Myshawolf walks out. In her hand is a road map of the state of
Pennsylvania. Dinybones walks out and looks over her shoulder;
DB: Planning your next vacation?
MW: Nope, I'm trying to calculate how many towns we went through when we went this year? Premier made a bet with me.
DB: Interesting. (looks up) Hey, Mysha we got visitors.
MW: Hi, everyone. I'm kind of busy here. This is chapter 1 of treasure of Atlantis. It gets a little angsty with some dark themes. Hell, this whole fic is going to be a little darker. However some the guardians are willing to keep it light. There may be some running gags in here from Dancing with the Lady Death and especially Mistaken Identity. What else is there?
DB: The disclaimer, Mysha.
MW; I thought we killed that thing. (Diny shakes her head. MW sighs) Fine, I haven't done it in a while. The Guardians are mine, so ask first before borrowing. As for Harry and his friends, as they say in Luinthoron's home country of Estonia, Ei kuulu mulle.
Luinthoron (pops in) That means, I don't own it.
DB: I have a feeling we are going international.
MW: (Smirks) We just did. On with the show!
Treasure of Atlantis-
Chapter 1- Unexpected Guests
Draco ducked in a room and locked the door behind him. He turned to find himself in his own room. On the bed was a duffel bag that was partly full of his things. He had started to pack after he made sure his mother was safe. Draco made the decision to leave after a dream he had warning him that he was in danger. His mother went to a friend's house where Lucius won't dare go. Draco was to meet her there in a few hours. Then it all went wrong.
Lucius had come home to find his wife was gone. The servants who were frightened by him told Lucius everything. Draco was in the middle of packing when he heard his father. He stood up to his father until Lucius hit him with the Crucio Curse. After a few minutes of extreme pain, Lucius told Draco he was taking him to his new master. Something told Draco that the visit wouldn't be a good one. Somehow Draco escaped and had been dodging his father through out the manor all night.
Draco finished his packing and shut the bag. It was time to leave his home. He was about to open the door when he heard his father coming towards the room. Draco froze. He was trapped.
"Come out, son! You can't hide forever!" Lucius roared as he summoned doors to open.
Draco felt the blood drain from his face. He glanced around the room for a way out. A gleam caught his eye. Sitting on his dresser was the key that woman gave him. Draco grabbed the key and headed for his closet door. He could hear the door to his room fly off it hinges as he shoved the key into the hole. He turned and shoved his weight against the door. The door flung open. Draco fell down onto a stone floor. The door flung itself shut just as Lucius reached it. Draco turned and waited for his father to walk through. He stared at his hand, which held the key.
Draco stood up and came face to face with the woman again. Nightmare smiled as she looked her visitor over. Draco stared at her waiting for her to talk to him.
"I was wondering how long until you thought of the damn key." Nightmare stated as she turned away, "Come with me."
Draco picked up his bag and began to follow. He took in the castle he was in. It looked like something out of a Dracula movie. The girl stopped and looked back at him.
"It inspired that movie and book. Bram Stoker was a frequent visitor here, one of my favorite people. Now what am I to do with you?" Nightmare mused.
"You never told me your name." Draco remarked.
"Are you asking for it?"
"I guess."
"Fine. I am called Phobos Nightmare, Guardian of Fears and Shadow. I am also a Dream Realm Ruler which means I control people's dreams, more precisely their nightmares. This is my home which I share with my husband and daughter. I was born with man's first taste of fear. I'm the oldest of three siblings. My sister Dreams, lives in the light half and My brother, Sandman guards the Gates to this dimension. Is that sufficient?" Nightmare smiled.
Draco nodded. Nightmare continued to walk until she entered a gallery of pictures. She studied several until she came to one. Draco watched her curious. He sighed as he looked around the Gallery and came face to face with a dark dragon. The Dragon blinked at the young man and lowered his head.
"Hello." The dragon said. Draco nearly fell over.
"You can talk?" Draco stammered.
"Yes, can't everyone?" The dragon remarked as it tilted its head. Draco thought about it as Nightmare walked up. The dragon turned its attention to her, "Mistress, Mother Gaia is calling a meeting of all the Guardians. There was an attack on Kaori."
"Is she okay?" Nightmare asked. The dragon nodded his head and Nightmare continued, "Tell her I will be there soon. I just have to get the Dragon Knight in a safe place."
