A/n: Not I'm not dead yet. I can do the Highland Fling. Here it is the Loooooooooooooooooong over due Chapter . I'm debuting it in celebration of the real book 6 debuting. So as of now All this becomes AU. I only hope it measures up to Rowling standards. After this story I'm not archiving any more fan fiction on this site. difference of Opinion with the administration I might continue to write the rest of this series on here if you my public demands it. That's if you are still reading.
Also the reason this took so long is because I'm writing my first Guardian book. That's been stealing my creative energy. I'll have the address to where you can find my newer Fan fiction works will be up on my bio page under homepage. Keep an eye out. Until then, On with the Show!
Treasure of Atlantis
Chapter 6- Filler up
Snape hurried through the halls of Hogwarts as fast he could. His long black robes billowed out as he ran. The hallways were filed with noise of fighting. But no one stood in his path. In fact he couldn't see the combatants around him. He was merely focused on the Great Hall. Someone needed him in there.
Snape shoved against the wooden door, determined to enter no matter what. The door swung open to reveal Kaori waiting for him. Only it wasn't Professor Aquarius. Snape shook his head as he stared at the beautiful glowing woman in front of him. His throat dried up as she smiled lovingly at him.
Her red hair was long and flowing with silver hair beads scatter among the vibrant strands. A silver crown was perched on her head in place of Aquarius's glasses. The Gown was in Grecian style and a deep blue. Snape gaped at the vision he saw as she reached for him.
"Remember me." she called to him, "Before its too late."
Snape was about to say something when the room exploded with a bright light. The woman flew away from him like she had been hit. Snape turned to see Potter and Draco trying to take on a laughing man. Snape could feel the evil rolling off of the man. Soon both boys were blown away.
The man turned to Snape and grinned evilly, "You are too late, Knight. I have destroyed Atlantis."
Snape merely growled. He didn't know who this man was but he knew they must be stopped, "Over my dead body."
"By all means, try it."
Snape lunged at the man. Suddenly an inky blackness clouded his vision as the fight began to fade away. Snape felt like was suspended in the limbo of night. Yet he felt safe and protected. A smile drifted across his face His hand gripped around a cold metallic object. It was small and shaped like a key.
"You know," a husky female voice echoed in his mind, "I didn't save you to let you throw away your life."
"I want to redeem myself for what I have done." Snape replied harshly, "For all those lives I took."
"So throwing your life away will bring them back? You weren't this dense when I first came to you."
Snape felt his feet touch a cobble stone floor. He opened his eyes and looked around the familiar space, his old room when he was a death eater. He remembered his last night here all thought years ago. He was about twenty five when he had his fill of Voldemort's raving.
Snape sank onto the filthy cot as he remember the terrified face of the two year old Muggle boy as his 'friends' had their bit of fun with the child's family. Snape was sickened to see the fear in the child as he tried to act brave. MacNair had threatened the boy if he heard the child cry out. Snape could have helped the child escape the fate of his parents but he didn't. That night he wondered what kind of man he was becoming.
Snape whispered softly, "What am I becoming?"
"Now that is the million dollar question." A voice spoke from the direction on the wardrobe.
Snape jumped up to see an auburn haired woman in black and red step out and lean against the frame. A sarcastic smile was plastered against her face as she assessed. In his mind Snape tried to remind himself that it was a dream as he grabbed his wand to defeat the intruder.
"Who are you?" he shouted.
The smirk grew, "I go by many names, young man but right now, that's not important is it? You are the important matter."
Snape sneered, "I want a name."
"Fine, you may call me Mare. Now to the matter at hand, you are plagued by doubts about your 'fearless leader'." the woman stated as she rolled her eyes.
"How did you know that?"
"It's my business to know. Now I'm going to make you an offer that not even you can refuse."
Snape stared at her, "I took an offer from the devil once."
"Devil? Lust will like that. He always told me I'm a bitch to cross." She waved that thought aside, "Anyways I'm not the devil although several of my colleagues would disagree with me on that. Think of me as guardian of sorts."
Snape snorted, "Right."
