Post by stefdarlin on Jan 13, 2008 10:26:27 GMT -5
Continued from previous post.
****Spoiler Warning****
A/N: Parts of this chapter contain spoilers for both Half-Blood Prince and Deathly Hallows. If you have not read them, consider yourself warned.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This question astounded Severus and he shook his head. “Not as I am aware of. They have been here at Hogwarts for quite some time and have been friends even longer. Perhaps it was a pet name as some men who are not relatives sometimes refer to themselves.” He also frowned in thought. He had never considered this before. Surely not. Of course, if Albus did have a wife he would be clever to hide her. But why would he not tell me? Severus asked himself. Had he not proven his trustworthiness over the years? This was a question he would ask the Headmaster very soon.
Serena frowned at this and seemed to contemplate his suggestion. “It could be, but I don’t think so. Somehow I feel he was more, but like I said, when Fawkes appeared and I remembered Professor Dumbledore, there seemed to be someone else with him. But I’m not sure. I think it was my great-aunt. And just now, I don’t know,” her brow creased again and she continued to pick at her chicken salad to keep her hands from shaking. “It seemed the room or the way things were arranged caused something to pluck at the surface,” she shrugged and took a bite of her lunch.
Severus thought a moment about her response and concluded, “Well, your mother and great-aunt are the same line, the last occurrence, I’m not sure either. But maybe blood relation is part of the equation,” he took a sip of tea.
“They are both female,” Serena chimed in.
“Yes, but so was Adelaide and you remember her. You also don’t forget where you are or current events when I say her name.”
“But if it is about blood relation, I remember my father, he is a blood relation,” she informed him.
“Yes, but he is no relation to M…your great-aunt, only by marriage. And of course, Professor Dumbledore would not be a blood relative either,” he observed.
“But do I forget when you say my mother’s name as well?”
“I do not know. When you had such a reaction to the first, I dared not say her name. I did not want you to forget what we had discussed,” his brow furrowed in thought.
“But I only forgot the most recent conversation, right?”
Severus thought back and nodded.
“I didn’t completely forget everything, so I should still remember that my great-aunt works here if you…,” she began but he cut her off.
“No,” he stated firmly. “I will not subject you to this again, even to test a theory,” he put down his cup, crossed his arms in a defensive move and glared down his nose at her. Truthfully, he didn’t know how she would react and without reassurance they would obtain the answer, he wouldn’t say the name. He had just realized his feelings and protection was very prominent. Even if she felt she wanted to just throw caution to the wind, he would not. Not this time.
Fury flashed in her eyes at his defensive move and his refusal to test her theory. For a moment she felt a flutter in his aura, but then felt it shift back to responsibility again. She sniffed and narrowed her eyes at him. The man was incorrigible. “Fine! Then how do you propose we continue,” she retorted in almost a snarl.
“Well, I thought you would never ask,” he began with a triumphant air. “Though we don’t know how you react when someone says your mother’s name, the fact you cannot remember her name but can remember your father’s suggests that whatever has been done to you is related to your mother’s line. What if we test this theory another way? One that won’t involve another loss of memory or me having to remind you where you are?”
Her eyes narrowed a little, but she quirked her mouth in concentration and crossed her arms. “Ok, I’ll bite. What way is that?”
“Simple, what is your maternal grandmother’s name?”
Serena opened her mouth to retort quickly but found she couldn’t remember that name either. Placing her head in her hand she tried to think, but there was nothing there. However, there was also no pain as she pushed. “Truthfully, I don’t know. I don’t believe I ever knew Severus. Or if I did know the name, maybe she died before I was born,” she seemed to question the room at large.
“Hmm, I had not thought of that. But why don’t we look through these books for symptoms in relation to this theory and see if they match,” he asked, eyeing her wearily. She wasn’t upset, this was a good sign.