The dragon nodded again. It turned and melted back into the shadows. Draco felt Nightmare take his arm and lead him to a door that appeared under a picture. She took out a bronze key and opened the door with it.
"Just tell the man on the other side the truth and he will protect you until you get to Hogwarts." Nightmare stated.
"Thank you." Draco muttered as he was about to go through the door. Nightmare stopped with a few parting words.
"You will meet her this year. Watch how you talk around her. She is liable to do more than slap you. Also, watch your back. A darker enemy is on the horizon. He wants you and Harry in his pocket." Nightmare stated seriously, "If you need to, you can come here at any time."
"Thank you, Phobos. For having faith in me."
"Some souls are worth saving." Nightmare smiled as she pushed him through and shut the door. Draco found himself outside a quaint little cabin. He raised his hand to knock. For a moment, he wondered if this is where Harry or The Weasleys lived. He brought his hand against the door. The door swung open to reveal someone Draco didn't expect.
"I'm sorry to disturb you, Professor Snape. But I'm in a spot of trouble." Draco stammered as he faced the head of his house. Snape gaped Draco before letting him in. Draco stepped in and told Snape the events of that evening.
***********************************************************************
Harry stared at the stars in the sky. He looked around his room in London. Sirius and Essie moved back to London to live for the rest of the summer. Essie had decided to help clean his childhood home. Sirius wasn't happy about being back but Essie seemed to brighten up the dank house. The three of them were having an adventure cleaning out some parts of the house. Harry smiled as he thought about how much of a family they were. Finally he was truly content with his life. The wind picked up and whispered in his ears, "Danger is still here, you must be on your guard. Rest young Knight."
Harry felt his eyes droop at the suggestion of the voice. As he laid down, he knew that the greatest adventure was yet to come. Essie entered his room with a smile on her lips. Harry settled under the covers as Essie proceeded to tuck him in. He never experienced this before and found it to be quite enjoyable. She kissed his scar.
"Your letter just came from Hogwarts." Essie informed him, "Sirius and I planning on taking you to Diagon Alley for supplies next Saturday. Just in case, you want to inform some people."
Harry smiled, "I still can't believe I won't have to return to Privet Drive anymore."
"Believe my little one. I'm not going anywhere anytime soon." Essie smiled wider.
"I am so afraid I'm going to wake up and find out its all a dream."
"Now don't give Nightmare any ideas, she is twisted enough as is."
"When are you and Sirius going to get married?"
"Stubborn is what you are, Harry James Potter." Essie joked as she sat down on Harry's bed, "Sirius and I are going to wait until we get your school stuff settled. We are going to elope for now."
"What? No wedding?"
"In the spring, we'll hold one. We have our jobs to do. The library must be in Chaos since I was gone and it wouldn't do for the new Charms teacher to miss his first week of school."
"Professor Flitwick is going to still be there. He could cover for Sirius. Nightmare would take your spot as well."
"Harry, what did I say about giving her ideas. Nightmare in charge of the library, that would be a sight. I don't know who would have it worst, the students or the teachers. Now time for bed. We'll discuss this in the morning."
Harry smiled as he turned over and closed his eyes. Sleep came almost instantly. Essie strode out of the room and shut the door behind her. As she walked down the hall towards the stairs, she though about how much her life had changed over the last few weeks. She had a home and a family, something that she hasn't had in a while. Granted The Guardians were like a pseudo family and still were, it wasn't the same. With Harry and Sirius, she felt complete with her new life.
Now if Thana could just grasp her position, Essie would truly be content. However her new protégée was still getting use to everything. Sirius was understanding and even seemed to look forward to Thana's visits. Harry still had yet to meet her since he was either out or sleeping when she popped in. Essie smiled as she imagine Harry's face when he did meet her.
Essie walked into the living room of 12 Grimmauld Place. Slumped in one of the musty over stuffed chairs was her soon to be husband, Sirius Black. Essie grinned as she crept over to the form of her sleeping lover. Quietly, she sat on the arm of the chair and admired his sleeping face. She moved the abandoned Prophet as she bent over to kiss his lips. At the soft contact, Sirius's eyes opened as he leaned into the kiss. When Essie pulled away, Sirius smiled at her.
"Is Harry asleep?" Sirius asked deeply.
"Yes he is. He is wondering when we are going to be married." Essie smiled.
