The Awakening of a Royal
Chapter 22: Case's settled
SilverDawn
Tonight, like all other nights, saw to the rowdy, but genuine laughter that emanated from the entire Hall. However, other than the usual laughter, there exists excitement too… a curious anticipation of the upcoming match tomorrow – a match between the two strongest Houses within Hogwarts, one that would prove to be the most bloody, yet exhilarating one. As expected, all talk had been centered on tomorrow's game, with all Houses betting on who might win.
Still, to both captains, the match could be considered the least of their worries…
At the Slytherin table, Draco Malfoy sat slumped against his seat; head nodding off in a regular fashion whilst Harry Potter, resident of the Gryffindor table, had openly placed his head on his hands, dozing on the table. Hermione too, was trying to resist the call of the Dreamweaver, and she too, looked to be failing badly.
Not surprising, their last few days had been hell, with their sleeping time taken over by heaps of angelic training courtesy of the high archangels, none of whom were easy taskmasters when lessons are concerned. Nonetheless, there was nothing one can do to help, for training on their endurance or control was vital, lest any of them hurt someone when their abilities – now either vastly enhanced or newly awakened – run amok.
The other angels in their group – Nikolai, Azrael, Ashteroth and Silverdawn – had wanted to help, but the archangels had gently, but firmly, declined their offer, only allowing Silverdawn to enter their training so as to allow their soul bond to strengthen further. The other reason for her allowance into their training had been because they would sometimes be split into pairs to accept different forms of angelic education, with Draco's being the worst, seeing that he would become consort and King of the angels in the near future.
Therefore, other than the usual fundamental training, the platinum-blonde was also instructed with extra court etiquette and language of every species of beings living in all planes, introductions to the elders of various Terran councils, the King of Hell etc, special visits to all the planets under angelic rule, and also to all seven levels of Hell (seeing as to how closely they are related). These, along with extra combat training under both Alexial and Lucifer, plus the amount of homework piling up within the castle in Atzulith, were giving Draco more than just a headache.
Providentially, the effects of more work could be seen in the gradual change within the Slytherin. Draco no longer bothered much about mixing with the Slytherins his father had wanted him to (not that he even had the time), and he no longer tried taunting everyone in his path – a great improvement from his previous behavior, one where he insulted everyone to no end. At times, he would, unconsciously, help people in need instead of sneering at their plight, one that incited grudging respect from everyone, including both Gryffindors and Slytherins. No longer was he called a spoilt brat of the Malfoys, but considered Draco, something that he was very grateful of.
Then, with the constant use of node magic, his originally platinum-blond hair had been streaked with silver, as if it had been highlighted. Harry's hair, too, was starting to have copper-red highlights, as did Hermione's, where her currently-under-glamourie brown hair was streaked golden-brown. All three of them have experienced changes in their physical appearances during the past days of training too. Both boys gained a few more inches, with Draco shooting up to Lucifer's height… a height that could be considered rather tall in human standards. Hermione had (in her own opinion) thankfully not grown taller, but attained a tanner complexion, though like Draco, both could not seem to have the golden bronze skin Harry possessed.
Between the three new angels, there had been a mutual familiarity, and despite the appearance to the school that there still was a certain aloofness between Harry Potter – the boy-who-lived – and Draco Malfoy – son of an infamous Death Eater – the duo had had very interesting mind-conversations with one another through the course of the past few days, ranging from the studies they now shared, and the same lamenting of being in love with angelic females, and princesses at that.
Now, just as dinner was about to end, Lawrence nudged the dozing boy at the ribs, startling the boy from his slumber. Narrowing gray eyes, which were now ringed silver, Draco felt very irritated at someone disrupting his sleep and was about to snipe at Lawrence when Silverdawn heaped some food onto his platter.
"You need your fill, Magician." Silverdawn chided gently, pushing the plate of mushroom baked rice to him, "Alexial wanted me to tell you that you're let off from training tonight."
"Thank Merlin!" Draco sighed with relief as he rubbed his aching neck muscles. Their last lesson of the day had been DADA, and it seemed to Draco that Professor Salazar Snape was taking a sadistic view of his new status, making him do the same training he required only of Silverdawn and Azrael. Of course, he had grown used to it very soon, but still, his muscle went screaming by the end of the day.
As if remembering what Draco had been forced to do, Ashteroth snickered lightly, remember the previous few Dueling lessons. Lucifer too, had not been very forgiving towards what Draco had done, thus allocating several inhumane tasks for him to complete during Dueling lessons.
Contrary to popular belief, the second prince of the Universal Royal Family had relented much already, but twenty rounds around the Forbidden Forest was still something Draco had been forced to do every lesson. True to form, Lucifer's training, in conjunction with Sandalphon and Alexial's relentless teachings in fight, flight and diplomacy had brought out a maturity in Draco that was comparable to Adam's. Perhaps it has to do with his new status, for all the angels were starting to feel an almost identical aura surrounding both Adam and Draco. This was the reason why the seven archangels of the Court of Atzulith and the four elemental angels had accepted him as their future King, seeing as to how their princess was happy when he was around, and his capability in handling the affairs of the angels… tasks that had been thrown to him by the Overseer of Angelic Affairs – Raziel – as tests of his leadership and patience.
