Happy New year, everyone! it's 2012 at last!
Well...we have reached parchment 4. I call them parchments because I dislike the word chapter. I discovered that I was spelling Knockturn alley wrong, slapped myself for that one.
thanks for reading so far, hope you've enjoyed it! also, thanks to naynay87 for putting this on their storywatch!
Hope you guys enjoy! and send me some reviews ^_^
Our Time is Running Out
Parchment 4: Boy from the past
The sun rose at 7 15 a.m. on a rather lovely Saturday. It tinted the clouds in the sky with gold and pink. The grass stood tall, greeting the morning dew, as the temperature changed. A soft breeze flew through the trees, sweeping the leaves into the air as it passed. The birds woke from their sleep and began delightfully chirping at the new day. The sound was carried on vibrations up to the window of Lixella Cruxshade. But, Lixella Cruxshade was not as happy as the birds were this morning. She lay awake in bed, staring at the butterflies swirling across the ceiling.
She had that dream again, the one where she leaves that large house and gets taken from her bed. It was almost every other night that she had that vision appear to her. It haunted her, she could not remember who the people in the memory were. She knew she had seen them before. They were hard to forget since they were all so very blond. And there was one of them who was not as fair as the others, with eyes as crazy as a rabbid werewolf. She'd seen the people in that memory, she had been to that house before, but who were they?
She knew that they were friends of her aunt and uncle's, probably from Hogwarts. Most likely the adults were in Slytherin with them. Sometimes Lixella wished she had grown up in England, then she'd know these people better. In America, word of what was going on didn't spread quickly. American wizards had their own problems to deal with, little time to worry about Europe. How many times had she been to that house? Dozens, but it was so long ago. Lixella despised her lost memory, not only did it wipe that summer, it also blurred most of her childhood. She desperately wanted it back, almost to the point of madness.
She tried to remember the name of that boy she used to play with.
"It started with like an F…no a G? Maybe, a D?" she muttered to no one, "Yes, a D! Dammit, what are the rest of the letters? Derrick, Desmond, Darwin….Dillard?" It was hopeless, she could not remember. Lixella sighed in a fit of rage, and slammed her face into her pillow. She violently grabbed the blanket, and pulled it over her head. She tossed to one side and attempted to force herself asleep. It was impossible, now that she was awake. "Sometimes I wish the imperius curse was legal! Then I could use it on myself and tell myself to go to sleep until someone wakes me….that would be wonderful!" She stated, staring at her white willow wand on the night table. She pulled the covers over her face again, until the birds started chirping.
At 7 a.m. Lixella wasn't the most polite and kind person. She gave the birds a chance to quiet down, but found it silly and pointless. Instead, she rummaged through the room, looking for a special present for her avian friends. She grabbed a black clump out of a bag in her drawer. She then chucked the black clump at the tree outside of her window. With a loud "Crack!" the ball exploded into a mist of bright powder. All of the birds quickly zoomed out of the tree, in a panicked frenzy. She gave a smirk and yelled, "don't come back!" Then , closed the window and jumped onto the bed, to try to sleep.
To her surprise she had succeeded in forcing herself asleep. She awoke, 5 hours later, to the sound of tapping on her door. "Come in!" she yelled, and the door opened to reveal Lita, the house elf.
"Lita has brought miss Lixella breakfast!" she said holding up a tray. It was lovely, a silver tray lay there holding a white polished plate. On the plate sat bacon, eggs, two sausages, and toast, with a glass of juice on the side.
"Doesn't everyone here usually eat at the table?" she asked
"Well, yes.., but, your uncle is at work. And, your aunt has headed to the ministry to set a date for the reading of your parent's will. Arthus just isn't here. So therefore, you're the only person in the house." exclaimed the small elf. Lixella mentally slapped herself for forgetting all about her parent's will.
"Oh…wow, did they say when they would be back?"
"Master Zander said to tell you to be ready by at least 3, to go to Diagon Alley. He also wishes to warn you that it is not what it used to be, due to the uprising of you-know-who."
"Well, great! War usually makes everything prettier….right?" she said with sarcasm. The little elf just stared at her with large shocked eyes. "I don't mean it Lita…war is terrible!"
"Good…Lita thought that Lixella had become more like her family. Lita would not like that!"
"me neither…Lita, me neither. Oh, and thanks for breakfast!" she said taking the tray. Lita smiled. Lixella shoved a slice of bacon towards her, "want some? You can have a piece". Lita took the piece of bacon and laughed, she thanked Lixella and poofed away. Lixella devoured the breakfast, after realizing her hunger level. She hadn't eaten in a while because of her parents, the moving, and the memories. Once she was finished she headed to the closet.
After an hour, she was finished getting ready, and there was a loud noise form downstairs. Her uncle had returned home via the floo system. He dusted off his black cloak and turned to Lixella.
