[Forest] The Darkness that surrounds us

[Mandrake Black]

Mandrake took in a deep breath of the cool night air, air that was filled with fear and despair. He knew he was back in the game. He looked from the face of the scared little hero to the face of her defender. "Odd." Mandrake thought to himself, "This one might have a little something to her. Good." Mandrake felt in itching sensation over his entire body as he saw the look on this girls face. There was potential there, oh yes, and Mandrake knew it. He looked back to Ellie,

"So Ellie, ever wondered what death felt like? I assure you its nothing glorious like you elders play it out to be. It's not noble to die for a cause. It's idiotic. Like you. A foolish, little, nosy, Idiotic girl. Death is painful. I promise you that. I've died before, I know what its like." Mandrake watched as the slytherin girl edged out of the circle. He tensed, wondering if he should just let her go. She could spread is existence to the entire school after all. He looked at Caleb, but he was too rapped up in the scene that was before them. He sighed, looked this girl in the eyes, and nodded his head. He watched her edge away from the forest, back toward the sanctuary of the castle.

"Your all alone Ellie. Even your peers have abandoned you. You are ALL alone." and he flashed her a smile, revealing his unnaturally white teeth which all came to a sharp point. His tongue danced behind these teeth itching to say the two words that would end her life. He was giddy with the joy he felt right now. The hand holding his wand twitched in anticipation to ruin her existence.

"Where is your savior now?" And Mandrake burst into a fit of high pitched cackling laughter that echoed through the trees of the forbidden forest. A laugh that hadn't been heard there for ten years.

[Ellie Rook]

Finally, it seemed that Erys was taking over the situation. It was clear that Ellie's ideas were crashing and burning from the take off field. However, as Erys got deeper into her talk, Ellie realized that the slippery snake was doing what she did best. Granted the older girl maintained some of her integrity by choosing to walk out of the circle in her human form. However, Ellie sneered as Erys walked away. If she got through this Erys head would be on the chopping block, she wouldn't be at Hogwarts long.

Now Ellie was very alone, as the man seemed to point out to her. She glanced at all three of her attackers. The older man stood, he looked more alive then ever now as the end seemed to draw near. The younger man was at his beckoning call, Ellie understood that, and it seemed the woman, crazed look in her eye and giggle starched on her breath, was also ready to follow his every word. Ellie was out numbered, out skilled, and scared. However, the Hufflepuff was Headgirl after all, she was only doing her job, or what she thought her job entailed. She hadn't meant to stumble upon a group of dark wizards, obviously returning to their dark deeds.

Dead? Ellie couldn't imagine life after death. There was so much the young girl wanted to do. She wanted to see Dan's face again, she wanted to hug her mother, she wanted to grow up, get a job, do something to change this world.

Ellie's wand hand stood steady, though it seemed every other part of her body shook. Ellie's brain raced as she stored the information she would need to tell Professor Hubbles, if she got out with her life. Obviously, all three were what the Wizarding world called "undesirables". They were traitors and murderers, undesired by any but the lowest forms of human life. Ellie gritted her teeth. She would not give the man the satisfaction of killing her.

Ellie's face sunk as she again realized how alone she was. She would go down fighting if need be, though she knew that the glory and honor of many who stood in her place in recent history, was cut short by a swift end. Her savior? Ellie's mind produced a clear picture of Dan, young and strong, swift in the making of charms, handsome with clear blue eye. Ellie closed her own blue-grey eyes, and lowered her wand. "I don't know." She said, wondering indeed where he was, why he had forsaken her.

[Stella Harper]

Stella giggled at the situation. It seemed that as the action went on, she was backtracking the foreground conversation with her insidious laughter. No one could understand the joy that had filled the cavernous hole that is Stella's heart. She was doing what she loved best, causing fear and pain, something that she hadn't had the opportunity to do in years. Now it seemed that something was rising, some darkness was rising. Stella had felt it in her time in the forest, but she hadn't understood it. Was this what she had felt?

