Adult-FanFiction.org : Harry Potter

Redemption Recalled	By : MoonlightVision Category: HP Canon Characters paired with Original Characters > Het - Male/Female Views: 9161 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 2
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or any of JK's world and characters, I do not make any money from this. I merely borrow for fun. The only thing I own is my feisty Lexi and the story arch.

Chapter List
- 6
- 7
- 8
A/N: Okay folks, here's the second part of chapter 5... I suppose they are both long enough to be their own chapters but oh well. Enjoy! Please rate and review!
Chapter 5: Lost and Found – Part Two
Scabior's frustration was paramount as he sat at the pub in town. Sure, he'd managed to find a few tips on good location to find some runaways, but he was no closer to figuring out who Lexington was. Every time he went to ask someone about her the oddest things kept happening. They suddenly had to dash off spouting some nonsense about urgent business, or he suddenly found himself asking about the weather instead of the girl he really wanted to know about. He'd been at it for hours and was no closer to solving anything. He was waiting for one more contact to show up before meeting Xander and Ben. Sipping his beer he glanced towards the door just as a short, portly wizard ambled into the pub. Catching Scabior's eye he hurried over and sat down.
“Hello, Todd.” Scabior greeted him.
“Scabior,” the man replied, “What brings you to town?”
“I'm lookin' for information. Heard any news on good hidin' places?” Scabior nodded to the bartender, buying Todd a drink. He found that always loosened peoples tongues.
“Much obliged.” he said taking the offered drink, “I hear the Forest of Dean has been particularly active the last few weeks. Might be worth your while.”
Scabior nodded, “Thanks, Todd.” That's what everyone else had been saying too, it sounded like it was definitely worth the trip.
“Anythin' else on your mind?” Todd enquired.
Scabior jumped on the opportunity, “Actually yes, now that you bring it up. I've been wonderin' if you've heard anythin' about-” he felt his mind go blank, as if some invisible force had wiped it clean like a piece of slate, “about any strange weather?” Scabior growled inwardly, that was NOT what he'd meant to say. What the bloody hell was going on?
Todd looked at him oddly, “Mate, you know there's all sorts o' odd weather goin' on these days. Muggles are even starting to notice.”
He grimaced, “I know, that's not really what I meant to ask. Have you heard anything about a-” he shook his head trying to clear his thoughts, “a missing person?” Well, that was closer. Still wouldn't be any help at all since he knew there were tons of missing people these days.
“You feelin' okay, Scabior? You seem a bit off,” Todd asked.
Sighing Scabior ran his hand across his face, “Yeah, Todd. I'm fine. Just forget I asked.”
“Sure,” Todd spoke hesitantly, “Anythin' else?”
“No, that's all I needed. Thanks Todd.”
“No, problem, anytime. Thanks for the drink.” Todd called as he hurriedly scampered away.
Glowering into his beer Scabior sat quietly trying to make sense of his thoughts. He didn't understand why he couldn't ask about the girl. It was like something was holding him back, as if something didn't want him to ask about the girl. Finding out who she was had just became a whole lot harder. He was still glaring at his drink when Xander and Ben sat down at the table with him.
“Somethin' wrong with yer drink, Boss?” Ben asked.
Looking up he grumbled, “No,” glancing at Xander he noticed he had a perplexed look on his face.
“Did you find the info you were lookin' for?” Xander enquired.
“Some of it.” Scabior took another sip and met their eyes, “Did either of you try askin' about the girl?”
Ben's expression darkened and Xander looked down at the table.
“Well?”
Xander was the first to speak, “I tried, Boss, honest I did. Bu' every time I got ready to ask I forgot wha' I was sayin' or the person I was talkin' to ran off.”
Scabior looked at Ben, who nodded in agreement, “It was migh'y odd, Boss. I wanna know who she is jus' as much as ya, so we can get rid o' 'er. Bu' no matter how hard I tried I couldn' get the words ou'. Found meself askin' abou' the weather or wantin' to know their latest 'obbies.”
Scabior closed his eyes, that settled it then. Asking about her seemed to be out of the question. He'd have to find another way to get information on her.
“It's alrigh, the same thing happened to me. We'll just 'ave to figure it out somehow else. Did you get the supplies?”
Both men nodded.
“Good,” he said finishing his beer, “let's head back to camp then. See if Ty and Blaine caught anyone today.”
