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 XI
Training Rooms, Level 2, Ministry of Magic, London, England, Great Britain
Monday the 14th of September 1998
1:00 PM
The Auror Instructor Williamson frowned at the beautiful young woman that sat behind the glass, watching Fay Dunbar train. She had a slight smile playing around her red lips. Her eyes were an electric green that reminded him a bit of the Killing Curse. She was wearing high waisted dark trousers, a button down white shirt and a loose black bow around her neck. Her heels looked excessively tall and he wondered if they were uncomfortable. Long black tendrils of hair almost went over her horn rimmed glasses.
Williamson moved over to the woman whom sat in the stands watching as Dunbar shot charm after counter-curse at Auror Mitchell. Williamson had found it odd that he had specifically requested to train with Dunbar and be permanently transferred to the office after he had practically begged to guard Azkaban. Williamson had had to take it to Madam Bones and Moody but they had grudgingly agreed after Mitchell pointed out that his Patronus Charm wasn't as great as it could be.
"Hello, ma'am," Williamson greeted.
The woman looked up and Williamson's eyes widened when he saw the lightening bolt scar settled right in the middle of her pale forehead. The woman blinked and looked up at him with a wider smile now.
"Hello, sir. What can I do for you?"
Her voice was soft and lilting and he knew that this girl…this woman wasn't as soft and sweet as she was pretending to be. Williamson was a rather high-ranking Auror and thus, he had high clearance. He had heard about what happened in the Department of Mysteries and Bella Potter had only been fifteen when that whole fiasco had started.
"I was simply wondering what a pretty woman like you was doing down here. I'm sure that there are a lot of more entertaining things that you could be doing," Williamson said, calmly and he wasn't flirting with her and the woman knew it. He was trying to understand what she was doing here and how she had got to a secure part of Level 2.
"Oh, Fay won't let me leave without her and Auror Mitchell is going back to Azkaban after this. I'm going to go with him to visit my brother at work and perhaps check up on Hermione," Bella Potter said, innocently though there was nothing innocent in those cold and calculating green eyes. She was gauging his reaction about her mentioning Hermione Granger whom was probably the most powerful and deadly witch in Azkaban.
"I'm sure that they will both appreciate it," Williamson said and Bella's smile curled into a cruel smirk.
She went back to watching Fay whom was being knocked back. The woman was talented, Williamson acknowledged this. She would be set to take her DADA Mastery in just a few months time. She seemed to know exactly what to do next and Williamson wasn't sure if that was instinctual or whether she was just that strategic in her thinking.
"Her defence is weak."
Williamson looked over at Bella in surprise and the woman looked harsher now. She was frowning and Williamson looked to Fay. Fay had just been knocked back but Mitchell was sporting his fair amount of wounds.
"You think so? She's quite good for a trainee," Williamson said and Bella snorted.
"Your trainees must not be very good. I trained her better than this."
Williamson's eyes widened and he looked over at her with a frown.
"I'm sorry? I thought that she was so good because she was in Riddle's extensive class."
Bella laughed, coldly.
"Oh yes. She was in my fiancé's class. We all were…Hermione too. But…you see, Hermione, Blaise, Draco, and I were still better than them. So, we took on our own students. Daphne…Daphne Greengrass was Hermione's favourite. Daphne was so hurt when Hermione murdered those children. She left for Japan as soon as she could after we graduated. But, that's besides the point. I trained Fay and I trained her better than that."
And with those words, the woman stood and kicked off her shoes. She dropped the large tote that had rested in her lap. Bella sauntered towards the door and before Williamson could even call out to stop her, she swung the door open, causing all of the other Aurors and trainees in the room to stop and stare. Only Fay and Auror Mitchell continued. Williamson could only watch as Bella broke out into a sprint towards Fay and jumped. Williamson's mouth fell open and he watched as Bella's bare foot collided with Fay's cheek, causing her tumble backwards.
Bella landed, solidly and watched, unimpressed as Fay rolled to a stop. Williamson's eyes widened when he saw Fay spit out what looked like a bloody tooth. Bella kneeled down in front of her and wrapped Fay's hand around the tooth.
"I'll put it back in later. Now get up and fight. I taught you better," Bella hissed and Fay nodded, sharply and shoved her tooth into her pocket as if it were nothing but a candy wrapper.
She stumbled up and dropped into a low bow. Bella gave her own bow and Williamson watched as he spun and shot a lightening curse at Fay. Fay tumbled towards the side and threw out a Shield Charm to protect herself. Williamson watched as her Shield cracked underneath the force of the lightening but Bella finally let up. The beautiful woman growled and threw a red spell at Williamson. He wasn't sure what it did but it seemed that Fay knew.
She ducked underneath the spell and tackled Bella. Bella fell backwards and her head cracked against the mat. Williamson gasped but it didn't even seem to affect Bella. Fay was holding onto her leg and Bella kicked her in the head with the other foot. Fay jolted but didn't relinquish hold on the woman. She ripped something from Bella's leg and jumped back, holding it up threateningly.
Bella cowered. "You've found my weakness…it's small knives."
Williamson frowned as he stared at the small silver knife that Bella seemed to have attached to her leg. Then, the Potter woman let out a loud cackle and she swung herself up. Bella shot a Disarming Spell and Fay barely kept her grip on the knife. Bella darted forward and easily dodged Fay's slashing. She kicked the knife out of Fay's hand and wrapped her legs around the woman's waist. Fay stumbled back and slammed Bella into the wall. Bella's hands found their way around Fay's neck and she squeezed. Fay stumbled from the lack of air and she gasped, clawing at Bella's fingers.
Bella released her hold and as Fay's hands flew to her throat, she delivered a swift uppercut. Just before Fay fell, Bella jumped off and spun into an amazing kick that swung her body completely around. It connected with Fay's stomach and the woman gasped and blood bubbled out of her mouth. Fay weakly tried to get up and she shakily raised her hands. She fired a spell that caught the ends of Bella's hair. The ends of Bella's hair caught on fire.
The woman gasped and Williamson let out a shout of shock when Bella's hands wrapped around the ends, tightly. Her eyes hardened and she pulled hard. The flames seemed to come off onto her hands and she blew, softly. The flames went out and she tilted her hand over, watching as the ashes of her hair sprinkled the mat.
"You burned my hair," she whispered, softly.
Fay gave a small smile. "I did."
Bella's eyes narrowed and she tilted her head. "The last time my hair caught on fire…was when I…when I…that wasn't a very long time ago. I wasn't very happy. I'm not very happy right now. That means you're about to become very unhappy, my sweet, sweet Fay."
Fay's smiled slipped away. Bella let out a shriek of anger and she charged. Fay brought her arms to defend herself but Bella's right hook caught her right in the cheek. Fay didn't even have time to recover when Bella kicked up and her foot caught her in the chest. Bella did a back flip and got into a stance that looked nothing like a true duelling stance. Fay's eyes hardened and she slipped into a stance, her foot sweeping out and she held her hand out.
"Come at me," Fay whispered.
Bella smiled, sweetly. "Gladly."
Her green eyes flashed into the most sickening green that Williamson had ever seen and he wondered if he had just pure power in those eyes. Bella ran at Fay just as Fay broke into a run and Bella's left hand swept out. Her open palm struck Fay's cheek. Fay screamed and she fell backwards. Williamson's mouth fell open when he saw the third degree burn, blistering on her cheek. Bella's lips only twitched into a smile. She spun, like a dancer, and struck again, this time in the middle of Fay's leather trainee outfit. Her hand burned right through the leather, but this time didn't get to Fay's skin.
"FIGHT! FIGHT LIKE I TOLD DAPHNE TO! FIGHT!" Bella screamed and Fay screamed louder as the woman kicked her hard.
"I can't…I can't…"
"YOU'RE WEAK! FIGHT! FIGHT!" Bella shrieked and Fay let out a cry. Her hand was clutching her cheek and blood was leaking down her face and pooling onto the ground.
