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Post by Gwyn on Jan 30, 2010 12:05:28 GMT -8
Gwyddion was dreaming, a most bazaar dream about the amulet. He was, even though he was asleep, concentrating on every detail that was flashing through his mind. Then suddenly weight that was on his chest tore him away from this alternate reality and he woke completely confused. It was Megan's plea for help that cleared his mind. He couldn't make sense of how or why the dragon on the watch chain had somehow come to life. He took the watch from Megan and was immediately confronted by the force which was trying to draw it away. He threw his blankets off and swung his legs over the edge of the bed.
"This is Occlumency. Someone is trying to summon the watch. Isn't this Atwater's watch?" Megan nodded. "Whoever it is, is powerf..." He grabbed the watch with his other hand. "It's slipping." Megan put her hands over Gwyn's but it was still not enough.
"Genesolaris." Gwyn shouted, though he didn't know why, just as the others and Gwyn's father ran into the room.
The second they appeared in the chamber the pull on the watch and the dragon's flailing about ceased.
"I'm almost certain it was Riddle." he said. "I don't think that Giles would have a power like that; he's second rate at best. I bet Riddle wants the watch back. It's either more than just a watch or a loose end, and we know he doesn't like loose ends."
The others arrived and were filled in by Megan and Gwyn.
"You are not the first to discover that the chamber is sealed from magic of any sort from the outside. There many things stored here for one reason or another. A private vault you might say."
The others looked around but the chamber was as empty as when they first found it. "Where?" Gwyn asked.
His father walk over and stood in front of a painting of a castle turret. He raised his wand to his ring finger and pricked it. The drop of blood that appeared was put on a window painted into the turret. The turret disappeared and there was a click as a stone door swung open.
"I would strongly suggest you leave the watch in here." Mr. Allardyce suggested looking Gwyn in the eye. "This is no time to be reckless. Someone was willing to use a great deal of force to retrieve it and they will no doubt try again. Dumbledore will have to be told of course but leave that to me. I'm seeing him anyway in the morning."
The vault, as his dad called it, was lit by many wall sconces. There was menagerie of items spread thorough out the room. The two young men and Mr. Allardyce walked straight to a collection of ancient brooms. They were some of the first brooms used for flying, and were hidden here when it was death by fire if you were caught with one. The young ladies strode past several tables with a assortment of never empty wine goblets, poison punch bowls, dishes in which the floral design opened and closed continuously. They found several pieces of cutlery all on their own, very old, ordinary looking cutlery. They each picked up a fork which resulted in a loud ear splitting scream. They were dieting forks for those who liked to cheat. Knives which wouldn't stay in one place when you tried to pick them up and soup spoons that appeared normal, but would hold nothing whatsoever. Many of the items would now be considered a novelty but in their day they would have cost the owners their lives.
Mr. Allardyce repeated pricking his finger and touched a spot on the wall and tapped it with his wand. A small pantry door popped open. Not a pantry to be walked into but rather reached into. It was into this small chamber that Mr. Allardyce placed the watch. He then pulled out of the chamber a staff that appeared to be far too long to fit in.
"This is the prized possession of our family." He said as he pulled it out.
"It was mine, a gift from a dear friend." said Taliesin appearing on the wall in front of them. "Take it boy, you'll never touch or see anything like it in this world."
The staff was of a white wood and as smooth as liquid butter. It was finely crafted and had runes of power and protection engraved.
Taliesin continued. "The runes are elvish... Don't look at me so boy, I'm nowhere near as daft as you think. He, the maker, was not of this world but another. He came through the mists, the mists of Avalon, and I'm sure those tales are still told. He came to help and those of the new religion tried to kill him; they feared him. He had a strength I've never beheld. I gave him shelter and aid when he was left for dead and in return he told me of his home and taught me a great deal. A good deal of the herb lore we know is from him. It was he who helped create the outer and inner chambers. Here we are between worlds. I don't know precisely know where, but I'd guess it's not far from where he arrived and departed from this world. Your world, in short, has no connection to this place. That is why the enchantment on the watch ceased when you arrived. When he left he took two children. They were outcasts simply because they had the gift of sight." He shook his head. "In his realm they would be honoured. Their parents were murdered, and the children were also left for dead. He was called Aquilla Nénharma in his tongue. When he prepared to leave this world he called forth the mists over the water. But before he sailed through them to his world he gave me that staff; it served me well and long. It is our most precious possession."
With the watch now being out of reach they return to the London flat. Mr. Allardyce, after making breakfast, would leave to see Dumbledore.
"When I get back I'll more than likely have some instructions. I suggest you do as you had planned. Go through the library to find defensive spells and practice them. Don't leave the flat for any reason before I get back." With that he apperated.
-----------------------------------
"Aahh!!" Riddle screamed as he jumped up abruptly. In a rage he turned on Giles and slashed the air his wand. Giles cried out in pain as the slash tore through the skin on his face.
"I had it damn you, I had it!" He clenched his fists and trembled with rage. "Someone blocked my spell. Dumbledore..., it must have been." He began to mumble to himself. "They will be much more careful now. Will it be at Hogwarts?" He shook his head. "I don't think so, that would be too easy." His gaze settled on Giles who was still clutching his bloodied cheek. "Find that watch. I don't care how or who you have to get through. Just find it."
"But i-i-i-it's only an old watch, sir. There's nothing linking you to it and I don't see what harm it is if...." Giles was cut off abruptly.
"It's mine you fool. Atwater didn't have one, I gave him mine."
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Post by Naucoaran on Feb 4, 2010 0:02:58 GMT -8
When he first awoke, Adrian felt refreshed. His life force had completely recovered from the night before, and although it had not been replaced, he now didn't feel the loss of it. Instead, the amulet was making up for his loss. With every bit of his essence he gave to the amulet, the stronger it became. That was the crux of the amulet. Every sacrifice to the amulet lessened you, but the amulet more than made up for the sacrifice.
Already Adrian felt stronger and more invigorated, though he had only given a fraction of himself to the amulet. Like all evil artifacts though, the amulet always took, and never returned. All the wizards who had worn it before Adrian had given themselves to the amulet, or were taken by it. None had ever added to their own life essence, and so the amulet always grew in power.
As Adrian entered the secret room, the presence inside the amulet stirred awkwardly inside him then seemed to die away. The power from the amulet died away, and Adrian suddenly felt weaker and a little tired. The link between him and the amulet had been severed, at least temporarily, and the loss of its power had taken away the power that replaced the sacrificed part of him. A moment later Gwyns father explained the magical dampening that the chamber provided. Adrian probed at the amulet again, testing to see if the voice was there. Something stirred within him, the slightest of whispers, and then nothing. The magical dampening was complete, and had power over even this powerful artifact.
After the watch was stored away, the others left back to the study to continue their research. Adrian had one more mental note about the chamber. If he gave too much to the amulet, and went to the chamber, the sudden disconnection could kill him. Adrian left the room to the study, ready to feel the strength return to his body.
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Post by Bessain on Feb 5, 2010 21:56:59 GMT -8
That morning the four finally found themselves outside the Allardyce flat, in the protections of the family garden. Having found handfuls of spells that they believed might be useful, the group set up targets for still practice. This was more to assure themselves that they could actually perform, than for any sort of combative trial.
Megan took aim at an old pot that was propped up on a bench. Confringo, she thought, assuming that shouting out their incantations would not be wise in the future. Pieces of terracotta went flying in each direction and a good section of the bench followed.
"Sorry," she muttered. She hadn't meant to include the bench in the results. A flick of her wrist sent the bench to mending itself.
Andi went next as Megan quickly moved out of the line of fire.
Target practice was so boring! When Megan had first suggested this, she had envisioned it as more of trial run with obstacles. Mostly because the garden was already set up for such things. Destroying pots was all well and good, but it lost its appeal after the first dozen.
She flipped over an old bucket and sat down, watching Adrian correct Andi over a certain spell.
"Whats wrong?" Gwyn said, coming up behind her to place his hands on Megan's shoulders. "This was your idea, though you dont seem too happy with it."
"Bored," was all Megan had to offer.
"Guess we'll just have to make it interesting." Gwyn replied, not missing a beat after Megan's single word pouts.
