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Antithesis

By: Oceanbreeze7

Revenge is the misguided attempt to transform shame and pain into

pride. Being forsaken and neglected, ignored and forgotten, revenge

seems a fairly competent obligation. Good thing he's going to make his

brother pay. Dark!Harry! Slytherin!Harry! WrongBoyWhoLived.

Rated: Fiction T - English - Hurt/Comfort/Angst - Harry P., Voldemort -

Chapters: 81 - Words: 483,433 - Reviews: 2,467 - Favs: 4,877 - Follows:

4,141 - Updated: 31.10.2018, 17:59:35 - Published: 28.06.2016, 02:11:18

- Status: Complete - id: 12021325

1. Prologue

The wind rustled sharply through the bare branches of ancient trees. The

rattling noise was familiar, having occurred many times already

throughout the night.

The small town of Godric's Hollow seemed to hold its breath as an

unwanted visitor prowled slowly across cracked cobblestone.

The shadows, thrown from the bare trees, lay warped on rock and

ground, providing the illusion of nearly curling towards the lone figure.

It halted suddenly. His darkened cloak, half shrouded from the night

itself, stood still in the middle of a barren street towards the end of one

court. A single manor glowed with the warm lights of habitation. The

sidings were old fashioned and decorated with iron rod fences and

elaborate metalwork. Despite the bold statements of wealth, the look was

tarnished with the wet splashes of aging rust and dents along the bases of

each rod. A metal griffin, standing posh and incredibly out of place had

been painted gold and red from the harsh corrosion only time could

produce.

The gates groaned in protest as invisible claws forced the metal to bend.

The gears twisted and obliged to the brute force, rattling loudly as they

collided against the frame once extended entirely upon their hinges.

The two adults who held ownership of this manor had left, celebrating a

Halloween Party only after immense amounts of poking and prodding.

The two had been resilient, only after false securities and half hearted

assurances were they finally convinced to leave.

The party, a small seemingly insignificant event suggested an opportunity

that had otherwise been impossible. The situation had dramatically

shifted to something bitterly sweet once more details had been cautiously

uncovered.

Two infants were left inside the house, a squib witch hired for a

temporary caretaker.

He understood the reasoning behind such an ignorant (or naive) action. A

squib, integrated to the muggle society so thoroughly he hadn't even been

aware of her blood relatives until only recently. Such an outlandish

choice for a caretaker was unheard of- he wouldn't have suspected it for a

moment. The decision although smart, hadn't been made with proper

precautions in place.

A twisted smile warped his face once a shrill alarm pierced the relative

quiet. The heavily reinforced ward crumbled with the ghastly sound of

something important cracking. The suddenness in which his movements

shifted from almost entirely unheard, to loud chaos spoke some unnatural

confidence in abilities normally shrouded.

The woman briefly appeared in the largest front facing window,

momentarily freezing before vanishing beyond the frame. The windows

were of no matter. Having plotted so long and so tediously- he could

spare a moment to indulge in his certain victory.

The windows and door exploded with a grotesque rain of wooden

shrapnel and warped iron. The frames cracked, teetering and knocking

several panels of the house's siding to the now ruined front garden. The

carefully pruned lilacs and hydrangeas smashed into the ground and old

mulch.

He strolled into the house, positively feeling more giddy than he had in

years. His only threat now was a useless waste of genetics, holding a

kitchen knife with trembling arms.

He met her horrified eyes and knew that his own burned in excitement.

"Please! I-" she sobbed, arms shaking more before she ran. She bolted like

a spooked horse, her feet pounding on the floor towards the stairs. It

made no difference; he took his time following after. The stairs squeaked

as he ascended and glanced absentmindedly at a moving photo of a mud

blood witch and a pure blood fool.

He heard the squib screaming in one room. The door had been locked

with a flimsy metal clasp.

She sobbed wildly, begging gibberish as she held her head and long hair

between spastic fists. Hysterical, he felt a stirring of disgust for such an

unseemly action. His lips twitched slightly, and the woman dropped

dead, eyes glassy and mouth open in another wordless plea.

Two cribs, each on opposite walls of the room. They were separated by

the squib's body and painted obnoxiously cheerful colours. Innocently

they rested under little twinkling mobiles displaying special Quidditch

equipment. The far crib held a chubby child with chocolate brown hair.

He was curled in a tiny ball, clutching his pudgy fingers into the plush

horns of an anatomically inaccurate dragon.

The other crib held a fairly opposite child. A possibly slim child, once

accepting all infants had an unseeingly thick layer of baby fat. His hair

was dark, nearly impossible to tell the specific color with the lack of

illumination. He slept on his side, one arm near its face while the other

lay prone near its side.

He was silent. The names of both children were carved into each

headboard respectively. The brown haired boy has his name written with

enchanted letters, glittering gold in bold font.

Skylar

The other was written in the same style and format, the letters a

shimmering warm red.

Harry

Perfect.

The man let a small smile grace his normally unreadable face. Even the

disgustingly muggle names wouldn't ruin the thrilling glee that pulsed

through his blood. He lifted his wand, but hesitated. His eyes shifted,

glancing between both cribs pensively.

Which child was the imminent threat foretold? His resources had told

him that both children were born the same day, almost identical with the

specific requirements.

It didn't matter, overthinking it only ran the risk of the owners returning

early and jeopardizing his spies.

"Harry Potter." The man mused, his voice caused Skylar Potter to frown

in his sleep. Harry Potter shifted slightly, knocking a blanket to flutter

between the railings. Harry's crib was on the right, flush against the wall

directly across from Skylar.

It was sheer luck (or misfortune), that Lord Voldemort chose to start on

the right side that night.

"The last piece needed," he mused, voice rising as he pulled the ivory

colored wand out from a concealed pocket. His eyes focused on the

gentle exhalations of the infant and magic coursed through his limbs in

excitement, "how fitting, for your death to assure my life."

The infant wriggled, meaty fist closing and opening in a grasping

movement. It's pudgy cheeks puffed out in a small gulping snort. It was

positively disgusting.

He grimaced, rolling the wand between his long fingers before arching

his wrist in the proper stance. With almost lazy movements, the tip

pointed directly between the closed eyes of the child.

"Avada Kedavra." He could almost feel the cold talons of death as the spell

wracked through the tiny body. He could see its chest stutter, convulsing

sharply as its heart jerked and struggled. The infant's eyes opened and a

piercing wail exploded from the small lungs. Harry jerked, the waves of

frigid energy cascaded and escalated to a excruciating crescendo.

Harry wailed, thick tears falling from his eyes as his face reddened in his

screams. His pudgy arms waved and pounded limply against the railing

of his crib and the dead weight of his chest.

The spell traveled with precision to find the anchor of the infant's soul to

its body. Harry Potter's instinctive magic rose in a wave, attempting to

deflect the darker power or negate the effects.

The chilling talons raked across the invisible heart of the infant, leaving

gaping wounds and rips across its soul. Having missed, the spell did all

that it had been known to ever do- kill.

It deflected, scratching and with a startling unanticipated wrench, tore

apart the nearest target regardless of which soul it had lacerated.

The dark magic held within the child's body was too much. With a pain

filled screech, a powerful backlash lunged through the mortar and wood.

The already weakened structure groaned and ached wearily as it

staggered into a state of ceiling collapsed, walls burst, and the metal

hinges melted. Nails and wood flew, giving a deep cut over the heart of

Skylar Potter, painfully waking him up from his dreams, and giving him

anguish over the wound.

Harry Potter groaned, collapsing backwards in severe weakness. The last

remnants of dark magic oozed in a numbing haze through a crack just

below the infant's hairline. More chunks of wood fell, support beams

crashed into the staircases and shingles collapsed through to the nursery.

Both infants screamed even louder as the objects collided leaving broken

bones and bruised skin.

Harry's eyes lolled, shifting slowly from deep emerald into something

toxic as the last remnants of black magic left his skull.

Blood, ash, a single corpse, and a black recognizable cloak rested on the

floor of the destroyed nursery.

That night cemented the future death of more than just a dark creature.

'What fun are prophecies if not to throw the unknown word of gods to simple

swine and see what conclusions they misinterpret.'

2. Expo

Harry Potter blinked and shifted quietly as he observed the chaos that

had transformed his front lawn.

The grounds of the Potter Estate in Wochien had been entirely

transformed with bright streamers of red and gold. Large fluttering kites

filled the air, large sparking dragon kites roared and chased shimmering

butterfly charmed twice the size of the reptiles.

A makeshift quidditch post had been set up on the western side of the

large estate. The pitch, only half the size of a professional pitch, was

equipped with miniature and charmed bludgers and an oversized quaffle.

At some point in the spectacle of paintbrushes bewitched to paint faces

without the artist, or the exploding snap tournament on the far side of

the patio, a bucking shelled pony managed to escape from its temporary

pen.

Harry watched with faint amusement as a short wizard scrambled after to

catch the strange magical creature (which seemed to enjoy his mother's

hostas).

Harry flinched as two red haired twins his father seemed to be rather

fond of, managed to set off a large explosion of raining fire and iridescent

pixie dust. His father in question, turned from where he had been

conversing with what looked like a ministry official to scold the twins.

(Harry could see how his mouth quirked into a subtle grin at the two

beaming boys.)

"Hello young man!" Harry cocked his head upwards to stare at the

woman and man who looked at him with a slightly uncomfortable smile,

"Do you happen to know a young Skylar by any chance?"

Harry blinked, and with one hand pointed to the right where the

quidditch pitch had been set up.

"Oh thank you!" The woman squealed, glancing down at him in strange

adoration, "You must be a friend of his! I'm Mrs. Belstha!"

Harry stared as the woman thrust her arm out for him to shake. He

reached up and clamped his fingers around two of her thicker digits.

"I'm Harry," Harry stated without much inflection, "Skylar is my brother."

The two wizards looked stunned before they quickly hurried to hide it

with another strained smile.

"Well! You must be so proud of your brother then! Anyways, off we go!

Such a pleasure to meet you!" She chirped, taking her husband's arm and

rushing off towards the shrieks and laughter of the mock quidditch

match.

Harry sighed softly through his nose and shifted from where he was

sitting on the porch. The white wooden slabs had recently been repainted

to a bright white, already dinged with black scuff marks. Near Harry to

his right, a spelled bowl clinked quietly with ice cubes filled nearly to the

top of the lemonade. A platter of sandwiches sat nearby, a small snack

considering the enormous cake set on the buffet table on the lawn.

Harry glanced out once he heard a muffled warning. A large bronze

flamingo collided with the grown before rising with magical grinding

movements.

"James Potter!" Lily- Harry's mother, shouted, "Did you charm my lawn

flamingo!"

Harry's father, having seen the damage he had created started to hurry

backwards with both arms raised in defense.

Harry watched as a black haired male- Skylar's godfather Sirius, threw

one of the spare brooms at his father. Lily cursed playfully, chasing after

him as James hurried onto the broom to escape his mother's wrath.

A few people cheered both of them on, giving whoops as James soared

over the crowd standing on the broom shaft in a dramatic pose. Lily took

quick work using a water charm to splash her husband down into a

conjured mud pile just below.

Harry kicked his feet and looked at his fingers with slight longing.

The party was Skylar and Harry's eighth birthday. His father's old friend

group of the 'Marauders' had gathered last night at the estate and started

planning the event.

Skylar, the outgoing exciting child that he was, quickly proclaimed that

he would have the best party anyone ever had. James and Sirius jumped

at the opportunity and started plotting how exactly they could smuggle a

Czech Griffin through the wards.

Harry didn't mind, he didn't care about most things. He understood that

Skylar was very different from himself- Skylar seemed to glow in the

press and the hoards of people always gushing with gifts or thanks for his

victory over the Dark Lord. Harry, well Harry preferred to stay back and

just watch, he didn't like people talking or asking him questions he didn't

know the answers to.

(It wasn't that his parents purposefully ignored him, the fact was he was

far too different for them to understand so any attempts for 'family

bonding' generally left him anxious and trying to retreat to his room.)

His introversion was why Lily wasn't at all surprised when she

approached the porch to get a spare towel that had been set out earlier.

"Hello Harry," She smiled, a slightly tired and sorrowful look as she

settled next to him, "you don't want to play with you friends?" she asked

quietly with a little smile.

Harry jerked his head and rested his chin on his knees, "They're Skylar's

friends," He muttered under his breath.

Lily exhaled softly through her nose. "I'm sure that doesn't mean that they

won't play with you?"

Harry glanced into his mother's eyes, they were darker and prettier than

his own unsettling eyes. He didn't like his, they were too bright and made

people twitch.

"Skylar is the seeker," Harry stated, shortly and curtly. Lily's cheek

twitched and he could tell that she bit the inside anxiously.

"Well, maybe you could be the-"

"People will get angry if I'm the seeker and Skylar isn't."

Lily shifted.

"Harry, I-" She started, looking apologetic and tired at the same time, "I, I

know that you didn't want a party-"

"It's Skylar's party."

"-but, how about we go to that magical animal exhibition that's near

town?" Lily offered, trying to compromise, "They'll be moving on

Thursday, but i'm sure we could find time."

Harry frowned, "Dad and Skylar don't like magical creatures unless they

breathe fire."

"Well you don't like parties."

Harry stared with uncomprehending confusion. Lily looking

uncomfortable and sadder than before.

"Harry I- I know that we haven't been the best, but you have to

understand-"

"Skylar is the Boy-Who-Lived and needs extra protection because dark

wizards still are angry with him," Harry chanted blankly with no tone of

voice, "I know mum, Skylar is more-"

Harry cut off when Lily started to get up and looked torn and somehow

furious, "Harry, I- how about tomorrow we head over to the expo. Just

you and me? I thought there was something about a baby hydra there,"

Lily coaxed, smiling as Harry shyly glanced up hopefully, "I know your

father isn't fond of reptiles, except Merlin knows he has a problem with

dragons, but-"

"I think I'd like to go," Harry quietly mentioned, at once looking

apprehensive, "I mean, It's okay if we need to clean up, or if Skylar wants

to go somewhere else. I don't have to go, I can always-"

"We're going." Lily firmly stated. The moment was ruined when a witch

called out for Lily loudly, having her grandson timidly hiding behind her

large green frock coat.

Lily looked torn, but eventually the nasally cries for her company won

out and she hurried over the lawn to greet the new guest.

Harry glanced back at the white paint on the deck and scraped his nail

across the path of a particularly adventurous ant.

The day continued similarly, with few guests saying hello to Harry and

even fewer actually remembering that he too had a birthday. The

uncomfortable small talk just led Harry to believe further that they had

only come for Skylar (didn't everyone?) and speaking with him was just

pleasantries.

He knew that, and he knew that the party was for Skylar. Yet a portion of

him felt hollow and made him gasp for ragged breaths when he saw his

father hoist Skylar onto his broom with him to dive bomb Sirius with

muggle water balloons.

Harry didn't like flying anyways.

Lie.

If he did, he wouldn't like sharp dives or sudden turns.

Lie.

He was perfectly content sitting on the porch and watching everyone else

laugh and give Skylar his birthday presents.

Lie.

Harry was perfectly fine with the arrangement, he didn't need a party

and he had come to not expect one.

It still made him feel like something had cracked inside.

Something came up, which Harry had expected would happen anyways.

Why would he be hopeful over visiting some sort of magical animal

exposition when he knew that Skylar would demand attention or have

some sort of after party request the family would oblige to?

(He had learned that there was no point getting hopeful over things that

most likely wouldn't happen anyways.)

Instead it was Remus Lupin, his very own Godfather who had informed

him early the next morning that they would be seeing the expo.

This had surprised Harry, he had been quietly told by his father that his

Godfather was not entirely human. The thought hadn't ever concerned

Harry, yet he hadn't ever considered that the man would want to see an

array of magical oddities behind bars.

"You ready to go?" Remus asked awkwardly, wearing a slightly too big

worn brown cloak. Harry glanced at his own clothing, a large jacket and

his own loose pants. It wasn't as if they would have been walking into the

nearest town.

Harry gave a small nod, taking Remus' huge grip with one of his smaller

hands and grasping tightly. Harry flinched, resisting the urge to gag as

his entire body was ripped backwards with the sensation of something

pulling too sharply on a large belt. He stumbled once light flashed again.

Remus hurried to kneel and steady the younger boy, who blinked in

confusion but still looked around in restrained excitement.

They were in an open plaza where many stalls and glass cages had been

set up. Magical creatures prowled or sat dopey behind the glass.

Remus looked uncomfortable, seeing one Manticore which stiffened and

snarled aggressively once smelling the man. Harry tried not to pay any

attention, but very quickly once entering the main pavilion all magical

creatures seemed to hone in on Remus and snarl aggressively.

Harry's chest began to tighten once they noticed a rather suspicious

looking aid drifting closer to their position.

'Don't do this, not today. This was supposed to be for me,' Harry thought

quietly, already feeling the bitter tang of having to leave only half an

hour after arriving.

'This was supposed to be my party,' Harry's throat twitched and much to his

horror, he felt his eyes start to glaze.

A security guard frowned at the two of them, slowly advancing towards

them through the tiny crowd. His eyes were locked on the elder and had

drawn his wand cautiously.

Harry bolted, running and ducking through the crowd as he heard Remus

shout his name in alarm. Evidently, the security guard had not been

noticed.

'It's not fair!'

He ran through a half opened door, propped open only by a small crate.

Running through, he kicked the crate but wasn't quite fast enough to

avoid the thick door from snapping shut on his ankle.

It had obviously been enchanted in hindsight, magicked to avoid animals

from escaping. The door snapped shut and cracked loudly against his

ankle. Harry shouted out in pain, tears now sliding down his cheeks as he

whimpered and hugged his knees close to his body.

'It's not fair- It's not-'

There was a buzzing in his ears that seemed to only get louder.

'Why does- why does everyone spoil everything?'

The buzzing was loud and his ankle hurt and- was his nose bleeding?

'Why can't I have a nice thing for once?'

He heard something shatter like ice under strain. He glanced up, trying to

wipe his nose as a sudden wave of dizziness struck him.

Cages holding sleeping creatures had somehow cracked- spiderweb hairs

that were growing larger and larger.

Star filled pupils focused on the cracks from behind the ward, long forked

tongues lolled out lazily as a webbed hoof stretched out.

Harry's heart jumped to his throat as the cracks finally reached a point of

instability and collapsed like falling rain.

Something that looked suspiciously like a winged goat licked its fangs

menacingly.

Harry scrambled back, ankle dragging limply and throbbing unbearably.

The door had closed and locked behind him, most likely why it had been

propped open originally. He could hear faint shouts and could only

assume that somehow the cages outside had broken as well.

One oversized spider clicked its fangs and prodded the broken cage with

interest.

"What- What is this?" Harry heard a quiet voice, and scrambled to reply.

"Help!" He hurried out, his back now flush against the back of the door.

The fanged goat creature stumbled back, rearing at something Harry

couldn't quite see. He held his breath and curled one hand into a shaking

fist.

"...Hello?" A small head poked around the corner and glanced at Harry, it

flicked its tongue twice, "Oh, it's just one filthy human."

Harry's eyes widened and the snake turned to look around its newly freed

area.

It was large. The length Harry couldn't quite determine; It was as thick as

Harry's thigh and likely larger still. It had a tan triangle head that was

aiming the other way entirely disinterested.

"Wait!" Harry tried once again, swallowing quickly, "Those things are

scared of you and-"

"You talk to me?" The snake swiftly turned its head and looked baffled

with its reptilian snout, "Humans talk to me? They owe me rabbits!"

Harry floundered, "I- I don't-"

"Hatch-mates are all gone. I don't need Hatch-mates, I can bite death," The

snake suddenly reared, although small it opened its large mouth and

unhinged impressive fangs with a terrifying hiss. Its tail slid around the

edge, it too reared back and twisted suddenly with slit pupils.

Harry's eyes widened and he jerked back, accidentally hitting his injured

ankle against the floor and yelping out a sound. The second head tilted

curiously whilst the first continued to taste the air interested.

"You smell of prey. Why do you smell of prey?" The snake hissed, sliding

half a foot closer.

Harry stared, "I think I hurt my ankle." Harry swallowed, throat tight and

eyes still watering, "It- this was supposed to be a good day and now it isn't."

"I think it is a good day. I got two mice, that's an extra mice. And you."

"Wha-" Harry blurted, trying to scoot further back as the second head

submitted to sliding backwards as the main head slowly advanced. It

opened its mouth menacingly- an extra set of fangs unhinged and slid

into slot behind the original set.

"I- No!" Harry shouted, eyes widening as his breathing accelerated, "I am

not food!"

"You are prey."

"I'm human!"

"I'm Amfivena." It didn't seem deterred as it rose slowly to rear above

Harry's head and in plain view of the locked door.

Something collided with the door and caused it to swing outwards

suddenly. Harry cried out and scrambled backwards near the feet of a

startled and concerned caretaker.

"Ay! You alright?" The man blurted, grabbing one of Harry's arm and

forcefully yanking him further away from the agitated magical serpent,

"Stay back! Bollocks I knew we should have gotten rid of this thing!"

"Harry!" Harry looked up into the near panicking face of his godfather,

"Harry are you alright?"

Harry didn't say anything, instead he watched as the caretaker managed

to conjure a small whip he currently was smacking against the floor.

"No!" The snake spat, switching heads and quickly retreating, "Not prey!

Not prey! Won't bite, won't bite!" It screeched, managing to convey how

absolutely terrified the animal actually was.

"What's going to happen to it?" Harry muttered, feeling dazed over the

entire situation.

"Eh?" The caretaker muttered, scowling as the snake hurried into its

broken cage to hide, "Oh, probably sell this bloody thing for parts. Don't

know why we still 'ave it, most are just sold fer love potions and that."

The man grimaced, looking at his whip in disdain, "seems a bit off to

have love potions from as ruddy a beast as that."

Harry stared, not quite comprehending yet still hearing the muffled cries

of "Won't bite! Won't bite! Share prey with! Den-mate!"

"It's sorry," Harry offered, looking at the agitated caretaker, "It just

wanted more food."

The man barked out a laugh, "Hah! Fat chance lad, that thing is a sure

beast. I'll be happy when we drop that thing off."

"Share prey with human! Den-mate! Not prey!"

Remus carefully slid his hands under Harry's knees and under his

shoulder. With one movement the older man hoisted the young boy up

into the air away from any danger. The caretaker looked around the back

room, running one hand through his hair. Harry could already tell that

he was angry, so many cages were broken and the goat creature was

bleating sorrowfully.

There was an unconscious Diricawl wrapped in nets and being levitated

by emergency personnel that seemed to be cleaning up the scene.

Harry's gut twisted once he noticed blood on the floor.

"What's going to happen?" Harry asked quietly, watching as more animals

were shoved away and more blood was quickly cleaned up.

"They'll probably move on a tad bit earlier." Remus replied calmly,

although his voice was very strained.

Harry felt an uncomfortable knot in his throat which pulsated in rhythm

to the lolling stab of pain originating in his ankle. It bounced limply with

every step Remus took, hanging from an awkward position.

"What about the animals?" Harry asked concerned, he rather enjoyed

animals. They were much more accepting and listened to him talk most

times, he didn't want them to get in any trouble because of him.

Remus said nothing, and instead locked his jaw slightly.

Harry felt the knot in his throat press on his chest with uncomfortable

pressure. Why wasn't Remus answering his question.

"No, No!" He heard the sudden piercing scream from the Amfivena. "Not

want! Sorry! Is sorr-"

The cry cut off partway through. Remus shifted Harry although showed

no signs of having heard. Harry stared, eyes locked on the door that had

been forced open where the snake had quieted suspiciously.

"I didn't mean to-" Harry blurted, feeling the heavy weight of guilt

pressing on him.

Remus looked down and shook his head softly, "Oh, no Harry, none of

this was your fault. You don't have to be sorry for anything."

Harry looked down, eyes glazing and clouding.

It was his outburst that had led to the snake's sudden hush. If he hadn't

have reacted or outburst, the blood wouldn't have been spilled.

Who had been hurt? Who had he hurt?

They reached the far door and Harry had not yet heard another sound

from the snake.

"I'm sorry too." Harry whispered.

3. Chalice

In the tumult of events that transpired at the Magical Creature Expo, the

Daily Prophet recorded two serious injuries and the legal requirements

for euthanasia of seven magical creatures.

According to the paper, the legal requirements stirred up an activist

group who were highly opposed to the unfair treatment and

imprisonment of magical creatures.

The Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures

specializing within the Beast Division was particularly under scrutiny.

Moreso now than ever according to the apparent disregard for one rare

Bowtruckle, a now endangered species, which had been caught in the

crossfire of the ministries responding aurors.

The Bowtruckle in particular, stated within the paper as 'A harmless tree-

dwelling creature that is difficult to find, and has great significance. The

Bowtruckle species was once used commonly to find healthy trees or wooden

material suitable for magic conduits. Now due to the Bowtruckle's recent

endangerment in attempts to track alternate wood sources for conduits for

dark arts, the species have nearly vanished in its natural habitat. This decrease

is directly correlated to an increase in magical accidents through wand

material experimentation. The greatest incident recorded was in Northern

Amiens, France. This incident resulted in fourteen muggle and wizard deaths

due to the magical explosion of an incorrect conductor-'

The paper continued on. On the second page numerous witnesses had

described the chaos as well as their obvious bemoans over the life of the

Bowtruckle. The page after that regarded the current attempt for habitat

restoration and conservation for the species, and the bills being thrown at

the Ministry in regards for the safety and wellbeing of magical creatures

under a class one rating.

Harry read the paper quite thoroughly, he had nothing better to do since

he had been forced to remain in bed as his ankle reduced in swelling and

healed. There were a few words he didn't understand the meaning of, as

well as a few descriptions of current bills and decisions made by ministry

officials.

He read the paper very carefully, even rereading it once he had finished.

Not once did it mention the Amfivena.

(He never really expected that it would have.)

The house was whispering in quiet murmurs.

Harry awoke silently in his room as the white noise lulled him out of

sleep. His room was dark, the windows didn't offer a hint of sunlight or

reveal just how late it was.

He murmurs rose in pitch, distinguishing themselves in the incoherent

noises of multiple voices.

Harry slid out of his bed quietly. He took a few steps- his ankle had

already healed although hadn't been tested yet. He hobbled slightly to

the door, turning and peering out into the dark hallway. The further he

walked the less his ankle hindered his movements. Once reaching the

main staircase, he was walking fluidly and quietly down the steps

towards the showroom where the light and voices were.

Harry approached the door, now able to distinguish the voices of his

parents as well as an older wheezing voice and someone much younger

yet with a thickened accent.

Harry padded forward, gently he opened the door to peer inside. He was

correct with his original guess, both parents were in attendance.

Alongside them was an elder man Harry recognized only due to his

interactions with Skylar, and a short scraggly red haired man who had an

uncomfortable grimy aura.

"Harry!" Lily suddenly gushed, running one hand through her hair in a

nervous tick as she shushed him towards the door, "Out you go, back to

sleep! Your ankle isn't well and-"

"It already healed." Harry quietly offered, silencing her fretting and

peering around once more.

"Listen to your mother, this is a conversation for adults." James offered

gently yet sternly.

Harry turned, not meeting the eyes of the two strangers. He shifted,

about to close the door before he spotted the unmistakable blue of

Skylar's pajamas. The boy in question was sitting in a chair, looking

rather sleepy suggesting he had been there a while.

'Oh,' Harry thought, not understanding why he suddenly felt such a

strange feeling, 'It's a meeting for the important people. Not adults, I'm just

not supposed to be here.'

Harry gave a small reluctant nod and trudged slowly out of the room.

The door clicked quickly behind him, and the discussion started once

again.

He couldn't find an excuse to lumber back into bed, despite the grating

constant exhaustion. He walked with dragging feet and half opened eyes

into the adjacent dining room. Climbing up onto a chair, he fiddled with

one of the gilded Potter chalices that were always used for decoration.

His thumbs traced the silver engravings and decorative marks. His fingers

left small smudges against the precious metal- he'd likely have to polish

it.

Tracing the marks and arches of the cup repeatedly provided him the

necessary distraction to stay awake as the muffled voices continued

endlessly. They began to meld in the back of his mind to an incessant

chatter.

A door opened and clicked shut; the sound itself was very quiet but the

harshness of its spontaneity made it ring clearly. Harry jerked his head

up, looking as the short man ran one pudgy fist over his fading hairline.

The man spotted Harry, and with a crooked unusual smile he waltzed

over, trailing one hand over the crown moldings along the walls.

"Hiya," He greeted, yanking out the closest chair with one leg before

plopping down on the edge, "You're the other kid, right?"

Harry blinked slowly, and nodded quietly.

"You should probably scamper off," the man rolled his eyes, "Don't wanna

be around for that mess."

"What mess?" Harry asked, shifting to look at the other man fully.

"Well, looks like we got more clowns tryin' to out your folks," The man

gave a cruelly twisted grin, "Looks like people are out for your family,

mate."

Harry tilted his head curiously, "People are always out for us."

"Ah," The man crooned, leaning forward as if to tell a secret, "But this

time, I got word that they're gonna getcha."

Harry sat back alarmed, that and also disgusted by this stranger's breath.

Out to get them?

"Eh, don't worry kid, we're gon scramble you." The man eased, clapping

his hands dramatically, "One of ya over here, one over there, and boom-

you've vanished."

Vanished? Splitting up?

"We're leaving?" Harry asked quietly, hands clenching around the cup

harder, "Where?'

The man shrugged, reaching out and plucking the cup from Harry's

hands. Harry blinked, hands falling onto the table as if stunned.

"Eh, I dunno." The man shrugged, tossing the cup in his hand and

inspecting it closely, "Your brother, he's heading off with your pops and

that Dumble's bloke, off for training or someth'g ruddy like that."

"Oh," Harry sighed, blinking bluntly as his mind quickly collapsed to

disconcertingly blank.

"Eh, I heard your head'n off to your cousin or someth'n. Your mum's got it

covered, says nob'dy look there." The man grinned, teeth were discolored

and his breath stank of something burning, "Look's like you're going on

your own little trip."

Harry's hands started twitching and he curled them under the table and

out of sight.

The man slapped Harry on the shoulder once, before jumping to his feet.

"I'm Mundungus Fletcher, and I'm takin' this. Hope ya' don't mind." The

man winked, brandishing the cup.

"But that's-"

The man popped and vanished.

'-mine.'

Harry's hands shook and trembled with something strong. His mind was

blank, and he felt strangely void from the room.

He wasn't- he couldn't be sent away. That was, it was a ridiculous idea-

'Don't get excited over things that probably won't happen anyways.' he

reasoned, eyelids sliding down halfway again, 'Why, why would they

actually keep me?'

He tried to summon any sort of instance where he had been thought of or

given special privilege over Skylar. He tried, yet he couldn't actually

remember an instance. He felt as if he was swiping his hands through

mist, attempting to find any sort of memory just out of reach.

(He knew, that there was no such memory. He knew it and yet he was

desperate for any.)

'They'll send you away.' his mind whispered, and he finally let himself

close his eyes against the searing ache, 'Even the man wanted the cup more

than he wanted you.'

The cup- the cup.

"Why do people take everything away from me?" He whispered, voice

cracking halfway through as his jaw convulsed. He locked his jaw, biting

against tooth as his skull ached and his throat was filled with a quaffle.

His chest was rising and falling at uneven flutters-

'I don't-' he glanced at the blurred outline of the door where the voices

were discussing his dismissal.

Skylar wasn't being sent away.

A single sob tore itself from his mouth, and a tear fell onto the shiny

floor.

'I'm sorry that- I'm sorry i'm not Skylar.'

He shoved the palms of his fists into his eyes and twisted. It hurt but it

somehow gave some clarity to the situation.

He had tried, he had tried many times over and over to gain his parents

attention. They were always too busy to listen to him or read to him like

they used to.

They were always busy with Skylar.

("Bad people want to hurt Skylar so mum and dad have to help him, i'm sorry

Harry maybe in a little bit.")

(It was always in a little bit.)

Harry hung his head and with small gulping breaths and shaking hands

he made the slow journey up the stairs alone. He always had done

everything alone, and he would feel weird if someone was to help him

now.

Because in the end, he wasn't Skylar.

(And Skylar was the one who got good things.)

4. Resort

"Harry!"

Harry bolted awake, scrambling and sluggishly struggling to stay upright

on his bed. He failed as the mattress teetered once again, and with a

warbling yelp he slipped out from under the covers onto the floor.

He heard snickering as he gingerly rubbed the spot on his skull which

had collided with the ground. Uprighting and repositioning his lopsided

sleeping apparel, he spotted impish hazel eyes and dark brown hair

peering at him from over the blankets.

"Gotcha, didn't I?" Skylar snickered, straightening his back to peer down

at still tired twin.

"Why-" Harry started, giving a small cough to clear his throat, "Why

would you do that?" He winced, and cracked his back loudly.

Skylar didn't seem fazed by the loud popping, instead he shifted so both

feet would dangle over the edge, socks swinging nearly close enough to

hit Harry's face.

"Mum and Dad wanted us downstairs," Skylar shrugged, "They told me to

get you."

"And you couldn't have just knocked?" Harry muttered under his breath,

getting to his feet.

Skylar grinned and gave a wink before hopping off the bed and nearly

skipping to the door, "See ya downstairs!" Skylar's face lit up, "Mum made

pancakes! Our favourite!"

"Your favourite," Harry corrected, already grabbing a new shirt to change

into.

Skylar shrugged in the doorframe, "Same thing."

Harry rolled his eyes and found a pair of pants. Glancing at the door,

Skylar had already left, and without the decency of actually closing the

door.

Harry changed quickly, sparing one look in a nearby mirror (there was

no hope for trying to flatten the chaos of his scalp), before slipping into

the hallway towards the stairs.

The sudden daylight and brightness of the estate made him almost forget

entirely the night before. It felt like a dream, too implausible to be reality

yet there was some sort of tint to it which caused him to doubt if he had

only imagined it.

Each step caused some sort of tickling uncertainty to rear once more.

Had he actually imagined it?

(Had that man been right?)

"Harry!" Lily blinked, peeking through the archway and looking back at

the table, "There's pancakes if you would-"

"I'm okay." Harry mumbled, walking into the kitchen and sliding into the

one seat that was available.

There was a chalice missing on the table.

"Is there something important?" Harry asked quietly, swinging his feet

under his chair. Skylar looked up from where he sat across from Harry,

blinking with doe eyes and syrup running down his chin.

"Yeah!" Skylar blurted, swallowing a large clump of dough with a small

cringe, "I got this!" Skylar gushed, reaching down into a pocket before

pulling out a figurine.

The small fist sized griffin gave a miniature roar, flapping its small wings

to create tiny gusts strong enough to knock over a blueberry. It paced on

the tabletop, totally enrapturing Skylar's attention.

"Where did you get that?" Harry asked quietly. It gave a little snap with

its beak and pounced on a chunk of pancake Skylar offered it.

"Dumbledore!" Skylar chirped, eyes lighting up quickly, "You should have

seen him- he's the headmaster at that one school!"

"Hogwarts, sweetie," Lily scoffed playfully, "You'll go there too one day,

Sky."

Harry shifted uncomfortably as Skylar beamed and giggled a small

amount when Lily poked his exposed cheek.

"Why was Dumbledore here?" Harry interrupted, bringing the two back

on topic.

Lily's expression faltered, shifting to something unsure. She wrung her

hands and looked at the table with a very hesitant expression, "Well, we

have to talk to you about that."

Harry felt his jaw waver and tried his best to hold it still.

"Hey!" James poked his head in, blinking a few times. His glasses were

slightly askew, he seemed startled to see Harry in the room.

(Given, Harry normally didn't attend breakfast.)

"James! Good!" Lily sighed in relief, queuing for the man to come into the

kitchen. At once, James seemed alarmed and tried to skitter out of the

kitchen. "James."

He groaned in protest yet slid into the kitchen and plopped on the chair

at the head of the table.

Lily walked over, somehow having a mug in her hands as she twirled one

strand of hair behind her ear nervously.

"So," James started, awkwardly rapping his fingers on the table, "Well,

uh. You see-"

Lily scoffed and rolled her eyes, "Honestly James, alright." She started,

looking very seriously at the two children, "Do you remember that there

are unfriendly people who are very upset with us?"

Skylar nodded eagerly, looking curiously at the parents.

"Well, we've learned that those people are trying harder to find us."

James clarified, looking worriedly between both children, "So we have to

leave."

"Leave?" Skylar gasped, mouth opening in surprise. There was a chunk of

food between his teeth, "And go where?"

"That's the thing," Lily sighed, sliding downwards into the chair next to

James and Skylar, "Albus- Dumbledore," She clarified, "Says that he'll be

able to find us a safe place, but he wants to begin your training as soon

as possible."

"To defeat the death-munchers!" Skylar chirped, looking at James who

seemed sheepish at the name.

Lily raised one eyebrow at James but nodded to Skylar, "Yes. They don't

like you- They don't like Skylar, Harry dear." She directed this time at

Harry, "And they'll hurt some of us to get to Skylar."

Skylar looked worried this time, "What- no!" He cried, "No! Mum that's

not-"

"It's okay, your father and I know how to protect ourselves." Lily smiled,

holding out her wand for Skylar to see.

"Your mother is right, we'll be fine." James wiggled his eyebrows in a

reassuring way which seemed to dispel some of the nervous tension in

the room.

It clicked in Harry's head.

"I can't defend myself." Harry mentioned quietly, drawing all eyes on

him, "I'm a risk?"

Lily reached over to take one of Harry's hands, "We've thought of all the

possibilities, and we thought that you could maybe spend time with

Remus or maybe Sirius." She offered.

"Or you could come with us," James mentioned, he looked a little

restrained with the idea, "It would… it's feasible."

Harry looked down at his hands.

"We think that Remus and Sirius may be targeted as well," Lily mentioned

quietly, "We aren't quite sure what extend we all are going into hiding."

Harry pulled his hand back from under his mother's, and fiddled with a

fork. "Where else?" He asked, looking up into Lily and James' guilt filled

eyes, "Have you thought of another place?"

Lily looked at James and paused for a moment, "My sister, Petunia." Lily

started, "She's a muggle. She has a nice muggle family," Lily smiled

slightly and brushed back her hair, "Nobody would ever look in a muggle

family, especially from a wizarding family."

"Of course it's your choice." James interjected. "You can come with us, or

Padfoot or Moony, or with Lily's family."

"But everyone is going into hiding?" Harry asked quietly. 'Everyone can

protect themselves. Except me.'

"Everyone is. It's not safe anymore." Lily agree'd.

"We'll have to be leaving pretty soon," James explained, "A friend of ours

is going to watch the house for a bit so nobody thinks we've left."

Harry nodded and chewed his lip.

'I could come. But I'll just get in the way. Skylar needs to be safe and I'm going

to make it worse.' Harry thought.

There was a part inside of him, that was screaming to say that he wanted

to go with. That he wanted to stay.

"It's safer if I go?" Harry asked, voice rising at the end.

"Much safer," James agreed, "Nobody would look for a wizard in a house

of muggles. It'll be safer for you and It'll be safer for-"

Lily swiftly shoved her elbow into her husband's side, causing him to jolt

but silence himself immediately.

'It would be safer for Skylar.'

Harry bowed his head, and wrung his hands quietly.

"You don't have to make a decision, we just thought we should bring it

up and-"

"I'll go." Harry accepted quietly, "If it's better for Skylar, I'll go."

Harry noticed how James and Lily both had an expression of utter relief

on their faces.

"Thanks Harry," Lily smiled, rising from her chair and giving Skylar one

last pat on his shoulder.

"I don't mind." He murmured quietly. Because in the end, Skylar was the

boy to be protected and Harry was the boy who never was.

Skylar had a conflicted and strange expression. He looked down at the

miniature Griffin and poked it half heartedly.

"Alright," James firmed, rising and scratching his chair legs along the

flooring, "Best to get ready then."

"We're leaving today?" Skylar guffawed, "But, but what about all our

things!"

"You can take them with you," Lily somberly smiled, "Those enchanted

trunks we had picked out last summer- do you know where yours is?"

Lily soothed.

Skylar nodded quickly but still looked rather put out by the recent

information.

"Harry," James started, looking serious once more, "Your aunt's family are

muggles, that means that most magical objects have to be hidden out of

eyesight of any visitors or not exposed muggles,"

"Can I hide it in my trunk?" He asked quietly, James gave a firm nod.

Harry rose quietly, sliding off the chair and walking across the floor out

of the room. He knew James and Lily were startled but unsure what else

to say.

"We won't be able to meet up often, just in case somebody is following

us." James explained tersely, "It-"

"Take everything you want to." Lily sweetly yet abruptly added, "Is there

anything we can get you? Before you leave?"

Harry swallowed.

They wouldn't have otherwise offered, realistically they were supposed to

have all focus aimed at Skylar, who was in the most immediate danger.

There wasn't time nor was it worth the hassle to consciously worry about

his welfare. Harry would be fine, he had long since learned that it was

better to be independent and quiet than to seek attention when there was

none to receive.

"No," he shook his head, leaving from where he had paused in the

entryway. The stairs were creaky and seemed much more ominous than

he had ever felt in the house. Suddenly, it felt far more imposing against

his small body. The portraits seemed foreign and although they moved

loudly in the frames, he heard nothing besides the pulsating rush in his

ears. It pounded rhythmically and seemed to lull his state of mind into

something soothing.

'This isn't real.' His mind assured him. He felt like he was watching the

world through the eyes of an imposter, watching as his body moved

without his conscious control, 'This is all fake.'

He found some sort of perverse comfort in the knowledge that it was all

most likely an illusion afterall.

(It likely didn't ever matter.)

His trunk had had been enchanted and decorated with gaudy silver

fasteners over the rich wood. It was larger on the inside, yet Harry didn't

have any difficulty in sliding his multitude of personal belongings inside

the confines and clicking the small clasp shut. The trunk was still large,

as high as his torso and as long as his arm span. Sliding it out of his

closet, he felt that his room had become alien to him. The few figurines

or drawings he had taken from various newspapers were removed from

the shelves and folded or stacked away safely. His walls were now bare

and his bookshelf was lonely.

He paused at the doorway unsure. If they were to be leaving the house

and traveling somewhere new, would anyone actually notice if he had

snuck a few tomes from the many shelves of his mother's library? The

collection wasn't as elaborate as the family libraries or studies of Skylar's

friend's families, yet it did contain a fair number of books and novels.

The study was on the second floor on the other side of the house. It was

furthest from the bedrooms, yet still a fairly well versed path. Harry

looked up and down the hallway before trotting off quickly along the

hallway. He wasn't particularly sure if he was allowed to take any of the

books.

'If I ask, they may say no.' He thought to himself, pressing against the

grandiose doors, 'So why ask at all?'

Obviously his thinking was morally ambiguous, given any other situation

or scenario he would most likely think or decide against. Considering

with the ease both his mother and father expressed with his volunteering

to be sent to live with family he had never met before; he felt the slow

burning fire of irritation. He felt smug that the least he could do for

himself, was to snatch a few books to entertain himself with wherever he

ended up.

Harry didn't drag the heavy trunk through the hallways with him, so he

was limited with the amount of books he could carry back to his room

without being obvious with what exactly he had done. He was confident

that he would have enough time to browse through the collection, since

both parents were assisting Skylar at the moment.

So he was left with the suddenly overwhelming question of which books

to take.

The more elaborate and complex books on runes or other mathematics

had been sorted and placed on the bookshelves above his natural height.

Just as well, he didn't think that reading about maths would at all be

satisfying. Nor would History, or potions in his opinion.

His small fingers trailed along the thick covers of the many books on the

magically enhanced bookshelves. He spotted volumes with strange titles

or words he couldn't pronounce, let alone understand the meaning of.

There was a collection of spell books all published by a woman, Miranda

Goshawk. Harry didn't know who the woman was, but if his parents had a

complete collection of her works she must be impressive.

He tugged out one of the books which didn't seem to be a part of the

main volume. Goshawks Assortment of Spells and Charms, a decently thick

book with a leather cover and black ink. It seemed fancy enough, yet

didn't have the sparkling font or the mass production feel that the other

books had. He set it aside in the pile.

Magical Theory and Phenomena, written by Hasfalda Brickens, and

Scalding Scales written by Silvanus Kettleburn, joined his pile and formed

a rather thick stack.

Harry wished he could take more. He knew he could carry more books

and run back to his room, but the portraits would likely tell his parents.

In the off chance that the books he was taking weren't allowed to be

removed-

'This will be okay,' Harry agreed, eying the actual thickness of the books.

They would certainly offer him plenty of reading material.

He didn't need anything else. This would be fine.

(He wanted more, he easily squashed the desire and let it shrivel into

something ugly.)

He gathered the three books in his arms and clutched the stack to his

chest. He rushed out through the hallway and over the stairs back

towards his room.

The trunk had plenty of room, the three books were set with loving

gentleness amidst the rest of his knicknacks. His clothing provided a soft

cushion for the rest of his objects.

He closed the trunk and locked it with the fluttering guilt of having

stolen something.

He closed his eyes and pressed his forehead against the wood. The biting

cold of the clasps brought some form of clarity to the foggy haze of his

mind.

He was being sent away.

(Because he wasn't as important as Skylar.)

His jaw clenched and fingers spasmed around the wood. Why was it fair

that he had to go?

Why was it that Skylar was the one who was allowed so many privileges

and royalties?

What had Skylar ever done, that Harry hadn't?

"I'll be better." Harry muttered under his breath, eyes prickling and

stinging as he fluttered them wildly. "I'll be better." He hissed under his

breath.

What right did they have to throw him away?