"Training tough, isn't it?" Lawrence inquired mildly, sipping his pilfered cocktail. Draco just rolled his eyes, as did Ashteroth, who commented, "Isn't it obvious?"
"I'm no angel." Lawrence smirked, inwardly thankful that he would never be one. The training he'd heard from his friends' description had warned him of how inhumane it could be, and the boy couldn't help but sympathize with Draco once in a while.
Nikolai frowned a little at Lawrence's teasing tone, biting back a sarcastic remark that was at the tip of her tongue. Instead, she turned to her friend, smiling encouragingly, "Well, at least you are still in the Quidditch team Draco. Speaking of which…" The raven-haired healer gestured to four empty seats, "you'd better find some reserves. Or change the entire team altogether."
Following her glance towards the seats, Silverdawn too, felt something amiss, "I agree with Temperance, Draco. I've a bad feeling about this."
"Who cares?" Ashteroth shrugged indolently, more than pleased to find those four idiots missing after so many conflicts that had happened between them. Silverdawn frowned a little at his tone, retorting, "I do."
"You need not chastise me, milady." The blonde angel grinned rakishly, placing a hand on his chest as he continued speaking in Croatian, "It hurts my heart to see you this forgiving." Lawrence snorted at Ashteroth's comical gesture, interrupting in Sindarin, "I thought you have no heart, my dear fallen angel."
"Why do you say that?" Ashteroth, acting baffled.
"For you are the son of the two most famous angels of all times – the almighty Belial, famed assassinator of all realms, and Leviathan, the most merciless general in angelic history. With such parents, it would deem a miracle for you to not not have a heart." Lawrence countered lightly, leaving Nikolai, Draco and Silverdawn snickering in the background. Si Muo, a fellow UWIM student who was rather close to the entire Court, rebuked, "Judgement, if Strength is to be heartless due to his parents, then ought not you be ruthless too? Given Monsieur Professor Snape being your father?"
At this, Lawrence felt tongue-tied whilst the others chuckled whole-heartedly. Ashteroth, who was grinning at the still-elegantly-eating-his-food Si Muo, mouthed him a word of thanks, one, which the older Sevosian acknowledged with a slight nod. Only Si Muo had the ability to silence Lawrence that easily, and given how Si Muo took to adopting Ashteroth and Amber as sworn siblings since their first year in UWIM, it was typical for the boy to counter Lawrence when Lawrence chose to take teasing Ashteroth for entertainment purposes. As usual, Lawrence tried to find a suitable comeback, but was interrupted by their Head of House coming over to their table, his face schooled into a blank mask that had effectively silenced the entire Hall as they waited for what he was to say.
Severus Snape was not in a good mood. The recent twist of events had turned his entire life upside down, his previous beliefs all thrown into the ditch, and the only good that had come out of it was that he'd gain a daughter. One who held all his pride. One, whom he'd only gotten to know better in the past few days after they've reconciled with one another. Hell, he hadn't even had time to bring her over to his home… their home, and now, he was to tackle a pressing issue that was practically thrown into his face!
Clearing his throat, he quietly addressed the group, "As you've seen, those four have been absent for several days."
Slow nods could be seen from the Court, all of whom was intent on what the potions master had to say.
"Miss Parkinson, Miss Bulstrode, Mr. Crabbe and Mr. Goyle have been suspended from school for a month for their unacceptable behavior by the International Parliament. They are now under detainment, awaiting trial of the International Court of Justice." Severus explained calmly, "Meanwhile Draco, you will have to find new players for the team."
"They are sentenced for a trial?" Lawrence asked, wide-eyed. It wasn't everyday that the International Court would deal with students, and the only reason he could find was…
"They are due for trial because of what they did to me?" Silverdawn asked quietly, eyes smoldering with a carefully concealed fury. Severus, knowing that she was about to blow up, nodded in concurrence.
As expected, she was livid.
"I've said. It had been over. and. done. with."
The angel was furious, and, noticing the commotion, Salazar, Lucifer and Mikael went over, knowing that the potions master would not be able to deal with her once her anger is released. Truth be told, no one, short of their mother could mollify her when she was furious, and that person was already dead. Lucifer, calm as always, interrupted silkily, "Miss Langford, Miss Parkinson had intentionally spiked your drink with Cruciatus."
Sharp gasps could be heard from the entire Hall, all of whom had been following the conversation very closely. Draco, shocked beyond words, tightened his grip on the girl's waist, muttering, "They spiked my wine…?"
"I'm going to kill them…" Lawrence spat between gritted teeth. Ashteroth, whose face looked pretty dark, seconded it without a thought, but the victim of it all growled, "Shut up!"
Prying herself from Draco's grip, Silverdawn stood up to face the four adults at eye level. She looked to be calm, but one glance at her eyes betrayed it all. Now a dark amethyst that bordered on black, she started in a quiet, yet murderous tone, "I thought I had said to 'leave it be'?"
