, muffled through his hand. "What would I bloody do without you?"

"Well, if I'm…" Hamal looked around, eyes wide, before putting his fingers up to quote, "Homes, what are you?"

"Honestly?" Nick asked, leaning back down. "Just call me asexual."

"You mean you've never been attracted to anybody?"

"Well, I thought you were really good looking-" She paused to throw a pillow at him . "Don't get a big head about it- but I wasn't 'attracted'."

"Your mental." Hamal muttered, rolling his eyes as Nick stood up to change out of her gown. Modesty wasn't really necessary, as Hamal had already seen all there was to see of Nick in their dreams, and he wasn't 'really looking' after all.

"Nope." Nick retorted. "Just got my priorities in order."

"You mean you didn't even think Siru-"

"You mean that living specimen of walking, talking arrogance?" Nick interrupted, falling back on her bed with her customary pajamas.

"He's a right sexy specimen."

"His sneer ruined it all. Sort of looked like his upper lip smelled of bird shit." Nick commented, rolling her eyes back at him.

"How do you know what bird droppings smell like anyways?"

"Lets just keep that a mystery eh?" Nick said, cringing at the memory of one of her potions experiments gone wrong.

"Potions?"

"It was supposed to be." She joked, cracking a crooked smile. "Besides, like I said. I've got my priorities in order."

Hamal raised an eyebrow at her and held back a laugh.

"Really!" Nick said. "Honest!"

"What priorities Nick?" Hamal asked disbelievingly, making himself comfortable on his bed.

"Well," Nick started, looking at him quizzically. "Figuring out that dream for one."

"I've already gotten it figured out." Hamal said, puffing out his chest slightly.

"No." Nick cried, not really believing it.

"Yes." Hamal smirked, but shook his head quickly. "But, lets' not talk about that today. Let's just…get to know each other."

"Sounds great." Nick agreed. And that's exactly what they did. The two sat up on Nicks' bed all night, just discussing everything that mattered to them and even things they don't. Nick told Hamal everything except for her stay at her Grandparents and her destiny as a 'chosen', and Hamal (having already told her his biggest secret) didn't hold back at all.

"Why is it that you won't tell me about your grandparents?" Hamal demanded, a few hours before the break of dawn.

"It's something I can't talk about with anyone." Nick apologized, looking over at Hamal. "I truly am sorry."

"Bella's Trix." Hamal sighed and stood up from his seated position on Nick's bed to dig into his suitcase. "Might as well tell you about the dreams then."

Nick sat up in anticipation, fixing the strap of her dress so it was back on her shoulder.

"I'll just change before you do." She mumbled, sleep deprived and wide-eyed. Not even standing up from her bed, she rolled over to the wall with her closet and tore of her dress, remembering she didn't bring any comfortable pyjamas. "I'll be sleeping in what I always do though." She said, a bit self-conscious.

"Love, I've seen it all." Hamal said, throwing off his suit and pants. Nodding to herself, Nick stood back up and wrapped her bed's covers around her, trying to stay warm. "Right then." Hamal said, pulling out an old and ratty book. It was brown with light green writing on it's spine. Essence of Time was the title and Hamal quickly started reading loud from it.

///A/N/// Re-edited. Please leave reviews about the 'third person'! The last chapters 'marauder days' bit was so I could develop those characters simultaneously. I don't want there to be a bunch of random new people when I stick Nick in the past :-D Leave your thoughts. Also, what do you think of Hamals' character?

Also…am sorry for the long wait *hangs head in shame*