- Rating:
- R
- House:
- Schnoogle
- Genres:
- Romance Mystery
- Era:
- Children of Characters in the HP novels
- Spoilers:
- Philosopher's Stone Chamber of Secrets Prizoner of Azkaban Goblet of Fire Order of the Phoenix Half-Blood Prince
- Stats:
-
Published: 05/16/2002Updated: 05/23/2003Words: 42,814Chapters: 12Hits: 5,532
Magique l'Element
finite incantatem
- Story Summary:
- The offspring of Fred and George are at Hogwarts, creating some mischief of their own. But things are not as they seem, and sometimes, mischief can lead to danger.
Chapter 08
- Posted:
- 03/22/2003
- Hits:
- 361
- Author's Note:
- Ooh...the eigth installment is finally up! This was written a long time ago, but I didn't seem to have the time to finish it. Sorry 'bout that. Anyway, thanks, as usual, go out to Erina dn Cookie.
Chapter Eight-Sudden Moves
The island was peaceful. It was always very peaceful.
He walked along the shore, watching as the waves lapped lazily at his feet. Dawn was just about to break, and the sight took his breath away.
"Chosen..." came a faraway whisper.
He acknowledged the voice with a nod of his head. Everything on this island was under his control-or so he had been told.
"Chosen..." came the whisper again.
This time, he looked up, in the direction of a white stone building in the distance. He narrowed his eyes, summoning his concentration.
"Chosen...come..." the whisper said this time.
He sighed. Whenever he was here, he was never allowed to stop and enjoy the scenery.
This island was a sanctuary. It was appropriately named Elementalis, and was the home of the legendary Xandravia family, the guardians of the secrets of Elemental Magic.
"Chosen..." came the whisper again.
He entered the white building, his clothes instantly changing into flowing white robes when he stepped inside. This was the temple of the Elements, where he spent most of his time when on Elementalis. There was only one room in the temple-a large, circular room whose color was impossible to tell. An altar lay in the center of the room, elevated by five stone steps.
"I am here," he said.
His voice echoed off the walls.
Seconds later, a ray of white light shone on the altar. There, a woman appeared, wearing robes similar to his.
"Chosen," she said, bowing slightly.
"I know who I am. Rise," he replied, rolling his eyes.
"Chosen, it is time for the One to know of her destiny," spoke the woman, descending from the steps slowly, gracefully.
Her name was Shi-am. She was the Daughter of the Elements; the first Xandravia.
"The One?" he repeated. "But the One is-"
"Not dead, as was concluded. Chosen, she must know before it is too late," said Shi-am in that irritatingly mysterious manner of hers.
"Shi-am, I don't understand. Who is the One?" he asked, noting that Shi-am was starting to fade.
"All will be clear, Chosen. You will know..."
~*~
Skye went down the spiral steps to the common room. Almost automatically, his eyes searched for Rain. He found his cousin seated near a window, looking...odd.
What's wrong now, I wonder?
He approached her silently and lay a hand on her shoulder.
"Rain?" he said.
She turned her head and smiled at him. She looked tired-too tired for seven in the morning.
"Rain, did you get any sleep last night?" he asked.
"No," she replied.
"No? Why not?"
"I don't want to talk about it, Skye," she said evasively.
Skye knelt in front of Rain, looking at her face. She was pale and haggard-looking.
"Rain, you haven't been getting much sleep the past nights, have you?"
He looked her straight in the eye.
"No," she said softly.
Rain broke their eye conact and held both his hands. Skye saw that she had dark circles under her eyes.
"Have you tried taking a Sleeping Potion?" he suggested.
"No. Skye, this may be just because of stress, so I don't want to drink any Sleeping Potions just yet. Besides, if I take too much Sleeping Potion it might disturb my internal clock, and I have way too much to do," she said.
He shook his head.
"Still too stubborn for your own good. I'll write Mum and have her send over the simplest Sleeping Potion for you-" he started to say, but Rain interrupted him with a violent shake of the head.
"Skye, don't! I don't want Aunt Calla to worry just yet. I have it under control, alright?"
Skye frowned. Rain could be very adamant sometimes, and it was very frustrating to convince her to do something she didn't want to do.
