Chapter 1
Isáwien sighed softly as she looked in the mirror. For Merlin's sake, she had a bloody white hair...no, actually she had about twenty. Gods she was getting old...thirty-four...in only three months she'd be thirty-five...
Damn she felt old... looking around her chambers she knew part of the reason why...she had a five-year-old son and daughter, and a fifteen-year-old daughter; an eighteen-year-old stepdaughter who also happened to be her granddaughter, and another eighteen-year-old who was her great-niece and her great granddaughter.
Bloody hell they had one hell of a confusing family. Thirty-four and she had not only a daughter but also a granddaughter and a great-granddaughter...No, if she were to be honest she had a daughter and son who were thirty-one. Her next daughter was fifteen, and her youngest were five, her granddaughter was eighteen, and her great granddaughter was eighteen. Then of course there was her nephew who was also her grandson and he was the same age as her oldest daughter and son.
Oh and then there was the fact that her youngest children were also the siblings of her oldest children, and her oldest daughter was also her sister. Not to mention Jamie, Harry, and Draco were only three years younger than her...and they were technically her children and grandson...
Yes, it was time for their family to get a regular session with a good psychiatrist before they really lost their minds...of course, there was still the family that they were related to via her great-granddaughter...the family that had raised her oldest daughter.
And the greatest irony of all? The majority of her daughters weren't related to her by blood. The only people related to her by blood in this strangely psychotic family were Lucius, her brother and technically her son-in-law, his son, a.k.a. her grandson via marriage, and his daughter, her great-niece by blood and great-granddaughter by marriage...and then her own two children who when you thought about could be called her sister and brother-in-law through Jamie's marriage to Lucius. Yes, they had one hell of a strange family. No wonder people tried to stay away from them.
Well, then there was the whole fact about Jamie and her being two parts of the infamous Dark Four with Lucius...and that Tessa and Desi were the only living children of the Dark Lord himself...and her children were currently half of the last members of the Higginbotham family...and she was rambling in her own mind. That's it; she had spent too much time around Peeves and the other ghosts. Either that or she had spent too much time learning Italian while visiting Lucius and Jamie in Italy over the past years since the two retreated there.
Shaking her head she turned away from the mirror and walked across the room to her closet to get the dress she was wearing to dinner. Today was the seventh anniversary of her marriage to Severus, and the seventh anniversary of the renewal of Jamie and Lucius' vows. And as such, they had arranged a dinner with the family. They figured it was about time they got everyone together again. No one in the family had seen Jamie or Lucius since they retreated to Italy after the events of her own return to the dark side and her subsequent attempt to bring her first husband back to life, and what with Desi having graduated from Durmstrang, and Ciara having graduated from Hogwarts, and now getting on with their lives. Well it was bloody about time the lot of them actually spent a meal together, no matter how much she and her stepson, a.k.a. the famous Harry Potter, could not be in a room for more than twenty minutes before she was ready to kill him and he was ready to possibly return her to that room she and Severus had destroyed so many months ago now. Course he never got the chance, but it was easy to tell he never completely trusted her to not go back to the dark side once more.
Turning her attention away from her troubles with Severus' son, she instead focused on her girls. After Jamie, who was happily living in Italy with Lucius, next came Desi. Desi was already getting ready for a show she was to be in. In the West End no less. Although most people in the Wizarding World would not know what the West End was, it was still an amazing achievement. Desi had just been walking down the street one day, singing under her breath when this man stopped her and asked if she ever thought about trying out for the stage. She had a presence was his explanation. Six months later she was getting ready to begin a stretch in a musical by an associate of one Andrew Lloyd Webber...some very famous Muggle composer. Who Isáwien had to admit was very good...but the actual show she was in was based on a set of books by another Muggle who was of some fame in their world. Tolkien something or other...although she had been trying to find his books so she could read them; they sounded so interesting...The Lord of the Rings...just sort of begged for one's attention...but Desi was to be in the musical, which had been playing in the West End for some time now so it was not some unknown show...although in all honesty Isáwien was looking forward mostly to just seeing her darling daughter with pointed ears.
Ciara was attending the University for Witches and Wizards in America along with Jeremy, so they saw her very little as well.
Tessa was in her fifth year at Hogwarts...And her own two munchkins were about to start primary school. In a few years the children would be all grown...although she had a feeling it would not be long before Jamie and Lucius finally got around to having their own children...and Draco and Christina had finally married and were talking about coming back to this side of Europe...given time they would no doubt have little Malfoys running around. Of course it had taken quite a bit of prodding on her part to get the prat back...well that and the knowledge that Malfoy Estate was at last his. And she had been nice enough to fix all those little destroyed rooms. Not for Draco of course, for dear Christina...who Lucius was not exactly thrilled about.
The old ways were entirely too strong in the last of their family...well that was technically not true, they were still strong in the last of the Malfoy family who had followed the path of old. Although, at the same time both she and Lucius were a bit glad that no more of the Malfoy family members would follow the path of old. One being, there is just no fun to being an evil bad guy without Tom, and two being that the younger generations just did not deserve the pain that came with their ways. Not even Jamie had to deal with some of the things that she would have had she been born a Malfoy. Now that was something, Lucius and herself thanked the Gods for everyday. Draco might have been able to learn from the old ways had he not been corrupted by her and Lucius hadn't been so... psychologically disturbed at the time...
Smirking softly she stopped hunting in the closet as she realized he would kill her if he had known she just called him that...but hey, it was true. Frowning she remembered what she had been putting off for far too many years. She still needed to have that talk with Lucius about Draco's childhood...Although at the same time she could not see him repeating that now that he was so much better mentally. Bloody father, she had to wonder if he intended for Lucius to lose his conscience while she lost her innocence and trust...
Shaking her head once more she vowed to not think about such things on such a happy occasion and turned back to her closet. /-/AHA!/-/ grabbing a hanger she pulled out the perfect dress and laid it on the bed before returning to her vanity to get ready.
"Shields, are you sure you're okay with not coming tonight?" Isáwien asked aloud looking over at the tiger. In turn he narrowed his eyes and gave a snort before looking away.
"Sweetie, I know you don't like this..." Isáwien sighed softly. But she had promised Severus that for once she would not bring him to the restaurant. The maitre d' was starting to get a twitch over his left eye...And they were going to show up as it was with a party of...oh good lord how many were actually coming...her, Severus, Lucius and Jyn of course...plus the girls and the twins...Harry and Hermione, Draco and Christina had even flown in...actually that reminded her, their plane should have landed and Severus was probably already getting them to the nearest fireplace...
That had actually been the biggest surprise about Christina...she was Muggle. They never would have thought of all the people to claim Draco's heart, which he had kept nice and tightly locked away after Jamie, would be a Muggle woman from the Philippines, where he had been on his tour of the world…his escape really...but Christina had found his elusive heart, and like Jamie, she refused to let it go. Draco was finally the young man he had been before their lives started down the road that led to today...the man he had been before she changed history through his daughter...Hmm...now there was a theory she had to share with Gilly...Maybe Jamie and Draco were not really soul-mates like Severus believed...Jamie had not been in the first timeline, Ginny had...and Christina was so like Ginny had been, they both had sweet souls, that had been the one difference between Gin and Jyn...they both had sweet souls...but Jyn had had a dark side...and she was much stronger than Ginny had been. Ginny never could escape what happened in the Chamber...but Jyn had been able to...on her own some, and with the help of those who loved her.
