Child of Darkness, Child of Light
By: Fyre Fairie Rated R (For mature content and violence) Summary: Harry finds out he has been lied to all his life. After GOF he travels to lands forgotten until he is ready to face the friends he abandoned, the love he will encounter, and the evil he must conquer. Just now when he has finally found his family will they all survive the war?
Chapter 9: The Darkness Inside Of Us
"Eyi, I know who you are Marvolo, or should I say father."
The Dark Lord seemed to look her over with his blood red eyes letting them travel over every inch of her. His pale and snake like face twisted into what she guessed was a smirk. She stood there unwavering while he circled her. Yes, she had to admit it was quite unnerving and revolted her to no end but she had to do what she had to do.
As he continued to let his gaze travel from her muggle weapons to her body where he gave it another upraising glance before standing tall in front of her, towering over her at a height of around 6' 7". To anyone else he would be a thing that can only be seen in nightmares but to her he was a mere fly buzzing by her ear. A fly that needed to be squashed right away.
"Well then, Severus was right," Voldemort spoke slightly. "You are indeed beautiful, and every inch a Le Fey" looking into the green depths of her eyes he quietly added "And every inch a Slytherin."
He must have said that to please her because the man really had no verifiable proof of her origin. Only the Le Fey heritage was that obvious but she agreed non-the-less and gave him a small nod of acknowledgement albeit she wasn't pleased for doing it, it must be done.
"I've completed my training in Ambrosia Marvolo, I have waited long to see how great the rumors make you out to be, and now that I am here all I can say is that I am not impressed." She spoke with confidence not even wavering when his sharp glare pierced through her.
"You shall call me Lord Voldemort if you value your pretty face girl!" he snarled then nodded toward the Death Eaters who were all standing around staring at the two and murmuring to each other all but Severus whom had his arms locked behind his back and his head hung looking to his feet. "Did they displease you?" he asked.
"I've heard of the great things you've done Marvolo," she taunted him using his real name again but he seemed to ignore it. "I always believed you had a glorious army of men and women who showed respect and held knowledge". She paused sweeping her eyes over all of them smirking and then meeting his scarlet ones again. In the distance she could hear some of them laugh when she mentioned that both genders would be included in the army. It didn't take a genius to figure out only men were made up of this one. "But now I wonder how these sniveling ingrates you have before you could have possibly helped you strike so much fear and tyranny."
Chuckling the man beside her took her by the elbow and led her around the circle letting her view all the men. Emma had to do a very good job to keep from flinching but even then it was hard. At least she couldn't feel his touch through her suite but her scar was pounding worse than ever up to the point where she thought she might faint. It was like a fire that coursed through her veins and bit at her insides. She bet the Dark Lord couldn't even feel a thing.
"Only a complete fool would have intelligent followers," he said. "Intelligent followers tend to think to much on their own, they have other ambitions rather than to serve me. They could stab me in the back the moment I turn around, or they can try and over rule me." He continued. "But these men you see before you are simple wizards with a hunger for blood and a plan to rid the world of all impure humans," then leaning closer he whispered in her ear. "They are my puppets to have and to command any way I want."
Emma could feel his hot breath on her ear, its foul smell drifting to her nose and she wrinkled it trying not to vomit on the spot. This was becoming too much and she was becoming dizzy not only from the pain in her scar but also because of the negative energy that pushed and pulled at her own bouncing magical supply. She felt like a dam was going to break inside of her and that Voldemort would be dead within seconds if he didn't step away.
As much as she wished for that to happen, unfortunately she couldn't let him die yet. His Death Eaters were still around and would no doubt finish Severus if not her along with him.
"So that's why there are no women present, you're afraid one of them would show you up." She laughed and swept her own hand towards the masses of masked and cloaked men. "Because these men are the most ignorant bunch I've ever laid eyes on before."
It was clear now that she made the man angry and his fists clenched and unclenched, it was almost impossible to tell whether or not he was grinding his face due to his disfigured face but she imagined he was.
"And what right do you have to make such assumptions? Are you the general of an army? I dare say you're nothing but a spoiled little Princess."
Perhaps Voldemort was attempting to anger her, or scare her, even start a duel or have her submit to him, but whatever the man was expecting he certainly seemed surprised when she let loose peels of laughter.
Taking a moment to calm down she was quite glad to say that some of the Death Eaters looked mortified that she dared laugh at the Dark Lord, while others seemed amused by the display and fully expected Emerald to be writhing on the ground within seconds under their Master's wand.
"I am what I am. Yes I am a Princess and I shall be granted the respect I deserve or else someone will be sorely sorry. As for you Marvolo I don't think it's very wise of you to insult me." With every passing word Emma felt adrenaline flow through her veins. She felt the pressure of extra magic course through her body making her dizzy and yet hungry for more, hungry to let some of it loose and create damage. The redhead finally knew how her ancestor Morgana must have felt. But Morgana didn't have a purpose, didn't have millions of people depending on her.
Despite trying to stay on the light side Emma couldn't deny the dark urges that pushed and prodded her mind begging for escape. Deciding to make some use of this urge Emerald planned to give them all a little fright.
Stepping away she prepared to let loose a bit of her magic to release some of the pressure. Lifting a hand to the center of the circle where a large wooden chair, which she assumed was what Voldemort used as his throne she gave it a flick and sent a margin of her energy out summoning the element of fire and feeling the mark on her right bicep tingle before the whole chair went into violent flames. She saw a few people jump and even some scream; others hid away in the bushes surrounding while yet others disapperated. Voldemort did none of those things though, he didn't even flinch just looked on and scowled when he noticed his followers running away.
As the flames crackled loudly and smoke traveled high into the sky Emerald continued to stare into them, feeling relief and slight comfort coming from the wonderful element that was telling her in its own way how gratefully it was for its life. "Pathetic aren't they?" she spoke finally. "You have to admit they are cowards running at the slightest provocation. The only one I saw standing and unwavering was Severus, I do not understand why you don't trust a man like him." She continued and smirked rather to herself than anyone else. "He's ruthless, brilliant, talented, blood thirsty and committed completely and utterly to you. Your perfect little Death Eater."
The whole point of that was to get Voldemort to trust Snape, to bring the man into the inner circle where only the Dark Lord's most devoted followers.