"Oh smart girl." Stella said, as she watched the Slytherin girl back away. Stella licked her lips and let out a little stab of her tongue as if she had a stinger on it, as she did in her animagus form. She giggled at this, but then turned her attention back to the one girl who hadn't seemed to wise up yet.

The older man again tried to convince the girl to give up, that she was going to die. At the mention of death, Stella hopped a little in joy. He had died before? Yes, that is what Stella must have witnessed in the forest. She smiled at this. He must be a great wizard to have conquer the only thing that seemed to be final and forever. He had conquered over death. Stella immediately gave him her respect.

The man laughed as he taunted the girl. Stella giggled along with him. "Yes, love, where is he." She giggled, loving every minute of the girl's torture. Stella watched as the girl lowered her wand, seemingly to give up. Stella's dark eyes shone bright, sparkling in the victory at hand. Her wand hand twisted a bit, aiming for her girl so she could not miss, but cause the most pain she could. Stella's broad gleeful smile faded and a twisted smirk appeared in it place. She glanced at the man, and then at the girl, waiting for some sort of order.

[Professor Lucas Hubbles]

Now Luke could be doing any number of things right now. He could be in the pub, or even taking care of his homework gradings. He could be having tea in the staff room or laughing at something hilarious. He could be arguing with the stalker of a portrait he had... he could be doing any number of things. So why was it he found himself lurking in the Forbidden Forest like a naughty teenager? Well, he was looking for some Thestrals if he was honest, however never seeing anybody die before him, he would find it awfully difficult to locate these beasts. "How am I supposed to find something I cant even see?" He wondered aloud, weaving in and out of the trees.

He scratched the side of his face as he wandered deeper and deeper into the darkness. This place used to scare him silly when he younger, and even though now he was older and a lot braver, it still gave him the heeby jeebies. It was called the Forbidden Forest for a reason, afterall. It was dangerous. He'd never understand why people were so damn adamant about wandering into places that were forbidden for their own safety. "Have they never heard the term; curiosity killed the cat?" He spoke to himself, "Though in this case it could kill a human." Sighing, he ducked under a low branch and into a cave. Lifting his wand up to get a better view, he saw absolutely nothing in here, which could of course mean the Thestrals were here and he wouldnt know any different. So, in true Hubbles idiocy fashion, he walked through the cave groping around like a blind man. When it was apparent that there was nobody or nothing around, he turned and left the cave.

As he wandered, he soon found himself growing impatient. Though it didnt matter, he had to find these Thestrals and if he didnt find them soon he was going back to the castle and yelling very loudly, Who has seen somebody die, please step forward. Though it wouldnt go down very well he was sure, but if it helped him locate these beasts who really gave a damn? Okay, that was the Hubbles gene ringing loud and clear. Though Luke liked the fact that he was quite unHubblesy like for a Hubbles. He didnt go around chasing everything with a pulse, unlike Dan who had done since he was a teenager.

He heard a voice ring loud and clear very near to him, Where is your saviour now? Well that sounded like trouble with a capital T. Hearing two female voices too, one he recognised as a student, very good student, and another he didnt recognise seemed to be taunting her. Feeling a rush of slight anger, how could anybody bring a student in here and subject them to torment? Keeping a firm grip on his wand he burst through the trees, "He's right here." His voice was slightly threatening as he looked at the two people, neither of whom he recognised, but positioning himself infront of Ellie, he could see she'd been through enough already. Pointing his wand at the male, he yelled "Stupefy!" and turning to the female he cast the disarm spell at her. If all went well, the male should be stunned for a moment or two and the females wand should fly far enough away for Luke and Ellie to make a run for it. Grabbing hold of the girl's hand he said in a clear voice, "Run!" Though he knew that the two adults wouldnt be too far away from them both.

