The Ace
Andy took the card from Daphne and flipped it over, looking at the back. "No way. It can't be."
"What is it?" Terence asked.
"It's one of the Shadow Cards," Andy replied, showing him the back, "but more importantly, it's the Shadow Card. The Ace Of Diamonds."
"But that's been missing for centuries!" Terence exclaimed.
"If we have this card, and the legend is true, then we could be the ones to discover the location of the most powerful naturally occurring magic."
"But we'd need all the other cards. And they're in the SpanishMagical Museum. How do you propose we get our hands on them? We're only thirteen," Magnus, who had been quiet throughout the conversation, abruptly ran off at Terence's words.
"Library," He shouted behind him as he ran.
"I wonder what that was about," Andy said. Terence shrugged.
"Probably something to do with the Shadow Cards," Daphne responded, "I think I know how to get those cards."
"How?" Terence asked. Daphne looked around to check the corridor was deserted.
"Have you ever heard of Black Diamond?" She whispered. Andy's eyes widened.
"Yes, but why would they steal the Shadow Cards? They've been searching for the Ace Of Diamonds, among other things, for years. Better for them to just take it from us."
"So we don't go for them, then. We ask some other group."
"They'll all be the same."
"Not necessarily. My father made a deal with Trishields once. They wouldn't do it for free, but they always stick to their word."
"And how do we reach out to them?" Andy asked, still doubtful.
"We'll need Summer's friend, Daemon." Daphne replied.
"Okay, can somebody tell me what Black Diamond and Trishields are? I have absolutely no idea what you're talking about," Terence requested, looking at the two girls in confusion.
"There are many secret societies of both muggles and wizards alike around the world, all with varying agendas." Andy answered. "Black Diamond is based in Spain, but they do heists all over the world. They have stolen many of the world's most expensive artifacts, some of which are magical. They used to be in possesion of the Shadow Cards, before Spearhead stole it off them and gave it to the Spanish Magical Museum.
"That's roughly when the Ace Of Diamonds went missing, disappearing into the European Circle. Its popped up a few times, as you know, but nobody has known its location for nine decades. It's also said that whomever reunites the card with the rest of the deck will uncover the most powerful magic in our world, but what most don't know is that it is also said that the holder of the Ace Of Diamonds will be the true leader of Black Diamond."
"That's why I thought we could go to them. Rumours have been going around that the old leader has recently died, and a civil war has broken out to find the new one. If we asked all of the competitors, then they would be competing to get the Shadow Cards! Then whoever got them will get the Ace Of Diamonds, while we get the location of powerful magic," Daphne added. Andy continued.
"There are many other societies in the European Circle. Spearhead collects magical artifacts. They commonly return objects to their rightful owners, or keep them if no owner can be found. While some may not like it, everything they do is technically legal in both magical and muggle law.
Trishields is a nicer version of Black Diamond. They do steal, yes, but they also help others. They do what ends with them having the best outcome, but don't actively seek to harm people unless it is necessary."
"Wow. That was a lot of information that I probably won't remember," Terence said.
"Basically, there are secret societies all over the globe that do different stuff. Our best bet at getting the cards is to go to Trishields, because Black Diamond will just take the card, and Spearhead gave the Shadow Cards to the museum, so they wouldn't help steal it," Daphne simplified.
"That makes sense, I guess."
"What does?" A voice behind them asked. They turned to see a Hufflepuff prefect standing behind them.
"Nothing," Andy said, hiding the Ace in her pocket. He clearly did not believe her, so she continued. "I was talking to myself about 'nothing'. Because it's more interesting than it seems. 'Nothing' is actually something, because it is a 'thing', and 'something' means 'some-thing', therefore 'nothing' falls under the category of 'something'. But 'nothing' is a contraction of 'no thing'. Which becomes really confusing, because then 'no thing' is 'some thing', therefore a 'thing'. So 'no thing' is impossible, because it is a 'thing', which means there is 'something'. Which makes 'nothing' very confusing."
