Soft footsteps echoed across the expansive black room , Like a sweeping phantom , With whispers on her heels , the woman draped in palid yellow approached a set of stairs marred black and gold .
Her features hidden behind the white veil , She lifted the hem of her robes and ascended the impossibly old stairs towards a balcony .
It was on that balcony that the palid woman found herself robbed of breath like the first tine she had followed her new master here.
Black stars hung in the heavens , Twinkling an eternal black light for ages untold. The sky itself was the same colour as her pale yellow robes , Swirling with violently churning clouds of sulphuric yellow whikst planetary debris hung above even those. The stellar bodies long since destroyed , circulating above the atmosphere like threatening wardens , but they never descended .
Most breathtaking yet , was the scene she was gifted as she stared at the far end of the balcony .
A shadow , Draped on yellow even more feverish than her own robes , tatters of the silent king fluttered through the air , akin to whispering memory .. shifting like eternal sands.
No features of this magnificent creature were visible , Like one wasn't permitted to know this great kings face .
Yet it turned to her , But what awaited her when the front of thise robes turned , wasn't a face , rather an empty void as dark as the deepest trenches , as black as a starless sky . Yet for all its pitch black emptiness , there was a weight to the darkness , staring at her with listless features .
No ... there was one ... single feature to this entities face . But it couldn't be found on its body , It's eyes ... it's eyes weren't featured in its head or where it's head should be. Instead ... she turned her gaze to the horizon .
There , on the horizon .. unblinking because they couldn't. Twin pale stars , black rimmed with golden flames , stared back . All seeing ... all knowing . A part of the kings body as much as the very land they stood , those eyes ... those sun's watched her eternally .
She fell to one knee Immediately and without hesitation , her reverent breaths shaking her body as the king turned and floated toward her like a phantom on the wind. The sleeves where its arms should have been , empty as its soul , fluttered behind it .
" It is done my master " She risked raising her head , eyes landing on the strange ripple crested necklace hanging around the kings neck. It's eye like centre watching her as much as the sun's in the distance . Her eyes darted away from its golden elegance , for looking apon it for even that split second caused a headache to erupt through her mind.
" I ... have done as you asked ... Milford " Her head bowed downward as she spoke . She quivered in the silence that followed , Wether he was pleased with her performance in not , she didn't know .
That was until , The wind surged around . He didn't speak , no the world around them answered for him. A whisper of approval , The kings satisfaction. The silent praise for her performance made her shiver with barely concealed delight.
She looked apon his radiance once more , this time however , A pendant and another book floated between her and her new master.
Though the command had not been uttered , she instinctually knew of her given task as Instinctual as one they needed food to survive .
" Of course your majesty " She reached up to collect the two given items , and as soon as she touched those said items ,the world around her shifted , swirling into a cascade of black and yellow before she fell through the void.
Where as the first time such an experinve to her , she had found herself lying on dirt, this time she landed with sift footfalls within the forbidden forest , away from prying eyes .
' Here again ' The same place she had first followed him into that blessed realm , She found herself not far from the rickety bridge that lead to hogwarts.
She cast a glance back at the castle where her past lay , And turned her back on it in silence , fading Into the trees of the forbidden forest where she vanished moments later .
....
The weekend arrived swiftly once more . Though assatur continued to borrow books from the headmasters office, He found himself frequently surrounded by lucious and his friends no matter where he went. Whether it was lucious conscious effort to maintain a close bond on his end , of they gravitated around him, He saw no issue with their presence.
Forgoing the schools thick robes for the weekend , Assatur basked under the shade of a tree with a white button up, Leaning on one elbow as he lay in on the thick green grasses , his head resting on his hand as his ' Friends 'Loitered about .
His eyes opened slowly, catching the Glistening sheen of the lakes reflection, The gentle winds blowing through from across the lake itself , and the smell of salt gently penetrating his Nostrils.
His golden gaze rose to a single leaf Fluttering down from the tree he nestled against , It's life spent , Following the winds currents wherever it would be taken , until it landed ... where it would ultimately die.
