KRACK!!!!!!


I just manage to duck the Bludgeoning Spell from my pursuers. I’m not sure how long I’ve been trapped in the depths of Gringotts, but my life has quickly turned into a one of hunter or be hunted.





I find an alcove and quickly Disillusion myself again. And fight to quiet my gasping for breath as my lungs burn in need. This most recent running battle has gone on for what seems like forever. I’m pretty positive I’ve eliminated at least four of my pursuers, but I managed to pick up a least two more to replace them as I led them on a merry chase.


Sweat drips down my face and the gashes in my side from the creature sting as my entire body is covered in perspiration. My right arm is bare to the elbow. I never was very good at Conjuring cloth so I’m forced to cannibalise my clothing to try to keep the wound clean. If the itching and burning is any indication I’ve not been able to prevent an infection from forming. My only consolation is the Clotting Charm worked and stopped the bleeding. If only I had a blood replenishing potion…


The Goblins clomp along past me their hard soled boots beating out a rhythm. Apparently, they are confident they will run me to ground eventually as they make no effort at stealth or concealment.


I count to one thousand once the sound of their boots fade from my hearing. Confident that they aren’t aware they lost my trail. I creep out of my hiding place and choose another tunnel. Hopefully this one will lead me higher. Thus far I’m sure I’m about ten levels above the Dragon level. The air is fresher and the reek of sulphur non-existent now.


I continue on a straight line passing through several intersections until I finally reach the end of the tunnel and must choose left or right. Right appears to slope upward and I check my guess by allowing a conjured bearing to roll free. Each time I’ve had to make a choice I’ve chosen the path that leads higher, so far this seems to be a safe pattern.


I trudge on until I can barely lift my feet, stopping and choosing twice more to change tunnels at intersections. Thankfully, it seems the area of the caverns I’m in now is devoid of goblins.


I need to rest! I spot another alcove that looks promising. I slip into it and curl up in a corner, my back to the wall. With a flick of my wand I cast a Silencing Charm and follow it up with a simple illusion Ginny taught me a few years back during her training. To anyone looking into the alcove from the main tunnel all they’ll see a solid rock wall. Unless someone actually tries to touch the wall I should be hidden.


I consider trying to cast my Patronus again to communicate with Ginny. Unfortunately, the first and only attempt brought nearly a dozen goblins down upon my head. During the ensuing skirmish I disabled or killed half their number before I managed to shake them from my trail. Deciding that in my current state I’m in no condition to defend myself I put aside the Patronus for now.


A few more flicks of the wand and I have a tumbler of water and a raw potato. At least it is clean. I greedily suck the water down and conjure more. The potato is edible, but could do with a bit of salt. This finalizes it, I’m going to ask mum to teach me some better food conjurations.


Once my thirst is sated for the time being and at least the edge is taken off my hunger the true exhaustion sets in. My eyes are beginning to droop. Part of me is fearful of sleeping, but if I don’t get some rest the next encounter most likely will kill me.


Another flick of the wand and a silent alarm spell is set up to alert me if anything comes within fifty feet of me. Hopefully I won’t be caught asleep.


I curl onto my right side and pillow my head on the arm. I carefully tuck my glasses into my shirt pocket and being drifting off to sleep my wand in hand.


My mind begins drifting and I’m back in a more pleasant time when Ginny and I were together watching the sun go down in the garden at The Burrow. Merlin I just want to see her again!

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