-----**-----
Stepping out of the tub Lexington felt refreshed, a long hot bath had been just what she needed. She'd heard Thom come back at one point with her clothes and he'd called through the door that he'd left some food on the table for her. The growling in her stomach couldn't be ignored any more so she grabbed her discarded towel, wrapped it around herself and opened the door to grab her clothes. Examining them she found that they were all clean and dried. Her jeans had a few small rips in them near the knees and her shirt still had one big tear in the front. Thom had managed to repair the smaller ones but the biggest one must have been too much for his skills. Sighing she dried herself off and pulled on the clothes she had, zipping her jumper over her bra. She'd look for something suitable in Scabior's drawers later but she still didn't relish the idea of wearing his clothes.
She turned to the kneazle who had moved to sit on the floor, “Well? How do I look? I know it's not much but it's loads better than a few days ago.”
Gawaine stood up and walked over to her, winding himself around her ankles, purring.
“I'll take that as you think I look acceptable,” she bent to pick up the kitten, holding him in her arms as she left the bathroom, “Let's see what we've got to eat.”
Making her way to the table she found a plate of eggs and some bread. Nothing fancy, but she really hadn't expected that. Besides after not having eaten anything for a few days she probably wouldn't be able to manage much anyway. She reckoned it'd been at least three days since her last meal and she was starving. Placing Gawaine down on a chair beside the table she sat down on one herself and pulled the food towards her. After eating all she could she sat back. There was still a fair amount of eggs left, she'd managed a bit more than half before her stomach felt too full for more. Glancing at Gawaine, who was eyeing the plate with interest she decided she didn't need to let it go to waste.
She put the plate on the floor, “Here you go, little fella. I can't eat any more so you can have the rest.”
The kneazle dove off the chair and started attacking the remaining eggs with fervour.
Chuckling Lexington stood up and walked to the bookshelf. Peering at the titles she saw some common ones like Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them and some old Transfiguration and Charms text books, but there were other less common ones as well. Edible Plants of the European Forests: Telling Friend from Foe and Chess: A Game of Cunning were among a few of the titles she could make out. Her eye fell on a large book on the bottom shelf, something about it seemed familiar. She pulled it out and read the title, Hogwarts: A History. Hogwarts. Why did that sound so familiar? Opening the book she found a picture of a castle on the front page. A large, beautiful, familiar castle. Hogwarts! Her school! Letting out a cry Lexington closed her eyes as memories started to flash before them. A boat ride, a talking hat, a table full of clapping students, a long walk to a common room that looked out into a lake. Lexington dropped the book and threw out her hand to steady herself on the desk, breathing hard. A pale faced boy and a dark haired girl in the common room, eating in the great hall, reading in the library near a girl with bushy hair. She pressed a hand to her head, willing the images to stop moving so fast. Classes, and teachers, taking her OWLs, getting ready to take her NEWTs. Eyes still tightly shut Lexington stumbled sideways into the desk chair. A hand suddenly shot out and supported her elbow just as she was about to go down. Startled she opened her eyes and looked up, meeting a pair of concerned green ones.
“Thom,” she gasped, clutching his arm, “I-I remember.”
Steering her to sit in the chair Thom nodded slowly, “I figured as much. Jus' sit ere a minute 'til ya catch yer breath.”
Taking a few deep breaths Lexington tried to calm herself, “When- when did you come in?”
“Jus' as ya were abou' ta trip over this 'ere chair,” he replied. Then he glanced sideways at the desk, “Tha' little fur ball came speedin' ou' o' the tent like his tail were on fire. Grabbed my bootlace an' tried ta drag me 'ere. I figured somethin' wasn' righ' so I followed.”
Following his gaze she found Gawaine sitting straight as a board on the corner of the desk closest to her, eyes and ears trained on her, not making a sound. She gave the kitten a small smile at which he blinked, relaxed his back and started purring softly.
Thom shook his head, “Smart animal ya got there. He sure 'as seemed ta take a shine ta ya.”
“I don't even know where he came from. He just showed up while I was taking a bath.”
Chuckling Thom replied, “He's been 'anging around for a day or so now. Scabior, found him sleepin' with ya yesterday evenin' an' again this mornin'.”
That puzzled Lexington a bit, “Why wasn't he around when I woke up earlier? If he's been here that long how have I not seen him until now?”
Again Thom chuckled, “The Boss doesn' really like him. Keeps throwin' him ou' o' the tent.”