' Such is life ... ' His lips thinned ever so slightly , Turning towards another whom also lay against the tree . The crooked nosed boy with greasy hair and dark eyes sat , engrossed in a thick potions textbook whilst studying despite his talent, obviously he was as diligent as he was talented.
' I wander where your life will take you , where will the winds place you apon your return to your roots ' Assatur adjusted his posture , The golden links of his pendant rustling ever so slightly ' Will you look back on your life... one day when you know your time comes... will you be able to look back and say ' I did alright ' or will you be laced with regret ... wishing you could have done ... more '
' Only time will tell ' His gazed turned to the two love birds not far away , Laying in eachothers arms under the soft sunlight filtering through the clouds , whispering sweet nothing's to eachother , promises and platitudes.
' Atleast I know your future is set ' The edges of his lips curled and eyes lidded , as hesitant as he was to say these people were his friends ... he found himself wishing nothing but the best for them in the future .
And finally , he turned to Duran and fletcher , the two brothers having a competition along the waters edge , using their wands to throw large amounts of water at eachother in some strange competition the two had come up with.
It was ... peaceful... a quiet reprieve from the issues they faced through the week , The threats on the horizon and uncertain futures. Right here ... right now ... they were simply ... kids ... enjoying the joys they were afforded together.
If there was even some modicum of what they called peace , Assatur was sure this moment would probably be fit to be described as ' Peace '
" SOMETHING TOUCHED MY FOOT " Fletcher cried , speeding up and out of the water tied wide open fearful eyes , slinging blasting curses into the water as he ran .
' Of course the peace is fleeting ' Though the group broke into laughs as fletcher collapsed into the grass , Heaving as he brother pointed and laughed .
" SHUT UP "
...
ASTRONOMY TOWER - 11 PM
...
The stars twinkled high above , With sparce clouds and calm winds , He stood with a telescope in hand pointed at the sky .
His gaze focussed on a particular patch of sky , Yet he wasn't headless of the noise or goings around him. Thus when a pair of footsteps announced the arrival of another. He wasn't startled . Instead he continued to gaze towards the skies where man once dreamed to reach.
" I hear some species can divine visions of the past , present and future from looking at the stars " He began , Not looking at the arrival nor a greeting, rather beginning their conversation through introspection and questioning " Do you think you could do the same "
" I wouldn't pretend to say I could " Albus spoke calmly , he wasn't irritated the boy was out after curfew , Nor was he surprised at all . Rather he was ever curious about what the boy was pondering about up here in the middle of the night.
" You're a wise man professor " Assatur adjusted the scope , Turning slightly to stare at another Glistening comsic body .
" I would say I've lived and learned more like " He held his hands behind his back , a question on the tip of his tongue that refused to allow itself to be asked .
" Isn't that the same thing " Assatur retorted. Refuting album's refute .
" I suppose you're right " He couldn't help but acquiesce , Squinting slightly along the boys direction of sight.
" Do you think it's possible " Assatur didn't probe , instead he slowly lowered his telescope , Turning to albus with curious yet expressionless eyes.
The wind around them howled , yet it was soft , whistling off of the towers in the distance.
" I ... might have put some thought into it " He didn't deny it , he'd be lying if he said he no ... who wouldn't .
" Then ... do you fear the unknown " Now that , was abit of a more personal question , And albus pondered his answer , Leaning on the astronomy tower railing whikst assatur studied his reaction.
" I wouldn't deny it " His voice low , Filled with emotion only privy to the aged man.
" Then professor ... a strange question ... do you know what you don't know " Assatur strode up to albus's side , the two staring at the great lake in the distance where it surface reflected the light thrust apon it by the night sky .
" I do not " Deeply philosophical, Yet more curious than probing , albus found himself once more appreciating the intelligent conversation he was having .
" You regret the past don't you professor " He froze , Shoulders tensing at the accusation , Like the boy knew .
" I do " It came as a whisper. But the whisper carried enough to illicit a small nod from assatur.
