ThiefOfSpoons walks out. He glares at his name: I'm not known as
ThiefOfSpoons any more. I'm now Verbable Nouns! *strikes dramatic pose. No
one is impressed.* Fine, I'll now destroy The Harry Potter universe with
this. *pulls out a rubber chicken. Throws it away* Wrong pocket. *pulls out
yet another remote control* Ah.Right one.
Luinthoron walks out: Excuse me. Who do you think you are? Prince?
VN: What?
Luinthoron: You just can't change your name for no reason and without the proper paperwork.
Dinybones walks out with a huge pile of papers: That's right. You need to take the proper venue to do that. *hands them to Verbable Nouns* Here!
VN: I don't need to do this. I'm the villain.
DB: I'm the beta! I can change you, young man, now get to work.
VN: I'll get you guys yet. *walks off cursing*
Luinthoron and Dinybones high five each other. Myshawolf walks out with her bandaged hand: Hey guys. What's up?
Luinthoron and DB: Nothing. Just saving the Harry potter Universe.
MW: Okay. *turns to the audience* Sorry for the delay and you can see I'm a little banged up but I'm not dead yet! A lot of shit went down up here including a huge writer's block crisis. Hopefully it's over and done with. Anyways, Please review and Enjoy! On with the show!
Treasure of Atlantis
Chapter 3 - Past Encounters of the Odd Kind
Harry opened his mouth to speak only to find he was lost for words. He shut his mouth when a thought hit him. He opened his mouth again, only to have Ron grab his arm more forcefully and pull him away. Harry struggled against Ron's grip. No, I'm so close, Harry thought as he tried to break away. Finally, Ron let go. Harry whirled around and glared at his friend. Ron looked defiantly back at him. Hermione hovered to the side, worried that the two were going to fight again. Harry turned back around only to find the Le Fayes were gone. Instead there was a girl about Harry's age looking at the books intensely.
"Excuse me?" Harry called as he approached her, "Did you see an older couple standing here a moment ago?"
The girl looked up and pinned Harry with her gaze. Her eyes were very mismatched. One was a sapphire blue while the other was a warm honey color similar to Professor Lupin's. Her golden brown hair was pulled back in a loose ponytail. She glanced at Harry. Surprisingly, her eyes didn't do the usual flick up to his scar. She smiled softly at him.
"Ah'm sorry, sugah. Ah haven't seen the people you are looking for." The girl stated gently.
"Oh." Harry sighed deflatedly. Hermione stepped up to comfort Harry. Harry smiled sadly, "Thanks anyways."
"No problem, sugah." The girl smiled brightly, "You'll see them again."
Hermione was intrigued by the girl's speech and asked, "Do you go to Hogwarts?"
"Nope. Ah go to Marie Laveau's Academy Of Majick in America. Are you in Hogwarts?"
"Yes, we are."
The girl's face brightened up considerably, "Really? What houses are ya'll in?"
"Um. Gryffindor."
"That's so cool. Mah mama went to Hogwarts when she younger. She went with her cousin and met mah papa there." The girl gushed at Hermione, "Is it true that there was a triwizard tournament there a few years ago?"
"Yes, It was definitely an interesting experience." Hermione smiled as she tried to draw Harry and Ron into the conversation, "Wasn't it, guys?"
Ron put on a goofy smile, "I guess. Harry, here, was one of the participants."
Harry began to blush as the girl settled her gaze on him. He braced himself for the usual gasps of recognition. Instead the girl exclaimed, "Really? That must have been exciting and frightening. Ah heard they had dragons at it."
Harry gaped in surprise but quickly recovered by saying, "Yeah, it was. It was a good thing I had my friends there to help me."
The girls nodded, "Friend are good people to have with you. Oh, where are mah manners? Here Ah am yakking with ya'll and Ah don't even know ya'lls names. Mah name is Patches Faire-Lupin."
Hermione smiled, "Hermione Granger."
"Ron Weasley."
"Harry Potter."
"It's a pleasure meeting ya'll."
Harry smiled warmly when she didn't fuss over him, "Pleasure is ours. Where in America are you from?"
"N'Awlins, Louisiana."
Hermione corrected her, "It's New Orleans."
"Yankee." Patches exclaimed playfully, "It's pronounced N'Awlins by the natives."
"Are your parents here?" Ron asked.
