Mosaics

Chapter 5

Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall-Confucius

"What did you say?" Narcissa whispered staring at her husband. Lucius didn't answer. He was staring at the woman as if he had seen a ghost. "Lucius, that can't be your mother. Your mother died over twenty years ago."

The woman was walking around the kitchen now all the while taking down various spices and other things humming Greensleeves.

"Mother?" Lucius said hoarsely.

"Who are you?" the woman asked in fright, dropping the things to the floor. "What are you doing in my house? Marius! Marius!"

The Elf rose quickly to her feet and taking the woman's hand she led her over to a stool." It is alright Missy," she crooned soothingly. "This is Master's son, your son, Lucius."

"Lizzie, that is your name isn't it, Elf?" Lucius asked.

"Yes Master, I is Lizzie."

Lucius staggered and grabbed his wife's arm. "That woman is my mother. I remember this Elf. She was a personal attendant to mother." The woman looked at him suspiciously.

"Who are you?" Lucius asked quietly.

"I am Morana Robillard Malfoy," she said haughtily.

"Dear lord," Narcissa hissed. "Lucius, what is going on?"

"I have no idea," he said slowly. "Mother…"

"Why are you calling me mother?" Morana asked sharply. "I have no child as old as you. Who are you and where is my husband?" She lifted her wand. "I warn you, I am a Witch and I will hex you if you do not answer me…immediately!"

"Expelliarmus!" Narcissa shouted, de-arming this strange madwoman who insisted that she was a Malfoy. Morana cowered behind the stool, watching Narcissa fearfully.

"Lucius, how can she be your mother?"

"She left during my seventh year at Hogwarts," Lucius explained pacing the floor. "My father told me he received a letter several months later informing him that she had died in a hospital in France."

"If she is your mother…?"

"I have no doubt she is," Lucius said quickly, studying Morana who was rocking on the stool now, humming some ridiculous tune. "Apparently father lied to me."

"Unbelievable," Narcissa whispered, sitting down on a small chair.

"Nothing is unbelievable when it came to my father," Lucius said harshly. He turned his attention to Lizzie. "Elf, where did you come from?"

Lizzie tugged on the silver hoop in her ear. "Master told Lizzie never to tell where Mistress was…" "I am your Master now," Lucius growled, kicking the Elf. Lizzie cried out in pain as her knee crumpled under her. "Tell me quickly or you will wish you had never been spawned."

Sniffing and holding her knee, Lizzie said; "we was in a place high in mountains. A place for Witches and Wizards that were not right in their mind."

"A sanitarium?" Narcissa ventured.

"Lizzie has heard that word there, yes."

"Damn him to hell," Lucius hissed softly. Walking over to Morana he held out his hand to her. She looked at his hand then up at him and smiled. Taking his hand she stood up.

"Mother, welcome home."

"Come in Miss Granger." Hermione entered Dumbledore's office the book in her hands. "Finished already?" he asked in delight.

"Yes sir. I also have an extensive outline emphasizing the parts you had marked."

Albus smiled. "That was very industrious of you, Miss Granger. What is your perception on Elemental Magic?"

"It is very interesting, though it seems to be less powerful. The benefits from using it however are that it is undetectable expect by other Elemental Mages and it requires little except the elemental being used, which in most cases is abundant and always available."

"Except the Custosratis Elementum," Albus interjected.

"Yes, but they are the keepers of the Elemental Magic, so they would be highly advanced in the art. Also, they are born with the power and it is not learned. It would be interesting to know how advanced their powers are but the book said they are extremely secretive."

"Quite true, Miss Granger. If the opportunity presented itself, would you like to meet a Custosratis Elementum?"

Hermione's eyes lit up. "Yes. Very much so."

Twirling his beard, Albus looked intently at her. "And would you be interested in learning Elemental Magic?"

"Oh yes. It sounds very interesting especially, the earth magic."

"Miss Granger, I want you to keep an open mind towards everything that I'm about to tell you," Albus began.

Walking down the corridor towards the DADA classroom, Hermione was oblivious to everything around her. 'I am an Aetherius Custosratis Elementum," she kept repeating to herself.

