Snape's Secret Part XXV: The Haunted Woods
[ A/N: Hi, everybody! I hope that you all enjoyed the last chapter, and I apologize for the lack of Voldie at this point. He will be back soon, I promise! Anyway, Issabelle and Morgana are on their way, but there are many dangers that they never counted on facing. Will they make it? ]
Issabelle's face tingled as it was caressed by the cool night air. She and Morgana had been traveling for an hour, the ring of darkness clutched tight in hand so that she could use it as evidence when they reached London. With every passing minute, Issabelle feared that Severus and Anna would appear, but the trip drug on with a dreary vengence until the pair reached the ministry office.
The sun was just beginning to poke its head through the clouds as they landed outside the city and made their way to the main building. People paid little attention as was common in the big city, a state of detatchment for which Issabelle was grateful. When they finally were seated and awaiting their appointment with fudge, Issabelle bought sherbert cones. Neither of them talked for a long time, each lost in her own thoughts over the great debate which lay ahead.
Finally their names were called two hours later and Fudge met them with all the pomp which the ministry was famous for. As she entered the room, Issabelle knew that they only way to win this case was to get right to the point.
" I have the ring. " she said, holding it up in the light so its scarlet-jemed centre glistened menacingly for all to see.
" Yes, but I don't see how it proves Voldemort's innocence. " Fudge said, yawning.
" I really don't know what to think either, Mister, but my aunt is a smart lady and she worked with him for six months on that spy mission. " Morgana said, sitting down on one of the chairs.
" Well, get on with it then! " Fudge said, pounding his fist on the desk.
" There is a demon in this ring. " Issabelle said, " It was controlling Tom all while he was wearing it. "
" I don't believe you, McChella! " Fudge snapped, " This is one sick joke you're pulling and you're gonna pay for it. "
" I can prove it. " Issabelle said, " The man who owned this ring before Tom -- "
" VOLDEMORT! "
" -- was my father! "
" You're father? I thought you were an orphan. " Fudge said, smirking.
" I was abandoned, Mr. Fudge. There is a difference. " Issabelle said, her voice barely above a whisper, " But that's not what we are here to discuss. Now, are you going to bring Tom back from the Island of Despair or am I going to cast the incantation to wake up the demon in this ring? "
" Do your worst, McChella! It'll take a hell of a lot to make me bring that bastard back. He is where he belongs. "
" You have brought this upon yourself, then... " Issabelle said, sighing. Carefully, she stood up and set the ring within plain sight on the desk. Clutching her wand in both hands and pointing it at the scarlet jewel, Issabelle gritted her teeth before taking a breath and starting a chant.
*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*
Tourents of darkness,
Creatures of night,
Come now out of hiding,
And drown out the light.
Reign with me once more,
In a fortress of fear,
Oh howl and rejoice,
At each agonized tear.
By the power of lovers,
Both innocent and sweet,
Dark sisters and brothers,
We once more can meet.
Yet beware the look in lovers eyes,
For though joy is a fool,
They have powers they don't realize,
And Nemesis weild's this tool.
Come forth now great lord of darkness,
He who is feared by all,
Proud and mighty Giovaugne,
Heed thy eerie call!
*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*
Suddenly, there was a deep cracking, as though the earth itself might split in two. A gastly green light began to illuminate from the ring and a high shreiking laugh filled the air. Then a cloud of black smoke began to rise, its thick fumes making it so hard to breathe that Issabelle feared she would pass out. But they went as fast as they came and with a single crack of lightening, a tall man dressed in long black robes and adorned in jewels stood before them.
" Kneel! " he commanded.
" Why? " Issabelle said, gazing up at his face. His eyes were smokey grey and held no brightness or shimmer. He had a sharp jaw and chisled, menacing-looking features. Not even the hint of a smile flickered on his thin lips.
" Because I said kneel. " he replied, raising his jeweled septar and pointing it at her. Instantly, Issabelle's legs fell out from under her and he face crashed roughly against the marble floor. " And the rest of you? "
Fudge was already on the floor, graveling for all he was worth, but Morgana remained standing. Her hands were clasped losely and she looked up at him with a dull expression. " I'm not gonna bow to you. "
" One example is never enough, is it? " he asked, pointing his wand at her as he sat down at Fudge's desk.