Patches' eyes gained a sad look when she answered, "Mah mama is visiting some relatives. So mah grand parents brought me here. Ah never met mah papa." Patches brightened up, "Ah'm gonna find him one day and get him back together with mah mama."
"Oh, are they divorced?" Hermione asked.
"No, Mah papa chased mah mama away. He felt he wasn't good enough for her. Men can be so blind at times." Patches joked, then glanced at her watch, "Ah'm late for mah meeting with mah grandparents. It was nice talking with ya'll."
Patches waved as she left the aisle. Harry smiled as he waved goodbye. He turned to see Hermione smiling softly at the girl's retreating form. Hermione was about to make a comment when Ron's mother was calling their names. The threesome moved back to where the Weasleys stood. Essie was explaining to Mr. Weasley what The Muggle World was like since she spent so much time there. Sirius was absent from the small group. Essie smiled at Harry as he approached.
"Did you meet anyone interesting?" Essie asked.
Harry was about to answer when Ron interrupted, "Yeah, a girl from New Orleans, Louisiana."
Hermione giggled, "It's N'Awlins, Ron."
"Really?" Mr. Weasley spoke up, "I heard there is a lot of dark arts there."
Mrs. Weasley snorted at her husband, "Really, Arthur. Liberty Tellier-Faire was from there and she was such sweet girl."
"From one of the most powerful dark wizard family in the world." Arthur stated firmly.
"Never proven, Arthur."
Essie stood up and remarked, "I have to agree with Molly on this. Now I have to find my husband. Tomorrow will be a long day."
Arthur stood up as well, "We will be by at nine o'clock."
Essie smiled gently, "We shall be ready. It was nice seeing you two again."
With that said, Essie ushered Harry away who gave a wave to his best friends. Harry suppressed a chuckle as he walked away when he heard Mrs. Weasley say, 'I thought we just met her.'
Harry glanced up at Essie who flashed a sly smile at him. Harry grinned widely. Today was the best day of his life. Sirius bounced up to them with a definite spring in his step. He pulled Essie into a joyous kiss.
"Well, what was that for?" Essie blushed lightly.
"Does a husband need a reason to kiss his lovely wife?" Sirius beamed as they left Flourish and Blotts, "Remus is meeting us at King's Cross. Apparently he missed his ride back to Hogwarts."
"Oh dear, where is he staying?" Essie asked.
"He can stay with us." Harry suggested hopefully.
Remus was like a beloved uncle to him. Besides He wanted to know who Remus was in love with before at Hogwarts. Sirius seemed to know where his godson's thoughts were at and shook his head.
"He is staying at an old friend's house. He is better off there." Sirius informed them, causing Harry to sigh and Essie to laugh.
Harry hit the barrier at a full run with Ginny by his side. The two smiled at each other as they waited for the others. Soon Ron and Hermione appeared breathless and looking very happy. The four moved towards the bustling crowd around the train. Rising above the crowd gleamed the scarlet engine of The Hogwarts Express.
"Harry, Ron, Hermione!" Draco Malfoy called out as he broke away from his mother.
Narcissa smiled as she watched her son run off. She had never seen him like this since he was four. Narcissa's smile faded when she remembered what wiped the smile off her son's face and killed any kindness he had. Now he had a second chance to live and he was living just fine. Draco talked animatedly with Harry about someone named Phobos.
Narcissa slowly walked over to the small group. She stopped as Sirius walked through the portal with a beautiful black haired woman on his arm. Sirius froze when he saw her standing there. The woman looked at him questioningly before seeing Narcissa. She shook her head and left Sirius's side, coming towards Narcissa.
"Hello, Mrs. Malfoy." Essie greeted as she came over.
Narcissa relaxed somewhat at the woman's easy tone. Sirius snapped out of his revelry and plastered on a smile for his long lost cousin. He wrapped a protective arm around his wife's waist as he gazed at Narcissa with a heated gaze. Narcissa looked away ashamed. She knew why her cousin was upset at her and had run out of excuses long ago.
"Hello, Sirius." Narcissa whispered.
Sirius didn't speak as he remembered how close they were in Hogwarts then she fell for Malfoy and married the git. He remembered the pot shots that Malfoy would take at him, teasing Sirius with his relationship with Narcissa. Sirius wanted to smile at Malfoy's reaction to Libby when she came to Hogwarts. Sirius secretly hoped that Narcissa would see Lucius for the worm that he was. Instead she fell more in love with the jerk. Sirius jumped from his memories when a sharp pain entered his side. He looked down to see his sweet wife glaring at him.
