Chapter 18
It had been a few days since the Mikaelson’s had celebrated Christmas and Rebekah’s engagement. Everything had been quiet, with the family going and doing their usual business- even Marcel and Guy had returned to work the very next day. In truth, Louise should have already been at Nottingham Castle, but Guy had wanted to make sure that she had a couple of nights in where she had no nightmares first.
Standing in the bedroom, Louise glanced around, placing a hand on her necklace, as if she was going to take it off.
“Keep it on,” Guy said softly, standing behind Louise, placing an arm around her.
Hearing Guy’s words, Louise smiled slightly, resting her hand on his, “I will,” She whispered, turning around to look at him, “Just worried about today. It’s the first time I faced the Sheriff since,” Louise stopped speaking.
“You’ll be fine. I’ll try to be there most of the time,” Guy said, hoping it would reassure Louise.
“I know,” Louise whispered, “Let’s just go before I change my mind,” She admitted, truthfully.
Before she could start heading towards the door, Guy had pulled her closer to him, placing a passionate kiss on her lips. With the kiss, Louise returned the kiss, wrapping her arms around his body. Pulling away, Louise glanced at him noticing that her seemed concerned about her.
“I’ll be fine- especially with everyone looking out for me,” Louise said quietly, “I should go and see the family before we go,” she added on, noticing that was when Guy had released his grip on her.
Watching Louise walk out of the bedroom, Guy had understood her reluctance in going to Nottingham Castle- but was pleased that he hadn’t needed to pressure her into doing anything she didn’t want to do. Hearing the door opening, Guy rolled his eyes, wondering what Louise had forgotten now but was surprised to see it was Freya.
“Freya, Louise has gone downstairs,” he commented.
“I know,” Freya said quietly, “It’s you, I’ve come to see,” She said, pulling an envelope out which had the name 'Louise Calypso Lily Potter-Black' on, “I’m giving you this. It’s for Louise- from her dad,” Freya explained, “I trust that you will find the right time to give it to her.”
Taking the envelope, Guy glanced down to it before turning his attention to Freya, “Why?” He asked.
“Because you are Louise’s husband and you’ll probably find the right time sooner than I could,” Freya explained, “And Louise should have the letter. It’s what Sirius would have wanted,” Freya pointed out.
“I will,” He said, folding it in half, placing it in his pocket, “I will give it to her at some point,” he said. He wasn’t going to deny Louise the letter but finding the right time may be tricky.
“Good. Louise seems happy being with you,” Freya pointed out, walking out of the bedroom.
Being in the living room, Louise was busy saying her goodbyes to her family. Even though she knew she would see them again- she had no idea when. Getting to Hope, Louise pulled her into a bug hug knowing that it could at least be three months before she saw Hope again.
“Don’t do anything, I wouldn’t do at Hogwarts,” Louise said quietly.
“I’ll try not to,” Hope said, keeping her attention on Louise, “I’ll just try to stay out of trouble.”
“And don’t feel like you have to come home at Easter, especially with your exams,” Louise said quietly.
“No I’ll be coming home,” Hope said simply, “Says the one who didn’t sit her exams,” She said matter-of-factly, with Louise laughing slightly, “And plus I’m hoping that new arrival will distract me from revision.”
“Hope,” Louise whispered, “I’m going to miss you,” she said truthfully, pulling Hope into another hug.
Noticing that Freya and Guy were coming downstairs, Louise pulled out of the hug, glancing towards Freya.
Watching Freya, Louise swallowed hardly, “Mum,” she whispered, with Freya pulling her into a hug as Louise hugged her back.
“You’ll always have a home here,” Freya started, “So if you ever want to return, just send word or just turn up,” Freya finished, looking into Louise’s eyes, noticing there was tears forming.
“I will,” Louise whispered, forcing a smile onto her face.
Being with the Mikaelson’s now, Louise didn’t really want to leave the family home. Even though it was different house, the Mikaelsons was still the same people, and it was in that moment that she had considered the Mikaelsons to be her safe place- well especially after all the events at Hogwarts over the past seven years.