[Mandrake Black]

((haha my characters brother is here too but you stunned us both ))


Mandrake watched as the newcomer burst into the scene, defending Mandrakes prey. This made him smile. fools. Mandrake heard the word and before he had any time to reeact he was thrown backward on the lawn in a heap, Caleb not too far away. Mandrake suddenly burst into a fit of laughter as he slowly stood up, still a little disoriented. He smiled at Caleb, who gave him a look of anxiousness. Mandrake knew he wanted to follow the two.

His gaze then shifted to the woman standing there wandless. "Grab your wand woman. You want to prove that you have what it takes to join the Black brothers? Follow them. Learn who they are and scare them. A couple of stuns will do the trick. Caleb will go with you. Come back here once you've finished."

Mandrake looked both of them squarely in the eyes, took a deep breath and bellowed, "Now!" and laughed as he watched their bodies purue the two heroes. Mandrake stood their in silence. He dropped his laughing at once and a fit of rage promptly took its place. He pointed his wand at the nearest tree, and it burst into flame. Mandrake watched the flames dance madly against the night sky as he waited anxiously for the two to return back to him.


((im thinking maybe ellie or luke should reply now before the caleb or stella rp the chase. but whatever you guys want to do))

[Ellie Rook]

(Ellie will take care of Caleb if you want to modify your post or throw a Caleb post into the mix after this. She's not completely helpless. XD.)

Ellie was in despair. Of course she wasn't giving up, she was just giving in. If she was going down, she planned to spring to at the last moment and at least attempt to give this guy a decent headache in the morning, though she doubted even that would be easy for the sixth year.

Ellie kept her eyes closed, waiting to hear the rustle of the robes and on coming spell which would most likely be her demise. However, a familiar voice came out of no where. Professor Lucas Hubbles had jumped out of the forest in a surprise attack. Ellie's eyes sprang open, just in time to see the first spell cast, and luckily it was not at her. Ellie's wand sprung up to the other man, who it seemed that Luke had neglected to hit in his timing. "Reducto!" Ellie yelled, pointing her wand close to the man feet, watching the dirt spring up in an explosion which would throw the most stable quidditch player flying. Ellie quickly turned to see the woman's wand flaying out of her hand's, a sourly surprised look on her face.

Ellie was in the moment, something was pulsing through her veins. It was hatred like she had never felt before. She was ready to stay and finish off the group, become an undesirable herself. She know knew how they felt and for a second the darkness felt good, like a drug in her blood. Ellie's breath was heavy, but in another second she was pulled out of it by the hand of the Professor next to her.

The command to run could not have come sooner. Ellie ws again herself, and running along side the Professor along side the forest, and yet towards the castle. Ellie glanced behind her to see the group regaining their footing and orders thrown. Ellie realized that they were heading out into the open of the Hogwart's grounds. Ellie wasn't sure it was the greatest idea. It would be like a turkey shoot and Ellie and Professor Hubbles would be the turkeys.

"I think we should try and hide." Ellie said, running beside the Professor, trying to keep her breath steady. "We can't bring them to the castle." She said. That would be the worst thing for a Headgirl to do. Not only stupidly endanger herself, but then bring the danger back to the castle. It was not an option.

[Stella Harper]

Stella's cackle was was cut short, and the smile faded from her face as a man appeared out of the forest. She could tell immediately that he was not one of them. However, Stella was a little rusty on the draw, and considering her wand had lain useless, except for killing her meals, for a year or more. Stella Screamed as the attack started. She raised her wand over her head to get a good thrust of pain from the unforgivable curse she was about to unleash. However, the Man used his momentum to knock her wand out of her hands. Stella's wand flew up over her head and landed but three feet behind her.

She doubled over in laughter as the pair ran for it. She giggled, as she was instructed to pick up her wand/ She immediately turned and hurriedly picked it up, clutching it strongly in her hand. She would not be over taken a second time. The adrenaline was pumping through her veins. Black brothers? The name sounded of so familiar. She would find out where soon, but it was not the time to ask questions. If she could do this task, and do it well, then maybe, she would have all the time in the world to find out the answers her mind longed for.