"Sirius, you are being rude." Essie stated loudly, "Ignoring your cousin is impolite especially after all the abuse she has been through."
Narcissa paled to hear her plight so plainly stated, "Please, miss, he has a right to be mad at me since I married his worse enemy."
"Not while I'm married to him." Essie snorted, "No one has a right to punish someone for following their heart. Granted, it wasn't the smartest decision you made, but really!"
Sirius tried absorbed everything his wife had spoke of he looked over Narcissa and began to notice the yellowing bruises on her skin. Shame poured over his soul thickly, sticking to it tightly. Sirius opened his mouth to apologize but Narcissa intercepted him.
"Don't apologize, Sirius. I hurt you more than Lucius ever hurt me." Narcissa smiled at the couple, "I like your wife."
Sirius smiled back, "She is quite a find. Where are you staying?"
"With The Le Fayes. I saw Libby the other day." Narcissa remarked, her smile was genuine for the first time in a long time.
"Remus sent her a letter not too long ago, but she didn't reply." Sirius stated cautiously, "How has she been?"
Narcissa's smile went mysterious as she spoke, "She has been busy for sometime with a household to run."
Sirius paled for Remus, "She is married?"
"Oh no." Narcissa laughed, "Her mother and father are constantly on the go looking for magical artifacts. She has been taking care of The Faire Manor while they are gone. Libby has some time to herself coming soon so she can take care of a few things."
Sirius felt relief sweep over him and wanted to question his cousin some more when Remus jogged up. He beamed brightly at the assembled group, unaware of the previous topic of discussion.
"I just talked with the conductor and the train is about to leave soon." Remus smiled, "Also Essie, your friend, Kaori I think, has a compartment for us."
"Kay is here?" Essie gasped.
"Yes, she told me she is teaching a new course at Hogwarts." Remus added.
Essie turned to Narcissa and said, "I'm sorry but my friend has some explaining to do."
Narcissa waved her off, "Go on. I want to say goodbye to my son right now anyways. I'll talk to you again, hopefully."
Sirius nodded as he hugged Narcissa, "Yes, we will talk again real soon."
Narcissa was caught off guard but hugged her cousin back. The two broke apart and went their separate ways again. Essie led Sirius away to the train. Narcissa watched them go happy for her cousin.
Kaori looked up from her paper as Essie and Sirius walked into her compartment. Remus was a sleep in the corner. Sirius noticed this and rolled his eyes. He sat down next to his best friend, plotting different ways to wake him. Essie suppressed a chuckle as she sat next to Kaori. Kaori put her paper away and turned to her friend.
"You have questions?" Kaori deduced.
"Correct. Why are you here?"
"I will be teaching at Hogwarts as well. It is the only place that Fate feels I will be safe at." Kaori explained, "I have to agree with the two knights there. Arcanius would be a fool to attack it."
"We know he isn't that." Essie nodded her agreement.
"I'm scared, Essie." Kaori whispered, "Lately, I have been thinking of Athens and of him."
Essie nodded her head and gripped her friend's hand. She didn't have to ask him who. Essie knew. Kaori flashed her a bright smile when Sirius joined them. He was wearing his old smile that indicated that he was up to no good. Remus stretched in his seat and yawned, causing everyone to look in his direction and choke back their laughter. Remus looked at everyone with a questioning look.
Sirius asked as innocently as he could, "Sleep well, Moony?"
Remus nodded dubiously, "I think so. What is so funny?"
Kaori shook her head afraid that if she spoke she would start laughing and not stop. Essie felt the same way except she took pity on poor Remus and summoned a mirror. A mirror floated into the room. Remus let out a scream at the sight of his face. Sirius collapsed backward laughing his butt off.
Remus stared at the various designs that covered his face. A few he recognized as copies of Libby's artwork. Remus glared at his best friend as he tried to wipe them off. When he finally succeeded, Remus smiled at Essie before leaping across the compartment to kill his best friend. Kaori laughed out along with Essie. The two girls separated the boys after a few minutes. Kaori wiped tears from her eyes from laughing too hard. She turned to Remus.
"I'm sorry, Professor, but why did you attack Sirius? It was just a simple spell that you easily took care of." Kaori asked him.
"Simple. It was the designs he chose. The person who created them was very special to me and is a sensitive subject to me." Remus answered.
