Ancient Secrets

Chapter 8

As Silvina sat on her bed in the girls dormitory, She watched as small bolts of lightning arched between her fingers as she stretched them.

" I should feel happy that I know the truth but... " Silvina sighed loudly as she fell backwards onto her pillows. " But I just feel so... "

" Confused. "

As Silvina looked toward where the voice came from, She saw the other members of the Quidditch team standing in the doorway. As she realised who spoke, Silvina watched as Ashley walked forward and sat on the edge of her bed.

" It's okay to feel this way Silvina. It really is perfectly natural to feel confused when you face something this big. When I first learned I was a Meta, I totally freaked out for a whole week. It was a massive shock. " Ashley smiled as Silvina held up her hands and Ashley sighed in wonder as lightning arched between Silvina's fingers.

" Ashe... I have been terrified of my own magic... Terrified of who I am... Since I was very little. Now I feel more dangerous than I ever have before... How can I even trust myself around people with this kind of power? How can I know that I won't lose my cool and electrocute everyone near me... How can I not be afraid? " Silvina bit her lip as she looked at her hands as lightning began building up. " See? Even being upset sets it off... How can I trust myself now... " Silvina stood quickly and ran out of the room. As Ashley motioned to stop her , She froze as Emily bit her lip and shook her head gently.

" Let her go Ashe... This isn't something we can help with... We just have to be there and have her back. She is one of us. Family. We take care of family. " Emily sighed softly as the other team members nodded.

Twenty Minutes Later

As they walked past, Emily and Ashley noticed Layla and Aurora sitting in the courtyard looking miserable. As they walked toward them, They heard Aurora speaking softly.

" She has always been scared of herself. But now... " Aurora paused and looked up as Ashley spoke.

" Now she can't trust herself at all. She can't even understand how to be brave. " Ashley sighed softly as Layla stood quickly with a fierce look on her face.

" You don't know that! Silvina is the strongest, Kindest person I have ever met! She can overcome this! " Layla spoke sternly but her expression faltered as Ashley pointed toward the Forbidden Forest. As Layla turned, She caught a brief glimpse of Silvina walking into the treeline before she vanished into the mess of trees as Ashley spoke.

" You best hope she either gets told that or figures it out. " Ashley bit her lip as Layla ran past her quickly and through the castle doors. After a moment, Ashley sighed and ran to catch up with Layla.

The Forbidden Forest

" I can't trust myself anymore... " Silvina thought to herself as she walked through the endless mass of tress and undergrowth. As she walked, Silvina felt as if she were being watched. Even though the feeling was unsettling, Silvina paid it no mind as she felt a soft ache in her head. After a few moments, Silvina fell to her knees and groaned loudly as pain shot through her head in waves of shifting intensity. As she held her head gently, An image of a large, Old building surrounded by a clearing that was circled by trees filled her mind for a moment.

As the pain and image of the building left her mind, Silvina groaned softly and stood before she continued walking until she came to a clearing in the forest. In the middle of the clearing stood what appeared to be a building.

" A... Building? It feels... Familiar... But seriously? A building in the forest... Who puts a building in a forest?! " Silvina spoke calmly but gasped loudly as a masculine voice echoed through the clearing.

" That is no mere building little witch. That is one of several locations that house artefacts or objects too dangerous or powerful to not be hidden from the world. " As he spoke, A large centaur walked into the clearing behind Silvina. After a moment, He chuckled softly and spoke calmly. " Forgive me, I am Firenze. And you are? "

" Silvina Vissity. You were the one following me weren't you? " Silvina spoke calmly as Firenze chuckled and nodded.

" Indeed I was. No one has ever walked directly to this area before. It seemed as if you were being pulled toward it. I was curious to see what you would do when you arrived. It seems my caution was unfounded. You have never heard of these places or objects before have you? " Firenze watched as Silvina turned to look at the building as she spoke.

" No... But I feel... Drawn to it. What is this place exactly? " Silvina glanced back at Firenze before walking forward as he spoke calmly.