Stella giggled as the command was give. Her wild eyes met the man's and she nodded. She turned to his brother and smiled. "Shall we love?" She said, before they commenced the great chase. Behind her, she could hear the flames and feel the heat of yet another burst of rage from the man. Stella smiled a wicked grin as she ran, her wand swinging steadily with her pace.

The anamagious was going at a fast pace, her petite legs stretching out in front of them. She could see the pair in front of her. She smiled as she sent a spark after them, hoping it would burn the girl, slowing them down. Stella couldn't see if she hit her target however, for the pair disappeared into the forest.

[Caleb Black]

((I'm going to use Caleb now since Mandrake wouldn't contribute to the story right now. After Caleb start back again with Luke and so on.)))



Caleb looked from his brother to the woman that stood with them, then back to Mandrake. He burst in a fit of rage at Caleb and the woman so Caleb immediately high tailed it after the two. The woman was slower than Caleb so he had to shorten his strides. He looked over his shoulder to see his enraged brother burning a tree. Caleb smiled. He loved it when Mandrake was angry.

He shot a quick stunning charm at the fleeing pair, missing the man by inches. He turned to the woman, "I call the man when we attack." Caleb shot another spell in their direction, then turned to her, "The names Caleb by the way." and he watched her as he ran. He saw the blood lust in her eyes that he often saw in Mandrakes. He saw the rage, the wickedness, the want to cause harm. She was perfect. His stomach turned when he looked at this new face, so he decided to watch the runaways. He turned and Mandrake was out of sight now. Caleb grew a little tense. He knew Mandrake was the better wizard, he had been since they were young. This scared Caleb, knowing his brother wasn't around to save him.

"Mandrake no!" Caleb yelled as he watched his brother run at Morziak. He saw the green light shoot from Mandrakes wand at Morziak and watched as it bounced off of him and hit his brother square in the chest. "Noooo!" Caleb screamed in pain as he ran to his brothers lifeless body. He stared deep into his brothers lifeless gray eyes as they stared empty back. His heart ached as he looked at him again. His emotions were running high, sweat on his brow from the fight, all of it for this. His brother's demise.

"Mandrake!!!!"

Caleb was pulled from his flashback to the scene. He saw a curse erupt from the womans wand at the pair ahead of them. Caleb watched their backs as they ran. He and the woman was getting closer. He smiled.

[Professor Lucas Hubbles]

This was just typical. He came out looking for Thestrals and instead found himself running, his hand holding onto a students, away from two apparent psychopaths. Maybe Thestrals really were a bad omen. Luke's heart was thumping in his chest as he ran, raising he wand he produced a patronus, sending a message to Dan, his cousin. Dan, me and Ellie are in trouble in the forest. We may need help. Do not answer, wait for my word. The lion patronus ran through the forest, a silver shimmer of light, heading upto the castle quicker than his legs would carry him. Luckily he had worked with Dragons and had to be quick on his feet. Man, what he wouldnt give to have that Welsh Green right about now.

"Hide? We cant Ellie they're right behind us we have to keep, ahh!" Luke ducked and almost lost his footing as a spell shot right past his left ear. "If we dont keep moving... well I dont want to think about that." He could only hope Dan had got his Patronus by now and was on the alert. Though, knowing Dan he probably wasnt the best person to send the thing too. In his current state... well they'd probably be in more trouble if he came. Winding in and out of the trees, Luke kept up his steady pace, he didnt want to run too far ahead, aferall Ellie was a student and by rights she was now his responsibility. "What the hell were you doing in here anyway?" He asked breathlessly as they ran, "As headgirl I would have thought you'd have known this place is forbidden for a reason!"