~
Megan sprinted down a cobble stone path and skidded to a stop behind an old shed. She peaked around the corner and spotted Andi hunkered down behind some trees to her left.
The game Gwyddion had come up with was designed to simulate the infilration of a building. Adrian volunteered to be the target and sat very still inside the back hot house, his wand at his side. Contrary to the simulation, they let him keep the door open instead of barricaded so he wouldn't melt. Gwyn played the body guard and made regular checks around the perimeter. Megan and Andi simply had to incapacite the guard and disarm the target.
While none of them held any fantasies about aquiring hostages on their actual agenda, the excercise was more for spell practice and, hopefully, to get all their minds off the night's scare.
The rules were simple. If it couldn't mend itself in a few hours, don't use it on your friends.
Megan watched Andi suddenly shrink out of sight, as Gwyddion came into view. She dropped to the ground and aimed the tip of her wand at Gwyn. "Conjunctiva," she whispered, watching closely as Gwyn stood very still, now unable to see.
She grinned in triumph and took off at a run. It would only be a matter of time before he thought of the countercurse, and she wasn't going to wait around to say hello when he did.
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Post by Erin on Feb 9, 2010 19:08:49 GMT -8
Andi surveyed the situation from behind a couple trees surrounded by small shrubs, and listened for any signs of Gwyn coming round on his “patrol radius”. This was the first time she’d really set out and just simply observed anything, and she was quite surprised to find everything in her field of vision had extremely crisp edges. From where she sat on the ground, just looking up ten feet above her, she could clearly make out the faded veins of the leaves looming over her. She looked down at the ring on her finger – clearly it had already begun enhancing her natural abilities. A slight crunching sound distracted her, and she slunk out of sight right as Gwyn stalked up the stone work pathway. The abruptness in which Gwyn halted startled her, and for a moment Andi thought she’d been detected.
“Damn!” she heard him mutter.
Taking a risk, she raised her head, and caught a glimpse of Megan crouched behind an old broom shed, poking her head around the corner, peering at Gwyn while wearing a ridiculous grin. Andi sent a small blast of wind in Megan’s general direction, and instantly her eyes had darted in Andi’s direction. With a quick hand gesture, both girls crept stealthily towards Gwyn, wands at the ready.
Petrificus Totalus! Andi screeched silently. Gwyn, who had been looking away the whole time, shot his eyes in Andi’s direction just in time to see her raise her wand, and easily blocked the spell, sending it flying back toward her. In an instant she had hit the ground, with her instincts telling her that it would be faster to duck than conjure a shield. She heard one of the plants pots explode, and as she lifted herself off the ground shot a stun and confundus in rapid succession. The two jets of light came into contact with one of Gwyn’s spells, resulting in a small explosion of chicken feathers and blue sparks. Gwyn shot a blue jet of light streaking towards Megan, who jumped out of the way, behind a patch of shrubbery.
“Avis!”
Between seven to a dozen small canaries shot from the tip of Megan’s wand straight for Gwyn. The feathered creatures were trying desperate to claw at his face, and this proved to provide enough of a distraction that Andi was able to successfully disarm Gwyn, and shortly afterward temporarily stun him. Andi hastily retrieved Gwyn’s wand and joined Megan who was looking down at a rather helpless Gwyn smugly.
“I have a salve he can put on those scratches, they should be gone by this evening.” Andi asserted before the two girls proceeded towards the room where Adrian awaited them.
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Post by Gwyn on Feb 9, 2010 21:43:50 GMT -8
"Ah welcome back Kevenard." Dumbledore said as Gwyn's dad appeared in his office.
"Albus." he replied docking his head respectfully. "How have matters progressed here? Ministry finished poking their nose in every corner?"
"Not every corner." Dumbledore winked and smiled. "They seemed to have some difficulty finding them all. The Minister was not pleased with the investigations results." He poured a brandy and handed it to Kevenard without pausing. "He insinuated that we were not up to snuff with him. I assured we were, though the former head Master had not informed me of all the alterations he'd made to the construction of Hogwarts. He was not convinced. A very untrusting man I find him to be. I foresee a somewhat difficult relationship in the future. But we are not here to discuss the Ministries failings."
"No, we are not." Kevenard Allardyce replied. "Have the funeral arrangements been finalised?"
"Yes, next Thursday. We'll be having the services here and burial will take place in the family plot."
"That's still a week off... the Ministry?"
"Yes. I don't know what the purpose is but they insist. Fools. Now what of the children?" Dumbledore sighs. "They are certainly are not children. How odd that we still think of them in that way yet we ask them to walk into harm's way. You have given them the rings?"
"Yes they have the rings and know how to use them." Kevenard, Mr. Allardyce, then told Dumbledore of all that had happened with the rings and within the chamber. He then proceeded to tell him of the watch, and of the events involving Megan and Gwyn.
Dumbledore, for the first time in two days smiled but said nothing. They discussed many things and agreed that the four individuals should return to Hogwarts for the Headmaster's funeral but otherwise the plans should not change. Dumbledore, for the first time in two days smiled but said nothing. They discussed many things and agreed that the four individuals should return to Hogwarts for the Headmaster's funeral but otherwise the plans should not change. Mr. Allardyce joined Dumbledore the other staff members, who had all now returned, for a meal in the Great Hall. He then returned to his home in London and brought news back with him.
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Post by Naucoaran on Feb 9, 2010 22:00:57 GMT -8
Adrian sat in the middle of the hot house. His legs were crossed under him and his hands sat on his knees, wand just off to the right where he could quickly grab it. His eyes were closed, and his back perfectly straight. Despite the door being open to the small room, beads of sweat formed on his brow and started to trickle down the sides of his face. The room was dark enough to block most of the detail out, the only square of light coming in from the door landing at Adrian's feet. Like clockwork, the crunch of Gwyn's feet grew louder as he passed the door, peeking in to check on Adrian with every pass. Then, like clockwork, his footfalls would diminish as he walked away to continue the patrol.
There was no sound from the two girls yet, so the boys assumed they were planning the assault still. During the silence, the amulet spoke to Adrian. There are spells I can offer you. It was a small whisper at first, and Adrian had to focus on the amulet and have the words repeated to him before he understood. Spells that have been lost over the ages, or more powerful variants of the ones you know now. The more you give us, the more we give you. The bigger your sacrifice, the more powerful every spell you cast will be. Even some of the forbidden spells won't be as powerful as the augmented ones I supply. It was a tempting offer. Vast supplies of power and spells to fight Riddle and his cult. Not now though, this was just a training session.
The amulet became more insistent, pushing at his mind, trying to convince him to make another sacrifice. Adrian steeled himself against the intrusions, and the voices began to fade. A scuffle sounded outside, and Adrian could hear Gwyn become incapacitated. Suddenly the amulet assaulted him with fears of everyone finding out what he had done, coming to destroy him before he could do any harm to those around him. Adrian was stricken with a sudden fear, and with the goading of the amulet, was quickly searching his mind for spells to retaliate.
Within the next few heartbeats, Megan jumped through the threshold of the room, Adrian's eyes snapped open and he grabbed his wand, pointing it at her all in one fluid motion. Before he realized what he was doing, a spell left his lips and a violet light shot out at her. Megan reacted expertly, and it saved her life. She quickly shouted a counter-spell and dove for the side. Adrian's spell, augmented by the amulet, deflected off course but didn’t dissipate from the counter-spell and tore through Megan's wand arm, leaving no signs of damage on the outside, but breaking the bones in several places. Time seemed to stop for Adrian as the amulet released him from its influence and he realized what had happened. Megan was sprawled on the floor, cradling an oddly bent arm.
Adrian clumsily moved forward towards her as the other two from outside came to see what had happened. He stuttered over a handful of apologies and explanations. "My mind was elsewhere when you jumped in! It was an automatic reaction, I didn't mean to!" He shouted wildly. The amulet didn't need to do anything for Adrian to feel fear this time.
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Post by Erin on Feb 10, 2010 22:18:31 GMT -8
Initially, the plan had been this: Megan would run in first, and engage Adrian in a minor duel, gradually trying to get him facing away from the open doorway, thereby leaving him exposed. At this point Andrea would disarm him, and they would capture him as a hostage. Everything had gone according to plan and so when Megan bounded in to the room with that “what could possibly go wrong?” feeling, both girls had the feeling they were home free. As expected, Andrea almost instantly heard the sounds of duelling.
