Unraveled
Chapter Seven: The Master Illusionist
Fiona ran as fast as she could with the weight she had on her back. She always carried lots of books, even after she did all her homework at school. She ran until she reached the park, nearly out of breath. She looked around her to find that there were owls in the trees. There was a path in the park that none of the Muggles could see. It was covered by an illusion that Master Ran allowed only Fiona to see through. Even the most experienced wizard or witch could easily miss it. Taking a deep breath, Fiona walked to the path. To everyone else, it looked like there were only trees.
She stepped into the path and followed it as she looked at the hooting owls in the trees, telling her that she was on the right track. Fiona's jaw dropped as she saw a gazebo decorated with ivies and grape vines at the end. She had seen that there was a tea party prepared and the same man she saw earlier was sitting on the edge of the gazebo playing a flute.
His eyes were closed as his fingers expertly glided along the flute, producing music that even Fiona could not. He stopped suddenly and looked at her, his amber eyes glowing with a friendly flicker. He was still dressed in the same silk robes as earlier. His hair was jet black, but short with some waves in it. Fiona felt as if he was judging her, so she squared her small shoulders as she looked back at his almond shaped eyes. She tilted chin defiantly as if daring him to say something to her.
"Welcome, Ms. Black," he said pleasantly.
"Thank you. Master Ran?" asked Fiona cautiously.
"Why don't we have some tea, Ms. Black?" he asked as he dropped off the edge of the gazebo. It struck Fiona that the man had to be an experienced martial artist. She also noticed that he had to be at least six feet tall, which made her feel smaller than she already was. Fiona didn't know that her father was taller than the man in front of her.
"My mother taught me never to talk to strangers. This was a mistake," said Fiona as she took a step back away from him.
"Your mother is no longer on this plane of existence, Ms. Black. I am sorry," whispered the man kindly. "I have an offer to make to you. If you would please sit down and hear me out."
Fiona took the chair that he offered her. She was afraid of it changing suddenly into some weird animal. Her body was tense and she didn't do a good job hiding her apprehension. The man found it amusing. "Please relax, Ms. Black. I have not put a spell on it to transfigure into some sort of torture device," he said as his eyes twinkled merrily, but his face remained neutral.
"What's that supposed to mean? Can wizards really do that?" blurted out Fiona finally as her curiosity got the better of her. The moment she said it she pulled back into the chair, half afraid of what the man was going to say. She also did not want him laughing at her ignorance. Her mother always told her to think before she spoke. Thalia found Fiona's natural curiosity a little unsettling because Fiona always came up with good questions that Thalia didn't want to answer.
The man regarded her with his gentle eyes. "Yes, some wizards can do that, but those are usually more complex spells. You were told about some of the things that wizards can do by your godmother. That makes what I have to request of you a little easier," he said thoughtfully.
"You didn't really introduce yourself properly before," said Fiona.
"My name is Ryu Ran. I am from Japan and China. I have been educated in several different brands of magic around the world. I am part of a holy order that produces the oldest brand of magic in the world. I am a priest of magic. I am an expert in illusions. I have been trained in different forms of martial arts," said the man in a more formal tone, but he returned to the same friendly tone and continued, "I like to play or watch a good game of Quidditch on Saturdays and a game of wizards' chess on Sundays. I also like all kinds of music. My favorite band is the Beatles."
Fiona looked at him with her jaw opened. She quickly shut her mouth. What a strange man. What does he want with me? What is Quidditch? Why do wizards have to have everything different, including chess?, thought Fiona. Finally, Ryu Ran laughed at the look on her face. "This all is so foreign to you, isn't it, Ms. Black?" he asked.
"Yes. It's all weird, strange, and new," admitted Fiona with her dimples showing slightly.
"I have a proposition for you, Ms. Black. I am well aware that you have not learned any magic. You are aware of your bloodlines?" asked Ryu Ran.
Fiona gave a slight nod. She knew everything. Her father was an escaped convict and her grandfather was the most vile and hated man in the wizarding world. She didn't trust herself to talk about it. The pain of her mother's death was still so fresh.
