Half a Life Without You

Chapter 12: "Not in Kansas Anymore"

Everly's POV

"I'll return to see you this evening…Everly." His parting words from earlier still echo around in my head. A bitter laugh escapes me because he most certainly did not return last night or even this morning. I was so ready to believe he was my soulmate, my one true purpose for everything, but now I just didn't know anymore. It was disappointing and worrisome to think about what it all meant; did I have some big destiny to fulfill by being here or was all of it just a great big cosmic joke?

Despite wanting to believe I was living in a fairy tale romance; it unfortunately appears I'm still part of a world based in reality where I wasn't going to be guaranteed a happy ever after ending. My thoughts are sad and depressing. Loneliness is like a vice on my heart, squeezing with just enough pressure to be painful. My breathing stutters at the ache in my chest, apprehensive I'm about to be stricken down in agony again. I force myself to slowly let go of the breath I'm holding, allowing the tension to drain from my body as I release it.

I chastise myself for getting caught up in my thoughts, now is not the time to dwell on what ifs or allow myself to tumble into depression and anxiety. Pushing my shoulders back I step forward to face my current situation. My gaze locks with the imposing stone gargoyle guarding Dumbledore's office.

"Peppermint sticks". I watch in wonderment as it turns to reveal a narrow stone staircase wound in a tight spiral. It curls to the right with no handrail and only a few wall torches to provide light. I creep forward gingerly, sure at any moment the stairs will shrink down into the castle walls entombing me. My steps reverberate as I climb higher and higher, until finally I'm standing outside the doorway leading into Dumbledore's office. I hesitate to open it, but the only way I'm going to find out what is happening is to reach out, open it and step through.

As soon as I step over the threshold a chorus of whispers begin, I catch quick movements from the corner of my eye. The sudden silence causes a shiver down my spine and my blood chills in my veins, it's the kind of silence right before someone is killed off in a horror movie. I glance around nervously, looking up to find at least 20 pairs of soulless painted eyes staring back at me, some with curiosity and others with suspicion. "Um, hello? Professor Dumbledore?" I call out unsteadily, wishing my life had background music to give me some indication of what was going on, like if the Halloween theme music suddenly queued up, I would know to bolt back down the stairs.

"Tell her to leave" a deep male voice harshly grumbles. The suddenness of the voice filling the once silent room startles me so badly, I momentarily fear my soul might leave my body.

"Leave her be Phineas. She's obviously here by Dumbledore's invitation" a lighter kinder voice murmurs in return.

"Humph! If that were true he'd be here and not allow this…..", whatever Phineas was about to say was cut-off by the auspicious arrival of Dumbledore, "Everly my dear, do forgive me for my late arrival. I hope you were not waiting long?" He asks while shooting a hard stare at the painting directly behind me.

"Yes, I mean no, it's fine I didn't wait long" I reply awkwardly.

Seeming satisfied by my answer, he silently motions for me to follow. His turquoise robes twirl and sparkle theatrically as he leads the way further into his office.

I peek back at the painting, to find the image of Phineas Black glaring down at me with obvious distain. His face bore the expression of one comfortable with being superior. "Sorry for disturbing you." I apologize quickly before darting after Dumbledore not sticking around for a reply. I fight back a shiver; these living paintings could be described as creepy, but eerie was more accurate. Reading about it in the books and even seeing them in the movies did not prepare me with how alive they would be, well except for the soulless painted eyes part. Just another reminder, I'm not in Kansas anymore!

I follow Dumbledore up a small set of stairs to where his enormous claw footed desk is situated. A small gasp escapes me when I see Fawkes, he had been just out of view, hidden behind a small row of stone pillars circling Dumbledore's desk. His fiery golden wings glisten brightly under the morning light. As if he can sense me admiring him, he lightly flaps his wings giving the appearance of fire sparking. His bright alert eyes follow me as I step closer, "he's absolutely beautiful" I breath out in reverence.

Dumbledore chuckles softly, "ah yes, you are very fortunate to see him on one of his good days." He gently pats Fawkes head as he steps past to take a seat behind his desk. He gestures to the seat directly across from him, "please take a seat Everly, there's quite a few things we need to discuss."

I squirm under his gaze and just nod my head. Once seated, I notice his chair is perfectly aligned with the large archway behind him giving him a very regal bearing and I find myself feeling painfully out of place, I nervously rub my palms against the rough material of my jeans. I wait for him to begin speaking, when he says nothing, I resume fidgeting while glancing around nervously until the silence between us stretches out uncomfortably. My eye suddenly catches sight of the sorting hat sitting on the top shelf, "will I get sorted?" I blurt out without any thought.

"Why of course," he says laughing in amusement.

I blush with embarrassment, "Can we just do it here? I don't want to be sorted in front of the whole school, especially since it's supposed to be my 7th year."

