Untitled Chapter 5: Red
By Altra
Hollow eyes peered bleakly through the dark night. The woman turned, gathering her volumnous skirts in her hands. Darkness was behind her, yet footsteps rang out. A glowing, silver mirror appeared before her. Beautiful silk blonde hair was pulled into a decorative knot at the nape of her neck. Sugar pale complexion stared back at her, confusion and terror evident in the frozen blue eyes.
Blood red, high collared velvet dress, covered the numerous petticoats. the laced bodice set her figure, which the skirt distorted below the waist. An overly large ruby pendant hung about her neck, sparkling under the invisible light.
Pale fingers tapped against the cold glass. Sweaty palms pulled across the smooth surface, a squelching sound resounding.
A gentle wind blew across her pale face, as she slowly drifted upon the breeze, torn apart, seen only as dust to her minds eye.
On a whim, her body reassembled, a door of sturdy oak stood before her. Intricate flowers carved into the deep wood. Hesitantly, she slid her un-scarred hand along the handle, pulling the door open.
* * *
Lily sighed to herself, readjusting her grip and the small cardboard box she carried. The cardboard had the supple wrinkles gained after many years of use. she skillfully dodged the rogue occupants of the tiny antique store. An elderly couple would glance through old copies of the Prophet, chat about old broomstick designs, haggle over amulet prices.
Lily smiled, despite the seriousness of the price debate. Ambling up to the counter, she tapped her wand against a small lamp, beads hanging from the edges. A young woman with sandy blonde hair pushed the curtain, separating the front of the store from the back, open. Her hair was put up in a messy clip, thick glasses almost falling off her nose, wand tucked behind her ear. Her lavender robes were a bit gray from too many washings.
"How may I help you Miss...?" the young woman began, sitting upon a stool behind the wooden counter.
"Lily. Lily Potter. Well, I have a few items I'd like to sell, if you're interested of course." The blonde's eyes widened upon hearing her name. Inwardly, Lily chuckled, quite use to the reaction.
"R-really? Oh, um, beg pardon. It's just-" the woman flushed a deep crimson. "Nevermind. What do you have?"
Lily placed the box on the counter, pulling three items from inside, placing them behind the box, out of clear view of the woman. However, she decided against it, placing one in front of the woman.
"This one, the statue, I got it from an aunt." The porcelain statue was of an angel, hands extended. The angel's hair was swept back by an invisible wind, eternal forgiveness etched upon the soft face. Beautiful white robes billowed regally, catching the light. Gentle magic seemed to illuminate the six-inch porcelain doll. The young lady hesitantly stroked the angle's hair.
"My dear lord. What a beautiful sculpture... it seems to breath life. Why on earth do you want to sell this?" she asked incredulously.
"I got a feeling. My aunt told me that the statue would go to those who need it. It seems to give the owner a bit of a push in the right direction," Lily replied, brushing a strand of red hair from her face.
"How-how much do you want for it?" the clerk asked.
"Well, I guess a galleon, Miss- oh dear, there go my manners. What is your name?" Lily asked, laughing softly.
"Jesta. But really, you must want more than a galleon! I've never seen anything as intricate. Not even at Hogwarts!"
"Really, I don't want more than a galleon for it. I never really believed that I owned it anyway. Besides, the galleon is going towards a donation to St. Mungo's my husband and I are putting together."
"Oh-okay. A galleon it is then," Jesta said, pulling a galleon from the small register on the counter, handing it to Lily. Lily pocketed the coin, pulling the second item into clear view. Lily was most surprised when the woman gasped.
A ruby, imbedded on silver, glittered as light hit the many faucets. Crimson depths seemed unreal to the sliver-dollar size stone. Inlaid designs twisted about the gem, sweeping into spirals. Black silk was sewn to the sides of the silver backdrop, creating a sort of choker. Perfect fire flickered dimly within the ruby.
"That's just-beautiful," Jesta whispered.
"Well, the ruby is magically created. It was keyed to a certain person, but whoever it was must have died recently. The stone only flickers once and a while," Lily said, confusion on her face. Couldn't this woman tell that the jewel was false?
"Keyed to a person, you say? Are there any protection spells on the piece? Any spells that the stone reacts to?" Jesta questioned, holding her hand to keep from touching the stone.
"Not that I know of."
