Forgive me. I suck at this, and I now it. I made mistakes in editing and canon and I have been so damn lazy. I've just been getting out of a funk. I hope, for those who are reading this, You are enjoying it. I realize I made a mistake when I added Daphne in the group, since Daphne isn't in the same year as Gold and Nicole. Well, Astoria's been blackmailing Daphne into doing her homework, and both got mad. Don't ask me why, I didn't make either girl, and they aren't exactly the stars of the Harry Potter books. Now back to business.
The Frog and the Snake: Part II
A Few Weeks Later
It was now December 24th. More news of supposed Death Eater activity had been occurring, Umbridgehad started to become more evil and creative in her punishments, and it had started to snow. Rumors were spreading in the school of a class, a class of students who were practicing defensive spells, the kind of spells Umbridge should've been teaching. Gold and Nicole had thought of joining, but the idea of a Slytherin doing some good for the school was sure to shock plenty of people, those who would believeit, that is. Gold informed her aunt that she would be spending Christmas with her friend, but had requested that her aunt send her a second tin of cookies. This time, for Nicole as a gift. The two were now in Hogsmeade, the village where Hogwarts students spend their weekends. It was snowing very hard that day, and Gold and Nicole were wrapped up tight, carrying their things as they made their way to the Hogs Head tavern, run by the mysterious bandaged man. The minute they entered, the bandaged owner, and ever other tavern patron, shot them a suspicious look
Nicole: Don't mind us, gents. Just passing by.
Nicole turns to the bandaged man.
Nicole: I'm Nicole de Laurette. My mother-
Bandaged Man: This way.
Nicole to Gold: Let's go.
Gold nervous: Uh, h-happy Christmas everyone!
Nicole: Oh and don't eat the yellow snow!
Someone tossed a glass at Nicole's head, she ducked ahead of time.
Nicole: Nice try.
Someone else tossed a second one, which she dodged, albeit with few seconds to spare.
Nicole: That, I didn't see coming.
Bandaged Man (annoyed): A-hem!
Nicole: Sorry.
The bandaged man leads them to a backroom. He points to a stuffed boar's head with glassy eyes and a big stitch running up it's face.
Gold (grossed): Is that it?
Nicole: I guess. Hold on.
Both Gold and Nicole grab the portkey at the same time. The experience is one that Gold enjoys immensely, like going on a roller coaster. In a whirlwind of color and light, the two land on snowy ground, somewhere in a section of French woods. Gold gets up and starts to shake off some of the snow.
Gold: That was fun! I love using those things.
Nicole: Fun for you, maybe.
Nicole staggers back up, her pale face now green.
Gold: Hey, are you alright?
Nicole (massaging her temples): Gimme a minute, portkeys don't settle well with me. I swear I'm gonna kill her.
Maid: Hello, Miss Nicole. I've been waiting for you.
The two turn to the Maid. She's young, with wavy hair down to her back and a black maid's cap. She's wearing your standard maid clothing, and she must be cold, although she won't let on that she is.
Nicole (surprised): Oh! You must be new.
Maid: Yes, Madame Lillian hired me a month ago. She asked me to escort you to the house once you arrived by the portkey. How was your trip?
Nicole: Wonderful. Just peachy.
Maid: That's nice. Here, let me get your bags.
Gold: That's okay, I can manage.
Maid: Well then, follow me.
The three start to walk down a path in the woods.
Gold: Aren't you cold in that outfit?
Maid: One of the other servants put a heating spell on me before I left.
Gold: Really? I can't wait till we learn that one. So, Nicky, your mother uses human servants?
Nicole: She doesn't like house-elves. She thinks they look creepy, that and she doesn't like them touching our family's prized possessions with their 'knobby little hands'.
Gold: You really don't like your mother, do you?
Nicole: When the word "bitch" was coined, they were thinking of her.
Gold: Nicole, you should be lucky you have a mom.
After walking down the dirt path in the winter twilight, the group finally comes up to a wooden fence.
Nicole: Well, there it is...home.