And here she was rambling in her own mind about two women, one of whom no longer lived, when she had to get ready. They had reservations in only an hour...which reminded her. Those girls were due back by now...
Letting out a huff Isáwien stood as she realized those blasted daughters of hers had probably lost track of time in Diagon Alley. Cia and Desi had declared this their day to spend with Tessa and the twins as they never saw them anymore and they had scampered off to Diagon Alley that morning. With plans to go to a salon to get ready, they were even going to hop over to Paris to get new outfits for the dinner, which was no doubt where they raided the salon. But they were supposed to do that this afternoon, and spend another hour having tea and time to just talk about everything before dinner. Plus they had promised to not overly spoil the twins or their dinner... which as for the first part Isáwien highly doubted they would not spoil the two five-year-olds.
Silly girls had probably gotten caught up in talk about boys...no doubt they were teasing Desi about Dan...Now there was a subject for girl talk. Des had met Donovan Hart at Durmstrang, and fell head over heels for him. None of them understood why she called him Dan...but hey, he did not care and Des was happy. The only downside of the whole situation was Jeremy...Desi's betrothed. But he had agreed to their calling it off if she wished...although Isáwien did not think he expected to fall for her, then have her call it off...But, he was dealing fairly well. He had been spending a great deal of time here at the school with Severus, when Severus was still teaching the duelling club, and had become close friends with Ciara. After Severus had returned to work with the Order a year after her attempt to bring Tom back, Jeremy had taken to bothering her. The boy was thinking about following Severus into potions, and in fact that was the field of study he was in at the University. Smiling softly she shook her head once more...the boy thought more of his godfather than he did his own father...And Severus loved him like a son so... in the end all was well.
Now her husband, he was an entirely different story. It had taken some time to get used to him being back with the Order. He would probably never admit it, but Isáwien knew he missed the missions. Just being outdoors...but it probably had more to do with the fact that over half his life had been spent on missions for Albus or Tom...So many years made anything hard to get used to living without. But she did see him more than she had years ago when she had barely been a child and he was always gone.
Jumping slightly Isáwien looked down at Shields curiously. "Are you trying to scare the life out of me baby?" she asked as she stepped back from the tiger who had almost goosed her, instead only nearly knocking her over when he had pushed his weight against the back of her knee. "All right all right," she continued rolling her eyes when he seemed to smirk at her. "Bloody tiger," she continued with a half smile. "I'm going already," she continued as she grabbed her wand and put her hair up in a quick bun. She would finish when she got back...Grabbing her cloak she settled it over her shoulders so her dress would not get dirty. "Naada..." she called before the elf appeared in her room. "Can you let Severus know that I'll be right back?" she asked.
"Of course Miss Isá," Naada replied with a curtsy before all three occupants apparated out of the room.
"Master Severus."
Severus turned from the mantle in surprise when he heard Naada; he had only just arrived back at the castle moments before. "Yes Naada?" he asked wondering why she was here.
"Miss Isá sent me, she had to go somewhere for a moment but will be right back," the elf explained quickly.
"Of course, thank you Naada," Severus replied before she disappeared. Where the bloody hell had that woman gone now? Shaking his head he walked over to sit down, this could take a while.
"Hello father," Jamie said breezing into the room, and grabbing his attention.
"Hello Sweetheart," Severus replied with a smile as he stood up and gave her a hug. "You look lovely," he continued as he stepped back and got a look at her. "Lucius," he nodded to his old friend turned son-in-law...who would have thought they would ever actually truly get along again...then again the past seven years had changed a number of things.
"Severus," Lucius replied with another nod.
"Come, sit. Isáwien has run off Merlin only knows where, but she will be back soon. How have you two been? How is life in Italy?" Severus asked as they sat.
"Isá ran off? Why would she leave only an hour before our dinner?" Jamie asked confused.
"I have no idea. I only just arrived back from picking up Draco and Christina at the airport. Naada just found me moments before you arrived to tell me she would be right back," Severus explained with a slight shrug.
"Oh..." Jamie replied with a slight frown. "Where are Draco and Tina?" she continued turning to the other members of their family.
"They are getting ready in the spare room," Severus explained
"Of course," Jamie replied with a nod. "And we've been good. What about you?"
"I've been doing well," Severus began with a smile. "What about you? Back to my earlier question, how are things in Italy?"
"Things couldn't be better actually," replied Lucius. "Jamie really seems to have flourished there. She's really taken to the culture and the people."
"That's wonderful. You've even got me looking around for property in Italy," Severus added in a conspiratorial tone.
"This wouldn't have anything to do with the fact that your wife spends almost half her free time visiting me would it?" teased Jamie.
"Exactly so," Severus replied with a smile. "That and...well we've managed to run out of houses so each child can inherit one. Sage gets Riddle House as you know..." Severus trailed off for a moment before shaking his head. Cia gets O'Connor Manor, and the Chateau goes to Desdemona. Arri will receive the castle of course, and we find ourselves short a house for Tommy," Severus finished with a shrug. "So...what better place than Italy."
"There is no better place," smiled Jamie as she leaned into Lucius' side.
"No better place than what?" a familiar voice asked as both Jamie and Lucius looked up to the doorway to find Draco standing there with his arm around the waist of who could only be Christina. The newest Malfoy female was smiling tentatively as she looked at the people in the room.
"Draco," greeted Lucius civilly as he rose from his spot next to Jamie, taking her with him. "You must be Christina," he greeted the young woman at his son's side, Jamie keeping behind him.
"That she is. Oh and that was just shop talk," Severus replied with a smile as he stood and walked over to the couple. "Christina, you look lovely," he continued as he raised her hand to kiss it. She was wearing a red oriental design dress that fit snugly to her four-eight frame, and her blue black hair was up in a twist with two sticks holding it in place. Her dark brown eyes were watching him cautiously as he stepped back and spoke. "I'll just go see if Isáwien has returned yet and make sure Hermione was able to get Harry here after all. Ladies..." he continued with a slight bow before leaving.
Christina looked up at Draco as he turned to his father and Jamie. "Father, Jamie. You both look wonderful," Draco began softly. "And yes, this is my wife Christina. Christina, this is my father, Lucius, and my stepmother Jamie. We went to school together here at Hogwarts," he introduced.
"A pleasure to meet you both, Isáwien speaks of you often, as does Draco," Christina said with a slight curtsy, it was no doubt not easy to curtsy in the form fitting dress that ended at her knees.
"He does?" Jamie asked quietly in surprise as she looked cautiously at Draco.
"Yes. He tells such wonderful stories of your days in school. It is easy to tell you were good friends," Christina replied with a smile. "And of course, he could not tell a story about his good friend without talking about how happy she made his father when they fell hopelessly in love," Christina replied with a smile.
"Okay, who are you and what have you done with my stepson?" questioned Jamie in shock at hearing what Christina said. "The last I remem…" Jamie's words trailed off as Lucius put his hand over her mouth.
"IO veramente fare non pensare adesso Ÿ l'ora verso essere portare su il passato mio Amore, fare tu?" questioned Lucius in Italian. (I really do not think now is the time to be bringing up the past my Love, do you?)
