Authorâs Note: Â Iâm very sorry, but this is a farewell. Â Iâve been struggling to find muse to continue this story for years at this point, and I think itâs time to admit I wonât ever finish it. Â It got away from me, out of my hands, bigger than I could manage, and after the death of my mother I havenât been able to find the strength to renew old projects.
So, in order to give some closure, Iâve decided to post some of my notes and a rough outline of that I would have liked to post if Iâd been able to work on this story the way it deserves to be done. Â If anybody out there wants to take it upon themselves to finish what I started, I give my full consent and support. Â Iâd love to get links to see what you do with it.
For those of you who want to know where I would have taken it, please keep reading. Â For those of you whoâd like to wait and see if someone else takes up the mantle, you should probably stop reading after the next paragraph.
Thank you for taking this journey with me. Â Iâm sorry I abandoned it. Â I really am. Â I wish I had the strength to finish it properly. Â My OUAT phase has ended. Â I donât hear the characters whispering stories anymore. Â I wonât try to force it. Â So, Iâm letting them go. Â Thank you for your time reading my words and responding to them. Â Your feedback kept me going through rough times. Â Thank you. Â Love, Tam.
Killian and Emmaâs relationship grew rocky as the Tri-Wizard Tournament unfolded. Â The Hufflepuff boy grew sullen and withdrawn, and Emma likewise pulled away, feeling yet again rejected. Â She tried to do as Killian had asked and seek out Neal, but it proved excruciatingly difficult. Â She managed with some success, but Neal, too, seemed withdrawn and moody. Â What scraps of information Emma learned from him were vague and confusing.
The first Challenge for the Tournament involved scaling an enormous beanstalk and retrieving a magic compass. Â The four Champions were sent in pairs, with the two Hogwarts Champions sent together after the Beaubatons Headmistress shrieked and complained that it was the only fair way, since any other set of pairs could result on an all-Hogwarts win. Â So, Emma and Killian climbed the stalk together.
During the Challenge, Killian seemed oddly at ease and flirty, and the sudden shift from his normally brooding demeanor confused and upset Emma. Â At the end of the Challenge, she refused his offer to try to claim a joint victory and descend the beanstalk together. Â She left him behind and took the compass, winning the first round.
Neal clinched the win between himself and Tamara, but the details of their voyage were never revealed. Â His time is better than Emmaâs, putting her in second place after the first round.
In preparations for the Yule Ball, Jeffersonâs claim to be Emmaâs date makes her life difficult, and he keeps showing up before and after her classes, bothering her. Â She has mixed feelings when Neal and Tamara start being more than a little friendly and reveal they are going to the Ball together. Â Emma somewhat reluctantly asks Killian to be her escort, but he unexpectedly reveals he already has a date. Â Jilted again, Emma goes to Jefferson and agrees to let him escort her.
At the Ball, Killianâs mystery date is revealed to be one of his fellow Hufflepuffs, Bella Tinker. Â Emma tries to leave the Ball, and her own date is surprisingly cordial and supportive, if a little disappointed in her decision. Â Killian sees the pair sneaking out together and leaves his date behind to pursue. Â He finds Emma and Jefferson in a darkened corner, Jefferson touching Emmaâs cheek and her leaning into him. Â Killian tears the Slytherin boy away from Emma and punches him in the throat.
Emma, shocked by Killianâs sudden rage and overstepping, chews him out for interloping, for ignoring her for months, for punching her date, and for anything else she can think of. Â She speaks a little too loudly and not quite vaguely enough, and Neal overhears just enough to learn that Emma and Killian are working together to try to stop his father. Â Emma realizes sheâs said too much and worries what Neal will do with what sheâs said. Â She and Killian have a semi-tense reconciliation and decide theyâll weather the fallout of the Ball together.
Back on friendly terms, the pair amp up their investigation as the second challenge is announced. Â The second challenge is individual, and each of the four champions is forced to descend into a subterranean cavern to retrieve a potion. Â The dragon is a surprise, but Emma manages to complete the task. Â Killian posts the best time, and the scores ultimately show a neck-and-neck (and neck) point spread between the two Hogwarts Champions and Neal, with Tamara lagging behind.
Bella Tinker helps Killian and Emma discover The Dark Oneâs taboo, but they cannot speak the oath âI am Rumpelstiltskinâ (an anagram of the Dark Oneâs childhood name: Tim Maikull Spinster) until they find his horcrux, which they believe to take the form of a dagger.
For the third challenge, the four Champions are individually dropped into a seemingly never-ending jungle, each given only a black map. Â Emma unlocks the secret of her map and follows it. Â She finds Tamara just as the girl is sucked into a clump of bushes in the maze-like greenery. Â Emma laments her inability to help Tamara, and then she literally runs into Killian, who had hear the other girl scream and come to investigate. Â Shaken, the pair work together to head toward the middle of the jungle-maze and finally come to a small cave, inside, they find the TriWizard cup and Neal. Â They tensely decide to claim it together, but the cup proves to be a portkey, and they unexpectedly arrive at the trap set for them by the Dark One himself.
((Iâve had this bit written forever:))
âAh, excellent work, Baelfire,â the Dark One said, striding forward with a sickening twist of his lips.  âYouâve brought me the boy⊠ But who is the blonde interloper?â
âShe isnât a part of this,â Killian growled, trying to step in front of Emma.
