A/N: Funny story...this chapter was written weeks...possibly even MONTHS ago...but because I added Mr. Malfoy into this story and I had to change a lot of things. (^_^)"

Side note, I really should be studying for my oral exam tomorrow...and yet I did this. *sigh* Not gonna lie...this chapter is kinda...weird...but work with me here. (3 )

As always, thanks to all who've reviewed, subscribed, favorited, etc. etc...ya'll be the coolest~

Chapter Thirteen

In Which She Meets a Queen

Arabella felt warm all over and very much safe. In her mind all she could think of was that mysterious man Sirius Black. He was the person holding her close, providing the warmth. Just thinking of him sent butterflies to her stomach.

"Arabella…"

She even loved the way he'd whisper her name in her ear.

"Sirius…"

"Ah! She finally moved! Arabella! Arabella!" A female voice called to her.

"You shouldn't wake her up. Let her sleep…" chided another female voice.

Arabella opened her eyes, only to shut them again. It was so bright. "Oof…" Somebody hugged her tightly.

"Arabella! I'm so glad you're alright!" It was Linore…but she wasn't as small as Arabella's hand anymore. Now she was the size of a human.

Arabella wasn't sure if she was seeing this right or if she was still sleeping. "Linore…what happened? How are you…?"

"Tamesis and I rescued you! We brought you home!"

"Home?" Arabella looked around. This most certainly didn't look like her home, the walls and floors were made of wood, as was most of the furniture. Everything about the room had a natural warm feeling to it.

"Yes, we brought you to Avalon!"

"Avalon?"

Linore nodded. "Avalon is where Tamesis and I are from. Look out the window."

Arabella peered outside through the small window and was amazed at what she saw. All the buildings were built into trees, which towered much higher than any skyscraper she'd ever seen. The sun's rays showered down through the canopy above and just about everywhere fairies were flying anywhere they pleased. "B-But how..?"

"It took a lot of energy to get you here. I thought Tamesis was going to die…"

"What!?" Arabella shouted, very alarmed. "Where is he? Is he alright?"

Linore smiled. "No worries! He woke up a month ago so…"

"A month ago! How long have I been asleep?"

The fairy shrugged her shoulders. "Maybe around five months? It's only natural because you're human. You're not used to being in the fairy world…some humans take years to wake up and some don't wake up at all."

"T-then…why did you guys bring me here?" Arabella asked. It felt as though her eyes were going to bug out of her head.

Linore frowned, seeing how freaked out Arabella was. "It was the safest place we could think of; after all, you nearly fell into the hands of You-Know-Who…"

"And who is that?" Arabella closed her eyes trying to remember what had happened to her before she had fallen asleep. She could a garden…a large manor…and Mr. Malfoy…and the man that let her get away. But who was You-Know-Who?

"You-Know-Who was known for overtaking the Ministry of Magic years ago and for threatening the existence of normal humans like you. He was said to have been defeated years ago, but he's risen again. He's a threat to the magical world. Many have died when he was in power and many will probably die again…" Linore explained.

"But I was at Mr. Malfoy's…"

A light bulb went off.

Mr. Malfoy's employer must have been this "You-Know-Who". It made sense; their ideologies seemed to match after all. Even so Arabella almost couldn't believe it. She knew she had been in danger during that time, but was she really in that much danger. A man who had killed millions...?

"If he's so dangerous to people like me, then why haven't we heard about him?"

Linore could only shrug. "It's the law I guess. The magical world and the non-magical world are supposed to be separate. Besides, I think it would cause a lot of humans to panic, don't you?"

Arabella wasn't sure what she thought of it, and yet found herself nodding. "Could one man really hold that much power?" She couldn't help but wonder. She shook her head. Of course there was…Hitler was almost a perfect parallel. In retrospect, it was a miracle that she even escaped… "Where is Tamesis now?"

"Ah…you're up Arabella."

A deep voice announced Tamesis' arrival. Arabella felt her jaw slightly open in shock. Tamesis was huge! Maybe about 6 foot 2. "Tamesis!"

He grinned. "I'm sure you're surprised to see us like this Arabella…"

"Tamesis, Linore told me that you've been unconscious until about a month ago…"

He held up his hand. "You don't need to apologize Arabella. Linore and I were protecting you, just like you protected us that day four years ago."

"I told her about You-Know-Who Tamesis."

He nodded with approval. "Good, that saves me having to explain. I've been running around all month trying to get permission for you to live here Arabella."

"Live here?" Arabella frowned. "Tamesis…no…I…I can't live here. I have to go home! What about father and Nana and Ann?" She was beginning to panic; she was a missing person in the human world. They've gone five months without her. Her father would be so worried…first mother…and now her? "I have to go home Tamesis!"

