Before reading I want to indicate that the italics are flashbacks (around the middle of the story), spells used, and a letter (you'll find out soon!). Also, want to you let you know this chapter is like a filter chapter, but this will actually have a bigger role throughout the story. Anyway, enjoy and hope you like it as I do! Carry on!
If there's one thing everyone hates during the summer, is being completely bored out of your mind. That's exactly how Emma was feeling at the moment, noticing the time going extremely slow, and every day she was waiting for the letters from her friends. Yet none, not one letter arrived.
She was crestfallen, wondering if her friends were ever going to reply back to her. Emma tried to keep herself occupied with anything to pass the time, practicing her magic, (re-)reading her favorite books, pulling pranks on her brother, that sometimes a prank war broke out because of that.
Justin was no different, he was yet waiting for the letter from Fred and George, asking if he and Emma can stay at the Burrow. He was also nervous, extremely distressed of his upcoming 16th birthday. After all, his birthday will be in the next two days.
It was not like any other birthday, but it was the year where he would receive the family heirloom, a Soulmate bracelet. It's something quite precious, that not all Wizarding families can have something so extraordinary to treasure. There have been less than ten known families, who have this possession like the Moore family.
Emma envied her brother with receiving the family heirloom, curious herself on who will be her soulmate. All she wished for was someone with attractive eyes, a caring personality, and someone who will treasure her as if she was the light to his darkness. She sighed dreamily, thinking of her 15th birthday in the future.
The Moore siblings were using their elemental powers at the Flora Garden near the Water Fountain, thinking it could kill the time. Justin stared at Emma's face, studying her eyes, as she smiled gently against the soft breeze.
"Now, don't get any ideas." Justin started, Emma feigns an innocent smile.
"About what exactly?" Emma fluttered her eyes gently, turning towards the dazzling water fountain. Her hands started to manipulate the water, gently lifting her left wrist as the water started to form. Emma flickered her wrist to bring forth the water, as she created a sphere before creating miniature droplets of water. Justin eyed the water, as he too created one discreetly.
"About having a soulmate, it's not exactly something to be excited about." Justin rolled his eyes at his sister's make-believe fantasies. She immediately commanded the water to hover his head, focusing on how she wanted to drench her brother.
"But, you always wanted to find out your soulmate, ever since father explained to you about the bracelet." The blonde girl argued back, daring him to continue.
He briefly stared at the sphere above, before became hesitated to answer, "Oh alright… Touché. But trust me, relationships are nothing but pain and misery."
Emma motioned the sphere forward towards herself before quickly sprinkled the lavender plants.
"Only because every girl you've dated so far were manipulative liars that only wanted you for your 'looks'." Emma paused, smiling mentally inside with a little thought, "Lucky for you, you don't have to deal with them again."
"What's that supposed to mean?" Justin tossed the water to her, as she quickly played along, passing the sphere back and forth.
"Meaning, that you don't ever have to see them again." She simply stated before a smirk appeared on her ruby lips. "But, honestly I don't see why they wanted to date you."
Justin playfully put his left hand onto his chest, faking a hurt expression on his face. He even crouched over, as he fake limped to his sister's shoulder, as Emma placed the water back to the Water Fountain.
"Ouch, Emma that hurt." As he groans in mock pain, before smiling teasingly. "Well, at least I'm the good looking sibling."
"Yeah, yeah," She rolled her eyes, "Whatever helps you sleep at night."
Without a second thought, Justin quickly sprinted away as he manipulates the water to drench his sister. The water came in contact with her pale skin and clothes, feeling the icy-cold water. She shrieked loudly, ignoring the freezing cold water as she ran towards her brother. Conjuring a sphere of water in hand.
"YOU'LL PAY FOR THAT!" She yelled furiously, running to the blonde boy before freezing the water into small arrowheads. She then fired them, all spinning in the direction of Justin. Unfortunately, he conjured fireballs as he aimed them towards the frozen arrowheads, as it all turned into water vapor.
"Sadly Emma, you should know that I was always better at the elements."
"Yet, I'm better with Energy shields." As Emma focused on her energy shield, that was glowing brightly. It started to expand rapidly, but before Justin could do anything, she made a shock wave towards her brother. The energy wave pushed him off his feet, as he landed on his back, groaning in pain and gasping for air.
"How was that, brother?" Emma smiled widely.
