Zenobia's Castle

A castle located in a distant area in Scotland, this archaic stronghold stood on the edge of a cliff that seemed to only be held together by the grace of god.  

It was home to a mysterious witch, the keyword being was. Few knew if the witch still lived, and even fewer knew what the witch had done to earn her infamy and even fewer than that dared to find out.

Crouch and Topher arrived at the castle as Topher stepped forward to take it in, "Man do you death eaters ever live in like a nice apartment or something?"

When Raven gets there behind them, she falls to her knees, gripping her arm.  But she refuses to look weak, especially in front of Crouch.  She stands back up, angry determination clear in her fierce, purple eyes.

Crouch helps her up, "With any luck she'll be in there... come along..."

Crouch never thought he'd have to go back to one of his old mentor's but yet here he was. With any hope, she wouldn't be trying to steal his body like Cochran had tried to.

He knocked on the massive wooden doors of the castle as it opened of it's own will, "I've never known you to knock Crouch, normally you just burst the door down."

Crouch smiled sinisterly at the voice of his mentor, "Well most of the people I visit don't usually have long to live Zenobia..."

"I'm afraid that statement may still be applicable to one as old as I, my student..." Out stepped an old woman with white eyes. Her skin was like old paper that had been soaked for many days and nice. Marks of her old ages manifested in the form of wrinkles and dark blemishes. Compared to her younger graduate, she was a fossil. "So what brings you before me Crouch? I've never known you to be nostalgic..."

Crouch gestured to Raven, "An apprentice of my own requires your help..."

Raven shows her the mark on her arm, and how the rash with it has started to spread throughout her body.

The elderly sorceress checked the mark, "Ohhh... powerful dark magic courses through your veins, both your own magic and whatever cursed you..."

"Archibald Prince..."  Raven's eye starts to twitch out of anger at the name.  "That cursed family..."

"Ahh... I was never very fond of the Princes. Those who find superiority from a name are halfwits to put it kindest..." Zenobia retrieved her wand, an archaic instrument of magic that had flourishes that came out of the pommel. The wood appeared as dated as it's wielder. 

She pressed her wand to the mark and a red light glowed from the top of her wand to help alleviate the pain and effects of her mark.

Raven immediately starts to feel better. She sighs with relief. "Thank you..."

"Of course my child... you'll need some more treatment to be fully healed..."

Raven nods. "I greatly appreciate it!"

"I'd be happy to continue your treatment until you get well..."

Zenobia's face lite up in recognition, "Say you wouldn't happen to know a Red Phantomhive would you?"

"Thank you... And yes, she's my grandmother."

"I thought I saw the resemblance..." Her face was bright with a pleasant nostalgia, "A very gifted witch she is..."

Raven smiles, "Yes, she is..."

"If Crouch has taken an interest in you, he must've seen the same talents. Do tell me this class clown has taught you well.." She jokingly mocked her former pupil.

"Old lady, I could turn you into a pile of soot and back again if you question my talents." Her student threatened lightheartedly.

Raven chuckles.  "He has taught me more than well."

The old woman chuckled for a few more moments before catching herself, "I'm actually quite glad you're here. I have a favor I need to ask of you Crouch and you as well Raven since you're here..."

"What is it?"

"In my younger years, I found a series of ruins that tell of dark secrets that I'm sure our master would've been most interested in. Regrettably, I failed to obtain them, but I'm fairly confident you two could achieve what I could not..."

"I'm up for it as long as I'm healed!"

"It may take a little time, but soon you'll be well enough to."

"Alright... Thank you, again.  For healing me."

"Of course, please come back here if the mark ever starts acting up again, come back here..."

Raven nods, "I'll be sure to."