Old Friends and Forgotten Memories

Disclaimer: I do not own Scooby Doo (yeah that's right my name isn't Hannah or Barbara, surprised?). I'm not making any money off of this story (*grumbles* I wish) and this story is of no commercial value (no really?). All original characters are the property of their owner (isn't that odd? I would never have guessed!) Enjoy the fic... Cheers(*hiccup*)!

And when you need me,
I'll be there for you always,
I'll be there your whole life through,
I'll be there through the lonely days,
I'll be there this I promise you...
I'll be your beacon through the darkest night,
I'll be the wings that guide your broken flight,
I'll be your shelter through the raging storm,
And I will love you till forever comes...
- Celine Dion (Goodbye's the Saddest Word)

Chapter one: Stranger To Us All

It was Christmas Eve and a gentle snow was falling soon to cover the ground like a powdery white blanket (excellent for snowballs). Nobody was aware of this in the Doo household however. Nope everyone was busy bustling around with last minute preparations.

As Shaggy and Scooby were putting the last minute touches on the tree, Velma and Daphne were in the kitchen preparing the Turkey for that night's dinner with Momma Doo. Both Fred and Daddsy Doo were talking on the sofa after being kicked out of the kitchen by their wives.

Flim Flam (Daphne's adopted son) and Scrappy (whom they let come only out of guilt) were busy shaking presents for some clue while being carefully watched by Scooby Dee to make sure the gifts stayed wrapped until tomorrow.

The rest were off doing last minute shopping and gift wrappings of their own. All in all it looked to be like a great Christmas was on it's way, maybe the best of all time!

Well for most it did. To the little girl shivering out in the cold it was more of a blessing. She really didn't want to ruin their Christmas but she had to do something and they were the only ones who could help. Still she stayed where she was, not entirely trusting of strangers, even ones so cheerful as these.

She watched and studied them carefully as everyone made there way to the dining hall to sit down for a scrumptious feast. She was still out there when they were all in the living room and everyone was singing Christmas Carols and opening one present each before making their way groggily yet content up the stairs to their rooms.

She finally decided to make her move after all the lights in the house went out so that Santa could come and go. You may be wondering how could she possibly have survived that ice cold weather. Well that's part of the mystery... yep, yet another mystery was about to unfold for Scooby and the Gang.

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As she crept closer she pondered exactly how to approach them... walking in at midnight was not exactly what she had in mind but she couldn't help that. She had become so entranced in the holiday festivities she had lost track of time.

For a moment she pondered what it'd be like... then shook her head to rid herself of ridiculous fantasies. She was here for one thing and one thing only.

Worry creased her brow as she thought of how time was running out. It had been nearly 5 years, would they help? Only one way to find out...


She reached the door and slowly, inch by inch, pulled it open. Never made a sound and wasn't locked, of course, because who would rob anyone in Coolsville? Carefully closing the door behind her she tiptoed her way to the fireplace to dry and consider her next move.

Perhaps if she made just enough sound so that only one of them would hear and check it out? No, no that wouldn't work. These people have been around so many ghosts and tricksters they probably don't go anywhere without each other.

As she sat and thought a light case of dizziness over took her. I must be getting tired is all. She thought trying to shake the feeling of oncoming sleep, but in the end it was a losing battle. She laid her head down for just a few minutes she promised herself.
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She awoke to a cold, wet nose in her ear. she yelped without thinking. The dog too was startled and leapt away in a flash yelling Shaggy, Relp! He jumped into Shaggy's arms whimpering. Like cool it Scoob you'll scare her!

he replied with a quick lick on the face for his friend. Hey what are you doing in our living room anyways? Who are you? The boy, Flim Flam she'd heard him called, questioned her.

I... I'm... she got out before starting a major coughing fit. When was he last time she had had anything to eat or drink? A day? A week? She couldn't remember.

Mamma Doo seemed to have sensed this as she excused herself for the kitchen and came back with a tall glass of egg nog and a crumpet. The girl drained it before gasping a hasty thank you and stuffing herself with the crumpet.

So why are you here? The rest of her breakfast stopped half way to her mouth before she regained her senses and shoved the rest in... How could she forget? Mumhmum... ahammum... troummbmum.

