DISCLAIMER

This story was inspired by J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series. Therefore, I do not own the characters except for Gwenyth Elwyn, who I had made years ago.

NOW ONTO THE STORY!

Gwenyth Elywn

and the

Dark Summoning

Chapter Seven: Two Snakes and a Flame

"I am sure it was nothing." Lily assured Gwen, for what must have been the fifteenth time.

"You saw for yourself," sighed Gwen. "And you know it was something." The two walked silently through the corridors, heading to the library. They looked through all the books, but could not find anything about having the ability to touch fire without being burned.

"Still no luck?" Severus asked the two, as he came out from a row of shelves.

"No." Gwen said, shaking her head. "Let's just face it, Sirius was right to call me a freak."

"No, he wasn't." Severus said, eyes flashing at hearing the name. "That immature prat is always saying things that aren't true. It would be best to ignore him." And with a swish of his long black cloak, he walked away.

"Severus, wait!" Lily called out, before running after him.

Gwen stood in the middle of the library, alone, save for the large stacks of books that surrounded her and Gjarpër.

The flames crackled merrily in the fireplace, the fire reflecting in Gwen's low lit eyes. She was still confused and slightly depressed over her strange abilities, that she felt isolated her from the others. Sure Lily, Severus, and Professor Dumbledore treated her kindly and did seem to care about her. Even Sirius was acting nicer than before, carrying her books and staying up in the Gryffindor Common Room with her.

But she still felt like there was something missing in her, something that made it impossible for her to be like the others. She could see more of Voldemort in her, then she could anybody else, even her parents. And she had always thought she looked just like them both, and was as kind, brave, helpful, and opposed to evil, as they had been.

Gwen gazed at the flames, reaching her hand out to them. She felt them licking at her fingertips, she could see them spreading to her hand, she held them in the palm of her left hand. It was just like holding warm water, the flames trickled from her hands, back into the fireplace.

She examined her fingers, the back of her hands, and saw no burns, not even a hint of redness. She was left unscathed by the flames, and that only made her feel even more deeply saddened.

Suddebly an idea formed in her mind, and before she knew it, she scooped up the flames once more. She held them out, as if she would her wand, and watched as they spread. From her hands, to her arms, to her entire body. She was like a living flame now. She could feel the warmth, but not the burn.

She could feel the heat, but no pain. She looked in the mirror that was hanging in the back of the Common Room, and saw someone behind her. She spun wildly around, the flames still raging throughout her body. And saw the serious, deep in thought, and mildly disappointed face, of Albus Dumbledore.

A couple weeks later and Gwen was back in the Room of Requirement. Instead of touching up on her defense spells and learning to create new ones, she was reading up on the reason why someone can use magic without a wand, talk to snakes, or touch fire without being burned.

So far, Gwen was failing miserably at unraveling the mystery that was her. She needed answers and she needed them now. She could always talk to Professor Dumbledore, her friend Lily, or even Remus. But would they know what was going on, could they give her more information than the books she had been perusing through.

Maybe...No, it was insanity. She could not trust him, or even contact him if she wanted to. And if she could, he would probably just try to kill her again. He obviously knew something, otherwise why would he be so intent on getting rid of her? She closed her eyes and sighed, even if he all of a sudden did not want to kill her, he still was evil. After all, he did kill her parents.

"I will just have to..." Gwen paused, she had been planning to seek Gjarpër's advice, but he was nowhere to be found. Strange...All of a sudden, Gwen's heart seemed to turn to ice as she heard a familiar voice.

Gwenyth Elwyn...

For a second Gwen thought it was his voice, but then she heard it again.

Gwenyth Elwyn, the blood traitor. My master has ordered me to kill you.

And she knew, it was the snake. The snake that Voldemort had with him during their few encounters. The snake that had held her down when she was fighting him in the common room. The same snake that had tried to kill her when she was at the Elwyn Manor. The same snake that had recognized...

Gjarpër...You know him, don't you? Gwen's heart beat wildly, if she could buy time, she might just escape from this formidable foe.

Do you dare speak his name! Her voice cut through the silence of the room, angry and fierce. He had betrayed his kind, just as you have. So, you both shall...DIE!

Before Gwen could manage to respond, she heard the slithering sound of a snake, along the ground. She heard a snarling hiss, and then she was thrown to the ground. She was struggling, writhing, to break free. She gripped the cold coils of her enemy, she could feel the vicelike grip, tightening.

"Lumos!" she shouted, before her wand was knocked from her hand. The wand rolled to the side of the floor. The little light the spell offered, revealed the snake. The loathsome creature stared at Gwen. Cold, obsidian, souless eyes into fiery, sea glass, bright eyes. The snake smiled, a mirthless, evil, cruel smile, like that of her master.

What is your name? Gwen panted as she was having the air crushed from her. The snake's eyes glinted for a second, something warm and alive flashing in them for a moment, but then shaking her head, the snake continued to crush the life out of Gwen.