Jesta let out the breath she had been holding. She picked up the ruby choker, feeling the cool silver against her clammy palms. Jesta turned the stone about, searching for any visible flaws. Nodding to herself, Jesta placed the choker down on the table, grinning at Lily.
"How much?"
"Um... five galleons?"
"Deal," Jesta said, smiling at the ruby, though Lily couldn't comprehend why. Once again the woman pulled coins of gold from the register, handing them to Lily, who pocketed the money.
Lily pulled the final item into view, smiling as Jesta squealed behind the counter.
"How adorable!" the woman squeaked. A small figurine was seated upon a broomstick. The tiny broomstick hovered a few inches above the ground, darting this way and that after a tiny ball. The figure, which had dark hair, which was currently being swept in the wind rushing by its' head. It wore ancient, maroon Quidditch robes, a golden lion embroidered on the back. The tiny man stopped his flight for a moment, pausing to catch his breath, before speeding after what presumably was a Snitch.
"It is cute, isn't it? Mini-Gryfindor Quidditch player from, oh gods, over a hundred years ago? Anyway, the little guy comes with a Snitch, Quaffle, Bludger, and a bat. I suppose it used to be part of a set, but I have yet to find it," Lily said, smiling brightly at the determined guy.
"What a little sweetie! We already have two Ravenclaw players and an entire Hufflepuff set. We'll have a mini Hogwarts one of these days!" The two women laughed, earning confused looks from the mini Seeker.
"Well, I'll pay you ten Sickles for it," Jesta said between giggles.
"Deal!" Lily said, patting the small Quidditch player on the head, much to his chagrin.
After receiving her money,, and biding goodbye to Jesta and the tiny player (who bowed), Lily walked out of the store smiling at the midday sun.
* * *
Shaking, Andrew followed the three people soon to be his family. His thoughts ran in circles, only to overlap and intertwine into fine squiggles. His cheek ached dully from the Mistress' slap, which was actually quite powerful. Clips of conversation sounded in his skull, making it quite impossible to forget the recent event.
"Your bitch of a mother... Mother killed for fun... simpering Father followed her every step of the way... little Draco... no one wants him... holding you back... to damned stupid..."
Still shaking, Andrew glanced up as an arm laid across his shoulders, pulling him close. *That woman... Aunt Gemma, that's what Patrick called her.*
The woman smiled sadly at him, as though he had been born her son. Andrew hurriedly glanced back towards the ground. *She's saved me in more ways then one... though I'm probably just a charity case to her.* For what seemed like an eternity, the five people walked down each corridor, and try as he might, the glaring eyes did not go unnoticed by Andrew.
The Mistress opened the door to her office, motioning for them to enter. Andrew felt Gemma pull him closer to her as they entered, though just only did he notice.
"Nicholas, fetch the nurses, tell them to bring Draco Malfoy and Pansy Parkinson. Now," the Mistress ordered, her voice more commanding then ever. Terrified, the young boy bolted down the corridor while the Mistress walked into her office, closing the door. Taking a seat behind the rather worn mahogany desk. Gemma pulled Andrew into a rickety chair that stood besides the crusty wall. Patrick sat next to him, casting curious looks all the while. Gemma and Jonathan sat directly before the Mistress' desk.
The Mistress herself was busy pulling papers from the many drawers in the desk. The only objects that cluttered her desk were the papers, a quill, and a pitcher of water, two cups adjacent to it.
"All right Mrs.- Mrs.- Mrs. whoever you are, just sign here and Mr. Nott is free to leave..." the Mistress grumbled, indicating to a dotted line. The heavy door was thrown open, revealing a winded Nicholas. Beckoning to a person behind him, Nicholas backed out of the doorway, entering the Mistress' office. A disgruntled woman entered, a bundle of blankets in the crook of each arm. The woman had to stoop once in the room, her broad figure blocking out the light from the open doorway. Andrew abruptly stood, taking a bundle for the nurse's arm.
"Oh honestly, they're two years old already! Can't you people let them walk? Seriously, and you thought _my_ mother pampered me," he said, exasperated. Andrew unwrapped the blankets, tossing them aside in a crumpled heap. Placing the baby on the floor, he smiled proudly as Pansy stretched.
"An'ew!" she exclaimed. The white frock she wore had no sleeve, but large daises were pinned over the thick straps. Pansy hugged her brother round the legs, laughing.
