Chapter 1: And The Storm Blows Up In Her Eyes*
*Running to stand Still, The Joshua Tree (1986). U2 (Music), Bono (Lyrics)
The snow fell heavily from the dark night sky, covering the wizarding village of Hogsmeade in a glistening blanket of white. A young woman stepped off the train and onto the platform. Briskly she made her way to the main street of the village. The snow caught in her dark chocolate curls and lay on the shoulders of her heavy winter cloak, each flake glistening and refusing to melt in the freezing air. The heavy snow was early this year.
The young woman's appointment at the castle wasn't until tomorrow morning, but the increasing snowfall had encouraged her to arrive in the village the night before. She could have apparated but returning to England for the first time in twenty years made her eager to enjoy as much of the countryside as she could on her journey to the castle. Plus, arriving in town early would allow her to remain under her warm covers until the last possible minute, something that was quite desirable on such cold mornings.
The windows of the Three Broomsticks pub were frosted over, the glowing candlelight offering the young woman approaching a promise of warmth and comfort. She placed a small hand on the large wooden door and walked into the crowded pub. Cautiously rapping her fingers around her wand, she scanned the room. People huddled around the small tables, reveling in mugs of warm liquid and bottles of butterbeer. As she walked to the back of the pub, she spotted a woman behind the bar with a kind face laughing and joking with a group of men standing at the bar. She walked up to the barmaid and gathering of young men. "Excuse me madam. I was hoping to find a room for the night."
The woman behind the counter shooed the jovial men away as she focused her attention on the newcomer in front of her. The young woman was a stranger to Hogsmeade, she was sure of it. "You're in luck dear. We only have one room left. It's rather small I'm afraid but it should be comfortable for the night."
"Thank you madam. You are very kind," the young woman said.
"The name's Rosemertta dear. What brings you to Hogsmeade on such an evening?"
"I'm Maya, Maya Ladon. Nice to meet you," she said, gently taking the woman's hand and giving it a polite shake. "I have an appointment with the headmaster at the school tomorrow, but with the snow picking up I thought it better to arrive tonight."
"Of course, you're so right. With this storm coming, it was smart to stay close to the castle. Come, I'll show you to your room." Rosemertta escorted Maya up a staircase at the back of the large room to a hallway lined with doors. "This one dearie is the last we have tonight. It was good you arrived when you did," she said as she stopped at a plain wooden door at the end of the corridor. As the women walked into the room, Maya noted the simple but comfy-looking bed and a small oak chest with a mirror. There were two doors at the back of the room. Rosemertta approached the door to the left, stating, "There's a small bath and a closet. If there's anything else you need dear, please don't hesitate to ask."
As Maya gave the room an appreciative look, she said, "I think the room will be just fine. I'll only be here the one night and it looks quite comfortable."
"Have you eaten? Our fare is mostly light but I'm sure we could find you something suitable in the kitchen. You look as though you could use some rest and something warm to eat," Rosemertta said as she got her first close look at her most recent lodger. The young woman's chocolate curls framed a pale face and deep blue eyes that reminded Rosmertta of Ravenclaw sapphires. She recognized the young woman's American accent but was surprised with her pleasant manners. The stranger carried herself with an air of confidence without appearing arrogant or haughty. She was polite and looked like the quiet type. Rosemertta like the quiet ones, it made her job as innkeeper an easy one.
Maya's stomach responded for her. She realized that with the excitement and anticipation of her journey she hadn't eaten since early this morning. "Something warm would indeed be welcome and appreciated. Thank you," she said as she began to remove her heavy traveling cloak.
She wore mostly muggle clothing under plain midnight blue robes. She had donned a pair of jeans and heavy blue jumper this morning when the snow began to fall, thinking only of keeping herself warm on her journey, not of fashion. Maya had never really been one for making a fashion statement. She preferred to be comfortable and really where did those "girly girl" witches put their wand when they paraded around in midriff tops and mini's? She had never understood those women, which was probably why she had so few women friends.
Maya decided to take her meal downstairs surrounded by the jovial sounds of other customers making merry. She didn't much feel like making merry herself but hoped the joyful spirits of those around her would help sooth her overly excited nerves. She made her way to a table in the corner thinking of her friend Tonks and how she had arranged for this meeting with the headmaster. Maya was still apprehensive about meeting with Albus Dumbledore, whom many considered the greatest wizard of all time, but she was also eager. Tonks had told her about the Order of the Phoenix a month ago. Although hesitant at first, Maya now believed she needed to be a part of this fight.
As Rosemertta sent a young girl to the table with a bowl of hot french onion soup and a sandwich, Maya was still lost in her memories. She thanked the girl absent-mindedly and took a bite of her sandwich, chewing slowly.