"Fine," he said. "But if you have any more of these sleepless nights, I'm owling Mum right away, and nothing you say will be able to stop me."
Rain smiled.
"Even if you do, there's no guarantee that I'll drink it, you know."
"I'll force it down your throat. Now, stand up and let's get to breakfast."
****
Rain took Skye's hand and stood. The moment she was on her feet, however, she swayed.
"Easy," Skye said gently, catching her before she fell.
She gripped her cousin's steady arm, righting herself and taking a breath.
"Damn," she muttered.
"Rain, I think you should lie down."
Rain glared at Skye to shut him up. She was not about to miss Saturday Quidditch practice just because she felt a little woozy.
In all honesty, she had not gotten much sleep for about a week. She'd managed to hide it from everybody by going about like nothing was wrong and putting on some very handy Muggle conealer.
"Let's go down to the Great Hall, Skye. I'm fine."
"No, you're not, but I'm not about to test your temper at seven in the morning. However, I am going to carry you all the way to Madam Pomfrey if you faint on me." Skye said.
Rain sighed.
"Fine."
She wanted to protest when Skye supported her as they climbed out of the portrait hole, but didn't. Her body needed it no matter how much her pride didn't.
What was it that kept her up at night? It was her dreams. She had had awful nightmares for the past nights. Her nightmares started out pleasant enough, but as time progressed...Rain saw that the only solution was to remain awake as long as possible, and it wasn't doing her any good at all.
~*~
It was probably a good thing that Devon already had his mask of indifference on when he was about to enter the Great Hall. If he didn't, he would probably have been shocked.
The only explanation for it was impeccable timing. He, Rain and Skye arrived at the doors of the Great Hall at the exact same moment, and Devon had paused for a second when he saw Rain's appearance.
What in the name of Merlin happened?
She looked horrible. It was the only word he could think of to describe what Rain looked like at that moment. The change was noticeable only if you've memorized how she looked up close. It was slight, but it was there.
Devon made his way to the Slytherin table. He was frowning deeply.
"Anything wrong, Devon?" asked Pontiard as he sat down.
"No. I'm just thinking," he replied, pulling some sausages towards him.
He looked up, his blue gaze going to the Gryffindor table and searching for Rain. He watched his girlfriend from across the Great Hall, taking in how normal she was acting. From his viewpoint, there was nothing visibly wrong with her appearance.
A hoot made him tear his gaze away from Rain. He looked down and saw that a small owl had dropped a note onto his lap. Devon got the parchment and opened it quickly.
"Are you doing anything later on? If not, could we meet in the Astronomy Tower at six? Professor Sinistra is going to leave today and the tower will be unattended," it read.
Devon looked at Rain again, but she was now busy speaking with somebody. Suddenly, as though sensing that he was looking, she turned and caught his eye. Discreetly as he could, Devon gave a small nod.
Perhaps I'll be able to find out what's wrong then.
****
On the other side of the Great Hall, an eagle owl landed in front of Skye.
"Hello, Fortis," he said, stroking his Mum's owl.
Fortis gave a hoot and stuck out his leg, showing Skye the letter he was bearing. Skye got his letter and read it while Fortis helped himself to Skye's pumpkin juice.
"Dearest Skye,
How is everything? I got the owl regarding the detention you got last week and I am not happy about it, though I won't scold you right now. There are more important matters that I wish to tell you about.
I was summoned to Elementalis nights ago, and I was spoken to regarding the One. They said that the One was destined to be protector to the Chosen, and that she must know about it already. We all thought that Alex was the One, Skye, but Shi-am says otherwise.
Love, I am telling you about this because it is your decision to make. I was not told the identity of that person who will eventually protect you and keep you safe, so I'm hoping against hope that she isn't just any other girl the Elements chose. They told me that you would find her, and you would know who she is once you did. It's up to you decide if you're going to tell her.
All is well here at home. Fred is still chuckling over what you and Jon did to deserve that detention with Filch, but I am most certainly NOT happy.
I love you.
Mum"
Skye shook his head. How was he supposed to find a woman that was supposed to protect him when he could barely find a quill in his bag? Of course, his bag was a huge mess, but...
