Cardcaptor Pandora
Episode XXIII
Love's Fire

Finally. Finals week. And then no more school for an entire summer.

Pandora thought about how she felt a year ago when everybody else had been saying that and she didn't feel it at all. But this year was completely different. Her father could say nothing about her now, even if he was at home. She was a real witch! But she had a feeling he wasn't going to be around much that summer. He was already gone for some special business trip that he wouldn't be back from until mid-July. Now she was going to get to spend extra time with Harry, too. Whenever he could get away at least. She couldn't wait. Summer was going to be wonderful.

Unfortunately, exams must come first.

Pansy was even happier. She had no exams to worry about or anything, not even summer's sunlight. She was going to spend the summer at Ron's house, he had already asked his parents. She wondered how much he had to beg, but she didn't care. She couldn't wait.

Everyone was happy overall, even if they did have to suffer through a few tests before they were free. That was the point, wasn't it? They were going to be free. Pandora, Pansy, Holly, Sydney... even that blasted Lauren girl...

But not Sara Croft. She would never be free again. She was Persephone Avaran, Princess of Darkness.

Playing on the Muggle computer again, I see, Pettigrew's voice said from behind her. Her father wanted him to stay with her for some reason, she wasn't sure why. Probably didn't trust her. She didn't mind too much though. She could tell he felt sorry for her, and rarely told her father anything that could get her into trouble, unless it could especially get him into trouble as well.

It's the only way I can communicate with my brother, Wormtail, she said icily. I'll probably never get to see him again as it is. Certainly not this summer.

He sat down on the bed, causing Tasyra to hiss at him as she usually did because it made him squirm. She thought that was amusing, and so did Persephone. Especially when he was a rat. But after he was certain that Tasyra was playing again as usual, he laughed lightly, trying to lessen the tension in the room. I never knew the girls' rooms were so clean, much better than the boys'.

That's because girls are living in them. I'm sure both dorms were much the same when they were first made centuries ago.

He laughed again, a little nervously she thought. She couldn't help but ask him, Exactly what are you doing here, Wormtail?

He sighed, and after an awkward silence finally answered, Your father's worried about you.

I doubt that.

Well... worried that you're drifting... from his power.

Now that sounds more like one of Father's worries.

I am also here to make sure you study and then to escort you back to your father for the summer. He wants to make sure you go to the correct home.

Where you're taking me is no home.

Persephone... don't talk like that or I might have to take drastic measures. You know I don't like it, but I will do what I must....

She knew exactly what he would do. Light a candle and then make her watch it. That's how her father kept her tamed. She didn't know what it was about a flame... but every time she saw one she forgot all else but the cards, hatred, and killing anything remotely having to do with a Gryffindor--especially the Heir of Gryffindor. Often she wouldn't remember anything for a while after watching a fire. But she had stayed away from them for so long, the last one her father had tormented her with was hardly more than a shadow in her mind anymore. She was coming alive to feelings and emotions she had long been disconnected with, ever since she was separated from what she preferred to call family. She felt love for someone, love for the most unlikely of people, and in the most unlikely of manners as well. But every time she thought of him, thought of loving him how she wanted to, The Flame seemed to take over her heart and give her a desire to cause harm to him. Somehow she had managed to push that away for a while, perhaps because she wasn't being directly influenced by her father. She couldn't imagine what he'd do if he knew about her feelings for one of his worst enemies.

They heard footsteps coming towards the door and Pettigrew transfigured into his rat form, quickly scampering to Persephone afterwards for her to put him into her pocket before Tasyra had any ideas about being hungry. Persephone had had a room by herself for a while since she came so late in the year, but now she shared a room with one other person, another new girl who had arrived in the middle of the second semester. Her name was Anna Graham, and she really didn't strike Persephone as much of a Slytherin, but whatever. She didn't seem too nervous about having an asp in the same room with her, and that's all that really mattered to Persephone. Besides, Anna was usually out anyway with her two other friends.

Oh, good evening, Miss Persephone! she greeted, smiling though she sounded very out of breath.

Persephone cringed. She never could understand why Anna called her along with every other girl in the whole school, including her best friends, but whatever. What were you in such a hurry to get up here for, Anna?

You wouldn't believe it, Miss Persephone! I was studying in the library when suddenly this horrible fire broke out, right in the history section! It burned a few books, but luckily no students were injured, at least, none that I know of. By the time a professor had gotten there to put it out, it had gone out on its own. It was a very large fire too, which means that there has to be magic behind it for it to suddenly just go out of its own accord.

So you stayed around to figure all that out, and then ran up here because....?