"I can see you clearly, Ms. Black. I see the potential that needs to be unlocked. Your magic surrounds you like an aura," said Ryu Ran softly, sensing the pain in her ruby eyes. His eyes seemed to see past her. She sat still under his scrutiny. "Let me get to the point, so that I can ease your discomfort. Each one of the mages in my order selects an apprentice of his or her own to train and pass along the magic to another. I require my own apprentice. You have no teacher. You require one. I can train you. Not just in magic, but in the martial arts if you wish."
Fiona leaned back in her chair. Now that was unexpected. Nell said that there would hardly be any schools willing to train her. The only school that Nell could think of was back in England. It was Fiona's father's alma mater, Hogwarts, with Professor Albus Dumbledore as head master. However, England was not a safe place for Fiona; she might as well walk straight into Voldemort's hands. On top of that, most of the world would probably wish to annihilate the only heir of Voldemort. No school in the United States would risk teaching her magic, even if they stayed clear of the dark arts. There was still that chance. If they couldn't kill her, then they wouldn't train her.
Fiona bit her lip while thinking about it. She wanted to control her powers before she injured someone. She wanted someone to trust her with her magic. She wanted someone who believed in her. Even Nell had reservations about Fiona's magic. She didn't have Nell's permission to practice magic, and she didn't want to lie. That would be deceitful and wrong. That would be Voldemort.
"Um…could you…maybe teach me…the martial arts that you were talking about?" requested Fiona slowly. "Y-you see I did take martial arts back home in Virginia, but I haven't been able to since I came here." She said the last part in a hurry.
Ryu Ran nodded slowly. He seemed to understand what Fiona was saying. "Very well. I will train you in the martial arts," agreed Ryu Ran.
"Um…" said Fiona in distress. She didn't know how to phrase her other requests.
"The magic will be part of your training if you wish. I will not impose it upon you," answered Ryu for her.
"Thank you…what do I call you?" she said softly.
"Sensei," replied Ryu Ran with a smile that made Fiona sigh in relief. She knew that sensei was a title that meant master or teacher.
*
It was almost nightfall in England. Draco had to find a place to stay for the evening, but he didn't know where. Draco never knew that the Muggle world and the wizarding world had similarities. His father had never allowed him to venture so far out on his own before. At first, the freedom he had experienced earlier in the day was intoxicating. It was a rush to be able to out run Potter and Weasley. As night came, he became less and less confident of his actions.
Draco toyed around with the idea of returning back to Hogwarts by going through Diagon Alley, if he was able to find it. It would be as simple as finding a hearth and going through one of the fireplaces in Hogsmeade and sneaking back onto school grounds. However, he already knew that he was in trouble the moment that the little group he saw at London returned to Hogwarts. He didn't doubt that Professor Lupin would report seeing him. Draco decided that he wasn't going to make it easy for them to find him. That meant not using any of his magic out in the Muggle world. Draco wanted to keep his freedom for as long as he could. The freedom he enjoyed that day would be happy memories for him when he was caught and forced to marry Voldemort's granddaughter.
That thought made Draco sink again. He wondered if the girl was having the same thoughts he was. Draco also had the sinking instinct that he would actually have to touch her at one point or be forced to under the Imperius Curse. Despite what most people thought, Draco was not as experienced with girls as most would presume. In fact, he had no experienced with girls. The only reason why he went with Pansy Parkinson to the Yule Ball last year was because he didn't want to go dateless. He only went after his father approved of it.
Lucius Malfoy didn't allow his son to associate with just anyone, so he restricted Draco's social activities as much as possible. Draco could not go out with just anyone unless approved by his father. It was either to make the Malfoy family look good by mutual benefits, or to raise Lucius' position. Draco knew full well that if Lucius rose, so did he. And if Draco married Voldemort's granddaughter, then he would be at a higher place than his father. All it would cost him was his soul.
Draco sat down at an outdoor café where a waiter came to take his order. "What will you be having this evening, Sir?" asked the waiter. Sir? The waiter was older than Draco.
"What's the special?" asked Draco in a tired voice, not wanting to think about it.
"Fish and chips, Sir," replied the waiter.
"Sure. Can I have a Sprite?" asked Draco in a pleasant voice. He liked the lemon-lime taste and the way the bubbles felt in his mouth. It was like pumpkin fizz, but the bubbles were stronger.