Mare grinned evilly, "I can leave you to your fate you know. Your friends already suspect you of weakening. You know Voldemort doesn't tolerate any weakening. He can kill you. I can save you from that fate. I can give you what you want more than anything."
Snape snapped, "And what is that?"
"Redemption." Mare smiled at Snape's surprised look. "You want to make up for killing that child and all the other children who died because of your actions. I can give you that."
"Why should I trust you?"
Mare Smirked, "You don't. After all what do you have to lose?"
Snape looked around the room again. He had nothing to lose back then. Looking at the key in his hand with surprise, Snape remembered it finally. It was old and tarnished but he remembered it always being that way. Mare had given it to him, telling him to use it in the nearest door. It would take him to where he was safe and could do the most good. Snape Walked to the door leading to where his lab was. He locked the door and stepped through.
Snape opened his eyes to find himself lying down in his room. Sitting up, he was back in Hogwarts. It really was a dream. Snape sighed in relief as he went to get up. At least he dreamed he was back in Voldemort's employ.
He froze as he looked to see the key in his hand again. It gleamed at him like a wink Maybe it wasn't just a dream. Snape tied on a deep emerald robe. He had a feeling he wasn't going to get much sleep tonight.
Silently he slipped down the hallways to the observation tower. It was his favorite place to go and think. Somehow he found some comfort in looking at the stars. Snape entered the tower only to freeze when he saw Kaori staring out the window at the stars. Snape's dream sprang to his mind causing him to suck in his breath.
Kaori stared at the stars as if to seek some comfort from them. In Atlantean culture, the stars were often the eyes of the kings that have passed watching the current rulers. Kaori wondered which pair was her father's. Now more than ever she needed his consul and sage advice.
Everyday Fate would come by with more and more reports of attacks on guardians. It was like Arcanius was open and getting his revenge for his imprisonment. Kaori only prayed that Harry and Draco were ready for the impending battle. But more importantly, how long until Arcanius finds her?
Out of all the Guardians, he should be gunning after her. After all she is the Last Atlantean and the heir to the Atlantean throne. As long as she lives then Atlantis lives. Kaori wrapped her arms around herself as a terrible thought struck her. What if all these attacks were to draw her out into the open?
Kaori tilted her chin up. Well, when Arcanius came she would fight until her dying breath. After all she was a princess and a survivor. She will defeat Arcanius and make him pay for his crimes against Atlantis.
Kaori decided that would be her course of action as a few silent tears slipped down her face. Kaori blinked as a handkerchief came into her line of vision. Turning her eyes met Snape's midnight eyes as he watched her. With a soft smile she accepted the offering and dabbed her eyes.
Snape merely waited as the good Doctor got her tears under control. The whole scene was familiar to him. He knew her tears were for something she lost long ago. When Kaori gallantly hand the cloth back to him, he smiled at her. At times He found himself melting towards her. She didn't judge him.
"Being Friendly?" Kaori joked hoping to lighten the mood.
"I guess." Snape remarked back, "I guess Night walking is the newest trend."
Kaori smiled weakly, "I guess so. Although nightmares tend to help keep you going."
Snape smiled, "You too huh?"
Kaori nodded, "Si, it seems someone is playing tricks on me and bringing up the past."
"It never goes away does it?" Snape commented as he looked at the stars, "I wonder how much they really know up there?"
Kaori blinked at his comment. Only Atlanteans thought of stars as possessing knowledge. Knowledge to her people was the greatest treasure in the world. They worshipped the stars, the eyes of past kings. Kaori wasn't sure if she heard him right. She decided not to have him repeat himself.
"I think they see more than we ever will." Kaori shifted slightly, "So your past haunts you?"
"In a way." Snape allowed as he stole a glance at Kaori.
How much should he trust her? After all, he was on his own quest of redemption. Yet in his dream she was there like a goddess reaching for him, only to be taken out by some deranged man. Maybe part of his redemption was in protecting her. Catching Kaori's gaze, he decided he was better off keeping his secrets to himself. They were just getting use to each other as the season of advent began.
