In the Shadow of Seventh year

Chapter 13: Alarmed and Alone

The shock of Ancient Magic made you jolt awake. Even in your sleep-ridden haze it didn't take long for you to realize what happened: there was an intruder in the Map Chamber.
It had set off the alarm that you had placed using your gift. Professor Rackham had taught you after the battle with Ranrok and before he left his painting.
In all this time, it had never been set off so you never knew what would happen if it did, but the shock that awoke you was so filled with magic that it couldn't be anything else.
Even now you felt it tingle in your nerves.

You didn't waste any time to get up and were vaguely aware of your surroundings which brought back memories. Looking back to the couch you had hopped off of, you saw Sebastian laying there still asleep.
For a moment you pondered if you should wake him up, but another pulse of Ancient Magic in your core made you abandon that idea as you rushed to the door.
Right now it was more important that you reached the Map Chamber.

As you went down flights of stairs, passing multiple Floo Flames you cursed yourself for not having some Floo powder on your person. Figures that you'd need it the one time you didn't have it.
Ever since that mysterious man had showed up, all of you had made sure to have some powder on you, but with the ball you had figured it was too much of a hassle to take some with you as your dress didn't have any pockets.
It made you curse aloud this time as you realized your enemy must've been waiting until you had your guard down to strike.

You were nearly out of breath and your sides were stinging from exertion when you finally made it to the Map Chamber.
Your eyes widened when you saw the four huge portraits of the Keepers. Dark burn marks had charred them to the point they were just blackened rectangles.
Running over to them you touched the frame of what was once Professor Rackham's portrait.
The Keepers hadn't ever returned to their portraits ever since the end of fifth year, but you had always hoped that if you really needed them, they would reappear.
Now that hope was lost.

"There you are."
The sound of the voice made you turn around swiftly and you had to hold back a shocked gasp when you saw the owner.

Walking from the alcove between the staircases came the mysterious stranger.
Once again he was dressed in expensive looking clothing, looking pristine just like the last time. His piercing eyes glanced over the burned portraits behind you.
"Ah yes, one of them was actually in their portrait when I came by and I couldn't have them interfering now could I?" Turning his gaze to you, he smirked. "I see that you didn't bother bringing your little friends, but from the looks of it you just rolled out of bed. The Halloween ball must've been exciting for you to wake up so late."

He clicked his tongue as he let his eyes glide over your figure, making you aware of the rumpled state of your clothes. You hadn't even bothered to put on the stockings or shoes.
"Really, how in Merlin's name someone like you is related to me is beyond my comprehension." The man shook his head. "Not even wearing shoes. Pathetic."

Your blood ran cold at his words and for a moment you forgot about everything around you.
"You are related to me?" Your voice was but a whisper, but he heard. A devious smile spread on his face.
"Oh. I see my dear sister never told you about your family. Then again, you were just a baby. Still, she didn't even write you a letter? Not much of a mother then was she?" The chuckle that left his lips made you shiver.
It couldn't be...Looking at the man again, you prayed to whatever deity was out there that this man was lying.
But one look of his icy blue eyes and you felt in your bones that he hadn't lied to you. This man was family. It would explain the Ancient Magic he seemed to possess as well.

"What do you want?" You asked through gritted teeth. Regret left a bitter taste in your mouth. You should've woken up Sebastian. At least the two of you would stand a better chance against this man or the Slytherin could've come up with some clever plan. He always had a way with sweet talking.
As it was, you hadn't done that and now you were facing him alone. The man who had barely looked at Garreth and flung him against a wall, giving him a concussion.