âOh, I think he cares for her,â the Dark One says with obvious glee. Â
He flicks his wand at Killian and Emma.
âPetrificus totalus,â says the Dark One, and the two Hogwarts students go stiff.
âPerhaps Iâll cut out her heart and crush it in front of you,â the Dark One says, stalking forward, his eyes on Killianâs face. Â âThat would serve you well, donât you think?â
Killian struggles vainly against his invisible bonds, his face contorting in rage and fear.
Neal watches from the side, twitching, uncertain and clearly upset.
âIf sheâs not a part of it, why kill her?â Neal says, trying to keep his voice gruff and cool.
âShe has seen too much,â the Dark One replies, his eyes flicking briefly to Neal. Â âDonât tell me that youâre getting squeamish now, son.â
âNo,â Neal says quickly.  He looks around, trying to find something to say.  âItâs just⊠ SheâsâŠ. pretty.â
âThere are lots of pretty girls, Bae,â the Dark One says.  âIâm sure we can find you another.  One who is more⊠pliant than this one.â
Neal swallows hard and steps closer to Emma and Killian, putting himself slightly in front of them so Emma can watch as he stealthily draws his wand from his pocket.
âWell, thereâs no reason to torture them, Papa,â he says quietly. Â âJust get it over with.â
âMaybe her,â the Dark One says, metallic skin glittering eerily in the moonlight. Â âBut I have good reason to prolong his suffering.â Â
The Dark One raises his wand and levels it at Emma.
âAre you watching, Killian Jones?â the Dark One taunts. Â âI want to make sure you remember this moment for the rest of your short, painful life.â
âAvada--â the Dark one begins.
âFinite Incantatem,â Neal says as she leaps in front of Emma. Â He looks desperately at Killian for a moment. âRun!â
Emma and Killian sag as the body-bind curse on them is broken.
â--Kedavra!â the Dark One finishes, his eyes going wide as he sees that Neal has thrown himself in the way of the spell.
Emma screams as Neal slumps to the floor, his eyes still open, but now empty.
âNo,â the Dark One says quietly. Â Then louder: âNo!â
He drops to his knees, reaching out to grab his sonâs body. Â Then his eyes lift to the two Hogwarts students.
âYou,â he says, filling the word with hate and rage.
âTime to go,â Killian says, grabbing Emmaâs arm and dragging her away from the scene, diving for the fallen portkey.
Their fingers close around it just as the Dark One begins casting another killing curse.
((Back to synopsis/narration:))
The pair arrive at Hogwarts to cheers and confetti, but they are clearly not celebrating. Â The aftermath is much like that of the book.
The school year ends, and Emma follows Killian to his family home. Â They plot their next move and then seek the Dark Oneâs dagger so that they can lift the taboo and destroy the horcrux, avenge Neal, and end Tim Spinsterâs reign of terror over wizard kind.
((At this point, the outline for the story becomes further fragmented, and while I know Killian and Emma are eventually successful and âall is well,â Iâm not sure how they get there. Â Again, if anyone wants to take this over, they have my full blessing. Â Thank you so much for reading this. Â Thank you for your patience and support.))
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nerdyeverafter replied to your post âI don't have a question, just a comment. Your Once Upon a Time Turner...â
I do hope to see the Yule Ball played out. It could be a great opportunity to see some bonding with the girls as they get ready and likewise with the boys (some Killian/David bromance perhaps?). I'm secretly hoping Emma doesn't feel obligated to go with Jefferson!
Your wish is my command!
The Yule Ball will indeed play out (if/when I find muse for it. Â Muse is still spotty, and I feel terrible making you guys wait, but I am thinking about HPKJ, even though the updates are thin). Â There will (now, assuredly, thanks to you) be bonding with the girls getting ready (did somebody say shopping?). Â And Iâll chew on the bromance angle. Â I might be able to come up with something there.
Iâm sure Emma will have mixed feelings about whether or not she really has to go with Jefferson (just think of what Mary Margaret will say if Emma tries to break her word!). Â I wonât spoil my plans for that just yet.
But the real question is who is Ruby going to the ball with? Â =D
Authorâs Note: Â As with the last chapter, this (short) update is brought to you 100% by the awesome review I just got on FFN. Totally inspired me to go write! Seriously, reviews like that are my fuel.
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Emma didnât have to wait long for Neal to approach her. Â He was loitering outside the potions classroom when she exited the class.
âHey, Em,â he said, kicking off the wall and falling in step beside her.
Emmaâs posture stiffened and she could taste bile in her throat. Â She didnât want to talk to him. Â
âNeal,â she said, the name feeling like broken glass in her mouth. Â She didnât look at him.
âCan I talk to you?â Neal asked with exasperation.
âI canât seem to stop you,â Emma replied dryly.
Neal made a noise of frustration. Â He put his hand on Emmaâs shoulder. Â She spun out of his grasp and glared up at him.
âJeez, Emma, donât bite my head off,â he said, raising his hands in surrender. Â His American accent was still heavy. Â Emma had always liked that they had the accent in common. Â âWill you let me apologize?â
âFor what?â Emma demanded.  Years of pain and anger bubbled to the surface.  âFor grabbing me right now?  For showing up after years of silence?  For leaving without so much as an owl?  For what, Neal?  What do you want to apologize for?â
Neal glanced at the other people in the hall before looking at Emma again.