A scream came through the doorway, and made itself known to Andrea... a scream of pain. She entered the room in time to see Adrian, shoulders slumped and fumbling with his wand.
“...it was an automatic reaction, I didn’t mean to!” he was shouting desperately.
Andrea looked down to see Megan crumpled on the floor, with her arm sprawled out, bent in places that shouldn’t bend under any circumstance.
“Oh, God. Oh, shit, Adrian, what the hell happened!?” she screeched, eyes wild.
“I-I... Andi, I...”
Without thinking, she bolted from the room and sped down the pathway to where Gwyn was lying, still stunned, in the courtyard.
“Ennervate! Gwyn, you have to come quickly! Adrian did something... I don’t know what happened!” she said, handing Gwyn his wand, and his eyes flashed menacingly. “She’s in the greenhouse.”
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Post by Gwyn on Feb 11, 2010 16:59:58 GMT -8
Gwyn couldn't see a thing, say anything or move but he could hear everything. From Megan's screams, Adrian's moans and apologies, to Andi shouting at Adrian in fury. It was torture. As soon as Andi came and said the counter spell he pushed himself to move but it still took several seconds before he was able to see and move freely. "Megan...Megan!!" Gwyn shouted as he tore up the cobbled walkway to the garden. As he came up to the greenhouse he could see Adrian crouched beside Megan and Andi. "What have you done Adrian!" He shouted not hiding his anger. He shot two Flipendo jinxes at Adrian and hit him square but nothing happened, it was as if the energy from the spells was simply absorbed. Adrian didn't even seem to notice. It startled Gwyn but his mind at the moment was elsewhere.
"You son of a bitch what have you done?" he shouted as he lifted Adrian by the shoulders and threw him to the side. Adrian landed hard on the walkway but at that moment Gwyn didn't want him anywhere near Megan. He wanted to scoop her up but that was clearly out of the question. He knelt beside her and looked at her twisted arm.
He turn to look at Adrian who was just sitting up. "What the hell were you playing at? You son of a bitch, you could have killed her with that type of spell. I heard the crack when they collided Adrian, and I know that sound. It's lucky she's quick with her wand or a broken arm would be the least of our worries. What's with you today?" With some of his fury vented he gave his full attention to Megan.
Gwyn used a charm to dull the pain in Megan's arm and then caused a sling to appear. He and Andi carefully got the arm into the sling, now at least she could move and sit up. Had it not been Adrian who caused Megan's injury Gwyn would have disarmed his opponent and given the culprit a old fashion thrashing. Then he would have used magic.
"I'm not going to fool with this Megan, we're going to St. Mungo's." He held her close supporting both and her arm. After glaring at Adrian he spoke the words and vanished.
St. Mungo's was a busy place but the moment they arrived someone came straight over to them.
"Oh dear what have we here." The witch healer said as she quickly shuffled over to take a look. "Good gracious her arm. We'll have that righted in no time." She took a closer look at the arm but her attention was drawn to the fabric, which was burnt, and had other tell tale signs such as melted buttons and a acrid smell.
"My word, look at that." She looked at Gwyn with suspicion. "This is more than a school boys spell gone wrong. What sort of magic were you playing with my boy?" The way the old healer spoke and how suspiciously she looked at Gwyn he knew something was up. He too would have liked to know what spell Adrian had used and where it came from.
"Did you do this?" She asked looking at Gwyn.
"Ah no, no it wasn't me. A friend... by accident. We were practising defensive spells. Look couldn't we do something, move to a room or something to fix this?"
"Of course, of course, follow me." The healer led them into a treatment room.
"You know we have to log anything that may have been caused by dark magic." She added as she walked into the room.
Megan was helped onto a treatment bed and her arm carefully placed onto a small treatment table attached to the bed's side. Gwyn stood by Megan as they prepared to treat her arm.
"I don't know anything about dark magic." he tried to sound puzzled. "We were just practising defensive spells before we return to Hogwarts. Our friend is from Ravenclaw, that alone makes it impossible for him to use dark magic. They haven't got a clue about that sort of magic or the guts to use it."
The healer stopped and looked up at him. "Talk like that tells me you are either a Gryffindor or a Slytherin. And I believe both of the qualities your Ravenclaws, as you say lack, can be easily found in either of the other two houses. It may be nothing as you say but we shall see. Now if you would sit quietly for a moment will mend this young ladies arm."
After a good hour had past they had done as much as they could for Megan's arm. Megan and Gwyn explain how they had looked up old spells in his father library to add to their arsenal in a effort to impress their teacher.
"It must have something that was read in the books." Megan offered as an explanation.
"I'll make sure to bring it to my father's attention." Gwyn added. "He works for the Ministry and I'm sure he'd like to know if there was something that should have been restricted in his library. Some of the books are frightfully old."
The healer studied the two of them and said she'd let the matter drop as long as Gwyn assured her that he would bring it to his father's attention. With that over, she explained to Megan that some of the pain would linger for the next several days, and that she was to be careful how she used the arm for a few days. Megan was to stay at the hospital for a few hours just to make sure everything was alright. With that the healer left.
Gwyn bent down and gave Megan a long kiss when the door close. Megan started to giggle.
"Frightfully old books? I'm sure he'd like to know if there was something that should have been restricted in his library. Good god, you have no conscience do you?
Gwyn smiled. "Only my Durmstrang conscience." He leaned over and they kissed again.
Just as they kissed there was a knock on the door and Andi stuck her head in . "Ohhh god, they're at it already. You must be fine then?"
"Yes it's all better. You alone?" Megan asked.
"No I'm not. Adrian's in the hall." Gwyn's look hardened. "You can't believe how bad he feels Gwyn. He says he has no idea what happened. When Megan came to the door it scared the hell out of him. He figures he was thinking of something else and just reacted. Thinks it might have been one of those old spells from the book you destroyed most of. The ring must have strengthened whatever spell he used."
Gwyn had to admit it was certainly plausible that it may have happened that way. Megan poked him in the ribs and told him to get Adrian. Gwyn went out into the hall.
"Hey mate... I, ah... I guess I over reacted. I'm sorry." Gwyn reached out his hand and when Adrian took it he pulled him into a hug. It wasn't long before they were talking about how fast Megan's reaction had been. But try as he might Adrian could not remember the spell he had used. Megan did recall the purple streak of light. He wasn't aware if it himself but there was something way back in Gwyn's mind that still troubled him.
The worst was over and it wasn't long before they were all laughing. A short time thereafter Megan was checked by the healer and told she could go home. It was agreed by all that Gwyn's dad should not be told of the afternoons events.
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Post by Bessain on Feb 12, 2010 14:50:06 GMT -8
Riddle spent the next day watching Giles learn how best to work with Apostol and his... abnormality. It wasn't so much his split personality that was a challenge. Apostol could be left alone for hours and not need anything else as he whispered to himself in the dark. The tall man had a very short fuse, due to his brain bouncing about so often. Giles was not the best student either. He was slow to learn, and his deep set fear of Apostol early on saw him hesitate on all matters that concerned his new partner.
A slow silver mist collecting in the middle of the room interrupted the session. It took a few minutes before a gray toned fox took form in front of the three men. "Master," the patronus whispered, its dark eyes respectfully fixed on the floor. "There is an incident at St. Mungo's."
Riddle had his spies everywhere. The hospital was just one of those places. He liked to be notified if anyone survived his escapades. Orderlies were underpaid and easy to entice. He'd have thought the ministry would have seen this, but they seemed too busy with their own problems to notice.
"Who is it?" he asked in pure curiosity. He hadn't given any outright offensive orders... not yet anyway.
"A Hogwarts girl, accompanied by three other students."
"What is her condition?" he was starting to lose interest. Hogwarts affairs usually meant accidental magic... but still, Hogwarts now meant that Dumbledore was involved. He let the patronus continue.
"Just a broken arm... but sire. The spell involved..."
Riddle sat forward in his chair. Something about that sentence told him that Giles and Apostol may not get to finish their session.
~
"Truth be told, I was almost hoping we wouldn't come here," Megan admitted to her friends as they left the hospital room. She had been absolutely terrified when Gwyn had apparated them here. Not all of it was because of her arm.
