Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

It was well after midnight and everything was quiet and peaceful, in the dark sleeping Victorian house. 

If you passed by it, you wouldn't even take a second glance and think there was something out-of-the-ordinary about it at all. 

The outside wood was painted a blue grey, but the color was slightly pale and faded due to being weathered by the elements. The window shutters were white, and the roof shingles were a deep dark grey. It had a large front yard and back yard with many English rose bushes, maple trees, pine trees, and other plants. 

Downstairs in the living room, the fire embers glimmered, ever so slightly sizzling as proof of the once roaring warm fire. 

Upstairs the residents of the house were fast asleep, the parents were in the master bedroom dreaming of job promotions and family vacations they could take coming that summer. 

In the nursery, a little baby boy, Toby, slept in his crib dreaming of well, uh, baby things. His two pudgy little hands hugged an old worn and loved teddy bear to his chest. Down the hall, Sarah hovered over a sketchbook on her lap, sketching furiously as if she was trying to capture a moment before it vanished. 

Outside her window, a white owl sat on a branch watching with it's two different colored eyes. 

It is funny how things work out, since only hours before, the teddy bear was sitting on an old wooden shelf in the girl's room and the thing that triggered the beginning to her entire adventure. Just a few hours before she had been traversing the Labyrinth to win back her baby brother she wished away. Just a few hours before she defied and challenged the Goblin King again and again. 

The girl was something unto herself, not because she was beautiful, (for she was though she didn't realize it), nor was it for her parentage, family wealth, or her family’s magic legacy. But for her heart. Her heart was pure and good. And she was no ordinary girl. Her name was Sarah. And she is the girl the Goblin King fell in love with. 

This is their story. 

Chapter Text

As Sarah set her sketchbook down on her desk, she sighed as she rummaged through her dresser. Pulling out a frilly nightgown she grimaces and stuffs it back in the drawer. Finally settling on an oversized t-shirt, she headed to the bathroom to get ready for bed.

Turning out the light, she snuggled under the covers and fell asleep exhausted from running the Labyrinth.

As she drifted off, a white owl with mismatched eyes, watched her from a branch outside her bedroom window. The owl remained until she fell to sleep and then flew off into the warm summer night.

The beautiful full summer moon hung glowing in the dark night sky against the small twinkles of thousands of stars. The white owl soared through the star studded sky, all dancing to a silent tune on the wind.

Then the owl vanished in a blink of silver glitter, as if he hadn't been there at all.

He flew over the lush green land that was his kingdom and headed towards the magnificent castle at the center, rising up among the forests and capital city. The owl transformed into a handsome man on a balcony and the man sighed.

But this was no ordinary man, wizard, or fae. Grandson of the High King and Queen of the Underground, Jareth was the Goblin King and ruled over the Goblin Kingdom.

Jareth was tall, lean, and muscled, he had long blond hair that fell to right above his shoulders. His face had soft angular features that enhanced the look of elegance. He wore a white poet shirt that had a v-neck that went half way down his chest. With it he wore very tight gray breeches and black leather boots. On his hands he wore soft black leather gloves. He screamed sexuality and danger.

But his most compelling feature, the one that always intrigued everyone, were his eyes. His beautiful, haunting mismatched eyes. His left was a deep crystal blue, where his right was a deep green.

This was the Goblin King, Ruler of the Goblin Kingdom, Master of the Labyrinth, Keeper of Dreams, Granter of Wishes, and Protector of the Unwanted.

Jareth sighed and entered his bedchambers from the balcony. Throwing his gloves on one of the tables. He entered the bathroom and twisted the faucet. The water comes out in a soothing burble as he splashes his face. Having changed, Jareth re-enters the room and sits down by the fire and conjures a crystal watching Sarah sleep peacefully.

Lost in his thoughts, Jareth doesn’t hear the knocking at the door. Thunder rumbled outside and rain splattered into the room from the open balcony.