âCan we do this somewhere private?â he asked. Â Emma didnât move or react. Â She just stared up at him with an expression of righteous anger. Â Neal made another noise of frustration and looked away from her, crossing his arms over his chest. Â âFor all of it, okay? Â Iâm sorry.â
Emma believed him.
She really really didnât want to believe him, but she did.  He was telling the truth.  He was sorry.  Emma felt something crack deep in her chest, and she turned away from Neal and walked as quickly down the hall as she could without actually running.  She heard him call after her, but she didnât slow down.  She took the stairs in twos and threes and put as much distance as she could between herself and the man whoâd broken her heart.
How could Killian ask her to talk to him? Â How could he encourage her to be friendly? Â Looking at Neal made her want to burst into tears. Â How was she supposed to convince him to tell her his secrets?
Emma took huge, gasping breaths to keep herself from crying. Â Sheâd climbed to the seventh floor, she noticed, and she was going past the sometimes-room. Â But what did she need? Â How would the Room of Requirement help her deal with an impossible situation? Â She didnât need a room. Â She neededâ
âEmma?â a familiar female voice said.
The blonde girl spun and found Mary-Margaret watching her with concern on her face.
âI canât,â Emma said immediately, shaking her head. Â She could feel tears threatening her again. Â It hurt too much. Â She couldnât deal with the emotions. Â âI needââ
A friend.
Emma let out a shaky breath as Mary-Margaret stepped forward and offered a hug. Â Emma didnât move from her spot as the dark-haired girl enfolded her in her arms. Â She stood stiffly for a moment, and then she relaxed into the embrace, sniffling and letting her friend hold her. Â She closed her eyes.
Mary-Margaret didnât say anything. Â She just breathed evenly and softly stroked the other girlâs back. Â She waited until Emmaâs sniffles vanished and her breathing was even again before she drew back. Â She smiled at Emma and squeezed her arm. Â Then she led her back to the Gryffindor dormitories, chatting about class and other innocuous topics on the way, putting Emma into a more relaxed, comfortable mood.
It wasnât until theyâd both finished their homework and were sitting alone in their room that Mary-Margaret finally broached the subject.
âDo you want to talk about Neal?â she asked tentatively. Â Her expression and posture were open and sympathetic.
Emma sighed.
âI really donât,â she said. Â She watched Mary-Margaret nod sadly. Â âBut I think maybe I should.â
Mary-Margaretâs eyebrows lifted in surprise, but she recovered quickly.
âOkay,â the chaser said. Â âIâm really good at listening.â
âI know,â Emma said with a small smile. Â She felt a little guilty for keeping her distance. Â She knew talking to Mary-Margaret would make her feel better. Â But she also knew she couldnât tell her friend everything. Â That was part of why sheâd been keeping Mary-Margaret in the dark. Â It had seemed easier. Â But with Killian being so strange and focused, Emma could use a chat with her best friend. Â âIâm sorry I havenât felt much like talking.â
âItâs okay,â Mary-Margaret said. Â âI know youâve gone through some traumatic things. Â You, Ruby, and Killian. Â So, I understand that youâve been spending more time with them. Â Iâm sure it bonded you in a way I wonât ever truly understand.â
Wait, spending time with Killian and Ruby?
âRubyâs been distant, too?â Emma asked with a frown.
Mary-Margaret blinked.
âIâyes. Â I thought sheâd been spending more time with you,â she said in a more concerned tone of voice.
Emma shook her head.
âNo, not with us. Â I mean me,â she said. Â âIâve spent some time with Killian, but Ruby and I havenât done much together without you. Â Maybe sheâs focusing more on Whale?â
Mary-Margaret pursed her lips.
âI donât know,â she said. Â âMaybe.â
She shook her head.
âBut tell me about whatâs going on with you,â Mary-Margaret prompted. Â âI canât imagine what itâs like to see Neal again after all this time.â
Emma inhaled a slow breath and let it out as a loud sigh.
âIt hurts,â she admitted in a quiet voice. Â âI didnât think it would hurt this much, but it does.â
Mary-Margaret nodded.
âAnd you canât just avoid him, since youâre both Champions,â she said sympathetically.
Emma nodded as well. Â
âI canât avoid him,â she confirmed with a frown. Â âFor multiple reasons.â
âOh?â Mary-Margaret asked, cocking her head to the side. Â She looked at Emma with open curiosity. Â âWhat reasons other than the Tournament..?â
Emma grimaced. Â She probably shouldnât have said anything. Â She didnât want to betray any of Killianâs confidences, especially after talking to Mary-Margaret was probably what had gotten them into the whole Tri-Wizard Tournament predicament in the first place. Â But they were in the dorm, not the greenhouse, and she could be discrete. Â And there was one other reason she couldn't avoid the man.
âWell, heâs apparently following me to class,â Emma said in a voice that she thought sounded far too petulant.
Mary-Margaret hummed in understanding and sympathy. Â
âDo you know what youâre going to do?â she asked with gentle curiosity.
Emma sighed.
âI donât know,â she admitted, shaking her head again. Â âI canât avoid him. Â I donât want to feel trapped or like I have to keep looking over my shoulder. Â It makes me feel sick.â
âThen, are you going to confront him?â Mary-Margaret asked.
âI think I have to,â Emma said with equal parts resignation and resolve. Â âI donât think thereâs any way around it, especially if I want to stand a chance of winning the Tournament.â
Mary-Margaret looked surprised for a moment, but she schooled her features.
