"How is she, my Lord?" A silky voice asked nearby. Raven shifted slightly, as she slowly emerged from sleep.
"She's waking up, Lucius. Did Severus heal Greyback?" Another voice questioned. Even though she was still half asleep, Raven could clearly make out that that voice belonged to Voldemort.
"Yes, he healed him immediately after the battle, and then he left. Forgive my curiosity, my Lord, but where did she learn that spell from? I can't imagine. . ."
Voldemort cut him off. "No, I suppose you can't.' He paused and broke the tight silence after a few seconds. 'She has Legilimency powers. Great ones. Her fear caused her to accidentally look into Severus's mind (which I find as en exploit, seeing how good of a Occlumence he is) and steal one of his curses. Quite clever."
Silence befell the two men, and Raven chose this moment to awaken with a skilled groan. She opened her eyes and flinched as bright sunlight hit them, forcing them shut.
"Ah, you're awake.' Voldemort said simply. 'Lucius, go fetch Amenti and Apophis. They'll take Lis to get her magic accessories."
"Yes, my Lord." Lucius, hood covering his silvery hair, bowed his way out of the room. Raven send a meek glance at her father, and when his red eyes set on hers, she looked away, out the window.
"That was some impressive magic you did, back there." Voldemort admitted. But the girl wasn't foolish enough to think he was complimenting her: she knew the only reason he had said that was because he realised what great power he could turn against those who opposed him. Raven made a noise in her throat, shrugging, as she sat up and propped her back against the silk cushions that had supported her during her sleep.
A very heavy silence installed itself between the two, and she kept her eyes averted, knowing her father was studying her attentively.
"Today, two of my Death Eaters will bring you to part of London where you'll be able to buy some things you might need. I left them with the money to assure you get what is necessary. I must warn you that you do not attempt to seek help or contact anyone from the magic world. My Death Eaters will be watching you closely, and if, by any chance, you attempt to escape, you will be captured and innocent people will be killed.' Raven turned her head sharply to him, her gaze locking with him, furious. He smirked nastily. 'That might give you second thoughts if you even think of double-crossing me."
The girl's chest heaved angrily, as she drew a big breath to steady herself. She was angry with him, because he had threatened her in such in indirect and filthy way, she could not slither out of it.
"What if I don't care about innocent people?" Raven demanded, trying to seem as cold as he.
But a glint passed in Voldemort's eyes. "Or so you think." His lip curled, and he rose, just as the door swung open.
Lucius came in, followed by two caped Death Eaters. By their figure, one looked like a woman and the other, like a strong man, although they were the same size.
"Amenti and Apophis, my Lord." Lucius bowed and left quickly, as the two other figures stepped closer and bowed low.
"My Lord." Both murmured simultaneously, and Raven shifted in her big bed, looking at them curiously, wondering if they were the type of people from whom you could get away easily.
"Get her ready, and Apparate her into Diagon Alley after. Be discreet and careful. If she attempts to run, go through all means to get her back." Voldemort ordered imperiously, walking past them.
"Yes, my Lord." They answered softly, bowing as he left the room and shut the door.
Raven scowled and crossed her arms over her chest, sulking.
(0)
Three figures caped in black appeared out of thin air with a 'pop' in a dark alley. The smallest one staggered back and fell to the ground, disoriented.
"Oh my. . . God!" Raven gasped, pulling off her hood and staring wildly around her. Apparating had obviously not proven to be one of the things she enjoyed, judging by the sick look she had about her.
"Get up. We have to go." Amenti ordered, pulling off her hood as well. A long curtain of dark blond hair escaped the cloth and cascaded over her back, swaying gently. It contrasted beautifully with her tanned skin and dark eyes, although she would have looked prettier if she didn't seem so cold and cruel.
Her twin brother Apophis pushed off is hood of as well, with an annoyed gesture, and revealed himself. He was identical to the last pale freckle to his sister, only his hair was short and messy instead of being long. However, he had the same icy look about him.
"We have to be back in less than an hour." He said, checking if he still had his wand, before taking a step out of the alley. Amenti nodded and followed him, forcing Raven to get up quickly to prevent being left alone in this strange world.
Before coming out into the open, she threw off the cape and left it lying, showing a black witch's robe she had been clothed in before leaving.
Slightly grumpy, the girl followed the two Death Eaters, who, quite truthfully, attracted almost no attention in this strange place.
Around an amazed Raven, witches, wizards, old warlocks, goblins and many strange people walked, tending to their business as usual, not knowing the danger that passed through their company, unnoticed. She took her time to observe these odd people, and try to get used to this world to which she now belonged.
The girl almost froze in shock when they passed the Eeylops Owl Emporium, Quality Quidditch supplies (what was Quidditch anyways?) and Flourish and Blott's. Distracted by all this new stuff, Raven bumped into her escorts when they suddenly stopped in front of a small shop called Madam Malkin's Robes for all occasions.
Amenti grabbed her by the hand and almost dragged her in. Mouth hanging open, scared yet amazed, Raven gazed around the dusty little shop, wondering what they were going to do here.