The bedchamber door opened to reveal a tall elder fae with long brown hair pulled back in a ponytail. Sir Cyril Didymus was in fact the same as the fox, for you see when a runner entered the Labyrinth, their perceptions and imagination changed both the environment and its subjects to fit the runner. So since Sarah imagined him as a fox with no sense of smell that is what he was. In reality he was an old retired knight and now just an advisor to the crown.

Jareth looked up and rolled his eyes. “Couldn’t wait to see me til morning old man?” Cyril rolled his eyes, “Really Jareth? The entire city can feel your despair. What happened?”

“She rejected me Cyril. She said I had no power over her. I am completely powerless to protect her from the very thing that makes her a target. As soon as I report it to the High King, the entire court will know. Secrets rarely remain secret for long. And since she has banished me from her presence I cannot protect her from those that would seek her harm.” Jareth sighed and looked up at his friend, mentor, and former tutor.

Cyril shook his head, “Honestly, I couldn’t list on one hand all the mistakes you made tonight. Her age alone Jareth - you frightened her. She is not old enough…”

Jareth held up his hands, “I know, I know. She was much too young. When she stepped into the labyrinth, it shuddered Cyril. I could feel it. To have my soulmate within reach….”

“I believe the phrase is so close yet so far my lord?” Cyril states.

Jareth rolls his eyes,”I got so caught up in trying to make her stay, I forgot how young she was. Mortals no longer marry so young. I was foolish.”

Cyril interrupts, “More like hotheaded, rash, and terrifying.”

Jareth continues, “But by the gods Cyril! She taunted and defied me back at every turn and chance she got. She was beautiful. And her eyes. Gods Cyril, they held an unknown wisdom. Her eyes are haunting."Jareth said, running a hand through his hair.

Sir Didymus shook his head at Jareth. "I agree, sire, she is your match in every way. She is your soulmate, there is no doubt about it. But until the Labyrinth speaks with her, you must leave her alone. Do not rush these things. She may be physically grown, but she is not mentally yet. You need to wait. Then you can begin to court her."

“I know Cyril. Thank you and Hoggle for your assistance. We can deal with the mess the goblins make tomorrow. I think we all deserve a nice long rest after the recent events.” Jareth says rising from the chair.

“Of course my lord. And Jareth, don’t despair. This is just the beginning, not the ending. Have a good night sir.” Cyril bows and heads towards the door.

“Goodnight Cyril. And thank you my friend.”Jareth responds.

Cyril nods and closes the door behind him. Jareth sits down on the edge of his bed and conjures another crystal watching Sarah sleep. All he could do is hope and pray they would be reunited soon.

Chapter Text

Summer, 1989 - 11:13 PM - Labyrinth, Goblin Kingdom, Underground

“YOU HAVE NO POWER OVER ME!”

Summer, 1989 - 4:13 AM - Unknown Location, Ministry for Magic, London, England

Far away across the ocean, alarms rang unattended to an empty room. This room was unknown to most, after all it lay in the most secretive part of the Ministry for Magic, the Department of Mysteries. This special room was dedicated to tracking unknown magical surges across the United Kingdom. It kept records on the health of ley lines and the falling of wards. 

On the northern coast of the Isle of Wight, near Ryde, powerful wards were failing. As they fell, a large tudor manor house overgrown with vines became visible. Overtaken by nature, it looked as if it had been abandoned many years ago. This once had been a grand estate full of people and manicured English gardens. A darkness radiated from the building, drenched in the feeling of death, evil, and power. For in this building dark things had happened there. 

Unforgivable things. 

Sacrifice, blood, torture, infidelity, destruction, madness. 

For here is where a mother sacrificed her child’s magic for a darker purpose. Using a ritual, the blood of the child would tie the child’s magic to the wards. The child would live, but appear to be magically stunted. For their magic was feeding the protective wards. Constantly seeping, draining said magic pool. 