Serena resigned to his suggestion and picked up the book on top of the pile. “Alright, but I still think we should try my idea,” she muttered not wanting to admit defeat. She looked at the book and read the title, Properties and Effects of Lethe in Potions. Well, at least it isn’t, she eyed the next book in the pile, Forgetting; the Root of the Matter, which was at least six inches thick. Severus silently plucked it off the top. His brow creased as he settled down to work and she rolled her eyes. With a final sigh she also settled back to search for answers once more.
Hours passed and before they knew it, Dobby popped in to see if they wanted dinner. Severus’ face showed surprise. “I thought the Headmaster would be here before now,” he looked at Serena who looked concerned.
“What do you suppose is keeping him?”
“I am afraid I don’t have that information,” Severus told her. Dobby still hung in the background.
“Dobby,” Serena addressed the humble house-elf.
“Yes Miss Serena, how can Dobby serve Miss?”
“Well, I find I would love some Beef Wellington. Do you think I could have some?”
“Oh yes, oh yes Miss Serena. The Hogwarts Elves make a most excellent Beef Wellington. Dobby will get it right away,” he exclaimed and popped away.
Severus raised a brow at her as she smiled indulgently and blushed prettily. “I hope you don’t mind terribly,” Serena inquired of him.
“No, it is a dish I also enjoy. Perhaps, after dinner, we could take a walk to the lake, if you would like. To take a small break of course,” he gazed at her and she returned a beaming smile which took his breath away.
“Oh Severus, that sounds wonderful,” she exclaimed to him and again he found himself enjoying the feeling.
Clearing his throat once more, he rose and strode to the window. She watched his back as he gazed out over the courtyard. She wondered what he was thinking. She knew how he felt, responsible. But she had sensed the faintest shimmer of something else earlier. She frowned in thought. Could he be coming to love her as she hoped? He may, but knowing where he stood, between both sides, she could see how he might fight his feelings. There was also the fact he had been hurt in the past. That alone would probably cause him to guard his feelings, at least. She sighed. Why did life have to be so complicated?
Serena’s thoughts were interrupted and Severus turned from the window as Dobby returned with their meal. She smiled at the little elf who twisted his hands around each other in joy at the thought of pleasing her. “Thank you ever so much Dobby,” at which, Dobby nodded, smiling, and disappeared while Serena hissed out a breath.
Severus’ head snapped up at the sound and he moved to place an arm around her. “Serena?”
She closed her eyes and prodded more to see if she could recall the memory. There, there in the recesses was an oddly pretty house-elf dressed in a tartan plaid tablecloth. Brokenly, Serena told Severus what she saw. But the surroundings were clouded at best and the pain began afresh; sharp needles stabbing at her head and Serena swayed.
“Serena, my sweet,” Severus whispered softly and tenderly embraced her to keep her from falling. “Come back to me. Do not think more on it for now. There is time. Patience my l…sweet one,” Severus summoned her back to the present and she leaned into him.
“Thank you Severus,” she said as a grimace crossed her face. “Pretty soon I was going to end up on the floor again. This is maddening. I want to know…I need to know…,” he broke in before she could continue.
“Shh, I know. Come, let’s eat and then we can go for that walk. Let’s not think on anything for a little while,” he raised a finger to her lips to quiet her protests which he replaced with his lips. At his sweet exploration of her mouth she forgot about the pain and moaned audibly. Gradually they eased apart and sat at the table to eat.
After dinner Severus escorted her outside and down to the Lake where they enjoyed a leisurely stroll while they chatted about the Giant Squid and other beings that lived in the Black Lake. They then shifted to talk of instruments and Severus let her know the guitar was his favorite instrument, which he had played some in his youth but hadn’t touched one since though he did take pleasure in an acoustic piece now and then.
They walked arm in arm, edging between the lake and the Forbidden Forest as the sun sank lower in the west. Serena lifted her head, studied the pink and purple hues of the sunset and smiled. Slowly she drew in a breath of the summer evening, enjoying the scents that drifted on the gentle breeze. She sighed happily when they found a spot where a rock jutted out into the lake and they stood there, gazing at the waves of the Black Lake as they rolled in and watched the sun glide down into the water. Severus leaned into her, nuzzled her neck and slid his arms around her to squeeze her tightly. They stayed there, wrapped around each other, treasuring the moment until the light was gone.