"Why not?" Gwyddion asked, surprised that she would have rather kept her arm the way it was.
"Well not all of the wizarding world is like Hogwarts... and 'hospital' is not a good word in the muggle world. I just wasn't sure what to expect."
Adrian still didn't seem to follow, so Megan had to explain what doctors did in the muggle world. He seemed both interested and disgusted to know more.
As Gwyddion led them all to the exit, Megan stopped suddenly and tugged as his hand with her good arm. The other one was still sore and she preferred to leave her wand hand in her front pocket because of it.
"What's wrong?" he asked, thinking that perhaps she had left something in the examination room.
"Nothing... I just kind of wanted to see what else they do here. If thats alright." Megan hadn't given too much thought about what she wanted to do after Hogwarts as she was still undecided. But transfiguration was her specialty and a lot of what was done to her arm in the last couple hours resembled much of her favorite subject. It peaked her interest to say the least.
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Post by Naucoaran on Feb 12, 2010 16:11:00 GMT -8
The four of them had all had enough for studying and practicing spells for the day after the incident so Megan's idea was accepted without argument. They all took an informal tour of St. Mungo’s, walking floor to floor and seeing how each wing dealt with different kinds of injuries. Megan in particular was soaking it all in. Naturally being a wizards hospital, there were some cases that were quite odd. In one room, the group saw a man covered in green shaggy hair sitting on a table while a doctor was examining him. He cast a spell to get rid of it, which only turned the hair an electric blue and double in length. The poor man screamed in anger and they could hear a faint "Hmm, well that didn’t work. Maybe if we do this..." They heard another spell go off, and another outraged scream. The group hurried down the hallway before their snickering could be heard in the room.
Two doors down there was a closed door, with voices coming from the inside. Not being able to resist, they each took turns listening in on what was being said.
"But that’s the thing, the rash appeared after the spell, and it didn't even make it any bigger!" The doctor’s reply was more muffled and couldn't be understood. "No I got it from a very reliable source! I didn't just find it in the paper after all!" Another round of muffled explanations happened before the sizzle of a spell was heard and then a yelp of pain. The group wisely moved on before they were discovered. More snickering ensued. With all the interesting things being found and explored, it seemed the spell incident was being left behind, at least temporarily, but Adrian was not to the point he could let it go yet, and he certainly hadn't forgiven himself.
Perhaps its best if I told them... he thought to himself. It was foolish to think I could do this alone, God I nearly killed one of my closest friends! He nearly told them then, blurting it out all in one jumble of words. Something held him back though, and tempered his thoughts. He then felt a renewal of confidence, and steeled his mind. Adrian doubled his determination to best this curse that had afflicted him, and he wouldn't let the others get tied in and hurt. This was his burden, and his alone. In the depths of the amulet, the spirits of the many sat content in the subliminal messages were taking effect of the boy.
Adrian returned his focus to the outside world, just as they passed another room that had a man who had somehow fused his hands together with his wand between them.
Some cases were more serious however, as they soon found out when they went to the next floor. One such case was a man who had lost an arm in a cauldron explosion and the resulting effects making him grow extra limbs on the remaining ones. Another being a woman shrieking in pain as she continually went through metamorphic changes. She shifted from animals to her human form, every few seconds. Each change caused her bone structure to painfully reshape its self to each animal, and the crunching and breaking sounds could be heard down the hallway as they hurried past.
As the group turned the corner, they nearly ran into two people who were also visitors by the look of their clothing. One was tall, with strange tattoos covering his body while the other was shorter and stockier of build. The smaller man seemed to be a little jumpy at the taller man’s movements, almost afraid of what he might do next. As the four of them passed the two men, the taller one turned to stare at them. He had a slightly maniacal gleam in his eyes as he watched them go down the hallway. "That's a creepy one." Adrian heard Andi whisper as they kept going. The feeling of Apostols eyes boring into their backs followed them until they turned the next corner.
~
"Leave them be, are you trying to leave an impression on everyone we meet? We're supposed to get in, find out where the reports lead us on the black magic, and get out on the trail to find them."
Apostol turned on Giles and put his face close to the other man "Oh but its fun." He said in his deep baritone. "Giving people a good scare is always fun." He said with a smile. Giles felt a little shiver run down his spine as he imagined what other "fun" Apostol likes to have. Soon the two found their way to the quarters where Megan was treated, and started to track down the healer who had helped her.
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Post by Gwyn on Feb 15, 2010 21:43:45 GMT -8
They decided not to Apparate home from the hospital, choosing instead to go through the muggle filled streets of London. Getting away from the house and out in the open was a refreshing break and helped put them in a mind set for their upcoming sleuthing journeys. As they walked away from St. Mungo's hidden entrance Gwyn felt the hairs in his neck rise. He glanced quickly over his shoulder and was surprised to see the two men whom they'd seen earlier in the hospital corridor.
"Hey don't look now but that wild looking guy and the runt are behind us."
Apostol would leer at the muggles as they passed and laugh openly at the reaction he'd get.
Giles, who felt best walking several steps behind Apostol, finally worked up the courage to say something after they walked two blocks.
"Oi none of that when you're in muggle land. Your suppose to blend in, phht, if yous can, remember? Dhe boss don't like people noticing." Giles, a natural coward, was always careful not to be within arm's reach of Apostol.
"Just haven abit ta fun." Was the answer Apostol gave. It was now clear to Giles that this would be Apostol's answer to most things.
Apostol suddenly stopped. "Where'd they go?"
Giles ran out in front and scanned the streets. "There they are, come on."
Megan, Andi, Adrian and Gwyn deliberately changed directions three times and their tail followed them at each turn never getting to close.
"Yup, they're still there." Andi said after a quick glance.
"But why follow us? It doesn't make any sense." Megan added.
Gwyn frowned. "I don't know why, unless it's something to do with that healer. Maybe she did say something about your arm and her suspicions. But why those two? An elephant going down the street would attract as much attention as the big guy." He shook his head. "Noo they're not hospital or ministry people, they don't work like that. I think we've spent enough time amongst the muggles." Gwyn took the first breeze way they came across. He let the others file in first and before he followed he whispered, "Divisadereo." The opening to the breeze way disappeared and filled with bricks. It was a spell that caused a trick of the light. It appeared to be bricked over but in truth there was nothing there.
The low sun and height of the buildings either side of the breeze way blocked what was left of the days the light. With the low light, rubble and the garbage strewn about it gave the place an eerie feeling. When they'd gone far enough to be well hidden in the shadows Gwyn held onto Megan, Adrian held onto Andi and they vanished.
Giles and Apostol looked for nearly a half hour before the spell hiding the breeze way ended. They found the entrance but it was clear to the two that the youths had vanished. No doubt their master would not be pleased.
Once they were back any concerns they had quickly evaporated. Megan and Gwyn went to the den and quickly dosed off. Andi, of course, was in the library and had fallen asleep reading and Adrian had returned to the greenhouse.
Two hours had elapsed when Gwyn awoke with a start and sat up.
"Of course that's it." He said to himself. He now knew what it was that had been eating at him about the afternoon's event's. He never taught or talked about the of killing spells in the book. He never kept any of those pages, they were all burnt. The spells he'd taught Adrian could never kill someone, not even with the power of the rings. So Adrian's reasoning held no water. Something was up with him, something dark, something inherently not Adrian.
Mr. Allardyce arrived home moments after Gwyn woke. Gwyn was the only one up so he dragged him along to the kitchen to help with some cooking.
"How'd the afternoons practise sessions go?" He asked Gwyn.
"Pretty good." Gwyn replied. "We found some ace spells in the library and the rings have sharpened everything. The hearing and reaction time is incredible."
"You'll get use to it and before you know it it'll be second nature. The four of you about ready to get out of here?"
Gwyn's expression lit right up. "Bloody right we are. You got our marching orders?"
"You're leaving tonight. You're going to Antwerp and you'll be staying with a wizarding family. They're known to Dumbledore and he trusts them. You'll still be going to study muggle and our worlds ruins and how they mingled. Only the father of the family knows why you're really there. The "Riel" family. A well respected family. Now get the others and I'll tell you all during dinner."
At 9pm they all gathered with their kits ready to go. They were clear on what they were to appear to be doing and told in no uncertain terms to avoid trouble. They were never to get separated and if they got in over their heads they were told to use the rings.