"I'm sorry. It's hard losing someone you love." Kaori understood, "You still love her don't you?"
"Yes I do." Remus sighed as he looked out the window ending the subject. Everyone in the compartment began to talk of something else.
Harry and his friends were playing Exploding Snap when a feeling of fear swept through the compartment. Harry and Draco put down their cards with a smile. In the only empty seat, a black mist began to compile until Nightmare's body was seen through the mist. In her lap was a small bundle. Soon the mist disappeared, leaving the Mistress of Fears sitting in the seat. She smiled at each teen in turn. Hermione, Neville, and Ginny huddled closer together while Ron began to smile.
The bundle turned at looking at the teens with bright green eyes. Harry realized that the bundle was a small child. It was a little girl about 5 years old. Her brown hair was pulled back. She stared at them with such curiosity, Harry wondered if she had ever seen mortals before. The little girl clutched Nightmare's duster as she watched them. Soon she turned Nightmare.
"Mortals?" The girl asked.
"Yes, Diana. These are mortals." Nightmare answered amused as she brushed a strand of red hair away from the green eyes.
The girl looked back at them, "They're pretty."
"Yes, they are that." Nightmare chuckled as she looked at the teens, "This is my daughter, Diana. Today is a Mommy day. Normally she is with her father twenty four seven."
Draco smiled gently as he moved closer, "'Ello Diana. Your mother told me about you."
The little girl smiled brightly at him, "Really?"
Draco nodded. Diana's expression seemed like one that someone wears when making a huge decision. Then she jumped to Draco's lap, surprising everyone in the compartment. Draco gave the child a charming smile and the two began to talk. Ginny and Hermione gave a small sigh. Harry turned to Nightmare.
"I didn't know you had a daughter." Harry stated.
"Well, Last year we really didn't have much time to go into it." Nightmare smiled wickedly, "Or did you forget Voldemort and Arcanius so soon?"
Harry shook his head, "Why are you here? I mean it's nice to see you but you normally don't show yourself unless something big is going to happen."
Nightmare chuckled lightly, "Noticed that, huh? Actually, you are in for a few surprises this year. Just be prepared."
Harry felt everyone's eyes on him. Harry gave a small smile. For once he wanted a peaceful year.
"Don't worry, you'll get a rest." Nightmare smiled in a mysterious way, "There are a few storms on the horizon. You will need to pull together even more strongly in order to survive it. Trust in each other despite your pasts or blood ties."
"What do you mean?" Draco asked as he looked up from his game with Diana.
Nightmare shook her head, "It's not my place to say, but you will need to help the Last Atlantean Knight to see his destiny, as well as your own. Harry's book will help. I have to go. Come Diana."
Diana gave Draco a peek on the cheek, "Will you be my big brother?"
Draco smiled, "If your mother will let me."
Diana smiled, "She will. She likes you as a son. Daddy too. I'll come back to you, okay."
"Promise? I'll be heartbroken if you don't."
Diana nodded as she jumped back to Nightmare's lap. Nightmare smiled at them as the mist swirled around them. Soon the seat was empty. Harry sighed, he really wanted to rest this year.
If there was one thing about this school year that Harry wasn't looking forward to it was Professor Snape. Granted, he mellowed out somewhat last year. Harry dreaded his reaction to Sirius working at the school. So when Harry saw him in the entrance hall, Harry tensed up waiting for an explosion. He got one only it wasn't the one he expected.
Harry and Draco watched from the dining hall door as Snape swept into the Entrance Hall from the Dungeon with his face buried in a set of notes. Sirius, Remus, Essie and Kaori were walking to Dining Hall with Kaori heading for a head on collision with Snape. Harry and Draco closed their eyes as the two professors crashed into each other.
Kaori bumped into Remus who caught her behind she could fall. Kaori smiled to him in thanks and turn towards the other person who hit her. She saw the other man bent on the ground picking up the dropped pieces of parchment. Kaori knelt down as fast she could to help.
"I'm sorry," Kaori apologized as she picked up a few pieces, "I didn't see you coming."
Severus growled softly as he snatched the pieces off the floor, "I should know better than to read notes coming through this hall."
Kaori held the pieces in his direction, "It might be a good idea."
Severus looked up to snatch them away and froze when he saw the pair of ice blue eyes staring at him. His eyes flicked over her face and copper colored hair. Kaori's face was in shocked as she noticed his midnight hair, hooked nose, and dark eyes. The two stared at each other across the stack of Potion notes. The Hall was quiet, as it got downright frigid between the two.
