Shinigami: All parts about Roxanne are written by me and all parts about Zelda are written by Niyati. Alright? Yes
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Roxanne sat in the empty compartment and leaned her forehead against the icy window, charming it to keep it from fogging up. The movement lolled her to sleep, and slowly, she allowed her heavy eyelids to close.
A dark, obscure form jumped off a low balcony, landing safely on the ground and running into a dark forest. Unwary, unfocused and confused, she followed the shadow with a hazy drunken swagger, somehow catching up to it in no time. It ran over to a tall, gloomy figure than seemed to condemn all light from itself and bowed low.
"He's dead and the other captured. Her fault."
Suddenly, the picture changed focus and she was standing amidst an ocean, floating low above its torrid surface. Far away she could see the twisted silhouette of a half-snake half-dragon and it's unearthly cry of pain. The creature burned, scream echoing across the vast expanses of water. Around her, storm raged and she walked the water toward the mystical crossbreed, unaffected. The land underneath the beautiful monster's shadow of light was covered in revolting corpses of twisted bone and charred flesh. The beast above her withered in flame and disintegrated into ashes, wisped away by the raging winds. Water boiled underneath her feet, but she remained untouched, clothed in a pure white robe. She could vaguely feel the fluttery sensation of an extra pair of arms that started on her back. Arms without hands. Arms adorned with white feathers. Arms that started to bleed darkness, that turned red and black. Her skin stretched over bone, thinning out. An unearthly, but somehow human, scream resounded and her eyes shifted to figure out where it came from. Somehow it seemed to be everywhere at once.
The train jumped and her body fell out of the seat. The leather strap binding her luggage to a corner snapped violently, striking her across the back and leaving a gory whiplash mark. The heavy trunk soon came tumbling, and smacked into her head, leaving a bleeding gash. Still, she slept.
Imagine her surprise when she found the hollow shrieks came from her own mouth, when she remembered the dragon-snake was indeed herself, when she realized she was slowly melting away like a dying candle. Her skin stretched over the taunt muscles. Blood seeped out every inch, every touch. She was quickly becoming a mummy, her white robe darkening with blood. The wings, however, seemed to eternally bleed. Never did they fade. The black feathers shone waxy in the moonlight, red with a gushing blood, never dissolving, never losing but a piece. Around her, she could see three more angels. A girl, older than her by perhaps three years. She looked like Zelda, but her eyes had a mysterious quality, and a look of wisdom achieved for all the wrong reasons, a misty gaze she's never seen in her friend's eyes. A boy, with slick blond hair and determined silver eyes, a boy she had never seen before. Another boy, with messy black hair and glinting, burning emerald orbs filled with pain and flaming defiance that gave them a slight golden glow, who was a stranger to her also. They looked at her and nodded solemnly, recognizing her sacrifice. And suddenly, she could no longer stand on water. It overwhelmed her, coming in waves. She fell below the bubbling foam and crashing rocks. She saw everything from underwater. And for the first time…she smiled.
Roxanne blinked as the world came slightly into focus, the dream remaining vividly imprinted on her mind. She waved her wand at a few words and started speaking very fast about what she'd seen, heard, felt, and somehow it was all written down on parchment within the heavy trunk that was now lying innocently on the other side of compartment, except for a corner stained with blood. She groaned and let her head fall back to the floor. Suddenly, loud noises erupted, taking over her senses.
"Roxanne! What's wrong! We heard bangs coming from here and we couldn't open the door!"
In a sudden flurry of movement, she found herself sitting back in her original seat, crowded by Donar Wales, Candid Virago and Everett O'Bayor. Also, Professor Orion was standing amongst them. She shook her head of sleepiness and glared at the others, then sighed.
"Don't worry, I'm fine."
"But what about the bangs?"
"The harness for my trunk broke. It's been rolling around."
"What about the door?"
"You know I always lock my compartment door when I want to be alone."
Everett's quiet, but strong and attention-demanding voice quieted the others. He took out a tissue and dabbed at her forehead. It came back a bloody mess.
"No good. Can someone get me some water please?"
While Donar searched through his bag, Professor Orion tilted her head and stared at Roxanne with a pensive expression.
"Mister O'Bayor, are you sure you are up to taking care of her wounds?"
"Yes, Professor."
