The Turnover Ceremony (Prudence)

[Prudence Campbell]

Prudence shakily picked herself up from the ground and turned to the person who just joined them. She gaped when she saw what had to be the weirdest scene she ever witnessed. A girl identical to her stood a couple of meters away and she was taunting Peter, the very person that caused her nightmares to be so uncontrollable ever since she saw him murder a girl in knockturn alley, like it was the normal thing to do. Just then, the murderer showed himself to her once again and she fought the urge to cringe but to no avail.

“You’ve killed too many people already. Today, you just killed enough people for all murderers of this generation. Are you not at the very least afraid of what you’ve become? Have you no conscience? What did the guards ever do to you? You said it’s me you want then why did you massacre them all?” Prudence demanded. If she was ever going to get of all this alive, she wanted to understand what all this was about. Why kill all those people along the sidelines instead of going straight for his target?

Prudence watched him talk like a crazy person and decided once and for all that he was insane. He seemed to be enjoying all this violence and Prudence could not for the life of her understand his obvious obsession with all matters connected to death, murder and annihilation. She approached Vasilisa’s boyfriend and stood beside him. She could not help but feel grateful for his concern for her which he made obvious when he started questioning Peter about his motive in killing her.

When the murderer revealed that he killed his own mother, Prudence saw him in a new light. He did not have the decency to spare his own mother. He was too far gone. Her sacrificing herself for the sake of everyone in the ceremony would not stop all this madness. All her current emotional baggage was forcefully shoved aside by her for Peter the Ripper had to be stopped once and for all; because, no worth of sacrifice would be able to permanently stifle him from taking someone’s life. Prudence, who was in doubt about riding in on her clone’s boat of trickery, decided that tricking him and confusing him for a while will give them all more time. So, she was on board. Thus, more possibilities of help coming and it would be safety for the three of them and hopefully jail for Peter the Ripper.

Prudence stood rooted on the spot when an army of guards started to approach them, every one of them looking stiff, unnatural and glassy eyed. Prue could not bring herself to be happy that some of the guards survived for Peter just set them off to be hurt, or worst killed, by the three of them. Peter’s ability to control the minds of all those guards disturbed Prue. She read all about the imperious curse. Without hatred, it would not work. Apparently, Peter was filled with hate and she was scared for all of them. “Petrificus Totalus! Expelliarmus! Stupefy!” Prudence wasted no time and started fighting before the guards closed in on the three of them.

[Vasilisa Alyona Konstantinov]

Vasilisa casually strode into three people of different expressions. Her cousin Prudence seemed to find this all weird; the murderer appeared surprised; and, her favorite reaction was Christian’s. The mixture of disbelief and confusion on his face was priceless and Vasilisa actually had to struggle to keep a straight face, a struggle she lost to herself when Christian spoke. “It happened because heaven is good.” Vasilisa laughed and smiled a Christian. Truth was, she wanted him to run away for his life. The last thing Vasilisa wanted was for any harm to befall him. But, she could not tell him what to do so for now she just stood by him.

Vasilisa was shaken deep within by the murderer’s words. “You’re a pig.” Vasilisa turned to the murderer, a look of shock on her face. “No, referring to you that way is an insult to pigs. You’re more of a… bastard.” Vasilisa added, the word bastard rolled of her tongue weirdly for she was not one who used that kind of language. Vasilisa made her way to Christian’s other side and stood by him as the murderer spoke of surprises. “You know, when you want to surprise people, you don’t tell all about it because I don’t know, it ruins the surprise.” Vasilisa said, her words dripping with sarcasm. Vasilisa froze when he started talking about his actual surprise. And when a band of guards under the imperious curse started marching towards them, wands raised, she knew she had to think of something fast. “What? Have you lost your mind?” Vasilisa turned to Christian, a look of shock and disbelief on her face. But then, she realized he was just trying to distract the murderer from all this insanity. “Are you seriously going to use the guards to fight for you? Afraid to lose a duel to three teenagers?” Vasilisa taunted, smirking at the murderer. The truth was, she was scared for their lives but she knew she did not have the luxury to be afraid.

