Founded: Sept. 19th, 2010
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| | | Dark Times Are Close (Closed to Alex Johnson) |  |
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Kaez Alexandrov
Head Administrator
Posts : 1101
Join date : 2010-09-19
Age : 31
Location : Knockturn Alley
| | Subject: Re: Dark Times Are Close (Closed to Alex Johnson) Wed Jun 19, 2019 6:44 pm | |
| “Morgan! What happened? Was it Him? Voldemort?”
I looked at him as I cried.
“He forced me to meet with him, he was angry the plan at Hogwarts didn’t work the way he wanted and angry at me for not seeing it,” I couldn’t stop shaking, “and he ma—“ I stopped myself, not wanting to reveal what I had done, at least not yet. “Nero Crowder is dead, Voldemort is forcing his way into the ministry.”
Sahar listened and she gripped me tighter, no longer oblivious to everything Noah and I had gone through in the last year. Quickly she pulled up my sleeve to reveal the dark mark moving subtly on my arm.
“I should have known he wouldn’t stop after he came after me,” she cried, “I am so sorry, to the both of you, I should have foreseen this and I didn’t.” She pulled Noah to the embrace, feeling like she had failed to protect her family.
“He went after you?” I sniffled.
She nodded.
“While I was in Ibiza, he found me,” Sahar took a deep breath, “but I hadn’t had any visions in years and my eyesight was going so he thought I would no longer be useful for him. He was angry, he wanted to have the set…” She closed her eyes, “we need to defeat him, we can’t let him win.”
We remained there for a moment, in our embrace, before we decided to go back in the house and try to not raise suspicions.
***
Summer was too short.
It was for the first time in forever since we had a sense of peace, Voldemort seemed to had been laying low probably plotting his next crime.
I still wasn’t over what happened that night, I kept having nightmares about it. I’d wake up every night screaming and crying until Sahar started to sleep with me. Every now and again I get flashes of his body falling to the ground. I wasn’t sure if I would ever get over taking the life of someone else, but I constantly reminded myself that it was kill or be killed. And I wasn’t done with my mission yet.
You can’t win a war without casualties.
Rose’s soft screech snapped me out of my thoughts, she stood atop of a stack of letters. I gave her a soft smile.
“You want to go out?” I opened the window for her, and with an appreciative nuzzle of my hand, she flew out to stretch her wings.
I observed her for a moment before turning my attention to the letters. I picked them up and smiled at the writing.
From: Moony
To: Vixen
I couldn’t tell him all that had happened in my letters, but I did tell him I needed to talk to him when we got back to Hogwarts. For the most part we spoke about everything else that had happened at Hogwarts and how we felt, I think time to ourselves was just what we needed to set things on the right path.
I lifted one of the floorboards and hid the letters safely in there along with a few of my other prized possessions, like a cup from the tea set Vincent had given me for Christmas before he disappeared, and the dragonfly hair pin my mother always wore. Letters and pictures from my past also lie there, a whole bunch of when Noah and I were younger.
I took one of the pictures, Noah and I were no older than 8 years old. He hugged me so tight, like I was his favorite person in the world, and I giggled trying to pull away. We were so happy back then.
I put the picture in my trunk and shut it.
Rose flew back with a mouse in her beak, showing it off like a trophy.
“Good girl,” I stroked the top of her head, “eat that up quick, it’s almost time to go.”
She threw it in the air and caught it once more before she gobbled it down, she then gave dainty little hops over to her cage so I could lock it.
I got all my things together and moved them downstairs.
“How’s the family’s newest quidditch captain?” Sahar smiled at me as she helped aunt Elizabeth make breakfast.
I gave a small smile.
“Nervous.”
I had gotten a letter from Hogwarts saying I was the new Slytherin Quidditch Captain since Lucius had graduated, Sahar wouldn’t stop talking about it ever since.
“You know,” she put some things on the table, “the English National Quidditch team is looking for a new beater, you should send them an owl.” She winked at me.
My eyebrows raised in surprise, knowing what that wink meant.
“I’ll shoot them one when I’m back at Hogwarts.”
She smirked before getting to making the orange juice.
I heard footsteps behind me and I turned to see Noah walking down the stairs.
“Morning cousin,” I smiled, “ready for the new term?”