The wounded girl lifted her eyes.
"He always helps around the hospital wing, professor. He's quite good at cleaning and disinfecting wounds."
"Very well."
He turned and walked out. The other two from her team glanced around worriedly. Everett shook his head in disagreement.
"You should leave her alone, give her space."
Candid nodded glumly. She knew he didn't talk about things he didn't know, but Donar, still obviously overprotective, disagreed.
"I don't think it's very wise to leave. She might get hurt again. She might-"
Roxanne growled.
"Fine. When Everett's done, I promise I'll join the rest of the team in the other compartment and sit on the floor because they're only six seats and we'll move all the luggage in here, alright?"
"Fine."
He stalked out after tossing a bottle at Everett, Candid close behind. Everett shook his head and took out a cloth, pouring some water over it.
"I figure the metal corner rammed into your head. Tell me, how come you didn't cry out?"
"I was asleep. Why?"
"That must have been some dream."
"What makes you say that?"
He glanced at her, their eyes locking in a battle of wills.
"I know you, Roxanne Arianna. Known you since we were little kids. I know normally you'd wake up if I so much as stamped my foot, except in the morning. How a metal-cornered trunk can ram into you and give you such a gash without waking you up does not make sense, unless the dream was important. And I know you keep a dream-diary. Tell me what you saw."
His eyes flared, and she submitted. She knew his secret ability, and she was none to stand up to it. She knew no matter how much will she had, if he really wanted to, it would break like a twig under his gaze. He could control her like the unforgivable, better than the unforgivable and never really submit her will. He was giving her a choice now, but he wouldn't take no for an answer. She sighed
"I need my trunk."
He narrowed his burning sapphire eyes, before turning away and walking across the room and dragging the trunk back. He unlatched the opening and let her search through it. She pulled out a thick black velvet volume, covered in snaky silver designs and script that wrote out her name.
"This it?"
She nodded and handed him the thick book.
"Had it since we were four, don't you remember?"
Precious few knew that they in fact shared a birthday and had always celebrated it together, especially since they were actually twins.
"Yes. When did you start writing in it?"
"Never wrote. Always use the Lucridia charm. Got one of the tutors to teach me on our fifth birthday, since we had the wand ceremony that year."
He nodded and flipped through the silver pages, covered in black ink of neat, cursive writing, Roxanne's handwriting. She may not act it, but Roxanne was a cleaver, decisive girl. He found the new entry.
Bloody angel of sacrifice
He blinked at the title and frowned. Roxanne shrugged and told him to just read it; it wasn't nearly as disturbing as it sounded. Or so she thought.
~*~*~*~*~*~
After the rest of the train ride home playing wizards chess, talking about Quidditch and Quod tactics and playing the occasional game of Exploding Snap, they arrived at the station. One by one, the second year Dragon Quidditch/Quod team members disappeared, until all that was left was Roxanne and Everett, who were to wait until everyone was gone, since the car that usually picked them up was to not be seen by any students. Especially since they were picked up together. Everett turned to her and glared.
"Your dream. You said it wasn't disturbing."
She looked at him blankly, innocently.
"It wasn't."
"That doesn't disturb you?"
"An angel sacrificed herself to save others amidst destruction. What's so disturbing about that?"
His eyes widened at her uncomprehending look.
"You…really don't get it, do you?"
She shook her head and shrugged, returning to staring out into the Muggle streets of Seattle, Washington. A few minutes later, a sleek black stretch limo stopped in front of the two second years, and they disappeared from sight.
~*~*~*~*~*~
Zelda's family stepped out of their fireplace. After making sure all of her stuff was where it was supposed to be, she went into the backyard and over to the stables. She entered and saw four horses. She walked over to a white one with a gray mane. On the center of its forehead was a black star.
The horse recognized her and came close to the door. She laughed and petted its nose, "hey Spirit, have you been a good girl?" The horse neighed in response. Zelda sighed, "Well I think we could both use a good ride through the forest. What do you think?" The horsed neighed, while nodding her head. Zelda let Spirit out of her paddock and got her ready to ride.
An hour later
Zelda was ridding Spirit through the woods. They had so far seen two Unicorns and a Centaur. Zelda didn't really like Centaurs, but she was polite to them nonetheless. There were quite a few magical and non-magical creatures in those woods. One good thing was that the woods were located in an area of a magical countryside. The houses of the area were more like mansions, but she didn't take any notice.