After the sun went down, Severus and Serena made their way back to her guest quarters. They had just arrived and were about to take off their outer robes when, first a silvery glowing phoenix appeared in the room drawing their attention. The phoenix opened its mouth and a voice, pained and weak croaked out, “Severus, please come.” Then, in a burst of fiery orange, Fawkes arrived, cocked his head and trilled what sounded like a concerned note.
“Serena, quickly, take his claw and my hand,” Severus barked urgently.
Serena did as he said and in an eruption of flames they were in a large office. Portraits hung around the room, silver objects rested quietly in a haphazard way and a large desk sat prominently in the center. Fawkes soared high and landed on the back of a throne like chair behind the desk. As he settled, their eyes rested on Albus Dumbledore. He was slumped in the chair and on the desk in front of him laid a ring with a cracked black stone in its setting and a large sword with a ruby encrusted hilt. Quickly, Severus and Serena moved around the desk to his side.
Immediately Serena knew he was her uncle. Her heart filled as did her eyes when she noticed his hand resting on his stomach. It was dark and getting darker; the tide of black beginning to sweep up his arm. “Uncle Albus,” she squeaked with tears in her voice as Severus followed her gaze to his hand. At that moment Albus seemed to realize someone else was there and he moved slightly. However, he appeared to be incapacitated by what was happening to him.
Severus looked at the older wizard’s hand and a grim look came over his face. His breath caught in his throat and Serena felt immense pain in his aura. She looked at him, pain marred his face and her heart ached for him. He cared for Albus. The feeling that hit her was that of a son for his father. She reached out and touched his arm. “Severus?”
He bowed his head briefly then shook back to the present and when he gazed back at her his aura was once again where it always was in her presence, responsibility. A worried look came over his face, “This curse has extraordinary power, the most I can do is contain it in his hand,” he explained, a pained expression on his face.
Serena looked as though he had struck her. Quickly she gathered her wits and went over scenarios in her mind. She couldn’t lose him, not now, when they seemed so close to finding the answers. As she looked at Albus, love filled her heart; she knew she was where she belonged. And she just knew with certainty he was married to her great-aunt. She didn’t want to lose that so soon, swallowing, she looked at Severus. “I can stop this Severus. I know how. We need to get to the edge of the dark part of the Forbidden Forest. But you will need to do as you said also. I need you to contain the curse in one place.” She looked at him fiercely, praying he wouldn’t resist.
He looked at her, thunderstruck at first but then nodded. “I need to go to my storage cupboard for a moment.” He looked to Fawkes, “Fawkes, could you assist me,” he questioned the phoenix, it warbled in agreement and they were gone in a gust of fiery wind.
After Severus was gone, Serena leaned over Albus and softly stroked his cheek. Tears rose in her eyes again and a memory hit her full force. He was talking to her, erudite and sure. He was telling her sorrowed form of a tradition the people of Hawaii embraced, called the Aloha spirit. He gently rubbed her back and she felt comfort wash over her. When they embraced after their talk she felt as if nothing in the world mattered but their love for her. Abruptly, Serena was called from her memory as Albus moved and tried to speak.
“Ser…ena, no, you mustn’t…you,” his words were a hoarsely whispered croak he couldn’t finish for he was growing weaker.
“Shh, Uncle Albus, I will be fine, I trust you and you know what to do. I would rather save you, my powers will return, please understand I need to do this,” she told him firmly.
In a bright flash, Severus and Fawkes were back. Severus carried a vial filled with thick golden potion. Albus tried to speak but was otherwise debilitated. Serena looked to Fawkes and questioned the bird, “Can you transport all of us Fawkes?”