Williamson had had enough and he stormed into the room. Bella didn't seem to even notice. She was still focused on Fay and her eyes were alight with fire and a darkness that Williamson couldn't even begin to comprehend.
"I can't…I can't…Bella…I can't…it hurts."
Bella punched her hard again, causing a second degree on Fay's arm.
"Miss Potter…" Williamson commanded, softly.
Bella didn't even pay attention to him.
"I didn't say I can't when I was in the Ministry. I didn't I can't when I went with Voldemort. I didn't say I can't when I wrestled my fucking sister to the ground. I shot a mother-fucking curse at that bastard. I went with him and saved all your arses. I beat the shit out of my own sister, dammit. And I…I went through so fucking much, Fay. So don't tell me you can't. You get off your damn ass and you fucking punch me. You fucking punch me. You break my fingers. You're supposed to the damn best. You're supposed to be with me. She's gone…she left me. Hermione…Daphne…they left me. And you're here. And if you're by my side…you're going to fucking fight. Until your heart stops beating…even after mine has. Now, get UP!"
Williamson watched as Fay's eyes narrowed and she staggered up and limped up to Bella, blood still tricking through her fingers. She lifted her left hand and dropped her wand to the ground. Her fingers closed into a fist and she threw a solid punch, catching Bella in the cheek. Bella stumbled back and she let out a long laugh.
"There we go. Fight. Punch me again. Too weak, sweetheart. You can do better than that, I'm sure."
Fay's eyes flashed. "Don't mock me."
"I'll mock you if I want. Your ass is mine, love."
Fay's fist flew forward again and Bella staggered and almost fell. She laughed again and flashed a cocky smile.
She leaned forward and whispered, "Again."
Fay dropped her hand from her bleeding cheek and her bloody fist flew forward. She caught Bella in the jaw and Williamson was sure that he heard an agonizing crack. Bella gasped and her eyes widened in pain but she gave a malicious smile. She jumped and spun4, giving a devastating kick and Williamson's breath was taken away when Fay grabbed it in the air and yanked Bella down from the air. Bella fell to the ground and Fay gazed down at her, coldly. Bella smiled and stumbled up.
"Come on now. Do it. Finish it."
Fay jumped and delivered a roundhouse kick, knocking Bella back to the ground. Bella fell onto her knees and she coughed. Blood dribbled from the corner of her lips. She gave Fay a bloody smile and bowed her head.
"End it. End the fight. Make me submit," Bella whispered.
Fay looked down at her and then fell to her knees in front of her.
"I shall never strike you. Never. I would never strike the one thing that I was told to protect. That I swore to protect. I will never harm you nor forsake you…until my heart is ripped from chest."
Fay fell onto her knees and bowed her head. Bella looked up, her face impassive and she grabbed Fay by the chin and tilted her head up. She tilted her head before delivering a devastating backhand slap with her left hand. Her diamond ring left a long scratch upon Fay's cheek.
Bella's eyes flashed and she leaned in to whisper something into Fay's ear.
Williamson could barely hear but he did hear what she had to say.
"Let that be a warning. Never. Disobey. Me."
Fay smiled.
"I shall never obey that command. I'm sorry."
Bella glared, coldly. She waved her wand over her body and Williamson heard another crack. Bella's opened her mouth, stretching her jaw and she barely winced. She reached into her pocket and tossed a potion bottle to Fay. She stood and turned away, walking towards the door and ignoring the shocked and disgusted expressions that she was receiving.
She looked over her shoulders. "You're a fool, Fay Dunbar. But…that shall heal all your wounds. Good day, Auror Williamson. I hope that Fay has learned her lesson."
Fay tilted her head and only smiled as she watched Bella stalk from the room. Williamson rushed over to her just as Fay downed the potion. He knew that he would have to retrieve burn-healing paste. Just a simple potion wouldn't do anything. He gasped when the burn on her cheek bubbled and new skin seemed to stretch over it and the scratch on her cheek. Her wounds seemed to heal over and Fay gave a long sigh.
Williamson kneeled next to her just as everyone crowded around her. One young girl scowled and glared at the door in disgust.
"Why are you friends with that horrible bitch? That was cruel," she spat.
Fay jumped up, Bella's knife pointed at her.
"Speak ill of her again and I'll run you through."
Williamson reared back and he stared at her in confusion.
"How…how can you defend her? She burned you!"
Fay smiled at him and shook her head.
"But, I am loyal to her and loyal to her, I will be…forever. You see a cruel woman whom doesn't know when to stop. But…you know what I see?" Fay whispered.
Williamson looked at her, doubtfully. "What?"
Fay sighed.
"A damaged woman whom knows what pain is. And that…what she showed me…that wasn't pain. She's seen true pain and I doubt I'll even see half of what she's felt."
Atrium, Ministry of Magic, London, England, Great Britain
Monday the 14th of September 1998
1:40 PM
Bella moved through the Atrium of the Ministry of Magic, intent on escaping. She rushed darted in and out of the crowds of wizards, lugging about her large tote full of her books. She knew people were staring at her and she probably looked mad. Bella sighed and she approached the nearest fireplace. She planned to go home, do homework, make herself a margarita, and then maybe apologize to Fay about the whole spectacle.
But, not the lesson. Never the lesson. It was a lesson that Fay had needed to learn. It was a lesson that she would, unfortunately, have to give to Theodore as well. Bella trusted that Hermione would give it to her students and Draco and Blaise would do it to their own. Draco would have no trouble beating Lalita into submission. He'd probably enjoy it, the sadistic, arrogant, little prick.
"Bella."
Bella froze and she felt the hairs on the back of her neck prickle. She didn't move, but simply stopped in the middle of the crowd. She recognized that voice. She knew that voice too well and her lower lip quivered. Tears welled in her eyes, but they were not tears of grief or sadness, but of rage and betrayal. The beautiful woman forced herself to turn around and look into the dark eyes and the twisted smile.
"You."
"Me."
Bella almost shivered as she looked at Eddie Carmichael. She didn't understand the rage that she felt, but it almost felt like she was angry with herself. Bella was instantly reminded of the words that Nikolai had spoken to her. When someone hated with all their being and they didn't know what to hate, they began to hate themselves.
But that dimmed self-hatred had disappeared as soon as she had heard this man's voice and had instantly been directed to this man. It had slipped away and transformed into rage and loathing. And she felt powerful.
Let me take care of this…
She slipped into darkness and Eddie Carmichael stared at her with a frown, waiting for her to open her eyes. When she finally did, her eyes flashed and were a deep brown-green. Eddie took a step back and his eyes widened. Her skin should be tan. Her hair should be blonde. But, it wasn't and yet…this was she.
"Nikki."
"Don't call me that, you fool."
Her voice was slightly deeper than Bella and rougher. She sounded older and there was more than a small hint of malice in her voice. Eddie reached his hand forward and went to touch her cheek. Her hand snapped around his wrist and Eddie hissed in pain as her grip, tightened. Bella…no, Nikolai stared at his hand in fascination.
"You look…the same."
"You do not."
Nikolai looked up and she gave him a dark smile.
"I am not supposed to you. Virtuous Sin, they call me. The appearance of an angel. The blackest soul."
Eddie looked at her, imploringly. "Sister, I still love you."
Nikolai looked at him.
"I am not your sister. Drop dead."
Eddie's lips curled into a soft smile and he took a step closer to her so that they were chest to chest. He admired how the beautiful girl didn't cower away from him. She only accepted the challenge and tilted her head.
"Beautiful…such beauty. I do prefer your blonde hair."
"I'd prefer you dead."
Eddie brushed his hand across her cheek and Nikolai turned her cheek away, her lip curled in disgust. Eddie smirked at her reaction.