Spirit reared, Zelda held on tight enough to keep from falling off. She calmed the horse down and looked to she what caused Spirit to rear. What she saw was a person in a black cloak and a hood, wearing a white mask to cover his face. Zelda knew instantly that this was a Death Eater.
Zelda glared, "what exactly are you doing here?"
The Death Eater stood there, "why nothing, but walking."
Zelda dived for her want. Another useful thing as long as Muggles didn't see magic unless your kid was Muggle-born or half. Zelda pointed her want at the Death Eater, "If I were you I would leave. I know some pretty nasty curses." The Death Eater stood there for a moment, before leaving. Zelda kept her wand out, but turned her horse around and left the forest, all the while wondering why the Death Eater left like that.
~*~*~*~*~
Roxanne entered the large library, and bowed her head when she reached her father, looking back up and smiled at the golden morning rays that filtered through the window.
"You wanted to speak to me, father?"
He turned away from a manuscript he was working on and set down his long swan feather quill.
"Ah, how is my lovely pureblood today?"
Her smile grew wider slightly, but she was not looking forward to whatever talk they were about to have, since pureblood either referenced to a speech about Slytherin and great etc. grand father Feldler's view or the would-be wedding. Since she was going to Hogwarts soon, she opted for the latter, even though that wasn't a good thing.
"Very well, thank you. We're ahead in Quidditch and Quod again this year. How have you been doing?"
"Excellent, excellent. I've been doing fine."
"So, what did you want to speak to me about?"
"Ah. Of course, you know you will be going to Hogwarts next year."
She nodded, knowing where this was going.
"You're a very cleaver girl, very cleaver indeed. Your grades are above everyone else's, and you have full marks on every class. You've come up with many complicated spells and occasional potions that work well. I've spoken to your headmistress. As you know, Hogwarts starts a year before Pacific Northwest; so all students will be moved to their appropriate age group. You, my dear, will be moved up four."
She blinked at him, eyes wide.
"You mean… I'll be a sixth year, in Zelda's year?"
"Precisely."
"But…Why?"
"I am sending you there because it is also Harry Potter's year."
"I sense there is something you aren't telling me."
"Yes, you are very good at judging people. This is also Draco Malfoy's year."
She mentally rolled her eyes. 'As I expected'
"Yes, father, I know. I should get close to him and used to him so that we would know each other when we marry."
He smiled while she mentally gagged. 'Geez, I was happy enough with Eric, he's a pureblood, right?'
"Very well. You may go as you please."
"Thank you." 'Sure. Thanks for making life hell. I am NOT marrying him, point final.'
She left the library and wandered the huge garden, bringing along a notepad to keep writing her story, which she should post soon. She grinned, thankful that her laptop was magically enhanced to never run out of energy and to be connected via super-speed Internet without paying a cent. And that meant it would work at Hogwarts.
~*~*~*~*~
Zelda ran into her father's study, "Dad, I saw a Death Eater in the forest, while riding Spirit."
Her Dad looked at her, "are you sure that is what you saw?"
Zelda nodded, "I'm positive, he was wearing the exact clothing, and that strange mask."
Her father stood up, "well I have some matters to attend to and can't take care of this matter, about what you saw."
Zelda went to the door, "ok don't believe me, but you'll be sorry, when it is proven that I'm right." She opened the door, walked out and slammed it behind her.
~*~*~*~*~
Zelda sat in the kitchens working on her homework, and talking to the House Elves.
Rowena handed Zelda a small plate of sliced apples. Rowena looked at Zelda, "what's wrong Mistress Zelda?"
Zelda looked up from her Astronomy essay, "oh I'm just upset at Dad I mean people just won't believe me over something. Probably just because of my gift."
Rowena looked sympathetic, "oh Mistress Zelda, I believe you. Your gift helps people. You should be believed." Zelda nodded, grabbed an apple slice and popped it into her mouth and went back to her essay. After a little bit she was finished and another House Elf came into the kitchens. Zelda looked up, and saw this house elf, Alicia, holding Zelda's copy of the newspaper.
