A/N: Back again...miss me? You shouldn't, I posted less than 24 hours ago. We're actually starting to get to the point here...
NOTE: As mentioned somewhere in chapter one, Spirits have access to all knowledge once in their own country. That's how they know about Sirius. They also can tell a lot about someone by looking at them, but in most cases do not overuse their knowledge. VERY important for the future. SPECIAL THANKS to Kav (KaitzeeDaysi) for beta-ing this chapter!
Disclaimer: Joanne Rowling owns all things that have been previously mentioned in her series. I myself own the idea of Spirits and Roamers, and any OCs that come up (a majority of the main characters, as a general rule, were already dead). If you wish to use any of the themes mentioned, please e-mail me and we'll talk.
Chapter Three: Of Appearences and Former Friends
"Appearance, appearance..."
The three were now sitting alone, as the meeting had ended. They were the only ones who had not immediately begun their travels, as there was a bit more to their job than staying unnoticed. They would have to convince Dumbledore to trust them, and without him learning of who they are. If they could manage something of that magnitude, it would be a near miracle. Now that all their plans were set, it was high time to attempt to put it to use.
"We should do our own. I refuse to trust James with my appearance. The last time I did that, I ended up looking like my old neighbor's dog." Lily's words were met with another round of laughter, which was a general part of a spirit's existence. Because they had died, the world was now in another perspective, which overlapped that of their former.
"And nothing like our own," Cedric said thoughtfully, "Because any memory probably won't work in our favor."
Methodically, they began. It was simple, really: the only object necessary was to concentrate on whatever the form they wished to take. The only problem that was ever encountered was distraction, which, more often than not, occurred in the youngest's, and therefore, not as likely to be assigned something of the sort, case.
As time slowly passed, differences became visible in all three. Lily's hair, brilliant red, inched into a very light brown, as her eyes slowly mixed into a darkened aquamarine. James' unruly hair became straight and grew slightly as the now dark brown strands fell into his now silver eyes. Cedric, who not only had to change appearance but also age, took the form of about twenty three, with sand-colored hair and odd, brown streaked eyes.
"I don't think anyone could recognize us," Lily commented. "But the point is to look inconspicuous. Could you have done a little better?"
Cedric shook his head with a grin. "Books are very good for inspiration, did you know?"
She groaned. "I didn't think that The Dark is Rising was that good."
His grin grew wider. "It wasn't."
James, who had been in a mixture of thought and reaccepting knowledge, intervened. "We can't tell anyone anything...what if we make a mistake? There's no way to prevent that..."
"I think that we should be safe," Cedric responded. "As long as we don't give ourselves any sign of knowing things we shouldn't. For a start, that Black is innocent, and the Tournament. And if anyone asks how we know that Voldemort is back, it's because our friend was told and notified us. That should be enough to keep them occupied."
Elana chose this moment to reappear. "You're still here, lucky enough. I don't think we covered one very important part of the mission." Her voice contained a tone of a different sort of importance, suggesting she shouldn't be interrupted. She nodded at their appearances and continued. "As a general rule, you aren't going to be following some of the rules. It's fair enough. The Roamers have started to break theirs, and we have some layaway until they return to their own. For the most part, the only rule, which you will break, is the rule of intervention. You may and should intervene in human affairs, as long as you keep yourself hidden. This may be difficult, but it is vital. A very reliable source has informed us that there is almost no support in the living, and no knowledge. Rather, unaccepted knowledge. You are to go no further than is necessary. Understood?" She said this all considerably fast.
Rather dumbly, the three nodded. The "rules", as she had put them, were much deeper than a set of restrictions and consequences. Moreover, it was a type of taboo: doing anything out of the line would not result in punishment, but it was unthinkable to do so. Naturally, the Roamers did so all the time, but the Spirits were much more respective of the tradition-like setting. Only when ordered by the head of a Circle would a Spirit do something of the type, and even then such would only be done in extreme circumstances. An order like this had only happened once before--the battle of Slytherin, and that had been the greatest and most painful battle between Dark and Light in the history of time. As well as striking them speechless, it had also left an ominous feeling about them of what was to come. Other taboos were observed in similar seriousness, but were occasionally broken, depending on the Circle head.