[justinlaw]

Justin led the group out of the sitting room and off into the corridors leading to the main chamber. However, he could not help but feel scared, not only for himself but also for the people who would be hurt in the upcoming struggle. He could not understand why the killer would have to go through killing a lot of the guards if his only target was Prudence. Speaking of Prudence, he then wondered where she had gone and whether she really intended to meet him head on. He then cringed at the thought of her being killed. If that was the case, he was ready to throw his life on the line to save her. He then looked back and saw his two most trusted guards walking like they were ready for revenge. He knew that they would never hesitate to go for the kill if they were given the chance. Given that he himself was underage, it would be quite difficult for him to take part however, he knew that he would have to bend the rules for just this one moment for him to help avenge for the lives lost.

His eyes then darted from the two guards towards Starr. He then remembered how he was tipped by one of his father's former advisers about Nathaniel Gnael, his father's most trusted adviser and how his death came to be. Back then, he could not understand why he always felt that there was something else more to him. He then started to personally search for any possible information about him. That's when he managed to find out that Starr was his daughter. However, digging through the past archive of events managed to lead him into finally finding out the truth about her. He realized that his father caused quite a lot of emotional pain to her and he could not help but feel very ashamed of what his father had done. He knew that he would have to be the one who would deal the justice her 'father' rightfully deserves. His reverie was then broken by the smell of Adrian puffing out one of his clove cigars and he knew that he was stressed out. "You'd better be careful with those cigars, cousin," he then said, looking concerned. "Honestly, if I was at the right age, I would have asked you for a stick," he added, looking amused indeed. Adrian merely rolled his eyes, smiled and silently puffed away. It was then when they reached the stairs leading to the hall when he heard Starr mentioning that they needed a plan. He then put out his hand to signal everyone to stop walking. "Starr is right, we can't just barge into the battle without thinking. We need to assess the scene first and then we strike," Justin said, looking serious. He had to admit that Starr was indeed like his father, who was cautious and calculating and always needs a plan to move forward. That is why he always felt like he had known her for a long time and that he felt close to her.

He then casted a grim look upon everyone in the group and he could not discount the fact that they might never be able to see each other alive again. "I will divide the group into the main flank, the left flank and right flank groups. Since there are five of us, one of us has to perform his role alone. I will decide on who plays what," he then said as he took out his wand and a large piece of parchment, and tapped it once to reveal the blueprint of the entire house. It then showed several dots pointing out the location of the people inside, with four dots and several small dots were located in the main hall. "These dots over here represent the people currently present in this particular location. Our mission is to give assistance to them. Adrian and Emil, you would be left flank, with the responsibility of taking down enemies on your line of vision." Emil and Adrian nodded their heads to show affirmation. "Same goes with Dimitri and Starr, the right flank. I will take charge and direct the orders. Any questions?" he then asked as he looked at them. Dimitri's face looked serious and he gave Justin a salute. Justin then casted his gaze on Starr and said, "I would like to have a word if you, if you don't mind."

[starr]

Not long after she spoke, alleged Justin agreed with her. As she listened attentively to his plan, her eyes darted from Adrian, to Dimitri, to Emil and finally to alleged Justin; and, she realized that ‘they’ were not that big of an army. They were five and three of them were still students. She did not know about Adrian and Justin but she did not have any formal training when it came to fighting except for the six years of defence against the dark arts classes in school. This fact shook Starr’s confidence but she still stood her ground. Whatever happened, she was not going to allow herself to be driven away by cowardice and not find out who sent her the secondinvitation and not help alleged Justin.

She nodded at Justin’s words and eyed Dimitri, who was, apparently going to be her partner for the night. He was capable or he looked capable or maybe he was capable and he looked it too. When Justin proclaimed that he’ll be alone, Starr suddenly had a lot of protest in mind. Seeing Dimitri give him a salute irked her more than she thought it would. “You aren’t telling us you are going to be the ‘main flank’, are you? Because that can’t happen. Dimitri and Emil are your guards! I’ll take left side alone and Dimitri can go with you. I survived a night with an enraged adult werewolf. I’m sure I can handle wizards with wands.” Starr said hotly, looking him in the eyes and refusing to let alleged Justin be unguarded when the battle finally started.