"Of course, Sir. I will return quickly with your drink," said the waiter as he bowed slightly and walked off.
"I see you've taken in some of London," said a familiar voice from behind Draco. He was jolted out of the security he had felt.
Draco swallowed as he slowly looked behind him. "Hello, Professor Snape," he said. "What brings you to this part of London?" Draco made sure his voice sounded as innocent as possible.
"I would ask the same thing of you, Mister Malfoy," said Snape. "But I already know why and how you got here. I also assume you know the reason why I am here."
"Professor Snape…I don't want to go back. Not now. I'd just be sitting there. Waiting," admitted Draco.
"You cannot escape the future, Mister Malfoy. That is unavoidable," said Professor Snape quietly. He looked up when the waiter had returned with Draco's drink. The waiter had a strange look on his face as he surveyed the clothes that Professor Snape was wearing. It looked out of fashion.
"Are you going to join him, Sir?" asked the waiter.
"Yes, I will. What is he having?" asked Professor Snape as he finally took a seat.
"The special, fish and chips, Sir," answered the waiter.
"That will do fine. I would like some soda water and a glass of regular water," said Professor Snape. His penetrating gaze never left Draco for a moment. The waiter nodded and left.
"I can't fight my father. This is the best I can do. You have no idea what he's capable of. You know that he is at my house right now. During the winter break, I am expected to go home and talk to him directly. I have never done that, Professor Snape," said Draco in a hushed voice. He didn't want the Muggles to hear him talking about Voldemort out loud.
"You can still fight back. If you choose to. The key is finding her and bringing her under protection at the school. For as long as he does not have her, you can keep your freedom," said Professor Snape.
Draco sighed. He had never thought he would have to make a decision like that. It was so adult that it was scary. Then again, there were some students in Slytherin who were also faced with the prospect of marrying someone they didn't even know. Most of the matches were made with students at Durmstrang. Draco would have preferred to go there because he would have more distance between himself and his father. Proximity never made Draco feel comfortable with anyone. He couldn't stand to have people too close to him. He preferred to have people beneath him like Goyle and Crabbe, so that they always stand a respectable distance from him both figuratively and literally.
"What can I do, Professor Snape?" asked Draco. It was the first time he had ever admitted in his life that he needed help. He knew that Professor Dumbledore was indirectly supporting him through Professor Snape. He had to trust that there was a plan.
"Very well. I cannot keep you from knowing more about her, if I am to send you to her to bring her to the school. Her name is Fiona Black," said Professor Snape. The waiter came back with their food and thought it wise to leave them alone. This gave Draco time to think.
"Black?" whispered Draco. That name was notorious in the wizarding world. The Blacks were Aurors like the Potters, and they were also loaded with wizards' gold. They were one of the top families on the good side until the betrayal of Sirius Black. He was an escaped convict from Azkaban and the only person to ever escape from there. The Dementors did not have any luck find him. "You don't mean that she's…" started Draco.
"Black's daughter? Yes. As a matter of fact, she is. He was sent to Azkaban before she was even born. Her mother was the daughter of Tom Marvolo Riddle. Her name was Thalia," said Professor Snape, hiding the sadness in his voice at the mention of Thalia.
"So, she married Black, didn't she? That's why he was working for him. That's why he murdered the Po—"
"Let me correct you, right now, Mister Malfoy. Sirius Black did not murder anyone. As much as I hate to admit it, he is not guilty of killing anyone. He was wrongly accused and sent to Azkaban. The only thing he is guilty of is walking out on his pregnant wife," said Professor Snape. This time he was unable to hide his rage against Sirius Black.
Draco looked a little surprise. Actually, he was very surprised. He never thought that anyone would marry into Voldemort's family willingly. Then he realized, "He didn't know that Thalia was his daughter, did he?"
Professor Snape shook his head. "She escaped her father's home to the Muggle world. She chose to live among them because she did not want any part of her father's doings. His revenge and hate was only part of him. It was not something he could pass down to her. I doubt that his granddaughter would willingly join him. The ultimate sin is betrayal, Mister Malfoy. It is as simple as that. He was betrayed by every other person related to him by blood either in death or in abandonment," said Professor Snape.