Jamie shook her head since Lucius still had his hand over her mouth; well at least he did until she bit it.
"OW! Jamie, what the bloody hell did you do that for?" demanded Lucius.
"I thought you liked it when I got aggressive?" questioned Jamie in return with a suggestive leer at her husband.
Suddenly two distinctly different sounds of laughter echoed through the room. Lucius and Jamie looked towards the doorway to see Isáwien and Christina both laughing their heads off, leaning on each other for support as their husbands just shook their heads.
"And what, prey tell sister dear, is so funny?" questioned Lucius.
"Christina...never believed me when I told her what...you two were like..." Isáwien managed to get out as both woman sunk to the floor with a thunk and only laughed harder.
"What exactly are we like?" questioned Jamie in confusion.
Severus rolled his eyes. "She told Christina that you two are hopelessly, helplessly in love, and obviously belonged together. But in all honestly, at times you two bicker and argue like a pair of five-year-olds deciding who would get to have the bowl after making brownies. Although, in the end you both end up happier than a pair of five-year-olds fighting over the bowl, seeing as both of you win."
Jamie could not help the giggles that escaped after hearing her Father's explanation. The giggle attack was so strong that she could not help but fall into Lucius' arms when her legs gave out.
"Okay, what did I miss?" Hermione asked joining the backup in the doorway.
"Make that what did we miss?" Gilly added as she joined them.
"Father and Jamie just proved to Tina what Is has been telling her about them all this time. As a result, Jamie caught the giggles from the two lovely ladies currently discussing the comfort of the carpet in whatever language you could consider laughter to be," Draco replied with a smile.
"Yeah, we get that and all the fun. But hello! Haven't eaten all day because we wanted to have room for the big dinner tonight," Desi announced as she, the two other teens, and the twins joined the six others stuck in the doorway that Isáwien and Christina were blocking.
"Okay, okay. Honestly gonna stop so we can go," Isáwien said as she took a number of deep breaths and Severus helped her up as Draco helped his own wife up.
"Finally," Desi said with a smile. "Hey Lucius, Jamie," she continued with a grin. "So, let's get this show on the road before Shields has a fit," she continued just as the two women looked at each other and started laughing once more. Desi rolled her eyes before turning and heading towards the apparition point.
"Come on Jamie," commented Lucius as he tried to get his still giggling wife to stand on her own, with much difficulty. "Bloody hell," he cursed when Jamie was unable to remain standing. Finally giving up he picked Jamie up tossing her over his shoulder, which of course only set her off even harder before nodding to the others and apparating from the room.
"That was bloody brilliant," Harry said rolling his eyes. "Now we're never going to get those two to stop laughing," he continued as he looked between his mother-in-law and his sister's stepdaughter who were only laughing harder as they leaned on their husbands.
"Quite, so the lot of you get the kids to the restaurant, we'll take care of our wives," Severus replied before lifting Isáwien into his arms. "At least we take the civilized route," he continued with a wink at Draco as he lifted his own wife before both men and their wives apparated.
By the time everyone arrived at the restaurant, Jamie and Lucius had already been seated at the table but were definitely not interested in the menus in front of them. Lucius needing someway to stop his wife's hysterical giggles had resorted to the only means open to him…he kissed her. And they were still kissing when the rest of the party arrived.
"Hmm, who would have thought the only way to stop all three of them was to kiss them," Severus mused as he looked over at Draco.
"Oh Gods, did you have to tell us that?" Cia asked with a groan. A groan Desi matched. "I did not need to see my grandparents making out, then find out my father and stepmother were making out, and my technical great-grandparents were too."
The adults rolled their eyes as they took their seats and settled the twins between Isáwien and Severus. For the next two hours they talked about this and that, actually just enjoying time with their family
"All right, we've had a wonderful dinner," Isáwien began as the men helped their female counterparts from their chairs. "I promised the girls we would do something fun, so we're going to hop over to L.A."
"What's in L.A.?" Christina asked confused.
"Lots of lovely fun, and for those who are legal, lots of good liquor," Spike replied with a smile as he took Gilly's arm and linked in his own.
"Are we sure about the kids being there?" Hermione asked concerned.
"Of course, Lorne has stocked drinks of the non-alcoholic persuasion just for this evening," Isáwien replied with a smile.
"Well then, can we go?" Desi asked as she picked Arrianna up.
"What a minute Isá…Lorne's?" Jamie asked in concern. "Are you sure that's a good idea?"
"Unfortunately Love, I didn't get to choose. I told Des and Cia they could pick, and we can blame Vld for them learning about Lorne's. Des went nuts when she found out there was karaoke," Isáwien replied on a sigh.
"Hey, I want to get this whole seeing your inner you or your future or whatever it is done."
"We know Des," Gilly and Isáwien replied in unison as they rolled their eyes. She had talked about nothing else since the day Vld told them about Lorne's place.
"Are you forgetting that I threatened to kill the man, not to mention the fact that I tortured Angel?" asked Jamie quietly through gritted teeth. "I don't think Lorne's going to be all that thrilled to see me."
"Actually Love, he was thrilled to learn all of us would be there," Isáwien replied as she linked arms with her best friend and turned to the others. "We'll meet you at the Floo," she called before gradually leading the younger woman towards the place before the others. "Jyn, they don't blame you for what happened. And I highly doubt they ever will. The only ones who are upset with either of us, well minus your brother in my case, are ourselves."
"It's just so hard Isá. These people were my friends and I was ready to take them out if I had to. Can you blame me for questioning this?" asked Jamie nervously.
"Not for a single second," Isáwien replied with a smile. "Besides, I was there too," she added softly.
"Then how can you ask me to do this?" questioned Jamie. "My Gods Lucius and I nearly killed one another before things got patched up and he's stronger than I am but that didn't stop me from going after him that day at the Duelling Club."
"Because, you have to face them again someday and what better way than with your husband and family there to support you?"
"I can't. I can't do it. I can't face them," argued Jamie as she started to back away. "Not now, not ever."
"Jamie," Isáwien said as she pulled the girl down a side street before the family could notice, placing her hand on either of her friend's shoulders. "You can do this. You will do this. And you are going to be fine because, if you don't face this now you never will. And the woman I know, the woman I trust, the woman I love never backs away from any challenge. You were able to face your rapists a decade ago. You survived in a world without either me or Lucius for six years. You have more strength than any person I know. And that includes every member of the Higginbotham family over the last five-hundred years."
"And how many times have I tried to end my life one way or another?" countered Jamie. "I'm not as strong as you like think Isá…"
"Yes you are," Isáwien argued. "Girl, look who you're taking to. I'm the queen of suicide attempts. But you, you have survived. You survived the Chamber. You survived being raped. You survived what appeared to be a death sentence when you were given to Lucius and instead you found the love of your life. You survived losing all of us for a period of time. Draco's betrayal…Losing your memory…Having to bury a child, something no person should ever have to do...Don't you see Jyn? You have more strength than any of us."
/-/Jamie Darling, is everything alright?/-/ asked Lucius in concern as he approached the two witches.
"No. I just want to go home but Isá won't let me," replied Jamie
/-/Lucius, she will have to see them someday...what better time than with all of us there? Besides, she can get drunk off her arse while there... /-/ Isáwien explained.
