The Order of the Phoenix – 2
The next morning when Emma woke up Mirage was still sleeping. Tiptoeing past the wandless, Emma made her way to the kitchen where she found Remus making breakfast; Sirius sat at the kitchen table, lounging easily and keeping the cook company.
"Awake at last," Sirius grinned cheekily as Emma took a seat. "Where's squirt?"
"Still sleeping and I wouldn't let Mirage hear you call her that if I were you," Emma said. "Thanks for breakfast Moony."
"Anytime," Remus smiled as he levitated the food to the table. "Do you know what Mirage has planned for you today?"
Emma shook her head, picking up a sausage as she did so, "No idea. Some sort of training, I think."
"Do you think she'll let one of us come?" Sirius asked.
Emma shook her head again, "I doubt it; iran ult, remember?"
"How could I forget," Sirius sighed.
Mirage walked in then, taking a seat at the table, "Thank you for the food Remus Lupin."
"You're welcome," Remus smiled. "You can just call me Remus, though."
Mirage nodded, "I know."
That was apparently all she was going to say on the matter. Emma simply shook her head, already half adjusted to Mirage's oddities – Sirius on the other hand looked plain confused.
Just as the clock struck ten, Emma grabbed onto Mirage's shoulder, letting the younger Apparate her away.
They reappeared in a forest clearing. Sunlight glanced off of dew drops, a light mist clinging to the ground. Bold trees stood in an almost perfect circle around the clearing, holding back the wild forests; at the very edge stood a run down shack, half the boards missing.
"This is a forest which surrounds Salzburg – about five miles outside of Salzburg actually. Once upon a time that cottage belonged to one of the most feared Wandless in history, Shade."
Emma's eyes widened, taking in the place through new light, "Aero-Caelum was here, this is where she recruited him?"
Mirage nodded, "I thought it was a fitting place to hold our lessons. I believe you have already learned the first lesson, care to tell me what it was?"
Emma glared openly, "That I need help."
"Exactly," Mirage smiled innocently, eyes still blank as ever. "Our next lesson is quite simple and has an even easier introduction. Why was it, when you tried to use spells on me, that they missed?"
Emma blinked, completely lost to the answer. She had no idea how Mirage had managed to turn the spells away from herself.
"Keeping in mind, of course, that I rule Light and the Element Air," Mirage tacked on.
How helpful, Emma sighed internally. Light and Air. Light and Air. Emma thought back to the moment when she had sent the stunner, she had been so sure that it would hit Mirage. But it didn't, why didn't it? How had Mirage bent the spell at the last second?
Bent. The word resonated in Emma's mind, she'd bent the spell, the light… Light, Bent… "You bent the beam of light that the spell takes shape in – you used your rulings to bend the spell away from yourself."
Mirage nodded, seemingly pleased, "Exactly."
"But you did it so quickly? How?"
"My rulings are just that, they come under my command. I control Light and Air, but this is not a one way street Protem; I respect Air and Light; I recognize it as an entity within and separate from myself."
Emma thought her head might explode.
"So let me get this straight. You are able to control Light and Air, completely, and it listens?"
"I am a Wandless," Mirage said, as if it was obvious. "My rulings are under my command and in return I give my respect. To put it in human terms you could think of it like a Monarchy. A tyrant will be able to control its people, but is easily usurped; however one who is neglectful will have no respect at all. You're the second. You have a great deal of making up to do if you ever want the Elements to listen to you again."
"What do you mean? How have I been neglectful? They aren't alive-?"
Mirage all but flew at her, "The Elements are very alive Protem; you have simply been too blind and stupid to see it! How have you been neglectful? When have you ever listened to them?"
Emma stepped back as the air swirled unhappily, "Right, sorry."
"It isn't me you need to apologise to. Now I'm going to attack you – don't even think of using spells to stop me, they won't work. If you want to get out of this you'd better start listening to what they say."
By the end of the day Emma was no closer to knowing what the Elements were saying then she'd been that morning and for all the help they gave her against Mirage she might as well not have been asking at all. She had the bruises to prove it.
She walked into the apartment at half past five, covered in dirt, bruises, sweat and blood.
"Are you alright?" Sirius asked, looking her over despite the fact that Emma was sure she smelled like a troll.
"Fine, but I'm in desperate need of a shower, excuse me."
It was only after she'd walked away that Sirius noticed Mirage, not a single hair out of place. "What the hell is that?" He snapped at her.
"That Sirius Black, is less then half the damage I could have inflicted," Mirage answered, trying to walk passed him, but Sirius stopped her.
"I never want to see her come home looking like that again," his eyes were frigged and cold as he gazed at her. Anyone else would have taken a step back, but this was Mirage.
"Would you prefer it if I blinded you?"
Sirius's jaw clenched; his limited self control at the end of its leash. He had half a mind to ram his fist into her face as hard as he could, but Remus held him back.
"I advise you to keep your sparing sessions more friendly from now on," he said, golden eyes flashing, the wolf making its presence known. "Next time I won't stop him; I'll help."