"Hey Pans," he knelt down so they were eye to eye. "Pans, I'd like you to meet Aunt Gemma," he said, gently turning her towards Gemma, who was smiling broadly at them.
"Hi Aun'ie Gemmy," Pansy said with a little wave. Andrew stood, making his way towards the nurse, taking Draco from her. Draco was already attacking the blanket in an attempt to be free of it. Patrick got out of his chair, helping Draco get free from the blankets while Andrew tried to keep him from falling. Once free, Andrew placed the toddler on the ground. Draco smiled, latching himself onto Andrew's leg.
"Boy, give me Draco," the Mistress commanded. Andrew glared at her, kneeling besides Draco.
"How about 'I don't think so, why don't you go to hell'? That work?" he snapped, straightening Draco's overalls.
"I do believe that the boy is to come with me?" Gemma said, her soft voice demanding attention. The Mistress smirked, a noise of disagreement in her throat.
"This one stays. I daresay you can't afford him, what with how high maintainence those two are," she said, motioning towards Pansy and her brother.
"I can afford him fine, thank you very much. I appreciate you concern," Gemma said, though nothing in her tone even suggested appreciation. Mistress stiffened, eyes flashing dangerously.
"Fine. Adopt the whole lot of them. But I warn you now- their evil will catch up with you-just you watch!" she spat. Gemma deftly signed the paper for Patrick.
"Where else do I sign?" Mistress searched through the many papers on her desk, pointing to the areas where Gemma was to sign.
As the last flourish slid across the thing parchment, the children stood, Pansy on Andrew's hip, Draco holding his hand. Glancing at the final paper, Andrew shuddered a bit. *Red ink...*, he thought. *Red ink...*
Casting a final glare towards the Mistress, Andrew followed Patrick from the room. He couldn't help but smile as Gemma laid a hand upon his shoulder and led the lot of them from the orphanage.
'Not a single soul trembled with fright. Pelting rain rattled golden petals, cascading down perpetual cliffs. And still, not a single soul stirred, as the earth moaned for freedom; freedom from tainted oceans. Freedom from life.'
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A/N: The words in *asteriks* are thoughts. In Chapter Six, the dream at the beginning is concluded, the Weaslys make an appearance, and the imprisoned Death Eaters are once again visited by memories.
By Altra
Hollow eyes peered bleakly through the dark night. The woman turned, gathering her volumnous skirts in her hands. Darkness was behind her, yet footsteps rang out. A glowing, silver mirror appeared before her. Beautiful silk blonde hair was pulled into a decorative knot at the nape of her neck. Sugar pale complexion stared back at her, confusion and terror evident in the frozen blue eyes.
Blood red, high collared velvet dress, covered the numerous petticoats. the laced bodice set her figure, which the skirt distorted below the waist. An overly large ruby pendant hung about her neck, sparkling under the invisible light.
Pale fingers tapped against the cold glass. Sweaty palms pulled across the smooth surface, a squelching sound resounding.
A gentle wind blew across her pale face, as she slowly drifted upon the breeze, torn apart, seen only as dust to her minds eye.
On a whim, her body reassembled, a door of sturdy oak stood before her. Intricate flowers carved into the deep wood. Hesitantly, she slid her un-scarred hand along the handle, pulling the door open.
* * *
Lily sighed to herself, readjusting her grip and the small cardboard box she carried. The cardboard had the supple wrinkles gained after many years of use. she skillfully dodged the rogue occupants of the tiny antique store. An elderly couple would glance through old copies of the Prophet, chat about old broomstick designs, haggle over amulet prices.
Lily smiled, despite the seriousness of the price debate. Ambling up to the counter, she tapped her wand against a small lamp, beads hanging from the edges. A young woman with sandy blonde hair pushed the curtain, separating the front of the store from the back, open. Her hair was put up in a messy clip, thick glasses almost falling off her nose, wand tucked behind her ear. Her lavender robes were a bit gray from too many washings.
"How may I help you Miss...?" the young woman began, sitting upon a stool behind the wooden counter.
"Lily. Lily Potter. Well, I have a few items I'd like to sell, if you're interested of course." The blonde's eyes widened upon hearing her name. Inwardly, Lily chuckled, quite use to the reaction.
"R-really? Oh, um, beg pardon. It's just-" the woman flushed a deep crimson. "Nevermind. What do you have?"
Lily placed the box on the counter, pulling three items from inside, placing them behind the box, out of clear view of the woman. However, she decided against it, placing one in front of the woman.