" The legends of my people say that an ancient witch of unearthly power fought against a creature of darkness and evil here. It is said that she cast the creature into the depths of the earth but at the cost of her own life. No one has ever been inside but the stories of her magic are... " Firenze paused as runes and symbols began glowing on the doorway of the building as Silvina stopped in front of it. " I was going to say exaggerated... But I cannot argue with what I am seeing before me... "

" Can you tell me about the witch? Who was she? " Silvina turned to face Firenze as the runes on the building glowed softly.

" Her name was Illuria Vashtir. She came from across the sea. From a place with oceans of sand and scorching heat. Other than that, There is not much more I can tell you. The legends about her are not exactly clear. What I can tell you is that her magic was just like yours. " Firenze spoke calmly but took a few steps back as Silvina turned back to face the building as she raised her hand and placed it against the door gently. After a few moments, A loud grinding noise filled the clearing as the door opened slowly. As Silvina stepped back slightly, Firenze spoke.

" It seems that you are meant to be here little one. You said you felt drawn here? I suggest finding out why. I will keep watch here so you are not disturbed. " Firenze smiled warmly as Silvina nodded before walking through the door and disappeared into the darkness within as the door closed behind her.

Meanwhile

" Into the Forbidden Forest? What are you talking about Layla? " Professor Vissity spoke with surprise in her voice as Ashley walked into the room.

" You know Layla... You could have waited up when I called to you... " Ashley panted softly before taking a deep breathe and speaking calmly. " Layla is right. Silvina was sitting in our dorm trying to figure this all out but she just felt confused. Her magic scares her more now than it ever has before. I don't know why she went to the forest but we couldn't find her after she left the dorm. Emily and I were talking to Layla and Aurora in the courtyard when I noticed Silvina out of the corner of my eye walking toward the forest. " Ashley sat down as Professor Vissity snapped out of her shock.

" I will go and speak to the Headmistress about th... " Professor Vissity froze as a ripple of energy echoed through the air. " Return to your classes immediately. Do not argue with me Layla. " Professor Vissity shot a look of caution at Layla as she motioned to speak before walking out of her office and toward Headmistress McGonagall's office. When she arrived, Professor Vissity walked in quickly and spoke with a tone of urgency in her voice. " Tell me I am not the only one who felt that? "

" Definitely not. " Professor Wolfe walked into the office as Headmistress McGonagall spoke.

" Indeed. It would be hard to believe if there was anyone in the castle that did not feel it. " Headmistress McGonagall had a concerned look on her face as Professor Vissity spoke softly.

" Could this have something to do with Silvina going into the forest... " Professor Vissity looked toward the window as Professor Wolfe spoke.

" Silvina went to the forest?! Did no one think to stop her? " Professor Wolfe spoke sternly but froze as she saw what Professor Vissity was looking at. On the horizon, A massive, Swirling, Black cloud with lightning coursing through it was rolling toward the castle quickly.

" Does that storm look unnatural to anyone else? " Professor Vissity spoke in a nervous tone of voice as Headmistress McGonagall walked to the window and looked outside.

" Get the students to the Great Hall and tell the other teachers to meet me in the courtyard. Hurry! " Headmistress McGonagall spoke firmly as Professor Wolfe and Professor Vissity rushed out of the room as Headmistress McGonagall turned to look at the portrait of Albus Dumbledore that was hanging above her desk as his portrait spoke in a calm voice.

" I would wish you luck Minerva but somehow I doubt that is going to be of use to you presently. " Albus Dumbledore's portrait chuckled playfully as Headmistress McGonagall shot it a look of displeasure before leaving her office quickly.

The Forbidden Forest

After walking down a staircase in total darkness as carefully as she could, Silvina walked through a corridor lined with what appeared to be small glass orbs attached to the walls in what appeared to be small metal cages. After a few moments, Silvina sighed in wonder as she took in the sight before her. The corridor opened into a large room filled with bookshelves and various valuable looking objects. As the orbs around the room slowly began glowing, Silvina looked toward the centre of the room as her jaw dropped slowly. In the centre of the room stood what looked like a mannequin.

