Growing Up!
October
Elisa was shovelling cereal in her mouth, while Clark was munching on a pizza, watching something on the computer when their mother shouted, “Clark! Elisa! You're gonna be late for the bus!”
“Coming, mom!” Clark called back, walking over to the fridge, pulling a bottle of milk and chugging it straight from the bottle.
Elisa rolled her eyes, just as Martha entered the kitchen and asked, “Where'd you learn your manners?”
“On a farm,” Clark answered cheekily.
Jonathan entered the kitchen, looked at Elisa pointedly and greeted, “Good morning, sleepyhead.”
She hid her face behind her bangs, but thankfully Clark shoved a piece of paper at their father and said, “It’s a permission slip for the football team. A couple of spots opened up. They're having tryouts this afternoon.”
Jonathan took the slip and exchanged a concerned glance with his wife.
Huffing, Clark pleaded, “Come on, dad. You played football in high school.”
“That was different, son.” The older Kent replied.
“Why?” Clark asked.
Elisa sighed. They’ve had this conversation before. She knew their father wanted to protect the two of them and that’s why neither was allowed to do anything that could possibly endanger them. It could be frustrating sometimes, but she also knew that Clark wanted to fit in with Whitney and his team. Not because he liked to play, but because he wanted to gain the attention of one Lana Lang – ‘the love of Clark’s life.’
“I figure I'll run at half speed… and I won't hit anybody.” Clark tried again.
“Lot of things can happen in the heat of the game, son,” Jon told him placatingly.
“Most new guys hardly even play. Chances are I'll ride the bench half the season. Dad, I can be careful.” He nearly begged, eyes shining hopefully.
“I know that you can be careful, but what if there's an accident?” Their father asked.
Elisa couldn’t see the heartbroken look on his face and chimed, “I can take care of him.”
Clark smiled at her, but it was small as Jon pointed a finger at her and ordered, “No. You stay out of it.”
Turning back to Clark, he started, “Look, uh... Clark, I know this has got to be really hard for you, but you got to just hang in there as we promised.”
“I'm sick of hanging in there. All I want to do is go through high school without being a total loser.” Frustrated, Clark snapped before picking up his bag and rushing out of the house.
Elisa rushed after him in time to see their bus leaving a nice trail of dust behind.
“Shit.” She mumbled, glaring at the vehicle.
Clark looked at her, his eyes shining mischievously and suggested almost innocently, “Race you?”
She scowled, knowing she couldn’t take her broom to the school, and he knew it, but before she could snap at him, he picked her up and rushed towards the school.
“Show off.” She mumbled as he put her down.
He simply grinned.
The two of them were talking to Chloe and Pete when suddenly, Clark started smiling like a goof.
“I’ll see you in class.” He said before making his way towards Lana.
Elisa had no desire to see Clark bumbling around Lana like a fool, so she put her headphones on and walked towards the class.
Clark smiled at the most beautiful girl he had ever seen and greeted, “Lana.”
Lana turned towards him and smiled. “Clark. Hey.”
“How are you?” He asked.
“Good. You?” She replied.
“Good. Good.” Clark replied, unsure what to say to fill the awkward silence. He didn’t want to end the conversation and he had been preparing himself to ask her to the dance. So, he blurted, “So, are you going to the dance?”
“Yes, with Whitney.” She told him with a smile.
His face fell, but he nodded. “Right. Of course.”
She looked at him and asked, “How about you?”
“I wanted to ask someone, but she’s going with someone else.” He told her bluntly.
“Elisa is going with someone else?” Lana asked, seemingly bewildered.
“What?!” Confused, he said, “No. I was going to ask someone else.”
Lana arched a brow. “Really? The two of you have been attached to the hip ever since I’ve known you. I thought you two…”
“No!” Clark shook his head adamantly, not wanting her to get the wrong idea and clarified, “No. It's not like that. We’re friends. She’s my best friend.”
A smile appeared on her face and she whispered slyly, “Well... maybe we can share a dance?”
She didn’t give him time to respond. Leaning up, she kissed his cheek, leaving him perplexed and dazed.
31st October
Clark knew Elisa didn’t like this particular day. Not since Remus had informed her about her parents' death. People were busy preparing for the night, but she wanted to stay alone and had been walking for over an hour now. She was his best friend and they never hid anything from each other. She accepted his ‘abilities’ just as he accepted her ‘magic’. Which was why he watched her from a distance, not wanting her to know that he was being ‘stalkerish’ as she would call him if she knew, but he didn’t like the idea of her being alone. Especially when she was stressed and unwilling to talk.
She stopped at the Loeb Bridge, leaned against the railings and stared at the clear sky for quite some time.
There was the sound of a metal coil hitting the road, followed by another sound not far off. Narrowing his eyes, Clark focussed on the blue-grey Porsche as it flew past him. The sound of squealing tires and slamming of brakes was loud and clear and his heart sped up when he realised that the car was heading right towards Elisa.
“NO!!!!!” He shouted.
He darted towards her in time to see the widening of her eyes when she realised what was about to happen, but he wrapped his body around hers just as the car slammed into him, throwing them into the water below.
Clark didn’t let go of Elisa as he pulled her out. Keeping his hold on her, he asked frantically, “El, you okay?”
“I’m fine.” She gasped, ignoring the sharp pain in her left arm and motioned towards the water. “Help them.”
Now sure that she wasn’t in immediate danger, he dived into the water, dragging a man to the surface.
Rushing over, Elisa asked, “Is he okay?”
“I don’t know,” Clark said before leaning down to give the comatose boy mouth-to-mouth resuscitation and cardiovascular stimulation.
“Come on!” He mumbled just as the man started coughing and spitting up water.
“Clark!” Elisa hissed urgently. “You need to go.”
His eyes widened and he protested, “What?! No! You’re hurt.”
“I’m fine! But you need to leave.” Looking at him beseechingly, she practically ordered, “Now, Clark.”
Clark nodded hesitantly at the same time the man opened his eyes, blinking up at the only person around and spoke, “I could have sworn I hit you.”
Elisa nodded before saying, “I think you broke my arm.”
He blinked and said slowly, “We should call 911.”
She had been right. She’d hit something and had ended up breaking her left arm. They were back home from the hospital with a new and shiny cast, but thankfully, Lex Luthor hadn’t suspected anything. Now, she was perched on the bed in the barn watching Clark pace around like a maniac. Elisa understood the reason behind his stress. No one could’ve come out of the accident unscathed, but he didn’t even have a scratch. She had never been grateful that her best friend was practically made of metal, but of course, the said best friend didn’t think so. He wanted to be normal… to fit in, but the two of them were different and there was nothing that could be done.
Rubbing her forehead, she mumbled, “Seriously, Clark. You’re giving me a headache.”