And now, the magic was free. And that child, well she was on the brink of being a child no more. The sins of the mother may fade, but the scars are never forgotten.

Chapter Text

Summer 1989, Saturday Morning - Williams Household, Upper Nyack, New York, USA

Karen hummed to herself softly as she folded a load of laundry. She could hear Robert putting the kettle on the stove and starting the coffee maker.

She turned the corner and set the basket of laundry on a side table to bring upstairs. As she entered the kitchen Robert looked up from the stove and gave her a smile.

“Good morning dear.” Robert greeted her with a kiss.

“Good morning. Are Sarah or Toby up yet?” Karen asked.

“No, not a sound from either yet. Thinking about the argument last night?” Robert responded.

“Yes, I really do hate arguing with her. Ever since Toby was born, we’ve just clashed. We used to be so close.” Karen sighed.

Robert leaned over and kissed Karen on the forehead. “It will get better. I’m sure of it.”

“Hopefully when she gets up we can clear the air. I’m going to take the towels upstairs.” Karen said as she left the kitchen.

Karen peeked her head in to check on Toby again, but he was still out like a light. He had that old beloved teddy bear of Sarah’s gripped in his tiny fist. She smiled and went to put the laundry away.

As she passed Sarah’s room she stopped, wondering if she should wake her, but decided against it.

Sarah woke to sunlight streaming in through her windows. She blinked and realized she never closed the shades the night before. Stretching she swung her feet over the side of the bed and shuffled herself to her bathroom. Downstairs she could hear her father and Karen moving about.

Yawning again, she reentered her room and opened her closet door and grabbed a cute shirt and shorts. She made her bed and checked that nothing remained from the party last night.

Satisfied, she opened her door and bounded down the stairs. She stopped at the bottom of the staircase and took a deep breath.

“Sarah?”

“Morning Dad.” Sarah greeted sheepishly as she entered the kitchen.

“Hi sweetheart. Do you want eggs?”

“Yes please.” Sarah replied, popping bread into the toaster and grabbing a mug for tea.

As she sipped, Karen entered the room. “Good morning Sarah. Did you sleep well?”

“Very well, thank you. Did you have a nice time out?” Sarah asked.

Karen grimaced. “The food was lovely, but the company was much to be desired.”

“Hey! I am lovely company, thank you.” Robert retorted jokingly.

“Not you dear. Our uninvited neighbors.” Karen replied with a playful eye-roll at Sarah.

Sarah giggled.

“We had just ordered, when who walked in but the Kents. Much to our dread, they were seated at the table just next to us.”

Sarah made a face and Karen laughed. “Exactly my feeling. Anyway, the moment they sat down, Martha immediately turned around and started saying what a coincidence this was, and how fortunate we were to be seated next to each other.” Karen said.

Robert interjected, “Then she spent the next hour and half nattering about the most recent trip they took and how wonderful their son is doing.”

“It was a cruise, dear. And she had the audacity to practically invite herself over sometime. And that we should all get together and how well you and Jason would hit it off.” Karen said.

Sarah looked at Karen with wide eyes and a disgusted expression.

“All I can say is yuck. Didn’t he get sent to boarding school?” Sarah replied, scrunching up her nose.

Taking in Sarah’s reaction, Karen chuckled and patted her shoulder. “Yes and don’t you  worry, I put a stop to that. I’d rather not spend more time with that woman than absolutely necessary.”

Robert brought over plates of eggs and toast for Sarah, Karen, and himself.

As everyone sat down in the breakfast nook, Sarah took a deep breath.

“Um, I just want to apologize for last night and well for all the time before that. I’ve been acting like a brat and only thinking of myself. And I shouldn’t have been late last night and done a better job of keeping track of time, and I really don’t mind looking after Toby….."

Robert held up his hand in a stop gesture. 