"Come my Darling, half an hour that's all I ask," Lucius suggested as he pulled Jamie into his arms. "Just give it half an hour and if you want to leave we will."
"Promise?" asked Jamie, her voice muffled in Lucius' shoulder.
"I promise, my Darling," replied Lucius.
"You won't leave me alone in there will you?" Jamie asked her voice almost childlike with fear.
"I'll be right beside you the entire time, I promise," Lucius soothed as he kissed Jamie's temple.
/-/Thank you Lucius,/-/ Isáwien replied softly blocking Jamie. Turning she headed to join her own husband who was watching from near the building that held the Floo point.
Twenty minutes later everyone was sitting around the bar listening as Desi finished another song before coming over to the group.
"All right, your turn."
"Our turn?" Gilly asked raising an eyebrow at the younger woman.
"Yup. Your turn. Get your arses up and on stage. I even know the perfect song," Desi continued with an evil grin as she looked at Isáwien.
"What song?" Isáwien asked looking at her goddaughter slash granddaughter.
"Oh just one from a movie you fell in love with years ago..." Des trailed off with an evil smile as Isáwien's mouth dropped open.
"You're joking with me," Isáwien managed to get out.
"Afraid not."
"Oh no girl, there is no way this side of heaven I'm going up there on my own. I've been Lorne's little mind reader once, not doing it again," Isáwien argued.
"Oh yes you are, because Hermione, Gilly, Christina, and Jamie are going with you," Desi replied.
"Excuse me?!" four of the women asked in shock. Only Jamie had another answer after hearing that announcement.
"Sorry Desi but my thirty minutes is up and I'm out of here," replied Jamie as she rose from her seat trying to drag her husband with her.
"Nope, not going to happen. Your darling daughter and granddaughter insured we would get the lot of you up for at least one song," Desi replied with a smirk
"What did you do?" Isáwien asked concerned. The girl had her father's mind...she could have done anything...
"Oh just a little spell around the room only we can remove. You should really have cut off our access to the Higginbotham library years ago," Desi replied with an innocent smile.
"I blame you for this Isáwien. You raised her," Gilly said as she stood up.
"I'm going to kill you for this, you know that don't you?" Isáwien asked Desi with a smile. They both knew she did not mean it. "All right, seeing as none of us can leave until this is over with, and the twins need to get their desert and to bed soon. I'll make you guys a deal. I'll sing lead. You guys just come up with me, don't have to sing if you don't want to...well other than you Gil. You get the job of the 'sisters'," she instructed. /-/Jyn girl, I promise, you can stand behind the other three. But I know you want to get home, I want to get home, so we're sort of stuck. We'll get revenge on Des and Cia later, promise./-/
/-/Fine but I'm not singing. I'm only doing this so I can go home,/-/ replied Jamie petulantly.
/-/Works for me,/-/ Isáwien replied with a half smile before turning and leading the group of five women up to the stage area. Smiling at the others, Isáwien turned to the gathered members of the bar as the music of "I put a Spell On You" from the Muggle movie Hocus Pocus began to play.
"I put a spell on you
And now you're mine.
You can't stop the things I do.
I ain't lyyyyyin'.
It's been 300 years
Right down to the day,
Now the witch is back
And there's hell to pay."
Isáwien sang with a smirk. Behind her the other girls were rolling their eyes as Christina and Gilly started a little dance number, dragging Jamie and Hermione into it.
"I put a spell on you
And now you're miiiiiine!
Hello, L.A.! My name's Isáwien, what's yours?
I put a spell on you
And now you're gone."
"Gone gone gone so long!" Hermione, Christina and Gilly sang as Jamie just shook her head as Isáwien started to sing once more.
"My whammy fell on you
And it was strong."
"So strong so strong so strong" the trio echoed.
"Your wretched little lives
Have all been cursed,
'cause of all the witches working
I'm the worst!
I put a spell on you
And now you're mine!"
Isáwien continued before the trio took over.
"Watch out! Watch out! Watch out! Watch out!"
"If you don't believe,
You'd better get superstitious.
Ask my sisters!"
Isáwien told the audience before the trio continued and Jamie shook her head as she smiled. This was ridiculous.
"Ooh, she's vicious!"
Isáwien winked at Jamie before turning back to the audience and singing.
"I put a spell on you...
I put a spell on you.
Sisters!"
She said looking at them before beginning to sing, the girls repeating what she sung.
"Ah say ento pi alpha mabi upendi
Ah say ento pi alpha mabi upendi
In comma coriyama
In comma coriyama"
"Ay, ay, aye, aye, say bye-byyyyyyyyyyye! Bye bye!"
Isáwien finished with a curtsy.
"Can we leave now?" Isáwien asked as the group joined the rest of the group at the tables.
"Quite so. Isáwien, hang on and I'll get the bill," Lorne said as he joined them. "Oh and Desdemona, Ciara, try keeping people in my bar against their will again, I'll have you washing dishes, the Muggle way," he warned with a half smile.
"Go on you guys, I'll meet you at Florean Fortescue's," Isáwien said as everyone rose.
Knowing Jamie wanted out of Caritas as soon as possible, Lucius decided to skip the Floo trip and simply apparated the two of them to Diagon Alley.
Moments later the rest of the group made their way out of the Leaky Cauldron and joined them.
"Lucky ducks," Spike and Gilly said as they joined them.
"Spike, Gilgamangë," greeted Lucius, who was holding Jamie close, rubbing her arm in a supportive manner as she sat next to him staring at the table in front of her.
"Oh stop complaining. You only had to cross over with Arrianna and Tommy," Severus teased the vampire and Higginbotham before turning to his daughter and wife's brother. "You okay Sweetheart?" he whispered concerned.
"She's just a little stressed out right now Severus," responded Lucius as he pulled Jamie a little closer. "She's quite fond of our life in Italy and is not used to this kind of…lifestyle anymore."
"Completely understandable Love, I'm a bit fond of your life in Italy as well," Severus agreed as the twins ran towards them. "But, let's get some ice cream and wait for mommy to arrive," he continued as he swung Arrianna up in his arms. "Right Sweetie?"
"Right," Arrianna agreed with a nod. "I want Mommy's ice cream."
Severus laughed softly. "All right, but only a small one," he agreed.
Back in L.A...
"So what's up Lorne?" Isáwien asked as he handed her the slip that said 'Bill paid in full.'
"My treat," Lorne explained when she looked up from the paper, one eyebrow raised. "Got a read off you while you were singing," he continued as he leaned against the counter.
"And?" Isáwien asked raising her eyebrow once more.
"How long you plan on keeping all of us in the dark about your future," Lorne replied evenly.
"Was planning on keeping it quiet till the event happened actually," Isáwien responded. "So do me a favour, keep this between you and I. I hear you told Angel or anyone else, especially my cousin...well, honestly the threats Jyn made to you are going to be nothing," she added.
"No need to threaten Love. I'll keep it to myself," Lorne replied. "Just...think about letting the others in...it's going to kill them when we lose you."
"Not as much as it would kill them to know my days are numbered even yet and waiting around for that day to show up," Isáwien countered before straightening and heading from the building. Lorne shook his head before turning to another guest.
Moments later Isáwien appeared in Diagon Alley and walked to the shop. "Hey guys, sorry about that," she said as she joined the group in front of the store. "Oh hot fudge sundae, I love you," she sighed as she sat down next to Severus and he handed her a spoon.