The phoenix gave a condescending note of pride and Severus and Serena each took one of Albus’ arms and one of Fawkes’ claws. Through the flames they appeared on the outskirts of one of the darkest parts of the Forbidden Forest and Severus and Serena worked quickly. Severus was too busy to think about what Serena was doing or how she was going to get rid of this curse. Under his breath he spoke the incantations and pointed his wand at Albus’ wrist. Meanwhile, Serena removed her shoes, found the ground spikes in her robes, enlarged them and placed them an equal distance apart in a square around them. Severus poured the golden potion down Albus’ throat and he began to rouse. Then, before he could protest, Serena kneeled, grabbed his blackened hand with one of her own and directly touched a ground spike near her.
Where their hands met a golden glow began and Serena started chanting incantations in a Turkish dialect. She had avoided thinking of what she was about to do. The pain would be excruciating, but the outcome far outweighed the price to her. However, it was not coming without a sacrifice. She just hoped Rashid would forgive her and Severus and Albus as well.
Still, she was an empath, giving was what they did, what she did. But vaguely she thought maybe a part of her was being selfish as well, wanting her uncle to stay with her longer. She pushed the thought away and the first flow of the curse struck her, she groaned and suddenly stood up, her back arching and she sucked in her breath. As she stood she let go of both Albus’ hand and the spike but a golden stream remained connecting them together. Soon the golden stream between their hands turned dark as the curse was pulled from Albus to pass through Serena to the ground spikes to be returned to the earth. Her body shocked and tensed and she bit her lip in an effort to keep from calling out.
Slowly, her body began to glow then rose from the ground, levitating then humming and vibrating. The wind around them kicked up, blowing everyone’s hair in wild disarray. Presently, the one ground spike gave off a spark like lightening and a beam of golden light traveled to the next one and the next, until the square was complete. When the square was complete Serena’s body shifted to a horizontal position and with a burst of energy a stream traveled from each spike to each of Serena’s hands and feet as the original stream moved to her back. Another jolt hit her and she bit her lip harder. Her body rose higher, a trickle of blood ran down her mouth as, suddenly, dark clouds swirled above them. Lightening flashed and the trees whipped, their leaves rustling loudly, the magic in the air sizzling.
Severus realized what Serena was about to do when it was too late to stop her. He knew this wasn’t something Albus would have allowed her to do had he been able to stop her. He could not let her continue. Surely the ground spikes would drain her power as she had said. Quickly he moved to try to separate their hands. But when he came in contact he was blown backward from the force. When he hit the hard ground the wind was knocked from him. He sat up quickly to devise a different approach but the light in the beams surrounding them changed to black and the stream between Serena and Albus turned white as did the ones between Serena and the spikes in the next instant.
"No! No," he shouted, but it was too late. With a final severe bend of Serena’s spine she screamed in agony and the light surrounding them snapped out as if a cord had been severed. The spikes surrounding them each gave off a sizzling sound, cracked, darkened and burst into dust. The ancient magic was gone. The spikes were gone and the earth beneath them was dark and black.
Severus flicked his wand to stop Serena’s body from falling to the hard ground. Her body floated gently and settled next to Albus who had sat up. Fawkes had glided down to land near him. His hand was scorched red where the curse had been drained. Tentatively, the beautiful bird leaned his head over and a few of his tears fell on Albus’ hand. It bubbled and healed instantly. He stroked his friend with a murmured word of thanks and looked up at Severus as he moved fluidly and bent over Serena. “How is she,” Albus asked, still weak from the ritual but quickly regaining his strength.
Severus ran a diagnostic charm over her. She was alive. But her energy and magic were dangerously low. Her breathing was ragged and her hands and feet were scorched as well. Fawkes made his way to her and healed her wounds quickly. “We need to get her to the Hospital wing immediately,” Severus rasped. Albus nodded and began to rise.
Seeing Serena like this, watching what she had done had nearly ripped his heart in two. For the first time in a very long time, Severus felt tears come to his eyes and a lump rise in his throat. He couldn’t lose her, not now. He closed his eyes to ward off the tears and anger started to replace his anguish. When he felt a hand on his shoulder the anger receded and he scooped Serena’s seeming lifeless body up in his arms. Together, Severus, Albus and Fawkes returned Serena to the protection of Hogwarts with hope her healing would soon begin.
TBC.