"You did tell him, didn't you?"
"Only that we were going to elope, but not when. I told him we'll discuss it in the morrow."
"He'll remember that too. He's got his mother's memory at times."
Essie chuckled softly at that comment. Sirius saw his chance. He grabbed Essie around the waist and pulled her into his lap. Essie squealed loudly as she fell into Sirius's lap. She playfully hit Sirius in the shoulder, while Sirius laughed loudly. Essie smiled as she laid her head against Sirius's chest. The two stayed that way until Essie noticed a cloud of white mist roll into the living room. Essie sat up straighter as she watched a form emerge from it. Sirius noticed a change in Essie and leaned forward to see what had her interest.
"Essie, what is it?" Sirius asked.
Dreams emerged from the white mist and had a serious look on her face. Essie and Sirius stood up. Dreams Stepped towards them. Worry shone in her eyes.
"Dreams, what is wrong?" Essie asked.
Dreams sighed before explaining, "Kaori was attacked tonight in Venice by a group of Deatheaters. She is fine, but barely escaped them. Somehow, they found her in Venice. The Council has hidden her away temporarily until we can find a safe place for her."
"At least she is safe for now." Essie said relieved.
Sirius nodded as he placed a protective arm around her, "Do you think Voldemort is back?"
"Thana checked The Valley. He is still in residence, not too happy considering." Dreams shrugged, "We think the Deatheaters may have fallen to Arcanius's will. Draco Malfoy's father tried to abduct him tonight as well. He escaped and is hiding with someone Nightmare trusts. Essie, be careful, whoever is behind these attacks may be after Harry as well. The Council is considering taking evasive actions and granting you and Sirius extra powers so you can protect the Eternal Knight. If it is Arcanius who is pulling the strings, we are deep trouble."
"Everyone will be needed to fight. Where will Kaori go?" Essie stated softly.
"We don't know. At least not yet. The Council is meeting right now. Mom asked me to inform you two on recent events. Harry will need to be informed." Dreams commented.
"We will tell him in the morning. He just went to sleep." Sirius replied, "Thank you, Dreams for telling us."
"No problem, Noble Black. Oh Mom's wondering what time do you want her to be at Diagon Alley Next Saturday?"
"Noon would be good." Essie smiled at Sirius's shocked look, "Oh Sirius, you thought they wouldn't know."
"Kind of hoping to keep it quiet and save the big deal for the wedding." Sirius gruffed.
"Right and then reality hit you." Dreams drawled as her mist whirled around her, "I got to go. Bye, you two."
Dreams disappeared in the swirling mist. Soon the mist was gone leaving no trace of the young Guardian except for Essie's giggle and Sirius's smirk.
***********************************************************************
Kaori walked quietly into the cathedral. She ducked behind a pillar and waited for her pursuers to appear. After a few minutes, Kaori stepped away from the pillar. Her eyes searched around the Gothic interior from some sign of life. Satisfied that she was alone, she walked towards the altar. Candle light flickered around her. As she knelt down she didn't see a transparent figure watching her. She closed her eyes as she prayed for strength and protection. The figure was about to move towards her when another presence held him back.
Several cloaked figures entered the cathedral. Kaori sensed them and began to chant in a strange language, one that man had not heard in several years. The air in the holy place turned downright frigid. The transparent spectator watched as the praying woman turned the air to ice. The cloaked one tried to move closer only to find their legs were frozen to the floor. Once Kaori was satisfied that her would be attacker were immobilized, she stood up. She turned to her pursuers. The candle light cast an unearthly light on her hair and eyes.
A silver medallion around her neck began to glow. A pale blue light emanated from it. Kaori raised her hand and a beam of light shot towards the intruders, encasing them in ice. Raising both hands, Kaori began to chant again. This time her whole body began to glow. Her power coursed through her veins as the spell began to take shape. Kaori didn't notice that her feet were no longer touching the ground. As she brought her hands down sharply, the spell was released and barreling toward the helpless figures. In a flash of light, they were gone. Kaori slowly touched down and promptly collapsed from expelling so much energy.
The transparent figure emerged from its hiding place in shock of what happen. Kaori looked up at it. She stood up shakily to face this new threat. The figure was a man with midnight hair and nighttime eyes. Kaori fell into his eyes. The rest was cast in shadow, but Kaori recognized his eyes. Fatigued suddenly overwhelmed her. Her eyes began to shut against her will. She reached out to the man and pleaded.
