Chapter 1
The Ancients Obelisk
July 27 1943, USA Boston Massachusetts
Adira sat by her kitchen window watching fog and tiny droplets fall on the glass, outside a building faced her house an exact match to her own and the one next to that and the one next to that and so on.
These neighborhoods were rampant throughout the city and all were just as repetitive as the last, her mother could afford to live somewhere nicer but living in no mag Boston as a mixed couple with half black kids had limited housing options, even if the magical community had no issue with it, no mag Boston certainly did.
She felt bad for her father who was still having some trouble getting used to living in the cramped apartment, a muggle-born who was rejected by his family for marrying a black woman, not because he was magical but because they couldn't accept who he loved. Nothing she could do about it though.
A record played amapola in the living room making the dreary day clash with the song violently.
Her parents and two sisters were out and that left her all alone with an old scruffy cat (her aunt left with them) on the table staring at her expectantly.
Having two rooms (living room and kitchen) on the first floor and three on the second (bathroom and two bedrooms) made her wonder on how much space she would be getting at Hogwarts to relax, times like now were rare in the chaotic home especially when adding magic to the mix.
Being surrounded by no mag's made it near impossible to not get caught and reprimanded by MACUSA but her family consistently risked exposure for the dumbest reasons.
Like having flying pots and pans open to the public through their windows or dumb pranks her sisters would set up around the neighborhood.
The last few weeks had been oddly calm compared to her fifth years chaotic testing spree she endured, she wasn't complaining about the needed rest, just that it left her with her thoughts and that did bother her greatly.
But like usual Adira couldn't stop herself and she reflected on her last year at Ilvermorny, she was still angry at Nefas for ditching her in fifth year.
They made up the trio of the horned serpent and then she unceremoniously made it a duo.
The worst part had been that she and Cyprus had only awkwardly small talked in her absence. Where Cyprus was a pureblood from the "noble" Ludovisi family (in her opinion they were just a bunch of crooks). Adira was a half blood (which she suspected Nefas was too) with a boisterous family that couldn't navigate through a social situation without dropping some slang into each sentence (she blamed that on her muggleborn father).
Cyprus studied like no ones business and could recite word for word what a textbook said and Adira excelled in practical magic, not random facts about wizarding history.
Well she could only say at first that was what would happen but the last few weeks it seemed like they realized they were friends before hand and didn't need Nefas per say, only for her to make it less awkward.
The strengthened friendship didn't help the sting of being left behind though-
In the middle of her tangent a knock on the door startled her enough to make her jump and bang her knee on the metal of the table, proceeded by the cat promptly leaving for the quiet upstairs.
Maneuvering around the table and down the hall she perched on her toes looking out the peephole, much to her dismay it was her cruddy neighbor jack McKinnon "cm'on I know you're not bout to skip, need a place to avoid Danny, owe him some major moolah" he rubs his fingers back and forth as he said his last words as if to further make his point and as usual he chooses the least elegant way to express his thoughts and when she least wants to see him (all the time).
In jerky motions Adira slips off the locks making a ruckus appearing as if the house was more secure than it really was, before Jack got any ideas and would start spoutin to the neighborhood gang (that he was a little too friendly with) about an "easy target".
Finally, after she was satisfied he got the message she slammed the door open and before she could get a word in edgewise he brushes past her holding a bloody nose muttering something along the lines of "Towns got peepers everywhere" she made sure as he brushed past her to the living room to slap him good on the backside of his fat head.
"I warned you he was bad news, been like that ever since he got mixed up in hooch" she half yelled at the numbskull
"ease up will ya, it was a one time screw up"
"that nut seems swanky n'all but he just hooks kids like you into his hairbrain schemes"
"but have you seen the dames he's got around I would risk it all to get a look at em again" his last statement stepped on her nerves just a tad too much for her liking and she stormed into the kitchen with him pathetically yelling behind her.
After some time to calm herself by staring at the stupid chicken painting her mother loved to make front and center in the kitchen to any occupant.
She pulled the rusting freezer handle up to get some ice out.