Yet Snape felt a connection to her. It was like they had met before. On his free time he would find himself standing out side her classroom or staring at her. It was odd to him and he couldn't help it. Gently he brushes her cheek unsure as to why he did it. It just felt right to touch her cheek.
Kaori's eyes fluttered shut at the contact. She knew Snape wasn't ready to tell her yet. It was a two street. After all she couldn't tell him she was the Crown Princess of Atlantis. Slowly she opened her eyes to look at him. He was handsome in a dark and dangerous way like Zenos was. His eyes held dark knowledge like Zenos's did.
Snape dropped his hand away. He had no right to be acting this way. Dr. Aquarius was a colleague and possible friend. He needed to remain professional and calm. No matter how pretty she was or who she looked liked. Snape stepped away as he held her gaze.
To his surprise a blush began to stain Kaori's cheeks. It added a bit of allure to her as she took a step away. Snape opened his mouth to talk, excuse himself. However Kaori beat him to the punch with a charming smile.
"I should go back and try to sleep again. I have an early class." Kaori spoke up.
"I could brew you a potion."
Kaori threw him a gentle smile as she walked to the door, "I would only accept that offer if you were willing to teach me. Potions always have fascinated me. Good night, Professor."
"Good night Doctor." Snape stated with a smile playing around his lips. The doctor was full of surprises it seemed. Turning back to the star, He felt a sense of contentment settle on him. With a smile, he started back to his room.
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Libby smiled at Essie as Essie settled the pile of books next to her. The library was mostly dark except for the sole gas lamp next to Libby. Essie studied the young teacher as she poured over the books. It took some time but Essie was use to Libby pulling late nights of preparing. Libby poured over the various books dealing with magic and legends.
Everyone was preparing for the inevitable. Arcanius wouldn't be content with swatting at flies for long. His three big prizes were sitting at Hogwarts, ripe for the picking. Or at least that was how the council was making it look. However everyone needed to be at their best for the fight. Arcanius would not give them any mercy. Nor will he shown any.
"How is Harry's training coming?" Libby asked as she read.
"He is progressing very well. He and Draco will be ready for Guardian combat soon." Essie reported gently.
"Please do that while I'm not around. I don't think my heart could handle that." Libby stated.
Essie giggled and then yawned. She really wanted to be with her husband in their bed. Ever since she became human, she had to adjust to things like sleeping and eating when she needed to. But she was happy with Sirius and Harry. Her heart went out to Libby who had been denied seeing her godchild based on her heritage of being part Le Faye.
Libby looked up at Essie with a smile, "You should head to bed, Essie. I'm sure Sirius is looking for you."
Essie smiled gratefully, "Thanks Liberty. Good luck."
Libby smiled as Essie walked off. Libby liked Essie as Sirius's wife. She just didn't like meeting her in that hospital all those years ago. She nearly died that day and that was when she knew she would always forgive Remus for doing what he did. In fact, Libby felt sorry for him for missing out on some much.
He hadn't changed either over the years. Libby could still see a glimpse of the boy she fell in love with when she would spy on him teaching. Sure times were hard on him. Libby Knew how English society treated werewolves. James knew as well when he introduced them all those years ago when Libby first came to Hogwarts.
Libby smiled at the memory of her best friends. James and Lily were quite the team. Libby knew about James' crush on the Muggle born witch. Lily had one back on the Gryffindor seeker and Head boy. It took all of the Marauder's efforts to get them to fall in love. At the same time, Remus and Libby began to notice each other.
Libby sighed. Those were the days. She missed those carefree days where they were invincible. They would always be together, fighting the good fight. Now James and lily were dead betrayed by Peter. Sirius was free from that crime. Remus was well Remus.
Libby froze as she heard someone enter the library. Mumbling to herself a ball of light appeared in her hands ready to sent flying at any intruder. With The Death eaters becoming more and more active, Libby wouldn't be surprised if they attacked Hogwarts this early.
"Who is there?" Libby demanded as she stood up ready to fight with the ball of light dancing between her hands.