"Help me, Zenos." She whispered. She could feel the man grabbed her and help her to the ground. As quickly as his presence was there, it was gone. Kaori opened her eyes to see Fate standing over her looking concerned.
"Princess, are you okay?" Fate asked as she helped Kaori to her feet.
"Yes, I think so."
"Good, we must hurry. This place is no longer safe. We found a place that is."
"Where Fate, if you don't mind me asking?"
"Hogwarts."
*********************************************************************** Snape woke up for the second time that night. He sat up and tried to salvage any image from his dream. All he could recall was the same woman again as she called out to him. Resigning himself over to another night without sleep, He got up and walked to the kitchen for some coffee. He paused in the living room by his guest who was collapsed onto the couch.
Draco Malfoy was scrawled over Snape's couch, lost in his dreams. His white hair was mussed up from tossing and turning. Around his neck hung a familiar looking silver key. Snape looked at it closely before continuing to the kitchen. Snape remembered when a young girl handed him a key similar to that, offering him a chance at freedom. He used the key to escape from his past and start a new life. But did he ever really escape it?
He glanced back towards the living room. Was he trying to repay that favor by stopping Draco from making the same mistakes? Maybe, he was. He never really did get to thank her. Hell, he couldn't even remember what she looked like. Why did she pick him to save anyways? Did she not see how weary he was from the senseless killing? When he asked her those questions seventeen years ago, the girl just smiled and remarked quite simply, 'Some souls are worth saving.' But was it true?
Snape downed the coffee in one gulp. It gave his system a shock, but it did nothing to clear his mind. He stared the coffeemaker. Most wizards prefer tea or a butterbeer to any muggle drinks, yet Snape liked coffee. He wasn't sure why. Everyone used to tease him for his choices, but that didn't bother Snape. It was like he experienced it before, but that wasn't possible, was it? Snape stared out his window at the stars. Maybe they would tell him the answers he was searching for.
***********************************************************************
Nightmare walks out.
Nightmare: Hello, Fear Incarnate here. I strongly suggest you hit that little button that says 'Submit a review' and place one. Flames are welcomed. That way we can make s'mores.
MW: mmmm.s'mores.
MW: Nope, I'm trying to calculate how many towns we went through when we went this year? Premier made a bet with me.
DB: Interesting. (looks up) Hey, Mysha we got visitors.
MW: Hi, everyone. I'm kind of busy here. This is chapter 1 of treasure of Atlantis. It gets a little angsty with some dark themes. Hell, this whole fic is going to be a little darker. However some the guardians are willing to keep it light. There may be some running gags in here from Dancing with the Lady Death and especially Mistaken Identity. What else is there?
DB: The disclaimer, Mysha.
MW; I thought we killed that thing. (Diny shakes her head. MW sighs) Fine, I haven't done it in a while. The Guardians are mine, so ask first before borrowing. As for Harry and his friends, as they say in Luinthoron's home country of Estonia, Ei kuulu mulle.
Luinthoron (pops in) That means, I don't own it.
DB: I have a feeling we are going international.
MW: (Smirks) We just did. On with the show!
Treasure of Atlantis-
Chapter 1- Unexpected Guests
Draco ducked in a room and locked the door behind him. He turned to find himself in his own room. On the bed was a duffel bag that was partly full of his things. He had started to pack after he made sure his mother was safe. Draco made the decision to leave after a dream he had warning him that he was in danger. His mother went to a friend's house where Lucius won't dare go. Draco was to meet her there in a few hours. Then it all went wrong.
Lucius had come home to find his wife was gone. The servants who were frightened by him told Lucius everything. Draco was in the middle of packing when he heard his father. He stood up to his father until Lucius hit him with the Crucio Curse. After a few minutes of extreme pain, Lucius told Draco he was taking him to his new master. Something told Draco that the visit wouldn't be a good one. Somehow Draco escaped and had been dodging his father through out the manor all night.
Draco finished his packing and shut the bag. It was time to leave his home. He was about to open the door when he heard his father coming towards the room. Draco froze. He was trapped.
"Come out, son! You can't hide forever!" Lucius roared as he summoned doors to open.