A/N: Ok, I hope you liked this installment, let me know what you think. Please don't kill me, heh.
****Spoiler Warning****
A/N: Parts of this chapter contain spoilers for both Half-Blood Prince and Deathly Hallows. If you have not read them, consider yourself warned.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This question astounded Severus and he shook his head. “Not as I am aware of. They have been here at Hogwarts for quite some time and have been friends even longer. Perhaps it was a pet name as some men who are not relatives sometimes refer to themselves.” He also frowned in thought. He had never considered this before. Surely not. Of course, if Albus did have a wife he would be clever to hide her. But why would he not tell me? Severus asked himself. Had he not proven his trustworthiness over the years? This was a question he would ask the Headmaster very soon.
Serena frowned at this and seemed to contemplate his suggestion. “It could be, but I don’t think so. Somehow I feel he was more, but like I said, when Fawkes appeared and I remembered Professor Dumbledore, there seemed to be someone else with him. But I’m not sure. I think it was my great-aunt. And just now, I don’t know,” her brow creased again and she continued to pick at her chicken salad to keep her hands from shaking. “It seemed the room or the way things were arranged caused something to pluck at the surface,” she shrugged and took a bite of her lunch.
Severus thought a moment about her response and concluded, “Well, your mother and great-aunt are the same line, the last occurrence, I’m not sure either. But maybe blood relation is part of the equation,” he took a sip of tea.
“They are both female,” Serena chimed in.
“Yes, but so was Adelaide and you remember her. You also don’t forget where you are or current events when I say her name.”
“But if it is about blood relation, I remember my father, he is a blood relation,” she informed him.
“Yes, but he is no relation to M…your great-aunt, only by marriage. And of course, Professor Dumbledore would not be a blood relative either,” he observed.
“But do I forget when you say my mother’s name as well?”
“I do not know. When you had such a reaction to the first, I dared not say her name. I did not want you to forget what we had discussed,” his brow furrowed in thought.
“But I only forgot the most recent conversation, right?”
Severus thought back and nodded.
“I didn’t completely forget everything, so I should still remember that my great-aunt works here if you…,” she began but he cut her off.
“No,” he stated firmly. “I will not subject you to this again, even to test a theory,” he put down his cup, crossed his arms in a defensive move and glared down his nose at her. Truthfully, he didn’t know how she would react and without reassurance they would obtain the answer, he wouldn’t say the name. He had just realized his feelings and protection was very prominent. Even if she felt she wanted to just throw caution to the wind, he would not. Not this time.
Fury flashed in her eyes at his defensive move and his refusal to test her theory. For a moment she felt a flutter in his aura, but then felt it shift back to responsibility again. She sniffed and narrowed her eyes at him. The man was incorrigible. “Fine! Then how do you propose we continue,” she retorted in almost a snarl.
“Well, I thought you would never ask,” he began with a triumphant air. “Though we don’t know how you react when someone says your mother’s name, the fact you cannot remember her name but can remember your father’s suggests that whatever has been done to you is related to your mother’s line. What if we test this theory another way? One that won’t involve another loss of memory or me having to remind you where you are?”
Her eyes narrowed a little, but she quirked her mouth in concentration and crossed her arms. “Ok, I’ll bite. What way is that?”
“Simple, what is your maternal grandmother’s name?”
Serena opened her mouth to retort quickly but found she couldn’t remember that name either. Placing her head in her hand she tried to think, but there was nothing there. However, there was also no pain as she pushed. “Truthfully, I don’t know. I don’t believe I ever knew Severus. Or if I did know the name, maybe she died before I was born,” she seemed to question the room at large.
“Hmm, I had not thought of that. But why don’t we look through these books for symptoms in relation to this theory and see if they match,” he asked, eyeing her wearily. She wasn’t upset, this was a good sign.
Serena resigned to his suggestion and picked up the book on top of the pile. “Alright, but I still think we should try my idea,” she muttered not wanting to admit defeat. She looked at the book and read the title, Properties and Effects of Lethe in Potions. Well, at least it isn’t, she eyed the next book in the pile, Forgetting; the Root of the Matter, which was at least six inches thick. Severus silently plucked it off the top. His brow creased as he settled down to work and she rolled her eyes. With a final sigh she also settled back to search for answers once more.
