Snape's Secret Part XIV: Adventures in the Crystal Cave
[ A/N: We are about to enter Issabelle's secret dreamworld in a way we never have before!! Little does Tom know that Issabelle is far, far from the bed over which he weeps... she is really in a separate universe known only to the HopeBringer in her darkest hour... Please r/r!! -- Kat ]
Issabelle's eyes flickered as they slowly began to adjust to the shimmering light. This was definately not Voldemort's castle, that was for sure. Glancing around, Issabelle saw beautiful crystal walls off which glimmered prisms of light forming every colour in the rainbow. The floors were made of a smooth glass and were so delicately designed that she could see her own reflection perfectly.
" Where am I? " Issabelle asked, her voice ringing with a bell like quality as it carried across the empty room. Glancing around, Issabelle could not help feeling that she had been there before. The layout of the cave seemed disturbingly familiar. Pushing this from her mind, Issabelle stood up and started to look around, " Is this heaven? "
" I'm afraid not, little one. " a deep voice said, ringing off the walls with laughter, " I will tell you this much, Issabelle: you are far from dead. "
" Oh.... " Issabelle said, blushing slightly, " Then may I ask... who are you? "
" Indeed you may. " the stranger replied, a smile crossing his lips. For he now stepped out of the shadows and the fact that he was a man was unmistakeable, though Issabelle knew she had never seen a man like him before. Tall with rippling silver hair that fell to his waist and deep violet eyes which crinkled when he laughed, he left her feeling that she was in the presence of an ancient deity.
" Then I ask you, " Issabelle said, catching on to his game, " What is your name? "
" Brian Cordello, head of the temple of Light, at your service. " he said, bowing and then meeting her eyes again.
" Why am I here? " Issabelle asked, still feeling very confused at the whole situation.
" You're the HopeBringer, right? " Brian asked.
" Yes... But I... "
" And you still don't know how to use your powers. I know. " Brian said, finishing the sentence for her, " That's why you're here, Issabelle. I have been instructed to complete your training. You will master all of your powers here in the DreamWorld so that you will be able to use them on earth. "
" Oh... " Issabelle said, " How long will this take? I'm sure Tom is worried sick about me! "
" That will depend on you. " Brian said, " But if you are in a hurry, then I suggest that we get started. First, you must answer a riddle. If you succeed, you will gain the power which it holds. Are you ready? "
" Yes. I am ready. I've never been too good at riddles, though... "
" Well, here goes: Both beast and child do speak my way, Both maiden and fine youth, without my aid ye'll not succeed, and my name doth be? "
" Hmm... " Issabelle said, rubbing her chin thoughtfully, " What would Tom say...? What would Sev say...? Urgh... I hate riddles... both child and beast... What can they both speak... Wait, I know.... TRUTH! "
" Right! Good job, Issabelle! " Brian said, " That riddle will grant you the power to walk through walls. "
" Interesting. " Issabelle said, " What's next? "
" Are you truly that anxious? They are not all that easy, you know! " Brian scolded.
" That was easy? " Issabelle mumbled, " Let's get this over with. There is no time to waste. "
" Very well... " Brian said, sighing. With a wave of his hand a pool of deep blue water rose out of the crystal floor, " This is the fountain of freija and will serve us for two of your tests. I am warning you right now that you will quickly learn to hate this water... "
" Just tell me what I have to do. " Issabelle said, still positive that there could be nothing horrible about a pool of blue water.
" Kneel before the bitter pool and stare into its depths so cruel... " Brian chanted. Issabelle did as he said and suddenly the water began to swirl, causing a picture to appear on the surface.
Issabelle shivered as a familiar voice let out a blood-curling scream. It was Morgana, and she was being hooked into some weird machine which was sucking at her very essence. Issabelle leaned forward, reaching out her hand to help and only spotted the long black tentacle in the nick of time. Backing up, the pool became crystal clear again, but Issabelle's heart slammed wildly in her chest.