"... Awful… how did you… do that?" Justin wheezed as he tried to sit up, "Help… me." Emma sighed before clasping her hand onto her brother's, unfortunately, he was faking it. He tugged Emma to the ground, who growled when she realized it was all an act.
"You watch your back, brother! Because it'll be at the most unexpected moment." She yelled furiously.
"Are you threatening me in some way?" Justin called out.
"Indirectly." Emma glared her hair turning red as she stormed towards the doorway, heading inside.
Justin following behind her, keeping his distance, not wanting to witness Emma's soon-to-be outburst. As Emma headed to the library, Justin trailer off to the family room. There were his mother and father talking about their son's birthday. Emily quickly shushed her husband, before clearing her throat delicately.
"How was the Garden, darling? Did you and your sister had fun?" Emily asked her son, Justin was recalling the events that played out not too long ago. He nodded only for him to reply shortly, "It was… eventful."
Emily and William faced each other, clearly perplexed with their son's behavior. At last, she called out, "You know what can cheer you up, dearie. A letter just came for you… it might be from Fred and George." His face lit up with delight, as he quickly kissed his mother's cheek, before disapparating himself to his room.
"That boy doesn't know that magic isn't allowed during summer." William sighed, as Emily leaned to her husband's side, his arm wrapping around her waist.
"Perhaps, next year we could visit your brother Charles to teach them more about their magic. After all, they both inherited his energy ability. The children miss him dearly." Emily suggested, before becoming quiet. "It's for the best." Emily thought about her late sister, and how she too had magical abilities that He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named wanted to achieve.
It was on Christmas Eve in 1985, when the incident happened. Emma was merely a five year old, yet she was such a bright and carefree child. And Justin was already seven, a serious yet calm boy, always going his way into mischief.
Emma's family were traveling to visit her uncle, Charles, and aunt, Marie in France. It was the vacation that everyone was going to enjoy, but it wasn't at all.
Emma sprinted to her uncle and aunt's arms when she spotted them.
"Hi, Aunt May and Uncle Charlie, did you get me presents this year?" She asked all in one breathe.
"Well, that depends if you were a good girl this year." Charles teased.
"Oh, of course, I have! Justin come on!" Emma ran to her brother, tugging his arm.
"My, my, Justin look how much you have grown." Marie gushed before pinching his cheeks. He quickly made a face a disgust, until he no longer felt the pinch.
"If I didn't know any better, you'll become such a handsome lad, boy!" Charles patted his shoulder. The aunt and uncle stared at their own siblings.
"Emmi!" Marie cried at her older sister as they both cried happily hugging each other tightly.
"It's been a year since I last saw you, Mae. How's Paris?"
"Very well, although it's been less than a year and we absolutely love every bit of it!" Marie sighed happily.
Charles was less emotional, yet received a hug as well from his younger brother.
"My Willy, how's the family coming along?"
"You knew going quite splendid! Did you know Chad, that both Emma and Justin have your energy shield?"
"They do? Well then let's see!" He clasped his hands together rubbing against one another.
"Ems, Just do you have any powers?"
"Yeah! Let me show you, Charlie!" Emma cried happily, her hair turning violet. Her hands channeled some energy spheres, juggling them in the air. She was so focused on the energy, that she slipped at the slippery snow, letting the energy sphere hit a tree nearby.
"Oops..." Emma smiled sheepishly, giggled softly. He cheeks became rosy from the cold wind, as her hair flickered into different angles. Staring ahead was the tree scorched with flame-like marks.
"You know I was going to build you a tree house," Charles stated, looking at the young girl. Grinning from ear to ear, absolutely amazing by her abilities.
"Were you really? It's okay, I'll just heal it." Emma ran to the tree, outstretching her little arms. She felt the scorch marks against the bark, as she closed her eyes.
Concentrating on channeled some healing into the tree, slowly bringing it back to life. Almost like the accident never happened.
"She's extraordinary," Charles mumbled, his light lapis eyes staring at the young girl, softly wrapping his arm on his wife's shoulder.
"She truly is, my love." Marie purred softly, that was noticed let unnoticed.
"Come inside then. We didn't invite you to just stay outside." Marie laughed, heading first with Charles inside.
"Can you carry me, Charlie?" Emma exclaimed, her arms stretched out.
Charles chuckled at the young blonde, "Of course I can, darling." As he lifted her over his head, and placed her on his shoulders, as her aunt holds onto her fragile hand.
William nodded before lifting his right arm out, signaling Emily to grasp on firmly. She sighed contently, as she complied, walking with her son in hand. Both families walked up to the marble stairs, inside the Slytherin Manor.