Then, alleged Justin surprised her by suddenly focusing on her and asking if it was okay if they step aside and talked for a while. She looked surprised then frowned. What could possibly be so important that he was postponing their operation to catch an evil wizard? Did he know the one who sent the invite? Did he send the invitation? She felt pure curiosity flood her and nodded without giving it much thought. The Slytherin was about to say yes when she heard someone come from her right. Turning her head, she found Janine, Vasilisa’s guardian and friend, with a look on her face that worried Starr. “Vasilisa, she’s gone.” Janine managed to say and Starr could see the panic in the older woman’s eyes.

[justinlaw]

Justin merely looked at Starr as she voiced out her protest. He managed to anticipate this reaction of hers. He could not help but feel secure, knowing that she was there. He then turned to his guards, who were already preparing their weapons and wands for battle. His gaze now directed towards Adrian, who was puffing out what looked to be his fifth cigar. He knew that all of them are capable of fighting, and that is precisely the reason why he paired Starr with Dimitri. He was merely granting Starr her noble right of being assigned a skilled guard to protect her. He knew that her life would be preserved should they venture out into the battle.

He then made a hand signal to the three men that signified that they keep their distance for he needed to talk to Starr alone. The two guards nodded and they walked a few meters away, whispering among themselves as they polished their swords, knives and their wands, in a effort to drive the blues away. Adrian headed towards the guards and offered each of them a clove cigar, which they eagerly took and lighted using their wands as lighters. He then beckoned Starr to come forward to him. His back was turned to her but his voice sounded all business. "Starr, I know you wanted to fight this madman on your own but I want you to know that I have to keep you alive for the simple reason that you can't just die yet," he began, as he pondered on what he was supposed to say to her. "I have anticipated your reaction and I know that I could not stop you if you volunteer to go alone. We members of the Law family are sure stubborn, aren't we?" he asked, addressing her as a member of his family.

He then turned to her and surveyed her facial expression; he knew that there were a plethora of emotions showing on her face and he could not help but feel sorry for her. "Assigning Dimitri along with you is merely granting you your right as a member of the nobility to have a skilled guard for your protection. It is not merely because I am underestimating your abilities, which I have seen for myself," he then explained, looking serious. "And I guess you have a right to know...that I was the one who sent both invitations to you. I know that you would come here to demand the person who sent it to remain silent and so...Starr, no, Selena Law, I personally apologize for the negligence and lack of love my father has shown to you," he then added, suddenly getting weak in the knees, which made his kneel at her feet, looking really apologetic.

[starr]

Starr could not believe, not even for a nanosecond, that after yelling at alleged Justin he’d still be that calm. It was both surprising and annoying. Apparently it was hard to make him comprehend something that went against his wishes. He was stubborn and at that moment in time, she knew what he had in mind – heroically die in a war in her watch – and she could not allow that to happen for he could be her last living family member… even though the bond between was almost non-existent.

For a moment there, Starr thought he was not even going to dignify her outburst with any sort of response for he did nothing but start giving out signals to his guards. Starr’s brows furrowed as the guards, together with Adrian Dolohov, distanced themselves from her and Justin to give them some air? Starr’s heart stopped moving as she focused her gazed on alleged Justin’s back. When he summoned her, she could not help but move toward him due to an overwhelming amount of curiosity that filled her being. In any other circumstance, she would have been annoyed and would have asked him to come to her instead of her to him for he was the one who obviously needed something.

When Justin started to speak, Starr felt all the anxiety and apprehension in the world fill her. His body language and his tone dictated seriousness and business. This reminded her of her earlier suspicions when he asked the guards to give them some privacy. Did he know? Did he have anything to do with the invitations? Before she had the time to react on his first statement, he opened his mouth and continued talking. She listened with baited breath and hanged on his every word. When he referred to her as a member of his family and in the process admitted that he, indeed, was alleged Justin, she felt too shocked to say anything.

When Justin suddenly turned around to face her, obviously trying to gage her reaction, it took her about two seconds to keep the surprise and shock out of her face. Banking on her award-winning acting skills, she faced him with a mere quizzical look on her face. Deep within she cursed herself for coming to the battlefield that was the ceremony unprepared. All these time, she knew her lies’ twists and turns, its beginning and the end, its ins and outs. She even knew it more than the truth for as much as she would like to know everything, she couldn’t for all the people involved in her past that was somehow connected to all of this was dead.