"YOU?!" The two shouted at each other after a few minutes.
Luinthoron walks out: Excuse me. Who do you think you are? Prince?
VN: What?
Luinthoron: You just can't change your name for no reason and without the proper paperwork.
Dinybones walks out with a huge pile of papers: That's right. You need to take the proper venue to do that. *hands them to Verbable Nouns* Here!
VN: I don't need to do this. I'm the villain.
DB: I'm the beta! I can change you, young man, now get to work.
VN: I'll get you guys yet. *walks off cursing*
Luinthoron and Dinybones high five each other. Myshawolf walks out with her bandaged hand: Hey guys. What's up?
Luinthoron and DB: Nothing. Just saving the Harry potter Universe.
MW: Okay. *turns to the audience* Sorry for the delay and you can see I'm a little banged up but I'm not dead yet! A lot of shit went down up here including a huge writer's block crisis. Hopefully it's over and done with. Anyways, Please review and Enjoy! On with the show!
Treasure of Atlantis
Chapter 3 - Past Encounters of the Odd Kind
Harry opened his mouth to speak only to find he was lost for words. He shut his mouth when a thought hit him. He opened his mouth again, only to have Ron grab his arm more forcefully and pull him away. Harry struggled against Ron's grip. No, I'm so close, Harry thought as he tried to break away. Finally, Ron let go. Harry whirled around and glared at his friend. Ron looked defiantly back at him. Hermione hovered to the side, worried that the two were going to fight again. Harry turned back around only to find the Le Fayes were gone. Instead there was a girl about Harry's age looking at the books intensely.
"Excuse me?" Harry called as he approached her, "Did you see an older couple standing here a moment ago?"
The girl looked up and pinned Harry with her gaze. Her eyes were very mismatched. One was a sapphire blue while the other was a warm honey color similar to Professor Lupin's. Her golden brown hair was pulled back in a loose ponytail. She glanced at Harry. Surprisingly, her eyes didn't do the usual flick up to his scar. She smiled softly at him.
"Ah'm sorry, sugah. Ah haven't seen the people you are looking for." The girl stated gently.
"Oh." Harry sighed deflatedly. Hermione stepped up to comfort Harry. Harry smiled sadly, "Thanks anyways."
"No problem, sugah." The girl smiled brightly, "You'll see them again."
Hermione was intrigued by the girl's speech and asked, "Do you go to Hogwarts?"
"Nope. Ah go to Marie Laveau's Academy Of Majick in America. Are you in Hogwarts?"
"Yes, we are."
The girl's face brightened up considerably, "Really? What houses are ya'll in?"
"Um. Gryffindor."
"That's so cool. Mah mama went to Hogwarts when she younger. She went with her cousin and met mah papa there." The girl gushed at Hermione, "Is it true that there was a triwizard tournament there a few years ago?"
"Yes, It was definitely an interesting experience." Hermione smiled as she tried to draw Harry and Ron into the conversation, "Wasn't it, guys?"
Ron put on a goofy smile, "I guess. Harry, here, was one of the participants."
Harry began to blush as the girl settled her gaze on him. He braced himself for the usual gasps of recognition. Instead the girl exclaimed, "Really? That must have been exciting and frightening. Ah heard they had dragons at it."
Harry gaped in surprise but quickly recovered by saying, "Yeah, it was. It was a good thing I had my friends there to help me."
The girls nodded, "Friend are good people to have with you. Oh, where are mah manners? Here Ah am yakking with ya'll and Ah don't even know ya'lls names. Mah name is Patches Faire-Lupin."
Hermione smiled, "Hermione Granger."
"Ron Weasley."
"Harry Potter."
"It's a pleasure meeting ya'll."
Harry smiled warmly when she didn't fuss over him, "Pleasure is ours. Where in America are you from?"
"N'Awlins, Louisiana."
Hermione corrected her, "It's New Orleans."
"Yankee." Patches exclaimed playfully, "It's pronounced N'Awlins by the natives."
"Are your parents here?" Ron asked.
Patches' eyes gained a sad look when she answered, "Mah mama is visiting some relatives. So mah grand parents brought me here. Ah never met mah papa." Patches brightened up, "Ah'm gonna find him one day and get him back together with mah mama."
"Oh, are they divorced?" Hermione asked.