“Oh,” she peered at the creature with concern.
“Don' worry, hun. Blaine's been keepin' an eye on yer pet while the Boss is around. He's in good 'ands.”
“Okay. As long as he's not being hurt.”
“Nah, Scabior would ne'er hurt an animal a'purpose. He jus' don' take kindly ta them inviting theirselves in.” Thom studied her for a moment before continuing, “So, how's abou' ya tell me wha' it is you've remembered? Did somethin' trigger it?”
Lexington nodded, picking up the Hogwarts book and handing it to Thom, “This. I was looking for something to read and this book caught my eye. When I saw the picture on the inside I remembered that that's where I go to school.”
Thom examined the book, flipping it open to look at the picture of the castle, “Do ya remember any specifics abou' goin' there? An' ya said 'go ta school'. Ain't ya finished yet?”
She put her head in her hands trying to make sense of all the information her brain had just recovered. Looking up she saw Thom standing in front of her, waiting patiently for her to answer. She exhaled as she sat back in the chair, her hands in her lap, “I can't remember all of it. Just bits and pieces. I remember the boat ride from first year and my sorting. There was a common room under the lake, down in the dungeons, Slytherin house. So I guess I'm in Slytherin.”
“Well, tha's interestin'. Most o' us came from Slytherin too. I was in Hufflepuff, mind, but Scabior and Ben are both Slytherin. Ty and Xander too. No' sure abou' Blaine. Mayhaps yer on the same side as us in this war. If'n tha' is the case we won't 'ave ta 'and ya over ta the Minitry after all.”
Lexington couldn't decide if that news comforted her or not. Not being given to the Ministry would be a good thing, but she didn't want to think of herself being like them. She didn't want to be compared to snatchers. They were cruel, well most of them were. Thom seemed to be an exception, and she didn't know how she felt about Scabior, he was temperamental and frightening but so far hadn't done anything as horrible as the first group she'd run into. They had been cruel, and on the same side as these snatchers, no matter how different they appeared. She didn't want to be a cruel person. She didn't feel like a cruel person. And if she was on their side then why had those other snatchers been after her?
Seeing her worried face, Thom asked kindly, “Anythin' else ya remember?”
Brought out of her musings Lexington nodded, “I can remember a lot of the classes and teachers. Also taking the OWLs, I remember the examination for that. But I only remember starting to get ready for the NEWTs. I hadn't taken them yet, so I must still be in seventh year. I can't seem to remember why I'm not at school anymore though. I don't know why I had to leave. I also remember a few faces of students I must have seen regularly, maybe my friends, but I can't remember any names.”
“Wha' abou' yer family? Who ya are? Any o' tha' come back?”
She shook her head sadly, “No,” she whispered, “I still can't even remember my last name.”
Thom put the book down on the desk and crouched down in front of her, taking her hands in his, “Well, tha's a start Lex. Mayhaps we'll find other thing's tha' trigger more memories.”
Lexington smiled at him, “Thanks, Thom.” It really was too bad he was a snatcher. She found she was starting to enjoy his company. She wondered why he became a snatcher. Deciding to ask him she opened her mouth to speak when several loud cracks were heard outside the tent. Lexington jumped as Gawaine, who had been sitting peacefully listening to them talk, threw himself off the desk and flew across the tent towards the door where he dove under the canvas and out of sight.
“Tha'll be Scabior back from town. I'll go tell him ya remember somethin'.” Thom stood and walked out the door, leaving her baffled at the sudden departure of both animal and man.
From outside the tent she heard a yell, “What the bloody hell was that animal doin' in my tent again?”
Wincing she realized Scabior must have seen Gawaine as he scampered away. Hoping the kitten was okay, she got up to put Hogwarts: A History back on the bookshelf. She stood there for a moment trying to hear what was going on outside the tent, but all she could make out were a few words as Thom and Scabior talked quietly. The voices stopped and she heard the tent flap rustle. Someone had entered. She didn't want to look, she didn't need to look, she knew by the sudden tension filled silence that it was Scabior. Her heart sped up. She wasn't sure she was ready to face him again. His presence did something to her. It scared her, it angered her and most unpleasant of all it excited her. She had no idea why, but being near him overwhelmed her senses. So she stood there, staring at the bookshelf, focused on breathing normally.