" What was that? " she demanded, turning on Brian, " What's happening to Morgana? "
" I do not know... " Brian said, now looking slightly worried, " The pool is designed to show your ultimate fear. The test is to see if you dive into it and get caught by the squid or simply face it. You passed. "
" But I didn't save Morgana... "
" You weren't supose to, Issabelle. The test was to see your sense of control. " Brian said, " And you now have the power of telekenisis. You can control objects with your mind, get it? "
" Very funny. Is Morgana in any real danger? "
" No. "
" All right, then. Let's continue. "
" As you wish... " Brian said, shaking his head, " Step into the fountain, Issabelle. "
" What about the squid? "
" It is gone... and trust me, you're going to have bigger things than it to worry about at any rate! "
" As you say... " Issabelle said, sliding her right foot into the pool and stopping as she felt it start to throb with waves of tingling painn, " Argh! What kinda stunt are you tryin' to pull? "
" None. That water smarts, but it will make you immune to all of the unforgivables and any other dangerous spells that could mess up your missions. "
" How long do I have to stay in? " Issabelle asked, favoring her foot rather noticeably.
" Until it doesn't sting anymore. "
Issabelle stared at Brian as though he were crazy, but forced herself to take a deep breath and enter the pool. The pain made her stomach churn and she cried out, but within a few minutes, the agony had all but subsided. Stepping out of the pool, Issabelle felt a new sense of security sweep over her, but tension still hung in the air.
" Well, well... " Brian said smiling, " I think its time that we moved on to something a little easier. "
With a snap of his fingers, the room became weightless and Issabelle found herself floating high above the ground. Her body felt light as air as she let gentle breezes pick her up and carry her around the room. Brian watched her with amusement and then snapped his fingers again, causing the gravity to return. Issabelle felt herself begin to panic but then a startling realization hit her -- she wasn't falling. On the contrary, she was flying around the room as if she had wings and made a rather graceful first landing next to Brian.
" Excellent! " he said, nodding with aproval, " One more test, Issabelle, and you are free to go. "
" Marvelous... " Issabelle said, beaming, " What is it? "
" Your most difficult test yet... Possibly the hardest you will ever face. "
" Hmm... " Issabelle said thoughtfully, gazing off into the distance. When her eyes once again returned to Brian, she was surprised to discover that he was not there. Instead, she was once again standing in front of Voldemort, though she could tell that she was still in the DreamWorld.
" Hello, Issabelle... " he said, staring at her with his red eyes flashing brightly, " We duel again, it seems... "
" Tom? " Issabelle asked, now totally confused, " I... I have no reason to duel with you... "
" Is that so? " Voldemort replied, his voice dripping sarcasm and then releasing another shill laugh, " I do not permit traitors within my midst. "
" What are you talking about? " Issabelle demanded, her voice shaking more then she had hoped it would.
" Your voice makes it clear that you do. " Voldemort said shortly, raising his wand, " Avada Kedavra! "
Issabelle's eyes grew wide with apprehensive terror, but a silver glow enveloped her as the green flash threatened to swallow her in its deadly power. " Y.. you're not Tom! I know he was fuming with me about those kids, but I'm sure beyond the shadow of a doubt that he doesn't want me dead... He's my friend! "
The faulty Voldemort could do nothing but laugh. She had him pegged, and without a second though Brian regained his own appearance and jumped at her. Issabelle saw this coming and quickly moved out of the way. Waving his hand, Brian caused ropes made of heavy black chain to fly at Issabelle, but she easily dodged these as well and turned to attack. Taking a deep breath and closing her eyes, Issabelle focused on the two frightened faces that she had fought Tom to save and felt an indiscribable fury began to burn deep within her veins.
" I'm tired of waiting, child. Are you going to attack or not? " Brian asked, yawning. To his surprise, Issabelle's eyes flew open at that very minute as she finished a very long and complex incantation, " Luminia Remnasa! "
Tiny specks of golden light began to charge towards Brian, surrounded by the light of Hope itself. Shocked, he did not manage to get out of the way in time and the spell sent him flying from one end of the cave to the other. Gazing down on him, Issabelle wondered if she had done her spell properly and if not, how she was going to get out of the DreamWorld. Luckily, Brian's eyes opened and he came around within minutes, congradulating Issabelle on the complesion of her training.
" So I can go home now? " Issabelle asked.
