The Contract

Forgotten Flower

A bombardment of magical light fills the inner walls of the Potter residence. The Dark Lord did not know who or what was blocking his further advancement up the stairs. He had already done away with James Potter. He knew his target was merely a few more step up. Lily Potter herself held no such powerful magic. The Mudblood woman wasn't even considered very powerful.

With a growl of anger, Lord Voldemort casted his most powerful spells. Pushing every magical essence in him, to shatter the barrier that blocked him.

In the meantime, within the room that served as baby Harry's bedroom. Lily Potter held her son tightly. She watched as the strange woman before her moved about the room, packing diapers, bottles, clothing, ECT.

"Who-Who are you?!" Lily finally managed to speak.

The woman stops and turns to her, "My name matters not. I've come here to rescue you and your son."

"What about my husband? He's st-"

"He is no more. He, I am unable to save."

Lily closed her eyes to keep her tears from falling. Of course she knew James was gone. But she still had hoped that this stranger might have saved him. She takes a deep breath, "How will you help us? Voldemort  is just outside this door."

The woman shrugs, "And? He's a mere child playing with a stick compared to the likes of me. " She picks up the bag she'd been preparing. "No time to get your things. But this should be enough for the child. Come. We go now."

She moves towards Lily, who takes a few steps back. The woman sighs, "Listen, I know I just showed up here out of thin air. But I am honest. I've a promise to keep. I will not harm either of you. And as I see it you either trust me or I can leave and let Mr. Noseless over there have a go at you."

Baby Harry cooed softly in his mother's arms. Lily glanced down at him. James was gone. She herself could not hold Voldemort back even if she tried. And she did not want to leave her son on his own. Sure, there was her sister Petunia, yet they had been at odds for years. Heavens knew what she'd do to her son if Lily died.

The woman reached out a hand to her, "Time's running out. What will it be?"

Lily placed her hand in hers.

The woman smiles. "Good choice!" She releases her hand. Rapidly wrapped one arm around Lily's waist. "Hold on to your baby!"

"Wait -whaaa-"

All three disappeared from the room in an explosion of red colored petals that twirled and twisted before flying out the open window. The Dark Lord finally managed to break the unseen barrier that blocked him from moving forward.

He hurried to the closed door. Didn't even bother casting a spell to open it. He kicked the door hard enough that the hinges came off. The door falls inside the room with a loud thud. Wand at the ready, he walks inside. To be met by emptiness. As there's no one there.
************
Outside, hidden from view, Severus Snape paced from side to side. It'd been close to five minutes since the strange woman had left to go and rescue Lily.

He saw the constant duel of magic being casted within the house. He'd even seen what looked like an enormous fox like creature enwrapped itself around the house.

Suddenly, a wind gust hits him. Red flower petals wrap around him, before in front of him appears Lily carrying her son, and the strange woman that wore his coat.

Lily stared at Severus in confusion and mild surprise. "S-Severus, what are you doing here?!"

"Lily..." He whispers.

"He's the one that asked for my help to get you out of there," the woman says.

Severus coughs, "She...uhhh..."

"I'm his Master," the woman tells Lily.

Lily looks at Severus with a questioning look. Severus stared at the woman, mouth open in shock. The woman smiles at both of them.

The loud bloody scream of the lord of darkness emanating from the home, reached their ears. Severus closed his mouth.

Lily looks at him nervously, "We need to get out of here and fast!!"

"I agree," the woman adds. "Where are we going?"

Severus glanced from one to the other. The stranger had kept her promise. She'd rescued Lily...and the child. He hadn't thought further than Lily being safe.  "Hogwarts!" He says. "The school dungeons." He gently grasps Lily's arm. "Let's get going."

He and Lily were enveloped in a twist of black like fog that took to the air. Rapidly moving away. The Dark Lord rushed out of the now crumbling home. He looks all around trying to find a clue as to where Lily Potter and the child could have gone.  His eyes are drawn to the left of the road. Where there's an alleyway that leads to a small bridge. Two large golden orbs seem to be looking right at him.

Curious, he walks in that direction. As he got closer to the alley, something in him told him to stop. That getting any closer was dangerous. But he pushed those thoughts to the side. He took one more step, only to hear a deep growl. A growl warning him to move no further.

"Whoever or whatever you are, speak your name!" He commanded.

All he hears is a feminine chuckle. Followed by a soft voice near his ear, "I am fear in human form."

Voldemort turns to his right to see who just spoke to him. Sees no one.  And the golden eyes he'd seen staring at him from afar were gone.
*****
In the meantime, on the grounds of the Wizarding school, Severus and Lily land. Her baby has fallen asleep during the journey.  She moves away from Severus. The last time they'd spoken to each other it has not ended in good terms.

Neither dared to say a word. Thus, Severus motions with her hands for her to follow him. They made their way pass the main gate. On the main rock bridge and entered the the foyer that leads to the great hall.

Dumbledore was already there waiting for them. He embraced Lily tightly but carefully as she held her baby.  "Lily, I'm glad to see that you and your son are safe."

"But James... Dumbledore....James is..." Lily said between sobs.

"I'm quite sorry, Lily. But you and Harry are safe. That's what truly matters right now." He glanced at Severus with a questioning look.  "Severus, how were you able to help them and escape?"

"A woman," Lily responds. "She called herself Severus' Master. She save us."

At that, Albus' eyebrows shot to the roof, "I did not know Severus had a woman as his Master."

Snape's face flushed a light red, "That... she's not my master. She was joking."

"Was I now?" The familiar voice of the woman echoes around them.

All three see her take form within a swirl of red flower petals. She still wore Snape's black coat. This time it is buttoned up. And it is obvious that the coat fit her big. She looks from one person to the other. Then gives Snape a glare, "Wasn't very nice to leave me behind, love."

Dumbledore coughs, "I don't believe I've had the pleasure of meeting you before."

The woman curtsies as best she can, "Forgive my bad manners. It has been very long since I last spoke with others." She smiles, "My name is Starlight Fanell. I am Empress of the Elemental Realm. The Heavenly Forgotten Flower that King Arthur sealed away. I am the one you all have been taught about and lied about. Given me a different name and placed one of your own in my place. Merlin."
TBC