Pretending to ignore that question sneered and snapped at her. "What is it about Snape that pleases you so? He is nothing. His family banished from our kingdom, he's antisocial as some might call him, sarcastic, holds no power of his own, and looks like one of those putrid homeless muggles whom never took to hygiene." Although Emerald was very tempted to laugh at her grandfather's description of her father she did not. She figured it would be best to tell Voldemort what Mcnair already knew seeing as the man would tell him sooner or later and that would only plant distrust into the Dark Lord's mind towards her. On the other hand she wanted to protect her daughter, hide her existence and keep her safe as long as possible. Emma didn't want her little girl to suffer any more than was necessary, or as much as she herself had when she was younger.
"We have a daughter." She said simply starting to use some more magic to diminish the flames. This time not drawing on the fire's energy but rather spreading it to eliminate some of the negative magic around them. She felt more relaxed now and less tense yet her scar gave a painful twinge under its cover up and she winced.
"How very interesting." He sneered not at all meaning what he said. "And when exactly would you have met then?"
"We met six years back, and had affairs. When I found out I was with child it was time for me to leave back to Ambrosia. He has yet to see her." She replied in monotone making the whole thing up completely.
"I see." He replied still rather harshly. Although the Dark Lord was a lunatic his behavior toward finding out that she had a relationship with Snape was to say the least odd.
"You do not seem pleased by this." She said, but didn't care. It was all a lie and Voldemort would be dead within months if not weeks so why should she care.
"You are right I am not pleased. If it were up to me I would have had you court someone like Malfoy, but then again I believed I killed my daughter nearly 16 years ago."
Shrugging she let forth another line of lies to keep herself from being discovered. "Yes you did Marvolo, you killed my twin. And I regret to inform you that we were separated for one reason." She paused thinking up another part of her story. It was almost alarming now how easily and efficiently she could make fibs up. If it pleased her Emma would probably be able to spin a lie so alarming and ingenious that she could make the Dark Lord believe he was an Elephant that danced ballet in a pink tutu.
"The only reason we were separated was because the Magi feared our power combined, we could have taken the world a storm. Unfortunately for the Magi they should have realized that we were connected, through one sister not only flows the same blood but the same magic. Everything she had the night she died transferred to me and now the Council has an even bigger problem." She smirked on the greedy look on Voldemort's face.
"And pray tell what do you propose to do with all this power?" He asked and in her mind Emerald already knew what he wanted. He wanted her to join him, be his heir, or perhaps to put it in better words, his puppet.
"I shall do whatever I wish with it." She answered trying not to make herself sound to eager. She began to feel dizzy and light headed again as her scar pounded furiously she already knew she had exaggerated her stay and it was time to leave before things got out of hand. They would meet another time and by then she would figure out a way to lessen their connection through her scar.
"For now I believe it is time for me to leave. Goodbye Marvolo, I will be going back with Severus and if you need contact me do it through him." Leaving him without a chance to answer she calmly walked away, her steps slow and measured as she concentrated on staying upright. The only purpose this meeting served was to introduce herself and the fact that she was powerful to Voldemort. The proceeding steps would have to wait until later for her to fulfill, that is if she lived that long.
Walking right up to Severus, whose head was still down and his hands stayed clasped behind his back she tugged on his sleeve and whispered. "Time to go." Instantly obsidian eyes that bore deep into her own met her, he was mad she could see. Mad that he couldn't get any information to the Order of the Phoenix this time. But there was no time for that, she felt like she could drop like a stone any minute now.
But Voldemort was not finished as he yelled furiously her way. "You dare turn you back to me, foolish girl?!" He must have not known what her true potential was because any one whom did know her would never be as foolish as to whip their wand out to Emma's direction.
Feeling the increase of negative magic and the painful stab in her forehead Emma whipped around on instinct catching both Severus and Voldemort off guard as she used her quick reflexes to grab a Chinese star off her belt and through it with straight accuracy right at the Dark Lord's wand hand.
A loud scream ripped through the Dark Lord's hand as it was nearly split in half and his wand fell to the soil by his feet. But the blow didn't hurt only him, Emma nearly jolted when her scar throbbed sharply making her head feel like a jackhammer pounded on it for the past few hours.
She staggered momentarily feeling weak and put a hand on Snape's shoulder to keep steady. "I need to get out of here." She groaned feeling her head throb with every passing world.
"Please," she begged and leaned partially on his shoulder sagging at the knees as her weight felt doubled and he immediately understood whipping out the same portkey they had used before and as discreetly and casually as possible he put an arm around her waist to support her before activating the bottle cap and having it whisk them away in a whirl.
Emma clung to both the bottle cap they used as a portkey and Severus as she felt the hitch behind her navel and a swirl of colors before her eyes. If felt like forever until Emerald felt her feet come in contact with the ground and she almost collapsed in a heap if it weren't for Snape's arm keeping hold of her.
"What is wrong with you Potter." He snapped as he struggled to keep her upright.
"Scar," she said digging the heal of her palm into her forehead.
This time more agitated he half yelled at her. "What scar I don't see a scar?"
"It's hidden, the lightening bolt.hurts.help me up to the Headmasters office quick." She didn't even realize she was pleading as she mumbled some incoherent words that he couldn't quite make out from in between the ones he did hear.
"Oh no I'm not dragging you all the way up there Potter just wait here." He ordered only angering her further not only on the use of her fathers last name which was not passed down to her but also because of his lack of will to help. So gathering a boost of energy she weakly pushed him away and stumbled forward catching herself on the doorframe of the Potion Masters quarters and righting herself.
"Its Le Fey not Potter understand Snape?" she didn't give him any more time to answer before she rasped back at him. "If you won't help me then I'll go myself, so much for not hating me Professor." And with a shaky hand she reached out to slide the portrait away for her to be able to climb through.
Unbeknownst to Emma, her last statement had struck a nerve in Severus whom stood watching her struggle weakly to open the door. She looked so fragile at this point, more like a child than a woman but her determination showed the great power she possessed. While another part of her, her tortured eyes showed grief and despair, barely any hope in those eyes, they were no longer the innocent eyes of the 11 year old that had just walked into the main doors in Hogwarts looking at it in disbelief and wonder.
Severus had never had a true family. This parents had always neglected him and when they weren't they were teaching him the Dark Arts so that he may one day serve Lord Voldemort. They had succeeded to ruin his life, his soul, his loyalty, and hope, but never once had they ruined his judgment. Yes they had impaired it slightly but never ruined it, never broken it and scattered it.