"No, Mah papa chased mah mama away. He felt he wasn't good enough for her. Men can be so blind at times." Patches joked, then glanced at her watch, "Ah'm late for mah meeting with mah grandparents. It was nice talking with ya'll."
Patches waved as she left the aisle. Harry smiled as he waved goodbye. He turned to see Hermione smiling softly at the girl's retreating form. Hermione was about to make a comment when Ron's mother was calling their names. The threesome moved back to where the Weasleys stood. Essie was explaining to Mr. Weasley what The Muggle World was like since she spent so much time there. Sirius was absent from the small group. Essie smiled at Harry as he approached.
"Did you meet anyone interesting?" Essie asked.
Harry was about to answer when Ron interrupted, "Yeah, a girl from New Orleans, Louisiana."
Hermione giggled, "It's N'Awlins, Ron."
"Really?" Mr. Weasley spoke up, "I heard there is a lot of dark arts there."
Mrs. Weasley snorted at her husband, "Really, Arthur. Liberty Tellier-Faire was from there and she was such sweet girl."
"From one of the most powerful dark wizard family in the world." Arthur stated firmly.
"Never proven, Arthur."
Essie stood up and remarked, "I have to agree with Molly on this. Now I have to find my husband. Tomorrow will be a long day."
Arthur stood up as well, "We will be by at nine o'clock."
Essie smiled gently, "We shall be ready. It was nice seeing you two again."
With that said, Essie ushered Harry away who gave a wave to his best friends. Harry suppressed a chuckle as he walked away when he heard Mrs. Weasley say, 'I thought we just met her.'
Harry glanced up at Essie who flashed a sly smile at him. Harry grinned widely. Today was the best day of his life. Sirius bounced up to them with a definite spring in his step. He pulled Essie into a joyous kiss.
"Well, what was that for?" Essie blushed lightly.
"Does a husband need a reason to kiss his lovely wife?" Sirius beamed as they left Flourish and Blotts, "Remus is meeting us at King's Cross. Apparently he missed his ride back to Hogwarts."
"Oh dear, where is he staying?" Essie asked.
"He can stay with us." Harry suggested hopefully.
Remus was like a beloved uncle to him. Besides He wanted to know who Remus was in love with before at Hogwarts. Sirius seemed to know where his godson's thoughts were at and shook his head.
"He is staying at an old friend's house. He is better off there." Sirius informed them, causing Harry to sigh and Essie to laugh.
Harry hit the barrier at a full run with Ginny by his side. The two smiled at each other as they waited for the others. Soon Ron and Hermione appeared breathless and looking very happy. The four moved towards the bustling crowd around the train. Rising above the crowd gleamed the scarlet engine of The Hogwarts Express.
"Harry, Ron, Hermione!" Draco Malfoy called out as he broke away from his mother.
Narcissa smiled as she watched her son run off. She had never seen him like this since he was four. Narcissa's smile faded when she remembered what wiped the smile off her son's face and killed any kindness he had. Now he had a second chance to live and he was living just fine. Draco talked animatedly with Harry about someone named Phobos.
Narcissa slowly walked over to the small group. She stopped as Sirius walked through the portal with a beautiful black haired woman on his arm. Sirius froze when he saw her standing there. The woman looked at him questioningly before seeing Narcissa. She shook her head and left Sirius's side, coming towards Narcissa.
"Hello, Mrs. Malfoy." Essie greeted as she came over.
Narcissa relaxed somewhat at the woman's easy tone. Sirius snapped out of his revelry and plastered on a smile for his long lost cousin. He wrapped a protective arm around his wife's waist as he gazed at Narcissa with a heated gaze. Narcissa looked away ashamed. She knew why her cousin was upset at her and had run out of excuses long ago.
"Hello, Sirius." Narcissa whispered.
Sirius didn't speak as he remembered how close they were in Hogwarts then she fell for Malfoy and married the git. He remembered the pot shots that Malfoy would take at him, teasing Sirius with his relationship with Narcissa. Sirius wanted to smile at Malfoy's reaction to Libby when she came to Hogwarts. Sirius secretly hoped that Narcissa would see Lucius for the worm that he was. Instead she fell more in love with the jerk. Sirius jumped from his memories when a sharp pain entered his side. He looked down to see his sweet wife glaring at him.
"Sirius, you are being rude." Essie stated loudly, "Ignoring your cousin is impolite especially after all the abuse she has been through."