“My right as part of nobility?” She raised an eyebrow, looking confused and surprised more than ever after hearing what he had to say next. “That’s insanity. What nobility are you talking about? My father was your father’s adviser. I’m no noble.” Starr explained, but deep within, she wondered if Justin knew what he was talking about... at all. There was still a chance that he was trying to be all knowing, testing her if she’d admit it all to him. Unfortunately for him, she wouldn’t. Not after all the times that she got through without being caught… she wouldn’t let herself be tricked by him or anyone else.

The next thing she knew, Justin admitted that he was the one who sent the invitations to her. If he hadn’t called her by her real name she would have been able to continue her charade. All of a sudden her acting skills failed her and it was now her who turned her back on him. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Her voice sounded so small and it shook a little as a mixture of emotions hit her wave by wave up to the point that it was too overwhelming. Her body trembled and her knees shook but her eyes stayed dry as she kept trying and failing to keep her cool façade. At that point in time, she heard what Janine had said but was not able to process it, she was aware that Justin was seriously apologizing for their worthless father acts on his knees behind her, and that there was a war that was about to begin any moment, but, she did not move. She was in shock. That had to be it. She would probably run away or start screaming hysterically any time soon. Whatever it was that she expected that would happen that day, this definitely was not it.[/size]

[petercozart]

Upon hearing the young man’s proposal to cross swords with him, Peter smiled his most maniacal smile and turned to look at him, his wand raised. Deep inside, he wanted to test the young swordsman’s skills for he felt that they have trained under the same teacher, a known swordsman famous for his silent kills, not to mention his penchant for quick spell work. He then muttered something under his breath and the guards who were moving like zombies in front of them stopped and dropped to the floor. Peter pocketed his wand and walked nearer to where the three young people were standing. “Very well young man, I have already made them stop. Do not fear, they have just fainted and will not wake up for several hours at least. They will not be able to witness your defeat at my hands,” he said in an otherwise booming voice, with malice lacing every word. He then surveyed each one of their faces and he could see how scared they are for their lives. Suddenly, he then took off his coat, dropping it to the floor and he stood in front of them wearing only a white dress shirt, heavy beige pants and boots. A sword could be seen hanging on his side, a rather thin looking sabre. However, as he fingered and slowly started unsheathing the sabre, the blade shone in the light and looked really menacing.

“This sabre is a product of my younger brother’s ingenuity as a blacksmith. He has given this to me as a present. But that was before we became sworn enemies. My brother killed our father, the man whom I have idolized for a long time,” he then said as he fingered the blade, looking dead serious. “And now, I have carried out these atrocious murders in the hope of luring him out of the safety of Hogwarts and come seek me. I have sworn since that day that I will kill him using his very own creation and avenge my father at last. He does not even know how lucky he is that our father has chosen him instead of me to inherit his wolf blood. And for that, he will pay,” he finally added. He then cocked his head towards the two Prudences and smiled. “It was unfortunate that you have to witness an act of mine. Too bad this would be your last day to see this world for later on you will close your eyes and get sucked in into nothingness,” he said as he assumed an attacking position, ready to strike at any minute. “Young man, come to me with all your might and let this battle commence!” he shouted, looking poised to kill. The sooner he ends this duel, the better. He stood mightily and waited for the young man to attack.

[christian]

Christian continued to finger his two swords tensely, waiting for the ripper to yield to his proposal. He knew that it would be pointless to expect but deep inside, he really wanted the ripper to stop the curse. He deeply cared for the people whom he was manipulating and to see them being used as hapless puppets to fulfill a selfish intent was frustrating. He was surprised that the guards suddenly dropped to the ground and the ripper walking towards them, rather threateningly. He then realized that he could be in for a rough surprise, maybe even a rough end. He then felt stupid for even making the proposal, knowing that it would definitely spell trouble. He then turned to the two girls standing beside him and sighed. “Looks like I messed up big time. I think I’m going to get myself killed right now. I guess you would have to fend him off on your own,” he said, looking at their rather surprised faces, realizing that they really do look alike. “I just can’t get over the fact that you two look alike. Who is the real Prudence between the two of you anyway?” he then asked, forcing a derisive laugh then sighed. He knew that he was going to get screwed up.