Although he was a good judge of character and excellent at seeing through false pretences he had never been able to really understand love. Not until Lily and James came along, they brought love with them and then took it away when they died leaving him once again with a cold shell of the heart he was capable of having.
But was he capable of loving someone? Maybe not a lover but a family member. Did his parents' toiling and the Dark Lord's poking leave any part of him unmarked? A part of him that could care and feel like everyone else.
He continued to stare into space yet directly at his daughter thinking things over but it wasn't until she slipped and crumpled to the floor in a heap from the strain did he react and race over to his only child. The child that he had neglected for so long had grown into a woman and he hadn't been there.
//Damn Dumbledore to hell!\\ He mentally yelled. //I could have taken care of her instead of letting him take her off like that, instead of letting him forbid me of my rights as her guardian, her parent.\\ he inwardly growled and scooped her up in his arms. Although she wasn't heavy at all, her tall frame and the various weapons attached to her put a strain on the Potions Master as he continued through the halls with her cursing Albus Dumbledore's and Voldemort's names the whole way for every single problem he could come up with.
Her head lay wearily on his shoulder and she struggled to keep her eyes open and her mind awake. Her scar still stung but it wasn't as bad as it had been. Emerald gripped onto the front Severus' robes finding it easier to stay awake if she concentrated on her grip. It was soon after that she heard a muffled "Mars Bars" as the new password for the Headmasters office. She became aware of being carried up a spiral staircase and closed her eyes momentarily only opening them when she heard an angry bellow right after the door was open and Snape carried her in.
"WHAT HAPPENED TO HER???!" and angry Sirius Black almost plowed Snape over in his haste to get to Emma. "WHAT DID HE DO TO HER?!" he yelled referring to Voldemort.
"Relax Black she's perfectly fine." Rolling his eyes he handed her over to Remus who asked to take her from him.
"PERFECTLY FINE! SHE DOESN"T LOOK FINE TO ME SNAPE!" the man hissed in rage and shot the Potions Master a glare worthy of a Voldemort. If looks could kill Severus would be dead 15 times over.
"There has been no bodily harm inflicted on her you flea ridden mutt it's her scar." He just glared menacingly right back at the other man his out ready to whip out his wand at the slightest false move from Sirius.
"He's not a flea ridden mutt and if I hear any different I'll hex you all the way into Sunday." Emerald weakly bellowed and winced as the sound of her own voice made her head ache. "And shut up all of you my head is killing me."
Severus had failed to notice the frightened four-year-old girl standing and staring wide-eyed at the whole scene while both Sirius and Remus bustled over the tall redhead that currently occupied the large red divan in the Headmasters office. He only noticed the small figure until she faintly whispered, enough for him to hear.
"Will mummy be okay?" in the sweetest voice he'd ever heard. It took him a while to realize the person who belonged to this voice was shorter than his eye level and he looked down where by his side a small girl of about five or six years of age stood gazing intently up at him with large green eyes. Green eyes just like Lily's, just like Emerald's, just like most of the Slytherin royal family's. With a head full of thick wavy deep red hair and a slightly round face the girl gave him the impression of a small angel.
Seeing as he didn't answer her question she repeated it again this time adding a little more to it.
"Please grandpa, will mummy be okay?"
Jasmine probably had no idea what her words did to him. Just hearing her call him 'grandpa' gave his heart a jolt. Like a bucket of ice water had been spilled over him, waking him up and making him see the truth. A part of him wished to be a good person, to be part of the little girl's family. But deep inside he couldn't no matter how much he wished it. The darkness inside him was far to great, so great he was afraid to taint the little angel with it.
Gruffly he grunted and gave a positive shake of his head before turning swiftly on his heel and exited the office, his black robes swirling dramatically around him. Jasmine stared after him for a moment, a slight scowl fixed on her pale face until it gradually softened and she murmured to herself.
"We're all a little dark inside" she said it so quietly that if could have been going through her head rather than coming out of her mouth. Resolving to keep trying and reach out to her grandfather, break the thick walls he's built around him and try to breach them the next time they met Jasmine turned back to her parents whom were speaking amongst each other and the Headmaster whom seemed to be giving them some sort of directions.
"The password is Pixie Powder, remember make sure nobody is following you before you enter." Jasmine heard the Headmaster murmur before Remus picked her mother up again. When they were just about to leave through the gargoyle again Sirius hoisted Jasmine up into his arms so they could go a bit faster.
"Daddy where are we going?" she asked and Sirius leaned in close to whisper to her as they rounded corners and went up a flight of stairs.
"Professor Dumbledore had set up a room for our use, I think we'll be staying in Hogwarts for a while cherie."
"We are?!" she gaped in excitement. Desa had told her so much about Hogwarts before. All the wonderful adventures her mother had and her parents before her. It was all so glorious and large that she didn't know what to look at first. She wasn't quite used to the moving staircases and paintings talking to her all the time since she'd only spent a few years in Ambrosia of which she could hardly recall. But none-the-less everything was beautiful.
Behind Sirius and Jasmine, Remus cradled a semi-conscious Emerald in his arms and watched up ahead as his daughter marveled at every little sign of magic as they passed through the halls. It was amusing and he was sure he would have laughed if the circumstances had been different.
"She has him wrapped around her little finger doesn't she?" Emma mused sleepily as she weakly clung to Remus whom chuckled and had no other choice but to admit it was true.
"She's got us all wrapped around her finger. But Padfoot has always been fond of children, especially since she's his own. Ever since he first met her he became a marsh mellow then a puddle of goo when she first called him Daddy." The lyncanthrope replied shifted the redhead in his arms slightly as she buried her face in his chest and sighed contently.
"I can't imagine how anyone could accuse him for treachery and murder, he's too sweet, too loving. He could never become anything remotely dark." He murmured softly.
"Yes" Remus answered. "But back then nobody cared what you were like. If you had magical potential then you were a suspect. Sirius had more than potential, he was a superb Auror working towards becoming an Unspeakable, and he brought in more Death Eaters than five of his fellow coworkers put together. Not to mention he had a temper worse than anyone else I knew. He was accused because he was in the wrong place at the wrong time."
"You know." She whispered sadly. "If I were never born then my parents wouldn't have gone into hiding and that wouldn't have resulted in Peter's treachery and Sirius' imprisonment. In a way all of this happened because I was born. That's why Snape hates my guts so much, he thinks it's my fault."