Maya met Tonks several years ago just after Tonks had graduated from Hogwarts. They met while Tonks was in the States on holiday before beginning her Auror training. They were in a coffee shop when an overeager male patron tried to convince Tonks he just couldn't get enough of her English accent and amazingly pink hair. Although Maya hadn't lived in the UK since she was a young girl, she still considered it her long lost home and came to the rescue of her English sister.
Despite being six years Maya's junior, Tonks was quite capable of taking care of herself. She disposed of the young man with a witty retort and an implication that he would leave the coffee shop with fewer appendages than he came in with if he continued to pursue the matter. Maya offered to buy Tonks another coffee and share her table in the corner. Tonks agreed and the two women found themselves talking easily like old friends. As the hours passed, the women found they shared a love of music and arts of all forms and styles. For the first time in many years, Maya found herself telling another person about living in England years ago before her father's work brought him to the States. As most witches and wizards have a tendency to sense the presence of strong magic, by the end of the evening the two young women had found another common link between them.
Maya had moved to America when she was ten and was deeply upset when she did not get to go to Hogwarts but instead attended the Salem Institute of Magic. She graduated six years ago but had quickly left the wizarding world and chose to live without magic among the muggles.
Tonks was surprised at Maya's choice to live in the muggle world. It was rare for most witches or wizards to spend so much time with muggles, especially those that weren't muggle born. Living among muggles meant constantly trying to hide your magical abilities. Most witches and wizards were more comfortable living near their own kind so they could be free to use magic whenever they wished. Tonks could tell Maya was a powerful witch. She could feel the powerful magic radiating off the older woman in front of her, but Maya didn't share any more information about her past or why she choose to avoid the wizarding world. Tonks didn't attempt to pry but she was deeply curious. Why would such a powerful witch give up magic completely? It wasn't until much later that Tonks would learn the heartache and sorrow that Maya hid from.
So one afternoon at the end of August, six years after their first meeting, Maya and Nymphadora Tonks sat at a kitchen table in Maya's small cottage in Bangor sipping tea from large mugs discussing the present situation in the wizarding world. Tonks had told Maya about the Tri-Wizard Tournament five months ago where Harry Potter, "The Boy Who Lived" had been abducted and the notorious dark wizard, Voldemort had returned. Since that time Maya had been doing what she could to keep up with events. She had started following the reports in The Daily Profit and Salem Times wizarding papers. The Profit had been doing an excellent job of making Potter sound like a crazy teen that was either delusional or at the very least a delinquent looking for attention. The Times wasn't anymore pro-Potter than the Profit. It was obvious that other than Dumbledore, most in the wizarding world did not believe that Voldemort had returned.
She was stunned that so few witches and wizards seemed to want to believe that he was back and the danger he posed to everyone, wizards and muggles alike. It seemed so much easier to believe that a teenage boy and a doddering old man were making up stories and rumors to put the world into turmoil. Maya had decided then that she needed to return to the wizarding world, she needed to use her magic to fight what others refused to see. She had to do anything she could to stem the inevitable flow of evil that was bound to begin now that Voldemort had returned.
"Maya, there are rumors everywhere about a Black Dragon in America, a witch or wizard working as some type of vigilante. I've heard them myself in the office. No one knows who this witch or wizard is or even for sure what side they're on. The Ministry is pretty sure it's someone powerful though, powerful enough that they've been hunting Death Eaters alone. Some of them have even been found dead. You wouldn't happen to know anything about this would you?" Tonks asked.
Maya said nothing for several minutes. She sat swirling the tea at the bottom of her mug. "Tonks, are you interrogating me?" She finally said.
Maya's personal mission had induced rumors of the Black Dragon by the US Magical Law Enforcement. The Ministry, who were adamantly refusing to admit Voldemort had returned, couldn't ignore the number of dark wizards that continued to be left for them to haul off to the magical prison, Azkaban. MLE knew the captures were the work of a wizard or witch but had not been able to even so much as catch a glimpse of her. They had no idea of her identity. What was worse, the papers and the public were aware that a citizen had taken matters into their own hands. The Ministry feared the public would lose faith in their authority and ability to maintain order. The Black Dragon was beginning to become a serious threat to the Ministry.
Tonks remained silent, thinking of the rumors she had heard. No one knew the identity of the witch or wizard who was leaving American Death Eaters for the MLE to bring in. Occasionally they had a habit of being dead when Aurors arrived. There had never been evidence of the use of Unforgivable curses but it was clear that the American vigilante did not hesitate in using deadly force to capture her prey.