Gripping his two swords tightly, he then thought of his parents, who would definitely be devastated upon his death and most especially Vasilisa, whom he loves so much. He then sighed audibly as he struggled to listen to the ripper deliver his death speech. He realized that it was indeed now or never and he would have to arrange his advanced directives leading to his potential death. He then smiled in agony at the thoughts and turned to face them once again. “I have something to ask the both of you though. When you find my girlfriend, Vasilisa, tell her that I am sorry for ditching her. This might be my burial ground at any moment now. At least I would be able to die a heroic death, fighting this man to the bitter end,” he then said, sighing. He then walked over to the both of them and ruffled their hair like children. “Prudence, when I die here, run as fast as you can, do not waste the sacrifice we did to keep you alive,” he said in a serious tone. He then gave them a small smile and a nod, and stepped forward towards the ripper. He flexed his arms into an attacking stance and bowed before him. "Honestly, I do not care whether you wanted to kill all of us for revenge, but to use such a method to lure someone out is nothing but pure insanity," he said, looking livid. “I am ready to face you now. Here I come!” he shouted as he ran towards the ripper and as the first contact of the blades permeated his ears, he knew that he would have to keep himself alive.

[Vasilisa Alyona Konstantinov]

When Vasilisa planned on morphing to look like Prudence, when she had planned on how far she was going to go to help her cousin, try to confuse the murderer, find Christian and see to it that he was safe, she never even imagined being in the middle of a situation like this. She never thought she’d find Christian with Prudence. She was not even sure if the two of them were introduced to each other formally. But, none of what she assumed was right. All her plans collapsed the moment she found the two of them together, she realized. Vasilisa, totally out of balance now, eyed Christian, and Prue, with obvious panic in her eyes.

The situation was out of control and Vasilisa knew she was partly at fault. If she hadn’t taunted the murderer, he wouldn’t have thought of singling Christian out. A feeling of crippling apprehension washed over her as she heard Peter accept Christian’s proposal. She had to think of a delaying tactic, buy everyone more time, but her mind spun and her words got caught up in her throat. She could not allow her boyfriend to fight and that was all that she knew at that time. However, at that point in time, she did not know how to stop him. Morphing back to her true form may come as a shock, delaying Christian, but it wouldn’t guarantee that he would not fight. Plus, doing that would be like putting Prudence to death… it would also be suicide on her part for the Ripper would surely be furious at her for the trickery.

She heard her heart pound in her ears when Christian mentioned her name. It came to her as a slap, reminding her that this was probably the last time she would ever hear him say her name if she did nothing to stop him. She turned to Prue, whose face was hard to read, and pleaded with her eyes. Please, please stop him. Prudence did not seem to notice her clone. However, Vasilisa watched as Prudence turned to Christian, her face looking very very serious. “No, Christian. I would ensure that your message to my cousin wouldn’t be delivered because you won’t do this. I won’t allow it. This…. sacrifice wouldn’t do anything. It would be in vain. You are bargaining with an insane murderer, Christian. There is a reason why I stopped trying to go with him. Please. Please don-.” Prudence trailed off when Christian ran off to face the Ripper. Vasilisa stood rooted on the spot upon hearing the first clank as the two swords met.

It did not take long before Vasilisa started to run straight in the middle of the fight. It was an act of pure instinct. She ran toward the ripper, intending to catch him off guard and tackle him to the ground before he hurt Christian. “Look out!” She heard a panicked Prue yell about a second before Vasilisa felt sharp blade bite into her upper arm, drawing blood. Vasilisa, still looking like Prudence, fell unto her knees and cried in pain. The blending of Vasilisa’s cry and someone else’s made both girls look for the other source. It was Erin Campbell, Prudence’s mother, and she looked like she was about to have an attack.