Alicia walked up to her, "Mistress Zelda your copy of the Evening Journal." Zelda took it and thanked Alicia. Zelda opened it and saw the main headline:
DEATH EATER CAUGHT
As everyone in the country knows, Voldemort came back almost two years ago. Minister Fudge still won't admit the truth. But earlier today it was reported to the Vice President, Frank Hilliard, by his daughter, Zelda Wanda Hilliard, that she saw a Death Eater, while riding her horse through the local woods. She gave the information to her father, who not long afterwards, had the woods searched and the Death Eater was found on the edge of the woods close to his property.
After he was arrested, The Death Eater was put under Veritaserum. It was found that he was trying to murder the Vice President and his family. The Death Eater was also found to be the Speaker of the House, Douglas Jacobs, who would have all the gain with the assassination of the Vice President.
While the reason is unknown as to why he didn't kill Young Zelda, while he had the chance, she was lucky to find and report this matter quickly. The Death Eater has been sentenced to life in Bortance, the American Wizard Prison. So congratulations to Amanda Ramon for being upgraded to Speaker of the House from House Majority Leader.
-By Angel Emerson
note: Douglas Jacobs is in NO WAY related to Alexander
(which was accidentally referred to as Yerodin, his middle name, during the Quidditch scene last chapter),
Roxanne's favorite prank target, alright?
They just happen to have the same last name.
Zelda sighed and folded up the newspaper. Rowena asked, "what is wrong, Mistress Zelda?"
Zelda looked at her, "oh it looks as if dad took my advice. So now the Death Eater is in Bortance, but I wish he wouldn't act as if he doesn't listen."
Rowena sat on the stool next to her, "Mistress Zelda, I think he does that so he can keep you from getting killed, because you're getting into all kinds of trouble at school."
Zelda chuckled, "I guess you could be right. Also I've only broken a few bones."
Rowena shook her head lightly, "Mistress Zelda you and your young friend ended up in the Hospital wing last year, because you two went after a Death Eater, who hid himself on school grounds."
Zelda rolled her eyes, "nobody believed us. Besides we did catch him, didn't we?"
Rowena sighed, "Mistress Zelda do you know just how much you worry us?" Zelda shook her head and Rowena continued, "You worry us a lot. In the last four years you are always doing well in school, studying and getting good grades, yet you also get yourself hurt. You've crashed into the ground a couple of times, playing Quod, yes we know it was because of Chang Wong. You've been poisoned many times; luckily your body has gotten itself immunity to most poisons. You've practically transfigured into a horse."
Zelda interrupted, "yes, I know what has happened to me. All of it is because of my father. Now if there was one thing that is different from the Muggle government is, we keep people in office their whole life unless they retire. Roxanne basically has the same problem as me anyways." Rowena picked up the, now empty, plate and took it to the sink. Zelda stood up grabbed her homework and newspaper and left the kitchens.
~*~*~*~*~
Zelda woke up on Christmas morning to a pillow in the face. She sat up to see Lothaire laughing. Zelda glared, "Lothaire you just signed your death certificate." She jumped out of bed and chased him. He ran. Being that Zelda was not only taller, but fitter, she caught him easily. She then started tickling him.
Rowena came up to them, "Mistress Zelda, Master Lothaire. Master and Mistress Hilliard want you down in the living room to open presents." Zelda stood up; she then held her hand out and helped her brother up. The two then followed Rowena to the living room.
When they got there, Rowena left to get everything ready for Christmas dinner later. Mr. Frank Hilliard stood up and hugged his kids, "Merry Christmas, now lets open presents." The two sat down on the floor. When their parents nodded the two dived into their presents. After an hour of opening presents, Zelda came up to her room, floating her gifts behind her. She got Potions and Elvish books, some new quills and parchment, Astronomy equipment. Her aunt, who loved divinations, gave her a book on Astrology. She always found Astrological descriptions to fit accurately. Zelda set her stuff down. Walking into her wardrobe, she chose her one of her best dress robes, purple silk with silver sequined roses. She left to get ready for the annual Christmas party. Zelda set her robes and shoes, silver opened toed heels, and went to take a shower. Half an hour later she came out wearing a yellow bathrobe with her hair up in a towel. She sat down in front of her vanity, using a drying charm she began brushing and fixing her hair.
~*~*~*~*~*~
Roxanne opened her eyes and blinked owlishly at the ceiling, light streaming in through the window.
