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Post by Gwyn on Aug 4, 2008 20:58:50 GMT -8
Oh great. Gwyn said to himself hearing that they now knew precisely as much as they did last night; almost nothing.
“Nothing?” Gwyn said with a note of sarcasm. “The Headmaster’s dead, one of the culprits is dead and the Gryffindor Sword is gone. There are all these men and women about but none of them are ministry. Sir you’ve brought us into something and I’m not complaining about it. Your trusting us with this is more than we would have ever expected and that is an honour, but what is going on, what is this organization you spoke of? I think we have a right to know what we’re getting into.” Gwyn looked Megan then back at the Headmaster. “Especially if we could be in harms way, and that may be hard to avoid.”
Dumbledore sat back in his chair and stared at Gwyn. Gwyn, on this occasion stared back. Dumbledore sighed and looked at each one of them and then sat back as if he was uncertain of his next move. Finally, after a few seemingly long moments he sat forward.
“I have had several highly skilled wizards express their concern about your involvement in these matters. I have had in all honesty had some apprehensions myself, but... I believe this is the appropriate thing to do. As to the Ministry, they have already started their own investigation. They believe, but I question their logic, that this is nothing more than a simple robbery with a tragic outcome.”
“We believe that the death of the Headmaster Dippet was not planned for but a tragic event, brought on, I believe, when he disturbed the thieves. But was this a simple robbery with a tragic outcome, no, I don’t believe so. This was a well planned robbery that neither of the two gentlemen involved would of had the wherewithal to plan. There is another involved, one with an impressive knowledge of Hogwarts, and I believe I know who, but I am not certain. Therefore I do not wish to tip my hand just yet. We now know the identity of the deceased, for that we have the Ministry to thank. He was a petty criminal and was frequently seen in the company of another gentleman who, as it seems, was involved in several questionable events involving muggles. Atwater is the deceased, and his companion Giles, has not been seen since they were last seen together two nights ago. I believe the gentleman behind this to be a man now calling himself Lord Voldemort.”
“Riddle!” spat out Gwyn. “I knew there was something foul about him; I could feel it every time our paths crossed. I would never have believed he’d resort to murder. Not here at Hogwarts. Does the Ministry know?”
“I have said nothing to them and I very much doubt that they will come to any conclusion that involves him.” Dumbledore replied. “That is merely my own conclusion but I’d venture to say that I am correct. He had a very close relationship with the Headmaster and was in his office on numerous occasions. The sword has no monetary value to him, it is a treasure from the only place he could ever call home, Hogwarts. Yet I feel there is something more to this than a simple theft, but what that is I am as of yet unaware. Now then…“ Dumbledore relaxed and sat back in his chair. “I am sure there is much you would like to know.”
“Well Sir, you’ve said who we’re after but where do you suggest we look for him?” Megan asked.
“Where indeed?” Dumbledore commented. “The question is not where Ms. Delano but how. The key to finding Mr. Riddle is Mr. Giles. I don’t doubt that Mr. Riddle will need the services of Mr. Giles in the near future and he will lead you to Mr. Riddle, or rather Lord Voldemort, as he prefers to be called. The sword will by now will be tucked away. Once Riddle is found careful surveillance of him may lead us to the sword, and more importantly to the Head Masters killer.”
“How long do you expect all this to take Sir?” Andi asked. “Spring Break lasts only a few more days and we have finals come up and graduation.”
“In short, it will take as long as it takes. As for your graduation there is no need to be concerned; I will see to it.” Dumbledore smiled. “Oh yes, your final exams. There will be no final exams for any of you. All four of you have made it quite clear that exams would be a complete waste of time. But we must discuss what happens after your graduation. I had hoped that you will continue to return to Hogwarts and assist us, though not in school matters but in other areas of grave concern to the Order.”
At the mention of the order Gwyn’s ear picked up. “What exactly is this order you speak of Sir?” he asked.
“The Order is a secret society which I have under taken to organise. The Ministry cannot or does not want to see that a number of small events are linked, and also linked directly to the actions here. I have spoken to the Minister but he feels that I have read too much into the other crimes, almost petty in his view. The secret society is known as The Order of the Phoenix. It is a group of witches and wizards that feel as I do, and we believe that pro action is the only way to prevent future events from taking place. What the event or events may be we are not certain, but we will be ready, sadly, the Ministry will not be prepared.”
The room was quiet for a minute until Megan posed a question.
“Aren’t we a bit young and inexperienced to be doing this?”
Without hesitation Professor Dumbledore answered. “You most certainly are too young and many would say too inexperienced. Firstly let us look at your experience. You have mastered spells and curses that many wizards would have difficulty mastering. I have seen and know much of which you believe is known only amongst yourself. For instance, Mr. Allardyce did not destroy the entire the book of spells found by the unfortunate Slytherin student. Ms. Delano, your last few years have seen a great change in you. You went from a model student to a young woman who few would trifle with. You gained quite a reputation I believe. And as for reputations Mr. Prewitt and Ms. Zade have certainly set theirs in stone for and chosen a direction that few Ravenclaw would dare to go. As for duelling I believe little needs to be said, between you, you managed to destroy corridors as commonly as most people go through parchment. I think your skills speak for themselves. Now as to your age? Yes, you are young considering that two of you have yet to reach the age of majority. But let me ask you a question. Did any wizard question your taking watch last evening? I think not. Your age and skills are precisely what we need to undertake the operation we have planned. No one will question your presence and you have the skills should it become necessary to defend yourselves.”
Adrian had been quietly taking in Dumbledore’s every word and interjected as soon as the Professor paused.
“Gwyn and I can defend ourselves but what about the ladies? With the Ministry still monitoring them it would be impossible for them defend themselves without the Ministry knowing. It may be difficult to explain our actions or why we were attacked.”
“I don’t believe it will come to that just yet.” Dumbledore began. “It is only a matter of weeks before the ladies come of age and I doubt if anything will develop that would require you defending yourselves. The cover we have for you is well planned and I doubt if it would arouse suspicion. Now that brings me to another point. We will want you to stay in daily contact with us. If a situation is developing or we feel that there may be a threat developing, we will call you back to Hogwarts immediately. Your safety must never be in doubt. It must be clearly understood, if a situation develops you must return to Hogwarts or the London safe house.”
“Considering who were up against may we be facing Dark Magic?” Gwyn asked.
“There is always that possibility but from what my sources tell me no. No dark magic has been used thus far but unforgiveable magic has been used. We saw the results of that earlier in the cave.”
“What about people with special abilities or those trained as an Aurora?”
“The answer is the same Ms. Zabe, it is always possible but we feel that it is most unlikely. Now I will address my final two points. You will start in London. We believe Mr. Riddle is living in the London area and he still from time to time frequents his former employer Borgin and Burkes. Why these frequent visits occur is still a mystery to us. Borgin and Burkes is secretive company doing most of its business in the shadows, on the fringes of darkness. We do know that while he was employed there business was very good, and he was the reason why. How he worked and what he purchased on their behalf is difficult to know but it is known that he had overseas connections on the Continent. He has frequented Antwerp, Brussels, Amsterdam, Berlin and the countries of Romania, Bulgaria and Albania. We know little of what has taken place in these countries but he has recently spent a great deal more time in Antwerp.”
“You will focus on the London, Antwerp connection trying to find out where he frequents. For now that will be all your asked to do. For us to know where he’s going is critical. To have knowledge of dates, time and location will be a great help. From there we can extrapolate his doings with connections in we have in those cities. As a front you start examining Muggle and magical historic connections in these two cities. A cover of this nature will allow you cover a vast area of investigation both on the continent and here.”
“We have setup a safe house for you to go to should matters warrant.” Dumbledore magically slid four notes across the desk. “Remember this address and mention it to no one. The safe house will be ready for you at all times. Until the ladies come of age they will always have to Side-Along-Apparate with you.” You have a day or so before you will leave if you have anything to finalise. I nearly forgot, when you’re in London you will be staying at Mr. Allardyce’s father’s apartment, and in Antwerp you’ll be staying with a good friend of mine, Mr. Reginald Crossroads. He knows your business so there’s nothing to worry about.” Dumbledore looked at the clock. “Oh dear is that the time already. We must be on our way, it won’t do having four students and the Headmaster late for dinner.”