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| | | | Alexandrov Prince
Kaez's Cousin
Administrator
Posts : 270
Join date : 2011-01-01
Age : 30
Location : Underneath my blanket
| | Subject: Re: Dark Times Are Close (Closed to Alex Johnson) Sat Jun 22, 2019 12:40 pm | |
| We need to defeat him; we can’t let him win.
These few words haunted me the entire summer, making what already felt like a never-ending holiday even longer.
My parents, sister and I spent part of the summer visiting my uncle in Ireland, the muggle side of my heritage.
Uncle Henry was my fathers older brother and the family doctor. His son, Alek, had just turned 11 in April and had received a Hogwarts invitation letter. Although Warrens were often muggles, occasionally a witch or wizard would be born, like my father. There hadn’t been many in the Warren line prior to my father; before him was their cousin, a girl who’d died at the school in the early 1940s.
My uncle had concerns about Alek going to a Wizarding school as opposed to one day following in his fathers' footsteps. Thus, he’d invited us over to discuss the pros and cons.
“The boy will need a proper magical education. There could be severe reproductions of his abilities aren’t developed.”
My father would argue this back and forth with his older brother.
“Is there another way? Other options? That school is dangerous, look at what happened to Myrtle! What if it happens again?”
This would often be my uncles' reply.
He meant well, Aleks safety was his main priority and with the way things were going, I wouldn’t send Willa, let alone Alek.
I would often stay in Aleks room. It was small compared to the rooms at the manor, but maybe I was just spoiled.
“So, what’s it like? Being a sorcerer?” Alek sat on his bed, throwing his small basketball into the trash hoop and missing.
“The term is Wizard, and it’s okay, I guess.”
“You guess? This is the coolest thing that’s ever happened. Hey, when do my eyes turn purple?” He held his eyes open with his fingers.
“They’re not changing colors.” I tried stifling a laugh. I looked around, making sure no one would be walking in any time soon.
“But... Wingardium Leviosa.” With a swish and flick of my wand, the basketball levitated from the ground and floated into the trash hoop.
“Dude, that is the coolest thing ever. Do I get a stick too? When do I get to do that?”
“I’ll ask my parents if I can take you through Diagon Alley to get your supplies. Magic, you’ll learn at Hogwarts.” I gave him my wand so he could admire it.
“If my dad lets me go. My mom doesn’t even know yet.” He continuously played with the wand. Using it to point at things and saying babble that he believed was Latin.
“Alek, I can guarantee you, you’re going to Hogwarts.”
He smiled.
I was pleasantly surprised when he was sorted into Ravenclaw house that semester.
***
The day had finally arrived, going back to Hogwarts and the start of our 6th year.
I stared at myself in the mirror, sad that not much had changed.
My hair was still sandy blonde, I’d grown a few inches and my bright indigo eyes still reflected that same panic of not knowing how to fix the future.
Everything was normal.
From the corner of my eye, I saw the small black baby owl perch itself on my window, on its beak was a letter. As I reached for it, the owl turned, biting my finger in the process.
“Damn it!”
The bird flew off, the small letter falling on to the floor.
From: Padfoot
To: Noah
Spending the summer away from you has been hard but James is a great cuddler. Can’t wait to see you.
I love you.
Ps. This bird bites.
PPs. You know where to meet, only wear your robes.
I rolled my eyes at the last sentence but my heart also skipped a beat. I hadn’t seen Sirius most of the summer and I was excited to spend some time with him.
I tried to grab my things as quick as I could, making sure I wasn’t forgetting anything.
Most of the family was already downstairs, Alek included. My mom had offered to help with the school expenses and transportation.
“Morning cousin,” Morgan smiled, “ready for the new term?”
“Ready when you are. With you being the Quidditch captain this year, I’m going to have to find a new sparring partner for the Dueling club. I’m captaining for the Gryffindor team this year, and I hear Remus is next in line for Headboy.”
I pulled a chair and served myself.
“I’ll be your sparring partner,” Alek said, waving a piece of pancake around with his fork.
“Sorry, buddy, no first years. Lack of experience.” He frowned, I laughed.
