𝐿𝑂𝑉𝐸𝑅𝐵𝑂𝑌 (𝐶. 𝐷𝑖𝑔𝑔𝑜𝑟𝑦)

Chapter 49: Rey Quigley

"I'll be right back," Rey said, stumbling out of the room.

She barely made it to the toilet in time before she began to throw up. Either it was her pregnancy or nerves, but either way it was far from pleasant.

She felt Aaron's hands scoop up her hair and rub her back reassuringly. Despite his comfort, Rey's hands wouldn't stop shaking.

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"It's simple, just use the curse. Once for each of you," Astrid explained. No one would look her in the eye.

"Alright," Aaron muttered.

A cold gust of wind blew through the dark night as stars sprinkled the sky. Waves lapped the shore and Astrid dipped her feet in, trying to relax.

This was going to hurt, but not having her memory back would hurt more.

"Remember, when we use this you need to have the purpose of restoring her memory in your mind," Aspen reminded them. They all managed to nod their heads.

"I'll go first...get it over with," Aaron muttered.

He stepped forward and shakily pointed his wand at his twin sister.

"Crucio," Aaron chanted. Astrid watched as the spell flew at her, and sent her tumbling to the ground. She felt the salty water lift her up and she drowned beneath the waves.

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"Hello?" Astrid called out. She was walking through a pitch black emptiness. She looked down and noticed she was wearing her Slytherin school uniform. It felt strangely familiar on her.

"Hello, Astrid," another voice spoke. Astrid peered into the shadows, and a figure stepped out. It was like looking in a mirror, except this girl was wearing a tattered wedding dress and her eyes looked red and puffy from crying.

"I'm you," Astrid whispered.

"You're me," Amora nodded.

"Crucio!" Ned's voice echoed through the darkness.

"They're trying to bring me back, aren't they," Amora whispered.

"I'm trying to bring you back," Astrid pleaded.

"Why would you do that? If I come back, you'll die," Amora questioned.

"It's like you said. You're me, so if you come back, I'll technically be the same person," Astrid shrugged.

"You're far too brave, Astrid," Amora whispered softly.

"Crucio!" Belle's voice chanted.

Astrid gasped and stumbled forward, feeling a sharp stabbing pain in her chest. Amora caught her, helping her upright.

"How do we get you back?" Astrid groaned.

"We simply have to make it to that door," Amora explained. About one Quidditch pitch away was a bright white door, illuminating the darkness.

"Let's go," Astrid grunted.

"Crucio!" Rey's voice shouted.

Astrid's knees buckled, and she cried out in pain.

"Can we get them to stop?" Astrid pleaded.

"We can't, or else this won't work. As long as you're under the curse, you can stay in here and bring me back," Amora explained.

With those words, Astrid slung her arm over Amora's shoulder and Amora half carried her towards the door.

"You really miss him, don't you?" Astrid whispered quietly.

"Yes, I really do," Amora murmured. Astrid could see that behind those determined eyes were a sad and scared girl.

Astrid glanced back and she immediately regretted it. Behind them, a large shadow behind a cloak wielded a large scythe. It's empty eyes glared at the pair who were trying to make a swift escape.

"Amora, we have to go!" Astrid shouted.

"Crucio!" Aspen's voice echoed. Astrid felt like someone had stabbed her in every part of her body, but she kept moving her legs.

"That's Death," Amora said, "We have to get to the door before he catches up."

"Oh yay," Astrid grumbled.

They were only a few steps away, Amora practically carrying Astrid.

She collapsed in exhaustion, a few feet away from the door. Death loomed behind them, reaching his arm out to grab Amora's ankle.

"Oh hell no!" Astrid shouted. She grabbed Amora and crawled to the bright door.

"Thank you, Astrid," Amora whispered quietly.

"Just do me a favor, and keep living for me," Astrid chuckled quietly.

"Crucio!" Cedric's voice cried out.

"That, I can do," Amora smirked weakly. With that, Amora fell through the door, and Death grabbed Astrid, taking her back into the shadows.

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What Amora didn't expect when she woke up was to be practically drowning. She choked and sputtered on water as she flailed her arms around, trying to swim upward.

Someone grabbed her by the waist and hoisted her up to the surface of the water. She spat out a mouthful of water and shivered.

"Did it work?" Rey's voice called out.

"Sunshine?" Cedric's voice asked nervously. Amora looked up, and saw his concerned grey eyes reflecting off the moonlight.

"Hey, dingus," Amora chuckled.

Cedric pressed his lips to hers, and she wrapped her arms around his neck. Amora could hear cheers and cries of joy near the shore, but she felt a twang of guilt.

"Astrid," Amora said, "She gave up herself to help me come back."

"She knew the risks, and I think she'll be more than happy with her decision," Cedric reassured her.

"So, what have I missed?" Amora asked.

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