“Louise, it’s time,” Guy said from the doorway.
Hearing that it was time to go, Louise swallowed hardly as the family gave her one big hug. Yes- she was right. They were definitely her safe place. Pulling away from the hug, Louise made her way over to Guy, being in two minds on whether to go with him. No, she had to- she had promised. She had to be a good girl and do what her husband would like- especially with him spending Christmas with her family. It was the least she could do. Taking Guy’s hand, Louise smiled warmly to him, turning back to her family.
“Just don’t be a stranger,” Hope said glancing at Louise.
“Don’t worry, I won’t,” She replied, “I’m ready,” she whispered to Guy, with the couple making their way outside.
With Louise and Guy arriving at Nottingham Castle, Louise had felt Guy tense up a lot and in turn, she was now more aware of her surroundings- the carefree Louise at the Mikaelson’s was now gone. She had to be more aware of what was happening around her. With the carriage coming to a stop, she looked at Guy, who simply squeezed her hand in reassurance. Stepping out into the courtyard, Louise glanced around, noticing that nothing had changed, since she was last here. Noticing Lady Marian out of the corner of her eye, Louise tried to meet her gaze, noticing that the female was heading straight to them. To Louise, it seemed like that Marian was a woman on a mission.
“What are you doing here, Louise?” Marian asked, before glancing to Guy, “Didn’t you get Archer’s message?” She asked quietly.
“Yes, we did,” Louise replied, “As for me, I’m supporting my husband.”
Hearing the Sheriff’s voice becoming louder, Louise tried to remain calm, although she could feel that her heart had sped up. Noticing the Sheriff at the top of the stairs, Louise didn’t dare glance towards him.
“Gisborne,” The Sheriff said, “And Lady Gisborne,” he said quite amused to see Louise, “What a lovely surprise.” He said sarcastically.
Hearing the Sheriff’s words, Louise glanced to him, keeping any emotion from her face. She didn’t want to let the Sheriff know that she was afraid of him.
“My Lord,” Louise said simply.
“Come on Louise,” Marian said, glancing to Guy, “It’s been a while.”
Hearing Marian’s words, Louise nodded her head with the two females walking away, while Guy had made his way towards the Sheriff.
“Did you really get Archer’s message?” Marian asked.
“Well part of it,” Louise replied truthfully, “Things took an unexpected turn.”
“How come? What happened?” Marian asked, fully understanding why Louise was there now.
“I shouldn’t be saying,” Louise said simply, glancing to Marian, “But word was said, which should have never been said.”
“What was said?” Marian asked, wondering why Louise was giving vague answers.
“I can’t say,” Louise said truthfully, “Well not here,” She admitted, looking apologetically to Marian.
Ever since she had first Marian, she had never been this vague with her answers, but she knew that the castle had ears and she didn’t want particular moments of her past getting back to the Sheriff. To Louise, she was already in a vulnerable position and if anyone found out anything it could have repercussions for either or both of Louise and Guy.
Xxxxxx
With Louise and Guy having left the Mikaelsons half an hour ago, Hope was lost with what to do. Heading outside, Hope knew exactly what she was going to do. Reaching the outskirts of the forest, Hope was becoming inpatient. Had he simply forgotten about what was planned? Being there for what seemed like ages, Hope was ready to return back home when she heard a rustling sound behind her.
“You took your time,” Hope simply said, glancing at Archer.
“Just wanted to make sure that they had both gone,” Archer explained, looking at Hope, “And plus I’m doing this for Louise,” he stated.
“I wouldn’t be here if they were still here,” Hope reminded Archer, “Louise knows when I’m lying.”
“Well we had best get going,” Archer said, ushering Hope into the forest.
The walk through the forest with Archer had been uneventful although she had half expected trouble. Reaching the edge of the forest and seeing Locksley Manor in front of her, Hope swallowed hardly, glancing at Archer.
“You are going to stay while I’m in there?” Hope asked.
“Yes, someone needs to make sure you don’t upset the locals or the servants,” Archer explained, with Hope rolling her eyes.