Laurette Mansion is a dark and foreboding place. A large, stone building expanding over the entire landscape. The garden in front has since died, and the large fountain built near the entrance is covered in dead vines
Gold: It's so-
Nicole: Ugly? Well the place went to pot a few years ago and mother has never bothered to pay for repairs.
Gold: Wow.
Nicole (under her breath): Not like the place was any better.
Maid: Shall we go in?
As the three make their way up the path, two figures from one of the top windows spy down.
Figure 1: Who is that?
Figure 2: You don't recognize your own niece?
Figure 1: No I mean the girl with them.
Figure 2: That's her friend, I think she's a mudblood.
Figure 1: A mudblood?! Is Lillian insane?!
Figure 2: Calm yourself. The Dark Lord said we can't kill as we like for a while.
Figure 1: I can't believe that little blood traitor-
Figure 2: Don't screw up! If the Dark Lord finds out we disobeyed his orders you know what that means. Besides-
Figure 2 takes Figure 1's hand to remind him of the Rose Crest on his finger
Figure 2: He's not the only one we have to worry about.
Down in the Foyer
The three are greeted by a little blonde boy in a green suit
Mitsuru: Welcome, Madam Lillian is expecting you.
Nicole: Eh? What the-?! Mother! Mother where are you?!
Nicole storms into a dimly lit parlor, with a fire roaring. Lillian de Laurette is reading A Modest Proposal on the couch in front of the fireplace
Lillian: As coarse as ever, I see.
Gold, the Maid, and Mitsuru follow in. Gold is shocked at the sight of Nicole's mother
(Wow. That's her mom? She's so beautiful)
Nicole shaking her finger at Mitsuru:
Mother, how old is he?!
Lillian: Mitsuru? About eight, or nine I'm not entirely sure I go through so many.
Gold & Nicole: Eight or nine?!
(Scratch that)
Nicole: For those of out there reading this, now is the time to call Child Services. The number is 1-800-555-KIDS.
Gold: Call now and get a free T-Shirt!
Lillian: Who are you two talking too?
Gold: Oh no one.
Lillian: So, this must be your little friend. Nicole, you didn't tell me she was...African.
Gold: Actually I'm Jamaican.
Lillian: There any difference?
Nicole: Don't mind her. She must be sober. Shocking, so late in the day.
Lillian: Well, now that you're here you might as well make yourself comfortable. I expect you've already eaten lunch.
Gold: Actually we-
Lillian: Dinner will be at five o'clock in the east dining hall. Mitsuru, show Nicole to her bedr-
Nicole: I know where it is mother. I'm not stupid.
Lillian: Well, BLEEEEEP, you have to take care of dinner. Mitsuru, show...what was your name again?
Gold: Gold.
Lillian: Right, show Gold to her room.
Gold: Thank you for your hospitality, Mrs. Laurette.
Lillian: Just don't touch anything. Oh, and BLEEEEEP, please make sure I'm not disturbed. I feel another headache coming on.
Mitsuru: This way, please.
Lillian (Under her breath): Mudbloods in my house...
Mitsuru leads Gold to a room in the third floor. It's dark because the curtains have been closed and there are no lights or candles on.
Mitsuru: One moment.
Mitsuru takes out a match and begins to light some of the candles in the room. It's small, with only a bed and a dresser.
Gold: Mitsuru I hope you don't mind me asking but, why are you working here? You're so young.
Mitsuru: I need this job to get by. But I'm looking at a better paying one.
Gold: What about your parents?
Mitsuru: My parents are the reason I'm here.
Gold: I know how that is.
Mitsuru: Call if you need me, or BLEEEEEP, or any of the other staff.
Gold: I can manage. But, before you go, where is Nicole's room?
Mitsuru: Down the hall.
Mitsuru leaves the room and heads back down the hall.
Gold: Wait! Which-
Gold peeks her head out. Mitsuru is gone
Gold: Room?
Gold steps out of her room, holding a candelabra in her hand, and opens the door next to hers. But, there is only a brick wall.
Gold: 'Kay. How about door number two?