The prefect looked at her in confusion. "That feels like it should make sense, but it doesn't. To me, at least."
"Well, I thought the same thing. Which is why I said 'That makes sense, I guess.'"
"Wait, but you said you were talking to yourself. You had two friends with you."
"I did?" Andy looked around her, silently relieved when she saw her friends had taken the opportunity to run off, "I don't see anybody else here but you and me."
"But I heard a male voice!"
"Are you sure you're okay? I haven't spoken to any boys today apart from you. I think I would know if I had."
"No. You must be lying."
"Pretty sure I'm vertical, and not in a horizontal position." Andy said. The prefect laughed, and Andy grinned.
"That was a terrible joke."
"Oh, I know. But you're imagining things, and people no less, so I thought I'd lighten the mood a bit."
"You definitely had two more people with you."
"Think what you want to think, I can't stop you."
"Cedric, Andy." Professor Fawley greeted as she entered the corridor, "I trust everything is alright?"
"Yes, Professor. I was trying to understand 'nothing'."
"And I caught her after curfew."
"If I am not mistaken, Andy had a hall pass until 9pm."
"You did?" The prefect, Cedric, asked in suprise.
"Yes, but I wanted to see if you understood 'nothing'. It was nice talking to you. See you tomorrow professor," Andy said, walking to the Slytherin Common Room.
~|~
"Aaaaaaandyyyyyyy! Waaaaaake uuuuuuuup!" Andy opened her eyes to Daphne about to pour cold water on her head. She rolled off her bed just in time.
"Ow."
"I tried to stop her." Summer said. "But you know Daph."
"Hey! What's that supposed to mean!"
"You know what its supposed to mean." Summer replied. The two began bickering, so Andy went to the bathroom to get changed.
The mirror had steamed over, but letters were slowly appearing. Andy gaped at it and called Daphne. "For Andromeda Clock: Do not bother with Trishields, Spearhead, or Black Diamond. I wish to take up your offer, on behalf of Thornblood. Meet me on the Astronomy Tower at midnight. Bring three others with you, and the Ace Of Diamonds." Andy read the message out.
"Should we trust whoever sent this?" Daphne asked skeptically.
"No. But we should go," Andy replied, "they want to get us the Shadow Cards."
"Or they could be lying to get the Ace. We should stick to Trishields. We don't know what Thornblood wants in return."
"And neither do we know what Trishields want either. We should go, if only to hear them out."
"Fine. But I'm coming with you," Daphne said reluctantly.
"And I'll ask Magnus and Percival to come as well," Andy responded.
~|~
Apart from nearly being caught by Cedric again, Andy managed to make it to the Astronomy Tower without any difficulties. Magnus was with her, but Percival met them at the base of the stairs. A girl with silver hair was standing at the railing, looking out over the Forbidden Forest, "I see you got my message."
"I did," Andy said, "what do you want for the Shadow Cards?"
"The location of The Tear."
"What's the–" Andy began.
"Two of your friends seem to know," Andy turned at the girl's words. Magnus's eyes were wide, and Percival had recognition and anger etched into his face, but his eyes were that of longing.
"You know what The Tear is?" She asked.
"I read about it in a book," was Magnus's reply, "it's–"
"It's none of your concern," Percival interrupted, "all that matters is that the Shadow Cards lead to its location, and that is what Thornblood wants."
"But it must be important if it is the most powerful magical place in the world," Andy pointed out.
"Magnus only knows because he read a book in the Restricted Section that needed special permission from the headmaster to read. That sort of information should not just be thrown around! If it found its way into the ears of the wrong people, some very bad things would happen. If you really want to know, I'll tell you later. After all this Chamber nonsense is sorted out."
"Chamber? What chamber?" Andy asked.
"I'll tell you tomorrow."
"As it just so happens, I was the one to persuade Albus to let Magnus read that book. What was it called... The Secrets Of The Nine Worlds?" Magnus nodded uncertainly at the silver-haired girl's words. "Now, let me see the card." Andy held it up. "Well its real, I'll give you that." She produced a small vial. "Whose shall it be?" Andy glanced at Percival, who had let the colour leave his skin briefly in shock.