“I’m not that bad,” Hope said, with them entering Locksley Manor.
“Miss Mikaelson, Lady Gisborne is at Nottingham Castle,” A servant told Hope.
“I have just come to get something from there room,” Hope said, looking at the servant.
“Sorry but no guests are permitted upstairs while Sir and Lady Gisborne are away,” the same servant said sternly.
Hearing the servant, Hope smiled slightly, “I have Sir Guy’s permission,” She stated truthfully, keeping her gaze on the servant.
“Very well but be quick,” the servant relented, moving out of the way from the staircase.
“Thank you,” Hope said, making her way up the stairs into their bedroom.
Seeing where Louise’s jewellery box was, Hope headed straight to it and was equally surprised to see that the coin was visible.
“Oh, Louise,” She whispered to herself, carefully picking the coin up without disturbing any pieces of jewellery. Having the coin in her hand, Hope placed it in her pocket leaving the bedroom.
Walking down the stairs, she was still surprised to see Archer was still there.
“I’ve got it,” She whispered, just when the servant reappeared.
“I’ll take you back,” Archer said.
“I don’t need a bodyguard,” Hope stated coldly.
“Didn’t say you did,” Archer said quietly, holding the door open, “What the…”
“Archer?” Hope asked, eyes widened in shock with the guards coming into Locksley and approaching the manor.
“Let me do the talking,” Archer whispered, with guards dismounting the horses, “Is there anything I can help you with gentlemen?” Archer asked.
“No not really, unless you can point us in the direction on where we might some evidence of Lady Gisborne being the girl who lived?” the guard asked.
Hearing that name, Archer swallowed hardly, totally forgetting that Louise had that name, “Sorry I can’t” He replied, glancing to Hope out of the corner of his eyes as the guards entered the property.
Being out of the manor, Archer and Hope glanced at each other, walking away from the property. Archer was sure that the servants could handle the guards.
“We’ve got to let Louise know he’s onto her,” Hope said, entering the forest.
“Do you trust me?” Archer asked, “Although you can’t tell anyone where you’ve been.” He added on, glancing across to Hope.
“You know I do,” Hope replied, glancing behind her, glancing towards Archer, “Why? Where are we going?” She asked.
Being back in the forest, Hope thought that Archer was leading her on a wild goose chase. Arriving at a dead end, Hope looked at Archer, her patience spread thinly. Seeing that he was at a rock and pulling a lever, Hope was shocked to see door open, revealing a hidden camp. Now she understood why she had the cryptic questions.
“Archer, who’s your friend?” Robin asked, vaguely remembering her from Louise’s wedding.
“She’s Hope, Louise’s cousin,” Archer started.
“Louise is in danger. She’s at the castle,” Hope finished off.
“Surely her husband can protect her?” Robin asked.
“There’s just been guards arrive at Locksley trying to find evidence of her being dangerous,” Archer explained, “But she’s not. I’ve known her for a few years.”
“Fine, we’ll help,” Robin said, “And Hope you can’t tell anyone where you’ve been?” Robin reiterated letting the pair come in.
“You don’t have to worry, I won’t.” Hope said, reassuring Robin, “I also sent word to my family as well.”
xxxxx
Walking into the bedroom, Louise was staying in, she glanced around, sitting on the side of the bed. Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed that there was a letter or something. Getting up, she wandered over to the unit and upon inspecting the letter, she was surprised to see that it was addressed to her but was even more shocked that it had all her names on. Sitting on the edge of the bed, Louise opened the letter and started reading it.
My Darling Calypso,
If you are reading this, it probably means that either Lily or I are no longer around to tell you the truth. You see, I found you at the side of the road and took you to James and Lily’s. Within that journey, you captivated and stole my heart. I may have been foolish being young- adopting you but it was the right thing to do for both Lily and I love you. You may know this, but you were named after Lily.
You were six months old when I was writing this, so if you do happen to receive this letter- you Calypso are loved. I hope that you find someone who makes you incredibly happy and you can’t live without them.
You’ll always be Calypso to me but Lily, your mum, thought that people may have made fun of you, so she choose Louise as your first name.