Inside the next room, it appears to be an ancient bathroom. The musty smell hits Gold like a ton of bricks
(What is that?! Ugh! Like bad cheese and dead flowers!)
She quickly closes the door and rushes back to her room, where she quickly tries to open the window and breath in the fresh air. She lets out a moan of relief as she hangs her head out the window
Two Hours Later
Lillian de Laurette: Mitsuru...
Mitsuru: Yes, Madame?
Lillian de Laurette: Would you check to see if my daughter and her, for lack of a better word, friend are ready for dinner?
Mitsuru: Right away, Madame.
Up in Gold's room, Nicole has been discussing with her if she's settled in okay, and is showing her a cream-colored dress that her mother expects her to wear at dinner.
Nicole: Look at it! It's so...
Gold: I think it looks nice.
There is a knock at the door.
Gold: Yes?
Mitsuru sticks his head in.
Nicole: Yes, Mitsuru?
Mitsuru: Madame is expecting you.
Nicole: Tell her to wait, we aren't dressed yet.
Mitsuru: Yes, Miss Nicole.
Mitsuru leaves, when Gold remembers something to ask Nicole.
Gold: Hey, I just noticed, where is your dad, anyway? I don't think I've met him yet.
Nicole: He's away on business. Which is just as well.
Gold: You don't like having dinner with your father?
Nicole: Hmm? Oh it's not that, it's because mother and father always get into arguments whenever they're together. Which reminds me...
Gold: What is it?
Nicole: We'll be getting some... unexpected company for dinner. Which is why you can have this.
Nicole hands Gold the cream-colored dress.
Gold: Wait, I can't take this.
Nicole: You aren't taking this, you're just wearing it for tonight.
Gold: But what are you going to wear?
Nicole: This.
Nicole takes out a pair of black jeans and a form-fitting t-shirt with the words Scare Tactics written on it in blood-red words.
Gold: Hey!
Nicole: What?
Gold: That shirt was your Christmas gift!
Nicole (smiling): I peeked.
(At least she didn't find the cookies)
Nicole: Oh and the cookies were great. Give your aunt my regards.
Gold: What is the point in surprising you?
After the little revelation concerning the holiday gifts, the two friends made their way down to the dining room. Walking down the dark hallways, making twists and turns, Gold noticed that it did not take this long when she was first shown where she was staying for the vacation's duration. The entire house seemed to be filled paintings and pictures of the entire Laurette family. Mothers, fathers, uncles, aunts, siblings, children, cousins, in-laws. They didn't speak like normal paintings, well, normal for witches and wizards, of course, but you would suppose that was because they didn't have anything to say. At least anything worth to saying to a person of Gold's heritage. But their lack of words was made up by their movements up and about in their frames. As Gold and Nicole walked down further and further, looking for the accursed dining room for what Gold was sure to hold a rather interesting dining experience with Nicole and her mother, the people in the portraits leered down, bending their heads and narrowing their eyes in the dim candlelit hallway to get a better look at the blood traitor and her friend. Most of them would move from frame to frame, squeezing into another person's view and causing some rather rude awakenings. Others, the more polite ones, simply ignored them. Others simply let a "ha-rumph" or a "hmph" here and there. And the ones who truly touched a nerve with Gold were the ones with a stare that could send shivers up Madame Pince's spine. Gold turned to Nicole, who was just looking straight ahead and paid no heed to the whispers and stares, and for a moment Gold thought she was back at school.
Nicole (whispering): Don't mind them and they won't bother me.
Gold felt a pang of guilt and she started to blush, although Nicole didn't notice, or decided not to. The happiness that she had disappeared, and she started to regret.
(Why do I always let her stand up for me?)
Nicole turned her gaze to Gold, and read the look on her face.
((If you only knew))
It was around this point that Gold noticed a portrait that was covered with a large burn mark. What was peculiar was that it was in-between a portrait of Nicole and a portrait of her mother. All three frames were vacant. Gold could tell who they belonged to because of the names, written on little gold plate at the bottom of the frame. Gold stopped Nicole and pointed to the empty portraits.