She finished the food in her mouth before starting again. My name is Sydney. I have come... she hesitated then continued. I need your help. She finished in a rush. Fred raised an eyebrow at her, What for? Before answering she meet Daphne's eyes and looked down at her knees.

Vincent Van Ghoul is in trouble, she said finally. After a few accompanying gasps she continued. He's been missing for days and I have no idea if he's dead or alive. He just disappeared one day, vanished. Along with the Chest of Demons and the Jewel of Forbidden Oaths. We have to do something, we have to save him.

After she had said all of this quietly she looked up at them with pleading eyes. The looks they gave her was one of surprise, mixed with suspicion and... was that... worry? She hoped against hope it was so. It had been a very long time.

She wasn't sure they would even care enough to even bother trying to start a rescue, yet here they were giving her all their attention. If she wasn't so scared she would have almost smiled.


The next minute though she was bombarded with questions from all sides and angles. How do you know Vincent? What do you mean he's missing? Zoinks! Like kidnapped? What on earth is the Jewel of Forbidden Oaths about?

She had to repress a sigh, she hated answering questions... but what needed to be done needed to be done. So she began her long story...
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(Flashback:)

By the age of six Sydney had been out on the street scavengering bread and what not for food. The only difference between this story and the next was that it all happened hundreds of years ago in the streets of Translyvania.

It wasn't a bad life really. I mean sure there was that whole frigid winter thing to worry about and of course managing not to starve to death is nothing less than a miracle. But anything is better than the orphanage. Anything!

Treated you like the scum of the earth they did and just in case you didn't slave hard enough there were always extra lashings. Deaths were more than common, it was a way of life, almost a blissful time.

For the deceased it was anyways, everyone else had to dig the graves rain, sleet, snow or blistering hot weather.

She had had no choice but to escape. How she got out was beyond her. It was as though the guards couldn't eve see her. No one had ever escaped before but she did.

It had been just a few weeks though before she found herself face to face with the headmistress in the market. Almost immediately upon seeing her the woman sounded the alarm and Sydney found herself running for dear life through the autumn forests near the village.

She could hear the officers in hot pursuit though and speed up. It took her awhile to realize they had stopped some time before for some reason but by the time she realized why it was to late.

She had run into a clearing near the entrance of Castle Arma-otium. She knew it was forbidden to be here. She knew the penalty was death by torture if they caught her.

So with a heavy heart and nothing else to loose and nothing ever to gain she made her way towards the lonely fortress.

As she approached she saw green light threw the window and stopped in her tracks. The tales of her were coming back with a vengeance. It was forbidden to even know that this place existed but even worse yet to know that inside lay a warlock with a heart of stone.

Maybe I can still go back, she thought to herself and licked her lips. Then dismissed the thought with a shake of her head. There was no turning back now.

Maybe he'll be quick about killing me at least, she considered with grim humor. Suddenly there was a shout and a string of curses coming from the same window. A moment later there was a flash of red light and a scream of agony.

Without thought she ran towards the house. Oblivious to everything else she threw open the door that landed with a loud slam and charged up the stairs towards the trouble.

Mouth in a thin line she kicked open the door with the last of her strength and was knocked off her feet from the force of the whirlwind in the room. She hit the floor with a dull thud and looked up.

The scene that awaited her froze her were she lay. Inside a man was tied to the chair in the center of this storm with a Lady that looked suspiciously like a hag circling around him.

Coming closer and closer. His eyes widened in surprise and horror when he saw her yet he said nothing, just continued to watch the wicked Banshee draw nearer.

In a corner on the only table that wasn't overturned was a chest that looked like it had a face of a goblin or demon carved into it. Two sniveling men cowered in a corner, hiding their faces and eyes so it was impossible for them to see her.

The witch started speaking, how dare you try to lock me in that box? You will pay! With that the same red light she saw early streamed from her hands onto the man. Burning and scorching his skin where it touched. His face was contorted into a look of pain, yet he didn't cry out; she did.

With a yell of rage and a feeling of foolhardy courage Sydney leaped out from the hall and into the room. She barely noticed the flash of blue that flew out of her hand and knocked the monster back into the chest. Or the two men being hurled out the window to fall and meet death.