Upon the mannequin was an outfit. The outfit was a black leather bodice with a red sash that had gold trimming around the waist that was hanging down toward the left thigh , A purple knee length skirt, Trimmed in gold that rose into a curved cut that ran up to the waistline but was covered with a tabard that had glowing blue runes running down the centre of it, A metallic looking belt that had what appeared to be a sword and several pouches attached to it, black thigh high boots with silver buckles, A black leather neck covering with a large gemstone in the centre of the neck and a dark purple cloak that matched the skirt and tabard and had the same blue runes on the corners of the sleeves and down the centre of the spine. Standing beside the outfit was a tall, Black staff that had gold, Metal, Vine like decorations that wrapped around the staff from the top of the staff down to where a padded wrap encircled the staff. At the top of the staff, Wrapped in the vine like decorations was another large gemstone that matched the gemstone in the neck decoration of the outfit on the mannequin.

After gazing at the outfit in wonder for a moment, Silvina stepped forward and ran her fingers along the outfit gently. As she sighed, The runes on the outfit glowed slightly brighter for a moment before the gemstone on the neck began glowing as a feminine voice filled the room.

" You have finally arrived. "

Silvina gasped loudly and spun around in shock and spoke shakily at what she saw. Standing before her was what appeared to be a ghost of a tall, slender woman. Her skin was adorned with the same runes that were on the outfit. Although she was a ghost, Her eyes burned with a fiery orange glow. As she stepped back slightly, Silvina spoke nervously.

" Who are you? What do you want from me? " Silvina spoke nervously and stepped backward again as the ghost stepped toward her.

" Has it truly been so long that even my own descendants do not know me? That is most unfortunate. " The ghost sighed disappointingly before giggling softly and speaking again. " My name is Illuria Vashtir. I was a witch a very long time ago. Do you truly not know me child? "

" No I don't. I only learned about you a few moments ago. Why are you talking as if you know me? " Silvina cautiously continued to back away as Illuria spoke again.

" Because I would recognise my magic and my blood anywhere. You are one of my descendants. Born with the gift of lightning in your veins. " Illuria smiled warmly as Silvina breathed slowly but did not relax. " You have no reason to fear me child. In fact I have been waiting for you for a very, Very long time. "

" Waiting? Why? " Silvina relaxed slightly as Illuria motioned toward a nearby chair and it slid across the room and stopped beside Silvina.

" Because you are the next in a long line of women in our family to be capable of magic that no other can achieve. Your lightning magic, Despite all women in our family being capable of lightning magic, Is much stronger. Every few generations, A descendant of my bloodline is born with a much higher affinity for lightning. A much stronger connection. In my time, We were looked upon as the most powerful beings in the world. Our control over a force of nature was both revered and feared in equal measure. For a long time, Our family ruled over the place I am from with no equal. During my reign, A man came from another land claiming that we were not alone in our domination of a natural element. He displayed an unnatural control over fire. It was then that I realised that our bloodline is not the only one that has a connection with the elements. I gave control of our land to my daughter and wandered the earth searching for others like me. The man that came to us called himself Tiran. He journeyed with me in search of others. As we adventured through the world, We found others like us. We totalled eight at the time of our passing. Each of us controlling a different element. " Illuria paused for a moment before motioning toward a painting on the far wall that had several people depicted on it. " I controlled Lightning, Tiran controlled Fire, Kali controlled Water, Luca controlled Air, Alexa controlled Earth, Victor controlled Ice, Celia controlled Light... " Illuria sighed disappointingly before motioning to the last person in the painting. " And Dorian. Who controlled Darkness. Together we were unstoppable. The eight of us journeyed endlessly across the different lands and learned much of each other and our magic... But we failed to see the threat in our midst. "

" Threat? What threat? " Silvina looked toward Illuria with confusion on her face as Illuria sighed once more before continuing.

" Dorian. He went mad with power and claimed that we as elemental beings should rule all others. That no other being was greater than us. That we controlled the foundations that could create worlds. In his madness, Dorian sought to build a new world... By destroying the one that already existed. You cannot build anew without burning the old he said. We were horrified with his plan and refused to help him. He called us traitors and declared that if we did not stand with him, He would burn even us to realise a better world. In his lust for power and control, He lost his mind and humanity. "

" Why tell me about him? He died when you did. " Silvina spoke plainly but sighed as Illuria shook her head.

