Title: Masquerade
Pairings: TMR/FemHP, DM/LL, HG/BZ, SB/OC, RL/NT, NL/DG, dubious TN/OC, AG/OC
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or the quotes. I also kind of took the quote idea from another story. I don't own the language Druhir. I also don't own the Ancient Language from Eragon nor do I own the language of Quenya from Lord of the Rings. I just need them for my story to work and I don't fancy making up a language. I'm dedicated but not that dedicated.
Most of this language will not be mine and will be taken from various sources. The list goes on and on so I will not list them but as previously stated and now reiterated, the Elvish language is not mine. See…that rhymed.
Masquerade
By: Sistersgrimmlover
Chapter V
Level X, Azkaban Prison, Isle of Azkaban, Atlantic Ocean
Wednesday the 22nd of July 1998
10:30 PM
She frowned as she recalled the whispers of the other prisoners. She knew that they had been whispering about her earlier and she hated it. She reminded herself to kill them when Bella finally decided to break her out of this hellhole that she called 'home'. Her expression curled into one of slight distaste. She shook her head and sighed. Hermione stood from her previous position and she cleared her throat, picking up the long stick that Bella had smuggled in for her.
Hermione centered herself, clearing her chaotic yet analytical mind, before she spun with absolute control and she slashed down. If there was any time to practice her katas, it would be then. She had time anyway.
Loads of time, she thought bitterly.
Hermione shook her head, reminding her on the task at hand. She could remember the words that Tom had shouted at her when she had first took up the art of the sword and she grit her teeth as she recalled them.
"Do not swing! Arch! It is an extension of yourself! Of your arm! It does not control you! You control it! You are its master! Control! Control! CONTROL!"
The woman could feel the difference in her slashes and strokes now more than ever as she felt absolute control. Inside, her head was screaming with voices that did not belong to her. They were screaming knowledge that she tried to store as fast as possible. She had no control in there. All of the other things…other voices did. Her mind was not her own. At least, she didn't think it was.
But on the outside, she was calmer than she had ever been before. On the outside, she was in control and it felt so damn good.
Her movements were graceful and fluid. She spun and slashed and thrust as if she and the sword were part of one being just as she had always aspired it to be. The hilt was an extension of herself and her utmost fury at being trapped in this cage was her blade. She felt the anguish and rage well up in her as she continued on and she remembered the shouted words again.
CONTROL! CONTROL! CONTROL! CONTROL IT! CONTROL IT! CONTROL IT!
She harnessed that anguish and rage and began to unleash furious slashes that would strike down men when she was finally unleashed. Her fury reached a whole other level when she felt it.
There was another presence and she looked up in surprise at the man that stood before her.
His shining bald head glistened in the dim moonlight. Eyes the color of rubies contrasted greatly with his pale, pale skin. His long, spider-like fingers were clutching a wand. Hermione knew the core was Acromantula Web and the wood was ebony. He stared at her with fiery eyes but a cool expression, a strange and abrupt contrast. She appraised him again and her eyes widened suddenly upon what she had assumed to be an empty hand.
She was wrong.
In his other hand was a scabbard holding a sword.
"The Dark Lord approaches my lonely prison cell. I should count myself luck…" Hermione said, cuttingly and the man sneered at her. He tilted his head as he stared at the young woman before he leaned forward.
"You should count yourself that they didn't find out about your other crimes. Otherwise, your life would have been forfeit. I come here with an offer," the Dark Lord said, coolly and Hermione logically knew that this man was Tom Riddle but she couldn't help but feel utter disdain for his alter ego. The alter ego reminded her of his greatest betrayal. But, no…she couldn't dwell on that. There were more important matters at the moment.
Hermione tilted her head with blatant and almost childlike curiosity.
"What?"
"We're going for a ride."
Hermione looked up as a man stepped from the shadows and her eyes widened in shock as she took in the sight of him.
The man wore a stranger mask that Hermione immediately recognized. She had taken to learning about Venice after Bella had returned from her day-trip. The plague doctor masque was one that could be easily recognized. Atop his head was a large black wide-brimmed hat. His gloves were black and he looked more akin to an executioner than a Healer in Hermione's eyes. Eyes that appeared golden in color stared back at her, conveying the emotions that he kept off his face. Love.
Pure and utter love.
"My love," she said as a way of greeting and the man took a step forward, tilting his head ever so slightly.
"Mia cara," he murmured softly, placing a hand to her bare cheek and he she leaned into it. She frowned, slightly.
"Hmmm…where are Nikolai and Thanatos?"
"She's with the family. She knows there's a raid and she's making sure that the man doesn't take part. She acknowledges that it is not yet time for her to enter the battle. On the off chance that someone discovers your disappearance Thanatos is with his parents. He needs an alibi," Apollo said, softly and Hermione looked at the Dark Lord as he lifted the sword and scabbard towards her, hilt first and Hermione's hand flew through the bars and she drew the sword.