"You're so cold to me, Nikki," he said, mock sadness in his voice and Nikolai's hands curled into fists and she restrained herself from punching the snot out of the arse in front of her. He didn't even deserve that and when she finally ended this pathetic excuse of a man in front of her, she would do it with the darkness that he had granted her.
"You turned me into the person that I've become," Nikolai whispered, harshly. She watched with satisfaction, as Eddie's eyes narrowed and his mood grew darker.
"I didn't. I cared about you, sister. You could have cared about me," Eddie hissed, angrily and Nikolai sneered at him. She leaned up until their lips were only inches away.
To anyone with eyes, it was clear that this wasn't a lovers' closeness. There was something feral and angry about the way that both witch and wizard held themselves. Eddie was leering down at the shorter woman and Nikolai looked ready to roar in his face and tear him to pieces. There was hostility in ever line of her body.
"You can't always get what you want," Nikolai rasped and she shoved Eddie away from her before storming towards the Floo. She tried her best to ignore the way Eddie was staring after her. As she tossed down the Floo powder, she whispered her destination and she was whirled away in a fire of green.
As soon as Nikolai stepped out of the fireplace and into Bella's flat, she coughed hard and stumbled. Bella felt her head clear of the haze that was Nikolai's old, heavy, dark magic. She coughed and she stood up, her eyes wide in shock. She looked around her and she closed her eyes, attempting to remember what had just happened.
She couldn't.
One Hyde Park, London, England, Great Britain
Saturday the 26th of September 1998
10:00 AM
"You're not going on the raid."
Bella looked up from her breakfast, a sharp look in her eyes and she stared at Tom. He was staring right back at her without a single emotion on his face. Bella tilted her head, slowly and she simply looked at him. She cleared her throat.
"Why not?"
It was a simple question and Bella knew that Tom was surprised that she hadn't yelled at him yet. Instead, Bella was taking another route this time. She was going to wait until he had made his explanations and his reasoning for not allowing her to go on the raid. Bella took another sip of her coffee and waited.
"I don't want you to go. You're not ready."
"I would think I'd know when I'm ready," Bella said, softly and Tom looked at her with a doubtful look in his eyes.
"Bella, you're strong and you've killed. But are you really strong enough to kill the people you called friend?" Tom challenged and Bella smiled at him, softly, though there really wasn't anything to be smiling about.
He had a point. Bella was trying to avoid what Luna had told her. She was trying to o this without compromising herself and murdering children and innocents. Bella had never killed an innocent before. She had killed murderers, thieves, and possible rapists, but she had never killed an innocent. And that was what most of the new members of the Order and the new trainees were. Those who would fight at the raid were going to be young and foolish.
"I'm not sure. But, I wouldn't know until I tried."
Tom shook his head. "That's not true. You'll know when you think about killing Ronald Weasley, who was once your best friend, in cold blood and not feel a damn thing."
Bella stiffened at the suggestion and as she thought about Ron, she felt a twinge in her gut. She wouldn't be able to just kill him, no matter how much she had once threaten him. That was all bravado and not true at all. She wasn't his friend anymore and she didn't care about him at all, but she once had and that was the point. Tom was trying to prove to her that she didn't have what it took to be a Horseman. Not yet, anyway.
"Well, I can't kill them then."
"This is war, Bella. People will die and it will be you who kills them. You're forgetting who you are. What we are. We are Dark."
Bella's eyes narrowed. "Dark doesn't always mean death, Tom."
"Don't be so naïve. It usually does."
Bella shook her head and pushed back from the table and drank the rest of the coffee in her cup before taking it to the sink. She placed it in and waved her wand, slowly. She wasn't terribly good at household charms, but she was even worst at washing dishes. It would have to do. When she was sure that the sponge was scrubbing the coffee stains away, she turned around and stared at Tom.
"I'm not being naïve, Tom. Killing…killing is hard."
"It really isn't. A well-placed Killing Curse would do it. When did you become so…you've become a pacifist," Tom said, sharply and accusingly. Bella's lips twitched as she leaned against the bar and she stared at her fiancé and sighed, quietly.
"I have. War destroyed my sister. It destroyed my parents. I won't let it destroy me too. There are certain lines, Tom, that I won't cross unless absolutely necessary. It's one thing to kill to protect people, but another to kill to instil fear. That's not fighting for freedom from oppression, Tom. That's called being a terrorist," Bella snapped at Tom. Tom looked at her as if he had never seen her before and he shook his head, a small smile spreading across his face.
"You've grown up quite a bit, Miss Potter. When did you become so wise?" he said, teasingly and Bella gave a soft laugh.
"I don't know. When I began to question my choices. When I began to realize that perhaps what I had thought was the right thing…wasn't."
Tom frowned.
"There are certain lines you said, Bella. You can't go on this raid…because I will cross those lines and I don't think you'll want to see it."
"I see. And if I do come?"
Tom tilted his head.
"I'll make sure you won't be able to come."
One Hyde Park, London, England, Great Britain
Sunday the 27th of September 1998
10:40 PM
"What is it that you want from me now?"
Nikolai was sitting in her chair, her long blonde hair falling over the back of it. She looked more than a little bored and as if Bella was not worth her time. Bella's lips curled as she stared at the other woman, but she didn't make any rude remarks. She needed the woman's counsel and it was best to keep her happy if she wanted good counsel.
"I…well, Tom doesn't want me to participate in the battle on Samhain. He told me that I could, but now, he's not so sure. And I can see why," Bella admitted though there was a hint of annoyance in her voice. Nikolai leaned up, suddenly interested in what the girl had to say and she blinked, slowly.
"Why?" she asked, quietly.
Bella sighed. "Too many people have too many clues. People already suspect me of going dark and Order members notice things. They've all noticed things and I'm not sure how we could participate without blowing our cover just yet. People will know. Dumbledore will know. He knows what we are to some extent. Not everything, of course, but he knows too much already."
Nikolai's eyes widened before she gave a low chuckle and rolled her eyes. It was clear that she thought Bella melodramatic. Bella grinded her teeth together and hands clenched into fists. She restrained herself from punching the mirror and watching Nikolai's face shatter. She reminded herself that she needed Nikolai's cooperation.
"People…know too much. I see. You'll just have to…lower the number of people that know."
Bella bit her lip. "I'm out to kill Grindelwald. Not Dumbledore…not yet. He's too powerful and if I get caught, I'm not sure I could escape just yet. I don't have any other ways of transportation besides Apparating and flying. Anti-Apparition wards would solve that and without a broom, I'd be stuck."
Nikolai looked at her with incredulity on her face.
"You don't know how to shadow travel?"
"No."
Nikolai sneered. "You're rather useless as a vessel. Do you know that?"
Bella hissed with annoyance. "You've told me frequently. Now, I didn't come for you to simply insult me. I want to know what I should do."
Nikolai was silent for a moment before a look of understanding showed up on her face. The look was promptly followed by a sneer of disgust and mocking.
"You're meaning to tell me that you've told people that you're the Horsemen of the Apocalypse? Are you really that stupid?" Nikolai snarled and Bella glared at her, defensively.
"I was a kid! A stupid, arrogant kid. Granted, I can admit I'm still rather arrogant. But, I was in over my head. I had no idea what I was doing. I was reckless. But, now…I can't risk this shit anymore. I can't. There are certain people that simply know too much. Starting with Dumbledore. And the Order members…they've been told certain things and I'm sure some come make a connection. Namely, my Uncle Remus."
Nikolai looked considering.
"You'll have to use a Memory Charm on Dumbledore."
Bella's mouth fell open. "A Memory Charm on one of the most powerful Legilimens on Earth? I'm not very adept at Memory Charms in the first place."
Nikolai pursed her lips and sighed.
"You're frightfully untalented, do you know that?"
Bella's expression turned sour.
"I'm sure."
Nikolai looked thoughtful and muttered, "There's also the possibility that he has removed some of his memories and put it in a Pensieve. Do you have anyone that handles the mind?"
