Serpent Magic ~ The Quinzel heirs

Chapter One ~ The Visit

"Harley, listen to me. We don't have much time."

A young blonde elemental heard the urgent tone in her brother's voice. The baby-blue-eyed infant, only four years old, locked her eyes with the grey eyes of the older boy. He presented her with a small wooden box, made of the same wood that made up his wand. He whispered an incantation, shrinking the box and putting it into the girl's pocket as thumping footsteps and the rustling of armour could be heard.

"Mother and father will be with you later, I, on the other hand, will be... on a long trip and we'll see each other again soon. Look I have to go to keep you safe, I promised. Tell our family... Tell them I'm sorry and I'll miss 'em. Okay?"

The small confused girl nodded in understanding though still perplexed as to why her brother was scared. A large blast could be heard as smoke started to cover them like the blanket that they would sneak under during bedtime. But this blanket was a thick grey, causing anyone's nostrils to flare and throat to become the equivalent of a desert. The boy covered Harley with his robe and carried her to a small oak tree and hid her inside. A small hole was all that Harley could see through and the bright light from the flames just a few meters in front of them left many dark spots in her vision. Armoured wizards stormed in, grabbing the boys arms while he wailed in protest. Harley saw him thrash but all she could do was whimper, knowing that her brother would want her safe. The wizard and boy argued for what seemed an eternity when the boy was stunned and all Harley could see was darkness...

"Harley? Harley? Hello? Earth to jester?" Poison Ivy waved her green-tinted hand in front of her best friend as said best friend looked way out of it.

Blinking and rubbing her eyes she spluttered "Huh? Yeah, yeah, what was the question?"

The rogues were gathered around the sofa, some brought chairs over while some sat on the armchairs nearby. They were all currently telling stories of how they got caught by the bat this time and were surprisingly just hanging out. It was unusual for the normally bubbly and talkative blonde to be so zoned out, especially during such rare occasions. Then the rec room door opened to reveal a huffing Dr Leland and two guards. Everyone turned to look at them and Joker was about to say something when the doctor interrupted him.

"No jokes, for now, Joker. I've just come to pick Harley up," she looked at Harley "you've got visitors."

At the mention of visitors, Harley's eyes widened but Dr Leland continued "they say that you know them quite well."

"Uh, sure..." Harley replied with uncertainty as she gave a glance to her friends and stood to follow the kind doctor. The rest of the rogues gave looks of even more confusion, worry and amusement. Not a single rogue has gotten a visitor (except the Batman) since, well, forever. In all honesty, even though most wouldn't admit it, everyone thought that Harley was the baby of the group. As she was not only the youngest but just seems so innocent and caring, even when she murdered numerous people she only did so when necessary. She gave one final look as the rec room door closed behind her.

"Okay fellow rogues, riddle me this, who would want to visit a red and black jester?" questioned Riddler.

"Well, Eddie, that wasn't even a riddle. But seriously, who would want to visit Harley if we are all here?" Poison Ivy asked as she looked to the Joker.

"Whatcha lookin' at me for? Even I'm uncertain on who would want to see the little minx. Then again, what does anyone know about her past relationships?" Joker thought aloud as he scratched his pale chin, "But I'm sure we can find out..."

Meanwhile, in the visitation room...

"Okay Harley, if you behave you will probably get more time with your... visitors."