Setting aside the ice on a towel she got some sheets and carried it all back to the ungrateful prick throwing it at his face. "Owww you tryin to break my nose even more" he said with a sullen glare. Adira just sat across from him on an obnoxiously floral couch resting her arms on her knees.
For a good while they sat like that in silence with an occasional rustle from him adjusting the melting ice. "What are you doing here" was all she broke the silence with,
he looked at her cautiously before responding.
"been goin round that n'september you'll be gone for good" he almost looked sad when saying it, even when intensely staring at the shredded carpet. She just stared at the bleeding boy, it made years of pestering make so much more sense, even if the dolt didn't know it he seemed to care for her in a weird way. She leaned back exhaling exaggeratedly "I don't know who told you that but I'm just going to a boarding school in Scotland this year, so it won't be all that different than before" at this he looked slightly relieved but still a tad disappointed for what she could not say.
Before what was happening could continue she decided getting all warm and cozy with the boy would not help the mission she was on, she had to be focused and unburdened and what was happening was not helping.
Though she knew their endeavors would be better if the whole trio was involved, sadly Nefas had not reacted so well to the idea and she had to obliviate her friend, a fact that still haunted her.
If Nefas had joined she had no doubt her odd friend would invent some weird contraption to sniff out dark wizards or witches.
But that was life, and instead of jumping at the idea of joining she reacted quite violently, something that made her cousin accuse Nefas of being apart of nefarious activities.
Before she got sucked into her own thoughts again she abruptly stood up and curtly said "my parents should be home soon Jack I think you need to go"
He looked at her a bit startled at her quick change in tone but recognized to not question her when she got like that, things got weird when he pushed it. So the scrawny boy ran out as fast as possible.
When she slid the last lock back into place she rested her head against the wood of the chipping door, closing her eyes in hopes to properly work through the stressful reminder he had given her about the year to come.
She had almost gotten the looming thoughts of her coming school year out of her head but it seemed she'd have to face the stressful project ahead of her.
She wouldn't lie and say she was fine because she was just downright terrified, her cousins monologue on the possible torture if found out didn't do much to ease on this fear.
Her cousins source apparently came from the school itself, he said he wouldn't disclose who it was, only that they were reliable and that the group was dangerous and blood fanatics, so Cheryl would have to be extra careful especially with the last name Smith, the most no mag name possible.
She was certain that Cyprus and herself would get into Ravenclaw at least from what Cyprus said about the house and that made it less intimidating thinking that she wouldn't have to be in an house alone.
August 16 1943 England London Diagon alley
Twilfitt and Tatting's was an odd little shop Cyprus had certainly never seen anything like it in Salem, clothing shops in Salem caught her eye for the very reason it didn't for others, a tucked away shop with one medium window and small door with cloth and garments haphazardly thrown about.
The unassuming buildings were exactly the type to draw her in because she and her family prided themselves on seeing beyond one's exterior, in their case to use people but for her it was to find hidden gems and unappreciated beauties.
Though the one she currently stood in seemed to be for the richer and high society, she supposed she shouldn't be to picky as new experiences should not be fought.
Dust lightly floated around me as the bell sounded alerting the lady shuffling around some piles "oie, you scared me dearie" the woman squeakily exclaimed holding her hand to her chest "I apologize I should have been more gracious when entering" my voice takes on an awkward edge and I blush deeply trying to play off my nervousness.
"An American ey, I can't say I expected you lot to be here with the muggles war and Grindelwald about" the mousy old woman said through squinted eyes as if it would help giver her an answer.
I awkwardly clear my throat "I'm transferring to Hogwarts this year, myself and a few friends and I'm in need of some robes and I thought I would get some new robes here given I have the excuse to shop in London".
The lady smiles broadly making her seem more old if possible "of course, of course I'll fit you with the best robes money can buy" she said winking and proceeded to walk into the back, when the lady came back she had fine looking cloth and measuring tapes floating around "now I noticed the cumbersome satchel you have there so I assume you will have no issue with price" the woman said with her grin seeming a tad more mischievous.
"What works best is fine" I shakily said hoping not to upset the woman, I was the worst in shops always feeling like I had to get something once I go in in order not to offend the owner.