Lots of love
Your father, Sirius
Finishing reading the letter, Louise wiped her face dry as tears was running down her cheeks. Folding the letter back up, Louise was just about to put it back in the envelope, when Guy had entered the room.
“Louise,” he whispered, noticing the tears on her face. Glancing to the letter in her hand, he guessed that it was the letter, Freya had given him earlier. In hindsight, he shouldn’t have placed it on the unit in where she was going to find it.
“Who gave you this?” Louise asked, “And how long have you been keeping it from me?”
“Freya gave me it today,” Guy replied sitting beside Louise, “She wanted you to have the letter.”
Hearing the reply, Louise smiled, placing the letter in the envelope, “I’m glad she did. It explains how Sirius and Lily became my parents,” She explained looking at Guy, “and my father joins the very short list of people who can get away with calling me Calypso.”
“Really?” Guy asked, quite amused with what she was admitting, “And who is on that list?” He asked curiously.
“There’s Kol, Marcel- but he is on best behaviour for the time being, Hope, my dad,” Louise replied before a mischievous smile came on her face, looking at Guy,” And then you.” She finished.
Hearing that he was on the list, a small smirk appeared, “I figured as much,” he stated, wrapping an arm around her.
“Really?” she asked, looking into his deep blue eyes, a smile on her face.
In truth, she had half expected him to ask about it sooner due to her not reacting to him using her middle name. In truth, it had felt right with him saying it and she had no idea in how to respond to that feeling.
“Yes,” he whispered, placing a kiss on her cheek. Hearing a knock on the door, both of them glanced to the door, although Louise seemed to be the one who was most annoyed with it.
“Come in,” Guy called out, looking apologetically towards Louise.
Hearing Guy’s call, Louise hid the envelope under the covers, watching the door.
“Sorry for disturbing you my Lord, my Lady but the Sheriff has requested both of you into the hall,” the guard said, with Louise and Guy glancing at each other.
“Why?” Guy asked, glancing to the guard.
“The Sheriff has asked for you, my lord,” the guard explained, “While a Miss Mikaelson has asked for Lady Gisborne, personally.” The guard finished explaining.
“We will be down shortly,” Guy said, glancing to the guard as he left the room.
“It’s Rebekah,” Louise whispered quietly, “It’s got to be. It wouldn’t be Freya or Hope.”
Walking into the hall, Louise took in what she was seeing. There was Marcel and Rebekah who seemed to have been having an audience with the Sheriff. Letting Guy take the lead in walking into the hall, Louise tried not to let her gaze fall on the Sheriff. Being there, she had no idea in why she had been requested. Rebekah could handle any situation in what was thrown at her. Following the instructions in what Guy had told her on the way down, Louise made her way over to Rebekah. This all seemed surreal to Louise.
“Macel has asked for permission to marry Miss Mikaelson, “The Sheriff said, letting his gaze fall on Louise, “but why should I give permission when he has failed me so badly.”
“My Lord, Marcel didn’t fail you. He carried out your orders, but your plan was unsuccessful due to family loyalties,” Rebekah started, “I was the one who unknowingly, let your plan fail.”
“Rebekah,” Louise whispered, glancing towards Guy for a second. To Louise, she had a feeling that something bad was going to happen. It just didn’t make sense in why Marcel and Rebekah were doing this.
“Very well,” the Sheriff said, standing up, walking over to where Rebekah and Louise were, “Just don’t interfere again,” he said coldly.
“I’ll try not to,” Rebekah said, casting a sidewards glance to Louise, “But if I need to, I will always choose my family over Marcel’s boss.” She stated truthfully, almost on high alert in case he had tried anything with Louise.
Hearing Rebekah’s words, a small smile crept on her face, but disappeared when she noticed the Sheriff was watching her.
“Very well, I give my permission,” the Sheriff started, “But I will be watching you Miss Mikaelson,” he said diverting his attention to Louise, “I will be watching both of you very carefully. I have my suspicions that I have the girl who lived within the castle.”