Gold: Nicole, is that yours.
Nicole: Yep.
Gold: Why is it empty?
Nicole: My portrait self disappeared a couple of years ago, out of shame I think. It's somewhere in the house, or any of the houses my family owns.
Gold: How many?
Nicole: Besides this house there's the one my grandparents have on the Riviera, one in Paris, and an old plantation somewhere in the Caribbean where we spend our vacations.
Gold: I meant how many paintings?
Nicole: I dunno. Don't bother to count.
Gold: Where's your mom?
Nicole: Drinking in one of the portraits in the third floor ballroom. Hasn't come down in years.
Gold: Ah.
Gold read the plate on the portrait in the middle.
Portrait Frame: Lilith Auralene de Laurette.
Born: May 22, 19--
Gold: Who's Lilith?
Nicole stopped dead in her tracks for a minute. She turned to the portrait for a moment, before she turned away from Gold.
Nicole: Lilith is, was, my sister.
Gold: You never told me you had a sister.
Nicole: I don't. At least, not anymore.
Gold took in a sharp breath.
Gold: Oh God, I-I'm sorry, I-
(I never know when to shut up. Some best friend)
Nicole: No, please. It's just, it was a long time ago.
Nicole began to clutch her shoulder.
Nicole: Still, I'd rather not talk about her.
Maid: Madame Nicole?
Nicole and Gold both turned to the end of the hall. The Maid was there, with a smile on her face.
Maid: Madame is expecting you.
Nicole: Yeah, right, of course. Well, come along, Goldie.
As Nicole followed after the maid, Gold could recognize that the tone of voice Nicole had was filled with a little sadness, and a lot of anger. Gold turned back to the portrait and looked at the plate.
(If her sister died, why isn't there a date of death?)
Maid: Miss Shawson?
Gold: Oh, sorry.
Maid: No need, are you worried about Mistress Nicole?
Gold: Well, it's just, I never knew she had a sister.
Maid: "Had"?
Gold gave the maid an odd look.
Maid: Oh, yes, of course. Silly me. I haven't been here long, you understand.
Gold: Oh, yeah. Of course.
Maid: Shall we?
Gold and the maid began to head for the dining room again, not knowing about the two figures at the end of the hall, one thinking about his wife and the other thinking about his brother's state of mind.
Moments Later.
Lillian: Nicole, just what are you wearing!
Nicole: A black-studded leather corset with lace bows and fishnet stockings. What does it look like, mother?
Lillian: I specifically told you to dress for dinner.
Nicole: I did. And so did my friend.
Lillian: What is she-is that the dress I gave you to wear!
Nicole: Scream louder, mother, I'm sure the Americans didn't hear that loud enough.
Lillian: You just lend a priceless antique dress to whomever you fancy.
Nicole: That's right. And after dinner I'm going to take her up to my room, give her a pair of scissors, and we'll make some new curtains.
(I can't tell where the screaming ends and the sarcasm begins!)
Lillian: Alright, alright, enough. Come, take your seats.
Nicole took the seat on her mother's left, and Gold took the seat on her right. Lillian looked at her empty glass and scowled.
Lillian: INGMAR!
Lillian yelled so loud that the table shook. A pasty-faced man with short white hair in a butler's suit appeared out of the corner of the room with an odd, almost mindless look on his face. Lillian held her glass up to the man.
Lillian: My glass, it appears to be empty. You see my dilemma.
Ingmar began to fill the glass with wine from a green bottle with a faded label.
Gold: Who's that?
Nicole: Mother's personal servant man, thing, whatever, Ingmar. He just showed up one day out of the blue and he's been swooping over her ever since.
Gold: He... he just appeared out of nowhere?
Nicole: Yep. Uncle Janold thinks he's an Inferi. I personally think he's a, what-do-you-call-them, savant.
Gold: Does he have any family?
Nicole: Not that we know of. Doesn't speak a word of, well, anything.
Gold: So how do you know his name is Ingmar?
Nicole: Well that's what she's calling him this year. We go through different names almost every year.
Gold: And he doesn't talk at all?