The woman stared her measurements and a chaotic mess began with everything happening at once with little ribbons tightened around me then off and away over and over the moment next the lady gathers all the material and starts pinning it to my body with robes flying on and off of me during that time she had somehow undressed me without knowing.
I had no time to react as the lady didn't stop for a moments rest and kept going at this insane rate.
The whole ordeal ended in an hour and forty five minutes later, the woman waved after me with a broad grin and wishes of my return.
But once in a quill shop I notice I am short on my galleon count and no matter how many times I count it remains the same.
The total of my purchase was 123 galleons and I was 27 short, I could hear my cousin's voice in my ear the coot stole your money, how did you fall for it she was clearly pining after your purse! And I had to admit it was fishy but I wasn't going to blame an old lady first chance I got when I could have just as easily lost the money.
Soon the crowded streets were getting a little too overwhelming for me to handle so I opted to find a street that was less inhabited and perhaps come across some hidden gems.
As I maneuvered through the crowds to my chosen spot, a person who wore all black with a hood and short Victorian like dress and laced back like a corset brushed past me and as I turned I swore I saw the familiar slightly curved nose, big brown eyes, thick lashes, and curling wave of auburn hair that I could only ever see on with my fickle cousin.
I pause for a moment as a ringing grows in my ears, it doesn't make any sense, surely she would have contacted herself or Adira and from her knowledge Nefas has done neither.
Before I lose the figure I push through people, forgoing the apologies to save time and catch up to the person. I run along the path as the figure goes deeper into a shady looking area.
I pause remembering the warning Pavidus had given her "why would anyone object to the right thing, who would defend the dark arts if one was not using it themselves. Honestly the girl is the sketchiest person I know and you'd do well to leave her be and pursue the evil in this world".
Dread wracked my body as I stood at the entrance of the dark alley, she was family and that had to have been a stranger there was no way she would go somewhere like this and I will trust my cousin and let this go the reasonable side of me protests.
Staring down the alley I see the figure getting close to a corner, letting it go because I trust her.
Before I consciously registered my legs moving of their own accord I thought I could truly trust her but when I processed the cool swift pace of myself and the figure of my fascination remaining in my sights knew I had to know and couldn't let it go no matter how hard I tried.
Leering strangers called to me from their crooks and crannies sometimes reaching out to touch me and I just quickly move forward keeping my sight on the figure.
I follow for what feels like forever and with each twist I realize I have no way of getting out but I continue to push on, for at the very least I'll find out the truth.
It almost shocks me when the figure quickly disappears into a shop and to me ending this excursion, I look at the sign and it seems innocent enough Borgin and Burkes it spells out in fading paint, I try to look into the dusty windows but realize I can just enter the shop myself if I want a good look.
A bell rings off and I notice the figure must have walked around the shop because all I see at first is a group of boys around my age and to put it lightly a crusty looking man behind the counter.
The man barely looks her way and barks "you're in the wrong place girly go back to sugarplum's Sweets Shop" he says with a choking chuckle. My face is instantly red and I indignantly sputter and as per my luck the most attractive of the group just raises a dark eyebrow at me with a perfect poker face plastered on.
But soon the rest of the shop begins to creep into my focus and a grotesque image pieces itself together before me.
Old wood that looks to be burned makes up all of the furniture and wall space, display cases and shelves lined with cobwebs and suspicious items most varying from dark sludgy bottles and old angry looking boxes or antiques shoved into free spaces as an iron maiden lurks in the back like a murderous watchdog.
In a lazy yet elegant tone the beautiful boy brings me back and says "Abraxas perhaps you can escort this young woman back to the proper streets before she gets herself into trouble, these parts are no place for a lady such as herself" The blonde nods slightly and approaches me with his arm extended and in the moment I was too taken by surprise by what I just processed to fully remember what I was doing therefore I felt I witnessed something important I just couldn't place what.
I'm lead out of the shop quickly and begin turning sharp corners that blur my vision, I keep up out of fear of what'll happen if I fall.
" Abraxas Malfoy, I don't believe I've met you before" he said with his hand extended and it seemed as though he was teetering on the edge of distance and tolerance.