He raised his wand slightly giving it a gentle flick, "accio sorting hat". The sorting hat gave a small jump and rose into the air, floating to Dumbledore's outstretched hand.

Motioning for me to lean forward, he softly places the sorting hat upon my head. I feel a jolt of movement and tingling on my scalp as it tugs gently on my hair. Before I can even wonder what house I'll be sorted to, the hat barks out my results, "GRYFFINDOR!"

Startled, I nearly fall out of my chair. I look up to see Dumbledore watching me, he must have seen the shock register on my face before I could hide it. A small smile plays on his lips, I guess he saw this a lot. Reaching over to remove the hat from my head, Dumbledore sighs sympathetically, "I often wonder if he does that on purpose."

"What? scare 10 years from my life?" I reply jokingly.

His mouth twitches, and I'm pretty sure he was fighting a smile. But then his expression turns more serious, "I was not sure where to begin our conversation, I'm glad we were able to start with a little bit of levity. As a fellow Gryffindor, I was unsurprised by the hat's declaration. But, are you happy with the results?" His quizzical eyes find mine for a moment before I remember to look down, I still haven't forgotten or first encounter and the small issue of him reading my mind.

I think over his question, am I happy to be a Gryffindor? I quickly consider one person who won't be pleased by my results, but I'll worry him later. I decide to just enjoy the moment, smiling I answer, "yes I'm happy. Although I was surprised, since I'm not sure how brave I really am. I mean I feel fear in most everything, including being here today."

He gently nods his head, "bravery isn't the absence of fear. Scared or fearful is what you feel, bravery is what you do despite it."

"I'm trusting you to be brave now, Everly. I'm going to share with you a memory given to me by an…acquaintance…a long time ago. I believe it will provide us with some answers to how you got here and provide additional insight into your most recent… episode."

I nod worrying over my episode as well, "I only know what Madam Pomfrey shared with me this morning, she called it Velox Magicae Imperium, a rapid maturation of magical powers. Somehow I was able to transfer the excess power to…another person." I finish lamely, intentionally avoiding mentioning Severus's name in the retelling of what I know so far.

"The connection you shared with Mr. Snape was a fortunate occurrence that may have very well saved your life." And just like that, every negative thought and emotion I had about Severus evaporated. I groan internally at my inability to stay angry, he made you a promise, but he saved your life. I sigh at my inner dialogue and force myself to listen to Dumbledore as he continues talking in his whisper soft voice.

"I suspect your magical powers are very nearly fully matured or will be within a matter of days. It's important to exhaust your powers daily for a while until we are sure you will not have another sudden surge of magic rush over you" said Dumbledore seriously.

"ok, but exactly how do I exhaust my powers?" I ask.

"By using them." replying with a small grin. "You will use quite a bit of energy reviewing the memory I've prepared for you. Viewing memories can be magically draining, especially when it's a more poignant memory, which you may find this one to be." His tone taking on a more subdued inflection.

He clears his throat lightly before continuing with his response, "Also, beginning tomorrow you will start receiving daily tutoring session, which will help you learn to use and control your newfound powers. After all, Everly, you are a witch!" he ends cheerfully.

A smile spreads across my face, it was like I had won the lottery. But a hundred times better! I was a witch, me, Everly Quinn.

My moment of jubilation is fleeting, my smile melting slowly from my face, "but, how am I a witch? How is this possible?" my voice shakes with uncertainty as I look to him for answers.

Dumbledore watches me with a warm expression, he slowly stands and holds out his hand to me, "I promise we'll find answers, but it's not going to be an easy journey and I'm not sure if you'll like everything you find. Are you, Everly, ready to uncover your truth?"

I gently slide my hand into his, "yes, I'm ready" my voice shaking with excitement and dread. He lightly pulls me over until we are standing beside a large wide translucent basin filled with what appears to be a pale ghostly liquid covered by luminous silvery wisps dancing over the surface. I unconsciously trace my hand over the symbols carved around the edges, I glance up and catch Dumbledore quietly observing me. I quickly pull my hand away feeling self-conscious.

His faint voice is so low I strain to hear his words, "it's called a pensieve, its enchanted to recreate memories so that one may relive them, even if those memories are not their own. An individual's memories are intensely personal and not many would willingly share them. I was fortunate to be given this particular memory and I caution you to keep what you are about to view confidential and only discuss with myself."

"I promise not to speak of what I'm shown with anyone." I solemnly vow.

He reaches to a nearby cabinet and pulls forth a glass vial full of the same pale glowing liquid, pouring it slowly into the shallow basin. His eyes meet mine, "Place your hands on each side of the basin and say your full name before you allow it to pull you in. Memories are confusing things, saying your name aloud will ensure you don't lose yourself."