Mirage was completely unaffected by this, simply walking by them and greeting Wilberforce.
Emma came out a few minutes later, still towel drying her hair. Sirius noticed that she was no longer bleeding, clearly the cuts had been shallow.
The bell rang then and Emma went to get it, being the best prepared if it was a Death Eater. "Mirage take a trip in my room for a moment," she requested, not wanting the person at the door to see the other wandless.
"Hello?" She asked, opening the door; behind her, both Sirius and Remus had their wands in hand.
"Hi," she was greeted with a wide smile from a man perhaps a year or two older then her. He had twinkling blue eyes and short blond hair. "I'm Mike, I live next door. I just came to welcome you to the building."
"Oh," Emma paused, not sure what to do, "Well that's very nice of you Mike, want some tea?"
"I'd love some," Mike smiled again, as Emma let him in. He looked startled to see Sirius and Remus (Both of whom were over 6 feet at this point, with Sirius as the shorter coming in at 6'2).
"This is Sirius and Remus-"
"And she's Emma," Sirius added in, Emma blushed, realizing she hadn't given Mike her name.
"Right, and I'm Emma. Sirius, Remus and I have been going to boarding school since we were eleven."
"Oh, what school?" Mike asked, apparently choosing to ignore the fact that Emma was living with two men.
"Hogwarts," Emma answered, offering Mike a seat at the table while Remus put on the tea.
"Odd name."
"Yeah, I think the Founders were drunk when they named it," Sirius answered.
It was at that moment that Archimedes and Night Hawk chose to fly through the kitchen, the later chasing the first.
"What the?"
At the sound of Mike's voice both birds wheeled around, landing on the table and inspecting him. Archimedes flew off a moment later, unconcerned, but Night Hawk puffed himself up and hoot-growled.
"That is the most interesting sound," Sirius mused, looking at his owl with both awe and a fond expression one would adopt when looking at a newborn kitten.
"Yeah, he's adorable, get out of here Night," Emma snapped, waving the bird off in annoyance.
Night Hawk made an odd throaty sound before flying away, tugging on a lock of her hair as he did so.
"Oh! Damn it Sirius that bird is as bad as you are," Emma fumed, rubbing her head.
Sirius laughed uproariously, "I've taught him well."
"You-!"
"Hehm," Remus raised his eyes at both of them as he set the tea down. "So what do you do Mike?" He asked, clearly thinking it was best if the owls were ignored.
"Err… Well I'm an engineer," Mike answered, still looking severely confused.
"Oh, err… that's interesting," Sirius said, taking a sip of tea. He clearly had no idea what an engineer was.
"My father was an engineer," Emma supplied; Mike nodded, happy to have some common ground but Sirius butted in,
"Is that what they call them?" He asked.
Remus groaned, "Yes Sirius."
"Oh, I wasn't sure…"
If Emma had thought this would be the worst thing to happen she was sadly mistaken. Wilberforce came tearing into the kitchen, chasing Night Hawk.
"What's wrong with that dog?" Mike yelped, jumping in his seat.
"Genetic mutation – he's a rescue puppy," Emma said easily, yeah, rescued from the forbidden forest which also houses unicorns, centaurs and giant spiders…
"Oh…" Mike's eyes widened as Mirage came running in after the crup and owls.
"I'm sorry, he got out and Night was teasing him!"
"Mike this is my cousin, Mira," Sirius was surprisingly quick on saving the situation but unfortunately Mirage blew it.
"WHAT DID YOU JUST CALL ME?!"
Emma jumped across the table to restrain Mirage who had thrown herself at Sirius, eyes burning with the intent to kill.
"He didn't mean it Mirage! Ow! Merlin- He was just saying things!"
Mirage was past the point of reason though. She threw Emma off with little difficulty before throwing a gust of wind at Sirius that was strong enough to send him flailing to the ground. Sirius retaliated with a stunner.
"What the hell is wrong with you?" He bellowed from the ground.
"YOU GAVE ME A HUMAN NAME! A FILTHY WIZARD NAME!"
Archimedes sat on the fridge hooting in what could only be laughter. Night continued to bait Wilberforce and Sirius was firing off spells at Mirage who was bending each one.
"Would you like to do the honours, or should I?" Remus asked tiredly from where he sat at the table.
Emma sighed, "You do it."
"What is going on?!" Mike yelled, eyes wide with panic and confusion.
"Should I just take him back to when you answered the door?"
"He should be fine until you put on the tea."
"I don't understand!" Mike was backing away now, completely terrified.
"Obliviate."
.
Five minutes later saw the owls in their cages, Wilberforce locked in Emma's room with Mirage, and the kitchen put back together.
"Yeah, I think the founders were drunk when they named it," Sirius said brightly when the fogginess left Mike's eyes.
Mike laughed, "Yeah that sounds about right but… Remus I didn't notice you bringing the tea to the table?"
The Marauder's eyes swivelled to look at the tea set, which was sitting on the table innocently.
"Obliviate!"