To say he was surprised was a little underestimated. Remus hadn't expected that at all and nearly dropped Emma but righted both of them and clutched her closer to his chest.
"You couldn't help being born and if Severus believes it was your fault then he needs to see things from the other side of the fence, he is one of your fathers after all. He's the one who helped create you but that wasn't his fault or Lily or James' fault. You shouldn't curse your own birth, I'm glad your alive, so is Sirius and Jasmine. That's all that matters."
Overhearing their conversation Sirius fell stopped and let the other two catch up with him and Jasmine before he said anything. "He's right you know. If anyone's to blame its Pettigrew and Voldemort. Of course you could still go ahead and hex Snape into next week just for being a greasy bastard."
"Yeah mummy!" Jasmine chorused even though she hardly knew what was going on causing all three adults to smile at her innocence.
Shortly after Sirius followed the headmaster's directions and led them to a portrait of a fairy that was depicted floating while smelling the fragrance of an orchid flower. Seeing them approach she turned toward them and smile.
"It has been long since I've been visited by humans. Tell me children what the password might be and I shall grant thee entrance to thy divine sanctuary." Her heavenly voice sang and both men couldn't help but compare the fairy's voice to Emerald's, which sounded remarkably similar.
"Pixie Powder." Sirius said and set Jasmine off his shoulders so they could get through the portrait whole that just opened followed by Rebus and a drowsy Emma.
Upon entering all but Emerald were impressed by the interior of the place. The room that the headmaster had suggested for their use was really a suite fit for royalty. Inside the fire was blazing in the grand fireplace adorned with carving of angels and Jasmine vines. The sitting room, which was the room, that led directly from the portrait whole had tow large coaches and 4 arm chairs all in a deep blue color trimmed with gold. Their legs were wooden and polished made to shine and the cushions stuffed finally. There were lush carpets in a deep gold color that were about an inch and a half thick made to look like you could just sink into them. Painting and tapestries were about the walls depicting soothing patterns, landscape sceneries, or knights upon horses or magical creatures.
There were six doors that led from the sitting room. Checking them Sirius discovered there were four bedrooms, each with grand furniture made from mahogany and oak furniture. Carved to perfection and brightened by the fires roaring in the hearths and paintings. Rugs made similar to the one in the sitting room but the colors were all diverse.
The other two doors led to a bathroom that seemed grander than the one the Perfects had access to albeit smaller. With its marble floor and large bathtub along with a separate shower cubicle, double sinks and a toilet separated by a door all made in marble, you could indeed proclaim the suite fit for the royals.
The study was much simpler. It had an oak table and a few oak chairs with cushions placed on them and up against the wall were a few simple shelves for books. There were a few tapestries and a carpet spread across the room but nothing too note worthy. Still for Sirius, Remus, and Jasmine it was paradise.
After much arguing and reasoning the adults had Jasmine choose her own room after she begged to stay with them. But in the end they had convinced her that big girls have their own rooms. Of course the little girl had been solemn at first at the fact that she couldn't sleep with her parents but the joy of having her own room was overwhelming and she picked the one decorated in a deep blue and silver.
When she was neatly and safely tucked in which Emma requested she be put down and do, all three adults retreated to the largest bedroom colored in scarlet and gold, the Gryffindor colors.
As they changed for bed Emma thought about the situation they had on their hands. She was required to not only do the impossible and lead a war against the Magi but to wage one against Voldemort's forces. Both would be disasters and at the rate that the magic in her system was building up she might not be sane when it comes to the final showdown.
"You okay Emm?" Sirius asked coming up behind her and hugging her around the waist. She could understand why he was asking; her expression was more than morose.
"To tell you the trust Siri, I'm not. My body's too weak for all the magic that's building up. It's poisoning me." She leant against him and closed her eyes taking deep breaths to keep from falling asleep right on that spot.
"There's something that we can do right? I mean you've talked about the binding ceremony. If you bound the three of us then we can split our magic amongst ourselves so it wouldn't be such a burden. We could even do it tonight with Jasmine safely tucked into bed and a silencing charm on the our room nothing could go wrong, that is if you're not too tired."
Emerald would have suggested it earlier if it weren't for their daughter. The bonding had several different stages. The chanting, the blood binding, spiritual binding, and the intimate bonding followed by more chanting. It was a whole entourage in other words and a very long process.
By now Remus had come out of the bathroom overhearing their conversation with his keen werewolf ears.
"He's right you know both of us would gladly do it now, if you're willing and up to it." He murmured coming up in front of her and wrapping his own arms under Sirius' and have them hug both her and the darker haired man's waists.
"I know but I dread to think what the Council of Magi would do if they get to me or one of you, then seeing our connection." she trailed off a few tears rolling down her cheeks as she thought of the possible things the Magi could come up with. Torture, both physical and mental, starvation, lies, power drainage. So many more torturous methods it made her shiver.
Both men knew what could possibly happen but Emma's life was too important to let her drain away or go mad. "It doesn't matter, they won't get either of us. But if we don't do this then there won't be any of you left Emm." Sirius pleaded and nipped playfully at her neck. Trailing wet kisses down to the tender skin between her shoulder and neck. He was already initiating part of the ritual and Remus soon got the idea of it lowering his lips to hers and sucking on her upper lip and passing his tongue along the seem of her lips asking for entrance.
Emerald moaned in appreciation opening her mouth slightly and letting his tongue invade as he swirled his around hers she reached back and stroked Sirius' hair as he continued to place kisses down to her shoulder.
Breaking off in need of air both Remus and Emma stood panting, as they locked eyes they reached an agreement and Emma abruptly stopped him. Confused he looked up and made a startled sound that soon turned into a moan when she captured his lips with hers.
They would do the binding tonight, they would no longer be a whole split into three but rather three split as a whole.
*********************************AUTHOR'S NOTE*************************************
Hey everyone sorry for not posting in so long. There have been several tragedies that I had to get over. My dog died this weekend, from a snakebite. Yes I cried! Then I had writers block and a lazy bout all at the same time. Can you believe my sour luck!?
Well how do you like the chapter? I know I left a sort of cliffhanger. The binding scene will be in the next chapter and sadly it will be rated R. If I get enough reviews I may write a NC-17 version but post it at the yahoo group where I keep this story. If I do I'll make sure to say so. Umm well what else is there to say? Sorry I'm still not in the best of moods yet but I promise that the next chapter will be both interesting and a bit gloomy, all the more excitement eh?