Narcissa paled to hear her plight so plainly stated, "Please, miss, he has a right to be mad at me since I married his worse enemy."
"Not while I'm married to him." Essie snorted, "No one has a right to punish someone for following their heart. Granted, it wasn't the smartest decision you made, but really!"
Sirius tried absorbed everything his wife had spoke of he looked over Narcissa and began to notice the yellowing bruises on her skin. Shame poured over his soul thickly, sticking to it tightly. Sirius opened his mouth to apologize but Narcissa intercepted him.
"Don't apologize, Sirius. I hurt you more than Lucius ever hurt me." Narcissa smiled at the couple, "I like your wife."
Sirius smiled back, "She is quite a find. Where are you staying?"
"With The Le Fayes. I saw Libby the other day." Narcissa remarked, her smile was genuine for the first time in a long time.
"Remus sent her a letter not too long ago, but she didn't reply." Sirius stated cautiously, "How has she been?"
Narcissa's smile went mysterious as she spoke, "She has been busy for sometime with a household to run."
Sirius paled for Remus, "She is married?"
"Oh no." Narcissa laughed, "Her mother and father are constantly on the go looking for magical artifacts. She has been taking care of The Faire Manor while they are gone. Libby has some time to herself coming soon so she can take care of a few things."
Sirius felt relief sweep over him and wanted to question his cousin some more when Remus jogged up. He beamed brightly at the assembled group, unaware of the previous topic of discussion.
"I just talked with the conductor and the train is about to leave soon." Remus smiled, "Also Essie, your friend, Kaori I think, has a compartment for us."
"Kay is here?" Essie gasped.
"Yes, she told me she is teaching a new course at Hogwarts." Remus added.
Essie turned to Narcissa and said, "I'm sorry but my friend has some explaining to do."
Narcissa waved her off, "Go on. I want to say goodbye to my son right now anyways. I'll talk to you again, hopefully."
Sirius nodded as he hugged Narcissa, "Yes, we will talk again real soon."
Narcissa was caught off guard but hugged her cousin back. The two broke apart and went their separate ways again. Essie led Sirius away to the train. Narcissa watched them go happy for her cousin.
Kaori looked up from her paper as Essie and Sirius walked into her compartment. Remus was a sleep in the corner. Sirius noticed this and rolled his eyes. He sat down next to his best friend, plotting different ways to wake him. Essie suppressed a chuckle as she sat next to Kaori. Kaori put her paper away and turned to her friend.
"You have questions?" Kaori deduced.
"Correct. Why are you here?"
"I will be teaching at Hogwarts as well. It is the only place that Fate feels I will be safe at." Kaori explained, "I have to agree with the two knights there. Arcanius would be a fool to attack it."
"We know he isn't that." Essie nodded her agreement.
"I'm scared, Essie." Kaori whispered, "Lately, I have been thinking of Athens and of him."
Essie nodded her head and gripped her friend's hand. She didn't have to ask him who. Essie knew. Kaori flashed her a bright smile when Sirius joined them. He was wearing his old smile that indicated that he was up to no good. Remus stretched in his seat and yawned, causing everyone to look in his direction and choke back their laughter. Remus looked at everyone with a questioning look.
Sirius asked as innocently as he could, "Sleep well, Moony?"
Remus nodded dubiously, "I think so. What is so funny?"
Kaori shook her head afraid that if she spoke she would start laughing and not stop. Essie felt the same way except she took pity on poor Remus and summoned a mirror. A mirror floated into the room. Remus let out a scream at the sight of his face. Sirius collapsed backward laughing his butt off.
Remus stared at the various designs that covered his face. A few he recognized as copies of Libby's artwork. Remus glared at his best friend as he tried to wipe them off. When he finally succeeded, Remus smiled at Essie before leaping across the compartment to kill his best friend. Kaori laughed out along with Essie. The two girls separated the boys after a few minutes. Kaori wiped tears from her eyes from laughing too hard. She turned to Remus.
"I'm sorry, Professor, but why did you attack Sirius? It was just a simple spell that you easily took care of." Kaori asked him.
"Simple. It was the designs he chose. The person who created them was very special to me and is a sensitive subject to me." Remus answered.
"I'm sorry. It's hard losing someone you love." Kaori understood, "You still love her don't you?"
"Yes I do." Remus sighed as he looked out the window ending the subject. Everyone in the compartment began to talk of something else.
