three years later

the start of the connection (one)

Ambrose awoke with a start. She needn't sleep – but she enjoyed pretending that she did, and everyday, she spent hours playing games with her own mind, and daydreaming. She rolled over to her side and her eyes landed on a massive pile of parchments. On these parchments was everything that Ambrose had learned – from the English grammar to the foundational principles of mathematics. Over the past three years, Nicholas had taught her everything she needed to know about basic knowledge and how Muggles lived.

She had diligently studied, and had never uttered a word against his teachings. The way he taught brought meaning into the things he was telling her – he could make mere equations into a work of art. It had been enjoyable, but Ambrose was only really looking towards one thing.

Magic.

And today, on the fourth day of August, she was ready to delve into the subject. She had been waiting for the day she turned seven with anticipation, and she knew Nicholas would hold his promise and craft her a wand.

She got up, stretched, and sauntered off into the hallways of the ever-changing house. Ever since Nicholas had shown her how to manipulate the place, Ambrose had prided herself in mentally designing a new architectural plan for the house every day. Nicholas had praised her for her feat, and said that it was a good way to exercise her mind.

Ambrose just thought it was entertaining.

Today, the house had taken on what Ambrose imagined a palace would look like. Of all the places she had visited, the sight Ambrose had most admired had been the Medina Azahara, a palace built for the Caliph. She, however, had changed most of the Medina's vibrant colours to a simple white with accents of blue, just like sky that she had so often admired. She entered the dining room and found Nicholas muttering to himself, admiring the little details she had thought of. He looked up and spotted her, and awarded her a brilliant smile.

"You really outdid yourself, Rosie." He teased, but his eyes reflected how impressed he was with her handicraft.

"It's a special day." She said, nonchalantly.

"Indeed." He smiled down at her. "Happy Birthday, young one."

"Hmph. I doubt you'll be calling me 'young one' in three-hundred years." She swatted him on the shoulder.

"I guess old habits die hard," he pretended to look hurt. She broke into a huge grin and grabbed the sleeve of his shirt. "Oh, I know what you want."

"May we go now, please?"

"You're incredibly impatient."

"I know."

"And pushy."

"I know."

"And I'm the most amazing person in the whole observable univers –"

"I know, I kno – wait, what?" Nicholas chuckled as Ambrose shook her head.

"Alright, alright. We'll be leaving shortly."

"Leaving? But – it's just a wand – surely you don't – why do we need to leave?" She frowned.

"To choose your wand core."

"I get to choose a wand core?" She looked excited. Nicholas had already told her a bit about how wands worked, and Ambrose ceaselessly pestered him about wand cores.

"Well, obviously. We're not going to casually stroll into Melrand Brittle Path and purchase a wand, are we? We'd give them quite a scare."

"I suppose you're right," Ambrose muttered, still slightly confused. "But how are we going to find a wand core?"

"I have a couple of friends who would be more than willing to contribute to the making of your wand."

"You have friends?" Ambrose gasped, mockingly.

"Watch it, Rosie, or I might just feed you to that particularly violent Ukrainian Ironbelly that trampled over two people last week."

"You know, some people would just settle with simple threats."

"Yes, I suppose knowing how people died has its perks, doesn't it?" Nicholas held out his hand. "Now, Rosie, if you would please just take my hand..." She took it earnestly, and wondered where he would take her.

◦

The two appeared at the shore of a secluded cove. Ambrose's eyes trailed on the magnificent ocean in front of them. It was a brilliant blue, and the way the sun hit it made it look like it was full of diamonds. She could feel the breeze ruffle her hair, and the seagulls looked like graceful dancers as they flew above.

"Where are we?" She questioned as she admired the litter of seashells at her feet.

"The Aqua Mulieres Cove, in Crete," said Nicholas as he gingerly took a step forward. "She'll be coming anytime soon."

Ambrose was about to ask who was the person Nicholas was anticipating, but her thoughts ambled out of her mind as she saw a head appear above the water.

The woman was beautiful. Her dark skin looked impeccable and her chocolate brown eyes radiated liveliness and a bit of mischievousness. She had her dark black ringlets pulled up into an intricate bun, and she was wearing a white headpiece that made her look a bit like a goddess.

"Amatheia Venus. Always a pleasure." Nicholas bowed.

"Death, my old friend," her voice sounded like honey, and Ambrose could tell that she was a cunning person. It was the way power seemed to radiate from her, and how her eyes seemed to flicker to a bright green when Ambrose turned her head to a certain angle. "There's no need for such formalities."

"I see that your position has definitely been augmented since we last met."

"Indeed. My ambition has certainly served me well. The hierarchy of the Sirens has been played in my favour," she neared the shore and Ambrose caught a glimpse of her pearly white tail. "You have brought the human companion." She noted, and Ambrose shyly took a step away from Nicholas. "Hello, young one." She smiled as Ambrose grinned bashfully at her, bowing her head slightly.

"It is her seventh birthday today." Nicholas explained, and Amatheia looked as if she already knew of this fact.

"A special day for an exceptional person – at least, from what I've heard," she mused, and Ambrose turned a shade of light pink. "I've also heard that dear old Death here is crafting you a wand," Ambrose nodded. "A privilege, indeed. I can hardly wait to see how you will turn out, young one." For a split second, Amatheia's eyes shone with power and hunger, but before Ambrose could get a closer look, they were reverted to their original warmth. "Of course, I would like to make my donation in the crafting of this wand. I am sure that it will mark our history." She toyed a small lock of her hair in her slender fingers and with a sharp shell, she sliced it off and presented it to Ambrose.