Another spell was shot which almost hit Ellie, they were closing in on the two of them. Gripping Ellie's hand tighter, Luke picked up the pace but he wasnt sure how long he could keep running. How long could they keep running, Luke didnt know, but he knew she was right. Under no circumstances could they lead these psycho's to the castle. That could put even more people in danger if they did. "Yeah, you're right." He answered and turned left at a pathway, ducking over it he ran through a thicker set of trees. His chest was burning now from running, he had a lot of endurance and right now was running on adrenaline. Though, there was every chance they would need outside help. Luke didnt like the idea of dragging anybody else into this but he felt like he might not have much of a choice. What in hells blazes name were these lot upto? Looking sidelong at Ellie he felt a stab of guilt. She was only young and had her entire life to live yet, yet one wrong move in here and both of them could be dead. No, Luke wasnt about to let anybody kill anybody today. He was strong willed enough to know that and quite a skilled wizard, he was sure he could pull a good few rabbits out of a hat if he needed to. He just hoped he wouldnt have to resort to their levels... yet if it kept both of them safe he would do anything.

"This is turning out to be a brilliant first week." Luke mumbled to himself. He really was a trouble magnet. There was no denying that. Raising his wand over his shoulder he randomly shot reducto spells behind him in the hope of one of them being hit. This was a fight for their lives, there was no being nice now. "Use any means necessary if you have to!" Luke told Ellie. "Any means."

[Ellie Rook]

Just as Ellie suggested hiding as the lion patronus ran out of view, she felt a flaming ball fly past her, almost taking her legs out, the things she needed most. Ellie was running for her life, something she had never expected to do. Granted in the past year, Ellie had been facing many foes, and fighting enough battles to last a life time. However, all those time, she was strong, held up by the Headmaster at her side, hope always glow however dim. Now Ellie was running, running from something she didn't really understand. Either way, Professor Hubbles was right, they couldn't stop now. They had to keep moving. She remembered the crazy look in the woman's eyes. Ellie knew that their pursuers would stop at nothing.

What was Ellie doing out there. In an instant she felt guilty. He was right. Ellie should have never been down by the forest. But she had to see Dan. She had to. Ellie was disappointed in herself. She had really made a mess of everything. It was all her fault, and to top it all off, Dan never showed, even though she was in dire need.

Ellie didn't answer the Professor's question. She couldn't tell him the whole truth, and so she remained silent as hey ran. They darted between trees, careful not to trip. Ellie's hand was still grasped by the Professor, and she didn't have any mind to let go. She felt that as long as they were linked, they would figure a way out. Ellie tripped over a tree branch and a spell shot over her head just where she was standing a second ago. She exhaled fast and got up, continuing the run.

The sixth year was running out of gas, and the Professor must have been aching as well. At least they were both on the same page that they could not lead the pair to the castle. They turned into the dark forest. The trees became thicker and the brush on the ground made it harder and harder to run, but still they pushed on. The trees became larger and larger, blocking out the sun. Ellie was instructed to use any means necessary. Something in her heart jumped for joy. Ellie would get her revenge, her sweet revenge. She would hurt them, just as they wanted to hurt her.

Ellie was then suddenly aware of a curse being through in the direction of their assailants. It missed them both. She was aware of the hand that held hers, tight, as though it was the only thing they both had left to hold on to. All thoughts of pain and suffering feel from Ellie's mind as she concentrated on the hand in hers. Ellie suddenly stopped. She turned to the large tree to her left. With a large blast the wood splintered and the tree began to fall. "Run." Ellie said, realizing that they were in a dangerous spot. The falling tree took two others with it, and soon the path of the assailants were blocked.

Ellie had run, grabbing the hand of the Professor again. She felt calmness in the grasp. Her heart was beating fast and her lungs were on fire. "It should slow them down." Ellie said looking back and seeing a cloud of dirt and leaves over a large pile of toppled and splintered wood. "But I don't think it will stop them." she said, thinking of the woman's eyes once more. "But now we have a chance to hide."

[Stella Harper]

Stella giggled and laughed as they chased the two heros. She enjoyed the exercise, the fresh air, the use of her human limbs once more. The younger Black brother was just ahead of her. He fired the first spell. It missed only by inches. She smiled as she could see that they were again gaining on the runners.