“Also, Morgan, are you still going to have time for the Slugclub?” | |
| | | | Kaez Alexandrov
Head Administrator
Posts : 1101
Join date : 2010-09-19
Age : 31
Location : Knockturn Alley
| | Subject: Re: Dark Times Are Close (Closed to Alex Johnson) Tue Jun 25, 2019 7:36 pm | |
| “Also, Morgan, are you still going to have time for the Slugclub?”
I smirked sitting at the table.
“Professor Slughorn would probably quit if either of us left,” I reached over to the still rolled up Daily Prophet on the table, “you know he’s obsessed about his collection.”
I undid the string that held the Prophet together and unrolled it to see Hogwarts on the front page.
HOGWARTS UNDER MAXIMUM SECURITY FOR START OF 1975 TERM
I stared at the picture, dementors floating about the castle, watchful for intruders. My heart sank observing them, knowing they would be attracted to us like moths to a flame.
Dementors fed on pain and suffering, Noah and I certainly had plenty of that.
“Looks like we’ll need to work on our patronus,” I began to scan the page.
“You’ll be fine,” aunt Elizabeth spoke as she served us our breakfast, “as long as you stay out of their way and out of trouble.” She eyed me as she said that last.
I rolled my eyes when she turned around, I was getting tired of being seen as the problem child of the family.
For such a gifted and powerful witch, sometimes she could be obtuse. I didn’t want trouble, trouble came with the Alexandrov name.
Straightening the Prophet I began to read the article.
-Hogwarts is toughening up on security based on the advice of the Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, Ivan Porter, whom took over the position of his late boss and mentor Nero Crowder, whom was found dead last June.
“There are no leads yet on our investigation,” Porter announced during his press conference yesterday afternoon, “what is clear to us and the rest of the wizarding world is that there have been serious security breaches that we can’t be too cautious of.
With the murder of Hogwarts student Virginia Clements, our beloved Nero Crowder, and the ever growing crimes throughout the country is that I declare that the Ministry of Magic, and Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry are hereby declared under state of emergency by me with permission of the Minister of Magic Eugenia Jenkins, and will be on close surveillance by our department.”
We reached out to Porter after suspicions began to arise, questioning if this was really for the safety of the people or if all of this was security set up for the Alexandrov Ball this year, he could not be reached for commentary.-
“It seems even the Porters can’t catch a break,” I passed the newspaper to Noah.
“That’s nothing for the two of you to worry about,” Elizabeth sat down, “not eat, or you’ll be late to King’s Cross.”
I took a deep breath trying not to show my annoyance, and ate my breakfast quietly.
As soon as I was done, I got up from the table and walked to the main hall where we kept portraits of our ancestors, and walked over to the very last one. My mum’s.
She smiled at me from her chair.
“Hello firefly.”
I looked at her happy face.
“Hey mum,” I gave her my best smile.
It was bittersweet having her portrait here, in one hand it was like having her with me still, on the other she was an incomplete version of my mother, only containing what it was spelled to be there. Her love for me was there, the memories of me were not.
“Are you excited to go back to Hogwarts?”
I shrugged.
“I suppose, anywhere I go I can’t escape him anyways.”
She nodded.
“I need you to promise me something, firefly.”
I blinked.
“What?”
“Promise me you’ll survive,” she looked deep into my eyes, “no matter what it takes.”
I got goosebumps, there was something about it that seemed like it came from mum when she was alive, something she spelled into the portrait before her death. I nodded quickly.
“I promise…”
“Morgan!” Sahar talked into the hall, “we’re leaving.”
“I’ll be right there,” I nodded to her and looked at mum, “I guess this is goodbye for now.”
“I love you, my little one.”
My eyes watered.
“I love you too.”
I then walked out to get my stuff so we could be on our way.
We got everything in the back of the trunk, and our owls on the back seat of Sahar’s car, and we were off to the station, aunt Elizabeth at the wheel.
I looked out of the window and noticed that even though the muggles had no way of knowing what was going on, they too looked uneasy. And muggles had a way to miss what is in front of their noses.
We got to King’s Cross and unloaded everything, Elizabeth pulled Noah aside to say goodbye, Sahar hugged me tight.
“I’ll be in Egypt,” she whispered to me, “I’ll send you an owl once I’m there, if you need me just call on me. Stay safe.”