Lucifer stepped in front of the others, allowing them to be away from the furious seer, and away from the line of danger should she lash out with her anger. Unruffled, the heir to the throne of Hell started, "As the professor in charge of this transfer, I'm your legal guardian and have every right to get to the bottom of things.
"And now as the victim, I counter-demand you to leave it be." Silverdawn replied evenly, fists clenched tight in an attempt to control her anger. Mikael, who had been listening to it all, shook his head, answering, "It's impossible. They have already been sent to the council of mages."
This time, all of the UWIM students, as well as several Ravenclaws, sucked in their breath, knowing the seriousness of it all. The council of mages is the highest judicial order in the entire world. They seldom care about worldly affairs, and are solely concerned and in-charge of all mages living within the Terran realm. In a way, they are the heads of the mage circle, listening to no government or person except for their own acknowledged head. Their last recognized leader had been Israfil, and the person whom they most respect now is the next Queen of Angels – Silverdawn.
Silverdawn, now blazing mad, whispered dangerously, "You know that they'll be dead."
This time, Lucifer just shrugged, purple eyes cold, "Be thankful that Father and Uncle are not participating. Sandalphon and Belial will be taking over their places in the council."
"All the more they are dead!"
"So?"
"Professor…" Silverdawn gritted her teeth, ready to blast her brother back to Hell when he cut her off, "Si… Miss Langford, you might be muggle-born, but as a princess of your country, your status would have demanded their death."
With this revelation, the seething angelic princess received shocked gapes from the student population, but she ignored it, eyes turning an icy amethyst-black. Lucifer, arrogant as always, continued lying smoothly, "I had reported the situation to your father." The prince paused, wincing as he remembered his father's glare, a stare so cold, he was virtually frozen on the spot, "Your father had been, to put it mildly, displeased."
At this, the UWIM students paled drastically, painfully aware that his majesty's wrath was not something one would call fun. Silverdawn's face went white, trembling as she restrained the urge to strangle the man before her, "You did not have to tell him."
"I did it for your safety." Lucifer soothed, knowing that it'll be difficult to placate his sister this time, "He was concerned with your state of health after you left Atzulith…"
"Don't coddle me, Lucifer." Silverdawn interrupted curtly, "There had been no need to throw the entire situation into the hands of the International Court or the Mage Circle." Then, walking towards Mikael, who looked rather uneasy, she continued dangerously, "And you should have stopped this idiot from creating such folly."
The insult was clear, but Lucifer remained impassive, watching the girl walk towards the direction of the doors. However, before she left, the princess passed by Gryffindor's table, glaring accusingly at Azrael. The prince looked a little guilty, squirming slightly under his twin's relentless stare. Abruptly, Silverdawn flicked her hand, and Azrael was suddenly encased in a pillar of ice, much to the shock of everyone present.
"And you." The princess started quietly, "Think over what you've done. Congratulations, your highness. You've just successfully ruined the future of four young children."
With that, she left, leaving the Hall enshrouded in a chilly silence.
At the Head Table, Lady Tracy shook her head, her crown of strawberry-blond locks swaying slightly as she murmured worriedly, "By the Valar, she really is mad."
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Kadamon Suite
Information Halls
For the entire night, the lights within the Information Halls never dimmed, its telecommunication screen was constantly filled with the images of different faces whilst a lone figure explained the circumstances to the people one by one, all of whom were, to say the least, enraged. A case brought up to the council of mages can never be considered a light matter, and the lone figure was starting to understand why she almost never bring up any problems to them…
The elders of the council were too protective of their fellow mages, especially one as young as her.
"Yes, yes uncle. I know… but I've no wish for it to go so far." The girl explained, rubbing her throbbing temples. The man at the screen looked on thoughtfully, vivid magenta orbs eyeing the silent girl with worry. Finally, he started, his voice deep and powerful, "Have you spoken to the others?"
"Yes."
"What did they say?"
"They await father and your decisions."
There was a pregnant pause here while the man sorted out his thoughts. Brooding, he asked, "And what of Adam?"
"He'll go by your decision, uncle." Silverdawn replied quietly, praying fervently that the man will agree to her words. Truth be told, the only person who can match his words would be the Queen of Angels, and since the throne is still empty as of current, his words held the most impact within the Council of Mages.
The man now gave a wry smile, combing his ebony streaked silver hair as he teased, "Adam gave you a long lecture, didn't he?"
Immediately, Silverdawn grimaced, mumbling something about her stupidity and her father's over-protectiveness under her breath, thus inducing genuine laughter from the older mage alive, though he did not look to be over forty. Still, the laughter was quick to fade, for the man decided not to tease her further, "Silver, I trust your foresight enough to allow things done your way."
"Thank you uncle!"
"However," the man raised his hand to stop the girl's tirade, "should any of these… miscreants start their foolishness once more, I will not hesitate to sentence them to their worst eternal punishment." The man's voice held a tinge of warning, and Silverdawn knew, without a doubt, that the man would do whatever he promised; and in the worst way possible.
After all, he hadn't been the ruler for hell for nothing.