Nicole: Well, there is this. Ingmar, what's your favorite color?
Ingmar paused for a moment. He lifted his head and looked straight ahead of the table. He opened his mouth, and a low whining sound started to empty out of his throat, like an old screen door creaking open very, very slowly.
Lillian: ENOUGH! Ingmar, fill their glasses. But not the good stuff.
Ingmar closed his mouth and took out another bottle, a blue one, and started to feel their glasses.
Gold: But we aren't old enough to drink yet.
Lillian: My dear, this is France. It is customary for children to partake a bit of the drink now and then.
Nicole: Which would explain the French Revolution. Nicole: Blech. Chateau d'toile. What gutter did you fish this rat spew out of?
Gold: I'm not thirsty.
Lillian: Can't let good wine go to waste.
Lillian swiped away Gold's glass and started to guzzle it down.
Lillian: Ahh, that's the stuff.
Three courses and four bottles later...
Lillian (cheeks red): So, I take it Nicole has shown you some of our house.
Gold: Hmm? Oh, oh yes she has. You have quite an... interesting collection of portraits.
Lillian: You really think so? Then maybe you would like to hear a bit of our history behind those portraits?
Nicole choked a little bit on a food when she heard that.
Nicole (nervous): Oh, mother, I'm sure we don't want to bore her. Roll? Anyone want a roll?
Lillian (peeved): It is rude to interrupt when adults are speaking.
Nicole (more nervous): Is it really? I hadn't-oh, look your glass is almost empty! Ingmar?! Ingmar for the love of God-
Lillian: Ah, there we are.
The two turned to see Ingmar recapping the bottle. Gold was completely confounded.
Gold: What the-how did he-where did he-
Lillian: Yes, now, where was I-oh what now?
Nicole (choking): Cah-I-haaa.
Nicole started clutching at her throat as she pretended to choke on a piece of food like a melodramatic housewife.
Lillian: Oh for God's sake we're witches you stupid girl.
Lillian took out her wand and pointed it at Nicole's mouth. A spark of light shot out and a steel plate formed on Nicole's mouth. Nicole took her wand out and pointed at it, but to no avail it wouldn't come off.
Lillian: Anyway, where was I? Oh, yes...
(This isn't good)
Gold took out her wand but Lillian snatched it out of her hand.
Lillian: Now, now, no need for that. Now, where to begin? For as far back as the Laurette family tree can be traced back, we have been a family of witches and wizards who have always been blessed with the finer things in life. Whether it be wealth, status, or... companionship, we are a wizarding family who have spent tireless years to make sure we get what we want. And as an entirely pure blood family, we weed out the less desirable elements from the family tree, a family tree which now spans three continents. And of course we never associate with the wrong type of wizarding class. You understand of course?
Gold: ...of course.
Nicole was now desperately trying to get the plate off with a fork.
Lillian: But, there have been hardships in our family. During that whole ordeal with America, our family had to move to France to avoid being drafted. We moved back to England, of course, but most of us stayed and branched out, living in this very house for the last three centuries. Sadly, our family in England had to move back completely to France from our Whitechapel home for... business reasons during the later 19th Century. And then of course there was the rivalry between Uncle Plutus and Aunt Claudessa. Plutus believed that our children should primarily hone their wizarding schools at Beauxbatons while Claudessa believed they should attend Durmstrang. Eventually the two killed one another, and a small chunk of the American branch of our family in a duel that took place in some American city called Chicago. Claudessa had the bad luck to start a small fire that got out of control. Luckily for us it was blamed on a nearby farm animal owned by the local muggles. Not the smartest tacks muggles are.
Gold: My parents are muggles.
Lillian (face redder): Really? I mean, I could tell you were a muggle-born, but it doesn't show. Not that much at least. So you're parents are both muggles?
Gold: My father left my mother when I was baby. My mother died when I was a child. That were both muggles.
Lillian: Ha! Shows how much you can rely on muggles, then.
Nicole (muffled): Oh God, Mother.