"No," Percival said, "Andy, do not make this deal. We'll find another way of getting the cards. Ask Trishields, even Black Diamond if you have to. Do not take this deal." Something in his voice made Andy hesitate.
"Why?" She asked.
"She wants your blood. And she'll mix it with hers. You'll have to keep the deal, no matter what. Or–"
"Or I'll die," Andy finished.
"No, you won't die." Percival corrected. "You'll–" He paused. "Well let's just say its alot worse than death. And not just that. You'll be bound. Forever. And forever is a long time."
"Yeah, but I'll die at some point. We all die eventually, Percival."
"And still you will be bound, even when you are dead. Anybody who carries your blood will be bound to any that carries hers. If any of them break that deal, even if they don't know it exists, they will still fall victim to the consequences. Whatever deal you make now will affect generations to come."
"So I don't have kids."
"Why would you give that up just for a deck of cards?"
"It seems he's persuaded you. But who ever said it had to be your blood, Andromeda? It could be Magnus's, or your other friend's," the girl said.
"It would have to be Daphne, if it wasn't Andy." Percival pointed out.
"And why is that?" Andy asked.
"Because I–" He cut himself off. "I cannot. And Magnus is a Dragon. Their family has enough curses to deal with already." Something told Andy that wasn't the reason.
"I am not giving my blood to some random person." Daphne said.
"My name is Allena Dumbledore. You can trust me."
"I've learned the hard way to never trust a Dumbledore," Percival responded, "on multiple occasions, in fact. I find they do alot for personal gain, and little for anyone else if it doesn't benefit his or herself."
"I could say the same for your family."
"Nobody from my family are still alive. They've been dead for years."
"You're father had an illegitimate son."
"If his descendant–"
"Don't worry. They go by the surname Storm now. In fact, his only living direct descendant goes to this school," Percival looked to Andy.
"Orion Storm."
"Precisely." Allena Dumbledore said. "Now, will you take my deal?"
~|~
Percival stood outside Slytherin Common Room and waited for Andy to come out. He, as promised, was going to tell her about the Chamber being reopened. "So what is this about a Chamber?" Andy asked the moment she emerged.
"The Chamber Of Secrets has been opened."
"What's that?"
"It was created by Salazar Slytherin in 998, to house Slytherin's monster, a Basilisk. Over the years, it has been opened several times by the Gaunt family, his descendants. The last time was 50 years ago, by Tom Riddle. You'll know him as Voldemort."
"But if the line died with him..." Andy trailed off.
"I have no idea how, but Voldemort must be back. It's the only explanation."
"Perce, how do you know this?" Andy asked.
"Well, Salazar Slytherin made the Chamber... Well he made it because of me. You know I've been around for a while. One thousand years. You learn alot in that period of time," Percival paused, and began.
"My full name is Percival Frederick Arthur Time. I was born on December 18th 981AD, and I died on 5th February 998. I began school in 992 when I was eleven. Howarts was founded in 990, so it had been around for two years when I joined. I made friends over the school years.
"The first being Alexander Tale. My elder brother was Merlin, and he was best friends with Tobias Dragon. Toby's younger brother, Gwaine, was one of my dorm mates, along with Alexander and Felix. Felix was lucky, very lucky. So, later on, when Toby named his potion of luck, he called it Felix Felicis after him. We were all Slytherins.
"On the 3rd September 992, we all cast our first spell at 7pm, so we could remember the exact time later on. I turned Alexander's owl's feathers green and silver. In my third year, Alexander's younger brother, Oliver, came to Hogwarts and was sorted into Ravenclaw. In Oliver's year there was also Helena Ravenclaw and Adam Binns.
"Some of my closest friends were Gryffindors. I went to school in a time when the Gryfindor-Slytherin rivalry was non-existent. In fact, I am fairly sure it only exists because of me. I was in the wrong place at the wrong time, and the result was an argument that led to a duel and a rivalry that prevented many friendships, as well as causing people like Voldemort to come into power.