Hearing the words, ‘the girl who lived’ her eyes widened in shock. Both Rebekah and Marcel had glanced at each other before looking at Louise. They both knew she was called that. For Louise, her mind was going into overtime, trying to come up with way of trying to de-escalate the situation. She could admit it- but what would happen to her life if she had.
“My Lord, Louise is not the girl who lived,” Guy said stepping forward, “If she was, I would have let you know and I would not have started a relationship with her, let alone marry her.” He finished, glancing at Louise.
Hearing Guy’s words, Louise glanced to him, trying not to show any emotion, even though his words had hurt.
“I do not know who this person is,” Louise said, trying to follow Guy’s lead by lying about it even though she had a bad feeling about it.
“Take Lady Gisborne down to the dungeons until this can be resolved,” The Sheriff ordered, glancing coldly at Louise.
Hearing the order, Louise’s heart seemed to stop, standing frozen to the spot. Surely the Sheriff wasn’t being serious- but Louise could tell he was being serious. She couldn’t be placed down in the dungeons.
“My Lord, let Louise stay at Locksley until this is resolved,” Louise heard Guy say.
“A clue! No,” the Sheriff said cruelly.
“If not at Locksley, then with her family?” Rebekah asked, knowing full well on what the answer would be, but she had to give Louise a chance of getting away. She couldn’t stay around here. To Louise, it had become quite clear as to why the Sheriff didn’t like her.
Feeling Rebekah touch her arm, Louise glanced to her with panic in her eyes, as the guards approached them both. In that moment, she knew she had two options, and they were to either resist the guards’ orders and be dragged down to the dungeons being the first option while the second option was to go on her own free will.
Glancing behind her, Louise noticed another soldier come and her heart sank even further into her chest. There was definitely no way of getting out of this. She was beaten and she was going to admit that she was beaten and to start telling the truth, no matter what the price would be as she would be happy to pay it.
“My Lord, Mr Malfoy and his son are here,” the guard said.
Hearing those words, Louise knew that the truth would come out.
“Help me,” she whispered to Rebekah and Marcel who seemed to understand why Louise had said that- well Rebekah had.
“Is this necessary?” Guy asked, frustrated with the situation. He wasn’t prepared to lose his wife, “Can you not see the stress you are causing Louise?”
“It’s totally unnecessary,” Rebekah commented, letting her gaze fall on Guy.
With both Malfoy’s making their way into the hall, Louise glanced at them pleadingly to lie. They were her last chance.
“Ah Mr Malfoy is this woman,” the Sheriff said, pointing at Louise, “known as the girl who lived and is wanted alive by Lord Voldemort?” he asked.
Hearing the name, Louise closed her eyes as if she hadn’t heard that name.
“Louise isn’t wanted anymore,” Lucius replied, glancing across to Louise, “However no matter how much she denies it, she is known as the girl who lived, but…”
Hearing Lucius words, Louise glanced to Guy, realising her world was falling in on her. Now she couldn’t deny it- she was totally prepared to tell the truth.
“Take Lady Gisborne down to the dungeons,” the Sheriff ordered, a sadistic smile on his face.
“My Lord, I must protest,” Guy said angrily, not happy that his wife was being taken away from him.
“You have just heard Mr Malfoy tell the truth,” The Sheriff said coldly, almost taking delight in what was happening, “it seems that your wife has been lying to you,” he pointed out, noticing that Louise was now being escorted out by two guards.
Watching Louise go with the guards, Guy’s world had collapsed around him again. If only they had both been honest with the Sheriff from the beginning, then maybe none of this would be happening.
With the scene unfolding in front of them, they were shocked with what they were seeing. They knew that Louise didn’t deserve any of what was happening.
“The claims around the boy and girl who lived were false. They were not dangerous. The dangerous person was the one who wanted them and that was Lord Voldemort,” Draco explained, “I went to the same school as Louise, and she was never dangerous. Louise was a kind, honest girl who fiercely stood beside her friends and family even when all hope was lost,” Draco finished, hoping it would be enough for Louise to have her freedom. After all Draco knew he had a huge debt to repay after what had happened at Hogwarts. This was his way of trying to repay it.