By: Fyre Fairie Rated R (For mature content and violence) Summary: Harry finds out he has been lied to all his life. After GOF he travels to lands forgotten until he is ready to face the friends he abandoned, the love he will encounter, and the evil he must conquer. Just now when he has finally found his family will they all survive the war?
Chapter 9: The Darkness Inside Of Us
"Eyi, I know who you are Marvolo, or should I say father."
The Dark Lord seemed to look her over with his blood red eyes letting them travel over every inch of her. His pale and snake like face twisted into what she guessed was a smirk. She stood there unwavering while he circled her. Yes, she had to admit it was quite unnerving and revolted her to no end but she had to do what she had to do.
As he continued to let his gaze travel from her muggle weapons to her body where he gave it another upraising glance before standing tall in front of her, towering over her at a height of around 6' 7". To anyone else he would be a thing that can only be seen in nightmares but to her he was a mere fly buzzing by her ear. A fly that needed to be squashed right away.
"Well then, Severus was right," Voldemort spoke slightly. "You are indeed beautiful, and every inch a Le Fey" looking into the green depths of her eyes he quietly added "And every inch a Slytherin."
He must have said that to please her because the man really had no verifiable proof of her origin. Only the Le Fey heritage was that obvious but she agreed non-the-less and gave him a small nod of acknowledgement albeit she wasn't pleased for doing it, it must be done.
"I've completed my training in Ambrosia Marvolo, I have waited long to see how great the rumors make you out to be, and now that I am here all I can say is that I am not impressed." She spoke with confidence not even wavering when his sharp glare pierced through her.
"You shall call me Lord Voldemort if you value your pretty face girl!" he snarled then nodded toward the Death Eaters who were all standing around staring at the two and murmuring to each other all but Severus whom had his arms locked behind his back and his head hung looking to his feet. "Did they displease you?" he asked.
"I've heard of the great things you've done Marvolo," she taunted him using his real name again but he seemed to ignore it. "I always believed you had a glorious army of men and women who showed respect and held knowledge". She paused sweeping her eyes over all of them smirking and then meeting his scarlet ones again. In the distance she could hear some of them laugh when she mentioned that both genders would be included in the army. It didn't take a genius to figure out only men were made up of this one. "But now I wonder how these sniveling ingrates you have before you could have possibly helped you strike so much fear and tyranny."
Chuckling the man beside her took her by the elbow and led her around the circle letting her view all the men. Emma had to do a very good job to keep from flinching but even then it was hard. At least she couldn't feel his touch through her suite but her scar was pounding worse than ever up to the point where she thought she might faint. It was like a fire that coursed through her veins and bit at her insides. She bet the Dark Lord couldn't even feel a thing.
"Only a complete fool would have intelligent followers," he said. "Intelligent followers tend to think to much on their own, they have other ambitions rather than to serve me. They could stab me in the back the moment I turn around, or they can try and over rule me." He continued. "But these men you see before you are simple wizards with a hunger for blood and a plan to rid the world of all impure humans," then leaning closer he whispered in her ear. "They are my puppets to have and to command any way I want."
Emma could feel his hot breath on her ear, its foul smell drifting to her nose and she wrinkled it trying not to vomit on the spot. This was becoming too much and she was becoming dizzy not only from the pain in her scar but also because of the negative energy that pushed and pulled at her own bouncing magical supply. She felt like a dam was going to break inside of her and that Voldemort would be dead within seconds if he didn't step away.
As much as she wished for that to happen, unfortunately she couldn't let him die yet. His Death Eaters were still around and would no doubt finish Severus if not her along with him.
"So that's why there are no women present, you're afraid one of them would show you up." She laughed and swept her own hand towards the masses of masked and cloaked men. "Because these men are the most ignorant bunch I've ever laid eyes on before."
It was clear now that she made the man angry and his fists clenched and unclenched, it was almost impossible to tell whether or not he was grinding his face due to his disfigured face but she imagined he was.
"And what right do you have to make such assumptions? Are you the general of an army? I dare say you're nothing but a spoiled little Princess."
Perhaps Voldemort was attempting to anger her, or scare her, even start a duel or have her submit to him, but whatever the man was expecting he certainly seemed surprised when she let loose peels of laughter.
Taking a moment to calm down she was quite glad to say that some of the Death Eaters looked mortified that she dared laugh at the Dark Lord, while others seemed amused by the display and fully expected Emerald to be writhing on the ground within seconds under their Master's wand.
"I am what I am. Yes I am a Princess and I shall be granted the respect I deserve or else someone will be sorely sorry. As for you Marvolo I don't think it's very wise of you to insult me." With every passing word Emma felt adrenaline flow through her veins. She felt the pressure of extra magic course through her body making her dizzy and yet hungry for more, hungry to let some of it loose and create damage. The redhead finally knew how her ancestor Morgana must have felt. But Morgana didn't have a purpose, didn't have millions of people depending on her.
Despite trying to stay on the light side Emma couldn't deny the dark urges that pushed and prodded her mind begging for escape. Deciding to make some use of this urge Emerald planned to give them all a little fright.
Stepping away she prepared to let loose a bit of her magic to release some of the pressure. Lifting a hand to the center of the circle where a large wooden chair, which she assumed was what Voldemort used as his throne she gave it a flick and sent a margin of her energy out summoning the element of fire and feeling the mark on her right bicep tingle before the whole chair went into violent flames. She saw a few people jump and even some scream; others hid away in the bushes surrounding while yet others disapperated. Voldemort did none of those things though, he didn't even flinch just looked on and scowled when he noticed his followers running away.
As the flames crackled loudly and smoke traveled high into the sky Emerald continued to stare into them, feeling relief and slight comfort coming from the wonderful element that was telling her in its own way how gratefully it was for its life. "Pathetic aren't they?" she spoke finally. "You have to admit they are cowards running at the slightest provocation. The only one I saw standing and unwavering was Severus, I do not understand why you don't trust a man like him." She continued and smirked rather to herself than anyone else. "He's ruthless, brilliant, talented, blood thirsty and committed completely and utterly to you. Your perfect little Death Eater."
The whole point of that was to get Voldemort to trust Snape, to bring the man into the inner circle where only the Dark Lord's most devoted followers.