Lillian: Anyway, the family decided on Hogwarts. And despite these moral failings, ours has been a strong family. This is the kind of stock you should be proud to come from, Nicole.
Nicole finally pried the plate off her mouth.
Nicole: Proud? I should be proud to come from grave robbers, pimps, and whores?
Lillian: My dear, you come from businessmen, entrepreneurs, and entertainers.
Nicole: So Uncle Arthur's an entertainer, then?
Lillian: A-ha-ha-haa! W-which Uncle Arthur would that be?
Gold: Ow, Mrs. Laurette you're kicking me!
Lillian: I think that's enough about our family history.
Nicole: Oh, please. Let me tell something about what my family's like, Gold. You see that ring on my mother's finger? With the garnet?
Gold: Yes?
Nicole: It was a birthday gift from my Great-Uncle Argonne. He was a mortician. He pried that ring off the cold, dead, body of a businessman who killed himself during the second World War! This fine linen? We got this during the Russian Revolution, when great-aunt Lizette stabbed a 82-year-old woman in the head as they were looting the czar's palace! And this silverware? The Marquis de Sade's.
Gold yelped and dropped her fork. She then shivered when she thought about where that fork could've been. That was now the highlight of the evening.
Lillian (drunk): That's right. Yell at me and embarrass me in front of the mudblood. You always were such a disappointment you little-
Nicole (now standing): I'm the disappointment?! You've got some nerve calling me the disappointment, you drunk! Tell me, when I become an inconvenience, are you gonna do to me what you did to Lilith-
Lillian got out of her seat and slapped Nicole across the face. Nicole cried out as she hit the floor.
Lillian: Slut!
(Okay, that's it)
Lillian: You've been nothing but an inconvenience since-
Something inside snapped, and without warning, Gold punched Lillian right across the face.
Gold: Leave her alone!
Nicole looked up, astonished at her friend snapping like that. Lillian went flying out of her and landing in front of the tree. One of the ornaments fell off and hit her on the head. Gold was gasping for air and her hands were shaking. Until finally, she calmed down and realized what she did. She looked at Nicole, then she looked at Lillian as she got up and brushed the ornament pieces out of her hair. She shot a very angry glare at both of them, and Gold was suddenly afraid of what her friend's mother would do. Lillian aimed her wand at both of them, Gold stepped in front of Nicole when she did, until Lillian dropped the wand and angrily left the dining room.
Lillian (in the hall): INGMAR! GET ME MY ROBE AND THE SHERRY!
Gold turned back to the Nicole and helped her up off the ground. Nicole pushed Gold's hand away and got up on her own. She started to wipe away the dust from her clothes.
Nicole: I guess this mean's no dessert.
Gold: God I can't believe I did that.
Nicole: That was amazing. Weird, but amazing. Why'd you do that?
Gold: What kind of question is that? She called you a slut. Was I supposed to sit by and do nothing?
Nicole didn't reply.
Gold: ...what did you mean when you mentioned your sister?
Nicole: What?
Gold: You said "are you gonna do to me what you did to Lilith" before she slapped you.
Nicole: Look, the less you know, the better.
Nicole left the room. Gold had a concerned look on her face, and Nicole began cursing herself for sounding so bloody melodramatic. The Maid and Mitsuru entered the room with a tray of pastries.
Maid: Oh! Did Madame Lillian and Nicole leave already? Miss Shawson?
On the next floor in a small room.
Man #1: Did you see what that little mongrel did?! Let me at her, I swear-
Man #2: Get a hold of yourself, man! What if someone finds us!
Man #1: Let them! I don't care anymore! When am I going to-
Man #2: Brother if you just follow the instructions, everything will be clear by midnight.
Man #1: Those girls are going to screw it up. I'm starting to regret choosing to hide here.
Man #2: Don't.
Man #1: It's been so long since I've seen her. Does she even care that we aren't together? She always cared about the Dark Lord more then me, even after what we did to the Longbottoms together.
Man #2: Don't worry, Rudolphous. All good things come in time...
Somewhere, in a dark room...
A woman sat on a bed of black and violet silk. She fanned herself.