The gleaming steel shined in the dim moonlit night.
She watched as the Dark Lord pulled from his pocket a rod of vine wood that looked just polished and new. The convict felt an ache within her that was quickly sated as she pulled it from the man's hand. The power rushed through her, reuniting with her core and she felt calm for the first time in ages.
She looked up with dark and vengeful eyes.
"Lets ride."
Number 12, Grimmauld Place, London, England, Great Britain
Thursday the 23rd of July 1998
10:00 PM
"Why aren't you at your flat?" Maya asked in surprise as she saw her goddaughter standing near the Floo. Bella frowned in annoyance and she shook her head, not willing to say apparently. Her green eyes flashed with something unknown and she yanked on a long ebony lock of hair.
"Don't want to talk about it."
Maya sighed, shaking her head. She assumed that Tom had said something stupid.
"Okay, sweetheart. Sirius is in the shower now. He'll be ecstatic to know that you're here," Maya said, sweetly and Bella gave a distracted and almost forced smile before she nodded in agreement. She shuffled forward, slowly before she collapsed onto the couch. She curled up in the corner of it, looking more tired than she should.
"When do your classes start?" Maya asked as she looked at the young woman. Bella looked up, blinking owlishly. She had been taken off guard by the sudden question. She was just so tired and wound up and Nikolai's emotions were so heavy and…
"Um…September 1st. Starts at 9 in the morning and ends at 1," Bella said, calmly and Maya nodded in understanding. Maya fixed her gaze on her adopted daughter and couldn't help but see that there was something…different about her.
She was curled in on herself and her skin was pale. Her green eyes were more vivid than Maya remembered. The different shades of green in her eyes were definitely impossible to count and her long pale fingers were shaking slightly. Her red lower lip was quivering and she looked frazzled and dazed.
Her mind was in another world and that other world seemed to be bleak. Maya couldn't help but want to know what was inside of Bella's mind. She was so unpredictable at times and Maya wondered how she could possibly be one of the most terrifying people on the face of the planet. She had seen her duel before she just couldn't understand how it was possible.
In all honesty, Maya couldn't imagine her biological daughter being the monster that everyone had described her as. Perhaps it was because she was the woman's mother or perhaps because she had never actually seen what had happened. Maya couldn't imagine even if she truly wanted to and this bothered her more than anything.
It was times like these that Maya wished that she were magical. Then, she'd be able to see what everyone found so terrifying.
"No you don't. You don't want magic."
Maya blinked.
"Huh?"
"You said that out loud," Bella said, looking up with tired eyes and she gave a slight smile to Maya. Maya frowned in confusion and she tilted her head.
"Why?"
"Magic is a horrible burden. I wouldn't wish my fate on anyone. Magic can do wonderful things, yes, but…I have done horrible things with my magic. Your daughter has done horrible things with her magic. My brothers have done horrible things with their magic. We have twisted reality, coming into being as we did."
Maya frowned.
"A burden?"
Bella nodded, slowly and said, "Don't wish for something that you don't understand. Magic causes greed and I think you're better without the constant call of magic and greed. You're…innocent…pure. You're the only one left us that's innocent."
"Bella?"
"No."
Maya's eyes widened.
"Who are you?"
Bella blinked and her expression screwed up into one of complete disbelief and utter bewilderment.
"I don't understand the question. I am Bella."
Maya shook her head, her confusion showing but then, the door creaked open and Sirius was walking in, his hair still wet. He shook his head, looking very much like a wet dog and showering both Bella and Maya in water. Sirius grinned when he saw Maya's flat expression and his grin widened when he spotted his goddaughter.
"Hello there, Doe!"
Bella blinked and then broke into those strange giggles. Maya looked at her in amusement as she fiddled with the charm bracelets around her slender wrists. They made a slight jingling sound and Bella sighed, her giggles subsiding.
"You haven't called me Doe in years, Uncle Sirius," she said, softly and Sirius walked towards her, collapsing on the seat next to her and pulling her up against him and she leaned her head into his chest.
"Well, I'm calling you it now. Where's your…fiancé?" Sirius said, his tone showing his utter disdain for the man and Bella snickered. Maya cracked her own smile though she was still disconcerted by Bella's fluctuating personality. She hoped that it wasn't anything like Hermione's mental illnesses…
"With Grindelwald."
Sirius frowned.
"But…I thought…"
"I'm very Dark, Uncle Sirius. The Dark is where my heart belongs and whom I fight for. He is off planning and I don't wish to spend any time in Grindelwald's presence and I didn't want to be home by myself. So, I came for a visit. Is that so wrong?" Bella asked, sharply and Sirius frowned, shaking his head. He gave a weak smile though Maya could see how forced it was and she frowned.
He was trying so hard not to be disappointed in Bella's choices…but, inevitable, he was and she knew that it hurt Bella despite her harsh tones and barbing words.