Why was it, that Skylar got preferential treatment over something he did

as a baby?

Harry had not ever asked for better treatment, or complained about

favouritism. He accepted the unfairness and he said nothing.

And now they were going to just...get rid of him?

He scoffed quietly, he didn't want to stay with them if that was what they

wanted.

Harry would learn and be a better wizard than Skylar ever would be.

(He would show them wrong.)

5. Intent

This chapter has been updated again, thanks to my very helpful Beta

, Chooser of the Slain.

They have done a wonderful job going through my story and what I

have written so far with a fine tooth comb.

Please check after this chapter to see answers to questions or just

information in general.

The Dursley household had been grossly underprepared - or they hadn't

been notified - of their new obligation. An older wizard, whose name and

whose relationship to his parents Harry didn't actually know, arrived that

night to side-along apparate Harry to their small abode later that

evening. When they arrived, the old wizard knocked on the door, and

started explaining the situation to the large, baffled man who opened the

door.

Vernon Dursley, the man who opened the door, was as daft as he was

large. It quickly became apparent that he was confused, infuriated, and

then openly hostile. He grabbed a nearby lamp and brandished it like a

weapon, pointing the bulb threateningly in the face of the exasperated

wizard.

Harry's mother was rather firm with raising her children with the

knowledge of muggle gadgets and father had been amused and had

laughed at the many lessons that she taught their children, although he

did end up learning a lot too. Those lessons were the only reason Harry

was aware that the lamp was, in fact, a lamp and not a weapon as the

older wizard seemed to believe.

Vernon Dursley was quickly making a scene, his large face going red and

his cheeks vibrating with the viciousness of his shouting.

A new woman appeared, dressed in a mint green robe, looking just as

frazzled as Mister Dursley. When she caught sight of Harry, she grew pale

and then rather dramatically swooned. Her body hit the ground loudly,

her hair curlers rattling as her head hit the floor.

Harry's escort made some sort of objection and tried to make his way into

the house. The large, loud man roared something angrily and tried to

force him back out.

A child, roughly Harry's age but many times bigger, screamed something

in shock and nearly the entire neighbourhood woke up in hushed

confusion.

Harry exhaled slowly, straightened his back, firmly grasped his trunk,

and bit back the growing sense of regret in agreeing to come to the

Dursleys'. He was both surprised and frustrated with how quickly things

had unfolded, but what was the worst thing that could happen?

It couldn't be any worse than what he'd already been through, could it?

The Dursley's, were a family of the worst people that Harry had ever met.

They were as snobbish, rude, and arrogant as the nastiest of Skylar's

friends.

Vernon Dursley, the head of the household, prided himself on being a

successful, respectable provider for his family. In truth, he was greedy,

selfish, and judgmental.

His wife, Harry's aunt Petunia, was a horse-faced liar who was always

looking for rumours and gossip, obsessed with social status and

maintaining the appearance that they were a perfectly normal family.

Their son, Dudley, was a greedy glutton and they spoiled him terribly.

He'd learned exactly how to get what he wanted, throwing screaming fits

if his parents didn't immediately capitulate. Harry knew that, although

Skylar had been spoiled a bit, he was nowhere near as rotten as their

obese cousin.

Behind closed doors, the Dursleys made absolutely no effort to hide their

blatant hatred for Harry and "his kind." A growing part of Harry's own

heart felt the same way about them.

Harry's trunk and a small cot had been thrown into a hastily cleared

cupboard under the stairs. The ventilation flap was clogged with dust

and, when he complained, Aunt Petunia gave him a nearly-clean rag and

a bottle of noxious chemicals and told him to clean it himself.

The rest of the cupboard wasn't much better. It certainly wasn't fit for

human habitation. Mould and mildew rotted the floor panels from wet

shoes and thick cobwebs cushioned any sharp edges. The single lightbulb

hanging overhead had long since burned out and no-one had ever

bothered to change it.

When Harry told them that there was no way that a small boot cupboard

was at all sanitary or decent enough for someone to live in, Vernon had

shouted at him angrily for an hour about how ungrateful he was that

they took him in. Harry thought about contacting his parents, or anyone

really, to complain or retract his agreement… before he realized that he

had no way to do so.

Post owls didn't just swoop by whenever a wizard wanted to send a

letter, he couldn't just use any old bird, and even if he could, he had no

way of knowing where his parents even were.

He was now alone.

The muggles seemed worried at first. They kept the window curtains

drawn and talked in hushed, paranoid whispers. Vernon had to use some

of his saved-up holiday days and he made absolutely no secret about how

much he resented Harry for it, ranting about what a waste Harry was and

how he wasn't welcome here.

(Harry wasn't welcome in his own home, so he wasn't quite sure what to

think with even the Dursley's not wanting him.)

A week passed without incident and Vernon returned to work. The

curtains were opened and Harry was set to work with a long list of odd

jobs to do around the house.

Most of his tasks were lowly even for a house elf: pulling weeds and

replanting flowers; washing the wooden panels; or hand-scrubbing oil

stains on the concrete driveway. All of it was meaningless busywork. It was

just time consuming and more than anything else, degrading.

Harry had been washing the floors with a quiet, intense focus, when

Dudley casually waddled in and kicked over the bucket of dirty water,

sending it spilling everywhere. Aunt Petunia had shrieked in anger about

how her clean floors were now filthy and how Harry couldn't do anything

right.

'Maybe that's why your freaky family got rid of you! You can't do anything

right, you waste of space!'

Of course, she'd refused to believe him when he told her that it was all

Dudley's fault. There was no way her precious Dudders did anything like

that. She sent him to his cupboard without supper.

At night, he managed to see just the smallest bit through the ventilation

flaps on the cupboard door. It was just enough light to find the thin

sheets and nestle in the near silence, until he woke up again from

stomping steps just overhead.

It took over three weeks for his lightbulb to be properly fixed and Harry

himself had to be the one to mend it, though he accidentally cut himself

while doing so. When Aunt Petunia bemoaned some sort of muggle

disease that you caught from rusty metal, he looked at her blankly, not

quite understanding. His mother's lessons hadn't gone that far.

That was when she had realized that his upbringing was very different

from normal, respectable children. He didn't need to attend public school.

He already knew how to read and write and he'd already learned the

expected mathematics. He already knew everything that a wizard was

expected to know before going to Hogwarts. He was already well ahead

of other children his age and honestly, he was rather baffled with how

his cousin was struggling with his school work.

When they realised that Harry wouldn't be going to public school with

his cousin, Petunia started giving him a longer list of tasks to do, while

Vernon installed an external lock on his cupboard. They tried to get into

his trunk, but thankfully magic locks were impossible for muggles to

open and they'd quickly given up on the task.

Harry's diet now mostly consisted of scraps, or the most burn edges of

whatever food he'd struggled to make that day. Most of it bordered the

fine line between barely edible and toxic.

Toilet breaks were restricted and outdoor privileges were established and

the part of Harry's heart that hated them flourished in the depravity.

Alone in his cupboard, Harry came to a realisation, an epiphany of sorts

that crept up on him over this first month rather than arriving suddenly.

His mother knew what the Dursleys were like. She'd been aware of how

cruel and selfish they were. And she'd still hoped that Harry would

choose to accept this life and leave them, because it was convenient.

It was then, that very moment, that Harry found himself hating Lily just a

bit.

The leaves had started to change colour and fall and Harry was sent

outside to rake them up and see to the lawn. He did the laundry. He did

the cooking. He did the gardening. He was, for all intents and purposes,

just a house elf.

But other than giving him an exhaustive list of things to do each day, the

Dursleys mostly just left him alone. They pretended not to notice him

until it was time to punish him or give him more work, just like some

purebloods pretended not to notice their house elves until they had need.

The days began to get colder and shorter, though his list of jobs never

did. The large piles of leaves that Harry raked up each day always ended

up scattered all over the grass the next morning. Dudley always seemed

to wear that smug smirk at the sight of the front garden covered in

debris. Vernon seemed particularly frustrated with the lack of progress,

but he never lifted a hand against Harry.

He lashed out verbally instead and cruel remarks were common.

At first, Harry had recoiled and flinched from each drop of spittle that

landed near him. It was disconcerting that, after months with no contact

at all from his family - he was beginning to doubt they even thought

about him at this point - and near-constant verbal assaults, he was

becoming numb to it.

Harry still held out hope - a fantasy where one of the family's post owls

would swoop in at supper with a letter for him that the threat was gone

and he could come home. Or that his mother would burst through the

front door and take him back.

Winter arrived and the days didn't seem to last at all. He now recognised

that something ugly had begun to grow inside him. He'd been locked out

one night and forced to try to find some slight shelter under the overhang

of the back door. He was cold and he was wet and he was miserable and

he just wanted his parents to come and get him and take him home.

But James and Lily never came.

He started to let go of the fantasy of being rescued. He started to hate

them, James and Lily and Skylar, just a bit, just in the isolation of his

cupboard, when he was alone with his thoughts.

Christmas came and went. Harry sat in the darkness, locked up in his

cupboard on Christmas Eve. He spent Christmas Day under the stairs in

his little cupboard, quietly reading his books under the single replaced

lightbulb, with a plastic bowl for a loo. He spent the majority of

Christmas break reading at the odd times of night, needing less and less

sleep and kept awake by the numbing chill of winter permeating his

cupboard. He was so cold and lonely and reading offered him some small

comfort against his own treacherous thoughts, whispering that no-one

would ever want him.

Instead, he read and practiced and tried, over and over, again and again,

he tested the theory of magic without ever actually knowing what he was

doing.

And on the first of the new year, Harry smiled, happy again for the first

time. He'd gotten the lock on his cupboard door to unlock.

'The wand is used as a conduit.

Magic, similar to the concepts of souls, is an aura surrounding and permeating

all living

Things.

Not being magical themselves, Muggles can be affected and altered with

focused magic. Muggles are unable to store influxes of magic, thus are unable

to harvest or use it on their own.

Wizards are able to produce and store magic.

Using conduits to direct the flow of magic, a wizard is able to alter the source

into a specific object or energy if given enough intent and focus.

Spells are often used to direct magic in a specific fashion, each spell is created

carefully to trigger a soul and magic response which will result in the desired

effect. When combined with wands and proper wand movements, the magic is

directed with an objective and pre-fashioned template which results in the

desired outcome.'

Harry closed the thick book once again, running his fingers over the worn

cover. The once crisp pages had long since become soft and almost fuzzy

to the touch. Along the spine it had been stained with dirt and grease

from his fingers. The back left corner of the book had cracked, the leather

split from where it had hit against the floor a little too harshly. The

letters were dulled and scratched, Magical Theory and Phenomena, was

more difficult to read without struggling.

Harry had read the heavy book cover to cover twice already,

understanding more the second time around. The theory of magic was

more useful to him than the other book of spells. Although the book of

spells did list countless spells and charms that did seem fascinating,

Harry didn't have a wand, so he couldn't very well use the meticulously

detailed descriptions of wand movements and pronunciations.

The last book he brought, Scalding Scales, was one of his favourites. He

took comfort in the many pages, each drawn with magical ink which was

charmed to move and swish

with each bat of the creature's tails.

He had opened his books many times in the dead of night, when he'd

woken up unexpectedly, finding himself locked in the small cupboard.

Watching Eelhounds swim through drawn water, or Swedish Shortsnout's

breathing fire into the sky was enough to help him forget where he was,

for a time anyway.

The days became longer and warmer and the frosts less frequent and less

harsh. Harry's hands bled as his relatives put him back to work in the

garden again.

His stomach had shrunk as he grew accustomed to less food. He found

that fewer things amused him. The pages in his book only brought back

nostalgia which was only painful to think about.

He set the book in his trunk, and locked it with a snap of his fingers. He

had gotten good at unlocking and locking.

Dudley found it funny that his cousin had to work even in the rain, and

he took great pleasure in tripping Harry and smashing him into the

cement, soaking him to the bone while Dudley stayed dry in his brand

new anorak.

Harry stumbled inside, dripping water only to be knocked back outside

by a broom. Petunia had screamed angrily about how he was ruining her

floors, never mind that Harry was the one who cleaned them.

Dudley came outside, having invited his friends over. One particularly

rat-faced boy sneered at Harry and pushed him roughly to the ground.

Harry hit the ground, blinking blankly. He nearly hadn't realized what

exactly happened- except the sudden throbbing on his back. He was

distantly aware of them chortling at him.

It hurt.

Something in Harry snapped.

And then suddenly the rat faced boy screamed, his hands flew to his face

and blood seemed to absolutely pour.

Dudley screamed, scrambling backwards and the blood spurted onto the

wet pavement between them, staining the concrete crimson.

Petunia threw open the front door, screeching something in horror as the

boy, Piers, was shouting and flailing.

People were shouting, shouting directly at him.

Harry felt someone grab the back of his waterlogged clothing, dragging

him away from the mess on the cement driveway.

A fist hit his cheek, knocking his skull even harder onto the ground, and

making him see stars. There was a deep throbbing and a small flash of

warmth pounding behind his eyes. His neck felt wet and his stomach

twisted with the sudden jerk of nausea.

His eyes rolled into his head when he felt something wet slide further

down his neck. It was uncomfortably warm.

Harry was told that he had punched Piers in the face, breaking his nose

and sending him to the hospital to have it reset. The Dursley's promised

the mother of the hysterical boy that they would punish Harry for his

outlandish behavior.

Harry was locked in his cupboard for three days. They'd given him just

enough food to last, two cans of soup and a few bottles of water thrown

at him before Vernon slammed the door shut and locked it with an

ominous, final click.

Harry was returned to darkness, his uncle's unintelligible shouts and

curses just on the other side of the thin door.

He didn't dare unlock the door or turn on the light when he could still

hear the creaks of heavy footsteps just outside his cupboard.

Time blurred and distorted in a strange mixture of lethargy and

restlessness.

His fingers ran over the pages of his books, already read and reread

multiple times and each spell nearly memorized. The comforting smell of

old paper was gone and had been replaced with the faint smell of rat

urine.

He could hear Vernon laugh loudly, a muffled clinking of silverware on

precious porcelain plates. They were having dinner; Harry's stomach

cramped hungrily.

His fingers twitched as he trailed them over the worn vanes of the quill

he had snuck into his trunk. It was old, fraying and broken on the very

tip. Entirely useless.

"Incendio," Harry whispered. Nothing happened.

He leant forward slightly more, holding the quill closer to his face with

more determination. "Incendio- Incendio!"

Harry snarled his nose angrily and threw the quill forcefully away.

Instead, it fluttered disappointingly down to land with the softest of

whispers. He couldn't even throw a proper tantrum.

Harry flopped backwards, hands rising to rub against his eyes. They

burned, and for no comprehensible reason he felt a hoarse sob escape

from his throat.

Knowing that the Dursley household could and most likely would, punish

him further for interrupting dinner, he rolled and pressed his flat pillow

against his mouth to muffle any cries.

Why was it fair, that they hated him for being a wizard?

'Skylar probably already knows how to do this.' That treacherous voice

whispered in the silence. Harry felt a mess of anger and self-pity rise up,

warring for control of his thoughts. He trembled in the dark, 'He's already

so much better than I am.'

He didn't know when he had fallen asleep or when he woke up the next

day, he didn't bother actually getting up. He didn't actually have the

space to anyway. The room was dark, and there was no difference

between standing or lying when you couldn't see as well.

He didn't see the point.

The house was filled with muffled voices, some he didn't recognize and

others he did. He heard Dudley leave, and his distinct voice wasn't heard

again for some time. It must have been a weekday, Dudley leaving for

school.

Time passed and Harry alternated between nearly screaming or

collapsing motionlessly for hours on his cot.

Things didn't matter, while at the same time, everything mattered.

"It's not fair," Harry raged quietly, hands clawing in a repeated motion

over and over on his exposed hipbones where his shirt rode up. The skin

was red and irritated from his long untrimmed nails digging in.

"Why?" He cooed half calm and half hysterical.

'Magic is an extension of the soul,' Harry thought almost from an outwards

perspective, 'The soul is derived of emotions. I have to mean it, to crave it,'

Harry's head lolled to the side, piercing the dark with dulled green as he

spotted the faint outline of the quill on the floor some distance away.

"I want it," Harry hissed, the words nearly distorting with how long he

carried the vowels. His face twitched and he extended one hand towards

the quill, a headache pounded against his skull and exhaustion weighed

painfully on his bones.

"Incendio."

The quill burst into flames.

Indiscernible in the dark, Harry smiled.

What other website is the story on?

The story is posted on the website AO3 (Archive of our Own), it's very similar

to Fanfiction with a different style of finding fanfiction works. It's a wonderful

website and I advise you all to check it out at least once.

Did they just forget about Harry?

Yes and no. In terms of the Dursley household, I am aiming for the "Out of

sight, out of mind."

Harry's parents are under the assumption that Harry is being treated fine and

is safe. Presume that they are just as ignorant as Remus was in the actual

book series with Harry's living arrangements.

Update time?

I don't currently have a schedule, although I am halfway through Chapter

Thirteen at this time. The only setback is proofreading and making sure there

are no plot conflicts.

Why did Harry run from Remus at the fair?

Harry wanted to have a single excursion for himself, since most of them are

for Skylar. He was very upset when he saw the magical creatures were

smelling and reacting to Remus' werewolf blood. He bolted because he didn't

want Remus to ruin the only good thing he had.

If you are a long time reader or read through the original story,

Shadowed Malice, I have a poll open on my profile.

The poll is simply listing what segments from the original story do

you want to still remain in this one. Obviously, things will change.

Knowing your opinion will be very helpful in my final decision.

6. Furtive

Once again, the speed and ability for this chapter to be posted is

thanks to my new friend and Beta, Chooser of the Slain.

As for why this chapter took so long to be posted, I was recently on

vacation and have been behind ever since. Thankfully seeing

Scotland in person has helped me with understanding the area and

geography.

If you aren't aware, skim through the prior chapter to see some

minor yet helpful changes, courtesy of my beta.

The first plants started to sprout, heralding spring. The warmth was a

welcome change from the numbing cold. The Dursleys went out and

bought Dudley an entirely new wardrobe; he had somehow managed to

outgrow all of his shorts over the winter.

Harry was now outside more often. There were weeds to be pulled and

flowers to be tended to. He continued his manual labour with sharper

glares and louder silence. He refused to speak, oftentimes not even

responding to Petunia's hissed demands from the kitchen window. He had

learned to nod after she spoke, better to avoid getting smacked by the

broom once again.

(The broom had broken. Aunt Petunia was obviously startled and hadn't

intended for it to leave such a large bruise on his back, yet didn't confess

her guilt if it existed at all.)

His daily tasks consisted of working outside in the hotter months,

occasionally taking quick drinks from the hose when nobody was

watching. He planted the many flowers and shrubs Petunia purchased

from the garden centre, digging holes and removing grubs when he found

them.

Dudley would return home and casually smack him around, sometimes

with friends if any accompanied him, and he would resume work until

Petunia had scrounged dinner. Then he would be sent to his cupboard,

occasionally being allowed to take a quick shower. The whole thing

would repeat itself the next day when Dudley woke up.

It was busy work, physically demanding but it let him have plenty of

time to think.

Harry knew that underage wizards weren't allowed to perform magic

outside of a certified premise or outside of a proper estate. He knew for

sure that he wasn't allowed to perform magic in front of muggles.

Looking around furtively, he set a sickly looking tulip aflame, sweating

with the exertion.

He spent the rest of the day scanning the skies and the fence posts of

Privet Drive, looking for the sure sign of a Ministry owl.

None showed up that day.

Or the day after.

Harry smiled grimly. He now knew he could perform magic, without the

Ministry knowing.

Late February he thrust himself into studying the single aged tome he

had secured a lifetime ago. He read and muttered and practiced quietly

in the dark when he couldn't sleep, or when he was sent outside for hours

alone.

Harry grinned breathlessly, twitching his hands and whispering under his

breath in the middle of the day. Anthills smoldered and the small insects

scattered. Dried and brown leaves from last autumn burnt the fastest.

Anything green, he learned, smelt foul and only gave off loads of smoke.

The more he practiced, the easier it became to set things on fire.

Unlocking his cupboard, although he hadn't found an actual spell in his

book for unlocking things, was easier now than it had been. Despite how

horrible his living conditions were, and how he loathed the Dursley's, he

was rather optimistic now.

(He still occasionally had days where he didn't bother crawling out of his

cupboard; when he woke up still expecting to see Lily and James. He

became better and better at just ignoring those thoughts.)

Easter Holiday changed it.

He was outside, weeding the garden with torn clothing that had once

upon a time been his. They were now stained and worn far past the

endurance of the charms placed on them. A particularly pesky weed had

him grasping its thorny stalk, heaving backwards with both arms, using

his weight as leverage.

Something grazed against his side and he scrambled to his feet. He

blinked, dazed and confused, what had hit him? Was it a squirrel or a

bird? Some other animal that had hit him before escaping without being

seen?

His hands touched something wet and he inhaled shakily. Actually seeing

the red against his skin triggered the overwhelming sensation of pain.

He choked down a scream, hands pressing through the tear in his shirt

against the gash in his side. It was lazily dripping down his skin and

staining the side of his shirt further.

Dudley gave some sort-of delayed cry of surprise. Harry spun, looking for

his attacker only to see his baffled cousin and his friends. Dudley was

holding an industrial slingshot Petunia had bought him last Christmas.

'What was-' His thinking broke once he saw what had hit him, a decent

sized rock with a few sharp edges.

Dudley blinked slowly, lowering the slingshot before releasing a piercing

wail which instantly led Harry to clench his teeth.

Petunia hurried out to see what was going on, wringing her hands and

rushing to her son. Dudley cried out something else, pointing with pudgy

fingers at Harry while his friends ran.

Petunia's face tightened as she looked at Harry sharply. Her expression

was pinched as she stomped over the grass, grabbed his arm and tugged

him towards the house. "Come on," She hissed out sharply, eying his side,

"And no bleeding on the floor."

Harry's face twitched in annoyance, it wasn't like she had cleaned the

floors.

She yanked him inside towards the kitchen, fetching the rag Harry used

to polish the iron burners on the stove. It was already blackened with

polish, replaceable in her eyes.

"Here," She grunted, snatching a series of rags in similar shape, band aids,

and masking tape from nearby drawers, "Clean yourself up and don't,"her

eyes flashed, "touch anything."

Harry took the offered supplies sourly and locked the bathroom door

behind him.

The gash wasn't large. It wasn't deep either, yet it seemed to continuously

ooze out red like a wet sponge.

He shoved in the several rags, waiting until they had been soaked before

taking them away. Everytime he tried, it would tear out the gooey clots

just beginning to form, and start bleeding again.

Finally he settled with pushing in one rag, clenching his jaw against the

searing throb, and using the masking tape around his waist to hold it in

place. It held, he returned the unused rags, and was sent to his cupboard.

"Sanatas." Harry hissed, flushing angrily when nothing happened.

"Sanatas!"He tried again, more insistently this time, his voice wavering in

his frustration. The crippling sensation of doubt started to worm its way

through his forced bravado. "Sanatas!"

The skin around ugly black scab on his side itched and tingled

uncomfortably. Harry groaned softly, smacking his fist against the small

cot next to him in frustration.

What was he doing wrong? He'd done exactly what it said in the book,

even checked his pronunciation multiple times just to make sure. The

scrape refused to heal like Harry wanted. Instead it just tingled and

itched never letting him forget about his injury. It was possible the

constant buzzing of pain was clouding his ability to focus his magic.

Dudley was back in school, a true blessing considering for the first while

only twisting a specific way would crack the scabs and cause the bleeding

to start again. It had oozed a foul-smelling pus, to the point where Aunt

Petunia had thrown a small tube of paste at him, ordering him to deal

with it.

Now, it was a thick heavy scab with bumps and ridges on its surface.

"Sanatas." Harry tried again, swallowing and trying to direct the flow of

something he couldn't see into his side.

In a moment of blind panic, Harry wondered if maybe his magic was

gone, if maybe this was why people didn't use wandless magic. He cried

out, then instantly realised his mistake and covered his mouth.

The damage was done, he heard the shuffle of movement above him and

then the loud thudding sound of footsteps thundering down the landing

towards the stairs. Uncle Vernon was awake. Harry's eyes widened in

horror of the consequences, and he scrambled backwards on his cot,

yanking his shirt down to try and hide what he'd been doing.

Vernon threw the door open. "What are you screaming about!" he

thundered, his beedy little eyes glittering malevolently in the dark. "We

have had enough of your racket!"

Harry tried to shuffle further back, tried to escape Uncle Vernon's reach.

The obese man grabbed his ankle and forcefully pulled him from the

cupboard under the stairs. Harry bit his tongue to crying out in pain as

his shirt rubbed against the sensitive skin.

Vernon, not noticing or, more likely, not caring, yanked.

Harry scrambled with his hands to find something - anything - to grab

hold of as he was bodily dragged out. Already his leg hurt from the

intense pressure and blood was pounding in his head.

Vernon stomped through the kitchen and wrenched open the backdoor,

dragging Harry along behind him. Still grunting something about how

Harry wouldn't make any sort of distracting noise in his home, Vernon

threw the small boy out.

Privet Drive was dark and cool at night. The cool night air felt almost

soothing to the scrape which had, once again, cracked open. Harry could

already imagine the bruises forming where Vernon had grabbed him.

Vernon had kicked him out, Harry thought in a dazed haze of disbelief.

His uncle had actually kicked him out.

Harry was filled with the sudden, overpowering desire to run, to

disappear into the dark and leave behind the Dursleys'... and leave

behind everything.

But then Lily won't know where you went, a quiet voice whispered in the

back of his mind.

Harry hugged his knees and tried to calm his breath so he didn't break

down into sobs. He wanted to run away, but there was obviously some

small part of him that still wanted his parents to come and rescue him.

He didn't know what to do.

Summer eventually took spring's place, schools were let out, and Harry

was bombarded daily with rocks, insults, and the occasional water cousin

had learned nothing, though Harry wasn't sure what he'd actually

expected.

It was manageable. He stuck to the shadows of the house and only

interacted with the Dursleys when he absolutely had to. Often times he

could get by without saying anything the entire day- nobody actually

initiated conversation. He began to wonder what a genuine conversation

was like, he couldn't remember.

The oppressive dry heat of June officially ruined the last clean clothes

Harry had brought with him. Sweat and dirt had stained his clothes and

left a permanent smell that wouldn't come out no matter how many times

he washed them. It was only a matter of time until Aunt Petunia threw

them out.

June 23, Harry was released from his hard cupboard only to weave

through the mound of wrapped boxes and gifts in the living room.

37 presents, which was one less than last year, apparently. Dudley had

shouted and started throwing a temper tantrum. Watching the obese boy

shed crocodile tears, Harry felt sickened. The presents filled the room and

left little space to walk. His parents soon managed to placate their

screaming son by promising to get him two more on the day's outing.

Which Harry was forced to come along on.

(More realistically though, the Dursleys didn't trust him enough to leave

him home alone. Petunia had started to have suspicions that Harry could

escape from his cupboard.)

This left him following quietly along to the zoo.

Harry trailed behind the Dursleys, trying to stay as inconspicuous as

possible.

He didn't particularly want to be associated with them, obnoxious-

looking tourists even in their own country, but he knew that running off

or disappearing on his own wouldn't end well for him later.

The muggle zoo was fascinating. Harry hadn't the opportunity to visit any

sort of animal habitats since the dreaded and eventful night a year ago.

Since then even the thought of seeing a collection of animals left him

with a loud frantic pulse and a nauseating dizziness. Regardless, he

couldn't find it in himself to admit that the assortment of fur and feathers

interested him more than most everything.

Seeing real tigers without fangs or African gazelles lacking spines and

extra horns was a surreal experience. Although most were lethargic in the

midday heat, they each possessed a sort of mesmerizing beauty other

people didn't seem to recognize.

He felt a deep seated fury bubbling up insideas Dudley and his friends

continued to ponder the activity of hurling empty beverage containers or

small rocks into the enclosures. His fingers clenched and unclenched

when one boy actually hurled himself against the glass and thoroughly

terrified one sleeping sea-lion.

The next step on the zoo tour was to visit the large imposing facility on

the far side. It was embellished with decorative artificial jungle vines and

large sandy boulders. The letters had been painted on in bright green:

Reptile Den.

Entering the Reptile Den, Harry once more felt his heartbeat quicken. The

air smelled stale in here, the humidity and filtered air of a carefully

controlled climate. He stood in the middle of the hallways to avoid being

too close to the lizards and staring crocodiles. The tank to his right

featured an abnormally large turtle and a few dozen small fish.

He flinched when Dudley this time complained loudly and rudely about

the waste of space each lizard was, evidently due to their inactivity. His

voice bounced and distorted off the glass walls of the many tanks.

Harry twitched, already uncomfortable and tense from his rising anxiety

and loathing for the blatant mistreatment his cousin displayed towards

the creatures.

"Make it move!" Dudley complained loudly. He watched approvingly as

Uncle Vernon huffed and rapped his cane sharply against the glass. The

python behind the glass jolted back, eyes narrowing as it started to shake

alarmed and confused.

Harry hated this. How could anyone care so little for a living thing?

Dudley cheered once a particularly loud whack stirred the snake into

hissing and rearing. The action was entirely defensive, its tail whipped

around wildly as its coils tightened protectively.

"Blasted thing," Vernon grunted, mustache twitching as the snake hid its

head, "better use as a pair of shoes if I say so myself."

Harry's eyes widened. He shifted a little to watch the snake around his

uncles girth. One of Dudley's friends, having been watching the

crocodiles raced over to view the now active snake.

"Move it, freak!" Piers shouted, elbowing sharply into Harry's side and

knocking him to the floor. He landed on sore elbows below a hot sandy

showcase.

Pierce raced around Vernon before he clapped both hands harshly against

the glass. It echoed, making the snake violently flinch and move for any

sort of exit.

"Look at it squirm!" Piers laughed, clapping the glass again, "The ones at

home don't squirm like that, do they Dudley?"

Harry grit his teeth and before his eyes, quite magically in fact, the boy

leant forward and fell into the habitat.

Harry stared as Piers screamed, scrambling backwards as the mighty

python rushed to freedom. Dudley screamed, jumping back against the

wall as the snake hissed loudly.

Vernon belted something ugly while Aunt Petunia shrieked, clutching her

purse to her chest.

"Oh, deserved." Harry heard, a snickering sound in a dialect just slightly

off from English.

The python hurried, weaving between the concrete benches and

decorative fake plants towards the exit, it hissed out a muffled yet

distinct cry of "Goodbye!"

Harry watched the snake with a small smile, it seemed that the python

triggered a chain reaction. Reptiles and similar snakes rose and jumped

to attention. The reptile house was filled with the growing crescendo of

rattlers and hisses and whispering voices.

Dudley and his friends ran, screaming at the glass enclosures which

miraculously remained in tact. Vernongrabbed his wife and fled, with a

muffled cry of, "no more of this freakish nonsense!"

Harry was left alone, in the growing din whispers while a few

rattlesnakes prodded their glass walls curiously.

"Not open?" One whispered, muffled through the glass.

A coiled pit viper cackled something happily and danced on its synthetic

plants. A large cobra flared it's hood and rambled out a series of words

conveying its frustration.

"Not free? No sad, still funny." The voice behind him hissed again, humor

in its tone. "Thank, magic hatchling."

"What?" Harry blurted, blinking and not feeling the specific accent that

he'd had before. "What?" He repeated.

The snake pulled back, flickering it's tongue timidly "you speak?"

"Er, hello?" Harry offered, spotting it's dark scales and bright slit eyes,

"How do you know it was me?"

The snake wavered, unsure yet interested. "You stay. They flee." The snake

pulled out further and raised itself. It wasn't very big. "You magic, make

things."

Harry nodded slightly. "I have magic. But most people don't know about it.

How do you know?"

The snake paused, stiffening as if it was trying to comprehend the words,

"I den with magic. Make prey make happy."

Harry frowned, "you were born with magic?" He struggled, not used to

extended verbal interaction.

The snake slid further out onto a sandy rock, it looked at Harry

enthusiastically, "den-mates magic. Humans, make prey."

Harry smiled a fraction and touched the glass, looking at the creature

with slight awe. "I don't live with people that have magic. My family does- I

mean did. I don't live with them anymore." Harry swallowed, "They're gone

because it's not safe. But I don't think I'm safe here either."

"Hatchlings left. Den-mates left, alone too." The snake offered, ducking its

head slowly, "Alone in box."

Harry frowned at the snake, "you lived with wizards? Was it dangerous?"

"No bite! No human prey." The snake flicked it's tongue wildly, "some

human nice. Some cruel."

Harry nodded slowly, "some humans are cruel too. And some try but they

just-" Harry ignored the lump in his throat "sometimes they have to leave

you. Sometimes they don't care and sometimes they forget."

"Magic human sad."

"No, no I'm not-"

"Sad too." It quietly added.

Its scales were very small. A mixture of dark brown or black, its eyes

were alert.

"Harry," the boy offered, "my name is Harry."

The snake flicked it's tongue, "magic child Harry. Den-mate Harry?" It

mused, voice wavering with as much hope and hesitant longing as it

could disguise.

"I-" Harry stumbled, shifting backwards and looking towards the entrance

to the reptile house, "I can't-"

"Oh," it stated quietly, shifting down and curling around tightly. The

action revealed just how small the snake really was, "I okay. Stay in box."

It soothed.

Harry looked at it, wavering and watching as it crumpled into something

mournfully sad. "I'm sorry."

"No. No sorry." The snake argued, "expected. No sorry. I have box."

Harry winced slightly and the snake seemed determined now to prove

him wrong.

"Look, I-"

"I have box. Heat and cold prey sometimes. Space!" It urged, thrashing out

its tail, narrowly avoiding the walls.

Harry swallowed and touched the glass once again. He was only partly

speaking to the little snake now. "You're the first thing interested in talking

to me. Normally it's my brother. Normally I'm the one saying it's okay..."

'But is it really?' That doubting little voice asked. 'Has it ever been okay?'

Harry's eyes narrowed and his hand curled into a sudden fist, heart

hardening in resolve. "It doesn't matter because they don't care."

He eyed the snake through the glass, suddenly relaxing. He felt a sudden

longing that was easy to place. He had something in common with this

little snake. They'd both been abandoned by their families, cast aside like

they were worthless.

Harry's insides twisted and he wasn't sure what exactly he was feeling.

He reached through the glass with the sensation of breaching water. The

snake hissed in surprise, not opposing how gently Harry hoisted the

serpent into the air. It wrapped its body around Harry's hand, coiling

between his fingers for a more secure hold.

It twitched once traveling through the glass, tail thrashing in excitement

as it flicked it's tongue quickly.

"You won't bite me, right?" Harry asked cautiously, lifting the eighteen inch

snake closer to his face.

"No bite." The snake assured, "you help now I help."

"Help?" Harry echoed. Already he felt lighter. He'd found a kindred spirit.

Someone who understood.

"Help," the snake confirmed firmly. "I help Harry."

Harry felt a genuine smile spread across his face. The glossy dark scales

reflected the dim overhead lights.

"Are you dangerous?" Harry asked, rising from his knees and brushing off

dirt with his unoccupied hand.

"Yes! Nasty bite! Humans careful. No bite humans unless Harry say bite," the

snake offered. It sounded quite hopeful and seemed pleased with itself

when Harry nodded.

"You have to stay quiet and you can't move," Harry explained carefully, "I

can't have Petunia,Vernon, or Dudley know about you."

The snake stared and flicked it's tongue.

"Can you hide? Will you be cold?" Harry asked, growing worried with how

he was going to smuggle out a snake.

"Winter." It stated simply and slowly started to climb up Harry's arm

under his shirt and summer jacket. Harry flinched at the foreign touch,

the snake seemed to slip a few times but after a few careful undulations it

managed to nestle wrapped around his underarm and the top of his

shoulder.

Harry stood wobbly and walked, carefully feeling for if the snake slid. It

held, and Harry slid out of the exit doors, just as a group of zookeepers

hurried by with special equipment that Harry guessed might be used to

catch the runaway python.

Finding the Dursleys and friends were easy afterwards. Petunia was

watching a zookeeper with hawk-like scrutiny. The zookeeper had been

kneeling, talking to Dudley and his friends at eye level. Harry slipped

around quietly and stood behind his uncle.

"-bout that? You can pick anything from the giftshop," Harry overheard

the stressing zookeeper. He confirmed to the sniffing Dudley. The

zookeeper rose, looking very apologetic. "I'm very sorry sir, I don't know

how the enclosure was not secure."

Vernon sniffed and clicked his cane on the ground loudly, "you lot are

lucky that ruddy cretin didn't bite my boy!" He thundered, pointing his

cane at the quickly floundering zookeeper. "Sue! Sue we will! This bloody

establishment should be shut down and all of those brutish creatures be

put down!"

The zookeeper's expression quickly transformed into something of

annoyance and masked irritation. When he spoke, his tone was clipped.

"Sir. I am sorry that your experience was less than pleasant. Countless

other guests have enjoyed our reptile exhibits and the various rare and

endangered species on display-"

"Oh they better be endangered! I'd have them gone! Good to see others

haven't lost their minds!" Vernon fumed, turning sharply and stomping

loudly. "-and you!" Vernon fumed, finally having noticed Harry.

Petunia's eyes widened and she gave a little gasp. Harry shifted uncertain

as her expression twisted into something ugly.

"Vernon." She crisply stated, grasping his arm sharply, "let's go."

Harry fidgeted.

Harry managed to drop the snake outside when fake falling out of the

car. The snake, confused but obliging, slid under the car and hid.

Vernon was furious, grabbing Harry's shirt by the back collar, all but

dragging him inside the house. Harry felt a jab of irritation, morbidly

wondering how long he would be trapped in his cupboard this time, or

how else he would be punished.

Once Piers and the rest of Dudley's friends left, Petunia and Vernon

began to scream. Each voice adding to the chaotic cacophony once they

had clued in that the python was his doing.

Harry stared at the center of the kitchen table. He was tempted to set it

ablaze.

"Are you listening, boy!" Vernon roared, reaching out to smack Harry on

the back of his head. Having not anticipated it, Harry lurched forward

and bumped his forehead on the table.

"Vernon!" Petunia shrieked, taken aback by the sudden violence.

Harry lifted his head from the table, one hand drifting to his forehead to

feel the skin tenderly.

Vernon spluttered, obviously surprised himself. Harry turned, eyes blank

as he slowly looked at Vernon.

Vernon's clothes burst into flames.

It wasn't severe, nothing dangerous but it was a split second of heat-

hungry tendrils licking from his shoulders and burning the tips of his

mustache.

Petunia screamed, grabbing the tablecloth and tearing it away. A vase of

daisies on the table shattered on the floor and she hurriedly used the

cloth to pat out the flames.

Vernon spun, looking horrified at Harry. He couldn't manage a single

word, instead gasping out noises of confusion and anger.

And perhaps fear?

Harry slid off the chair, one hand flitting to his forehead where a bump

was forming. He walked, creating dead silence with each step, and closed

the door to his cupboard behind him.

Three more locks were installed that night.

Harry unlocked them all.

7. Feud

Once again, the speed and ability for this chapter to be posted is

thanks to my new friend and Beta, Chooser of the Slain.

I'm sure as the rest of you know from the original story, Lutain was

discovered in Shadowed Malice in this particular segment of the

story. For the sake of realism and likelihood, I altered it. What are

the chances that Harry would have found a highly rare species of

serpent outside in the mud?

For the sake of sanity and rationality, Lutain's species has changed

to become an Inland Taipan. Inland Taipans are fairly rare and

conveniently enough, one of the few reptile houses in the world

which possesses one of these snakes is in fact the London Zoo.

Taipan's scales change colour depending on the season, the colder

winter months the snakes have dark brown/black scales. For the

sake of this story at this point in time Lutain has these markings.

What's your name?" Harry asked, peering down at the small snake which

coiled around his wrist.

"Name?" It questioned, flicking its tongue curiously. "No name, Den-

Harry."

They were hidden away in a park just down the road from the Dursleys'.

Harry had created a soft glow with no real source, just enough for him to

see by really. The subtle warmth of magic thrummed under his skin,

feeling almost tangible. Harry had forgotten the multiple times since his

outburst, that his blood was only deep red and not illuminated by the

magic pulsating with each heartbeat. He had plenty of opportunities to

try and remember this fact, Dudley and his friends were almost obsessive

with maiming him whenever possible now.

"Just Harry," he corrected, using one hand to pet the sleek back of the

snake. He enjoyed the feeling of its scales; he'd expected the snake to feel

slimy, but it was smooth and dry. Its scales were a dark brown, almost

black, but they had a faint, splotchy pattern: dirt stained, like Harry's

own fingers.

"I could name you, if you'd like?"

"Den-Harry, yes." It flicked its tongue, catching itself quickly. "No Den-

Harry, Harry?"

Harry nodded his head, before realising that the small snake probably

didn't understand human body language enough to know what a nod

meant . They had totally different bodies after all, Harry and his little

friend. " That's right. I am Harry. "

"I am?" It asked, its voice rising at the end to indicate a question.

At first, he'd thought talking to a snake would be just like talking to

another person, only with foreign-sounding hissing, which, to Harry,

sounded just like English anyway. The little snake didn't understand the

majority of the bigger words though, some of the bigger concepts. Its

vocabulary was very limited. It made talking with it a challenge, but an

interesting challenge.

Realising that his little friend was asking for its name, Harry tilted his

head, looking at the serpent curiously. "I'm reading a book, the creator of

this spell is Nikkoli Lutain. I don't know what it does. But the name sounds

interesting."

" Lutain? " The little snake asked, pausing in what seemed like

concentration, " I...am? "

Harry nodded, then, remembering himself, he smiled. " You're Lutain. "

The snake looked as confused as Harry thought a snake might look.

"You're Lutain?"

Was it the contractions that the little snake didn't understand? He

thought about it for a moment, then realised that the problem might've

been one of perspective.

"Okay, I am Harry. You are Lutain. In your eyes, I am Lutain, you are

Harry," Harry said, gesturing with his hands, before realising again that,

since snakes didn't have hands, his gesturing might not mean anything to

the little snake.

It seemed to understand despite the language gap. "I am Lutain! You are

Harry! You are Harry no prey!"

" Not prey, " Harry agreed.

"You are Harry," It hissed gleefully, "You are not prey."

"What Harry prey?" Lutain asked one day, curling around a flower pot

while Harry pruned carnations by the side garden.

"What is Harry's prey." Harry corrected instantly, not looking up from

where he tugged at a few browning stalks. They'd been working on

overcoming the language gap between them.

"What is Harry's prey?" Lutain repeated, flicking its tongue.

"Well," Harry started. "I am human. I eat many things, sometimes I can eat

certain plants or fruits. I can eat meat, but we eat larger animals like pigs and

cows. "

"Plants?" Lutain seemed baffled, "Human prey plants?"

Harry plucked off a dandelion that was trying to grow up through the

ground. He held it up for Lutain to see, then stuffed it in his mouth.

Lutain reared back, hissing in disgust, "Not plant! Not want!"

Harry smiled. "Plants we eat are called vegetables."

"Vegetables, not want," Lutain rephrased firmly. "Vegetables, I not want."

"I do not want." Harry corrected.

Lutain slid forward, flicking its tongue against the dandelion stump

where some sap was beading. "I...I do not want vegetables."

Harry smiled. He reached down, holding his out hand and Lutain

wriggled against it, pleased. For the first time in a long while, Harry

chuckled.

"When do Harry shed?" Lutain asked quietly, peering at Harry's skin

curiously. Harry paused, looking over his shoulder where Lutain coiled

on his cot. He had smuggled the snake inside earlier that day; it was

supposed to rain that night.

"Humans have skin. Snakes have scales." Harry explained, finding a shirt to

change into, "Humans heal their skin over time."

"No shed mark?" Lutain tasted the air with its tongue, then moved its head

closer to something on Harry's body. Its tongue flickered out again,

tickling his side.

Harry peered down at his body and saw the thin scar along his side from

where Dudley had grazed him with his slingshot. It was an angry red

still.

"No, the mark may fade. Some scars do. Some scars never will," Harry

offered, brushing his fingertips over the raised skin.

"Humans skin no want. Humans skin hurt."

Harry hummed in agreement, pulling on his shirt and moving to sit on

the bed next to the snake, "You know, I never asked what gender you are."

"Gender?" Lutain asked curiously.

Harry thought for a moment. "Eggs? Do you lay eggs?"

"No eggs! Lutain no eggs." Lutain hissed.

"If you don't have eggs, you're male. If you do, you're female," Harry

explained, reaching for the one well-loved spell book, "I am male. You are

male. Male and Female are genders."

Lutain nodded as if understanding, peering curiously as Harry pulled up

the book and opened it to a specific page, a certain spell he had been

working on. " This is a book of spells. "

" Book? "

" Talking, each marking is a letter and letters together makes a word. You can

look at the letters and understand what someone says. "

The little snake's tongue flickered and it brought its head closer to the old

pages. There was, of course, no way for it to actually know how to read;

it had no idea at all what each of the words said, or even what sounds

were represented by which squiggles on the page.

Harry didn't mind, in fact he enjoyed the conversation. He wasn't quite as

lonely anymore, now that he had someone to talk to.

It was when Dudley blamed an injury on Harry, that his living

arrangements once again changed. Brookdale Residency was a large

white building on the outskirts of anywhere. It was just miles of

countryside in every direction, bordered only by a small copse of trees on

the furthest south side. The building had large windows shrouded by dull

blue curtains. There was a porch swing by the front doorstep.