"My, my. You've slept in."
She sighed and rolled her eyes.
"Shut up, Everett. You know I'm not a morning person."
"Yeah, sis, I've noticed. It's past noon."
"Why aren't YOU at mother's. Everyone thinks I'm the muggle's daughter, remember?"
"Whatever, Dad 'invited' her over."
"She go off on some wild party again and drop you off?"
"Uhu."
"Oy, anyway…"
She tumbled, literally, out of bed and shoved her brother out of her way as she grabbed some clothing and went into the bathroom connected to her bedroom, shutting the door behind her but talking right through it.
"What day is it?"
"Christmas, grouchy."
The door opened and shut with a bang and she emerged, jumping around happily. Everett raised an eyebrow at her happy attitude.
"What's with you?"
"Me going Dragon Riding later today!" ^_^
The boy promptly chocked
"Dragon riding? Are you kidding? Do you have any idea how dangerous that is?"
"More than muggle Bungee jumping normally, but you forget my soul creature's half dragon."
He groaned and slapped his hand to his forehead.
"What a day this'll be."
~*~*~*~*~
1 'o clock
Zelda finally came out of her room and down to the entrance hall. There she saw the President and his family entering. His three children were behind their parents. His oldest was a sixth year at Salem Witch's Institute, her name was Elizabeth Mason. The middle child was a fifth at Maine's School for Wizards. The youngest was also a girl. She had just started her first year of school at Pacific Northwest. The girl's name was Melodie Mason.
The President saw Zelda come down the stairs, "ah, well if it isn't Ms. Hilliard." Zelda stood at the bottom of the steps and curtsied. Edmond came up to her and offered his arm, which she accepted, and walked to the parlor, where everyone who was a student socialized.
Edmond smiled, "you look exquisite today; in fact, you look better every year."
Zelda sighed, "Like I said last year, not interested. Besides I'm seeing someone." Just then another girl noticed the pair. The girl smiled and waved at Zelda. Zelda nodded and slipped her arm out from Edmond's and walked to the girl.
The girl smiled, "hey Zelda, Merry Christmas." The girl held out a box wrapped in yellow paper. Zelda took it and opened the gift. Inside the box was a tiger; well more of a stone tiger enchanted to move. She smiled and held her hand in the box, the creature walked over and onto her palm.
Zelda looked at the girl, "thank you Rose." Zelda put the box down and pulled out her wand. Gold sparks came out of the tip and a wrapped gift appeared. Zelda handed her the box, "here Rose, I had left this in my room." Rose took the box and opening it. Inside was a glass rose.
Rose smiled, "thank you, I love it."
Zelda nodded, "you're welcome. it is charmed to shine any color you want it to." Zelda then glanced at her shoulder to the tiger, which had walked all the way up there and sat down licking its stone fur, "you know what, Rose? I think that this tiger will be my favorite." Rose nodded taking the gift out of the box when the music started. The music was a slow tune that got her thinking about; just then she felt a tap on her free shoulder. Expecting to see Edmond, she had a surprise. She saw Andrew, her boyfriend, standing behind her.
Andrew held out his hand, "may I have this dance?" Zelda nodded and placed her hand in his; he took her to the dance floor where they started dancing. Edmond stood watching angrily. The song ended after a little while and the two kissed. Zelda walked back over to her friend Rose.
Rose spoke, "so who was that boy you were dancing with?"
Zelda blushed, "oh that was just my boyfriend, Andrew. I don't know who they invited him this year, but oh well I'm glad they did."
Rose smiled, "so you got yourself a boyfriend."
Zelda bit her lip, "well actually, we started dating at the end of last year. I rather like him, but I think that makes Roxanne jealous. I mean she used to date Eric Masson, a third year Dragon and chaser, but she had to give him up because her parents, well at least her father, wants her to marry Draco Malfoy."
Rose smiled faded, "your poor friend. Yes, wait, I think I've heard of her."
Zelda cocked her head to the side, "Roxanne Feldler, maybe, if I remember correctly her family comes to these parties. Since I'm three years older I don't think I would have noticed her, Being that I've always hanged out with my friends. Last year she would have been allowed to join our parties, but she mentioned something about not being able to come this year."