"Ready for that trip to Diagon Alley?" he said with a big smile. His smile seemed a bit forced, like he was hiding something. He peered down at his cane for a second, sighed, and looked up. His face appeared defeated for a split second. Once he saw Lixella standing there, it twisted into a look of nostalgic happiness.
"You okay, uncle Zander?" she asked, in a small concerned voice.
"Well, Lixella….I have to tell you something" he paused for a few seconds, "I miss your father. I miss him terribly."
"me too…uncle Zander, me too" she said. He still seemed to be hiding something. They stood in silence for a second, staring at the floor.
"Well…shall we be off?" he said, popping his head up. The two of them headed downstairs to the fireplace. Her uncle took a handfull of the silver powder from the bucket. "Knockturn alley" he shouted, and the two of them became blanketed in green flames. Lixella tried to catch her footing as they landed in Knockturn alley. She always became dizzy from floo powder travel. Her uncle was the only relative that used it often.
The two of them stepped out into the shop. It was dark and filled with boxes. This shop was cursed, ever since her uncle bought it. Every store that had been put here, had failed. They strode out onto the cobbled street. The weather was terrible. There was a cold misty chill. It was so dismal that it seemed to put Lixella in a bad mood. She shook it off, and kept walking.
They finally arrived at Diagon alley. Lixella looked around, it certainly was not as marvelous as she remembered. The street was dull, and smelled like wood rot. Most of the stores, once glimmering with life, were now abandoned. The street lamps, even, were a bit dimmer now. It was like, someone had just come along, and ripped the place apart. Every person who walked around, did so with a large group. They traveled, with hidden terror, keeping close to each other. If this is what Voldemort's world looked like, then Lixella was sure she did not want to be a part of it!
They went through various stores, she bought all of her books. She got some more owl feed, and treats, for Illunia. They even stopped by the quidditch shop, for broom supply. Lixella had never considered playing quidditch. She rode her broomstick for sheer enjoyment. Her model was a Dawndrifter 2005. Her mother had the same broomstick, and swore by them. They used to go riding together on Sunday mornings. Her mother was on the quidditch team at her school, when she was younger. She was the keeper, and was team captain of Mothwing for her last two years.
After acquiring new items for broom upkeep, Lixella went to get fitted for her robes. Her uncle pointed her to the robe shop and said to meet him in Knockturn alley by Borgin and Burkes when she was done. Three kids and a giant pushed past them as they entered. Lixella swore that one of them was the famed Harry Potter, from the papers. Inside of the shop, a witch stood, cleaning her front table. She looked rather displeased, and was muttering something about how terrible children were. Lixella figured that she should be on her best behavior.
"Yes, hello…how can I help you?" she asked.
"My name is Lixella ma'am…..I just moved here from America. I'll be attending Hogwarts and, well, I am in need of new robes. My uncle highly recommended you, and told me to come here." she replied in her most polite voice. The witch smiled at her, as if she had found some hope in the world. She then rushed over to the pedestal and motioned for Lixella to come over.
"I'm Madame Malkin by the way. You seem like a very nice girl." She said as she took measurements. She took a robe out from a rack, and handed it to Lixella, pointing her towards a dressing room. Lixella came out moments later in the robe, it fit nice but was a bit big. Madame Malkin proceeded to place pins. They chatted for a bit about random things. Once she got the measurements after a few minutes, she rang Lixella up.
"You seem much less careful then the people out on the streets these days. Best keep an eye out. The world is in need of more kind youth. All I've seen are scared and angry children. Keep that attitude of yours up, don't lose it. Oh…and your robes should be ready by Monday. Here's your pick-up card, for when you return, have a wonderful day, Lixella."
With that, she left the store. She headed down the alleyway, passing small clumps of people. She was stopped by a man selling amulets. He had a withered looking face, and large eyes.
"Fancy an amulet? Great help when facing death eaters!" he held a rune encrusted leather necklace to her face.
"Already got one, thanks" she said, removing a locket from under her sweater. It was decorated with a willow tree, being burned. The man's eyes grew wide, he stared at the locket with much attention.
"Keep that one close, mum…it holds quite a great many…dazzling secrets" he began reaching for it. Lixella hastily removed her wand, and pointed it towards his nose.
"Try that again little man…and I will not hesitate to use this!" she said, with quite a dark tone. The man backed off. Lixella didn't know what had come over her quite then. She didn't usually pull her wand on people. Then again, the locket was one of the few things she had left of her mother's.
She headed down the dark entrance to Knockturn alley, thinking of her mother along the way. After darting around several corners, she reached her destination. The sign over the shop said Borgin and Burkes. She walked up to the door, and peered inside. She was able to make out several figures, until the door opened. Mr. Borgin, as she remembered him, stared at her with a displeased expression.
"Get outta 'ere, girl! Can't choo see we're closed!" he screamed, his breath smelled terrible. He was shoved aside by her uncle Zander.
"This!" he said pointing to Lixella, "is my niece….you incompetent buffoon!"