"What's the matter?" Rain asked him.
"Nothing, really. I just have the feeling that if I see my Mum anytime soon, I'm in for a really good talking-to."
Rain smiled and patted his arm before turning back to her breakfast. Skye speared some eggs with his fork and fed himself, chewing thoughtfully.
"Oi, Skye, look who just entered the Great Hall," Rain suddenly whispered out of the corner of her mouth.
He looked up and turned his head on the direction of the Great Hall's doors in time to see Celestia Faber coming in. Instantly, Skye felt himself reddening.
"Shut it, you."
It was odd, the way Celestia Faber magnetized him to her presence. He didn't need Rain to know that she was in the vicinity; he knew for himself.
Suddenly, Skye's stomach did a somersault. The Gryffindor table was uncannily crowded that morning, and the only empty seat left was beside him. He glanced at Celestia quickly and noted that she was now walking towards him.
Think of something to say...think...think...
"Good morning, Skye," came a voice from his right.
"Er-yeah. Good morning, Celestia," he replied.
Skye chanced a little look at Rain. His cousin's face was neutral.
"Did you get the notes?" Skye asked, wishing that he could record this moment in his mind, but knowing all the while that Rain was eagerly watching how he would handle the situation.
Celestia nodded.
"Yes, thanks."
"Oh, by the way, thanks for lending them. They really helped; I reckon I have a chance to pass Charms now," Skye said easily.
Celestia turned her head and looked at him, a brow slightly raised.
"Why d'you say that?" she asked carefully. "You can execute all the Charms Professor Flitwick requires perfectly."
Was that a compliment?
"Well...you see...I don't really pay attention..." he said, cursing himself for to being able to come up with a very coherent reply.
"Ah," was all Celestia said in reply.
"Skye, isn't it time for practice now?" chirped Rain. "Oh, excuse me, Cel. Were you two talking?"
Skye never felt more like glaring in his life. He forced himself to nod, however.
"Er-yeah. We'd better be going, Rain. I'll see you later then, eh, Cel?" he said, running a hand nervously through his hair, deliberately using the nickname Rain had used.
"Sure, Skye," Cel said, smiling slightly.
Skye followed Rain, who was now standing and leaving the Great Hall. As she reached the empty Entrance Hall, he blinked, smiling a bit when he heard her make a sound of surprise as she was jolted to a stop.
"'Were you two talking?'" he mocked her when he was at her side.
Rain narrowed her eyes at him.
"Let me loose, Skye."
"I don't think I will, Rain."
He saw Rain straining to reach her wand, but waved his hand and her whole right arm was pinned to her side.
"Skye..." she hissed.
"Oh, alright. I'll let you go-when I reach the pitch," he grinned, jogging to the front doors.
****
She let out the breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding, watching as the two redheads exited the Great Hall.
Somebody tell me I'm not dreaming.
Celestia looked down at the food she had been mechanically eating.
"Who did I just see seated beside you moments ago?" suddenly came the voice of Irene Adler, Cel's roommate.
Celestia couldn't reply. All she could do was smile.
"So, what did you talk about?" said Irene, smiling too.
"Irene, could you pinch me?"
"Pinch you? What in the world for?"
"So I'll know I didn't just dream up the past few days," said Cel.
Irene pinched Celestia on the arm-hard.
"OW! Okay...okay, I know I'm awake now...NOT SO HARD!"
"Well, you did ask me to pinch you. So, are you going to tell me what happened?" said Irene, looking desperately anxious for the news she was about to hear.
"Nothing really happened, Irene. It was just a very lucky coincidence that the only vacant seat at the Gryffindor table was beside...him."
"And the 'past few days' I heard you talking about?" Irene questioned further.
At this, Celestia felt herself blushing.
"Um...well, he's been talking to me lately. Borrowing my notes, speaking to me about the lessons," she replied softly.
Celestia was surprised that her friend began to frown.
"What's wrong, Irene?"
"Don't you think it's strange that he suddenly does that? I mean, you two didn't really speak with each other much before." said Irene.
"And?"
I think I can see where this is going.
"And...I think there are only two reasons why he's suddenly taking notice of you. It's either he's using you to raise his grades or he's doing a dare." stated Irene, looking annoyingly superior.
