Fan Fiction ❯ The Weaver Telarius ❯ Enter Meriam ( Chapter 8 )

[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]

Sleep did not come to me once more. It was getting irritating. Cordelia was avoiding me and the first challenge was only two days away. Even with Deanne at my side, I found myself feeling rather down. I was not accomplishing much of anything, and energy wasn't quite a high point for me. I guess that's what prompted the conflict in the first place. Looking back, if I had known that my actions that day would have started the war, I would never have done them. It is difficult to see the big picture when one has a constant headache, though.

Classes did not allow me to see Deanne much at all. To further complicate matters, Professor Snape said that he wished to speak with me. He didn't even hint at the subject of this discussion, so I was left to my imagination for the entire day. Needless to say, it did not make the headache any better.

When the day was done, I sought him out. It was like a game of hide and seek, when I was blind, though. I hadn't had much of an opportunity to explore the grounds, after all. I finally found him in one of the lower dungeons. It was dimly lit by flame, and he was pouring over a tome. He looked up from it, and regarded me with an expression that I could have sworn was worry.

"Mr. Shade. You're late," he sounded agitated, and a bit more sinister than usual.

I nodded. "I'm aware of that, Professor. I was not certain of your location, and it took a bit of exploring to find you."

He nodded, stood from his chair, and took a few paces towards me. "Are you aware that the first challenge is in two days?"

"Indeed."

"Do you have any idea what it is?"

"None at all, sir."

He paused a moment and regarded me. "I have truth serum handy..."

"I'm telling the truth, sir."

"Then you needn't worry about the serum."

"Unless you ask me a different question. One which I don't want you to know the answer to."

His eyes seemed to flash. He was startled by something that I said. "Mr. Shade, will you submit yourself to five questions under truth serum?"

And here was my mistake. "Yes."

I don't know why I said it. I honestly think that I might have been manipulated by some force outside myself. I doubt I'll ever know, but I don't ever want to meet that force. Anything subtle enough to avoid detection by Xorlempt is quite frightening indeed. He gave me a dose of the serum which would require five truths. I was curious, as I drank, as to what those would be.

"Are you from another world?"

I was shocked, but I had to answer truthfully. "Yes."

"Who summoned you here?"

"Tom Riddle," I had no idea who he was, but the answer came out of me as if I did, indeed, know.

"And did he summon you to serve him?"

"Yes."

"As a Weaver?"

"Yes."

"And did you do the one thing that he wanted you to do?"

"Yes."

And that was the end of it. Snape regarded me again, for a moment, then shook his head. He waved his wand, quickly, in a spell cast to avoid scrying. "Do you have any idea what you've done?"

I shook my head. "None whatsoever, sir."

He paced about for a bit. "You've been manipulated to this point. If I remove the control he has on you, he'll know it was me. It has to be stumbled upon almost by accident... if you get my meaning."

I nodded and said nothing. I was totally confused, but I also felt angry. Over what, I did not know.

"I have to tell him. He'll know if I lie, and he'll kill me. I have to continue to act as though I still serve him," he looked at me, "Damn you, Telarius! You may have doomed us all. If you hadn't taken the serum, you could have lied."

My head hung, almost not of my own will. "I'm sorry, Severus. I was tired... didn't have all my wits about me. I should have seen, I suppose... but I don't understand all of which you speak."

Our gazes locked for a moment. "At this point, it's either war or worse. Can you prepare for a war?"

Confusion swept over me even more than before. "Perhaps if I had a better idea of my opposition..."

"Can you prepare for a war?!"

I was still tired. I was angry, nay, infuriated, and I didn't know by what or why. I grit my teeth. "Yes."

Anger now flashed in him. "Damn you!" And his hand wrapped about my throat.

* * *

I blacked out, I remember that much. Coming to I was a bit hazy. I was becoming quite familiar with the hospital wing. I was told that I had fallen and knocked the wind out of myself. I knew the truth, but I said nothing. Whatever swept over Snape, it was genuine. I knew something was up, but I couldn't quite put my finger on it.