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Post by Bessain on Oct 9, 2008 19:35:20 GMT -8
The headmaster showed the four students out the door with the promise that he would follow them out to dinner soon enough. Megan smiled politely as they all said their goodbyes and started the walk down to the great hall.
The girls still kept their distance from their significant others, but allowed the gap to close slightly. Gwyddion still seemed irritated by the fact that, even after finding the dead man near Hogsmeade, they were no further to finding Riddle and his henchmen. Considering they were still at Hogwarts, Megan really couldn't be bothered to care. But then, in her current state, Megan couldn't be bothered to care about much of anything. Even during dinner, she settled for soup and soup only.
They briefly discussed the information provided by Dumbledore. For as long as they were in his office, it seemed they still were not given as much information as they could have been. It was a fact that had them all a little irritated.
The girls welcomed the problem, though they refused to show it. It was the first headache of the day that didn't accompany physical pain.
When dinner was over, they all decided to pack that night and meet at Dumbledore's office in the morning. There they would await the use of a portkey to take them to London. With a tired wave, the four returned to their own houses.
~
On the way back to the common room, Megan couldn't help but steal a quick glance at the ruffled spot in Gwyddion's haircut, whenever she thought he wasn't looking. She suppressed a visible wince at the memory of smacking him with a pillow. Megan wholeheartedly regretted the action, but was unsure how to go about asking for forgiveness.
Deciding to be blunt, she reached out for the first time that day and took his hand in hers. "Gwyn I'm sorry. The drinking thing was my stupid idea... and then this morning..." she gave his hand a squeeze and then let it go, words failed her. She kept quiet after that and continued on her way to the common room.
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Post by Gwyn on Dec 31, 2008 0:04:16 GMT -8
There was no way that Gwyn could hold a grudge against Megan and when she let go of his hand he turned and took hers.
“Listen, I’m the one who should be sorry. I knew what was going to happen and I guess I took some perverted pleasure in it.” He smiled weakly at her. “Andrew, Kade, Adrian and I use to get cooking sherry from the kitchen and make it taste like punch. We’d give it to the younger guys who were so full of themselves and their fucking family lines. We’d have a good laugh at their expense but it shut them up and they give us a wide birth. I don’t think we ever told you about that did we?” Gwyn smiled and kissed her forehead.
Megan and Gwyn sat by the common room fire briefly but both were weary and made their way to their dorms. The following morning they met in the common room. To Gwyddion’s astonishment Megan took his rucksack and placed the entire thing inside her handbag. Megan looked up at him and laughed at his look.
“It’s just an Undetectable Extension Charm. I could put a lorry in here and no one would know it. A difficult charm at best.” She explained.
They went down to the Great Hall but arrived early and decided to wait for Andi and Adrian there. Both were somewhat anxious thinking of what was coming.
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Post by Erin on Dec 31, 2008 21:56:33 GMT -8
This is actually happening... We’re actually going through with this... Andrea thought, not believing it.
Dinner had been a quiet affair, and no one had really eaten much. Andi had been content with pushing her food around her plate, lifting her fork to her mouth maybe twice, if that. She just didn’t understand how Dumbledore expected them to find anything out with so little information. Perhaps this Order he had spoken of would be able to expand on the topic somewhat. She was however, looking forward to going to London. She’d wanted to go back to Diagon Alley for quite a time now, even though they weren’t going to hang around and shop.
Andi snapped back into reality when Adrian stopped walking and she nearly crashed into him. Thank goodness they were back at the common room; this would be the last time in a while that she would see the cheerful and cosy room.
“Well,” Andi said as the door closed behind them, “I suppose I’ll start packing, although I have no idea what I’ll do after that. I think we both know that none of us will get any sleep tonight... I’m going to miss this place.”
“Me too.” Adrian replied. “All the fun we had and all the trouble we got ourselves into. It’s all so insignificant compared to this. This is the real world now, and whatever happens now, it’s not just getting thrown into detention anymore.”
“If only. Adrian,” Andrea looked up and her eyes met Adrian’s. “Whatever happens out there, I’m glad we’re in this together.” His hand met hers and he pulled her close, their eyes still locked, and slowly closing as their lips met.
***
For most of the night, Andi replayed the scene in her head with a feeling of joy she couldn’t put into words. As 3:30 rolled around she dosed on and off, but was unable to get more than 20 minutes of sleep at a time. At around 5:30, she decided to give up trying to get any sleep and started getting her things together in her bag which had an Undetectable Extension Charm performed on it.
At 6:30, she brought her bag down to the Great Hall and met up with Megan and Gwyn. She nodded in greeting, but no words were exchanged. Megan carried a small bag at her side. Painfully, she downed a piece of toast while she waited for Adrian to show up. Around 7, he arrived and took a seat beside Andi. Breakfast was the same as the meal that took place the night before; quite. Soon enough, everyone found themselves standing in front of the familiar old gargoyle, guarding the entrance to Dumbledore’s office.
“MacIntosh Toffee.”
“Good morning, everyone.” The headmaster said as everyone filed into his office. Fawks gave a musical cry in greeting to the early visitors. “This portkey,” he said, gesturing towards the kettle sitting in front of him, “will take you to London at precisely 8 o’clock. You will find yourself in the residence of Mr. Allardyce, Gwyddion’s father. He will give you further instructions when you arrive. Everyone grab hold, and good luck. We’ll be in touch.” He said with a smile. “3, 2, 1.” And with that the old kettle lit up the whole office with a soft blue light, whizzing Megan, Adrian, Gwyn, and Andrea into the unknown.
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Post by Gwyn on Jan 1, 2009 14:14:14 GMT -8
Gwyn held tightly onto Megan’s hand as the familiar jarring behind the belly button pulled them out of Dumbledore’s and moments later deposited them in front of a warm fire onto a soft hearth rug. A look around the room showed two walls of a well stocked library which nearly reached the high decorative ceiling and a number of curious artefacts on display that one would expect in the home of an Auror. There were also paintings on the remaining walls that chimed out in greetings as they arrived, a large oak desk with an antique mounted globe beside it and a large world map behind the desk. A man looking remarkable like Gwyddion stepped forward and embraced Gwyddion heartily.
“Ah my lad it’s good to see you.” He turned and gave Megan a hug. “Good to see you again my dear. You’re well?” Megan nodded. He turned to the others. “Welcome to our London flat. It’s good to see you again Andi and Adrian. You’re all looking remarkably well considering recent events and your involvement. Oh I’m sorry come in and make yourselves comfortable.”
Mr. Allardyce’s library was set with two large oversized soft leather armchairs and a matching couch near the fire. Gwyn and Megan shared one armchair while Adrian and Andi choose the couch to sit beside each other. “Well I’m sure you’re all still a bit shell shocked with what’s happened but let me tell you; you’ve all made quite an imprint on the members of the Order. There were those who questioned Dumbledore’s decision about bringing you in but the nay sayers’ have been silenced. I’m dead proud of you all. I’ve got to be at the Ministry shortly so I’m going to prattle on a bit here. There’ll be time for all your questions this evening.” “Now, I’m sure you didn’t sleep well last night so Dumbledore and I have set aside a day or two for you to get settled in a bit. You will be spending much of your time here so please make yourselves at home. You’ll need these.” He handed Andi and Adrian a slip of paper with the address written out. “Memorise the address and burn the slips, I’m sure you know the routine. Now I’ve had rooms made up for each of you and I expect Gwyn to show you about the place. We’ve no problems with muggles as they already see the building as residences but our apartments can’t be seen from the inside or out. The back garden area is also unseen by muggles. I’m sure you ladies would prefer the day room, which is sun lit till lunch.”
“I don’t imagine you felt much like eating this morning so I had a light selection laid out for you with coffee and tea in the dining room. Eat where and when you please I’m not much for formal meals. Mr. Adderly and his wife are usually about the place so if there’s anything needed feel free to ask. Oh, the Adderlys are also members of the Order so you’ve nothing to fear if something is over heard. Each evening you’re here we’ll gather here in the library and sort through anything you may have uncovered. It would be a good idea if you had a chat with the Adderlys before you set out as they know a fair bit of the muggle history of London and by all means use these books; there is a good deal of information in them. I’ve time for a couple quick questions but it must be brief.”