" Do you wish things had played out differently " Albus closed his eyes , And for a long minute , simply remembered . From his happiest times in the past with gellert and abaforth , To the times he used to run around their home with his dear sister. And the fateful day where all the innocence of a child's life ended .
" I do " He didn't face assatur , but he knew the boy was aware of the silent tear that ran down his cheek.
" Then " Like the whisper of a devil promising the world , assatur spoke his compelling words " If someone offered you the chance to go back and change it ... all of it ... would you "
" I would not " He steeled himself , Chin wavering once before it became set in stone , those eyes in his head Turing crystalline.
" I see ... you're a good man professor " He didn't press nor pry , whatever albus decided was his fate and his fate alone.
" I wish that I was Mr kaiwan " It wasn't a refute , Rather the weary words of a man whom understood just who he was deep down.
" Don't we all " And to that albus shook his head ever so slightly , a small smile on the tips of his lips .
" Not all .. unfortunately " And was the truth , because there existed some that refused to admit they could make mistakes , some who thought they should rule the world , some who were monsters in human skin.
" With that ... I think I'll depart professor , Have a nice evening " Having recieved the answers he sought, he packed up his telescope and pther gear , slinging them over his shoulder and walking towards the stairs back down the astronomy tower .
" And to you as well Mister kaiwan ..." Albus didn't turn away from the railing , instead he called out" And Mister kaiwan "
" Yes professor .. " Already halfway down the stairs , assatur passed, head poking out from just below the staircase well .
" Saturn has been very bright recently hasn't it " Albus spoke calmly , an accusation hidden by simple observation.
" That it has professor ... that it has " He gave no outward reaction nor a shift in his gaze, simply replied as one usually would .
They both looked up towards the same spot assatur had been gazing earlier , and indeed , even without a telescope ... Saturn was particularly bright right , even easily discernible from the other celestial bodies.
" Goodnight Mister kaiwan " Albus gave a kind smile and a gentle wave , Turning his gaze up in the direction assatur had been staring not a minute prior.
" Goodnight professor dumbledore " Assatur ducked away , Leaving the headmaster to stare at a particularly bright star in the sky that seemed to be dimming now that the particular student wasn't present .
" Saturn is bright indeed "
....
" Today's the day " Colin m. Leapt out of his bed with a wide bright smile , Brown eyes locking onto the mirrors surface that stood beside his bed .
His swagger was evident as he dressed himself , blonde hair framing his relatively young features.
" Oh " His cheerful, rosy lips turned to a small portrait sat on his dresser , Where a group of friends could he seen posing .
' Yes ... today is definitely the day ... ' His fist clenched in determination , Staring at a brown haired girl at the centre of the portrait. They all wore the robes of black and green , As both he and his friends were of the slytherin house .
" SHUT up mudblood " A curse came from the next boy over , Tossing a book straight at the back of his head .
" Sorry " Spirit's doused but not destroyed , Colin ducked away , quickly finishing dressing himself and Fleeing imout into the common room .
You see , Colin was and always will be. Muggle born. And as one of the only muggle borns placed into slytherin especially these last few years , Was not welcome.
And so he kept to himself , Braving , enduring the scorn thrown at him by his housemates . Ostracised for simply existing . More often than not his belongings would go missing , his text books destroyed or waking to find himself hanging from a gargoyle in a hallway . But he endured it all.
' For her... ' He stepped into the commonroom , And his heart became a flutter , Brown eyes widening as his cheeks became rosy .
' Andromeda ' Brown hair and brown eyes , she was a goddess of war and intelligence amidst their bigoted housemates . One of the only four people to show him compassion in this dreary house .
Known as andromeda black , everyone knew she was the sister of the wicked bellatrix and the noble narcissa , But she was like neither of the two siblings, instead she was kind . Considerate to him amd their friends Ted.
" Ah there you are , we were waiting on you " Ted joked , Smiling though there was that hint of challenge in his eyes. Indeed, they both vied for the attention of andromeda , two friends whom had hearts for one ... they never said it aloud, But ... they knew.