Mutely, Silverdawn nodded her head. Satan had already been very forgiving by letting the matter slide by, and she was not going to argue for naught… not that she dared. The current ruler of hell just gave a smile, and noticing the sudden entrance of another person, acknowledged her with another one of his rare smiles
"Ah… Hermione." Satan greeted warmly, with the addressed returning him a small smile of her own, "Hello uncle."
Hermione had been (previously) rather apprehensive of this close relative, but their first meeting had been most interesting, with Satan ending up correcting her swords stances in the Salle within the castle in Atzulith. Both hadn't known who the other was, yet the King of Hell had willingly helped Hermione, much to the surprise of Lucifer, who had came out in search of the two of them.
Needless to say, the duo had struck together a close rapport, and since then, it could often be seen of Hermione, Silverdawn, Harry and Draco to be out at tea with Satan during their training schedules as they learnt about the 'how' of ruling and leading. It had always been the favorite class they attended, next to flying, and the strong bond between the elder and four children could be seen by how Satan had been willing to take time off his hectic schedule to show them around his realm.
"Silverdawn, I will send the orders for their release to the parliament. You'll be there immediately?" Satan asked, not wanting to waste any more time on some idiotic wizards… no correction, wizards-in-the-making.
"Yes. Thank you uncle." Silverdawn replied gratefully, smiling as a heavy weight lifted from her heart.
"Then I'll leave now. Goodbye children…" the black-haired man trailed off, "and Hermione, do come by for tea."
"I will uncle." Hermione smiled, and the telecommunications screen finally dimmed, much to Silver's relief. Meeting up with all seven elders of the council wasn't an easy thing to do, for it was difficult to locate them given their abilities of shielding and warding. Then, to actually make them listen to what she had to say meant listening to their endless tirade of worries and angry outrage… only the vampire mage and Satan found it useless to start lecturing the young girl, and had started into the main subject immediately, not bothering with any pleasantries. This, of course, was something Silverdawn was ever grateful for.
Hermione, noticing her cousin's fatigue, asked sympathetically, "Long night?"
"Longer than you can expect…" Silverdawn muttered before opening her eyes in puzzlement, "Eh? Why aren't you asleep yet?"
"I've just finished my homework and was wondering if you were still here?" Your temper did flare up quite badly earlier on." Hermione replied mildly, sorting out some papers that litter the table. Silverdawn had the grace to blush at the gentle reproach, mumbling, "I'm sorry about that… How is Riley?"
"Other than a slightly bruised up ego, he's fine. After fifteen minutes in that ice pillar, he was fairly contrite and had wanted to apologize to you in person. But Draco said 'no', wanting you to have some time to breathe. By the way, where's your boyfriend?"
"I sent him to sleep earlier on. There's a match tomorrow." Silverdawn replied before standing up, stretching her sore back lazily. Now that the discussions were over, her plan can finally be executed… the worst parts of the plan, that is. She knew that this would take a long time; hence, she hurriedly cleared the Hall with a wave of her hand, much to the amusement of Hermione. Then, pulling the girl over to the portal room; Silverdawn started hurriedly, "Mya, can you change to your original form now?"
"Why?"
"There's somewhere I wish to bring you to."
The girl's eyes were gleaming with an unnatural bright light, and Hermione looked on suspiciously, wondering what she had in store for her. Still, the Gryffindor obediently changed into her silvan-haired form whilst Silverdawn did the same thing and Silver snapped her fingers. Immediately, they were clothed in the black military uniforms, all of which were glowing with a light of their own.
Walking over to a tapestry of the last mage war, the princess stroked the gilded frame lightly, an action that allowed the tapestry to dissolve into an arched pathway. Hermione looked a little guarded at the dark pathway, but she had no time to dally as Silverdawn had already taken her by the hand and led her into the unlit corridor. The journey was much shorter than Hermione had expected. As a result, she had been rather surprised when Silverdawn pushed open a heavy oak door that was at the opposite end of the passageway.
In the next second, they were once again bathed in light, standing in a small chamber with several men pointing their wands at them. Silverdawn looked mildly amused at the efficiency of the men – they had not wasted any time at all when the rarely used portal within the Apparation chamber opened.
Noticing who one of the two silvan-haired girls was, one of the Aurors hastily drew back his wand, bowing respectfully as the others followed form.
"Your highness." All six Aurors murmured before the leader, a brunette, walked forward deferentially, smiling slightly at the young princess before her, "Your highness, we've received orders to escort you over to the unplottable cells." Then, the brunette glanced over at the almost identical girl next to Silverdawn, frowning, "This is…?"
"Karla, she's Adariel, my cousin." Silverdawn introduced to the lady Auror-cum-Universal Elite. Karla, noticing Hermione's mystical sapphire eyes, felt a jolt of recognition pass over her. Eyes widening, she gasped, "She's Athena's child!"
"Indeed." The first princess replied wryly, reminding herself that Karla had been one of the Universal Elite sent to search for Athena when she had been abducted. No doubt, the semblance between mother and child were too uncanny for such a smart lady to not notice.