" Leave her alone. " Issabelle said, snapping out of the spell and wiping the blood from her face. " We have no time to waste on this foolishness. "
" How the hell -- "
" My name is Issabelle McChella and I am the HopeBringer. You're magic has very little effect on me, Giovaugne. " Issabelle said, her gaze boring into his. Pausing momentarily, she spotted Fudge graveling on the floor, " Get up. Now. "
" Leave him! " Giovaugne shouted, causing a barrier of flames to surround the terrified minister, " He and I have much to... discuss. "
" We need him to free Tom! " Morgana said, walking up to where Issabelle was standing.
" I see. " Giovaugne said, crossing his arms, " Which of you released me? "
" I did. " Issabelle said. For the first time, the sides of his mouth drew up slightly and Issabelle shivered at the sight. When he smiled, he looked somehow familar.
" Then it appears we certainly got off to a lousy start. My apologies. " Giovaugne said, waving his hand across her face. " You and your little friend will be well rewarded for your... kindness. Tell me what you desire. "
" We want to free our friend. " Morgana said, " But we need Fudge to sign legal documents for that to happen. "
" Consider it done. " Giovaugne said, waving his wand over the papers. Instantly, Fudge's signature appeared and he handed them to Issabelle, " Is there anything else? "
" Not that I can think of offhand. " Issabelle said, her hands trembling as she looked at the documents which would secure Tom's freedom.
" I give you invitation to live in my palace when you return if you wish. Neither you or your beloved shall ever call upon the name of Angelus Giovaugne in anything but friendship. Now go. "
******
" I think we should take brooms. " Morgana said, " It will be faster then flying. "
" And much less tiresome. " Issabelle said, nodding her head in agreement. The pair stopped at a broomshop and picked up the two fastest racing brooms available and soon they were on their way.
The journey started out smoothly enough as they jetted across the cloudless sky but the sight of four masked riders approaching in the distance made Issabelle's heart begin to pound. Unfortunately, they had already been spotted and there was no turning back now.
" Its Lucius! And... Draco? What's he doin' here! "
" I don't know either. " Issabelle said, " But let's get this over with. "
Before a blow could be thrown, three bolts of lightening flew out of the sky and sent the three elder men flying from their brooms. Now it was only Draco that remained.
" Issie! Morgana! Am I glad to see you! " He said, panting for breath, " He was gonna... They were gonna... "
" How'd that lightening thing happen? " Issabelle asked, looking at the two teens in confusion.
" I did it. " Morgana said, yawning.
" Good shot! " Draco said, " But let's get outta here! "
" Right! " Issabelle said, turning her broom towards the Isle again.
******
The tiny Island started coming into view four hours later. It certainly didn't look anything special from the air. Sections of grassland and forest and desert could clearly be seen as they hovered above it. It was only as they began to decend that the eerie magic began to pour its wrath upon them.
A swirl of burning blue light enveloped their brooms and sent them spiraling towards the ground. When they finally landed, it was in a dark and misted forest which was a giant mass of trees with no paths to tell where one had been or gone.
" I don't like this place... " Draco said, looking at Issabelle and Morgana for a long while to ensure they were both there.
" I think I've heard of this place before... " Issabelle said, " Its called the Haunted Woods. "
" That's right... " a whispy voice said, " And no one that has entered has ever come out alive! "
" Lumus! " Morgana shouted, causing a little flicker of light to glow at the end of her wand, " G... g... ghosts! "
" Close. " the voice answered, " Ghosts of lost souls, to be exact. We are the eternally doomed. Confined to this forest for the rest of eternity. Now you will join us. "
" Issie... What are we gonna do? " Morgana said, her voice quivering.
" There is only one way to escape this forest -- and this island. Anyone who comes here must face his or her greatest fear. " Issabelle said, looking into Morgana's eyes, " So this one is up to you. You are the HopeGiver. Show these ghouls your power! "
" Right... " Morgana said, taking a breath and raising her wand, " By the powers of hope and light, send away these minions of fright! "
Instantly, the mist of ghouls was lifted and the path became clear. The group moved on, not realizing that things were bound to go much worse.