Sirius sighed as Remus carried the tea tray to the counter, "You're going to give him a disorder doing that."
"Blame Swift for opening the door," Remus muttered darkly.
.
.
.
Emma's lessons did not improve over the next few days, though she was sure to heal herself before entering the apartment. Soon the tenth of July had arrived signalling the first Order meeting, which had even Sirius nervous.
"I'll wait here," Mirage said as the other three prepared to leave. "Remember, only Dumbledore can know about me."
"I'll tell him after the meeting is over," Emma promised. "Don't open the door – especially not to Mike."
Witching Hall was a derelict building on the outskirts of an industrial town. The buildings were all blackened by soot, having been unused for at least a decade. 118 turned out to be an abandoned warehouse, one that reminded Sirius of his Auror exam.
They didn't wait for James and Peter, who would be arriving together, instead opening the door.
Emma screamed as she was thrust against the wall, her head slamming into it. A wand was thrust under her chin, Sirius and Remus's yells echoing in her head. The room was pitch dark, shuffling footsteps signalling that several people were present.
With a furious shout she called up Protem, shoving her attacker across the room. Her hair was a brilliant flame at this point, offering light in the otherwise dark place. Her eyes honed in on Sirius's attacker, her mind failing to process who they were. As her mind thought it, a huge root lifted up out of the ground, catching the man and throwing him away. With her wand she began duelling the man who had attacked Remus.
"Emma – Emma snap out of it! It's me! Benjy Fenwick! Emma!"
Benjy was failing against her vicious assault, eyes wide with fear. Suddenly Emma stopped, looking Benjy over carefully.
He screamed bloody murder when her wand slashed down towards him, having no idea that she was only checking to make sure it was him.
"Right, so anyone care to explain what that was?" Emma ground out, having come back to most of her senses. Her eyes were still murderous though.
"We were making sure it was you," Emma recognised the speaker as Alastor Moody, who looked as if he had just been thrust into a wall.
Oops..
Emma's hair went back to normal, a lumos ball appearing to shed light, "Sorry about that, you should have warned me."
"This is exactly why I didn't want to be on interrogation duty tonight," Podmore complained, rubbing his neck, "She attacked me with a bloody tree root! A tree root!"
"Quit your whining Podmore," Moody said gruffly, thrusting the man's wand back into his hand. "That was a good show Dill, Constant Vigilance!"
"Err… right, thanks Moody," Emma murmured sheepishly.
"Well you three are obviously yourselves," Benjy said, rubbing the back of his head awkwardly. "You can go on through to the meeting; it starts in a few minutes."
"Thanks Moody," Sirius smiled, loping an arm around Emma and pulling her through a door that separated the entrance from the rest of the building.
The warehouse was filled with rows of chairs, all comfy, red armchairs, the sort of which the Marauders had begun to associate with Dumbledore's wand work. Unlike the entrance this room was well lit, though the walls were dirty and smeared with soot.
"So this is The Order of the Phoenix HQ?" Sirius murmured, "Place is a dump."
"That's what I said," the trio turned around to see Marlene and Lily walk over. "Apparently they move their location each meeting," Marlene continued.
"Why don't they just protect a place?" Emma asked.
"We've tried," Emma jumped, turning around and looking up. The man who had spoken was paler then a corps, deep bags under his blood red eyes. But there was something in his face that was familiar, something in his dark hair…
"Dad, stop trying to freak people out!"
Marlene shrieked as Ricky Valentine jogged up to them, "I've asked you a thousand times not to sneak up on people!"
"They have a werewolf and a wandless with them; I figured they were fair game."
"A w-werewolf?" Marlene's eyes bulged.
"And I am a vampire," Ricky's father seemed completely unconcerned. "I'm sure you've noticed that. It is good to meet you both," he said, addressing Emma and Remus, "Being the only non-human has been annoying."
"It's nice to meet you too, Mr. Valentine," Emma said with a smile, offering her hand.
Ricky's father shook his head, "Draco, please and I don't touch," he said. "Being around the flesh and blood is tempting enough."
"Stop being so melodramatic Draco," an older woman with iron hair practically skipped into view. She had huge blue eyes and a wide smile, "You haven't killed an innocent in nearly 300 years!"
Ricky rolled his eyes as the couple continued to feud over the situation, "It's great to see you all, try and ignore my parents if you can. They're both a bit odd. Mum's a genius, though she doesn't act like one, always going off about Nargles and such."
"She married a vampire?" Marlene seemed completely stunned, her face almost paler then Draco's. "Y-you're a half-breed?"
Ricky stiffened, "Have you got a problem with that McKinnon?"
Marlene shook her head quickly, eyes still wide with shock and just a hint of fear.
Ricky turned back to the others, "Anyways the meeting is about to start, we should get seats somewhere."
"We're actually still waiting for a few people," Remus started, but just then James and Peter materialized beside him.
"Did you guys get assaulted upon entering the building, or was it just us?" James asked brightly, his glasses askew.