" No. We died sending him into the depths of the earth. We used every ounce of our magic to seal him away. He died many years later but left behind a creature of indisputable evil as his legacy. His son, A creature that should never have existed lives even now. " Illuria smiled halfheartedly before continuing. " It was he that awoke us from our eternal rest. It was he that sought our power for his own. It is because of him that we cannot be at peace. "

" Who is he? Dorian's son? " Silvina asked out of curiosity but she had an unshakeable feeling that she already knew.

" His name is Ghislaine. He is... " Illuria fell silent as Silvina spoke.

" My father. " Silvina sighed loudly as Illuria looked at her with shock and surprise before speaking calmly.

" I pity you child. To have such a monster as your father must be beyond distressing. " Illuria spoke softly as Silvina bit her lip.

" You have no idea what it is like to know that the only reason you were born was to be an experiment. That the only reason you live is because your own father wants to use you as a tool. " Silvina stood up as she cried softly and turned away as she spoke. " You have no idea how crushing it is to learn that... "

" Indeed I do not. But I do know that you will rise above it. The terms of your birth do not define who you are. It is the rest of your story, Who you choose to be that defines you. " Illuria smiled warmly as Silvina turned to face her.

" You are saying that I can choose who and what I want to be? Despite what I am? " Silvina's voice trembled as she spoke and she looked toward Illuria with a pleading look in her eyes.

" Correct. The only person that can decide who you are... Is you. Only you can define who you are my dear. " Illuria spoke sweetly and smiled as Silvina wiped her tears away.

" Then it falls to me doesn't it? To deal with my father. " Silvina sighed loudly as Illuria nodded. " How do I even do that? Where do I start? "

" By accepting who you are and deciding who to be from now on. " Illuria smiled as she gestured toward the outfit on the mannequin. " It is yours now. Wear it with pride and decide for yourself who to be. " Illuria smiled as Silvina nodded.

" Will it even fit me? I am not exactly the same size as you... Uhm... Physically... " Silvina sighed nervously as Illuria giggled.

" That is no normal outfit dear. It is not simple cloth or metal. Put it on and see for yourself. " Illuria smiled as Silvina took off her robes and school uniform before putting the outfit on and gasping loudly as the material and metals trembled before shrinking and squeezing her body tightly. After a few moments of squeezing Silvina to the point where she thought she might be stuck that way, The outfit trembled again before changing to fit her form. As Silvina took a breathe, The gemstone in the staff glowed softly before the staff floated toward her and landed in front of her, Standing perfectly upright, With a dull thunk.

" But I have a wand already... " Silvina picked up her wand from atop the pile of her normal clothes and held it tenderly as Illuria spoke.

" There are no rules saying you can't have and use both dear. Take the staff with you. It is a part of that outfit as much as your wand is a part of you. " Illuria smiled as Silvina took hold of the staff and held it gingerly, As if she was expecting it to explode or do something strange. As she held it, The staff simply hummed and the gemstone glowed softly. After a moment, Silvina motioned to speak but fell silent as she realised that she was now alone.

" I guess that is my cue to leave. I better go back to the castle before mom has a meltdown. " Silvina giggled softly before walking back down the corridor and up the staircase.

Hogwarts Castle

" Those clouds look quite troubling don't they? " Professor Flitwick spoke calmly as the teachers finished casting protective spells around the school.

" Understatement of the year. " Professor Wolfe giggled softly as Professor Flitwick shot her a disapproving glance.

" Uhm... Problem... " Professor Vissity spoke nervously as a bolt of lightning hit the barrier and pierced it as if it were not there before slamming into the ground in the centre of the bridge.

" That's not g... What is that?! " Professor Wolfe pointed toward the forest as a purple glow erupted out of the forest and upward into the sky. As the purple light got closer to the cloud, A massive bolt of lightning exploded out of the cloud and slammed into the light. As the bolt of lightning disappeared, Silvina's voice echoed through the air.