" You consider living with him home? " Brian asked, looking at her with dismay, " I almost wish that I could keep you here! "
" I think not. " Issabelle said flatly, " I miss Tom and Sev. "
" Very well... " Brian grumbled, waving his hand. The bright lights of the cave began to flicker out one by one, light dying stars falling into an endless pool of darkness. But the next thing she knew, Issabelle was back in her warm bed at Voldemort's castle.
******
" Must save... children... Portal... at rosebush... "
Voldemort had been lying with his head against Issabelle's, his eyes half closed as he kept his silent watch over her sleeping figure. The slip of words, even though they proved his initial suspicians, caused him to smile. " Issie...? " he whispered.
Issabelle felt her eyes slowly opening, like flowers blooming amidst a warm summer day, as she realized that she was back in her own -- or more precisely -- Voldemort's bed. Glancing up, she saw him, watching her with tear dimmed eyes and felt astounded that she had caused him this much grief. Fear prickled at her stomach like a thousand needles, but when he smiled at her slowly waking form she knew things were going to be all right.
" Tom... ? "
" It's all right, Issie... Just stay still and try to regain your strength. " Voldemort whispered, leaning over her and kissing her forehead, " I thought I'd lost you forever... How could I do that to you... ? What right did I have... ? I don't deserve to live... "
" Don't talk like that, Tom. You know it scares me. " Issabelle said, her voice regaining a hint of its usual strength.
" After all I did to you, you still care? " he asked bitterly, " I'm not worthy of that kind of devotion... "
" It's called friendship. " Issabelle said, stroking his face and yawning, " Trust me on this, Tom. I'm not goin' anyware. I have good reassurance of that. "
Issabelle's energy vanished as quickly as it had came and her body lay quiet once more. This time, however, Tom knew it was only a very deep sleep. She was right... she was going to make it. Deep down, though, he knew it was going to be much tougher then she seemed to assume...
[ End Note: How is Snape dealing with Issabelle's unconciousness? What will Tom do with the new-found information? What will Dumbledore do when he finds out about the attack on his neice? Will Issabelle really forgive Tom that easily? And... who does she really love? Please r/r and vote etc... ^_^ ]
[ A/N: We are about to enter Issabelle's secret dreamworld in a way we never have before!! Little does Tom know that Issabelle is far, far from the bed over which he weeps... she is really in a separate universe known only to the HopeBringer in her darkest hour... Please r/r!! -- Kat ]
Issabelle's eyes flickered as they slowly began to adjust to the shimmering light. This was definately not Voldemort's castle, that was for sure. Glancing around, Issabelle saw beautiful crystal walls off which glimmered prisms of light forming every colour in the rainbow. The floors were made of a smooth glass and were so delicately designed that she could see her own reflection perfectly.
" Where am I? " Issabelle asked, her voice ringing with a bell like quality as it carried across the empty room. Glancing around, Issabelle could not help feeling that she had been there before. The layout of the cave seemed disturbingly familiar. Pushing this from her mind, Issabelle stood up and started to look around, " Is this heaven? "
" I'm afraid not, little one. " a deep voice said, ringing off the walls with laughter, " I will tell you this much, Issabelle: you are far from dead. "
" Oh.... " Issabelle said, blushing slightly, " Then may I ask... who are you? "
" Indeed you may. " the stranger replied, a smile crossing his lips. For he now stepped out of the shadows and the fact that he was a man was unmistakeable, though Issabelle knew she had never seen a man like him before. Tall with rippling silver hair that fell to his waist and deep violet eyes which crinkled when he laughed, he left her feeling that she was in the presence of an ancient deity.
" Then I ask you, " Issabelle said, catching on to his game, " What is your name? "
" Brian Cordello, head of the temple of Light, at your service. " he said, bowing and then meeting her eyes again.
" Why am I here? " Issabelle asked, still feeling very confused at the whole situation.
" You're the HopeBringer, right? " Brian asked.