Dumbledore had explained to her why he believed she was indeed an elemental mage; a true guardian. The events that had transpired last year had been proof positive. After the shock had worn off she had bombarded him with questions, eager to learn what powers she had and how she could best use them.

Chuckling at her enthusiasm, Dumbledore told her that she would begin training with him on Friday nights. Then he warned her not to share the information with anyone. It was not only her secret but also his and he told her that he was the Aer Custosratis Elementum.

"Hey, Hermione!"

Hermione turned and saw Tamara running towards her, face flushed and waving her hand.

"Hermione, didn't you hear me calling you?" Tamara asked, breathing hard.

"Sorry."

"I just saw that the first Hogsmeade visit is next weekend. I thought maybe we could go together unless you want to be alone with Harry."

"Course I'll go with you," Hermione replied vaguely. "I see Harry everyday."

"Hermione, are you all right?"

"What? Oh yes, I was just going over my homework…in my head…for class."

Tamara grinned. "Don't work too hard. I have to run or I will be late for History of Magic. See you Saturday if not before."

Entering the classroom, Hermione was greeted by Harry. "Everything all right?" Harry asked with a palpable edge of concern. "What did Dumbledore want?"

"He wants me to work on an extra project," she said. 'And what a project.' "It will help me when I apply for jobs later."

"That's my 'Mione," Ron teased, shaking his head. "Say, if you want more work, I do have that paper due in Herbology."

They laughed as they took their seats.

It seemed that Friday would never come. Hermione was anxious about her first meeting with the Headmaster, but at the same time she was also looking forward to it. She had been disappointed when he had not given her the book back. "You must promise never to attempt this magic except in my presence," he had warned. The only reason he gave her was that it could be very dangerous.

Hermione had retired early, much to Harry's dismay. She hoped that he and the others would be in bed when she ventured into the Common Room a little before midnight. The room was empty except for Crookshanks and one of the first year students' cats "Be nice," she told Crookshanks, scratching him under the chin with one hand and rubbing the other cat on the head.

Stepping out into the hallway, Hermione hoped she wouldn't run into a teacher or Filch. Dumbledore had only told her to meet him in his office at midnight but had not told her how to avoid getting detention. Although she was a Prefect she was not allowed out of her House after ten, except with the express written permission of a teacher. Only the Head Girl and Boy were permitted to be out at any time.

Luck was with her and she was soon standing in front of the Gargoyle that marked the Headmaster's office. "Fizzing Whizbees," she said. The Gargoyle moved aside to reveal the moving staircase. Stepping onto it gingerly, Hermione tried to still her racing pulse as she headed up.

"Good evening, Hermione," Albus said kindly.

Hermione returned the greeting and surveyed the Headmaster. He was dressed in dark blue robes and had just removed a matching traveling cloak. A faint smell of smoke hung in the room.

"I trust you are eager to begin training."

"Oh, yes," Hermione said a little too quickly. She noticed that several large tomes lay on a table in front of the sofa.

Smiling warmly Albus bade her to sit down. "These are several more reference books on Elemental Magic," he explained. "You may read them but I must insist that they stay in my office. The knowledge within is…well; feel free to enter at any time, even if I am not here. If the door is warded it will mean that it is not a good time."

Her eyes wide, Hermione could barely nod. The Headmaster was entrusting her free entrance to his office? Heat rose in her cheeks as she flushed with pleasure.

"Well then, shall we begin? The first thing you should learn is how to communicate with other Elemental Mages. An Elemental Mage can summon any elemental creature that is unique to his or her elemental source as a means of relaying messages. First, you must find the one creature that will answer your summons alone.

"As you will be dealing in the ethereal realm, summoning a messenger is very simple as the ethereal is always surrounding us on another plane."

"What kind of creature will I be able to summon?" Hermione asked, vaguely remembering a warrior on a horse.

"That is a very good question, Miss Granger. The records on ethereal magic are very obscure and sketchy, but I suppose the best way to answer your question is to summon a creature."

Hermione looked confused. "Are there, I mean is there an incantation or word I need?"