Draco felt the blood drain from his face. He glanced around the room for a way out. A gleam caught his eye. Sitting on his dresser was the key that woman gave him. Draco grabbed the key and headed for his closet door. He could hear the door to his room fly off it hinges as he shoved the key into the hole. He turned and shoved his weight against the door. The door flung open. Draco fell down onto a stone floor. The door flung itself shut just as Lucius reached it. Draco turned and waited for his father to walk through. He stared at his hand, which held the key.
Draco stood up and came face to face with the woman again. Nightmare smiled as she looked her visitor over. Draco stared at her waiting for her to talk to him.
"I was wondering how long until you thought of the damn key." Nightmare stated as she turned away, "Come with me."
Draco picked up his bag and began to follow. He took in the castle he was in. It looked like something out of a Dracula movie. The girl stopped and looked back at him.
"It inspired that movie and book. Bram Stoker was a frequent visitor here, one of my favorite people. Now what am I to do with you?" Nightmare mused.
"You never told me your name." Draco remarked.
"Are you asking for it?"
"I guess."
"Fine. I am called Phobos Nightmare, Guardian of Fears and Shadow. I am also a Dream Realm Ruler which means I control people's dreams, more precisely their nightmares. This is my home which I share with my husband and daughter. I was born with man's first taste of fear. I'm the oldest of three siblings. My sister Dreams, lives in the light half and My brother, Sandman guards the Gates to this dimension. Is that sufficient?" Nightmare smiled.
Draco nodded. Nightmare continued to walk until she entered a gallery of pictures. She studied several until she came to one. Draco watched her curious. He sighed as he looked around the Gallery and came face to face with a dark dragon. The Dragon blinked at the young man and lowered his head.
"Hello." The dragon said. Draco nearly fell over.
"You can talk?" Draco stammered.
"Yes, can't everyone?" The dragon remarked as it tilted its head. Draco thought about it as Nightmare walked up. The dragon turned its attention to her, "Mistress, Mother Gaia is calling a meeting of all the Guardians. There was an attack on Kaori."
"Is she okay?" Nightmare asked. The dragon nodded his head and Nightmare continued, "Tell her I will be there soon. I just have to get the Dragon Knight in a safe place."
The dragon nodded again. It turned and melted back into the shadows. Draco felt Nightmare take his arm and lead him to a door that appeared under a picture. She took out a bronze key and opened the door with it.
"Just tell the man on the other side the truth and he will protect you until you get to Hogwarts." Nightmare stated.
"Thank you." Draco muttered as he was about to go through the door. Nightmare stopped with a few parting words.
"You will meet her this year. Watch how you talk around her. She is liable to do more than slap you. Also, watch your back. A darker enemy is on the horizon. He wants you and Harry in his pocket." Nightmare stated seriously, "If you need to, you can come here at any time."
"Thank you, Phobos. For having faith in me."
"Some souls are worth saving." Nightmare smiled as she pushed him through and shut the door. Draco found himself outside a quaint little cabin. He raised his hand to knock. For a moment, he wondered if this is where Harry or The Weasleys lived. He brought his hand against the door. The door swung open to reveal someone Draco didn't expect.
"I'm sorry to disturb you, Professor Snape. But I'm in a spot of trouble." Draco stammered as he faced the head of his house. Snape gaped Draco before letting him in. Draco stepped in and told Snape the events of that evening.
***********************************************************************
Harry stared at the stars in the sky. He looked around his room in London. Sirius and Essie moved back to London to live for the rest of the summer. Essie had decided to help clean his childhood home. Sirius wasn't happy about being back but Essie seemed to brighten up the dank house. The three of them were having an adventure cleaning out some parts of the house. Harry smiled as he thought about how much of a family they were. Finally he was truly content with his life. The wind picked up and whispered in his ears, "Danger is still here, you must be on your guard. Rest young Knight."
Harry felt his eyes droop at the suggestion of the voice. As he laid down, he knew that the greatest adventure was yet to come. Essie entered his room with a smile on her lips. Harry settled under the covers as Essie proceeded to tuck him in. He never experienced this before and found it to be quite enjoyable. She kissed his scar.
"Your letter just came from Hogwarts." Essie informed him, "Sirius and I planning on taking you to Diagon Alley for supplies next Saturday. Just in case, you want to inform some people."
Harry smiled, "I still can't believe I won't have to return to Privet Drive anymore."
"Believe my little one. I'm not going anywhere anytime soon." Essie smiled wider.