He stopped abruptly, moving to sit in front of her and said, “You could have been dead…”
“…but I’m not.” She cut him off before he could beat himself further. Taking his hand in hers, she looked into his bright blue eyes and whispered, “Thank you for not letting me become minced meat.”
He couldn’t stop himself from rolling his eyes, but muttered just as softly, “I couldn’t let anything happen to you, El.”
There was a sudden noise and the two of them jerked apart, blushing furiously at the proximity.
“Er… it's late. I’m gonna…” She pointed towards the house before rushing downstairs.
November
She was relaxing on the porch when someone walked over and was surprised to see none other than Lex Luthor standing in front of her.
“Lex?”
“Elisa.” He asked with a smile, “How are you?”
“Could’ve been worse.” She shrugged.
“Lex.” A voice called and Elisa turned to see Clark walking back from the school.
“Clark.” Lex greeted.
Clark looked at her questioningly, but she was clueless, so she turned towards Lex and asked, “I’m sorry, but… what are you doing here?”
“I’ve something to show you. Come.” He said rather excitedly before walking towards the back of the road.
Both Elisa and Clark shared a look before following the man, only to stop short when their eyes fall on a brand new 2002 Ford F-250 Super Duty parked in front of the barn. Though, before she could understand or ask what was happening, he presented her with a set of keys and asked, “Do you like it?”
“Uhh… it's cool.” She responded, unsure where this was going.
“Good. I’m glad you think so… because it’s yours.” He beamed.
She looked at him confused before speaking slowly, “…Right…”
“It's true.” He told her with another one of his smiles. “I bought it for you because I owe you my life.”
Both Elisa and Clark gaped with their mouths hanging open because he was serious. He’d bought a truck because ‘she’ had saved his life. Either he was misguided or shallow, but Elisa could care less. She didn’t know the man and keeping such an expensive truck was too much. Not that her dad would allow it, of course.
When she failed to respond, he tried again, “If you want something else… anything… just tell me and I’ll get it for you.”
Elisa shook her head, handing him back the keys and said, “Thanks, but I don’t want it.”
Now, it was his turn to be confused as he asked, “What?”
“I’ve everything I need, Lex. You should give it to someone who needs it more.” She told him seriously before walking back to the house.
Lex turned to look at Clark, looking utterly bewildered and said, “It wasn’t my intention to offend her.”
“El doesn’t care about money or gifts, Lex,” Clark informed.
“She doesn’t, does she?” Lex mused aloud, staring at the spot where Elisa had been standing.
Even after dad’s protests, Clark joined the football team, but despite their disagreement, the three of them were there to support Clark. Elisa looked around, frowning when she realised that Clark wasn’t on the field and asked her other friend, “Chloe? Where’s Clark?”
“I don't know. We were supposed to meet here before the game, but he didn't show up. I thought he was with you guys.” Chole replied.
Elisa frowned, but her eyes fell on Pete, and she jogged towards him. “Hey, Pete! Pete...”
“Elisa. Mr Kent.” He greeted.
“Have you seen Clark?” Jonathan asked.
Pete shook his head. “No, I haven't seen him all day.”
Just then, Coach Walt walked over, glaring at them and nearly spat, “Jonathan, you know the rules. No parents on the sidelines.”
Not the one to be scared, Jon said, “I'm looking for Clark.”
“Join the club. I need him out here. I guess he doesn't have what it takes to be a winner, huh?” Coach left with a taunt.
Elisa stared at him before muttering, “Dad, I think the coach is lying.”
“What's going on here?” Jonathan mumbled under his breath before saying, “All right, I'll check the locker room. You check the school.”
She nodded and they both rushed inside.
She walked just in time to see Coach Walt hitting dad over the head with a fire extinguisher.
“Dad!” She cried out.
He fell beside Clark and Coach Walt turned to look at her and said, “You shouldn’t have come here.”
He moves to attack her with the same fire extinguisher, but Elisa threw her hands up. A bolt of electricity flew out from her hands, hitting the coach in the chest and the man flew across the room, hitting a glass wall before falling to the ground.
Rushing over to Clark, she kneeled beside him and patted his cheeks. “Clark? Clark! Can you hear me?”
“It's the meteor rock.” He gasped out.
Elisa noticed a green rock lying just beside him and picked it up before throwing it away. She didn’t get a chance to ask him anything because as soon as she blinked, Elisa found Clark standing between her and the coach. The man closed his eyes, concentrating on something and the whole room burst into flames.
“Get dad out of here!” Clark ordered.
Not wanting to leave him alone, she hesitated slightly. “Clark…”
He gave her a look and she nodded, using magic to lighten Jonathan’s weight and helped him out.
Elisa threw herself at him as soon as he walked outside the building. Clark hugged her back just as tightly.
Pulling back, she punched his arm and hissed, “Don’t try that alone.”
“I won’t.” He grinned before pulling her into another one of his warm hugs.
Elisa breathed in his scent which was mixed with smoke and pulled back reluctantly when she heard their dad’s voice.
“Sorry, you didn't get to play.”
Clark looked at him and asked, “Were you here to make sure I didn't hurt anyone?”
“I was here to support my son,” Jonathan told him earnestly.
Clark looked at the ground and mumbled, “Dad… some of the things I said were out of line.”
“Look, I – I do trust you. Both of you. But there's always gonna be a part of me that's a little bit afraid. But that's just being a parent.” The oldest Kent told his kids.
“Thanks, Dad.” Clark and Elisa responded, smiling all the while.
“Let’s go home,” Jonathan said, walking towards the truck.
“Uhh… I’ll see you guys later,” Clark told them before running towards Lana, who was standing in the field.
Elisa’s heart broke a little more when she saw the smile that bloomed on Clark’s face. The shy smile was reserved only for Lana. She blinked back the tears before following her dad back to the truck.
December
Talon
“It’s good to see you nicely healed up.”
A voice said, startling her badly that Elisa nearly jumped. Whirling towards the man, she snapped, “God! Don’t do that!”
Lex raised his hands in mock surrender and took the seat opposite hers. “So, how have you been?” he asked.
“Good.” She said with a forced smile.
The silence that followed was awkward as she sipped her coffee.
“Clark seems happy.” He said out of nowhere.
Elisa’s eyes snapped to Clark, who was sitting with Lana in the corner. He was holding her hands and their heads were practically joined. She looked down at her coffee and mumbled, “Yeah.”
He studied her for several seconds, not missing the way her face fell as soon as her eyes fell on Clark and Lana together. But if… if he was able to get close to the girl, he would be able to find out whatever secret she was hiding. He wasn’t a fool and knew that there was something more to Elisa Potter, Kent’s adopted daughter. So, he said deliberately, “The way they look at each other, makes me believe that someday, I might be able to find my soulmate as well.”