Gwyn spoke up immediately. “How much does mother know? Dumbledore told me she’s not part of the order.”
The question seemed to trouble Mr. Allardyce and he paused for a moment.
“She is under the impression, as is everyone else not associated with the Order, that you’re doing a study of muggle/wizard sites linked in history. She is overseas at the moment taking care of problems in South America. I’ll explain the situation to you this evening. Now I really must be going. Gwyn you’ll be sure to place the Apparation charm on everyone?” Gwyn nodded. “Right, I’ll leave you to yourselves then.” Mr. Allardyce picked up a brief case that was set beside his chair, stood and Disapparated.
“My God, that was a bit much.” Gwyn says as he stands. “I’m putting a charm on you so that we can Apparate from anywhere into this room. Without the charm it’s as though this place doesn’t exist and there are security measures in case someone did make it through. Well... this is obviously the library. Let’s head up to our rooms and then eat. Now that we’re finally here I’m hungry.”
Everyone headed up a wide semi circular open staircase to the second floor where Gwyn showed them to their rooms. When the unpacking was done they headed down to the dining room and then to the day room.
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Post by Bessain on Jan 4, 2009 1:16:37 GMT -8
Gwyn and Megan had been together for a while now, but his parents still made her feel nervous. The tension tended to build more around his mother than his father. Megan wasn't sure if it was the whole blood issue that had her intimidated, or the fact that everything about the couple seemed so in place. Every hair, every ironed shirt collar fell exactly where it should... as opposed to Megan who still had fun leaping from her bedroom door to her bed, just to enjoy a little mess. In her opinion, his folks needed to learn the meaning of sweats. The stretchy and convenient clothing article was a international symbol for comfort, even if they were tacky.
She was able to relax a little when Mr. Allardyce finally left the room. Megan emptied the contents of her bag, that belonged to Gwyddion in his room before running off to hers. While the parents set her on edge, she had to admit to loving the house. Especially the bed. Megan swore to one day find a way to fit it in her bag for safe keeping, not to mention nightly use where ever she may be.
Megan's birthday was coming soon, which meant that she wouldnt have to worry about the underage restriction. But in Gwyddion's house it didn't matter. Megan was free to use her wand as long as no one was looking. Considering that it was usually only Gwyddion and his parents around, spare moments were easy to find.
She followed her three friends to the day room where with the flick of a wand the door no moer than two inches behind Megan clicked shut. Megan just liked the idea of magic more then the privilege itself. The group had tea and a light snack while they rested. Megan, who tended to be more of the restless sort, stood at the tall open windows, and stared out into the gardens.
The weaving plants always reminded her of an obstacle course. A distant cousin of hers had recently joined up in the military, and Megan had been forced to attend his boot camp granduation ceremony. The Allardyce's garden reminded her much of the set up they had there... only prettier. Sadly, this sparked an idea into ever turning wheels in the troublesome Gryffindor's head.
There's a good chance we'll need to defend ourselves... she mused.
"I'm not trying to make anyone nervous," she started, still staring out the window. "But we haven't put much thought into combat. I know it has been brought up, but aside from Defense Against the Dark Arts and little Slytherin skirmishes... we don't really have that much experience in the field. Gwyn's parents have one hell of a library, I'm sure we could find soem interesting spells."
Megan let the seeds plant themselves. The garden's, as long a few charms were put up, would be a good place to practice.
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Post by Naucoaran on Mar 11, 2009 14:57:22 GMT -8
"I do always enjoy a good read," Adrian said after Megan proposed a training session. He was always one to spring at the opportunity to brush up on unknown magic, and the Allardyce residence was probably bursting with unknown lore. The thought made his fingertips itch. "We can't go blowing up the house though, Megan. How do you propose we practice?" She then invited the Ravenclaw to join her at the giant window. They spoke in hushed tones, if only to build the tension for their counterparts, with an occasional gesture here and a finger pointing there.
Adrian struck a pensive pose and scratched his chin. "It's doable..but we would need to be sure of the protection charms. I feel reasonably confident that the ones I can cast will hold, and even more confident that, if I find any new and stronger ones in the library then those will definitely hold. We just need to well, find them." It was at this time that they both looked over their shoulders at Gwyn and Andrea who still sat in their chairs, a rather confused look on their faces. They both looked at each other and then looked back to Megan, who now wore a mischievous smile, and Adrian, who had a subtle grin that he wore sometimes when he was putting a plan together.
"What are you two planning?" Gwyn said finally after the staring match.
"It's quite doable, like I said. With your permission of course, we study the Allardyce library for stronger magic, then after you and I suitably enchant the garden, we put the knowledge into practice. I might even be able to scrounge up some ministry spells from my father, though I'm not sure if I can get any. It is worth a shot though." Megan walked over to Gwyn and gave a rather humorous pout.
"You know it would be fun, c'mon lets do it!" She said then shot a look at Adrian, who was snickering at her attempt to pout at anything.
"That really isn't your strong point." He said with a wider grin. "You should try hitting him, that’s how you usually get things to work for you!" She then threw a pillow at Adrian's face.
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Post by Bessain on May 25, 2009 20:47:37 GMT -8
It was agreed that they would all search the library and make a list of spells to study. They would worry about enchanting the garden later.
When first drawing up this plan, Megan had assumed the two Ravenclaws would be doing all the searching. Much to her dismay, she was actually expected to help.
It's starting to feel like school in here, she thought to herself, grumbling quietly into a book. She looked up at Adrian for a moment, and scowled when she saw the excitement on his face as her tore through book after book.
Megan, who really had not been paying attention when she choose her novel, attempted to skip through a few pages, before finally realizing that she was holding a cook book. Her cheeks flushed in embarrassment, and she quickly shut the volume of culinary arts.
Quietly and slowly she made her way back through the small library, tucking the book under her arm so no one could see the cover.
When she was sure no one was looking, she trotted to the back of the room and shoved away her mistake. Embarrassed and a little nervous now, she reached toward the top shelf.
"Somehow I don't think diricawl pies are going to help you."
Megan fell back screaming, taking a side table and candle rack with her. She drew her wand during her descent and blasted a hole in the portion of the wall below a picture frame.
"Good heavens, young lady! What possesses you?!" bellowed the old man in the picture frame, now standing atop a high backed chair attempting to avoid Megan's aim. The old man stood, clutching his heart as if he could at any moment have a heart attack.
Gwyddion, Adrian and Andrea came running up a few seconds later, not really sure what was going on. Regardless, Gwyn bent low and helped Megan, who was still twitching on the floor, to her feet.
Even during her time at Hogwarts, Megan had never really gotten used to the idea of sentient pictures. She would have to re-adjust after every summer away at home.
"Who are you?" she growled between her teeth.
"Who am I? Young, impertinent woman, this is my library! Who are you?! Desecrater and--"
"Megan this is my grandfather," Gwyddion interrupted.
Megan snorted. "I can see why you put him at the back of the library."
"Desecrater and defiler of knowledge! I am Broderick Allardyce the Third! And you are not welcome here! Look what you did to my living quarters!"
Gwyddion sighed, the old man had a short fuse as a projection. He was almost thankful he had not known this one in life. "The wall is easily fixed grandfather."
"I will not be treated this way! If I were your father..." the old man grumbled on and on incoherently.
Gwyn hugged Megan briefly to reassure her that everything was alright.
"Public displays of affection?!" Bellowed the old man. "Where is your father? I demand to speak to him at once! Does he know what his son is up to while away?! Mark my words child, he will hear of this!" Broderick stepped down from his high backed chair and shuffled out of his frame. The library was quiet again.
"I'm assuming theres another frame for him in the ministry?" Andrea, after being strangely quiet all evening, finally piped up.
"There, and every safe house we'll be staying at this summer," Gwyddion sighed. "We're supposed to make weekly reports to him so my father can plot our course."
"Old codder!" Megan spat.