Draco fell silent for a moment processing what Professor Snape told him. Somehow, it made sense. That was why Voldemort demanded his followers to wear the dark mark, and he also demanded absolute loyalty from all of them. Any sign of betrayal warranted severe punishment. "He killed her," concluded Draco.
For the first time, Draco heard Professor Snape sigh. "She ran to American to keep her daughter safe. It was borrowed time. Now, her daughter is in grave danger. Worst, she may not be able to protect herself if the time comes," said Professor Snape.
"What do you mean?"
"Thalia was very careful. She did not allow her daughter to be trained in magic. She even managed to avoid the schools in America. As a result, Fiona does not know how to use her magic. I am certain that she has magic. It follows from both her mother and father's sides."
"So, you want her to be brought to the school, so that she gets trained and protected at the same time," said Draco.
"That is precisely what we have planned for her. We don't want to use her against her own family, but we need to keep her safe nonetheless," said Professor Snape.
Draco knew that he and Professor Snape were committing the ultimate sin in the eyes of Voldemort. Draco knew that there was no turning back at this point. He didn't want to work for Professor Dumbledore directly, but he didn't want to be a Death Eater for Voldemort either. Both sides were strong. It was going to be a close fight. To think, just a few months ago, Draco had told Harry that he should have been more careful about the side that he chose. One side had Harry Potter on it. The other side was trying to get someone who could face off with Harry Potter on the same terms. It occurred to Draco that he wasn't the one that Voldemort expected to face off against Potter. It was Fiona Black. Thalia Black knew it and had prevented Fiona from being of any use to Voldemort.
"How did you decide?" asked Draco quietly. Professor Snape was actually eating the food while Draco was thinking, but he knew what Draco was referring to. Draco also never saw Professor Snape eat before, not even in the Great Hall at Hogwarts. He had seem him drink, but never eat. Either that or he had never noticed before.
Professor Snape drank from his glass of soda water before he responded to Draco's question. "Our families have been serving him for three generations now. The time has come for yours now. Our fates are not out of our hands, Mister Malfoy. Despite the illusion that he would like us to believe, we still have some control. His daughter made her own choice and stood by it. Even if it meant her death. You have that same choice. Neither path is easy. The problem is you think it would be easier to follow the path your father has chosen, but that it is an illusion. You have only seen the world through one view," said Professor Snape.
"You let me go, didn't you? You and the Headmaster. I had to take a glimpse of the world that he wants to destroy. The world that Fiona Black lives in," said Draco.
"I had to open my eyes. It started when I was about your age. I was already engaged myself since birth. I never really loved the girl as a lover, but as a sister. She was the only person my father allowed me to be around as a child. My mother suggested it, so that it would be an easier transition when we married," said Professor Snape.
Once again, Draco was taken aback. He did not expect Professor Snape to even have parents, let alone an arranged marriage. With each passing minute, Draco was realizing that Professor Snape was actually a human being and not just a Potions Master. "But, you're not married, Professor Snape," pointed out Draco.
"No, I am not. The girl I was engaged to became my best friend. She fell in love with someone else. Her father was a harsh man. To say the least. He would have never allowed her to leave his home, but I was the one who she turned to. I was the one who helped her escape her father's house," said Professor Snape.
"I know exactly how she feels," said Draco.
Neither of them continued their meals. Afterwards, Professor Snape showed Draco to a hotel to stay in for the evening. He instructed him not to go too far away. He would return in the morning to discuss things.
*
Nell pulled up to the regular meeting place to find that Fiona was not there. She bit her lip to prevent a curse from escaping. She fumbled with her cell phone to call, but found that Fiona had turned off the phone. "Where the Hell is she?" said Nell out loud as she got out of the car. She heard the flutter of wings that caused her to look. There were three owls out and about.
Meanwhile back at the gazebo, Master Ran was still speaking with her. "You can tell your guardian that you have resumed your martial arts training if you wish. Whatever else you wish to tell her, is up to you. I would reco—" he stopped suddenly as he looked upwards, "Never mind the last part, you have to go back now. She's outside the school waiting for you."