It was a day until the first challenge, and, while I should have focused my efforts on confronting either Meriam or Cordelia, I was a little distracted by the events of that evening. So much so, in fact, that I set to pondering about war. If a war sprung up, what could I do to make sure that my interests were maintained?

As I begun to think of all the horrible things that could happen to Ember, Phillip, Meriam, and Cordelia, among others, I felt a chill. This world was certainly more dangerous than the one I came from.

That's when it hit me. I had a plan. Come hell or high water, I was going to get us out of this world. And toward that end, an army is always nice to have in reserve.

It had been a while since I talked with Hagrid. I had a feeling that he knew about the Hermione and Cordelia situation, and most likely hated me now. Still, all I needed to do was touch him...

Snow was layered thickly upon the ground, such that movement through it was difficult. I managed, though. I had been physically training the body I was in, just in case a confrontation of that nature should come up. I felt fairly confident of my abilities, but not stupidly so. After class, I approached Hagrid.

"Heya, Hagrid," I tried to sound as pleasant and agreeable as possbile.

The look he gave me took me back. He had a smile on his face. "Harry told me, Telarius. What you did was... selfless."

"And the fewer people who know that, the better," I replied, "Down to business. I need a sample of your DNA."

"Me what now?"

"Your DNA. A simple spot of blood would be best. I have a pipet prepared and a vial to place it in..."

"Whatcha need that for?" he asked, a hint of suspicion in his voice, though he hid it quite well.

This caused me to think for a moment. I needed a good reason, one that Hagrid would believe and respect, and, most importantly, one that wasn't a total lie. I didn't want to totally lie to him.

"It's important. I need it to help people," and there it was. Benevolent and totally accurate, but still not revealing my intentions.

He ended up allowing me my sample, and we caught up on each other. I totally let the thoughts of tomorrow's challenge slip away into my subconcious. After I reached a point where I could excuse myself, I did so, then moved just off school grounds, and apparated.

I had already constructed the lab. Magic was so bloody useful. I refuse to reveal the location, though. At any rate, I began the cloning process, stimulating the pituitary gland to make them grow faster and larger. I gave them some of Riposte's genes, too, which gave them natural weapons and great reflexes. With some time, I would have an excellent army, available to me at a moment's notice. It was perfect.

I hid it with every obscuring spell I knew. When those ran out, I weaved seven more, and layered them quite effectively. No one would ever find it, of that I was certain. When I was finally finished and back on school grounds, it was past my usual bed time, and I had to sneak into the Slytherin house. On my way, I could have sworn that I saw someone just entering Gryffindor house. I paused. It looked like Vincent Malivore. I was curious as to this, but kept moving. I'm sure it was something relatively benign, at any rate. Gyffindor's were a respectable, honourable sort, which just happened to want to rip out my entrails.

I spoke with Deanne through a spell which I created. It served as an instant messaging system, but only between her and myself. I rather enjoyed it, as we could project ourselves to each other. It was as if our spirits were linked, and that turned out to be just as stimulating as body connection, though spirits link during that as well, if you love the other.

We were up for quite a while, but I finally managed some sleep, albeit dreamless.

* * *

It was Cordelia who woke me up. She was over me, in what would be a rather suggestive position if not for the age. But, when I made eye contact with her, assisted by the physical contact, I knew her. "Hello," she spoke, and it seemed to have a bit of an eerie echo.

Shocked would not describe my reaction. More like baffled. "How...?"

"I'm psychic in this world. I blocked your perceptions, not knowing what your role was to be. The time seems to have passed for petty games, though. You're in trouble."

She allowed me to get to my feet, which was nice of her. Yes, I had met her before. She was yet another from my world. She had psychic talents there as well, though less than this. It seemed as though each of us had a special gift in this world. Meriam suddenly made more sense. I would simply have to recognize her ability for what it was and there would be no problem.