She didn’t say anything, but her shoulders slumped. She no longer wished to finish the coffee and stood up. Throwing some bills on the table, she picked up her jacket just as Lex asked, “Can I drop you somewhere?”
Shaking her head, she started, “I don’t wanna…”
“It’s no trouble at all. I was leaving anyway.” He interrupted with a smile.
“Uh… sure then.” Elisa nodded, casting one last look at Clark, who was still busy with Lana and left.
Christmas
She stared wide-eyed at the gift – a firebolt, the latest and the fastest flying broom in the world.
“There’s no card?” Jonathan asked.
“It must be from Remus.” She replied offhandedly.
He made sure to give her something for her birthday. And even if he wasn’t able to visit on Christmas, Remus made sure to send her something. She didn’t know anyone else from the wizarding world, so it must be Remus. He was the one who taught her to fly and he knew how much she loved it.
‘A trait from her dad.’ He’d told her.
She touched the broom reverently, just as dad spoke, “Maybe we should ask him first?”
“What’s there to ask?” She asked confused.
“Your dad means that it doesn’t seem very safe.” Martha intervened.
She didn’t understand what the issue was! Remus had been the one to teach her how to ride her broom once she’d turned 9. Along with spells that would hide her from the ‘muggles’. She argued, “You know Remus wouldn’t have sent it if it had been dangerous!”
Her parents shared a look before her dad sighed, defeated.
January
Clark rolled his eyes when he saw Elisa’s potion book in his bag, once again. Pulling it out, he dashed to her room, intending to give it back and knocked on her door.
“What?!” She shouted.
“Your book was in my bag. Again!” He yelled back.
“Just… wait a minute!” She called.
He huffed, staring at the door when all of a sudden, the door vanished, and his eyes fell on Elisa standing beside her bed in nothing but a towel. Her hair was wet, and a drop of water dripped down her arm, making him realise belatedly that she must’ve taken a bath. And before he could process further, she dropped the towel and his eyes widened when they fell on her naked form.
“Clark?”
He jerked at his dad’s voice and asked stupidly, “Huh?”
Jonathan looked between the door and his son suspiciously before asking, “What are you doing?”
“Err… returning the book,” Clark replied, knowing that his body was betraying him because he could feel his face turning hotter by the second.
The door of Elisa’s room opened, and she snapped, “Give it.”
“What?” He blinked.
“My book, you doofus.” The ‘duh’ was implied.
“Yeah, right. The book. Here.” He muttered before shoving the book into her hand and practically flying back to his room.
February
Elisa was driving dad’s truck back from the grocery store when out of nowhere, a black coloured dog ran in front of her.
“Aahhh!!!!!!” She screeched, slamming the brakes and jumping out of the truck to see the dog lying on the road.
“Oh, God! Please no.” She prayed before running to kneel next to it and took a relieved breath when she saw him breathing. His leg was bleeding, but he was still alive.
Its eyes opened and the dog whimpered with pain.
“Oh, my God. I didn't see you, okay? We're gonna get you out of here.” She picked him up, carrying him back to the truck and rambled, “You're gonna be fine. I’m gonna take you to a vet and you will be fine. I hit Clark once and he was just fine.”
Jonathan, Martha and Clark gaped at her when she entered with a large black dog.
“Where exactly did you find him?” Jonathan asked in his best dad's voice.
“I kind of... hit him.” Elisa grimaced sheepishly.
“You hit him? With the truck?” Perplexed, Clark queried.
“No, with my fist.” She rolled her eyes and answered sarcastically before turning to their parents and mumbling, “I broke his leg and had to take him to the vet. Snuffles is fine, though.”
“Snuffles?” Dad arched a brow.
“Well… we don’t know his name and we can't keep calling him ‘the dog’.” She reasoned; eyes firmly planted on Clark. They have always been good at silent conversation, and she pleaded with him to back her up here.
“I think you need to make some fliers in the morning. That way, maybe we can figure out who he belongs to. He's got a collar. I'm sure somebody's missing him.” Jonathan told her firmly.
Snuffles nudged her leg and whined.
“Actually, it might be fun to have a dog around.” Clark jumped in.
Elisa bit her lip to stop the smile as Clark leaned down next to ‘Snuffles’ and scratched his face.
“He certainly is a beautiful dog.” Martha chimed in.
Jonathan turned to his wife, looking betrayed and said, “Now, just wait a minute. I know where this is going!”
Martha widened her eyes and pleaded, “Well… it might be nice for the kids to have a dog. It’s been kind of difficult for them lately, especially Clark.”
He sighed with defeat and said, “Why don't we just see what happens tomorrow.”
Elisa and Clark shared matching grins.
“We’re not calling him Snuffles,” Clark said for the hundredth time, watching as the dog lapped at the food in the bowl.
“Why not?” She whined.
He rolled his eyes and said, “Because we aren’t 5 anymore.”
Elisa pouted, making him grin, but asked, “So, what are we gonna call him?”
“I don’t know.” Clark thought for a moment before suggesting, “What about Krypto?”
The dog nudged his nose under her hand, urging her to scratch his ears and she asked, “What do you say? Do you like ‘Krypto’?”
The dog waggled his tail, clearly unbothered by the name.
April
“Mom? Dad? We heard about…”
Clark called as he and Elisa walked in, only to stop short as their eyes fell on their parents. Dad had mom pinned to the kitchen counter and they were making out heavily.
They whirled around and Elisa made a face. “Ugh… I did not need to see that.”
Dad let mom down, but not before slapping mom’s behind.
‘Oh, God.’ Elisa thought, just as Clark questioned, “What's going on with Dad?”
“I don't know. He's been acting strange ever since he got home.” Mom mumbled.
Jonathan walked over to the fridge and pulled out a beer before asking, “Son? Football game on TV. You wanna watch it with me?”
All three of them were surprised and Clark asked, “Don't you have work to do?”
“Nah, chores can wait.” Dad shrugged nonchalantly before putting the bottle against the edge of the table and popping the cap off, causing it to foam over the top. Unaware of the baffled look on his family’s faces, he said, “Besides… I earned a rest. You can pick up the slack for me, can't ya?”
Then, he wiped the bottle on the curtain above the sink and their mom snapped, “Jonathan!”
There was a knock on the door and the Kent family looked up to see Lex Luthor standing by the door.
“Hope I'm not interrupting.” He asked.
Elisa’s eyes widened and she asked in a high-pitched voice, “Lex! What are you doing here?”
Clark threw her a look just as Lex replied with a small smile, “Looking for Mr Kent.”
“What do you want?” asked Jonathan loftily.
“I heard you pulled one of my employees out of a car today. I wanted to see if you were all right.” Lex asked, looking guilty.