"So, what do you want to do, then?" Sirius asked and Bella frowned before her eyes widened and a smile spread across her face.
"Hey…Uncle Sirius…Aunt Maya…"
"Hmm?" Maya asked.
"Wanna meet Mama and Dad?"
Nurmengard, Unplottable Location, Germany, Europe
Thursday the 23rd of July 1998
11:30 PM
"My Lord?"
The Dark Lord turned to look sharply at the Death Eater whom had called out to him. He turned his narrowed crimson gaze onto the frumpy simpering witch, graying hair pulled back into a tight bun atop her head. The stocky woman rocked back and forth, her stubby fingers twitching, as if she had some sort of nervous tick and the Dark Lord resisted the urge to sigh, loudly.
He sure knew how to pick them.
Her patchy skin was made even uglier by a twisted smile upon her face and she looked up at the tall Lord of the Dark with blind adoration, not dissimilar to Bellatrix, really.
"Yes, Alecto?" he asked, sibilantly and Alecto looked around, nervously, casting a gaze to her brother, Amycus and a few other Death Eaters that were watching the two, patiently. The Dark Lord cleared his throat, showing his impatience and Alecto jumped.
"My Lord, we…we were wondering what it is that we are waiting for exactly," Alecto murmured softly and there was a slight growl that emerged from the crazed woman standing next to the Dark Lord.
Curled black hair fell around her face in a messy array, streaks of silver contrasting with ebony. The silver streaks were reminders of her time in the Prison of Azkaban. Violently dark eyes glared at Alecto, a promise of punishment in her twisted grimace. Her tattered black robes hung around her, giving her an insane edge. More of an insane edge than she usually had, anyway.
"Do you question our Lord?" Bellatrix snarled and the Dark Lord reached out, placing a hand upon her shoulder and giving a tight squeeze. The other Death Eaters' eyes widened and Bellatrix froze under his hand, looking up at him in wonder.
The Dark Lord's face revealed nothing despite the fact that he had just touched someone that was clearly subservient to him.
"Calm, Trixie. We are waiting for a few…honored guests."
"Wait no longer, sweetheart. We're here."
The Death Eaters all froze, taking in a single breath and they turned as one to look at those that stood in the doorway. Alecto's eyes widened on the two shadowed figures that drifted forward and into the dim fire-lit room. A woman and a man appeared to be the 'honored guests'.
Her head was held high and long brown curls fell behind her, and a silver mask upon her face. Two eye slits revealed dark, dark eyes that could be brown but also could be black. The mask looked similar to the lieutenant Death Eaters' masks but it was more ornate and was cut just so that her chin and lips were showing. Something red was splattered on the left side of the silver. Her battles robes were just as ornate, made of thick leather. Her midriff was exposed just slightly beneath a short white button down shirt and the corset that held her duster together.
A scabbard rested on her side and she stared, defiantly at the Dark Lord. The man that stood by her side stood stiffly. A large bird-like mask hid his face from the Death Eaters and jutted out from his black attire. The black robes hung around him and the wide-brimmed hat upon his head simply made him look even stranger yet so terrifying at the same time.
Despite the air of malice hanging around them, the Death Eaters made scathing sounds towards the woman whom had disrespected their Lord.
"How dare you…" Alecto hissed and the woman let out a faint chuckle and she walked forward, her steps purposeful until she stood directly in front of the Dark Lord. She grinned up at him, red upon her teeth.
"Would you like me to bow, my Lord?" she asked, mockingly and the Dark Lord sneered down at her, grabbing her by the arm and pulling her closer to him. She growled at him despite her grin.
"No, Mórrígan. That will not be necessary. Let me…introduce you to your new…co-workers," the Dark Lord said, patiently and Mórrígan took a step back, crazed laughter bubbling from her lips and she shook her head.
"Co-workers…" she snorted, giggles escaping her lips every few moments and she turned to the disgusted and skittish Death Eaters.
"Yes…my loyal followers, this…is my protégé and rather…important figure in history. You may know her as…War," the Dark Lord said, softly and the Death Eaters stared in confusion as Rodolphus' eyes widened in understanding. He exchanged a glance with Bellatrix whom looked only slightly displeased. Nonetheless, the crazed woman danced forward and pulled Mórrígan from the Dark Lord.
"Ready to play?" Bellatrix said, breathily and her eyes were alight with bloodlust. Mórrígan's eyes widened and she nodded, enthusiastically, a smile spreading across her face and she turned to the two men whom had flanked her.
"Oh, Apollo, may I play with Trixie?"
The man in the bird mask tilted his head, ever so slowly. Golden eyes stared from two large round black holes and they flashed with something akin to adoration.
"You may."
Mórrígan squealed in excitement and the Dark Lord resisted the urge to wince. He turned an uneasy gaze to the frightened Death Eaters. Amycus cleared his throat and leaned forward, looking reluctant to do so anyway.