"The elemental magic is formed in the mind. A word is only used if it is important for the caster. Close your eyes and concentrate on what you need," Albus instructed.

Still uncertain about being able to summon anything without a definite spell, Hermione closed her eyes and concentrated. I want to send a message, I want to send a message.

A tinkling sound made her open her eyes. Flitting around in front of her was a small creature. It moved with the speed of a hummingbird, and its wings; at least she thought it had wings, were only a blur. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Dumbledore smiling.

"What is it?"

"I am not sure," Albus replied. "Perhaps if you could instruct it to land in your hand we can have a look."

Hermione held out her hand and thought about the creature. With the lightest of touches, it landed lightly on her right palm. Albus bent closer to look at it.

"I do believe you have summoned a spirit horse."

The little creature was indeed a miniature bright blue horse. Its tiny hoofs tinkled as it walked around on her hand. Two sets of pale blue wings were now folded close to its sides.

"How pretty," Hermione murmured.

"Now then, I want you to send a message to Professor Snape."

Hermione looked up quickly. "Professor Snape? I thought only elemental mages could see or hear elemental magic?"

"Yes. That is true," Albus said, his eyes twinkling with humor. "Did I forget to mention that Professor Snape is the Aestus Custosratis Elementum?"

"This is your final lesson," Severus said silkily to Kate. They were in his private chambers where her instruction had taken place all week. "Tomorrow night you will be presented to the Dark Lord. I suggest if you have any doubts that you tell me now."

"No, sir," Kate said firmly, her dark eyes flashing in defiance.

"It is not necessary to seek admittance into the Brethren of the Death Eaters," Severus continued, sounding nonchalant though inwardly hoping his words would sway her decision. "Many support the Master without taking the mark. Each is important as is each task assigned by the Master."

"I will not change my mind, sir."

Severus stared at her allowing a gentle probing into her thoughts. The hunger for power was very strong and easily assessed. "Very well," he said coldly walking over and removing a white robe from a hook. "You will wear this when you are presented. Wear nothing underneath, no jewelry or under things. You must also leave your wand with me before we take the Portkey to the meeting."

"Yes, sir."

"Put it on and we will go through the presenting for one final time, Severus instructed coldly.

A sly smile appeared on Kate's face. "Shall I undress here?"

"Put the robe on over your clothes, now, you foolish little girl," Severus said quietly.

Kate put on the robe and stood before him. It seemed Snape was muttering out of the corner of his mouth, a frown on his face. His attention turned towards her and he growled. "Proceed."

The little spirit horse appeared in the room and flittered around Hermione. "Yes, I received the message," the horse squeaked. "Do not bother me again, Miss Granger."

Hermione giggled, picturing Professor Snape saying those words in that high squeaky voice of the little messenger.

Dumbledore's eyes sparkled in amusement. "It seems that we have caught Professor Snape at an inopportune time." The sparkle left his eyes and Albus became serious. "However, Hermione, if the need ever arises that you need him or myself, do not hesitate to send the messenger."

"Yes, sir." Hermione dismissed the creature, her mind still reeling. Professor Snape and Dumbledore were both Custosratis Elementumjust like she was?

Getting to her knees, Kate crawled forward until she was near enough to kiss the hem of his robes. She kept her head bow until Snape gave her the order to look at him. Their eyes locked and Snape questioned her. "Do not break the gaze," he repeated. "The Dark Lord does not give second chances."

"Yes, sir," Kate said, trying not to let her annoyance show. He had told her this every night for a week now.

"You will remove your robes when the Master commands it and return to your knees, presenting your wand arm to him."

Standing up quickly, Kate allowed the white robes to slide to the ground. She resumed the position on the floor, holding up her arm to Snape. Curiously she watched as he removed his wand from his robes. This was different, she thought.

"I am going to cast a localized hex on you," Severus explained quietly. "It will be very painful but I assure you the pain is nothing compared to the application of the Dark Mark. That particular pain is too exquisite to reproduce, but you will understand that only too well when the time comes."

Snape placed the tip of his wand on the inside of her forearm and spoke. Kate cried out as the pain shot through her. It felt like hot knives were being thrust in and out of her arm. "Be quiet," Severus hissed."