“No, you didn't.” Jonathan waved over and snarled, “You wanted to see if I was going to sue you or not. Of course, that would put an end to all my financial difficulty, wouldn't it?”
“Jonathan, that's enough.” Martha interrupted.
“No, Martha. It isn't.” Turning to Lex, he hissed, “You see, I don't like Lex Luthor. I don't like Lionel Luthor and I don't like your friendship with my children.”
“Dad!” Elisa and Clark cried simultaneously.
He looked at Elisa with something akin to disgust and asked sardonically, “You think I’m stupid and wouldn’t find out about your date with my daughter?”
Horrified, she cried out, “DAD!”
“What?!” At the same time, Clark stared wide-eyed between Elisa, his dad and Lex.
Jonathan took a step closer to Lex and threatened, “If you come near her again, you’ll find yourself on the other side of my shotgun. If all of you Luthor's were to dry up and die, I wouldn't shed a tear.”
“Dad, that's enough,” Elisa said, completely mortified.
Jonathan didn’t look away from Lex and belched loudly before announcing, “I think I'll take a nap.”
He walked towards his bedroom. Martha shot Lex an apologetic look before following her husband.
Once their parents and Lex were gone, Clark asked incredulously, “You’re dating Lex?”
She avoided looking at him and uttered, “It was just one date.”
“You didn’t tell me.” He accused.
“Well… we haven’t spent much time together lately.” Her heart broke as she said the words, but she shrugged. And it was the truth. Despite living in the same house, she hadn't seen him much lately. Either Clark was spending time with Lana or daydreaming about Lana… completely forgetting the fact that the said girl had a boyfriend.
Clark glared. Yes, they hadn’t spent much time together because they had been busy with different things lately. He had been trying to balance his life between finding out about his real heritage and dealing with the fact that he was an alien and would never be normal. Lana had finally noticed him and they were spending time together, but he always returned home by the end of the day. They’ve never had secrets between them. They were both different, but they always had each other. How could she not tell him that she went out with Lex Luthor?
He didn’t say anything and blurred out of the house.
Smallville High
“Really?” Chloe asked.
“He's been under a lot of stress lately, but I'm seriously wondering if he's beginning to crack. I mean, who takes a 3-hour nap in the middle of the afternoon?” Elisa ranted.
“Old people?” The blonde-haired girl joked, and Elisa threw a scathing glance her way.
Chloe looked around and asked, “Where’s Clark anyway?”
“I don’t know,” Elisa told her grumpily.
Startled, Chloe looked at her. It was a known fact that Clark and Elisa could always be found together. So, much so that even their teachers believed that the two had feelings for each other. Nearly everyone in school thought that the two were dating. It was also one of the reasons, she had buried her crush deep. Clark’s infatuation with Lana, the other. Between the two, Chloe knew she had no chance.
Sudden realisation hit her and she almost shouted, “Wait… you and Clark fought?!”
Everyone turned to stare at the two of them and Elisa hissed, “Chloe!”
“Sorry,” Chloe winced. “…but I’ve never seen you fighting before.”
“That’s because he’s being an ass.” She grumbled.
Chloe bit her lip before asking, “Are you sure it isn’t because of Lana?”
Elisa’s eyes snapped to hers and she asked, “Why would it be because of Lana?”
“…Because you’re in love with Clark?” Chloe stated confidently, looking straight into her eyes.
Elisa’s mouth fell open and she gasped, “What the hell, Chloe??!!!!”
Chloe arched a brow as if to say, ‘Really? You want to do this?’
“Why – why would you think that?” Elisa stammered.
“Oh, please.” Chloe rolled her eyes and said, “Clark can be dumb, but I’m not.”
She took Chloe by her shoulders and begged desperately, “You can’t tell him. Please Chole.”
“Don’t worry. I won’t.” Startled, her friend responded.
“Thanks.” Elisa slumped with relief.
“So… what are you gonna do?” Chloe asked.
“I’ll apologise. We haven't hidden anything from each other… ever. And I don’t want to start now.” Elisa told the other girl before muttering under her breath, “Especially because of Lana Lang.”
Climbing out of the pool, Lana walked towards him until their bodies were pressed together and she whispered, “I know you want me, Clark. Stop holding back.”
Lana in nothing but a matching red lace bra and panties, practically begging him… was his dream come true. But here he was pushing her away. There something was definitely wrong with her because the girl he knew would never strip to seduce him or anyone in school… but here they were.
“Er – Lana, this isn’t you.” He gulped uncomfortably.
Leaning even closer, she took his lobe between her teeth before whispering, “Come on. Aren't you tired of waiting?”
He couldn’t stop when she pressed her lips against his and gave into the sensation of kissing the girl he wanted. She cupped his cheeks, deepening the kiss and he rested his hands on her waist… just as the door opened, making him jerk away. His eyes snapped towards the newcomer and his eyes met wide green ones.
“El…” He started.
“Uh… I –'m sorry to interrupt, but Principal Kwan wanted to see us in his office.” Elisa told him hastily before rushing out of the door.
“Seriously. Can’t she take a hint?” Lana scoffed.
Clark looked at her confused and asked, “Huh?”
“Oh, Clark,” Lana whispered, shaking her head at his naivety. “Can’t you see that she’s jealous?”
“Why would she be jealous?” He asked with a frown.
“Well, besides you and Chloe, she doesn’t have many friends. Maybe if she were less of a freak…” Lana said unapologetically.
His eyes turned cold, and he gritted out, “What did you just say?”
“I didn’t mean it as an insult. You know she doesn’t fit. Maybe if she removes those horrendous glasses and started getting dressed like a girl…” She placated, a hand rubbing his arm.
Normally, El liked to wear jeans with a spaghetti top with a flannel shirt. He didn’t understand what was wrong with that. He knew Lana wasn’t herself but was that what she thought about Elisa? He shook himself out of his musings and said, “I’m sorry, but I have to go.”
The Hospital
“His symptoms indicate a severe anaphylactic shock. But we can't detect any known antigens.” The doctor informed them.
“What is it, then?” Martha asked, looking at her husband lying on the hospital bed.
The doctor frowned before answering, “The truth is, if he'd come in just yesterday, I'd say I'd never seen anything like it. But we admitted a car crash victim this morning, James Beales, showed identical symptoms.”
“That's the guy dad saved,” Clark muttered.
Elisa asked urgently, “How's he doing?”
“Not good.” The doctor grimaced. “He fell into a coma an hour ago.”
Elisa hugged mom and Clark joined in.
Outside Talon
Clark was going out of his mind now that Lana had contracted the same symptoms as well. Chloe believed that Lex was involved as he was the one to check out the Nicodemus Diary. Elisa could see her family in pain and there was no way she was letting Lex out of it if he was the reason behind the illness.