"Here we are!" Vernon thundered, seeming quite pleased as he heaved up

the steps using his cane. He rapped his cane against one of the decorative

white pillars under the overhang. "Wonderful establishment, this one

here!"

"Where are we?" Lutain hissed quietly, from just under Harry's shirt

around his left shoulder. Harry didn't dare answer his little friend.

A tall, thin woman stepped out. She was taller than Aunt Petunia and

wearing shoes which gave her a few extra inches. She peered down at

Harry and Uncle Vernon with an imperious, pinched expression.

"Leave the trunk here," she ordered, nodding to the porch. Her voice was

a sharp, no-nonsense kind of voice. "I'll have one of the workers carry it

inside."

"Excellent!" Vernon blustered, wheezing and leaning on his cane. "So,

you..." He motioned between Harry and the woman. He wouldn't meet

Harry's eyes. "Yes."

Turning quickly and lifting one hand in a half-hearted and entirely

insincere wave, Vernon hurried back towards the car without ever

looking back.

The woman crossed her arms, looking down at Harry with a scowl. The

sound of Vernon's car tearing away, leaving Harry behind with this

complete stranger was background noise to what she said next.

"Brookdale Residency is an orphanage. It's where children who have no

family, or family that don't want them, end up."

Harry twitched slightly.

"Some children are troublemakers, some aren't. You aren't going to be

one, are you?" she sniffed, her every word dripping disdain.

Lutain stiffened and the low gatherings of a hiss seemed to bristle.

"No," said Harry, his tone mirroring hers. The woman didn't seem

surprised.

"I am Madam Clover. You will address me as such and obey all rules. Do

we have an agreement?" The woman said sternly. It was clearly not a

question.

"Master, I do not like human," Lutain whispered, voice dangerously cold, "I

do not like her much."

"We do." Harry confirmed, shifting his arm enough to move Lutain

slightly.

"Good." She turned on her heels and walked back into the building.

"Harry want Lutain to bite?" Lutain offered.

" No, " Harry murmured under his breath. "We'll just have to make do. "

Harry's room was nestled on the left side of the hallway, four doors down

from the stairs. The room was square, in drastic need of a renovation,

and had a larger cot with stained sheets. It was already much better than

the cupboard.

The company was at times questionably better, and worse. Brookdale

Residency was large and mostly empty, because of this each child was

gifted an individual room. A bathroom was shared between each

neighbouring door, connecting each room to the other. Each room was

old, creaking floorboards and broken window ledges. The walls were an

off-colour white, the lights were a buzzing fluorescent that made each

vein and artery pop just a little more under the skin.

Harry's trunk sat at the foot of his bed. Although his room came equipped

with a wardrobe, he kept all of his belongings in the trunk, with the

exception of a few supplied toiletries. He noticed almost instantly that his

trunk had shown signs of tampering and his toiletries had been swapped

with mud paste.

There were two children in particular who seemed to have a grudge

against Harry more than others: David Forestar and Ralph Lingburg.

Harry didn't know the exact details or their story, but he didn't care

enough to actually learn it either. Both boys had apparently been left at

the orphanage at an early age.

Left to his own devices, Ralph wasn't generally motivated enough to get

into much trouble. David was another matter. David had no qualms

about attacking or stealing from the younger children. It was when they

were together that things got really out of hand.

Both boys were eleven years old and already they were a force to be

reckoned with in the small world that encompassed the orphanage.

They'd somehow managed to convince the otherwise strict Madam Clover

to overlook any incidents when they were unfortunate enough to be

caught in compromising situations.

The boys were fascinated with Harry, or rather his apathetic views that

were so different from the shriveling mess that most children became.

They wanted to get a rise out of him. They broke into his room often, he

could tell. They were the ones who had most likely had tampered with

and tried to break into his trunk.

Then one day, Harry was at the top of the stairs, intent on going outside

for a bit of fresh air and to let Lutain try his best at snatching a mouse in

the neighbouring fields, when Suzie Forestar, David's younger sister,

appeared.

Suzie, short for Suzanna, was relatively harmless. She was seven, having

just had her birthday a week earlier. Most of the time she was a sweet,

naive little girl, but sometimes… sometimes she was a biting gossip who

liked nothing more than insulting other people.

That was the mood she was in now.

"Harry!" She snapped out, batting her eyelashes and giving him a large,

devious smile. She quickly got in between him and the stairs.

"Care to move? I'm going outside."

"Are you?" She gasped, hands dramatically covering her cheeks, eyes

widening in a mock caricature of real surprise. "Is that what you said to

your parents?"

Harry stopped. "What?"

Suzie's grin widened; normally Harry ignored everything she said. Not

this time. He'd taken the bait, he realised a moment too late.

"Or maybe… Maybe your parents just left you!" Suzie accused, with an

over-exaggerated sense of false shock. Harry flinched. Suzie nearly

squealed, realising that she'd struck a nerve. "Maybe they realised just

how freaky you are! Maybe they never loved you at all!"

Harry saw red. Because it was nothing he hadn't thought to himself,

during the long, dark nights in the cupboard under the stairs. His jaw

clenched and for a brief moment, all he wanted was for her to take that

back, for her to pay .

There was a rush in his ears, a pounding, painful pressure, and his jaw

tightened again as she giggled victoriously over his hidden hurt-

And then she was screaming, her arms flailing wildly for something to

grab onto as she slipped and fell backwards down the stairs. He watched

in shock as the little girl tumbled end over end painfully down the stairs,

until she came to rest at the bottom. She started wailing in pain and

screaming for help.

Harry heard the hurried footsteps of the adults and likely Madam Clover,

rushing from the lower level.

Harry quickly hurried away, one hand sliding into his pocket to wake

Lutain and shush him as he headed back to his room and locked the door,

his heart pounding like a drum in his chest.

The incident report for the file had been filled out by suppertime that

night. Harry knew that he wasn't officially mentioned in the

documentation. If he was, or if he'd been suspected, they would have sent

him to be questioned in Madam Clover's office.

Unfortunately, one of Suzie's more impressive skills was spreading

rumours quickly and efficiently. By suppertime that night, everyone

knew. He wasn't a fool and it was impossible not to notice that the table

he was sitting at was completely empty, while children were practically

sitting on each other's laps at the other tables. They kept throwing him

looks, somewhere between glares and anxious peeking. Their quiet

whispering filled the room with hushed and hissed conversation which

left Harry feeling isolated.

The worst happened when David stormed over, grabbed Harry's plate of

food, and dumped it all over his hair.

Harry felt a flash of anger. Instantly, David leapt back with a cry of

surprise and pain. One hand quickly clapped onto his other wrist, where

the fading imprint of a red ring was starting to form around his arm.

The next day, they learned that David had somehow developed first

degree burns on his left wrist after coming into contact with hot metal.

That was the official story anyway, but everyone knew what really

happened.

Harry just kept Lutain with him more, now that even the other orphans

wanted him to be alone.

8. Dire

I'm terribly sorry for the inconvenience, I posted the wrong chapter.

I've corrected it now and hope that it hasn't been too confusing.

"This is cold rain."

"It's snow actually. It's called snow when it's white and fluffy like this. It's

frozen rain."

Lutain poked his head out of Harry's coat, his small tongue flickering just

under Harry's jaw. "Snew?"

"Snow." Harry corrected, teaching Lutain yet another word. Lutain had

been a very fast learner - actually suspiciously fast. If it wasn't for the fact

that Harry was almost certain that Lutain wasn't a magical species, he

would have suspected Lutain had been charmed.

Lutain had grown marginally longer. He had always been of decent

length, now he was nearing two feet, which wasn't at all spectacular in

the serpent world. He had thickened, something he boasted proudly over

since he could now consume large mice.

Winter had come quickly, snow falling just after the end of October and

carrying with it the biting chill everyone seemed to hate. The orphanage

was not at all insulated against the cold and everyone became as frosty

inside as it was outside. Madam Clover was more snappish, David more

ruthless, and other children more avoidant. The entire building seemed to

whisper of all the strange occurrences, rumors about Harry, ranging from

being possessed by demonic beings to the offspring of a cult leader were

widespread.

Harry learned that nobody could be trusted and everyone wanted

something from you.

(Lutain was the one to point out that by making yourself necessary for

everyone else, it secured your position as irreplaceable.)

Harry didn't have warm clothing; he had only what was brought to him.

Of course, families donated clothing or money to the orphanage, but that

money and the donations went to the other children first, because Harry

had the misfortune of Madam Clover's frustration and annoyance.

Not that she could ever actually pin anything on him.

Harry stiffened when he was hit in the back by something cold and wet.

Pausing, he could hear the snickers of David and Ralph, boasting likely to

the younger children about how great their aim was. Harry heard

someone, practically an infant, laugh gleefully as David hit Harry once

again.

"Flea-coated rodents." Lutain grumbled, nestling further into Harry's coat

to avoid the freezing cold of the melting snow. Harry twitched as a single

trail of water slid down under his threadbare jacket and touched his

spine.

"What's wrong, little Harry?" David laughed, sauntering over in a jacket

not looking that much better, tossing a baseball-sized wad of snow in one

hand to the other, "Don't like the cold?"

David snaked his left foot out to whack into Harry's foot. Ralph, having

snuck up behind Harry, ran forward to knock into his shoulders. Not

anticipating the tag team, Harry's arm windmilled as he yelped and

crashed face first into the thin layered snow.

David laughed, posing something which made more of the newcomers

laugh wildly.

Harry winced and glared at David who looked suddenly more interested.

"What was that?" David gasped, squatting to try and listen, "Are you

trying to say something to me?" He clapped loudly, "Well done! I thought

you were mute!"

"I don't have anything to say to someone with your intelligence." Harry

grumbled, propping himself upright on his elbows.

David frowned, and promptly knocked Harry's face back into the snow.

"Aw, don't be like that little Harry," His eyes sparkled in amusement, "Are

you giving me the cold shoulder?"

"Bite me." Harry hissed out, causing David to frown.

"You're lucky it's winter," David casually mentioned, "If you said that in

summer, I bet I could get Clover to think that was a threat against me,

with that weird snake that you had." David sniffed, "Creepy thing, I hope

it froze."

"Snakes hibernate," Harry dryly pointed out, "I don't think you could

convince her that I can suddenly talk to snakes."

"Oh I don't know." David shrugged, his gaze suddenly very intense,

"People think a lot of things about you. Supernatural things," his lip

twitched, "That you can move things without touching them, or I don't

know, push my sister down a flight of stairs."

David looked much too friendly for the conversation to actually be that.

"So!" David chirped, "I just have to protect the rest of all of us from your

weirdness and make sure you don't go around messing with my sister."

"Don't play with fire, David," Harry warned, "You'll get burned."

David's expression fell somewhat dark, his one hand moved instinctively

to the faint burn scar around his wrist.

"You'll pay for that, Harry."

"You're the one who kisses up to Clover. You have more money than I

do." David's nostrils flared and he looked up at Ralph who was waiting

for some unagreed signal. He seemed at a loss. "Why don't you just leave

me alone for once? You don't want to start something you can't stop."

"Oh shut up." David howled, punching downwards messily.

Although the strike was sloppy, Harry was on the ground and didn't have

any chance of avoiding it. He tucked his chin down, taking the hit on the

back of his head and feeling it recoil through his neck and shoulders.

Ralph jumped in, giving a mighty kick which let the air leave Harry's

lungs in a mighty poof.

Lutain hissed something alarmed and frantic as he tried to wriggle free

through the blows. Harry's ducked head wouldn't let the snake wiggle

through.

"Master!" Lutain shrieked, whipping his tail angrily and panicked.

Ralph managed a kick which somehow knicked the lower half of Lutain's

tail. Lutain cried in pain, curling up and shaking under the coat.

'Leave Lutain alone!' Harry thought vehemently, bubbling anger pooling

over as he glared through his messy fringe at David, 'Leave us alone!'

David pulled back his leg to kick before he toppled and fell. His leg sunk

through the snowbank, stopping just above his knee. The only strange

factor, was that his other leg had found sturdy ground just an inch

through the snow.

David had sunk into the ground.

David screamed in surprise and fear, staring at his leg dumbly for a few

moments before hollering for Clover and screaming about witchcraft,

which Harry found quite amusing.

Harry straightened, getting off the ground and wiping his nose with the

back of his hand. His nose had started trickling a thin stream, not that

anyone was looking at him. Even Ralph had stumbled back, skittering off

for safety.

"What did I tell you," Harry sighed, still highly irritated.

Lutain moaned something quietly, whispering in agony and trembling

against Harry's body.

Why was it that Lutain had to be hurt, he hadn't done a thing. It wasn't

fair, it wasn't justified for an innocent to be hurt. David should be the one

wounded, he had at least been the attacker.

Harry wanted David to hurt.

"When you poke the fire, you get burned." Harry hissed out, reaching out

and snatching David's hand between his own. He heard the loud hissing

crackle without actually feeling anything. The air was filled with an acrid

stench of something cooking.

David screamed. Tears overflowed his glassy eyes as he flailed, trying to

break free although he couldn't with one leg burrowed in the frozen

ground.

Harry let go sharply, taking a step back. David's hand smoldered, the skin

peeling and shriveling away from his hand like a timelapse video. It

smoked and smelled of something rank, looking putrid dark red and

swelling already.

"I'll get Madam Clover," Harry drawled, swallowing against the small

sensation of guilt that was rising in his throat, "I'll tell her you were

trying to play with firecrackers."

David said nothing, sniffling, staring at his hand in horror and

excruciating pain.

Harry turned and walked quickly towards the house, already dreading

the accusations and the future whispers that would spread about him.

He doubted David would ever bother him again.

David's hand scarred, a permanent reminder Harry thought. It was a

mottled patchwork of dark red and pale pink that would never be smooth

again. David hid the ghastly-looking scarring with an old ratty black

glove and he was lucky it was his left hand and not the right. Harry had

heard that the nerves had been damaged and that David had nearly no

fine motor control left in the stiffened fingers and taut skin.

After that, the other children avoided him. The rooms around his were

quickly vacated, until Harry was then surrounded by empty rooms. The

orphanage staff couldn't actually prove anything, but it was likely a

security precaution. He had been involved in both incidents, after all.

The other children avoided him like the plague whenever he went

outside. They lapsed into silence when he walked past, often times

retreating entirely into their rooms.

At dinner, nobody talked when he was in the vicinity.

He stopped having dinner at the same time as everyone else.

They didn't deserve his company anyways.

Christmas was a miserable holiday.

The other children laughed and played with the cheap toys they

mysteriously were given, boasting and fighting for the best one.

Suzie picked up her teddy bear and, against the hushed and insistent

advice given to her, she turned and pointedly looked at Harry. "Oh, looks

like nobody likes you enough to give you a present!"

Harry made sure she woke up to burned cloth and ashes for button eyes.

Harry felt a wave of despair hit him the moment the snow began to melt.

Some small part of Harry had been hoping, that perhaps Vernon Dursley

would return and take him back. Or even his parents. Harry hoped that

they would at least check in on him, then, finding him no longer at the

Dursleys', that they would come to take him home.

But it had been over a year and a half.

Lutain had gone silent, his damaged scales still remaining with a slight

kink near the tip of his tail. The snake was now Harry's only decent

conversation and rather skilled at it with Harry's constant teachings.

"They're not coming back, are they Lutain?" Harry asked, idly watching the

melting snow.

The snake tightened around his wrist for a brief second, but never spoke.

The days were warmer. Behind him he heard the quiet chorus of young

children shouting and playing. A slight breeze tugged at the dead grass

and new tufts of spring foliage.

Harry closed his eyes. Like the spring breeze, he left himself relax. And

he let himself go.

"They're not going to come back," Harry repeated to himself, more firmly

this time, more decisively. It carried assurance that was often associated

with speaking orders. "So I'll give them something to miss."

"Like what, Master?" Lutain asked, peering out and slowly sliding out of

Harry's sleeve and onto his lap.

"I'll be turning ten near the start of August. On magical children's eleventh

birthday, they're given a letter of enrollment for the school Hogwarts. Which

means, we have little over a year and a half to learn as many spells in that

book as possible," Harry said.

"Why learn them?" Lutain inquired, "Already can magic heat."

"Wizards know more than just that. I need to learn a few more. Enough that I

can do some things that Skylar can't-"

"Master." Lutain interjected, voice quiet and sounding defeated, "I thought

you let your birth-kin go?"

Harry felt the instinct to argue rise, but he held it back. Was he still

holding on to Lily and James?

Of course he was, that small, dark voice whispered. He was still

desperately trying to prove to them that he was worth something. Or

maybe he was trying to prove it to himself? He'd been abandoned, cast

aside so easily, and every minute of every day that passed was just a little

bit more proof of his value to them.

"What would you have me do, Lutain?" Harry sighed, hanging his head and

eying a dandelion struggling to sprout. "What does the mighty snake say I

should do?"

Lutain flicked his tongue and scented the air.

"Make new kin?" Lutain offered, "Hatchling of own?"

"Lutain!" Harry guffawed, trying to resist the sudden urge to laugh, "I'm

not old enough for that!"

"All humans look same. Tall and scaleless."

"All snakes look wriggly and hairless."

"Toushes."

Harry paused, trying to figure out what Lutain had obviously

mispronounced. "...Toushes?"

Lutain nodded, agreeing with his word choice in a distinctly human

manner. "Toushes."

Harry found himself laughing and was ever so thankful for his reptilian

companion. He found out several days later that the word Lutain had

remembered wrong was actually touché.

Spring hormonal changes and puberty led to a rise in the testosterone

and tension in the building.

Harry had finally relaxed, finding peace in his recent epiphany. Then, his

trunk had been set on fire.

Thankfully the seal was magical and impossible to open, that didn't stop

the latches and magical lock from being smashed and damaged beyond

use. It would require a spell to unlock the trunk in the state it was now.

Harry could have done so, he knew his book detailed a powerful

unlocking spell.

Except his book was trapped inside the chest.

He was fueled in a sudden bloodlust, knowing full well that David had

attempted arson. The older boy constantly yawned or found excuse to

flash his uncovered burn directly in Harry's line of sight, staring at him in

a silent challenge. 'Come on, you know you want to.'

Harry did want to, that was the problem.

Even Suzie had somehow managed to convince her friends and others to

rile Harry. Most of the children at the orphanage was well aware of the

viciousness between Harry and David. They'd heard the rumors: David

had somehow given Harry the scar on his side (which an older boy had

seen while stealing Harry's comb one morning), while Harry had returned

the favour with the scar on David's hand. One rumor went into depth

with how Harry had somehow schemed with a now fired cook to press a

burning spatula into David's sleeping palm.

Things had been too quiet, plenty of children had entered the orphanage

after Christmas and too many were frothing at the mouth for some sort of

action.

It was just bad luck that the straw that broke the camel's back happened

to fall the day two well dressed men visited with the intentions of

viewing the children.

Harry was outside (like he always preferred to the stuffy quiet of his

room) with Lutain.

David approached, a small mob of wide eyed eager children following a

short distance behind. Harry sighed, flexing his arm to signal that Lutain

should stay quiet.

"What do you want?" Harry sighed, looking as disinterested as possible as

the crowd shifted and formed a half ring around them.

David's grin widened, Ralph stepping out from the masses to pass

something small into David's hand.

Harry frowned, trying to see exactly what it was that David now had.

"I have a present for you!" David chirped, rocking back and forth on the

tips of his toes to the heels, "You'll love it!"

David opened his hand, and revealed a young garden snake. Harry

blinked, looking apprehensively between the snake and David.

"Let down!" It wailed, the voice was feminine although only barely, "Eggs!

Down!"

It was a mother.

"What are you doing?" Harry struggled to keep his voice calm,

recognizing the situation as being a disaster.

"I know you like snakes!" David beamed, his eyes wide with mock

kindness, "I'm being generous!"

"Down!" she wailed, thrashing her tail nervously, "Eggs! Hatchlings! Must

protect!"

"Master…" Lutain soothed low and quiet, he too was growing anxious

with how desperate the mother was to protect her young.

"Why would I want a snake?" Harry said, voice tense though he tried to

hide it.

"Well, you always had that one snake, so I thought I should try one."

David said nonchalantly, trailing his other fist down her body far too

roughly. She cried in pain as he gripped her tightly, "I don't really like it

though. My mistake."

Crack.

Harry jolted, already taking a step forward while the mother snake

seemed to howl and hiss in pain. Her lower body didn't move, lying limp

below David's face.

"Actually, I take it back. This is kinda fun." David beamed, hand sliding

up an inch before twisting sharply. The snake screamed again as her

bones were broken once more.

"Stop it," Harry growled, voice low and eyes wide in fascinated horror.

"Fine." David shrugged, eyes getting a wicked gleam as he reached up

with one thumb, getting bitten by the weakly snapping jaws of the snake.

David didn't seemed deterred, instead he scowled and grasped the bottom

jaw between his fingers.

Harry felt sick, and stared at the chunk of bloody muscle lying on the

ground between them.

David laughed, dropped the weakly spasming snake and stomped.

Harry punched David in the nose, this time Lutain said nothing to

convince him otherwise.

David laughed as he was tackled to the ground. They rolled, David

beaming in breathless enthusiasm as he was punched twice more in the

face.

"Why are you smiling!" Harry shouted, moving his knee to David's gut.

The other boy wheezed, still breathless as he raised something in his

right hand.

"You're dead," David wheezed, blood staining his teeth from where it was

pooling out of his nose. His right hand was sloppily holding a knife,

stolen from the kitchen.

Oh, of course David still wanted revenge.

Harry scrambled back, scurrying across the dirt on his back. He flinched

when his fingers accidentally brushed against the mutilated corpse of the

worried mother. He had to force down the sickening vomit that

threatened to rise up.

"Come here little Harry!" David cooed, slashing outwards with the knife

with full intent to do harm. "You've been a pain in all of our arses for a

long time and now you're going to be the one screwed up!"

The crowd of kids cheered.

Harry's eyes watered and his stomach churned and at what point was this

fair!

"Master." Lutain's quiet voice brought him back to reality. The snake had

slithered down his arm, nestling in the oversized sleeve of his borrowed

coat. Lutain was coiled up tightly, like a spring of muscle and scale.

At that moment, Harry had a thought, which seemed to cut through the

rising hysteria caused by David's flashing knife. Alright Lutain, I hope your

bite is as painful as you said.

Harry nodded frantically, likely looking psychotic as he shakily stood.

David grinned, towering inches above Harry.

"You wanna fight like a man?" David chuckled, the crowd watching

eagerly for the knick Harry was undoubtedly going to get. "Well, bring it."

Harry swallowed and lifted his one arm, pointing his hand flat and

directly at David. David blinked in confusion, it looked like Harry was

offering something on his palm.

"Bite him, Lutain."

David blinked in surprise and started laughing at Harry's

incomprehensible hissing. The children who'd come to gawk mumbled in

confusion. Some laughed outright. What was the freak up to?

Lutain lunged. The snake unhinged his jaw, his fangs coming upright as

his mouth opened to ridiculous proportions.

David had been too confident he was going to win. He wasn't prepared

for Harry's snake. Lutain's fangs pierced somewhere on his upper left

shoulder.

Everything seemed to slow to a crawl for Harry. A split second seemed to

last forever.

David stumbled back, a confused, dumbfounded look on his face. Around

them, the other kids started to react, screaming and scrambling in every

direction to get away; was one of them Suzie? Had she seen-

David dropped to the ground, tripping backwards over his own feet. The

snake venom couldn't have-

Lutain must've hit a blood vessel, some part of Harry thought. A

bloodstain bloomed across David's shirt, quickly getting bigger.

Harry stood transfixed. David just kept bleeding and bleeding. His face

had gone pale and his eyes had gone wide.

It was quiet though, almost peaceful. Or maybe Harry was just so focused

that he didn't hear David's horrified screaming.

Harry was distantly aware of people rushing over. Someone was

screaming David's name. He recognised Madam Clover. She completely

ignored Harry, rushing to David's side.

But it was obvious that she didn't know what to do.

David's breath was coming in short, shallow gasps. He wasn't moving

quite so much, more twitching than moving really. How much time had

gone by?

Muttering hurriedly to herself in words too quiet and too quick for Harry

to understand, Madam Clover yanked Davit's shirt up with frantic,

shaking hands. His blood was everywhere. How was it possible to bleed

that much from such a tiny wound?

"Bloody hell," one of the strangers muttered. It was the first time Harry

even noticed their arrival. "It's a ruddy snake bite."

Of course it was a snake bite, Harry thought distractedly.

The other man hissed something quietly to his partner, though Harry

couldn't make out the words. He was looking at Harry suspiciously.

All of the blood did come from the two small puncture wounds left

behind by Lutain's fangs. There was only a minor amount of swelling

around the actual wounds; it was increasing unequally to the rhythmic

pulsing of blood from his body.

"For God's sake, do something!" Madam Clover shouted, her voice shrill

with panic. She had her hands pressed over the wound, trying in vain to

stop the bleeding. They were absolutely covered in David's blood. "Call

an ambulance!"

The two men looked at a loss.

David stopped moving. Then he stopped breathing.

Madam Clover wheeled on Harry. Her face was tear-streaked and her

eyes burned with a mix of grief and anger. "You did this!"

She grabbed Harry by the shoulders and started to shake him violently.

Harry managed to shove her off. Maybe his magic helped him, he

couldn't tell. She fell back, sobbing and grief-stricken and refusing to look

at him.

And there was guilt there too, as if acknowledging her own part in this.

None of it would have happened if she'd just reined David in, instead of

turning a blind eye and letting him to become a monster.

Lutain hissed and Harry felt him tense up, ready to strike again.

"No Lutain!"

Harry ignored the strange looks that the two men were giving him.

They'd probably just think he was being a freak too; Harry couldn't bring

himself to care about their opinions.

"You didn't tell me this would happen."

"I told you I was dangerous. I strike and they fall."

He hadn't meant it. Not like that. At least, that's what Harry tried to tell

himself. A small part of him though...

"I thought Master said for flea-rodent to die."

A small part of him knew that David would never mess with him again.

Looking down at David's lifeless eyes, a small part of Harry couldn't help

but feel satisfied.

He brought this on himself, that small voice in the back of Harry's mind

whispered.

Harry agreed. He wanted David to hurt. He wanted David to-

"This is ridiculous," one of the men muttered. He reached into his pocket

and he pulled out a wand.

Harry gasped involuntarily, staring in disbelief as the one man pointed it

at Madam Clover and muttered a spell. She was knocked down on top of

David and she didn't get back up again.

"Alright boy," the other man rasped, pointing his own wand now at

Harry. Harry felt a stab of panic. Lutain tensed and hissed menacingly. "I

can't believe I'm saying this, but tell that thing to calm down. We aren't

going to hurt you."

"Lutain," Harry started, speaking low and cautious. "Back down."

Lutain grumbled, but seemed to calm down a bit. The man at once

seemed to relax.

"Good," said the first man, gruffly.

"Bollocks! What do we do now? What's the plan?" The second man

demanded.

"You came here with a plan?" Harry echoed. Maybe he was still feeling

the shock himself, but he was beginning to feel suspicious. "Why did you

come here?"

"For you, Potter," the first man said. "But now our plan's out the bloody

window."

"What-" His partner started. He glanced over at Harry. "Oh you can't be

serious-"

"What choice do we have? The boy's a bloody parselmouth!" The first

man argued angrily, flicking his wand in Harry's direction. "I say we burn

this whole place down, take him, and go. You know the Lord's going to

wonder too."

"But Rodolphus-"

"Look, think about it for a minute: a Potter?" The man now identified as

Rodolphus stressed. "Being a parselmouth?"

The other man seemed conflicted, but he nodded grudgingly.

"Wait- burn this place down?" Harry said, his brain catching up to their

conversation. That sense that something was wrong was suddenly very,

very urgent. "I don't-"

"Silence, Potter," the unidentified wizard snapped.

Harry's eyes narrowed and his fingers twitched. There was an

uncomfortable pressure between his ears, and before their eyes, the

ground around them burst into bright scarlet flames. They licked

hungrily at the wizards' boots, though the material seemed to be

fireproof.

"Did he just do that wordlessly?" Rodolphus started.

Harry glared and the other man started chuckling. "Alright, he killed a

muggle, speaks to snakes, and can do wordless, wandless magic. Bella is

going to love him."

Harry's eyes went wide and Lutain reared. There was an unfamiliar word

and a flash of red. Then, blissful unconsciousness.

9. Cognizance

This chapter has been finished, thanks to my very helpful Beta ,

Chooser of the Slain.

Please check after this chapter to see answers to questions given in

reviews. IF you have a question, I will do my best to answer it in the

next publication.

Harry woke up to a high pitched squeal and tight arms around his throat.

He flailed, hands rising to pry at the bony wrists crushing his neck.

"Oh I love it! It's adorable!" It was a woman's voice, an excited high-pitch.

Harry was squeezed and turned, dragged this way and that in an odd

parody of an embrace.

"It's not a puppy," someone outside Harry's field of vision grunted, a

deeper voice this time, definitely a man's.

At once, the hands let go and Harry dropped onto the wooden floor

under him. He coughed, hands rising to rub his bruised throat as he

hacked loudly.

Two dainty-looking hands with black nails came into view, resting just a

foot away. Harry could see them, his eyes hidden by his fringe of hair.

"Hello?" The woman's voice chirped. She dropped down, lowering until a

manic woman's face swam into view, locking eyes with Harry's own eyes.

"Hello!"

Harry scrambled back. The woman shifted into a kneel before him and

cackled with laughter at his reaction. Her eyes alit at once with

amusement at his instinctive fear.

She was tall and thin, with long, thick, and wild black hair, casting a

strong contrast to her pale face. Her cheeks and jaw were sculpted with

an almost aristocratic beauty Harry almost recognized. She had heavy-

lidded dark eyes, giving Harry the impression that she was looking down

on something. At the same time, those dark grey eyes glittered gleefully

and Harry wasn't entirely sure he wanted to know what she found so

funny.

"Who-" Harry croaked, his voice hoarse.

The woman's mouth pursed in concern and, with upsetting speed, she

snatched up her wand from a hidden sheath and jabbed it in Harry's

direction. "Episkey!"

It felt almost like his neck and throat was filled with cotton. Harry

coughed, trying to dislodge the feeling of suffocating.

Then at once, it vanished.

"Better?" The woman cooed, fluttering her long eyelashes and sliding her

wand back up her sleeve. She grinned, turning to look up at the two men

who were standing by the door. Harry recognised them from the

orphanage.

The one on the left, the shorter and thicker of the two, had long hair and

a neatly trimmed beard. His face was square, set in a resting scowl as he

watched Harry carefully. His eyes glittered maliciously and he gave

Harry an uneasy feeling, even though he wasn't doing anything. He

reached into his coat and very carefully pulled out a long, dark rope-

"Lutain!" Harry blurted, nearly lunging for the limp figure of his familiar

and only hesitating when he saw the woman looking at him curiously.

"Is that the wittle snakey?" She asked the man in a childish voice,

blinking and observing Lutain's glossy dark scales.

"Let him go," Harry said quietly, while carefully considering just how

hard it would be to set the room around them ablaze.

"Careful," the man warned, setting the snake down on the floor. Lutain

was terribly motionless and for a moment, Harry remembered the mother

snake and what David had done to her.

"It's dangerous. Killed a boy almost faster than the Lord's," his partner

added. He was the taller of the two and rail thin. There was an obvious

family resemblance to his partner. They had the same dark eyes. He kept

his hair shorter though and he was clean-shaven.

"Really?" The woman asked, a gleeful look in her eyes as she eyed the

snake in a new light. She spun suddenly, grabbing Harry again and

pulling him against her chest with crushing force. "Oh you are so much

better than Cissy's brat!"

Harry swallowed. If Lutain had been awake, he would at least have some

sort of leverage-

"Oh!" The woman gasped, leaning back and looking like she'd just

realised something. There was an almost terrifying and giddy eagerness

in her eyes. "I'm Bella! You're my new brat!"

"What?" Harry hissed. Belatedly he realised he'd been speaking in

Parseltongue. "Your new brat?"

The woman, Bella, gave him an over exaggerated pout. "Well Cissy has

one. Why can't I?"

Harry was stunned. Was she serious?

"The brat is for the Lord."

At once, Bella snatched Harry back and pulled him closer. "Well he's not

here now," Bella whined. She grinned manically at Harry. "You want to

stay here! We'll have fun!"

"I-I don't..." Harry started.

"I get to teach you all those fun things! I get to teach you spells and how

to fight and-" She gasped, suddenly buzzing with excitement again. "And

curses!"

Curses? He had to admit, he was very interested, but... There was

something about this woman that set him off, something about the two

men too. He tried to recall the names of the people his parents warned

him about when he was a child. "What's your full name?"

"Bella! Bellatrix Lestrange!" She giggled, running one of her black-painted

fingernails through Harry's messy hair. "Can I name you Septimus?"

"What-" Harry started, for a moment his thoughts distracted from trying

to remember by Bella's question. "No! I have a name!"

"He's a Potter, the other twin," the thin man said. "The one his family-"

"They are not my family!" Harry snarled angrily, temporarily forgetting

just how precarious his position was.

"You were in an orphanage! I adopted you! You're mine! Done!" Bellatrix

said, her expression gleeful as she settled back on her heels under her

long, poofy black dress. "You'll live here!"

Harry stopped as the full situation set in. Bellatrix Lestrange... Bellatrix

Lestrange... The name was so familiar. And then it hit him. She was

related to Sirius, a cousin or something. He'd only ever spoken about her

with disdain, never saying a good thing about the "deranged Lestrange."

But then... she was actually showing him a tremendous amount of

affection and she actually wanted him…

That was new. Harry hadn't ever been wanted before.

"I'll keep you safe," she cooed, pressing his head against her chest where

beneath the corset and frills, a loud rhythmic heartbeat thumped in time

to the almost clawed hand stroking through his hair. "I'll give you all you

want and I can teach you things and you will be so powerful!"

It actually sounded heartfelt to Harry, almost as if she really did want a

child.

'No,' his mind whispered. 'She wants you.'

But Sirius had never had anything good to say about her! Harry was

pretty sure that she was a Death Eater! There were so many reasons why

he should do his level best just to get away from this manic madwoman,

but those arguments were increasingly meaningless when measured

against the fact that she actually wanted him.

"Stay with me," she spoke, her voice enthralling Harry into a growing

sense of contentment, "I'll be what you never had."

Harry liked the sound of that.

Harry was hurriedly escorted into another room by Rabastan, the taller of

the two men from before, he was pushed relatively gently through the

large doors before they closed softly behind him.

The room that Harry now found himself in was large and empty except

the large fireplace and a short squat man in the corner who curled in on

himself. The man had a face that reminded Harry of Piers.

There was a tall, high-backed chair in the middle of the room, facing a

low green fireplace directly across the room.

Harry shifted his weight, incredibly uncomfortable without the muscular

chill of Lutain under his clothing.

He felt something stir, something deep in the crevice of his mind which

leant his body comfort. He relaxed, rather against his will as something

clicked and felt so abnormally right about being in the room.

It scared him, as much as he loathed to admit it.

"I smell prey." A distinctly feminine voice whispered, a low lilt similar to

the python he'd released by accident lifetimes ago. There was a soft

shuffling noise, the familiar sound of scales sliding over carpet, and from

in front of the fireplace the largest snake Harry had ever seen peered

around and looked at him with eyes that seemed to glow.

"A hatchling, large hatchling." She huffed, looking put out at the

realization, "Hard to eat."

The man in the corner whimpered quietly, shifting and looking almost

terrified.

"Why were you brought here?" The voice was raspy and somehow at the

same time high-pitched. It sent a shiver of fear down Harry's spine. He

swallowed and somehow, inexplicably, he knew.

This was Voldemort.

Harry didn't know what to do. He felt like he wanted to cry.

"Let me eat him," the large snake hissed.

"Why," Voldemort- it had to be him- demanded again. "Why were you

brought before me?"

Harry fidgeted under the unwavering stare of the huge snake, which

watched his every move. Lutain's words came back to him once again.

"Make yourself necessary."

Harry straightened, taking a calming breath and forcing away his terror.

He knew what to say.

"My name is Harry Potter and you have beautiful scales." Harry knew Lutain

was always pleased with compliments about his hunting prowess. "Your

eyes must scare prey so well."

The snake reared back so suddenly and unexpectedly, it almost looked

like she was going to strike. She raised herself up, towering high, coming

almost to Harry's shoulder. She tasted the air repeatedly, as though trying

to decide what this new development meant.

"Harry Potter..." Voldemort drawled, drawing the words out. "And you

speak Parseltongue. Fascinating."

"You are not prey," the snake decided, lowering herself and sliding

towards Harry. She tasted the air again curiously. "You speak. Do you

know others that speak?"

"I have a close friend. His scales are dark and his strike is quick," Harry

offered, feeling more comfortable with every passing moment.

The snake seemed pleased and turned to slither back towards the

fireplace, where it was warm.

"Harry Potter," Voldemort hissed again. And now his voice held

something different. It sounded almost like he was laughing. "The Boy-

Who-Lived."

"N-no," Harry blurted out, this time in English. He took a few unconscious

steps forward, his mind screaming at him the whole time to get away.

"That's- that's Skylar."

"Do you not think," Voldemort started, his voice cold and hateful, sending

another shiver down Harry's spine. "That I know which child I struck?"

Harry felt a weight settle on his shoulders.

"Skylar is-"

"No," Voldemort laughed. Harry had no idea just what was so funny. "The

old fool...he is wrong."

Dumbledore was wrong.

Skylar wasn't special. Skylar had never been special to begin with.

Harry never had to be- He couldn't wrap his mind around the concept.

Lily and James were wrong, everyone was wrong.

The man in the corner seemed to have found his backbone. He sneered

and somehow found the situation amusing as well. He chortled out a

series of nasally giggles that were more irritating than Harry would have

ever expected.

Harry had been thrown away- and he was the one that should've been

protected!

Suddenly, Harry felt overcome by a wave of indescribable rage.

Depression, anger, and potent self-loathing washed over him and, as the

short, balding man continued his irritating laughter at Harry's misfortune,

Harry wanted someone to hurt.

Harry watched, almost outside of his own body, as the balding man

stopped laughing and gasped. His eyes bulged. He fell to the floor, his

entire body twitching, wracked with spasms. He took great gasping

breaths, but he couldn't scream, couldn't make a sound.

Dumbledore had been wrong, Harry's life had been a lie.

The room filled with high-pitched laughter, breaking Harry's

concentration. Harry blinked, the buzzing in his ears ended and the now

whimpering man on the floor let out a relieved breath. Harry realised

that he'd done that. He'd been angry and he wanted to hurt someone.

"So much potential," Voldemort mused. A small, skeletal hand tapped

slowly on the armrest and Harry now wondered why Voldemort hadn't

risen to face him. Something about that hand just looked wrong…

"Nagini, I-" Voldemort stopped, suddenly. "Boy!"

Harry jolted, panic rising once again.

Then something exploded in his head and Harry dropped to the ground

clutching his forehead with both hands. There was something moving

through his mind, bringing searing pain before it shifted suddenly,

becoming calming and relaxing, soothing like rain on scalding skin.

Harry blinked dazed, feeling tears running down his face.

The large snake now identified as Nagini was very close to Harry's face,

peering down at him intently.

"Nagini, fetch Bellatrix. She may show our new... guest around his new

estate."

Harry mused distantly, how the large snake was going to communicate

with the witch.

"Den-mate!" Nagini hissed pleased, sliding over towards the door and

pushing it with her blunt snout. "Hatchling! Teach to strike, teach to hunt!"

The balding man was still twitching on the floor, leaving Harry alone

with the creature in the chair.

Somehow, the part of him that had felt relaxed suddenly made sense.

Harry couldn't explain it, but there was a part of Voldemort that felt so

soothing and it whispered sweet nothings that it was right to be here.

His mind was stagnant with turmoil. Skylar was destined to be the

Chosen Boy. Skylar was the one prophesized.

It had never been Harry. It had never been Harry.

The epiphany finally sunk into the recesses of Harry's mind- the full

ramifications of the information striking him in a single clear moment.

He made the rat faced man beg for mercy.

Very sorry for the long wait on this chapter, the ending half had to

be written again numerous times to a point where it made enough

sense for publication.

I'm continuing on at a rapid pace, already partway through the

second year of Hogwarts. There are likely parts that you may not

enjoy or disagree with, although in my opinion the story has

improved with the added information and plot.

Your opinions on the poll are still very important to me and help me

in making decisions regarding the plot and timeline.

jeannie kaulitz: keep the chapters coming! loving the story. Though I

don't get the early appearance lutain 'cause I remember it being

something significant for harry 'cause it was the moment that they had

each other on that crappy tent on the rain on one of the orphanages

camping trip and one the reasons that lutain hates water

The original way the story was written was too implausible for my tastes.

Harry, just happened to find a very rare dangerous snake outside the

orphanage in the rain? The way Lutain is entered in this story gives better

background for the plot and general biology. He'll still have his hatred for

water, although it is more of a species thing. Because Lutain was in a zoo, it

enables him to be an exotic dangerous species without making many people

skeptic.

noodledoodledandy: I loved your other story but I think you are moving

a little fast, I hope you slow down when Harry gets to Hogwarts.

The story slows considerably once Harry reaches Hogwarts, although it is still

at an acceptably fast pace. I do, after all, have to allow the events and years

of Hogwarts continue to get to the exciting bits.

10. Reorientation

This chapter has been finished, thanks to my very helpful Beta ,

Chooser of the Slain.

Please check after this chapter to see answers to questions given in

reviews. If you have a question, I will do my best to answer it in the

next publication if it will not reveal information about the plotline.

Adrian Selwyn woke up to soft light drifting through his window over his

sheets and his face, as well as the sound of something outside exploding.

The boy rolled his eyes, groaning against the light although he rose. The

sheets were pushed back and he slid out of the bed with little resistance.

The aged floorboards creaked slightly under his feet.

"Not morning. Still rest," Lutain argued quietly, still coiled on his magically

heated stone near the wardrobe.

"For you. I'm not that lucky," Adrian corrected, yawning while opening the

large wardrobe to select the outfit for the day.

Adrian Lestrange, his name practically a nickname to the actual legal

name registered with the ministry: Hadrianus Selwyn, a name that

evidently had some sort of latin prefix and suffix root word meaning he

wasn't aware of. He didn't care. The name was similar enough to Harry

that it wouldn't be questioned if any mistakes happened.

There was a sense of...relief, that accompanied his name changing legally

and secretly in the ministry of magic archive. He was… he wasn't part of

the Potters anymore; he was completely separated.

And then Bella dragged him out of bed months ago in the middle of the

night, nearly having Lutain bite her if not for Nagini arriving and hissing

something to the small lethal serpent.

Adrian, still practically asleep, hadn't understood what was going on. He

flailed, shouted, and set fire to a few things (which Bella found absolutely

adorable, the sadist she was).

When he came to after being stunned, he was given a potion and a ritual

knife he was apparently supposed to drag across his palm.

Adrian hadn't quite understood but, somehow through the loud rambles

and Bella's excited squeals, he had managed to grasp the basics that it

was some sort of blood adoption- something to physically alter his

features. Adrian was aware he looked identical to his renowned father. It

was inconvenient. The blood adoption was supposed to change that.

Adrian knew that he was useful; they wouldn't outright kill him. He was

important, or necessary for plans he hadn't quite understood yet. So he

did what was expected, and drank whatever concoction Bella had given

him.

It was certainly strange, Adrian thought later, that he possessed

absolutely no physical features of either of the Lestranges after the ritual

was over. His features were delicate. He had high, aristocratic

cheekbones. His eyes were large and framed with dark, medium lashes,

and he had a thin nose and sharp jaw. His hair was straight with an

almost blueish hue in bright lighting.

Bellatrix had apparently been stunned and nearly obsessive when Adrian

had returned from the blood adoption ritual. It wasn't until Nagini had

commented on his hair that it clicked just who had adopted him.

Adrian wretched himself sick.

That was the night when Harry James Potter became Hadrianus "Adrian"

Selwyn.

"Can I have a mouse?" Lutain yawned, jarring Adrian's attention back to

the here and now. The little snake unhinged his jaw with a snap of

cartilage.

"Maybe," Harry mused, watching as Lutain's tongue flickered in

understanding. He had been working on teaching Lutain English, it was

useful for spying on others.

Harry grabbed a change of clothing, sliding into the shirt and trousers.

He heard another crash from outside, causing him to peer out grudgingly.

Well, nothing was broken, or on fire.

"Master, time to go?" Lutain asked, rising and wavering in the air. Adrian

turned, reaching down with his left arm where Lutain coiled loosely

around the wrist and pulled himself up his arm up towards Adrian's

shoulders.

The two descended the large although poorly maintained stairs, sliding

around the loose railing to pad towards the kitchen where platters of

food had already been prepared, courtesy of the house elf.

Rodolphus, seated at the nearby table, didn't bother to look up when

Adrian kicked out a nearby chair and dropped into it.

"We have business." Rodolphus muttered, not looking up from his paper.

Instead he flipped through it, reading intently a section Adrian had not

the patience or interest to care about.

"Don't you always?" Adrian muttered under his breath, glancing under his

darkened straight bangs, noticing the slight quirk of the elder man's

mouth.

"That we do," He agreed without showing actual interest. "Bella's out with

someone from the ministry."

"Torturing?" Adrian guessed dryly, poking at the now mangled contents

of his breakfast. Rodolphus neither confirmed nor denied it. It was a

rhetorical question anyway.

With his eleventh birthday only a few weeks away, Adrian Selwyn was

getting used to the new dynamic of his house. Although archaic and

ghastly with few, if any, morals, it was immeasurably better than the

tainted memories of the orphanage or the Dursleys.