[petercozart]

Peter’s senses were jolted back to life when he heard the approaching run of the young man. He knew that he meant all business and he was willing to go all out. He grinned when he heard the clank as the swords made contact with each other. “Seems like you are attacking me to kill huh?” he asked mockingly. Peter continued to apply strength on the contact. Christian cringed slightly and broke the contact, though he was struggling. “Yes, I am willing to drag you along with me to the grave if it’s the only way for me,” Christian said in reply. Their blades established contact again and Peter could not help but admire the young man’s determination and strength for handling two swords in one hand is no easy feat. “I admit, it is hard to control two swords at once, lad and I got to say, you have earned my respect,” he said through gritted teeth. “This is not the time for compliments, ripper, lest you want to be ripped up by me,” Christian replied, putting all his strength into the contact. Once again, they broke off and they began their sword swinging. Each fast contact was full of intensity and strength.

Minutes have passed and still neither one wanted to give up. Peter, who wasn’t really fighting seriously at first, began to realize that he would have to finish this duel quickly since the young man was about to gain the upper hand of the fight. Christian on the other hand, felt the fatigue beginning to settle in. I can’t believe it, my strength is depleting while he hasn’t even broken a sweat. I’m all done for, he thought bitterly. Christian struggled to look up upon hearing the ripper speak again. “I really do admire your exceptional abilities, young man but it seems like you are getting weaker by the second. Allow me to deliver the blow that will end your life. Be happy for this is indeed a rare opportunity for me to do so,” Peter finally said, as he raised his sword and was about to deliver the blow that may end Christian’s life. Christian stood straight and raised his two swords once again, though he knew that his efforts would be in vain. “Well, if that is the case, then I should go all out now!” he then shouted as he ran again towards Peter, his swords stretched out, not caring if it would spell his end. He could see Peter’s blade about to make contact with his body…not until someone’s scream pierced his ears. He made a sidestep and backward, away from Peter as he looked for the source of the noise. He was horrified to see Prudence on her knees, crying out in pain. He quickly ran over to her. “Prudence, why did you have to do this?” he asked, through gritted teeth. Peter on the other hand, smiled and slowly walked over to the two of them. “My, my, Prudence so this is what you want this to end…very well then, I will end both of your lives here, right now,” Peter said as he sheathed his sword and took out his wand. Suddenly, another scream permeated the site and he quickly looked for the source. It came from another person, and it seemed that she was having an attack or a fit.

[Vasilisa Alyona Konstantinov]

Vasilisa could felt her life’s essence ooze out of the cut. She gingerly placed her hand on it, shakily trying to make it stop. Her emotions were in shambles. She felt relieved that Christian was not hurt and that Prue was safe but she felt her abilities slipping away and it instigated panic inside of her. She was a good metamorphmagus for her age but under intense pain, such as this, she felt that she would not be able to remain looking like her cousin any longer. However, through her determination to not blow her cover and risk her cousin’s safety, she managed to keep herself from morphing back to herself. Vasilisa held her breath as she ensured that her bluish violet eyes stayed hidden for she felt it change just before she heard footsteps ran toward her. Vasilisa cringed at the sight of Christian’s expression. To her, his face displayed an awful lot of emotions and it broke her heart. Before she could hear herself answer, she heard a lot of cracking sounds. Aurors. Finally. Vasilisa started to stand up to show Christian that she was fine and that there was nothing to worry about.

“I wouldn’t sound too sure of myself just yet if I were you.” She told Peter bitterly, still clutching at her arm. Vasilisa knew that help was close for she could feel about twenty men on their side closing in on them. Vasilisa evaded Christian’s eyes and searched for her cousin. She found Prue trying to calm Aunt Erin down as quietly as she could, most probably not wanting the ripper’s attention to be drawn. Deciding she would have to back her cousin up at this, she knew she had to keep Peter busy. “You really want to kill me, don’t you?” She asked without thinking, trying her best to look brave, at least on the outside. The truth was, she wanted to run somewhere very far away from the murderer. “I know you do… but I don’t recommend that you do it here. A lot of people would be witnessing it. You’d have a lot of witnesses and quite a number of people to hunt down. That would require a lot of effort from you… I’m sure you wouldn’t want that.” Vasilisa told Peter in a tone that spelled she actually cared for him in the hopes to keep him busy. Vasilisa then smile, about twenty armed men, aurors, appeared at the back of Peter.