The woman, however, was not stupid, and had sensed their unease. "Come, now, don't think like that. This is only as a precaution. You will be doing something that isn't quite within line, but it's preferable to them all dying, correct? Do you want a force ten times as big?"
The effect of her words was to leave Cedric, if not them all, in even more worry. "No...But..." It was hard to find the words to express the thoughts that were running through all of them. To intervene in a world which they had left, perhaps for the better, and to relive the things they had thought best forgotten...
As usual, Elana understood what was left unsaid. To a point, she was closest to them all; she understood things about them that only their best friends could have. "It's hard," she said, slightly more gentle, "But for the best. Even if you cannot interact with those around you, wouldn't you prefer it than to having them join you, or possibly not?"
There was another moment of silence, which, considering the fact that they now had all of time, was common. Living forever in this manner was not something to enjoy. It was a choice made by the young, and no others; the wisdom of their years led them to a more sensible decision. Watching the world go by, watching everything you had known fade into nothingness, and to return again and again, was painful. Still, Elana had been saying something between the words, in a way of silent praise as well as a soft chides; they had gotten this far, and had no other choice but to continue.
"That should be enough, then," Elana said, voice breaking the silence without shattering it. "Briana, William, and Alexander," she spoke, using the names they had created for themselves, " You're free to go. Kindly attempt to reappear either at the gates or within the forest? It won't be easy to stay inconspicuous if you reappear in an Anti-Apparition zone. And good luck, as far as you can take the term!"
She vanished at these words. 'Briana' took 'William's hand and said, "Well, here goes nothing." The three, for the second time of the day, disappeared in unison.
*** The group reappeared in the middle of the Forbidden Forest, as had been asked. While the forest might give a sense of gloom to others, it was quite nice to them. For one thing, they were already dead, and therefore could not get hurt or killed. For another, the little familiarity with the area was comforting, in a way that would not be painful.
Or, at least, would not have been, if it wasn't for two inhabitants which caused slight discomfort to Lily and James and left Cedric feeling somewhat lost and in the place of an outsider.
In fact, only one of the two was human by appearance, and one was in actuality--though their positions were in fact switched. A very large, black dog and a werewolf by the name of Remus Lupin were in careful trek in a direction which could only be the Hogwarts grounds.
With the immediately instinctive common sense the trio made themselves invisible at once. Not for the first time, James and Lily both felt an overpowering relief of the odd magic-like abilities graced to them as spirits. It simply would not do to have their friends recognize them in one way or another.
"Now what do we do?" The voice of Cedric reverberated through their heads, snapping them back into consciousness.
"Take another path?" James suggested silently.
"I can't believe you two!" Lily scoffed. As if proving a point, she paused and then continued, "Reappear at the gates, for God's sake!"
James and Cedric shared a sheepish look (not really exchanged, as neither could see the other) and did as Lily had suggested. Once in sight, she continued her lecture, this time out loud. "Honestly..."
James mocked a glare. "Oh, Briana, give it a rest." He punctuated his remark by kissing her on the cheek. While not seeming to mind the kiss, Lily responded with the same look, "It's true enough, William..."
Cedric, who, by now, was beginning to get a bit more than annoyed at the antics of the two. He eyed the very familiar grounds as he saw the two they had seen before reappear from the forest. Both Lily and James followed his example. Professor Dumbledore--for some reason, he still thought of the man as a teacher--had met them, and was now in quick and quiet conversation. Ignoring his two companions, who were now laughing over something or another, he advanced his gaze across the familiar grounds.
Remember, he coached himself, You're Alexander Matten. English father and American mother, went to a private school for magic in Connecticut, wherever that is, and are with those two to offer help. Like you'll need that much anyway. The last thoughts set a small smile on his face; "those two" seemed very pleasantly oblivious to their surroundings. Deciding that he'd been gentle enough, he embarked himself into their thoughts.
"Now that you've decided to look up, could we continue?"
Both had a sheepish look upon hearing his words. "Er..." James began.