âLike a quidditch match,â she said thoughtfully.
âYeah, kind of,â Emma said. Â âI wish they hadnât cancelled quidditch for the year. Â I could use the head-clearing effect of a match.â
âWe could still go flying,â Mary-Margaret suggested.
âOh, my god, flying sounds amazing,â Ruby said as she threw open the door and walked into the dorm room. Â She grinned at each of her roommates in turn, but the smile stopped just short of her eyes, as most happy expressions had since the night in the shrieking shack. Â âCan we go flying? Â Throw around a quaffle? Â Please?â
Emmaâs smile was genuine as she turned to face the other girl.
âAre you trying to get us to skip afternoon classes, Miss Lucas?â Emma said in her best prefect voice.
The brunetteâs mouth fell open in shock. Â She recovered quickly.
âIâm advising mental health over another stuffy lecture,â Ruby said, lifting her chin. Â âWe can get notes from somebody later. Â Flying is in our physical and emotional best interest.â
Mary-Margaret let out a little laugh and looked at Emma expectantly.
âOkay, okay,â Emma said, holding up her hands in mock surrender. Â âJust this once. Â Next time, we have to fly /after/ class, okay?â
Ruby squealed, and her expression looked more genuinely pleased as she grabbed her gear. Â Mary-Margaret did likewise, pulling her broom and pads from where she kept them neatly stored. Â Emma watched the other two girls for a moment before she collected her own supplies. Â Then she followed her two best friends out of the castle, ditching class, to enjoy the autumn afternoon.
Authorâs Note:  This (short) update is brought to you 100% by the awesome review I just got on FFN. Totally inspired me to go write! Seriously, reviews like that are my fuel.
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Ready for anything wasnât as easily done as said.
Killian and Emma spend most of the night discussing and plotting, but they didnât have much to go on, and Emma eventually grew tired of all the âwhat ifâs and âmaybeâs.
She let out a sigh of frustration and scrubbed at her face with one hand. Â Her eyes itched from lack of sleep.
âThis isnât getting us anywhere,â she said, shaking her head. Â âWe need to know more.â
âAgreed,â Killian said, âbut we havenât got a lot of sources jumping at the chance to tell us about Riddle.â
âNo, we donât,â Emma agreed. Â âAnd we donât know anyone who knows anything about Riddle, either.â
Killian frowned and then made a face.
âThatâs not entirely true,â he said slowly. Â He hesitated before adding: âWe know his son.â
Emma felt like a bucket of ice water had been poured down the back of her robe. Â She shivered.
âI canât believe Nealâs involved,â she said, shaking her head. Â âHeâs got to be another pawn here, being used. Â And if I asked him about it, it could get back to Riddle.â
âBecause Neal would tell his father,â Killias said.
âNo,â Emma said. Â âNeal isnât involved. Â He wouldnât do that. Â He never told me much about his father, but I know he had some seriously negative feelings about him. Â He wouldn't be working for Riddle. Â Thatâs not the Neal I knew.â
âHe might not be the Neal we knew anymore, Swan,â Killian said. Â âThe Dark One can twist people, even without using the Imperius Curse. Â And heâs /blood/. Â People do mental things for family.â
âI wouldnât know,â Emma said sharply.
Killian inhaled before speaking again.
âAye, well, trust me, then,â he said. Â âAnd donât trust Neal. Â He knows something. Â I donât think we can get him to tell us what it is, but Iâd bet my life that he knows something.â
Emma frowned.
âYou think heâd talk to me?â she guessed, her tone reflecting her displeasure at the idea.
âMaybe,â Killian said. Â âHe seemed keen to speak to you tonight.â
Emmaâs scowl deepened as she tossed the idea around in her head. Â She didnât like it.
âI canât just suddenly pretend to be okay with what he did to me,â she said with a shake of her head.
âI wouldnât expect that,â Killian said. Â âAnd playing hard to get might work better. Â Make him try to regain your trust. Â He might let something slip in his efforts.â
Emma studied Killian for a moment, her expression still dark.
âAnd youâre okay with that?â she asked with skepticism. Â âYouâre fine with the idea of me letting him pursue me?â
âWhy wouldnât I be?â Killian asked, looking confused.
âBecause weâŠâ Emma started.  She looked away from Killian.  Maybe sheâd been mistaken about their relationship.
âBecause we what?â Killian prompted when Emma didnât finish her thought.
âBecause weâre a team,â Emma said.  âConsorting with⊠the enemy hardly seems like something youâd be okay with me doing.  Not that I believe Nealâs the enemy.  But still.â
âWe are a team,â Killian agreed, the corner of mouth quirking up. Â âBut Iâd consort with the Dark One himself if it meant a stronger chance at defeating him. Â Our goal is what is more important. Â The ends justify the means, Swan. Â If you have to seduce Neal for the information, so be it.â
Emma didnât like the sound of that, and she got a little nagging feeling that Killian wasnât being completely honest. Â But she couldnât tell what part of the short speech was a lie. Â She studied the Hufflepuff for another moment and then sighed. Â Her gaze drifted to the large bed. Â It looked awfully tempting.