"Your highness." Karla bowed towards Hermione in utmost reverence, "It's good to have you back once more." Hermione, not knowing what to do as the other Aurors started bowing too, pleaded silently to Silverdawn for help. However, the latter just waited for Hermione to do it herself, knowing that it was also part of their so-called training. Realizing that Silverdawn was not going to help, Hermione sighed, waving her hand almost in a dismissing manner as the Aurors stood up once more.
When they stood up, Karla motioned for the two princesses to go with them, but Hermione frowned slightly, "Silver, I don't think we need that big a group to bring us round. Do you not know where we're going?"
Silverdawn, hearing the wisdom of her words, chuckled slightly, "True. I do know where we're supposed to be heading…" Turning over to Karla, she continued, "Karla, dismiss the others. One Universal Elite Auror is enough protection with in the International Parliament grounds."
Gray eyes twinkling, said Auror nodded her head slightly and dismissed the other six Aurors. Once all of them were gone, she heaved a sigh of relief, "Circe's blessings! I thought I'd have to deal with six grumpy men while having to escort you." The last word had a tinge of sarcasm infused into it, and Silverdawn just laughed, much to the confusion of Hermione."
::She's rather close to our family.:: Silverdawn explained immediately, knowing that it was seldom for anyone to take on that tone to her. Hermione had indeed been curious about how the lady Auror dared to use such a tone of Silverdawn, and this, coupled with the friendly banter between the duo, had been a refreshing change from what she usually saw around the princess when she's with others excluding the Court.
"It really is rare for someone to be this sarcastic to you Silver." Hermione mused, only to blush when she realize that she'd said this aloud. Karla, hearing this, chuckled, "Who would even dare? The impression she gives people is already enough for them to be polite, not to mention her sometimes overtly sharp tongue."
"All too true." The second princess agreed with a giggle, whilst Silverdawn remained unfazed by their teasing. Walking over to the next portal room, the Auror opened the door, motioning for the two princesses to enter before her, "Still, she is what us Chinese would consider 'a sharp mouth with a soft heart'."
"Hey!" Silverdawn voiced indignantly, but the other two just laughed. Seldom was Silverdawn seen losing in verbal warfare, but it seems like Karla just had the way to undo the young princess's entire upbringing, showing, as a result, a regular teenager side of Silverdawn. The victim of it all sighed as Hermione and Karla continued chuckling as the Auror led them through the maze of corridors that held no illumination.
The only thing that seemed to be glowing was, surprisingly, their bodies. Looking at the Universal Elite in askance, Karla replied mildly, "There's a sensor charm. No lights are allowed in here, given what guards this place, so our bodies become the source of light for ourselves to see the way. It also prevents any of the prisoners from running away. Their bodies are spelled against lighting up, and many get trapped in here for days before someone pities them enough to let them out."
"Who guards this place?" Hermione echoed, wondering what the woman had meant at that.
"The Watchers, serpents, tamed Krishaki, fallen angels, devils. These people and creatures thrive in darkness... Of course, there's the regular Aurors, but they try not to enter this territory if possible." Karla replied off-handedly, her tone belying the menace that this unit of cells held. Still, Hermione shuddered at the people guarding these cells – it was a miracle that hadn't bring in Dementors to guard it… but seeing as fallen angels and devils have better ways of making prisoners fear them, there wasn't actually much use adding those black-hooded monsters into the picture either.
For several minutes, the trio walked in silence, their glowing bodies looking ethereal in this seemingly spaceless void of darkness. Finally, they reached a dead end, and Karla placed her hand onto the cold wall, muttering something unintelligible to the partition. Password given, the wall vanished, and in its place held a cold man guarding two heavily warded doors. The man, who had been reading something, sensing the unexpected entrance, had daggers in both his hands, poised to kill. It was only when he saw clearly who the three women were that he replaced those daggers back into their sheaths.
"Your highnesses." The pale, blue-haired man bowed reverently to the two girls before nodding to Karla in acknowledgement.
"Quick as ever, Moloch. No wonder those Aurors who brought food in were so scared." Karla commented dryly as the fallen angel straightened to his original, towering height.
"Hello, Moloch." Silverdawn smiled, inwardly surprised that her uncle had chosen such a high-ranked devil to guard the four children. Needless to say, it showed how angered the mage council had been, and the princess could not help but sigh. The high mages were really too protective of her. While absorbed with her thoughts, Hermione, who, having patched the clues and thus knew who were in these unplottable cells, asked with concern, "How are they?"
Moloch, who face now showed absolute disgust, replied derisively, "Don't worry, they haven't gone crazy… And yes, they've been fed regularly, your highness."
His last sentence had been directed at Silverdawn, for Satan had already raised up the issue long beforehand that he wanted those four… – he had to bite off the vulgarities – children alive. Other than being isolated with the most basic necessities available, they were considered the most comfortable prisoners ever to be present in this series of unplottable cells. Still, they are the first children to be placed here…
"Let us in, Moloch." Silverdawn continued, ignoring the devil's sardonic tone. Moloch was Belial's right-hand man, and his scathing attitude towards mere wizards had been renowned in hell.