"Word of advice, you ever get on her bad side, just provide her with hot fudge sundaes," Severus told the others with a smile.
"Mio Amore inscatolare noi andare casalingo pregare?" Jamie asked Lucius quietly. (My Love can we go home please?)
"Go ahead Loves. I'll come bug you later this week," Isáwien spoke up before anyone else could respond, or even ask what they were talking about.
"Come on Jamie," Lucius said as he carefully picked Jamie up. With a quick nod to his sister, Lucius apparated away.
Twenty minutes later Lucius and Jamie were in the library. Lucius sat on the couch with Jamie lying down, with her head on his lap as he stroked her hair. The couple talking quietly to each other until Naada appeared in the room.
"Master Lucius, Miss Jamie, you have to come immediately," the house-elf exclaimed looking between them.
"Naada, what's wrong?" Jamie asked slowly...had she ever seen the elf this...uncomposed?
"Please, you have to come. You have to come. Miss Isá is missing."
"What?" Lucius asked shocked.
"We'll come. Tell father we'll be right there," Jamie replied as Lucius pulled her close and they apparated back to the school. Quickly making their way up to Severus and Isáwien's chambers they found Severus pacing.
"Father?" Jamie asked as he turned towards them.
"Oh thank the Gods, you're alright."
"Father, what is it? Where's Isá? Naada said she was missing?" questioned Jamie.
"I don't know. The girls begged us to let them bring the twins back a few minutes before us. But when we got here they weren't here, any of them. So Isáwien apparated back to Diagon Alley thinking they might have gotten distracted passing a store. She hasn't returned, and when we went to find her, there was no sign of her or the children..." he trailed off just as the elf appeared in the room once more.
"Oh you have to come, you have to come. Miss Isá told me to get you. You have to come..." Naada pleaded.
"Naada what's going on? Where's Isáwien?" Severus asked concerned and yet thrilled to find out his wife was back.
"I don't know sir. But you have to come…have to come now."
"Naada, where are we going if you don't know where Isáwien is..." Lucius pointed out softly.
"Miss Isá said Miss Jamie would know where to find her. Please come, you have to go now. Something is wrong... something very wrong. She said to get you and that Miss Jamie would know where to find her," Naada rushed out.
"Naada, where did you see Isá...?" Jamie asked slowly.../-/I have no idea what she's talking about Luc.../-/
/-/It's okay my Love, I'm sure Naada will explain,/-/ Lucius assured her
"The third floor Miss Jamie. Please we have to go...something is wrong...very very wrong," Naada pleaded looking towards the door as if debating leaving but required to stay until they came.
"What's on the third floor..." Jamie thought aloud before sitting up straight...no...why would she go there...
"Jamie?" Severus asked concerned. "What is it?"
"Fluffy's lair...it's the only thing on the third floor that I would...why is she in Fluffy's lair?" Jamie asked looking between the two men confused and worried.
"I don't know Sweetheart, but we may as well go see if she is there," Severus replied softly.
"Yes yes, have to go…come come," Naada said jumping from one foot to the other as they stood, then disappearing completely.
"I guess she took the quick route..." Lucius mused as they left the room.
"Lucius...something is wrong," Jamie whispered as they neared the corridor...she could feel Isáwien's pain but not why...
"I know," Lucius whispered softly.
Severus remained silent as he heard them, only speeding up and they finally reached the door and opened it, rushing into the room only to stop in surprise.
Isáwien was crumpled in the middle of the room facing them, rocking slightly as she cried...no…as she sobbed...
"Isá..." Jamie said stepping forward and she looked up at them.
"They're gone," Isáwien whispered before looking over their heads at the wall behind them. "Oh Gods what have we done..." she continued before hanging her head. Severus wasted no time and rushed over to her, gathering her in his arms.
"Shh, it's okay Beloved..." Severus whispered as she clung to him before looking up to find Lucius and Jamie looking at them in a mix of shock and confusion. Then he noticed what was on the wall behind them. "Oh my Gods..." he murmured
Lucius tilted his head then turned to see what was so important about the wall behind them and took a step back in surprise. "Jamie, Darling..." he began reaching out to slowly turn her around to look.
"What..." Jamie began before stopping as she saw the writing on the wall...writing that was a bright, shiny red...
HOPE YOU SAID GOODBYE THIS MORNING, HOW DOES IT FEEL? NOW YOU KNOW WHAT IT WAS LIKE FOR ALL OF US WHO HAD TO LIVE AND WATCH YOU ESCAPE WITHOUT PUNISHMENT...WELL THOSE DAYS ARE OVER. THINK OF THIS AS THE PUNISHMENT YOU DESERVE.
"Isáwien...what is it talking about?" Severus asked softly, not sure he wanted the answer.
"The children...they have the children..." Isáwien whispered, looking up at Jamie and Lucius, grief-stricken. "They've taken our girls," she continued before turning to Severus "And the twins..." she continued with a sob before curling into him as she once more started to sob uncontrollably.
"Who has the girls and twins?" Lucius asked confused, but also very very worried.
"Oh Gods..." Jamie whispered as she put two and two together. "Dean and Seamus...they have them...who else would use this place for their message..."
Lucius closed his eyes and pulled Jamie into his embrace before glancing over at Severus and Isáwien...could they have any worse luck in their lives...
An hour later, instead of everyone being home relaxing after their time celebrating, the family members found themselves in an extra classroom of the school, couches and other various chairs providing seats for the shocked and grieving family members. Aurors were there taking statements as well as Albus and other members of the Order.
Spread around the room besides Albus and Severus, Lucius, Jamie, and Isáwien, who were on a couch, the two women clinging to each other as they cried uncontrollably. Their husbands finally decided they would have to take the women to the Hospital Wing and give them something to make them sleep before they made themselves sick. When the men rose to tell the others, Spike and Angel finally arrived. The vampires split, Angel heading to talk with Vld, Harry, Remus, Sirius, Draco and Albus; while Spike made his way to where his cousins, Gilly, Hermione, Dawn, and Christina were gathered around the couch that bore the two women.
About the time Severus and Lucius mutually agreed that it was now or never in getting their wives to the world of blissful oblivion for a few hours at least, Bill arrived with Fleur, and Isáwien took it upon herself to tell the woman about her daughter, leaving Lucius and Jamie on the couch. Severus went with his wife to keep her from collapsing, although the idea became moot when both women started sobbing as they reached for one another before collapsing on the floor between their husbands. Bill looked up at Severus worried before Severus leaned over and shared the plan of taking the mothers and giving them some Dreamless Sleep to last the night.
Over on the couch Jamie had turned and asked Lucius who else he thought might be involved in this. Dean and Seamus were idiots, and certainly not smart enough to pull off something like this. They would have had to overpower three witches, two of age, alone...even Isáwien, Fleur, or Jamie couldn't control the girls if they did not want to be told what to do. Although the two, used to life in Italy, completely forgot they were speaking in Italian, until a perturbed Auror reminded them.
"For Merlin's sake. Would you two mind talking in English?" the man snapped as everyone stopped and looked at him in shock. The poor fool had come in after Fleur arrived and no doubt thought the mothers were the two who had still been bawling by the door. Until Isáwien heard him and stood shakily to her feet as Jamie narrowed her eyes and stood up as Lucius quickly steadied her with a hand at the small of her back.