âOkay,â Emma said with a little shrug.  She didnât want to âconsortâ with Neal, honestly.  The idea made her heart ache.  It would be painful.  But Killian was right.  There was a lot more at stake than just their own feelings.  Still, it felt uncomfortable to have Killian so casually send her off to Neal as though it didnât bother him in the least.  Sheâd thought she and Killian were⊠ not dating, she supposed, but something.  Had she been wrong?  She knew he had a reputation for being a player, but heâd been so adamant with his declarations to her.  Was it all an act?
No, she would have known if heâd been lying. Â But if he really was in love with her, how could he send her to seduce Neal?
She didnât like it.
âIâm tired,â she said honestly. Â She closed her eyes for a moment and heard Killian let out a little hum beside her.
âWould you like to lie down?â he asked in a soft murmur.
Emma nodded, her eyes still closed. Â Beside her, she heard Killian rise to his feet, and then he was gently tugging her off her chair. Â She kept her eyes closed and let him lead her to the bed. Â He pulled back the covers and guided her onto the mattress. Â She was mildly disappointed when he didnât immediately follow her, but as she listened to him rustling around the room, she realized he was dousing the lamps. Â When he did join her in the bed, she was already drifting.
âSleep well, Swan,â he whispered as he slipped his arm around her.
She mumbled something in reply and let unconsciousness claim her.
Authorâs Note: Â Iâm back. Â No, really. Â Which means I need scene prompts for this fic. Â Iâve got the major plot, but not the awesome moments that make this fic worth reading are all based on ideas from readers. Â Send them to me. Â Please!
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The rest of the evening passed in a blur of noise.
The four champions were toasted and questioned, and Killian was hauled away by the Headmistress for some inquisition. Â Emmaâs housemates rescued her from the rest of the throng, but her head was still spinning. Â She heard Neal try to talk to her again, but David got into Nealâs face as Ruby and Mary Margaret led her away from the stage. Â Emma didnât hear what David said, and she couldn't decide if she was grateful or annoyed by the way her teammates were handling her with kid gloves.
She wanted to talk to Killian.
The whole TriWizard Tournament felt wrong to Emma. Â She couldnât believe it was a coincidence. Â But why would Riddle organize a school competition? Â That made no sense. Â Could he really be that determined to get to Killian? Â Why would the most powerful dark wizard in the history of magic be so scared of a teenager?
Unless Riddle knew that Killian had found out about the horcrux and the taboo.
But how could he know?
Her mind racing, Emma let her housemates escort her back to the Gryffindor dormitory. Â She dressed for bed, but she knew there was no way she could sleep. Â She stared at the ceiling until she was sure that Mary Margaret and Ruby were both dreaming, and then she slipped out of their room. Â She found a few revellers in the common room, and they congratulated her again. Â Emma talked to them as briefly as she could, telling them she was going to the prefectâs bathroom as an excuse for why she was leaving the dorm so late. Â The celebrants seemed convinced and wished her well as she slipped out through the portrait and into the castle.
Emma wandered a little, following her feet and hoping that Killian was watching his map. Â She wasnât sure she could bring herself to go to the Hufflepuff dormitory after the chaos that had occurred in the Great Hall. Â If there were still people awake in her own dorm, it seemed reasonable to assume there would be Hufflepuffs who were still up, too. Â Especially since they also had a house celebrity to congratulate.
Emma loitered in the halls near the dungeons, biting her thumbnail and pacing. Â She stretched her shoulders as she walked, balling and unballing her fists in agitation. Â She wished she could go for a flight or something. Â She needed to channel her pent up emotions.
The sound of her name being whispered made Emma turn around suddenly. Â She exhaled a sharp breath of relief at the sight of Killian, and then she frowned at him as he wadded up his invisibility cloak.
âYou could have done that in front of me,â she muttered.
âI liked the view,â he replied glibly, grinning as he started to close the distance between them. Â When he was standing in front of her, his expression turned serious. Â âAre you okay, love?â
âNot hardly,â she said, scowling to the side instead of meeting his eyes. Â âWe need to talk. Â Someplace private.â
Killian looked around the hallway, his forehead furrowing in concern. Â He hesitated for a moment, and then he nodded once.
âI think I know a place,â he murmured. Â âFollow me.â
He reached for Emmaâs hand, and she allowed the gesture. Â Once his fingers were threaded in hers, he started leading her upstairs and then upstairs and then upstairs again. Â He stopped on the seventh floor and led her down a particularly boring corridor with one blank wall and an old tapestry on the other. Â Emma raised an eyebrow at Killian in confusion as he led her through the same hallway three times, muttering to himself. Â She was about to ask if he was feeling okay, but then he stopped walking.
And there was a door.
âWhat theââ Emma gasped at the sight, but Killian was already pulling the door open. Â He shushed her, and she looked at him with wide, incredulous eyes. Â She dropped her voice to an angry whisper. Â âWe canât just go in a door that appeared out of nowhere!â
âIn a magic castle, Swan, seriously?â he said, cocking an eyebrow as he stepped into the darkened room, tugging Emma along with him.
The door clicked shut behind them, and Emma tightened her grip on Killianâs hand.
âWhere are we?â she asked him in a strained voice.
âNot sure as of yet,â Killian said in a casual, distracted tone. Â He shifted, drawing his wand, and then lifted it to cast a spell. Â âLumos Maris.â
Killianâs underwater light spell painted the room in swirling, mottled blues and greens. Â Emma was momentarily distracted by the light itself and had to force herself to look instead at what the light revealed.