"War, my Lord?"
"Yes, War," Mórrígan snarled and she turned her gaze onto Amycus who flinched back, frightened by her sudden mood change. She leaned forward, narrow-eyed.
"Do you know War, boy?" she whispered and Amycus blinked.
"I'm not a boy!" he declared, indignant.
Mórrígan laughed, quietly, and she shook her head, looking over at the man, haughtily.
"But you are. To me you are. You know nothing. You are nothing. For what are you, a miserable cur of a man, compared to the great Lady War, Horseman of the Apocalypse?" Mórrígan challenged and the Death Eaters' eyes widened in unison and they broke into whispers, looking to the Dark Lord for confirmation
"Indeed. Mórrígan is above you all. Trained in the Darkest of Arts and Master of the Blood Magicks, she is indeed more powerful than you shall ever be, Amycus. Flanking her, her lover, Lord Apollo of the Plague. Master of the Black Arts, they have come to aid us in this war against the Light," the Dark Lord murmured though his voice could be heard by the multitude of Death Eaters present. He looked over at them with piercing red eyes and they hardened, ever so slightly.
"They deserve undying loyalty and respect. Few are at their level. Fewer are higher. Only two hold that privilege, myself and…well, she shall be made known, soon I think," the Dark Lord said, knowing fully well that his Death Eaters were hanging on to every single word that he spoke and they leaned back in disappointment when they realized that he was not going to reveal all to them.
Mórrígan nodded, solemnly in before she turned to look at the Dark Lord with wide eyes. She tilted her head as she looked at the curious Death Eaters.
"Will we play now? Shall we go play now?"
She moved forward, a strange glint in her eyes. Her hand rested upon the hilt of her sword.
"Mórrígan," Apollo commanded, sharply and Mórrígan leaned back, her bloody lips pursed into a small pout. The Dark Lord tilted his head before he gripped Mórrígan and jerked her up so that he could look into her eyes.
There was only a hint of madness, he noticed. That meant she was either so crazy that the medication Apollo gave to her wasn't working or she was possibly faking.
"Naughty girl. Have you taken your potions tonight?" the Dark Lord asked, softly and Mórrígan grinned, wickedly.
"You tell me, my Lord."
Great Hangleton, England, Great Britain, United Kingdom
Friday the 24th of July 1998
12:00 AM
The Witching Hour had finally come and only the moon in the town of Great Hangleton lit the darkness. Most were asleep and those that weren't were either in pubs, drinking away their sorrows, or involved in the throes of passion that were modernly described as sex. The quiet of the night was uninterrupted by loud noises or anything out of the ordinary. Despite the fact that it was a Friday night, there weren't many out-of-bounds teenagers hanging about.
Despite its name of Great Hangleton, it honestly was one of those everybody-knows-everybody towns. A teenager was too frightened to be caught by their mom's best friend, who happened to be anyone that had any gossip lately.
But, there were the rebels whom believed that they could get away from it. With a joint in hand, two teenagers, stumbled out of an alley, cackling. Jet-black hair that surely came from a bottle reflected the moonlight. Clutched in the girl's hand was a beer bottle and she walked so unsteadily that it was clear that she was truly sloshed.
The boy put the joint to his lips and he looked around, squinting at the unnatural shadow that stood at the end of the cobbled road in confusion. He raised a lazy hand and pointed, attempting to get the girl's attention. The girl frowned as she stared.
"Whuz zat? Whose dat?" the girl slurred, and she squinted to look at the dark shadow just down the street from them and they frowned as a part of the shadow moved forward, morphing into a woman with a lit cigarette dangling from her lips.
She looked around, taking a drag and leaving red lip prints on the end of it. Her mask was altogether frightening with dried blood upon it. The woman looked around one more time before glancing back and gesturing for someone to come forward. Two people came forward and the girl frowned.
A tall and hairless man with eyes the color of rubies and without a nose sneered down at the cigarette the woman held and he shook his head. She grinned at him and looked at the other man with the strange bird mask. She looked inquiring and there was something so funny to the boy and girl, they burst out into loud bouts of cackling.
As one, the group spun to face them, long sticks in hand and the two teenagers quieted as they spotted the sword by the woman's side. They stood silent, staring wide-eyed and frightened at the strange trio and the tall and hairless man smiled, softly. It was a frightening smile that promised anything but joy or happiness.
"It looks like there are people to play with," the woman murmured and the birdman gestured towards the two teenagers and he tilted his head.
Monotonously, he said, "Have at it, sweetheart."
Permission seemed to be the only thing she was waiting for. The woman dropped her cigarette to the ground and crushed it with the heel of her boot and dragging her boot back across the cobbled ground, leaving a smear of tobacco in its place. She tilted her head and drew her sword just as the air shimmered around the man's hand and a spear appeared before him. The woman grabbed the hilt of her sword and unsheathed it, the sound of the steel of the sheath upon the steel of the sword grating in the quiet night.