Mr Allardyce brought in a shrunken head on a tray and asked them all to touch it. It was easier said than done for the ladies but after a few minutes of being assured it was a fake they all touched it together and felt their insides drop to their feet. In a minute they found themselves standing in the living room of the Riel family being welcomed warmly. Megan leaned over and asked Gwyn a troubling question.
"Was that thing really a fake?."
Gwyn smiled. "Nope."
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Post by Bessain on Feb 21, 2010 20:44:40 GMT -8
Apostol paced eagerly before the conjured brick wall. Like a beast in a cage he stomped about, looking for a physical weakness in his newest obstacle.
"Easy, man. Not here. Too many mug--"
"Expulso!" Apostol cackled, taking aim at his barrier.
Giles raised his wand to intervene, but hesitated when the wall dissipated from the offense. He started to sigh, relieved that Apostol failed in gaining anymore attention... until the remainder of the enchantment tore out a side of a muggle business. Giles reluctantly grabbed Apostol's arm and dissapperated out.
~
Giles made a point not to mention his momentary lapse of controlling Apostol, to his master. He was tired of being Riddle's whipping boy for the day. If he could help it, he was going to keep to himself.
"Well? Who was it?" Riddle asked causally, dismissing a group of witches from his presence.
Giles pulled forth Megan's stolen hospital file and bowed as he handed it over.
"Megan Delano, seventh year at Hogwarts..." Riddle mumbled to himself as he read. The girl was two years behind his class, so he had a hard time placing her. Little was mentioned about the spell in question, as if there had been hardly anything at all to offer. The orderlies had suspected dark magic due to visible burns that accompanied an internal break. "Did you see her injury?"
"No sir, she was discharged by the time we got there." said Apostol's seldom seen, but still present, less active side. "But her friends gave us a game!" and just like that the wild gleam returned to his eyes. "Hide-and-seek is my favorite! Theres is a game of disillusionment."
"Sire, may I ask that Aposol stays here for the quieter missions. He demands attention."
"Laedo!" Apostols hex knocked Giles between the shoulder blades and threw his across the opposite side of the room.
"Enough!" Riddle ordered. "Describe the others."
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Post by Naucoaran on Feb 25, 2010 22:07:51 GMT -8
As the four settled in from the slight vertigo the portkey created, they were greeted warmly by the Riel family. Adrian was somewhat expecting more, when he had heard the description of a "well respected" family, taking it to mean wealthy. This was not quite the case. The house was small, but not uncomfortably so. There was a homely feeling, like that in a family that truly depended on each other.
After friendly greetings, Mrs. Riel offered to show the two couples around the house, which they kindly accepted. There was a large common room centered around the fire place, books lining the shelves that sat on the walls. There was plenty of room to sit on the number of couches, huge things that looked like they could swallow an unwary sitter. Mrs. Riel immediately pointed her wand at the fireplace and brought up a nice orange flame that would soon fill the room with a comfortable heat. A brandy cabinet sat in the corner, the fine crystal glass reflecting the dancing flames.
"We'll return after I finish showing you around, if you would like." she said as she guided her visitors out into the small hallway. "At the end of the hall is the master bedroom, you don't need to go in there." she said with a light giggle. "Should you need us just call. Your rooms are here on the left. The house is a little cozy, and we don't normally entertain so many guests for so long, so you'll have to share. Boys, you can go in this first room, the bunks should be ready. Girls you get the next one down. We'll have no funny business between you little love birds." she said, shaking her finger and giving a knowing wink at the last sentence. Gwyn and Adrian entered the room to unpack, flipping a coin to see who would get the bottom bunk.
As the boys settled in, the girls were shown into a room that was quite similar to the other guest room, bunk beds pushed against the wall along with a desk and some dressers. The two rooms shared a wall, and the beds in both rooms rested against that wall. While the boys had handled the choice between beds civilly, Megan and Andi both charged the bed, fighting against each other to claim a bunk first. The resulting bang on the wall startled Adrian as he sat on his bed, head resting against the wall. "That’s pretty much it; I hope it isn't too small for the likes of any of you." Mrs. Riel said in her kind voice. "You're welcome to join us in the sitting room after you finish settling in if you want." she finished, and then left the four young wizards to themselves.
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Post by Gwyn on Mar 20, 2010 13:53:02 GMT -8
"Even cosier than Hogwarts." Gwyn commented as he open the wardrobe door. "But should be alright here for the time being, as long as we don't unintentionally bring trouble back with us."
"As soon as we cross Riddles radar he'll known where we are." Adrian held out his ring finger and twisted his ring. "Don't we have these in case trouble finds us?"
Gwyn looked at Adrian's ring and then nodded but said nothing. It was as if they both realised that they were finally in it up to their necks. They were part of the order and now they were a integral link in the machine.
They spent some time hanging their spare cloths and talking about what they knew of Riddle's character when he was in school. Gwyn without warning changed the subject and it caught Adrian off guard.
"What happened to you today in the greenhouse? Don't tell me it was something from the spell book because I burnt the killing spells. Where did it come from Adrian? There's nothing like that in the school's library or the restricted section. I didn't see anything like that in the books at Durmstrang either."
Adrian fidgeted. It was clear he knew something and whatever it was he didn't want to discuss it.
"Hey we're mates Adrian." Gwyn sat down beside him and spoke quietly. "You know you got nothing to worry about with me."
Just then there was a knock at the door. Gwyn got up and opened it. It was Mr. Riel.
"You have a visitor." He said in his heavy Flemish accent.
This was unexpected and as they got into the corridor Mrs. Riel was just stepping out of the girls room with the girls behind her. Megan gave Gwyn that, what now look, but all he could do is shrug.
Mr. Riel took them through a door where there hadn't been one earlier. They walk down a circular stone stair case. It looked like the inside of a castle turret going round and round. Mrs. Riel was not with them when they arrived at the bottom. They walked another corridor, also made in stone, past a couple of doors a right turn and then thru the next door on the right. The room had a coal oil lamp turned low, it was damp and smelled earthy. As the door closed several wall sconces lit and drove the darkness from the room. There stood Professor Dumbledore.
"The girls gasped and greeted the Professor and the boys took his hand since he offered it. They sat in plush chairs, obviously congered up for this meeting. Mr. Riel joined them. When Dumbledore sat it was clear this wasn't a social call.
"You all look fit and well. It would seem that St Mungo's has left you unscathed Ms. Delano. I must congratulate you. I have come to update you on some new information. As you well know you were followed when you left the hospital and your false wall illusion had the desired effect. I was pleased to hear about it. What you don't know is who the second man was, am I right?" Everyone nodded. "This man is known as Apostol, and he's not someone to trifle with. He is unbalanced and known to be paid assassin, never under estimate him. Not surprisingly he, at the moment, takes his orders from Mr Riddle.
There has been another unsettling development though. A member of the order was found dead this evening in an area not far from where you were to go tomorrow. We know he was eves dropping on a conversation of a Riddle associate and unfortunately he was found out. In light of this several members of the order have urged me to call you back to Hogwarts and for you to remain there and finish your final term. With the death and the fact that you were followed today wisdom would dictate your immediate return to Hogwarts."
'I do not share that opinion. I would like to know what led to your requiring hospitalisation Ms. Delano. Because it is from there that you were followed and a typical injury would not have made you a point of interest in Mr Riddles eyes." Dumbledore looked right at Megan and she could feel his eye piercing her.
Megan said that she had been hit by a spell while practicing defence spells and they'd thought better than trying to heal her themselves. Dumbledore stared at her for a moment longer before taking his eyes off of her. "Very well then. It was the better choice. Now pulling you back would do nothing but confirm you as a point of interest for our adversary. But we have made changes. You are not to visit remote ruins nor are you to be out sleuthing at night. Our host Mr Riel will notify me each evening that you have returned safely from your days events. Do not hesitate to use your rings if you feel at risk. Act as students might when away from the rules of school. You don't want to appear as the gifted witches and wizards you actually are. You're looking for traces of dark magic or magic which may be shielding something, something that isn't war damage, go to a pub, and this would include the ladies, listen to gossip using a hearing charm. Your eyes and ears are your greatest weapon. The smallest incongruity may be the one piece of the puzzle we need. Report all your findings to our host and he will pass them on to me. Remember, before all else comes your safety, don't forget that."