“Thank you,” I hugged her tight, feeling grateful for her support, “I love you.”
“I love you too,” she pulled away, her eyes watered.
Elizabeth waked over to me and hugged me as well.
“Please try to stay safe and out of trouble.”
I hugged her back.
“Hogwarts is as guarded in Azkaban, what could go wrong?”
“A lot,” she let go, eyeing my right arm.
I felt a wave of anger come over me. I needed support, not judgement. I slung my bag over my shoulder.
“Right,” my tone mirrored my feelings.
“Morgan,” she frowned, “I—“
“You didn’t mean it that way,” I turned around, “I know.” I grabbed my cart and ran through the wall between platforms 9 and 10.
”Alexandrov.”
I blinked and stopped in my tracks.
”Alexandrov.”
My heart raced, I looked around but I didn’t see him. I gripped my cart tight and closed my eyes, blocking my mind from any intruders. But my concentration was interrupted when Noah ran through the wall and bumped me with his cart.
I felt myself fall to the ground, everything around me turned to dust and got swept away. I tried to get up but my body wouldn’t respond.
”Alexandrov, I heard him whisper and suddenly he materialized in front of me, smiling. “You may shield your thoughts but you can’t shield me out.”
He got closer to me and whispered in my ear.
“I own you now,” he stepped away, “I can make you hurt and beg for mercy, but I am a merciful Lord, and you my amethyst jewel will serve me well.”
“I have,” I managed to speak, “my Lord.”
“Yes, you have,” he slowly walked around me, as if inspecting me, “which is why I have an assignment for you.”
I gulped.
“What would that be?”
“Ivan Porter has become an obstacle that must be removed.”
My heart sank, was he expecting me to kill family too?
“Removed as in… permanently?”
Tom nodded and turned around, staring off into the void.
“Tell me, Alexandrov, can you have visions on command?”
I became nervous.
“I’ve never attempted to…”
”Promise me you’ll survive, no matter what it takes.”
I gulped.
“I can try.”
“Try now,” he commanded, “I need to know, will I be successful at infiltrating the ministry by taking him out?”
”Survive.”
I closed my eyes and focused, I began to get flashes of Ivan and his new escort team, I saw them being ambushed by swirling black vapors and several green bursts of light. Ivan dead on the floor. The Daily Prophet reading THE MINISTRY IS IN DISARRAY, MINISTER EUGINIA JENKINS GONE MISSING, IVAN PORTER DEAD. Then it all stopped, as if I lost the connection.
Tom got closer to me, his evil smile fading.
“Why did it stop?”
“I-I don’t know,” I grew nervous at his angry expression, “it’s like something is blocking me.”
“Really?” He reached for his wand, “perhaps you need more motivation… Cruccio!”
I screamed as the intense pain surged though me, and just then everything around me reappeared. Noah was holding me tight, my face was cupped in Remus’s hands. I took a breath, as if I were a statue come back to life.
“Morgan,” Remus looked into my eyes, I blinked, “are you alright?”
“I’m fine…” I managed to speak, feeling as the rest of my body unfroze from my head to my toes, I cleared my throat, “I… I’m fine…” I looked at Noah, whom gave me a knowing look.
I took a deep breath and with their help I stood.
“Are you sure? You gave me a fright,” Remus took hold of my hands and rested his forehead on mine.
“I’m sure,” I kissed him, “I’ll see you at school.”
He nodded and hesitantly let me go before waving us off and joining the rest of the Marauders.
I looked at Noah and nodded.
“I know you know,” I picked my things up, “we can talk about it on the train.”
And we did, for nearly the entire 9 hour train ride we spoke of what he saw through me, afterwards we invited the Marauders to join us in our compartment. We decided we needed some normalcy.
When we arrived at Hogsmeade station, the ambiance felt difference. Everything was heavier, like you had to push your way through invisible waves. There were aurors at every entrance, and dementors buzzing around like bees trying to find the pollen they desperately craved.
“Carriages to the left!” I heard Hagrid’s booming voice, it snapped me away from my thoughts.
We made our way there and I gasped seeing the new beasts attached to the carriages. Thestrals, I remembered seeing a drawing of them in my Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them books. I also remembered it saying they could only be seen by those who had seen death, and the image of Nero falling with a thud to the ground made my heart beat fast.