Scabior stood still, watching her, wondering if she was going to turn around or continue her tense scrutiny of his bookshelf. She looked much better now that her face, hair and clothes were clean. Her hair was definitely a light golden blonde, wavy and went to just past her shoulders. From where he was he could see her face in profile and he laughed to himself when he noted how tense her jaw was. Taking that as a sign that she was not going to be looking at him anytime soon he started to walk towards her. He had gotten to within a few feet of her and she still hadn't given a reaction to indicate that she knew he was there. Granted she probably couldn't see him from this angle, but he saw with a smirk that she was trying to control her breathing. He stopped just behind her, from this distance he could breath in her scent, but it didn't smell the same. The vanilla was fainter, overpowered by another smell, the smell of his soap. He closed his eyes for a moment, fighting with the thoughts running through his mind. She smelled like him. He was surprised to find he liked that. Of course he preferred her scent, but this caused something almost primal to stir in him. She smelled like him. Almost as if she were his, like he'd unknowingly marked her as his. His own breaths started coming a little faster, he couldn't shake how much he enjoyed that thought. Licking his lips he took in the rest of her, her shoulders were tense and her back was ramrod straight, but he couldn't deny she had the type of body he wanted to feel pressed against his own. He fought the urge to pull her back into him. He knew she wouldn't react well to that. But damn, he wanted her, he couldn't deny that any longer and her being in Slytherin just might mean they were on the same side and he wouldn't have to give her up, because he'd just decided that he didn't want to give her up.
He cleared his throat, “Well, you clean up nice don' you, sweetheart?”
She whirled around, clutching her heart, almost losing her balance. She had not known he was that close! Merlin, the man moved silently. Looking up at him she took a small step back. He was too close.
“So, I hear you're not so different from us after all?” he added as he raised a brow.
Composing herself, she met his gaze, “I'm nothing like you.”
He shrugged, “Oh, I wouldn't say that, luv. Thom tells me you've remembered some things. Like what house you were in at school. Slytherin, eh? Seems to me we 'ave more in common than you think.”
“So we were both in Slytherin, that's about where the similarities stop,” she turned to walk past him.
He neatly stepped into her path, making her stop short so she didn't run into his chest, “Maybe. We don' know that yet. Since you still seem to be missing some memories, you may be more like me than just sharing a house.” He took a slow step towards her and she took a small step back, he smirked, “Now, I 'ave some questions for you.”
She took another step back, only to have him follow with one of his own. She grit her teeth, “Like?”
“Like,” he said as he continued advancing on her, thrilled at the way she was responding to being so close to him, “Why can't I ask anyone about you?”
That question gave her pause, “I-I'm sorry?” she stammered.
“When I was in town today I was asking around, tryin' to figure out who you were an' every time I was about to ask someone if they knew anythin' about you I found I couldn't. My boys had the same problem.” He watched her face closely, hoping to read an answer there if she didn't provide a truthful one, but all he saw was confusion.
“I don't know. That doesn't make sense.”
In her confusion she'd almost forgotten how close he was. He took another step towards her causing her to look up and gasp. He was too close. His fiery gaze sent goosebumps racing along her arms. She hurriedly stepped back and came up against the solid bathroom door. She swallowed as he took one final step towards her. She turned her face away as he braced his arms either side of her and leaned in. She could feel his breath on her neck. She clenched her hands into tight fists, if he tried anything she'd hurt him. Instead she heard him breath in before he continued talking. His words tickled her cheek sending a shiver all the way to her toes.
“No, it doesn't make sense. But, findin' out you're a Slytherin changes things.”
“It does?”
“Sure,” he pulled away slightly so he could look her in the eye, “Means we don' 'ave to hand you over. Well, more than likely. Since you're probably on our side.”
She searched his eyes, “Does that mean you'll let me go?”
He chuckled, “Sorry, luv. Not until we're absolutely sure of who you are. But it does mean I get to keep you here until then.” He smiled at her shocked expression. He really liked the idea of keeping her, especially with her body so close to his own, tempting him as she pressed away from him into the hard wood of the door behind her. Taking one last small step forward he brought his body flush with her own, eliciting a small gasp from her. He leaned his head back down to the hair by her ear, “An' I rather like the idea of keepin' you.”
Lexington forgot how to breath and her heart skipped several beats. This wasn't happening! It couldn't be! She needed to get away from him. He was too close and she couldn't think straight. He wanted to keep her? Well, he couldn't! Her muddled brain decided it needed to tell him just that.