"There is nothing more to tell you that you don't already know. You will be kept up to date on relevant news. The Headmasters funeral will be at Hogwarts, 1PM next week Wednesday. Now is there anything you need to tell me?" They all came under Dumbledores steely eyes gaze as he looked at each one of them.
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Post by Bessain on Mar 27, 2010 13:42:31 GMT -8
They all tried to suppress any nervous shifting in their seats ad Dumbledore turned an inquisitive gaze over each of them. Megan was the first to speak up, eager to get the attention off her group.
"Professor, I can't think of anything at the moment, but we'll send word if something requires your attention." she lied, feeling very guilty but trying not to show it. "But I do have a question."
"Ask away Miss Delano."
"What does Apostol want with us? You said he was an assasin, but I don't understand how a visit to the hospital merits... termination."
Dumbledore frowned. "His reasons are not clear at this time. It is our hope that you four were simply mistaken for another target. You were not engaged in combat, so we can assume that he was waiting or was rather confused about something."
"Oh..." was all Megan had to offer.
The room was silent for a moment. Megan started twitching nervously again, more than a little upset that she was not able to ease the tension.
"On a lighter note, Miss Delano," Dumbledore pulled an envelope out of his pocket. "I recently talked with your parents to explain your activities outside of school, and they sent this along with me."
He handed Megan the letter and she visible brightened, knowing all to well what this was about.
"As for the rest of you," he said, pulling a second envelope out of his robes. "Here is a list of places with reported thefts. All concerning objects that Mr. Riddle has shown some interest in. I suggest you start there tomorrow." He handed the envelope to Gwyddion. "I'll be off now. Good luck."
They saw Dumbledore to the door and then headed back toward the Riel dwelling for dinner.
On their way back up the passage, Megan opened the letter from her parents and quickly read through the message. It contained threats that she was to behave on their school excursion - or else- and a handful of birthday money, thankfully transacted from muggle currency. They were a little early, but seeing as they didnt own an owl, they probably thought Dumbledore was the best messenger. She pocketed the opened letter quickly and picked up the pace to rejoin her friends.
~
Sunlight filtered in the girls' uncovered window the next morning and Megan woke with a grin. Andi, who had indeed won the top bunk the day before, shifted quietly in her sleep readying to come back into consciousness. Megan snickered to herself and slowly reached under her pillow. She raised her wand above her head, stuck the tip on the side of the top bunk and-
BANG!
Confetti shot out of her wand and up into the air, crowding the already small room! "Morning!" Megan giggled, watching Andi jump with surprise.
She slid out of bed and across the hardwood floor to the middle of the room, grabbing her robe as she went. After wrapping herself up, she stood very still appearing to be concentrating very hard on something. With a tiny pop! she disappeared.
Megan apparated into the boys' room, threw back the curtains and flooded their room with confetti as well. With a silly little giggle, she disapperated out and reappeared back on her own bottom bunk, waiting patiently.
Andi took a few moments but eventually hung upside down from her bed to look at Megan. "Well happy birthday, then" she said, still looking sleepy and a little annoyed.
Thank you, Andi!" said Megan, clearly satisfied and ready for their day at the market.
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Post by Gwyn on Apr 3, 2010 0:26:11 GMT -8
The girls had gone up the circular stone stairway and there they met Mrs. Riel who took them to their room. The boys on the other hand had been held back by Mr. Riel who said nothing until he heard the upper door slam.
"Are you not worried involving the 2 young ladies in this hunt for your Mr. Riddle. This entire rouse may have already been exposed for what it is." He spoke in a hushed tone constantly glancing up the stairway. "I do not like the idea of the four of you walking into the arms of trouble or worse. This Mr Riddle and his associates are cold blooded killers and already they follow you. I don't agree with Professor Dumbledore" Mr. Riel nervously ran his fingers through his hair. Dumbledore's visit did nothing to ease his concern, he was clearly more agitated than when they came down the stairway.
"Our home is not hidden from the Muggles but they can see and hear nothing from inside the house." He continued. "When you leave this house they will see you walk out the door. Anyone can see you, leaving or arriving, you must be careful not to draw attention to us." He paused for a moment. "I think it would be best if you Apparated into your rooms instead of walking through the street at the end of your day. We have survived one Nazi tyrants attempt to control us and I will not have another threaten us. Now I would like to know what precautions you have taken if you are discovered? Apparating is not a good idea. It is possible to attach one's self to the person Apparating so returning here is out of the question. What will you do?" He had to protect his home but he was also truly concerned for their well fair.
Gwyn spoke up first "We won't be returning here if there is any sign of trouble Mr Riel. We have means to get safely away without any fear of being followed. If that were to happen we would get word to you through Professor Dumbledore. We will do nothing that might put you or your family at risk. Please do not concern yourself everything is in hand." Gwyn watched Adrian as his golden tongue laid Mr Riel's concern to rest. He thanked the boys for understanding and that was the end of the matter.
-----------------------
A loud pop and the bright gleam of the sun woke the boys the next morning. Gwyn blew the confetti off his pillow and in the process managed to get some of it in his mouth. Wearing only his boxers he got up and looked around for his robe. He picked it up and shook the confetti off.
"What's going on?" A sleepy Adrian asked as he looked down from the top bunk. "Where'd all this come from? "It's Megan's birthday and she's finally legal. No more tracers and pub legal. Remember what that first day of freedom felt like?" Gwyn asked as he sat back down on his bed."
"Not very well." Adrian replied.
"Durmstrang vodka. You got to start drinking it young or not at all. I should just stop making it for you. Come on let's get dressed before she comes back." The boys dressed and shook the confetti out of their hair. A short time later the Riels had the breakfast table set and had been told it was Megan's birthday. At one place setting there were several cards and gifts of money, both Muggle and wizard world gold. Gwyn's gift to her was a golden Muggle made locket. In the locket was a picture of Megan with Gwyn looking over her shoulder and then kissing her neck. Both of them were in high spirits and laughing. The locket had been enchanted to allow the scene to be fluid, like all pictures in the Wizarding world.
An hour or so later they found themselves leaving the Riel home and walking with nothing but Muggles all around them. They were on their way to the first old church on the list Dumbledore had given them. A sight Riddle might be drawn to since at that spot 450 years earlier there had been a been a slaughter of Muggles by roaming gangs of warlocks. A Muggle church had been erected there in thanks for the defeat of their foe. When in truth the Muggles were saved by witches and wizards who at that time lived in the village, much like the Riel family did today. This site would sooth Riddle's blood lust and the dead body of the order member had been found close by.
All were in good spirits when they arrive at the ancient church. They stood in awe of the detailed work accomplished without the use of magic. When Gwyn touched the door the scenes carved on the door changed to show the battle where wizards fought evil wizards and how they drove off the few who survived. They pulled out their note books and began to seek out any clues both inside and especially outside and the lower levels.
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Post by Michi on Apr 19, 2010 20:19:51 GMT -8
To those who knew him in school, it would be strange to find former Head Boy Tom Riddle working in Borgin and Burke's. For one thing, he had excelled in every subject, and been offered several decent positions in the ministry through his various social connections - he certainly did not need to be working in a shop. For another, it was not the type of place one would expect to find that nice Riddle boy, in a dark store down Knockturn Alley. It wasn't that the shop was disreputable - it dealt mainly in magical artifacts, an innocent enough purpose - it was just that some of the artifacts were - so put it delicately - of an unsavory nature and Tom Riddle, as far as anyone knew, was not.
But it was in fact Tom Riddle standing behind the counter today, features a little harder, skin perhaps more waxen than anyone who had seen him at Hogwarts would recall. He was lazily doodling something on a spare bit of parchment, not bothering to keep busy as was utterly alone in the shop - it was a slow day, and Burke was out in a meeting with a prospective client. Usually he sent Riddle for things like that, as young Tom Riddle with his handsome face and charming manners was extremely persuasive, but it happened that Burke knew the man personally. Which was just as well, as Riddle had a meeting of his own to attend to.
He barely glanced up from his sketch as the bell hanging atop the door signaled the presence of the two men entering the shop.