I backed away from the animal, hoping nobody had noticed my staring.
Noah and I took our start of the year picture, and we were off to the castle. Aurors lining the path every 50 feet.
The first years were sorted, and the Sorting Hat was put away. Dumbledore stood and walked to his podium. The Great Hall fell silent.
“Congratulations, first years, on your sorting!” He exclaimed, and the students broke off in applause, he waited until they all settled down. “I have some announcements this evening, but first I believe there is something to be addressed.”
Everyone was still, not a breath could be heard.
“No doubt you have noticed dementors roaming the grounds, and aurors at every main entrance. They are not here to make you afraid, but to make you feel safe. Last term one of our students murdered another, it is the Ministry’s and my own first priority to prevent that from happening again.” He fell silent for a moment, as if debating something with himself, “the ministry claims to have no leads, but it is clear as day that there is an organization behind it, and they—“
“Are for the Ministry to worry about,” all eyes shifted to Cousin Ivan, whom walked in behind the teacher’s table. He walked over to Dumbledore and whispered in his ear, Dumbledore nodded and stepped aside. I made eye contact with Noah from across the Hall.
“Welcome back to Hogwarts, students!” He attempted to look inviting but no one bought his façade, “thank you Headmaster for your words, now,” he walked closer to the student tables, “not everything this year will be quite as gloomy.”
Ivan smiled at us.
“This year we welcome back the Alexandrov ball, the 593rd quinquennial celebration of the great Cyrus Alexandrov gifting the castle to the Hogwarts founders so they could use it for their school. Today it is known as the finest educational institution known to Wizardkind!”
The hall filled with excited murmurs.
Regulus looked at me, smirking.
“Want to go with me?”
“Pretty sure Remus will be my date,” I saw his expression change, “but I can save a dance for you.”
He nodded.
“That’s good enough for me,” he smiled.
“But that’s not all this year,” Ivan continued, and the doors of the Great Hall opened and Filch ran in with a large book in his hands, he gave it to Ivan whom gingerly took it from him and held it up, “this year, we are holding the Alexandrov Academic Championship!”
I blinked, never having heard of such a thing. It seemed like Ivan was as power hungry as his father.
“I hold in my hands the Book of Revelations, those who feel up to the task need only write their name on these pages and it will reveal to us who the Champion from each house will be.”
My stomach felt like it was in knots, all of this was a recipe for disaster with Tom wreaking havoc everywhere he could.
I just want a normal term…
But of course, nothing at Hogwarts was ever normal.
I looked around, everyone seemed really excited about all of this. I fidgeted nervously with my fingers.
“Because of the nature of this event,” Ivan spoke, “I regrettably inform you that only wizards and witches over 13 years of age or older will be able to participate.”
The Hall filled with complaints from first and second years.
“This is to ensure that each participant is properly educated and skilled enough to get through each challenge,” his voice was louder now to get everyone’s attention, “these challenges are not for the faint of heart, be advised that each task will test you, and can be quite dangerous. Registration opens tomorrow, proceed with caution.”
Teachers and students applauded as Porter retreated and sat down next to his sister, Adriana.
“Thank you, Mister Porter,” Dumbledore approached his podium once more, “and now with that out of the way, it is time to enjoy our feast!” He waved his hands and the food appeared, first years as always gasped with wonder.
“Oh, I am so ready to kick ass,” Regulus began piling food onto his plate, “going to make this tournament my bitch.”
“And what makes you so sure you’ll be chosen, Black?” Severus observed him.
Regulus chuckled.
“Come on, Sevvy,” he smirked, “who else would it be?”
Severus rolled his eyes.
“I’ve known mudbloods with more talent than you,” I saw him glance over at the Gryffindor table and knew he meant Lily. He began to pile food on too.
I bit my lip and stood- now that everyone was preoccupied with dinner- and made my way to Noah, sitting next to him.
“This is bad,” I whispered, covering my mouth so Severus wouldn’t try to read my lips, “Tom is jumping at every opportunity to cause chaos and this would be a bit hit. We need to figure out what we can do, “I took a breath, feeling Severus trying to peek into my thoughts, “I’ll meet you outside of your common room’s door at midnight.”
I got up and walked back to Slytherin table, Snape looked at me.