" Are you well " Daisy , the fourth of their friends group smiled at him , A gentle caring smile " You look tired "
" I am , But thats okay " He replied quickly , sending a smile toward andromeda as she gave him a smile and turned to joke with Ted.
" Colin do you ..." Daisy , the kind blonde he spent much of his time with over the last couple of years began , Her hands wringing , refusing to meet his gaze.
" We're heading to hogsmeade aren't we " Cut off suddenly by colins eager chime , daisy hung her head , Nodding silently as the group quickly rose .
" then Let's go "
" Alright ... " Daisy mumbled , Following behind Colin like a sad puppy .
All the while , As they left, Gold eyes stared at their back , Assatur. Sitting across the chamber with lucious and narcissa , watched their departure with a somewhat ... pitying look .
...HOGSMEADE ...
" They sell the best candies here " Daisy presented to Colin, Beaming at his wide smile , The sign of honeydukes hanging from the store front before them .
" Well let's go inside " Ted stepped toward , Opening the front of the store to allow andromeda in , Followed by daisy and Colin who sent a small glare at his old friend .
" Woah ... so much " Andromeda laughed , Rows and stands of candy lay open , the sweet smell of fresh vanilla creating a pleasant scent throughout the store that made Colin eyes flutter .
" Right ... do you want some " Colin turned to andromeda who was currently staring at a strange frog of chocolate by currently trying to escape its confines .
" Sure " Andromeda nodded , giving a kind smile as daisy trotted up , arms full of her favourite candy's that she presented to Colin.
" They look so good " Colin entertained his classmate , Her beaming smile warming his slightly as he turned to andromeda who had a small amount of candy and chocolate. Yet his smile froze as he saw her accompanied by Ted at the counter .
" Don't worry about it , I'll pay " Ted whispered to andromeda , Smiling down at her as she gave his arm a gentle squeeze.
" Thanks Ted " She mumbled back shyly , And Colin felt his face grow taunt.
...
Crestfallen, Colin and gang found themselves planted in a booth at the front if honeyduckes where they could quietly eat .
Ted and andromeda sitting together whilst daisy sat at his side , where she looked out the window towards the rest of hogsmeade .
" Whats your plans for the holidays Colin " Daisy asked between bites of the chocolate that smeared her face. Looking apon him with a light in her eyes .
" Well .. I'm heading back to London to see my parents , I hope they're doing well " He tried not to look at Ted or andromeda, Rather he stared down at the small assortment of candies he might like , though he wasn't sure what to start off with.
" What about you andromeda " Ted asked , Leaning on his arm as he focussed his attention on the girl beside him , whilst colins hands curled under the table .
" I uh ... I'm going on a trip with my family to Egypt " She replied , Tearing the head off of the chocolate frog , Squinting as it's legs twitched in her mouth " Hm"
" Oh " The spoke at length about what they were going to do for the comming holiday, Daisy asking Colin to her house to which he gave a none committed reply.
They sat there for an hour before something , a disturbance from outside drew their attention.
" Hey what's " Ted began as cries echoed from outside the parlour , Wizards and witches Fleeing all in one direction.
" Hm ... " Andromeda and Ted leant to see what was going on , But before any of them could react . Their world erupted in white light and seering flames .
" Ahhhh" None of them had any time to react , Save for Ted whom had thrown himself over andromeda and daisy whom flung Colin over with the mass of her small body .
...
' What's... ' His ears wrung and body tingled , A weight settled over his chest as dust rushed into his Nostrils.
He gagged and coughed thrice, Heaving himself up as blonde hair splayed him .
" What happened " He shook his head to clear the spots in his vision .
Red and blue , colours of all kind were illuminated in his vision , All around, rubble lay across everything infront of his gaze , and his eyes tracked down to the stone and wood currently layed over his top .
" Argh " He grunted , pushing the rubble and stone off of his body.
" DAISY " His voice cracked. Funding the girl barely conscious as she lay half sprawled over his lower body " DAISY ARE YOU ALRIGHT "
Hands flew as he cleared the debris from her prone body , looping his hand under her armpits and pulling her from the rest of the rubble .