"You wanted to see us here, sir?" Giles asked nervously - he had never been asked to drop by when Riddle was at work before. Riddle set down his quil, and gave a sharp jap in the direction of the front window with his wand, flipping the sign that hung there from 'open' to 'closed'.
"Follow me" was all he said, before striding through a door and into the back of the shop. Here were all the things on hold for customers, as well as some more sensitive items that might alarm the public. He produced two chairs out of thin air, and gestured for the men to sit, which they did immediately.
Riddle surveyed them in silence for a moment. He had always been a resourceful man, always making the most of whatever he happened to have on hand. And this was what he was doing now - laying foundations, perhaps not with these men, but certainly with his methods. The men could - and, as circumstances necessitated, would - be replaced by those more worthy of serving Lord Voldemort - the powerful, the pure-blooded. At present, however, they would suit his purposes.
"You," He said to Apostol, "Are familliar with the muggle concept of tatooing, I see." A manic grin spread across Apostol's face, and Riddle made a note to substitute him for someone who was easier to control once this was done.
"Got 'em all done by muggles. Disgusting, but it ain't quite the same when - AGH!" He cried out in anger, for Riddle had made a sweeping gesture, wiping Apostol's left arm clean of the intricate ink.
"I needed a clean space." he explained, a tight smile playing around his mouth "Don't worry - I'm going to replace them."
-----
It hadn't been quick, nor had it been painless, though Riddle did not know personally, as he did not mark himself. That was the nature of the spell he had created, and the beauty of it - he felt them, distantly, twin marks on his pawns, but without needing one himself. It had begun as a simple protean charm, twisted to suit his needs, and now - he believed - he had finally gotten it right.
He stretched out a finger to the faint mark on Apostol's arm and touched it lightly. It burned black, as did Giles's, and both men winced as pain shot through their forearms. He removed his finger.
"Perfect." He said, more to himself than to the two men seated in front of him. "Whenever you feel the mark burn," he told them, "I require your presence. You are to disapperate and come to my side immediately." Giles examined his mark.
"So 'ow do we go about hidin' this then? 'S there a spell, or will it fade on its' own?"
"It won't fade - not much, at least - and there's no spell that I know of that can hide it. I made sure of that - wear them as a mark of pride, gentlemen. Soon it will be seen as an honor."
"What's the design from?" Apostol asked, examining it closely, and grinning "I like it."
Apostol would like it - it was a skull, with a snake emerging from its' mouth. Of course the first thing that Riddle had thought of when he began the process of creating a mark for himself was a snake; as heir of Slytherin and a parseltongue this was the obvious answer. However a snake on its own was not memorable. And then he remembered walking into the Chamber of Secrets, calling to the creature within, a basilisk sliding out of the mouth of Slytherin's statue. For simplicity's sake he changed Slytherin's head to a skull, but the meaning was there, though none but Riddle himself could know of it yet.
"It is the symbol of Lord Voldemort, and that's all you need to know," Riddle snapped.
And someday they all will tremble before it.
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Post by Naucoaran on Apr 20, 2010 23:33:17 GMT -8
(I'm going to be playing everyone's character a little bit in this post, let me know if I need to edit it at all.)
Years of rain had weathered the large stone blocks that made up the large church. Moss and vines grew in several places on the walls, particularly in the cracks between stones where the mortar had long since been worn away. "I wonder why it's no longer in use." Adrian said softly as he ran fingers over the rough stone of one of the columns that lined the entrance. Adrian followed Gwyn through the door, running his fingers over the door like Gwyn. The images moved for him as well, playing out little scenes of the battle. There was a stirring in his chest under the amulet, and he realized that it was reacting to the magic scar still present on the land, even after centuries of time. Powerful, dark magic had been cast there, and those attuned to it could still feel it in the air.
As the four entered the main hall, the age of the church became more pronounced. The air was stale and musty, with a layer of dist on every surface. There were many footprints, however, and many different trails. Upon closer inspection they saw multiple different tracks, so if Riddle were here, he wasn't alone. This was not much of a discovery though, because they had always known that he was not working alone. That along with the dead Order member who could have been poking around inside the church as well. "We should clear the building before we start to investigate." Adrian said as he pulled his wand out, the other three nodded in agreement and did likewise. All four of them did the ground floor, splitting off in groups of two and going in different directions. After that was clear, Gwyn and Megan began a sweep of the catacombs under the church while Adrian and Andrea took the upper levels.
As they entered the darker areas of the church, Adrian and Andi noticed that they could see details quite clearly, despite not having an illumination spell going. "Another blessing from the rings I guess." Andi whispered as she twisted the ring around on her finger.
“Yeah. It will help us keep an element of surprise too.” Adrian whispered back as they slowly turned a corner, wands pointed in front of them. They quickly and systematically cleared the area, finding nothing of any immediate threat. The upper levels were apparently living quarters for the old monks, now quite deserted. There were still old bed frames and a few worn out desks, but nothing out of the ordinary. As they reached the top of the single bell tower, the two put their wands away. “Well our side is clear, let’s get back down to Gwyn and Megan so we can start the real search.” Adrian said as he moved past Andi and started down the stairs. Before he got too far, the young woman reached out and grabbed his hand, stopping him.
“Adrian, wait.” She said quietly, a slight hesitation in her voice.
He turned around, locking gazes with her. “What is it?”
She hesitated again, prompting Adrian to ask again, louder this time. “You haven’t been yourself lately. You’ve removed yourself from us; I can see it on your face when we all sit down together. It’s like part of you aren’t there with us.” She let go of his hand. “And then what you did to Megan’s arm. God, Adrian, where did you even learn that spell?” She was louder now, her voice stronger now that she had started down this path. “That wasn’t out of Hogwarts, and I’m sure Mr. Allardyce doesn’t keep books on the dark arts in his public library! It wasn’t from the book was it? I thought we burned that before anyone could do anything with it!” The reference to the book sent a chill down Adrian’s spine, it was the second time someone had compared what he had did to that damned book. How could they make that assumption of him? powerful magic has its price, young boy. And you know what kind of magic is the strongest. the voice slithered through his head, sending another shiver down his spine.
“What’s happened to you, Adrian? What are you hiding?” She said quietly, as the cloud of fear passed over Adrian’s face.
“I don’t know…I mean it’s nothing, there’s nothing.” He turned to leave then, not knowing what to say. She followed him down the stairs, her questions following him all the way.
~~~~~
Gwyn and Megan also discovered the newest gift of the rings as the descended deeper into the catacombs. The air was thicker there, and much more stale. Thick motes of dust drifted from the ground as they walked, quickly clearing the rooms. Gwyn was the first to speak after they cleared the rooms of any danger. “I think Adrian is hiding something. I’ve confronted him about it but something always comes up, and he never answers me. Where did he learn that spell anyways? I know it wasn’t from the book.” Megan involuntarily rubbed her arm at the mention of the accident.
“I don’t know, I was wondering the same thing. Adrian is the nosy type, we all know how he is with long lost lore when he stumbles on stuff, but it’s not like him to get so mixed up as to make that mistake. He nearly killed me! There’s more to it than what he says, that’s all I know.” She said, rubbing her arm again. They started walking back up to meet the other couple and set a plan for investigating.
“Well I’ll have none of it. I need to know what’s going on, and he’s going to tell me. Have you seen how he’s been acting lately? It’s not just me seeing it right?”
“No, I see it too. Something’s gone wrong with him.” They were coming close to the stairs by then, and could hear Andi shouting at Adrian now. He had still not answered, not knowing what to tell her. As the reached the top of the stairs and entered the room, they saw Adrian turn sharply on Andi and snap at her.
“I can’t tell you! Just drop it; it’s none of your business!” Gwyn and Megan sucked in their breath at the same time; Andi was physically taken aback at the sudden outburst.
“This has gone on quite long enough, mate.” Gwyn said loudly, his voice commanding and strong. Adrian turned slowly to see the other couple standing in the doorway. “What’s wrong with you? What is going on? We all need answers, this isn’t you.”
Adrian was suddenly trapped, and his chest felt tight. The amulet felt warm against his chest again, nearly humming with energy, begging for release, whispering in his mind that if he didn’t do something then they would do something to him. Adrian fought the words, playing over in his mind what he had done to Megan. He would not do it again. Adrian clenched his fists and held them at his sides, fighting the voice in his head. He struggled for voice, the amulet trying to assert its will over his own. “Don’t do anything stupid, Adrian.” Gwyn said quietly as he pulled his wand out. Andi came up on him from behind and laid a hand on his forearm. “We just want to help.” She whispered.