"Hello! How may I help you?" A happy little woman came walking forward with a determined step, warm smile over her lips. Apophis shot her a cool look.
"We want some robes for the girl." He said in a freezing tone. The little lady did not seem perturbed by his lack of warmth, and turned to Raven immediately.
"Kind of late for Hogwarts, no? I suppose you must have gotten through your roves already, then?" Madam Malkin chirped happily.
"I. . . whoa!" Before she could finish, the woman had grabbed her arm and yanked her forward, forcing the girl to follow her to the back of the shop. Raven looked over her shoulder and the Death Eaters gave her a meaningful, dangerous look, before she was dragged in front of some mirrors, and they vanished from sight.
"Alright, dear; stand on the stool and let me take your measurements." Madam Malkin gestured to a little stool that stood there simply, overlooked by the mirrors.
Raven stepped onto it, and with a flicker of her wand, the little woman ordered a measuring tape to take care of the girl, as she selected some black material.
"So what did you say your name was, dear?" Madam Malkin asked kindly, picking up some pins from the counter.
"Uh. . . it's Raven." The girl answered, batting the tape away as it tried to measure her nostrils. Relentless, it returned annoyingly for a renewed assault.
"Very nice name. Pull out your hands." The woman said distractedly, ordering the tape away and starting to work on the robes. Ten minutes later, the two cold Death Eaters paid the happy woman and the three left the shop. Raven was very quiet.
After meeting the carefree, happy Madam Malkin, she knew that if she were to attempt to run, someone as life-loving as her might perish. And that was something she did not want. Raven now saw the true consequences of any stupid actions she might make.
They continued along the way, and she barely noticed a huge white building called Gringotts as they passed it, in the sunny morning light. Maybe she was getting used to this, or maybe she was just too preoccupied to notice these things anymore.
They walked by the Magical Menagerie and Gambol & Jakes, before stopping in front of an even smaller shop. Raven looked up and saw this one had an even mustier look about it, before she was shoved inside it, not even having time to read it's name.
As the door shut, a small bell chimed and a voice reached them from the back.
"Be right with you." It sounded like an old, tiered man's. The girl gazed up, awed again: the shop was covered from floor to ceiling in shelves filled with long, rectangular boxes, and there was almost no place to walk.
There was much dust on the higher shelves, where the light didn't even fall, leaving it in shadows. The shop had something warm and homely about it, considering it was rather unkempt.
"Ah, welcome. . ." A low, mysterious voice said softly, giving Raven a small jump. She turned a bit and saw an old map coming out from between two rows of shelves.
He looked exhausted and had an aura of distinct strangeness about him. But it was a nice type of aura, unlike that of the Death Eaters'. Speaking of the two, the man's eyes traveled to them.
"Yes, I remember as if it was yesterday. . .' He began softly. Surprised, Raven stayed quiet, and noted he was talking to the twins, who seemed colder than ever. "Amenti and Apophis Chronos. . . unlike most twins, your wands were identical. . . 12 ¼ inches, inflexible, made of beech, with a dragon heartstring for a core. . . powerful wands, yes. . . and who might you be?" His eyes turned to Raven, who was taken aback by his sudden change of interest.
Somehow, the girl felt unable to tell him her nickname, instead of her real name. She felt as though lying would be useless – so useless, there was no point in trying to hide her real identity.
"I. . . I'm Lis Tromg. . . » She did not mention her father's name, however, because it might land in her in a tight spot. . . you never know what being related to Voldemort might do to you. . .
"Ah yes. You're named after your mother, are you not?' Without waiting for an answer, the old man continued. "Yes, I remember Lis. . . talented young witch she was. . . 9 inches; a rather short wand; swishy, and made of rosewood, with a unicorn hair for a core. Excellent in potions, as your mother was at Hogwarts. Very pretty, strong young witch she was, and came out as pure as ever, even though she had spend all her years in Slytherin. . . do tell, how is she?"
His intense eyes fell deep into hers, and Raven looked down.
"She. . . she's dead. . ." The girl said quietly.
Mr. Ollivander looked at her with compassion. "Do not be sad, Lis. Your mother was a great witch, and you should be proud of her. . . never would have turned to the Dark Arts, not even if her life was in danger. . ."
Amenti cleared her throat, annoyed, and the old man look up, shaking his head.
"Yes, I forget sometimes. . .come here Lis, let's get you a wand. . ." He walked towards a shelf, as the girl replayed his words in her mind.
'Yes, and she never did turn to the Dark Arts, and it did cost her her life.' She told herself sadly, and suddenly noticed that Mr. Ollivander was handing her a long, thin wand. She extended a hand and took it.
"Eleven inches, bendy, made of hornbeam, with a dragon heart string. Excellent for flying. Give it a wave, Lis." He smiled warmly, and, feeling quite stupid, Raven waved the wand back and forth. Before she knew it, he had yanked it out of her hands and placed it upon his small desk, giving her another one instead.