“Let me stop you right there sweetheart. We know you haven’t had an easy time of late. And while that doesn’t excuse your bad behavior, you acting-out is partially our fault for not pushing more.” Robert sighed.

Karen moved to Sarah's other side. “We love you very much. Toby’s arrival doesn’t change that.”

“I know. And I’m really am sorry I’ve been so horrible.” Sarah sniffled.

“Shhh. Some of that is our fault, you’ve had so many changes to adjust to over the past few years, and then we threw Toby into the mix. It was probably what broke the camel’s back so to speak. And then with your father busy with the government case for that past year and I taking care of Toby, well you probably felt abandoned. That was our fault. We should have made sure you knew how much we love you and spent more time with you.  You are my daughter. Just as Toby is my son. Nothing will ever change that.”Karen said, hugging Sarah tearfully.

Robert joined the hug until the kettle started whistling and he jumped up to take it off the stove.

“Was it that obvious?”Sarah asked sheepishly.

Karen smiled softly. “To us now, yes. Back in the beginning not so much. When I married your father the only experience I had with children was with my cousins. And it wasn’t like I was taking care of a baby as you were eleven. I was definitely overwhelmed when Toby was born. And I neglected you because of it. I broke the promise I made to myself to always make sure you knew you were loved. I’m so sorry Sarah.”

Karen and Sarah wiped away their tears.

“Of course I forgive you! But I behaved so badly.” Sarah replied.

“If you really want to apologize you can help me clean up the attic.”

“Ok.” Sarah replied with a sniffle.

Robert came back in with Toby in his arms. “Look who decided to join us.”

“Babababa.” Toby babbled as he was placed in his highchair and smacked his hands on the tray as if to ask, where is my food? 

“Yes, yes, food is coming.” Robert chuckled, placing down three bowls of banana slices, apple sauce, and dry cheerios.

Toby stuck his hand into the banana and began trying to stuff his face with his right fist of banana and left fist of cheerios. So far Toby was ignoring the apple sauce.

Karen and Sarah started chuckling as Toby got more on his bib and face, than in his mouth.

He just couldn’t figure out why he couldn’t get both hands in his mouth together.

Robert came back in with a sippy-cup, only for the bowl of applesauce to go airborne right into Robert, which prompted Sarah and Karen to laugh even harder.

Chapter Text

That afternoon, Sarah made a promise to herself that she would never take anything or anyone for granted again. The lessons she had learned in the labyrinth weren’t just about herself, but life lessons. She repeated them to herself in her head like a mantra. 

 

Life isn’t fair. 

Things aren’t always what they seem.

Words have power.

Take responsibility.

In the following days, both Robert and Karen noticed Sarah seemed to be a whole new person. She took care of Toby without prompting. She did chores and helped around the house. She was responsible. She was deliberate with her words. Her eyes now held this unknown wisdom. 

And the oddest thing was that she wouldn’t touch peaches. 

Karen and Robert made sure to let Sarah know how much they were appreciating her. And so they observed. All further conversations with Sarah provided no clarity into what transpired that night and brought on this mature growth. All they could do was be thankful for the peace that seemed to settle over the house. 

As the weeks of summer passed, the family grew closer. And odd things began to happen whenever Sarah was emotional. 

Robert began to be hopeful. Could Sarah’s magic be coming back? But how? And why? If so, why did it leave in the first place? 

And then it happened. 

Chapter Text

3 days after Sarah’s Run

Castle Beyond the Goblin City

KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK

“Sire?” 

Jareth looked up from his desk. “Come in.”

Cyril opened the door and Hoggle peered around the corner. 

“Oh for goodness sake Hoggle! Get inside.” Cyril huffed exasperated, pushing the dwarf into the room.

A room both had been in hundreds of times. 

“Hmph.” Hoggle grumbled.

“Well, what was so important you came to seek me out in my study?” Jareth asked with a raise eyebrow.

Cyril rolled his eyes. “You don’t fool me for a minute boy.” 