Hours passed and before they knew it, Dobby popped in to see if they wanted dinner. Severus’ face showed surprise. “I thought the Headmaster would be here before now,” he looked at Serena who looked concerned.
“What do you suppose is keeping him?”
“I am afraid I don’t have that information,” Severus told her. Dobby still hung in the background.
“Dobby,” Serena addressed the humble house-elf.
“Yes Miss Serena, how can Dobby serve Miss?”
“Well, I find I would love some Beef Wellington. Do you think I could have some?”
“Oh yes, oh yes Miss Serena. The Hogwarts Elves make a most excellent Beef Wellington. Dobby will get it right away,” he exclaimed and popped away.
Severus raised a brow at her as she smiled indulgently and blushed prettily. “I hope you don’t mind terribly,” Serena inquired of him.
“No, it is a dish I also enjoy. Perhaps, after dinner, we could take a walk to the lake, if you would like. To take a small break of course,” he gazed at her and she returned a beaming smile which took his breath away.
“Oh Severus, that sounds wonderful,” she exclaimed to him and again he found himself enjoying the feeling.
Clearing his throat once more, he rose and strode to the window. She watched his back as he gazed out over the courtyard. She wondered what he was thinking. She knew how he felt, responsible. But she had sensed the faintest shimmer of something else earlier. She frowned in thought. Could he be coming to love her as she hoped? He may, but knowing where he stood, between both sides, she could see how he might fight his feelings. There was also the fact he had been hurt in the past. That alone would probably cause him to guard his feelings, at least. She sighed. Why did life have to be so complicated?
Serena’s thoughts were interrupted and Severus turned from the window as Dobby returned with their meal. She smiled at the little elf who twisted his hands around each other in joy at the thought of pleasing her. “Thank you ever so much Dobby,” at which, Dobby nodded, smiling, and disappeared while Serena hissed out a breath.
Severus’ head snapped up at the sound and he moved to place an arm around her. “Serena?”
She closed her eyes and prodded more to see if she could recall the memory. There, there in the recesses was an oddly pretty house-elf dressed in a tartan plaid tablecloth. Brokenly, Serena told Severus what she saw. But the surroundings were clouded at best and the pain began afresh; sharp needles stabbing at her head and Serena swayed.
“Serena, my sweet,” Severus whispered softly and tenderly embraced her to keep her from falling. “Come back to me. Do not think more on it for now. There is time. Patience my l…sweet one,” Severus summoned her back to the present and she leaned into him.
“Thank you Severus,” she said as a grimace crossed her face. “Pretty soon I was going to end up on the floor again. This is maddening. I want to know…I need to know…,” he broke in before she could continue.
“Shh, I know. Come, let’s eat and then we can go for that walk. Let’s not think on anything for a little while,” he raised a finger to her lips to quiet her protests which he replaced with his lips. At his sweet exploration of her mouth she forgot about the pain and moaned audibly. Gradually they eased apart and sat at the table to eat.
After dinner Severus escorted her outside and down to the Lake where they enjoyed a leisurely stroll while they chatted about the Giant Squid and other beings that lived in the Black Lake. They then shifted to talk of instruments and Severus let her know the guitar was his favorite instrument, which he had played some in his youth but hadn’t touched one since though he did take pleasure in an acoustic piece now and then.
They walked arm in arm, edging between the lake and the Forbidden Forest as the sun sank lower in the west. Serena lifted her head, studied the pink and purple hues of the sunset and smiled. Slowly she drew in a breath of the summer evening, enjoying the scents that drifted on the gentle breeze. She sighed happily when they found a spot where a rock jutted out into the lake and they stood there, gazing at the waves of the Black Lake as they rolled in and watched the sun glide down into the water. Severus leaned into her, nuzzled her neck and slid his arms around her to squeeze her tightly. They stayed there, wrapped around each other, treasuring the moment until the light was gone.