"We did too, Swift here almost killed them," Sirius said proudly.
James grinned widely, "Really? What did you do?"
Emma was spared from having to answer by Dumbledore, who chose that moment to stand at the front. "Will everyone please take a seat?" His voice echoed around the room. "I would like to begin presently."
There was a moment of confusion as everyone scrambled to get a seat. In the crowd Emma could make out several people she had gone to school with, including: Shiloh Sims, Dedalus Diggle, Dorcas Meadows, Alice Brandon, Frank Longbottom, Aileen Summers, Tobby Abbott, Ernie Stebbins, Amelia Bones, and a dark skinned boy she thought she remembered from first year Slug Club. He'd had an odd name, Lightningbolt? Thunderbolt? There were also people she had met out of school: The Tonks, Reginald Wood and who she thought might be Molly Weasley.
The Marauders and Lily grabbed seats together, most of the other 1978 Graduates sitting around them.
Dumbledore stood at the front of the 200 odd chairs, his expression serious. "Alastor, what have you to report?"
Alastor Moody stood in the front row, his wand pointed to his throat. "The Ministry is still infested with Death Eaters, however they have not yet managed to weasel their way into positions of authority. Some of them, however, like Lucius Malfoy, have got Hogarth hooked and simply seem to be reeling him in. Galleons can buy just about anything and those pureblooded supremacists have enough to buy all the connections they could possibly want-"
"Malfoy isn't the only one with Galleons," James said standing. The entire room shifted to look at him with wide eyes. "I know how the pureblood circle runs, just tell me who you need on our side and I'll get them."
"And, unfortunately, I'm related to half of those scumbags," Sirius added on, also standing. "I can't do much as far as getting you good relations; I am disowned after all; but I've understood the inner workings of the Blacks since I was five. There will be a few odd members who I might be able to play for information – and even if I can't, I'm still willing to teach anyone how they think."
There were several murmurs in the room. Suddenly a man stood up, "And how do we know that you're not a spy?" He shouted. Several people nodded in agreement, "How do we know you're not on their side?!"
Sirius's face whitened, but it was Emma who spoke, "If Sirius is a Death Eater then I'm a Muggle," she said loudly. "If anyone's spoken to this evening's interrogation squad they'll realize that isn't the case."
"A tree root!" Podmore could be heard complaining, "Hit me with a tree root."
"And why should we trust you wandless?" The man continued, eyes burning. "You've taken to keeping company with werewolves and vampires. You even want to go off and find more of your own sort." He spat on the ground, "You don't care about us."
"If I don't care about you then why am I here?" Emma asked; her voice arctic cold and her hair swirling dangerously.
"How the hell should I know how your lot think?"
"Dumbledore trusts them," a man with red hair and glasses that Emma vaguely recognised said. "I trust Dumbledore's judgment."
"Sirius isn't the only Black here, Stebbins," Andromeda had risen to her feet. Emma realized with a jolt that the antagonistic man was Ernie's father. "Or have you forgotten that I once went by that name as well?"
Stebbins gulped, clearly he feared the Black witch. He retook his seat under her haughty glare, seeming to sink downwards.
"Fool," Andromeda could be heard saying as she sat back down.
"Back to business, I think," Dumbledore began speaking again. "James and Sirius, if you would consult with Alastor and myself later we will decide how best to utilize your connections. Ted, how goes Gringotts?"
"The goblins are still on no one's side," Ted Tonks replied. "I have tried to talk them round, but until they are affected I can't see them budging. Goblins are out for Goblins."
"But what about that Goblin family He disposed of last week?" Marlene interrupted, looking confused.
Ted shook his head, "The Goblins aren't about to pick a side and provoke more casualties, that's how they work. Unless He starts going after their gold or murdering them like livestock I doubt they'll give a knut."
"But He is murderin-"
Ted shook his head, "One family? That's nothing to the Goblins," he turned back to Dumbledore. "They've been given offers, but they aren't stupid. The Goblins know that He's after a Wizard's world."
Dumbledore nodded, seeming satisfied. "I do not think we will have to worry about the Goblins as enemies, but kindly keep an eye open and an ear listening Ted, just in case."
"Two weeks have passed since our last meeting, in that time two wizarding families have been disposed of. 300 Muggles were also killed in an incident in Bristol involving Dementors and Vampires. Draco has identified the Vampires as part of the Altheen clan, if you would kindly elaborate Draco."
Dumbledore took a seat and Draco stood. "The Altheens are a sect of my kind which live to kill-"
"Who would have guessed that a blood sucker would enjoy killing…" Mr. Stebbins muttered darkly.
"-they are not as easily killed as most of my kind-" Draco continued as if he had not been interrupted.
"Yeah, because they're so easy to kill." Stebbins stated sarcastically.