" Yes... But I... "
" And you still don't know how to use your powers. I know. " Brian said, finishing the sentence for her, " That's why you're here, Issabelle. I have been instructed to complete your training. You will master all of your powers here in the DreamWorld so that you will be able to use them on earth. "
" Oh... " Issabelle said, " How long will this take? I'm sure Tom is worried sick about me! "
" That will depend on you. " Brian said, " But if you are in a hurry, then I suggest that we get started. First, you must answer a riddle. If you succeed, you will gain the power which it holds. Are you ready? "
" Yes. I am ready. I've never been too good at riddles, though... "
" Well, here goes: Both beast and child do speak my way, Both maiden and fine youth, without my aid ye'll not succeed, and my name doth be? "
" Hmm... " Issabelle said, rubbing her chin thoughtfully, " What would Tom say...? What would Sev say...? Urgh... I hate riddles... both child and beast... What can they both speak... Wait, I know.... TRUTH! "
" Right! Good job, Issabelle! " Brian said, " That riddle will grant you the power to walk through walls. "
" Interesting. " Issabelle said, " What's next? "
" Are you truly that anxious? They are not all that easy, you know! " Brian scolded.
" That was easy? " Issabelle mumbled, " Let's get this over with. There is no time to waste. "
" Very well... " Brian said, sighing. With a wave of his hand a pool of deep blue water rose out of the crystal floor, " This is the fountain of freija and will serve us for two of your tests. I am warning you right now that you will quickly learn to hate this water... "
" Just tell me what I have to do. " Issabelle said, still positive that there could be nothing horrible about a pool of blue water.
" Kneel before the bitter pool and stare into its depths so cruel... " Brian chanted. Issabelle did as he said and suddenly the water began to swirl, causing a picture to appear on the surface.
Issabelle shivered as a familiar voice let out a blood-curling scream. It was Morgana, and she was being hooked into some weird machine which was sucking at her very essence. Issabelle leaned forward, reaching out her hand to help and only spotted the long black tentacle in the nick of time. Backing up, the pool became crystal clear again, but Issabelle's heart slammed wildly in her chest.
" What was that? " she demanded, turning on Brian, " What's happening to Morgana? "
" I do not know... " Brian said, now looking slightly worried, " The pool is designed to show your ultimate fear. The test is to see if you dive into it and get caught by the squid or simply face it. You passed. "
" But I didn't save Morgana... "
" You weren't supose to, Issabelle. The test was to see your sense of control. " Brian said, " And you now have the power of telekenisis. You can control objects with your mind, get it? "
" Very funny. Is Morgana in any real danger? "
" No. "
" All right, then. Let's continue. "
" As you wish... " Brian said, shaking his head, " Step into the fountain, Issabelle. "
" What about the squid? "
" It is gone... and trust me, you're going to have bigger things than it to worry about at any rate! "
" As you say... " Issabelle said, sliding her right foot into the pool and stopping as she felt it start to throb with waves of tingling painn, " Argh! What kinda stunt are you tryin' to pull? "
" None. That water smarts, but it will make you immune to all of the unforgivables and any other dangerous spells that could mess up your missions. "
" How long do I have to stay in? " Issabelle asked, favoring her foot rather noticeably.
" Until it doesn't sting anymore. "
Issabelle stared at Brian as though he were crazy, but forced herself to take a deep breath and enter the pool. The pain made her stomach churn and she cried out, but within a few minutes, the agony had all but subsided. Stepping out of the pool, Issabelle felt a new sense of security sweep over her, but tension still hung in the air.
" Well, well... " Brian said smiling, " I think its time that we moved on to something a little easier. "
With a snap of his fingers, the room became weightless and Issabelle found herself floating high above the ground. Her body felt light as air as she let gentle breezes pick her up and carry her around the room. Brian watched her with amusement and then snapped his fingers again, causing the gravity to return. Issabelle felt herself begin to panic but then a startling realization hit her -- she wasn't falling. On the contrary, she was flying around the room as if she had wings and made a rather graceful first landing next to Brian.
" Excellent! " he said, nodding with aproval, " One more test, Issabelle, and you are free to go. "
" Marvelous... " Issabelle said, beaming, " What is it? "
" Your most difficult test yet... Possibly the hardest you will ever face. "
" Hmm... " Issabelle said thoughtfully, gazing off into the distance. When her eyes once again returned to Brian, she was surprised to discover that he was not there. Instead, she was once again standing in front of Voldemort, though she could tell that she was still in the DreamWorld.