Adrian’s muscles went slack, a moment of clarity running through his body from her words. He could hear the sincerity and fear in her voice, and he knew he could trust them with even this, the hole he had dug himself into. He turned to Andrea, the first real look of dread on his face. He could see the three bodies of his friends dead on the floor if he succumbed to the amulet “Help me.” He whispered to her. She had a grim look on her face then, and nodded to Gwyn over Adrian’s shoulder. Gwyn’s curse had him reeling into unconsciousness.
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Post by Gwyn on Apr 27, 2010 14:20:39 GMT -8
Gwyn looked at the girls then quietly uttered the word as he tightened his grip on Adrian.
"Genesolaris"
It was only an instant before he appeared in the chamber and the girls were right behind him. He laid Adrian on the floor.
"I didn't think it was a good idea to go back to the Riel's. I don't believe Mr Riel appreciates us being in his home, and I don't think it would take much for him to tell Dumbledore that the arrangement is done for. This is our problem and before we ask anyone for help we have to all agree to it."
The girls agreed. But what was to be done? They couldn't go to Hogwarts and as they saw it there wasn't any reason to go the St Mungo's, they might be too many questions asked there.
"Gwyn laid his hand on Adrian's chest and was about to cast the counter curse and wake Adrian up when he felt something, something larger than a necklace or pendent. That was odd because Adrian never wore anything around his neck as far as he knew.
"Has he said anything to you about getting a pendent of some sort?" he asked Andrea. With a perplexed look she shook her head and said "No."
"There's something there and it's not like him to hide anything from us." Gwyn commented. Then a crazy idea came to him. He pieced together the questions and comments Adrian had made the last few days about the amulet and the attack on Megan in the greenhouse. He felt what every it was under his shirt and tried to move it but it wouldn't budge. Gwyn put his head onto his hands and ran his fingers through his hair.
"You stupid son of a bitch." he shouted at Adrian in frustration!
"What!" the girls asked in unison.
Gwyn undid Adrian's jacket and then unbuttoned his shirt. There sitting in the middle of his chest was an amulet. Adrian's curiosity landed him in it up to his ears.
"What is it?" Andrea asked as the girls came for a closer look.
"I'm not sure but I think that's the amulet from the book the rings came in."
"Well you should be able to get it off shouldn't you?" Megan commented as she leaned over and took a close look. "It's your family's amulet so it should have to follow your commands.
"I don't really know anything about it or who has the power to command it." Gwyn tried three basic spells but nothing worked. He tried commanding it to release using the Allardyce name but still nothing. Lastly he used a more powerful spell and touched the Amulet with the tip of his wand.
Without warning Adrian sat up his eyes opened wide and then he grabbed Gwyn's neck with both hands and a force double the strength of a big man and began choking Gwyn. He lost his wand but he fought trying to force Adrian back hitting his arms with blows that should have easily overcome his opponent but nothing. His face began to go blue and his lungs were screaming for air. His arms fell lifelessly to his side and his vision began to blur. Distantly he heard the girls shouting out binding spells and when the force controlling Adrian was finally over come and he fell back. With the grip around his throat released Gwyn fell backwards onto the floor gasping for air. So tight had been the grip on him that now each breath felt as if he were inhaling pieces of broken glass. Andrea who was in tears went to Adrian and Megan kneeled beside Gwyn. Megan realised that Gwyn had been trying to say something and bent down to hear Gwyn's raspy words.
"His eyes." Megan was able to pick out. "His eyes, they.." Gwyn had started coughing which made it all the more difficult to talk. "His eyes, they're not his... they glowed... there's something inside of him... they weren't Adrian's eyes when he looked at me. We need help,.. it's very dark evil magic... it's inside Adrian." Gwyn pointed at the wizard who had moved around in the wall painting to get a better look.
"Ask him what's going on."
Gwyn groaned and rolled up into a ball. It wasn't just the choking that took its toll, but having whatever it was inside Adrian in your head laughing at you, letting you know you're about to die and then inflict even more pain for the sheer pleasure of it. Whatever it was, took great joy in killing him slowly and painfully.
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Post by Bessain on Apr 30, 2010 17:17:21 GMT -8
"Gwyn are you okay?" Megan asked, her voice heavy with worry. Gwyn's voice was almost indistinguishable, and so Megan had to lean in close to hear him. He kept pointing to the painting she had accidentally awoken not so long ago. Megan unwillingly left Gwyddion and walked over to the painting on the stone column.
"Oy!" she yelled at the still wizard and dragon. "What are you there for if you're not going to help?" Megan kicked at the wall below the frame in frustration. She hid a grimance of pain as her toe started to throb. The last time she had interacted with this particular painting, it had responded to touch. The event that followed was not one Megan was proud of, so she hesitated to reach out and touch it again.
Gwyn was getting to his feet now, so Megan turned around and seized his hand. "Sorry about this," she mumbled, and pressed the tip of her wand to his pointer finger. Gwyn jumped in surprise as a small pinprick of blood started to show. Megan pushed his hand against the picture.
"You called?" asked the wizard Taliesin, who gave Megan an amused smirk.
"We found the amulet." said Gwyn.
"Oh? I hope you discussed things with your father before touching it."
Gwyn stood aside to reveal Adrian's unconscious form lying to the side of the room.
"You didn't!" the dragon roared in response.
"We didn't know he found it!" growled Megan, who was not at all fond of Bedros.
Bedros ignored Megan. "You girl!" he said addressing Andi, who was inching back closer to Adrian. "Don't touch him!"
"Why?" Megan asked, not liking being ignored.
The dragon snorted and swung his great head in Gwyn's direction. "I think you already know why," he retorted, turning an interested eye on Gwyddion, who was still breathing heavily.
"You lot sure are a troublesome bunch," muttered Taliesin.
"Save us the criticism and tell us how to get rid of it." said Gwyn, though it took some effort for him to do so.
"Thats just it my boy. I do not know how. The only way we have retrieved the thing in the past, is by waiting...or ensuring the death of the bearer."
Andi turned very pale.
"But!" added Taliesin, aware that he was scaring the group. "I do know that your friend is not in this room right now."
"And how is that supposed to make us feel better?" Megan hissed.
"It's not. I'm just trying to help young miss. What I mean is ---as you already know-- this room is unpenetrable. Allowing two entities to share a host would open up many loop holes for infiltration. Obviously, the bad spirit in that amulet is currently here with us. It just doesn't communicate the way we do, so I doubt you'll get much out of it right now. So in other words. The one of stronger will shall prevail in this room." he said, rubbing his chin as if he was sitting casually in a chess match.
"Then where's Adrian?" Andi asked nervously.
"I can only guess. But when you return to your world, there will be room for the two of them in there." Taliesin surmised. "That also being said, I would advise you not to try and remove the amulet in here. A body needs something to run it, and since the only one in there right now is the amulet..."
"Why is this thing still in the world?" Megan asked. "Why hasn't your family found a way to get rid of it?"
Taliesin frowned. "I believe that is the work of one of my later sons. The amulet can be used for good. Enough to tempt the family into keeping such a trinket. But that doesnt matter now. You need to find a way to get rid of it."
Tell us something we don't know, Megan thought. She ran a hand through her hair in frustration. "Wait!" Megan piped back up. "What if Adrian was the stronger will?"
Taliesin sighed. He thought he had just explained this. "Then he would be here with us right now."
"I know! But later I mean! He was unconscious when we brought him in here, he had no chance to fight back."
"Then you would still need to find a way to unfuse the metal from his skin. As you can see from here, it's quite stuck. The minute you return to your world, the amulet will be a little more defensive from here on out. It knows you are aware of it. It will make it harder for your friend to resist." Taliesin sighed.
"If you can get your friend back in here, there is a good chance I will be able to remove it." Bedros offered. "But it will leave a scar around his neck and chest, much like the one on your hand young Allardyce. I cannot promise that dragon fire will even work. It is just a theory."
Andi and Megan turned a worried eye on Adrian as Gwyn conversed with Bedros. The girls tried not to ponder the fact that they may not get their friend back.
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