"No Maya, I'm not interrogating you," Tonks began, her dark eyes looking down. "But I do have a pretty good idea of what you've been up to on your own and believe me I understand. As an Auror, I want to do everything I can to put an end to this war before the deaths begin to pile up. It's infuriating to watch the Ministry do nothing and deny what's happening right under their noses, but if you continue to attempt to do this on your own you'll be killed."
Maya began to protest, her blue eyes flashing dangerously. Just because she lived as a muggle didn't mean that she didn't know how to take care of herself. Maya was as well trained as any Auror. A cold fury had taken hold of her. She did not condone the use of Unforgivables, but if a death eater should die rather than be restrained until the US Magical Law Enforcement (MLE) wizards arrived so be it. There would be another cold empty cell in Azkaban available for one of his fellow Death Eaters.
Tonks sensed Maya's indignation and quickly added, "It's not a matter of your powers or skills as a witch. It's sheer numbers, Maya. If you continue to hunt the Death Eaters alone without anyone to watch your back you'll be slaughtered and the talent you could bring to this fight would be wasted." Bringing her dark eyes up to meet Maya's blue ones, Tonks paused to see the effect her words were having on her friend. "You'll either be killed fighting the Death Eaters or the Ministry will decide that you're too much of a threat. They don't like to be shown up in the public's eyes. They'll come after you, Maya. It's only a matter of time."
Maya was quiet for several minutes then let out a long sigh. It was obvious Tonks already had a good idea about what Maya was doing. "I'm surprised Tonks, that the rumors of the Black Dragon have reached across the pond," she said waiting for Tonks to put it all together. Tonks eyes widened in understanding.
"So it is you. I had my suspicions but-," Tonks started.
"I can take care of myself. I have no fear of Voldemort or of death. And if in the process of destroying him I can rid us of some of his followers all the better," she said with finality.
As an awkward silence stretched out between them, Maya found the need to justify herself to her close friend. "Tonks, I will not sit by and wait for the Ministry to see what is right in front of their faces. When they finally get around to admitting the truth it will be too late. You know me better than that!"
"I'm not suggesting that at all," Tonks finally spoke. After a pause a thoughtful look crossed her young face. "Would you be interested in returning to London?" Tonks asked.
"I don't know, Tonks. I haven't been home for so long. Why do you ask?"
"I happen to know of an... organization that has come together to take up the fight against Voldemort since his return. We've found that we can do much more working together than separately." Tonks' eyes sparkled with passion as she reveled in the brilliance of her plan. She would not let her friend continue this suicide mission, especially when she could bring so much skill and talent to the Order.
Maya wasn't sure she was interested in being part of a group. She worked better alone. "I don't know Tonks, I've only just returned to the wizarding world..."
"There's only one other member in the Order who matches your stealth...the greasy git," Tonks mumbled the last part under her breath causing Maya to raise an eyebrow in amused interest. "But his 'skills' often take him on other missions. They could use your talent. We each bring unique and valuable skills to the cause."
Tonks knew she was taking a great risk telling Maya about the Order. She was a new member herself and had never been given permission by Dumbledore to tell anyone about the Order or to recruit new members. She bit her lip, nervously twirling the tea in her mug, waiting for Maya to say something.
Maya felt her resolve begin to crumble at the pleading look on her friend's face and she let out another sigh. "Okay..." she paused. "What if I were to consider joining this little resistance group of yours...What next?"
This time it was Tonks who let out her own sigh of relief. "Well," Tonks thought carefully about the proper way to go about this. "With your permission I will approach the Order and present your official request to join."
The thought of no longer hunting alone was beginning to appeal to Maya. She had been alone for a long time. Tonks had been the only person she had really allowed into her life since her parents died. Even romantic relationships tended to last one night. She wanted as few 'entanglements' as possible. If you didn't let anyone in then you couldn't lose them. "Go ahead then, Tonks. Make your request to the Order if it means so much to you. If they will have me I'll join. You're my only true friend you know. I can't stand to see you fretting on my account."
A wide grin spread across Tonks' face. "Thank you, Maya." Standing to take her mug to the sink Tonks foot caught in the rug in front of the kitchen sink. Tonks went sprawling across the kitchen sending the mug flying across the floor. Both women erupted into laughter, Maya from her seat at the table and Tonks from the floor.
Maya bent down to peer under the table at Tonks on the floor. "Tonks," she said. "It's going to be an experience living in such close proximity to you. What if your clumsiness rubs off on me? What type of stealthy Black Dragon would I be then?" She muttered, "Repairo," and the mug righted itself and levitated to the sink.
"There should be no danger of contagion. The other Order members have managed to be immune to my clumsiness," Tonks replied through giggles.
"You know, I have almost an entirely American accent now. Everyone back home is going to think I'm a bloody tourist," Maya said as she offered the young Auror a hand. As Tonks bounced up her hair changed from honey blonde curls to bright pink spikes.