Bella frowned. "Not that I can…the Patil twins."
Nikolai frowned. "I'm sorry?"
"They're Legilimens and Occlumens. They're interrogators, but also know how to use mind magic. They're talented at it. Blaise is a master Legilimency and he knows the Black Art, Venenum Animi, but there are certain things that they're better than him with. Meaning Memory Charms. They're training to be Obliviators at the Ministry," Bella said, excitedly and Nikolai nodded, slowly with pursed lips and she tilted her head.
"You would have to time it just right. You'd need a proper distraction. But, there's still the possibility of it being on his mind," Nikolai reminded her and Bella's excitement dimmed considerably and she crossed her arms.
"It's…Dumbledore's old and I think Tom told me he keeps a Pensieve. It's the best I can do on such short notice. It's the best that I can do. This isn't only for me. My siblings…they're not invincible. They aren't and they're always trying to protect me. Hermione does everything she does for me. So does Draco and even Blaise to a certain extent. They're not thinking about themselves and what going out there means. They're going to side with Tom," Bella said, sharply.
Nikolai's eyes had a wistful look in them and she had a slight smile. She was staring out into space.
"They were like that with me…when I first came to them. My siblings before…they were all headstrong and pigheaded. They wanted to protect themselves and look after family second. It was…refreshing to be protected and not have to watch out for my own back all the time," Nikolai whispered and Bella looked at her in surprise. Nikolai seemed surprised by her own actions as well and she cleared her throat.
"I see…a big enough distraction…Tom's going to find some way of forcing me not to go."
Nikolai nodded. "The Dark Lord would do that to keep his lady-love safe. A distraction…he would cause the distraction. Samhain would be the perfect time. You send out your minions and they will go while Dumbledore is otherwise occupied if you're so sure that a Pensieve is where the memory is."
Bella swallowed and whispered, "That's the thing…I'm not sure."
"You don't have the luxury of not being sure. You must know. You must be sure in everything you do. Do you understand me? Do you understand what it means to be a Horseman of the Apocalypse? Do you understand what it means to be Victory?" Nikolai snarled and Bella swallowed hard before crossing her arms. She tossed back her shoulders and tried to hide away her insecurities. She sagged in on herself when she realized that there was no point in doing something like that.
Why hide from the one person whom you essentially shared a body with?
"No, but I will."
Nikolai looked surprised by her answer. "Oh?"
"Yeah. I'm not sure what it means yet. I've been fighting it and then accepted it without even learning how you came to be and what that means to me. You're here for a reason. Morgan le Fay came to my mother for a reason. She knew that my mother's child, me, would be destined for something great. And that great thing was you. There's something that we're to do. Together."
Nikolai blinked, rapidly before snorting in disbelief. She turned around, tossing her blonde hair over her shoulder and took a few steps away from Bella. She turned back around and looked straight at Bella again. Bella wondered if Nikolai was seeing her through a mirror just as she was looking at the reflection of her inner self.
"Together? You really are a naïve little brat. Perhaps, the Dark Lord is right to keep you out of this. You're nothing but a little girl with pipe dreams of peace and equality."
Bella's eyes flashed. "I've had enough of your bullshit."
Nikolai blinked. "Excuse me…"
"No! It's my turn to talk! How dare you belittle me and treat me like I'm the dirt beneath your feet? I conquered you. I took control from your bare hands and you've got more than a millions years on me, I bet. You don't know a damn thing about me or my siblings or my Tom. It's not pipe dreams and I'm not trying to get it by being stupid. I'm willing to kill and torture to get what is required for me to live happily in this world. There's a reason that we're, unfortunately, stuck together. This isn't just coincidence. This is fate. You want to be free from me. To accomplish something. Your purpose…what the fuck is it? If you tell me, maybe, just maybe, I could help you because I'm tired of your constant presence in my mind," Bella hissed, angrily.
Nikolai looked away and Bella could not understand a single one of the emotions that flitted across her face. Finally, Nikolai sighed in resignation.
"My purpose…is to murder the murderer."
Bella frowned.
"And who…did this murderer kill?"
"Me. He murdered me."
One Hyde Park, London, England, Great Britain
Wednesday the 28th of October 1997
2:00 PM
Bella came crashing through the Floo, Fay just behind her. Bella grabbed onto the mantle before she could fall on her face. She heard a quiet snort and looked up to see a gaunt-looking woman with long brown curls. Her face was slightly hollow and she had a glass of wine on the table and an empty plate in her lap. She wore black and white prison robes that looked like they had seen better days. She had thick black make up around her eyes and a bright smile on her face.
The television set created background noise with the sounds of a couple arguing.
"Hello, dear sister. Hi, Fay," the woman rasped and Bella kicked off her heels and padded her way towards the bar that separated the kitchen from the sitting area. The woman turned and went into the fridge and pulled out a loaf of bread and a large jar of peanut butter. Fay was staring at Hermione with a slow smile growing on her face.
"Hello, Hermione. I see that I won't be needed to guard Bella."
"Oh, no that won't be necessary, but with Daphne gone you've been doing a splen…splen…splendid job!" Hermione stammered and Fay grinned at the woman before she quickly Disapparated to her own flat that she shared with the Patil twins.
"Hi, Hermione," Bella said, simply as she searched for a knife. She quickly began to slather the peanut butter onto two pieces of bread. She didn't bother with a plate as she put the pieces together to form a sandwich.
The dark-haired woman walked towards the couch and fell down onto it. She cuddled into her sister's side and Hermione's arm wrapped around her shoulders. Bella's head fell onto the black and white striped shoulder. Hermione stroked the woman's hair.
"How have classes been?"
"Fine. A little boring, but if that's what it takes. I'm going to become an attorney, gain everyone's respect, and then apply to the Wizengamot," Bella said, proudly and Hermione looked down at her with slight surprise. Her lips were curled into a half-smile.
"Well, be sure that you're studying for exams. We can't have you falling behind. I wish I was in the class with you, not that I want t be an attorney. I could make a study schedule for you. And what is this about joining the Wizengamot?" Hermione asked, absently and Bella pulled her legs into herself and she sighed, softly.
"It'll help the cause. I'll have more pull and I'll also be able to submit laws for the creatures that are being oppressed. I'll become Chief Sorceress and I'll fulfil my promise to Remus. I promised that I'd make him a voter, and I will," Bella said, firmly and Hermione looked at her with a wide grin that was not entirely normal but was…normal enough for her sister.
"I see. Very nice. You'll be able to do more once you rule the wizarding world."
Bella frowned. "I think that's Tom's dream. Not exactly…mine."
Hermione blinked.
"Bella…aren't you trying to restore balance to the wizarding world? The Dark is oppressed, but if only Tom was to rule…the Light would be oppressed. Is that any better?" Hermione asked, curiously and Bella frowned when she realized that it wasn't, in fact.
"No. If there's a representation of Dark…Light must also be represented. Tom's the leader of the Dark Sect, so it's obvious that he would be the Dark Lord. Currently, people find Dumbledore to be the Light Lord, but that was only because he was sitting in my seat as the leader of the Light Denomination. Which means, that I'd have to represent the Light in a new government," Bella said, softly, almost speaking to herself and she looked up, wide-eyed at her sister. Hermione was nodding and grinning, as if she had already know all this. Bella supposed that she would have known.
"Yes, that would be you…Light Lady Nikolai and the Dark Lord Voldemort. It has a nice ring to it," Hermione said, teasingly and Bella tried to smile. She couldn't quite make it believable and Hermione's grin slid off her face.
"Light Lady Nikolai…I'm Dark. I wouldn't be what those people deserved. Tom would probably yell at me for saying that. He'd claim that they didn't deserve a damn thing and if they got an innately Dark leader, it'd serve them right. I disagree. They deserve a good leader. A fair leader. Am I that leader?" Bella asked herself and Hermione looked down at her sister with a glint in her eye. Bella didn't notice the glint and for that, Hermione was glad.