“Well, y-you can't.”
“I can't keep you?”
“No. You can't.”
“Hmm,” he brought one of his hands to her cheek turning her face back towards his, “I'm not sure that decision is in your hands, luv.”
She was forced to meet his eyes and her heart dropped to the bottom of her stomach. What she saw there terrified her. Lust and determination. A combination she knew meant danger. She had to get away from him. Balling her fists again she got ready to take a swing at him. He seemed to know what she was up to though because his arms dropped from their place by her shoulders and grabbed her wrists, pushing them back into the door.
“That wouldn't 'ave been a very nice thing to do,” his eyes sparked dangerously.
“I don't care. Get off me.”
“No.”
He leaned in, eyes fastened on her lips and she panicked, turning her head quickly. She couldn't let him kiss her, she knew that would be a bad idea, she recognized enough of her struggling emotions to know that having him kiss her would unleash something she didn't want to even consider. He seemed unperturbed at her denial, choosing to place his kiss on her neck instead. As his hot lips met her skin it sent little flames sparking all across her body. She bit her lip, her breath coming out raggedly, her pulse racing.
“Please, Scabior, don't.”
He gave a small start when she used his name. He drew back slightly to look at her. She was facing away from him and she looked terrified. He frowned, that wouldn't do. He liked it when she was scared of him, yes, but seeing her this terrified didn't sit right with him. He leaned close to her ear again, intent on alleviating her worries.
“It's okay, luv,” he whispered, “I won't hurt you. I promise.”
His words did nothing to dispel the feelings of unease she had. She tried to twist away when he slowly pulled her wrists over her head, holding them in one hand, but his warm, hard body pushed her gently but solidly back into the door. He brought the hand not holding hers to her cheek again, turning it towards him once again. She forced herself to meet his gaze finding something that scared her more than what she'd seen seconds before. Gentleness. She stopped breathing as he tilted his head down, pressing his lips to her own. She willed her body to stay perfectly still, she would not give in to the tingly feeling coursing through her veins. Her head started to swim, from lack of oxygen or his kiss she didn't know. She finally breathed in through her nose, a small whimper escaping her lips only to be swallowed by his.
Her lips and body remained motionless, but sensing that she wasn't going to pull away, Scabior let his free hand fall from her cheek and trail down her neck and arm. As he did his fingers brushed the swell of her breast. It was too damn tempting. Gently he brought his hand to cup her right breast, squeezing lightly. Something about that action triggered something in her, he felt her whole body jerk violently. As much as it could, her head snapped back, slamming into the wood with a dull thud. Curiously he met her eyes and was mystified at what he saw there. Pure, cold, icy hatred.
“Get. Your hands. Off me.” she hissed.
Slightly taken aback he removed his hand from her chest but did not release her, “What's the matter, sweetheart? Not enjoying yourself?”
“No,” she spat, “You are just like them!”
That piqued his interest, “Just like who, luv?”
“The other snatchers. You all want the same thing. Now get. Off me.”
Comprehension suddenly dawned on him. The snatchers who had beaten her must have tried to rape her and clearly his touching her breast had triggered that memory. Scabior felt a little guilty at that realization.
“Look, I don' know what they did to you but as long as you're here you're safe.”
“Safe? You call this safe? You just tried to force yourself on me!” she lividly exclaimed.
Scabior bristled, “Sweetheart, you haven't seen force if you think what I just did was forcing myself on you. You weren't exactly putting up a fight. In fact you seemed to be almost enjoying yourself. Or were you shivering because you were cold?”
Lexington glared at him, “Go to hell.”
He glared right back, “Already there, luv. I just figured since we appear to be on the same side in all this we might as well get along while you're stuck here.”
“I hope you lose this bloody war! Even if I am on the same side as you, I hope you lose.”
He arched an eyebrow, shocked, “An' why is that?”
Her response came out in a deadly whisper, “Because I hate you.”
Scabior let go of her wrists suddenly and stepped away from her. “Fine, whatever,” he growled as he turned and stalked to the tent door, there he paused and looked over his shoulder to glare at her once more. She hadn't moved, she was still leaning on the door, a shocked expression on her face at his sudden and unexpected retreat. “But I'm still keepin' you.”