" Fulgur Iffusio! " Silvina's voice seemed to reverberate through the air as lightning built up in the clouds above the purple light. After a moment, A torrent of lightning exploded out of the cloud and seemed to get sucked toward the light. As more and more lightning poured out of the cloud, The cloud began to disappear until it vanished entirely. After the cloud had disappeared, The purple light dimmed to show Silvina floating in the air surrounded by a soft purple glow. As looks of shock and concern etched onto the teachers faces, Silvina floated to the ground within the forest as the light surrounding her faded completely. After a few minutes, Silvina walked toward the castle. When she arrived, Layla, Aurora, Professor Wolfe and Professor Vissity were waiting for her.

" I gotta say kid... I always knew you were special but that's just plain scary. " Professor Wolfe spoke nervously as Professor Vissity stepped forward.

" And why are you wearing robes that look like they haven't seen light in the last seventeen centuries? " Professor Vissity looked Silvina up and down as Silvina spoke calmly.

" Yeah about that... I uhm... Kinda stumbled across the tomb of our ancestor and she is a ghost and told me everything that happened, Including who my father really is and then she gave me her robes and staff. " Silvina smiled sweetly as Layla and Aurora giggled softly.

" Only you would say something like that so casually. " Aurora smiled as she admired Silvina's new outfit. " I love the new look by the way. "

" Actually I was thinking that it clashes with my hair a little. Maybe a new hairstyle? " Silvina ran her fingers through her hair as she spoke before Layla giggled softly.

" And only you would want a new haircut when you get a new outfit. " Layla smiled before kissing Silvina gently. " But we love you because of who you are. "

" I certainly hope so. You are kinda stuck with me when you think about it. " Silvina smiled happily as Layla rested her head against Silvina's shoulder.

" I wouldn't have it any other way. " Layla smiled happily before kissing Silvina's cheek gently.

After a few minutes discussing her new outfit, Silvina walked to the library. As she walked, Many of the other students looked toward her as they whispered about her robes. As she turned down the corridor that lead to the library, Silvina stopped dead in her tracks and stepped to the side as she spoke softly.

" My apologies Sir Nicholas. I almost ran into you. " Silvina smiled sweetly as Sir Nicholas chuckled softly.

" Worry not. It would not have caused even a meagre bump. " Sir Nicholas chuckled heartily before clearing his throat. " Quite exquisite taste in robes young lady. I have seen similar attire in the royal court of Henry the seventh. His advisers always had such extravagant taste in fashion. " Sir Nicholas chuckled as Silvina giggled softly.

" I like to be extravagant. There is just no fun in the ordinary. " Silvina giggled happily as Sir Nicholas chuckled once again.

" Indeed not. Extravagance and strangeties of wondrous nature are so very exciting. Alas, I have made you tarry. Hurry along now. Don't want to miss anything exciting do we? " Sir Nicholas chuckled as Silvina curtsied politely before continuing on her way down the corridor. " Such a well mannered young lady. "

After a few minutes, Silvina walked into the library. Before doing anything, Silvina walked to a nearby desk where a thin, Slender witch sat. As Silvina spoke, The witch sighed softly and turned her attention toward Silvina with a bewildered look on her face.

" I apologise for interrupting you Madam Pince, But would you be able to recommend a book for me? I am hoping to find some information on two subjects. " Silvina spoke respectfully and calmly as a slight smile played at the corners of Madam Pince's lips.

" Such lovely manners. What two subjects are you hoping to learn about? " Madam Pince spoke calmly but had an air of slight disinterest in her voice.

" I am looking for information on Elementals and information concerning Illuria Vashtir. " Silvina stepped back slightly as Madam Pince shot out of her chair and glared toward Silvina with a glint of disapproval n her eyes.

" And what right do you have to such information? " Madam Pince's icy glare made Silvina shiver slightly before Silvina held her hands up so that the lightning arcing between her fingers was clearly visible as she spoke.

" Illuria Vashtir is my ancestor. I would like to learn more about my family and the magic we share. I am also hoping to learn more about a person. His name is Ghisla... " Silvina fell silent as Madam Pince spoke rapidly.