“What?” I raised an eyebrow when I sat down.
“I thought you everything you know about occlumency,” he began, “and yet I can’t penetrate your mind. Why?”
I was about to reply when Regulus interjected.
“Because her thoughts are none of your business,” he spoke with his mouth full, “besides, all you’ll find are thoughts of me. Isn’t that right, Hot Stuff?”
“Not everything revolves around you, Black!” Severus spoke through gritted teeth, “besides, you’re like 12.”
“Thirteen,” Regulus’s mouth was full.
“Besides,” he continued, “it just so happens we have far more important things to worry about than your ego.”
“Then let me worry about them, Sevvy,” I spoke calmly, “this is bigger than the both of you,” I looked at Severus, “I have to block my mind at all times or you-know-who’s plans could be in danger, “I whispered to him the last bit, “if something important comes to me, you’ll be the first to know.”
He nodded.
“I just worry is all,” he thought carefully before speaking, “your family is full of muggle sympathizers, and if you hadn’t been chosen-“
“But I was chosen,” I interrupted him, “and I will do what I need to do to succeed.” I had a piece of bread, “besides,” I took a bite, “you forget that I am also descendant of Nathaniel Blackthorne.”
I wasn’t proud of that fact. Nathaniel Blackthorne was the son of Cassandra, the matriarch of the Alexandrov line. She and her daughter were celebrated for being powerful seers. And Nathaniel, hungry for power, sought some of his own no matter the cost. Even killing his own mother for her eyes, which were then turned to the cores of twin wands which chose Noah and I centuries later.
This fact seemed to calm him down.
“I’m going to the owlery,” I got up adjusting my bag to my shoulder and put a piece of bread inside, “I want to check on Rose.”
I walked out of the Great Hall and made my way around the castle. It was eerily quiet, though I knew it was because everyone was still feasting.
My ears only picked up the echoing of my footsteps and the swishing of my bag on my robes. I then realized this was the first time in months in which I had any actual silence to myself, and it was nice.
I paused for a moment to listen to the wind gently blowing through the corridors and smiled.
“BOO!”
I screamed and heard a familiar cackle.
“Peeves!” I yelled at him, angry about my pace being interrupted.
“You should have seen the look on your face!” He couldn’t stop laughing, “I was like BOO and you were like AHH!”
“Wonder how you’ll go when I go fetch the Bloody Baron!” I glared.
“Okay! Okay!” He lowered his voice, “I’m sorry.”
“Now go on, bug someone else,” I shooed him off with my hands.
“You’re no fun,” he began to float away, “oh Myrtle!” He flew past the ceiling. I could hear his laugh, her screaming, and water splashing in the distance.
I shook my head and rolled my eyes before walking up the steps to the owlery. I held on to my robes, feeling a sudden chill overcome me when I opened the owlery door.
Rose looked at me from her perch and stretched her wings. I approached her and offered my hand which she nuzzled against. I smiled and reached into my bag to retrieve my letter I had written on the train for the English National Quidditch team.
I placed it on her beak and stroked the top of her head.
“Send this to Essex, to the Quidditch Headquarters.”
Wish a soft screech she flew out the window, I observed her as she flew into the night.
I shivered and crossed my arms, my eyebrows furrowed as I saw frost building around the window opening. My eyes widened but before I could react I had a dementor at my face.
I stumbled back from fright and fumbled for my wand, the dementor made its way through the window and loomed over me.
I pointed my wand at it.
“Expecto Patronum!” I exclaimed, but nothing happened, I closed my eyes trying to think of a happy memory strong enough, “Expecto Patronum!” Nothing.
And then it began, the Dementor’s kiss was as bad as I had heard it was. The little joy I had left seemed to vanish, I had lost the air in my lungs, it felt as if I was being frostbitten from the inside. I screamed, though I wasn’t sure anyone could hear me.
“Expecto Patronum!”
I saw a flash of white light, a wolf, and Remus running towards me. Then I fainted.
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| | | | Alexandrov Prince
Kaez's Cousin
Administrator
Posts : 270
Join date : 2011-01-01
Age : 30
Location : Underneath my blanket
| | Subject: Re: Dark Times Are Close (Closed to Alex Johnson) Tue Oct 22, 2019 10:56 pm | |
| “This year, we are holding the Alexandrov Academic Championship!”
