The Second Battle Of The Grounds

"That would be the most sensible plan." Merlas said. "Shadow will only be angry if we went after her."

"I'd rather have her angry at me than hurt." Holly said reasonably, "What do you live to please her or what?"

"I respect her wishes." Merlas said, obviously offended.

"Yuhuh." Holly said, rolling her eyes, "I'm sure you do .... so as opposed to making yourself look bad .. you'd have her hurt and possibly killed? Huh, noted. Now if you'll excuse me, I have to go and save my best friend. Goodbye."

Merlas snorted.
"Fair enough." She said before leaning back on her hind legs and pushing up towards the sky, flying away.

"I just had a conversation with a horse." Holly observed, "Freaky. ... Now I'm talking to myself ... Freakier."
And with that, she apparated back to Shadow.

And Shadow wasn't there.

And Holly swore and poked her dark mark with her wand.

Voldemort appeared, looking rather annoyed.

"Hi," Holly said hurriedly, "Do you have her?"

"No." Voldemort said and left.

"And- Oh."
Holly looked around.
"You're gone now .... "
She hesitated before apparating back to the forest, hoping to catch Merlas.

Natalie, who had been silent, apparated to where Holly was.
"DO NOT EVER LEAVE ME!" she snapped, and then looked at Voldy.
"SH**" she yelled.

Natalie apparated after Holly.

Merlas was long gone.

"Nat.... we have a problem ... can you use your mind connection?" Holly asked hopefully.

"Yes," said Natalie, opening it.
Shadow.

Blood... That's what Shadow was seeing.

Natalie gasped slightly.
"All I see is red...everywhere..." Natalie said quietly.

"What...blood?" Holly asked, face pale.

"I SEE BLOOD THROUGH SHADOW HOLLY!" Natalie snapped.

"Yes, okay." Holly said.

Natalie looked again.
SHADOW ROTH?!?!

I'm here. A faint voice replied, and Natalie would have been able to see Shadow's bound hands reached up to rub her head.

What's happening? Natalie asked Shadow in her mind.

Nothing. Shadow said quickly.