Lex was outside Talon when Elisa found him. He was talking on the phone but hung up as soon as he saw her.
“Hey.” He greeted. “I just got off the phone with the doctors. They think they've isolated the problem.”
“Does it have to do with the Nicodemus flower? I know that you checked the diary out of the library.” She asked angrily.
He sighed. “Yes, Elisa. I did.”
“Why?”
He told her truthfully, “Because my property was built on the site of the original settlement. I always thought it was an interesting story. When I heard about your dad's symptoms, I remembered it and tracked it down to see if it could be any help.”
Not believing him, she asked, “Why didn't you tell me?”
“Elisa, it's a crackpot story. I was grasping at straws.” He tried to explain.
But she was on a roll and asked again, “Do you know Dr Steven Hamilton?”
His brows furrowed and he queried, “Who's that?”
She clenched her fists, trying to reign in her magic and hissed out, “Don't lie to me!”
“Calm down. I know you're worried about your father, but I checked the book out of the library. That's it. I'm not responsible for what happened and I'm doing everything in my power to fix it. I’m telling the truth.” He looked at her imploringly and Elisa sighed.
May
Dad, Lana and Pete have been cured, but her life was becoming a mess. Currently, Lana was in the barn with Clark and Elisa was hiding in her room with Krypto. He was sprawled on the rug in front of the window without a worry in the world. She was on her bed, flipping through the potions book Remus has sent recently.
Looking up at Krypto, a memory flashed in her mind, and she mumbled, “You know, I think my parents had a black dog as well. I think his name was Padfoo.”
The dog’s head jerked up, staring at her with wide intelligent eyes, silently judging her, so she said, “Yes, I know. Weird. But what’s weirder is that I remember the dog turning into a man.”
She sighed before looking out at the clear sky and mused softly, “I wonder what it had been like if my parents were still alive? But then I wouldn’t have met the Kents’… and I wouldn’t have fallen for Clark. Maybe it would have been for the best.”
She couldn’t have seen the look of melancholy in the dogs' eyes, but Krypto launched himself on the bed and licked her face all over, making her laugh.
Elisa was in the loft, studying one of the potion books when Lex walked in.
Closing the book, she moved it aside and asked, “Hey. What are you doing here?”
“I feel like I owe your father an apology, but I'm not exactly sure why.” He spoke.
“It's not you.” Standing up from the bed, she shook her head and informed, “It's everything. Money problems, the farm. I guess he just didn't understand what you were doing out in that field.”
“But I told him.” As he observed her, his lips thinned and he asked sarcastically, “You don't believe me either, do you?”
“Lex, I know you get obsessed about things. Like the car accident.” She spoke. “I find it hard to believe you'd waste your time supervising a routine land survey if that's what it was.”
Looking at her imploringly, he stated, “Elisa… my life changed when the meteors hit and I need to know why.”
Elisa sighed, already knowing that he won’t let it go and asked, “You can't let it go?”
“This isn't some empty emotional quest, Elisa. It's about finding the truth.” He told her seriously.
Arching a brow, she inquired, “The truth?”
“I found a man who told me that besides the meteors, a ship came down that day.” He informed truthfully.
Her heart sank at the thought of anyone finding out about Clark. She swallowed back the sudden panic and asked, “And you believe him?”
Lex shrugged. “He could be another crackpot, but I'd be remiss if I didn't check it out.”
She liked Lex. Other than his infatuation about finding ‘the secret’, he’d seemed fine. But it wasn’t just her… she couldn’t put Clark at risk by dating Lex. She took a deep breath before asking slowly, “Will you ever be able to put the past behind you?”
“Elisa…”
He started, but his meaning was clear. She turned away from him, looking at the stars in the night sky.
June
Jonathan rubbed his eyes tiredly before taking a swig of his beer.
Martha rubbed his shoulder before muttering, “You did the right thing.”
“The field is where the ship crashed. I know what Lex is trying to do and I wouldn’t let him hurt our children because of his obsession.” He told her firmly.
“I know, darling. We’ll find something.” Kissing the top of her husbands head, she just held him close, not noticing Elisa backing out of the kitchen silently.
Kent Farm
Elisa was practising spells from defensive and non-verbal spells from the book bought by Remus. It was part of Defence Against the Dark Arts, taught to every witch and wizard during their school years. Learning the spells, incantations and hand movements along with concentrating on them wasn’t easy, but she had been successful so far in everything Remus had taught her… defensive spells were something she wanted to master. Between school, her weekly lessons with Remus and practising magic, Elisa was feeling drained. Part of it was because all she could imagine was Clark confessing his love to Lana.
With Whitney leaving, Clark would undoubtedly take Lana to the dance Elisa didn’t want to see them sucking faces.
After which, she’d conclude that she had to accept the situation as it was and move on. For she needed to focus on something else… which was why she had decided to visit her parents on the day of the dance.
Remus had tried to dissuade her, but she had adamantly told him that ‘if he wouldn’t take her, she’ll find a way herself.’ He’d agreed after that, but only if she allowed him to put glamour on her. She had agreed readily.
“Uh… you busy?” Clark called from where he was standing by the gate.
“Not really,” Elisa mumbled. “What’s up?”
“So…” Clark floundered before rushing out, “…er… do you have any plans for the dance?”
“Me and dancing?” She joked.
Shoving his hands in his pockets, he rushed out, “I want to ask if – if you would like to go with me?”
Elisa blinked, feeling as if someone had stunned her, but moved her mouth enough to speak, “I thought you’ll be going with Lana?”
“I haven’t asked her.” Clark shrugged.
She felt as if she’d been hit with a ‘Confundous’ charm. Shaking her head, she spoke mechanically, “I’m sorry. I forgot to tell you before, but Remus is taking me to London. He already arranged the Portkey.”
His shoulders slumped, even as he asked, “You’re going on the day of the dance?”
Half truth wasn’t going to hurt, so she said, “You know I can’t dance to save my life… and well, I decided it would be better than breaking my legs.”
Clark took the seat opposite hers and asked curiously, “He finally agreed to take you?”
“Surprisingly, yes.” She nodded.
“And dad agreed?” He asked with raised brows.
“I’m 16, Clark and I want to visit my parents.” She told him firmly. “There’s not much he can say.”
Clark nodded and when she thought he was about to leave, he asked, “Do you want me to come with you?”
She should’ve guessed. They had done everything together in all these 15 years. He’d been by her side every time she’d performed accidental magic and she’d been there when he discovered his super-speed. She had kicked Whitney’s arse when he tried to bully Clark all those years ago and Clark had been by her side when everyone had mocked her because of her huge ass glasses.