After the sun went down, Severus and Serena made their way back to her guest quarters. They had just arrived and were about to take off their outer robes when, first a silvery glowing phoenix appeared in the room drawing their attention. The phoenix opened its mouth and a voice, pained and weak croaked out, “Severus, please come.” Then, in a burst of fiery orange, Fawkes arrived, cocked his head and trilled what sounded like a concerned note.
“Serena, quickly, take his claw and my hand,” Severus barked urgently.
Serena did as he said and in an eruption of flames they were in a large office. Portraits hung around the room, silver objects rested quietly in a haphazard way and a large desk sat prominently in the center. Fawkes soared high and landed on the back of a throne like chair behind the desk. As he settled, their eyes rested on Albus Dumbledore. He was slumped in the chair and on the desk in front of him laid a ring with a cracked black stone in its setting and a large sword with a ruby encrusted hilt. Quickly, Severus and Serena moved around the desk to his side.
Immediately Serena knew he was her uncle. Her heart filled as did her eyes when she noticed his hand resting on his stomach. It was dark and getting darker; the tide of black beginning to sweep up his arm. “Uncle Albus,” she squeaked with tears in her voice as Severus followed her gaze to his hand. At that moment Albus seemed to realize someone else was there and he moved slightly. However, he appeared to be incapacitated by what was happening to him.
Severus looked at the older wizard’s hand and a grim look came over his face. His breath caught in his throat and Serena felt immense pain in his aura. She looked at him, pain marred his face and her heart ached for him. He cared for Albus. The feeling that hit her was that of a son for his father. She reached out and touched his arm. “Severus?”
He bowed his head briefly then shook back to the present and when he gazed back at her his aura was once again where it always was in her presence, responsibility. A worried look came over his face, “This curse has extraordinary power, the most I can do is contain it in his hand,” he explained, a pained expression on his face.
Serena looked as though he had struck her. Quickly she gathered her wits and went over scenarios in her mind. She couldn’t lose him, not now, when they seemed so close to finding the answers. As she looked at Albus, love filled her heart; she knew she was where she belonged. And she just knew with certainty he was married to her great-aunt. She didn’t want to lose that so soon, swallowing, she looked at Severus. “I can stop this Severus. I know how. We need to get to the edge of the dark part of the Forbidden Forest. But you will need to do as you said also. I need you to contain the curse in one place.” She looked at him fiercely, praying he wouldn’t resist.
He looked at her, thunderstruck at first but then nodded. “I need to go to my storage cupboard for a moment.” He looked to Fawkes, “Fawkes, could you assist me,” he questioned the phoenix, it warbled in agreement and they were gone in a gust of fiery wind.
After Severus was gone, Serena leaned over Albus and softly stroked his cheek. Tears rose in her eyes again and a memory hit her full force. He was talking to her, erudite and sure. He was telling her sorrowed form of a tradition the people of Hawaii embraced, called the Aloha spirit. He gently rubbed her back and she felt comfort wash over her. When they embraced after their talk she felt as if nothing in the world mattered but their love for her. Abruptly, Serena was called from her memory as Albus moved and tried to speak.
“Ser…ena, no, you mustn’t…you,” his words were a hoarsely whispered croak he couldn’t finish for he was growing weaker.
“Shh, Uncle Albus, I will be fine, I trust you and you know what to do. I would rather save you, my powers will return, please understand I need to do this,” she told him firmly.
In a bright flash, Severus and Fawkes were back. Severus carried a vial filled with thick golden potion. Albus tried to speak but was otherwise debilitated. Serena looked to Fawkes and questioned the bird, “Can you transport all of us Fawkes?”
The phoenix gave a condescending note of pride and Severus and Serena each took one of Albus’ arms and one of Fawkes’ claws. Through the flames they appeared on the outskirts of one of the darkest parts of the Forbidden Forest and Severus and Serena worked quickly. Severus was too busy to think about what Serena was doing or how she was going to get rid of this curse. Under his breath he spoke the incantations and pointed his wand at Albus’ wrist. Meanwhile, Serena removed her shoes, found the ground spikes in her robes, enlarged them and placed them an equal distance apart in a square around them. Severus poured the golden potion down Albus’ throat and he began to rouse. Then, before he could protest, Serena kneeled, grabbed his blackened hand with one of her own and directly touched a ground spike near her.