"For your information, whoever the hell you are, my daughter is one of the ones that's missing and I will speak to my husband in whatever Gods be damned language I want! I can't help it if Italian has become so natural to me that I choose to use it over English. Now get back to work and FIND MY DAUGHTER!" screamed Jamie in angry frustration as everything in the room started rattling. "Vaffanculo! Cacasotto! Fessacchione! Figlio di puttana! Leccacazzi! Fatti i cazzi tuoi! Ti ammazzo!" (Fuck you! Chicken-shit! Fucking Idiot! Son of a bitch! Cock-sucker! Mind your own fucking business! I'm going to kill you! )
"Actually, I have a better plan," Isáwien began as she placed a hand on Jamie's arm to help stabilize her magic as well as sung quietly through their link to calm her. "Why don't you return to your headquarters and send an Auror who knows how to do his job and knows better than to harass the parents of missing children," she continued her voice soft and quiet, but her anger still obvious in the easily heard insults in her comment.
"My apologies madam. I was under the impression the children were all related and did not know there was more than one or two mothers involved." he replied stiffly.
"Yes well, for your files," Isáwien began with a frown. "And for everyone's knowledge. The children are all related. Arrianna and Thomas are my children. Desdemona and Tessa are my stepdaughters, and Ciara is my great-niece as well as my great granddaughter. Jamie here is my stepdaughter as well as my sister-in-law, and the mother of Desdemona. Tessa and Desdemona share the same father, my first husband, who before you ask, is not a suspect in this investigation as he has been dead these fourteen years, and no his identity is not to be shared," she continued with a meaningful look at the Auror as well as the rest of those gathered, including their family and friends. And Ciara is the daughter of Mrs. Weasley over there, and my nephew Draco Malfoy," she added. "So I strongly suggest whoever it is that is in charge of recording information for the investigation get that right in their files. Because next time anyone questions or yells at any one of us three women... well I doubt we would be held responsible for our actions after the fact. And a word of warning, Mrs. Malfoy is one of those responsible for the downfall of the Dark Lord," she added managing to not choke on her words. "And if any of you have managed to learn your history right, you would know that she once destroyed every piece of glass in the Great Hall of this very establishment with her brother Mr. Potter, when she was pushed too far during an emotionally stressful period. I'm sure no one would want to risk that repeating, least of all myself as I am the Headmistress of this fine establishment. So kindly refrain from putting my school at risk," she added, purposely not asking them to refrain from putting themselves at risk. Turning she walked back across the room to Severus.
Lucius stood up and wrapped a comforting arm around Jamie before turning his frosty glare on the ignorant Auror. "You might also want to refrain from upsetting certain members of this family, for not only was my wife partly responsible for the demise of the Dark Lord but have you forgotten that not only did I serve my Lord faithfully, I was also his second in command as well as his Prince, one of the Dark Four. You would do wise to remember what that means about what I could possibly do to you if you ever speak to my wife in that manner again," threatened Lucius. "Come on Jamie, let's get you out of here," he finished with a glare towards the Auror before picking Jamie up and carrying her towards the door.
"Mr. Malfoy. I'm sure we don't have to ask you to not leave the country," one of the Aurors called after Lucius as he and Jamie joined Severus, Isáwien, Bill, and Fleur at the door. Remaining silent the six left the room without another word.
"Isáwien...Isáwien...bloody well wake up already woman. Stupid wizards and their potions."
"What the hell?" Isáwien asked as she opened her eyes and found herself in the long familiar plane. "All right you bloody old witches. I'm having a crisis here. Can't the vision wait until after I freakin find my children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren," she replied as she looked around. "I guess that is a no," she continued with a sigh. "All right then, bring it on," she added as she got comfortable, though she was not expecting Jamie to be there...or for her to actually talk.
"What the bloody hell just happened?"
"Luc? What…what are you doing here?" asked Jamie in surprise. "How did you…"
"I was monitoring you when I dozed off and the next thing I know I'm here with you and Isáwien," replied Lucius as he walked up to Jamie and put his hand on her lower back. "Where are we?"
"Er...you guys really don't want to be here," Isáwien spoke up as she glanced around. "Really, you guys want to go, now," she continued trying to find a way to block them and get them from the room.
"All right, who invited the lovey dovey happy squad?"
"Yeah, this is an A, B conversation here. C yourselves out."
"Oh genius conversational skills, sister dearest."
"Look who's talking miss stuck in the time before Christ was born."
"At least I'm not stuck in the mind of a five year old from the late 1900's."
"Will you three SHUT UP!" Isáwien yelled as Jamie and Lucius looked around for the three women they heard talking.
"Isá…what's going on here?" asked Jamie worriedly as she stepped closer to Lucius.
"I promise Loves, I'll explain everything later, just you have to block the link to me, now," Isáwien tried to get them out.
"Bit too late for that Isáwien." came the response before everything shifted and swirled around them before it straightened and they found themselves in Diagon Alley.
"Bloody hell. Well, welcome to the life of a seer Darlings," Isáwien replied as she turned and looked around the street.
"What exactly does that mean Isáwien?" questioned Lucius
"It means, thanks to you two getting pulled in here. You get to join me in the latest vision the fates have given me," Isáwien replied as she glanced around. "Hold on a second...that's us," she continued as she walked over to the ice cream parlour. "Oh dear Gods in heaven...YOU WOMEN ARE NOT DOING THIS TO ME!" she shrieked as she glanced around frantically.
"Isá?" Jamie asked in nervous concern not leaving Lucius' side, even stepping closer to her husband, who wrapped protective arms around her.
"They aren't doing this, they aren't doing this, they aren't doing this," Isáwien chanted as she looked around in fear.
"Doing what Isáwien?" demanded Lucius, as he held Jamie tightly.
"Mio Amore inscatolare noi andare casalingo pregare?" Jamie asked Lucius quietly over at the shop as Isá turned towards them. (My Love can we go home please?)
"Go ahead loves. I'll come bug you later this week," the other Isáwien spoke.
"Come on Jamie," Lucius said as he carefully picked Jamie up. With a quick nod to his sister, Lucius apparated away.
"Ever wonder what it was like to see you two together before I found you the day of your marriage," Isáwien spoke as those by the ice cream shop laughed and chit chatted about this and that. "Or what it was like to see your son tortured, and Jyn give herself up to save him only for him to be killed anyway?" she continued as she stared at the group unblinking as time passed. "Or see your father die before he actually dies in real life. And know that it is you who are meant to help him on to the next life," she continued still staring without blinking. "Or to see an evil that none can stop, kill all that you love; To watch Desdemona fall from the highest tower of Hogwarts; To see Harry and Hermione's child killed by a stray spell at duelling class; To see Remus kill his only remaining best friend during a full moon. To watch as life is rewound. To live again and see people you love die. To watch as your best friend is taken to the Chamber of Secrets. Knowing you couldn't save her. Knowing what lies on the other side. To finally find peace and then have to give it up because people can't accept how you live your life. To see children born only to know you will never see them reach maturity. Do you ever wonder what it's like to know the future? Because it's nothing you would wish on your worst enemy," she finished as everyone rose from the tables at the shop and made their way from the area.
"I don't like this Luc," commented Jamie quietly behind Isáwien. "Isá's scaring me."