"-particularly blood thirsty, they may feed as often as once a day-"
"Because you don't…"
"If you are not careful Stebbins I will silence you myself," Draco said coldly. Stebbins turned sheet white, but remained silent. "As I was saying, the Altheens, unlike most of my kind, are known to travel in larger covens then most. Generally, as you know, my kind travel in pairs or individually, but the Altheens may be in groups of up to five and on occasion may coordinate with other groups. This single trait makes them particularly deadly. The sheer number of Vampires present at the muggle slaughter makes me think that they must have been Altheen.
On top of greater numbers, Altheens are also one of the few clans which go after other Vampire covens, meaning that they train to fight each other. If I am correct and Voldemort has gained the Altheen's allegiance then we are in trouble. We need to begin thinning their ranks immediately."
"And how do you suppose we do that?" The deep voice of the dark skinned man boomed. "Vampires are not easily dealt with."
"I realize that the mission is not an easy one," Draco said. "But Vampires have the ability to multiply quickly and the Altheens will be using this ability to the fullest. I have determined that 20 Vampires were at the slaughter, assuming that number constituted Voldemort's army at the time of the slaughter, a week ago; we could now be looking at over 200 other Vampires. The initial 20 will train and condition them with the lure of human blood. Within three months we could have as many as 2000 fully trained Altheens on our hands, with more coming in every day."
Murmurs broke out in the room, people sounding anxious.
"I propose that a team be sent to make a dent in the Altheen ranks," Draco continued, undeterred. "I need some time to find out where they are and to determine their defences, but I hope to leave as soon as I have a plan."
Dumbledore nodded, "Any one interested in volunteering for the Altheen mission can stay after the meeting. Is there anything else?"
Several people stood, reporting sightings of Death Eaters and figures on Voldemort's forces. It was an hour before the meeting was called to a close.
Emma walked up to the front with the other Marauders and several other people. Dumbledore's brow rose, "Remus, Lily, Peter – I have something different for you, kindly step aside for a moment." He waited until they had taken a seat at the back before addressing Ricky and his mother, Wendell, "I am afraid that I can not allow you to join this mission."
"I agree," Draco said coldly, his eyes glued to his family.
"Dad, I am perfectly capable-"
"I know you are; but those in my world know your face Ricky and they are not pleased. I broke face the day I married your mother, the day you were born. The Altheens will make it their mission to kill you both; you can not come."
"I am not willing to have a distraction on a mission this dangerous," Dumbledore continued where Draco left off. "You will not be going. I ask that you wait over there for a few minutes."
If looks could kill, Ricky would have been guilty of murdering his father several times over. As it was Draco watched them leave without much expression, but something in his eyes showed a relief greater then Emma felt she could comprehend.
"Will they be enough?" Dumbledore asked the Vampire, motioning to the mission's volunteers.
Draco nodded, "It will be a sufficient number."
"Very well," Dumbledore turned back to the group. "There isn't much else to say about the Altheens at this time. If you would all sign this slip of parchment, Draco and myself will be in touch with you when we know more."
Sirius signed the parchment with a flourish, turning to face Dumbledore once the others had left. He saw Emma move to sit with Lily, Remus and Peter out of the corner of his eye. James on the other hand came to stand beside him, Alastor Moody joining them within seconds.
"As you may have guessed, there are very few purebloods accepted within the inner circles here. Having someone on the inside is vitally important, even if your allegiances are known. I'm not sure if Sirius will be allowed inside, having been disowned, but even so your knowledge of the alliances within many of the pureblood families is vital. James, the Potter family has been known for nearly a century as muggle lovers, but despite this the family name still demands respect. The Order needs to know what is going on, needs support from places like St. Mungo's and the Ministry – especially the Auror and Magical Creatures Departments. Are you willing to assume your place as Lord Potter and play the political game?"
James nodded, his jaw set. "Yes Sir, I'll get right on the Ministry, especially the Magical Creatures Department." There were only three reasons why they would need that department on their side after all: Remus, Ricky and Emma.
Dumbledore smiled, eyes twinkling, "Thank you James and we are no longer in school, there is no need to address me as 'Sir' any longer."
"Yes Sir…I mean… err, right," James stumbled over his answer.
Dumbledore suppressed a chuckle, "And you Sirius, it would be best if you compiled a list of loyalties within the pureblood circles, along with family feuds."
"Of course Sir… I mean, Of course," Sirius answered.
Dumbledore nodded, "I believe Alastor wishes to discuss some things with you before you leave. If you need me I will be speaking with Lily, Peter and Remus."
As soon as Dumbledore turned to leave Moody was demanding their attention.
"Alright you two, the Ministry has set you as my pupils for the duration of your study. You'll have classes at the Ministry from 9 a.m. to twelve, after which you belong to me. I live at 120 Galloway's Walk, don't be late," He gave them a hard look before leaving, not even bothering to offer them a 'good day'.
Emma stood up to leave as Dumbledore approached but he waved her down, "You can stay Emma," he said easily. "Lily, Peter, I was hoping that you would be agreeable to staying behind on some of the more dangerous missions – not because I think you couldn't handle yourselves," he cut off Lily's angry retort. "But because you are both quite gifted in potions, something none of our other members can say. Among other things, Polyjuice potions needs to be kept in stock, would you two be willing to stay behind once and a while to brew?"