Hermione saw things in her sister that their brothers did not. They wanted to protect her when it seemed that she didn't need to be. Hermione had had to protect her, had to go to Azkaban, but that had been at the end of their sixth year. Bella didn't need to be protected anymore. She was an adult. A woman. She was philosophical and she thought more about her actions now, though not enough to make her completely out of character, it seemed.
"And because you asked that question…I think you are. I think you are the Lady that the Light deserves, but not the one it needs right now. You'll do many things that are considered Dark. Many things that are considered evil. But, in the end…you must remind them and remind yourself that you're Bella Potter, Head of the Light Denomination. You are the daughter of Lily and James Potter," Hermione said, softly and Bella's hands curled into tight fists and she swallowed hard. She looked down at her lap.
"I see."
"You're going to be travelling into darkness, my Angel. Deeper than any of us dare to go. But, never forget who you are."
Bella laughed, bitterly and she shook her head.
"I don't see how I won't forget. Luna said that I will. She said that marrying Tom…doing this…being who I am will turn me into a monster driven by need for revenge. That the agony and anguish will compare to no other. She said my soul will twist into something wicked and I will hate. I will hate with my body, mind, and soul. I think…whatever happens…what's going to happen will make me fall deep into something I can't control. I'll be driven by madness and grief. I won't see the light anymore. I was part of the shadows. I was…I was never as dark as anyone imagined. True darkness…that's Nikolai…not me. How could I not forget who I am? How could I ever get out of something as deep like that?" Bella asked, softly.
Hermione looked into her sister's deep green eyes and she examined her face. Her face was slightly more angular than the last time she saw her. Her skin was paler and her lips redder. The younger woman looked doubtful and Hermione knew that reluctant leaders were the best. Bella had pretended to be so strong for those that followed her. But, she wasn't.
She knew she wanted to marry Tom. She wasn't so sure about marrying Voldemort.
She knew she wanted to kill Grindelwald. She wasn't so sure about Dumbledore.
She knew she wanted to be in this war. She wasn't sure if she should.
She knew she wanted normal. She also knew she would never have it.
Hermione smiled and stroked Bella's face. Bella leaned into her sister's hand and sighed.
"You…my Angel, you have wings. And with those wings, out of the darkness…you will rise."
One Hyde Park, London, England, Great Britain
Thursday the 29th of October 1998
5:00 PM
Bella looked up, sharply as the shadows in the room twisted. She admired how the shadows all seemed to run from the people that cast them. She glanced at Hermione, Draco, and Blaise whom looked over, curious as well. They watched as the shadows seemed to all come together in then dispersed almost completely as two people came into view. Bella's lips curled into slow smile as she spotted both Luna and Tom.
Tom was already dressed in black battle robes and his arms were crossed in annoyance. Luna was wearing a long grey dress, her collar high and she had bags in both hands. She quickly walked forward, ignoring the dangerous look that Tom sent her.
"We'll be dressing all of you for Saturday. I've brought your clothing. Hermione, your clothing is in the bedroom you use here. So is yours Blaise. Draco, this is yours," Luna commanded, sharply and she handed them a bag. Fay and Theodore walked off with a quick, respectful nod to Tom. Bella slinked up to her fiancé and gave him a peck on the lips before turning to Luna.
"And what about me?" she asked with a slight grin.
Luna pursed her lips and sighed.
"We'll be spending some time together. Tom told me that he didn't want you to go. I'm not going to go against a tense Dark Lord," Luna said and Bella smiled at the disapproving sound in her voice. She didn't approve of this just as much as Bella didn't.
"I see. Are you going back to Hogwarts after?" Bella asked and Luna looked at Tom with a cold look in her eye. Tom only looked at her with a raised eyebrow, but he said nothing. Bella's eyes narrowed in confusion.
"No. I am not. I'll be staying with you until after the battle. It was very easy to forge Daddy's signature," Luna said, cautiously and Bella frowned as Tom stepped forward and slowly drew out his yew wand. Bella looked at him curiously and Tom took another step forward until they were pressed together. He pressed a kiss to her forehead and when she closed her eyes and leaned into him, he kissed her eyelids.
He leaned down and pressed his lips to her jaw.
"I have to keep you out of trouble for now, love, until we can figure out how we're going to do this. So, for now…Dormio."
Tom's arm wound around Bella's waist and he watched as her eyelids fluttered and she sent him a tired glare before collapsing in his arms. He picked up her body, until her close to him and he looked to Luna. She gave him a disapproving stare before looking at Draco with a pleading look on her face. He looked at her reluctantly and shook his head.
"I think Tom's right, Lu. Not yet. Bella's our leader. Our sister. She claims she's ready for war, but I don't think so…no one's really ready for war. But, especially Bella. Not yet," Draco said, softly and Luna took a step towards him until they were only a few feet away. Her hand snapped out and the echo of her slap made Hermione's eyes widen.
Draco looked down at Luna in shock and the grey-eyed Elf glared up at him.
"She's stronger than you think. She has to be strong. I know Bella. She could have handled this. She's handling it right now. You think you know everything about her, but you don't. You're underestimating her, but you shouldn't. Bella isn't someone you can baby anymore. She's not just your little sister. She's your leader. Start treating her like it," Luna snapped and she stormed away, disappearing into the shadows without any other words. Draco watched as she went and Tom rolled his eyes. He sighed and looked down at the young woman in his arms.
"The Elf speaks some truth," Tom said, softly and Hermione's lips curled into a cruel smile.
"I know. She speaks lots of truth. Lots of truth and half-truths and little lies. It will turn out fine…it will all be fine. Now, I believe you should put Angel in a safe place. You have something prepared that is not…here?" Hermione asked, softly and Tom nodded, slowly.
"There's…there's a place in Nurmengard that Luna and I created. Luna will watch over her until it is no longer deemed necessary," Tom said, calmly and Hermione shook her head as she looked at Draco, Blaise, and Tom. Hermione looked at Luna whom was glaring at them all without care for whom she might anger.
"You're all wrong. Luna…Draco…Blaise…Tom. She knows…she's strong. She's strong enough for this. You all want to protect her. She can't be protected any longer…she doesn't need to be protected any longer. Not now when she can protect herself. In school, it was different. Now, she's going to be leader that they deserve," Hermione snarled and Tom looked at her in confusion. He tilted his head as he looked at Hermione, the woman whom had gone to Azkaban to protect Bella, to Bella, the woman in his arms.
"The leader that 'they' deserve?" he questioned, softly.
Hermione pressed her lips together. "She'll find a way. She'll come. She'll come and she'll show you all and I will be at her side…for eternity. Watch her."
And with those words, Hermione spun around and stormed down the hallway, presumably to her room. Tom turned away from the girl and her cryptic words before looking to Luna. Luna sighed and gave a firm nod. They both disappeared into the shadows and travelled to one of the safest locations in the world.
Nurmengard.
Nurmengard, Unplottable Location, Germany, Europe
Saturday the 31st of October 1998
10:00 PM
Alecto Carrow looked up as she heard footsteps echoing along the hallway. She could feel the stiffening of her brother next to her and she glanced at Lucius whom seemed concentrated on something. There was something odd about the footsteps. It seemed to belong to more than one person. Alecto watched as the Dark Lord's protégé strutted in with a smirk on her face.
She was wearing her blood-streaked mask once more and her skintight robes. Her pale midriff was showing once more and she had a sword strapped to her waist. With every step she took, her hips swung, tantalizingly. She was a confident woman and Alecto sneered. She tried to ignore the jealousy she felt, but it was rather hard. This woman was obviously favored by the Dark Lord and Alecto wondered if it was for her looks.