"I am so afraid I'm going to wake up and find out its all a dream."
"Now don't give Nightmare any ideas, she is twisted enough as is."
"When are you and Sirius going to get married?"
"Stubborn is what you are, Harry James Potter." Essie joked as she sat down on Harry's bed, "Sirius and I are going to wait until we get your school stuff settled. We are going to elope for now."
"What? No wedding?"
"In the spring, we'll hold one. We have our jobs to do. The library must be in Chaos since I was gone and it wouldn't do for the new Charms teacher to miss his first week of school."
"Professor Flitwick is going to still be there. He could cover for Sirius. Nightmare would take your spot as well."
"Harry, what did I say about giving her ideas. Nightmare in charge of the library, that would be a sight. I don't know who would have it worst, the students or the teachers. Now time for bed. We'll discuss this in the morning."
Harry smiled as he turned over and closed his eyes. Sleep came almost instantly. Essie strode out of the room and shut the door behind her. As she walked down the hall towards the stairs, she though about how much her life had changed over the last few weeks. She had a home and a family, something that she hasn't had in a while. Granted The Guardians were like a pseudo family and still were, it wasn't the same. With Harry and Sirius, she felt complete with her new life.
Now if Thana could just grasp her position, Essie would truly be content. However her new protégée was still getting use to everything. Sirius was understanding and even seemed to look forward to Thana's visits. Harry still had yet to meet her since he was either out or sleeping when she popped in. Essie smiled as she imagine Harry's face when he did meet her.
Essie walked into the living room of 12 Grimmauld Place. Slumped in one of the musty over stuffed chairs was her soon to be husband, Sirius Black. Essie grinned as she crept over to the form of her sleeping lover. Quietly, she sat on the arm of the chair and admired his sleeping face. She moved the abandoned Prophet as she bent over to kiss his lips. At the soft contact, Sirius's eyes opened as he leaned into the kiss. When Essie pulled away, Sirius smiled at her.
"Is Harry asleep?" Sirius asked deeply.
"Yes he is. He is wondering when we are going to be married." Essie smiled.
"You did tell him, didn't you?"
"Only that we were going to elope, but not when. I told him we'll discuss it in the morrow."
"He'll remember that too. He's got his mother's memory at times."
Essie chuckled softly at that comment. Sirius saw his chance. He grabbed Essie around the waist and pulled her into his lap. Essie squealed loudly as she fell into Sirius's lap. She playfully hit Sirius in the shoulder, while Sirius laughed loudly. Essie smiled as she laid her head against Sirius's chest. The two stayed that way until Essie noticed a cloud of white mist roll into the living room. Essie sat up straighter as she watched a form emerge from it. Sirius noticed a change in Essie and leaned forward to see what had her interest.
"Essie, what is it?" Sirius asked.
Dreams emerged from the white mist and had a serious look on her face. Essie and Sirius stood up. Dreams Stepped towards them. Worry shone in her eyes.
"Dreams, what is wrong?" Essie asked.
Dreams sighed before explaining, "Kaori was attacked tonight in Venice by a group of Deatheaters. She is fine, but barely escaped them. Somehow, they found her in Venice. The Council has hidden her away temporarily until we can find a safe place for her."
"At least she is safe for now." Essie said relieved.
Sirius nodded as he placed a protective arm around her, "Do you think Voldemort is back?"
"Thana checked The Valley. He is still in residence, not too happy considering." Dreams shrugged, "We think the Deatheaters may have fallen to Arcanius's will. Draco Malfoy's father tried to abduct him tonight as well. He escaped and is hiding with someone Nightmare trusts. Essie, be careful, whoever is behind these attacks may be after Harry as well. The Council is considering taking evasive actions and granting you and Sirius extra powers so you can protect the Eternal Knight. If it is Arcanius who is pulling the strings, we are deep trouble."
"Everyone will be needed to fight. Where will Kaori go?" Essie stated softly.
"We don't know. At least not yet. The Council is meeting right now. Mom asked me to inform you two on recent events. Harry will need to be informed." Dreams commented.
"We will tell him in the morning. He just went to sleep." Sirius replied, "Thank you, Dreams for telling us."
"No problem, Noble Black. Oh Mom's wondering what time do you want her to be at Diagon Alley Next Saturday?"