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Post by Naucoaran on May 25, 2009 22:43:58 GMT -8
After the dust cleared, Adrian moved closer to the fresh hole in the wall. Smoke was still lazily working its way up from the singed edges. Heaving a light sigh, Adrian turned to Gwyn, who was pulling his wand out to begin repairs. "Allow me," Adrian said, pulling his own wand out. "You all can get back to studying; I'm still absorbing what I just read." The others agreed, and soon went to the other room. Sighing again, Adrian did a quick incantation on the wall, and it started to piece back together.
Before the wall finished sealing, there was a faint glint of steel from the other side. His brow furrowed in curiosity and his spell faltered, but the wall had already sealed and went back into place. He cursed slightly and went over to the wall. He struck a pensive pose while he thought about what he should do. "I know I cast it right...Maybe something got lodged in the hole?" He said to himself before knocking lightly on the wall, moving from the outside in towards the painting. The tone of the knocks changed as he moved close, and he grinned. Glancing back and forth, he made sure no one was there.
"Broderick? Are you there?" He said to the empty picture frame. No answer. Gently, Adrian tried to remove the frame, but it wouldn't lift. He tried to tilt it more forcefully, and it swung out on tiny hinges that were obscured from the other side. He pointed his wand at the safe "Alohomora" he whispered, but the spell fizzled out. He frowned slightly. He didn't want to rob the Allardyce family of course. It was simply a puzzle. Adrian loved puzzles. He then remembered a spell he had just gleaned from the books. It was supposed to be a strong disenchantment spell, if used correctly.
Adrian focused his mind, and recited the words with the proper motions. There was a yellow glow from the safe, and then the light dissipated and fell away like mist. Again Adrian cast the spell to unlock the safe, and it clicked open. The safe was not all that big, and it only held a few items. There was a potion bottle with red liquid in it, a few baubles, and an obsidian figurine. He ran his fingers over all the trinkets, felt the curves of the figurine, and tried to read the label on the potion bottle. The label, however, was written in a language he didn't know.
"How interesting." he said lightly before turning to shut the safe. A second glimpse of an amulet on a thin chain caught his eye. He didn't know why he hadn't noticed it before. Lifting it up out of the safe, it felt warm and made his fingers tingle a little when he touched it. At the center there was an oval cut Amethyst with two thin silver wires running over the face. The two wires wrapped into the main body of the thin amulet, forming a simple base with foreign runes embossed all the way around the stone. The amulet hung on a thin platinum chain that looked quite delicate but held an enchantment that made it unbreakable.
Without thinking, he put the chain over his head and let the amulet hang on his neck. The chain tightened up a little to position it over his solar plexus. Looking into the stone, Adrian felt himself grow lighter, as if he were slowly falling or sinking. Suddenly there were footsteps down the hall. Puling out of his daze, Adrian tries to remove the amulet. To his despair, the chain fused to his skin and pulling at it sent a sharp pain down his spine and through his head. The pain made him drop jewel back to his chest, and the chain separated from his skin once more.
The footsteps grew louder, and he realized he had no time to try to take it off again. Quickly he shut the safe and sealed it by spinning the dial. He had no way to figure out what spell had sealed the safe, and he was going to get Gwyn to seal it back up anyways. Now with a piece of his magical trinkets around his neck, and quite resistant to leaving, he knew he couldn't tell. His only hope was that the safe went unchecked for some time, and the dust that had layered the safe's outer door said as much. With the safe closed and locked again, he quickly slammed the picture frame back to where it should be. As soon as it was in place and he slipped the amulet under his shirt, perfectly concealing it, Andrea came around the corner and flashed a smile at him.
"Get everything all fixed up?" she asked as she walked over.
Adrian looked back to the wall and stammered over his words at first. "oh, yeah I did." He finally said with a smile before putting an arm around her shoulder. How have you three been doing with the texts? Find anything interesting?" She nodded and smiled again.
"Lots, they sent me down here to get you so we could all discuss what we've found."
"Oh good. Let’s not keep the two of them waiting then." he said as the two walked out to the hall and down to the study. As they walked he felt the warmth from the amulet spread over his chest and through his body, calming his nerves and slowing his heart pace back to normal. He felt comforted from it, and it calmed him down. He had a state of mind and concentration now that he only attained during active channeling. Maybe the thing wasn't cursed after all.
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Post by Gwyn on Sept 21, 2009 19:32:47 GMT -8
"Why must books always be dusty?" Gwyn mused blowing the dust off the top of an old volume he'd picked off the shelf. The old leather spine crackled as he opened it. The somewhat brittle pages appeared to have been hand written, though in spite of its age it was quite legible. Gwyn sat and fingered through the pages occasionally stopping to read through a spell that caught his eye.
"Find anything?" Megan asked Gwyn.
"Nothing that we don't already know." he replied. "Here's a bit of an improvement on one we do know. An invisible wall, but it's also impenetrable." He read on. "It says that it will bounce any spell back to its source. Might be useful if we're inside a building or an alley." Gwyn wrote out the spell to test its reliability later with the group.
"This is unheard of!!" A loud crash comes from an empty picture frame hanging by the door. "Never in all our history has such thing occurred. This is outlandish! An embarrassment to the family. You're a charlatan. If I had been foretold this would happen I would never have married your grandmother. Then to be compelled! You're no son of mine!"
"It's Grandfather." Gwyn said rising from chair and walking over to the picture frame.
He walked into the frame looking rather dishevelled. Gwyn tried not to grin.
"You're no better young man." Grandfather said shaking his finger accusingly at Gwyn. "Going to that disgraceful school. It was an outrage!"
"Yes Grandfather."
"Don't patronise me young man."
"No Grandfather. Is there a message from father?" Gwyn waited and watched and watched. The old man said nothing for a minute then he began to tremble.
"Don't do this to yourself Grandfather. Remember the last time?"
The old man looked away but it was no good. The message had to be given.
"Gwyddion Allardyce. You are to go to the family history, volume one, book four, page 777 and perform the right." With the message finally out, Gwyn's Grandfather was no longer under the compulsion spell and began to implore him to ignore his father's message and do the right thing, but Gwyn heard none of it.
He walked along a row of books and pulled out the fourth one. He placed it on the table and quickly flipped through the pages to page 777. The page was nothing more than a picture of four rings and an amulet. Gwyn starred at the page for a moment.
"Adrian really needs to be here for this." Without a word Andrea was off.
'What's hell's going on Gwyddion?" Megan asked. "What's with the book?"
Gwyn looked up from the book. "I've never seen any of this before. Though I know the family lore and the right has been taught to every Allardyce in direct succession. This is my father's and one day it will be my responsibility. The rings I know but the amulet is something else. The rings I know but the amulet is as dangerous as it is powerful; it's not been worn or used for over a thousand years. The stories of it have always been a warning. It is said that..." At that moment Andrea and Adrian walked into the library.
Gwyn's attention went back to the book. "Bear with me for a minute alright. Now stand around the book. We have to do a blood offering so I'm going to pick your index fingers, and then you place them on one of the ring drawings and hold them there. You'll know when to lift them." Gwyn took a deep breath and let it out. "Now I have to go first, Allardyce blood is the key."
Gwyn drew a droplet of blood and then held his finger on one of the rings. "Levamen sanguis templum" There seemed to be a radiance from the book and then a ring appeared on his finger. Then in turn the others each picked their index finger and they in turn placed them on one of the ring drawings. With his finger still on the book Gwyn touched each hand with his wand and a band of light appeared joining the hands. Gwyn repeated the spell and rings appeared on the others fingers. When the band of light faded they lifted their fingers from the pages of the book and saw that the drawings of the rings had been lifted from the pages, and were now on their fingers.
"You've given the blood offering and now no one but you or I can take those rings off your fingers. As for the rest." Gwyn winked. "I'll wait for you on the other side. Genesolaris." Gwyn vanished.
The torches flickered into life as soon as Gwyddion appeared in the chamber. This was new to him. All he had ever heard of the right and this chamber were the tales passed on down the family line. When he was young, Gwyn had often wondered what the chamber would look like and imagined all sorts of things. Now he was here and he was not disappointed. The chamber had eight sides and each panel seemed as though it had been painted in the days of the Merlins. The pictures were Celtic and Druid in nature and had been carefully laid out. He knew there were hidden messages of ancient rites in them but sorting that out would have to wait.