Where their hands met a golden glow began and Serena started chanting incantations in a Turkish dialect. She had avoided thinking of what she was about to do. The pain would be excruciating, but the outcome far outweighed the price to her. However, it was not coming without a sacrifice. She just hoped Rashid would forgive her and Severus and Albus as well.
Still, she was an empath, giving was what they did, what she did. But vaguely she thought maybe a part of her was being selfish as well, wanting her uncle to stay with her longer. She pushed the thought away and the first flow of the curse struck her, she groaned and suddenly stood up, her back arching and she sucked in her breath. As she stood she let go of both Albus’ hand and the spike but a golden stream remained connecting them together. Soon the golden stream between their hands turned dark as the curse was pulled from Albus to pass through Serena to the ground spikes to be returned to the earth. Her body shocked and tensed and she bit her lip in an effort to keep from calling out.
Slowly, her body began to glow then rose from the ground, levitating then humming and vibrating. The wind around them kicked up, blowing everyone’s hair in wild disarray. Presently, the one ground spike gave off a spark like lightening and a beam of golden light traveled to the next one and the next, until the square was complete. When the square was complete Serena’s body shifted to a horizontal position and with a burst of energy a stream traveled from each spike to each of Serena’s hands and feet as the original stream moved to her back. Another jolt hit her and she bit her lip harder. Her body rose higher, a trickle of blood ran down her mouth as, suddenly, dark clouds swirled above them. Lightening flashed and the trees whipped, their leaves rustling loudly, the magic in the air sizzling.
Severus realized what Serena was about to do when it was too late to stop her. He knew this wasn’t something Albus would have allowed her to do had he been able to stop her. He could not let her continue. Surely the ground spikes would drain her power as she had said. Quickly he moved to try to separate their hands. But when he came in contact he was blown backward from the force. When he hit the hard ground the wind was knocked from him. He sat up quickly to devise a different approach but the light in the beams surrounding them changed to black and the stream between Serena and Albus turned white as did the ones between Serena and the spikes in the next instant.
"No! No," he shouted, but it was too late. With a final severe bend of Serena’s spine she screamed in agony and the light surrounding them snapped out as if a cord had been severed. The spikes surrounding them each gave off a sizzling sound, cracked, darkened and burst into dust. The ancient magic was gone. The spikes were gone and the earth beneath them was dark and black.
Severus flicked his wand to stop Serena’s body from falling to the hard ground. Her body floated gently and settled next to Albus who had sat up. Fawkes had glided down to land near him. His hand was scorched red where the curse had been drained. Tentatively, the beautiful bird leaned his head over and a few of his tears fell on Albus’ hand. It bubbled and healed instantly. He stroked his friend with a murmured word of thanks and looked up at Severus as he moved fluidly and bent over Serena. “How is she,” Albus asked, still weak from the ritual but quickly regaining his strength.
Severus ran a diagnostic charm over her. She was alive. But her energy and magic were dangerously low. Her breathing was ragged and her hands and feet were scorched as well. Fawkes made his way to her and healed her wounds quickly. “We need to get her to the Hospital wing immediately,” Severus rasped. Albus nodded and began to rise.
Seeing Serena like this, watching what she had done had nearly ripped his heart in two. For the first time in a very long time, Severus felt tears come to his eyes and a lump rise in his throat. He couldn’t lose her, not now. He closed his eyes to ward off the tears and anger started to replace his anguish. When he felt a hand on his shoulder the anger receded and he scooped Serena’s seeming lifeless body up in his arms. Together, Severus, Albus and Fawkes returned Serena to the protection of Hogwarts with hope her healing would soon begin.
TBC.
A/N: Ok, I hope you liked this installment, let me know what you think. Please don't kill me, heh.