"In trouble? Howso?"

"Today's challenge... you have to face each of the other competitors in some sort of duel. You're getting the short end of the stick. Each of them is going to get to choose the challenge."

I nodded. "That's easily avoidable. It's time to call a meeting of we outsiders. Think you can arrange it?"

She smiled. "Piece of cake. However, there is a problem..."

"Malivore?"

"He's typically alright, but whenever he sees you, his mind becomes savage... primal..."

"Murderous?"

"I'm afraid so."

"Wonderful. I suppose I'm going to have to contact Meriam and apprise her of the situation?"

"Yes, and since you're the only one that knows everyone else, I think we're going to be taking direction from you."

I rolled my eyes. "Leadership. Just what I wanted."

"Well, you seem to be the nexus of this whole ordeal."

"I wish I knew more about it."

"Don't we all. At any rate, we should pool our resources, and you've got the tactical mind for that."

"I'm far from a tactical genious, Cordelia."

"Yes, but you're prudent, and that's what we need right now."

"Agreed. Alright, set the meeting for noon. The challenge isn't until tonight, so I should have time to contact Meriam."

Cordelia gave a little bow, and then left the room, off to a safe space to broadcast the message to the two mental imprints that she acquired from my mind. It was nice to have another asset, and it took care of the confrontation issue. I only felt a little bit disturbed by the fact that I was duped. After all, I thought I had done the same thing to her. Hypocracy, while inevitable, is something that I attempt to avoid as much as possible.

* * *

Meriam was absolutely gorgeous. I knew why, now, so it wasn't as astonishing as it normally would be. I chose that haste was best in this situation, but careful haste. I cornered her as best I knew how; namely by stalking her until she was alone. It worked quite well, too. Thanks to the assistance granted unto me by my link with Riposte, stepping silently became a task easily accomplished.

"Meriam, we must speak," I spoke in as urgent of a tone as I could muster.

She turned to face me, and her hair formed a perfect, swaying arc as some of it covered her face. It was a smashing sight. "About what, Mr...?"

I attempted eye contact, but found that difficult. The pull was stronger with direct eye contact, and my will was not totally indominable. I sent Xorlempt over instead. Now that I think about it, I could have thought of something better than a strangling chord for Xorlempt's form at the time, but I was impatient. It allowed me to establish a mental link.

~You're choking me,~ she protested.

~We don't have time for your increased feminine wiles, milady. I'll not have myself under your spell. Understand and accept this.~

~That voice... you're...~

~Do NOT name me!~ my mind, for a moment, shot a bolt of tension through her. It stopped her thought process, ~My apologies for the brutality of this, but it's the only way I can show you who I am and express the urgency of the situation.~

She seemed to understand. ~What's going on?~

~I could explain, but it would take time with words such as these. I could transmit the information directly, though it might be a bit painful.~

~If it truly is as urgent as you feel, then a little bit of pain might be necessary.~

~As you wish.~

* * *

"This is all well and good, Mr. Shade, but I don't see as to the relevance of your monolouge..."

Telarius turns to regard him. A slight smirk can be seen by the observant dancing across his lips. He turns his head away, refusing to make eye contact, a sign of disrespect, and meets the gaze of Albus Dumbledore. A quick nod says that he is doing good. "The relevance shall be known upon it's completion, sir," Telarius speaks, his voice assuming the usual tone, rather than his narrative, "Many bits of information need to be revealed in order for the whole story to come to light. You cannot expect to act on half the information, much less the meager bit I've tantalized you with."

As they continue to banter for a bit, I watch. I have the curious urge to chew on my fingernails, but know it to be a nervous impulse. Years of instinct can be silenced by a single, rational thought. Instead I watch as the man I love, still in that younger form, is put through this. It is unfair, unjust, and yet he goes along with it willingly.