"No worries," Tonks said as seriously as she could with bright pink hair. "The Order members are all terrific... well except for one, but I'm sure he's no match for the Black Dragon."
"Ah," Maya said. "We must be back to the 'greasy git' again. I must say you have my curiosity peaked. He sounds like quite the scoundrel. The Dragon may just have to take you up on your challenge." She showed her own cheeky grin to match the one on Tonks' face. In an instant both women were laughing again. It was long time before they settled back down to their monthly routine of girl talk and comfort food.
"So..." Maya began glad to move the conversation to lighter topics. "Tell me more about this Mr. Wonderful who has put this mischievous glint in your eyes!" Tonks blushed deeply and both women laughed again as Tonks began to tell Maya about 'Mr. Wonderful'.
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A copper haired wizard with three days' worth of beard looked quickly behind him as he approached the abandoned house. He swore, having heard footsteps behind him before he rounded the corner. Quickly, he made his way to the back door, spelled to look padlocked and boarded up. A wave of his wand and he moved through the door. He stepped into the darkened room. "Lumos," he muttered, casting the room in a dim light. He expected his contact to arrive at any moment.
"Petrificus Totalus!" a voice yelled from across the room. He felt all of his muscles freeze, sending him crashing to the floor.
'That's not Connell,' the wizard thought angrily. Connell would have known better then to attack a Death Eater. Connell, an American importer was more concerned with galleons than politics. Attacking his customers was not likely to get him repeat business and would be very likely to get him killed. The Death Eater's neck had frozen at an odd angle, and he had landed chest down. He could not see his attacker, but he could hear boots on the dusty wooden floor. The hard toe of a boot nudged him. His attacker mumbled a spell and levitated him onto his back.
As he turned he got a glimpse of his enemy. He instantly recognized the blond with the hazel eyes from the coffee shop. She had been ordering a latte when he walked into the shop that morning. 'How in Merlin's name did he get bested by a woman?' he thought incredulously.
He could feel her slender hands go into his pockets and pull out his wand, the list of items he had been hired to smuggle, and his wallet. The witch muttered a revealing spell, and if he could have spoken he would have cursed. She would now have his true name and the list, everything but his employer's name. He had not heard her send for help, or could he hear any sign of reinforcements so he guessed she was not an Auror. Not with the Ministry then?
He could feel the muscles in his arms beginning to twitch back to life and he tried to move. The blond witch anticipated his move, and before he could make any progress, she cried "Incarcerous!" He was bound with ropes and spun onto his chest again. This time she placed her booted foot square in his back to insure he didn't go anywhere.
"Not so fast, Porter," she said tauntingly. "For a wanted man you weren't doing such a great job of concealing yourself."
He still couldn't move his tongue enough to speak.
"I found you weeks ago but I wanted the list," she said, re-folding the sheet of paper and placing it in her pocket.
He thought he had enough strength in his legs to push up. The witch wasn't very big. He pushed with all the strength his legs he could muster. With his arms bound at chest level and hands behind his back, he could only make it to his knees, pushing the witch back several feet.
She wasn't caught off guard for long and landed a quick blow to the back of his head, knocking him back down with a sickening crunch to his nose. He could taste blood trickling from his nose and mouth now. He saw a flash of light but never heard the spell as his vision instantly dimmed and he knew no more.
Maya Ladon quickly pocketed the folded paper and snapped the wanted man's wand in two, leaving the broken pieces by his sides along with his identification. The powerful spell she had used would leave Porter unconscious for hours, but she added another Incarcerous spell for good measure. She sent an anonymous message to the Auror Tip Office, giving Porter's location and identity. With the Aurors on their way, she quickly searched the rest of the hideout for any other useful information and then came back to the front room to check on Porter. Still unconscious, he had a broken nose but remained otherwise in one piece. This was a plus.
She was cutting time close and the Ministry would be tracing any apparition or port-key use. She slipped out the back door into the yard, and within seconds she had transfigured into a large dragon and leaped into the air just as the Aurors were arriving. Maya hid quickly under the cover of the low clouds and out of sight.
As Maya made her way across the sky, a wizard cloaked in a long overcoat, his face hidden in shadow, watched from the neighboring yard. 'So, I must be looking at the Black Dragon,' he thought. A woman was the Dragon? No wonder they had made no progress learning the Dragon's identity. They had never suspected a woman! The Dragon always seemed to be one step ahead of them. He, or rather she, knew where the Death Eaters were going to be before they did. But now they finally had a face to aid them in the search for the Black Dragon. The Death Eaters would pay nicely for that bit of information. He quickly made his way through the backyards to the neighboring street and disappeared with a pop.