Nagini!

He hissed, darting from the shadows. He entangled himself with the other snake, coiling mercilessly around her. His eyes glinted dangerously, they were feral and cold. Cold, steely, empty gaze, as he threw Nagini off Gwen.

Long time, no see. Nagini laughed, something in her laugh sounded longing, like she had been desiring this reunion. This moment.

Traitor... Gjarpër's voice was unfamiliar, different. Just as how Gwen saw him now. He looked more snakelike than ever before, more sinister and more dark. He threw back his head, mouth wide open. Nagini's eyes seemed to widen, she began squirming in his coils, trying to free herself.

No. she pleaded. Don't. Please, Brother...

You are no sister to me, Sssissster... Then with a calculating look, he struck.

Gjarpër, no! Gwen shouted as her friend's fangs almost slashed the cold, scaly, inky skin of Nagini, his sister. He turned towards Gwen, fixing his eyes on her. He looked savage, cruel, and cunning. She could feel the hatred, malice, and anger radiating from his body.

He threw Nagini to the ground and she lay there, a miserable bundle of coils, breathing heavily and fast, she had just been saved from death. Gjarpër coiled himself around one of Gwen's legs, rose himself high up into the air, and snarled.

Sssstay, out of thisss, Gwenyth Elwyn. Gwen searched his black eyes, but could not see her friend in them. Or you will be next... His threat sent a chill down Gwen's spine, but she could not give up so easily.

Where do you think you are going. With a quick flash, he unwrapped himself from Gwen, and coiled back around Nagini, who had been trying to escape. We are not finissshed, yet. Sssissster... Nagini stared at him with awestruck horror.

What had become of her brother? The one who had always tried to save her from danger and keep her from harm. The one that had fought and sacrificed himself in the end for her? All that was left was the cursed snake, who resembled herself.

Gwen quickly rose off the floor and then stepped back into the shadows. If she was going to stop Gjarpër, she would have to remain unseen, so that he would not be able to strike her dead.

Gjarpër, stop, please. she begged. The snake turned towards her, eyes searching through the darkness. This is not like you. This is not who you are. You are better than this.

Foolish girl! Gjarpër shrieked, eyes flashing at her. Did I not tell you to ssstay out of thisss? I can sssee you! He flew at her, coils knocking her to the ground, she gasped to catch her breath. Struggled to fight the snake, her friend.

She struck him with her fist, he snarled and hisse, letting her go, for just a second. And then, he wrapped tightly around her waist, a crushing grip. I will kill you! He promised, his face and feautures more snakelike and deadly than before.

Gwen screamed, trying to wrench free of his grasp. She twisted in his grip and was almost blinded by the glinting light, from her wand. She took a book and slammed it hard on the snake. He cried out, crushed. She took the opportunity to make a mad dive for her wand, but then, she was knocked down again. This time by Nagini.

If my fool of a brother cannot kill you then I will. Her eyes shone vehemently, the darkness in them seemed to have no end.

But I saved your life! Gwen protested, as she tried to reach her wand, but with a swift flick of Nagini's tail, the wand sailed away from her outstretched hand

You did nothing, except call for your death! Nagini snarled, eyes burning with rage and hatred. I am fully capable of handling my naive and weak brother!

Weak?! Gjarpër laughed derisively. Weak? Now come on, Sssissster, let usss be real here. You are the weak one. Nagini's eyes gleamed with broken pride, but then the craftiness and evil returned.

Prove it, Brother. she said with a smile, then fixed her gaze on Gwen, who struggled to break free of her coils. Kill your friend. Kill your master. Kill Gwenyth Elwyn.

Friend? spat Gjarpër. I have no friend. Or master. And I will kill Gwenyth.

Gjarpër don't. Gwen pleaded, tears falling from her eyes. I do not know what happened between you and your sister, but all I know is I am your friend. And I care about you and your goodness, killing me proves nothing but that you are no different than Nagini.

Gjarpër looked at Gwen, staring at her as of seeing her for the first time. He closed his mouth, and slid back, then turned towards Nagini. His eyes were like flames, anger burning in them. He struck Nagini and she cried out, uncoiling around Gwen. He fought her back, but she was stronger. She struck at him, eyes smoldering with hatred.

Fool! And with that, Gjarpër fell, eyes closed, body beaten and bloody. Gwen stared stunned, looking at her fallen friend, she rushed over to him, but was dragged backwards, hands outstretched towards Gjarpër. She was forced to turn around, facing Nagini. A cold and satisfied smiled was on Nagini's face. Her eyes continued to smoldered, dark and obsidian, and full of victory at finally getting to kill Gwen.

Gwenyth Elwyn. She hissed. Prepare to join your parents. Then Nagini opened her mouth, revealing her twisted, long, curved fangs, and struck.