Jareth took one look at the cowing Hoggle and burst into laughter. 

“Hoggle, my friend, you aren’t actually scared of me, are you?”Jareth asked.

“Nnno.”

Jareth gave him a pointed eyebrow look.

“Ok, OK, YES! DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA HOW TERRIFYING YOU ARE? AND THE BOG JARETH. PRINCE OF THE LAND OF STENCH. ARE YOU KIDDING ME! ME! AND DON’T EVEN GET ME STARTED ON THAT PEACH DREAM. WHY I OUGHTA ....” Hoggle started yelling with his arms gesturing everywhere.

“Pax Hoggle. Surely you know I would never do that to you.” Jareth said standing up.

“Hmph. I’ll decide when I’m going to forgive you. And don’t even think of changing my mind cause it won’t work.” Hoggle grumbled, crossing his arms.

Jareth held up his hands in peace. 

Cyril looked on in amusement.

Minutes ticked by in silence.

“Oh alright. I forgive you! But don't you ever EVER do it again.” Hoggle warned, wagging his finger.

“Now that you two boys have made up, my work here is done.” Cyril said brushing his hands together.

“How is the cleanup of the city going?” Jareth said, ignoring his advisor.

“Going well. Ludo is being a big help in getting all the rocks and rubble out of the city.” Hoggle replied all business. 

“Good. Good. Honestly the labyrinth quarter of the city was rundown, so this is a perfect excuse to upgrade and rebuild it from scratch. And the residents whose homes were destroyed? Are they all resettled?”

“Yes, they have been offered assistance in rebuilding when the time comes and are currently living in empty apartments usually used for extra castle staff.” Cyril replied. 

“Excellent. Oh and the High King agreed to my request.” Jareth responded pleased. 

“Thank the fates!” Cyril exclaimed. 

“Indeed. The High King agreed that since Sarah is so young, exposing her to either the court or the Underground as a whole would be unwise. Since she has banished me from her presence I can only protect her from a distance. The Labyrinth has cloaked her signature so well that the High King and Caledonesis couldn’t find her. Which bodes well, that no one else should be able to either. I have sent a group of hobgoblins to protect both her and Toby at all times. They have been instructed to remain hidden and bring back reports of their well being. Hopefully, with time things will be different. There are two portals in Sarah’s house. Her mirror and her closet, so you can visit Sarah at any time Hoggle.” Jareth informed them.

Hoggle grinned and Cyril nodded in agreement.

Knock. Knock. Knock. 

“Yes?” Jareth asked. 

“Um, sorry to bother you, your majesty but have you seen Lord Cyril or Sir Hoggle? We need them to come see the next part of the city.” A goblin asked through the door.

“We will be there in a minute.” Cyril replied.

“Oh yes. Thank your sir.” You could hear the goblin shuffle back down the hall.

“Oh and before you go, there is a new resident of the Labyrinth. Somehow Cyril, your alter ego of a fox has appeared and is guarding the bridge into the bog. He goes by the name Sir Didymus.” Jareth said with amusement.

“Hahahaha hahahahaha!” Hoggle fell to the floor laughing hysterically.

“Is it not an allusion sir from Sarah’s run?”Cyril asked.

“Seems not. He is quite real. Has all the memories of the adventure and even a dog that looks like yours. It is apparently named Ambrosius,”Jareth replied.

“I’ll have him come help corral Ludo in the cleanup effort.”Cyril said resignedly.

Hoggle just continued to lose his marbles all over the floor.

Chapter Text

Late July 1989, Upper Nyack, New York, USA

It was mid-morning on a beautiful Saturday in late July. Robert was in his office with Toby in a playpen, while Karen did some housekeeping. 

Karen carried a basket of clean laundry upstairs and knocked on the closed bedroom door.

“Sarah? I have clean laundry.”

Shrugging her shoulders, when she got no reply, Karen opened the door, dropped the laundry basket, and screamed

“ROBERT!”