The first one to follow him was Andi. Then a minute or so later both Adrian and Megan appeared.
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Post by Gwyn on Sept 27, 2009 22:13:08 GMT -8
(OOC This is rather bland but it explains the chamber and gets us back. If this screws up someones post just say so.)
Gwyn had heard of the chamber in stories that had been handed down from fathers to their sons and daughters, but this was the first time he had seen it for himself.
"I guess I should explain what's happened and where we are. This place is called "seintwar" which in Welsh means sanctuary. We are somewhere in Wales, and that's the best I can do."
"What the hell's going on? And how does this work with the rings?" Andi asked.
"Well the rings brought us here, and only the rings can get us out. When I say out; that means back to the flat in London. There's no door or anything that would act as a door. The drawings are suppose to show us how to use the rings beyond the coming and going. There's no book that explains the drawings and far as I know there never has been one. So aside from trying to figure out Riddle, there are the drawings to decipher, but there's no rule saying we have to. The chamber in itself is very powerful. The rings only work for us. Should someone else try to use the ring, which means you're dead or missing a finger, it will not work. Should someone grab hold of you just as pop out and arrives here with you, the power of the chamber sends them off. I haven't a clue where, but the stories do mention something of a memory loss charm on the interloper."
"This place was created by the Merlin's when the persecutions began some 1300 years ago. It's only been used at great need because the magic in the chamber takes some of your vitality. It uses our strength to work, it's old magic but it only weakens you a little. A good night's sleep and you'll be fine, or so it's said. You don't feel anything now but when we get back to the flat you'll notice it. The rings are basically our personal port keys. There may be a book in the library but that's all I know. If my father knows anything more or if there's a book he's not said anything. There is the Amulet too, but that's something much darker than the rings."
"So how do we get out?" Megan asked.
"Like this. Solaris." Gwyn vanished.
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Post by Bessain on Oct 6, 2009 11:57:17 GMT -8
Family rites, ancient rings, instant apparition and goodness knows what else. Megan decided that the day the magical world stopped surprising her would be a boring one indeed. Instead of leaving when her friends did, Megan snickered mischieviously to herself and trotted along to examine some of the paintings in the room. Going back to the Allardyce flat would mean more book work, which was never fun no matter what the ravenclaws told you.
The first portrait she stumbled on did not even appear to be framed. In fact, it was located on the rounded side of an alabaster column. Megan found this an odd place to put a painting, and odder still that it appeared to be pasted on. This was never the case of course, but the muggle mind does allow some room to wander.
The painting itself held an angry looking dragon, with a very unconcerned looking wizard standing at his feet trying to extract a scale from the dragon's leg. Megan decided that this would be a miraculous feat for even the most extroadinary wizard, and was curious as to why the atmosphere appeared so tension free. She brushed a finger alongside the dragon's tail line wondering if maybe there was some trick to the protrait. If pictures at Hogwarts could talk, then surely the dragon could entertain and teach that silly wizard a lesson.
Unfortunately for Megan, she had used her pointer finger which had been recently pricked for their blood rite. The dragon suddenly brought himself up to full height, while the wizard sidestepped around his feet and continued his work.
Megan jumped back.
The strange dance between dragon and wizard soon resulted in a fireball... that unfortunately came out of the painting.
"Solaris," squeaked Megan.
~
Back at the Allardyce residence Megan was questioned briefly about what had taken her so long to follow. She replyed only that she had run a quick route exploring and sat down quietly with a book.
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Post by Gwyn on Jan 2, 2010 1:55:14 GMT -8
"I admit that I feel a lot better knowing we've all got a way to safety in case we lose a wand." Gwyddion said as he flopped down into an arm chair. "Facing Riddle without a wand isn't something I'd want to even imagine." He put his feet up on the coffee table and looked around the room. "I wonder what other secrets are hidden in this old library?"
"GET YOUR FEET OFF THAT TABLE YOUNG MAN! Have you no shame?!"
Gwyn's feet dropped on the floor and he jumped up. "Damn it Grandfather, will you stop doing that. You'll scare the death out of one of our guests. Where are your manners I should ask?"
"Don't be impertinent with me young man." the old man in the picture said puffing out his chest.
Gwyddion grabbed a throw and coved the picture. "I think you'll be happier in the drawing room Grandfather." Gwyn said making sure the picture and frame were securely covered. "He gets crazier all the time." Gwyn said as he flopped back into the chair.
"I heard that young man." Came a voice from behind the covered picture.
Gwyn ignored the voice and in a minute they heard a door slam which meant Grandfather had left the library picture.
"Maybe we should start to look through the books to see if we can find anything new to add to our arsenal." Adrian commented. "We might even find something on the sword though I'm sure Hogwarts likely has every scrap that was ever written about it."
"Well, we could have asked your Grandfather for some help but I somehow doubt he'd be too willing to right now." Megan said casting Gwyddion a side long glance. But he wasn't listening. She noticed him tugging at his ring, shaking his hand and wincing.
"What's wrong?" She asked as she walked over.
"It's the ring. It's getting hot, bloody hot. Shit, it's beginning to burn me. What the f..." Gwyn grabbed his wand and tried using spells to get the ring off, or to cool it or encase it in ice, but nothing worked. He fell to his knees screaming. "Ahhhhhh get it off me, get it off." He screamed looking desperately at Megan and then all went quiet. Just as Megan reached Gwyn, he vanished.
Gwyn, still screaming and trying to get the ring off, found himself kneeling in the secret chamber, staring at a dragon breathing flame. Certain that one way or another he was about to die he gave in, his eyes rolled up and he fell forward onto the stone floor.
"Oh dear." said the wizard in the painting in a small voice. "I told you, you were at it for too long."
The dragon stopped blowing fire and stared at Gwyddion. "But it wasn't Allardyce blood that woke us, and we had to be certain." The dragon commented. "Oh, look, he's young and new one. My, look at his clothing. I wonder what the year is?"
"Look at his hand you idiot." the wizard kicked the dragon's foot. "I should leave that bloody thorn right where it is and make you regret this day." He looked over to where Gwyddion lay. "Oh dear, do you think he's dead?"
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Post by Bessain on Jan 3, 2010 18:08:14 GMT -8
((This has been a joined production by myself and alex. Erbis you better get your butt here next!))
"Gwyn, don't!" Megan cried, leaning forward to make a wild grab at the boy.
And just like that he was gone.
Megan stood frozen for a moment, a single tear forming in her eye. She remembered well the fireball that had chased her out of the chamber. Throwing a worried glance at Adrian and Alex, Megan set a few extinguishing spells to mind.
"Genesolaris," she muttered quietly as she brought her wand up to bear.
~
The great dragon flared his nostrils at Megan's sudden entrance. "Ah the perpetrator," he said in his deep baritone voice.
"Truce, truce, truce!" howled Megan, who had not stopped moving since appearing in the room. She slid the rest of the way to Gwyddion and cradled his head in her lap.
"I'm fairly certain 'truce' isn't part of neutralizing the security ward, young lady," the dragon chuckled. "In fact, words have nothing at all to do with it."
"Peace, Bedros," pleaded the wizard. "There is an Allardyce present, albeit an unconscious one."
"A dead one more like."
"What?!" squeaked Megan.
"Stop upsetting the poor lass!" the wizard scolded.
Adrian and Andi entered the room, both rushing over to Megan and Gwyn before even realizing that the talking painting existed.
"What happened?" Andrea asked, taking turns with Adrian who was attempting to remove the ring from Gwyddion's hand.
"Well your friend there initiated a security--"
"Woah, who is that?" Adrian interrupted the wizard.
"The bastard who's trying to take Gwyn's finger!" Megan growled angrily.
The dragon, being a creature of emotion, fanned his great wings in insult. "Child! Do you not know to whom you speak?" he roared.
The tiny wizard ran to the front of the painting, waving his arms frantically trying to draw the dragon's gaze. "Bedros, that is quite enough! Release him at once!"
Bedros snorted in defiance but settled back onto his haunches. His dark eyes closed and it seemed that when he exhaled, his foul breath filled the room.
The ring on Gwyddion's hand cooled to the touch and finally slid off with some help from Adrian. An angry red mark remained where the metal had touched skin and even left an outline of the ring's outer symbol.