" DO NOT UTTER THAT MONSTERS NAME HERE! " Madam Pince spoke loudly and stepped away from her desk as several nearby students looked toward her in shock before she cleared her throat. " Yes, I know who he is. Why would you seek information on that creature? "

" Because... " Silvina sighed softly before speaking softly. " Because he is my father. "

A look of shock and what seemed to be a twisted form of pity adorned her face before she sighed softly and spoke. " Most unfortunate. I assume you seek this information so you might... Dispose of him? " Madam Pince paused for a moment as Silvina nodded silently. " Very well then. Come with me. " Madam Pince walked around her desk as she shot looks of disapproval at the students who had been staring at her, Who all quickly turned back to their books with panicked looks on their faces as Madam Pince walked to a nearby shelf and took a book off of it. " This book contains information on Elementals. And this one... " Madam Pince turned and raised her wand toward the top of the opposite shelf before a book floated casually toward her. " Will tell you everything you need to know about your ancestor. It is a biography of sorts. Now on to the more serious matter. The book containing information on your father is only found in the restricted section. Without proper authorisation, I canno... " Madam Pince paused as Headmistress McGonagall's voice startled her slightly.

" I authorise Silvina to enter the restricted section. She has more reason than even I to search those books. " Headmistress McGonagall smiled as Silvina looked toward her with a thankful expression as Madam Pince spoke.

" Very well then. Search to your heart's content. The book you are looking for is called Rise with Pride. It is more or less a... Well a rallying call to other vampires from your father. I have no concerns about how long it takes you to read these books, But know that if so much as a tear befalls any one of them, The punishment will be as severe as I can possibly make it. Am I clear? " Madam Pince had a stern look on her face but her expression softened as Silvina curtsied politely.

" Ofcourse Madam Pince. I will be as careful as possible with the books in this library. " Silvina smiled as Madam Pince nodded contently before walking back to her desk as Silvina turned and walked into the Restricted Section.

As she searched the shelves, Silvina encountered books that were as strange as their covers made them sound. A few of the books even screamed as they were opened. After about half an hour of searching the Restricted Section, Silvina found the book that Madam Pince had mentioned.

As she sat down and opened the book, Ghislaine's voice spoke as if he were in the room. The same deep, Menacing voice that had found Silvina as she was laying in the Hospital Wing. As Ghislaine's voice filled the room, Silvina shivered slightly.

" My kin. I send this book to you in preparation for what is to come. As many of you are aware, I have strived to bring our species to the forefront of this world. This book details the full extent of my plan and what will be required of you should you decide to aid me in my cause. If you decide to join me, You will find within this book, A cipher that only Vampires can translate. It will show you the way forward. Until I receive your answer, I bid you farewell. "

" That egotistical... " Silvina groaned irritably before sighing softly and turning the page. As she read through the pages, Silvina felt disgusted and horrified by the intricately detailed experiments and tests that her father had committed throughout the course of history. Many documents and records within the book laid claim to many horrible things thought accidents by Muggles. There were documents laying claim to Massacres, Mass murder, Abduction, Assassination and even destabilisation of governments.

After about an hour, Silvina read the final page of the document. Upon the last page was a series of runes that were a deep red and glinted as if they were written using fresh blood.

As Silvina looked through the runes, She fell silent as a raspy voice filed the room.

" Ofolr kynkvisl koma saman hvadan dreyri mani risa. Kynkvisl taka fyrstr barn vio forn gata. Fylgja forn gata vio hellir fram efst fjall. Fylgja hellir nidri vio dreyri sjor. Kostr fyrstr barn vio forn kvikindi. Forn kvikindi gefa dreyri vio fyrstr barn eda lauga fyrstr barn innan dreyri sjor. Fyrstr barn frykkr dreyri sjor eda risa vandr. Fyrstr barn missa sjalfr viod dreyri geisa eda soma berserkr. Hvadan dreyri mani hrata, Forn kvikindi tilkall hefnd eda pja allr lydr. "

" Ofcourse it is in a different language. Nothing can just be simple... " Silvina sighed loudly before writing down the cipher and leaving the restricted section.

After meeting her ancestor and learning the truth of who she is, What twists and turns await next?

Read on to find out!

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