Rose nodded, "yup I've heard of her, her family is pretty famous. The Feldler's are a pure blood family of great prestige. Yet they married the last of their family to a Muggle woman."
Zelda nodded, "well she does seem powerful for a half-blood. I think she's been lying about something. In fact I have a strong feeling that she has been. Oh well, I can't question her about it. But I'll find out somehow, I will, my mind has already started working on the problem."
Rose then posed a question that she had been thinking about for a long time, "is it true that you have elvish blood in your family?"
Zelda's eyes widened, "why do people say that? We study Elvish and such, because a long time ago an Elf saved one of my ancestor's, so we became studiers of Elves. That is the truth."
Rose nodded, "oh, well that explains everything. Very rarely do you find Elvish Witches and Wizards in a school with regular people."
~*~*~*~*~
Zelda collapsed onto her bed staring at the ceiling intently trying to find something wrong with it, but she couldn't. Her room was a rich purple and her ceiling matched it. Christmas day had been long. She had spent most of it talking to Rose, dancing with Andrew and avoiding Edmond. That boy just wouldn't give up, yet Zelda had the feeling that there was something just not right about him. She had the feeling that something was amiss. When she was near him she got this chill up her spine that just freaked her out.
Zelda kept staring at her ceiling and was getting sick of that feeling; she turned over to her side and remembered something. The last time she had felt that way was when she saw the Death Eater in the forest on her first day back. Zelda rolled over again and closed her eyes, falling asleep.
~*~*~*~*~
Zelda stood in the airport next to her parents wearing Muggle clothing. She was taking a plane with her brother. Lothaire was hugging their mother and father tightly, not wanting to leave. After a bit Zelda pulled him off and took his hand. Turning to their parents, she said, "don't worry I'll take care of him. I'll also owl you or e-mail you, don't worry I charmed all my Muggle objects to work in Hogwarts. I think it a little annoying that they won't work because of all the magic." Turning away she walked up to the counter and handed the lady their tickets. They were then led to their first class seats on the plane.
Zelda sat her brother down and then sat next to him. Pulling out her CD player and her Michelle Branch CD she started to listen to music. She felt the plane take off and her brother clinging to her. The truth was he wasn't too fond of flying, but he felt it safer than Floo powder. A short time later Zelda felt a tap on her shoulder. Opening her eyes she saw a stewardess. Taking her headphones off and she looked at the Lady.
The Stewardess took out her wand, "what would you like my dear?"
Zelda thought about it for a minute, "just a hamburger please. I'm not really in the mood for much food." The lady nodded and waved her wand. The food appeared and she went onto the next person. Zelda ate her food and went back to her music.
After about four hours on the plane they came to a landing. Getting off, she grabbed her brother's hand and they went to get their trunks. Their trunks were some of the first luggage off the plane. They also had to go through customs. Zelda pulled out her wand and transformed everything in the trunks to clothing or regular books. She also added a lightweight charm to make sure that people wouldn't think it was heavy.
They came out of the place eventually, Zelda walked outside to see a sign with "HILLIARD" written on it. Zelda walked over and said, "Hello are you looking for a Zelda and Lothaire Hilliard?" The man nodded and she continued, "Well that's us. I suppose you are here to take us to King's Cross." The man nodded again and opened the door. The two sat in the car while the man put their trunks away. They then started off.
~*~*~*~*~
Roxanne sighed grumpily, nearly falling out of bed. She semi glared sleepily at the house elf.
"Whadaya want?"
"I'm sorry miss, but your father wants to speak to you."
Roxanne nodded and dismissed the servant, before dressing and shuffling downstairs.
"What iz it?"
She heard a light laugh and turned, glaring hazily at her fully awake twin.
"We're leaving. Grab your wand and zap yourself with that invented spell of yours. We're using Floo."
~*~*~*~*~
Zelda and Lothaire walked out through the barrier onto platform 9 ¾. Zelda took their luggage and put it in the luggage compartment on their part of the train. She then let Lothaire leave and go visit his friends, quickly reminding him not to leave the train for they would leave soon. After he nodded she went to find her own friends, or at least Roxanne.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Shinimegami: Begging for reviews. That was the second chapter, yes… And I wrote ½ this time ^_^ So, anyway. Roxanne invents spells, al right? That's what that was about. Anti-ash. So yeah. Hopefully see you next chapter