"This one, the statue, I got it from an aunt." The porcelain statue was of an angel, hands extended. The angel's hair was swept back by an invisible wind, eternal forgiveness etched upon the soft face. Beautiful white robes billowed regally, catching the light. Gentle magic seemed to illuminate the six-inch porcelain doll. The young lady hesitantly stroked the angle's hair.
"My dear lord. What a beautiful sculpture... it seems to breath life. Why on earth do you want to sell this?" she asked incredulously.
"I got a feeling. My aunt told me that the statue would go to those who need it. It seems to give the owner a bit of a push in the right direction," Lily replied, brushing a strand of red hair from her face.
"How-how much do you want for it?" the clerk asked.
"Well, I guess a galleon, Miss- oh dear, there go my manners. What is your name?" Lily asked, laughing softly.
"Jesta. But really, you must want more than a galleon! I've never seen anything as intricate. Not even at Hogwarts!"
"Really, I don't want more than a galleon for it. I never really believed that I owned it anyway. Besides, the galleon is going towards a donation to St. Mungo's my husband and I are putting together."
"Oh-okay. A galleon it is then," Jesta said, pulling a galleon from the small register on the counter, handing it to Lily. Lily pocketed the coin, pulling the second item into clear view. Lily was most surprised when the woman gasped.
A ruby, imbedded on silver, glittered as light hit the many faucets. Crimson depths seemed unreal to the sliver-dollar size stone. Inlaid designs twisted about the gem, sweeping into spirals. Black silk was sewn to the sides of the silver backdrop, creating a sort of choker. Perfect fire flickered dimly within the ruby.
"That's just-beautiful," Jesta whispered.
"Well, the ruby is magically created. It was keyed to a certain person, but whoever it was must have died recently. The stone only flickers once and a while," Lily said, confusion on her face. Couldn't this woman tell that the jewel was false?
"Keyed to a person, you say? Are there any protection spells on the piece? Any spells that the stone reacts to?" Jesta questioned, holding her hand to keep from touching the stone.
"Not that I know of."
Jesta let out the breath she had been holding. She picked up the ruby choker, feeling the cool silver against her clammy palms. Jesta turned the stone about, searching for any visible flaws. Nodding to herself, Jesta placed the choker down on the table, grinning at Lily.
"How much?"
"Um... five galleons?"
"Deal," Jesta said, smiling at the ruby, though Lily couldn't comprehend why. Once again the woman pulled coins of gold from the register, handing them to Lily, who pocketed the money.
Lily pulled the final item into view, smiling as Jesta squealed behind the counter.
"How adorable!" the woman squeaked. A small figurine was seated upon a broomstick. The tiny broomstick hovered a few inches above the ground, darting this way and that after a tiny ball. The figure, which had dark hair, which was currently being swept in the wind rushing by its' head. It wore ancient, maroon Quidditch robes, a golden lion embroidered on the back. The tiny man stopped his flight for a moment, pausing to catch his breath, before speeding after what presumably was a Snitch.
"It is cute, isn't it? Mini-Gryfindor Quidditch player from, oh gods, over a hundred years ago? Anyway, the little guy comes with a Snitch, Quaffle, Bludger, and a bat. I suppose it used to be part of a set, but I have yet to find it," Lily said, smiling brightly at the determined guy.
"What a little sweetie! We already have two Ravenclaw players and an entire Hufflepuff set. We'll have a mini Hogwarts one of these days!" The two women laughed, earning confused looks from the mini Seeker.
"Well, I'll pay you ten Sickles for it," Jesta said between giggles.
"Deal!" Lily said, patting the small Quidditch player on the head, much to his chagrin.
After receiving her money,, and biding goodbye to Jesta and the tiny player (who bowed), Lily walked out of the store smiling at the midday sun.
* * *
Shaking, Andrew followed the three people soon to be his family. His thoughts ran in circles, only to overlap and intertwine into fine squiggles. His cheek ached dully from the Mistress' slap, which was actually quite powerful. Clips of conversation sounded in his skull, making it quite impossible to forget the recent event.
"Your bitch of a mother... Mother killed for fun... simpering Father followed her every step of the way... little Draco... no one wants him... holding you back... to damned stupid..."