Megan fought back a pathetic sniffle as she looked down at Gwyddion.
"Aguamenti," said Andi, pointing her wand at Gwyddion. Consequently, Megan was caught in the small blast of ice cold water. She turned her head and spit out the excess, bringing a hand to her face to brush away wet bangs.
"Sorry."
Gwyddion twitched awake moments after.
________________________
"What have you done to him?" Andi inquired to the wizard, who was looking at his dragon counterpart with concern.
"Me?! I haven't done anything to him! Ask this one here!" he said, gesturing towards the dragon. "I told him he was at it too long."
"I'm not following. What did he do too long?" Adrian asked.
"My name is Bedros." the dragon stated solemnly. "And what Taliesin is referring to is that I carried out the summons for too long."
"...Would you care to elaborate?" Megan asked, in a rather irked tone.
"There's no need to be sharp-tongued. But due to the circumstance that there are humans here, not of the Allardyce bloodline, I cannot elaborate on anything... unless the Allardyce that is currently present, gives us permission to speak." Bedros said, gazing at Gwyn, who shakily began to rise to his feet.
"You have permission. I'm as curious as they are to know what's going on."
"Well naturally when a foreign blood touched a surface of this chamber an alarm was raised." Taliesin remarked in an unconcerned tone. "Dragon fire is used to summon the Allardyce who was most recently in the chamber, this young man here, to examine the situation at hand and decide whether or not there is a threat. It's not often that this occurs. It's virtually impossible to gain entrance to this place without a ring, and even harder to resist the defences placed inside the chamber to keep unwanted forces out."
"What do you mean "foreign blood"?" Gwyn asked. "Someone gained entrance without a ring?"
"Well..." Megan started. "No one gained entrance without a ring... I just wanted to see if the painting could move like the ones at Hogwarts! I thought it would make for interesting conversation..."
"You're the reason all this shit has happened to me?!" Gwyn said incredulously. "Megan, you'll be the death of me!"
"It's was an accident! You think I knew that was going to happen?" Megan fired back, who was already emotional.
"Of course not, but you could have been slightly more careful! None of us know much of anything about this chamber! It doesn't help when someone decides to go around touching everything."
"Both of you stop! It could have been anyone of us. What we should be focusing on is the reason we're here rather than biting each other's heads off!" Andi interjected in exasperated tones.
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Post by Naucoaran on Jan 3, 2010 23:49:26 GMT -8
As the two continued the verbal sparring, Adrian had a moment of recollection. Gwyn had said that there was also an amulet that went with the rings. Could it be the one that was now fused to his neck? Despite wanting to know more about it, and get it off, the young wizard chose not to mention it yet. They had said it was a dark artifact, and the idea to professing that he had not only stolen it, but put it on and can no longer get it off did not sit well with the Ravenclaw. Adrian made a mental note to ask about it later, maybe when he had the portrait dragon and wizard in a better mood, and alone.
"Perhaps this is not the best time to argue my friends, we have awoken a sleeping dragon and a wizard counterpart, let's see what knowledge we can glean from their centuries of experience." Adrian said quietly as we walked over to the two angry wizards, putting a hand on each one of their shoulders.
"Vast knowledge indeed! Bah! We've been locked up in here for who knows how long, what's the date anyways? I remember the last time someone really talked with us was so long ago."
"It's 1947, March." Adrian clarified for the painting.
"Good heavens. I really am old now." He replied.
"Indeed." The dragon deadpanned in his baritone voice.
"Pardon my asking, but who are you?" Adrian continued after a short battle of glares in the painting ended.
"I am Taliesin, Merlin of King Arthur’s Court." He said with a bow, his beard nearly tickling his toes. The four stood stoically, only hints of recognition flickering in their eyes. This seemed to fluster the wizard, and he became agitated. "You of Allardyce blood! You do not know my name? The studies of your, of our family has indeed grown lost down the years. I built this bloody room, and accomplished many things in my life; you would think I would be remembered." He ended with a loud harrumph and folded his arms in a pout that reminded Adrian of a small child who had just been told "No."
"We mean no disrespect, sir. This room has just been opened to us, and I don't think it has been a staple of education in the Allardyce family of late." Adrian interjected, trying to save some of the wizard’s pride. "You were an Allardyce? And you said you built this room?" Adrian marveled as he stared at the painting, finding new respect for Taliesin, Gwyn, and the whole Allardyce family from being descended from one of the great merlins.
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Post by Gwyn on Jan 4, 2010 23:18:00 GMT -8
(OOC It's late and I'll do the editing tomorrow. I've no doubt it needs fixing.)
"Ok, ok." Gwyn said quietly, speaking only to Megan. He looked at his hand, which in spite of Megan's best efforts, still stung and burned.
"You're right. It could have been anyone. We don't have a bloody idea what this place is all about." He drew Megan close and wrapped his good arm around her. "It'll be alright love, no real harm done, nothing that can't be mended." He gave Megan kiss and whispered in her ear. "I love you." He then turned to the small wizard who had been speaking to Adrian but was now staring it him
"I'm afraid that's not quite correct young man." He said to Gwyddion. "You see when old Bedros here causes that sort of wound it will never heal properly. You will always bear the scars and your hand, rather than just the finger, will always be sensitive to heat. But that is not all bad as you will no doubt will find out."
"He's right." Adrian said. "Dragon burns never heal properly. We don't hear much about at Hogwarts though. Being that wild dragons no longer wander about."
"Might I suggest you put the ring on again." The wizard suggested.
"What!" Gwyn blurted out. "You've gone bloody balmy."
""Balmy or not, if you intend to ever wear that ring on that finger young man it needs to be put on now. The ring has some powers of its own as you well know. It won't be as difficult as you think. The ring has some powers of its own as you well know. It won't be as difficult as you think."
Very reluctantly, he took the ring from Megan and began to slide the ring back onto his finger. To his astonishment the pain was much less severe than he'd expected.
"The rings have properties other than bringing you here and sending you where you have designated. They also have healing properties and will help you to bear pain. In our day those were skills no Merlin could be without. When the new religion came it was unwise to be seen using a wand."
"Merlin?" Gwyn said not trying to laugh. "You were a Merlin?"
"Don't scoff young Allardyce, that blood also runs in your veins."
"I've been accused of being many things but never a Merlin." Gwyn shook his head. "It must be some other died out branch of the family, I've never heard anything close to this being talked about. My mother would spread that news far and wide "
"Then maybe she does not know. But you, as in your family, have the rings." Adrian added and then told Gwyn what he and the wizard had spoken of.
"Listen this all a bit too much for me right now. We've got enough to deal with and I don't want to get side tracked on something I've never heard of." In truth, Gwyddion was very intrigued but this was from a time long ago.
"Your words don't quite speak the truth in your heart young Gwyddion, or Gwyn as you call yourself. Don't think I'm daft as a bush young sir. You're an Allardyce, and it could be that your Sire does not deem you to be ready for this truth; and be that as it may. There is the book of the rings and amulet, which clearly you have been given. Had you read it you would not now bear those scars. There you will be instructed how to use the rings. To that I will say nothing more but this; beware of the amulet. It has the power for good but also great evil. Leave it be until you understand it's abilities' well. There are three other books I have written; they will tell you all you desire to know. When the time is right, the Merlin of your day will pass them to you and teach you the ancient arts."
All of this made Gwyn think of Hogwarts and Dumbledore, and if the books might be there. There was a flash, and in an instant they found themselves back in the library. For a few seconds they just looked at each other in disbelief. Gwyn went to grab the book from the coffee table but Megan was faster. She sat herself down on the couch with Andi plopping down beside her. They flipped through the pages and began to read aloud.
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Post by Bessain on Jan 6, 2010 0:20:06 GMT -8
Megan flipped open the book slowly, waiting for Gwyddion to burst into flames at any moment.
It didn't happen.
With that said and done she began to read. "Of the rings and amulet. When the blood rite is performed, each participant will be gifted with a ring. Each one is a little different from the others and will serve different purposes. Distribution will appear random. Reasoning behind the chosen persons will be revealed later, when the need arises. The rings will adapt automatically to the wearer, usually taking on a house crest as an insignia."