"Cyprus Ludovisi, myself and a few friends are transferring for sixth year" His pale eyebrows rose and he plastered a pleasant look on his face "a Ludovisi, I was told the family moved to America a while back but it's certainly a pleasure to make your acquaintance, and may I be the first pre welcome you to our school" , "thank you" I mumbled feeling a tad uncomfortable around the boy at the mention of my family.
I wasn't quite sure how much he knew of them but I'd rather not find out what he does know.
When my unlikely companion and I made it back to the main shopping area I attempted to break free of his grasp pathetically offering a "thank you for showing me the way out, but I best be going my way, mother said to meet her soon".
Alas luck was not on my side this day as he tightly pulled me back bringing my ear close to his mouth "It would be no trouble to take you there myself, we can agree that it would be for be best for you not to get lost again lest you end up in some real trouble" I had a feeling he left out 'again' to the end of that sentence.
This certainly put that group of boys on the top of my suspects list for the identities of suspicious group dwelling in Hogwarts.
I didn't think the answer was just handed to me on a platter like that but it was certainly somewhere to start, group of boys in a dark shop like that who also go to my school.
At the very least they'd have information on the wawodp in the school (witches and wizards of dark practices) an acronym I'm working on to group the dark bastards were going after in Hogwarts.
Luckily my mother had been early and was already waiting for me when I got to the leaky cauldron, with a badly hidden disgust for the common "filth" she was enduring waiting for her daughter.
I hadn't fought Malfoy too much on leading me back purely because once I thought about it I realized I actually didn't know the way back from where we were.
When I made a move towards my mother I had expected Malfoy to walk back to the cracks he came from but instead the boy once again interfered with my wishes.
The brash boy walked straight up to my mother and proceeded to have a lengthy conversation about some of the worst things you could possibly talk about in front of me with my parents (at least in my book).
"Mises Ludovisi a pleasure" before my mother could ask the usual 'status and name' he pulled her hand to his mouth and kissed her tense jeweled hands. "Likewise Mr…?" she drawled in an indignant tone "Abraxas Malfoy, pureblood" and somehow he said it like it was the most obvious thing but still with aristocratic politeness to it.
Immediately my mother completely changed from her previous tone to a sickeningly sweet one "oh how lovely Mr. Malfoy, I'm glad my daughter was escorted back by such a fine young man, instead of the street filth I've been seeing all around here" I could feel a headache coming on "glad to do so, any young pureblood lady should not be left alone in places so freely roamed by dangerous thugs"
I could sense the progression of the conversation so I cut in before it escalated too far "I believe you two have forgotten we are in a very public place and would do well to not insult those who have done nothing"
My mother immediately looked thunderous at her imprudent daughter who would dare speak out of turn in the presence of "proper" company.
Malfoy just seemed amused and slightly intrigued at the thought of me being a "blood traitor". "I believe she's just had quite the day of shopping, nothing ludicrous meant by her words I'm sure" my mother squeezed out the words as she grabbed my arm and quickly moved for the floo calling out her goodbyes to the boy and as the green fire consumed me.
I could hear Malfoys last words said with a blank look and a sinking feeling settled in me for the bid farewell felt like it meant something more, that I was missing something important
"of course misses Ludovisi, it's been a pleasure"
August 30 1943 within the rain-forests between Zambia and Zaire
Thorned branches whipped across my bare legs,
in my dumb attempt to cool off I shortened my loose pants and those same short pants now slowed me in my attempt to run from the mad Tebo I had dumbly crossed paths with.
In my defense it was invisible at first… well still is but the bore like grunts are unmistakable, so with the bramble cutting up my legs further provoking the beast with my bleeding scent and the loud but useable stamping around me pushing me further into the maze like forest I can only think of one thing.
IM CERTAINLY NOT MAKING THAT MY FAMILIAR,
yes in the pursuit of finding an animal companion I've gone to the extremes and gone to the one continent that I know has the familiar for me and dangerous Tebos.
My muscles start burning and I know I need to think quickly before I become some crispy bacon to the beast.