Anna said, smiling and blushing a little. Well.... Miss Carolyn, Miss Beth, and I thought we would go see what might have caused it.

Persephone responded, not really sounding all that interested. Well, good luck I suppose. Stay out of trouble. That's what I'm doing for once. I... don't really like fires, so I think I'll stay up here far away from it.

I hope you do, Miss Persephone, Anna said, sounding concerned as she continued speaking, but do look out. I heard some other students saying something about a fire spontaneously appearing in the Gryffindor Common Room, but it went out right away. It could happen anywhere. Then she left.

Persephone sighed and sat on her bed, then helped Pettigrew out of her pocket and he transfigured. Persephone, what are you waiting for! That's a Hogwarts Card if I ever heard of one!

Do not pressure her, Tangaroa suddenly said after being quiet for a very long time. Pettigrew gave her a surprised look. If she is not ready to capture a certain card, then forcing her to go after will only cause more harm than good.

Why do you say that? Of course she's ready! She's certainly powerful enough.

It is not necessarily the power aspect of it that I am concerned about.

Persephone bit her lip.

Pettigrew didn't want to force her to do anything, but he didn't want to get in trouble himself for allowing her to miss a chance at a very powerful Hogwarts Card, this particular one being the Gryffindor Element Card. So he had to think of another way to get her out of her room and into the big wide world where she might run across it. Didn't you say you had to finish something... a lab, was it?

Persephone sighed and stood up. Yes, of course. A Potions lab for dear Professor Snape. He said that he wouldn't be in the classroom tonight, but that he'd leave the door unlocked for me to go and finish it. I think a few other students needed to finish it as well. I suppose I should go, get one more thing over with so I can study in peace.

Pettigrew stood up as well and said, Let me transfigure. I'll go with you.

Persephone said, then quickly shut her mouth. Timidly, she continued speaking, I mean... if Snape does show up, he might find you. He's got a strange sixth sense about things like that, especially things having to do with Deatheaters, and I'd rather none of that get started here.

Pettigrew sighed, but sat back down on the bed and nodded. Very well, Princess. I will look forward to seeing you again later this evening.
**********************

What a way to spend my last night before finals, Harry mumbled to himself alone in the Potions room, finishing up his lab.

Suddenly the door creaked open, and he looked up expecting to see Professor Snape walk in, or if he was lucky, Pandora. But it was neither, in some ways worse, in some ways better. It was Persephone.

She stood where she was at first, regarding him with some amount of surprise, her expression somewhat softened from even the last time he had seen her. He didn't know what it was, but for some reason her cold mask seemed to melt around him, at least to a certain extent. He didn't know if that was good or bad, he just knew that it happened.

She walked towards him, closer and closer and didn't stop, not until she was right in front of him and had taken his hands in hers. Good evening, Harry, she said, her voice not even nearly so threatening as usual. In fact, a sincere smile seemed to be on the verge of forming on her face.

he said, stepping back uncomfortably and dropping her hands. Look, it really is about time that you explained this to me, don't you think?

Explained what? she asked, seeming to honestly not understand what he was talking about.

You don't really love me, you know that. Is this some ploy of your father's?

Her ghost of a smile disappeared, but instead of being replaced with her usual icy expression, she looked like she was about to cry. She bit her lip and crossed her arms around her as if trying to keep warm. Then she slowly began to walk towards him again, her arms outstretched as she said in a soft, trembling voice, You don't understand, Harry... no, not at all.... Harry, he doesn't know anything... nothing at all.... not at all, Harry.... Harry, don't you believe me....? I love you, Harry.... Harry, please.... I love you....

One tear fell from each eye just when she was about to reach him, but she never did have the chance. At that exact moment, a boom sounded from the other side of the room, and suddenly a fire lit up brightly in the corner on the stone floor.

she cried, turning away and falling to the ground, covering her eyes with her hand as she began to sob.

he cried, falling down next to her and drawing her into his arms. Sh.... calm down, it's alright.... Come on, Persephone, we've got to get out of here... he whispered in her ear, trying to do anything to get her to pull herself together.

Harry, no! I can't... I can't see it.... I can't, do you understand that? If I see it, I will want to kill you, but I don't! I really don't! I don't want to kill Lauren, I don't want to kill anyone! I don't want to be Persephone Avaran, Harry! Help me, Harry... please... help me....

There was nothing he could do. She seemed to have suddenly gone insane and couldn't move from where she was. Out of all the people he had ever expected to drive insane, Persephone Avaran was one of the last on the list. He continued holding her, watching as the fire curled around the room, but never came any closer. It seemed like it was waiting for something, and wouldn't attack until a precise moment.