The tall, hairless man lifted his wand and pointed it at the building next to the two teenagers and the two teenagers stared in confusion.
"Incendio."
Fire erupted from the end of his wand and set the fire on building. The two teenagers began to scream but the boy was abruptly cut off as the spear shot through his body as easily as a knife could slice butter. The spear hung from his body, stopped from going all the way through by the two prongs at the end of it. His heart was ripped from his chest cavity and at the end of the spear was the bloody organ. Apollo moved forward quickly as the girl began to scream bloody murder and he felt the Death Eaters begin to appear and he heard the rousing of the townspeople.
He picked up his spear and watched as Mórrígan backed the teenager girl into the wall, the girl's screams quieting into terrified whimpering. Apollo glared at her.
"Do you know the term 'don't play with your food'? Same rules apply. Spare her," Apollo commanded and the girl looked at him with wonder and thanksgiving. Mórrígan pouted and she tilted her head as Apollo bent down and wrenched the four-chambered organ from the end of the spear.
The entire spear was slick with the boy's blood and Apollo sneered as he pulled it free, a wet popping sound in the air as it came completely from his body.
"Spare her the terror and end her," Apollo clarified and the horror once again returned to the girl's face. Mórrígan's lips curled into a grin and she thrust her sword forward into the girl's stomach and jerking it upwards. The girl gave an ear-shattering scream and her black shirt was ripped apart, exposing the wound in her stomach.
Blood spilled from it, coloring her pale, pale skin and the girl's eyes rolled back into her head in utter shock. Mórrígan grinned and gave the sword an experimental twist. The girl twitched upon and Mórrígan withdrew the sword and grabbed the girl's neck to keep her from falling to the ground. The girl slumped, fainting from the agony of her sudden encounter with the sword and Mórrígan frowned.
"I'm not liking the balance of this sword. It isn't like my own. Don't like it. Don't like it, at all," Mórrígan declared, loudly and Apollo rolled his eyes. He glanced down at the heart in his gloved hand and frowned before sliding it into the outside pocket of his robes. They were already splattered with blood and the heart may be useful in one of Daphne's darker Potions that she'd need when her assassinations were needed.
"Kill her and be done with it, Mórrígan," Apollo said, sharply and Mórrígan rolled her eyes putting the blade to the girl's forehead and she bent her head forward, almost as if she were in silent prayer.
"Forgive my sin, mother."
And then, she pulled the sword across the young woman's neck, slitting her throat and severing her two carotid arteries. Mórrígan pulled away, letting the unconscious girl fall to the ground and knowing that she would bleed out in seconds. Mórrígan turned away from the teenager and glanced at Apollo.
"Forgiveness?"
"Mum…I've killed another person. I ask her for forgiveness. She's the only one…the only one whose opinion matters. Especially when it comes to my wrongdoings," Mórrígan said, tonelessly and she drifted from the alleyway and the burning building beside it. She looked out into the street and stared in fascination at the chaos.
Fire lit the night and cast everything in an orange and red light, giving everything a look of being permanently bloodstained. The flickering flames licked against the buildings and the frightened and agonized screams of the Muggles were music to her ears. She frowned when a quieter scream caught her ears, a scream that was younger than the others. Her eyes widened and she looked over at the Dark Lord whom was smirking, wildly.
Mórrígan looked at Apollo whom seemed to have heard the scream as well and he frowned.
"There's…a child…"
The two exchanged glances before taking off at a fast-paced jog. They skidded to a stop by the Dark Lord's side and they lifted their wands towards the building. The Dark Lord frowned in confusion.
"What is it, Mórrígan, Apollo?"
"There are children in there. Nikolai…my Lady Victory would never condone a child being hurt knowingly. If we didn't know, that's another story. But we do," Mórrígan murmured and the Dark Lord looked at her, blankly as the other Death Eaters continued to torture the Muggle adults upon the streets. The Dark Lord tilted his head, confusion his dominant emotion.
"A child?" he murmured.
"Yes. A child who shall soon be dead or an orphan. You tell me what you rather her be," Apollo said, severely and the Dark Lord stared at the young man before turning back to the burning building.
"If the child's parents are dead, so is the child. I shall never condemn a child to my childhood. If the child's parents are alive…I shall spare the mother and the child but not the father. Those are my terms. Accept them," the Dark Lord said, coolly and Mórrígan and Apollo exchanged glances before nodding firmly. Mórrígan sheathed her sword before lifting her wand.
The two men at her sides followed her example and three voices rang out as one, "AUGAMENTI!"