Peter nodded meekly but Lily still looked unhappy, "I'm not happy about staying back and letting the others fight."
"It will only be once in a while, the Altheen mission being one of the very few. Potions are just as important to the Order as accomplished fighters, not to mention having a ready healer to take care of the injured."
Lily frowned at that, "Very well," she agreed.
"Good," Dumbledore looked relieved. "Remus, if I could speak with you for a moment?"
Sirius and James made their way over then, "Have you told him yet?" Sirius asked Emma.
Emma shook her head, "He's speaking with Moony, once he's finished I'll break the news."
She could hear Lily and James speaking quietly beside her and Peter chewing on his nails; but Emma's nerves were so intense that she barely registered the others. She tried to listen to Remus and Dumbledore's conversation, but with the babble of so many other people she couldn't hear a thing.
After several minutes they came back over, Remus looking troubled. Dumbledore offered her a smile, no doubt to try and wipe the frown from her face. Their eyes met briefly and Emma let an image of Mirage dominate her mind before her eyes flicked to the door.
Dumbledore's brow rose, he had gotten the message. He nodded once before speaking, "I will see you all later, thank you for coming. The next meeting will be in exactly a week, good luck to all of you."
That said he left. "Come on," Emma said, turning to Remus and Sirius, "Let's get home."
"But Dumbledore-" Sirius protested.
"I was never a good occlumence, Paddy," Emma said with a smile.
Sirius's jaw dropped, "Oh…"
Emma turned to Remus, "So what did Dumbledore tell you?"
Remus shrugged, "Just food for thought. Dumbledore's already gone, we should go."
Emma frowned but nodded. She promised to fill James, Peter and Lily in later before disappearing without so much as a sound.
She appeared with Sirius and Remus at the entrance to their building, where Dumbledore was waiting.
"I couldn't gather your exact thoughts on the individual in your mind Emma," Dumbledore said seriously, without so much as a greeting. "Who are they?"
"You'll find out in a minute Sir, come on."
Dumbledore was silent as they entered the apartment building. The halls were quite for the most part, most people having gone to bed. But of course they ran into Mike on the way, who only stared at Dumbledore in shock, his mouth hanging open.
"Emma, Sirius, Remus, how are you?" Mike asked, eyes wide.
"We're good, thank you Mike," Emma smiled. "This is my grandfather, Albus Dumbledore," she invented quickly. "He's a little funny in the mind, please ignore his attire," she added on in a staged whisper that Dumbledore could no doubt hear.
"Oh," Mike's confusion faded. He supposed that explained why the man was wearing a heavy purple nightgown splayed with gold stars. "Of course, it's excellent to meet you Mr. Dumbledore."
Dumbledore simply continued to look at the wall and began humming to himself. Sirius was almost positive his Headmaster was enjoying his new role.
"Munchkins turnpick…" he mumbled, continuing to hum.
"Yes, that's right Granddad," Emma smiled encouragingly, "Now come on, we're going to see the chocolate fairy."
"Choco Choco," Dumbledore muttered before humming again, and allowing Emma to lead him forwards.
"See you around Mike," Sirius called, stifling a laugh with difficulty. Dumbledore was playing his role a little too well.
They entered the apartment a moment later, only to find Mirage and Wilberforce camped out on the couch. The crup was awake within moment, hurrying over to greet them and then paw at Remus until the werewolf lifted him up.
Dumbledore was watching Mirage with wide eyes. She looked peaceful, Sirius mused, her hair being turned by the air slowly, lovingly…
Oh right, there was no breeze.
"Emma, is that…" Dumbledore seemed at a loss for words.
"Sir, this is Mirage, she's a wandless."
Several moments passed in silence. Emma thought that she might have successfully caught Dumbledore by surprise for the first time in his life.
"When?" Dumbledore managed at last.
"On our camping trip," Emma answered calmly. "I wasn't sure how to reach you without the possibility of a message being intercepted, so I waited until the meeting."
Dumbledore still looked shocked, but Emma sensed that he was quickly gathering his wits. "I need to speak with her," he said, his eyes beginning to harden, his features turning serious.
Emma nodded, moving to Mirage's side instantly. "Mirage?" She asked, shaking the other wandless gently. "Mirage, Professor Dumbledore is here to see you."
Mirage's eyes opened, though they stayed unfocussed and blank. She sat up easily, looking towards Dumbledore. "Hello Albus Dumbledore," she greeted, "My name is Mirage."
If Dumbledore was taken back by Mirage's emotionless tone he didn't show it. "Hello Mirage. How have you been?"
"Quite well," Mirage smiled. "But you aren't here for pleasantries Albus Dumbledore. I know what you want and I know that I will not and can not give it to you."
Dumbledore frowned, "Oh?"
Mirage nodded, "You want me to join the Order of the Pheonix when I come of age and to attend Hogwarts until then. But I can do neither. It is true that I have my own agenda, an agenda I am not about to reveal to you."