Cedric laughed, relieved. "It's fine, just try not doing that too much. Suspicion."
Relieved, the three trekked across the lawn, letting silence overtake them. Dumbledore, who was still in deep conversation with man and dog, didn't seem to realize they were there, but as they neared, he lifted his head and motioned them over.
Immediately, it was obvious that both Remus and the dog that was Sirius were deeply suspicious of them. Not that any of the three could blame them, but, for 'Briana' and 'William', it was a hard-struck blow. So was reading their characters: a deep pain seemed to flow off of them both. None of the three attempted to read Dumbledore; as with Elana, it was sheer impossibility.
"And who might you be?" His voice didn't seem to hold much surprise, or suspicion, which was far from expected. In fact, all had the strangest idea, impossible yet: that he knew.
"William and Briana Parre and Alexander Matten, sir," James said crisply. The contrast in his voice only minutes before, filled with laughter, to the professionalism of his current tone, was shocking."We came to speak with you about a certain...issue." He put emphasis on his words, suggesting plainly what the issue was without crossing any border.
"Ah," said Dumbledore, his eyes truly unreadable. The sparkle was faint, mixed with sorrow, but was there all the same. "I believe this will take some time. Perhaps it'd be best if you came to my office..."
The reaction given was nothing short of a miracle. "Does he know?" Lily's voice was lined with anxiety. It was hard enough being here, with friends so close and yet out of reach, but if he already knew...
"We'll find out soon enough," replied Cedric in a tone of reassurance, but the truth was he was wondering about it himself. They followed Dumbledore slowly, nervousness slowly sinking in, and a wordless decision was made. At least for now, it would not be enough to act their character; they would have to attempt to become it.
Reviews:
Kay: *Red* Really? You seem to like it better than I do. I agree that The Bonds That Tie is good...very good. P.A.R is a good writer.
AngelOnFire: Er...are you feeling all right? I'm going to take that as a compliment...because I don't know what else it could be o_O
Kaitzee: Kav, you figured it out! Amazing! *Rolls eyes* I don't think this would work if that didn't happen. Slow start: we don't get anywhere near the plot for a considerable while. Thanks a bunch, my Potter-Sister...those boards are REALLY annoying, aren't they? And thanks a ton for beta-ing...
VyingQuill: Thanks!
NOTE: As mentioned somewhere in chapter one, Spirits have access to all knowledge once in their own country. That's how they know about Sirius. They also can tell a lot about someone by looking at them, but in most cases do not overuse their knowledge. VERY important for the future. SPECIAL THANKS to Kav (KaitzeeDaysi) for beta-ing this chapter!
Disclaimer: Joanne Rowling owns all things that have been previously mentioned in her series. I myself own the idea of Spirits and Roamers, and any OCs that come up (a majority of the main characters, as a general rule, were already dead). If you wish to use any of the themes mentioned, please e-mail me and we'll talk.
Chapter Three: Of Appearences and Former Friends
"Appearance, appearance..."
The three were now sitting alone, as the meeting had ended. They were the only ones who had not immediately begun their travels, as there was a bit more to their job than staying unnoticed. They would have to convince Dumbledore to trust them, and without him learning of who they are. If they could manage something of that magnitude, it would be a near miracle. Now that all their plans were set, it was high time to attempt to put it to use.
"We should do our own. I refuse to trust James with my appearance. The last time I did that, I ended up looking like my old neighbor's dog." Lily's words were met with another round of laughter, which was a general part of a spirit's existence. Because they had died, the world was now in another perspective, which overlapped that of their former.
"And nothing like our own," Cedric said thoughtfully, "Because any memory probably won't work in our favor."
Methodically, they began. It was simple, really: the only object necessary was to concentrate on whatever the form they wished to take. The only problem that was ever encountered was distraction, which, more often than not, occurred in the youngest's, and therefore, not as likely to be assigned something of the sort, case.
As time slowly passed, differences became visible in all three. Lily's hair, brilliant red, inched into a very light brown, as her eyes slowly mixed into a darkened aquamarine. James' unruly hair became straight and grew slightly as the now dark brown strands fell into his now silver eyes. Cedric, who not only had to change appearance but also age, took the form of about twenty three, with sand-colored hair and odd, brown streaked eyes.