Ivan’s words echoed through my mind through the day, more and more students asking if I’d be joining in this Championship. The more I thought of it, I felt obligated to participate since it’s meant to be looked like a family tradition, but I didn’t want to. My family had talked about the Alexandrov Ball, we’d just missed it when we’d been accepted into Hogwarts, making Sahar the only Alexandrov at the time.
I needed an escape from questions and people all together.
The library was, as always, empty. The silence felt welcoming for a change. I searched through the archives, not really sure what I was looking for. I must have skimmed mindlessly through what felt like thousands of books.
I found myself drawn to the Hogwarts History section, specifically the Tournaments section.
The leather binding and indigo stitching made it stand out amongst the others, The Collective Journals of C.A.
“Cyrus Alexandrov…” I whispered to myself, a gut feeling telling me I was right.
June, 990
The four wizards returned, continuing their tireless pursuit of the Alexandrov Castle. They claim to want to build a school here, one for witches and wizards. I have spoken with my sister, her Sight tells her I should allow these strangers to have our family home. The women in my family, though beautiful are cursed with the knowledge of what is to come. Some view this curse as a gift, but it brings nothing but death and despair to those who wield this knowledge. Do I trust her?
I would first need to speak to her about one of these travelers. Something about him seems unsettling. He speaks the language of snakes. I do not trust him.
-c.a.
The first pages of these journals continued on about Cyrus’ distrust of Slytherin and his eventual gifting of the castle to the Founders.
September, 993
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry was officially opened. Godric, Helena, and Rowena all welcomed the diverse group of students, sorting them into houses named after themselves, although Salazar was nowhere to be found. We’d searched tirelessly for days but since his demands, to only accept those students from pureblooded families were denied. Rumors of this Chamber linger amongst the staff, but I can tell you without a doubt that no such room exists.
-c.a.
December, 994
The Founders have decided to commemorate the day the Alexandrov castle became Hogwarts. They wish to call it the Alexandrov Ball. I am honored.
This would eventually become the well-known tradition at the school, a descendant of Cyrus hosting it and being an honored guest.
Another student sat before me.
“Nathaniel, right?”
His voice was deep and seemed to resonate. I’d seen him around the school but we’d never had a conversation before nor had I paid him much attention.
“Yeah, but it’s just Noah.” I muffled a chuckle. I could feel my hands start to sweat and my stomach do jumping jacks, he was beautiful.
“You don’t know who I am, do you?” He eyed me up and down, probably trying to see if I’d recognize him and as much as I tried I couldn’t.
I let out a sigh that became engulfed in a giggle.
“If I’m being honest, no. And I think I’d remember you.”
My words became rambles.
“I’m Thor.”
“Like the comic book superhero?” this time he laughed, pushing his seat closer towards the table.
“No, my name is Thorfinn, Thorfinn Rowle.”
“Holy shit, Finny Rowle?” I couldn’t stop my jaw from falling. He’d left Hogwarts two years prior, moving to the Netherlands.
Thorfinn Rowle, he’d been a year above mine and a Slytherin. The Rowle family had been known world travelers, never staying in one spot for very long. His family had recently made the Daily Prophet for their discoveries of an ancient wizarding society in the Netherlands. Finny, had also been my first kiss.
“I go by Thor now, my family just moved back to England. Glad to see you’re doing fine.” his smile was perfection.
“I was actually wondering if you’d want to go to the Three Broomsticks, maybe catch up?”
For a moment it felt like he was asking me on a date, but we hadn’t seen each other in over two years. Grabbing a butterbeer together wouldn’t hurt.
“Yeah, I’d love that.” I again began to giggle. Was I flirting?
“NOAH!” Someone called for me, the closer the voice got the more I could hear the panic behind it.
“Wormtail? Is that you?” I yelled.
Peter stopped in front of us, covered in sweat and trying to catch his breath.
In between breaths, he murmured two words.
“Dementor. Morgan.”
Instincts kicked in, I tried to sense Morgan but I couldn’t feel her. Morgan had been attacked by a Dementor and I hadn’t seen or felt anything. I was useless as a seer.
That’s why he doesn’t want you. He wants her.