She had two people flanking her now. The first was Apollo, the man whom had came with her before. He still looked rather frightening in bone-white bird mask and Alecto remembered perfectly well how the last raid had gone. The two had been a fearsome duo to behold. But now, they had someone else with them. Someone that donned a mask that was just as odd and frightening, though in its own way.
The man was wearing a long black robe over black trousers and heavy-duty boots. He wore a blank white mask with a square jaw line and a large nose. Strangely enough, it was without mouth. He had a large black hood on that created shadows along his face so you could not see the colour of his hair. The eyeholes were wide and if you stared hard enough, you could see eyes the color of steel. He held a scythe in hand and from the way his breath rattled as he breathed, he reminded them all of death.
"Lady War," Lucius said and he nodded his head, sharply.
Alecto glanced at him and there was something about the way he was staring at the new man that told her that he knew whom he was. The Death Eater turned her gaze back onto the trio.
"Hello, hello, little Lucy. I think, I think, you've met m-m-my brother. Say, hello, Thanatos. Everyone! Say hello to Death," Mórrígan cackled, her eyes flashing with malice and Alecto took a step back into her brother in fear. Her lips had been curling into a sneer at Lucius' humiliating nickname when she had quickly came to hear what else Mórrígan had to say.
"Hello," Thanatos said, his face low and grating, yet soft somehow.
Just as Alecto was about to whisper something to Amycus, the shadows behind the trio warped and standing taller than all of them was their Lord. Alecto dropped into a kneel just as the trio parted to let the Dark Lord through. His crimson eyes were narrowed and he looked over his shoulder. The Dark Lord snarled something that Alecto could not hear and he seemed to be speaking to shadows.
"Go to her. Watch over her…until I return," the Dark Lord snapped.
The twisting shadows wrapped around Lord Thanatos for just a moment before swirled away and the Dark Lord turned to look at his faithful servants.
"Stand before me and present your wand if you are ready for this declaration of war," the Dark Lord said and he pulled his wand out and pointed it at all of the Death Eater.
As if one, the dozens of Death Eaters pulled free their wands and nodded at their Lord. The Dark Lord looked at all of them, his serpentine face twisted into one of satisfaction. It was an odd look to be on such an odd face but over the years, they had grown used to it. It was not the Dark Lord's looks that they followed, but the promise of change and freedom from oppression. They wanted the freedom to practice the old ways.
Their children had been too influenced by the Light, no matter how much claimed that it was not true. They looked down on those that practiced the old ways, the Wiccan ways, and that would have to change. In the time of covens, it had been a better world for those that worked the Dark Arts and they all hoped that those times would be returned for them, though they had only heard how the time had been through stories of the tongue.
"Tonight…we bring the fight to them. Tonight we show them exactly what it is that we are willing to do to bring back peace. To bring back what is rightfully ours!" the Dark Lord declared and there were roars of approval.
Mórrígan looked around and saw that Blaise and Draco were grinning. She closed her eyes and shook her head. Her lips were twisted into a grimace and though she wanted to grin in approval, she wanted to approve the Dark Lord's words, she could not. This was not peace.
This was simply the oppression of the other side.
"This is not peace we are fighting for," she whispered and she heard her brothers make startled sounds in the back of her throat. Hermione glanced at Blaise and though she could not see his face, she could see his eyes. He had been surprised by her words.
"Lucius, you will lead a team of ten through Knockturn Alley. Mórrígan, you lead a team of five with Apollo…"
Mórrígan lifted her head. "I don't need Apollo. I can do it all by myself. I…I…I can."
Voldemort looked at her, doubtfully before nodding. Mórrígan felt Blaise's hand squeeze against her hand, unsurely and she squeezed back though she was still irritated about what had happened to Bella.
"Mórrígan, your team of five will Apparate straight to the steps of Gringotts. Apollo, Thanatos, you lead a team of ten through the Leaky Cauldron. The rest…with me. Yaxley, Amycus, and Alecto, you will stay here and guard Nurmengard," Voldemort finally decided and Alecto looked up in horror. She could practically feel the sneers that everyone was sending her and her brother.
Death Eaters were only kept back from raids if they had wronged the Dark Lord in some way. Or if they were incompetent and Alecto knew that she was no such thing. Voldemort didn't seem so concerned. He cleared his throat and tilted his head.
"I…I am keeping my greatest treasure in these walls. Its guardian is strong, but not strong enough. You will keep it safe under all costs. If I come back to see it damaged in any way…I will torture you. I will rip your entrails from your bodies and then leave Mórrígan to torture you more. I'm sure Thanatos and Apollo would like to take turns as well. Now, we begin at eleven. Don't make any moves until then," Voldemort said, coldly and Alecto nodded, slowly before taking a step back.
She watched as Voldemort nodded to them, a signal to get moving. Suddenly, there were the loud cracks that signaled people Disapparating. Alecto watched as Voldemort took a few steps back into the shadows and seemed to melt into them. Mórrígan ran forward and Disapparated while moving. Thanatos ran forward and Disapparated as well. Apollo leaned against the wall and seemed to sink through.
That left only Yaxley, Alecto, and Amycus. Alecto turned to look at Yaxley, but the man was looking around, curiously. Amycus grunted in greeting as Yaxley made his way towards them with an intent look in his eyes.
"The Dark Lord left us with his greatest treasure," Yaxley said, softly and Alecto nodded, slowly.
"Yes."
"Lets find it."
"What?" Amycus asked as he looked at the man as if he were insane. Yaxley's greasy face was twisted into one of jubilation, as if he had come up with the best plan that there ever was when in fact, he had come up with the worst.
"It'd be better if we guarded it from where its hidden," Yaxley explained.
And with that, he was off. The twins were forced to follow the man with annoyance in their eyes. As they walked, there was suddenly a crippling sensation. It was as if something was sending off waves of intense magic. It was neither Light nor Dark, but simply raw magic. Alecto felt herself become inebriated by the feeling and she looked around as she steadied herself on the wall. Her brother seemed to have felt as well and Yaxley was swallowing hard.
"It's…it's this way. The magic…" Yaxley said, softly and they walked down the twisted hallways and through the areas where the cells were. They had come to forgotten that Nurmengard was not only their headquarters, but was also a prison.
"It's strong…powerful…old. It's very old magic," Amycus rasped and Alecto nodded in agreement. This magic felt too old to be real. It wasn't old like Dumbledore's, but much, much worse. It felt as if the artifact had been around for much too long, most likely since the dawn of time and Alecto only knew of one place that had felt like this and the magic had been younger.
Stonehenge.
Alecto pushed past Yaxley and Amycus whom were still trying to collect themselves. She cleared her throat and began to lead the group. She stopped suddenly when she felt another wave of magic and she knew they were close. Alecto turned down one more hallway and she saw the door. It wasn't a large or grand door. In truth, it looked rather ordinary.
Alecto swallowed and stared.
"Open it," Amycus commanded and Alecto shook her head.
"Brother…I'm not sure we should…"
"Fine! I'll do it!" Yaxley snarled.
He attempted to turn the knob, but it didn't budge.
"Alohomora," Yaxley hissed and the door clicked open.
He turned the knob and the door flew open. As soon as the door flew open, the waves of magic stopped and there was nothing but silence. The three Death Eaters stepped inside the room and stared around in shock and then their eyes fell upon what seemed to be the center of the room. Alecto's eyes narrowed before she realized exactly what it was.
"Who is that?"
"What is that on her face?"
"Is she in a…coma?"
Alecto and Amycus exchanged nervous glances with Yaxley. The three curious Death Eaters moved further into the chambers against their better judgment. They gaped and stared around the large and unreal room in wonder. The entire place seemed almost surreal and it was clear that it was enchanted.
They were no longer in the headquarters put what appeared to be a tropical forest, covered in beautiful greenery and mossy rocks. What should have been silky wood was grainy sand that snuck its way through their leather boots and they made their way further into the tropical fantasy, curiosity getting the better of them.