But this… this was something she needed to do without Clark. He wouldn’t always stay beside her and she needed to accept the harsh reality.
“No.” Elisa shook her head and said with a small smile, “You want to go to the dance and I don’t want you to miss it because of me.”
Surprised by her refusal, he asked, “Are you sure?”
“Yeah. Don’t worry. I’ll be fine.” She said, not noticing the hurt that filled his eyes. Then, she kissed his cheek before leaving the barn.
July
Jonathan was in the barn; Martha was on the phone and Elisa was in her room with Krypto when they heard a loud blast. The windows rattled and she dashed out to see what had happened.
“Mom? Dad? Clark?” She called, running downstairs in time to see Martha rushing outside.
Krypto was just in front of her as they ran out through the backdoor. A gasp escaped her when her eyes fell on the burning truck and Clark threw his still burning jacket on the ground.
“CLARK!!!” She cried out and ran as fast as she could, stopping just in front of him, ignoring their parents who were standing just beside them.
Cupping his cheeks between her palms, she asked hysterically, “Clark! Are you hurt?”
His face was covered in soot and his t-shirt was in shreds. Ripping it off, he tossed it down just as her hands moved over his arms before checking him all over frantically for any sign of injury.
“I’m fine, El.” He mumbled, both to her and their parents, who looked just as shaken.
“Oh, God!” Elisa threw her arms around his neck and hugged him with all her might.
He hesitated, not exactly knowing what to do, but after a few seconds, wrapped his arms around her and rested his head on top of hers.
She closed her eyes and rested her head on his chest, feeling his strong heartbeat and sighed, “Clark.”
“El.” He whispered back.
Unbeknown to them, their parents shared a look.
Smallville High
“Are you sure you can’t go another day?” Chloe asked as they descended the stairs of school together.
“Sorry, but my uncle already cleared his schedule,” Elisa said apologetically.
They pass Lana and Whitney silently, who were surrounded by Whitney's football buddies.
Once they were at their locker, Chloe said, “So… not that Whitney’s off to fight evil, technically, that makes Lana a free agent.”
“He asked her to wait for him,” Clark mumbled.
“Long distance relationships never work. People change and have different experiences.” Chloe said before looking at them and added, “Like us, you know? I'm sure after a couple of weeks, you guys will forget all about me.”
Elisa’s mouth fell open and rather upset, Clark said, “Chloe!”
“Okay!” Chloe braced herself and rushed through her speech, “I just – I have this horrible nightmare that you are going to rush to the bus station after Whitney leaves and profess your undying love for Lana, and I'm going to be waiting at the gym all alone… and if you do that to me, Clark. I will never speak to you again, OK? I said it.”
Shaking his head he said seriously, “Chloe, I will never do that to you.”
“…and if he does, I’ll feed him to Krypto.” Elisa chimed in.
Chloe smiled at her, embarrassed by her outburst and said, “All right, I feel better now.”
Clark huffs rather dramatically. The three didn’t notice the way Lana’s eyes tightened when she saw them together.
When she walked into his room, Clark was lying on the bed staring resolutely at his tuxedo hanging in the corner. She knew the two have done everything together, so he naturally wanted her to be there, but there was a reason she had decided not to go. Now that Whitney was leaving, Lana undoubtedly would be all over Clark to mend her ‘broken heart’ and Elisa didn’t want to see her best friend getting manipulated in the name of love. Although it was a good thing, he was taking Chloe, but she couldn’t help but feel pity for her friend who has been in love with Clark for a long time now. Not that Clark knew, of course. He was too blinded by Lana’s beauty and charm.
Elisa flopped beside him and asked, “All ready for tomorrow?”
Clark shrugged before questioning, “You?”
“Yeah.” Her smile was genuine as she said, “I still can’t believe I’ll finally see the place where my parents grew up.”
“I know how you feel.” He nodded. “So… when will you be leaving?”
“Remus will be here in the morning. He said we should avoid rush hours.” She rolled her eyes before turning to look at him and mumbled, “I don’t know what's he afraid of!”
“He doesn’t want you to get hurt.” Clark tried, despite knowing that it was a futile effort.
“I know, but he said that the man who killed my parents was gone… and it has been 15 years!” she complained before muttering softly, “He never even took me to visit my parents.”
“El…” He looked into her green eyes, which looked desolate and angry. Without thinking much, he pulled her into a hug and sighed when she tucked her head under his neck. “I’m sure there must be a reason.” He whispered, making her scoff.
Diagon Alley
Elisa pushed her glasses up or at least, she tried, only to realise that they weren't there anymore. Because she looked like a replica of her parents, Remus had insisted on her wearing glamour. She eyed her ‘blonde’ hair, unable to recognise herself in the mirror. She had a chance to visit the place her parents grew up in… the place which would have been her home if her parents were still alive and she wasn’t about to argue, but Elisa didn’t understand what the big deal was!
She huffed, deciding to focus on her surroundings for now and her eyes widened when the wall opened to reveal a magical district behind it. The weather was dreary, but not enough to dim her excitement. Elders and children performing magic on the streets. Vampires ordering blood from the pub. Floating chairs and glasses. It seemed as if she was in a different world entirely. Her eyes fell on the Cauldrons outside the shops – Copper, Brass, Pewter, Silver — Self-Stirring — Collapsible, said a sign hanging over them.
“Yes, you’ll be needing them if you want to learn potion making.” Said Remus. “…but let’s get the money first.”
a dark shop with a sign saying Eeylops Owl Emporium where owls were hooting. Several children had their noses pressed against a window with broomsticks in it. Windows were windows stacked with barrels of bat spleens and eels’ eyes, tottering piles of spell books, quills, and rolls of parchment, potion bottles, globes of the moon… Things she could never have imagined and her head swam.
She so wished she’d come here with Clark, but she knew the dance was important to him… and he was taking Chloe. She hoped Chloe knew that Clark saw her more as a sister than anything and wouldn’t get her hopes up. Clark had eyes for none other than Lana and there was nothing Chloe or anyone else could do to change that.
“Here we are.” Remus’s voice bought her out of her musing and she focused on the snowy white building that towered over the other little shops.
‘Gringotts.’ Her mind provided.
Standing beside its burnished bronze doors, wearing a uniform of scarlet and gold, was a goblin. She’d seen a picture in a book before and had read about them, but seeing a different creature was a different thing altogether.
“Let's remove the glamour for some time.” Remus waved his wand and her and she felt his magic washing over her.
They made their way towards the counter and Remus said, “Morning. We’re here to take some money out from Ms Elisa Potter’s safe.”
“You have his key, sir?”
“Here.” Elisa pulled out the tiny gold key that had been locked in her almirah for years and handed it to the goblin.