Number 12, Grimmauld Place, London, England, Great Britain
Thursday the 23rd of July 1998
10:15 PM
Sirius stared at the two apparitions that sat across from him and he shook his head, unable to believe what he was truly seeing. They looked the same as they had sixteen, almost seventeen, years ago and he wasn't sure if that made him happy or greatly saddened him. He ran a hand through his long thick hair and cleared his throat as he looked over Lily, too pained to inspect his best friend just yet.
Her long red hair was still the same as were her wise and trusting emerald eyes that glittered with slight mischief. A demure smile was on her beautiful face and her pale skin looked healthier than ever despite it being slightly translucent. She was donning grey robes and there seemed to be a chain around her neck, hanging down into her robes.
"Hello, Sirius. And hello again, Maya," Lily said, softly and she reached forward to squeeze Sirius' hand. Sirius' eyes widened when he felt that her hand was there. She wasn't just an apparition or a ghost or whatever.
She was there.
Sirius shuddered, turning to look at the man that had he had considered his brother for so many years. He still looked the same and he felt the lump in his throat, restricting him for speaking or even breathing. Sirius shook his head as he felt his eyes sting with salty tears. He took a shallow and shuddering breath.
Messy black hair was atop his head and square-framed glasses were perched upon his nose, slightly askew as they had been in life. Hazel eyes spoke of mischief and an even softer expression. His lips were curled into a happy grin, so big and wide that his face might break from it. He slouched in his seat, one arm around Bella's shoulders.
"Padfoot," James said, softly and Sirius leaned forward, his hand hanging limply.
"Prongs."
He offered his hand for a handshake and James took his arm from around Bella's shoulders. James pressed his hand into Sirius' before jerking the man forward and throwing his arms around him. Sirius felt a slightly coolness but his body was there. There was something there. James was there.
"Whoa, there. You're crushing me, Uncle Sirius!"
Sirius pulled away, wiping the tears from his face, cleanly and staring at his best friend with a large grin. James returned it and crossed his arms. Sirius glanced at his goddaughter whom was smiling, softly, messing with the ring around her neck.
"What is that?" Sirius murmured, softly.
"The Resurrection Stone. From the Deathly Hallows."
Sirius stared at her, wide-eyed and bemused. He couldn't quite wrap his head around the outrageous concept that she was throwing at him.
"The Deathly Hallows? They're a myth!" he proclaimed, dismissing her and Bella frowned at him, annoyance clear on her face. She tilted her head, green eyes piercing into his soul and her frown turned into a strange small smile.
"No. They're not. I have all three: the Elder Wand, the Resurrection Stone, and the Cloak of Invisibility," Bella said, softly and Sirius' eyes widened in complete shock. He shook his head in complete disbelief and he leaned forward.
"How?"
"You have the Invisibility Cloak?" James asked at the same time and Bella snorted.
"Yes, Dad. And Uncle Sirius…it's a long story but can be summed up shortly. Grindelwald had the Elder Wand, the night I defeated him or whatever, as a one year old, I won it from him. The Invisibility Cloak, I inherited. The Resurrection Stone is my wedding ring," Bella said, shortly and James blinked, wide-eyed. He frowned at the ring around her neck and Bella turned away, stroking it absently. James shook his head and turned to grin at Sirius and Maya.
"So, what have you been up to, Padfoot, and who is this lovely lady? One of your harem?" James said with a sly grin and Maya raised an eyebrow at Sirius. Sirius gave a little cough and a glare to James.
"Err…no. This is Maya Wilkins, mother to Hermione Granger and my fiancée," Sirius said, sharply and James' eyes widened exponentially. His gobsmacked expression said it all and Lily laughed and gave a large smile, nodding heartily.
"Congratulations. When did you two…"
"After I woke up from my coma," Sirius said, shortly and James frowned, his expression worried. He leaned forward and touched his friend, his hand gentle upon the other man's shoulder.
"Coma? Sirius, why were you in a coma?" James asked, softly and Sirius turned away, coughing awkwardly. Maya looked down, the shadow of pain hidden behind her strained smile. Bella grimaced.
"He sacrificed himself to save my daughter," Maya said, softly and James' eyes widened. Bella gave a cruel smile.
"And she ended up in Azkaban anyway."
James and Lily turned to look at Bella sharply. Lily looked sorrowful while James looked wide-eyed and confused.
"What?"
"Dad, you know I'm a Horseman of the Apocalypse. You know I'm Victory. But you don't know that I know who the three Horsemen are. That I'm close to them. Draco Malfoy has been my blood brother for years. He is Death I like to consider Blaise Zabini as my brother and Hermione's…lover…boyfriend? I'm not sure. In any case, he is Plague. And Hermione Granger is my sister. She is War. We each have control over a Black Art," Bella said, carefully and she leveled her gaze at her father, as his eyes grew wider as the shock increased. He looked like a fish out of water for a second and his eyes flashed in anger. He opened his mouth, ready to retort but he fell silent as Lily laid a hand upon his own. He frowned.