I pushed the thought out of mind as quickly as it came. I could never be jealous of the situation my cousin was in.
Thorfinn placed his hand on mine, his touch making my skin feel warm.
“You should go. Make sure your cousin is okay.”
“Raincheck.” I took Peter by the arm and ran towards the Gryffindor Common room without looking back.
I loved Sirius, and no warm hands would ever change that.
Once inside the Common Room, everyone circled one of the couches.
Morgan laid unconscious; Remus holding her hand.
“What the hell happened?”
The entire room turned to stare at me.
“A Dementor found its way towards the owlery. She tried fighting but it got the better of her.” Remus's gaze never left Morgan as he spoke.
“I barely made it in time. Dementors are among the foulest creatures that walk this earth. They infest the darkest, filthiest places, they glory in decay and despair, they drain peace, hope, and happiness out of the air around them...”
I felt Sirius's hands find mine.
“Get too near a Dementor and every good feeling, every happy memory will be sucked out of you. If it can, the Dementor will feed on you long enough to reduce you to something like itself... soulless and evil. There would be nothing left of you.” Although his words were aimed at everyone, I felt like Sirius was speaking to me.
Sirius pulled me in for a hug, one that I did not reciprocate.
“Could everyone give us a minute, in private.” I turned around, addressing everyone in the room. Turning to Sirius and mouthing Please, I could see it hurt him to leave. I allowed myself to fall into his arms and kiss him.
“We’ll be okay,” I whispered.
Remus however lingered.
“I’ll make sure she sees you when she wakes up.”
Reluctantly, he agreed.
Once everyone was gone, I kneeled down next to Morgan.
“Things are never going to be easy for us, huh?” I allowed tears to fall down my cheeks.
“You know, I really thought this year would be different.” I sighed heavily, grabbing on to Morgan's hands.
We’d always been told we were connected, how our gifts were different than other; that I was different.
“Let's see what’s in your head.”
| |
| | | | Kaez Alexandrov
Head Administrator
Posts : 1101
Join date : 2010-09-19
Age : 31
Location : Knockturn Alley
| | Subject: Re: Dark Times Are Close (Closed to Alex Johnson) Sat Nov 09, 2019 2:33 pm | |
| I walked down the halls of the castle, my intuition telling me where to go. I stopped short to the entrance to a secret passageway and opened it, my eyebrows raised when I saw Sirius sitting there twirling his wand, I could sense anger and sadness from him.
“I used to be a catch, you know?” He spoke but didn’t look me in the eyes, “every girl in school wanted me…” He stood up, “perhaps that’s who I’m meant to be.” He then looked at me, his eyes red, he had been crying. “I’m going to get back out there, I’m going to be who I used to be again. After all, what’s the point in trying for him anymore?” He walked out.
“Sirius, wait!” I called back to him, but I couldn’t move. He slipped into the darkness.
I was transported to the Great Hall, I looked around, Sirius was surrounded by a group of girls, he looked at me in the eyes before kissing one on the lips. I looked for Noah, he was nowhere to be found…
I woke up with a deep breath, Noah stood there face to face with me, his hands to my temples. Quickly I sat up, feeling like my privacy was invaded. All this time practicing Occlumency, and he managed to slip through the cracks. I knew he saw what I saw, I could feel it.
I cleared my throat, rubbing the back of my neck. Remus quickly came to me and cupped my cheeks. I flinched, I didn’t want to be touched right now. He noticed this, quickly letting go.
“What happened? Why am I here?”
“You don’t remember the dementor?” Remus spoke softly.
I thought back, and the image of the dementor looming over me caused me to shiver. I nodded.
“I came to look for you,” he knelt in front of me, taking my hands as he looked into my eyes, “you… you couldn’t cast a patronus.”
My eyes watered, remembering that too. Who was I becoming? What was so wrong with me that I couldn’t conjure one? Was I so blinded by misery that no happiness was left within me? I took a deep breath, attempting to center myself.
“Thank you for saving me,” I bent forward and kissed his forehead.
This wasn’t Remus’s fault, I couldn’t hold it against him.
“It seems this term won’t be a normal one either,” I looked at Noah, trying to read him, “we have important things to worry about, more important than just us… What are we going to do?”
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