"When I was seventeen, I was walking in the dungeons of Howarts when I came across a large, broken white shell. I looked around and met the yellow eyes of a snake the size of my bed, and I died. Professor Slytherin found me only a few minutes later, and I was rushed to the Hospital Wing. I was still able to save, the Basilisk had only been newly hatched.
"The founders used as many spells and potions as they could think of. Four powerful wizards trying to save one boy," Percival let out a dry chuckle. "They succeeded, in a way. Sometimes I wish they hadn't. I wish that they'd just let me die. When I woke, I felt different. I was different. I had become the first ever Poltergeist. They said I could still do magic with my wand, so it did for a while. I still passed my NEWTs, two Os, four Es, one A. Alexander and the others remained my friends.
"Salazar and Godric had an argument a few weeks after my death. It began as a small thing, a conflict of interest about how housepoints should work. But gradually it grew into something more. Salazar's one-time mention of the fact that he thought only Pureblood wizards should attend Hogwarts was brought up.
"Then Godric mentioned my death. He said that it would never had happened if Salazar hadn't been experimenting with magical creatures. Salazar said that he had locked it up in a Chamber far beneath the school. But they continued to argue, until Salazar left the room. He left Hogwarts the next morning, and he was never seen again.
"Godric was upset, more than upset really. He and Salazar had been closer than brothers. Professor Gryffindor used Salazar's idea for the house-point system in his honour. If he'd had it his way, Slytherins and Gryffindors would still be friends to this day. But very few people knew what had actually happened. They thought it was all about Professor Slytherin being a pure-blood supremacist, so that's what the history books say.
"Godric created a sword not long afterwards. The only way to kill a basilisk is to defeat it with a weapon flowing with the power of a blood-stone created with the blood of the basilisks first kill. The jewel in the handle of the sword is a blood-stone. It was created with my blood. Godric never got a chance to use the sword, Salazar had hidden the Chamber entrance too well.
"Well, over the years I adopted a new persona. Alexander was the one to suggest the name Peeves. The founders died off, and I became the resident poltergeist of Hogwarts. I stopped using my wand, it reminded me too much of my school years. Alexander died after a fit of rage. He killed his love, and killed himself after seeing what he had done.
"It was a few years later when Merlin and Toby came back to Hogwarts, looking for answers. They found a book, in a hidden alcove in the back of the restricted section. It told them of a tear in the boundary between two realms: Earth and Fair. It told them of a realm of beasts and beings whose magic was far superior to the four founders combined. They decided to find the Tear. Their plan was, so they told me, to make the tear wider, letting more magic into our realm, enough to defeat Morgana.
"I don't know how it went. The next news I heard, Morgana, Toby and Merlin were dead. They did open the Tear further, though. New magical beasts appeared, and I could feel a change in the air.
"Lots of things have happened since then. I've seen generations come and go, whole dynasties rise and fall. I've helped the Marauders with their pranks, eavesdropped on Tom Riddle plotting in the dungeons. I was there when Albus Dumbledore walked the halls of Hogwarts, when his great-grandparents discovered the Room of Requirement. Now you know," Percival looked at Andy, waiting for her response.
Andy blinked once. "You could have stopped Voldemort from killing all those people. And you didn't. You knew what he was up to," Andy was backing away, slowly shaking her head, "and you did nothing. Do you know how many lives you could have saved? Hundreds, Percival. Maybe even thousands! I thought you were better than that. I thought I knew you."
"Nobody living knows me," Percival looked down, "I guess I thought you would be willing to try." He turned his back to Andy and began walking away. Then he turned slightly and looked over his shoulder, meeting her gaze. "Don't get yourself killed," Percival continued to walk down the hall, ignoring Andy calling after him. She had made her thoughts clear.
Percival entered the Time Room and sat on the bed. And for the first time in 500 years, he let silent silver tears run down his cheeks.
“Unbeing dead isn’t being alive.”
-- E.E. Cummings