Arabella moved to get out of bed, but Tamesis easily held her down. "You can't Arabella. You're still in danger…You-Know-Who was very close in getting you and who knows how what that man who captured you is thinking. He may still be on the lookout for you. If you just suddenly pop up…"

"But Tamesis…"

"You are a normal human girl that can see what others can't." Tamesis spoke over her. "If that blond man finds you and takes you to You-Know-Who, you will be used you for his advantage in taking over the magical world and then dispose of you when you're no longer any use to him. You cannot go back until he has been defeated."

"But how long will that take?" Arabella asked.

"Who knows? But until then, we have to keep you safe. No wizard has been able to find Avalon, though many have tried over the centuries. This is the safest place in the world for you. Please try to understand…"

Her hands went to her hair…she couldn't understand this. Why was something like this happening to her? She hasn't done anything except mind her own business for the most part. The world she saw she usually ignored and went about her daily life. Now…just because she could see this world of magic, she was hiding for her life?

Linore placed a hand on her back, trying to soothe Arabella. "Don't worry. If you want, we can take you to the Queen and see what she has to say about it."

Tamesis folded his arms. "The Queen will understand what I mean. Avalon is the safest place for Arabella."

"Now…I want to go see the Queen now."

"But you only just woke up!" Linore exclaimed.

"Yes, but I've been in a coma for five months! I can't just sit here wasting time anymore…"

"And what can you do Arabella!?" Tamesis finally shouted. "You're only human! You don't have any powers! The only thing you can do is wait for You-Know-Who to fall! We're doing so much for you so just sit there and wait!" With that he stormed out of the room.

Arabella flinched at the sound of the door slamming closed. Linore frowned. "Arabella…please understand, even though Tamesis is angry…he's only think about your safety…Tamesis and I are both are."

"So you agree with Tamesis then?" Arabella groaned. "I know he's right, but my family has no idea where I am…"

"I know you're worried about them Arabella, but let's wait to see what the Queen has to say." Linore stood up from the bed. "I'll go let the Queen know that you've awaken and you can see her tomorrow. You should probably eat something and rest some more while you're at it. A healer will come and do something about your legs. You've been asleep for so long, you probably don't even remember how to walk…" She laughed lightly at this. "And don't worry about Tamesis…I'll get him to calm down, 'kay?"

Arabella took a deep breathe in and nodded, before Linore left the room.

The next morning Arabella was feeling much better since waking up after her long 5 month snooze. In fact, she was feeling a lot better than she had in years. Perhaps it was simply the result of a long rest or perhaps the healing fairy magic. Either way, she felt like she could touch the sky.

It almost scared her.

Only Linore and the healing fairy, Steluna, greeted her this morning. As Steluna helped Arabella get back to her feet and practice walking a bit, Linore announced that she'd received permission to have an audience with the Queen. When Arabella asked about Tamesis, Linore looked rather sheepish.

"He's waiting outside. When we get the okay from the Healers, we can take you to the Queen."

Arabella's happy mood was slowly overcome by dread with each second that passed. It wasn't until Steluna finished the final checkup, Linore lead Arabella outside.

Tamesis was sitting on a stump, while other fairies were busy buzzing in and out of the healing tree. He stood once seeing the two girls come out. He stared at Arabella, before glancing away. "The only way to get to the Queen's residence is to fly. So I'll have to carry you up…"

"Oh…okay…"

Linore frowned, before forcing a smile. "Well…I bet I can beat you to the top Tamesis! C'mon guys, let's make this a race!" Before either of her companions could say a word, Linore shot off and away, leaving Arabella and Tamesis behind.

They both shared a look, before quickly turning their heads away.

"Um…Tamesis…" Arabella decided to start. "I'm sorry about yesterday."

"Don't be." He grunted. "I shouldn't have yelled at you."

"No, I was really…panicked yesterday. I shouldn't have said what I said. I know you're just looking out for me. Thank you for all you've done for me so far."

Tamesis coughed. "Of course, but let's not dwell on it anymore. We should get going."

With that he swept Arabella in his arms and took off before she could even blink. She held tight to him as he flew into her air. It was a thrilling feeling and for a moment she was jealous of his wings. She was jealous of him and his magic. If she was a magical being, like a fairy or witch, she would have been able to protect herself. For the first time in her life, she cursed the eyes she was born with. It allowed her to see a world she could never be a part of.

Inch by inch the two rose past the many arrays of branches throughout the canopy. The Queen lived at the very top of the Mother Tree. Her palace was the only building built of stone instead of wood. It was a grand marble masterpiece. Beneath the sun it glittered. It was magic.

Tamesis let her down gently when they reached the main hall.

"You two are slooow!"

Tamesis ignored Linore, while she pouted. "The Queen is right through those double doors Arabella."

Her stomach dropped. "Aren't you coming with me?" Arabella looked to both Tamesis and Linore a bit worried.

"The Queen has asked to see you alone." Linore said.

Tamesis nodded. "Don't worry. It's just so you two can talk about the issue without any interruptions. We'll be right here waiting."

Arabella looked to them one last time, before heading through the double doors. The doors opened into a grand throne room. Arabella gasped in awe when she saw the Queen sitting on her throne. The dress she wore was simply stunning, as though it was made from light itself. It made Arabella feel that the robes she wore were greatly inferior in comparison. "You must be Arabella."