They passed the library onto the gigantic ballroom. Where chandeliers hanged in every corner, illuminating the room. With emerald curtains and silver lounges, fit for the descendants of Salazar Slytherin.
"Wow! I just love Christmas!" Charles gently placed her onto the ground again. Emma ran towards the brightly lit Christmas tree. With presents of different shapes, sizes, and colors surround it.
"Why? Because of the gifts?" Justin asked his sister, eyeing the different gifts. Wondering if the biggest one was for himself.
"No, silly! I love Christmas because we get to visit Charlie and May every year." Emma hugged her brother, who returned the hug.
"Come on, dearies. The night isn't getting younger." Marie gushed at the siblings' affections towards one another.
"Okay, Aunt May." Giggling happily to herself, as she ran towards the lounges in the ballroom.
Emma smiled, as she cuddled between Charles and Marie. Although they both didn't want to admit it, they completely adored Emma.
"Accio Piano." As the piano slowly played some keys, a song softly playing.
Once Upon A December.
The adults stood up and went to their significant other. They slowly sway to the music, staring into their eyes as if it was only them in the world. Emma awed, staring at her family with warmth, wondering herself if she'll ever find the one for her.
Someone tapped her shoulder lightly, as her brother took his left hand out.
"May I have this dance? Your Majesty." Justin asked, signaling his sister to play along.
"Why you may, Your Royal Highness." Emma smiled, as she slipped her hand into his. They walked to the middle of the ballroom, as they took their positions. Justin had to crouch a bit for his younger sister, but no matter they still enjoyed each other's company.
"Do you ever wonder we get to see our children's soulmates?" Emily glanced at her children, William following her actions.
"Perhaps. But, until then let's enjoy the night." William pressed gently his forehead onto hers.
"Together." He whispered.
"Forever." She kissed his lips with passion and affection.
They all spend the night together, singing songs, danced along, drinking eggnog. Everything was how it was supposed to be. Merry, Cheerful, Wonderful.
It was almost midnight, the children asleep in their own rooms, sleeping peacefully. The adults drinking champagne, laughing happily, with no care in the world.
"Emmi, I have news I want to share with you," Marie announced as Emily stopped laughing, staring at her younger sister.
"Yes, Mae?"
Marie and Charles stared at each other before Charles nodded.
"Well, actually we both wanted to tell you something." Charles cleared his throat.
"Well?" William asked curiously.
"First off, I officially became an Auror for the Ministry Of Magic."
"Congrats Charles." Emily smiled softly, as William gave a brotherly hug.
"Took you long enough, Chad." William teased humorously.
"Now don't you start, Willy. You wanted to be a family man." Charles laughed back.
"And I enjoy every second of it," William said the truth.
"And?" Emily insisted with interest. Trying to penetrate her sister's mind. Yet a mental wall barrier blocked her mind.
"Now, Emmi don't you use your Legilimency on me." Marie cracked a smile.
"So? I'm dying to know the 'big news' Mae! You can tell us, well me. Come on, spill the tea!"
"All right..." Marie sighed nervously, "I want to say that I... am..."
A noise interrupted them, the sound of a thunderous knock against the front door. Even with the wine coursing in their veins, they knew that they didn't imagine it. Out of thin air.
"Are we expecting anyone else, Darling?" Charles stared ahead confused, slowly grabbing his wand.
"No..." Marie whispered her breathing hitched. She could practically sense the dark power in the thin air.
They all quickly grabbed their wands out, readying to attack the intruder, lurking late at midnight.
A moment passed. Nothing. No sound, no movement, nothing. They hesitantly lower their wands, feeling on edge.
"Maybe they are gone..." William trailed off slowly. "Maybe..."
They slowly crept near the door, on high alarmed. Emily was worried for the children upstairs, but she had to make sure nobody else was there.
"Bombarda Maxima," A raspy voice called out. The front door exploded to a million smithereens, granting open access that the intruder. The force blows them away, only Emily and Charles were closest to the door. Their soulmates quickly aid them up, wanted to know really was out there.
A burst of loud laughter erupted and crackles filled the room, now knowing who it truly was.
Dark figures entered the ballroom, with their masks placed over their faces. One, in particular, crackled even louder than before.
"Oh, he would be so pleased of me." A voice, definitely female spoke. "When he finds about of the traitors who dare define him!"