The room was small, with heavy stone walls covered in thick tapestries that would dampen sound. Â A little table sat tucked in one corner, covered in parchment and quills and flanked by a pair of chairs. Â There was a comfortable-looking sofa tucked along the left wall, piled with various cushions and pillows. Â Opposite the sofa, a large bed dominated the right side of the room. Â Emma looked at Killian sideways, raising an eyebrow, and he cleared his throat.
âWell,â he said, âthis is niceâŠâ
âWhere are we?â she asked again, annoyance coloring her tone.
âThe Room of Requirement,â Killian said as he lit the lamps scattered around the room and doused his light spell.
âWhat the hell is that?â Emma pressed.
âItâs whatever you need it to be,â Killian said with a shrug. Â âYou think of what you need the room for when you pace the hallway, and then the castle gives you the necessary features.â
âLike a giant bed?â Emma asked skeptically.
âUh, yes,â Killian said, looking away. Â He cleared his throat and then continued. Â âOr a quiet place to study, or a convenient place to hide. Â Or, in our case, a private place toââ
âDiscuss Riddle,â Emma said, finishing for Killian in case he got any ideas about the reason for her visit.
âAye,â he said, nodding and licking his lips. Â He gestured to the sofa and table.
Emma moved into the room and went to the table. Â She thought the quills and parchment might prove useful. Â She took the chair in the corner, leaving the one facing her for Killian. Â He moved it to sit beside her, also facing into the little room.
âYou want to talk?â Killian asked gently as he sat down.
Emma nodded, but she pursed her lips together, looking around the small chamber with doubt.
âHow do you know itâs safe to talk here?â she whispered.
âThe Room gives you what you need,â Killian said confidently. Â âI trust it. Â We can speak freely.â
Emma searched Killianâs face. Â He believed what he was saying.
âI donât want to mess things up for you again,â she told him seriously, her expression grave.
âEmma, youââ Killian started to reassure her, shaking his head. Â Then he froze. Â He cocked his head slightly to the side. Â âAgain?â
âItâs my fault,â she said in a rush. Â âItâs my fault they found you.â
âWhat are you talking about, Swan?â Killian asked carefully, his eyes showing his sudden apprehension.
âI wasnât thinking.  I was stupid,â she confessed.  âAfter I found you in your room, I told Mary Margaret, but Professor French overheard me, and then they announced the TournamentâŠâ
Killian stared at Emma with a shocked expression. Â He shook his head.
âHow could that possibly be connected?â he asked. Â âWhy would French overhearing about me result inââ
Killian cut himself off, frowning. Â He scratched behind his ear for a moment.
âRiddle has Belle,â Emma said. Â âI know it. Â Professor French has been lying about why sheâs not in school. Â He looks terrified when I ask him about her, and he lies. Â Heâs spying for Riddle because the Dark One has his daughter. Â He has to be.â
âThat doesnât⊠ How do you know heâs lying?â Killian asked, his brow furrowed.
âI⊠just do. I always know when someone is lying,â she said, shrugging uncomfortably and looking at the table.
âYou⊠can tell when someone is lying..?â Killian asked in a slow, careful tone, clearly not trying to sound like he was accusing her of being crazy.
âYes,â she said again, forcing herself to look at him. Â âI can.â
Killian licked his lips.
âYouâll have to forgive me, love, but that seems a rather far-fetched propositââ
âTry me,â she said in a huff, scowling at him as she cut him off. Â She met his eyes, her expression grave.
âEmma, that hardly seemsââ
âDamn it, Killian, just try me,â she growled. Â âThen youâll know.â
He studied her for a moment, his gaze flicking back and forth between her eyes. Â Finally, he shrugged.
âIâve never seen a thestral,â he said in a completely neutral tone of voice.
âLiar,â she said, narrowing her eyes. Â âTell me something I donât already know about you.â
He licked his lips again.
âMy brotherâs patronus was an albatross,â he said in the same tone of voice.
âTruth,â Emma said, still holding his eyes. Â âAgain.â
âThat could be a guess,â Killian said. Â âThis is a mentalââ
âAgain,â Emma repeated through clenched teeth.
Killian shook his head in surrender, glancing around in a circle as he thought of something to say.
âIâve never drank a Muggle cola,â he said still shaking his head.
âLie,â she said. Â âAgain.â
Killian looked at Emma and something in his expression shifted. Â He moved his jaw to the side and then slowly back to center.
âIâm sorry I didnât tell you earlier about Neal,â he said softly.
Emma flinched.
âTruth,â she said in a shaky voice. Â âAgain.â
âEmma, Iââ Killian started.
âAgain,â she said, scowling at him.
âI donât want your help with Riddle,â he said in a warning tone. Â âI shouldnât have got you involved.â
Emma narrowed her eyes.
âLie,â she said, âmostly.â
Killian swallowed, his jaw twitching.
âI donât want to play this game, Emma,â he said quietly.
âYou still donât believe me,â she said. Â âAgain.â
Killian shook his head.
âI believe you,â he said.
âLie,â she said immediately, though it wasnât a complete lie. Â He also hadnât been lying about not wanting to play. Â
âLetâs talk about Riddle,â Killian said in a low voice, his expression guarded. Â âSo, you say Riddle has Frenchâs daughterââ
Emma scoffed and crossed her arms over her chest.