Biting her lips, Kate whimpered inwardly. Releasing her arm, Severus watched her try to compose herself. If this did not dissuade her, then she was lost.

"Still willing, Miss Thompson?" he asked snidely.

"Yes… sir," she hissed.

"Very well. Get up. I must explain a few things that will happen after the ceremony."

Kate scrambled to her feet and sat in a chair, rubbing her forearm, willing the pain away.

"After the induction of the new recruits there will be a festivity of sorts offered," Severus said solemnly. His dark eyes bore into hers. "Are you a virgin, Miss Thompson?"

Her dark eyes widened a bit. "No, sir."

"Then you will be expected to offer yourself to those attending."

"What?"

"Are you deaf, girl? All new recruits will offer their bodies to any member in attendance."

"And what is the purpose of that?" she asked, her barely controlled anger evident now. "Is that what you all do? Rape all new members into submission?"

Severus stepped closer to her, his face unreadable. "Miss Thompson, I've never thought of you as a dimwit, however you seem to be fast approaching that status. You must be willing to offer yourself to your fellow comrades. It is the willingness of the offering that is required. The Dark Lord decided this during the first conflict when a crucial battle was lost due to the fact two young bucks were vying over one witch's attention instead of focusing on the task at hand.

"When a new member joins, anyone there is free to bed him or her on the induction night as are you free to choose anyone that catches your fancy. After tomorrow night you are off limits to your fellow Death Eaters as they are to you. Do you understand? Only when your Master gives you leave or commands it, may you couple freely with another member of the brethren.

"Any form of romantic interest is forbidden among those that serve the Master. You may have your affairs with those not amongst the brethren, however you will not and cannot marry unless the Master orders it. Since you are female you are to take the necessary precautions to prevent pregnancy. The Dark Lord does not need to waste his time honing a soldier that may become incapacitated. If you should find yourself in the family way, I shall give you a potion to take care of it." His dark eyes glittered dangerously into hers.

Kate shrugged her shoulders. "I have taken that potion before," she said nonchalantly.

Severus drew in a sharp breath and resisted the urge to backhand the girl. She would suffer enough abuse once inducted into the service. "You are dismissed," he said coldly.

A dark smile appeared on her face. "Professor, will you be taking me to bed tomorrow?" she asked in a smirking tone.

"I do not bed children," Severus said very quietly, his anger growing by the moment.

"That's not what I heard about a certain Gryffindor."

"Get out," he said, his voice so low it was barely audible, and his face contorted in pure rage. Kate gave him a sly wink and slipped out of the room.

It was a little after two o'clock in the morning when Hermione slipped into her bed. Although she was exhausted, her mind was racing.

Dumbledore had led her through several basic spells and she had grasped the concept of only thinking about what she wanted easily enough. She didn't realize that there was a price for the ease of using the elemental magic. By the time she had finished her third spell she had had to sit down because her knees were trembling so violently and the nausea threatened to overwhelm her.

"You are using your own life force to draw upon the magic," Dumbledore had explained. "With practice you will become stronger and it will not drain you quite so much."

Lying on her back staring up at the bed hangings, Hermione felt very overwhelmed. Things had changed so much in the pass few months and now this on top of everything else. Not that finding out about the elemental magic was necessarily a bad thing.

It seemed that once again she would be spending time with Professor Snape as Dumbledore told her that they would be working together learning and harnessing their magic as soon as she had the basics down. At least it was preferable to the events that had caused the two of them to be thrown together previously.

Hermione's fingers traced across her lips and she was glad for the darkness that hid the faint pink on her cheeks. Pondering over the nagging question of what it would be like to have those thin lips kiss her once again, she fell asleep.

AN/Big thanks to Ann for beta services.

Aer Custosratis Elementum - guardian vessel of the element of Air
Terrenus Custosratis Elementum – guardian vessel of the element of Earth
Fous Custosratis Elementum- guardian vessel of the element of Water
Aestus Custosratis Elementum – guardian vessel of the element of Fire
Aetherius Custosratis Elementum- guardian vessel of the element of the Ethereal