The goblin looked at it closely and stated, “That seems to be in order. I will have someone take you down to both vaults. Griphook!”
Griphook was yet another goblin. Remus and Elisa followed him toward one of the doors leading off the hall. She looked at the narrow stone passageway lit with flaming torches with some surprise. It sloped steeply downward and there were little railway tracks on the floor. Griphook whistled and a small cart came hurtling up the tracks toward them. They climbed in — and were off.
The rattling cart seemed to know its way because no one was steering as they hurtled through a maze of twisting passages. Then, her eyes widened as they fell on a dragon – but they plunged even deeper, passing an underground lake. Then, the cart stopped beside a small door in the passage wall.
After they got out, Griphook unlocked the door and Elisa gasped. Inside were mounds of gold coins. Columns of silver. Heaps of little bronze Knuts.
“You thought your parents would leave you just like that?” Remus asked with a small smile.
They picked up the previously empty bag which was now filled with gold, and she blinked at Remus.
“Magic.” That was all he responded.
She was looking around with the excitement of a two-year-old in a Christmas store when she collided with someone, falling on her ass.
“I’m so sorry.” A high-pitched voice apologised.
Elisa looked up to see a boy staring at her worriedly. He held his hand and she took it gratefully before muttering, “Thank you.”
“I was trying to hide from my gran and wasn’t watching where I was going. You’re not hurt, are you?” he rambled.
Elisa shook her head, instantly noticing that he was nearly as tall as Clark, had hazel eyes with blonde hair and had an athletic build. “I’m fine.” She told him.
His eyes widened and he asked curiously, “You’re an American?”
“I grew up there, yes.” She responded, unsure how much to inform a stranger before holding her hand out and introducing herself, “I am Elisa.”
“Neville Longbottom.” He shook her hand, beaming widely. Then, he asked, “What are you doing here?”
“In Diagon Alley or London?” asked Elisa.
“Both, I suppose.” Neville shrugged.
She thought for a moment before replying, “Visiting my parents.”
Surprised, he burst out, “Your parents live here?”
“No. They – they’re buried here.” Elisa told him slowly. “…And I’m here to see the wizarding district.”
He grimaced before muttering softly, “Oh, I’m so sorry.”
“It’s okay. I barely remember them.” She waved him off before asking rather eagerly, “So, do you go to Hogwarts? Both my parents went to Hogwarts. I’ve always wondered what it's like.”
‘If her parents went to Hogwarts and they were buried here, why wasn’t she at school with them?’ Neville thought but decided not to voice the question. Instead, he said, “Yes. I’m in my Fifth Year. Do you go to Ilvermorny School of Witchcraft and Wizardry?”
“No. My uncle has taught me everything I know.” She informed just as Remus called, “Elisa?”
They both turned towards the voice. She pointed towards the man and said, “There he is.”
“Professor Lupin?!” Neville asked aghast.
“It’s just Remus. I’m no longer your professor, Mr Longbottom.” The werewolf smiled at the young man before asking, “How are you?”
“I’m good, sir. Trying to hide from my gran.” Neville informed, pointing somewhere in the crowd.
Remus’s lips twitched upwards. He rested a hand on Neville’s shoulder and said seriously, “I hope you’re staying away from trouble?”
Neville looked at the ground before lying straight through his teeth, “Yes, sir.”
“And your friends? Miss Granger and the Weasleys?” He asked knowingly.
This time, Neville looked straight into Remus’s eyes and spoke, “Now that you–know–who has returned, things aren’t the same, professor.”
“Listen to me.” Remus lowered his voice and whispered urgently, “As long as Dumbledore is alive, everyone is safe at Hogwarts… and you can reach me anytime. You know how.”
“I know, sir,” Neville mumbled with a small smile.
“Well… it was good seeing you, Neville.” Remus told him before turning towards Elisa and said, “We should leave or we’re going to be late.”
Elisa nodded, but before they could leave, Neville stammered, “Would – would it be okay if – if I write to you?”
She blinked. “A letter?”
“Yes. Ghost can take it anywhere!” He told her enthusiastically before adding as an afterthought, “He’s my owl.”
“Really? That’d be awesome.” She beamed at him and he grinned back.
Ollivander’s
Remus had taught her wandless magic – enough to control it, but she was looking forward to a magic wand. He had told her that she could perform magic beyond her age and someday, might be more powerful than Dumbledore, but he had also said that magic could be raging, chaotic and volatile – that's why wands were used to channel it.
As they entered the shop, a soft voice greeted them, “Good afternoon.”
An old man was standing before them, his wide, pale eyes shining like moons through the gloom of the shop.
“Hello.” She waved awkwardly.
“Ah yes,” said the man. “Yes, yes. I knew I’d be seeing you someday, Miss Potter.”
Elisa shared a bewildered glance with Remus because he’d made sure to cast a glamour to change the colour of her hair and to hide the scar on her forehead, but he seemed tense by the way his lips had thinned.
“You have your mother’s eyes. It seems only yesterday she was in here herself, buying her first wand. Ten and a quarter inches long, swishy and made of willow. Nice wand for charm work.”
Mr Ollivander moved closer and she nearly flinched at the way those silvery eyes stared at her creepily.
“Your father, on the other hand, favoured a mahogany wand. Eleven inches. Pliable. A little more power and is excellent for transfiguration. Well, I say your father favoured it — it’s the wand that chooses the wizard, of course.”
His eyes were trained beneath her bangs, right where her scar was hidden and he said softly, “I’m sorry to say I sold the wand that did it. Thirteen-and-a-half inches. Yew. Powerful wand, very powerful, and in the wrong hands…well, if I’d known what that wand was going out into the world to do.…”
He shook his head and then, to her relief, spotted Remus.
“Remus Lupin! How nice to see you again… 10¼ inches, cypress, unicorn hair… wasn’t it?”
“Yes, it was, sir.”
“Good wand, that one.” He muttered. “Well, now — Miss Potter. Let me see.”
He flittered around the shelves, taking down boxes and said, “Right then, Miss Potter. Try this one. Beechwood and dragon heartstring. Nine inches. Nice and flexible. just take it and give it a wave.”
She took the wand and waved it around a bit, but Mr Ollivander snatched it out of his hand almost at once.
“Maple and phoenix feather. Seven inches. Quite whippy. Try —”
She tried — but before she could raise it, it too was snatched back.
She exchanged a glance with Remus after trying the ninth wand, but the old man wandered into his small shop, rambling happily.
Not to worry, we’ll find the perfect match here somewhere — I wonder, now — yes, why not — unusual combination — holly and phoenix feather, eleven inches, nice and supple.”
She felt a sudden warmth as soon as she touched the wand. She swished it once and a stream of red and gold sparks shot from the end like a firework, throwing dancing spots of light onto the walls.