At first it had horrified him and made him sick to his stomach, made him

lock himself away from the rest of the people who lived here. No amount

of coaxing or cooing from Bellatrix could convince him to open the

enchanted door.

It had taken a week and the only reason he left was the house elf's

inability to bring a mouse alongside his meals. Lutain was ravenous.

Bellatrix had made a peace offering of a living chipmunk.

Bellatrix was eccentric and sickeningly cruel, but sometimes, randomly,

she could be so affectionate and agreeable that it was...comforting. In her

own way, she was endearing and each compliment she managed to

casually give made Adrian warm up to her just a little bit more.

'Your eyes are like the killing curse. They're amazing.'

Minor things continuously managed to leave Adrian unsure, wavering

and internally conflicted on how he should feel. After a year, he stopped

caring. After a year, he started liking it.

Bellatrix was probably insane, she was a terrible mother (heaven forbid

Adrian ever think of her as his actual mother), but she was so much

better. "Hello!" Bellatrix exclaimed, throwing the door open hard enough

to crack into the plaster on the opposite side of the hinges. Adrian didn't

look up, the sound was quite common.

Bellatrix moved over to the food platters, giggling to herself as she

mangled pancakes between her fingers.

"You have a mission?" Adrian asked, not bothering to look behind him.

She drifted over to the table. She was wearing an outfit that at one point

must have been fairly expensive. Now though it was stained with blood

and torn in places, exposing the pale skin in some places.

"Yes!" She hissed out with delight, her eyes lighting up with manic glee

that he had come to associate with her. Adrian barely blinked at it. "He

has a task for us!"

Which honestly wasn't unexpected at this point.

"Anything new?" Adrian asked quietly, spearing a bit of fruit a lot more

forcefully than necessary using his fork.

Adrian had learned of his own task. Bubbling through his blood and

seared into his mind with the branding imprint of scales and rhythmic

pulsating of 'Dumbledore... Dumbledore... Dumbledore...' His mission was

quite obvious and easy to interpret: he was to spy on Dumbledore and

not get caught.

Easier said than done, Adrian thought.

"I have this new curse," Bellatrix gushed, flopping into a nearby chair and

twisting her features into an unhinged grin.

Adrian grimaced and absentmindedly rubbed his upper left arm, where a

thin white scar had been ingrained in his skin. Bellatrix noticed the

movement and pouted as only she could, crossing her arms disappointed.

"That was an accident!"

"It was fully intentional and you know that," Adrian snapped back.

Bellatrix wavered before grudgingly agreeing.

Rodolphus rolled his eyes, well-used to the almost psychotic interactions

of his unstable 'family.'

"Why don't you take the boy to get a new book of curses," Rodolphus

sighed, finally glancing up with disguised amusement. "Merlin knows

he'll learn more than whatever you teach him."

Bellatrix continued to pout, plucked a toast soldier from Adrian's plate

and ate it obnoxiously.

It was true, Adrian did enjoy books. It hadn't also taken long for

Rodolphus and Bellatrix to realize just how fascinated he was with

magical creatures. Rabastan came to visit with a runespoor one day. It

made terrible conversation - its multiple heads kept arguing with each

other - but it also kept Adrian's attention.

"New book?" Lutain hissed interestedly, peering out from under Adrian's

clothing to slither lazily across the table. "More rats?"

"Is there a store for rats?" Adrian sighed, stroking one finger down

Lutain's dark back.

"Magical Menagerie in Diagon Alley," Rodolphus drawled, "Varmint and

Underden in Knockturn."

Adrian gave a short nod, looking at Bellatrix who hummed and tapped

her chin dramatically with one black tipped manicured nail. "Ooh, I

could go to Knockturn."

"Good, then we're going," Adrian announced, standing upright and

holding one arm out. "Lutain?"

Bellatrix's face split with an infectious smile as it always did when he

spoke Parseltongue. Lutain obliged, sliding upwards and around his

forearm under his shirt sleeve.

"Set up an account with Underden, they'll send you things on schedule to

Hogwarts," Rodolphus grunted, looking like he may say more before

falling silent and saying nothing else.

Adrian didn't mind, he could figure it out on his own.

Diagon Alley was crowded with students already shopping for goods

before the list for Hogwarts was even sent out. Children, only slightly

older or younger than himself, bustled about with their wizarding

parents, urging at them to get a wand before the muggleborn rush.

Adrian had already gotten his months before, holly and phoenix feather.

He had also invested in a bird for messages, something faster and

stronger than the everyday owl. A gyrfalcon, a beautiful white bird with

markings like a snowy owl. Her eyes were golden and intelligent. Adrian

named her Hedwig.

Hedwig had already proven her worth; she had claimed the highest nest

of the Lestrange owelry. She ate mice and sometimes hunted extra for

Lutain.

"Alright, Adrian, I'll be in Knockturn. You know what to do," Bellatrix

spoke under her breath with a hushed voice. Bellatrix gave him a manic

grin, her eyes lighting up, as she passed along a bulging coin purse.

Although not pinned down by the ministry, it was common knowledge

that she was a strong follower of the Dark. Along with her husband and

brother-in-law, Bellatrix tended to avoid places like Diagon Alley and the

ministry regulations that came with them.

"Follow the smoke," Adrian said dryly, arching one eyebrow as Bellatrix

giggled. She pulled her hood down lower and slunk off in the direction of

the poorly-lit Knockturn Alley.

Adrian could get most of his Hogwarts shopping done now. He turned

sharply, eying most of the stores along the strip and only sidestepping

when a bustling family tried to force their way past. He was fairly certain

that he already owned the necessary books for first year, although

possibly not, given the fact the Defense Against the Dark Art's position

was 'cursed.'

(Bellatrix had laughed openly while telling him the story.)

Although, Adrian could use another trunk, the one he had owned was,

according to his understanding, buried under ash and remnants of a

collapsed building.

"Mice!" Lutain hissed, writhing excitedly towards the depths of Knockturn

alley, undoubtedly ravenous for anything he could get.

Adrian sighed, glancing once more down the busy streets of Diagon

before smoothly turning and walking into the much darker alleyways of

Knockturn.

Lutain slithered out, finding his place of comfort around Adrian's neck.

His presence proved intimidating and almost immediately several old

hags with greedy looks backed away frightened. Lutain's sharp fangs and

loud hiss deterred most creatures.

Adrian absentmindedly ducked under one side stall advertising loudly

about what looked like engraved skulls- a few even looked human.

"I want to check the bookstore," Adrian hissed lowly, the action didn't seem

that strange with the collection of vampires in the area. "Would you like to

get the mice first?"

"After," Lutain decided, flicking his tongue curiously. "Mice make me slow."

It was true, Lutain tended to lapse into a near comatose though happy

state of mind after a large meal.

Adrian turned the corner, walking past a loud pub called the White

Wyvern and then past an archaic barber shop. A tall imposing store with

cobweb-filled windows rested on the corner, large enough to stand out in

the tightly packed Alley.

Cobb and Webb's was a large ambiguous store, selling books as well as

other fascinating objects. Its book selection was vast and impressive,

drawing Adrian's attention as it had on his first introduction to Knockturn

Alley and multiple times after.

The storekeeper was an old man with pupiless white eyes, though that

didn't inhibit his ability to see. He had a large smile, mouth extending a

centimeter past the limits of a normal grin. Adrian did not know what

sort of creature he was, nor did he particularly care.

Adrian was not alone in the store. He walked straight towards the

bookshelves and past an uncomfortable older boy a few years Adrian's

senior. The boy jumped, looking around paranoid before quickly

returning to the book he had plucked from the shelf. Adrian could only

assume that it was something most others would call illegal.

Adrian walked past, his shoes still gave the small clicking noise despite

having been bought several years past. The sound was loud and quickly

drew the older boy's paranoid eyes once again.

The bookshelf Adrian had visited before left him with a thick tome, a list

of various spells although all were fairly neutral and unspecialized.

Bellatrix had gotten him more books since then, casually filled with

darker hexes and curses then anything Adrian would buy on his own.

He smiled at the shelf, recognizing the small cracks in the wood and the

distinct prock marks he remembered. The shelf wasn't restocked, most of

the books weren't purchased from a publisher to begin with. Most likely

they were donated or sold from pure blood families, Adrian suspected

there wasn't a single duplicate in the store.

"Master!" Lutain suddenly urged, poking up and out of his sleeve. His

tongue flickered wildly, tasting the air hungrily. "I smell a rat."

Without any further cue Adrian lowered his arm and enabled Lutain to

drop freely to the ground in pursuit of the vermin.

Adrian had been flipping through the pages of an interesting book on

mind magics, when he heard a loud shout. Undoubtedly Lutain had

scared the teenager who had been browsing a few rows over.

Adrian sighed, snapping his book shut in annoyance while he stomped

towards the ruckus. Lutain was indeed scaring the teenager from earlier,

putting on a dramatic show of hisses and tight coils.

The sadist was even laughing at how terrified the boy was, though only

Adrian could understand it.

"Lutain," Adrian bit out, looking thoroughly frustrated as the teenager's

head snapped in his direction. "Stop it. Find the rat or come here."

Lutain understood the gist of it, thankfully due to Adrian's tedious

English lessons. Lutain returned to a low coil before he slithered out of

sight. The teenager glared pointedly at Adrian, assuming that it was his

fault the entire encounter happened.

"Lutain does what he wants," Adrian explained bluntly, the older boy

sniffing annoyed.

"Well bloody banish the thing," he grumbled, trying to retain his

composure, "Merlin knows how you conjured that with the trace- what

are you, twelve?"

"Lutain is my familiar." Adrian's expression became slightly more

standoffish. He didn't see a reason to correct this boy on his age.

"Oh? A familiar, eh?" The teenager said, perking up. He looked

considering, before giving a rather wolfish grin. "You smuggle that into

Hogwarts then?"

Adrian only blinked slowly.

"Tell you what," the teenager lowered to the floor, suddenly looking

much more casual and comfortable given the situation. "That snake of

yours could be useful. You too if you're venturing around here, given

how young you are."

"It's not dangerous if you know what to do," Adrian cautioned, causing

the boy to chuckle.

"True, the names Calum MacTuer. It could be useful to have someone

helping with the goods, a uh, an incentive," said the teenager. The boy

winked conspiratorially.

"You sell things at Hogwarts?" Adrian guessed. He was interested.

"Got it in one, mate, although some buyers don't want to cough up the

coin."

"You want Lutain to make sure they pay," Adrian mused, his mind

starting to understand the situation he was in. The fence of Hogwarts? It

was terribly convenient to have contacts for stolen objects or potion

ingredients.

"Hadrianus Selwyn," Adrian introduced. "Incoming first year."

"First year? Merlin that works out great," Calum's eyes were practically

glowing with enthusiasm, though he was uncertain about something.

"Hey, you related to those eh, that Selwyn family?"

"No," Adrian said simply. "It's a common surname."

Calum relaxed instantly, "good to know. Information is worth coin and

coin makes you useful if you spend it right."

'You're rather dull, aren't you?' Adrian thought to himself, he'd give this

Calum a few years after graduating before being arrested by the Aurors.

"Here." Calum struggled with his bag, Adrian was suddenly suspicious he

was planning on stealing all the books anyways, and passed over a

decently slim book. "That's all spells for business and trades. Good stuff

there, mate."

Calum winked again. Did the teenager genuinely believe he ran some sort

of...Hogwarts black market?

"I'll be in touch," Calum gave an intrusive pat on Adrian's shoulder,

before rising and waltzing out of the library section, suddenly much more

paranoid while walking towards the front of the store.

"The rat was the human," Lutain hissed, peering out from under the shelf.

"Calum was the rat?" Adrian blinked, glancing at his friend surprised. "Like

Pettigrew?"

Lutain gave a low hiss of agreement, sliding under the shelves stealthily.

Calum was an Animagus. Wasn't that interesting…? Adrian doubted

anyone knew that about the boy, given his profession. Being an

Animagus did seem to be a useful ability...

"Lutain," Adrian hissed under his breath. "Come on."

Adrian turned and quickly walked around the around the rows of shelves,

glancing down the aisles to try and find the tomes on wandless magic. He

found them mixed with books on toxicology and natural poisons. Say

what you would about Flourish and Blotts, they knew how to organise;

while the selection in here was fantastic for the more… esoteric subjects,

the organisation left a lot to be desired.

There were three books on the Animagus transformation. Adrian knew he

didn't have enough gold on him at the time to actually purchase all of

them, as well as what he'd come for and the book Calum gave him. He

pulled out the cheapest of the three, before returning to the section he'd

come from. He pulled a single, slim volume from the shelf. The name of

which had been ingrained into his mind with airy high pitch sounds

which left him shaking.

Occlumency.

"Let's get started."

For clarifications sake, I did post the prior two chapters out of

order. They have been corrected, and I apologize for the

inconvenience.

At the current rate, the next chapter will have a Skylar cameo, and

the following will be the first chapter at Hogwarts.

11. Inception

This chapter has been finished, thanks to my very helpful Beta ,

Chooser of the Slain.

Please check after this chapter to see answers to questions given in

reviews. If you have a question, I will do my best to answer it in the

next publication if it will not reveal information about the plotline.

This is also the introduction of the Character Carpatha, if you read

the original story. Her appearance has altered to fit a more

biological component of her species.

The streets of Knockturn Alley were indeed something startling.

Humanoid creatures waked past with long lumbering steps, pausing only

to hiss loudly in his direction. One humanoid creature made a chuffing

noise, before reaching into its mouth and pulling out a living blackbird.

Another woman grinned in his direction, her eyes rolling around in her

head before falling out of the sockets dramatically.

Adrain was almost certain that the occupants were trying to scare him.

When one vampire slid against him- its stone cold skin touching his own,

it inhaled deeply and made a sort of feline purring noise deep in his

throat.

Adrian was ever so thankful for having Lutain so close to him.

When Lutain pulled, jerking away from Adrian's skin towards a series of

steps leading down another path, Adrian couldn't resist. Lutain was his

security; if his friend wanted to go a specific way or venture off the trail

he wouldn't argue.

Lutain wavered, wriggling in the air in a lethargic daze. His eyes had

clouded and his tongue limply hung from his jaws like a dog.

"Lutain?" Adrian hushed, alarmed by the state of his friend. " Lutain? "

He heard it then: a melodic trilling noise. It was foreign and captivating,

every instinct in his blood was pulsing and screaming ' wrong wrong

wrong! '

Adrian stepped further into the open against his better judgement.

The sound abruptly ended, ringing hollowly and emptily in the silence.

Lutain reeled back, gaining composure whilst a creature in an archaic

fountain recoiled in surprise.

She (If Adrain could trust the body shape and long hair) was young but

still years older than Adrian, closer to Calum in age, but just foreign

enough that Adrian wasn't quite sure. Her skin was pale and she had dark

hair, separated into long wet strands either from the fountain or

biological oil. She blinked rapidly with bulbous, round eyes. She had a

speckling of what looked like a sort of disease around her exposed

collarbone, shimmering like scales (Adrian felt uncomfortable when he

realized they most likely were scales).

"The sound," Lutain hissed, tail thrashing in annoyance. "You stopped."

The creature blinked, pulling back and slinking below the fountain rim

hesitantly, "I regret, Sharptail."

Adrian blinked, and took a half step backwards. The rusting iron of the

fountain, alongside the dripping water looked suspiciously like blood

over the edge of the rim.

"You understood him?" Adrian asked cautiously. The creature tilted her

head, her ears were humanoid.

Adrian's mind bubbled in fascination at such a magical creature.

"You do," She pointed out, voice lilting and somehow chirping like a bird,

although still guttural and awkward. "You reek dark."

Adrian swallowed, taking a step forward once he spotted what looked

like a green fin just below the surface.

"What creature?" Lutain hissed, peering up and scenting the air, "You scent

of strange."

" You smell sour," The woman (was it a woman) retorted, scowling at

Adran. "You smell foul. Torn, ripped and shoved into something which

you are not."

Adrian frowned, his hand started to slide towards his wand.

The creature pulled one smooth arm over the edge of the fountain,

dirtying the pale skin with rust. Its nails shimmered and reflected like

opals, webbing between the digits at the base.

"You speak venom!" Lutain hissed, infuriated by the apparent insult. "How

dare!"

"Not dare. Not insult. How peculiar," the creature warbled. It tilted its

beautiful yet unsettling head. "How peculiar. You smell of human child,

you are but you are more."

"You're obviously not human. Not a Grindylow, or a Siren. Or a Banshee

half-blood," Adrian noted, trying to work out what she was by

eliminating what she wasn't from a list of things he knew about,

information he had long thought useless. He was at a loss, Adrian

admitted to himself after a long moment.

"I am Carpatha," the woman trilled, voice somehow resembling a lark's

teeter. Was that her name or her species, Adrian wondered. She grinned

at him, teeth perhaps just a bit more pointed. "I am a Merrow. My kin are

far, in warmer waters. I like these waters. I don't often get visitors."

"You're in a bowl," Lutain noted, seeming fascinated with the Merrow.

"How do you flee?"

Carpatha blinked, perhaps surprised by Lutain's question. "I walk."

Adrian couldn't help but glance back at what he'd thought was a fin

before. "You walk?"

The Merrow grinned at him and seemed fascinated. She blinked slowly

and for a moment looked far too intelligent for Adrian's comfort. "I can

walk. I speak to everything. Everything speaks to me ."

"Merrow are rare. Why hasn't anyone killed you yet?" Adrian felt his

fingers close around his wand, a comforting weight in his hand. "I hear

your tails are very, very rare."

She laughed, a soothing noise that relaxed Adrian against his will. Then

she barked, a strange warbling noise that somehow compelled a nearby

crow to swoop and hop onto the fountain near her back.

"Cra!" she cooed, pointing a finger at the crow. "Cra is my eyes, he is my

bite. "

She hissed, a thin spine rising from where it had been lying flat on her

back. He suddenly felt very very wary for Lutain.

"We'll see you again," Adrian said nodding, turning and starting to walk

away.

"You reek!" She called after him. Adrian heard a wet sloshing noise, but

he didn't turn to see what the Merrow was doing. "You carry something

festering!"

She laughed, Adrian wished he could find it in him to think the sound

was ugly.

Bellatrix tossed a small coin purse of galleons at Adrian the moment a

tawny brown owl fluttered into the estate with a sealed envelope

addressed to Mr. Hadrianus Selwyn-Riddle.

Adrian froze in horror at the name. Bella only huffed, and with one spell

and her wand she crossed out the last portion of his surname.

Accordingly, she assured it would be removed from the rolls at Hogwarts.

Adrian was relieved, a part of him was almost ecstatic that the adoption

had happened. The name was proof enough.

He used the floo to go to Diagon Alley in a black cloak and dark green

robes. Lutain was curled around his throat, lazily sprawled without

actually showing any signs of threat.

The streets were absolutely filled.

Adrian grimaced. Families bustled about, frustrated parents trying to get

everything on their children's school lists, while their children ran too

and fro, shouting loudly about the latest broomsticks or smart-eyed owls

or one of any number of other things.

Flourish and Blotts was raking in the gold, having a monopoly on the

necessary supplies, and they knew it. Adrian double-checked his list of

books and groaned slightly. He'd already read books with similar

difficulty levels ages ago.

Frowning, Adrian picked up his books, joining a long queue of parents

waiting to pay. When he was (finally) done, he moved to a shop that

specialized in trunks, just off the center path of Diagon alley. Despite

owning a decent amount of possessions, Adrian didn't actually have a

good trunk.

The shop was suffering from a sale, though it seemed most new wizards

didn't venture away from the main strip. The shopkeeper was eager to

meet Adrian, not blinking or commenting on Lutain.

Adrian settled on a trunk that was entirely black though otherwise

unremarkable, which still managed to be attention-grabbing in its own

way. The trunk had multiple interchangeable compartments, built in

wards to protect from fires or thieves and it was password protected to

open a smaller, private compartment. It was purchased for a moderate

sum.

Adrian felt that parsletongue (which was a nearly extinct ability) was the

safest password he knew.

The shopkeeper directed Adrian to another shop, a workshop run by one

of the man's relatives which specialised in other containers or

miscellaneous objects with other enchantments and charms. Lutain was

thrilled at the small engraved crate which opened to a larger heated area

for basking and sleeping.

Lutain was in a positively thrilled mood and Adrian was feeling light

hearted, weaving through the crowd while his friend rambled on about

his favorite conversations with Nagini. Adrian managed to wriggle

through a group of excited children (his classmates, he realized with a

sigh) into Magical Menagerie.

He could see cages filled with cats and kneezles, hounds and designer

dogs. Bright parrots flew overhead to roost on ledges and stands. Falcons

and eagles sat on decorative branches while giant spiders skittered about

in wood shavings.

Lutain instantly perked up and glanced around the store, eyes moving to

spot the dozing mice and rats behind glass cages.

Adrian flinched when he saw an absolutely miserable snake curl in on

itself tightly in one overly humid enclosure.

He walked over to it, touching the glass with resentment. The snake- a

thick mass of muscle with an almost adorable sudden short tail, looked at

him, its every movement screaming exhaustion.

"What ails you, bright-eyes?" Lutain hissed, peering through the glass.

The snake on the other side began to unravel, tilting its head confused at

its new conversation.

"I am of sand, not wet and cold," it grunted, voice somehow feminine

although layered with something muffled and sick.

"Ah! Interested in our new python!" An employee made his way over

towards Adrian, looking slightly harried by the sheer volume of shoppers

but still trying to present that cheerful, helpful look of underpaid

employees everywhere.

"It's a viper," Adrian said bluntly. He scowled. "Not a python."

The attendant blinked in surprise.

"You should probably move her. She'll get sick in humidity," Adrian

noted, frowning at the full body tremor down its scales.

"Look I- I'm sorry, lad," the man apologized, "But our shop policy says we

can't take out any dangerous animal during open hours. Besides, I doubt

you actually know what kind of snake that is-"

Lutain chose that moment to hiss loudly and stare directly at the man in

the eye.

Adrian forced a fairly pleasant expression, ignoring the man's sudden

pallor, the nervous widening of his eyes. " Fine . Of course, how would

someone like myself ever know anything about snakes? My apologies.

Incidentally, I do need a few mice. Maybe a regular schedule for shipping

if your shop is setup for such a thing." Adrian paused, feigned being lost

in thought. "given that it is distinctly a snake thing, I wouldn't be

surprised if you don't."

Adrian should not have been as satisfied as he was with purchasing two

white mice.

He nearly laughed when Lutain managed to scarf one down on the

checkout counter in front of the already nervous cashier.

The bright flash of blond hair had Adrian moving before he could think.

Lutain was confused, he tightened his hold as best he could as Adrian

moved quickly.

" Master, what- "

" Hush Lutain. "

Adrian pulled out from the crowd the moment he saw the elder man walk

away into the goblin bank. The man's wife separated exchanging terse

words, before leaving their son outside the steps looked thoroughly

miffed although still proud.

Adrian smiled, then stepped out directly in front of the boy.

Instantly Draco Malfoy's eyes snapped to his.

"Draco Malfoy," Adrian addressed, giving a slight bow while his eyes

appraised the boy across from him, "a pleasure to meet you in the flesh."

Draco's nose lifted and he sniffed in disdain.

"Of course, I'll be seeing you much more," Adrian calmly assured. "In

Slytherin preferably."

"So you agree Slytherin is the best house." Draco's eyes gleamed, curious

and flinty at the same time. His voice didn't leave room to actually

answer the rhetorical question. "I don't think I am aware of your house.

Perhaps your head of house works alongside my father?"

Adrian had expected the question and had prepared accordingly.

"My name is Hadrianus Selwyn, Adrian for short." He clarified at Draco's

interested glance, "I am not related to the pureblood house Selwyn of

native Britain. I come from an alternate pureblood house. Instead of

offering information regarding my house, I instead offer my services."

Draco blinked.

"There are multiple actions a pureblood heir may not be able to

participate in while under heavy scrutiny." Adrian lowered his voice and

leant forward politely, "especially within the walls of Hogwarts with such

a noble name as your own."

Draco looked stunned and rather at a loss for what to say. In the pause

where Draco quickly composed a response, a loud angry shout echoed

over the bustle of Diagon Alley.

The two jerked around and spotted a fuming boy storming out from

Ollivanders. Draco instantly began laughing. Adrian looked further- the

boy had dark brown hair, almost reddish in the afternoon light. He was

taller than Adrian, broader with the slight pudge of baby fat still clinging

around his jaw.

Adrian noticed his eyes and felt like he had been hit with one of Bella's

curses.

"Wonder what got Potter in a riot," Draco sneered, almost forgetting

Adrian was nearby. The latter stared, dazed, and made a low keening

noise as someone with red hair hurried to catch up to the boy.

Skylar Potter. And their- Skylar's mother.

"Maybe they didn't have the wand he wanted." Adrian's voice sounded

hollow and breathless to his own ears. Draco said something in return,

but Adrian didn't hear. The alley was suddenly so loud, yet he wasn't able

to actually decipher a single word in the chaos.

He saw Lily manage to meet up with Skylar. Her brow was furrowed in

the way it only ever did when she was saying something to comfort hi-

Skylar.

Lily leant down and pulled Skylar into a hug.

Adrian twitched and blinked slowly at the hand which had rather

forcefully jabbed into his side.

"Oh, so you're back now?" Draco sneered, looking frustrated and annoyed

with Adrian.

Lutain chose that moment to appear, poking his head out from Adrian's

collar and tasting the air with the slowness only his digestion ever really

inspired.

Adrian gave an almost arrogant nod and stalked off. If everything worked

out as he anticipated it, Adrian would have his name spread relatively

quickly. Once he was known, he could remove Calum and secure his

necessity in Hogwarts. Then, Adrian could move up through Hogwarts,

surpass him in every way, and demand respect. Everything would work.

This time, he would be the victor.

(History was always written by the victors.)

Toucan: I am sorry for your lost interest. The alteration of his name was

necessary just from the perspective of Dumbledore. I purposefully kept his

name as Hadrianus, because it still allows me to call him Harry when

necessary. Later on in the story, the name Harry will be used more often once

his identity is compromised.

Noulis: Hedwig is not an Gyrfalcon, which happens to be the closest animal

that resembles a snowy owl I can find. I thought that it was the best

compromise I could find considering the Lestrange's and most purebred

families have bird of prey messengers.

rickyp01: Interesting idea, however I actually already have that scene

mapped out and ready to go. Don't worry, it'll be very dramatic.

MazerRick: Thank you, that was my goal with rewriting this story. I wanted

it to feel more realistic and human than the story I wrote six years ago.

Guest: Are you going to skip over the last few years of Hogwarts like you

did before?

My plan actually includes almost all of the years of Hogwarts. This is where

the story alters dramatically. I found that having Harry in my original story,

go insane and off on a rampage when he was only thirteen/fourteen incredibly

unrealistic. I have plans for this story to go all the way through Sixth year,

and continuing on after very similar to the actual plot of the Canon.

Impstar: Selwyn...not ringing a bell. Sorry :(

Selwyn is the surname of a prominent Death Eater family who served

Voldemort. The name was only used as a background character in the Canon.

Voldemort, as following the natural progression of the book, is still in the

useless little Mandrake looking body. He has been absent only as a security

risk, since he is very weak.

93: I'm feeling I missed a chapter? who actually adopted him?

It is possible since I had a mishap with uploading the earlier chapters. I

recommend you go back if you still have any questions after this chapter.

For clarification, Voldemort adopted him through a blood adoption ritual.

Pip: How long has he been with the Lestranges? Should I read the

original to get some clarity?

Adrian/Harry has been with the Lestranges for a relatively short time in

comparison to his entire life. The important thing, is that he has suddenly been

removed from an abusive environment and put into an encouraging magical

home. Although the time has been short, based on human psychology huge

developmental differences can occur in such a thing.

If you want to read the original, I won't stop you. The original and this story

are going to have key differences, although they will run nearly parallel for a

while still. If you are overly worried about any points, feel free to message me

again with your questions. I can answer them without giving away any future

information, while also helping you understand the story at this point. My

email address is located on my profile if you would prefer to email me, since I

noticed you don't have an account. I hope that any points that confuse you

will clear up soon.

12. Sorting

This chapter has been finished, thanks to my very helpful Beta ,

Chooser of the Slain.

From here the story will begin to pick up speed, hopefully I'll have

the next update up soon after this.

The Hogwarts Express was simultaneously exciting and disappointment.

Some part of Adrian wished for something...more. He didn't know what

he had expected in retrospect. It was a large train, ample room for

movement and more compartments on the inside than it should've had.

He'd managed to claim a large empty compartment for himself. The train

was magical in how quickly it flew across the countryside; the view

outside the windows was just a blur of greys and greens and browns.

Adrain was almost positive the amount of rail didn't actually exist in the

eyes of muggles.

Still, something about it just felt...lacking though.

Twenty minutes into the long trip, his compartment door slid open and

he was met with the familiar face of Calum.

"Harry!" The older boy cheered, causing Adrian to freeze entirely.

How did this-

"You don't mind if I call you Harry, do ya?" The boy grinned larger.

"Much easier to remember than that Hadrianian mouthful."

"Adrian," he corrected with forced laziness, eying the boy critically. "Did

you learn those curses you were looking at?"

Calum's cheerful expression fell very quickly into something serious. He

casually pulled out his wand - a light brown wood - and set it on the

table between them. "Don't mess with me, Adrian."

Adrian in turn pulled out his own wand, concealed in an arm holster like

Calum's own. The other boy's eyebrows rose in surprise at the holster, but

seemed to take the sight of both wands on the table as a peace offering.

"Nice wand you got there," Calum noted, eyes filled with what Adrian

now suspected was kleptomania. The older boy's fingers were twitching

noticeably. "Birch? No wait- Hemlock?"

Calum guessed correctly.

Adrian had long since purchased an additional wand to his phoenix and

holly. Apparently, his preferred wand was something of a 'sister core' and

would one day be wanted by Dumbledore. Because of that, he'd been

forced to get another wand: hemlock and dragon heartstring. It wasn't his

first choice, but it would work well enough.

"Interesting thing, hemlock. I didn't think they sold that in Ollivanders."

Calum grinned, obviously thinking he had somehow pinned down Adrian

with his knowledge.

"They don't," Adrian openly admitted. "You also can't buy the majority of

the books that you own in Diagon Alley."

Calum swallowed.

"You're in Ravenclaw," Adrian confirmed, leaning forward and linking his

fingers together. How convenient it was to have sources able to look into

the Ministry Archives for him. Adrian's smile grew. "You are rather

studious. I assume you know plenty of things. Actually, I think you know

things that are rather... secretive."

"If you're talking about the books-" Calum started.

Adrian interrupted him with a raised hand, tilting his head as if he had

heard something. He hummed, looking thoughtful. Adrien pointedly met

Calum's eyes and smiled a knowing smile. "I'm sorry, I thought I'd heard a

rat."

Calum paled.

The compartment door slid open suddenly, showing two young children

around his age. One had ridiculously bushy hair and her front teeth were

slightly more prominent than normal. The other was pudgy and seemed

overall nervous with the situation.

"Oh, sorry," the girl said, though she didn't seem all that apologetic for

having barged in. "Have you seen a toad? Neville's lost his."

The pudgy boy looked down, his cheeks flushed with embarrassment.

Adrian's eyes widened as he looked at the uncomfortable pudgy boy. He

did faintly remember him. He had a horrid grandmother.

"No toad in here!" Calum exclaimed, snatching up his wand from the

table. "But I'll help look. I'll get the Prefects to help out too. They owe me

a few favours."

The bushy-haired girl seemed surprised but blushed slightly at the

overwhelming assistance. "Thank you! I'm Hermione Granger-"

"Hadrianus Selwyn," Adrian interrupted, rising with a pleasant smile,

sliding his wand back into its hidden holster. "What kind of toad are we

looking for? I know quite a few magical creatures."

Neville pushed his way past and wrung his hands anxiously.

"He- Trevor's about this big," Neville stumbled to explain, holding his

hands apart a decent distance.

Adrian fought to keep the look on his face pleasant. He hadn't known the

Longbottom heir would be so… useless.

"I'll go search!" Calum said, slipping out into the open hallway of the

train. He obviously didn't want to be confronted on certain… issues.

Hermione frowned, looking at Adrian curiously. "I've heard the name

Hadrianus before. Wasn't he a greek ruler?"

"Unfortunately yes. You can't choose the names your family gives you."

He shrugged helplessly. "Call me Adrian. I insist."

Hermione offered a small, timid smile and nodded.

"I'll see you around?" She offered, seeming thrilled by the pleasant

interaction.

Adrian nodded. Hermione and Neville left, once more leaving Adrian in

silence. Briefly extracting his wand again, he wordlessly locked the

compartment door, closing his eyes and leaning back against his seat.

Of course, the one time he could use Lutain and his uncanny ability to

find every animal in question, the snake was sound asleep alongside the

rest of the Hogwarts pets.

Adrian must've dozed off himself. When he woke up, it was dark outside

and the train was slowing down. They'd arrived at Hogsmeade, it seemed.

The station was barely more than an overhang on the side of the a hill.

Between them and the large beautiful castle rising from the Scottish

moore, a huge black glittering lake reflected the constellations above.

Adrian was loathe to admit it, but he found the sight exquisit.

"Firs' Years! This way!"

Adrian glanced over at the call where the smallest children were

gathering near a man of truly towering proportions: the half-breed.

Adrian had been warned about him repeatedly, by almost everyone. This

was Hagrid, the groundskeeper for the castle and the nearby forests.

Adrian was shepherded along with other gaping, wide-eyed children to

the lake, where a small fleet of wooden boats waited for them. Adrian's

boat rocked precariously as he clambered in, threatening to tip him and

the other three First Years into the inky black water. Probably they all

did. Once the fleet of small boats were filled with every First Year, they

were guided by invisible ropes, gliding smoothly and rhythmically over

the surface towards the far side of the lake and Hogwarts.

Each boat had a glowing lantern, a single flame giving off enough light

for Adrian to see a frightened brown-haired girl and a boy with false

bravado in the boat with him. Off to the left, Adrian was fairly sure he

had spotted the youngest Malfoy's white hair reflecting in the flickering

lantern light.

Adrian's first proper look at Hogwarts left him speechless. The castle

towered over the black lake, dozens of towers and ramparts giving him

the impression of an impenetrable fortress, a fantastic closed-off world

that he was now entering. Warm torchlight spilled from every window

and doorway, reflecting off weathered stone and covered bridges, and

made the school seem welcoming.

They piled out, forming a large mob as they were herded (very much like

sheep) up along moving staircases and past moving paintings.

The half-giant handed them off to a stern-looking Professor who told

them to prepare for the Sorting, then disappeared beyond enormous

doors. Then they were left alone in what looked like an entry hall.

Low mumbled conversations started to spread through the group, rumors

and speculation for how the Sorting would proceed. Was Adrian the only

one who knew that the Sorting was done by an ancient, floppy hat?

"I heard we have to battle a troll!" One boy bemoaned, looking nearly

ready to faint.

'For Merlin's sake...' Adrian thought to himself, shifting restlessly as the

crowd around him became ever more anxious. If Adrian was expected to

be clueless, Bella had certainly raised him wrong.

When the door opened, the First Years echoed with gasps and sounds of

astonishment as they looked around with wide-eyed glances. The ceiling

of the Great Hall had been enchanted to resemble the night sky. It was

brighter, deeper than anything Adrian had seen before and there wasn't

even a hint of light pollution or muggle contraptions.

All of the long tables cheered wildly at the sight of each of the First Years

stumbling into the light. The chaos really began once the hat was brought

out and that same strict-looking professor began to call out names.

"Abbot, Hannah!"

A blonde haired girl in pigtails ran forward, sitting down on the wobbly-

looking stool. She looked absolutely terrified as the hat was lowered onto

her head.

After a moment of quiet deliberation, the hat shouted, "Hufflepuff!"

"Bones, Susan!" went to Hufflepuff too. "Brown, Lavender!" went to

Gryffindor. The names continued, eventually reaching the fabled name,

"Potter, Skylar!"

At once the entire room was filled with a great hush, as if everyone had

suddenly taken a deep breath and was now holding it until the boy in

question was sorted. Skylar separated from the other First Years. He

swaggered forward, confident and proud as he sat on the stool with his

head held high. The hat was lowered and almost instantly it shouted the

House: "Gryffindor!"

The red House went wild with cheers and applause. Hufflepuff and

Ravenclaw joined in, though more subdued. Slytherin remained notedly

silent.

"Like nobody saw that coming," the girl standing next to Adrian muttered

under her breath. He had only faintly heard her under the loud mantra of

"We got Potter!" led by two frolicking twins. Adrian spared her a glance as

the hall settled and the Sorting continued.

And then finally: "Selwyn, Hadrianus!"

Adrian was relieved that Bellatrix's spell had worked on the roster. He

squared his shoulders and strode across the room, his shoes clicking

loudly while everyone watched him curiously. He noticed glares from the

Gryffindor table, likely assuming he was related to the well-known dark

family with the same name.

(In truth, it was so much worse but it was unlikely anyone would ever

actually know that.)

He climbed onto the stool and tried to calmly wait for the hat to drop

onto his head and obscure his vision. The moment it did, he felt

something blast right through the pathetic strings that were his

occlumency barriers.

'My my,' he heard an indescribable, masculine voice whisper. It seemed to

pause for a moment, before continuing along the path with a destination

unknown. 'I was under the assumption you had died.'

Adrian's facial expressions twitched slightly. Thankfully, no-one would

see with the hat over his eyes like it was. 'I did.'

'Well, If you would like to call it that I believe we could compromise. Harry

Potter is dead.'

Adrian felt a wave of satisfaction from the blunt confirmation.

The hat felt it and chuckled lowly in his head. 'Of course, it is against my

abilities to inform anyone of our exchange. A useful thing, ah yes, but you

already know this. You thirst for more information, but you hold back.'

Adrian neither confirmed nor denied the hat, simply awaiting its

decision.

'Ironic, isn't it, Mr. Riddle? Your entire situation, your life now... Your

motivation and your goals, oh very cunning indeed... They may conflict with

my own personal beliefs and judgement, although they are commendable. You

show remarkable bravery, perhaps I should sort you into-'

'Don't. Don't you dare,' Adrian threatened, trying to quell the rising wave

of panic at such a prospect.

'No no, of course not. It is humorous that your mind bears such resemblance

to your father's.'

'I am nothing like Potter.'

'James Potter is not your father, Mr. Riddle. And because of this and the

struggles you have overcome, it shall be-'

"Slytherin!"

It took Adrian a moment to realise that this last part had been shouted

out loud.

The tables clapped politely as Adrian stepped down and walked over to

the table. Draco had cleared a spot for him nearest a girl with the

surname Greengrass. He spotted Calum at the Ravenclaw table, looking

inexplicably relieved.

The feast finished very quickly afterwards, the only announcement which

stood out in Adrian's mind was Dumbledore's strange statement that the

third floor corridor was out of bounds and only then to anybody who

didn't want to suffer a very painful death.

At the end of the feast the large group that was Slytherin moved, rising

and filtering out of the Great Hall before taking a sharp left to descend

into the dungeons where apparently the Slytherin common room and

dormitories were located.

The hallways were dark and muggy, the air stiflingly thick and almost

too moist, the consequence of all that torchlight and the castle being so

close to the lake no doubt. Adrian felt uncomfortably with the close

quarters, yet almost as quickly as they pressed in they opened to more

pleasant stone hallways, forking to the left and then to the right.

The Slytherin Prefects led the way, directing everyone to a specific

lantern stand with a well engraved snake curled around the mount.

"Hello First Years," The Seventh Year Prefect announced, looking very

pleased with the selection. "This is the entryway to the Slytherin

Common Rooms. The password is Dragon Eye. Keep updated, as the

password will be changed by the end of the week."

At the password, the snake shifted, wriggling free from the stone and

working as a latch in itself. The wall around the torch fell and curled in

on itself. It rolled, sliding out of the way with a silent flare of light. The

Prefect ducked inside without waiting for the baffled First Years to get

their bearings.

The room opened up into a large domed cavern. The ceiling was

supported by archaic iron archways, the very very top was dark black,

although it shifted ever so slightly with colour. Adrian assumed it was

charmed like the great hall.

An older girl with short hair stepped forward. This was the other Seventh

Year Prefect. "The rooms are divided by Years. Unlike the other Houses,

we have plenty of individual bedrooms. Depending on your Year, your

room is located in different hallways or locations. Each room generally

has two students to it, however you can swap roommates at any time,

just take your name plaque with you." She pointed at the staircase

alongside her own. The other instead of ascending, descended to a

hallway lit by green torches. "First Years are down the stairs. Second and

Third Years are to the right, Fourth and Fifth are to the left. Sixth and

Seventh are up the stairs. Us Prefects are also up the stairs."

"If House drama comes up," The male Prefect took over. "Don't fight it out

outside of here. We're Slytherin, I don't care if you're having problems.

Outside of this room we stand together."

He noticed a few First Years looking uncomfortable, and he wondered

just who was already picking sides or trying to influence the Slytherin

hierarchy.

"Good!" The female exclaimed, clapping suddenly and looking amused as

everyone startled to attention. "Go find your rooms. Professor Snape, our

Head of House will be here soon to discuss rules and other pertinent

information."

With that, they were dismissed and allowed to file down the narrow

staircase, peering down, looking for their names among the silver name

plaques.

That's how Adrian found his room as well as the name of his roommate.

He'd hoped for a single, but he wasn't too worried; he knew at some point

of time he could likely weed out the others and manage to get a room of

his own. For now he just had to deal with whoever this stranger was.

"You're Selwyn?" Another boy grunted, eying up Adrian critically. Adrian

did the same, noticing the sharp, aristocratic features and the slanting

eyes.

"And you must be Zabini." Adrian nodded, looking at the boy who only

wrinkled his nose slightly. Zabini would probably be popular for his

appearance in the future, Adrian thought.

Zabini pushed past carefully and opened the room.

The room was… surprisingly large actually, very spacious. There was an

open area immediately upon entering. From there, there was a two step

lip along the left and right walls. On the elevated platform sat a pair of

ordinary-looking beds and matching drawers were pressed flush to the

back wall. Adrian spotted his black trunk as well as the 'cage' he had

placed Lutain in at the end of one of the beds.

Blaise Zabini went directly over to his things, opening his chest to look at

its contents critically.

Adrian didn't bother, already he took out his wand. With an elaborate

flourish, he pointed his wand at the set of drawers. "Rigaterim."

They expanded, sliding upwards and shifting into a double door

wardrobe. He repeated the action with the single bed, turning it into a

double.

"Exuo," he then muttered, watching with a small sense of satisfaction as

his clothing removed itself from his trunk and slid into the wardrobe

almost identical to how he preferred at his home.

Once he had everything set up and resting in an acceptable way, he

glanced back to see how Blaise had set up his segment of the room.

Somehow the other had managed to alter the colour of the walls into a

tasteful shade of dark charcoal. It was more aesthetically pleasing

compared to the shocking white on Adrian's side.

"You mind birds?" It didn't sound like a question.

Zabini reached into his own trunk, more exotic-looking than Adrian's,

and somehow pulled an entire bird perch from the depths and set it up

challengingly near a bedside table. Adrian frowned slightly, the bluntness

of Zabini's action caught him off guard. He had a feeling that the boy

would have ignored him even if he didn't want a bird in the room.

"Don't attack my snake," Adrian responded, his voice clipped. He pulled

out the charmed box for Lutain before restoring it to normal size. The

box rested easily under Adrian's bed.

He noticed how Blaise's eyes seemed to light up when Lutain slid out the

first time. Evidently he had been expecting a smaller snake.

"Strix," Blaise offered once he pulled out a rather impressive black bird

with red eyes. It looked far too delicate with feather crests and thin claws

to partake in long flying like owls. It truly was just an exotic pet, one that

looked far too composed for having been hiding in a trunk for hours.

"I hope it isn't an actual strix," Adrian jabbed. The appearance of Zabini's

bird wasn't what an actual strix supposedly looked like. Blaise simply

smiled thinly.

"Lutain," Adrian offered, watching as his familiar in question glanced

around interestedly before trying to get into Adrian's trunk where he

knew a couple stunned mice were stored.

Zabini gave a jerk of his head, and left his bird perched on its dark stand

like it was a wall decoration. The bird looked at the snake with sightless

eyes and Lutain hissed in retaliation.

Blaise didn't offer to accompany Adrian back to their common room.

Instead the boy simply left, leaving Adrian a precious few moments

alone.

"How was the train?" Adrian smiled, stroking down the smooth scales of

his companion's back.

"Terrible!" Lutain hissed, seeming very upset. "It was dark and loud with

many hisses! Not good!"

Adrian shrugged, it would be the easiest way to smuggle Lutain into the

school. Although considering Blaise also had a pet that evidently broke

the school rules, he figured most of the Slytherins ignored the rule

anyways.

"You'll enjoy it here much more. I don't think the others will find it too odd for

a snake to be in the common room. Just don't bite anyone."

Lutain managed to somehow look affronted, "I am not vermin-brain."

Adrain chuckled lowly, allowing Lutain to slide up and over his robes.

Lutain nestled into his usual position, looping around his neck and upper

right arm.

Adrian turned, exiting his room and ascending the stairs where the rest of

his Year had already gathered under the direction of the two Prefects.

"Welcome all, to Slytherin," the boy started. "My name is Terence, that is

Vaisley. We are your Prefects for this year. That means if any of you have

questions or problems with the other Houses come to us or our head of

House, Professor Snape."