Pretending to ignore that question sneered and snapped at her. "What is it about Snape that pleases you so? He is nothing. His family banished from our kingdom, he's antisocial as some might call him, sarcastic, holds no power of his own, and looks like one of those putrid homeless muggles whom never took to hygiene." Although Emerald was very tempted to laugh at her grandfather's description of her father she did not. She figured it would be best to tell Voldemort what Mcnair already knew seeing as the man would tell him sooner or later and that would only plant distrust into the Dark Lord's mind towards her. On the other hand she wanted to protect her daughter, hide her existence and keep her safe as long as possible. Emma didn't want her little girl to suffer any more than was necessary, or as much as she herself had when she was younger.
"We have a daughter." She said simply starting to use some more magic to diminish the flames. This time not drawing on the fire's energy but rather spreading it to eliminate some of the negative magic around them. She felt more relaxed now and less tense yet her scar gave a painful twinge under its cover up and she winced.
"How very interesting." He sneered not at all meaning what he said. "And when exactly would you have met then?"
"We met six years back, and had affairs. When I found out I was with child it was time for me to leave back to Ambrosia. He has yet to see her." She replied in monotone making the whole thing up completely.
"I see." He replied still rather harshly. Although the Dark Lord was a lunatic his behavior toward finding out that she had a relationship with Snape was to say the least odd.
"You do not seem pleased by this." She said, but didn't care. It was all a lie and Voldemort would be dead within months if not weeks so why should she care.
"You are right I am not pleased. If it were up to me I would have had you court someone like Malfoy, but then again I believed I killed my daughter nearly 16 years ago."
Shrugging she let forth another line of lies to keep herself from being discovered. "Yes you did Marvolo, you killed my twin. And I regret to inform you that we were separated for one reason." She paused thinking up another part of her story. It was almost alarming now how easily and efficiently she could make fibs up. If it pleased her Emma would probably be able to spin a lie so alarming and ingenious that she could make the Dark Lord believe he was an Elephant that danced ballet in a pink tutu.
"The only reason we were separated was because the Magi feared our power combined, we could have taken the world a storm. Unfortunately for the Magi they should have realized that we were connected, through one sister not only flows the same blood but the same magic. Everything she had the night she died transferred to me and now the Council has an even bigger problem." She smirked on the greedy look on Voldemort's face.
"And pray tell what do you propose to do with all this power?" He asked and in her mind Emerald already knew what he wanted. He wanted her to join him, be his heir, or perhaps to put it in better words, his puppet.
"I shall do whatever I wish with it." She answered trying not to make herself sound to eager. She began to feel dizzy and light headed again as her scar pounded furiously she already knew she had exaggerated her stay and it was time to leave before things got out of hand. They would meet another time and by then she would figure out a way to lessen their connection through her scar.
"For now I believe it is time for me to leave. Goodbye Marvolo, I will be going back with Severus and if you need contact me do it through him." Leaving him without a chance to answer she calmly walked away, her steps slow and measured as she concentrated on staying upright. The only purpose this meeting served was to introduce herself and the fact that she was powerful to Voldemort. The proceeding steps would have to wait until later for her to fulfill, that is if she lived that long.
Walking right up to Severus, whose head was still down and his hands stayed clasped behind his back she tugged on his sleeve and whispered. "Time to go." Instantly obsidian eyes that bore deep into her own met her, he was mad she could see. Mad that he couldn't get any information to the Order of the Phoenix this time. But there was no time for that, she felt like she could drop like a stone any minute now.
But Voldemort was not finished as he yelled furiously her way. "You dare turn you back to me, foolish girl?!" He must have not known what her true potential was because any one whom did know her would never be as foolish as to whip their wand out to Emma's direction.
Feeling the increase of negative magic and the painful stab in her forehead Emma whipped around on instinct catching both Severus and Voldemort off guard as she used her quick reflexes to grab a Chinese star off her belt and through it with straight accuracy right at the Dark Lord's wand hand.
A loud scream ripped through the Dark Lord's hand as it was nearly split in half and his wand fell to the soil by his feet. But the blow didn't hurt only him, Emma nearly jolted when her scar throbbed sharply making her head feel like a jackhammer pounded on it for the past few hours.
She staggered momentarily feeling weak and put a hand on Snape's shoulder to keep steady. "I need to get out of here." She groaned feeling her head throb with every passing world.
"Please," she begged and leaned partially on his shoulder sagging at the knees as her weight felt doubled and he immediately understood whipping out the same portkey they had used before and as discreetly and casually as possible he put an arm around her waist to support her before activating the bottle cap and having it whisk them away in a whirl.
Emma clung to both the bottle cap they used as a portkey and Severus as she felt the hitch behind her navel and a swirl of colors before her eyes. If felt like forever until Emerald felt her feet come in contact with the ground and she almost collapsed in a heap if it weren't for Snape's arm keeping hold of her.
"What is wrong with you Potter." He snapped as he struggled to keep her upright.
"Scar," she said digging the heal of her palm into her forehead.
This time more agitated he half yelled at her. "What scar I don't see a scar?"
"It's hidden, the lightening bolt.hurts.help me up to the Headmasters office quick." She didn't even realize she was pleading as she mumbled some incoherent words that he couldn't quite make out from in between the ones he did hear.
"Oh no I'm not dragging you all the way up there Potter just wait here." He ordered only angering her further not only on the use of her fathers last name which was not passed down to her but also because of his lack of will to help. So gathering a boost of energy she weakly pushed him away and stumbled forward catching herself on the doorframe of the Potion Masters quarters and righting herself.
"Its Le Fey not Potter understand Snape?" she didn't give him any more time to answer before she rasped back at him. "If you won't help me then I'll go myself, so much for not hating me Professor." And with a shaky hand she reached out to slide the portrait away for her to be able to climb through.
Unbeknownst to Emma, her last statement had struck a nerve in Severus whom stood watching her struggle weakly to open the door. She looked so fragile at this point, more like a child than a woman but her determination showed the great power she possessed. While another part of her, her tortured eyes showed grief and despair, barely any hope in those eyes, they were no longer the innocent eyes of the 11 year old that had just walked into the main doors in Hogwarts looking at it in disbelief and wonder.
Severus had never had a true family. This parents had always neglected him and when they weren't they were teaching him the Dark Arts so that he may one day serve Lord Voldemort. They had succeeded to ruin his life, his soul, his loyalty, and hope, but never once had they ruined his judgment. Yes they had impaired it slightly but never ruined it, never broken it and scattered it.