Megan paused here to examine the band of metal wrapped around her finger. She knew very little about her family history, as her cultural heritage was not something her parents cared to pass on. Just as the book said, her ring had changed. What Megan first believed to be a plain base, now showed a golden coin with criss-crossed grooves. More interested in observing her ring, the book was passed onto Andrea.
"The amulet is a prototype of an unfinished experiment. It is designed to serve the wearer at any cost. While it has the ability to defend-- and this is most certainly why it is prized by many-- it still harbors an offensive function. The kick back to the amulet cannot be channeled and may draw strength from the rings it was bound to. Keep any and all possibilities in mind when wielding this object."
"Well that was anything but helpful," Megan muttered.
Adrian, who seemed to be enjoying this a little too much, shushed her.
A knock on the door drew their attention.
Gwyn's dad popped his head in. "Dinner in half an hour... does anyone smell something burning?"
"No sir. Must be something in the kitchen." Megan squeaked with a quick glance at Gwyddion.
Mr. Allardyce raised an eyebrow at Megan's awkward sounding reply before shortly leaving the room.
Adrian, who was dead set on reading their new book, cleared his throat to gain back the attention in the room. With a happy little sigh, he settled into the couch and read on.
Ravenclaws, Megan sneered to herself.
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Post by Gwyn on Jan 17, 2010 0:55:19 GMT -8
Gwyddion rounded on his dad in the kitchen. "How long have you been here?" He said sounding angry.
His father looked up at him over his spectacles eyeing his son. Clearly something was up. "And what have I done to deserve a tone like that? You have the rings and the password? Tried them out as quickly as you could put them on no doubt."
"Oh we have them but in the tales you told of the room you neglected some very important details." Gwyddion thrust his hand out.
"Good lord. Not Bedros?"
"Yes, Bedros."
"Gwyn, I'm sorry. But the chances of that happening... how, who?"
"Megan, by accident, but I take it there's a lot we don't know. It's time you told us a little more about these rings, the room and that amulet. Where is the amulet? It's wasn't in the book."
"The amulets safely tucked away and you of all people should never be bound to the amulet. So I suggest you forget about it completely. As for your hand I am truly sorry. I never imagined that eventuality because in my father's time and my time never had we been called to the chamber." He return to cutting the veggies and then he paused for a moment and spoke without looking at Gwyn. "I thought you should have the rings early because Riddle places no value on a human life, and he will kill you without hesitation. The man has no conscience. You needed the rings now to get use to them. After dinner we'll all get together and discuss the rings. Does that satisfy you?"
Gwyddion returned to the library and sat without saying a thing. Andi had left the library while Gwyn was in the kitchen and return with a puzzled look on her face.
"Gwyn, I just said hi to your dad and he was cooking... I mean, cooking the muggle way."
Gwyn looked up at her and shrugged his shoulders, "He likes to cook. He's always cooked like that. I asked him once and he said he preferred eating food cooked the muggle way rather than just zapping it. The house elves at Hogwarts cook a lot of the food the muggle way. That's why it's always so good. He said he'd tell us more about the rings after dinner. I asked him about the amulet, he said it was tucked away." He moved over and put his arm around Megan. "There's something about that amulet, something odd. I've never heard it mentioned before and dad was quick to change the subject." Adrian, absorbed in the book, seemed to hear nothing except the call to supper.
The dinner was delicious and discussion was lively but subject of the rings and amulet didn't come up. When things were cleared with magic, everyone went to the library and Mr. Allardyce opened the drinks cupboard.
"Drinks all round then. For the gents nothing less than a good malt that survived the war. And yes they're muggle drinks. Now, for Megan a sweet fruit brandy and I'd say Andi would be partial to crème de menthe. Gwyn." Mr Allardyce handed Gwyn the tray to hand out the drinks.
Mr Allardyce sat in a large overstuffed chair and stared into the fire. "So now we come to it, the rings. Well where should I start? The rings in spite of their appearance are old, extremely old. They were created by the Merlins of old to aid them in the works they did. The Merlins were very early wizards and did not have the powers we have today. They used staffs instead of wands to channel their commands. So the rings were quite a step forward for them and even today they are a marvel. They work only on the planes of nature. They heighten your senses but don't think they will make you super heroes. Your natural five senses will become more acute. Hearing, sight, taste, touch and smell will all in time be much more sensitive. The Merlins used these gifts to make the lives of their people easier in nearly every aspect. When the new religion came, they feared the Merlins and what they could do. They began to persecute them and that's how the chamber came into existence as a means of escape."
He sat up in the chair and looked at the four of them. "The rings will allow you to hear someone's conversation at about twice the distance you can now. The heightened sense of smell on the other hand might not always be as welcome, but you'll learn to use it. You'll be able to see in the dark better, likely as well as a cat, if someone tries to feed you something undesirable, your taste and smell will warn you. Touch is an interesting one. If someone is wounded you will be able to find the wound and judge its severity by the heat it produces. You will be able to feel the heat in a footstep or where someone has been hiding by the heat signature left behind. The heat will dissipate so it will help only if your close behind. You will learn to judge how long ago the heat print was left. The rings also have healing properties for their hosts, and they make bearing pain much easier; two qualities Merlins had need of in their day. How they were made and endowed is lost in time. One power they had that wasn't known of early on was their ability to find an ability within you and improve it. It doesn't happen the same in everyone and we don't know why. But the one thing you must never forget is that the rings offer you no protection. It's up to you to use the rings as an aid in what you do. If you're cavalier or foolish all they will do is bring you to safety as long you're conscious."
"What about the amulet? Gwyn asked
"The amulet is not for you Gwyddion and never will be. Now please accept that." His father replied sternly.
"You can't expect me to leave it at that?" Gwyn could feel his ears getting hot and his anger rising. "Every time I say something you put me off. What the hell is the thing?"
"Dam it boy!" His dad said rising out of his chair. "You're to dam weak to touch that amulet. It would turn you into the hellion from Durmstrang and lead you to your death one way or another. It takes your anger and whatever darkness you have and feeds on it. Unless you have a lot of strength to twist it to your will, it will take your soul and turn you into a madman. It hasn't ever been use by the Allardyce family. It was not of the Merlins creation. What created it was something dark, a dark power used by evil men. I don't want to know what great harm has been done by it strength. The Merlins finally captured it and hid it away. About the same time Hogwarts was being built. It was rumoured that it was Sytherin who created it. All that was really known was that he was searching for it. Personally I believe it was around long, long before Salazor Sytherin. Back at that time the Amulet was known of in wizarding circles but now fortunately the memory of it is lost in time. We have tried to destroy it but it will take a power greater than our own. It will be no surprise to you that Dumbledore is studying it. It was at the school but it was felt that it should be removed. There you have the basics. If you want more Taliesin and Bedros have a great deal of knowledge.
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Post by Naucoaran on Jan 22, 2010 0:08:55 GMT -8
For the rest of dinner there was relatively little talk. Adrian was much too pre-occupied with his thoughts and latest revelations to eat anymore, so instead he just pushed his food around with his fork. Eventually everyone finished eating and the four of them retired once more to the library. The mood was a little dour, with what was revealed to them still fresh in their minds. One by one, they each retired to bed. Adrian and Andi were the last to retire, Adrian walking her to her room. They said their goodnights, and shared a hug, Adrian holding on a little longer than normal, his mind still pre-occupied.
"Is there something wrong? You seem a little distant."
"I'm fine; it's just been a long day." He gave her a few more reassurances when her face didn't change, and even a kiss on the cheek before pushing her off into her room. He kept a slight smile on his face while the door closed, Andi staring back at him, still wearing the same expression. "I'm fine." he said through the door once more. Adrian turned to leave, not sure if he would ever be fine again.
Adrian was now the only one up, and he had a dilemma. Should he go back to the safe room and find out more about the amulet that was now joined to him, or conduct his own tests? If he went to the room, to Taliesin, the Merlin would surely tell the others. The Ravenclaw, never one to amid defeat, was hesitant to ask them for help. Could they even help him? Gwyn's father had said that there was no going back with the amulet. You either took control of it, of it took control of you. Adrian always thought himself strong willed, maybe he could defeat it and then reveal it once he had mastery of it. What a benefit for all of them if he could. They would be unstoppable!