"Let's get this in the open," Vaisley chimed in, her expression falling into

something serious. "Some of us come from more… reputable families, but

we are all in this House now. We stick together and present a unified

front. There will be no insulting each other for whatever reason outside

these walls. No-one in the other Houses will make the distinction

between if you are or aren't dark. And for Merlin's sake, don't attack the

Gryffindor's alone."

Vaisley had the proper amount of exasperation in her tone to imply that

such a thing had occurred before.

"Everyone in this House has strengths and weaknesses. We don't care if

you're good at charms or rubbish at astronomy, if you need help, you get

help. We don't tolerate laziness, or poor marks," Terence stated bluntly.

"Most upper Years are decent at healing charms. Ask one of us for help

before going to the infirmary and making a scene."

Vaisley sat herself down on one of the dark leather chairs, pulling out a

rolled up scroll from in her pocket and produced a quill. "Alright you lot,

I'm assuming most of you brought either something illegal or something

not directly permitted by the school rules. Thankfully, the Slytherin

rooms have their own set of wards- once you're older you can place

whatever wards you want on your room itself. Or pay someone to do it

for you. How many of you brought pets?"

Adrian grudgingly lifted his arm, alongside a decent portion of the

incoming students. "It's fine. If something goes missing it's your

responsibility. If anyone gets injured from it, it's your responsibility. You

feed it, you control it, you keep it."

Lutain twitched and peered around the room curiously. Adrian spotted

Draco staring at Lutain in slight disbelief.

The rest of the meeting continued rather blandly. At one point their Head

of House stopped in. He was a tall man with pale skin and greasy hair.

He had a large hooked nose and what seemed like a permanent sneer. He

didn't seem that interested or enthusiastic for the year, but once again

did reinforce the concept that the older Years were the ones to go to if

they had need.

The First Years were directed to a bulletin board on the opposite side of

the open common room. The board was split into multiple sections, some

scrolls were pinned up advertising events or tournaments likely to occur

on a weekend. Adrian learned that this was where students sometimes

posted questions that they needed answered, as well as services or goods

that they were willing to sell. He also spotted a bright red flier, boldly

forbidding the breeding and sale of pets to one another.

The rest of the night was spent with an open question-and-answer

session. Most of the questions were asinine and if anything, proved who

were lacking the proper intelligence. (A lumbering duo stuck close to

Malfoy, they seemed to have half of anyone's intelligence held

collectively between them.)

Adrian instead opted to return to his room. He started attempting to

construct the few wards he knew, simple things he had tried to create

once moving into the Lestrange household. Having some forewarning

when someone was outside his door gave him precious moments to

prepare for whatever rabid attack Bellatrix conjured.

Adrian linked the ward to a small glass ball he brought with him,

alongside a leather bracelet. It would last for now, but later on, once he

actually knew and studied more wards, he would be able to make

something longer lasting. A silencing ward was also constructed; he

didn't want to have to hear all of Zabini's bird's chirping titters.

He wasn't exactly pleased to have to share his room. It was tolerable, but

he'd have to establish some sort of set rules with Zabini. If he was lucky,

he could perhaps bargain the boy into shifting to another room. The boy,

Nott, seemed rather awkward but held potential.

Adrian smiled to himself. It was going to be an interesting year

13. Eminence

This chapter has been finished, thanks to my very helpful Beta ,

Chooser of the Slain.

Happy Belated Halloween!

Adrian glanced upwards over the cover of the book he was reading. He'd

quickly fallen into something of a routine. It was a relaxed Wednesday

afternoon. Having just finished his Charms class that morning, he was

lounging comfortably in the Hogwarts Library until dinner.

His makeshift schedule allowed him plenty of time to work on the

Herbology essay he had been assigned painfully early that morning.

Despite the post waking daze that accompanied the greenhouses, it was

purely coincidental his inherent knack for magical creatures somehow

related to his understanding of magical flora. Adrian was almost certain

the marks of many of his classmates rested in his gloved hands.

He had taken the only book in the library relating to the pertinent topic

of his essay: the use of Arnica outside of poison brewing. His book listed,

in rather impressive detail, that Arnica was still used as a herbal

treatment for bruises and sprains on humans.

"Er, hello."

Adrian jolted, nearly knocking his inkwell from the armrest of the chair.

The book slid from his lap, snapping shut as it landed on the floor amidst

the flurry of his papers. Reflexively, he scrambled to catch the book,

already aware that it was futile.

Adrian had assumed that he would be the first person in the library with

the intent of finishing the homework. The chances that he would

encounter anyone with the same mindset was low, especially considering

it was assigned just that morning.

The girl who had startled him so terrible stepped out from around a

bookshelf. Her eyes were wide with guilt, Adrian was embarrassed - had

he become so relaxed at Hogwarts he could be caught off guard by a girl?

"I was wondering if you were-"

"Are you planning on working on the Herbology essay?" Adrian abruptly

offered, trying to smooth the situation the best he could. He leant down

from his chair, hoisting the tome off the floor.

"I'm sorry," the girl apologized, looking frazzled. She looked ready to bolt,

yet something about her was familiar.

She had unruly hair and a hideously bright red scarf which only served to

make her skin colour seem that much more untasteful.

"Oh, we've met! One the train!" She enthusiastically blurted, blushing

once she realized her outburst. She scowled, looking disgruntled, a

thought occurring to her perhaps. "It's a shame we aren't in the same

house, Hadrianus."

Adrian felt disgruntled at her unintentional jab at Slytherin. "I could say

the same. Gryffindor, is… unfortunate."

She didn't deny it, which likely meant that the other girls had realized

how snobby she was.

"Sit down, I'll share the book with you," Adrian offered, pointing to the

seat next to him, currently being used by Adrian's bag. She blushed once

again before shuffling over and dropping her own heavy bag on the floor

next to him. She sat heavily onto the chair once it was cleared, and

wasted no time pulling out her plethora of books and parchment. Adrian

raised one eyebrow when he noticed she had already been writing the

essay, even without the book she wanted.

"I like to get my assignments done in advance," she struggled to explain,

seeming nervous in his company.

"As do I," Adrian soothed, showing how nearly complete his assignment

was already. She gaped in surprise and gave a genuine smile before

hiding her face in her hair.

They continued, eventually finishing their essays once able to bounce

information back and forth. Hermione (her name had finally come to him

while writing) was rather intelligent; it was a shame she felt the urge to

flaunt it so obviously.

"Could you help me with essays again sometime?" She asked, eyes wide

and watery with how hopeful she was.

Adrian was suddenly struck with the situation and just how perfect it was.

"Of course," he nearly purred, trying to keep the grin threatening to split

his face absent. "But I make deals."

Hermione paused, suddenly rather timid. "Deals?"

Adrian briefly wondered if he was acting as slimy as Calum. He nodded

politely, "Exactly. In the Slytherin house, it's common to have some sort

of...assurance. Some classmates like to take advantage of you."

Hermione nodded eagerly, clearly sympathizing with him. Adrian took it

as a sign to continue.

"Deals are essentially promises. I'll help you, and you'll help me in the

future. Of course, I would always accept galleons if you're purchasing

something I own." He smiled slowly, trying to persuade her gently. He

could tell that the girl was relaxing. "But in this case, it's so I'll help you

again sometime."

Hermione was still wary but it looked like she was considering the offer,

now that he had explained it. She worried her lower lip with her

prominent front teeth. When she spoke, her words were careful and

considered. "Well, that would be nice."

Adrian smiled and pulled out his wand. He motioned for her to touch the

opposite end of his wand, forming a link between them.

In a clear calm voice, Adrian incanted, "Peddlemus."

His wand warmed under his hand. Hermione twitched slightly, clearly

feeling the warmth on her end. It lingered, before slowly fading.

"There," Adrian said, smiling. He pulled his wand back and slid it into his

holster.

Hermione smiled and she looked much happier. Adrian assumed it was

because now he was forced to spend time in her presence.

He almost felt bad for her.

"Incorrect!"

Although he was sitting on the far side of the room and the words hadn't

been directed towards him, Adrian flinched. The boisterous tone of voice

was seriously messing on his head.

Defence Against the Dark Arts was being taught by the most insufferable

man Adrian had ever the misfortune of meeting once again. James Potter

looked practically gleeful as he took five more points from the stunned

looking Pansy Parkinson.

The Hufflepuffs weren't exactly sure what to do. It was blatantly obvious

that Professor Potter was trying to take as many points as possible from

the Slytherins and was enjoying every second of his success.

It was grating on Adrian's nerves. Each jab was making him tense, until

only a few more sneers and dumb looks from Hufflepuff until he snapped.

Adrian was filled with intense loathing as James Potter once again asked

a question to the unprepared Daphne Greengrass. She stuttered but it was

too late, already Potter was snatching points.

Was Potter even qualified for teaching? Wasn't he an Auror?

"Mr. Malfoy!" James Potter started once more, voice crooning in contrast

to the huge shark like grin spreading across his features. "What is a

Daywalker!"

'Oh!' Adrian felt attention perking up, the questions were venturing into

magical creatures? Now this was a topic he knew.

"A Daywalker is a species of vampire that is impervious to sunlight,"

Malfoy responded, each word grinding from his locked jaw. Malfoy had

been the prime target of Potter throughout the entire (much too long)

class already.

It was a well known fact that Draco's father only narrowly escaped being

sentenced to Azkaban. With how involved Potter was with the arrests, he

could have been the one who escorted the man to his trial.

"Five points from Slytherin for stating the obvious!" Potter was nearly

vibrating with excitement, "The proper answer would include the

description of its fangs and eyes!"

Oh this was getting ridiculous.

"Mr. Selwyn!" James Potter directed, shifting from where he stood on his

little platform to look at Adrian directly.

Adrian froze and with restrained trembling he met the soft brown eyes.

Chillingly acidic green scalded and seared into James with emotion so

strong, it stunned the man for a few seconds.

"Do phoenixes die?" Stumbling, James Potter asked.

Adrian almost smiled.

"Yes, phoenixes can die."

"Incorrec-"

"I apologize professor. Would you like me to specify how they die? I don't

like to presume such things, but if that was the case, your question

shouldn't have been so direct." Adrian interrupted, he revelled in the

almost euphoric sensation of a shocked James Potter.

"Elaborate," James Potter demanded. The man crossed his arms, choosing

to lean against his personal desk in the relaxed picture of teacher

authority.

"A phoenix can die from its bond with its master if the bond is strong

enough and the master dies. It can also die from neglect or abuse. That is

only with tamed birds, since the majority of phoenixes are still wild. The

bird can also die on command, if it ever wants. Curses will not harm a

phoenix, instead it'll revert back into its hatchling state. Specific venoms

from its natural predator will kill it, alongside a few species of plants."

The room was silent, Adrian curling his hands tightly into fists. He felt

the biting sting of his nails puncturing the skin of his palms, but didn't

back down from Potter.

The rising nagging thoughts rose slowly in the back of his mind,

regardless of his attempts to crush them. The ravenous doubt that left

him inexplicably desiring affection from his- 'No! James Potter is not my

father!'

His teeth began grinding together, the ache in his jaw providing clarity to

dismiss the nonsense.

'He's not even that good of a teacher. I bet he spoils the Gryffindors for holding

a quill. He spoils Skylar. Why didn't he sp-'

He almost screamed with fury, he could tell his entire body was shaking

ever so slightly. His face was aching.

The little bell on James Potter desk rang itself. Potter blinked, somehow

still stunned and staring at Adrian almost hypnotized. He floundered, not

actually saying anything while everyone gathered their objects and filed

out of the room.

The group walked silently back to the common room. Once the door

opened and they walked in quietly, the older years looked at the new

students slightly interested.

Then Pansy burst into cheers and hugged Adrian, who yelped backwards

in surprise.

"Selwyn got Potter!" Theo cheered, seeming smug through Adrian's own

abilities.

"The golden boy brat?" One of the third years asked curiously, not too

interested with the ruckus.

"No, the professor." Pansy clarified, looking much too starry eyed for

Adrian's comfort.

"Bloody hell, how did you manage that?" A fifth year gasped, looking at

Adrian interestedly. "That clotpole won't even give Vaisley five points."

Draco seemed rather annoyed with the topic, and stomped away to sit on

a vacant couch.

"You should have seen it, answered the question and shut him right up."

Theo grinned, giving Adrian an appreciative look. "You're going to be

useful when Quidditch season comes around!"

"Always happy to be of service." Adrian sighed, trying to slip away from

the new interest from the upper years.

It wasn't that big of a deal.

Adrian noticed afterwards on the house cup record in the Slytherin

common room, he had been awarded ten points by Professor Potter.

The dynamics of the Slytherin house were confusing and convoluted.

Each Year apparently had some sort of hierarchy established. The older

you were, the greater your inherent right to order those younger than

you around was. It was particularly aggravating when a fifth year openly

told you to fetch them useless objects or food.

It reminded Adrian all too well of the lazy pigs which treated him

similarly.

It was even more loathsome when power-plays began just before the end

of October.

A heavy set girl, twice the size of Daphne Greengrass, a fair haired

snobbish First Year, had gotten it into her head that she was the superior

authority of the Year. She hadn't any qualms with Draco, who had almost

instinctively claimed his high position. Instead, this stocky large jawed

doberman challenged Adrian.

Theo had snickered to himself, looking interested while fidgeting.

Watching Adrian and Millicent (as he had been later informed) battle it

out was something of a train wreck.

She first demanded Adrian move his position from where he sat on the

couch. He lazily obliged, having offered a long mocking swoop of his arm

which undermined the fact he actually had moved. The next act was

having snatched the food from his plate before he could even eat. He

instead smiled and sipped on whatever drink the house elves had

provided. He hadn't touched any part of his meal, instead offering it to

Crabbe who eagerly snatched up the spare biscuit.

Millicent started to throw jabs, vicious spittle coated words which

weren't at all pestering considering how petty they truly were. By now, a

week had gone on and Millicent had not gained any ground, although she

hadn't lost any either.

Millicent had cornered him in the common room one friday evening.

Adrian was reading through a book rather quickly in search of an answer

for a Hufflepuff girl who was likely going to fail her assignment without

his aid. Millicent plopped onto the couch across from him, wearing a

smug look more at home on a pug.

"So, I was looking at tapestries," She started, already almost crowing with

victory. "And you aren't part of the Selwyn family!"

Adrian blinked, paused, then nearly groaned.

"No, I'm not," he agreed, speaking slowly with the rising tension of the

room.

"I'm from another one. Selwyn is a popular last name, you know."

"You aren't in any of them!" She cheered, grin looking positively vicious.

"That means you're adopted!"

Adrian paused, calmly turned the page of his book, withheld the flinch,

and raised an eyebrow.

"I bet your real parents don't even like you," Millicent nearly giggled. "I

bet you're from a pathetic family! Maybe even Longbottom!" She was full

out laughing now, drawing the attention of a few other students. "I bet

they got rid of you so they wouldn't have to ever see your ugly mug

again!"

Adrian didn't notice how tight his grip was on his book until he heard a

nearly inaudible creaking noise. He glanced downwards at his book. The

corners of the pages he had been reading furled inwards on itself, like

watching a flower close bloom in reverse.

The room was struck with the pungent smell of smoke, and a few wafts

trailed upwards from his hands.

Millicent didn't seem to notice, although a few of the upper years

murmured to one another. They evidently had seen the smoke and now

understood the cause was the steadily intensifying anger.

Millicent finally noticed that she had gained something over Adrian. She

beamed, looking thoroughly impressed with herself. She walked away

with her head held high.

Theo had seen the exchange, and seemed conflicted with the results.

The next day in Herbology, the teacher, Professor Sprout, had the idea to

introduce the group as well as the Ravenclaws to a dangerous thorny

plant with bright red flowers capable of breathing fire.

The plant in question was fascinating, although the name escaped Adrian.

It thrashed and smoldered and provided a delicious opportunity.

Theo had chanced looking upwards with a grimace from where he was

trying to prune his own plant. Adrian, standing across from him with his

own plant, had a nearly obsessive look on his face as he stared down the

row at Millicent.

Theo watched, tilting his head curiously as before his eyes, Adrian's

hands flexed slightly and his pupils dilated rather suddenly.

Millicent screamed almost instantly after. Theo spun his head to look at

her, where her hair and her robes had caught marvelous lapping flames.

She was crying, thick alligator tears falling down her face while the air

was filled with the acrid stench of burning hair.

Professor Sprout hurried down the row, scolding the others of the

dangers of the flower. She hushed Millicent and took her aside, patting

out the very eager flames with her fire retardant gloves.

Theo slowly looked back at Adrian, who finally blinked and looked away.

He calmly tended to his plant over the sounds of Millicent's whimpers.

Theo was extra twitchy, stumbling over to mumble his speculations to

Pansy who had shrieked in delight over the rumor. She spread it rapidly,

efficiently enough that by dinner that night it was a Slytherin secret that

Adrian Selwyn could set things aflame, wandlessly and nonverbally.

When Millicent was released from the hospital wing a few days later, it

wasn't only a stack of homework assignments awaiting her.

Adrian smiled at her when she returned, offering a pleasant, "So glad to

see you weren't burnt too badly."

She realized when her half finished essay curled and burned under her

hands, that the injury was entirely intentional.

By the end of that week, Adrian had secured his position as untouchable.

Tecachan: Loved it ... Made a lot more sense than the original. I have a

question though: Is Adrian a legend among death eaters and dark wizards

like before or just Bella, the Lestranges and Voldy know about him?

In contrast to the original story, very few people are aware of Adrian's

existence. This is mostly because he is still young and not powerful enough to

defend himself. Once he is stronger and can fight against anyone who tries to

take him out (angry Death Eaters who think its unfair he's the heir, Order of

the Phoenix, Aurors, etc) he'll be known by the name Cerestes, which is a

mythological creature which resembles a snake with horns. A Cerestes hides in

the desert under the sand with only its horns showing, it then uses its horns as

a lure before ambushing prey.

Mizzrazz72: Who is Harry's father?

Voldemort, he adopted Harry/Adrian through blood adoption

14. Troll

This chapter has been finished, thanks to my very helpful Beta ,

Chooser of the Slain.

I'd like to mention that I personally read every review, and I'd like

to thank everyone who takes the time to respond and ask questions.

As always, answers from questions pertinent to the prior chapter

and story in general, are answered at the bottom.

Adrian had mixed feelings over Halloween. It was the day of the pagan

Samhain festival, something Adrian enjoyed quite thoroughly. On that

day, it was custom to honor the dead, or the names of your ancestors.

Although awkward and uncomfortable, it was an apparent honor to

stumble through the names of your ancestors, tracing your lineage back

as far as you could. Adrian could certainly understand why reciting his

lineage, the descendants of Salazar Slytherin, would be a privilege.

On the other hand, the night was repeatedly marked with the foreign

high pitch hiss of 'Show the boy his place!' and Bellatrix unhinged like a

mad hound. She was entirely a different person, the concepts of comfort

or maternal instinct absent from her cackling and vicious curses.

Adrian had shouted, he had begged-

He twitched, fingers sliding towards a phantom ache of something

wriggling in his abdomen. His sudden movement jarred the book which

had been balanced lazily on his lap.

Draco looked up sharply, following the book with a pinched look of

annoyance. His elaborate albino peacock quill stopped scratching against

his parchment.

"What, is that book too boring for your prestigious tastes?" Draco asked,

looking challengingly at Adrian. It was no lie that Adrian was very

particular about his books, that he was very critical of them.

"Says the one holding a peacock quill," Adrian snipped back, without

much feeling.

Draco only scowled, looking back at the book of charms and jinxes not

taught in the Hogwarts curriculum.

"I hope you're not planning on using that on Bulstrode," Draco warned,

not flinching at Adrian's glare.

"I did nothing to that girl-"

Draco looked at him with obvious skepticism.

"It's for a bargain, a second year Slytherin wants a hex that is unique

enough to do damage, but tricky enough not to be fixed quickly." Adrian

explained, "Three galleons on it."

"So now you're selling your services too?" Draco rolled his eyes. His tone

made it clear he thought the idea of Adrian selling his services was

beneath him. "Give you a sickle and you'll jinx Potter for me?"

"I'd need more than a sickle if you want me to hunt down a professor,"

Adrian grunted, flipping to a specific page before turning and showing

Draco the desired hex.

Draco read it, eyes widening in surprise at the description, "The Jelly-

finger hex?"

"Makes your target unable to hold anything in their hands, not taught in

schools, and has a potion to reverse the effects. Which takes two days to

brew," Adrian deadpanned, the wicked gleam in his eyes belying his even

tone. "Pretty useful."

Draco paused. "What was the incantation for that-"

Adrian snapped the book shut, sliding it into his bag with a blank

expression. He looked at Draco and dryly informed the blonde that the

information would cost him three galleons. Draco scowled again.

But he paid Adrian anyway.

The Slytherin first year boys shuffled into the great hall in quest for

lunch. The hall was nearly vacant, people tried to stay away since it was

in the process of being decorated for the feast later in the day.

"What charms do you reckon they use?" Blaise muttered, just loud enough

for the group to hear. Adrian peered up and over, seeing a large pumpkin

getting dragged across the floor between the Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff

tables.

He opened his mouth once Theo looked at him expectantly, the pumpkin

turned and Adrian froze alongside Theo.

"None," Adrian breathed, resisting the urge to walk over to the creatures.

"We're used to him acting all mysterious, but what's gotten into you?"

Draco drawled, looking pointedly at Theo who spluttered, eyes never

leaving the creatures.

Theo could see Thestrals?

"It's nothing!" Theo snapped, his voice a bit higher than normal. He was

fidgeting and looked aggravated.

Adrian had to agree. It would be suspicious as to why a first year would

be able to see an omen of death so clearly.

Thestrals were absolutely beautiful.

Adrian found himself sneaking peeks towards the animals any time he

could as he helped himself to the recently harvested vegetables and

fruits. The apples were just ripe. He bit into one with a satisfying crunch

while he watched the winged horses help tug another pumpkin into

position.

They stumbled out of the great hall, Adrian heading off to snatch Lutain

from where he lay dozing back in Adrian's room (casting a glare at Strix

when the bird tried to snap at his fingers), and headed to the library.

He almost bumped into a crying Hermione, who was too upset to see who

she had actually run past. Adrian blinked in surprise, but decided it was

best to ignore her and headed to the library to read.

He was reading for pleasure, listening absently as Lutain rattled off what

Adrian had missed in the time he had been gone. The Slytherin boy

paused, listening as Lutain described how Blaise had very cautiously

hidden what seemed to be a suspicious book into a locked trunk. The info

wasn't surprising, considering how Blaise had actively smuggled a live

animal into Hogwarts. The ramifications were alarming, if Blaise

unfortunately was caught with the book, assuming it was illegal, he could

easily blame it on Adrian. Adrian also had to wonder why Lutain, a snake

barely able to articulate, considered a book 'suspicious'.

"And you saw all of this?" Adrian murmured under his breath. His focus

was now entirely on his companion.

"Yes!" Lutain crowed. He was just as frustrated by the Strix as Adrian was.

"He speaks word cotello."

"Cotello?" Adrian repeated in English, just to make sure the translation

hadn't changed the word.

Lutain hissed excitedly, causing Adrian to smile and slide the book back

on the shelf. He already knew all the spells in that specific book anyway.

He left the room, scanning through the courtyards and only nodding his

acknowledgement to fellow Slytherins who briefly stated his name. Word

had started to spread outside to the other houses that he had wordless

magic. As had the rumors of his bargain.

He hadn't been approached by Calum, which was in itself surprising.

"Selwyn!"

Adrian stopped, glancing over his shoulder and mentally cursing when he

saw a stocky and aggressive Hufflepuff approaching him from down the

hallway.

"Yes, Macmillan?"

"What's this I hear about you making an oath with Susan!" The blond-

haired Hufflepuff hissed, looking absolutely furious.

"I don't make oaths," Adrian corrected, his tone making it clear that he

didn't like how the Hufflepuff was asserting himself. The blond-haired

boy was acting far too similar to another boy Adrian once knew.

"Then what do you call that thing you made with her!"

"I make bargains."

"Yeah, like your slimy snake." Macmillan growled angrily, whipping out

his wand to hold under Adrian's chin.

Lutain reared, looking threatening with his fangs unhinged. Lutain had

grown, eyes bright and scales glossy in the October light.

Macmillan didn't falter, which was in itself surprising.

"I bet you're plotting something evil," Macmillan said. "That's all you

pathetic lot do!"

"I suggest you lower your wand. You're making a scene," Adrian

reprimanded sharply. "Not that I think you know any worthwhile spells

to begin with."

"You're right," Macmillan agreed all too quickly. Surprisingly the

Hufflepuff lowered his wand. Before Adrian could react, Macmillan

pulled back his fist and clobbered the Slytherin.

Adrian's head recoiled back. Macmillan had hit his nose. It was bleeding

slightly, which had Lutain rearing, thoroughly angered.

"You badger den weasel! Your fur is sour and dirt!" Lutain hissed.

Something about Lutain's insults and the throbbing pulse in Adrian's face

brought a rising tug of something to a crescendo.

He imagined Bellatrix's laughter over it all.

Adrian giggled, reaching up with one hand to staunch the bleeding the

best he could. He went cross eyed, trying to stare at his nose. His one eye

was already straining to do so with the darkening marks of a bruise.

Adrian's face shifted, unhinging to look relaxed with a bright excited

smile parting his lips and getting him giddy.

Macmillan looked stunned, not actually expecting to do any damage.

Adrian's eye hurt and the skin felt pulsating warm. It was a familiar

sensation, hadn't Bella always told me that second blood was always

justifiable.

"Master?" Lutain asked, his voice low and soothing. Adrian ignored him.

"An eye for an eye," Adrian said, grinning. He tasted blood. His teeth

tinged pink.

Why wasn't Macmillan finding it funny as well?

"What- I- I didn't-" Macmillan stuttered, and Adrian's eyes dilated and his

knuckle popped.

Adrian felt the exhilarating rush as his blood and magic beckoned to a

call he didn't know yet. There was something distinctly satisfying

watching Macmillan's eyes bulge as it undoubtedly struck him.

Macmillan gagged, retching with both hands moving to his mouth. With

almost exaggerated slowness, Macmillan pulled away a hand from his

bleeding mouth. He was holding the lower segment of a cracked tooth.

"A bargain is a bargain." Adrian announced, looking at Macmillan

through the latter's horrified gaze, "Next time you try something, you

know what to expect."

One of the Slytherin upper years healed Adrian's black eye efficiently

with lingering curiosity. She knew who she was, likely one of the few

upper years who actually believed him too.

His eye was healed, his nose fixed, and just in time for the Halloween

feast.

He walked with Theo, who had gotten rather attached to Adrian as of

recent. Likely because even Theo was smart enough to recognize, with

his family being a predominantly dark family, that having a strong ally

was important.

Theo took his seat next to Adrian, Draco sitting on his other side. Across

from them sat Crabbe and Goyle, with Pansy next to them. Daphne and

Millicent were further down the table, trying to avoid them as best they

could.

Draco scoffed when a group of bats swept close to the Hufflepuffs and

they squealed.

"A bunch of sheep they are," Draco muttered, trying to ignore Pansy's

barking laughter.

"It's a bad design" Theo sniped, snatching an apple from a nearby bowl.

"All the houses get good traits except that bunch,"

"I think I get it, the Hufflepuffs are too loyal for their own part," Blaise

murmured, taking the seat on the far side of Theo. "Too loyal to a single

person."

Adrian snorted quietly, remembering just earlier that day.

"Speaking of Hufflepuff, I heard a Hufflepuff boy was in the hospital wing

earlier," Daphne said, sliding over and leaning into Pansy to address the

group. Her eyes were silvery sharp, "Something to do with you, Selwyn?"

Adrian looked at her blankly.

"You sent a boy to the hospital wing?" Draco drawled. The 'again?' was

implied and everyone knew it.

Adrian reached for a roll, opening it and spreading some apple butter on

the inside. "I have no idea what you're talking about."

"I also heard that Maricia Holdwyn had to heal a black eye," Daphne

added, holding a slightly tilted smile. "Seems whoever it was got a good

hit in."

Adrian felt a small inkling of anger. Was Daphne now challenging him as

well?

Draco looked pointedly at Adrian, who was calmly looking at Daphne.

Adrian shook his head dismissively, saying, "I heard the Hufflepuff boy is

missing a few teeth. I wonder why, when he had no bruises."

Daphne backed down, suddenly more interested in the food on her plate.

The others seemed to become a bit more interested in their own meals

too. They all knew that they hadn't learned any hexes to remove teeth.

"Adrian?" Theo muttered under his breath, taking a large slice of moist

turkey. Adrian glanced sideways, seeing his slightly sheepish expression.

The conversation topics had changed, everyone was involved with their

own debates at the moment.

"Yes, Nott?" Adrian sighed, turning to face the thin blonde hair boy more

directly. Adrian's use of his surname seemed to heighten his anxiety.

"What were the uh, the things?" Theo started, shifting uncomfortably.

"That the other people couldn't see?"

"Thestrals," Adrian answered, glancing through the hall where a Thestral

was sleeping near the large pumpkin. It was likely staying for the feast

and then would help tug the pumpkins out. "They're omens of death."

Theo inhaled sharply.

"A Thestral is the exact opposite of a unicorn, or a pegasus. Nobody

knows how they breed, or how they're born. They're classified as dark

creatures by the Ministry." Adrian smiled and met Theo's surprised and

wondering eyes. "Only people who have witnessed death firsthand can

see a Thestral. Isn't that right, Nott?"

Theo flinched almost instantly.

"Master!" Adrian stopped and looked past Nott towards the great doors

which were propped open. He thought he spotted his dark friend moving

quickly over the floor towards the Slytherin table. "Master! You must flee!"

Theo was looking at him too suspiciously to risk speaking to Lutain.

Instead Adrian craned his head, peering over and searching for Lutain's

approaching form.

"Selwyn? What is it?" Draco asked, looking over in search of what he saw.

Adrian dropped his arm, finally seeing Lutain slithering over the floor in

the torchlight. A few murmurs went up and down the table, a few upper

years noticing the snake.

"What's that thing want now?" Blaise muttered, meeting Adrian's eye.

Blaise knew that Adrian often left the door open just enough for his

friend.

"Master, a large creature is in the hallways. A large creature! Bumbling and

clumsy like a tree!" Lutain snapped, quickly sliding up Adrian's arm and

over his shoulder. Lutain had grown, he was starting to weigh like heavy

rope.

"He doesn't normally come here unless there's something wrong," Adrian

mused, rubbing Lutain's face.

"A large creature big as tree! Heavy stick. Stench! Masked human pop and it

was there! In dark den!"

As large as a tree? Humanoid and with a heavy stick-

Adrian tensed and was instantly confused: how had a troll been snuck

into the castle?

"There must be something in the dungeons," Adrian spoke, loud enough

for everyone to hear, "Something which is dangerous."

He heard Pansy scoff.

The great doors were swung open even further as a panting James Potter

ran into the hall, face serious and not at all pausing for breath.

"Troll!" He shouted, using his wand to amplify his voice. "Troll in the

dungeons! Prefects, get your students under control and escort them back

to the common rooms!"

Skylar immediately jumped and ran down, he raced up to his dad who

had cut the amplification spell.

With a sinking feeling, Adrian scanned the Gryffindor table as the hall

erupted in screams. Where was Hermione?

Adrian ducked his head close to Lutain and whispered under the shouts,

"Did you smell anyone else in the dungeons?"

"Yes, in a water room. Hard with stench. Scent female."

Hermione was in a toilet in the dungeons? There was an abandoned girls

room a few hallways over from the Slytherin common room access; it

wouldn't be that big of a stretch to assume she had hidden from the

Gryffindors there.

Adrian stood and slid off the bench, the rest of the students followed his

lead. Vaisley and Terence jumped at the chance and started to direct

everyone through the halls and down the staircases towards the

dungeons.

Lutain took his time scenting the air, glancing around and searching for

the troll. Adrian heard no words and smoothly stepped out of the way,

ducking behind a suit of armor. The rest of the group filed past quickly,

leaving him alone in the hallway only moments later.

"Alright Lutain, can you keep your eyes open for the troll? I'll find the girl."

Adrian muttered, turning to sharply run down the hallway.

He mentally cursed the loud clicking his shoes made, the sound echoing

and distorting surreally. Lutain hissed in surprise when Adrian twisted

around one corner, looking frantically for the washroom entrance. The

hairs on his arms were standing in the near darkness of the hallway, and

the looming threat that a troll was loose anywhere.

He barged through the door, instantly hearing quiet sobs.

"Hermione," Adrian bluntly stated, locking the door behind him and

moving to the stalls. The sobbing abruptly cut off.

"Adrian?" Hermione asked, voice uplifting hopefully. She opened one of

the stalls, her eyes red and puffy, "What are you-"

"We don't have time," Adrian interrupted, grabbing her arm forcefully. He

ignored how Hermione paled once seeing Lutain up close for the first

time. "There's a troll loose in the castle, mountain troll I think, although

It could be a oak troll. Stick close, I'll get you back to the hallways."

Hermione floundered at the surplus of unexpected information. Both of

them froze in sync as the door Adrian had purposefully locked shut,

creaked open.

"Master! It stench!" Lutain hissed, pulling a protective stance.

"Back!" Adrian urged, pushing Hermione back against the stall as the two

slipped inside. They could hear the heavy footfalls as the troll lumbered

into the room, dull echo thumps as it knocked its head against the torch

sconces and the ceiling.

Adrian pulled out his wand, ignoring Hermione's frantic hand gestures to

do the opposite. He peered around the corner, spotting the dumb looking

troll who was poking a mirror in confusion. It was a mountain troll after

all.

"Bite? Bite?" Lutain enthused, flexing eagerly in anticipation.

"When I say, run." Adrian whispered, before turning and waltzing out

entirely.

The troll noticed him immediately, it grunted and hefted the large

wooden club up above its head threateningly. It bellowed angrily and

Adrian slowly lifted his wand. Without warning, it brought the club down

hard.

"Incendio." Adrian murmured, the club burning instantly, scorching the

troll's hands. It stupidly dropped the club, the heavy burning wood

glancing off its right shoulder.

The troll cried out loudly, clutching its shoulder and sobbing at the

blisters on its palms. Adrian snatched Hermione by the arm, throwing her

past the troll.

She screamed, running around the troll and out the busted door, Adrian

followed quickly. He had been trained to run fast, normally sharp curses

being cast behind him. There was a sort of terrifying adrenaline which

pulsated through his blood. He knew instantly that this troll was more

dangerous than anything Bella had thrown at him; with Bella he had the

assurance of counterspells and healing potions.

"It's coming!" Hermione screamed, tears running down her face.

Adrian pointed his wand over his shoulder without looking. "Avis!"

A small flock of canaries shot out of Adrian's wand. Hermione rounded a

corner just ahead. Adrian rounded the same corner, scrambling in

surprise when a suit of armor was levitating above his head.

The troll stumbled past, and the suit of armor dropped onto the creature.

The collective weight of the metal plates and chainmail weighed heavily

and knocked the troll unconscious.

Adrian breathed heavily to catch his breath, Hermione had a breathless

smile, looking at Adrian thankfully.

"Get back to your common room, avoid the teachers," Adrian panted,

giving a sharp nod before running off to the hallway perpendicular.

Adrian grinned as he slipped into the common room without ever seeing

a single teacher.

Such a shame that Snape was halfway through a word, addressing the

Slytherin house, when Adrian managed to slide in.

Cat Beats: I think you do have some difficulty ahead when portraying

more on Skylar and the Potters, as it can easily turn one dimensional and

tropy.

True, it's one thing I'm going to have to think through very carefully. Following

the original, It'll still be a long while before we actively get to anything focused

on the Potters. For now, it's all about developing Adrian and his new family.

Guest: I was wondering though, is Adrian's relationship

Following the original, I plan for Adrian to have no romantic interest- well, If I

write this properly, there should be a few one-sided romantic interests but

Adrian, being the adorable little messed up kid he is, will either overlook it

entirely, or reject it in a spectacular show of shouting and possible flames.

So no, Adrian will not have a partner, or significant other.

Guest: I was wondering if Adrian's relationship with Voldemort was

going to be very different from the original since he grew up with the

Lestranges in this story.

I thought it through, and although Adrian lived with the Lestrange's, there will

be an event which forces him to live in the same house as his father. This will

make some heavily awkward bonding, but shouldn't affect the story that much.

I can say that the relationship is going to be drastically different, simply

because well, the other one wasn't realistic. I intend to make this story as

plausible as possible, which ultimately gives Adrian his own sorts of problems.

The Struggling Warrior: I remember the original. It never really stuck

with me because there was...a lack of finesse in the writing. This seems to

be more honed and intriguing. I look forward to more and seeing the

story grow further.

I entirely agree, that's why I started this new story. Hopefully this one will

leave a lasting impression.

Kaliedo: I hope this version of Harry maintains a Slytherin approach to

things as opposed to your original versions Draco-ish approach, he wasn't

exactly subtle and tended to gloat

He will for as long as it fits his character. I won't divulge more, however I can

say that there will be a slow slope over many many chapters where he will

start to act more...volatile. I'll write it as carefully as I can and hopefully,

you'll enjoy it just as much. Don't worry, that's still very far ahead.

Ciniad: Shouldn't harry also be adopted by a pureblood woman why does

he still have his mudblood mother I dont think this is something

Voldemort would tolerate in his heir?

Good point. I think that although Voldemort hates the fact he still has other

genes, allowing Harry to be adopted through blood by another person would

give the impression of equality. Either equal control over Harry, or equal rank

as Voldemort.

I view blood adoption more as removal of half of the current genes, to add

half of the new blood adoption. Through this, Harry could technically be

adopted by two people of the same gender, although that's not going to

happen.

In my mind, Harry now has a quarter of Lily Potter's genes, a quarter of

James Potter's genes, and half of Voldemort's genes.

The additional adoption would sever the genetic composition further: an eighth

Lily Potter, an eighth James Potter, a quarter Voldemort, and a half of

whoever now adopted him.

Through this, it is impossible to completely remove the genetics of the birth

parents, however you can impose your own genetics to be more apparent. This

is applicable in both phenotype, and genotype. Blood adoptions also pass along

the likelihood of genetically inheritable diseases, such as inheriting

colourblindness, sickle-cell anemia, and others. Don't be alarmed- Harry does

not have any, but I like to elaborate.

M.L.: I'm curious if Voldemort is going to involve himself more in his

'son's' life anytime soon.

PS Please, please don't let Dumbledore or James somehow magically out

of nowhere figure out that Hadrian was once a Potter and gulittrip him

into going Light. So many stories are wasted this way.

Voldemort will be more important very soon. Don't worry about Dumbledore

and James, I promise you I won't let that sort of ending happen. There will be

multiple Dumbledore and Potter-centric chapters leading to that.

15. Epithet

This chapter has not been beta'd for the convenience of time.

I'd like to mention that I personally read every review, and I'd like

to thank everyone who takes the time to respond and ask questions.

As always, answers from questions pertinent to the prior chapter

and story in general, are answered at the bottom.

Happy New Year! Best wishes for 2017

Sirius Black, a sector head Auror as well as James Potter's close friend,

along with Lily Potter, a specialist in wards and charms, marched into

Hogwarts the day after the troll was secured.

The troll had been found three corridors over from the Slytherin common

room. It was reported that it had developed second degree burns on its

hands, dislocated its right shoulder, and somehow obtained a minor

concussion. The troll was cautiously charmed and transported by a small

Auror team to an unknown location.

The fact the troll's injuries were public knowledge quickly forced the

dynamics of students to shift uncontrollably. Students became suspicious

of one another, tensions were nearing a breaking point across houses.

Hufflepuffs were snapping at Ravenclaws, just the other day a Gryffindor

upper year landed himself in the hospital wing after tackling another

student down a flight of stairs.

Adrian was thankful Lutain hadn't bit the creature, if that was the case

there would only be so few suspects.

Draco found the situation amusing, resting in the self-satisfied glow of

finally having Adrian under Snape's wrath. Adrian had almost received a

detention for sliding into the common room at such an inopportune

moment. The only reason he hadn't was due to his spotless track record.

Once the troll was found with burns, regardless of the previous evidence

which implied otherwise, the whispers started. His mysterious tardiness

alongside the troll's injuries painted a target on his back as the only

suspect in the eyes of his house-mates. Of course, in a castle populated by

students, some legally of age to be considered an adult, it would be

asinine for teachers and aurors to interrogate an eleven year old boy.

It didn't deter Draco, who took it as his personal mission to pry the truth

out of Adrian.

"Seems funny, that a troll was actually in the castle." Draco drawled,

moving a chess piece one square forward. Blaise scowled at his opponent,

thinking rapidly to counter the move.

"It musta been one heck of a spell to bring it here." Theo noted, looking

just as twitchy as ever, "Musta been one heck of a spell to take it down."

"If it was a spell." Draco trailed off, implications weighing heavy as once

more, his silver eyes slid to Adrian and his trademark book.

"You all are missing the point," Adrian stated with a sigh, turning a page

absentmindedly with two fingers, "Someone, not a student or staff,

brought a live mountain troll into Hogwarts, past the wards."

Blaise rolled his eyes, "Calm down there, Harry."

Adrian stiffened suddenly, tensing his entire body to the point of

miniscule trembles.

"What, did you call me?" He asked, forcing casualness despite the rising

swell of anxiety and rage. His legs tensed spasmitaclly, his own brute

effort to restrain from leaping across and pummeling his roomate. How

Adrian wished to see him choke- how the scenario flashed before his eyes

with Adrian's own primitive snarl and his fingers tightening against the

fluttering throat-

Blaise blinked lazily and bored, "Harry. Your name is Hadrianus isn't it?

Adrian was getting old-"

"I like it," Theo chimed, quickly flinching and shying away once he

noticed Adrian's countenance, "Or, er, not?"

"Zabini, you're switching rooms with Nott."

Blaise paused, "Like hell I am-"

"Coltello." Adrian hissed out, snapping his book shut with a crack. His

freezing spell was over, now he rolled with the jerky movements of

barely restrained violence. Blaise's eyes widened and his nostrils flared.

"No?" Adrian asked, his voice was wavering suspiciously high, "So get

out."

Blaise's jaw tensed but he relinquished with sharp nod.

Unaware of the perils of approaching, an upper year walked forward

from the other side of the Slytherin Common Room.

"Adrian Selwyn?" Either arrogant or unobserving, an upper year

addressed the group carelessly. Theo pointed wordlessly at Adrian, his

thin face still expressing the finest twitch of alarm. Blaise recovered first,

groaning loudly in frustration as once again, Draco had cornered him into

a check.

As if the sound had broken an unspoken spell, the atmosphere broke and

melted away.

"How may I be of assistance?" Adrian monotonously asked, relaxing his

clenched fists and blinking three times to compose himself.

"You do things for people, right?" The boy asked, looking uncomfortable

as he just now comprehended how terse the four were. Adrian gave a

minor nod, confirming what was almost public knowledge already.

"Would you meet with this, ah, another student and get something for

me?" the boy asked, trying to hide his instinctive shifting of weight.

Considering how shady this already sounded, it didn't take much of a

guess to assume who it was Adrian would have to see.

"I'm to pay Calum a visit?" Adrian sighed, "I don't do things from the

generosity of my heart."

"What heart?" Draco mumbled, moving a rook to overtake Blaise's poorly

placed knight.

The boy flushed, either embarrassed or annoyed. He reached into his bag-

charmed to be larger internally then it appeared. After sinking his arm up

to his elbow in the brown sack's innards, he retrieved a package wrapped

in brown paper.

"Two vials of Dreamless Sleep potion, I managed to snag them from the

hospital wing awhile back. They're still good." The boy urged, Adrian

plucked the package and absentmindedly fingered the paper edging.

"Don't the older students brew this?" Adrian raised one eyebrow, looking

disappointed with the offer, "How is this any better than what I can get?"

"It's Pomfrey," The boy blinked, looking gobsmacked, "She gets them from

St. Mungos!"

Adrian suspected she actually purchased them from a potion supplier

company, not St. Mungos directly. Having industrial strength potions

instead of blind trust in someone's brewing abilities was beneficial.

Adrian set the package beside him on his couch, procuring his wand and

offering the end daintily. The boy blinked in confusion but pinched the

wooden end between his forefinger and thumb.

"Peddlemus, there. I'll uphold in our bargain. When and where?" Adrian

interrogated quietly, obtaining the relevant information. The boy, Dyrik,

left.

"That's what you do?" Draco asked, much more interested having seen the

exchange first hand, "You work in little arrangements?"

"I've gotten over fifty galleons, and It's not even holiday break." Adrian

noted, raising one eyebrow at Draco's gobsmacked expression, "It's an

excellent business."

Adrian walked up the steps quickly and with precision. His shoes-

swapped for soft soles, permitted him to climb the steps essentially silent.

He took the first right once reaching the top of the staircase, seeing the

faint glimmer of the setting sun illuminate the covered bridge. A tall

figure was leaning against one of the arches, looking at the view of the

Black Lake.

"It's been a while, Calum." Adrian smiled politely, walking out past the

heating wards. The chill of nearly winter bit through his cloak

mercilessly.

Calum spun, glaring at Adrian with scowl, "What you doing here, kid?"

"Dyrik sends his regards." Adrian explained, holding out two galleons

which Calum snatched up tentatively. In turn, Calum pulled out two vials

of something dark, before passing it over. Adrian grabbed it in his

significantly smaller hands.

"Careful there, that's all I got." Calum warned.

"Look at you, a potions dealer." Adrian chuckled, sliding the twin vials

into his pocket. Calum scowled, looking on the verge of saying more.