ââso you think French has been spying for Riddle,â Killian went on. Â âI think thatâs a fair assessment, but why are you so bothered by it?â
âBecause theyâre trying to get to you,â Emma said. Â âThe TriWizard Tournament is some kind of cover for them getting to you. Â I know it. Â Thatâs why they called your name even though you didnât put your name in.â
âAnd you know I didnât put my name in because you can tell when someone is lying,â Killian said as a statement of fact.
âYes,â Emma said, âand because the headmasters of the other two schools were lying.â
âTheyâŠâ Killian started, blinking in surprise.  âWhat did they lie about?â
Emma took a breath. Â He believed her. Â She ran a hand through her hair and nodded once.
âIt wasnât anything outright,â Emma said in a quiet huff of air, âthey just weren't being honest. Â They know something. Â Neither of them were as surprised as they were pretending to be.â
âDid the headmistress know?â Killian asked, frowning.
âNo,â Emma said, shaking her head. Â âProfessor McGonagall didnât know.â
Killian nodded.
âBut why go to all the trouble of arranging this big event?â Killian asked aloud, his tone speculative. Â âIt doesnât make sense.â
âHow else could they get to Hogwarts?â Emma asked. Â âThis is one of the most secure locations in Europe.â
âBut with all the visiting dignitariesâŠâ Killian said.  He nodded again.  âHardly seems worth the trouble for just me.â
âWell, how close was your brother to finding him?â Emma asked. Â âHow many hornetâs nests did you kick this summer?â
âA few,â Killian admitted.  âAnd they say heâs the determined sort.  Still, all of this⊠ Itâs barmy.â
âWe need to be vigilant,â Emma said.
âWe?â Killian repeated, raising an eyebrow.
âYeah,â Emma said. Â âYouâre not doing this alone, remember?â
âEmma, if heâs coming after me, Iâd rather you be far away,â Killian said with complete honesty.
âWell, seeing as how Iâm theâuh, one of the Hogwarts Champions, thatâs not going to happen,â Emma said.  âIâm in this, either way.  Itâs⊠ Itâs actually a decent cover.â
âUnless itâs a trap,â Killian said.
âItâs not a trap if you know in advance,â Emma said.
âNo, Swan, itâs still a trap,â he said. Â âItâs just less of a surprise when it springs.â
âOkay,â Emma said. Â âThen we just have to make sure weâre ready.â
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I just wanted to say that I really enjoy your CS x HP crossover fic series. I think it shows very clearly how much time and effort you put into characterization and integrating the Once characters into the HP universe. Just wanted you to know that you have a very appreciative fan :) Well done!!!
These messages seriously make my day. Â <3
I really appreciate you taking the time to send a note. Â HPKJ is a lot of work, moreso than any of my other AUs, because Iâm trying very hard to be true to two universes. Â Itâs stressful at times, and knowing that my effort is appreciated really inspires me to keep moving forward, even when I feel like Iâm not doing the story justice. Â Iâm so worried Iâm going to screw it up...
Authorâs Note: Â Someone recently found my FFN account and read through every fic I've written, leaving a review on each chapter. Â It blew me away, and I found the strength to finish this chapter than I'd been sitting on for a while.
I have no idea when the next update will be. Â I'm still a mess after losing my mom in January. Â But here's something:Â
.
The following night was the Halloween Feast and the choosing of the Tri-Wizard champions. Emma barely made it through her classes in a daze. Sitting in the decorated hall, sandwiched between Mary Margaret and Ruby, Emma felt a little like she was suffocating. She had that itch between her shoulderblades, like something was going to happen. Good or bad? She had no way to know.
She felt a tiny sliver of relief when McGonagall took the podium to begin the ceremony. At least the suspense part was over.
The headmistress made a speech about honor and sportsmanship or something. Emma wasn't really paying attention. She could feel eyes on her, and she knew she shouldn't turn around, but she couldn't help it. She found him easily-too easily-sitting among the Slytherins that were his former classmates. Neal was ignoring the Hogwarts students, the headmistress, and even his own Durmstrang classmates. He was staring at Emma.
Their eyes met and Emma's chest felt tight. His face was older, harder, like the intervening years had been unpleasant, but his eyes were the same warm shade of brown she'd fallen in love with just a few short years ago. He smiled, a brief, crooked thing, and Emma's heart skipped a beat. How could he affect her so strongly after what he'd done?
Emma guessed it was true what they said about first loves.
Mary Margaret shook her shoulder, and Emma reluctantly tore her gaze from Neal. She turned to her roommate and saw the brunette looking at her with clear concern.
"Are you okay?" Mary Margaret whispered.
Emma couldn't find her voice.
"The Goblet of Fire!" the headmistress exclaimed, drawing everyone's attention. Professor French brought the chalice forward. "The Goblet will now choose the Champions who will compete in this year's Tri-Wizard Tournament."
French set the Goblet down on a little table near the podium and took a step back. As everyone watched, the fire in the goblet billowed higher, and something small shot up into the air. Professor McGonagall caught the tiny projectile and unfolded it. the edges of the scrap of paper were singed.
"The Beauxbatons Champion is," the Hogwarts headmistress proclaimed, pausing for dramatic effect, "Tamara Gregory!"
The assembled Beauxbatons students cheered, and the named girl, a beautiful seventh-year student, smiled brightly and accepted a hug from another student before making her way to the stage.