Remus smiled proudly and Mr Ollivander cried, “Oh, bravo! Yes, indeed, oh, very good. Well, …how curious…how very curious…”
Elisa looked at the man and asked, “I’m sorry, sir, but what’s curious?”
Mr Ollivander fixed her with his pale stare and said sombrely, “I remember every wand I’ve ever sold, Miss Potter. Every single wand. It so happens that the phoenix whose tail feather is in your wand gave another feather — just one other. It is very curious indeed that you should be destined for this wand when its brother — why, its brother gave you that scar.”
Elisa swallowed.
“Yes, thirteen-and-a-half inches. Yew. Curious indeed how these things happen. The wand chooses the wizard, remember… I think we must expect great things from you, Miss Potter…. After all, He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named did great things — terrible, yes, but great.”
Elisa shivered unsure whether she liked the old man or not.
Leaky Cauldron
The late afternoon sun hung low in the sky as Elisa and Remus walked back into the Leaky Cauldron, now empty. Deciding to have a meal before their portkey activated, they ordered food to eat and settled in a corner.
Elisa didn’t speak at all, lost in her thoughts until Remus asked, “You’ve been quiet. Are you okay?”
She looked up from the table and asked slowly, “I know you couldn’t raise me, but why didn’t I go to Hogwarts like you and my parents?”
Some people might be in denial, not willing to believe that Voldemort was back, but he had known it would happen. He regretted many things, but hiding Elisa away from the world wasn’t one of them. Now, Neville Longbottom was being targeted by the death-eaters… only because of a prophecy and the day he was born. He knew he would have to tell Elisa the truth one day, but he wasn’t sure how much of it should be told. He didn’t want the Ministry or Dumbledore getting their hands on Elisa, only to throw her to save their skin. And he did not want Sirius Black to get his hands on the girl he’d vowed to protect.
Remus sighed before casting a charm around the two of them and spoke slowly, “Those were dark days, Elisa. Very dark. This one wizard – Voldemort started gaining power. Terrible things happened to those who stood in his way. Now, you must understand that the Potters are part of the sacred 28. He offered James and Lily to join, but they refused. He didn’t pursue them, probably because of Dumbledore. But then came the prophecy –
‘The one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord approaches ... born to those who have thrice defied him, born as the seventh month dies... and the Dark Lord will mark him as his equal, but he will have power the Dark Lord knows not... and either must die at the hand of the other for neither can live while the other survives ... the one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord will be born as the seventh month dies…’
Your parents went into hiding after the prophecy, but someone betrayed them. He turned up in Godric's Hollow and killed them, but when he turned his wand on you, the curse rebounded. That mark on your forehead? That’s no ordinary cut. That’s what you get when the killing curse toches you. That’s why you’re famous, Elisa. No one has ever survived the killing curse before. No one but you.”
“How – how did I…?” she whispered.
“It was Lily’s love that saved you. I believe that even today, she is protecting you.” He repeated what Dumbledore had told him all those years ago. When the old man was sure he would find Elisa.
As Remus finished, something flashed in Elisa’s mind. Something painful and she saw the blinding flash of green light, more clearly than she had ever remembered it before — and for the first time in her life, she remembered something else – high, cold, cruel laugh.
She didn’t look at him as she mumbled, “That’s why you kept me away.”
Remus watched her sadly and said, “In a way, but mostly, I wanted you to have a normal childhood. I knew Dumbledore wanted to send you to Lily’s sister’s house. The sister who hated her because of magic… And because I knew that Voldemort would be back and you would be his first target.”
“You said that Albus Dumbledore is the most powerful wizard in the world. How did you hide me from him?” Elisa asked curiously.
The werewolf sighed, looking years older before saying slowly, “Blood magic. It was dark, but it was the only way to hide you from him and his followers.”
Elisa looked at the table again, lost in everything she’d learnt today. She frowned before looking at him and asking, “Remus, who betrayed my parents?”
He closed his eyes and said clearly, “Sirius Black.”
Her eyes widened and she gasped, “Wait… Sirius Black? The most wanted criminal who escaped the prison a few months back?”
“No one knows how he did it. Sirius Black is the only one who has managed to escape Azkaban.” He told her tiredly, already lost in thoughts.
Kent Farm
“Mom! Dad!” Elisa called as soon as she landed on her feet. “I’m home!”
The strong gust of wind hit her and she struggled against it. Clark should be safe at school, but she hoped that their parents had made it. She headed for the storm cellar when she heard something rattling down the stairs. The door was open and flapping in the wind. Frowning, she headed downstairs in time to see a man she’d never seen before, pulling something from his pocket and holding it up.
“Who the hell are you?” She shouted.
The man whirled around and his eyes widened. Cursing under his breath, he said, “Roger Nixon, Metropolis Inquisitor.”
“What are you doing here?” She asked cautiously as she eyed the man and the ship behind him.
Elisa clenched her fist, suddenly remembering that this was the man who had threatened Clark and he probably knew the secret or at least, some extent of it. It had been days ago, so what was he doing here? He had been surprised to see her, which meant that he’d known she wasn’t home.
“You’ve been spying on us.” She spoke, horrified.
“Yes.” He smirked madly. “Now that I have the proof, I’m going to tell the world about you and your brother.”
Bewildered, she asked, “My brother?”
“There's no use hiding it anymore.” He didn’t even bother denying it before pointing towards the ship and saying gleefully, “Both you and Clark have powers beyond imagination and now I know why.”
Elisa opened her mouth to respond when the piece flew out of Nixon's hand, twisting several times over the impression on the ship to match its sides and slid inside easily. Roger jumped back as the ship started hovering in the air and the wind grew stronger. Noticing that her attention wasn’t on him anymore, Nixon bolted for the stairs, but Elisa fired the tripping jinx, making him stumble back to the ground.
She cheered internally. Casting spells with the wand had been much easier than ever before. She hadn't concentrated like she usually did before practising magic, instead, she had simply waved the wand as was mentioned in the books and that was it. Not for the first time, Elisa bemoaned about being hidden from all that could’ve been.
He looked at her and warned, “Don’t make me hurt you.”
Her fist clenched on her wand and she said, “If you believe I’ll let you threaten my family... think again.”
“I’m sorry,” Nixon mumbled before pulling a gun from his jacket. “…but I can't let you destroy everything I’ve worked for.”
She fired a stunner at the same time, Nixon fired a shot. He flew back, hitting the wall and falling on the ground, unconscious.
Her hand moved to touch the wound and she was shocked to see that it came back red. Elisa’s knees hit the ground and her wand slipped from her fingers. She gasped for breath as sudden pain hit her. She heard someone screaming and saw the faces of her parents hovering over her before the pain became too much and she lost consciousness.