"Yes, my lovely dove." Moloch murmured, earning a white eye from the princess. Muttering some archaic words, the door turned into a liquid portal, one, which he motioned for the trio to enter before him. Karla passed through it first, then Silverdawn, and Hermione could not help but ask, "Moloch, what is this for?"
The devil grinned wickedly, "It's an extra precaution – the devil's gate. No one human on Earth has access to it."
"Oh really?" Hermione arched an eyebrow, "What about me?"
"You?" Moloch laughed, "High angels have access to this too, given our close relations." He batted his eyelashes, causing Hermione to burst into laughter. However, before she was given time to counter his words, Moloch just pulled her hand, and both went into the other room whilst the portal disappeared after them.
Eyes adjusting to the dim torchlight – the glow of the bodies had disappeared on entering the room – that illuminated the small, windowless room, Hermione could not help but frown. How could they do this to children? The silvan girl thought silently, uncomfortable with the unnatural darkness in the room. The air felt heavy, far heavier than it should be, and Hermione shuddered. Silverdawn, noticing her unease, went over to her side with Karla in tow, brightening the room to a suitable glow with a simple 'Lumos'.
::Only Pansy and Millicent are here?:: Silver asked, confused.
::Oui. The two… boys are in another cell.:: Moloch replied, a mask of disgust evident on his face. Apparently, he had seen how… irregular those two boys had been, and wasn't very pleased to be guarding them. Hermione, looking at his expression, chuckled silently, though to the others, her face was an impassive façade.
Turning to face the two huddling figures in one corner of the cell, Hermione felt the laughter she previously had dissipate as her heart wrenched despite her previous hatred for the girls. Silverdawn too, felt too shaken to speak.
Both girls looked terrible, to say the least. Apparently, they had been interrogated, by devils… that she was sure. Hair that was not washed hung limply on their faces – faces that was bruised and scratched, dry blood caked on those wounds. Their bodies showed the same sort of injuries, along with whip marks and reddened welts. Imprisonment seemed not to go too well with the two girls, seeing as they'd thinned so much in mere days. Hell, Millicent, who could be considered slightly plump, had lost so much weight that she was only slightly fatter than Hermione, and that was saying a lot. Pansy too, had thinned so much that she looked malnutritioned.
Shooting a death glare at the two adults, Silverdawn went over to where Hermione had kneeled by the two girls, comforting them despite the hate she had previously harbored. Both Pansy and Millicent looked scared of the two new girls, but both seem to fear the irritated devil even more.
"It's all right." Hermione hugged Millicent in a comforting manner, not bothering if her clothes got dirty. Looking over her shoulder, she saw Silverdawn busy muttering healing spells under her breath, her hands placed upon Pansy's face as her lavender eyes held Pansy's black ones, her sigil glowing softly in the light. Slowly, whilst Pansy held the girl's gaze, Silverdawn had, within minutes healed all of the girl's wounds, the only sign that she had been hurt was the dried blood and starved look she still held. Hermione too, remembering her previous lessons in healing, started muttering spells unconsciously, healing Millicent albeit slower than Silverdawn did. Then, she pulled Millicent back a bit, inspecting the girl critically. Safely put, Hermione was more than relieved to see that even the haunted look in Millicent's face had faded a bit.
"You alright?" Hermione asked softly, earning a small nod from the still-fearful girl. Glancing back to Silverdawn, she caught a vial of potion that the other princess had thrown at her, one, which she beckoned her to feed to Millicent before tending to Pansy.
"Here, drink this." She passed the potion vial towards Millicent, whose brown eyes looked at the potion cautiously. Noticing her suspicion, Silverdawn started reassuringly, both to her and Pansy, "It's just some energy strengthening potion. Drink up."
Pansy, who instinctively knew that the girl before her would not lie, drank deeply, and Millicent followed suit. Silverdawn looked relieved when the potion brought some color back to both girls' faces, and both angels felt a stone lift from their hearts – a slight burden that had them unable to breathe. Whilst waiting for the prisoners to recover, both Silverdawn and Hermione sat down on the cold stone floor, backs supporting one another as they sighed in relief, ignoring the amusement of the two adults.
"W-who are you?" Pansy finally opened her mouth, voice hoarse due crying too much since they were thrown into this dark cell. Hermione wanted to answer truthfully, but Moloch interrupted coldly, "You need not know."
His icy tone had Pansy and Millicent shuddering convulsively, and Silverdawn growled furiously, "Who were they interrogated by?" It wasn't everyday that someone would become so scared by one person alone, and this was bothering her very much.
"No one, your highness." The blue-haired devil replied idly, but Silverdawn's fuming had him adding, "The devils that remained in this void haunt them once in a while."
"One in a while?" This time, it was Hermione's voice that echoed in the room, deceptively dangerous. Moloch, knowing better than to anger both princesses at one time, shrugged, "I have no control over them."
"Yeah right." Karla snorted, not bothering to care about the devil's glare. Silverdawn however, having had her anger in control, asked once more, "Is it the same in the other cell?"