With that he threw open the door and left. To go where and do what she didn't really care. She leaned her head back on the wood, closing her eyes. What was wrong with her? His sudden departure made her senses come flying back and she could think rationally again. Why had she said those things? He wasn't really like the other snatchers. She may have had her doubts before but his reaction just now proved that he wasn't. He'd left her alone when she truly started fighting him. They hadn't. Merlin, her temper could get her in trouble. She knew it could get bad, and sometimes the littlest things made her snap, but being near him seemed to exasperate it to new heights. He really hadn't deserved the way she had reacted. He'd saved her life and let his healer help her. She exhaled, groaning as she did. She opened her eyes and swept them around the room. She'd just have to be more careful, keep her distance from him so she could control her mental faculties while he was around. And she knew he would be around, this was his tent after all and it wasn't exactly like she could go anywhere. Pushing away from the door, she turned back to the bookshelf. She picked up Hogwarts: A History again, reading something would help clear her head and maybe this particular book would bring back some more memories. She quickly glanced around, other than the four hard table chairs there were no places to sit. Sighing she walked over to the bed, piled the pillows in front of the headboard and climbed on top of the covers. Leaning back she pulled her knees to her chest and opened her book.
She'd only been reading a few minutes when something tiny and fluffy suddenly landed between her nose and the pages making her jump in alarm.
“Gawaine!” she exclaimed, “You scared me!”
The little kneazle squeezed his way into the space between her chest and knees. She shifted so he would have more room.
“You shouldn't be in here. I don't know when Scabior will be back and I don't think it would be a good idea to make him any angrier than he already is,” she said as she began rubbing just behind his ears.
He just stared at her blinking, a soft purr rising from his throat.
“Okay,” she gave in, “I suppose you can stay. I really would like the company. But as soon as you hear anything you have to hide. Deal?”
Gawaine flicked his tail once before closing his eyes and resting his chin on his paws. Lexington smiled and went back to her book, more relaxed than she had been before. The small warm creature tucked into her body, emitting his low rumbling purr.
Some time later Lexington heard the tent flap being pulled aside. As Gawaine scrambled from her lap and dove under the covers she looked up. It wasn't Scabior who entered though, it was Thom bearing a tray of food.
He put it down on the table and turned to her, “Thought ya migh' be 'ungry.”
“Thanks, Thom,” she replied with a smile.
Thom peered around the tent as if he were looking for something, or someone.
Thinking he was looking for Scabior she said, “Scabior's not here. He left quite a while ago actually.”
Thom chuckled, surprising her, “Oh, I know, hun. He stormed ou' o' camp hours ago. Musta been some tiff ya two 'ad, he did no' look 'appy at all. I was jus' wonderin' where yer little fluffy friend migh' be hidin'? Blaine's back from workin' an' says he ain't in his tent.”
“Oh, he's right here,” she slid her hand under the covers and drew out a rumpled Gawaine, “I told him to hide if he heard anything because I didn't want Scabior to find him.”
“Tha's probably a good idea,” Thom confirmed, “Brought him some dinner too, wasn' sure when the last time he ate woulda been.”
Touched Lexington gave Thom a genuinely pleased smile, “Thank you. That's very kind of you. He ate with me this morning, but I imagine he's probably hungry again. I know I am.”
“I'll leave ya ta yer dinner then. 'Ave a nice evenin', Lex.”
“You too, Thom,” she called after him.
“Well, young sir,” she held the kitten up to her face, “Let's go see what we have to eat this time.”
Mewing excitedly Gawaine wriggled out of her grasp as she slid off the bed and made her way to the table. The kneazle bounding along in front of her. She smiled at his antics. He really was too funny. The dinner turned out to be some form of meat pie, which was actually very delicious. Thom had even given her a small cup of mead which she sipped thoughtfully as she watched Gawaine devour his portion of pie that she'd placed on the floor for him. She'd never seen an animal eat so intensely, it was alarming and funny at the same time.
Stretching as she stood back up she glanced towards the door. Judging by the light filtering through the fabric it was close to late evening. She wondered if she could look outside. Scabior had said the tent was warded but she'd seen himself and Thom walk in and out without pausing. Maybe he'd been bluffing. Deciding it was worth the risk to find out she walked the few steps it took to reach the door. She hesitated briefly as she reached out, feeling a slight buzz as her hand approached the tent flap. Well, she'd never know if she didn't try. Grasping the canvas she cursed loudly as a shock zapped her so hard she swore her hair stood on end for a second.
She snatched her hand back as quickly as she could, “Bloody hell! Ow!”