Woman: How much longer is this going to take?
She examined her nails in the light, showing her emerald ring and her rose crest.
Woman: They should've been dry ages ago.
Much later, Gold's room.
Gold couldn't fall asleep. She tossed and turned in her bed, still worried about her friend. And what still worried her was what Nicole had said about her sister.
(It figures. I want to know my friend better and I walk into a soap. Some Christmas this turned out to be. I hope she▒s alright. Maybe I should go see if Nicky's al-)
When, suddenly, there was a knock at the door.
Gold (confused): Yes?
The door slowly opened, and attached to it was a letter.
(What is...?)
Gold lit a candle near her bed and walked up to the door. She took the letter from the door.
Letter: If you want to know more about the snake, follow the arrows.
Gold: Arrows? What arrows?
Gold peeked her head out the door, and saw that there were chairs lined up against the walls and the doors. At the end of the wall, the line of chairs had a line of signs placed on them. Each had a hand pointing to the left, with the words "this way". Meanwhile, in Nicole's room, she was snoring away when her door started to creak open. A figure madetheir way into her room and took a chain off her nightstand. A chain with a little sun amulet on it and a tag that read "For Gold". As the figure creeped...
Gold found herself at the end of the hall, the arrows. She looked up. An open door. Her wand was ready.
Sign: TO THE SNAKE.
(What is this?)
She silently walked up the stairs. She reached the top step and looked inside. The room was lit with candles and filled with junk. She walked silently, wand poised. She wouldn't dare call out. That was certain death. A floorboard creaked. Her heart skipped a beat. And then, her wand flew out of her hand.
Voice: Now, now.
Gold gasped as she saw the ragged man step out.
Rudolphous: Shouldn't walk around in the dark.
Gold: You, you're Rudolphous Lestrange. You're a, a-
Rudolphopus: Death-Eater?
Gold: W-what do you want with me?
Rudolphous: Don't worry, I'm not going to kill you.
(At least not yet)
Rudolphous: We have business.
Gold: We do?
Rudolphous: That envelope. Shake it a little.
Gold, her mind wondering what she was doing as her body took the envelope she still had, shook it, and ring popped up. A rose crest ring.
Rudolphous: Put it on.
Afraid of what would happen if she didn't, she put the ring on. Her eyes went back to him, horrified as he drew out a long blade, and wearing a sickly green rose on his chest. He had a similar ring.
Rudolphous: You know that little friend of yours? She's my niece.
(Niece?!)
Rudolphous: And VERY expendable.
Gold's pulse all but stopped as fear consumed her soul.
(No!)
Gold: What have you done with Nicole?!
Rudolphous: Oh. Suddenly she has a backbone.
Gold: Where is she?!
Gold stepped forward, anrgy and threatening. Rudolphous laughed, and then, his brother Rabastan stepped out of the dark, his arms holding Nicole from her, before Rudolphous tossing a blade and a yellow rose at her feet.
Rudolphous: Put it on.
Gold didn't hesitate to put the rose on her breast and picked up the sword. Before she could speak, Rudolphous came charging at her. At a church in a nearby town, the bells rang.
Gold: What are you-?!
Rudolphous: Getting what belongs to me!
Gold: What?!
There wasn't really a duel to speak of. It was mostly Rudolphous swinging his blade at Gold while she tried to protect herself. Mitsuru hid in the dark, watching with sick glee. Nicole was silent, afraid.
Rudolphous: Ever feel like you've never belonged? Like no matter how much you try you never get what you want.
Gold: Y-yes, but that doesn't explain-!
He had her backed up against the wall, breathing calmly and explaining to her.
Rudolphous: My wife detests the ground I walk on. She loves our Lord more then she could ever give to me. I gave her everything and she gives me shit in return.
Gold: What does that have to do with me?!
Rudolphous: Hell if I should know. He never did explain what was so special about you.
Gold: Who? Voldemo-?
Rudolphous: DON'T YOU EVER SAY HIS NAME.
Spit was on her face.
Rudolphous: I always thought the Dark Lord was the strongest. The most powerful of us all. Until I met HIM.