I gulp, uneasy after the comment about losing myself. Despite my trepidation, I feel myself step closer to the stone basin placing my hands on either side. I meet Dumbledore's gaze and say my full name, "Everly Vinda Rosier Quinn." His eyes widen in surprise or maybe it was shock, but before I can ask what's wrong, he looks down into the now swirling water, "lean forward Everly, allow it to pull you in."

I can do this; I tell myself silently as I begin leaning closer and closer letting my fears flow out of me with every inch. Then I just let go, and suddenly I'm flying or maybe I'm falling, my stomach drops, and I suck in my breath. There is nowhere to go but down, I'm about to open my mouth to scream. Then I abruptly feel my body land with a jolt, the dense fog I travelled through begins to dissolve being replaced by blurry images, I rub my eyes trying to pull them into focus. A dark figure hurriedly walks past me, his deep red velvet robes snap at his ankles as he continues to move at a rapid pace. Before I can even think to follow him, I'm being pulled to his side by an invisible force, catching up just as he dips behind an old boarded up building.

He glances around ensuring he's alone. Unexpectedly, I watch him close his eyes while breathing in deeply, "There is no hope without risk" he whispers. His eyes snap open scanning his surroundings again, skimming past where I'm standing watching him.

I watch him release another shaky breath before taking on a decidedly military posture, arms tightly to his sides, chin up, chest out, shoulders back, and stomach in. Before I can even begin to wonder what he's doing, a loud crack rings out. He must have apparated because suddenly we're standing on a grassy hillside, looking down at…wait is that stone henge? Before I can absorb my surrounding, I'm being dragged along again as my guy, which is what I decide to call him for now, continues on towards the stone pillars in an absurdly quick pace.

In the center of the ring made of enormous standing stones, aka Stone Henge, was a circular archway made of flat stone blocks that had been cut and fitted perfectly together forming a circle opening. It had a very unearthly quality about it. I must have been imagining it, but I swear I can feel a powerful energy radiating from it. Despite knowing this was only a memory, I intentionally begin distancing myself from the archway, opting to stand and observe from a few steps back.

Several loud cracks one after another echo off the stones until a small group of black robed men were assembled, forming a half circle in front of the archway.

My guy steps into the center of the semi-circle, his deep crimson robes contrast noticeably against theirs. Opening his arms wide, he rotates his body around acknowledging the group surrounding him. "Tonight, will mark an important turning point in wizard history. We've always known the universe is full of mysterious wonderments beyond even our imaginings, but in a few moments, we'll peel back the curtain and reveal a long-hidden secret. With much anticipation, I ask you all, are you ready!? He looks around glaring at the lack of response. "I said, ARE YOU READY!?"

A unison of deep voices rings out at once "YES! We are ready!"

"Good, let us begin. Bring forth our…volunteer." He says ominously.

A small commotion in the back of the group draws my attention, I see a struggling man come into view from around one of the large stone columns. He's being roughly pulled into the center of the group by hooded guards flanking him on both sides. They abruptly release him causing him to stumble and fall hard, landing face down at my guy's feet, who proceeds to reach down, and snatch hold of the disheveled man's matted hair, "how the mighty have fallen" my guy sneers into the man's face with satisfaction.

The rumpled man slaps away the hand grasping his hair, glaring up at his captor with rebellious defiance.

"Hmmm, nothing to say in your defense Sebastian?" My guy asks mockingly.

My guy is an asshole. I think bitterly.

I watch Sebastian stumble to his feet, standing unsteadily he stares back coldly, "just get on with it, asshole." I stifle a grin at Sebastian's accurate name calling.

My guy smirks at Sebastian before snapping his fingers towards one of the hooded figures, "As you wish. Bring her forth."

"Sebastian" a woman's panicked voice screams out.

Hearing the women's voice triggers Sebastian into action, he attempts to leap past the guards when someone suddenly shouts out, "Incarcerous!" Sebastian flops back to the ground bound by unseeable ropes.

"tsk tsk, there will be no heroics tonight I'm afraid." My guy jeers humorlessly.

"Tonight, is about securing our legacy, we are about to accomplish something they said was impossible. Anima Itinere!" he shouts out excitedly.

The small group cheers at this announcement. What in in the world is Animus iter incipis…my wondering is cutoff by manic laughing.

I look over to see a frenzied Sebastian doubled over in deranged humorless laughter, "You are a fool! You are ALL FOOLS! There is a reason we never moved forward with Soul Journey or whatever you are calling it now…Anima Itinere. It is inhuman to separate soul mates. Dark magic has a price, you must stop now while you still can!"

"Silencio!" I think we've heard enough from you tonight Sebastian. I much rather talk with your lovely wife Sonja.