Adrian felt a stir of excitement at that moment, and then a warmth grew on his breast where the amulet sat then spread through his extremities. He quickly returned to his room, and then sat on his bed in silence. He closed his eyes and folded his legs beneath him, hands resting on his knees. Adrian turned his mind inward, probing lightly at the amulet.
The amulet probed back. For the first time, Adrian realized that the artifact may have been sentient, possibly the very one who created it. Or a collection of the souls it already stole. Adrian steeled his mind and probed again, and in response he heard whispers in his mind. He tried hard to understand them, but it was a different language, though vaguely familiar. "It's Bulgarian?" Adrian whispered, and the amulet imparted a feeling of agreement to his statement. It then spoke rapidly to him, and Adrian got lost in the jumble of words.
Sensing his lack of understanding, the being in the amulet grew frustrated, and suddenly there was a burning in Adrian’s chest. He gasped and broke his concentration, grasping at his chest and falling backwards onto the bed.
He lay there for a moment, his thoughts drifting lazily. You are fine, now concentrate! The words were muted and garbled. Adrian focused his mind and they became clear, and he could understand it, although it was still Bulgarian. I didn't take that much from you; it was just a necessary step for us to communicate. You are now fluent in Bulgarian, if you didn't realize that yet. You are Adrian Prewitt. Do not be surprised, I know your thoughts, so why shouldn't I know your name?
And what is your name then? What should I call you? Adrian thought as he tried to get a grasp of what had just happened. And what did you mean that you didn't take that much from me, what did you take?
Your energy, boy. Your life force. It was necessary to so quickly teach you hot to communicate with me. It only took a fraction, not even noticeable. You may call me...One of Many, the First of Many, whatever you want. My name has been lost by the addition of so many. To expand knowledge there must be a sacrifice of identity. I have joined with many minds, and we are one. There is one sentience, but not a name for it. What is important is that I can share with you all of my combined knowledge. I can't do that if you tell the others though, I must be kept secret.
Adrian was nodding as the words formed in his mind. No, he couldn't tell the others. This was a vast font of knowledge, arcane secrets that could defeat Riddle and whoever else opposed them. They could end this threat and prevent any other one from forming. This was his task now, he could not go to the others. He wanted to ask so much, but despite what the amulet had told him, the siphon oh his life force had made him tired, and he found himself slipping into sleep even now. He quickly undressed and climbed into bed, falling into a deep slumber nearly right away. His last thoughts before sleep were no longer that he would not be fine, but that they now had the power to stop Riddle. The amulet approved.
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Post by Bessain on Jan 27, 2010 13:32:51 GMT -8
"Crucio!"
Giles screamed and writhed on the ground as his master continued his punishment. This was his fourth dose of the cruciatus curse that day, and blood was starting to trickle from his ears and nostrils.
"F-F-Forgive me!" he managed to stutter between his teeth. His jaw was spasming between locked and chattering positions. He tasted blood when his tongue finally got in the way.
With a wave of his wand, Riddle dispelled the curse. The room grew silent. Giles chest heaved painfully between breaths. He was content to just lie in the fetal position at the feet of his tormentor.
"You killed Armando Dippet in a simple task of thievery." Riddle stated coldly for perhaps the thousandth time that afternoon.
"Master, I--"
"CRUCIO!"
Giles' screaming and mad flailing continued.
Riddle watched the man kick around on the floor for some time before releasing him.
"Do you realize what you've done?" he asked, not even pausing to let Giles catch his breath. "Dumbledore is the most qualified staff member for succession. Dippet was going to let me walk right back into that school. Albus will never allow it now."
"Master! It was Atwater what done it! But I got 'em like you asked!" Giles said, finally allowed to speak.
"Indeed," Riddle muttered to himself, starting to pace now in thought. "What did you do with the body?"
"...Left 'em. In the tunnel."
Riddle's wand came up in an arch, and the resulting spell threw Giles into a concrete wall.
He slid down with a sickening thump.
"Giles, do you insist on being incompetent?"
"Not at all, Sire!" Giles reached into the magically enhanced satchel at his side and pulled out the sword he had been instructed to retrieve. The blade was still crusted over with the blood of Armando Dippet. Giles spit on the side of it and attempted to buff out the blood. But thanks to his recently bitten tongue, he only managed to dirty the sword even more.
Riddle's visage soured in disgust. A simple summoning charm ripped the sword from Giles hands and sent it in Riddle's direction. His wand tip flipped up suddenly and the sword levitated before him for examination. He nodded in approval.
"Giles, you will return to the school."
"Yes, Sire."
"Track down the remaining artifacts, and..." he paused here to make sure Giles was looking him in the eyes. "Find out who the mighty Dumbledore has sent to investigate the case you have now created. If you get a chance, kill them. Just report back to me as soon as possible."
"Yes, Sire!" Giles said, standing very slowly because of his injuries. He looked around tentatively for his discarded wand.
"And Giles. I am assigning you a new partner. Hopefully he will make up for your incompetence."Riddle glanced at a door in the back of the dark room. "Apostol!"
The door was missing its top hinge and it swung in awkwardly as a tall dark haired man entered the room. He said nothing as he looked at Riddle, then at Giles.
"Giles this is Apostol, he has some interesting talents that you may find useful."
Giles hobbled over to the man with the wild eyes and extended his hand slowly. "Giles," he said, waiting for the gesture to be returned and perhaps an introduction.
Apostol looked at the little man's extended hand. He cackled and put Giles' hand into a bone crushing vice-like grip.
Giles was brought down to his knees from the pain of it all and scrambled with his left hand to free himself.
"Oh, you're hurting him." Apostol said in a quiet high pitched voice. "Good! Bloody bastard smells like dog shit in the presence of the master! Bow little man!" he said again in a deep booming voice. "But it's not very nice!" Apostol, back to the quiet high pitched voice again, protested. He cackled cruelly.
"What the bloody hell?!" Giles demanded when he finally got his hand back.
"Apostol is a bit of schizophrenic. It's like two different consciences dwelling in one body. Can you imagine such a thing? I am quite certain he was born like this, but the idea of being able to forsake your own mortality for a time by sharing a host. It is quite intriguing."
Giles cradled his hand to his chest and looked at his new partner in fear.
"Now Giles, is there anything you might have left behind. Aside from Atwater."
"Well, Atwater left his pocket watch. We weren't sure where. But it's somewhere in the castle."
"Personal items are evidence. We must find who has it." Riddle sat down on the floor and crossed his legs underneath him. Using occlumency was difficult enough to find the living, finding the dead was impossible for the average wizard. Using occlumency to detect the presence of a previous owner was a thing unheard of. However, Riddle was not the average wizard, and he would find that watch.
He lifted his wand to perform an advanced summoning charm, and combined it with his own conscienceness.
~
Late that night a persistent rattling noise awoke Megan from her sleep. She grabbed her wand and summoned a light, trying to figure out where the disturbance was coming from.
She looked over at the desk chair where her bag was sitting and watched it slowly vibrate off and onto the floor.
Curious now, Megan slowly opened the bag and dug around inside. She glanced in and jumped back in surprise as the pocket watch Dumbledore had given her, bounced out of her purse and onto her bedroom floor.
"What in the world..." Megan put on her slippers and kicked at the thing for a few moments. When it didn't explode, she reached down and picked it up.
The action drew a quick gasp from Megan as the gold dragon around her neck started to thrash wildly and it grew warm in temperature. It took a few moments for Megan to process what that meant, but when she finally came to the conclusion, she hastily threw on her robe and burst out of her room.
Her footfalls could be heard throughout the house as she bounded down the hallway toward Gwyddion's room.
"GWYN!" she called desperately, bursting through his door and leaping from the entrance onto his bed.
Gwyddion woke up with a low, "Ooph!" as Megan's full body weight hit him.
"Megan! What the hell! What are you--"
"Gwyn, please!"
It was the please that struck him. Gwyddion summoned his light.
She thrust the pocket watch in his face and pulled the gold chain out from under her clothes to reveal the miniature but angrily thrashing dragon.
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