"I know, my Darling," soothed Lucius. "Isáwien what was that about watching Father die?"
"You might not wish to follow. If the scene changes again, close your eyes and block whatever you might see or hear," Isáwien replied looking at them before turning and following Ciara, Desi, Sage, and the twins as they walked towards the Leaky Cauldron.
The two tried to stay put before the street started to change as if they were moving down the street though they never moved a foot. As they moved, not of their own accord, Jamie hid her face in Lucius' chest, worried about whatever it was Isáwien didn't want them to see.
When the girls reached the Leaky Cauldron, a familiar face appeared behind them as Isáwien stopped and took a heavy breath.
"Excuse me Miss. I think you dropped your purse."
"What?" Cia asked as she glanced down and sure enough her purse was missing. "I wonder how I did that. Thank you," she continued as she walked over to Dean Thomas.
"Oh it's no problem. Really. So how is your family?" Dean asked as he handed her the bag.
"My family?" Ciara asked confused as she glanced at the others.
"Yes. You know. Your great-aunt Isáwien. Your grandfather and his wife. Your father. All of them. How are they?" replied Dean.
"Umm. I have to go now," Ciara replied as she started to back up to join the rest of the group. Behind her Isáwien could hear Jamie crying as Lucius tried to soothe her.
Actually we really would like you to stay," Seamus Finnigan spoke up as he appeared behind them before both men quietly cast Imperius spells on the two grown witches. "Come along everyone, we're going to see an old friend of Jamie's," he continued as Sage suddenly pulled her own wand and pointed it at him.
"Come along Miss Riddle. You don't want to risk getting in trouble do you?" Seamus asked with a smile.
"I doubt I'd be the one in trouble when the Ministry and my family find out what you are doing," Sage hissed. "Now take those spells off my sister and Ciara before I remove a certain part of your anatomy. Mum has taught me a few spells not taught at school, and I know that one very well," she threatened as she ushered the twins to stand on her sides.
"I'm afraid Dean already had that pleasure thanks to your other sister," Seamus replied with a smile before his smile faded away. "Don't make us hurt you. You may be Voldemort's brat, but we still find you useful for some things and we're going to get what we want."
"Why that no good little piece of garbage," Isáwien muttered.
"How dare you insult my father you no good piece of horse shit," Sage raged. "If he were alive he'd tear you limb from limb and make sure you lived to experience every moment of pain before he took your heart out with a spoon."
"Tessa Sage Riddle!" Isáwien snapped before realizing her daughter could not hear her. "Well at least she got her two cents in, even if I will have to talk to her about language. AND STOP LAUGHING YOU OLD FUDDIE DUDDIES!" she yelled as laughter echoed through the area.
"Are you going to just stand there like an idiot or are you going to release them," Sage continued, as they remained silent.
"We don't have to," Dean replied with a smirk.
"What is that suppose to mean?" Sage asked before she was hit with an Imperius spell, thrown by her own sister.
"I'LL KILL THEM!" Isáwien shrieked before the two men made two of the girls pick up the twins before calmly leading them to an apparition point and disappearing, before a paper crane appeared and floated around the street until Isáwien appeared a few minutes later and it flew to her. Meanwhile the version of her there in the vision with Jamie and Lucius had been pacing as she muttered to herself in another language.
Just as she was about to turn to make another pass, the world suddenly started spinning out of control once more, giving Jamie one hell of a stomach ache and Lucius a bit of a vision problem as his eyes tried to adjust to the place they had stopped at after all the spinning and whirling colours. Looking around they found themselves in a building, with the girls and the twins over sitting on a couch, their hands tied with magical rope as Dean and Seamus paced in front of them.
"I say we start with the oldest."
"No, the youngest. She's more innocent," Dean argued.
"Why does it matter? We don't get to make any decisions until the old witch lets us. Why did we agree to this anyway?"
"Because it gives us revenge on that bitch and those who stuck by her. And especially on her husband and his sister who just stood there and let her do what she did to us," Dean reminded him with a growl.
"Do watch your language around the children," a new voice spoke before the room spun away and Isáwien sat straight up in bed gasping for air, alerting Severus and Bill who both looked up at her in shock.
"Wake them," she yelled turning to look at Jamie and Lucius.
"We can't wake her, she took Dreamless Sleep potion, she's out cold...like you should be," Severus argued.
"Wake them," Isáwien growled as she grabbed him by his collar and pulled him to her.
"Okay, calm down Beloved," Severus replied before turning to Bill. "The counter potion is on the shelf over there."
Bill nodded and quickly rose to get it before administering it to Jamie and shaking Lucius awake. Moments later the two looked at each other as they woke up as Isáwien sighed in relief before falling back against the bed.
"Oh Gods," cried Jamie quietly as she turned to Lucius, who pulled her close. "This is all my fault."
"What's your fault?" Severus asked confused.
"Go get Ron," Isáwien spoke up as she looked at her husband.
"What?"
"Go get Ronald Weasley. Find him. NOW," Isáwien repeated with a look.
"Okay, okay," Severus agreed as he stood up.
Isáwien watched him go before turning to Lucius and Jamie. "Let's go upstairs. Bill," she acknowledged him before rising from the bed.
Lucius nodded to his sister before picking Jamie up and following Isáwien from the room.
Once they had reached Lucius and Jamie's chambers, Lucius let them in before setting his wife on the couch and sitting next to her. "All right Isáwien. What happened?"
"The blasted sleeping potion you dingbats fed us only works to block dreams. Not visions. And not the link that exists between the three of us," Isáwien began as she paced the floor. "Damn stupid women. I can't even believe Severus was stupid enough to do that. He knows that the potion doesn't block the Fates. And he knows they get pissed off when I'm out of it. And yet HE FREAKIN SLIPPED IT IN MY DRINK ANYWAY!" Isáwien continued to rant as she paced. Lucius and Jamie glanced at each other; they were not going to interrupt her in this type of mood. Of course when she started having that familiar lightning run over her hands, Lucius did grow a bit concerned.
"Isáwien…" began Lucius hesitantly. "Sister, you might want to calm down."
"I am CALM!" Isáwien growled as she turned to them. "If I wasn't, I'd be finding Ron Weasley myself and doing to him what Harry did to Jyn."
"Uhm…Isá…what does Ron…" began Jamie as she carefully rose from her spot next to Lucius and started towards her friend.
"...I don't know what I did but don't make me go in there," Ron begged as he was pushed in the room backwards, Severus following him a second later, only to be followed by Bill, Spike, and Gilly.
"YOU!" snarled Jamie as she spun around at Ron's entrance. "Bastardo! Come potreste? Erano non colpevoli! Non avete avuti diritto di sciopero me attraverso loro! Sto andando ucciderlo!" cried Jamie as she lunged for Ron only to have Lucius quickly stop her by grabbing her around the waist, holding onto her as she struggled to attack her former brother. (Bastard! How could you? They were innocent! You had no right to strike at me through them! I'm going to kill you!)
"It wasn't him Jyn," Isáwien spoke stopping her friend mid-struggle before Isáwien growled under her breath and started to stalk towards Ron, who in turn started to back up holding his arms up.
