Chapter Twenty-Five: Sacrifice

I stood on the edge of the fountain, fiercely gripping a piece of paper. A note from Mystique.

This is not up for debate. Come to the river tonight before the cock crows, and your brother and cousin will be released, and your mother healed. If you choose to be selfish, they will all die. But there's no need to threaten you. You're a foolhardy girl. I know you'll come.

Of course I would come. Even if she was lying, just to do something, just so that even if I died I would be useful. I remembered Scorpius's silver eyes burning into me. If you do this, he'll never forgive you, whispered Astuce, her forked tongue flickering as she cascaded down my ear, We snakes prefer to lie in wait until the time is right to bite our prey, when their necks are bare... but still, if you are foolish enough to go, I will come with you. I turned to Astuce, So where is Mystique's neck? She hissed in annoyance, Must I tell you everything? And, oh, yes. Scorpius wanted to meet you here at seven. Don't get tooooo excited, she added with a hint of amusement. What makes you think I'm in love with him? I snapped. Astuce weaved, in and out, sinuously, seamlessly, Shh. He's coming. Scorpius's form appeared, seeming to materialize from the darkness.

"If you go, I'll never forgive you. I want to make sure you know that," he said.

"Why would I go?" I feigned ignorance, but my voice wobbled. Scorpius bit the inside of his cheek and looked around warily. Then he came closer, drawing something out of his cloak. The object lay in his palm. It was a gem, about the size of his palm, but what a gem! The moon was new, so the night was dark, but I could see the crystal quite clearly. It was a clear, light, almost white blue, which emitted a light of its own. It seemed to draw its iridesence from a hidden depth. I looked up, and saw Scorpius's eyes. I almost wished I hadn't. His silver eyes reflected every facet of the gem, drawing from their depth a light of his own. For a moment, I saw his soul inside his eyes, no more than a mere flash. We averted our eyes instantly, and Scorpius covered the jewel.

"What was it?" I asked, curiosity bubbling inside of me, "It had magic, strong magic."

"It was the Water Jewel. There was one for each of the five elements: the Fire Gem, the Earth Stone, the Air Crystal, and the Lightning Rock. They were all crafted at the beginning of Time and inlaid in the Silver Diadem, to aid against evil. It was always Mystique's intent to steal the Diadem and gain ultimate power, but your ancestor, Eleanore, was aware of the impeding danger, and went to the palace at the end of the world where the Diadem was kept to protect it. Mystique found her first. They dueled, and Mystique cheated. Before the final blow was delivered, Eleanore both cursed her and cast a spell to scatter the jewels. Since then, Mystique has been searching for them. Because you are the Prophecy, you are the only one who can locate the jewels, make the Diadem whole, and defeat Mystique. And that is why you must stay alive," Scorpius finished.

My brain felt weak, "I never knew that I was charged with such a prophecy."

Scorpius nodded, "Indeed. I - I mean, we can't allow Mystique to get her hands on you." He set his hands on my shoulders. Icy shivers ran down my spine. "Promise me, Lily."

Then he walked away.

"I'm sorry," I whispered weakly into the darkness as I turned towards the river. Diadem or not, Albus and Hugo had to live, and besides, I was not alone. With me I had Astuce, and a power to match Mystique's. Phase 1 of Mission Jailbreak - Get captured.

I waited at the riverbank, closing my eyes. One more minute. A stag dipped its head, gulping down snow hungrily, then stalking away to nibble at some leaves. It looked at me intently.

"Yes, I know exactly what I'm doing."

Rough hands grabbed me from behind.

I lay on a thick, rectangular box made of stone. Purple veins flowed through. A magic source. The room was dank, and made of dark bricks. The Flight stood, on the sidelines, and Mystique stood over me, her arms raised, trimuphant. Through my blurry vision, I saw him. Scorpius Hyperion Malfoy, head bowed, robed in black, kneeling before the purple flames that lick at Mystique's feet. I am betrayed. A strangled gasp escaped me.

"Today!" cried Mystique, her chilling voice echoing off the damp walls, "Today we are here to witness this young man of promise take his place, forever amongst us!"

A ritual?

Mystique held out Scorpius's wand, "Kill her."

I stared at the ceiling blankly. Why must Fate be so ironic? I could only barely hear Malfoy's voice.

"A - Avada -" his voice shook. His grey eyes were wide and - no, I must not look at his eyes. His wand hand dropped to his side.

A shrill voice pierced the silence, "Don't be a fool, Scorpius," said Astoria Malfoy, flinging her blonde hair, "Kill her." Scorpius's father lowered his head. I saw Daphne Greengrass forcing her way through the crowd. Scorpius turned.

"Mother" was all he said. In that instant, some spark of energy passed between mother and son. Scorpius turned to face Mystique, silver eyes burning, head erect.

"No."

This was the Malfoy I knew and had come to love; scornful, protective, defiant.

Mystique's voice was dangerous. "Kill her."

"No!" This time, his wand clattered to the stone floor.

"Insolent boy! Pick the wand up instantly!"

"No."

A cruel smile spread across Mystique's lips, "Since you're so fond of the girl, you can keep her company. Guards!"

"That," I told Scorpius, "was a fool thing to do."

He turned, fiercely, "Shut up! You're one to talk! Albus and Hugo aren't even in this stronghold! I have absolutely no idea why you came here on a suicide mission! Quite frankly, it's all your fault."

I leaned my head against the wall, "The door's unlocked."

"No, it's magically locked. We'll never get through it."

"You forget that I have the counter-magic to Mystique."

"Why do you have to be so damn perfect?" asked Scorpius.

"Because I am, dear Malfoy, because I am."

"Fine. I'm in. What's the plan?"