" Hello, Issabelle... " he said, staring at her with his red eyes flashing brightly, " We duel again, it seems... "
" Tom? " Issabelle asked, now totally confused, " I... I have no reason to duel with you... "
" Is that so? " Voldemort replied, his voice dripping sarcasm and then releasing another shill laugh, " I do not permit traitors within my midst. "
" What are you talking about? " Issabelle demanded, her voice shaking more then she had hoped it would.
" Your voice makes it clear that you do. " Voldemort said shortly, raising his wand, " Avada Kedavra! "
Issabelle's eyes grew wide with apprehensive terror, but a silver glow enveloped her as the green flash threatened to swallow her in its deadly power. " Y.. you're not Tom! I know he was fuming with me about those kids, but I'm sure beyond the shadow of a doubt that he doesn't want me dead... He's my friend! "
The faulty Voldemort could do nothing but laugh. She had him pegged, and without a second though Brian regained his own appearance and jumped at her. Issabelle saw this coming and quickly moved out of the way. Waving his hand, Brian caused ropes made of heavy black chain to fly at Issabelle, but she easily dodged these as well and turned to attack. Taking a deep breath and closing her eyes, Issabelle focused on the two frightened faces that she had fought Tom to save and felt an indiscribable fury began to burn deep within her veins.
" I'm tired of waiting, child. Are you going to attack or not? " Brian asked, yawning. To his surprise, Issabelle's eyes flew open at that very minute as she finished a very long and complex incantation, " Luminia Remnasa! "
Tiny specks of golden light began to charge towards Brian, surrounded by the light of Hope itself. Shocked, he did not manage to get out of the way in time and the spell sent him flying from one end of the cave to the other. Gazing down on him, Issabelle wondered if she had done her spell properly and if not, how she was going to get out of the DreamWorld. Luckily, Brian's eyes opened and he came around within minutes, congradulating Issabelle on the complesion of her training.
" So I can go home now? " Issabelle asked.
" You consider living with him home? " Brian asked, looking at her with dismay, " I almost wish that I could keep you here! "
" I think not. " Issabelle said flatly, " I miss Tom and Sev. "
" Very well... " Brian grumbled, waving his hand. The bright lights of the cave began to flicker out one by one, light dying stars falling into an endless pool of darkness. But the next thing she knew, Issabelle was back in her warm bed at Voldemort's castle.
******
" Must save... children... Portal... at rosebush... "
Voldemort had been lying with his head against Issabelle's, his eyes half closed as he kept his silent watch over her sleeping figure. The slip of words, even though they proved his initial suspicians, caused him to smile. " Issie...? " he whispered.
Issabelle felt her eyes slowly opening, like flowers blooming amidst a warm summer day, as she realized that she was back in her own -- or more precisely -- Voldemort's bed. Glancing up, she saw him, watching her with tear dimmed eyes and felt astounded that she had caused him this much grief. Fear prickled at her stomach like a thousand needles, but when he smiled at her slowly waking form she knew things were going to be all right.
" Tom... ? "
" It's all right, Issie... Just stay still and try to regain your strength. " Voldemort whispered, leaning over her and kissing her forehead, " I thought I'd lost you forever... How could I do that to you... ? What right did I have... ? I don't deserve to live... "
" Don't talk like that, Tom. You know it scares me. " Issabelle said, her voice regaining a hint of its usual strength.
" After all I did to you, you still care? " he asked bitterly, " I'm not worthy of that kind of devotion... "
" It's called friendship. " Issabelle said, stroking his face and yawning, " Trust me on this, Tom. I'm not goin' anyware. I have good reassurance of that. "
Issabelle's energy vanished as quickly as it had came and her body lay quiet once more. This time, however, Tom knew it was only a very deep sleep. She was right... she was going to make it. Deep down, though, he knew it was going to be much tougher then she seemed to assume...
[ End Note: How is Snape dealing with Issabelle's unconciousness? What will Tom do with the new-found information? What will Dumbledore do when he finds out about the attack on his neice? Will Issabelle really forgive Tom that easily? And... who does she really love? Please r/r and vote etc... ^_^ ]