Although he was a good judge of character and excellent at seeing through false pretences he had never been able to really understand love. Not until Lily and James came along, they brought love with them and then took it away when they died leaving him once again with a cold shell of the heart he was capable of having.
But was he capable of loving someone? Maybe not a lover but a family member. Did his parents' toiling and the Dark Lord's poking leave any part of him unmarked? A part of him that could care and feel like everyone else.
He continued to stare into space yet directly at his daughter thinking things over but it wasn't until she slipped and crumpled to the floor in a heap from the strain did he react and race over to his only child. The child that he had neglected for so long had grown into a woman and he hadn't been there.
//Damn Dumbledore to hell!\\ He mentally yelled. //I could have taken care of her instead of letting him take her off like that, instead of letting him forbid me of my rights as her guardian, her parent.\\ he inwardly growled and scooped her up in his arms. Although she wasn't heavy at all, her tall frame and the various weapons attached to her put a strain on the Potions Master as he continued through the halls with her cursing Albus Dumbledore's and Voldemort's names the whole way for every single problem he could come up with.
Her head lay wearily on his shoulder and she struggled to keep her eyes open and her mind awake. Her scar still stung but it wasn't as bad as it had been. Emerald gripped onto the front Severus' robes finding it easier to stay awake if she concentrated on her grip. It was soon after that she heard a muffled "Mars Bars" as the new password for the Headmasters office. She became aware of being carried up a spiral staircase and closed her eyes momentarily only opening them when she heard an angry bellow right after the door was open and Snape carried her in.
"WHAT HAPPENED TO HER???!" and angry Sirius Black almost plowed Snape over in his haste to get to Emma. "WHAT DID HE DO TO HER?!" he yelled referring to Voldemort.
"Relax Black she's perfectly fine." Rolling his eyes he handed her over to Remus who asked to take her from him.
"PERFECTLY FINE! SHE DOESN"T LOOK FINE TO ME SNAPE!" the man hissed in rage and shot the Potions Master a glare worthy of a Voldemort. If looks could kill Severus would be dead 15 times over.
"There has been no bodily harm inflicted on her you flea ridden mutt it's her scar." He just glared menacingly right back at the other man his out ready to whip out his wand at the slightest false move from Sirius.
"He's not a flea ridden mutt and if I hear any different I'll hex you all the way into Sunday." Emerald weakly bellowed and winced as the sound of her own voice made her head ache. "And shut up all of you my head is killing me."
Severus had failed to notice the frightened four-year-old girl standing and staring wide-eyed at the whole scene while both Sirius and Remus bustled over the tall redhead that currently occupied the large red divan in the Headmasters office. He only noticed the small figure until she faintly whispered, enough for him to hear.
"Will mummy be okay?" in the sweetest voice he'd ever heard. It took him a while to realize the person who belonged to this voice was shorter than his eye level and he looked down where by his side a small girl of about five or six years of age stood gazing intently up at him with large green eyes. Green eyes just like Lily's, just like Emerald's, just like most of the Slytherin royal family's. With a head full of thick wavy deep red hair and a slightly round face the girl gave him the impression of a small angel.
Seeing as he didn't answer her question she repeated it again this time adding a little more to it.
"Please grandpa, will mummy be okay?"
Jasmine probably had no idea what her words did to him. Just hearing her call him 'grandpa' gave his heart a jolt. Like a bucket of ice water had been spilled over him, waking him up and making him see the truth. A part of him wished to be a good person, to be part of the little girl's family. But deep inside he couldn't no matter how much he wished it. The darkness inside him was far to great, so great he was afraid to taint the little angel with it.
Gruffly he grunted and gave a positive shake of his head before turning swiftly on his heel and exited the office, his black robes swirling dramatically around him. Jasmine stared after him for a moment, a slight scowl fixed on her pale face until it gradually softened and she murmured to herself.
"We're all a little dark inside" she said it so quietly that if could have been going through her head rather than coming out of her mouth. Resolving to keep trying and reach out to her grandfather, break the thick walls he's built around him and try to breach them the next time they met Jasmine turned back to her parents whom were speaking amongst each other and the Headmaster whom seemed to be giving them some sort of directions.
"The password is Pixie Powder, remember make sure nobody is following you before you enter." Jasmine heard the Headmaster murmur before Remus picked her mother up again. When they were just about to leave through the gargoyle again Sirius hoisted Jasmine up into his arms so they could go a bit faster.
"Daddy where are we going?" she asked and Sirius leaned in close to whisper to her as they rounded corners and went up a flight of stairs.
"Professor Dumbledore had set up a room for our use, I think we'll be staying in Hogwarts for a while cherie."
"We are?!" she gaped in excitement. Desa had told her so much about Hogwarts before. All the wonderful adventures her mother had and her parents before her. It was all so glorious and large that she didn't know what to look at first. She wasn't quite used to the moving staircases and paintings talking to her all the time since she'd only spent a few years in Ambrosia of which she could hardly recall. But none-the-less everything was beautiful.
Behind Sirius and Jasmine, Remus cradled a semi-conscious Emerald in his arms and watched up ahead as his daughter marveled at every little sign of magic as they passed through the halls. It was amusing and he was sure he would have laughed if the circumstances had been different.
"She has him wrapped around her little finger doesn't she?" Emma mused sleepily as she weakly clung to Remus whom chuckled and had no other choice but to admit it was true.
"She's got us all wrapped around her finger. But Padfoot has always been fond of children, especially since she's his own. Ever since he first met her he became a marsh mellow then a puddle of goo when she first called him Daddy." The lyncanthrope replied shifted the redhead in his arms slightly as she buried her face in his chest and sighed contently.
"I can't imagine how anyone could accuse him for treachery and murder, he's too sweet, too loving. He could never become anything remotely dark." He murmured softly.
"Yes" Remus answered. "But back then nobody cared what you were like. If you had magical potential then you were a suspect. Sirius had more than potential, he was a superb Auror working towards becoming an Unspeakable, and he brought in more Death Eaters than five of his fellow coworkers put together. Not to mention he had a temper worse than anyone else I knew. He was accused because he was in the wrong place at the wrong time."
"You know." She whispered sadly. "If I were never born then my parents wouldn't have gone into hiding and that wouldn't have resulted in Peter's treachery and Sirius' imprisonment. In a way all of this happened because I was born. That's why Snape hates my guts so much, he thinks it's my fault."