Out of the shadows of the bookcases, Remus stepped out with an embarrassed grin. He held his hand up in surrender as he eyed the ball warily. Libby couldn't blame him for being wary. She had given him every reason to steer clear since that slap in the hallway. She might have forgiven him for what he had done, but she wasn't going to be nice to him.
"I'm still amazed at how you do that." Remus stated as his eyes never left the ball.
"Yes well, some magic is just instinct. What do you want Remus?"
"A book. It's been a restless night."
"Conscience bothering you?"
Remus winced at the accusation, "I'm sorry if I hurt you Libs. I did what I thought was best for you."
"Well, you were wrong now weren't you?" Libby snapped, "What happened to letting me make up my own mind."
Remus shuffled his feet, forgetting about the ball in his own shame. Libby waved her hands and the energy dissipated. Remus looked at her face. In her eyes he could still see the girl he fell in love with, the girl who didn't care what he was only who he was. Seeing that girl gaze at him from with in the woman standing there, he gained his courage to tell her the truth.
"I felt you were making a mistake by settling on me, Libs." Remus blurted out, "I'm a werewolf, a danger to society. The Wolf bane potion was only a dream to me back then. No one knew how to tame what happened to me."
"I could have handled it Remus." Libby snapped, "You of all people knew what I was capable of."
"What if it was enough, Liberty! What if I could take you down before you could get off any defense? I could have killed you!" Remus nearly shouted surprising him and Libby. Softening his voice he continued, "I would have rather died than let that happen."
"So you sent me away rather than tell me this?" Libby said just as softly, "We could have figured something out, Remus. Instead you decided not to trust me."
Remus swore softly. He forgot how stubborn she could be and stand offish. He stared at her. This was getting him no where fast. She wasn't listening to why he did it. At the time He was going through the transition in to a werewolf. In fact it was the day before a full moon. He was restless and confrontational. Libby was feeling very off for the past few days. Remus was scared that he would hurt her. It had been a very ugly fight that ended with Libby slamming out for good, quite possibly forever.
Remus stalked towards her. He had enough with fighting. The past two months of trying to deal with her hating him had worn his patience to a very thin line. He wanted her to understand why he did what he did. Remus Felt the beast in him stir as Libby's scent hit him as he got closer. Somewhere deep inside, her scent brought a tingle of recognition through him, like a wolf when sensing its mate.
Libby tilted her head up in an unspoken challenge. Remus stopped right in front of her and stared at her. Libby took a defensive stance. She had a feeling Remus was up to something. She never trusted him when he got that darker look in his eyes.
"Do you want to know why I did it, Libby?" Remus growled softly at her.
"Yes Remus I do. And don't you dare give me that excuse of for my own good."
"Fine. I loved you Libby. That's why I chased you away that night. And I regretted it ever since. Sirius was always on me about it. I tried to think of you being happy, better off. I hated it, Libby, thinking you moved on. Does that Shock you."
Libby stared at him, "Remus, I loved you too. I could never replace you ever."
Remus nodded the dark look retreating deeper into himself, "Can you forgive me, Libs. I know it's asking a lot but lately I get the feeling we need to band together."
Libby nodded her agreement, "I agree. I have been getting visions lately of a battle, a very terrible and long battle, here at Hogwarts. This isn't the time for petty fights."
Remus held his hand out to her, "Allies?"
Libby smiled slowly as they shook, "I prefer friend, sugah. Maybe you can help me find a way to protect Hogwarts. I want to be ready."
"Me too." Remus smiled brightly as he sat down next her at the table.
Libby smiled as a comfortable silence fell around them. Taking advantage of the silence, she began to continue her research in to the past. Somewhere there must be a clue to how they could defend against guardians.
Remus watched Libby. They had reached an uneasy truce. Sure they said they were friends but Remus didn't feel comfortable with it. He thought he buried his feelings for Libby all those years ago. But now as she bent over books reading and jotting down notes, Remus felt all those feeling rushing back. Remus used his iron control to rein in the rush of feeling and directed them in to diving into a book. He had a feeling this was the beginning of several long nights with Libby.
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