Meanwhile, Sarah was dreaming of all the friends she made in the Labyrinth. Upon which she was immediately woken to Karen’s scream and fell from mid-air back onto her bed with an umph.

“Karen? Sarah?” Robert called as he rushed upstairs with a disgruntled Toby, because his very important conversation with Mr. Bear aka ‘Lancelot’ was interrupted. 

“What’s wrong? Karen?” Robert looked at his wife with concern. 

“Sarah...floating…air...Sarah…floating… Oh my!” Karen babbled. 

Robert and Sarah scrunched their eyebrows as they tried to make out what had Karen so frazzled. 

“Sarah, I’m going to take Karen back downstairs for a cup of tea. Come join us in the kitchen when you are ready.” Robert said, guiding Karen back downstairs along with Toby. 

Reaching the kitchen, Robert led Karen over to a chair and plunked Toby in his highchair. Bringing over a cup of tea, Robert waited for Karen to gather her thoughts.

“Robert, she was floating. Sarah was floating mid-air above her bed. And she was glowing! Glowing, Robert!” Karen explained after drinking the entire cup of tea. 

Robert's eyes widened. “Sarah is giving off excess magic.”

“But how? I thought you said that when Sarah was five, her magic suddenly vanished?” Karen asked, shocked.

“I don’t know. So many things happened that month. She had magic and then she didn’t. Well, she couldn’t use it. It was like her core was constantly empty. But whatever happened, something changed.” Robert said confused, but hopeful. “I’ll message Severus and Amelia.”

Their conversation in hushed voices stopped at the sound of footsteps coming down the stairs.

“Dad? Karen? What was all the screaming about? Is everything ok?” Sarah asked, rapidly firing questions at the adults as she entered the room.

“Karen was startled. That’s all.” Robert paused. “How are you feeling by the way?” 

Sarah gave her father a strange look, “I’m feeling fine. Dad, what is going on?”

Robert sighed. “Do you remember when you were five and we took that trip to London?”

“Yes, it was the year before Grandma and Grandpa died. You had just found out about Mother’s affairs. And Uncle and Aunt had just had a baby.” Sarah replied, scrunching her face in concentration, as if the idea that if she focused hard enough more memories would come. 

“Do you remember anything else?” Robert asked gently.

“They were mad at grandpa and grandma about something and I got hurt. And then everyone was even more angry. Linda took me somewhere…” Sarah paused, biting her lip. “Something happened. I don’t remember what. But it hurt. And then we came back to London. And Uncle gave me a train, which hurt me. I remember lots of yelling and then Uncle and Aunt were gone. And Grandma cried.” Sarah said, confused.

“No one was quite sure what happened, but something on that trip occurred and your magic vanished.” Robert stated.

“When we came home my lessons changed. But no one would say why. And then Linda left and Sev came to stay with us.” Sarah stated, giving her father a look. 

Robert sighed, “After the second accident with your Uncle, we found that your magical core was empty. You had one, but the magic levels in it were practically non-existent. Other than that you were a perfectly normal child. No healer could tell us why. So your grandparents and I decided to teach you everything else but the practical side of magic. But this changes everything.” 

Robert hugged Sarah close. 

Sarah nodded. “I’ve always felt like something, a part of me was missing. And when I got up today, it's the first time I could remember that the hole wasn't there. Was that my magic?”

Robert sobbed and hugged Sarah tighter. “Yes. Yes! I always felt like I failed you. My sweet girl.”

Sarah’s stomach growled loudly.

“More talk later, breakfast first.” Karen said, watching fondly from across the table. 

“MAH! MAH! Bephmb brebrbrbbrb.” Toby commented, vibrating his lips together as he smacked the tray with hands.

Sarah and Robert stood up and chuckled. “We will talk more later.” Robert told Sarah, giving her a kiss on her head. 

Sarah smiled back.