To say he was surprised was a little underestimated. Remus hadn't expected that at all and nearly dropped Emma but righted both of them and clutched her closer to his chest.
"You couldn't help being born and if Severus believes it was your fault then he needs to see things from the other side of the fence, he is one of your fathers after all. He's the one who helped create you but that wasn't his fault or Lily or James' fault. You shouldn't curse your own birth, I'm glad your alive, so is Sirius and Jasmine. That's all that matters."
Overhearing their conversation Sirius fell stopped and let the other two catch up with him and Jasmine before he said anything. "He's right you know. If anyone's to blame its Pettigrew and Voldemort. Of course you could still go ahead and hex Snape into next week just for being a greasy bastard."
"Yeah mummy!" Jasmine chorused even though she hardly knew what was going on causing all three adults to smile at her innocence.
Shortly after Sirius followed the headmaster's directions and led them to a portrait of a fairy that was depicted floating while smelling the fragrance of an orchid flower. Seeing them approach she turned toward them and smile.
"It has been long since I've been visited by humans. Tell me children what the password might be and I shall grant thee entrance to thy divine sanctuary." Her heavenly voice sang and both men couldn't help but compare the fairy's voice to Emerald's, which sounded remarkably similar.
"Pixie Powder." Sirius said and set Jasmine off his shoulders so they could get through the portrait whole that just opened followed by Rebus and a drowsy Emma.
Upon entering all but Emerald were impressed by the interior of the place. The room that the headmaster had suggested for their use was really a suite fit for royalty. Inside the fire was blazing in the grand fireplace adorned with carving of angels and Jasmine vines. The sitting room, which was the room, that led directly from the portrait whole had tow large coaches and 4 arm chairs all in a deep blue color trimmed with gold. Their legs were wooden and polished made to shine and the cushions stuffed finally. There were lush carpets in a deep gold color that were about an inch and a half thick made to look like you could just sink into them. Painting and tapestries were about the walls depicting soothing patterns, landscape sceneries, or knights upon horses or magical creatures.
There were six doors that led from the sitting room. Checking them Sirius discovered there were four bedrooms, each with grand furniture made from mahogany and oak furniture. Carved to perfection and brightened by the fires roaring in the hearths and paintings. Rugs made similar to the one in the sitting room but the colors were all diverse.
The other two doors led to a bathroom that seemed grander than the one the Perfects had access to albeit smaller. With its marble floor and large bathtub along with a separate shower cubicle, double sinks and a toilet separated by a door all made in marble, you could indeed proclaim the suite fit for the royals.
The study was much simpler. It had an oak table and a few oak chairs with cushions placed on them and up against the wall were a few simple shelves for books. There were a few tapestries and a carpet spread across the room but nothing too note worthy. Still for Sirius, Remus, and Jasmine it was paradise.
After much arguing and reasoning the adults had Jasmine choose her own room after she begged to stay with them. But in the end they had convinced her that big girls have their own rooms. Of course the little girl had been solemn at first at the fact that she couldn't sleep with her parents but the joy of having her own room was overwhelming and she picked the one decorated in a deep blue and silver.
When she was neatly and safely tucked in which Emma requested she be put down and do, all three adults retreated to the largest bedroom colored in scarlet and gold, the Gryffindor colors.
As they changed for bed Emma thought about the situation they had on their hands. She was required to not only do the impossible and lead a war against the Magi but to wage one against Voldemort's forces. Both would be disasters and at the rate that the magic in her system was building up she might not be sane when it comes to the final showdown.
"You okay Emm?" Sirius asked coming up behind her and hugging her around the waist. She could understand why he was asking; her expression was more than morose.
"To tell you the trust Siri, I'm not. My body's too weak for all the magic that's building up. It's poisoning me." She leant against him and closed her eyes taking deep breaths to keep from falling asleep right on that spot.
"There's something that we can do right? I mean you've talked about the binding ceremony. If you bound the three of us then we can split our magic amongst ourselves so it wouldn't be such a burden. We could even do it tonight with Jasmine safely tucked into bed and a silencing charm on the our room nothing could go wrong, that is if you're not too tired."
Emerald would have suggested it earlier if it weren't for their daughter. The bonding had several different stages. The chanting, the blood binding, spiritual binding, and the intimate bonding followed by more chanting. It was a whole entourage in other words and a very long process.
By now Remus had come out of the bathroom overhearing their conversation with his keen werewolf ears.
"He's right you know both of us would gladly do it now, if you're willing and up to it." He murmured coming up in front of her and wrapping his own arms under Sirius' and have them hug both her and the darker haired man's waists.
"I know but I dread to think what the Council of Magi would do if they get to me or one of you, then seeing our connection." she trailed off a few tears rolling down her cheeks as she thought of the possible things the Magi could come up with. Torture, both physical and mental, starvation, lies, power drainage. So many more torturous methods it made her shiver.
Both men knew what could possibly happen but Emma's life was too important to let her drain away or go mad. "It doesn't matter, they won't get either of us. But if we don't do this then there won't be any of you left Emm." Sirius pleaded and nipped playfully at her neck. Trailing wet kisses down to the tender skin between her shoulder and neck. He was already initiating part of the ritual and Remus soon got the idea of it lowering his lips to hers and sucking on her upper lip and passing his tongue along the seem of her lips asking for entrance.
Emerald moaned in appreciation opening her mouth slightly and letting his tongue invade as he swirled his around hers she reached back and stroked Sirius' hair as he continued to place kisses down to her shoulder.
Breaking off in need of air both Remus and Emma stood panting, as they locked eyes they reached an agreement and Emma abruptly stopped him. Confused he looked up and made a startled sound that soon turned into a moan when she captured his lips with hers.
They would do the binding tonight, they would no longer be a whole split into three but rather three split as a whole.
*********************************AUTHOR'S NOTE*************************************
Hey everyone sorry for not posting in so long. There have been several tragedies that I had to get over. My dog died this weekend, from a snakebite. Yes I cried! Then I had writers block and a lazy bout all at the same time. Can you believe my sour luck!?
Well how do you like the chapter? I know I left a sort of cliffhanger. The binding scene will be in the next chapter and sadly it will be rated R. If I get enough reviews I may write a NC-17 version but post it at the yahoo group where I keep this story. If I do I'll make sure to say so. Umm well what else is there to say? Sorry I'm still not in the best of moods yet but I promise that the next chapter will be both interesting and a bit gloomy, all the more excitement eh?