"I don't think anyone could recognize us," Lily commented. "But the point is to look inconspicuous. Could you have done a little better?"
Cedric shook his head with a grin. "Books are very good for inspiration, did you know?"
She groaned. "I didn't think that The Dark is Rising was that good."
His grin grew wider. "It wasn't."
James, who had been in a mixture of thought and reaccepting knowledge, intervened. "We can't tell anyone anything...what if we make a mistake? There's no way to prevent that..."
"I think that we should be safe," Cedric responded. "As long as we don't give ourselves any sign of knowing things we shouldn't. For a start, that Black is innocent, and the Tournament. And if anyone asks how we know that Voldemort is back, it's because our friend was told and notified us. That should be enough to keep them occupied."
Elana chose this moment to reappear. "You're still here, lucky enough. I don't think we covered one very important part of the mission." Her voice contained a tone of a different sort of importance, suggesting she shouldn't be interrupted. She nodded at their appearances and continued. "As a general rule, you aren't going to be following some of the rules. It's fair enough. The Roamers have started to break theirs, and we have some layaway until they return to their own. For the most part, the only rule, which you will break, is the rule of intervention. You may and should intervene in human affairs, as long as you keep yourself hidden. This may be difficult, but it is vital. A very reliable source has informed us that there is almost no support in the living, and no knowledge. Rather, unaccepted knowledge. You are to go no further than is necessary. Understood?" She said this all considerably fast.
Rather dumbly, the three nodded. The "rules", as she had put them, were much deeper than a set of restrictions and consequences. Moreover, it was a type of taboo: doing anything out of the line would not result in punishment, but it was unthinkable to do so. Naturally, the Roamers did so all the time, but the Spirits were much more respective of the tradition-like setting. Only when ordered by the head of a Circle would a Spirit do something of the type, and even then such would only be done in extreme circumstances. An order like this had only happened once before--the battle of Slytherin, and that had been the greatest and most painful battle between Dark and Light in the history of time. As well as striking them speechless, it had also left an ominous feeling about them of what was to come. Other taboos were observed in similar seriousness, but were occasionally broken, depending on the Circle head.
The woman, however, was not stupid, and had sensed their unease. "Come, now, don't think like that. This is only as a precaution. You will be doing something that isn't quite within line, but it's preferable to them all dying, correct? Do you want a force ten times as big?"
The effect of her words was to leave Cedric, if not them all, in even more worry. "No...But..." It was hard to find the words to express the thoughts that were running through all of them. To intervene in a world which they had left, perhaps for the better, and to relive the things they had thought best forgotten...
As usual, Elana understood what was left unsaid. To a point, she was closest to them all; she understood things about them that only their best friends could have. "It's hard," she said, slightly more gentle, "But for the best. Even if you cannot interact with those around you, wouldn't you prefer it than to having them join you, or possibly not?"
There was another moment of silence, which, considering the fact that they now had all of time, was common. Living forever in this manner was not something to enjoy. It was a choice made by the young, and no others; the wisdom of their years led them to a more sensible decision. Watching the world go by, watching everything you had known fade into nothingness, and to return again and again, was painful. Still, Elana had been saying something between the words, in a way of silent praise as well as a soft chides; they had gotten this far, and had no other choice but to continue.
"That should be enough, then," Elana said, voice breaking the silence without shattering it. "Briana, William, and Alexander," she spoke, using the names they had created for themselves, " You're free to go. Kindly attempt to reappear either at the gates or within the forest? It won't be easy to stay inconspicuous if you reappear in an Anti-Apparition zone. And good luck, as far as you can take the term!"
She vanished at these words. 'Briana' took 'William's hand and said, "Well, here goes nothing." The three, for the second time of the day, disappeared in unison.
Or, at least, would not have been, if it wasn't for two inhabitants which caused slight discomfort to Lily and James and left Cedric feeling somewhat lost and in the place of an outsider.
In fact, only one of the two was human by appearance, and one was in actuality--though their positions were in fact switched. A very large, black dog and a werewolf by the name of Remus Lupin were in careful trek in a direction which could only be the Hogwarts grounds.