Her uncle Zander yanked the man away from the door. He exited and closed it behind him. "Lixella, glad to see you made it unharmed." That seemed like a responsible phrase to say. "Now, there are some people in the shop right now. And what they are looking at is very secretive, strictly death eater business. Just stay out here and I'll be done in a bit!" He pointed to a bench outside of the store window. She turned around, trying to get a peek of what was going on inside.
Inside of the shop, her uncle stood with his cane in hand, admiring a large black cabinet. It had belonged to one of his grandfather's, the other one was stowed away, safely, in Hogwarts. Across the room from him was a woman. She was the same age and had two colored hair. Her skin was fair and her eyes were a pale blue. Her name was Narcissa Malfoy. Beside her stood her son, admiring the large cabinet with wide eyes. He was around 16 or 17 years old, with nearly white hair, and skin as pale as his mother's. His name was Draco Malfoy.
"So…is it mendable?" asked Draco to uncle Zander.
"Yes…but for the life of me, I can not fix it. It has belonged to our family for ages. The crescent hinges represent our family crest! You see, my father intended to give it to my brother, William. Therefore, I never touched the darn thing. Now that he is…umm, dead…I've decided to give it to the shop. The other one lies in Hogwarts." he said, glancing out the window.
"It's quite lucky that you owned it, Zander. There would be no way in without it." Said Narcissa, in a slightly displeased voice.
"Well, can you mend it?" Draco asked to Mr. Borgin.
"Yeah, prolly just needs a few touch ups" he said, "It'll take a while though"
"If you are in need of Assistance Borgin. Just call me, I'll help however I can." Zander said with a smile.
"Good….great, I'll expect to be hearing from you soon then! You'd better be able to fix it, this is a big job!" said Draco as he jabbed a finger towards Mr. Borgin. The party then turned and exited the shop. Lixella, who had drifted off into her memories, looked up with slight shock.
"All done Uncle Zander? Oh...umm, Hello" She turned to the Malfoys, and curtsied slightly. Curtsying was a habit of hers, drilled into her skull by her grandmother.
"Ah… so sorry, you two, forgot to introduce my niece. How rude of me…this is my niece, Lixella." said her uncle. The boy stared intently at her with a surprised look.
"Oh, my…goodness!" said the woman, "Lixella, my dear, how you have grown. I have not seen you since you were a little girl." Narcissa stared at her with surprise as well.
"I'm so sorry ma'am. I lost my memory at the age of 7...one summer. I'm afraid I can only recall pieces of my childhood. Who are you?" she asked.
"Oh goodness…I forgot all about that summer. I'm Narcissa Malfoy" she pointed to herself, "and this is my son, Draco. You two used to play together when your aunt came to visit." She elbowed her son, "say hello, Draco".
"Oh, yeah…Hi" he said with an uncaring attitude.
Great Scott! That was him, Draco, he was that annoying child who haunted her only remaining memory. He looked like he hadn't changed from back then. His face was still in a constant smug expression. His hair still looked well greased up. And, he still smelled like terrible cologne.
"Merlins beard!" gasped Lixella, receiving strange looks, "Narcissa Malfoy, of course, I remember you. Both of you. And your husband…and your sister, I think." Narcissa's eyes lowered at the mention of her husband. It hadn't occurred to Lixella that he was in Azkaban. She mentally slapped herself, "I'm so sorry. I did not mean to…"
"it's fine…" said Narcissa in a small voice
"We all seem to be suffering losses" said Zander.
"I'm sorry about your father and mother, Lixella. They were good friends of ours." Narcissa said, smiling at her.
"Thanks" Lixella nodded. Her uncle inhaled sharply, and tried to change the subject.
"Lixella is attending Hogwarts. Now that she is living with us." he said.
"Well, wonderful. Perhaps you'll be sorted into Slytherin. Your aunt and uncle would like that, I'm sure" she smiled at Zander, who chuckled. "And then you and Draco would be dorm mates. Wouldn't that be great, Draco?" She nudged his shoulder. He snapped out of intensely staring to his right.
"Yeah….just peachy" he said sharply. Lixella looked at him with the same amount of displeasure. He hadn't even changed in personality.
"Yep…sounds wonderful" she replied just as sharply. His eye shot around to hers, she held his gaze with an unpleasant expression.
"Tch…let's go mom." he said smugly, and pushed past Lixella.
"Draco…don't be so rude! I swear…I'm sorry, you too. It was nice seeing you." she left, scurrying after her son. Once she caught up with him, she smacked him hard on the back of the head. Lixella chuckled as Draco began complaining to his mother.
"Ready to go?" asked her uncle. The two of them headed down the street, and back to the cursed shop. With a dash of floo powder, they had ascended into the abyss, and headed home for the night.
I hope this chapter wasn't too long. I try to make them 4 pages in Word Processor. This one turned out to be 5!
Thanks for reading, send me a review! Hope to see you soon!