"Noon would be good." Essie smiled at Sirius's shocked look, "Oh Sirius, you thought they wouldn't know."
"Kind of hoping to keep it quiet and save the big deal for the wedding." Sirius gruffed.
"Right and then reality hit you." Dreams drawled as her mist whirled around her, "I got to go. Bye, you two."
Dreams disappeared in the swirling mist. Soon the mist was gone leaving no trace of the young Guardian except for Essie's giggle and Sirius's smirk.
***********************************************************************
Kaori walked quietly into the cathedral. She ducked behind a pillar and waited for her pursuers to appear. After a few minutes, Kaori stepped away from the pillar. Her eyes searched around the Gothic interior from some sign of life. Satisfied that she was alone, she walked towards the altar. Candle light flickered around her. As she knelt down she didn't see a transparent figure watching her. She closed her eyes as she prayed for strength and protection. The figure was about to move towards her when another presence held him back.
Several cloaked figures entered the cathedral. Kaori sensed them and began to chant in a strange language, one that man had not heard in several years. The air in the holy place turned downright frigid. The transparent spectator watched as the praying woman turned the air to ice. The cloaked one tried to move closer only to find their legs were frozen to the floor. Once Kaori was satisfied that her would be attacker were immobilized, she stood up. She turned to her pursuers. The candle light cast an unearthly light on her hair and eyes.
A silver medallion around her neck began to glow. A pale blue light emanated from it. Kaori raised her hand and a beam of light shot towards the intruders, encasing them in ice. Raising both hands, Kaori began to chant again. This time her whole body began to glow. Her power coursed through her veins as the spell began to take shape. Kaori didn't notice that her feet were no longer touching the ground. As she brought her hands down sharply, the spell was released and barreling toward the helpless figures. In a flash of light, they were gone. Kaori slowly touched down and promptly collapsed from expelling so much energy.
The transparent figure emerged from its hiding place in shock of what happen. Kaori looked up at it. She stood up shakily to face this new threat. The figure was a man with midnight hair and nighttime eyes. Kaori fell into his eyes. The rest was cast in shadow, but Kaori recognized his eyes. Fatigued suddenly overwhelmed her. Her eyes began to shut against her will. She reached out to the man and pleaded.
"Help me, Zenos." She whispered. She could feel the man grabbed her and help her to the ground. As quickly as his presence was there, it was gone. Kaori opened her eyes to see Fate standing over her looking concerned.
"Princess, are you okay?" Fate asked as she helped Kaori to her feet.
"Yes, I think so."
"Good, we must hurry. This place is no longer safe. We found a place that is."
"Where Fate, if you don't mind me asking?"
"Hogwarts."
*********************************************************************** Snape woke up for the second time that night. He sat up and tried to salvage any image from his dream. All he could recall was the same woman again as she called out to him. Resigning himself over to another night without sleep, He got up and walked to the kitchen for some coffee. He paused in the living room by his guest who was collapsed onto the couch.
Draco Malfoy was scrawled over Snape's couch, lost in his dreams. His white hair was mussed up from tossing and turning. Around his neck hung a familiar looking silver key. Snape looked at it closely before continuing to the kitchen. Snape remembered when a young girl handed him a key similar to that, offering him a chance at freedom. He used the key to escape from his past and start a new life. But did he ever really escape it?
He glanced back towards the living room. Was he trying to repay that favor by stopping Draco from making the same mistakes? Maybe, he was. He never really did get to thank her. Hell, he couldn't even remember what she looked like. Why did she pick him to save anyways? Did she not see how weary he was from the senseless killing? When he asked her those questions seventeen years ago, the girl just smiled and remarked quite simply, 'Some souls are worth saving.' But was it true?
Snape downed the coffee in one gulp. It gave his system a shock, but it did nothing to clear his mind. He stared the coffeemaker. Most wizards prefer tea or a butterbeer to any muggle drinks, yet Snape liked coffee. He wasn't sure why. Everyone used to tease him for his choices, but that didn't bother Snape. It was like he experienced it before, but that wasn't possible, was it? Snape stared out his window at the stars. Maybe they would tell him the answers he was searching for.
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Nightmare walks out.
Nightmare: Hello, Fear Incarnate here. I strongly suggest you hit that little button that says 'Submit a review' and place one. Flames are welcomed. That way we can make s'mores.
MW: mmmm.s'mores.