Dumbledore frowned before looking into Mirage's eyes.
"That won't work on me," Mirage said easily, looking unconcerned. And indeed, Dumbledore found that he couldn't read the wandless mind. However there was no mental wall, nothing to suggest occlumency, it was almost as if her blank eyes simply held nothing worth reading. As if they were not connected to Mirage herself. Dumbledore tried again, this time without relying on eye contact. He was a skilled enough legillemence not to need it after all.
It was almost like Mirage was ready for him. Rather then being able to sift through her memories he was thrown into chosen scenes.
I am Mirage. I rule Light and the Element Air. I see everything that once was, that is now and what could be…
Dumbledore watched as Ariana died, the obscurial inside her bursting outwards with a savage vengeance. He stared into her blue eyes, so like his own, as they widened with shock just before the light was whisked out of them. He saw his brother punch him in the face over her coffin. He saw the Marauders sitting before him, each one dyed a flaming red with a golden lion on their forehead.
"Although I could figure out how to get rid of it, I do wonder if you could simply tell me and make it all that much easier. Not to worry, no punishments will be handed out; assuming you do tell me of course."
His own words floated back to him.
I have seen your life Albus Dumbledore. I have seen your plan for Protem…
Emma suddenly stood at the Hogwarts' gates, eyes guarded and wand in hand. There was no doubt to her power, or her allegiance.
I have my own plans for Protem, plans far greater then you could ever imagine. I have seen the outcome of what I want, have seen that Protem will fulfill that which I set out for her. I have also seen what will happen should she fail, should you decide not to trust me…
Dumbledore stood in a dark room, the shadows consuming him. Then, miraculously, a light appeared, glowing with all the warmth of the sun, though it portrayed a very dismal scene.
Emma stood stoically beside a boy, who smiled down at her possessively. As if she were a grand prise in the lottery and he had won. Behind them stood Voldemort, his gaze appraising, red eyes gleaming and a skeletal hand on each youth's shoulder.
But it was Emma's face that caught him, her eyes that sent him reeling. She was beautiful; it was true, her beauty and power almost burning his eyes. But her eyes held no warmth, none of the hope or love he often saw radiating in them. There was only despair and pain and he knew, knew without a doubt that the other Marauders no longer lived. He felt tears roll down his cheeks just looking at her, an empty shell of what she had been, now tortured by the memories and relationships that had defined her.
Emma was a Death Eater.
Suddenly the scene changed.
Dumbledore watched in horror as the Order fought against Death Eaters, outnumbered five to one. Vampries and giants accompanied Voldemort's troops.
"SWIFT!"
Dumbledore's head swivelled to see a jet of pure white light hit Emma in the chest. Her eyes were wide, pure green in fear, her hair wild. Blood escaped from her mouth as she fell to the ground, a gaping hole blown straight through her from the light.
"SWIFT!" Sirius's voice cracked in volume as he ran towards her. He slid to a stop beside her, tears falling down his face. "SWIFT! NO! NO! NO!"
The man who had killed Emma laughed, looking down at Sirius, "Pathetic," he sneered. Dumbledore realized with a jolt, that this was the man Emma had stood beside in the last scene. This is an alternate future…
Sirius looked up at him, eyes hard and cold as a jet of light consumed him.
He fell to the ground dead beside her.
All around Dumbledore people were dying. He saw himself fall against the man who had killed Emma and Sirius, saw the man set the world to burn. And all the while Voldemort stood on a ridge watching, a wide smile dominating his face and laughter in his blood red eyes…
Why, why are you showing me this… Dumbledore wondered, tears streaming down his face.
This has not yet come to pass. You have a choice Albus Dumbledore, a choice to prevent all of this from happening.
Dumbledore winced as Aberforth was overtaken my several vampires, the monster ripping him to bits.
You have a choice to save them all.
Dumbledore came back into his own body with a jolt, his cheeks wet. Mirage's eyes were still unfocused, not gazing into his as he thought they should be.
"Sir?" Emma asked slowly. "Sir what's wrong?"
Dumbledore blinked, "N-nothing Emma," he said, gathering himself. "I have to go… it was nice meeting you Mirage."
"And you," Mirage said with a serene smile.
Dumbledore nodded once before sweeping from the room. He had to get to the Hog's Head, to make sure Aberforth was still alive…
"What did you show him?" Emma asked accusingly once Dumbledore was gone.
Mirage smiled, "What would happen should he intervene."
"And that would be?" Sirius prompted.
"Nothing for you to concern yourself with," Mirage answered. That said she got up and made her way to bed.
"Whatever it was, it scared Dumbledore," Remus said.
Emma nodded, "How bad would something be to have to scare Dumbledore?"
The three exchanged looks, all thinking the same thing though no one said it; It would have to mean the end.
.
Emma was shaken awake roughly the next morning.
"Whaaaa…"
"Get up Protem," Mirage commanded from above her. "You're real training starts now."