"Fine with me Love." Stella laughed as they ran. "I'll have fun with the little one." She said, thinking of all the horrible things she could do to the girl. She could teach her a few things about causing pain, something Stella appreciated as much as a good glass of wine. "Stella." She said, giggling the introduction. She liked the way this guy worked. He and his brother seemed to have everything going for them. Stella had already decided that she was going to stick with them, but if she got on the good side of the younger one, maybe he would put in a good word with his brother. Stella's wheels were turning with the possibilities.

Stella picked up her speed. She laughed as if she enjoyed the run as much as a marathon runner. Her wand was pointed at the ground, and yet ready to curse the first thing she knew she could hit. she cast her spell, and saw the girl fall. It missed only by the girl's luck. Stella screamed with dismay, and it seemed the fall helped them gain a few yards.

Stella's breath was staggering. She was tired, and yet adrenaline pumped through her veins as she knew they were coming closer to their prize. Stella saw a red charm fly but toward them. Stella shrieked with laughter as she stepped to the side, easily avoid the spell. She glanced at Caleb as she ran, smiling all the way.

Then the girl stopped and seemingly pointed her wand at Stella. Stella laughed as she continued to run. "Betcha can't hit me missy." She yelled at Stella headed for the girl. Stella raised her wand, and then watched as the girl turned and blasted away a tree. The tree began to fall, right in the path Stella was headed. Immediately, Stella stopped and screamed as she dove out of the way. "No!" She yelled, covering her eyes from the dust floating up over them, not even being able to see her chance slip away. She turned toward Caleb with a questioning look. The dust settled and Stella uncovered her eyes. Two more trees had fallen in their way. Stella got up and looked over the piles, seeing the two run off further into the woods.

"DAMN!! NO!!" Stella said. Stella screamed and pointed her wand at the logs. A red jet bolted from her wand and blew her hair back as the logs exploded with a large blast, shaking the forest floor. The logs splintered and Stella just stood, taking the blast in. She took a deep breathe as the ruble cleared from the air yet again. "Now," she said, brushing her dark and tattered clothes, her stockings were completely torn now, almost hanging of her legs. She turned to Caleb. "Shall we continue." She said, before running after the pair yet again.

[Caleb Black]

Caleb cursed silently as trees fell down from the girls spell, blocking the path. Caleb bellowed as loud as he could manage, the scream coming from deep within his diaphragm, his anger boiling. He looked from his partner to the trees blocking the path. A small sense of fear crept into his mind as a small shiver ran up his spine. If Mandrake got wind of his failure he might get angry, when he got angry things went bad. Very bad. He couldn't let the two get away but as the seconds ticked rapidly by it seemed inevitable. A sense of gloom filled his heart. He peered through the fallen trees branches to see the two running away. Suddenly however, his spirits rose abruptly. They were headed down a path he knew quite well.

Caleb pointed his wand at the blockage and before the spell could cross his lips the trees were suddenly blown to pieces. He looked at the woman, her wand pointed directly where the trees had been. He smiled to her, a different kind of smile. A smile Caleb didn't often use. A smile that had a hint of fondness and compassion. Caleb took a deep breath, his legs still aching from the run earlier, but his second wind filled his lungs, giving hope. Giving him the power to carry on.

"Shall we follow them?" He turned to the woman. Before Caleb could let the reply escape her lips he took off in a dead sprint after them, trying to make up for the time they had lost. Caleb laughed as he ran, the trees whipping by him, his long hair flowing behind him. His fancy dress robes that were a dark shade of green flowed behind him casting odd like shadows in the moonlight.

Running from death in Caleb's opinion was often a stupid thing to do. Sure, you could run, avoid it, dodge it, even escape death for awhile, but in the end death always won. Always won. Caleb was certain he would catch the two. Caleb was certain that when he did, he would make sure death would win this battle.