"I don't know what I didn't do. Just don't do to me what you threatened to all those years ago. Dear Merlin's mother I swear I'll tell you anything. Please." Ron pleaded as he bumped up against Spike's back. When he looked up Spike smirked before putting his vamp face on for the fun of it no doubt. "Oh Helcate's merciful name, please don't hurt me," he pleaded backing away from both Malfoys.
"Let. Me. Go," snarled Jamie to Lucius who was still holding her. "I don't care if he didn't do it Isá. He's involved, just like he was all those years go, following them around like a little lost puppy dog. It's sick. He may not have been at the Cauldron when it happened but he sure as hell is involved in this."
"What are you talking about?" Ron asked stopping before realizing Isáwien was still stalking towards him. "Oh Gods," he began before back-peddling again. "Look I don't know what's going on. I was in Hawaii doing an assignment for the Ministry on locating a Death Eater believed to be hiding out there. Honestly I am completely lost. I was watching the guy then Snape appeared and grabbed me before apparating here," he rambled as he started to circle the room at lack of space to go backwards.
"Where are they Weasley?" demanded Jamie, still held firm in Lucius' arms. "WHERE THE BLOODY HELL IS MY DAUGHTER?!"
Ron stopped dead in his tracks and looked at Jamie as the colour drained from his face, leaving his freckles standing out like small drops of blood. "Your daughter is missing?" his voice hollow.
"She is," Isáwien growled as she stopped in front of him before he flew back against the wall as Gilly gasped in shock. Ignoring her cousin, Isáwien stalked towards him as her eyes started to turn to flames, flames only he could see as her back was to everyone else in the room. "Her daughter, my children. Bill's daughter. Every heir to the Dark Four is missing," she growled in his ear before pulling her head back. "Where's your mother?" she hissed.
"Mum?" Ron asked shocked and in fear as he glanced around the room for someone to save him.
"No, Merlin's mother," Isáwien snapped as he flew a few feet in the air to be pressed against the wall as she looked at him, her hand curling in on itself as he reached towards his neck as if being choked.
"I...I don't know...she should be home..." Ron choked out as he fought for breath.
"Isáwien..." Severus began as he took a step towards her.
"She's not," Isáwien growled as she ignored her husband. "I heard her. She's with Finnigan and Thomas. And they have our children. Your mother is involved in the kidnapping of our children," she continued as Ron suddenly flew across the room to hit the wall behind Bill, Severus, Gilly, and Spike before falling to the floor. As Isáwien turned towards them, Ron flew back up in the air before being spun so he was upside down and looking at her in fear. "Where is she?"
"Isáwien," Severus began again before looking at Gilly. "You have to cut her powers off," he whispered, though Spike still heard him and swung his head towards him in shock.
"Are you trying to kill her!" he hissed.
"She's trying to kill Weasley," Severus countered before looking to Gilly. "Do it."
Gilly looked at him in shock before turning to look at Isáwien and Weasley. Shaking her head she looked back at them. "Everyone behind the couch, now." she ordered before they moved as Lucius picked Jamie up and brought her with him. "Severus, Lucius, you have to help me create a barrier around Weasley," she continued as she moved to join them.
Lucius looked up at her confused before nodding his head as he focused on Spike through the link built through Isáwien and told him to hold Jamie. Releasing her to Spike, after getting a death glare from her, he joined Severus.
"Bill I need you to put a barrier over our heads and around the sides of us. Just in case," Gilly continued as she turned to Severus and Lucius. "On three," she began before looking back at the two across the room. "Three."
"What the hell are you doing?" demanded Jamie from her spot on the floor where Spike had her held tightly against his chest, his legs over hers and her arms held down at her side. "Let go of me Spike or so help me what I did to Angel won't compare to what I'm going to do to you."
"Trust me Love, if it were my choice we'd both be stopping them. But they're right. We can't get Weasley's help if he's dead," Spike whispered in her ear as Bill placed the barriers above them and on their sides. Severus and Lucius curled up behind the couch as Lucius took his wife's hands and tried to sooth her mentally. Beside them Gilly had closed her eyes and the lightening long familiar on both Higginbotham women appeared along her arms.
"NOOOOO DAMN YOU!" Isáwien shrieked before the entire room appeared dark purple, the group behind the couch closing their eyes as the colour still burned on the back of their eyelids. When it was eerily quiet they opened their eyes as Gilly looked over at them.
"Lower the barrier," Gilly told Bill before standing. "Someone better get Weasley. Severus, get your wife to bed. She's going to be out a few days at least. And so help me, you ever make me do that again. I'll make sure you live the rest of your life without your wife and unable to die because I'll bring her first husband back to this world myself," she growled before standing and leaving the room.
"What just happened?" Bill asked confused as he took in his brother staring at Isáwien in shock from where he now sat on the floor, and the woman in question sprawled across the floor as if someone had thrown her there.
"To protect the only link to the missing children, Gilgamangë drained Isáwien of her magic," explained Lucius. "It is imperative that we find the children and we can't do that if your…brother is no longer among the living as it appears that your mother is involved in this," sneered Lucius.
"Okay, I'm going to need someone to explain a few things here. But before Jamie starts dreaming up ways to torture her father, just to let you know Love. All Gil did was force her into an Expelling. I initially thought Severus was making her actually block her powers completely. Which can be done, but only by those lovely women in the world we know as Higginbothams," Spike interrupted as he glared as Severus.
"For God's sakes man. I wouldn't have her do that. I intend to keep my wife around for a few more years damn it." Severus growled before walking over to the youngest Weasley. "All right, when was the last time you saw your mother? Either of you?" he continued looking up at Bill.
"Weeks."
"Months."
"Oh that's helpful," Spike replied rolling his eyes.
"You're LYING!" snarled Jamie, her hands starting to glow eerily.
Moments later Jamie slumped against her husband unconscious. Lucius looked at her in shock before looking up at the others. "Who?" he growled.
"Chill pill cousin. Next time the lot of you make me knock Áwien out, you might want to realize Jamie isn't going to take the news very well and Áwien is the only one who can calm her down lately," Gilly spoke from the doorway. "And now that we have the festivities out of the way. Bill go back to your wife. Severus, take care of your own. Lucius, you do the same. I'll find out just what Ronald knows about Molly," she ordered, her expression showing they shouldn't argue.
"Well then I suggest you take him elsewhere Gilgamangë," replied Lucius tiredly. "Seeing as these are Jamie's and my rooms and as you so kindly knocked my wife out, I would like to put her to bed."
"Quite so. Come along Ronald," Gilly continued as Ron just rose in the air and started floating behind her.
"Umm...I think I can walk..." Ron began before she ran him into the door.
"Sorry about that. Really," Gilly added as Bill shook his head before they disappeared from the room.
"Umm, well I'll see the three of you in a few hours probably," Bill spoke before shaking his head and leaving the room.
Spike shook his head as Lucius glared at him. "Hey, I'm just waiting on the old boy to pick up the only living Malfoy born female from our generations, then I'm out of here. I want to give the bugger a piece of my mind while we get her up to her own bed."
"Oh just what I want to hear tonight. William the Bloody's morality lesson," Severus grumbled as he carefully picked Isáwien up before walking to the door. "Good luck with Jamie in the morning Lucius," he called before he left the room, Spike behind him.
Once Severus, Isáwien and Spike were gone, Lucius carefully picked Jamie up and carried her towards the bedroom, shutting the door behind him.