"Yes." Only much worse, the devil added silently, not daring to say it out loud. The first princess was already furious, and he did not want her anger directed at him. No, that would be courting Death in its worst form. Silverdawn, who had expected this answer, ordered in a quiet tone, "Karla, go heal the two boys, and bring them out immediately. They had just followed orders."
The Auror bowed and walked out immediately, more than glad to be out of the crossfire. Pansy and Millicent just looked at the adults and the two girls bicker, and knew that those two silver-haired girls held power about them. That was probably why one of them, the taller one, could order an Auror and a devil around that easily.
"Who are you?" Pansy asked once more, bringing the attention of the others back to her again. The devil's glare had her shivering slightly, but Silverdawn placed a comforting hand on her shoulder, replying with a gentle smile, "I'm Serafina, that's my cousin Adariel."
Hermione, understanding that Silverdawn had chosen her middle name instead to remain partially anonymous, smiled slightly at the two girls widened eyes. Not surprising, Silverdawn's middle name was too popular with wizards.
"Your highnesses." The two girls hurriedly stood up and bowed, but Silverdawn stopped them with a hand on each of their arms.
"I'm not here for this, Pansy, Millicent." The princess said firmly, lavender eyes placing a gentle rebuke at both Slytherins, "You do know why you're here, don't you?"
Both girls have the decency to look ashamed, and Hermione placed a comforting hand at Millicent's shoulder. Somehow, after the healing, she seemed to have experienced some of Millicent's past, and had seen why she had become the girl she was now – so filled with anger at muggles. Her mother and grandparents had been killed when traveling in the muggle world when she was so very young, and by muggle terrorists no less. That, and the ingrained knowledge by her father had made her hate anything muggle.
What she did not know was then when she healed her with the angelic spells, Millicent's soul had been cleansed from the darkness within, just as Pansy's one had been. This was the trait of high angels – their forgiveness spanned from simple sinners to mass-murderers.
Silverdawn, having felt their remorse, smiled, "Good, I see that both of you have repented."
"How did you know?" Pansy asked, albeit defiantly. It did not feel right that someone knew how she felt even before she had voiced her opinions, and at this time, she'd forgotten how she was facing. Moloch, however, thought otherwise, and snarled, "Don't speak back at the princess!"
Silverdawn, however, ignored the devil's growl and pointed at Pansy's chest, replying easily, "I see it in your heart." Her words, and the understanding in Silverdawn's eyes had Pansy's guard crumble immediately, and the girl sobbed uncontrollably, "I w-was just jealous! How could she have Draco's heart so easily when I can't? I-It's just not fair!"
"Love has no answer." Silverdawn comforted the hysterical girl, "But, even if you're jealous, you should've known that the Cruciatus potion is forbidden in Great Britain."
Pansy just nodded, still crying, "I only wanted her to feel some pain. It can never be compared to how hurt I felt when Draco rejected me."
Hermione, understanding that jealousy had sparked everything, asked softly, "Still, if you'd loved a person, you would want him to be happy. Why force him to accept a love he does not want?"
This had Pansy startled for a moment. Her tears had stopped flowing, and silently, she digested Hermione's question… Finally, she answered softly, "No… I shouldn't have."
Silverdawn smiled, knowing that Hermione's question had made Pansy think through her actions. If Pansy hadn't felt guilty of wanted to torture her, she would have felt remorseful for hurting Draco like that. Glad that the Slytherin had grown up – even if it was by a little bit – the princess explained, "Pansy, you were being held in custody partly because of this. The other is due to the fact that Silverdawn, being the Head Girl of her level in UWIM, is under constant lookout from the two UWIM professors. What you did to her had not escaped their attention, and that was why you're placed here instead of Azkaban. As you can see," here, she shot a withering glare at Moloch, "this place is even worse than Azkaban."
"Where are we?" Millicent finally asked, confused.
"In the unplottable cells of the International Parliament." Silverdawn replied, causing the two girls to shudder. Not surprising, these cells were known to the Wizarding World as the hall to Hell, and Pansy and Millicent were starting to understand what was meant by that if their situation was any indication. Hermione, however, hoping to divert their attention from the bleakness of where they are, reassured the two girls, "You'll be out of here in no time, won't they Sera?"
"They will be." Silverdawn replied resolutely, "However, you two can no longer stay in Hogwarts."
Both Pansy and Millicent's eyes dimmed, but they knew that it was already a miracle that they could get out of this place. Silverdawn knew this of course, and she continued gently, "I've gotten places for both of you in Beauxbatons. Don't worry, Madame Maxime will keep this issue in the dark."
"What about our parents? What do they know?" Pansy continued urgently, hoping against hope that they would not know about her being sent to Beauxbatons.
"You do not like your parents, do you?" Silverdawn asked shrewdly, earning an embarrassed look from the Slytherin. Pansy shook her head, and the princess asked once more, "What about Voldemort?"
Her saying the Dark Lord's name had both girls shuddering unconsciously. Millicent, who knew what Pansy thought of the Dark Lord, started boldly, "We will not bow to the Dark Lord."