Fiona's eyes widened in shock. "How did you know that? Oh, she's going to be so mad at me!" exclaimed Fiona.
"Go now, before you anger her further," warned Master Ran with amusment.
"How will I be able to reach you again, Sensei?" asked Fiona as she stood up to leave.
"I will call you on the telephone. I do not think that your guardian would be very comfortable if she knew I was a wizard. I will appear as she does. A Muggle," answered Master Ran with a smile.
"Okay," said Fiona as she took off. She ran until she got back across the street from the school. She saw that Nell was coming back out of the school. Fiona ran across the street just in time to catch up with her. To say Nell looked mad was an understatement. She looked furious. Fiona bit her lip as she bravely looked up at her.
"Where were you?" demanded Nell in a low, dangerous tone.
"I went to talk to a martial arts teacher. I thought I would be back before you got here," said Fiona. She really was sorry for upsetting Nell.
Nell looked like she was going to spout fire at Fiona. "I told you not to leave the school. And another thing, you know better than to talk to strangers, Fiona. I thought your mother taught you some common sense. Why did you turn off your cell phone?" said Nell, not calming down in the slightest bit.
"Um…you see I turned it off when I was practicing. I forgot to turn it back on," lied Fiona. Just a little one. She was going to have to admit that she lied later. Damn her conscience.
"Don't you ever do that again. You nearly gave me a heart attack," said Nell with a sigh as she rubbed the space in between her eyebrows just above her eyes.
"I'm sorry," said Fiona. "I didn't mean to worry you. It's just that I wanted to see the teacher for the martial arts class."
"You want to take more martial arts? I suppose that would be fine, but I want to meet with this teacher before you start any lessons with him. Do you understand?" asked Nell.
Fiona gave an eager nod. After that they went home. Fiona was feeling happy for the first time since her mother's death. Not only was she going to learn more martial arts, but she might also learn some magic as well. Fiona had never thought she could be anything like her mother, but the thought of learning magic made her feel closer to her. Fiona felt for the crystal that hung from her neck. Yes, she did feel closer to her mother.
*
Ryu Ran retuned to his home. He was playing his flute and waiting for a call from the head of his order. The flame at his fireplace flickered, and he walked from the balcony to it. The face in the fire was a woman. She looked regal and elegant. A woman whose years were unknown. Her eyes were gold with flicks of amber in them, almost blending them into the fire. Her hair was a rich mahogany brown with waves it. Her hair was piled up and pinned up. She looked like the Greek goddess, Athena.
"Milady," said Ryu as he bowed to her.
She regarded him with a slight smile. "Have you spoken to her?" she asked him.
"Yes, Milady. She has agreed to some training. I will begin as soon as possible."
"How is she doing?"
"I suspect that she is fine for right now. She misses her mother."
"I miss her as well, Sir Ran."
"I will do my best to train her in our ways and I will also protect her from her grandfather."
"Thank you, Sir Ran. Her father is looking for her. Make sure that they meet," instructed the woman.
"As you command, Milady," said Ryu as he bowed slightly. The flames flickered back to normal. He stared in to them thoughtfully. He was sent to do his duty as a member of his order.
Ryu Ran's order was the oldest order of magic in the world. One of its members introduced magic to the world. This earned him imprisonment by the head priestess of the order. After the introduction of magic, the order was careful not to allow anymore of its complex magic to leak out to the masses.
The power divided the wizards that were on the outside of the order. Soon there were more and more of them. The order sealed itself off and only sent a few of its priest and priestesses to train a selected few. It did not matter if they were Muggle born or wizard born. It was a matter of bloodlines. Certain families were part of the order. It just so happens that Fiona Black's family was one of the primary families of the entire order. It was not through her father or grandfather's sides. It was through her maternal grandmother's side.
Voldemort had no idea the powers he was reckoning with. He had angered the wrong person. This time Voldemort had gone too far for even the smallest inkling of mercy. Thalia Black was a rarity in this world. Killing her was one of the unforgivable crimes of the order. Justice was going to come to Voldemort. At least that was what Ryu Ran thought.
AN: For the complete, original author's note please visit my live journal. ^^ Thanks to IvyDragon for beta reading.
Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter. I own this story and the original characters that are not in the Harry Potter series.