The young woman lay upon a bed of white silk and an ebony frame, a long form-fitting black gown upon her body. Hands covered in black leather gloves rested upon her flat, velvet-covered stomach. Alabaster fingers were the only part of her skin showing, the long gown covering her feet. Long, wild black hair was sprawled across the fluffed white pillows, reaching far out upon the bed.
It was clear that if she were sitting up, it would descend past her waist, signifying that she had been asleep for quite some time. A mask covered her face, creating more of a mystery and they stared down in fascination at the porcelain mask, lace covering the top half of the mask and red lips painted where the woman's mouth would be.
And sitting just above her breasts was a necklace with Grindelwald's mark. Another chain was around her neck but it disappeared into her dress. Clearly, it was one that wasn't to be seen by others and had been placed their strategically.
This was all covered by what appeared to be a black mosquito net hanging from the ceiling that appeared to be the night sky. The moonlight bathed everyone, including the mysterious woman in an unearthly glow, making her looked even more ethereal. Alecto reached forward, curiously, and her hands passed through the mosquito net. She jerked her hand back, eyes wide in shock.
"It's…it's made of shadows," she whispered. Amycus turned a curious gaze upon his sister and he tilted his head, lank brown hair falling forward into his eyes.
"How d'you know? How d'you know it innit Black Magic?" Amycus demanded and then, suddenly there was a quiet laugh.
It sounded like the chiming of bells and they were only enchanted by a bit for a moment before they quickly remembered their training.
Three wands were suddenly in hand and pointed past the bed and into the shadows of a canopy of palm trees.
They watched in wonder as a tall woman with flaxen hair and pale skin floated from the shadows, donning silver robes and a light smile upon her face. Her long hair was pulled back behind a pair of pointed ears and they knew instantly what she was. They stared at her with slight disgust and wonder.
"Who are you, Elf?" sneered Yaxley. Amycus nodded in agreement.
"Yeah. And what are you doing in the Dark Lord's headquarters?" demanded Amycus. The woman's smile never left her face and she drifted forward, until she was next to the bed and she looked down upon the woman before looking back to the three Death Eaters.
"I…am the descendant of the elf, Anarya of the Chosen Prophets, speaker of the prophecy of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. I am the Dark Seer and I look over the Dark Lord's greatest treasure," the woman said, softly and they stared at her with wide eyes as she drifted forward towards them, looking like the moon goddess Selene in all ways. She stopped directly in front of them, towering over Alecto and being as tall as Yaxley.
"His greatest treasure?" Amycus murmured and the Dark Seer nodded, slowly and she turned to look at the woman laying upon the bed.
"The Dark Lord's greatest treasure lays upon that bed. Locked away by the shadows. It is Black Magic yet…it is an extension of the Shadow World. She is asleep, until the Dark Lord finds her fit to be awakened," the Dark Seer said, softly and the Death Eaters stared at the woman upon the bed. Alecto pursed her lips and she leaned forward.
"What makes her so special?"
"She is the Dark Lord's greatest treasure. He worships her," the Dark Seer murmured and she moved closer to the bedside of the young woman. She didn't touch the shadows that hovered over her but simply stared, silvery eyes glittering in the moonlight.
"The Dark Lord doesn't worship anyone, much less this slip of a girl," Alecto sneered. Alecto had always gotten the impression that the Dark Lord had been fucking Bellatrix, which had been fine, as the woman was crazy. But, this girl…she was too pretty, and looked to Light for her Lord.
"That is what you believe. You believe that she is too Light for your Lord. You are sorely mistaken. She is…was…is innately Dark. But, it is odd…she is becoming more…more than that," the Dark Seer said, calmly as she turned to look at them. Yaxley's face screwed up in utter confusion as he stared down at the young woman.
"More than that. How can you become more?"
"She is becoming more than just Dark. She is becoming more than whom she is. She is becoming more than the Darkness that had been intended for her since birth," the Dark Seer said, calmly and she turned away, her pupils blown wide and she seemed to be in a trance as she spoke. Alecto pouted.
"What's so special 'bout her?"
"She is Lady Nikolai, Victory of the Apocalypse, leader to Plague, Death, and War, and wielder of the Cursed Lightening of the Elves."
Amycus gasped and he looked over at the woman and there seemed to be a beat of silence as the Dark Seer turned to look at the young woman with determined eyes.
"Time to awaken, darling…Kveykva."
She reached forward, pulling forward a twisted wand and pressed it to the hollow at the base of the woman's neck. Her eyes glowed bright. A bolt of black and white lightening flew from the tip of her wand and then, suddenly there was complete silence. No one dared to take a breath, as if afraid something was going to happen.
Pale eyelids flew open, revealing the darkest green eyes that they had all ever seen and the woman sat up, her long hair flying and she let out a guttural scream of pure rage. Her eyes were wide, full of fury and anger and she scrambled out of the bed, reaching up her sleeve and yanking forth a wand of Elder. The woman didn't spare them a glance, storming from the room with purpose. Her hair flew behind her and she made rabid hissing sounds that sounded just like the Dark Lord when he was angry.
Yaxley looked after her in horror. He couldn't quite comprehend what had just occurred in the room.
"What have we just unleashed?" he whispered and the Dark Seer smiled, softly.
"An Angel turned a Monster. The Virtuous Sin…Lady Victory."
Hogwarts, Unplottable Location, Scotland, Great Britain
Saturday the 31st of October 1998
10:50 PM
The two Indian women moved as if they were a part of the shadows, sprinting through the dungeons of the quiet castle. They knew that there was the possibility of them getting caught, but they would take their chances. Their Lady had told them that they would know when the signal was. The harsh burning of their tattoos had been signal enough and they had taken off running. Strangely enough, had burned for quite a while before returning to normal.
The two had taken many precautions to keep them from being caught out their first mission. They had silenced their movements with the Silencing Charm and they had come through Riddle's fireplace. They had not seen their Lady
Parvati stopped short when she saw whom was walking towards them. She spun and pulled Padma deeper into the shadows and watched as Astoria Greengrass peered around before continuing to wander the halls. Parvati frowned and she hoped that Astoria would not get caught. It wouldn't do for her to be anymore hated than she was. The girl was rather sweet and Parvati had met her in passing.
"Come on. We have to get there before Lady Nikolai arrives in Diagon Alley. Before Dumbledore realizes that the Horsemen are them," Padma snarled and Parvati nodded. The two looked around and saw that they weren't that far from the Headmaster's office.
They turned around another corner and Padma grabbed her hand just as Parvati was about to go past the gargoyle that led to the Headmaster's office. Parvati skidded to a stop and she reached into her black boot and pulled out her wand. She rapped herself atop the head and quickly Disillusioned herself. Padma ripped off her leather wristband and presented the ouroboros to the gargoyle. The gargoyle's eyes glowed a bright white, but it did not move. Padma cleared her throat.
"As the Lady Nikolai commands, let her will be done," she whispered.
The gargoyle's eyes glowed again and this time, its eyes glowed red. Padma almost stumbled as she felt Hogwarts' magic fight against the powerful, old magic, but this was different. Hogwarts had collected much magic over the years, but it did not, could not, oppose Nikolai's magic. The gargoyle leapt to the side and Padma rapped herself over the head with her own wand, disillusioning herself, just in time to hear a shrill alarm.
Padma and Parvati quickly moved forward and through the open door. They looked in to see Dumbledore pulling away from a large golden cabinet that was emitting a soft blue light. He was staring at a small instrument that he had on his desk. The man murmured something under his breath before he darted towards the Floo and disappeared into the flames. Both Indian girls quickly came into the room.
"Put on the gloves. Michael and Anthony said it will keep our magical signatures from being imprinted on any objects," Padma hissed as she looked underneath the desk for the Pensieve. Parvati nodded and she pulled her gloves from her other booth and slid them on. The girl moved towards the golden cabinet and threw it open.