"Nine and 1/2 inches, pliable, made of mahogany, with a unicorn tail hair. Try it."
She waved it, and again it was taken from her before she could speak a word.
Likewise, she went through dozens of wands, and after an hour, a large pile was cluttering Mr. Ollivander's desk. Yet he seemed unabashed, and rather amused by this. Raven was getting more worried: what if it was too late for her to get a wand? What if she really didn't have any powers? But then the fight against Greyback returned to her mind, and she put all her trust in the old man, knowing he would find her what she needed.
"Yes, tough customer. . . this doesn't happen often. . . last time was five years ago, when mister Harry Potter came in the store. . .' He said casually. Mr. Ollivander noticed nothing, but Raven's heart froze upon the mention of the boy she was destined to destroy. Yet she shook it off and took another wand he was handing her, 'Yes, it took a while before he got the right one. . . but Ollivander's wands have never failed, and they will not yet. Mark my words, young girl."
He took back the wand she was been waving helplessly around.
"Sir. . .ummm. . . when will I know I picked the right one?" Raven asked, cracking her searing joints.
Mr. Ollivander let out a loud laugh, which startled everyone after the long calmness that had surrounded them for an hour.
"My girl. . . it is not you that chooses the wand, but it that chooses you. . . Here. I have a good feeling about this one." He handed her a very handsome wand, which seemed older than all the others that she had waved around dumbly.
Raven took it and stared at it blankly, as a warm, fuzzy feeling installed itself within her.
"Twelve and ¼ inches, supple, made of maple, with a phoenix feather for a core. Oldest wand in the store, and extremely powerful. Dangerous, even. Give it a swish, Lis." He stood back.
Raven gave a delicate flicker with the wand, and a thick shower of red and green sparks flew out of it, falling to the floor like snowflakes. She gasped and glanced at the old man, who was smiling.
"That will be fourteen Galleons." He said gently, and Amenti paid him. She and her brother had followed the entire hour of wand choosing from a dark corner, carefully noting all the wands that passed in the girl's hands. Naturally, they were to report her wand structure to their Lord, so he would know what were his daughter's strengths and weaknesses. By the looks of it, she had none of the latter, and all of the former.
Amenti knew that wand: it had passed in her hands when she was young, and having felt it's awesome power, she had naturally wanted it. But it had passed her, and she had not seen it since. The woman had never thought she'd see the day that wand chose someone.
Apophis knew she was thinking that: he was so close to his twin sister he could guess her thoughts and hear her call. Even their wands had been specially made to be identical, with tail hairs from the same male unicorn.
Raven sent the old man a happy look, before she was almost shoved out the door by her escorts. They walked away in silence, as she happily clutched her new possession. It seemed to glow, trying to comfort her in this time of need.
Suddenly, Amenti grabbed her by the arm and dragged her into a shop.
"Hey! What. . ." The girl demanded angrily, but upon entering the store, her pissed voice was lost amidst the screeching, meowing, barking and cawing of dozens of animals sitting in cages all over the place.
Apophis bent towards her to speak, so he could be heard over the racket.
"The Dark Lord said you could have a pet." He told her simply, and moved away a little as a young witch came forth; a colourful bird perched on her shoulder.
"Hello. Are you looking for a new animal, or accessories?" She asked politely, stroking the bird, which twittered madly.
Raven grinned sheepishly.
Ten minutes later, after little hesitation, she came out of the store, holding a large metal cage, which contained a beautiful, shiny raven that gazed up at its new human with smart eyes.
The witch had asked her what name she would give the bird before she left, and without giving it much thought, the girl had answered.
"Lis."
(0)
Ok. . . kinda symbolic ending, if you think about it. And one Hell of a long chapter! I managed to write this right after playing Final Fantasy X-2, so forgive if some of the game's random silliness carried over to the chapter. Review please.
GoldenPhoenix and SilverTiger: Yeah, I was disappointed with J.K. Honestly; I think the book was over-commercialized. Everyone expected it to be great, but it was. . . so-so. I'm not going to say it sucked, because it was passable, but I find all the characters were OOC. You had a hyper Dumbledore, a bitchy Malfoy, a mean Harry, a horny Ron and depressed Tonks. I understand the last one, but all the others have no explanations.
As for R.A.B., I think it's Sirius's younger brother. I forgot his name, and I know he's dead, but I bet that's why he was killed: because he knew about Voldemort's Horcruxes and stole one, hiding it somewhere. I'm ready to bet that it's hidden in the Black House, and Harry's going to have to go back to get it.
Dreamingmaggie: Lol. Yeah, Malfoy's coming up! And yeah, I was disappointed in Draco too, when he turned out not to be so evil. But oh well. . . I guess we'll have to deal with it.
AND YES, SNAPE IS SOOOOOOO HOT! I totally love him.
Kaiame: Yeah, I was sad for him, but I would have preferred it if he would have stayed evil, and Dumbledore wouldn't have died. sigh
Next chapter, lessons begin, and Raven's will starts to bend.