With the immediately instinctive common sense the trio made themselves invisible at once. Not for the first time, James and Lily both felt an overpowering relief of the odd magic-like abilities graced to them as spirits. It simply would not do to have their friends recognize them in one way or another.
"Now what do we do?" The voice of Cedric reverberated through their heads, snapping them back into consciousness.
"Take another path?" James suggested silently.
"I can't believe you two!" Lily scoffed. As if proving a point, she paused and then continued, "Reappear at the gates, for God's sake!"
James and Cedric shared a sheepish look (not really exchanged, as neither could see the other) and did as Lily had suggested. Once in sight, she continued her lecture, this time out loud. "Honestly..."
James mocked a glare. "Oh, Briana, give it a rest." He punctuated his remark by kissing her on the cheek. While not seeming to mind the kiss, Lily responded with the same look, "It's true enough, William..."
Cedric, who, by now, was beginning to get a bit more than annoyed at the antics of the two. He eyed the very familiar grounds as he saw the two they had seen before reappear from the forest. Both Lily and James followed his example. Professor Dumbledore--for some reason, he still thought of the man as a teacher--had met them, and was now in quick and quiet conversation. Ignoring his two companions, who were now laughing over something or another, he advanced his gaze across the familiar grounds.
Remember, he coached himself, You're Alexander Matten. English father and American mother, went to a private school for magic in Connecticut, wherever that is, and are with those two to offer help. Like you'll need that much anyway. The last thoughts set a small smile on his face; "those two" seemed very pleasantly oblivious to their surroundings. Deciding that he'd been gentle enough, he embarked himself into their thoughts.
"Now that you've decided to look up, could we continue?"
Both had a sheepish look upon hearing his words. "Er..." James began.
Cedric laughed, relieved. "It's fine, just try not doing that too much. Suspicion."
Relieved, the three trekked across the lawn, letting silence overtake them. Dumbledore, who was still in deep conversation with man and dog, didn't seem to realize they were there, but as they neared, he lifted his head and motioned them over.
Immediately, it was obvious that both Remus and the dog that was Sirius were deeply suspicious of them. Not that any of the three could blame them, but, for 'Briana' and 'William', it was a hard-struck blow. So was reading their characters: a deep pain seemed to flow off of them both. None of the three attempted to read Dumbledore; as with Elana, it was sheer impossibility.
"And who might you be?" His voice didn't seem to hold much surprise, or suspicion, which was far from expected. In fact, all had the strangest idea, impossible yet: that he knew.
"William and Briana Parre and Alexander Matten, sir," James said crisply. The contrast in his voice only minutes before, filled with laughter, to the professionalism of his current tone, was shocking."We came to speak with you about a certain...issue." He put emphasis on his words, suggesting plainly what the issue was without crossing any border.
"Ah," said Dumbledore, his eyes truly unreadable. The sparkle was faint, mixed with sorrow, but was there all the same. "I believe this will take some time. Perhaps it'd be best if you came to my office..."
The reaction given was nothing short of a miracle. "Does he know?" Lily's voice was lined with anxiety. It was hard enough being here, with friends so close and yet out of reach, but if he already knew...
"We'll find out soon enough," replied Cedric in a tone of reassurance, but the truth was he was wondering about it himself. They followed Dumbledore slowly, nervousness slowly sinking in, and a wordless decision was made. At least for now, it would not be enough to act their character; they would have to attempt to become it.
Reviews:
Kay: *Red* Really? You seem to like it better than I do. I agree that The Bonds That Tie is good...very good. P.A.R is a good writer.
AngelOnFire: Er...are you feeling all right? I'm going to take that as a compliment...because I don't know what else it could be o_O
Kaitzee: Kav, you figured it out! Amazing! *Rolls eyes* I don't think this would work if that didn't happen. Slow start: we don't get anywhere near the plot for a considerable while. Thanks a bunch, my Potter-Sister...those boards are REALLY annoying, aren't they? And thanks a ton for beta-ing...
VyingQuill: Thanks!