Emma groaned, rolling over in bed. She could tell by the way the room was lit that it wasn't passed six in the morning, "Go back to bed Mirage, it's too early for this."
Mirage frowned, her brows meeting in the middle, "Get up now Protem or I will force you up."
When Emma didn't move Mirage flipped the bed with a gust of wind.
"Owe…" Emma groaned, "What is wrong with you? – Oumf!"
Emma groaned as the pair of pants Mirage chucked at her collided with her face.
"We have a big lesson today. So get up, get dressed and make me some pancakes."
Emma chuckled despite her annoyance, sitting up and collecting the articles of clothing Mirage had thrown at her to wear. It was hard to remember sometimes that Mirage was only 13 and that, despite what she wanted everyone to believe, she couldn't do everything.
An example – she cooked about as well as Sirius.
Still smirking, Emma exited the room five minutes later fully clothed, only to find Mirage at the table with all the items necessary for pancakes. She sat stoically, looking out the window as if she had not been the one to gather the ingredients.
That was the odd thing about Mirage, she tried to act grown-up and detached, as if nothing mattered to her. But there were moments, like right now, that proved that Mirage was human somewhere deep down, even if she had buried it as much as possible.
"So, did you get me up because you were hungry or is today actually special?" Emma teased as she began mixing up the batter.
Mirage kept her expression neutral, "Today is very important Protem, in fact I would say it marks the first real day of your training."
"So you beating the shit out of me was not part of training?"
Mirage shrugged, "It was necessary."
Emma rolled her eyes. Whatever Mirage had cooking in her cranium, Emma wouldn't be hearing about it until Mirage was good and ready to share.
Deciding to forego a discussion that would get her nowhere, Emma cooked the pancakes in silence. When they were finished Emma scrawled a note to the boys, saying she was off with Mirage and that she'd be home for dinner, before grabbing Mirage's shoulder and disappearing from the apartment.
Mirage walked around the clearing once when they arrived, as she did everyday, before facing Emma. "Congratulations Protem, you made contact with the Elements just as I saw you would."
Emma frowned in confusion before schooling her features, sometimes it was better to pretend you knew what Mirage was talking about then to ask questions. If nothing else, it hurt her pride to have a 13 year old talk to her like she was five.
"Now that the Elements are beginning to acknowledge you it is time you listened to them. We will start with meditation for an hour, where you will listen to those around you. Followed promptly by a sparing session where you will tell the Elements what to do. What's confusing you Protem?" Mirage asked with a sigh, seeing Emma's blank expression.
"When exactly did the Elements 'acknowledge' me?"
Mirage shook her head sadly, as if to say that Emma was the dumbest creature alive. "You believed Sirius Black was being attacked by Sturgis Podmore last night, correct?"
Emma nodded, still confused.
"How did you stop Sturgis Podmore?"
Emma frowned before her jaw dropped to form a perfect 'O'. A tree root, she had hit Podmore with a tree root.
"Exactly," Mirage seemed to know that Emma had worked it out. "You called upon the Element Earth. Fear is a strong emotion, especially when it is fuelled by love," Emma blinked, amazed that Mirage knew about her feelings for Sirius. But then again, Mirage knew everything, was it possible that she knew how they would turn out? Stupid! Emma chastised herself immediately, You're not going to 'turn out'. He's going to live happily ever after with someone else. That's what's best for him.
"I knew that Earth would not be able to deny you in your fear. The most loyal of the Elements, Earth could not bare to watch you lose that which you love most. Despite this, I believe it will be Air who talks to you first today. Fickle and intelligent, Air is beginning to wonder about you," Mirage smiled. "All you have to do is listen Protem, open up your mind to yourself," Mirage cocked her head, as if listening to something before continuing. "I am going now, I'll see you when you work it out."
Emma was momentarily caught off guard and so didn't say anything until Mirage had turned to leave, "Wait! I thought we had meditation for an hour and then-"
Mirage shook her head, "You will stay here until you can listen. I will meet you back at the apartment."
"Wait!" Emma shouted but it was too late, Mirage was gone.
Emma sighed, moving to sit in the field and concentrate. The summer breeze was soft, but there were no voices, no hidden messages in the ripple of a tree's leaves.
This was going to take a while.
Three hours later saw Emma still sitting in the clearing, a frown of annoyance on her face. Patience had never been one of her virtues and she was beginning to get hungry. Deciding that she'd go home for lunch and then come back she spun on the spot, intending to apparate home.
She fell onto her bottom a moment later, eyes wide with shock and fear.
She was still in the clearing.
"Mirage!" She snarled, rising to her feet and hurrying into the trees. The undergrowth snapped under her quick foot falls as she jogged briskly forward, hoping that Mirage had not thought to seal in the edges of the anti-apparation spell. There is a chance she didn't think of it… how in the hell did she know the spell to begin with?!
It came later then expected, but it came all the same. A huge transparent barrier separated Emma from the rest of the world. Mirage had trapped her in the clearing until she worked out how to speak to the Elements.
"Hell is going to look like a vacation when I get through with you Mirage."