Harry and his friends were playing Exploding Snap when a feeling of fear swept through the compartment. Harry and Draco put down their cards with a smile. In the only empty seat, a black mist began to compile until Nightmare's body was seen through the mist. In her lap was a small bundle. Soon the mist disappeared, leaving the Mistress of Fears sitting in the seat. She smiled at each teen in turn. Hermione, Neville, and Ginny huddled closer together while Ron began to smile.
The bundle turned at looking at the teens with bright green eyes. Harry realized that the bundle was a small child. It was a little girl about 5 years old. Her brown hair was pulled back. She stared at them with such curiosity, Harry wondered if she had ever seen mortals before. The little girl clutched Nightmare's duster as she watched them. Soon she turned Nightmare.
"Mortals?" The girl asked.
"Yes, Diana. These are mortals." Nightmare answered amused as she brushed a strand of red hair away from the green eyes.
The girl looked back at them, "They're pretty."
"Yes, they are that." Nightmare chuckled as she looked at the teens, "This is my daughter, Diana. Today is a Mommy day. Normally she is with her father twenty four seven."
Draco smiled gently as he moved closer, "'Ello Diana. Your mother told me about you."
The little girl smiled brightly at him, "Really?"
Draco nodded. Diana's expression seemed like one that someone wears when making a huge decision. Then she jumped to Draco's lap, surprising everyone in the compartment. Draco gave the child a charming smile and the two began to talk. Ginny and Hermione gave a small sigh. Harry turned to Nightmare.
"I didn't know you had a daughter." Harry stated.
"Well, Last year we really didn't have much time to go into it." Nightmare smiled wickedly, "Or did you forget Voldemort and Arcanius so soon?"
Harry shook his head, "Why are you here? I mean it's nice to see you but you normally don't show yourself unless something big is going to happen."
Nightmare chuckled lightly, "Noticed that, huh? Actually, you are in for a few surprises this year. Just be prepared."
Harry felt everyone's eyes on him. Harry gave a small smile. For once he wanted a peaceful year.
"Don't worry, you'll get a rest." Nightmare smiled in a mysterious way, "There are a few storms on the horizon. You will need to pull together even more strongly in order to survive it. Trust in each other despite your pasts or blood ties."
"What do you mean?" Draco asked as he looked up from his game with Diana.
Nightmare shook her head, "It's not my place to say, but you will need to help the Last Atlantean Knight to see his destiny, as well as your own. Harry's book will help. I have to go. Come Diana."
Diana gave Draco a peek on the cheek, "Will you be my big brother?"
Draco smiled, "If your mother will let me."
Diana smiled, "She will. She likes you as a son. Daddy too. I'll come back to you, okay."
"Promise? I'll be heartbroken if you don't."
Diana nodded as she jumped back to Nightmare's lap. Nightmare smiled at them as the mist swirled around them. Soon the seat was empty. Harry sighed, he really wanted to rest this year.
If there was one thing about this school year that Harry wasn't looking forward to it was Professor Snape. Granted, he mellowed out somewhat last year. Harry dreaded his reaction to Sirius working at the school. So when Harry saw him in the entrance hall, Harry tensed up waiting for an explosion. He got one only it wasn't the one he expected.
Harry and Draco watched from the dining hall door as Snape swept into the Entrance Hall from the Dungeon with his face buried in a set of notes. Sirius, Remus, Essie and Kaori were walking to Dining Hall with Kaori heading for a head on collision with Snape. Harry and Draco closed their eyes as the two professors crashed into each other.
Kaori bumped into Remus who caught her behind she could fall. Kaori smiled to him in thanks and turn towards the other person who hit her. She saw the other man bent on the ground picking up the dropped pieces of parchment. Kaori knelt down as fast she could to help.
"I'm sorry," Kaori apologized as she picked up a few pieces, "I didn't see you coming."
Severus growled softly as he snatched the pieces off the floor, "I should know better than to read notes coming through this hall."
Kaori held the pieces in his direction, "It might be a good idea."
Severus looked up to snatch them away and froze when he saw the pair of ice blue eyes staring at him. His eyes flicked over her face and copper colored hair. Kaori's face was in shocked as she noticed his midnight hair, hooked nose, and dark eyes. The two stared at each other across the stack of Potion notes. The Hall was quiet, as it got downright frigid between the two.
"YOU?!" The two shouted at each other after a few minutes.