Because Irene was suddenly engaged in another conversation, she didn't see her friend's reaction to that statement. Celestia's shoulders sagged as she sighed deeply. She turned back to her breakfast listlessly, poking around the potatoes she had been enthusiastically staring at only moments before.
I knew it. Skye Weasley definitely couldn't like me. Not a chance in the world.
~*~
The gentle breeze that was blowing calmed him. It helped him relax, despite the tremendous nervousness he was feeling.
That was the way it was now, whenever he was around her. He was always nervous, unsure of how to act or what to say. He didn't know if she was still mad at him.
From across the Quidditch field, Jon watched Rain. She was hovering in front of the three goalposts, getting ready to block the Quaffle. He watched as the Quaffle soared through the air...
And she blocks it yet again! Good save by Keeper Weasley...
It was not as though Rain was able to save Quaffles all the time, but her statistics said that she only missed two out of ten Quaffles.
"Ack! Jon, where's your mind, mate?" called Martin Carmichael, his fellow Beater.
"Sorry," he replied, hitting a Bludger with his bat just in time.
Distracted. That's what she made him. Distracted. Until he could find some way to patch things up between them, he was doomed to remain that way whenever she was around.
****
Rain smiled and threw the Quaffle back to Wood.
"Good save, Rain," said Leon.
"I thought I was going to miss it for sure. You make it very hard to be a Keeper." she shot back.
Leonard Wood smiled. He ran a hand through his brown hair.
"Take a few minutes off before I call the other Chasers up here to test your limits again," was all he said.
Rain watched the Gryffindor Captain as he flew away. She sighed and looked around, drinking in the tranquil surroundings of the Quidditch pitch on a Saturday morning.
Her gaze wandered around the field, watching her teammates as they took a few minutes off their usual grinding workout. The Beaters were on the opposite side of the field, playing with one of the Bludgers. The Chasers were throwing the Quaffle to one another, taking turns...
Damn it, I'm sleepy.
Rain tried-and failed-to stifle a yawn. No, she had not had a good night. She definitely did not have a good night.
Suddenly, Rain's insides started tingling. Her heartbeat accelerated as adrenaline surged through her veins. Whipping her head from side to side, Rain tried to find the cause of this sudden feeling of unease.Then, she saw it.
A Bludger was heading towards Skye.
Without thinking, Rain turned her broomsitck in the direction of her cousin and dived.
****
A sudden shout echoed across the green grass of the Quidditch pitch, making Jon turn his head. He was in time to see his best friend diving like he'd never been able to before, following a blurred red figure...
As a dull thud echoed through the pitch, Jon's breath caught in his throat.
~*~
Skye stormed into Gryffindor tower, summoning a little jar into his hand. He glared at the common room fireplace...and shook his head. No, he needed some privacy and that fireplace would never do.
He exited the tower once more, heading towards the only place he could have private access to a fire.
"Avarlhawiel," he muttered tensely as the painting of the bald warlock dissolved in front of him.
Almost running, Skye reached the secret room he and Rain had used countless times before. He lit a fire in the grate with a thought and threw powder from the jar he was carrying into the flames.
"Racine le Paix" he said.
Skye's shoulders began to shake. His breath was now coming in ragged gasps as the information he had just learned started to sink in. His hands were trembling.
"Skye? Skye, love, what is it?" came the voice of his mother's head as it appeared in the fireplace.
"Mum," he managed to croak out.
Unable to bear it, he buried his face in one hand.
"Skye? What's wrong?" came his Mum's concerned voice again.
"I've found the One, Mum" he said. "I've found her."
Calla Weasley's jaw dropped.
"Who is it, love?" she asked in a soft voice.
Somehow, Skye managed to force himself to say the words.
"It's Rain. Rain is the One."
~*~
The chapter has now ended.
~*~
End Notes: To clear up some stuff, I'd like to say that Avarlhawiel is the elven name of one of my friends. Now, Racine le Paix means "Root of Peace", and is the name of the penthouse where Calla, Fred and Skye live.
All clear? Good. Now all you have to do is wait for the next chapter. Mwah!