It was in doing that , that he became aware of the vicious firefight occurring just beyond the blown open front of the store. Death eaters throwing spells at the precious few whom stood in their way as they hunted .
" Oh ... it seems we missed some " Three draped in black and skull capped masks , Stepped up and onto the destroyed store front.
" S...STAY AWAY FROM THEM " His spell tore from his wand , screeching through the air to divert the attention of these despicable death eaters , And behind him , Ted and andromeda lay , sprawled and unable to move .
BANG
His spell struck one of the black masked figures , sending one flying through the air and crashing to the ground with a thunderous crash .
" Y...YOU ... FILTHY MUDBLOOD"
" PROTEGO" He shouted as a barrier of blue erupted , catching the bombarda , sending it off back the way it came.
Rapidly and quickly , Several spells were flung violently and explosively . Throwing debris and chunks around as he stood alone.
It was a fools gambit , but he had to .
' For them ' His eyes darted to the side momentarily where andromeda and Ted lay sprawled , His brow setting as several more spells exploded from the tip of his wand.
A blasting curse exploded the back of the shop behind him , His ears wrung again in response , His focus wavering for a moment as he leapt to the side.
" PROTEGO " He cried , Landing and slinging another series of spells at the two death eaters .
Pain erupted through his right side as a severing charm barely knocked him , Tearing his uniform , Flaying flesh and rending his bad arm useless.
' So that's it huh ... ' He chuckled slightly , His hand moving automatically, His lips sprawying spells with oracticed ease , but his thoughts elsewhere , the pain in his waist a wakeup call .
' Stay safe ... ' He felt tears bristle , stinging the sides of his lidded eyes , as sweat ran down his brow. He slung curses and hexes , all he knew at the two remaining death eaters that reciprocated with their own .
' live long and well ' The heat of a confringo singed his right side as it struck the wall to his side, His cry of pain drowned by the crashing of his protego.
" BOMBARDA " He cried out , Launching a second of the three death eaters away until he crashed violently into a fallen tree .
' I'm sorry daisy... ' Of course he knew. How could he not , Everyone knew ... Even him , And now , As he stood alone infront of his collapsed friends. His protego spent.
" RAAAGH " A last ditch effort on both their parts , His opponent roared under his mask , As a blinding crackling light crashed at the centre of them .
Ground quaked under their feet , Soot stung his eyes and nose . His ears rung once more , And yet he persevered , Both hands flying to his wand to keep it steady as the red beam of his wand struck collided head on with his opponents green.
' I really am ... ' The burning scratches on his face kept his clarity even as exhaustion threatened to drown him .
' Hmph ... ' The terrified, wavering of his face twisted ever so slightly. Several emotions , from fear , sorrow and anger ran through his face . Ultimately settling on a firm , resolute glint if his eye ' But not alone '
His spell wavered and he made his mind. He had a split second to act , to utter his most practiced spell, a spell he could use to ensure the safety if thise he cherished.
' You better watch over them Ted '
" DIFFINDO " The spell flung from his wand just as the green beam of his enemy sunk into his chest .
He felt it immediately, The severence within his body , The removal of something vital.
Yet he stumbled , He had to be sure. Be sure of their safety as the green glow of his eyes began to take effect, the strength of his body rapidly Fleeing.
" Ah ... Good " The death eater slid apart into four pieces, Head falling tonthe right , his chest and stomach separating as entrails spilled and his legs fell away , Collapsing to the ground in a display of viscera .
" They're safe " Daisy, Ted and andromeda awoke as he stumbled , his right leg giving out below him , his wand falling to the ground.
" I leave the rest to you " He finally collapsed , His eyes growing murky in an instant. His final breath leaving his body .
' I love you andromeda ... I'll be watching ... all of you ' His eyes grew heavy yellow Fluttering on the corners of his vision for but a single moment before everything went black , closing slowly as that last thought ran through his mind .
" NOOOOOO " Daisy's cries of anguish tore through her throat , Her shrill shriek a cry none would ever forget, scarring their very souls as they watched her crawl forward through the rubble she had been layed against.