"I had warning from Professor Dumbledore you'd be like this. That's why I didn't say WHERE I was a librarian. At Hogwarts. You know, my best subjects at Salem were History of Magic and Defense against the Dark Arts. I learned quite a few good hexes. I wouldn't hesitate to put most of them on you. And seeing as how Harry's so unhappy with you, I think that as his only other blood relative besides my mother, he'll be coming home with me over the summer. As for the two of you...you're too good to waste simple magic on. You should all be goblins! JARETH!"
It had been a long time since Sarah had spoken to Jareth or even thought of him. But she was so mad at these stupid, misguided muggles, she couldn't think of anything more sensible to do. They weren't worth going to Azkaban over for abuse of muggles. But she knew creatures of the Underground didn't have their movement and activities checked. And so it was with a smile that she greeted the Goblin King when he appeared.
Petunia and Dudley Dursley were huddled together when the Goblin King appeared in all his glory. The green tights, the poet shirt, the boots, the riding crop, that wild blond hair. "My dear Sarah," he said, smoothly. "I was beginning to wonder if you'd ever call on me again. Although I had hoped you'd be alone." Sarah just rolled her eyes. "Have fun with the muggles, Goblin King. Dump them into the Bog of Eternal Stench. Turn them into goblins for all I care. They're not worth trouble with the Ministry of Magic. Consider it....my way of appoligizing for tearing your little world apart nine years ago."
Jareth smirked. "Appology accepted, Sarah. But wait. Did you just use the word muggle? I wasn't aware you were a witch. Nice wand, too. Maple and Fae hair, isn't it?" he asked. Sarah smirked. "One hair of Goblin King," she replied. Jareth raised an eyebrow. "I was wondering who had bought that one. I should have known it was you when you came into the labyrinth. Well, I suppose I'll be gone with my prize, now." And Jareth was just about to leave when Vernon Dursley came home.
Vernon took one look at the girl with the wand, the man who looked decidedly gay, and his beloved wife and son huddled on the couch, fear on their faces, and let out a roar of anger. "HOW THE HELL DID TWO MORE FREAKS GET INTO MY HOUSE?!?" Petunia was shaking as she answered. "I didn't know she was a freak. That's SARAH. You know, my half-sister's daughter? She said she was a librarian, but then she started defending the freaks and talking about the curse that killed Harry's parents. And then she called the other freak and said he could dump us into some bog or turn us into Goblins!"
Sarah nodded. "And Jareth? You can take him, too," she said, pointing to Vernon. "LIKE HELL HE CAN TAKE ME!" Vernon roared. His face was getting rather splotchy. Jareth just let out a cultured chuckle. "My dear mortal, I am the Goblin King. Nobody calls me or Sarah a freak. Got that?" he asked, forming a crystal with a slight twist of his hand. "Sarah, of course, is the only mortal to ever defeat me at my own game. Of course, if you want your freedom, you could always wander my labyrinth. If you take the challenge, you have thirteen hours to solve the labyrinth before you're all my subjects, forever. Then again, it's the only chance at freedom you have."
And so the Dursley's were left at the start of the labyrinth as the portal closed, leaving Sarah and Jareth the only two people at number 4. The Goblin King turned to the witch. "So, Sarah, you're a witch. That and the core of your wand...now I know how you got through my labyrinth so easily. You were in your 5th year of learning at the time, weren't you?" he asked. Sarah nodded. "Salem Institute of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Karen couldn't stand me doing my homework. I almost didn't get it done that summer or the summer after because she always found some reason for me to be watching Toby," she said.
"Well, I suppose I'd better get back to the Underground. Remember Sarah, should you need me, or any of your freinds for that matter," he started. Sarah nodded. "You know I'll call, Jareth. But really, how much trouble can I get into as Hogwarts librarian? Which reminds me. I need to get back. I have to walk outside of the apparation bounds, apparate into Hogsmead, and then it's an hour's carriage ride back to Hogwarts." Jareth nodded. "Or I could take you there. It'd be much faster, and unlike you, I can apparate through the bounds and take you right into the library. By the way, who's watching it for you and making sure no student enters the restricted section?"
Sarah grinned. "Professor Dumbledore. He's the whole reason I knew where to find the Dursleys, and he said I could take Harry for the summer. Harry hates them, and I can see why." Jareth grinned. "Albus is still headmaster? I'd have figured he'd have retired by now. He's an old friend. His father was the representative of the Underground humans at court, and Albus and I grew up together. We're the same age. In fact, I believe you ran into his brother in the labyrinth." Sarah raised an eyebrow. "You mean that crazy guy with a bird for a hat?" she asked. "That's Morath," he said, nodding. Come on, I'll take you back to Hogwarts."
A/N:Thanks to Unicorn Lady who inspired this whole thing. If you haven't read her stories The Searcher and The Searcher 2, you should. They're wonderful. In fact, the name Morath and the concept of him being Dumbledore's brother came from her stories. So thanks for the inspiration, Unicorn Lady!