Nagini! A third voice hissed. Nagini was thrown into the air and sent flailing backwards, she snarled and proceeded to attack Gwen. Nagini, listen to me! Nagini turned, slowly, so did Gwen. And they both saw the red, cold, burning and smoldering eyes of Lord Voldemort.

"Voldemort!" Gwen cried out, heart pounding fiercely, she scrambled on the floor and grabbed her wand.

Master! Nagini called out, fearfully. She fell to the ground, her deformed body bending over in something close to a bow.

"Gwenyth Elwyn." he replied, ignoring the trembling snake. "It has been awhile since we last met." He stared at her curiously, then smiled.

"It has been." Gwen said, jumping to her feet and backing up against the nearest wall.

"You are afraid of me?" Voldemort asked, eyes flickering.

"Never." Gwen said, as she stepped closer to him. "I just know when to proceed with caution, after all you killed my parents!"

"Killed your parents?" Voldemort was caught off guard; his usual calm, cold, calculative demeanor gone. But then it returned, he lifted up his wand, pointing it at Gwen. "Who told you that lie?" he shrieked, eyes flashing with anger.

"No one told me any lies." Gwen said, as she walked closer to him, her wand pointed at him as well. "I was there, remember?"

"Yes, you were." he responded, as he lowered his wand. "And you were there after they had died. So was I."

Gwen stopped in her steps, her wand falling from her hand, she stared at him, stunned. She then recovered and stooped down to pick up her wand, but with a flick of his, her wand went sailing into his hand. She stepped back a few steps. "Then who killed them?"

"Who indeed." he smiled coldly. "You do not need you wand, Gwenyth. You are special."

"What do you mean?" Gwen said, hoping she could buy some time and get answers as well.

"Ask your father figure, Albus Dumbledore." Voldemort hissed. "He has the answers you are looking for, he always has." he added when he saw Gwen's crestfallen expression. He laughed, savoring the shock, hurt, and anger that Gwen tried, and failed, to conceal.

"He doesn't know anything!" she screamed, as she stretched out her hand, ready to strike Voldemort with a spell. "You are a liar and want to make me doubt! It will not work." she stood straight, resolute in her answer.

"I was like you once." Voldemort responded, softly, searching Gwen's eyes. "I thought Dumbledore had good intentions and cared about me, but I was wrong. Imagine my surprise when I learned he had once worked alongside another powerful and "dark" wizard, such as myself."

"What are you talking about?"

"He never told you?" Voldemort said, smiling cruelly. Knowing that this would surely make her doubt Dumbledore, once and for all. "He never told you that he was the friend and partner of...Gellert Grindelwald?

Gwen pounded on the door. "Come on Professor! I know you are in there!" Her mind was reeling and she needed answers. She did not want to believe what he had told her, but she needed to know, for sure.

"Come on Professor Dumbledore!" she shouted, banging on the door. "Open up, please!"

"Come in." he replied. "The door is always open to those who need help."

Gwen turned the handle and stumbled inside. She looked around Dumbledore's office. The room was a great, wide open space. There were spiraling staircases leading to another floor. His desk stood in the middle of the back of the room, perched next to it was a bright, fire red bird. Its feathers seemed to move like flame, and it was fast asleep.

"A Phoenix!" gasped Gwen, as she reached out her hand to stroke the iridescent feathers. But then, as her hand was almost close to touching it, the Phoenix caught fire. Exploding in flame, the pheonix seemed to glow, and then it was a heap of smoldering, black, fine ash.

"Gwenyth." Dumbledore calle, as he descended the stairs. He fixed his eyes on her and then glanced at the ash heap, that had been his pheonix.

"I swear, Professor." Gwen stammered, shaking her head fiercely. "I had nothing to do with it. Your Pheonix, it just caught fire!"

Dumbledore chuckled in response, his eyes twinkling merrily, behind his glasses. "Fawkes is a Pheonix, Gwenyth. And as it goes, phoenixes burn up before they die. And then are..." All of a sudden the ash heap shook, as something peeked out from beneath. The red head of baby chick, a pheonix, poked out. Dumbledore reached out, cupping the head in his hands, adoringly.

"And then they are reborn, Ms. Elwyn." he smiled at the little chick, before turning back to Gwen. "I suspect you have questions?"

"Yes," Gwen said, looking at the little baby pheonix, before glancing back at Dumbledore. "I just wanted to ask..."

"Yes, Ms. Elwyn?"

"I just wanted to ask...were you friends with...Gellert Grindelwald." Gwen had expected Dumbledore to burst out laughing and then ask her who had told her such a ridiculous thing. She had expected it, that was. But instead, Dumbledore looked at her gravely, cleared his throat.

"Voldemort came to you, didn't he?" he looked at her as if he was ashamed. She nodded slowly, unsure of what to say, unsure if she could say anything.

"I know when Voldemort speaks, he usually lies." Dumbledore said, causing Gwen to feel relieved.

"Aw, thank you, Professor." she started. "I knew it couldn't be true, but I just had to ma-"

"This would be the only time that he has been honest with you."