He didn't, instead he stormed past Adrian through the wards back into

the warmth of the castle. Adrian followed soon after, although the view

from the bridge was amazing he'd rather be dressed more suitably against

the temperature.

He was descending the stairs when he ran into Hermione. The girl

flushed wildly, but seemed determined in a self righteous way.

"Adrian." she huffed, putting her hands on her hips dramatically in a way

which reminded him of Draco, "I want to make a bet!"

Adrian blinked, overly conscious of the vials in his pocket, "Deals. I make

deals. Do you have coin?"

She deflated instantly, the Gryffindor bravado vanished from her body

like the water of a sink leaving when it's plug was pulled. She chewed her

lip- a horrid habit with teeth like hers, hesitantly shaking her head.

Adrian felt a surge of disgust, had others truly caved under an expression

so pitiful? Bella would have sent him something memorable if he ever

tried an expression as unsightly as that.

"I can make other deals, favours. What is it you need?" Adrian asked,

tilting his head curiously.

"I- I'm trying to find anything on this name," she chewed on her lip

unsure. She didn't seem motivated to indulge him any more information

before they had an accordance of sort.

Adrian pulled out his wand and offered the end to Hermione. "Hold the

tip, I'll cast the spell. If I don't follow through you won't be expected in

any way to help me later on." Hermione nodded and grabbed it carefully.

"Peddlemus."

Her eyes widened when she felt the warm tingle, Adrian slid his wand

back in his pocket. "What is it you need help with?"

"Nicholas Flamel." Hermione blurted all too eager for his help, "I- I know

the name but I can't remember from where!"

Flamel, Adrian remembered that name. The ancient man had worked

alongside Lutain's namesake, generally he had created spells for

transmutation. Ingredients for alchemy and metallurgy.

"I'll find out. Where is the Gryffindor common room located?" Adrian

asked calmly, Hermione dutifully explained that the room was located

behind the portrait of the Fat Woman just off the stairwells.

Now all Adrian had to do was to figure out why Flamel was important

enough to have Hermione make a deal with him.

Adrian returned to the large train, prepped to transport the students back

to King's Cross station. Snow had just started to sprinkle, a gentle sight

Adrian had seen rarely since he had lived in lower England instead of

northern Scotland.

He diverted his eyes once removing himself from the carriage. The

Thestrals snuffed loudly, no steam rising from the sunken nostrils.

Adrian once again secured a single compartment for himself. This time he

had dragged his trunk along with him, feather-light and slightly shrunken

for better maneuvering.

"Going home?" Lutain questioned, peering around the compartment and

flicking his tongue wildly, "Home-rats taste best."

"That's because you're spoiled." Adrian murmured under his breath,

reaching into his other pocket to retrieve a broken quill he had stuffed in

one late night at the library.

He held it loosely, twirling the broken shaft and split vanes between his

fingers.

He pulled gently at the thrumming whispers under his skin, fingers

tingling until they nearly burned just under the nail beds; the quill

shivered, changing and warping in a grotesque slow transformation.

Sharp edges vibrated on the border of comprehension before warping

into brown. The mass of the quill expanded then shrunk, bubbling on the

surface like Crabbe's failed potions. It spasmed in an awkward jumble of

magic, something wild and unrestrained forced and shackled to obey

Adrian's focus and desire. It settled and cooled rapidly, complete and

laying limp in the shape of a dead mouse.

Lutain scented it immediately, his head turned and wavered as his tongue

poked through the small hole in his frontal jaw and flickered incessantly.

Adrian smiled wordlessly, his mind sated if not slightly exhausted from

the adrenal thrill which occurred after the release of his magic. It had

been a painfully long while since he had any reason to release his intent

and shape something to his pleasure.

"Mine?" Lutain asked eagerly, dancing instinctevly at the rodent, "Mine

still if you say not. This mine."

The door to the compartment slid open at the single time to witness not

only Lutain's jaws unhinging to consume a limp rodent, but also the

baffling carefree grin on Adrian's face.

"Bloody hell," Draco breathed "That is more terrifying than triple

detention with Filch."

Adrian's smile instantly fell and his expression returned to normal range

of clouded impasse. He turned his head, giving Draco one of his dryest

glances; Adrian's hair was ruffled still which partially damaged his

newfound composure.

"Why are you here?" Draco ignored the inquiry and instead sat on the

seat across from Adrian, he watched Lutain for a moment with tense

body language.

"My father always hosts a Yule Ball." Draco started, his head lifted high.

"I won't be able to attend," Adrian cut off Draco, hastily adding in, "No

insult intended for your noble house. It would have been a pleasure,

although regrettably in my own family the traditions of yule are more..."

Adrian trailed off, before offering a wry smile, "It's difficult to explain."

Draco's eyes were clouded although he gave a sharp nod of

understanding. He rose, prim and proper before walking to the doors of

the compartment and pausing, "I fully anticipate gifts for the holidays

from you, Adrian. Obviously it will be reciprocated."

Adrian gave the barest movement of a nod, "Obviously,"

Adrian returned to the Lestrange household with loud squeals from Bella

and gruff welcomes from her husband and brother-in-law.

Bellatrix was rough, grasping his arm excitedly and with enough vigor to

blossom bruises under his skin. He returned it briefly, taking a step back

as Bellatrix's eyes scanned his face to take in his new appearance.

"Your hair is getting too long," She tutted her tongue, grasping the long

strands roughly, they were being swept aside on his forehead to not

obscure his eyesight. "Have you gotten thinner?"

"Unlikely considering the ridiculous amount of pudding and pastries at

every meal," Adrian rebutted, causing Bellatrix to wriggle in joy.

She was eager, already casting spells upwards against the creaking and

groaning supports above their head. Adrian kept his wand on him, ready

for a shielding spell incase Bella's spell's resulted in breaking the roof

after all.

Hedwig returned and took to roosting in the owlery happily, she had

swept into the large dining hall and delivered a still breathing mouse to

Lutain to express her satisfaction. The snake in question had ate earlier,

Hedwig did not mind his refusal, digging in instead with relish.

The Yule holiday wasn't especially eventful although compared to the

daily schedule of Hogwarts, it was filled with a relentless series of drills

and fights. Bellatrix was personally adamant that Adrian had forgotten all

he had managed to learn, and took her time to draw out their matches

until Adrian was nearly whimpering on the ground.

The third day of winter break Adrian managed to perform the stunning

spell, although rudimentary and weak in power, it had caught Bella off

guard enough that her elbow was clipped and she teetered to the ground.

The fourth day, she was determined to drill in the spell until it was

effortless for him, no matter the amount of times she would have to

awaken him.

Adrian slumped to the ground, hand clutching his shoulder where

crimson weeped from a cutting curse.

Bellatrix folded her legs and sat directly across from him with a savage

look in her eye. She poked his arm, ignoring his hiss of pain and licked

the red from her dark nails.

"Your father wants you to learn Occlumency." She informed Adrian,

causing the latter to freeze; the pain in his arm felt so insignificant all the

sudden.

"What?" He breathed, pulling his knees to his chest and clutching them

carefully.

"I don't know how to do it," Bellatrix confessed, "He said my brain is a bit

too-" her eyes became alit with a maddening fire, "too confusing."

"When does he want me to learn it by?" Adrian swallowed, feeling

anxiety rise in his throat and buzz nauseatingly in his stomach, "How

much time do I have?"

"Summer?" She asked, tilting her head as she squinted into nothing,

"Summer I think?"

"That's not long," Adrian whispered, hand spasming into a tight fist.

Bellatrix acted like the information wasn't new, she could have given him

more time. She could have told him.

He almost saw a filter slide over his eyes, something dark and shrouding

his vision. He looked at Bella, so intimately cold at her, and with a crack

of one knuckle she was suddenly trapped in the chaotic mingling of

screams and laughter.

"Why didn't you tell me sooner." Adrian bit out, somewhere between

hysteria and raw fury. "You could have given me more time."

He released her, the pressure vanishing as the hands pushing on his skull

released their grip. She went lack on the ground, still laughing although

they only sounded winded.

"Because," her voice bubbled between still twitching lips, "It's funny when

you do this."

"You think it's funny?" Adrian asked, voice strikingly cold; he twisted his

head, trying to get something in his neck to crack on the one side while it

refused to do so.

He pressed on her, feeling something in his chest tighten as her breath

refused to come to him. She spasmed on the ground, unable to laugh

with the air being pulled from her very lungs.

"You've placed me in a poor situation, Lestrange." Adrian's voice was ice,

"Not again."

He released her, and walked away.

Christmas Day Adrian spent with Lutain nestled on a stack of warm

towels, and Hedwig perched in the branches of an obnoxiously large tree

in the drawing room.

Rodolphus and Rabastan were gone often the days leading up to the

holiday, apparently on missions to recruit or blackmail wizards.

Christmas day they were battered with broken bones and blackened eyes,

all in various states of healing.

"Let's ignore that," Bellatrix huffed, instead sliding a hazardous wrapped

box over towards Adrian. "Open it!"

Adrian did so, pulling on the tape to loosen the paper. It was a crate, and

inside that was a single key.

He held it up questioningly, to which Bellatrix elaborated that it was a

key to her childhood home. She didn't understand Adrian's compulsion or

longing with every book within sight, but could recognize the vast

collection of books and scrolls that belonged to the family of Black held

valuable wealth.

Rodolphus gifted him a journal, one thick and black Adrian immediately

designated to keep track of all the deals that had transacted. Rodulphus

also gave him various objects that although showed an effort, it didn't

show that he knew Adrian very well. Socks, a pair of new boots, treats for

Hedwig and a potion for Lutain to aid during sheds. Rabastan went

slightly further, giving him an inkwell fashioned from some sort of

magical creature's claw, and a collection of potions in small vials; most

were likely questionable in content.

There was another gift, in a small box with silvery embossed paper. Once

Adrian was able to see it closer, the embossing was actually a delicate

peacock feather pattern.

"The Malfoy's?" Adrian asked, glancing at Bella who shrugged and looked

at the paper.

Adrian pulled it open, lifting the black lid off until he spotted the

shimmering black fabric.

He pulled it out carefully, the material feeling almost like silk yet it likely

was much stronger.

"Why would Malfoy's gift me something?"

He lifted the entire mass from the box, freezing when he deciphered

spidery handwriting at the very bottom.

'You will show your worth.'

It wasn't signed, and it didn't need to be.

He pulled the cloth out and unfolded it, it was a cloak. The trimmings

were in silver with ivory clasps akin to Death Eater masks. The tail of the

cloak was in tatters, select strands touching the floor while other ratty

tears only met his calf. The material was silky and chillingly cold

compared to the rest of the cloak.

"Adrian," Bellatrix spoke, voice low as she leant in to be heard, "The Dark

Lord has named you as his heir," Her lips nearly touched his ear,

"Cerastes."

Like a viper rearing to strike, Adrian felt the thick coils of something

under his skin tightening in tension.

He was out of time after all.

Thundramon: Um, I don't understand why you insist there won't be a

romantic relationship? I think that having a Romance would balance the

story. Make it a bit lighter on the heart.

Unfortunately with most romance fics, people emphasize romance and

personal attachment as well as smut too much. In an effort to cut back on

that, I'll just reduce the sexual relationship Adrian will have. That doesn't

mean that Adrian won't be asked (and he'll break hearts) or that he wont have

strong friends and so on. It's just to save the story or to make it a little easier

to swallow, especially when it really starts to get dark.

SernaJ: I hope that in the future, you will give us an insight on other

character's point of view

At this point something like that won't happen for a long while. There will be a

few portions through Dumble's perspective as well as the Potters, but still a

long way out.

16. Admittance

Alright everyone, this is the last chapter of year one. The next

chapter will begin with second year, where things instantly start

picking up speed.

Someone asked about update schedules and admittedly, my

schedule revolves entirely around my beta. Rest assured, I'll be

trying to crank out these chapters as fast as possible.

If you would like more accurate information or would like access to

fanart, feel free to follow my tumblr url 'Digitalta'.

Once again, a huge cry of thanks to my beta who has suffered

through my blatant American-isms and awkward sentence structure

to make something beautiful.

Draco kept his word as well as the gift Adrian sent him. Adrian was

rather amused with the large collections of Honeydukes chocolate

courtesy of Pansy. Blaise sent a large spiraling branch from a corkwood

tree (Lutain said that the aroma was positively divine). Draco gifted him

an impressively thick book on advanced spellwork which was interesting,

but paled to the one of a kind collection of dark spells from the Nott

library itself. Hopefully each of his classmates appreciated the gilded

quills he sent.

Bellatrix kept true to her word and apparated the two into the Black

Family household. Something about the house felt bizarrely comforting,

something deep in the inch thick dust and grime or in the cracked leather

covers of ancient tomes. They left after many hours, Bellatrix apparating

back and forth twice to accommodate trunks filled with handpicked

books from the ceiling-tall shelves.

Returning to Hogwarts was enjoyable, although it meant he could only

indulge the reading of two of his new books. Thankfully, both subjects

were on Occlumency, which now was at the forefront of his mind.

The concept of Occlumency was to create mental barriers in one's mind

to prevent a user of Legilimency from finding purchase and tampering

with your very thoughts or memories. It seemed like it would be a

difficult skill; Adrian doubted he'd be able to learn it in such a short time.

The Slytherin common rooms were just how they left it, his room rather

much the same. The only exception was Theo who plastered up posters of

a quidditch team Adrian didn't recognize.

Adrian felt that in his absence over the break, his use as an information

broker had become, if not public knowledge, then widely known in the

snake den. His leather journal was slowly being filled with ink, listing the

names and the specifics of what deals he had made and what advantages

to reap.

The rest of the year was looking to be very interesting.

"I'm sorry but if you don't know the password-" The Fat Lady started, her

tone objectionable.

"I'm aware," Adrian interrupted, crossing his arms behind his back.

"However if you could just pass a message along for me...?"

The Fat Lady floundered, looking unsure at the other whispering

portraits.

Thankfully, she didn't have to decide as the painting swung outwards. An

upper year stumbled backwards into the hole, not expecting Adrian to be

standing there.

"What- who are you?" The boy stammered, before squinting at Adrian

suspiciously. "Wait, are you a snake?"

"Could you please get Hermione Granger for me?" Adrian said calmly. "Or

perhaps you could let me inside?"

The upper year stared at Adrian like he had sprouted deer antlers. "Er,

yeah. Friends with Potter right? Thought that name sounded familiar-"

He murmured under his breath, before he turned and vanished back into

the Gryffindor stronghold.

Adrian counted slowly. Exhaling and reigning in his temper as slowly the

painting swung outwards again. "Alright, snake. Come on in. But we're

watching you!"

Adrian gave a nod of understanding as he stepped through the high lip

and stumbled into the tower. It was decorated brightly with warm

colours, mostly reds and golds. A bright cheery fire and well abused

velvet furniture made the tower seem similar to the inside of an antiques

store in Diagon Alley.

"Adrian!" Hermione bubbled, jumping up from a couch where she had

been reading on her own. "Oliver said you were here but I didn't believe

it!"

Adrian gave a polite smile and awkwardly accepted her hug, then he

reached into his side bag and pulled up a slender scroll of parchment.

"Miss Granger, I believe I have information for you."

Hermione's eyes lit up and she eagerly guided him to a couch. He handed

her the scroll, watching with feigned disinterest as she read over the near

biography of Nicholas Flamel.

Her jaw dropped and she ran her hands through her bushy hair. "Adrian

this is- this is amazing!" Her eyes started shining with the newfound

knowledge, then she chewed anxiously on her bottom lip. "Do you- could

you find out another thing for me?"

"Likely, although it may take time."

"Do you know how to get past a Cerberus?"

Adrian paused. "A...cerberus? Are you sure it's not a Kerberos or a

Garmr?"

Hermione blinked, utterly baffled before she chewed on her lip again.

"It's... big. Really big. It has dark fur and looks like a bull terrier? But as

big as a tree!"

"No snake on its tail?" Adrian asked dryly. Hermione only looked

confused. "Alright, that is a Cerberus. Cerberuses have a weakness to any

sort of music. It'll cause them to fall asleep instantly."

Hermione jumped to her feet and wrapped Adrian in a hug once more.

"Oi! Get off her!" Adrian craned his neck, only seeing red hair before he

felt someone punch his cheek.

His head snapped to the side, Hermione jumped off and began to scold

whoever it was who had assaulted him. Internally Adrian began a

soothing mantra, trying to reign in his aggravated emotions. A small slap

was nothing; a minor healing charm could fix it once he left. He had been

hurt worse than this, yet the person attached to the hand wasn't exactly

helping in the circumstances.

"Ronald! This is Adrian!" Hermione scolded.

"You never said he was a slimy git too!"

"He's helping us!" Hermione scowled. "And you can't just attack him like-

like-"

"Like what!"

"Like an idiot!"

"Enough!" A new voice cried out, one which led all of Adrian to hiss and

coil to lash and kill-

He twisted instantly; his back hunched as he curled inwards and drew his

wand. His entire visage shifted from the forcibly relaxed to something

wounded and vicious.

"Talk sense in her, Skylar mate." Ron said frowning. "She's gone and lost

it."

"I have not!"

"Skylar Potter." Adrian stood, removing his hand from his face and

instead held it aloft. He forced his shoulders back in a way which seemed

painful, and plastered a thin lipped smile onto his face. "I've heard plenty

of interesting things and I do enjoy..." Adrian stood from the couch and

took a few steps, shaking Skylar's baffled outstretched hand. "Interesting

things."

Hermione huffed. "Adrian finds out information. He helped Pavarti before

the holidays with that one spell for eye-bags!"

Adrian gave a small nod, confirming the information. His eyes never left

the gentle hazel mixture of somewhere in between blue and Lily's green.

"He found this." Hermione whispered, handing over the scroll which

Skylar forcibly broke Adrian's gaze to roll open. Skylar stared a few

moments, reading Adrian's uniquely spider-like handwriting.

Ron snatched it and squinted at the uniform small print. "Did a rat write

this?"

Hermione smacked his arm.

Skylar puffed up one cheek, looking lopsided as he looked over the

writing more suspiciously. "You write this, mate?"

Adrian's hands twitched with the barely restrained urge to throttle Skylar.

"Can I get you to do my potions essay?" Ron joked, although that changed

to gobsmacked when Adrian gave a curt nod.

"Ronald, Adrian deals out bets, wagers," Hermione struggled to explain.

"Deals and that sort."

"Deals?" Skylar's expression was more critical, and with one hand he

rubbed it over the edge of his jaw under his left ear. "That sounds a bit

shady there, mate. Careful who you go bargaining to."

Adrian felt the entirely understandable urge to smack the boy just as

Weasley had done before. Of course Adrian knew full well that he was

dealing complicated business, there Skylar Potter to criticize his work.

Skylar had everything handed to him-

"I mean, I just don't want you getting into tough business." Skylar

interrupted roguishly, "If you do, give us a shout. A friend of Hermione's

is a friend of mine."

-Adrian had to work for everything.

"I wouldn't mind if he gets a bit roughed up," Weasley muttered, still loud

enough for Adrian.

Weasley didn't know pain the way Adrian had.

"If that's all you need, Miss Granger?" Adrian clipped stiffly, taking a few

steps back to slowly glare at Hermione who blushed and shook her head.

"Then I'll take my leave. Best of luck to your ventures."

He turned and walked as quickly as he could out of the tower, the air had

begun to fill and become stiflingly hot.

He wondered for the smallest moment what it would feel like to kill the

famous Skylar Potter.

The rest of the year drifted by almost like a Spring mist. Everyone was

caught in the mindless repetition of classes and homework, studying

material over and over in the shadows of looming exams, such that one

day seemed to blend into the next into the next.

The upper years were quiet, strangely so, as they vanished to wherever

they went to study.

And then the exams were upon them and even Adrian found himself

concentrating on his studies. His occlumency was still hopeless, but he

hardly had time to worry about that now. When he wasn't studying, he

and Lutain were both pressed with lethargy.

Adrian had almost forgotten entirely about Hermione and her questions

until the leaving feast was upon them, when the house cup was unfairly

stolen from Slytherin and awarded to Gryffindor.

Once he'd snapped out of the lethargy that accompanied exams, Adrian

had worked out that the "Golden Trio", as the rest of the school had

started to refer to the three, Skylar, his pet Weasley, and Hermione

Granger, had passed the Cerberus with his aid and ventured into the

spelled depths of the forbidden corridor on the third floor to retrieve the

Philosopher's Stone.

Although the prize would be marvelous, the risk surrounding it was too

great. Evidently it had lured something to the castle, something which had

let in the troll, attacked Snape (a couple of the upper years mumbled

seeing him walking with a limp) and ventured after the fabled artefact.

The trio most likely were aware of the threat and acted accordingly to

stop it.

Adrian mused what misguided fool would try to sneak into the castle

even with Dumbledore leaving for one day.

The Great Hall was filled with the echoing chaos of whistles and

clapping. All three tables rejoiced as the green banners shifted to red

with flourish. Fireworks crackled in the enchanted sky overhead,

illuminating the grimaces and scowls of Adrian's housemates. He kept his

own face perfectly neutral.

Adrian met with Hermione's breathless excited eyes over the distance.

Her smile grew wider and something in her eyes were warmer as well.

Ronald Weasley stated something, inaudible at that distance, which

distracted the witch from Adrian's gaze.

It didn't matter. As far as Adrian was concerned, he had established

something that would linger much longer than any fool-hearted attempts

to steal a relic.

"Time to go home," Lutain cheered, content enough to lounge alongside

the gilded plates from the feast.

Adrian felt the same.

End of Year One

Impstar: Adrian has...serious anger issues, He was being completely

unfair to Blaise. Simply telling him to never use that name again would

have been sufficient.

You're completely correct, and actually there's logic behind this.

When I was researching a number of topics to make this story more realistic, I

focused on the long term damage of child abuse due to negligence or apathy

from the caretakers. I'm not saying that Lily and James Potter were textbook

abusive, although I will say that growing up in an environment where the other

brother is considered more 'valuable' is unspeakably harsh. Those of you, my

fans, who have grown up or currently live in circumstances similar, I am so

very sorry for you.

In situations like those, it is common for children to experience a decrease in

morals, intense anger or aggressive tendencies, an outburst or disrespect to

authority figures, and various other symptoms. For example, there was a

pandemic in Russia due to the surplus of orphan or unwanted babies. The

mistreatment of Russian babies before they were adopted led to the children

developing serious problems when older, thus the stigma of 'Russian Problem

Children' was born.

It may seem entirely unnecessary, but I intend to work on Adrian's anger and

emotional instability later on to make this more realistic and emphasize his

flaws. Adrian under no circumstances is intended to be the perfect heir.

Cats Beats: I am slightly confused as to the cloak Harry was gifted, I'm

not sure if it would be fashionable to wear a spooky cloak around

Hogwarts

First off, I adore your username.

The cloak was gifted to Adrian as a very pointed reminder that Adrian

'existed' so to speak to serve Voldemort. In the original story, the cloak was

very signature of Adrian so I brought it back to make the differences between

the two stories not as obvious. Adrian was named 'Cerestes' which is a type of

mythological creature similar to a horned snake. Cerestes would wait in sandy

areas just under the surface, wiggling its horns to lure prey. Then it would

ambush and attack- symbolizing Adrian's own technique for war.

The cloak is not at all for Hogwarts, only for raids which Adrian will not be

participating at age 11.

DocCBM: Harry likes power and control. He should have a DSm

relationship with some girls. Someone like him will enjoy sex...but from a

controlling position which WILL involve inflicting pain.

Considering Adrian/Harry is 11 at this point, I don't think he'll be having

sexual relations with anyone soon.

Also, although it's an interesting thought, I purposefully do not write erotica or

explicit content in my stories. I generally refrain from writing relationships in

general, which is reflected in all of my other works even outside the HP

fandom.

Of course, in this hypothetical situation he most likely would have something

of the sorts.

scrandle: I wonder what the cloak does? It seems reminiscent of a

dementor's cloak.

The cloak is a shoutout and a popular request to bring back from the original

fic. It will be explained in more detail in Adrian's third year, when Dementors

are more present. Essentially yes, the bottom fringe is hemmed with segments

of a Dementor's cloak.

17. Blots

Once again a huge cry of thanks to my wonderful beta.

This is the first chapter of the second year arc, where things will be

admittedly much faster along.

As always, feel free to message me any questions and I'll answer you

either in a PM or at the bottom of the next chapter

Adrian's Occlumency shields were pitiful at best. Due to the well

shrouded secret of his very existence, he was not permitted to visit with a

teacher who could fortify his own walls.

Which left his father as the only Legilimens between the Lestranges and

the scarce number who were aware of his existence.

Adrian was rather uncomfortable with calling the shriveled, snakelike

creature, who looked more like a mandrake root than an actual person,

his father, but there was something about drawing closer to the Dark

Lord... something which made his skull ache yet sent addictively soothing

waves of sensation through his blood and left him dazed and slowly

walking ever closer.

The Dark Lord's residence felt purged of magic. Unlike the ancient noble

house of Black, where dark magic oozed and bubbled from the peeling

wallpaper, Adrian could scarcely feel its mark on the crown molding or

the plastered ceiling.

He knew where his father was, something in his heartbeat drawing

louder and yet somehow indiscernible whispers tickling the corners of his

hearing. He opened the large door at the end of the stairwell, slipping

inside blindly. Adrian paused, waiting for his eyes to adjust to the lack of

lighting. The fireplace was in use, the flickering flames casting dancing

shadows and filling the room with the smell of burning pine.

The door slid shut behind him, trapping him inside.

"My Occlumency shields are not yet in place," Adrian murmured, trying

to resist the wavering uncertainty. "I assure you, my Lord, I press to

better them."

He spotted the claw like hand curl inwards from the armrest, holding

daintily a bleached wand as long as Adrian's forearm.

There was a pause in the air.

"You see that you do," The high pitched voice triggered a ringing buzz in

Adrian's head. "What did you address me?"

Adrian stumbled. "I- I apologize, father, It will not-"

"Crucio."

His head screeched and his very nerves were alight with fire. It was a

baffling sensation, through the agony of pain!pain!pain! the very sense of

touch had been distorted and perverted until all that existed was the

raging inferno. The smoldering burn which echoed the laughter of Suzie

and the thrashing of David's death throes.

For some illogical reason through the suffocating hell, he envisioned a

single sparrow fluttering to the ground with venom in its blood.

He felt the curse release instantaneously. Blood was burning in his veins

but he could feel it warm down his arms and legs, filling his fingers and

toes which were contorted and cramping.

He was laying on the ground, the cloak covering his still twitching body.

His throat was hoarse and raw, blood sliding down from where his

tongue had been bitten through. Snot and tears made his face sticky and

damp.

He gasped, the sound was humiliating yet he couldn't prevent it. He

breathed heavily, on the verge of sobbing as each joint and socket

moaned out in its of suffering. It took him too long to rise to his knees,

longer still to manage a crawling position.

"Come here."

Adrian didn't dare resist. He dragged himself over the floor slowly,

collapsing at one point, his limbs leaden and his fingers trembling

violently. He kept moving, forcing himself to crawl, until he reached the

large chair and the skeletal homunculus sitting with its talon-edged feet

just above Adrian.

Adrian whimpered, his eyesight blurring at the sides, his eyelids drooping

before his sluggish thoughts could force them open again. A clawed hand

touched Adrian's head and he whimpered again, shaking and forcing

himself not to flinch away.

It continued, Adrian couldn't stop the tears from cascading or the

pathetic sounds from escaping his throat.

"I expect you to do better," the homunculus said, continuing with its

mockery of human affection. "You know what happens if I am…

displeased."

"Yes father," Adrian whimpered, eyes sliding shut once again.

It continued for a while. His father spoke a few times, stating spells that

Adrian evidently would have to master the next time he came in, or at

least have Bella teach him.

There was a strange part of Adrian that always seemed to intuitively

know what his father was feeling. It was alarming to suspect his father

was content with running his claws through Adrian's hair. Even more so

to suspect his father would miss his company.

It was after all, just a speculation.

Rabastan pulled out vials and began checking the labels on the side, he

returned it and continued on when not finding the desired potion.

Adrian was back at the Lestrage household, sitting pathetically on a

corner of a long cracked leather couch in the main sitting room.

Rodulphus was arguing with his wife, who was too perplexed to quite

understand the situation.

"I never had any potions!" Bellatrix argued, "The boy doesn't need any!"

"Because you certainly ended up sane from cruciatus curses." Rodulphus

argued, splaying out one hand towards Adrian, "He's eleven!"

"So!"

"He'll result in nerve damage or almost as crazy as you!"

Bellatrix huffed, casting an eye at the curled form of Adrian, who wasn't

entirely lucid.

Lutain was curled protectively nearby, watching his master with unease.

Adrian himself looked wretched, his skin was pale and nearly see through

in areas where it was naturally thinner. His eyes were glazed, large

patches of red from where capillaries had burst on his cornea. His lips

were stained red where blood still oozed down his chin, and throughout

all of that his legs and arms still flailed uncontrollably from the muscle

contractions and further spasms.

Rabastan finally found the proper potion and pulled it out; Adrian's eyes

flickered to it. The younger reached upwards, trying to grasp the vial yet

the violent trembling of his fingers left any coordination impossible.

"None of that," Rabastan grunted, grabbing Adrian's jaw and pushing the

vial between bloody lips, "The bugger bit his tongue too."

"I can heal it!" Bellatrix chirped, only for Rodulphus to argue, "You'll fuse

his tongue to his mouth!"

Adrian let out a low keening noise, which Lutain tensed to hear.

"I still don't get why it's such a big deal," Bellatrix huffed, "He's gotten the

curse before-"

Adrian violently turned, arching backwards and twisting. He managed

eventually, his pained actions ordering silence from the three caregivers

in the room. Once his back was facing outwards, and his eyes closed

against the back of the couch, the three left the room.

"I will protect you, master." Lutain swore, poking and prodding Adrian's

back with his blunt snout.

He felt comfort in the title, somehow finding satisfaction and stability in

the fact that if he was unable to decide his own fate, he at least held

power over something.

The spell, it was damnation. It was power.

Something from the events from earlier didn't seem to exactly line up.

From his understanding, his father held servants under the curse for

much longer than Adrian. Multiple castings were common, Bellatrix had

confessed the first time Adrian had experienced the spell, that she once

had upwards of six individual castings in a single meeting.

Adrian had blatantly failed his orders for accomplishing Occlumancy, yet

he had only one significantly short curse.

Perhaps his father was trying to teach him something after all.

He had received letters from Theo alongside Draco, although he

suspected the latter was just formalities. Theo's letter had been lengthy,

highly speculative about the new Defense Against the Dark Art's teacher.

Adrian had immediately looked into the matter, reading only two of the

assigned books (which were in fact Gilderoy Lockhart's complete

collection) before summarizing that it was all gargoyle rubbish.

There were clear contradictions in the stories, along with simple facts

that were impossible due to the time frame of events in the other books.

He had pointed out the flaws to Bellatrix, who sniffed once and reduced

his book to purple smoke. It even smelt pompous and extravagant.

The destruction of one of his required books meant that he was now

forced to purchase another copy, which Bellatrix relented and agreed to

pay for herself.

Another matter had come up, something which led to a certain amount of

dread as Adrian followed closely behind Bella through the streets of

Knockturn.

With Adrian's naming, Bellatrix had explained that it was now implied

that he must be marked. Not a Dark Mark, which would be too obvious,

but something relatively similar.

Nagini was a gorgeous snake, her patterns and her scales were dazzling

and according to Lutain, her shed was always smooth. It didn't surprise

Adrian when Bellatrix informed him that Nagini herself would be

plastered under the surface of his skin.

Bellatrix admitted that she was not familiar with any sort of permanent

marking or inking spells, which led them to pushing through the streets

of Knockturn to the well-known parlor Markus Scarrs Indelible Tattoos.

Adrian wasn't excited, and with a false cool exterior he entered the store

after Bellatrix.

It was ramshack like almost all of Knockturn, the floorboards had thin

gaps between them, everything else was aged slightly grey. The man

behind the counter looked at them, he had a series of porcupine quills

protruding from his scalp instead of hair.

"Well well," The man spoke, his voice deceptively hoarse, "If it isn't Mrs.

Lestrange herself."

Bellatrix flashed a somewhat crazy grin and pushed Adrian forward,

"You're going to mark this boy, and with the spelled ink."

The porcupine blinked, "Ain'e a bit young?"

Bellatrix beamed, "Nope!"

The man shrugged and walked out from around his counter, looking at

Adrian with a critical eye, "Wha' kind of spell again?"

"The portrait spell, and enchantments for movements and physical

interaction." Bellatrix rattled off, causing the man to lift one eyebrow-

thankfully with actual hair.

"Painting you a pretty lady, eh?" The porcupine winked, eying up Adrian

with a lewd grin.

"A snake," Adrian deadpanned, eyes glinting sharply, "Like her arm."

The man paused, looking seriously at Bellatrix who now was twirling her

wand, "Get out."

"Oh don't be daft," Bellatrix huffed, walking over to sit harshly on a three

legged stool near an archaic looking tattoo chair, "He's not actually

getting it. He just wants a snake like it. I can provide memory reference,"

She tailed off, watching as the porcupine man gulped and eyed Bellatrix's

wand carefully.

"Come here, boy," The man grunted, yanking Adrian over to the archaic

chair, "Ruddy well get it over with."

Bellatrix hummed, pressing her wand to her skull and pulling out a thin

strand of something from her temple. Adrian watched in fascination as the

man pulled out a single needle apparatus with an open vial at the top.

The silvery liquid slid into the needle, and the porcupine tapped the side.

"Right," He coughed, "How big?"

Bellatrix grinned and held her fingers two inches apart, "This is it's head."

The man's eyes bulged, gasping and staring at Adrian who already was

silently removing his shirt.

"Are you bonkers! The boy is a birch tree!" Porcupine argued, "It'd be as

long as his leg!"

"That's why you're going to give it a physical interaction and movement!"

Bellatrix snapped, pointing the wand at the man.

The man gulped, and slowly casted something under his breath on the

hollow needle. He casted a few more spells, continuing until the very tip

of the metal changed to the silver colour itself.

Without any other words, he leant forward and pressed it into Adrian's

skin.

It hurt, only like an annoying tingle under his skin. It spread from the

needle point, glowing silver across his chest and over one shoulder,

looping low and across his ribs before its tail continued down his thigh

out of sight.

It slowly faded, and from the fading scales began to rise, pressing

outwards and filling like Nagini herself was rising from his bones. It

blinked awake, flickering its tongue and peering outwards attentively

towards Bellatrix.

"There," The Porcupine swallowed, shifting and pulling out a shrunken

canvas. He enlarged it, before pressing the needle against the fabric and

tinting the material black. "And here's your portrait."

Bellatrix accepted the canvas, and looked at Adrian expectantly.

Adrian looked down at his chest where Nagini was slithering up and

investigating his collarbone, "Nagini, go to the picture."

The porcupine man gasped and spluttered in growing horror. The snake

turned, looking as if it was somehow going underwater. Its picture

warped and gradually vanished, until its tail slid inside the ripple and it

was entirely gone from Adrian's skin.

It slithered into view in the portrait, peering around once more, and

giving a loud hiss towards Porcupine.

Bellatrix smiled, and Adrian quietly slid his shirt back on.

"Thank you!" Bellatrix chimed, jumping upright without offering any sort

of payment to the man, Adrian didn't think that he would expect it

anyways.

Once outside, Bellatrix passed him a few galleons, more than enough to

replace the one book, and apparated him to the entrance of Diagon Alley.

"I'll be back in an hour," Bellatrix waved, before she vanished from sight

with a jarring crack.

Adrian stepped into the crowded streets, finding the situation very

similar to last year. He wished that he had brought Lutain, but his

familiar had eaten a rather large breakfast and was unable to move

quickly for the rest of the day.

He moved towards the bookstore, almost immediately feeling that

something was wrong with the building.

It was unsettling, he leant to the side, one hand holding him balanced as

he stared off and tried to pinpoint what it was that was making him so

uneasy.

"Adrian!"

Adrian snapped his head around, looking at the rather baffled but

uncomfortably smiling face of Hermione.

Adrian started over towards her, not quite comprehending still the

situation.

"Pleasure seeing you once more," Adrian nodded, looking over her

shoulder to see why she was so anxious-

-right as a younger girl's cauldron flew across the floor and an elder red

haired man tackled Lucius Malfoy into a bookshelf.

Dozens of heavy spell books came falling down on their heads; there was

a collective yell of, "Get him, Dad!" from two twins Adrian's elders;

assumedly his wife shrieking, "No, Arthur, no!"; the crowd stampeded

backwards and knocked more shelves to the ground.

"Break it up, here, gents, break it up-"

Now it was a large man, Hogwart's Groundkeeper if Adrian recalled

correctly, waded inwards through the sea of collapsed books and in an

instant, managed to pull Lucius Malfoy and who he assumed as Mr.

Weasley, apart.

Mr. Weasley had a cut lip and Lucius was starting to develop a dark spot

on his forehead.

He was still holding a Transfiguration book; he thrust it out at the

younger red haired girl and spat "Here, girl- take your book- it's the best

your father can give you-"

He turned and with as much dignity as he could spare he beckoned for

Draco, who was rather humiliated as default, and they left the shop.

"Yeh should've ignored him, Arthur," The gamekeeper grumbled, shaking

his head morosely, "Rotten ter the core, the whole family, every-one

knows that- no Malfoy's worth listenin' ter- bad blood, that's what it is-

slimy Slytherins ter all-"

Adrian cleared his throat, drawing attention from the gamekeeper who

looked curious.

Hermione gasped in alarm and flushed quickly, "I'm sure Hagrid didn't

mean that, Adrian! Not all Slytherins are bad! I mean, you-" She cut off

quickly, thoroughly embarrassed.

"You're that Slytherin-"

"-the broker-"

"-can you give us a deal?" The two twins spun, looking at Adrian

interestedly, while their mother scolded them loudly.

"Possibly," Adrian started slowly, "Although terms will have to be set

later."

The two twins beamed and grinned wickedly. Adrian gave a polite smile

and looked back at Hermione who was comforting two adults who looked

rather spooked.

"Adrian! These are my parents!" She hurried to introduce, "They're new to

this magic thing!"

"Muggles?" Adrian tested, trying not to wince or think on all experiences

he'd suffered due to muggles, "A pleasure to meet you."

They smiled and thanked him, exchanging utter nonsense with him

before the group realized they were to meet someone else outside of

Gringotts.

They hurried out, filing around and the manager of the store looked like

he wanted to stop them. It was thoroughly amusing.

"Do I know yeh?" Hagrid suddenly rumbled, squinting down at Adrian

with a confused expression.

"I don't think so," Adrian blinked, "Was the Cerberus from last year yours?

I heard he had a beautiful pelt."

The man's face lit up instantly and he seemed embarrassed, "Yeh, Fluffy

jus' 'ad a couple Hornworms e'ery week!"

Adrian nodded, "Wonderful to hear that your Cerberus was well taken

care of. I have a familiar, he's fairly picky with his food, do you perhaps

have a good supply of mice or rats? The ones from Diagon over Owl

Delivery are sometimes," Adrian grimaced, "Picked over."

Hagrid nodded solemnly, "Aye, ruddy job they do, 'ead down to my 'ut

and we'll talk!" He beamed and waded out of the store through the books.

Arian paused- the strange sensation had vanished.

And he still needed the replacement book Bella destroyed

Raouim: Do you already know how the story will end?

I do, although it's pretty shaky right now. I am completely open to suggestions

or revamping the ending, I actually constantly alter and change the plot

around while writing. I have a rather detailed timeline that I look at often to

figure out the exact layout and how fast the years go.

DocCBM: You are turning Adrian into a slughorn with teeth. Information

brokering can be interesting but will involve complex plots and different

techniques to control his sources...similar to supernatural's Crowley,

amoung others...

That is entirely true. Don't worry, although the information brokering can be a

huge point of the plot, it won't be exclusively important. Let's just say, that

Adrian will be royally screwed over, which essentially ruins his business.

BUNNYKAT12: Will Skylar ever find out that Adrian is Harry?

Yes! YES! That WILL happen, it's actually my favourite scene in this entire

story so obviously I'm careful to do it properly.

skulldued: Will Adrian be a shade still?

That's a loaded question, and something that i'm battling myself with. Have no

fear, regardless of whatever direction I go, I will push myself to write in a

cohesive understandable way that will leave no confusion for you.

18. Voice

Once again a huge cry of thanks to my wonderful beta.

This is the second chapter of the second year arc, hopefully you can

tell how fast this year will fly through. I don't want for you to all

have to read events that have almost exactly occurred in the book-

it makes this boring. Every chapter will have events or actions that

are noticeably different to make each chapter a bit more exciting.

Summer vanished all too quickly. The last month of the summer hols was

quickly disappearing with daily duels with Bella, studies to increase his

spell vocabulary, as well as hours each day to improve his occlumency.

His occlumency was progressing at a steady rate. The concept of

Occlumency on its own was difficult, however when he focused on it

alongside using the liquid magic in his blood, it created a thin layer, an

almost electric barrier around his thoughts. Building that first wall was

the most difficult, but now he had to construct enough to prevent a full

mental assault.

The added benefit of managing to clear his mind was that it was the first

step of achieving his Animagus form. He hadn't the time to actually brew

the potion, although given Rabastan's strange sources he could likely

obtain the potion for a hefty sum.

The Nagini tattoo wriggled under his flesh, it was a surreal sensation

since he could feel each of the muscles tensing and flexing under the

muscle of his back. He sometimes watched in a mirror as the skin seemed

to split open and the snake slid out of the 'hole'. It would do laps around

the length of his body, down one leg before backtracking up and around

his neck and shoulders, then it would sink below the skin again; he could

feel it moving inside his wrist.

At last it was time to return to Hogwarts. Hedwig screeched and glared

with her falcon eyes as Adrian crammed her into a small cage and

strapped the cage to a trolley, available just outside the floo point.

The Hogwarts Express loomed large. Billowing clouds of white steam

covered the platform. There was a tension in the air, a mixture of anxious

shouts and excited squeals of students both eager and not to return to

school.

Since Adrian couldn't take a compartment for himself, he instead took a

seat next to a now fourth year Slytherin. He had helped this boy the year

before with charming an owl into sunshine yellow.

They didn't speak to each other, except once the other Slytherin left due

to the urging of a Ravenclaw girl. The compartment slid shut and Adrian

relaxed.

"You can come out now, Lutain." Adrian smiled, watching as his familiar

slid out of a notch in the side of his trunk. Lutain had grown over the

summer, filling out into what was likely his full length. Lutain was long,

but thin, having a sinuous and lithe body.

"Was there someone here?" Lutain asked, scenting the air near where the

other boy had sat.

"Only a student and he's gone," Adrian assured, smiling at his familiar who

yawned wide.

"I had a warm nap. Very nice, very warm," Lutain emphasized, looking

directly at Adrian, "You could always make me warm."

"But then you wouldn't hang around my neck like a living scarf," Adrian

teased. Lutain gave a low guttural hiss, something similar to a snort.

"Master I am scales not creature-skins."

"Actually I'm wearing cotton, which Is a plant."

Lutain flicked his tongue closer, tasting the edge of his robe which neared

the snake's body. "I do not like vegetables."

Adrian failed to stifle a rather unappealing snort, although Lutain seemed

very pleased with himself.

The compartment door clicked loudly in warning before sliding open.

Adrian looked up at the same red haired girl who he had seen in the

bookstore.

"Oh, sorry." She blinked and looking close to tears. "I was- sorry-"

"It's no problem," Adrian soothed, gesturing for her to come inside.

"You're upset. Tell me what's wrong."

She sniffed and balled her hands into little fists, her eyes were filled with

determination as she pushed her hair behind one ear. "I- I can't find my

brother and, and we were running late-"

"Your brother, he's a Weasley?"

The girl nodded. "Yeah, my name is Ginny." She hesitated a beat, almost

unnoticeably. "You were at the Flourish and Blotts?"

Adrian nodded. "Hermione and I have made a few deals, nothing to

concern yourself over. Which brother is this?"

"Ron," she explained, "And, and Skylar Potter."

Adrian tried very carefully to not have his face twitch.

Ginny also took the moment to scream as she noticed Lutain, weaving

between Adrian's feet. She yanked herself backwards on the seat, pulling

her knees to her chest in alarm.

"That's Lutain," Adrian introduced. "He's my familiar, he won't hurt you.

He's very docile."

Lutain, now proficient with verbal English obliged and coiled non

threateningly around Adrian's leg.

"Now, Skylar Potter is very important, so nothing bad will happen to him

and your brother." Adrian assured. "You can stay here with me if you

like?"

Ginny shook her head. "Thank you, but I have a seat with Hermione-"

Adrian nodded and absentmindedly reached out with the magic in his

blood, bored for now. He tensed when he felt the same abnormality as he

felt in the book shop, which meant that-

"Do you have something in your pocket?"

His voice must have changed, because Ginny instantly looked suspicious

and alarmed. Her hand flew to her front right pocket, her hand folding

over against the rough shape of-

Well, it was hardly unexpected that she had a book with her. She was just

a scared firstie. She probably had a copy of Hogwarts: A History in her

robe. That was hardly unique to her. Adrien remembered overhearing

Hermione mentioning random facts from the book prior to their own

Sorting last year.

"Never mind," Adrian said. He offered her a smile. "I was thinking of

something else. Best of luck to yourself and your brother."

Ginny nodded and scampered away rather quickly.

The strange cooing sensation lingered a bit longer before it too faded.