Tears begin to form in my eyes, but he exchanges a knowing glance with me, and I nod. I know why he must do this. Damn them all for complicating our lives that much more. Tom Riddle, especially... or should I call him Lord Voldemort. It is eerie that even in death he can cause so much trouble. So many questions are left unanswered. Who brought me through? And the others? Riddle only brought Telarius through. What other possible players could there be in this game?

I sigh a moment. There are just too many questions, and all I ever wanted was to be able to live with Telarius and be his love until the end of our days. Now it seems as if much of that time will be robbed from us. The saddest thing is that this is the best alternative available to us.

"And now, allow me to continue to tale..." Telarius is returning to the monolouge.

* * *

It was noon, and we were all assembled at Hagrid's place. I had obscured our location enough to feel confident that we could speak freely.

I turned and faced the group. Deanne, Cordelia, Phillip, and Meriam. A ragtag group, with myself being the only link. I suddenly felt quite distraught, but I pulled myself together before it could show.

"I think introductions are in order. For the purposes of convenience, I'll do the explaining," It sounded like a halfway decent opener, "First we have myself, Telarius Shade. I'm apparently a weaver, though not particularly powerful in the area of magic. Next on the list is Deanne Ember. Her special talent lies in have prior knowledge of the world, and a type of pseudo-omniscience from reading the books. She also can blow stuff up. Then there's Phillip Kennistence. He's supposedly a weaver, but his true talent is his magical power level, which is far beyond anything I've ever witnessed. Following him is Cordelia Lorenth, psychic extraordinarre. Finally, we have Meriam Wintersky. Her talents appear to be largely pheromonal, with enhancements in general beauty to the individual. It's an interesting talent, and could prove quite useful," I looked about, "Everyone sufficiently acquainted?" after no real negative response, I nodded, "Good."

"You've all been aprised of the situation as it stands. Input is appreciated."

"Have you considered weaving a spell to shift us back?" Phillip asked.

"Yes, I have. The problem is the fact that, if I wove such a spell, it would give people access to our realm... and this world is already kind of messed up. Then there is the fact that it could only be cast by you. It would be far beyond my level of power, for certain. At this point, I simply haven't been able to consider all the implications of such an endeavor. I say that it would take more time than we have before the next school year begins for me to explore it all."

"Then you've gotta win the tournament," Meriam observed.

I remember arching my brow. "What makes you say that?"

"Phillip, myself, and Cordelia all have sources of income already. If you're going to continue being a student, you need the money from the tournament."

"Point. And since it's quite a bit, it should be enough for myself and Deanne for at least one year."

"Exactly."

"Then the issue at present is Malivore," Cordelia seemed to have a knack for focusing the group.

"Doubtlessly he will pull out all the stops in this duel to cripple you as best he can," Deanne commented.

"Unfortunately, that's what reality seems to be dishing out at the time. Suggestions?" I was hoping someone would have something.

The entire group was silent for a moment. "I've got it!" Phillip said, with a start.

He proceeded to spin a plan that was absolutely brilliant. It gave me the best chance possible, and it was well within the rules of the first challenge.

After the meeting was concluded, and I made plans with Deanne for some snuggle time after the challenge, I walked with Phillip. "So, what exactly are you going to be training me in?"

"Your power is such that spells like summoning primal elemental forces are so far beneath you that you should only use them as a joke. No, you could probably manipulate the fundamental structures of atoms if there was a spell for it. However, you power is limited by what I weave, and certain spells could be problematic in the case of an equally powerful wizard with slightly less scruples."

"Well spoken. Would it not be wise to simply create a counterspell for each?"

"My thoughts exactly. A few tricks at first, and more as the need arises. In a pinch, given a little time, I can whip up something for you to use. I have one of those bad feelings that tells me we're going to be in a situation like that at least once."

"Wonderful. Are those feelings of yours ever wrong?"

"Sometimes."

"Well, that's refreshing."

"Not really. It's always worse when they're wrong."