"The Black Arts? You were taught the Black Arts?"
"I…I know how to wield the Kveykva. The Cursed Lightening of the Elves. But…I use it sparingly," Bella said, softly. Maya leaned forward, her eyes wide and she looked at Bella, beseechingly.
"What does Hermione do again? Blood Magic, right?" Maya asked, curious and James' mouth fell open again. Bella glanced at Maya, distractedly before she turned to stare, broodingly at the wall.
"Yes."
"What kind of magic?" Maya asked.
"I'm not allowed to say," Bella said, sharply and Maya's eyes widened at Bella's needlessly harsh tone. The younger woman looked brooding and she was glancing nervously at the pocket watch that hung from her pale hand.
"Why not?" Sirius asked, softly and Bella looked up with piercing eyes that reminded him so much of Lily's except they were so different.
Lily's eyes were beautiful and an emerald color so pure that it was almost discernable from the precious stone. When angry, her eyes resembled jade. But, Bella's…Bella's eyes were different shades of vivid greens. The green was most intense just around her pupil and as it went out towards the edge of her irises, they grew darker but no less intense.
"I shan't betray my brethren. I am not a traitor," Bella said, sneering out the words. Sirius looked at her in surprise before his eyes narrowed in concentration.
"Isn't that what you're doing though? Betraying the Light?" he murmured, cautiously and Bella turned to give him a fearsome glare that almost made him flinch away from her. But, he didn't for he head raised her and he would never turn from her.
"I am betraying no one. He…he did this to me! He betrayed me! He deserves this! He will burn!" Bella snarled and Lily's eyes widened as she grabbed Bella's hand. Maya's eyes widened in shock and she cringed away from the girl. Lily pulled her daughter to her chest and stroked her hair as Bella buried her face in Lily's neck.
"Hush, Nikolai."
"Woman, I am not your child. Let me go," Bella snarled into the woman's neck though she didn't pull away. Lily's lips curled into a slight smile and she brushed the woman's hair back from her face.
"Then give me my child."
"I am your child," Bella muttered and she pulled away from Lily, sitting stiffly. She closed her eyes and gave a shuddering sigh. She shook her head and ran a hand through her thick hair. The green-eyed dark-haired woman looked at Sirius, James, and Maya. They all wore various expressions of worry, distress, and shock.
"What was that?" James murmured.
"Nothing, Dad…nothing. I just…I need to…I need a mirror. Now," Bella snarled under her breath and she stood, shaking. She shook her head and ran a hand through her hair and stalking from the room. Lily watched with sad eyes and she turned back to Maya and Sirius as the door slammed shut behind Bella.
"What's wrong with her?" Sirius asked, seriously and Lily glanced towards the door before leaning forward.
"Well, that…that's a long story. And I don't think you should know it. Not yet, anyway," Lily said, softly. Sirius and Maya's eyes widened and Maya looked almost offended. She glared at Lily and crossed her arms.
"Why not? I'm her…"
The woman trailed off and flushed. Lily smiled at the woman with a gentle and forgiving smile. She nodded, slowly.
"You are. You are her mother. But I…I am her Mother. My Maiden is not ready for you to know. And…and it's unfortunate that I can't tell you now. Perhaps I will when…when they win. When Tom wins. When Bella wins," Lily murmured. Sirius stared at Lily, wide-eyed and he shook her head.
"You want them to win?"
"Of course. Why don't I? My sister…my Cissy is on that side. My loyalty rests with my heart and my Cissy and my Bella have it."
Sirius turned away from Lily with a frown and stared at James. James leaned forward, deep in thought and he was resting his chin on his laced together fingers. Maya could see the conflicted look in his eyes but she pressed on with the question that she knew both her and Sirius wanted answered.
"And you, James?" Maya murmured and James looked up slowly with brooding hazel eyes. He gave a deep sigh.
"I…I don't know the Dark Lord Voldemort. I know…Bella told me what he did. How he lied to her and betrayed her and I…I'm angry with him for that. But, I was dead. I wasn't even watching over her anymore. It hurt too much, you know. So, she told me but I can't see him as the Dark Lord. I know him as Tom. I've seen him as Tom. And if being with the Dark Lord is what she wants, she deserves it. She deserves some kind of happiness. And…so…I want her to win. She deserves the world. My little girl deserves the world," James murmured, softly and adoringly as he spoke about his beautiful little Doe and he smiled as he thought of her.
His Angel.
His murdering, cruel, conniving Angel.
And how he loved her so.
The Malfoy Manor, Unplottable Location, England, Great Britain
Thursday the 23rd of July 1998
12:40 PM
"It's burning. They are burning."
Luna opened one eye and she stared at him, blankly. Sweat stuck her forehead and the length of her naked body was pressed against Draco's own bare body. His body was sticky as were the inside of her thighs and she sighed, wrapping one leg around her lover's waist. She pressed her unclothed breasts against his chest and pressed a loving kiss against his lips. He kissed back, hungrily and she pulled away, suddenly.