Gold: Who?!
Rudolphous: End of the World.
(Who is he talking about?! "End of the World"?! What's going on?!)
Rudolphous: If I have the power, then I could do anything. And I'll make her love me again.
Gold: You're crazy! Why are you doing this to me?! End of the World? Power? You're not making sense!
Rudolphous: Like a mudblood could understand. You're all the same. Wanting to be like us. So sad and so parasitic. But, I hear you're something special. Something unique. I've never killed an endangered animal before. I'll put your head on my mantle. Or better yet, a gift to the Dark Lord.
Tears streamed down her cheek as Rudolphous pressed his blade closer. All Gold could do was defend herself and her life. Rabastan laughed a perverse laugh as he drew Nicole closer.
Rabastan: You've no idea how long we were waiting for this. Ever since that green-haired bitch got us out of Azkaban. No one's even noticed.
He moved his hand from Nicole's mouth.
Nicole: What do you have to gain from this?
Rabastan: I'm his Bride.
Nicole: His bride?!
Rabastan: I have to be here. A little consolation. He is my brother, after all. But look! Your little mudblood friend's gonna die, dear niece.
Rabastan's tongue hung from his mouth, and he began to lick Nicole's cheek. Gold's eyes widened.
Rabastan: And then I can play with you all to myse-
Gold: DON'T TOUCH HER YOU BASTARD!
The petals scattered from Rudolphous' lapel and blood spilled.
Rudolphous (whispering): No.
The bells rang.
Rabastan's jaw dropped, and his arms went limp. Rabastan let Nicole go and let her run to Gold. The two friends embraced, forgetting the circumstances.
Nicole: Please, what's going-
Rudolphous: Crucio!
The two screamed in pain, twitching and writhing as the torture curse worked it's way through their bodies.
Rabastan: Crucio!
The pain doubled.
Gold: Oh Gooood!!!
Nicole: Make it stop! MAKE IT STOOOPPP!!!
Rudolphous: Crucio, crucio, crucio!!!!!!
Gold wanted to die. She wanted to let the pain stop so badly. Nicole twitched like squirrel, flipping around the floor as she screamed.
(Please! Please don't let it end like this!)
Tear filled eyes turned to Nicole.
(Please don't let her die)
It wouldn't stop. It seemed to last for hours. The brothers raised their wands, again, for the killing blow. Gold tried to grab Nicole's hand. They touched.
Rudolphous: Avad-
Suddenly, the two stopped moving. Eyes closed. They lay their like dolls. The brotheres leaned in confused.
Rabastan: Are they-?
Their eyes shot open, wide, but it seemed like Gold and Nicole weren't there. Light enveloped them. Beautiful, white light. The brothers sceamed as it filled the room and shot through the windows. It made a beam in the sky few could see. On Gold's head, a circle symbol appeared. On Nicole's, a vague, black shape. The light continued, for just a minute. And then, it was just the two, sleeping, breathing. Gold Shawson held Nicole de Laurette's hand, as best friends should.
(I'm so, so, sorry...)
((It's coming...))
In the Dark Woods...
Voice: There. It's done.
The two brothers slumped in the snow. A young woman holding an oar stood in front of them. The woman with the fan stood next to her.
Voice: They have no memories of what occurred.
Woman: Excellent! And judging from the light show, I'd say we're right on track. I'll have to thank Mitsuru for setting up those signs.
The woman waved her fan, and the two disappeared.
Woman: Back to jail before anyone notices.
Voice: Am I done? You said-
Woman: Done?
She let out a loud and haughty laugh.
Woman: If you want these...
She held out two crystals in her hands. One dark green, the other lavender. They twinkled like stars.
Woman: You obey.
The girl with oar scowled.
Woman: Now then.
The woman closed her fan.
Woman: I must be off. It's been fun.
Voice: Off? Off where?
Woman: Where else?
The car pulled up. In the lights, Green Esmeraude smiled.
Esmeraude: The ends of the world.
Her laugh cut through the night.
To Be Continued...