[ A/N: Hi, everybody! I hope that you all enjoyed the last chapter, and I apologize for the lack of Voldie at this point. He will be back soon, I promise! Anyway, Issabelle and Morgana are on their way, but there are many dangers that they never counted on facing. Will they make it? ]
Issabelle's face tingled as it was caressed by the cool night air. She and Morgana had been traveling for an hour, the ring of darkness clutched tight in hand so that she could use it as evidence when they reached London. With every passing minute, Issabelle feared that Severus and Anna would appear, but the trip drug on with a dreary vengence until the pair reached the ministry office.
The sun was just beginning to poke its head through the clouds as they landed outside the city and made their way to the main building. People paid little attention as was common in the big city, a state of detatchment for which Issabelle was grateful. When they finally were seated and awaiting their appointment with fudge, Issabelle bought sherbert cones. Neither of them talked for a long time, each lost in her own thoughts over the great debate which lay ahead.
Finally their names were called two hours later and Fudge met them with all the pomp which the ministry was famous for. As she entered the room, Issabelle knew that they only way to win this case was to get right to the point.
" I have the ring. " she said, holding it up in the light so its scarlet-jemed centre glistened menacingly for all to see.
" Yes, but I don't see how it proves Voldemort's innocence. " Fudge said, yawning.
" I really don't know what to think either, Mister, but my aunt is a smart lady and she worked with him for six months on that spy mission. " Morgana said, sitting down on one of the chairs.
" Well, get on with it then! " Fudge said, pounding his fist on the desk.
" There is a demon in this ring. " Issabelle said, " It was controlling Tom all while he was wearing it. "
" I don't believe you, McChella! " Fudge snapped, " This is one sick joke you're pulling and you're gonna pay for it. "
" I can prove it. " Issabelle said, " The man who owned this ring before Tom -- "
" VOLDEMORT! "
" -- was my father! "
" You're father? I thought you were an orphan. " Fudge said, smirking.
" I was abandoned, Mr. Fudge. There is a difference. " Issabelle said, her voice barely above a whisper, " But that's not what we are here to discuss. Now, are you going to bring Tom back from the Island of Despair or am I going to cast the incantation to wake up the demon in this ring? "
" Do your worst, McChella! It'll take a hell of a lot to make me bring that bastard back. He is where he belongs. "
" You have brought this upon yourself, then... " Issabelle said, sighing. Carefully, she stood up and set the ring within plain sight on the desk. Clutching her wand in both hands and pointing it at the scarlet jewel, Issabelle gritted her teeth before taking a breath and starting a chant.
*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*
Tourents of darkness,
Creatures of night,
Come now out of hiding,
And drown out the light.
Reign with me once more,
In a fortress of fear,
Oh howl and rejoice,
At each agonized tear.
By the power of lovers,
Both innocent and sweet,
Dark sisters and brothers,
We once more can meet.
Yet beware the look in lovers eyes,
For though joy is a fool,
They have powers they don't realize,
And Nemesis weild's this tool.
Come forth now great lord of darkness,
He who is feared by all,
Proud and mighty Giovaugne,
Heed thy eerie call!
*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*
Suddenly, there was a deep cracking, as though the earth itself might split in two. A gastly green light began to illuminate from the ring and a high shreiking laugh filled the air. Then a cloud of black smoke began to rise, its thick fumes making it so hard to breathe that Issabelle feared she would pass out. But they went as fast as they came and with a single crack of lightening, a tall man dressed in long black robes and adorned in jewels stood before them.
" Kneel! " he commanded.
" Why? " Issabelle said, gazing up at his face. His eyes were smokey grey and held no brightness or shimmer. He had a sharp jaw and chisled, menacing-looking features. Not even the hint of a smile flickered on his thin lips.
" Because I said kneel. " he replied, raising his jeweled septar and pointing it at her. Instantly, Issabelle's legs fell out from under her and he face crashed roughly against the marble floor. " And the rest of you? "
Fudge was already on the floor, graveling for all he was worth, but Morgana remained standing. Her hands were clasped losely and she looked up at him with a dull expression. " I'm not gonna bow to you. "
" One example is never enough, is it? " he asked, pointing his wand at her as he sat down at Fudge's desk.