She stood there and stared at the door incredulously as she waited for the throbbing in her arm to stop, her eyes watering. As the pain started to recede she felt something pushing lightly at her leg. She looked down and saw Gawaine standing on his hind legs, front paws pressing alternately into her calf trying to sooth her, concern filled his large green eyes.
“Don't worry, little man. I won't be trying that again in a hurry.”
She made her way back to the bed. Picking up the book, she looked at the cover as she contemplated. It was obviously getting late and she had no idea when Scabior was going to return. Sitting down on the edge of the bed she put the book in her lap. After the events of the day she really was quite tired. She felt Gawaine jump up on the bed beside her. She reached over absently and started scratching him. Maybe she should read a bit more than try and sleep. She didn't really want to sleep. She felt like she'd done nothing but sleep the last few days, but that didn't stop the exhaustion that filled her body. Looking down at her jumper she sighed, it wasn't very comfortable to sleep in and without a shirt underneath the zipper was pressing into her skin. Resignedly she stood up and made her way to the wardrobe. She pulled open drawers until she found one with t-shirts in it. She grabbed a navy blue one from the top of the pile and went to the bathroom. After shedding her jumper she pulled the shirt over her head. It was too large for her small frame and covered most of her upper arms and her butt, which she grudgingly admitted was perfect for sleeping in. She wished she had some sleep pants to wear instead of her jeans but she knew she wouldn't find anything that fit her in his drawers, and she sure as hell wasn't taking her pants off to sleep. Returning to the main room she found Gawaine still sitting on the bed, waiting.
She crawled under the covers and pulled both the book and the kitten to her, “You should probably go back to Blaine's now. I don't want you to get in trouble if he comes back.”
Gawaine just burrowed under the covers with her, turning in a circle on her chest before curling into a tiny ball of fluff and peering at her over the tail that covered most of his face.
“Fine,” she smiled, “But you have to leave before he gets back.”
She watched as he closed his eyes and started purring. Picking up the book she started reading where she had left off before dinner. She only managed to finish a few pages before the warmth of the covers and the soft purring of her companion lulled her to sleep. The book slid from her grasp onto the bed beside her, forgotten as both kneazle and girl drifted off into the darkness of sleep.
It was many hours later that Scabior finally returned. He'd needed to blow off some steam so had decided to go out on a night raid. After tramping through the forest for the longest time he'd come across a group of wizards sitting around a fire. He had scoffed at their stupidity, having a lit fire and no wards was basically asking to be found. There had been three of them and they'd given him quite the workout trying to disarm them all, but he'd been in such a foul mood that their attempts proved futile. After roughly carting them off to the Ministry Scabior had felt much better. He definitely felt saner. There was just something about that girl that drove him insane. His emotions were never far from the surface when she was close, whether it was his wanting her, his amusement and satisfaction at her reactions to him or, most recently, his anger at her accusations and statement that she hated him. The worst part was he didn't know if he was angry at her for saying it or angry at himself for causing her to say it. Either way, catching those men had allowed him to head back to camp with a clearer head and exhausted enough to resign himself to working things out tomorrow rather than stewing about them tonight.
Entering the tent he took off his boots near the door, pulled off his coat, tossed it onto a chair and looked towards the bed. He had charmed the oil lamp on the desk to glow softly whenever he came in late so he could see where he was going but not bright enough that it made him squint after the darkness outside. He could just make out Lexington's form sleeping in his bed. Hopefully that was a good sign. Surely she wouldn't sleep in his bed if she truly hated his guts. Walking closer he could make out her arm, pale skin showing below the elbow, her fingers splayed towards a book that rested near the pillow. She must have fallen asleep reading, he thought. She looked much calmer in sleep, more beautiful, with that small pout back at the corners of her mouth. He reached down and picked up the book, glancing at the title, before turning his attention back to her. He realized she was wearing one of his shirts, recognizing the navy blue material that covered her upper arm. A smile played at the corners of his lips. That was another good sign. She was a Slytherin after all, and he knew first hand how easy it was to say things in a rage that you didn't mean, maybe she hadn't really meant what she'd said. Maybe not all of it anyway. With that thought draining the last of his energy he went to the other side of the room, put the book on the shelf, drew his wand and waved it at the chair near the desk. It silently turned into a simple cot, upon which he lay down and promptly fell asleep.
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Redemption Recalled