"Why?" Hermione asked curiously. She thought that almost all of the older Slytherins respected Voldemort so much that it was disgusting. Pansy turned to face Hermione, hatred evident in her voice, "The Dark Lord had my parents coming back at night, shuddering convulsively after bouts of Crucio. I've seen the look on mother's face, the fear that she held. Why should I turn to him?"
Millicent too, had the same look of hatred towards the Dark Lord, surprising Hermione very much. Silverdawn, having anticipated this answer, inwardly smiled, though her face looked impassive, "You do know that the children of Death Eaters are pledged to Voldemort?"
Both girls sagged at her blunt comment.
Of course they knew about that, it had been the nightmare to both girls ever since they turned sixteen, knowing that once they graduated, they would be in the ranks of Death Eaters. Silverdawn, looking at the two depressed girls, was glad that her intuition had been right after all.
"How about I have it announced that both of you are sentenced to death by the council, and make new statuses for you in Beauxbatons. That way, you can escape Voldemort's clutches until he's defeated." Silverdawn proposed, shocking all present, especially Moloch. He knew that Silver would try to help them despite what they'd done to her, but he had not expected her to do this much. Very much wanting to express his disapproval, he shut his mouth instead when Hermione agreed with her cousin's suggestion, "That'd be the most probable solution, Sera. What do you think, Millicent, Pansy?"
Both girls looked at one another and slowly nodded their heads.
"Yes, that'd be good."
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"You knew that they are not from the Dark side, didn't you?" Hermione asked mildly, handing a cup of strong, black coffee to the girl resting in the soft couch. Silverdawn just pointed dryly, "If they were evil, their auras would have been totally dark, like some of the seventh-years. They aren't exactly unredeemable… they're just influenced by their parents."
"That's why you threw a fit at your siblings." Hermione mumbled, remembering the anger she showed earlier on in the Great Hall. Silverdawn, albeit embarrassed by that, nodded her head in agreement. Having sent both girls to rest in one of the apartments she held in London, with a handful of servants at their beck and call, both princesses had returned back to the Kadamon Suite near dawn, and as expected, they were tired. However, Hermione couldn't seem to sleep, for the time with Millicent earlier on had her more than a bit puzzled. Finally, after finishing her tea, she voiced out her question, "Silver, why did I feel the urge to heal Millicent on seeing those injuries."
The referred smiled, glad that Hermione asked this question, "This is what makes us different from the fallen angels. We, the so-called 'light' angels have to urge to forgive people, and heal the sick. Unlike the fallen angels, whose powers are centered on killing and destruction, we like to restore things to their purest state."
"So the fallen ones are evil?" Hermione asked, a frown evident on her pretty face.
"Not exactly…" Silverdawn shook her head, "It's just that they play a different role in maintaining the balance of nature. Of course, there are cases when some choose to be evil. But that's another idea altogether. Anyways, if they're with a group of dying people, fallen angels are more likely to release them from their pain while we 'light' angels would try all our might to heal them back to their original health."
"So if you are in a place where there's dying people all around, you'll try to heal as many as you can?" Hermione assumed through Silverdawn's theory, which caused the latter to give a strained chuckle before she went serious once more, "Hermione, we angels aren't infallible. We'd rather die to save one than live to see one die. Also, the higher our ranks, the stronger this urge becomes. Of course, it will gradually subside as we grow older, but even until now, Raphael could not help but help heal others even if there are other healers around, and you know that he's one of the oldest angels alive. More often than not, he goes into deep slumber for healing too many people at one time."
This revelation had Hermione shocked, but before she could ask further, Silverdawn changed the subject in hopes that they'd continue this topic at a later date, "Has Harry chosen a new team now that Draco's adding new members into his?"
"Yes." Hermione grinned, "I'm in it too."
Hearing this, Silverdawn arched an eyebrow, "Draco's in for competition. You're a natural."
"That's thanks to Alexial. She taught me the art of balancing when using our wings. After that, flying with brooms seems easier."
"True. Your sense of balance would have to sharpen if you were to use your wings. No wonder brooms seems easier for you now." Silverdawn mused. Getting up from the couch, she pulled Hermione out of her seat, beckoning to her room, "Get to bed then. An hour of sleep is better than none. I don't want you to fall from your broom… eh, what broom are you using?"
"Azrael agreed that both teams all use Firebolt II. It'll be fairer." Hermione smiled, remembering how the talk of Quidditch had pulled him out of the anxiety of apologizing to Silverdawn.
"Well then, good luck!"
With that, both girls closed their eyes, and disapparated back into their rooms.
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End of Chapter 22.
… Sorry! I just could not get the scene of finding Pansy and Millicent out! It took so long that I was on the verge of quitting, but your reviews helped a lot in making me write this. I apologize if this chapter doesn't make sense… I've taken several attempts before making it this decent, but it's still not of my regular standard, and length.
Nonetheless, hope you guys like it. Next time up, it will definitely be the Quidditch match, but before that, we'll see an appearance from Lucius…
Till next time!
Silverdawn