"Thank you." Ambrose murmured, entranced by the magic that engulfed the hair.

"It is a pleasure, Ambrose Natte, the immortal knot. Remember to make the right decisions." Amatheia smiled knowingly before nodding at the two and disappearing into the depths of the waters.

Ambrose watched the dark-skinned Siren vanish and turned to Nicholas.

"How could she see us? What does she mean by the right decisions?" Ambrose asked, pressingly.

"She's a very powerful Siren, Rosie," Nicholas chuckled at her curious demeanour. "She's well respected, and she's known me ever since she spotted me near the cove. Some creatures have the ability to see me, although to this day I still do not know why they can. They do, however, always prove to be excellent company."

"And what about the decisions she mentioned?"

"She knows what you're destined to do, and this was her way of wishing you luck," Nicholas shrugged. "When you come back to this world as a human, it is vital that I do not make any contact with you. However, people like Amatheia can be the bridge of communication between the two of us. I have asked her before to protect you."

There was a pause as Ambrose's gaze lingered on the beautiful waves, and she wished she could converse longer with the Siren.

"When you say that some creatures can see you... Has a human ever spotted you?"

"Not at all. In fact, the ones who have spotted me are the ones that are most prepared to face me. Humans are stubborn in facing their deaths. They live a life of fear that I will be waiting for them at every corner. Some other beings, such as Amatheia, more readily accept the fact that their lives will come to an end. The mixture of this belief and their abnormally strong power allows them to see me."

"Interesting."

Unbeknownst to the both of them, Nicholas had just willingly given a clue as to why Ambrose was here with him.

"Here, give me Amatheia's hair –" she gave it to him and he tucked it into a pocket for safekeeping. "Are you ready to head to the next destination?" She nodded, her mind a mix of curiosity and excitement as she gripped Nicholas' hand.

◦

Ambrose gasped as her eyes immediately adjusted to the scorching sun. She squinted ahead and saw the monumental pyramids and immediately recognized where they were.

"The Fatimid Caliphate?" She inquired, her curiosity peaking. "Who would we find here?"

"Whoever wants to be found, I suppose," Nicholas answered simply. "Let us head towards Cheops," he pointed to the smallest pyramid. "We shall find our answers there."

Ambrose raised an eyebrow but did not speak a word as they walked in silence.

As they neared the entrance of the pyramid, Ambrose could see that there was a shape sitting in front of what she assumed was the door.

"A sphinx." Ambrose breathed, just as Nicholas was about to comment on what the creature was.

"Come you to visit me, Death? Is my time already forsworn?" A light, male timbre cut through the air.

"I cannot make promises for tomorrow or the time afterwards, but I assure you that it will not be today, Fahyim." They neared the Sphinx, and Ambrose stared up in admiration.

His body was one of a beautiful lion – his fur seemed to be made of pure gold. He sat in front of the tomb, his ginormous paws placed next to each other. Ambrose could see his tail flicking back and forth, showing his own curiosity to find out what the real reason was behind Nicholas' visit. Ambrose craned her neck to look at his face, and saw that he looked extremely kind. His olive skin was polished and on his head sat what Ambrose imagined an emperor would've worn. Just as Ambrose's eyes flickered to his, he spoke.

"Is this the human you have spoken about?" Fahyim said.

"It is."

"Young Ambrose, I see so much potential in your soul," he smiled, as if he knew something she didn't. "I will give you what you come for, if you answer this riddle for me." His eyes twinkled with intelligence, and waited patiently for Ambrose's answer.

"O-of course." Ambrose's eyes were wide open, and she was slightly taken aback by the Sphinx's strange request. He shifted in his sitting position and smiled at her.

"Very well..." Fahyim's smile broadened. "I am somewhere but I am nowhere. What am I?"

Nicholas watched Ambrose's brain working at the riddle with an amused smile playing at his lips. Her concentration in the question that Fahyim had asked her was incredible. He glanced at Fahyim, and the old Sphinx looked delighted at Ambrose's commitment to answering the riddle.

After three full minutes, and a lot of muttering, Ambrose's face brightened with realization as the answer tumbled out of her lips.

"You're hidden!" She exclaimed, her naïve face looking up to Fahyim.

Fahyim nodded, his face filling with a slight pride for the small human. Ceremoniously, he swung his long tail forward and used his paws to slice a piece of the hairs. He gestured for Ambrose to pick up the wisps, and nodded respectfully towards Nicholas.

"It was a pleasure to see you again."

"The pleasure is all mine, Fahyim." Nicholas bowed his head.

"Good-bye, Ambrose Natte. It is an absolute honour," Fahyim turned to Ambrose. "Your intellect is beyond your age."

"G-good-bye, Fahyim. Thank you." Ambrose grinned, still looking a little shy.

Nicholas gently placed his hand on her shoulder, and the two were whisked away to their next destination.

◦ ◦ ◦

and i finally updated! 

thanks for the support - i'd like to especially thank xoxkelly for being such an amazing person! also, her stories are incredibly well written and i suggest that you guys check them out! she's also really motivational.

i wanted to split the 'wand core part' into two because i feel that putting it all into one part would be way too long. 

what did you guys think?

tbh i love fahyim and amatheia 

love,

clara

ps: pictures of fahyim & amatheia below (or kind of how i imagined them, credits to deviantart):