A woman with dark curly hair is shoved forward, tears streaming down her face. Her hands ball into fists as she turns to face her captor screaming, "you were our friend! Now you're nothing, but a monster. We trusted you, cared about you! How could you do this? How?" Her last word was said with such sadness and betrayal, I wasn't sure I could bare to listen. A lone tear traces its way down my cheek, I wipe it away and try to remind myself it's just memory it's not happening now…but it did happen, my traitorous thoughts also remind me.

My guy just stands staring at Sonja seeming to be completely unaffected by her show of emotion or her words. Then his face abruptly hardens, "My mother called me a monster once. She was right of course, but it still hurts." Without warning he viciously grabs Sonja's arms jerking her into his body, leaning down he whispers into her ear. "He will do the spell, or I will kill him, do not doubt my convictions witch." She shudders in disgust attempting to turn away, he roughly grabs her face before she can pull away, "say your good-byes. We're doing this now!" Tossing her on the ground next to Sebastian he twists around to face the archway, his wand raised, "It's time! Repeat after me Sebastian, or you will learn what your lovely wife looks like without skin. Am I clear?"

A defeated Sebastian nods, his sobbing wife clutching tightly to his side.

A cruel smile twists my guy's villainous face as he begins casting the spell, Sebastian's strained voice parrots along after each word.

Two worlds separated by time and space

One soul journeys far from home to a world not their own

A soulmate's bond secures their return, waiting to guide them back

One soul journeys to a world not their own, One soul journeys far from home

Only can their true other half, their key, can call them home

Soul Journey, Anima itinere, begins with two drop of blood.

One from the lock and one from the key.

The guards surrounding the broken couple grab hold of their arms forcing them to offer up a hand, without missing a beat my guy raises his wand casting a cutting curse, "diffindo" identical scarlet cuts suddenly appear on their outstretched palms. "Quick now, place their hands on the archway, hurry!"

As soon as their hands touch, the archway fills with what looks like liquid glass, it shimmers brightly with golden light rippling up and down the opening. A clap of thunder roars overhead a bolt of white lightening illuminates the utter darkness surrounding us. Strong winds surge past the stone pillars loud and deafening.

"QUICKLY BEFORE IT CLOSES!" the guards react to the shouted command and reach for Sebastian tugging him toward the glowing archway. Sonja jumps up attempting to grab hold of Sebastian.

"Restrain her!" My guy screams at his lackeys.

Just as I thought Sebastian was a goner, he seizes hold of the stones around the now shining archway and grasps the end of my guy's robes in his bloody hand, "I know who you really are! Gr…." My guy savagely kicks Sebastian in the stomach successfully hurtling him through the portal, ending whatever, he was about to say.

"Noooooooooooo!" Sonja's agonizing scream pieces the now quiet night. The storm dissipating as soon as the portal closed behind Sebastian.

My guy spins slowly away from the archway, then points at the guard standing closest to Sonja, "take her away, it will be your life if she's harmed in any way." The guard nods, pressing a now limp Sonja to his chest, before disappearing in a loud puff of black smoke.

The remaining group all begin apparating away too, my guy must have apparated as well because I feel myself being torn away from the stone circle to find myself standing behind the same boarded up building where we started our little adventure.

My guy lurches towards a small set of stairs, slumping over he covers his face with his hands, his whole body begins to shake. His sobs are stifled at first, but when he looks up his face is the picture of grief and loss. He quickly bends over the side of the stairs his body heaving again and again as he vomits until nothing remains. He looks wretched as he shakily stands while wiping the bile from his chin. Then as fast as the tears came, they disappear, his now blank face an imperceptible mask walling off any display of emotion.

I'm so confused, where did the villain I've been watching go? My befuddled brain tries to piece together what is going on, I cannot reconcile the man before me now as the man I witnessed kicking a man through an unknown portal only moments ago.

Even the walk back down the street was the complete reverse of the high energy fast pace we began with. Once back inside, what I presume is his house, he glances over to the mirror hanging in the entry way. Suddenly, his face begins to distort grotesquely. The dark brown eyes I've been looking at, fade to an ice blue color and streaks of light blonde hair flow through his once dark mahogany locks. Right before his face is fully revealed, I feel myself being pulled away, "wait…" I frantically try looking back but find myself staring at Dumbledore instead.

"That's all for today" Dumbledore states calmly to my dismay. My face a picture of bewildered confusion.

"But…I didn't get to…" he held up his hand cutting off whatever I was going to say.

"Patience is bitter, but its fruit is sweet" he states pragmatically. "Come along dear, Mr. Snape will soon be joining us."

Like a newborn deer I stumble awkwardly behind him, my thoughts are a tangled web of images including the partially revealed face of my guy, the weird part was there's a familiarity to him, I just can't shake, not a memory per se, but an awareness pulls at my intuition. "Wait" I call weakly behind him, nearly falling down the small stairs in my haste to catch up to him. "Professor, please I…." My words dying on my lips as I see Severus Snape step through the door his ebony eyes finding mine.