She didn't need this to escalate.
She had to concentrate.
But, that didn't seem to concern Draco. He continued trailing kisses down her neck, nipping and licking at her collarbone and she twisted away from him and off of the messy bed. She stood in front of the large floor length mirror naked and she stared out of the French doors that led to the balcony. Draco observed as she walked towards it with no qualms about who could see her.
As she stood in the moonlit doorway, he couldn't help but admire her ethereal beauty. She could be compared to Selene, the moon goddess and a goddess, she was. His goddess, he added smugly in his own mind. She looked absolutely beautiful with the pale and silvery light of the celestial body hanging high in the star covered midnight sky.
Her pale skin glowed and he admired the soft curves of her long and lean body. She was not overly skinny, for which he was grateful for. He abhorred girls like that, girls like Pansy whom starved themselves to look pretty. His Luna was gorgeous, just as she was. Her pale and glowing skin and her small but perfect breasts and her long, strong limbs that clung to him in the heat of passion.
He leaned up, the silken sheets entwined with his own long limbs and he smirked at her.
"I burn for you," he said, smoothly and Luna blinked before turning to look over her shoulder, her long flaxen hair descending down her back and curling just over the curve of her round butt. She gave him a blank stare.
"You silly man. Your carnal desires will wait. I sacrificed mediation at the Witching Hour for you and you wish to again. Are you even capable of orgasming more than three times in a day?" Luna asked, blatantly and Draco's lips curled into a wide smirk. His Luna was never one to sugarcoat things. She was overly blatant and it was just another thing he loved about her.
"We could find out," he said, huskily. Luna gave a bell-like laugh and she shook her head, slowly.
"I think not. Where is my dressing gown?" Luna murmured to herself and Draco gestured vaguely towards the far corner of the room. Luna moved, quickly and draped the silvery robe over her shoulders. She sighed and tied it around her waist.
"It burns. Burns brighter and brighter," she whispered again and Draco sighed and held out his hand for her. She slipped her small hand into his larger one and allowed him to pull her close to him. She rested her head against his hard chest and she snuggled further into him, her back towards his body. Strong arms wrapped around her and she sighed in serenity.
"What burns, Selene?" he asked, patiently. Luna didn't make a start at the nickname put to her and she only pressed her lips against any available skin in response. She tensed, suddenly and a deep frown marred her round face.
"The fire. The fire in Great Hangleton burns. Brighter and brighter. Bright as the sun, it burns…but…the Lady War and the Lord Plague put it out. The fires are wet…wet? The Dark Lord…Kill the Spare! He…he's letting the children live…he's letting the mothers live but…one…one parent per child…" Luna whispered, nonsensically and she shook in Draco's arms before giving a great sighing. Her body relaxed instantly.
"He spared the children? Why?" Draco asked, the disbelief and confusion clear in his face. He couldn't understand why the Dark Lord would spare Muggle children. He looked down at his lover and saw a beautiful smile spread across her face as her eyelids drooped.
"He did it…he did it for his precious one, his Vaelor Oli. He did it because his precious Nikolai would never allow it. He loves her so very much," Luna murmured and she trailed off, her tone growing sadder and Draco frowned in confusion.
"Why do you sound sad about that?"
"Because…It will hurt all the more."
Draco could feel the emphasis on the 'It'.
"What is it?" Draco asked in confusion.
"The Event, Draco-love. Keep up, darling," Luna chastised before she gave a great yawn and she snuggled into Draco. Draco frowned and he gave her a light shake that she continued to ignore.
"Luna, what's the Event? Tell me now. What happens?"
"Death…guilt…betrayal…sadness…rage…fury…revenge."
:::
A/N: Oh my goodness...it took me so long to get this chapter up and for that I apologize. I was supposed to have it ready by last Friday and at the latest, Monday. But I was planning a party for my mother all week long and this is one of the only free moments I have as the party is today. I'm getting really tense at this point. Anyway, in this chapter, I debated making it a filler or moving the plot along. Though the fillers serve an intense purpose, I decided to move it all along. I just want her birthday to pass and then I want her to start her classes.
So...I wrote the outline for the end of this story earlier today and I'm pleased to say that it will be quite epic. I hope that makes you want to read more and possible...REVIEW?
Oh and Luna and Draco. I put them in there at the request of a reviewer. I needed them to have more screen time. I kind of just noticed that Bella is the only Horsemen that is a virgin...that's sad. But that also means Blaise and Hermione aren't virgins and I will definitely be discussing that in the future. I didn't write the lemon for Draco and Luna because I want the first lemon in this saga to be between Tom and Bella. What can I say? It's about them so they should get the first sex scene, I would think.
Next Chapter: Aftermath, Friends, and Birthdays