Adrian didn't see Ronald Weasley or Skylar Potter at the Welcome Feast

that night. He did however hear the most baffling story of a flying car. The

next morning that story was confirmed true, in the form of a bright red

Howler.

A roar of sound filled the huge hall, shaking dust from the ceiling which

thankfully did not land in any food and for a minute it was so loud that

Adrian couldn't pick out any actual words.

"-Stealing the car, I wouldn't have been surprised if they'd expelled you,

you wait until I get a hold of you, I don't suppose you stopped to think

what your father and I went through when we saw it was gone-"

Mrs. Weasley's voice seemed to be amplified many times over until the

shrill woman could rattle the spoons and glasses of milk and pumpkin

juice on the tables.

Adrian smiled and buttered his toast.

"-Letter from Dumbledore last night, I thought your father would die of

shame, we didn't bring you up to behave like this, you and Skylar could

have died-"

Adrian almost laughed when he spotted Skylar slink lower in his seat.

Draco let out a barely audible laugh.

"-Absolutely disgusted! Your father's now facing an inquiry at work and

it's entirely your fault! If you put another toe out of line we'll bring you

straight back home!"

There was a loud ringing silence as the last word echoed off the stone

walls. Then the howler burst into flames and curled into small ashes

which landed in Ron's porridge.

Adrian gently clicked his spoon against a glass cup, the sound loud and

triggering a collection of snickers up and down the table.

"What if Master's father sent such loud paper?" Lutain hissed, thoroughly

amused although not looking to have understood everything in the

Howler.

Adrian tried very hard not to think about it, but ultimately fell into

snickers. He threw an apple at Draco whose jaw had dropped, having

witnessed such a strange sight.

Transfiguration classes consisted of transforming a beetle into a button.

Adrian waited patiently and timed his well, only when Daphne, the

resident expert in transfiguration, managed to complete the change, did

Adrian allow himself to do the same.

He had already been changing paper scraps into rats.

Defense Against the Dark Arts was indescribable.

Adrian was in utter shock when their new teacher, Lockhart, handed out

a lengthy test filled with questions ranging from the most self-absorbed

information (What Is Gilderoy Lockhart's favourite food?) to downright

ridiculous.

Then, to top the class, the man had launched into a speech about how he

was prepared to reveal to them their deepest darkest fears within the

walls of the classroom.

Millicent was shaking with laughter by the time he was done.

"Behold!" He shouted dramatically. With a flourish, pulling a sparkling

blue cloth from a large cage. "Cornish Pixies!"

Draco arched his eyebrow. "Pixies, sir?"

Lockhart nodded solemnly, not understanding the expressions of disbelief

on Crabbe and Goyle's face and misinterpreted it as fear.

"Yes, Cornish Pixies, a truly heartless creature." He dramatically inhaled.

"Let's see how you fare!"

Adrian scrambled to his feet as the small vicious blue creatures flew out

in dizzying speeds. Lutain perked up, hissing and jerking his head wildly

as too many creatures buzzed by for him to understand the heat

signatures.

"Don't bite," Adrian bit out, snatching his wand and pointing it into the

swarm. "Incendio."

He could have done it silently or wandlessly, but he didn't want to reveal

his abilities with the media hound that was their new teacher.

A pixie let out a garbled cry as its wings burnt up and it landed on the

floor. Millicent jumped over a desk and stomped the creature like a bug.

Draco used a freezing charm to get three of the pixies in the air at once.

The creatures were moving in slow motion, Daphne easily snatched them

and shoved them back in the cage.

"That's it!" Lockhart shouted eagerly, not taking a single step to actually

help them. "Just like that! I'd do it myself, but-" He let out a loud chuckle,

which grated on Adrian's nerves.

"Git," Theo grunted, ducking nearby under a desk as one pixie snatched

an inkwell and flung it his direction. "He wouldn't know a single spell I

bet!"

"String him up like lights," Lutain hissed eagerly, spitting and hissing loudly

enough to prevent pixies from getting too close to Adrian.

Adrian smiled and stared at Lockhart, focusing and exhaling slowly as his

blood sang. Lockhart cried out suddenly as he was yanked upwards by

invisible hands; he swung from the chandelier.

Adrian sent another pixie on fire. Theo and Blaise followed his example,

lighting the small creature until the room was filled with gibberish

shouting fireballs.

The clock struck, signaling the end of class. The Slytherins made a

calculated retreat from the room, leaving Lockhart shouting for help with

the assault of the remaining pixies.

If one of them accidentally lit him on fire, it certainly wasn't Adrian's fault.

Draco had boasted rather readily that his father had funded the Slytherin

House team, supplying the team with new brooms for the upcoming

Quidditch season.

Adrian himself hadn't flown on a broom since he was young, very young

in fact, and had no desire to do so again.

Draco had been pleased that he had been awarded the position of Seeker

on the Slytherin team by Marcus Flint. Not only that, he had Pansy check

out the Gryffindor Quidditch post times and gotten a signed letter from

Snape, giving the team permission to take the field directly during

Gryffindor practice times.

Adrian had looked at Draco flatly as the blond fool told Adrian of the

plans. Draco had, after all, waved goodbye to the element of surprise the

new brooms would've afforded them. In a dry voice, Adrian had asked,

"Aren't you taking this rivalry too far?"

"It's never too far!"

They had returned after the practice, everyone much too pleased with

themselves for just kicking off Gryffindor.

"What happened?" Theo asked eagerly, obviously sensing something

different in the air.

"Weasley spelled himself!" Draco laughed. "You should have seen it! The

idiot was belching slugs!"

Adrian looked at Draco in amazement. "Weasley? As in, Ronald Weasley?"

Draco nodded, snickering. "Considering he's already on a tight leash,

what in Merlin's name did you say to get him that angry?"

Draco's expression darkened. "The Granger girl said I bought my way onto

the team!" Draco bit sharply. "I told her that she's a filthy mudblood and-"

Adrian raised a hand, "You called her a mudblood?"

Theo let out a low whistle.

"Draco," Adrian tried not to laugh. "I think Granger may call in a deal if

she's that upset. Or maybe Weasley-"

"He's poor!" Draco squawked.

"You know I don't only deal in gold."

Adrian's grin was spreading. Draco scowled and stood up and stomped to

his room, leaving Theo staring at Adrian in speculation. "You would curse

him, wouldn't you?"

Adrian shrugged. "Someone needs to show him his place."

Against Adrian's expectations, neither of the two approached him. So

instead he focused on his Occlumency shields; the four walls of defense

were still developing but he was getting there.

The animagus potion was the true thing that had drawn his attention. To

Owl Order it pre-made from Knockturn Alley was seven galleons, but he

only had four to spare since business had been rather slow. He was

walking in populated areas to get to class, hopeful that his presence

would give someone the motivation to address him but nobody came his

way and it was infuriating.

Adrian spent some time on the covered bridge after sunset. It was getting

colder once again signaling winter was well on it's way. It was also a

good place to clear his mind and reign in emotional control behind the

barriers he was creating.

He hadn't found the strange sensation around Ginny. It had mysteriously

vanished. He still had no idea what it was that could affect him so

strongly yet no other, but it was almost always on his constant mind.

Lutain shivered under his robe, tightening against the cold.

"Let's go inside," Adrian sighed, turning and leaving the darkness of the

covered bridge for the safety of the castle.

He was passing nearby the classrooms when he heard something strange,

something whispery but foreign.

"Master?" Lutain hissed, poking his head out and scenting the air quickly.

"Master there is something big."

"What?" Adrian mumbled, walking closer to the wall and listening harder.

"What is it?"

"I don't know--"

"Come…Come to me…"

Adrian flinched, head jerking back from the stone wall. His hands

fluttered over the stone, trying to figure out where the old feminine voice

was coming from. Lutain was scenting wildly; he too could not figure it

out.

"…Let me rip you…"

"Where is it?" Adrian mumbled, eyes flickering over the shadows the

torches casted. Was it a python? It sounded as big as Nagini for sure.

"…Let me tear you…"

Adrian glanced up and down the hallway, there wasn't anyone actually

approaching.

"Serpent!" Adrian hissed as loudly as he dared, still trying to figure out

how this creature was managing to avoid him so adeptly. "Answer my

call!"

"…Let me kill you…"

The voice was faint. It trailed off and the hallway felt suddenly much

colder than it had been before.

Adrian waited, sinking to the ground in disbelief and staring at the wall

in front of him. He felt a vague sense of loss- he was confident that

whatever it was would yield to him. Did it not hear him?

"Master, I do not scent it." Lutain flickered his tongue uneasy. "Only wet

earth."

Adrian leant forward, pressing his forehead against the stone just shy of a

torch sconce.

What was that?

King of Souls: so will Harry and Voldemort end up on the same side, and

does Voldemort actually see Harry as a son, and does Harry see him as a

father?

Well, that's a loaded question. Harry and Voldemort do end up on the same

side. Harry has a bit of a...warped idea, of what a proper father is. He'll view

Voldemort as a wonderful father, mostly because it's the best thing he's ever

had. In our perspective, and the perspective of nearly everyone reading this

story, it will be a very unhealthy relationship. Harry doesn't know any better.

Child of Dreams: Will the Potters ever find out that their precious Skylar

is not the Boy Who Lived?

Oh yes, yes they will. Of course, revealing such a dramatic moment takes a lot

of time to build up, so I'll be revealing other pieces of information to keep you

going as this story continues on. I think the first dramatic reveal moment is

Adrian revealing that he is 'adopted' by Bellatrix.

Cat Beats: Will Adrian have any interactions with Dumbledore noticing

the physical similarities with Riddle?

Oh you have noticed that one super pesky fact. I researched for days trying to

figure out a proper way to disguise the fact that Adrian will look eerily similar

to Riddle- I've come to a way to fix that and I seriously hope it isn't cliche. In

the original fic, Shadow was inflicted with a major scar covering the side of

his face, I wanted to keep the fact he was disfigured although the way I did it

in the original disgusts me. If you have time, search the scars left on people

after being struck by lightning- that's the type of scarring that will occur. I also

have drawn a rough fanart of it, which you can find a link of it on the AO3

release of this chapter, or by going to my tumblr 'Digitalta' and searching the

tags for 'Antithesis'. Dumbledore will certainly be very curious about the

similarities, although it will actually be Skylar who clues it all in together.

Guest: Does Voldemort care for Adrian in this story or is he just a regular

death eater to him?

Both, and yet neither. The relationship they will have is by no means healthy,

however Adrian will be more important to him because he is a Horcrux.

Logically Voldemort would want to protect that.

BUNNYKAT12: For some odd reason I feel like Adrian is going to do

something that he's going to regret. I hope I'm wrong. Also will James

and Lily try to get Harry back on their side if they find him? Or fail

because I feel like he would only be on the light side because of

Hermione.

Oh my gosh, I could very easily call this story 'How-Adrian-Has-Anger-

Problems-And-Keeps-Screwing-Everything-Up,' The better question is what he

isn't going to do. Like all humans, we have a tendency to be impulsive or

jump-the-gun, so to speak. Adrian is totally going to do something he'll regret,

haven't we all done something like that?

James and Lily will try something like that- it's honestly difficult to explain it

to you now when you aren't aware of the plot developments (I swear it makes

sense). Hermione is...important, but she isn't the main reason why the light

side has access to him.

Jd-Dox: I'm actually hoping Harry stops the diary from being destroyed.

Wouldn't it be interesting for Harry and diaryTom manage to convert

Ginny?

That's certainly an interesting idea! You have that half right- although you

won't have to wait for too many chapters to get to that exciting part. Let's just

say that Ginny plays a very, very important role for Adrian's character.

Lana: La premiere histoire était bizarre et frustrante. Je me demande si

la deuxième ne partira pas en vrille même avec un début un peu plus

prometteur. S'il vous plaît exclure de votre histoire Dumbledore et la

famille Potter essayant de faire Adrian/Harry revenir à la lumière. Cette

idée est tout à fait insupportable.

So, I don't speak French, like, at all. I put this in a translator to try and

comprehend, so I apologize if I misunderstand anything. I understand that

some people have the ability to read English and yet cannot speak it, so I

dearly hope that is the case, instead of using a translator like I am!

For the sake of everyone, I'll post the translated version of your review. "The

first story was bizarre and frustrating. I wonder if the second will not go

into spin even with a slightly more promising start. Please exclude from

your story Dumbledore and the Potter family trying to make Adrian /

Harry come back to light. This idea is quite unbearable."

Okay! So! I agree with you in terms of how terrible the first story was. I hadn't

learned how to write strange and original ideas, and incorporate them in a

way that was understandable to others. This isn't excusing that, but I do hope

that you like this version much much better. As for Dumbledore and Potter

family trying to make Adrian/Harry come back to the light- that's a very

difficult thing to explain. If you're worried about the Potters and Dumbledore

trying to give motivational speeches or epiphany moments, there won't be any

of that. It'll have more of an 'undercover' type of feel, and realizations made

by Adrian/Harry that well, his life kinda is terrible. I understand that the idea

is unbearable, however I felt that only addressing one side of the war would

make this story very flat, by investigating both and exposing Adrian/Harry to

more people and personalities, it will further develop his character and make it

seem more realistic.

19. Legend

Once again a huge cry of thanks to my wonderful beta.

I hope that the events that unfold are different enough from the

original story and the original books that this isn't too boring to

read.

October drew nearer and the dampness around the Slytherin dungeons

seemed ever more present. Even within the common room, with the sight

of the great lake above them, the humidity and condensation seemed that

much more present. The hissing green hearth-fires couldn't quite stave off

the bite of the chill, made all the worse by the tiny collections of icicles

adhered to the edges of the enchanted ceiling.

Madam Pomfrey began handing out potions to any student who

succumbed to a chill or cold. The elder Slytherin's able to brew the

potions themselves rented out the NEWT potions lab to brew them in

mass production. Soon the entire common room was a fair trade of

billowing steam from student's ears and the sharp spice of pepper.

The most interesting commotion in Adrian's venture to find the hissing

voice was nearly being crushed by Peeves, the resident Poltergeist, who

managed to drop a large cabinet and smash it just short of crushing

students.

Lutain took to late night treks across the castle in search for the voice,

allowing Adrian to stay up late into the night practicing his Occlumency,

in which he was becoming quite proficient. His new night owl status

caused Theo to become desperate- he had resorted to conjuring bluebirds

to wake him for classes.

The others discovered that Adrian's dark hair, almost blue hued in the

light, sported a massive bed head when he didn't have time for vanity. A

cowlick large enough for a crow to roost on.

The Halloween feast came around and once more the tall thestrals stood

guard over the pumpkins, nearly the size of a garden shed. Lockhart

seemed oblivious to the creatures and instead told an exaggerated story

with a large turkey drumstick as a prop. The skeletal creatures watched

the meat hungrily and followed it with their heads. It seemed odd that a

man who had experienced so much, had yet to witness death firsthand.

Pansy noticed that the entire golden trio seemed to be missing from the

table, something she announced loudly for everyone to hear.

The others were quickly distracted by the Weasley Twin's contest of how

many pumpkin pasties they could stuff into their mouth at one time.

"Disgusting," Draco grunted, sipping his grape juice with exaggerated

daintiness to emphasise that at least he had class. The obvious reference

to sipping Pureblood chilled wine was quickly abandoned in favor of the

spiced pumpkin juice.

The feast ended with a loud choir formed of enchanted jack-o-lanterns,

with bats billowing out from the orange faces to fly tornados above the

student's heads. Theatrics were always pleasant; it reminded Adrian of

the time Bellatrix had a bat become entangled in her wild hair.

The students filed out once the last of the entertainment ended. With the

low rumble of hundreds of footsteps on stone and the hubbub of voices

echoing off the hallway, they walked in small groups through the halls.

Theo was entertaining the group of Draco, Crabbe, Goyle, Pansy, and

Adrian himself with a tale of when his owl retrieved a real vampire bat

and left it in his bedroom.

With little warning or little logic, the hoard suddenly stopped and grew

quiet. Draco frowned and started to jump, attempting to see up over the

heads of taller students and find out why the crowd had stopped and was

now dead quiet.

Adrian sighed and spotted a nearby stocky Slytherin; the boy in question

cleared a path and allowed the group to squeeze between tightly packed

bodies.

There was blood on the wall. Glittering and shimmering in the haunted

lighting. It had been written- arced sloppily into bold letters-

The Chamber of Secrets has been opened. Enemies of the Heir beware.

Adrian felt his jaw slacking. To make the scene even more perplexing, a

stiffened cat hung from a torch bracket, maybe somewhere in the state of

rigor mortis. It certainly looked dead to Adrian.

All of this was behind the Golden Trio.

At least everyone knew where they had been during the feast. Practicing

dark arts or necromantic sacrifices? Adrian had to give them credit, he

didn't think they had it in them.

"Enemies of the Heir, beware!" Draco suddenly shouted, breaking the

shocked silence that had fallen over the students. Malfoy's voice seemed

that much louder because no-one else had dared make a sound. "You'll be

next, mudbloods!"

Adrian shot his head around to stare at Draco in unrestrained shock, was

the boy a complete idiot? Malfoy's complexion was fixed with a rosy flush,

his face split with an excited grin as he eyed the cat.

The Chamber of Secrets?

What was happening?

"What's going on here!" A loud angry voice shouted as the unmistakably

voice and body of Filch shoved his way through the crowd. He spotted

the cat and he stumbled backwards; his hands curled inwards to his chest

and trembled in dismay. "My cat! My cat! What's happened to Mrs.

Norris!" He shrieked, and his eyes fell on the very guilty sight of Skylar

Potter.

The cat was Filch's? Adrian hadn't ever spent time with the man,

normally only Gryffindors were granted his company.

"You!" He screeched, hand pointing threateningly at the horrified Chosen

One. "You! You've murdered my cat! You've killed her! I'll kill you! I'll-"

"Oh please," Pansy snickered under her breath. "I'd love to watch that

fight."

"Argus!" Dumbledore had appeared, followed by a number of teachers

who split the crowd to press against each wall of the passageway. "Come

with me, Argus, and you Mr. Potter, Mr. Weasley, and Miss Granger."

Draco grinned as the four turned to walk away, only for Lockhart to

stumble into the way with his bright velvet robes in an unsettling tone of

pumpkin orange.

"My office is nearest, Headmaster- just upstairs- please feel free-"

"Thank you, Gilderoy," Dumbledore nodded and the entourage

mournfully walked away, Filch clutching his stiffened cat in his arms.

"Two galleons that Granger did it," one slytherin piped up with a grin.

"Those puffskeins don't know a spell to stun a butterfly."

"You think a mudblood would write that?" One asked in disgust. "You're

denser than the Weasley if you think that."

"Oi! It would be a good cover! Nobody would suspect her!" The first boy

defended.

The sudden interchanging of hushed suspicions and rumours filled the

passageway with the susurrus of many voices. By the time the mob had

diverged into specified houses, dozens of ideas and rumours were

circulating.

The "attack" seemed to rattle everyone in the castle, even Slytherins grew

wary of the other houses. Students and Prefects started approaching

Adrian almost constantly, asking him for information about the attack.

Most students wanted some sort of spell or object that would keep them

safe from this invisible attacker.

Adrian also hadn't seen Hermione around the castle, which was strange

considering she would most likely seek him out to find out what she

didn't know. She had disappeared almost completely. Speaking to her

house was useless; no Gryffindors were willing to talk with a Slytherin

with tensions running so high.

The school in itself seemed to be avoiding Skylar. Whispers were being

exchanged rapidly with no control or intended target.

'He's been trained by Dumbledore since he was very young..'

'He vanquished You-Know-Who, maybe like this-'

'Better stay away from him-'

'He'll be after you next-'

Adrian found most of the ideas hilarious. The mental image of Skylar

Potter trying to avoid Bellatrix's playdates nearly left him hysterical.

After cashing in two deals, one with the Pavarti Gryffindor girl, Adrian

finally found Hermione. Granted, she approached him outright, which

made the two deals he cashed in entirely useless much to his own

irritation.

Adrian hadn't know that it was common knowledge that he liked to

watch the sunset when able from the northernmost covered bridge. A

guilty pleasure, he supposed.

"Adrian," she greeted, looking thoroughly miffed and irritated by

everything around. "I need to borrow a book."

"What a pleasant night it is," Adrian started,completely ignoring her

request and rudeness. "What a wonderful sunset; all of those colours

remind me of Lockhart's terrible wardrobe-"

"Do you have Hogwarts: A History?" She asked, lacking the concept of

subtlety. She must have been desperate if she was asking for a book

Adrian was almost positive she already owned.

Hermione approached him, crossing her arms with an impatient glance.

Adrian was taken aback by her exhaustion, she elaborated tiredly. "All of

the copies have been taken out, and there's a two-week waiting list."

"I'm surprised you didn't bring your own copy."

She didn't ask how he knew she owned it. "There wasn't enough space

with all of Lockhart's books."

Adrian snorted and Hermione whacked him on the side.

"Alright alright," Adrian held up his hands in defense. "Why do you want

that book?"

She looked surprised, "The same reason as everyone else wants it: to read

up on the legend of the Chamber of Secrets."

Adrian blinked slowly. As much as people had been talking about it,

Adrian shamefully knew next to nothing about it. "What is it? Specifics,

not rumors."

"That's just it, I can't remember." Hermione bit her lip. "And I can't find

the story anywhere else-"

Adrian lifted his hand and frowned, thinking. The Chamber of Secrets,

somehow it felt familiar but he couldn't recall-

"I'm calling in my debt," Adrian stated, holding out his wand which

Hermione tentatively took; she gasped when the flare of heat snaked up

her arm, leaving it tingling.

"Don't tell your classmates where I'm going to take you and of what

happens."

Hermione looked confused but nodded. Adrian turned on his heel,

already starting to walk down the bridge back into the castle. He took the

first downward staircase, already starting the trek.

They continued further and further until Hermione recognized where the

troll had chased them the year before. She gasped and pointed at a

specific suit of armor, dented slightly on its metallic surface. Adrian

didn't even glance in the direction.

Adrian found the small snake in the wall, eying them indifferently until

he clearly stated "Purple Heather."

The wall started to move with the sound of stone grinding on stone,

pulling back on some hidden, probably magical hinge. Adrian stepped

inside the entryway, nearly leaving Hermione scrambling to follow

inside. It was late enough at night that the room wasn't too

overpopulated, although the low buzz of conversations abruptly halted.

They stared at Hermione each with varying levels of distaste and

outlandish surprise.

"What the-" One started, jaw dropping into an unfortunately ugly

expression.

"What's the mud-" Draco started, springing upwards from a couch on the

right with an accusing finger already pointed in their direction.

"Is Carmen in?" Adrian interrupted, rolling his shoulders and feeling one

crack under the movement. "Someone find Carmen."

One fifth year vanished up the staircase, poking her head into one room

and calling for the person in question.

Adrian spoke louder. "Carmen! I'm calling in our deal!"

The room was quiet once again, a few people looking forward eagerly.

"What in Merlin's name..." A fourth year groaned, "How did the kid get

Carmen to make one of those bloody deals?"

"Reckon it was for something good? If not I'm cursing that mudblood out

myself," someone else muttered.

Hermione noticeably shrank behind Adrian, her hand shaking on her

wand.

Carmen popped her head out and around the doorframe of the upstairs

room. She blinked in surprise, arched one eyebrow, and looked at

Hermione. "You brought a Lion?"

"Ignore her," Adrian said. "I'll get one of you in their common room

sometime."

One student whooped loudly at the idea of sabotaging the Gryffindors in

their own home.

"You know where the common room is and you've been holding out on

us?" Carmen pouted, then sighed. "Of course you do. Should have told us

after they took our Cup last year."

Adrian offered his wand, at this point most people knew the drill.

Carmen walked down the steps, reaching out without hesitation to grasp

the lip twitched slightly, signifying she felt the magic race along her arm.

"Alright kid, what do you want?" She said, crossing her arms yet

thankfully not addressing the terrified Gryffindor behind him. Carmen

was significantly more lenient compared to the recently graduated

Vaisley.

"She's under a deal," Adrian pointed over his shoulder at Hermione. "And

you're the Prefect. You're almost as much as a bookworm as her-"

There were a few mumbles of agreement, causing Carmen to flush

although not in embarrassment.

Adrian lifted his chin slightly, jutting it outwards unconsciously similar

to Draco. "Tell us the story of the Chamber of Secrets."

There was a low whistle from a sixth year.

"All of them?" Carmen pouted, looking put out, "Come on, kid-"

"Do it Carmen," One laughed. "You're lucky more aren't back yet."

She grumbled something under her breath, stalking across the room to

grab a chair from an unoccupied desk.

On cue, chairs and couches rotated or in one case, levitated to form a

circle around the exasperated Carmen.

"You're a real menace, you know that?" Carmen huffed, sitting backwards

on her chair and resting her chin on her forearm. Adrian motioned for

Daphne to slide to the side of her couch to accommodate two more.

Hermione, still rather scared was totally absorbed in what Carmen was

about to say.

"Alright fine," she started, turning to try an address everyone. "As you all

know or better know by now, Hogwarts was founded over a thousand

years ago by two witches and two wizards. The four worked together to

build the castle and in honor each of the houses are named after the

founders: Godric Gryffindor, Helga Hufflepuff, Rowena Ravenclaw, and

our own noble house, Salazar Slytherin."

The Slytherins broke into cheers, a startling amount of noise for roughly

thirty people in the misshapen circle. The display of house pride was

unexpected to Hermione, generally Slytherins were composed and rather

aristocratic in public.

"Settle down!" Carmen shouted annoyed. "Or I'm quitting now! The

legend goes on something like this: as time went on and the little details

were picked out, Slytherin stuck to his own ideas. Slytherin wanted to be

more selective about students and that all magical teachings should only

be taught to all-magic families!"

There were quite a few who looked at Hermione, who was beginning to

regret coming to Adrian for help.

"He didn't want to take Mudbloods under his wing, because in that time

muggles liked to kill wizards," she hissed out, throwing out her arm for

theatrics sake. "So those born to muggles weren't trustworthy and they

still aren't trustworthy!"

More cheers, and Adrian pulled his wand, shifting his body language

towards Hermione. Adrian doubted anyone was going to do anything,

although it would be a spectacular story to try and explain to Professor

Snape.

"Eventually Gryffindor and Slytherin had a fight, a duel or an argument

or something, and Slytherin was kicked out of Hogwarts! So Slytherin

built a hidden chamber in the castle, one that none of the other founders

knew of. Slytherin sealed the Chamber of Secrets so that nobody would be

able to open it until his own true heir arrived. The heir alone would open

the Chamber of Secrets, unleash the monsters within, and use it to purge

the school of all mudbloods!"

That sounded ridiculous in Adrian's point of view. If that was truly the

case, why wouldn't the Chamber have been opened during Grindelwald's

time, when the muggle's were actually being a threat?

Adrian stood abruptly, stretching lazily and giving a small nod to signify

he was satisfied. Carmen politely gave him a rude gesture, abandoning

her chair to get back to whatever homework he had taken her from.

Hermione stumbled upwards quickly, eager to leave the room. The other

students began reorienting the room back to its natural position, dragging

the chairs across the ground.

"Where do you think you're going!" Millicent blurted, jumping to her feet

and clumsily knocking over the chair she had been sitting on. "Leading a

Gryffindor here, inside the Common room, and not only that but she's a

filthy-"

"Step aside, Bulstrode," Adrian commanded, rubbing his temple with one

hand. The other gripped his wand in his sleeve. "We've already

established that you do what I say."

Millicent stormed right up and too close for Adrian's comfort. "What'cha

gonna do about it, orphan?"

Adrian's cheek twitched and his eyes narrowed. There were a few

whooping sounds as students turned to see the exchange- the story of the

burning Bulstrode was something of a classic. A prime example of tiny

first years decking it out.

"I'm saying that you should step aside, and we won't have any unfortunate

accidents."

Millicent's breath was directly on Adrian's face. Her nostrils flared like an

ox. "How about, no."

Adrian's grip on his wand tightened. Hermione moved behind him, likely

reaching for her own wand.

"I said," Adrian paused, feeling the swell of magic under his call, moving

with the current of his aggression, "move."

Millicent shouted and paused dumbly. It took a moment for her to

process the situation before she dropped to the floor- her green and black

knitted Slytherin scarf was smoldering hotly. Not full out fire, but the

uncomfortable heat around her throat.

The Slytherin common room was filled with the enthusiastic clapping of

the minority who had been paying attention. The others jumped, peering

around in confusion, then disappointment, as they realized they missed

yet another feud. Adrian pulled Hermione out through the common

room, thankful that the confrontation had happened inside the room.

Hermione gave a full body shiver as the magic set the deal in place.

"Your deal is set," Adrian's voice was suspiciously blank, his eyes dull and

looking far too distant. "You won't be able to tell anyone about the events

that happened inside, good luck finding a book for Potter."

"W-wait." She garbled out, clutching his arm tightly. "You- I didn't know

that you're an orph-"

"Don't," Adrian growled out, glaring at he with a menacing look which

made her breathless. "I left them, not the other way around."

"Like- emancipation?" Hermione seemed confused. She stumbled, eyes

widening in shock. "Were they... were they bad to you?"

Adrian's jaw creaked as his teeth pressed harshly together. Hermione

twitched as she finally realized she was on testy grounds.

Adrian pulled his arm free and walked past her, Hermione stumbled in

worry and mostly confusion. "Wait! Where are you going!"

"Owlery," Adrian grunted, not even dignifying her to pause. "To send a

letter."

"At this time?" She questioned, baffled and sounding a bit lost.

Dear Merlin did he have to do everything?

She followed him a safe distance, only until she recognized her

surroundings and diverged off towards her own tower. Adrian continued

to the Owlery, writing a quick letter on the free parchment provided in

the building. Bellatrix would know something about this madness; it

seemed right up her alley to know something about monsters out to eat

mudbloods.

He didn't receive a letter back, much to his dismay. Hedwig returned

happy though, so she must have mooched decent food off of Rabastan's

plate again.

On the bright side, knocking down his reputation in Slytherin had given

him another deal with Hermione, although this time not in his favour.

It was barely a week later when she came running to him in a corridor,

wanting to 'purchase' a deal like it was muggle currency.

He was starting to regret gaining her infallible trust the prior year.

This time she wanted him to somehow obtain shredded Boomslang skin

and powdered bicorn horn, potion ingredients he didn't have on hand.

He stared at her, and she shrugged with an uneasy smile.

"Will you be paying for this, this time?' Adrian sighed, scratching behind

his ear as he thought. The ingredients would be expensive, normally

debts only qualified for the service of obtaining them, they didn't include

the price of the items themselves.

"We can pay!" Hermione blurted. "We just need a little of each!"

'We.' That meant he was assisting the Golden Trio once again.

Spectacular.

Adrian looked at the two ingredients and thought about what they could

be used for. "Alright, I'll get them to you and you pay once I deliver.

Boomslang skin will be harder, it's normally a galleon per vial, you're

lucky I know somewhere I can get it for fifteen sickles."

"We just need them soon." Hermione blushed, looking at her feet unsure.

'We' again. The Golden Trio was on something time sensitive, which

likely meant they were brewing potions or trying rune-based rituals.

Considering the shared intelligence of the group, potions was much more

likely. He couldn't help but wonder why they were they brewing potions?

He still had the lists of Knockturn Alley stores that allowed order by Owl,

he could easily purchase the ingredients and be reimbursed at a later

time. The benefit was now he knew the group was attempting something.

He wished Bella would get back to him already, he had questions still.

S058:Well, this is actually interesting to see. While I'm a fan of the train

bit (Gotta say, you'd think Adrian would sense the Horcrux, though it's

not like people have done studies on this), the Quidditch bit, well, I'm no

fan. Admittedly, this is just like in canon, so really, I don't blame you.

Personally, I'd remove that bit, swap it out for say, Adrian listening to

Draco gloating about the sport in the common room, then just point out

that, well, if he doesn't live up to the expectation, Marcus and the Beaters

could be upset with him.

It's very difficult to balance events that have already taken place in the book

and completely original ideas and concepts. I hope that you enjoyed this

chapter more- although it repeated same events I tried to write it in a different

perspective than what the books had.

noulis: your author notes are as entertaining as the story!

I'm glad you enjoy them then! I try to answer questions as often as possible,

and clarify points people may be confused about.

BUNNYKAT12: Nooooo! Why can't diary Tom just kill Ginny? Or is he?

I'm confused! If Adrian is going to not kill diary Tom doesn't that mean

that Ginny has to die?

Okay, let's see. If diary Tom kills Ginny, then well, he's solid and walking

around. I think it would be super obvious if all the sudden Tom Riddle is

walking through the hallways. If Adrian doesn't kill diary Tom, that doesn't

really mean at all that Ginny has to die. The two events aren't entirely

dependent on each other.

Child of Dreams: Will they ever find out that Harry wasn't a Squib?

In this story Harry never was. That's a common theme or trope, so you could

have mistaken this story for another. It will be mentioned that they are under

the assumption that Harry has been killed.

Dandelions and Tigerlilies: I don't know if you've mentioned this

before, but will there be romance later on? If there will be, could you

please warn us beforehand, because I'm not too keen on that aspect: I feel

it can be distracting from the main plot, or sometimes the pairing just

doesn't feel right ..I hope you understand.

Adrian don't need no woman, Adrian is a proud independent baby-Dark-Lord.

Alright, to be serious let me answer this.

There is no main ship for this story. The only romance that will happen in this

will be the tiny romance teenagers naturally develop for one another. By that,

I mean noticing attractive qualities in others, awkward puberty flirting, and

other wonderfully funny things. Adrian will not have a girlfriend/boyfriend in

this story, I tend to stay away from romance in my fics.

Serpiente Obsindiana: Qué papel jugará Severus Snape en esta historia?

Dado que al parecer traicionó a su maestro por una mujer con la que

según he leído no ha tenido ningún trato, a pesar de que el hombre

arriesgo el cuello por ella.

(Translated on Google Translate): What role will Severus Snape play in

this story? Given that he apparently betrayed his teacher for a woman

with whom I have read as he has not had any deal, even though the man

risked his neck for her.

That is a difficult thing to explain. Snape's importance will develop and be

more obvious around Adrian's fourth/fifth year. I haven't entirely decided on

how to incorporate Snape in this story, although I will try my best to not insult

or ruin the character.

Vhulrum: 'Shadowed Malice' has nothing on this.

I praised this story's predecessor because expectations for the quality of

fanfiction is typically very low. You hold no punches when criticizing

your earlier work. This trait is admirable considering how much time you

must have spent on it.

While I will certainly miss at least some of the idealized and improbable

charm that came from the protagonist of Malice, the choice to make this

story more realistic just might make 'Antithesis' the antithesis of Malice's

flaws.

I wrote Shadowed Malice when I was 12 years old, and finished it completely

when I was 13. At the time, public education hadn't worked to develop my

skills as a writer. Granted, my writing was above average for my age, it is

saturated with errors and stunted plot ideas that never expanded past the first

development. It was fun to write a character that was overpowered,

manipulative, charming, and without any mercy. I confess myself, that I

actually struggle and can't read my previous work from chapter one to the

very end.

As a writer, and as advice to anyone who writes; is is impossible to grow and

mature if you are incapable of realizing that what you write, no matter how

advanced or 'talented' people tell you, will never be good enough.

That sounds harsh and incredibly cruel, but allow me a moment to elaborate.

In ten years, I know that this story will fade from fame and soon be the barest

memory in your minds. This fiction is the rambling words of someone who

knows that I will never satisfy everyone. You are your hardest critic, and as a

cynical person I can comfortably say that I will never be satisfied with what I

write. It may be a masterpiece to you, but to me it will just be scribbled

thoughts posted for everyone to see.

Because I can look at this story and see my countless flaws, I know that I can

continue to become better.

Perhaps one day, I'll publish a story and speak to people about how it all

started with chickenscratch handwriting about a boy named 'Shadow' and how

he destroyed the world.

20. Soar

This chapter has been un-beta'd mostly in my mad scramble to get it

out today. Due to that, there may be more spelling or grammatical

errors in which case I apologize. I hope you can all forgive me for

this eventful chapter.

Consider it my Birthday Gift to you all!

The highly anticipated Quidditch match between Slytherin and

Gryffindor quickly outshone Millicent's illuminating challenge. Her

injuries around her neck healed with a burn salve given to her by an

entertained seventh year. Her embarrassment worked better than flesh

eating slug repellent, Adrian had barely seen her in days.

Hermione seemed more vocal and courageous after the Slytherin stunt.

Often she searched him out just to compare essays or other meager

requests. Through mutual 'friends', he had slowly been introduced to

more Gryffindors. The Weasley Twins enjoyed his deal service and often

asked questions on the parameters, although nothing had been agreed on.

Adrian had a small suspicion he'd have to start figuring out how to owl

order alcohol into the castle.

Draco had become grouchier, sleep deprived and anxious for the first

match. Daphne had cast delicate charms to disguise the bags under his

eyes, clicking her tongue at his horrid state all the while.

The Saturday morning of the match, the entire Slytherin team vanished

from the dorms. Blaise assured the frantic Pansy, that it was simply a

house tradition. Bad luck to the team if they were spotted out of uniform.

As eleven O'clock drew closer and tensions rose alongside, the entire

school drifted to the cloudy outdoors and onto the tall stands

surrounding the field. A few spells were casted by the Hogwarts official,

to redirect lightning in the unfortunate chance the sky became muggy

halfway through.

Pansy had latched herself onto Adrian's arm, searching for the first

replacement for Draco she could find. Her hair was pinned up to her head

and bounced with her excited footsteps as she guided him onto the pitch.

"Dray is amazing," She swooned, anxiously rambling to dispel her own

worry, "He's so fast..."

"Do you play, Adrian?" Daphne asked, looking more dignified with her

reserved walk, "I don't believe I've heard your stories."

Adrian grimaced slightly and selected his words mindfully, "I am... aware,

of the rules and regulations. I know how to fly a broom, although I

haven't since I was very young."

Daphne hummed, kicking a smell pebble with her foot, "So your

biological parents were purebloods?"

Adrian stopped walking sharply; this caused Pansy to squawk out as she

nearly tripped. Daphne continued walking a few steps, pausing before

looking over her shoulder with a carefully formed bored expression.

The hairs on Adrian's neck rose as he scrutinized the pureblood heir

before him. Caution and paranoia twisted his stomach into an uneasy

misshapen knot.

"I believe that is personal, Greengrass."

Daphne smiled politely with the grace and poise of a trained woman, "My

mistake, Adrian. I wasn't aware you consider any information too

personal," her eyes shifted flintily, "or perhaps the proper coin is in order

for your trade?"

Pansy whined loudly, tugging pettily at Adrian's sleeve. Her

determination to get to the stands halted the confrontation and the

imminent argument, despite how artfully Daphne phrased it.

The crowd of older students near the base slid apart to allow the three to

meet with Theo, Crabbe, and Goyle, already near the top of the

bleachers. Theo wore a thick green scarf which emphasized the thin

hollows of his cheeks.

"Where's Draco?" Pansy inquired, rising onto the tips of her feet to try

and see Draco on the pitch. The distance rendered the entire team as a

collection of indistinct blurs of green and silver.

Once the Gryffindors walked onto the pitch, swathed in gold and

crimson, they were greeted by cheers and applause; Slytherin house

began hissing loudly in mockery.

The match began instantly; Draco flew well and agilely on his new

broom, a platinum haired streak of speed and acrobatics.

Not long thereafter, the sky gurgled behind angry dark clouds. The

weather shifted, and released buckets of shivering cold rain.

Pansy squealed, raising the hood of her cloak to try and protect her hair

and skin. Adrian grimaced and followed suit. Against his best efforts, the

rain plastered his hair flat to his head. Daphne tilted her wand upwards

and casted a translucent umbrella to protect her corn silk hair.

Theo twitched, splashing water off his face onto Goyle who blinked

dumbly at the suddenly cold.

"That bludger sure does like Potter," Blaise muttered, squinting through

the rain with enhanced binoculars. He was mutely surprised Blaise had

enough foresight to charm them against the rain; Adrian could barely see

the seeker's shape in the sky.

"Did someone charm it?" Daphne frowned, peering from under her

umbrella, "It's not moving properly."

Pansy sniffed insulted, "it's not like Draco needs help-"

Adrian frowned and tilted his head curiously. He hadn't ever refreshed

his memory on the rules of Quidditch; what small tidbits he knew were

mostly the simplified versions for children. Obviously tampering with any

of the equipment would be a huge regulation, especially with how

dangerous the sport already was.

"Looks strange, don't it?" Theo muttered out loud absentmindedly. He

nudged Adrian in his side eagerly, "It looks pretty strange-"

There was a hollow gasp throughout the stadium as Skylar's outstretched

arm was smashed into by a bludger. Although Adrian couldn't discern the

action, the announcer was rapid fire explaining how the bludger had

broken its spellwork to execute such a maneuver. Someone had tampered

with the equipment.

Draco didn't let the clear sign of tampering disturb him. He swept in

quickly, his naturally skinnier body slid past Skylar's with ease.

Pansy jerked beside him, placing her hands on her hips as her face

puckered in a look of irritation. Other students glanced back to locate

him in the rain, eyeing him curiously.

"I didn't do anything," Adrian defended sourly," I have no deals for

enchanting a bludger. I honestly don't know the rules of Quidditch that

well."

"We best fix that, get you on a broom." Theo responded distractedly, his

eyes locked on Skylar who was now on the ground. The final whistle was

called as Draco ensnared the golden sphere, triggering the end of the

match. The teaching staff swept onto the field, Lockhart was

distinguishable by his bright yellow robes.

"You'd like to see that, wouldn't you?" Adrian grunted, rising onto the tips

of his shoes to look over the other heads, "Me on a broom, I have better

things to do."

Theo's mouth quirked into a shark like grin, "Eight sickles Draco takes

you flying."

Adrian turned and looked at Theo with a distinctly unimpressed

expression, "You just want to see me look like an idiot."

Theo shrugged although he was genuine as he spoke.

"I actually just want to see you fly. Can't imagine you doing it, and Merlin

knows it would cheer up Draco. Maybe liven things up a bit around here

since all that Chambers of Secrets shite."

"I don't think you can fly," Daphne added in charmingly, "I'll throw in a

Galleon."

Theo gave Adrian a meaningful look.

"That's a bit of gold there, Harry."

Adrian flinched violently and glared at Theo, "Don't call me that."

Daphne tilted her head in a formal nod and smiled.

Gryffindor won the match unfortunately even while Skylar suffered the

consequence of Lockhart's mediocre excuse of spell work. The scored

points before Draco ended the match leant in Gryffindor's favor.

The Slytherin team instead told stories of Skylar's unfortunate ailment

over and over, each retelling becoming more and more preposterous. It

was shared in the common room with laughter and smuggled pints of

Butterbeer; they may have lost but Potter was trapped in Hospital Wing

for a week.

Draco, once informed by a suave Greengrass, was thrilled with Adrian's

deal. As unorthodox as it was in comparison to Adrian's usual careful

bartering, he was rather trapped in. Galleons for humiliation and ridicule.

Hermione had better enjoy those premium ingredients, that's what those

coins were being used for.

Adrian was escorted outside onto the Quidditch pitch by a small train of

eager bystanders. Most were other yearmates, although a few fifth years

and Ravenclaws trailed behind.

They didn't have any of the Quidditch team's balls or equipment, the

team was rather paranoid with meddling after someone bewitched the

Gryffindor's bludger to target Skylar. Instead, Daphne offered to shoot

sparks or other illusions into the air for Draco to weave between. The

intention was to teach Adrian the finer aspects of flying, although Draco

could only avoid flaunting for so long.

"You hold the broom like this," Draco instructed, grasping his broom in a

peculiar fashion, "Although I always have a reverse grip since it makes it

easier to dive suddenly..."

Adrian glanced pitifully at Theo. Theo shook a handful of coins in his fist,

rattling them audibly.

Pansy handed the spare broom to Adrian. It was one of the Nimbus Two

Thousand and One's, sleek and more streamline than anything Adrian

had ever used. Likely more expensive than the entire Gryffindor team's

stock put together.

Racing and Quidditch brooms were built with a series of safeguards and

regulations. Knowing the Slytherin team, Adrian wouldn't be surprised if

all those securities were disabled.

Bellatrix was going to kill him if he fell.

Draco mounted his broom with well-practiced ease and secured his hands

in the unique grip. He settled and watched Adrian patiently although

expectantly.

Adrian tightened his fist unsurely on the broom- it felt too flimsy to

support his weight.

He could only imagine Lutain laughing at him, the snake would be nearly

hysterical at Adrian's uncharacteristic fear.

With a slow exhale and a few internal curse words, he stepped over the

tail end of the broom. His foot secured on the other side. Now straddling

the charmed wood, he glanced at Draco who visibly brightened at seeing

his cooperation.

Draco hunched forward slightly, keeping his feet firmly on the ground

although poised r to jump at a moment's notice; Adrian mimicked his

position although he didn't find it by any means comfortable.

"Push off with your feet, careful not to yank up on the broom." Draco

advised, gently floating into the air in demonstration. He overemphasized

his movements, showing how to twist and angle his direction.

Adrian pushed off with a feather light hop. There was a gut-wrenching

moment where Adrian was sure he was going to teeter sideways and

crash to the ground.

The broom held him aloft, he released the breath he had been holding.

Draco slid next to Adrian and reached across to angle the broom handle

upwards. Adrian followed the movement, marveling as they begin

ascending higher into the air.

The miniscule crowd below cheered as they finally reached the bottom

rim of the lowest goal post.