She walked closer to the queen and stopped a couple feet away from her throne. Arabella dipped into a slight curtsy, not sure what else she should do in a queen's presence. The queen laughed lightly. "There's no need for that Arabella. You're in quite a predicament aren't you?"

"Yes, mam."

"Tamesis has told me about you. He went on and on about what a nice human you were, how you wouldn't use fairy magic for dark means…but I'm reluctant to let you stay here. I'm sure you understand…"She arched an eyebrow, waiting for a response.

"Y-yes. I suppose so…"

"I'm sure that both Tamesis and Linore had filled you in, but with the rise of a dark wizard…I can never be too sure on who he influences…"

"I just want to go home."

The queen shifted in her seat, leaning forward slightly. "We went over the past few reports from the past few months and I must say not much has progressed in defeating this dark wizard. He still remains hidden in the shadows, waiting to strike. Tamesis is adamant that you stay here for your own safety."

"I want to go home." Arabella repeated. "I'm tired of all…all…this."

"And what exactly does that mean?"

"I just want to go home. I want things to go back to normal…"

The queen laughed lightly. "But you aren't a normal human are you? You can see things other people can't. You can see our world of magic. This makes you different, and this power can put you in danger."

"It's not a power. It's just a…"

"Silence." The queen didn't shout. She didn't need to. Upon hearing the order, Arabella followed immediately. The queen's voice was no higher than a whisper, but pierced Arabella more sharply than any sword. "I have thought about this during the past five months since you arrived. I've freely given you protection. I expect you not to interrupt me with your…whining. Are we clear?"

"Yes mam." Arabella nodded.

"Good." The queen stood to her feet. She easily towered over Arabella in height and in presence. "We don't get too many humans here in Avalon, but you should know that humans usually cannot survive in our world for long. Every human that arrives here through any one of the many fairy doors, arrives unconscious, just as you did. Human bodies, initially, aren't compatible to Avalon's magical environment. So the human body shuts down to adjust, however there have been several cases where the human in question doesn't wake up and dies in sleep."

Arabella gulped at this and thanked every higher being she knew that she was able to wake up.

"If the said human does wake up and chooses not to leave Avalon, then they will forget the life they lived as a human. Their human memories are eaten away. It's very rare that a human can spend time here and still remember their life in the human world, this goes for both normal humans and magical humans alike. Even though you can see the magical world unlike other ordinary humans, there's the chance of you forgetting everything you've ever known."

"Then I can't stay here," said Arabella. The choice was as simple as that. "I don't want to forget about my old life. Your world is beautiful and I love both Linore and Tamesis, but I don't belong here."

"You are very right with what you say, but you have also caught the eyes of You-Know-Who supporters. Do you know of him?"

"Linore explained him to me kind of…"

"You-Know-Who does not like non-magical humans. He wishes them gone so that witches and wizards can rise above the non-magical world as well as other creatures in the magical world. Now that you are no longer his captive, you might pose as a possible threat. I'm not sure what you could possibly do to threaten him, but I'm sure He would like to be more safe than sorry."

"Then…what am I supposed to do?"

"You have two options. I give you permission to stay here as long as you wish. If you happen to still remember your human life, then you may return to the human world once it is safe for you to do so. Your second option is to seek the help of magical humans who fight against You-Know-Who."

"There are people like that?"

"Of course…" She took out, to Arabella's surprise, Arabella's bag and pulled out Arabella's sketchbook. "Tamesis and Linore managed to get this for you. They know how much it means to you." She flipped through the pages and stopped on the page with several people on it. She held out the book for her to take. Arabella took it and examined it again. "These are the people who can help you. You've met them once before."

Arabella frowned. "Then why can't I remember?"

"Your memory has been modified. I can see that clearly. If you choose to go to them for help, then I can also fix your memory, so that you remember your previous encounter with them. However…"

"Yes…"

The Queen closed her eyes in thought before speaking again. "It's nothing really. I just wonder if you want to remember. After all, you've had enough of 'this'." The queen quoted.

"I want to go back to the human world." Arabella said with confidence. "If the only way to ensure my safety is to meet these people, then I want you to fix my memory."

"You are sure of this?"

Arabella nodded.

"Then take this with you." The queen took off a ring from one of her fingers and gave it to Arabella. "I have met the leader of the good magical humans many years ago. Show this to him and he will surely believe your story."

"The leader?"

"Yes, of the Order of the Phoenix. Do you understand?"

"Yes, mam."

The Queen stood up and held her hand above Arabella's head. "I'll fix your memory now."

There was a warm tingly sensation on the top of her head, and then, all of a sudden, she lost the feeling in her legs.

Her memory came back to her…the few days she had spent inside Grimmauld Place 12: Lupin, the Weasleys, Mad-Eye and most importantly Sirius.

Sirius Black.

In her chest, she felt a new weight in her heart.