In moments like these I'm reminded why my extremes are so useful, even when running I pull my wand to me and in a second it's now in my hand.
Quickly dodging through the trees in the hope that it buys me some time I point the wand up and
Ascendio
with that I'm flying in the air and the whacking branches move from my legs to my whole body being sent through the branches of my chosen tree. Then soon after I painfully get the wind knocked out of me landing on a branch, I pull myself together securing my spot in the tree to not fall off.
Now normally I would like to think a wild animal would be no issue to deal with but that is only when I can SEE IT.
Below grunts and angry thumps hit the tree shaking it slightly, I decide to wait out the Tebo till it leaves me be.
I certainly underestimated the animals prowess because the pig like beast was there even as it started to cool hours later. I also overestimated my ability to stay conscious as matted sweat covered hair blew in the wind and my exhausted body gave in to tempting rest it dearly needed.
Darkness with nocturnal hoots and calls surrounded me in what felt like a blink and in my hazy state and I was put on edge, one moment my eyes close then bam, it felt like a switch had suddenly turned and everything was upside down.
Something moves around my neck and torso and I hear what sounds like soft whispers, this doesn't process fully in my mind because I see something that has always made everything in the world feel like it slows to a halt.
Unnatural in earth's landscape and otherworldly being the only way to describe it, but will always fall short to what is felt when in the presence of it.
The emotional response from myself never dulls in all my encounters with the strange structures, it feels like it knows and breaths and watches, my eyes water as it feels like the air is being sucked out of me. My head feels like electricity is quietly liquefying it, bile rises in my throat and my stomach feels worse than any motion sickness.
My eyes focus on the ominous but familiar faint glow of an ancients obelisk (as I've taken to calling them).
I had found them all over the globe, I had no answers for what they were, for no matter how far I went back, the time they were made never intersected with even the earliest human history.
The materials (of the mostly underground structures) they were made of had matched nothing I have come across in all of my life and no matter what I tried I still knew nothing more about them other than the visceral reaction organic animals have to them.
They often had angular cuts that were more precise than should be possible for people to make at any point in time.
A black shiny stone like material made up the solid parts of them, but saying stone like was the only close description to it, it was nothing like stone, too uniform, too dark, too much wrongness but matched nothing else any better. It by nature looked like nothing created or seen on this earth.
The glowing was the worst part, all along the surface and around certain clusters this energy would flow through it like a pulse going out in directions with grid like patterns of straight lines sharply turning left, right, down, and up and with the clusters the energy would spin around with layers slightly misaligned below but perfectly parallel at a slant then fizz out when it got too high and a new line began below.
It could be considered magic but it was also something more and no doubt technology played a part in it somewhere.
These structures were where I had first started my crazed pursuits and where I based a lot of the inspiration with the things I had made.
But even after diligently avoiding going near them for some years, here one sat calling out dissolving all other things around me and bringing me back to what feels like the start.
It made it feel like everything else was just a distraction I made for myself to prolong something important, something to with these weird structures, I just didn't know what it was.
when something moves again I fully acknowledge the movement.
Thankfully snapping me out of my stupor and bringing my mind back to the present. Carefully I cast Lumos and am greeted by something that makes me want to stare at the obelisk like an imperioed fool again, it seemed that a cold blooded reptile when faced with the cooling night had sought out the closest warmth it could find and that closest warmth just happened to be myself.
So the vicious black mamba that had currently made itself home around my neck and body left me understandably paralyzed and with the disruption of light coming from my wand it tightened around me irritated and flicking its tongue at the offending object.
I was tempted to curse it to bits by mere instinct, but from what I knew I could not cast faster than the strike of the terrifying snake and in the eyes of the creature I was pushing it already with the light I was holding.
I pull my wand away and resign to lay still till daylight, in hopes that the snake wouldn't need my body heat anymore and not attack me in the time it took for that to happen.
More importantly this familiar quest was clearly coming to a close, with the school year starting in two days (technically one) and if a week and a half hadn't turned up anything, less than a day was not nearly enough time to get the companion I wanted.
The obelisk showing up also put a bad taste in my mouth and was a definite sign that it was time to leave, as soon as possible.