Directrice Cora Descours gave Tamara a slight smile of approval and patted her shoulder.
The room fell silent again as the flames from the goblet rose and danced. A second slip of paper shot into the air. It headed straight for the Durmstrang headmaster, who caught it and handed it to Professor McGonagall with a nod of his head.
Emma felt that itch between her shoulders again.
McGonagall unfurled the scrap of paper and read the name aloud, once more giving a dramatic pause.
"The Durmstrang Champion is⊠Neal Cassidy!"
The cheer sounded like buzzing insects to Emma. Her stomach twisted painfully. Someone clapped her on the shoulder, and Emma startled, turning to see young Henry Nealson, reaching up (not as far as he would have last year) to console her.
"Maybe he'll get eaten by a dragon or something," the young chaser said brightly.
Emma's eyebrows shot up her forehead. When Emma found out who'd told Henry about her relationship with Neal, she was going to give them a piece of her mind.
"Yeah," Emma mumbled in response.
David, Mary Margaret, and Ruby each gave Emma a supportive bump, but then it was time to see who the Hogwarts champion would be.
The little slip flew up into the air, and the headmistress read the name with obvious pride.
"And the Hogwarts champion is⊠Emma Swan!"
The Gryffindor table erupted in cheers. Emma blinked, still a little stunned.
"You know what this means, right?" Ruby whispered into her ear. "You're going to the Yule Ball⊠with Jefferson."
"Ruby!" Mary Margaret chastised. "Now is not the time."
Emma's roommate's helped Emma to her feet, and she slowly made her way up to the platform. The Beaxbatons champion gave her a ghost of a smile, then she met Neal's eyes.
"Hey," Neal said, looking sheepish.
"Don'tâ" she started, her hackles rising, but a flash of light made her turn.
Another slip of paper flew up from the Goblet of Fire. Professor McGonagall caught it with a puzzled expression and made a disapproving little cluck when she opened the hastily folded ballot.
"Killian Jones," she read, her voice carrying over the hushed room.
"Killian?" Neal said quietly next to Emma, he sounded unhappy and⊠worried?
Madam Hooch spoke up from her place on at the professor's table.
"That doesn't make any sense," she said. "Killian Jones isn'tâ"
"What is going on?" demanded Cora Descours in an accented voice. "It is unfair for Hogwarts to have two champions when we only have one!"
"Whatever the cup says is final, Cora," the headmaster from Durmstrang, George Konig, said immediately.
"But Killian Jones isn't here," Madam Hooch went on. "Seventh year isn't required at Hogwarts."
"He must be on campus," Konig said, "or the Goblet could not have chosen him."
A moment of hushed chatter filled the hall.
"Sonorus Castellum," McGonnogall said. The spell amplified her voice, and Emma imagined it would carry through the whole castle. "Killian Jones, report to the great hall at once."
"I'm already here, Professor," Killian drawled from somewhere off to Emma's right.
Every head in the room snapped that direction to find the boy in question leaning against the wall beside the platform. He was wearing trainers, blue jeans, and an old, black tee-shirt. Emma wasn't actually surprised that he was in the Great Hall. How could he miss the ceremony? She was certain that he'd snuck forward while under his invisibility cloak and uncovered himself for dramatic effect. Her already tight stomach did another little flip at the sight of him.
"Mr. Jones, what is the meaning of this?" McGonagall said in a surprisingly calm voice. "Did you put your name into the Goblet of Fire?"
"I did not, Professor," Killian said, bowing his head.
"Clearly he is lying," Directrice Cora Descours said. "You said he isn't even a student!"
"He is a student," McGonagall said, turning an icy stare on Descours. "But he has been truant from his classes as of late."
She turned back to Killian.
"Isn't that right, Mr. Jones?" she asked him in an iron voice that brooked no disagreement.
"Aye," he said contritely.
"There cannot be four champions in the Tri-Wizard Tournament!" Cora complained.
"The Goblet's choices are final," George Konig snapped, making Directrice Descours seeth. "There is not precedent against more than three champions."
"You sound as though you want Hogwarts to have an unfair advantage," Descours challenged, narrowing her eyes at Konig.
"It hardly matters," Konig sneered back, but Emma stopped listening.
Her internal lie detector was registering. Neither Descours nor Konig were being honest, and Emma suspected it wasn't just because of anger. Something was going on, and they were both part of it. As the two headmasters continued to argue, Emma kept her eyes on Killian. When he felt her gaze, he turned to her and gave her a tiny nod. She knew it meant he was suspicious too. Good.
After another few minutes of bickering, Killian was ushered onto the stage where he stood next to Emma. Neal stood on her other side, and she could feel his eyes on her, but she refused to look at him again. She didn't want to believe he was part of it, too, but maybe he was.
She'd only known him for a few months, really. It hurt to even think about it.
And Killian.
Emma knew he'd been drawn into this fiasco because of her. That meant Professor French was involved, too. He'd overheard Emma tell Mary Margaret about him being on campus. That had to be the link.
But what did it mean? The whole Tri-Wizard Tournament couldn't be orchestrated just for Riddle to get to Killian, could it?
Well, if it was, they'd just have to turn it back on him.
Your Captain Swan/Harry Potter crossover fics are AMAZING! I have tremendously enjoyed reading your interpretation of how characters from these two fandoms would interact. Thank you for sharing your creativity with the Tumblr masses.