"Well, why would Voldemort break the pact, into interfering the boundaries. You all swear by the oath, especially, you, you crazy bitch!" Marie hissed at the woman.
"You dare speak his name." The mysterious woman whispered, before shouting, "You filthy traitors! All of you! Maybe I can have all your heads within my grasp!"
"Then so be it. We will never follow Voldemort or anyone else!" Emily sneered, wondering how the situation was going to plan out.
And that was the last time they ever saw Marie Moore.
Again.
Sadly, she sacrificed herself to save her husband and sister's family at the time. William noticed his wife's worry and distress written across her face, as he kissed her forehead in reassurance.
"Don't worry, darling. They will be saved, as long as we are around." William assured her, before clasping her hands together.
"I know, it just… still haunts me with horrible memories. I don't want that to happen to them either. And all because of who's still out there." Fresh tears lightly escaped from her eyes, yet Emily furiously wiped them clean, however, it was not left unnoticed by William.
"We did it to protect them, Em-"
"I know! But, we are covering up the truth from them, Will! All they know is that she left to travel around the world. Leave her family behind!"
"Yes, but we did it, so they don't have to suffer, Lily. We have to be strong for them, especially Emma. We know she didn't want to be in any part of this." He whispered in her ear, all Emily could do was nod back.
The Dark Lord insists to have the Moore family as part of his followers, to finally have the elite team of Death Eaters.
Yet they always knew that the Chosen One will defeat him, even with the help of their magical abilities.
Justin appeared to his room where Athena (the family owl) held a letter within its beak.
"Thank you, Athena." Justin held out a treat, as she gratefully started chirping happily. Inside the letter said,
Dear Justin,
Of course, you can come over to the Burrow next week, we're dying mate to know about your so-called soulmate. You can also bring Emma along, apparently, Ron hasn't stop yapping about her since the beginning of the summer. Ginny here, also wanted to meet her, so you know the girls could have 'girl time' or whatever it's called. Now don't worry, we knew you don't enjoy gifts so instead we could prank the siblings like we do every summer. Anyway, can wait to see the both of you, mate. See you soon!
From,
Gred & Feorge
Justin sighed as he wondered how he could talk to Emma now. He nodded gently as he strolled to the library, knowing exactly where to find more information about soulmates.
He skimmed in every section until, "Aha! Found it!"
He turned to a nearby chair, as he sat down, observing the book carefully.
"A Soulmate Charm is quite unique and rare. The bracelet received on every 15th Birthday will be only for those who are pure to the bloodline. The bracelet itself is charmed with the most difficult of magic, that requires a special spell to be created." He paused for a moment.
"On the day, the next descendant will turn fifteenth, once placed the bracelet on their left wrist, a name will appear. This name will be their true soulmate, that many believe to have chosen them to bond and reproduce the next generation. However, it's quite rare for someone to have another soulmate. This will mean that the person has either lost or has chosen another mate."
Now, Justin more than ever wants to discover who will be his soulmate.
"I thought you were at the theatre?" Emma called out, still infuriated by the events from earlier.
"No, I was not. Actually, you're the person I wanted to talk to you about." Justin slammed the book shut, placing it back to its own section.
"Really? About what?"
"Well, that we are invited to go to the Burrow this summer. Apparently, the twins want you more than me."
"Oh, I guess why not? When would we have to go?" Emma smirked mentally, thinking on pranking her brother with the twins.
"On my birthday." He simply said.
"Well then, I'll be waiting for the day. What were you reading?"
"Nothing."
"Nothing? That sure was something. Accio Book." Emma smiled.
"Hey! No! Stop!" Justin shouted. As the book flew towards Emma, as she quickly skimmed the book.
"Soulmates? You really are desperate to find out about your true love." Emma giggled.
"What can I say? I'm a hopeless romantic." Justin smiled, as he walked toward her, taking the book. "Thank you."
"Whatever. Anyway, I'm going to read, so you still going to be here?" Emma pointed at the library.
"No."
"Okay then, don't bother me when I'm reading. Now, you can go."
"Fine. You can't read forever, you know. And are you starting a new book?"
"Yes, and I'm planning to finish it tonight." Emma gently laying down.
"Tonight! That's at least 500 pages!" Justin yelled in shock.
"Actually 478 pages, but close. So don't interrupt me." She shouted as she started reading the first page. She flickered the pages as she read along. He said no more as he exited the library, and helping himself with some food in the kitchen.
Eventually, the day came on July 7th. The day where everyone will find out who's Justin soulmate.