" Leave her alone. " Issabelle said, snapping out of the spell and wiping the blood from her face. " We have no time to waste on this foolishness. "
" How the hell -- "
" My name is Issabelle McChella and I am the HopeBringer. You're magic has very little effect on me, Giovaugne. " Issabelle said, her gaze boring into his. Pausing momentarily, she spotted Fudge graveling on the floor, " Get up. Now. "
" Leave him! " Giovaugne shouted, causing a barrier of flames to surround the terrified minister, " He and I have much to... discuss. "
" We need him to free Tom! " Morgana said, walking up to where Issabelle was standing.
" I see. " Giovaugne said, crossing his arms, " Which of you released me? "
" I did. " Issabelle said. For the first time, the sides of his mouth drew up slightly and Issabelle shivered at the sight. When he smiled, he looked somehow familar.
" Then it appears we certainly got off to a lousy start. My apologies. " Giovaugne said, waving his hand across her face. " You and your little friend will be well rewarded for your... kindness. Tell me what you desire. "
" We want to free our friend. " Morgana said, " But we need Fudge to sign legal documents for that to happen. "
" Consider it done. " Giovaugne said, waving his wand over the papers. Instantly, Fudge's signature appeared and he handed them to Issabelle, " Is there anything else? "
" Not that I can think of offhand. " Issabelle said, her hands trembling as she looked at the documents which would secure Tom's freedom.
" I give you invitation to live in my palace when you return if you wish. Neither you or your beloved shall ever call upon the name of Angelus Giovaugne in anything but friendship. Now go. "
******
" I think we should take brooms. " Morgana said, " It will be faster then flying. "
" And much less tiresome. " Issabelle said, nodding her head in agreement. The pair stopped at a broomshop and picked up the two fastest racing brooms available and soon they were on their way.
The journey started out smoothly enough as they jetted across the cloudless sky but the sight of four masked riders approaching in the distance made Issabelle's heart begin to pound. Unfortunately, they had already been spotted and there was no turning back now.
" Its Lucius! And... Draco? What's he doin' here! "
" I don't know either. " Issabelle said, " But let's get this over with. "
Before a blow could be thrown, three bolts of lightening flew out of the sky and sent the three elder men flying from their brooms. Now it was only Draco that remained.
" Issie! Morgana! Am I glad to see you! " He said, panting for breath, " He was gonna... They were gonna... "
" How'd that lightening thing happen? " Issabelle asked, looking at the two teens in confusion.
" I did it. " Morgana said, yawning.
" Good shot! " Draco said, " But let's get outta here! "
" Right! " Issabelle said, turning her broom towards the Isle again.
******
The tiny Island started coming into view four hours later. It certainly didn't look anything special from the air. Sections of grassland and forest and desert could clearly be seen as they hovered above it. It was only as they began to decend that the eerie magic began to pour its wrath upon them.
A swirl of burning blue light enveloped their brooms and sent them spiraling towards the ground. When they finally landed, it was in a dark and misted forest which was a giant mass of trees with no paths to tell where one had been or gone.
" I don't like this place... " Draco said, looking at Issabelle and Morgana for a long while to ensure they were both there.
" I think I've heard of this place before... " Issabelle said, " Its called the Haunted Woods. "
" That's right... " a whispy voice said, " And no one that has entered has ever come out alive! "
" Lumus! " Morgana shouted, causing a little flicker of light to glow at the end of her wand, " G... g... ghosts! "
" Close. " the voice answered, " Ghosts of lost souls, to be exact. We are the eternally doomed. Confined to this forest for the rest of eternity. Now you will join us. "
" Issie... What are we gonna do? " Morgana said, her voice quivering.
" There is only one way to escape this forest -- and this island. Anyone who comes here must face his or her greatest fear. " Issabelle said, looking into Morgana's eyes, " So this one is up to you. You are the HopeGiver. Show these ghouls your power! "
" Right... " Morgana said, taking a breath and raising her wand, " By the powers of hope and light, send away these minions of fright! "
Instantly, the mist of ghouls was lifted and the path became clear. The group moved on, not realizing that things were bound to go much worse.