Still shaking, Andrew glanced up as an arm laid across his shoulders, pulling him close. *That woman... Aunt Gemma, that's what Patrick called her.*
The woman smiled sadly at him, as though he had been born her son. Andrew hurriedly glanced back towards the ground. *She's saved me in more ways then one... though I'm probably just a charity case to her.* For what seemed like an eternity, the five people walked down each corridor, and try as he might, the glaring eyes did not go unnoticed by Andrew.
The Mistress opened the door to her office, motioning for them to enter. Andrew felt Gemma pull him closer to her as they entered, though just only did he notice.
"Nicholas, fetch the nurses, tell them to bring Draco Malfoy and Pansy Parkinson. Now," the Mistress ordered, her voice more commanding then ever. Terrified, the young boy bolted down the corridor while the Mistress walked into her office, closing the door. Taking a seat behind the rather worn mahogany desk. Gemma pulled Andrew into a rickety chair that stood besides the crusty wall. Patrick sat next to him, casting curious looks all the while. Gemma and Jonathan sat directly before the Mistress' desk.
The Mistress herself was busy pulling papers from the many drawers in the desk. The only objects that cluttered her desk were the papers, a quill, and a pitcher of water, two cups adjacent to it.
"All right Mrs.- Mrs.- Mrs. whoever you are, just sign here and Mr. Nott is free to leave..." the Mistress grumbled, indicating to a dotted line. The heavy door was thrown open, revealing a winded Nicholas. Beckoning to a person behind him, Nicholas backed out of the doorway, entering the Mistress' office. A disgruntled woman entered, a bundle of blankets in the crook of each arm. The woman had to stoop once in the room, her broad figure blocking out the light from the open doorway. Andrew abruptly stood, taking a bundle for the nurse's arm.
"Oh honestly, they're two years old already! Can't you people let them walk? Seriously, and you thought _my_ mother pampered me," he said, exasperated. Andrew unwrapped the blankets, tossing them aside in a crumpled heap. Placing the baby on the floor, he smiled proudly as Pansy stretched.
"An'ew!" she exclaimed. The white frock she wore had no sleeve, but large daises were pinned over the thick straps. Pansy hugged her brother round the legs, laughing.
"Hey Pans," he knelt down so they were eye to eye. "Pans, I'd like you to meet Aunt Gemma," he said, gently turning her towards Gemma, who was smiling broadly at them.
"Hi Aun'ie Gemmy," Pansy said with a little wave. Andrew stood, making his way towards the nurse, taking Draco from her. Draco was already attacking the blanket in an attempt to be free of it. Patrick got out of his chair, helping Draco get free from the blankets while Andrew tried to keep him from falling. Once free, Andrew placed the toddler on the ground. Draco smiled, latching himself onto Andrew's leg.
"Boy, give me Draco," the Mistress commanded. Andrew glared at her, kneeling besides Draco.
"How about 'I don't think so, why don't you go to hell'? That work?" he snapped, straightening Draco's overalls.
"I do believe that the boy is to come with me?" Gemma said, her soft voice demanding attention. The Mistress smirked, a noise of disagreement in her throat.
"This one stays. I daresay you can't afford him, what with how high maintainence those two are," she said, motioning towards Pansy and her brother.
"I can afford him fine, thank you very much. I appreciate you concern," Gemma said, though nothing in her tone even suggested appreciation. Mistress stiffened, eyes flashing dangerously.
"Fine. Adopt the whole lot of them. But I warn you now- their evil will catch up with you-just you watch!" she spat. Gemma deftly signed the paper for Patrick.
"Where else do I sign?" Mistress searched through the many papers on her desk, pointing to the areas where Gemma was to sign.
As the last flourish slid across the thing parchment, the children stood, Pansy on Andrew's hip, Draco holding his hand. Glancing at the final paper, Andrew shuddered a bit. *Red ink...*, he thought. *Red ink...*
Casting a final glare towards the Mistress, Andrew followed Patrick from the room. He couldn't help but smile as Gemma laid a hand upon his shoulder and led the lot of them from the orphanage.
'Not a single soul trembled with fright. Pelting rain rattled golden petals, cascading down perpetual cliffs. And still, not a single soul stirred, as the earth moaned for freedom; freedom from tainted oceans. Freedom from life.'
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A/N: The words in *asteriks* are thoughts. In Chapter Six, the dream at the beginning is concluded, the Weaslys make an appearance, and the imprisoned Death Eaters are once again visited by memories.