She stared in wondered at the vials that lined the cabinet doors and walls. They were all labeled with initials and right there was the Pensieve. Parvati made a low noise and Padma looked up. Her eyes widened as she stared in before she rushed to Parvati's side and she cleared her throat.
"We've got to find it. It should be marked HoA or something. Maybe BP for Bella Potter. I think it's organized by person and then year. What year did Bella say that Dumbledore found out?" Parvati asked, softly. Padma groaned and she shook her head.
"She didn't. Lupin can be handled another day, but this is more urgent. Even if it's here, he'll still going to receive impressions of the memories and he's a smart man. He'll figure it out. We've got to do it now," Padma snarled and she began snatching all of the crystal vials marked BP off the cabinet and taking the caps off. Padma put her wand in it and began whispering the spell that made her relive the memories in less than a second.
Parvati continued to look and then she gasped. "Wait! Padma…I think…I think I found it."
The young woman took up the vial that had been hidden behind a few and it was marked 'BAP, HJG, BFZ, DLM'. Parvati pulled off the stopped and slid her wand into the gas.
"Sapiunt dignum memoria."
Parvati gasped as the memory sped through her mind.
They were young. They were very young. Bella couldn't be older than thirteen at the time. She was seizing in her seat and it was so odd.
You know just as well as I that these children are something that should not be said. Something that has been prophesized for centuries we do not speak of them. We will not speak of them. Not now.
Parvati was thrown out of the memory and she gasped when she realized she had heard Tom's voice. Padma was looking to her for confirmation and Parvati nodded. Padma took the vial and upended it onto the table. She stuck her wand into it and lifted it. The memory was hanging loosely from the wand and Parvati turned her wand onto Padma. She began whispering long words in the olden languages. As she finished the long and complicated spell that she truly wasn't supposed to learn until the she was almost finished with her training as an Obliviator, Padma lifted the wand over her mouth and swallowed the memory.
Padma stumbled as her body began to destroy the memory and she let out a low burp. Parvati's lip curled in disgust though Padma was grinning.
"Now, the one at Department of Mysteries. It's this one. It's marked with a year. But, only some," Padma said and she pulled the stopper off the vial. This time, she tipped the vial over her open mouth and swallowed the memory. She squinted and then stuck her finger into her mouth.
The woman regurgitated
Parvati nodded with a slight smile though the process overall did disgust her some. She wondered if there was anything else that they needed to eliminate now that they were there. She pulled out the vials that were marked HJG, DLM, and BFZ and she went over them. Her eyes widened as she looked at the first marked HJG.
"Swallow this. It talks about the Sword of War," Parvati barked and her sister quickly upended the contents of the crystal vial into her mouth. Parvati knew that it was possible that Padma could get sick from taking in too many of the memories, but Nikolai had set them a task.
"Is there anymore?" Padma rasped and Parvati shook her head.
"No. I don't think so. But, we might have to come back."
Padma nodded and cleared her throat. The young woman ripped off her wristband and pressed her wand to the ouroboros branded on her skin.
"It's done. I've done it. You're safe…for now."
The ouroboros burned back.
Diagon Alley, London, England, Great Britain
Saturday the 31st of October 1998
11:10 PM
It was chaos.
The Alley was burning and the residents of the Alley were running in the streets, screaming. The Order and the Aurors were attempting to get the civilians under control, but it was hard when there were also Death Eaters running amuck. Albus turned as he heard a loud and familiar cackle. He looked at the young woman that was stumbling down the steps. Her mask was what some of the Muggles he had questioned after the Great Hangleton raid. He had believed that they wouldn't strike something so essential to the wizarding world so soon, but it seemed that the Dark was very ambitious.
"Fire! Fire! Flames! Pretty flames!" the woman screamed as she shot Igniting Spells at the buildings and the fire rose. Albus squinted behind his half-moon glasses as the woman swiped her hand through the flames, but she didn't even seem to notice that her skin was blistering.
He almost remembered a time someone had once said that flames did not hurt her. The woman was familiar…increasingly so…but the memory…it was slipping away…he couldn't remember anymore. He put it out of his head and went to confront the woman and he shot a Stunning Spell at her. The woman spun out of the way and she pointed her wand at him.
"Young lady, it'd be best if you stand down," Albus said, softly, giving her the chance to walk away. The woman sneered at Albus and shook her head.
"My name's Mórrígan. Not 'young lady'. And I'm not going anywhere until I see you burned," the woman hissed. Albus looked at her, sadly and he prepared to duel with her. He lifted his wand and he looked into her flame-illuminated face.
"Stupefy."
"Sanguis Coque!" Mórrígan snarled and Albus threw up a Shield Charm in shock. She had blatantly used Blood Magic and she was giggling as she threw the orange spell at him. Albus attempted to Disarm, but she only jerked out of the way.
Levicorpus!
Mórrígan did a back flip to avoid the spell and as she came up, she lifted her wand. "Sectumsempra!"
Albus' eyes widened as he recognized the spell. He dodged out of the way and winced when he heard the shrieks of someone that had been hit by the spell. Mórrígan was giggling, wildly and Albus shook his head. This woman had just used one of Severus' spells. He wasn't sure how she had learned it, but it was imperative that he find out who she was now.
"Confringo! Diffindo! Lacero!"
Mórrígan attempted to avoid all of his spells but she was caught in the leg by the last spell. She let out a shriek and fell onto her leg. She let out a cry and she held up her hand.
"Apollo! Thanatos!"
Within five seconds of that call, two men appeared by her side. One wore a mask that reminded Albus of Muggle plague doctors. The other man wore a blank mask with a large nose and without a mouth. He held a scythe in hand. The man growled at him and made a low sound in the back of his throat.
"Leave her alone," the plague doctor hissed.
"She's killing people. Surrender and we will not harm you," Albus promised and the man with the blank mask shook his head.
"Never. I swear as Lord Thanatos that I won't ever surrender," the man hissed. Albus stared at the man before him and he shook his head. Albus lifted his wand towards them and Thanatos jumped up, slashing his scythe at him. Albus dodged and he looked over at Mórrígan and the man he assumed was Apollo.
They were staring off over his shoulder and Albus heard a shrill scream. Thanatos stopped his scythe and he stared in the direction that the screams were coming from. Albus turned and he stared at the massive crowd. He could see Voldemort shooting spell after spell at the Aurors and the man was entering hand-to-hand combat with some of the Aurors. But, the screams were coming from a just little to the left.
Albus' eyes widened as he saw who was causing the screams.
It was a young woman with a white mask with painted red lips and lace over the eyeholes. Black hair hung in a thick braid down her back. She was wearing crimson and white unlike the others. Her pants were white leather She wore tall boots that were spelled white and she wore a high collared white leather duster with accents of crimson. The woman was running through the crowd and she was running towards Voldemort.
Voldemort grabbed a female Auror by the throat and lifted off the ground, intent on killing her. The woman jumped and snatched the female Auror out of the air and threw her to the side. The Auror rolled, but quickly jumped back up, though she was obviously shaken. Voldemort looked shocked to see the woman. They simply stared at each other, no words spoken.
"Nikolai…" Mórrígan whispered, softly and Apollo shook his head.
"That's not Nikolai…that's not Victory," he snarled.
Thanatos tilted his head. "It's not…that's not Charity either. She did something…she's both. She's Virtuous Sin. What the fuck did she do?"
The woman looked up as if she heard Thanatos' words and her hands curled into fists. She looked over at him though she didn't move from her spot in front of Voldemort. She rolled her neck.
"I prefer the term…Mercy, for now."
:::
A/N: I love this chapter. I love Bella. She's becoming an adult and I love it. She's going to become Lady Nikolai of Victory again, but right now, she just needs to be Mercy. It's going to be so amazing. I hope you love this chapter as much as I love it. The next chapter will explain almost everything.
Next Chapter: Mercy, Charity, Victory, and Masques