Hearing Draco’s words, Louise smiled slightly, but was shoved out of the hall. Being taken into the courtyard, a small frown appeared, realising this wasn’t the way to the dungeons. In her mind, this seemed like the way to her freedom- but where exactly could she go to be truly free. She couldn’t go back to her husband- she would have to start over again, but this time, it would be with a baby in tow.
Noticing that the guard was sat on a horse and was holding his hand out, Louise looked up at him suspiciously, scared that it was going to be another trap.
“Quick, before they realise,” the guard said, with Louise immediately recognising the voice of Archer.
Taking his hand, Louise got on the horse, wrapping her arms around Archer, just grateful that he had been there.
“Thank you,” She whispered, with the horse speeding of, towards the forest.
Being in the heart of the forest, Louise was processing what had just happened and to try and figure out her future plans. In the space of a few months, she had managed to build a life for herself and now everything had seemed to be taken away from her.
“Come on,” Archer said, dismounting the horse as Louise followed, noticing Robin was there as well. Now it had all made sense as to why she was now in the forest instead of the dungeons.
“Thank you,” Louise whispered, with Robin shooing the horses away.
“Camp?” Archer asked Robin, with Robin nodding his head.
“There’s nowhere else to go,” Robin admitted, glancing at Louise, “I am sorry, Louise.”
Hearing the words, Louise looked down, trying to keep her emotions in check.
“But how did you know?” Louise asked, wondering how the two males would know to be at Nottingham Castle.
“I was at Locksley when soldiers came. They were trying to find evidence of you being the dangerous girl who lived,” Archer explained.
Hearing the explanation, Louise’s eyes widened in shock, realisation hitting her. The coin was hiding in plain sight. If anyone noticed that, she was doomed.
“The coin!” Louise blurted out, just when the camp door open.
Looking into the camp, Louise had no time to react when someone hugged her tightly. Immediately recognising the person to be Hope, Louise wrapped her arms around her.
“I’m ok,” Louise said, trying to reassure her cousin, “He didn’t hurt me,” She added on, pulling away from the hug.
“I am not going to lose you again,” Hope said sternly, with the two females walking into the camp, “There must be something we can do?” Hope asked.
“Like what?” Louise asked, “He knows, and he believes me to be dangerous,” Louise started, taking a deep breath, “And it’s all down to the traitorous little rat.” Louise said coldly.
“Pettigrew?” Hope asked, not believing what she was hearing. Why was all this down to him. If Hope could have put her hands on Peter, no doubt he would be sorry for all the pain he had caused Louise.
“Who’s Pettigrew?” Allan asked.
“He was friends with my parents, but he switched sides and was the reason why I didn’t grow up with them,” Louise replied, not wanting to go into too much detail about them.
“Then we have to find this Pettigrew and make him tell the truth,” Much said, glancing at Louise.
“He’s dead,” Louise pointed out, “Just got to prove my innocence the hard way.”
Walking through the castle, Guy wasn’t really paying much attention in where he was going. In the space of a few hours, he had retreated into his old self- not wanting to feel the pain of losing another person he cared about. Even though he knew where Louise was (well so he thought) he couldn’t face the prospect of her being down there in the dungeons for longer than what was necessary.
“The prisoner isn’t here,” Guy heard the guard say to another.
Was they talking about Louise because if they were- she had to be. If she wasn’t there, it would definitely be a long road back for her, knowing the Sheriff would class her as an Outlaw. Turning round the corner, Guy looked to the guards who was both alarmed that Guy was standing before them.
“Is Lady Gisborne in there?” He asked sternly, arms folded across his chest.
“No, my Lord,” One of the guards replied, “Lady Gisborne has not been down here today.”
Hearing the reply, Guy’s eyes widened in shock. Wherever, Louise was, he knew that he would probably not see her again, especially if the Sheriff had realised she hadn’t been in the dungeons this whole time. Whatever happened, Guy had promised himself that in future, he wouldn’t allow anyone to win over his heart as when they did it always ended up in pain for him.