Persephone, can you try? he asked once more after sitting on the floor with her in his arms for he didn't know how long.

Don't bother, came another voice, an all-too familiar voice for that particular moment in time with him in that particular position with Persephone.

he said, jumping away from Persephone and standing up, while she hung on to his robe like a beggar. Pandora, it's not what it...

Stop, Harry. Don't bother. I've got something to finish, she said, turning her back on him but not before he saw a spark of hate in her beautiful amber eyes that he didn't know she was capable of. Hogwarts Card, come back to your Master. Fire Card! Return! She hit the fire with such a vengeance, he almost believed the entire room would burst into flame. But soon the danger was over, at least the danger from the fire, as it turned into a red-backed Gryffindor Card.

Pandora looked back at him, a stony expression on her face but a sad glint in her eye. Then without another word, she turned and ran out of the room.

Pandora, no! Wait! he called after her, but was held back by Persephone. Let go, Persephone!

Persephone jerked her hands away as if she had been burned. He began to leave her without another thought to pursue Pandora, but had to stop when he gave her one last look, and saw that her state of mind had not gotten any better, perhaps only worse because of his harsh command.

He walked back over to her, then knelt next to her, putting his hand on her shoulder. Persephone, I believe you, alright? But nothing could ever happen between us, don't you understand? Even if I did like you the same way you like me... it could never work. I mean, really, your father wants me dead.

Then she did something he never would have expected. She started laughing, and not in that sarcastic snicker that she let escape on occasion, a genuine laugh. Oh, Harry! You really don't understand.... she said, some sadness still mixed with her amusement. I do love you, yes, but not that way...



She sat on her knees, smiling pleasantly at him and acting much calmer. She reached up and, after pushing his bangs tenderly away, traced the scar with her forefinger. Do you know what this has almost made you?

Besides dead...?

Yes, besides dead, Love, she answered, grinning even more. You're practically his son in some ways, you know. His power was sent in to you much like it would his own child. Indeed, even though you may never admit it, you know you have your Slytherinistic side deep down. And that is how I love you, Harry. She put her hand back in her lap, smiling sadly. You're the closest thing to decent family I have around here, if you didn't know. You're like a brother when I'm in my right mind.

And suddenly it all came together. He had been drawn to her as well, but it wasn't the same kind of attraction that drew him to love Pandora. So the cursed scar that linked him with Voldemort also linked him to his daughter... Persephone Avaran.

He grinned, and then started laughing, and Persephone joined in. They laughed for quite a while before Harry finally had to say, I never knew you were like this, Persephone. I mean... you're always so serious and... well... scary, to be honest.

Her smile faded and her sadness set in again. Like I said... when I'm in my right mind. But... I'm afraid I probably won't be much longer. He'll know something's up... he can sense it, they all can. I'll be Persephone Avaran again before you know it, and please forgive me in advance for my actions. If I kill you, please understand that it was not my desire. She leaned forward and kissed his forehead gently, somehow making it burn slightly. Then she stood up and, with one last mournful yet smiling look, left the room. He wondered if he would ever see that Persephone Avaran again. But he would have to worry about that later. For now, he had to find Pandora and explain things to her.
******************

Pandora sat in the Gryffindor Common Room studying, not quite ready to go upstairs. She knew it wasn't doing her much good though. She couldn't keep her mind on her reading. It was with someone else... someone else she couldn't even say for certain if he returned any feelings anymore...



She hadn't heard him come in, and wasn't very happy to see him exactly, and yet she was... maybe she could slap him while he was around.

What do you want, Harry? she asked, her voice weak from her earlier tears.

He explained to her everything that had happened in the Potions lab, praying that Pandora would believe him. Unfortunately, by the end of the story she still seemed rather skeptical.

That sounds like a convenient excuse...

No, really, he's tellin' the truth, Pandora! a little voice said in her ear, making her jump up and turn around quickly and thwack it with a book. It took poor little Rangi a second to recover from that.

Oh, I'm so sorry Rangi! She picked him up and cuddled him.

Stoppit, stoppit! I can't breathe! He fluttered into the air (though not quite in a straight line) and cleared his voice. Tangaroa came to tell me something earlier because she knew the Fire Card would find Persephone. The Fire Card is the Gryffindor Element. It's main goal is to seek and destroy the Heir of Slytherin.... and is rather aggressive. That's why you found it with Harry, but Persephone's being with Harry is also what saved her. It won't attack another Gryffindor, especially someone down the bloodline.

Okay, all of that's great, but what does that have to do with Harry and Persephone being... well.... together....?