She had eyes only for the man who was suffering terribly and in great pain she couldn't even imagine.

As soon as she reached his side she untied him, which instantly removed whatever spell was hurting him. He slumped over on her shoulder gasping for breathe that very nearly refused to come. After he had quieted down enough he allowed her help into the next room.

This one had to be the master bedroom judging by all the furnishings. She lay him on the bed and immediately got to work, conveniently forgetting just who this man must be. She started a fire in the hearth and ran to get some damp towels to clean his wounds.

After she had bandaged the cuts and burns she helped him get under the covers to let the wounds heal with the help of the salves she found.

Pressing a washcloth to his head she whispered words of encouragement... that everything would be alright. With a tired whispered thank you from him he quickly relaxed and slept under her watchful gaze all night long.

She wouldn't leave his side until he was fully recovered and never even then there after.
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As she finished relating the story she wondered if she had done the right thing to come here. They seemed so happy and carefree, but her teacher and mentor meant the world to her.

She clenched her fists... if only she had been there! Sydney definitely considered everything that had happened to be her fault.

So you're a witch then? Daphne questioned. She nodded. Why didn't we meet you when we came to Vincent's castle? Where were you then? I mean, he always seemed very alone...

She hesitated, should she tell them everything? Then decided against it... what was that saying?... Oh yes, what they don't know can't hurt them. Besides if Vincent hadn't mentioned it she certainly wasn't going to.

All in due time, she said crisply, snapping them to their senses. I need to know..., she gulped and hurried on. This was the moment she had been waiting for, would they accept?

I need to know if you're willing to help me. I'll understand if you don't, you no longer have any ties that hold you to him and it seems you all have a great life here, but please consider just what will happen to him. They have methods... It will be dangerous I'll tell you that much. No telling what we will encounter or even if we'll all make it out alive. Our chances for success are slim to none but we... I ... at least have to try.

She said this so fast no one could get in a word otherwise. They all blinked at her and said nothing. Her heart sank lower as realization of their more than likely decision dawned on her.

She didn't blame them at all... why throw your life away? She struggled to hold back tears as her voice gave a final cracked whisper of


There was a long pause before she felt strong hands grip her shoulders, she looked up into the crystal clear blue eyes of Daphne. All is not lost, she said quietly, just give us a moment to consider all of this...we will not let you go into danger alone.

She straightened and made her way towards the back of the room where the rest of the group was huddled in a secret meeting. Sydney shifted uncomfortably where she sat, aware of the subtle gazes they directed her way and awaited their final decision. Finally the group broke apart and the gang stepped forward.

We will go with you, Daphne said finally as hope stirred in her heart once more. Those with her included all of the previous group acquainted with Vincent already along with two new additions: Fred and Velma.

She cocked her head to one side to indicate confusion. Fred laid a protective arm around Daphne, I go where my wife goes, he stated flatly. Daphne let out a soft snort but looked quite pleased all the same.

And I wish to meet this Mr. Van Ghoul. Real live ghosts and a warlock? Jinkies, can you imagine? Sydney permitted herself the smallest of smiles before turning to where Flim Flam and Scrappy stood as well.

Flim Flam she could almost understand... Daphne was like a mother to him after all and he could do some neat tricks to get them out of trouble. As for Scrappy, well, she was fair sure they just couldn't get rid of him so they let him tag a long as well.

Hardly able to suppress her joy at the first glimmer of hope in what seemed a long time, she calmly replied with a level answer of: Very well, are you sure?

When they all nodded she permitted herself to smile with gratitude and proceeded to the nearest full length body mirror.

Okay then follow me... and with a running leap she jumped straight into the mirror and landed on what must have been inside it.

Everyone else quickly followed and with Scooby's howl of Scooby Dooby Dooooooooo!!!! They ran in through the bounds of night to come out...

(A/N: So that's the end of the first chapter. Like it? Hated it? Then tell me so! I'm not going to put up the next chapter until I get at least 5 reviews, doesn't matter which kind. All in all thank you for reading this far and I hope you enjoyed it.)

Dedicated to the late Vincent Price.
There will never be another!