Persephone is more or less brainwashed by her father, Rangi continued. He uses fire to make her that expressionless icy drone that we usually interact with that usually only comes to life when she's trying to capture a card or kill someone. But Harry is what usually restrains her. It's her sort of connection' with him that forces her to control herself. Because of that, she feels like he's protecting her in a way, like a brother would. And that's exactly how she loves him.

Pandora rolled her eyes, but Harry was glad to see a smile on her face. Rangi, exactly how do you know all of this?

Because I'm Rangi, the Guardian Beast! I know EVERYTHING!

Then there's obviously not a whole lot to know.

Shut up. Just shut up.... Okay, fine. So I don't know everything. Tangaroa does. She told me all of that. Persephone tells her everything.

But Pandora wasn't really listening anymore. She and Harry were making up.
****************************

Persephone walked into her dark room, leaving the door open behind her. There was no light on at all....

....except for one burning candle.

She turned, but the door slammed shut behind her.

There's no escaping, Persephone. You have strayed too far from me, a voice hissed, a voice that could not be Peter Pettigrew's. Come back to me, my daughter.... Forget everything else.... You have a duty here, and you cannot forget it.... never forget what your purpose is.... Do you understand, Persephone Avaran?

Yes, Father, of course I do.

There was no more Sara Croft. Only Persephone Avaran.

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((Okay, since that was a rather unamusing episode, I thought I'd tack on another random Magic Knights thing, just because we need some humor to lighten up the atmosphere! Anyway, um... I'm wondering if anyone's reading anymore, because there aren't a whole lot of reviews coming in for the past few episodes... so.... please review, because Kira's getting sad! ;_; I promise, the next few episodes are really going to pick up. For those of you wondering if I'm ever bringing the other Cardcaptors back into this, never fear! Keep reading, and REVIEW!!!))

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The Magic Knights
The Sorting Ceremony

(McGONAGALL is finishing up a speech during breakfast in the Great Hall)

McGonagall: ....and now I shall sort our three new students, and I do hope that you will make them feel welcome. I will start with Anna Graham.

Anna: (whispers to BETH) It appears that I am going to be first.

Beth: No, really...? -_-

Anna: I hope we do not have to fight anything. I am terribly sore from that last monster. (looks beyond BETH and sees that CAROLYN's not there) I wonder where Miss Caro-

McGonagall: (quite firmly) Anna Graham!

Anna: Sorry, Miss Professor! ^_^;; (walks up calmly, smiling cheerfully)

McGonagall: Now sit down on the stool and I shall place the Sorting Hat on your head. It will tell you which House you are best suited for: Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, or Slytherin. (places the SORTING HAT on ANNA's head)

Sorting Hat: Hm... very intelligent you are... yes, and not as polite in your thoughts as you let on to others... I must say that you strike me as rather clever, which leads me to think that you should be in SLYTHERIN!!!

Beth: (rolls her eyes as ANNA joins the Slytherin table) Clever?! She's not clever. All she ever does is restate the obvious, so therefore she's never wrong! (looks around) Where is Carolyn, anyway?

McGonagall: Next, Beth Zwyx.

Beth: (walks up, still looking around as she sits and has the SORTING HAT placed on her head)

Sorting Hat: I see some intellectual fire, though probably something closer to an accidental spark... but there's a lot of loyalty.... Either Ravenclaw or Hufflepuff could suit you, though I think Hufflepuff more than-

Beth: YECH! I don't want to be labeled as a It makes me sound fat and fluffy, and overall quite silly! (receives glares from the nice Hufflepuff table) I like the way sounds much better. It's at least a sophisticated name.

Sorting Hat: (sighs) Very well then.... RAVENCLAW!!!

McGonagall: And finally, Carolyn Gravely! (crickets chirp) Ahem... Carolyn Gravely! (crickets play Handel's Messiah) CAROLYN GRAVELY!

Carolyn: (bursts through the door wearing a sword) Sorry I'm late, Professor! I got distracted...

McGonagall: Quite... Now sit down on that stool. You're going to be sorted. (places the SORTING HAT on CAROLYN's head when she sits down)

Sorting Hat: Ah! I see quite a lot of bravery and-

Carolyn: OH MY GOSH! IT'S A POSSESSED TALKING MONSTER HAT! IT'S TRYING TO EAT MY BRAIN! DIIIIIIIIIIE!!!!! (yanks the SORTING HAT off of her head and slashes it with her sword)

Sorting Hat: (gurgles with its dying breath before going to be stitched up yet again) Gryffindor... Definitely Gryffindor....