"You're not bad at this," Draco noted relaxed. He withdrew his hand,

slinking back several paces to allow Adrian to spin in a lazy circle.

"Not bad at spinning like a show-kneazle?" Adrian dryly snarked,

unsettled by all the eyes watching his movements.

Adrian tested the brooms capabilities to sharply rise. The broom handle

jerked upwards and smacked into his face, nearly triggering a bloody

nose.

Draco chuckled at the movement, darting forward to grab his shaft and

tug it back parallel to the ground below.

It took half an hour for Adrian to adequately maneuver the broom. At

such a point Draco tailed him through small turns and dives.

"Want to make this more fun?" Draco asked, pulling out a galleon from

his pocket. The large golden coin caught the mid-afternoon sun and

shone brightly.

Adrian bitterly thought how unfair it was that all purebloods had so

many galleons to throw around.

Draco dropped it.

Adrian watched the gold plummet, in horror. With a split second of

hesitation, he pondered the benefit of chasing the coin. It was highly

unlikely that he would be injured, especially with Draco watching so

avidly. Without thinking any further on the matter, Adrian shoved the

hand highest on the broom downwards with his body weight. It turned,

nearly flipping him off his mount. The sudden direction change was

nauseating, as well as the sudden acceleration. He blinked rapidly,

searching for the falling coin desperately.

He caught up to the falling coin in seconds utilizing the broom's

spectacular speed Adrian hadn't realized how high the two had ascended;

his sudden dive still granted him plenty of time to pull out of the

movement.

Draco was at his side instantly, "Not bad." Draco appraised with good

intent.

Adrian glared and exhaled through his nose slowly to quell his churning

stomach, "I don't think Quidditch is for me."

"Shame, you have a good build for seeker, although terrible posture.

Maybe you could be my understudy."

Adrian threw the galleon at Draco's head.

They kept up at it for an exhaustingly long while, until Adrian's ears were

burning from the sudden climbs and falls through the air. Draco's eyes

were looking red. They hadn't brought any of the protective goggles.

Once Adrian got past investing his trust in a stick of enchanted wood,

flying was amazing.

He wondered why they hadn't created a spell for flying without the aid of

a creature or a broom. The ability to twist in the air unaided like a

thunderbird would be something of legends.

The duo landed, Adrian stumbling more so than Draco. Adrian received

his money from Theo and Daphne, counting it absentmindedly on the

palm of his wind torn hand.

He was still enclosed in the dizzying exhilarating of flying, the blinding

rush that falling unaided somehow triggered. His stomach wasn't

following the same sort of euphoria; in fact, it was protesting loudly to

his recklessness in sick murmurs and short acting cramps.

"You've flown before," Daphne mentioned calmly. Too calmly.

Adrian hadn't caught it, mind struggling out of its trance. Daphne tilted

her head curiously, eyes wide in innocent fascination. "Were you better

than your brother?"

"Merlin no, I-" Adrian cut off, sharply, his tone and word faltering as

rapidly as he had said them. His mind caught up, snapping into its state

of normal awareness as he registered her question.

Oh, Merlin no.

Theo's eyes widened as he looked between the two in shock, "But I

thought you were an orphan?"

The tension flying had released returned with the viciousness of an

entrapped cobra.

Draco stepped between the pureblood and Adrian. He raised his wand

subtly, in a pointed warning. "This isn't the time or the place..."

There was an indiscernible sound in the distance, growing louder in its

repetitiveness. A single form raced down from the castle, repeating

Draco's name over and over.

Millicent's eyes were wide with a mixture of fear and excitement, like a

child caught smuggling something dangerous. Her nostrils flared as she

breathed heavily, repeating over and over her mantra as she grew closer.

"Breathe," Draco sighed, looking shrewdly unsettled by her composure,

"What do you want?"

"They found another frozen! But this time it's a kid!" She gasped out

between heavy pants.

"What?" Daphne gasped, hand flying to her mouth in surprise, "A

student?"

"A Gryffindor first year," Millicent nodded, looking very pleased despite

her exhaustion, "The kid who took photos. Get this- his camera? It

melted."

Theo looked alarmed and looked at Adrian with growing dread, "You

know any monster that does that?"

Adrian blinked and shook his head, in surprise. His head struggled to

catch up, drawing a blank under the expectant expressions. "A- A

Zorono? A persian dragon...any drawings of it will combust but this?"

Adrian trailed off awkwardly, nearly flushing in embarrassment. He truly

didn't know any sort of beast that damaged magical film.

Theo gulped, and Adrian felt annoyingly helpless.

"We're Slytherin's, right?" Theo hopefully contributed, "So it won't attack

Slytherin students, yeah?"

Once again, eyes were on him for answers to something he didn't know.

"I don't know-"

Adrian paused and felt a disgustingly surreal sensation of something

sliding out of his skin.

"I've sent a letter to my father," Draco sniffed, "I haven't gotten an owl

back."

"Neither I." Pansy scowled, tapping her foot against the ground

impatiently.

Adrian tried not to squirm as he felt something emerge completely out of

his waist; it encircled his body twice before it moved towards and around

his thigh.

"On the bright side," Millicent spoke up, having finally regained her

breath, "I heard Lockhart is making a duelling club,"

"Are you serious?" Draco blinked, before his eyes alit with something

devious, "Chances to mess with the Gryffindors? Oh, this will be

memorable."

"Gotta stock up on humiliating spells," Theo chimed in, wriggling in place

excitedly. His anxiety behind the attack had vanished, or at least seemed

to be repressed.

"I'd love to see Potter barf slugs." Pansy sighed dreamily, clinging to

Draco's arm with a malicious grin.

Millicent looked grudgingly at Adrian, "You know any good spells?"

Adrian's mind whirred quickly. Spells, he knew spells.

Something embarrassing or humiliating...something that would take a

considerable amount of time to reverse…

Slowly a smile spread across his face. It was disconcertingly dark, "I have

an idea actually."

Adrian returned to his room and locked the door behind him. He

immediately approached the large mirror- something Theo transfigured,

and removed his clothing.

He threw his cloak and shirt onto the bed with reckless abandon.

Torchlight shimmered over his skin, reflecting off undulating scales of

magic ink. The Nagini tattoo flexed accordingly, her head trailed over his

ribs and stomach.

"Master?" Lutain slid out of the hole on the side of his heated crate, "You

are back from being a bird?"

Adrian didn't he trailed his own fingers over the inked head of Nagini.

Although there was no textural difference, she arched into his touch.

"Hello," Adrian hissed, considering the mirror directly to see the reptilian

eyes, "What are you doing here Nagini?"

She flickered her tongue, "Message."

Its hiss was distorted and feminine, not at all like the serpent's real voice.

"From my father?" Adrian inquired with the barest traces of longing. He

hadn't been in contact with the man, he hadn't spoken to it as often as he

desired. He wanted to ask and learn so much, but not through these

circumstances. There was something about using a messenger engraved

into his own flesh, that felt somehow violating.

"Did Bellatrix get my owl?"

It paused in thought, hindered by its low intelligence. It was surreally

like speaking to Lutain the first time he had met the serpent.

"Chamber of Secrets open before."

Adrian gasped audibly in surprise. Of course it had, it would have had to

be in history at some point if it was making such a ruckus.

"When? I thought only the Heir of Slytherin could open it... Is there another

heir? There's a monster I heard in the walls..." Adrian trailed off, growing

more uncomfortable with the conversation the longer it was one sided.

"Open long ago." it whispered simply, "No open now."

Oh Merlin, it's intelligence was even worse than Lutain. It didn't seem to

have trouble comprehending information, although Adrian couldn't be

certain of how much was being recited.

"Why not now?" A different voice hissed curiously.

Lutain had slid over, able to comprehend the hisses of the mark and

respond accordingly.

"Why can't the chamber open now?" Lutain ventured to ask, flicking his

own tongue close enough to tickle Adrian's navel.

The tattoo peered at Lutain curiously from beneath Adrian's flesh.

"No speak. Speak open chamber."

Adrian furrowed his brow and chewed his lip thoughtfully.

"A speaker must open the chamber? There's another speaker in Hogwarts?"

The tattoo flicked its tongue as it took moments to register Adrian's word.

It nodded politely, resulting in a perturbing sensation of movement

pushing against his abdomen.

"The monster is a snake," Lutain hissed gleefully, enamored with the

possibility of another beast.

"A large serpent of noble kind! Master!"

Things weren't matching up. Only the Heir of Slytherin could open the

chamber… that required whoever it was to be a Parselmouth. If the

ability to speak parseltongue was a direct lineage skill, which it seemed

to be, it would imply that Adrian was now the Heir of Slytherin. Unless it

was inherited as a title, where it could only be bestowed by another

speaker already.

But Adrian had met Lutain before he was ever adopted by his father. Did

that mean that there were more parseltongue speakers out there? Adrian

was under the impression the gift was incredibly rare.

"Tell my father," Adrian paused hesitantly. What did he want to say to the

man? What was there to say?

If parseltongue marked a distinct trait of the Heir of Slytherin, and the

one who opened the Chamber had to be a speaker...

"Lutain," Adrian breathed excitedly, his mind whirred with the perfect

way to ridicule Potter.

"I need you to do a favour."

S058: Hmm, kinda surprised Adrian automatically assumes the Trio were

behind the Chamber. I mean, that one idiot did have a point, nobody

would suspect a Muggleborn of being the Heir, and after so long...

Come to think of it, given how long it's been, you could make the

argument that Hermione's a long descendent of one of Salazar's bastard

kids.

Moving on, one thing so far puzzles me. I get why Hermione went to

Adrian and not Binns as per canon (Seriously, you could replace Binns

with Hedwig and do a better job of teaching), what I don't get is how it

being opened once before was kept a secret.

You'd think Salazar would've put a warning in his house's common room,

labeled "Judgement is here, stay inside until the screaming stops", at

least. Then again, the school is old, might have been removed over the

years because "Eh, the Chamber is just a myth, why keep this stupid thing

around"...

Speaking of the Horcrux, well, as I recall, it was getting stronger over the

years, so maybe Adrian starts sensing flashes from it? I mean, like I said,

this isn't a common field, but there could be some... resonance, I suppose,

now that it's no longer just some old shade in a book.

You have a lot of good points, a few I can't actually explain or defend. I think

at this point, Adrian has an unhealthy obsession with Skylar and instantly

assumes that the three are always up to something.

I don't think that it was really a secret, more of an absence of occurrence. The

Chamber had been opened before in the first book, but it was never mentioned.

Similar to that, it's not that the information was hidden, it just wasn't

commonly discussed.

I like to imagine that the judgement or the bias against Slytherin hadn't existed

as it does now. Maybe the type of discrimination back then that he endured

was entirely different than what is occurring now, or possibly it doesn't apply

anymore.

The book, well, don't worry about that. There is still a big role for that book to

play. As far as the Horcrux, you're right. In this fic I'm using the basis that

Horcrux's can influence surroundings to a degree, you'll see that later on as

well.

Impstar: WHY did Adrian go to so much work to gain Hermione's trust?

She didn't have much to offer him.

Well, look at it from another's perspective. Hermione is the go-to person for the

Golden Trio, what would happen if you were the go-to person for her? Adrian

has multiple reasons for gaining her trust. Not only does it let him in on a few

of the things they're up to, but imagine later on if Adrian had easy access to

Skylar through a mutual friend.

SafeT2nd: Dang it, I keep getting sucked into the story and in what feels

like seconds it ends.

I try to make each chapter about 14 pages long on Google Docs, which is

roughly 4K words or so. Counting all of the chapters I've written so far (up to

Chapter 36 or so), I'm estimated at least 115,000 words. Don't worry, you'll

have plenty to read.

King of the Souls: Great chapter thanks for the update, however I did

really quick want to ask you one thing, why is Adrien doing all these

favors for Hermione is he just wanting her to be in his debt, or is he in

her debt?

Well, think of how wonderful it would be if the Golden Trio owed you one. All

major things start with tiny steps, and eventually having Skylar or Hermione

owing you for something pretty big could be very very useful.

21. Polyjuice

This chapter has been edited and fixed by my amazing Beta.

Unfortunately, I've been stuck in the grueling grind of exams and

preparations, as well as a few other life events.

On the bright side, I am now the proud owner of my own little

Lutain, although decidedly more chubby and a lot less dangerous.

I hope you all enjoy this chapter and my attempts to rearrange the

canon timeline just slightly.

The shipment of boomslang skin and powdered bicorn horn arrived in the

grip of a ratty, tawny eagle. It snapped its beak twice at Goyle and stole

some of Crabbe's egg.

The packaging was secure and within hours Hermione was handing over

the money for the purchase. The ingredients weren't easy to find, but

with this payment, Adrian finally had enough to purchase the animagus

potion.

His Occlumency shields increased every day, proceeding along with his

carefully timed plans.

He had already talked to Draco, who affirmed that if Snape (who was the

assistant to Lockhart for the dueling club) chose a volunteer, it would

almost certainly be Draco. The other "volunteer" would definitely be

chosen by Lockhart: Skylar Potter, the celebrity.

The only uncertainty, Draco confessed, was if Snape was intending to see

Skylar embarrassed; if that was the case, the potions professor would call

on Adrian himself.

The idea was both flattering and unsettling.

In the days leading up to the Dueling Club's first meeting, Adrian spent

his time in the library scouring through nearly every book he could on

references to snakes or snake creatures.

He had marked off Atups, small winged serpents who lived in deserts,

able to glide over long distances. Nehustans and Runespoors were added

to his implausible list. Adrian didn't know if Parseltongue expanded

outwards to encapsulate serpentine species of dragons and other reptiles.

Sea Serpents weren't actually related to the snakes Adrian knew he could

speak to; would his ability reach the smooth skinned variants?

He still didn't know how such a large monster was moving throughout the

castle, the Creevy boy and the cat were found in two entirely different

areas of the castle. Whatever it was, it could move invisibly through the

school. Perhaps there was a species which could camouflage itself?

Adrian didn't have time to venture into that territory, he was busy

searching for simple spells which could properly humiliate an opponent,

just in case.

The Dueling Club was an event to see. Nearly all of the Slytherins turned

up to watch Snape duel against their least favourite teacher on staff. The

Great Hall had been altered, all of the tables and furniture removed with

the exception of a tall golden platform. Candles floated high above

shining on the excited students below.

Gilderoy Lockhart walked onto the stage, resplendent in deep plum robes.

Snape was wearing his usual black, looking frustrated with his teaching

companion.

"Gather round, gather round!" Lockhart shouted out, waving his arms

excitedly. "Can everyone see me? Can you all hear me?"

"Unfortunately," Theo grimaced, causing Crabbe to snigger.

"Now! Professor Dumbledore has kindly granted me permission to start

this little dueling club, to train you all up in case you ever need to defend

yourselves as I myself have done on countless occasions- for full details,

see my published works. Let me introduce my assistant, Professor Snape,"

He flourished to the scowling man. "He tells me he knows a tiny little bit

about dueling himself and has sportingly agreed to help me with a short

demonstration before we begin. Now, I don't want any of you youngsters

to worry; you'll still have your Potions master when I'm through with

him, never fear!"

Snape's upper lip was curling. It was wonder that Lockhart was still

happy; Adrian couldn't imagine anyone willingly dueling Snape and still

seeming pleased.

Lockhart and Snape turned to face each other and bowed. At least

Lockhart did, with an unnecessary flourish, while Snape just jerked his

head shortly. They both raised their wands like swords in front of them,

shifting their stances, turning to present a smaller target.

"As you see, we are holding our wands in the accepted combative

position!" Lockhart instructed the quiet crowd. "On the count of three, we

will cast our first spells. Neither of us will be aiming to kill, of course."

"A shame," Draco muttered under his breath.

Lockhart counted down and both swung their wands above their heads

and pointed them at their opponent. Snape shouted a disarming charm

before Lockhart could do so much as inhale. Lockhart flew backwards off

the stage and slid onto the floor in an undignified sprawl. His wand went

spinning off into the crowd.

Malfoy and Pansy cheered loudly.

Lockhart stumbled upright onto his feet. "Well, there you have it!" He

stated, tottering back onto the raised platform. "That was a Disarming

Charm, as you see, I've lost my wand- ah, thank you." He smiled to a

Gryffindor first year who eagerly handed it to him. "An excellent idea to

show them that, Professor Snape, but if you don't mind my saying so, it

was very obvious what you were about to do. If I had wanted to stop you

it would have been only too easy. However, I felt it would be instructive

to let them see…"

Snape looked murderous. Lockhart noticed, because he quickly shouted.

"But enough demonstrating! I'm going to come amongst you now and put

you all into pairs!"

Snape strode over to Skylar instantly and beckoned Draco. "Perhaps a

demonstration before the students are throwing jinxes?"

"Of course!" Lockhart stumbled, helping the unprepared and wincing

Skylar up onto the golden stage. "A wonderful idea!"

Draco took a few steps to pass Adrian, pausing and wincing as Adrian

smilingly offered his hand. Draco took it, and Lutain slid through the

clasped hands around the arm of Draco.

"He is humid, Master." Lutain hissed from Draco's arm, "He smells of fear."

"Don't worry, he won't bite." Adrian murmured. "Well, not you at least."

Draco nodded and walked up to the other end of the stage. Adrian

squeezed around the crowd, trying to orient himself halfway down the

length of the stage as near as he could get.

"Face your partners!" Lockhart shouted, "And bow!"

Skylar and Malfoy barely inclined their heads, not taking their eyes off

each other.

"Wands at the ready!" Shouted Lockhart. "When I count to three, cast

your charms to disarm your opponents- only to disarm them! We don't

want any accidents. One...two.."

Skylar swung his arm up but Malfoy had already casted his spell on two.

His spell hit Skylar so hard he stumbled backwards. Skylar responded

accordingly, shouting, "Rictusempra!"

A jet of silver light hit Malfoy in the stomach and he doubled over,

wheezing.

"I said disarm!" Lockhart shouted. "Disarm!"

Malfoy sunk to his knees. Skylar looked unsure, and Malfoy took this

chance to choke out, "Tarantallegra!"

Skylar yelped as his legs jerked around him in an obscure, uncontrollable

dance.

"Stop!" Screamed Lockhart, but Snape took charge.

"Finite Incantatem!" Intoned the potions professor. Malfoy stopped

wheezing and Skylar's legs stopped trembling.

"Perhaps, it would be best to teach the students how to block spells?"

Snape drawled, watching as Lockhart flushed red and rushed to Skylar's

aid.

"Now, Skylar," Lockhart started. He smiled dazzlingly. "When Draco

points his wand at you, you do this-"

He made a complex movement with his wand and ultimately dropped it.

Malfoy made eye contact with Adrian and gave a short nod.

"Three... two... one... go!" Lockhart shouted.

Malfoy raised his arm, his sleeve low enough Adrian could only see the

end of his wand. He shouted out, "Serpensortia!"

The spell was mispronounced only slightly, yet it was enough no serpent

was actually conjured. Lutain instead unraveled from Draco's arm and

sprang out from under his sleeve; only if you had been looking closely

would anyone notice the difference.

Lutain landed heavily on the floor and reared his head with a loud hiss.

Nearby students screamed and stumbled back, Snape looked surprised

but also positively gleeful with the turnout.

"I'll get rid of it!" Lockhart shouted, waltzing past the horrified Skylar. He

pointed his wand, and with a loud bang Lutain flew through the air

before landing in exactly the same spot with a smack. Adrian would have

been concerned if it was anyone except Lockhart casting the spell.

"You purple coated bird!" Lutain hissed angrily, turning and locking eyes

with a terrified Gryffindor second year. "I'd love to bite the lark with my

venom!"

The tanned boy whimpered loudly.

"Leave him alone!" Skylar shouted, looking terrified for his year mate.

Lutain performed perfectly, and once again Adrian was relieved he had

taught his companion English.

Lutain slunk to the ground and instantly went docile. He was the threat

level of a limp garden hose and staring at Skylar blankly.

The Gryffindor second year, if anything, went even paler.

Whispers spread quickly, accusing and skeptic eyes were turned to Skylar

who was looking rather horrified himself.

"No- no I-" Skylar stumbled a bit, at a loss for words. "I don't talk to

snakes-"

Lutain deserved a prized hamster; he nodded his scaly head.

If this was what people thought Parseltongue was, Adrian was almost

disappointed.

Skylar stumbled backwards and the crowd around him took another step

back. Even Ron was looking a bit pale.

"Do I get a rat?" Lutain hissed lowly, rising high enough to retain in eye

contact with Skylar even having slid off the stage.

"No! I didn't do anything!" Skylar shouted desperately, pointing his wand

at Lutain who had (bless his best friend), started to slowly slither after

him.

"Stay back!" Skylar howled, looking on the verge of tears. Lutain stopped

dead in his tracks and once again nodded obviously. A Hufflepuff nearest

Adrian whimpered quietly.

Adrian would get Lutain the best rat he could find.

Skylar ran and the crowd collapsed into a maddening mixture of rushing

feet and louder shouts. Words like "Parseltongue!" and "Heir!" were

thrown around, already the rumor catching purchase.

Lutain moved and slid off the stage as fast as he could slither, Adrian

lifted the edge of his cloak and his familiar quickly circled his calf

inching upwards out of sight.

The students were all dismissed, nobody would be able to focus with

Skylar having run out so quickly.

Adrian caught up with Draco and with a smile gave a short nod.

"Everyone thinks Potter is the Heir now." Draco seemed dazed. "that

snake knows English?"

"Lutain is very smart," Adrian agreed, "and he's fine."

"Give him a rat or whatever he eats for me."

Adrian certainly would.

Adrian went looking for the Hogwarts gamekeeper, the giant man

Hagrid.

Lutain deserved the best rat he could get and Hagrid seemed his best bet

to get something that his familiar would absolutely love. The snow had

come in, a wicked blizzard in the night which canceled all of the

Herbology and Care classes outside. Likely Hagrid would be outside,

trying to tend to the snow.

He found Hagrid, walking into the castle with a thick wooly balaclava

and a moleskin coat. He was carrying a mangled mess of feathers in one

arm.

"Hagrid?" Adrian asked, seeing the large man jump and stare at Adrian

for a perplexing amount of time. "I talked with you before school started.

You said you may know where to get some decent rats?"

"Ya!" Hagrid nodded, blinking out of whatever dazed state he was in. "Yer

right! I got a few down in mah hut." Hagrid blinked a drop of melted

snow out of his eye. The man was twitchy, curled in ever so slightly on

himself with the strangest expression of nostalgia.

"What do you have there?" Adrian asked, trying to see the mangled mess.

"What bird is that?"

"A rooster, second one killed this term," Hagrid explained, grimacing. "It's

either foxes or somethin', an' I need the Headmaster's permission ter put a

charm around the hen coop."

"Good luck with that," Adrian said. He smiled thinly. "Could you send me

a few mice by owl?"

Hagrid was looking at Adrian's face a moment too long for comfort,

almost bewitched by Adrian's thin lipped smile. Hurriedly the man

nodded, as if realizing how rude he was being by staring. Hagrid

mumbled something hurriedly, along the lines that he really did need to

talk to the headmaster.

Adrian hummed to himself and walked up the steps towards the corridor

which would take him to the library. A rooster? Surely it had to be a

clue; almost nothing ever attacked something that the gamekeeper was

protecting.

"Attack!" He heard a loud shriek although it was quite a distance away.

"Attack! Another attack!"

Adrian turned and started running towards the noise. "No mortal or ghost

is safe! Run for your lives!"

Door after door flew open along the corridor as people filed out to see

the sight. It was even better than Adrian could have imagined.

There was a petrified body of the same Gryffindor second year who

Lutain had targeted at the dueling club and a ghost.

The ghost was stuck in a silent scream, body position stiff and rigid.

Professor McGonagall came running, followed by her own class. She

pointed her wand and sent a loud bang into the air, which restored

silence, and ordered everyone back into their classes.

"Caught in the act!" Shouted a Hufflepuff loudly. Adrian recognised the

boy as someone he'd gotten into a fight with before, Ernie. Ernie pointed

his finger at Skylar, who floundered for something to say.

Adrian caught Skylar's eye, and saw the utter terror and confusion in his

eyes.

His plan was working perfectly.

The double attack on Dean (as he learned his name after) and the

Gryffindor ghost, Nearly Headless Nick, turned what had hitherto been

nervousness into real panic. Amazingly, it was Nearly Headless Nick's fate

which concerned so many people. What monster could possibly do that

sort of thing to a ghost?

There was almost a stampede to book seats on the Hogwarts Express so

that students could go home for Christmas.

Adrian had chose to stay at Hogwarts over the holidays; as much as he

would like to see Bellatrix, he was in no state prepared to see his father

once again. Just the thought brought back the anxious trembling in his

hands.

Draco chose to stay at the castle as well, Crabbe and Goyle followed suit.

Christmas came around and Adrian received gifts from a surprising

number of people.

Hermione had gifted him a luxurious eagle-feather quill. Hagrid sent a

box with three well groomed mice, which had Lutain hissing with gleeful

anticipation. Draco gifted him a box of treacle tarts, likely bought from

the store Honeydukes.

Bellatrix sent him a bag full of galleons, which actually was very kind

considering he owl ordered a large quantity of things now. Rabastan sent,

once again, a collection of potions. These ones were more complex and

quite a few were made for secret messages or truth serums. Rodolphus

sent an ironic fountain pen, shaped with a snake curving around the grip.

Adrian didn't recognize the species.

The Great Hall was beautiful, not only were there a dozen frost coated

Christmas trees and thick garlands of holly and mistletoe, but enchanted

snow was falling from the sky above.

Draco Malfoy made several loud, snide remarks about the crude looking

sweater Skylar was wearing. Hermione ushered the remaining two of the

golden trio out of the Hall, which was suspicious but Adrian was too

amused with Draco feeding Lutain various bits of pudding and tarts.

Adrian slipped into the library once more, as he had been since the

roosters were added into his search. He took out a book, finally on the

shelves from the lack of students over Christmas break, and went back to

the Slytherin Common room.

The room was empty which wasn't much of a surprise. It meant that

Adrian had a selection of any of the couches to read the book on.

The stone entrance slid open and Draco walked in with Crabbe and Goyle

lumbering behind him. As well as-

"Bullstrode?" Adrian asked, lifting one eyebrow curiously. "I thought you

went home for the holidays."

Millicent stumbled, looking rather odd before she jutted out her chin, "I

came back."

Adrian blinked, and looked back at his book. She must have still been

upset at him.

"Wait here," Malfoy said to Crabbe and Goyle who both took seats on

nearby couches. "I'll go and get it, my father's just sent it to me-"

Draco walked off to his room, and then returned with a newspaper

clipping. He thrust it under Crabbe's nose, causing the boy to go cross-

eyed. Draco grinned. "That'll give you a laugh."

"Master?" Adrian peered over his book over towards the steps to the

downstairs level where the rooms were. With the majority of Slytherins

gone, Adrian felt it was alright to leave the door open for Lutain to freely

wander the common room.

Draco and the others chattered on about something Adrian didn't care

about. Lutain slid over and scented the air. The sight of Lutain sliding up

onto the table between the couches caused all three to pale.

"There it is," Draco cut in, shifting topics to point at Lutain. "I was going

to see if it liked stewed carrots."

"Considering Lutain hates vegetables, I doubt it," Adrian noted, giving a

long stretch before closing his book and facing the group. "What were we

talking about?"

"The Heir of Slytherin," Draco caught Adrian up. Malfoy jutted his chin

out, maybe in an attempt to pout. "I wish I knew who it was. I could help

them."

Crabbe's jaw dropped so he looked even more clueless.

"You must have some idea who's behind it all…" Millicent trailed off, her

voice wavering strangely.

"You know I haven't, how many times have we had this discussion?"

Draco scowled. Draco turned and glanced directly at Adrian. "If anyone

knows it's you."

All eyes were on him. "Well, the school seems set that it's Skylar Potter."

Draco let out a massive snort.

"And Father won't tell me anything about the last time the Chamber was

opened either. Of course, it was fifty years ago, so it was before his time,

but he knows all about it and he says that it was all kept quiet and it'll

look suspicious if I know too much about it. But I know one thing- last

time the Chamber of Secrets was opened, a Mudblood died. So I bet it's a

matter of time before one of them's killed this time...I hope it's Granger."

He said with relish.

Adrian sighed loudly, "Honestly, Draco. You just don't like her because

she's actual competition."

"I don't like her because you dragged her here," Draco snapped. "You and

your bloody deals and now you're dragging in Mudbloods?"

"I'm sorry," Adrian said, his tone carefully pitched to indicate he was

anything but. He tilted his head towards Draco. "Are you questioning

me?"

Draco scowled and crossed his arms. "That's Millicent's job, isn't it?"

Millicent blinked wide eyed and looked overwhelmed.

Something wasn't adding up.

"D'you know if the person who opened the Chamber last time was

caught?"

"Oh, yeah...whoever it was was expelled," said Malfoy, "They're probably

still in Azkaban."

"Azkaban?" Goyle said, looking puzzled.

"Azkaban- the wizard prison, Goyle." Malfoy looked at him in disbelief.

"Honestly, if you were any slower, you'd be going backward."

"How did the chamber get opened?" Millicent butted in. "If only the Heir

can open it, how would someone be able to if they're in Azkaban?"

Draco waved his hand at Adrian, beckoning him to take a turn to talk.

Adrian shrugged half heartedly, trailing his hand down Lutain's back. "I

don't know. There isn't any information- I didn't know about the death."

Adrian nodded to a smug looking Malfoy. "Maybe it required specific

magic, or a specific ability."

Goyle's eyes widened and he nudged Crabbe who also seemed to have

realized something.

"Lutain," Adrian spoke low, causing his familiar to glance at him. "Do you

have a rat to sniff out?"

Lutain's tongue flickered in the air wildly, "Master, there is something- no.

No rat. Master."

Adrian relaxed and looked at Millicent. She seemed rather uncomfortable

still, yet it was undeniably her.

"Malfoy," Adrian snapped out, nearly smacking himself for not thinking of

it sooner, "Do you know what Boomslang skin is used for?"

Draco seemed surprised but blinked. "Brewing potions now, Selwyn?"

"I buy them," Adrian deadpanned, "but amuse me."

"We've got to go," Millicent stood. There was something off about how

she sniffed, something about the tilt of her head. "I heard that Potter git

was in the library."

"Give him a hex for me," Draco waved them off, before returning in

thought.

The three of them left, and Draco started to list off potions, "Grolji's

Elixer, Polyjuice Potion, Madora-"

Adrian suddenly felt a bit dizzy. He gave Malfoy a sharp look. "Polyjuice

Potion? That changes your shape, doesn't it?"

"For an hour," Draco confirmed, not quite understanding, "Why?"

Millicent had been acting odd, Goyle more obvious than normal, Crabbe

unusually silent-

Adrian glanced at the exit door. All three of them had vanished without a

trace.

He cursed so crudely Draco blushed.

Wolfhunter1425: Will Harry meet his father?

Yes, oooooh yes he will.

scrandle: Harry isn't even trying to pretend be a Selwyn, so it makes

sense that Daphne would pick up on his weaknesses. You can't shut

everyone up with the threat of violence. And at the same time, I totally

get his behaviour too. I can imagine it would be hard for Harry to

compromise his past with his present. This is what makes me love this

story. Thank you for the update.

I'm working on matching Adrian/Harry's actions very much to those expected

of someone his age. When I was young, I always threatened people with

violence even though I knew I could never back it up. I'm trying to keep this

realistic, and I appreciate that you enjoy it so!

4everfictional: Does he think his brother is also a speaker?

I hope this chapter fixed that idea

Fez8745: You'd think Harry would do something about the fact Daphne

knows. Why hasn't he cornered her and tortured her yet ? THAT is

something he'd do. With his current Mindset and personality. You'd think

he'd be a little more worried that his identity is now revealed. She needs

to be Obliviated or Killed, 2 can keep a secret if one of them is dead.

He couldn't just ignore that, Especially since now Theo the douchebag

who wont get it into his f***** head not to call Harry, Harry. he also

needs to be shown some pain. Use the Choking thing that he does to

Bella,go like Darth Vader on his ass. Crush his Larynx, Disable his ability

to speak as punishment.

Or just start using the Cruciatus, he's been hit by it enough to be able to

do a similar type of magic wandless by now.

Good to see his Wandless magic isn't being Neglected, although we don't

see him working on it or practicing anymore. So he may be getting

Handicapped by relying too heavily on the crutch, a wand.

All good points, although I'd like to point out that Harry/Adrian is only 12. At

12 years old, I very much doubt anyone would be capable of cold hearted

murder or have the ability to torture another human being. Harry/Adrian has

no idea how to kill someone, he has no idea how to get away with it. As far as

he's aware, Daphne doesn't actually know anything, and it would only look

suspicious if he tried something. It's best he wait and see, especially since he

couldn't get away with murder.

Harry/Adrian won't be using torture curses until he actually learns how to use

them.

A Reader: I'm wondering something. In Shadowed Malice, you used a

rather...stupid way to get people who don't speak parsletongue into the

chamber (conjured snakes). I always found that rather ridiculous,

especially since I see no reason why the conjured snakes would actually

say "open", if they were even able to that is. What I'm getting at, is that I

hope that it won't happen in this story (because, like I mentioned, I find

it rather stupid), just to be able to stick to canon events.

Have no fear! That won't be happening- as I said before, I'm attempting to

make this story very realistic.

In which case, the Chamber cannot be opened by anyone, especially in the

past when a student died. There's no way they could get into it then, so there is

no reason they should be able to now.

S058: Adrian's got some cracks forming in his backstory. Question is, will

Greenglass keep pushing, or just try not to pry into it? One route leads to

her death as per the previous version of this story, the other does not.

And once again, Skylar gets Bludgeoned, and Creevy winds up in the

same room as his idol! Shame he's not really alive, but eh, details.

I'm trying to stick to the canon plotline unless there is a very clear reason why

it would not happen. In this story, Dobby still cares for Skylar and is under the

full notion that Skylar should not be at Hogwarts- hence the Bludger.

Oh Daphne, I have such plans for you.

22. Chamber

Wow it's been a while. This chapter is not beta'd so any errors are

my fault.

Here marks the start of canon divergence and from that, where the

chaos starts happening.

Hopefully you all enjoy this double length chapter.

Adrian adopted a vengeful wrath once the rest of the students returned.

Millicent, the real Millicent, confirmed she hadn't ever set foot in the

dungeons during the break. This sent Draco into a fit as well.

With both Adrian and Draco prowling in a simmering anger, the

Slytherin population consciously tried to avoid them.

Adrian didn't care, his thoughts revolved around the actions of the

Golden Trio.

A small part of Adrian was impressed- a second year successfully brewed

the Polyjuice potion?

But where would three students find a secluded location secure enough to

brew such a complex potion.

Adrian was venturing back to the spot where Filch's cat had been

petrified. He searched for any clue, either regarding the Slytherin heir or

the trio.

He heard Filch shouting from a corridor down, where a stream of water

passed Adrian and descended a slope towards the shouting.

The puddle of water was traveling from under a heavy battered door, not

slowing with its torrent.

It was a washroom, marked with a large "Out of Order" sign. Adrian

grimaced as water soaked into his robe, yet he did not let it deter him.

He pushed the door open, feeling the resistance of the water that spilled

out.

There was a bawling ghost, out of sight although loud enough to be a

nuisance. It was dark; the candles normally magically lit were

extinguished from the rush of water that had left both walls and floor

soaking wet.

"Hello?" Adrian asked, his voice echoing off the walls.

A ghost head popped out of a stall. It was a young girl, her face

translucent and blotchy. 'Who's that?" it glugged miserably. "Come to

throw something else at me?"

She saw Adrian, paused, and seemed to grow even paler. She screamed,

the sound echoing painfully in Adrian's ears. Her eyes bulged, arms

trembling and shaking water droplets almost comically onto the floor.

Her jaw shook as she rattled out horrible choking noises, tears trailing

down her face before she leapt into a toilet out of sight.

Adrian blinked, slightly dumbstruck by the violent reaction.

The room was eerily silent, the dripping faucets echoing rhythmically.

There was a small thin book under a nearby sink. It was black and

waterlogged, standing out in the bleak room.

Adrian picked it up, wrinkling his nose at the uncomfortable texture of

wet parchment. He opened the book, there was no ink inside the pages. It

completely unused.

It was a diary, and the date on the inner cover said it was fifty years old.

Why would someone not use a diary, or why would they keep it around

just to throw it away in a girls room?

Adrian hummed quizzically, searching along the spine and the back cover

for the traces of a name. It was possible whoever it was would want it

returned at a later time. He spotted something, almost carved with fine

handwriting just inside-

T. M. Riddle.

Adrian dropped the book. It splashed back into the sink carelessly.

"No way," he breathed, feeling distant as he opened the book again. How

was it possible...

Then he was hit with something strong and dizzying, enough to nearly

send him toppling to the flooded floor. It was overwhelming, the

spasming sensation of pain prickling along each of his nerves. Nausea

rose until the vague sensation of sick wasn't limited only to his organs.

Adrian curled in on himself, almost heaving as his head felt thick and

sluggish- as if he had inhaled too much of Lockhart's perfume.

It whispered, something whispered words he could almost understand. A

language he didn't understand, something muffled but loud enough he

could hear the cadence of speech.

The hand clutching the diary had gone numb from biting cold.

It relented, lifting immense weight from Adrian's chest and suddenly he

could breathe again.

He swallowed and placed the book in his front pocket. His cloak hung

slightly further on the one side to accommodate the weight.. It pulsed

something foreign, low and alluring like the first curse he had ever

casted.

Considering that if this...thing, did belong to T. M. Riddle, Adrian wasn't

exactly sure what sort of effects it would have. It was possible it could

seriously harm him.

But the coincidence of finding something from T. M. Riddle during the

opening of the Chamber of Secrets- it had to be linked. Which led him to

to the only impulsive thing he could think of doing.

He needed to write in this as soon as possible.

The attacks had mysteriously vanished, which given the recent discovery,

made sense.

The diary- the diary belonged to his father, who was the Heir of

Slytherin! Somehow this book was the one opening the chamber and

setting the monster loose.

Although he hadn't actually written in it yet, Adrian was too paranoid to

leave it sitting out. He kept it on his body at all time, trapped within the

anxiety ridden thoughts that somehow, someone would know that it was

him.

The only thing to rattle him out of his sleepless thoughts was, somehow,

Lockhart had gotten it in his head that he was the reason the attacks had

stopped.

Lockhart's idea of a morale-booster became clear at breakfast on February

fourteenth.

The walls were coated with disgustingly pink flowers. Worse still, heart-

shaped confetti rained slowly from the pale blue ceiling.

Only Lockhart seemed to be enjoying himself, with the lurid pink robes

to match the decorations.

The rest of the day, dwarves were hired to carry around singing

valentines day cards.

The cards were rubbish at best. The highlight was the foul one,

christened with glitter and red hearts sent from Lockhart to Snape during

a house meeting.

Adrian had avoided the dwarves so far, mostly due to his infamous

dealings. Daphne had received three, taking them all in grace.

Draco was dreading the event, knowing positively he would have at least

one. The pale haired boy glued himself to Adrian's side, certain that

Adrian would have a way to avoid the blasted creatures.

Adrian couldn't. Even running didn't deter one persistent dwarf which

managed to chase them across an entire open courtyard. If it wasn't for

the spell resistant skin, Adrian would have sent dozens of tripping spells

hoping one would hit.

"Go get 'em!" One Gryffindor shouted, whooping loudly at the dwarf

when he saw the target.

There was no way dwarves should be able to run up stairs that fast; they

were so short the legs shouldn't be able to move that quickly.

"Is it after me, or you?" Adrian panted, although not looking as exhausted

as Draco.

Draco was flushed, skin reddening and contrasting with his light hair.

"Doesn't matter," Draco panted, eyes sharpening with a look of Slytherin

cunning, "It's getting you."

Adrian took a moment to puzzle over Draco's words, not understanding

foreboding tone.

Draco turned, and smacked Adrian lightly across his chest. Considering

how fast they were sprinting up the steps, the even slight push was

enough to topple Adrian to the ground.

He grunted, hitting the ground and catching a glimpse of Draco

managing to escape.

"Draco!" He shouted, half angry although half amused by the absurdity of

the situation.

They were being chased by a dwarf wearing a diaper.

It wasn't nearly as funny once the Dwarf shouted loudly in victory and

nearly tackled Adrian against the ground.

"Finally!" The dwarf grunted, shuffling in its side back for a slip of folded

parchment. It cleared its throat, and Adrian knocked his head against the

stone steps again.

"He's the kid that boy Selwyn,

Who'll sell you treats or pigskin,

And find you stuff right out of books,

He'll save your skin with his looks!"

Adrian blinked, the poem was almost as absurd as the situation.

Someone burst into cackling laughter, Draco had peered out from the top

of the staircase, having heard the valentine.

"We don't talk about this," Adrian grumbled, trying to dislodge the dwarf

from where it sat on his chest.

"As if!" Draco cackled, "Oh Adrian! Will you fetch me pigskin?"

"Oi!" The dwarf looked at Draco speculatively, "I got one for you too!"

Draco paled, and turned to run.

"'We don't talk about this' my arse!" Adrian shouted, finally able to catch

his breath when the dwarf jumped off his chest in hot pursuit once again.

Thankfully, it was the last valentine he received that day.

Draco wasn't as lucky.

'Hello' Adrian wrote with the Eagle-feather quill Hermione gave him, 'I

know who you are.'

Adrian wasn't sure if it would even work. It was a considerable risk, also

considering that he didn't know if it would trigger the dark magic or

curse. He had his tattoo ready to send a warning and explain what he had

done in the case of an unspeakable curse.

The ink was absorbed instantly into the diary; in seconds fine spidery

handwriting wrote itself across the pages, 'Hello, I'm sorry I believe we

haven't met. My name is Tom Riddle, who are you?'

Adrian chewed his bottom lip, he didn't feel anything different. Perhaps

there was no curse, or maybe he had to interact with it longer.

The handwriting was the exact same, all doubt he had for its true creator

vanished.

Should he answer realistically?

"Lutain?" Adrian hissed, peering around his room. Almost on cue his

familiar slid out of his charmed box, flickering his tongue quizzically.

"Yes, Master?" Lutain looked at the book in puzzlement, not seeing why

Adrian was speaking so cautiously.

"This book, it's possibly very cursed." Adrian paused, "If something happens, I

need you to push the book or hide it, and get help for me."

Lutain tensed, "Is it smart to work with curses?"

"Probably not, but it's my father's." Adrian swallowed, "And it involves the

Chamber. Just...watch the door, you remember how to turn the handle?

Alright, wish me luck."

Adrian ignored how his snake watched cautiously. He dipped his quill in

ink and scratched out the letters painfully slow.

'Adrian Selwyn.' He wrote, watching the words vanish into the pages

themselves.

'Hello then, Adrian.' It replied almost instantly, seeming so friendly, 'It's a

pleasure to meet you.'

Adrian paused, and sighed. What was he hoping for? There was no way

that this diary and his father would trust him so readily.

'I know you opened the Chamber,' Adrian wrote carefully, 'Where is it?'

The words sunk in, and he didn't get a response until nearly two minutes

later. The words were written considerably slowly, although not with

hesitation of pondering words.

'I'm sorry, I just caught the Heir, I don't know. But I hear your school is

suffering what mine did as well, fifty years ago. Shall I show you?'

Adrian scratched two letters, 'No.'

He could tell he was confusing the book, although it was doing a

marvelous job at hiding it.

'Alright,' It almost seemed to test the water, 'It sounds wonderful that the

situation is under control once more.'

Adrian snorted against his better judgement, a smile curling at his mouth.

Was this what it would be like to actually have a conversation with his

father?

'My name is Hadrianus Selwyn,' Adrian wrote carefully, 'I have a familiar,

his name is Lutain. Only two people can speak to him,'

'That's very interesting, as well as your name. You are very lucky to have a

familiar while also in Hogwarts. I hear it is very difficult to obtain one.'

Adrian wasn't entirely sure the book hadn't been charmed with a monitor

spell. Anything he wrote could be rewritten someplace else; he had to be

subtle.

'You could talk to him as well,' Adrian wrote, hoping that the book was

picking up the now not so subtle clues. 'He was a pain to speak to at first.'

'I'm sorry, I don't know what you're talking about. I wasn't aware of a creature

which could speak English fluently.'

Adrian growled annoyed.

'I thought you'd be smarter for the Heir of Slytherin,' Adrian scribbled out

frustrated.

'I'm sorry, I only caught the Heir.'

The book was being evasive because he didn't trust him, which was

understandable given that it was talking to a stranger.

"It doesn't trust me," Adrian hissed to Lutain, who was still peering at the

book questionably. Adrian hadn't ever taught Lutain how to read English.

"Nagini?" Lutain offered, "Only something Nagini knows?"

"Like what?" Adrian sighed, "I don't know what much about my father to

begin with."

This book would start getting sassy if he didn't start responding fast.

'You're being very uncooperative.' Adrian huffed, flinching as the book

suddenly dropped in temperature. It was seeping cold, tingling up the

nerves, It stung, creeping like a numbing tar in his blood.

'Stop that,' Adrian scratched out, hand shaking slightly.

At once, it receded and paused.

'Stop what?' It asked innocently, the strange sensation tickling the back of

his head.

'Reaching up,' Adrian wrote awkwardly, 'Going up my arms.'

'You can feel that?'

'Yes.' Adrian wrote, was he not supposed to?

It flared suddenly, not burning or tingling but moving up his hand once

again. Rolling oil invisibly over the surface of his skin.

He felt it touch his barriers, sliding through like legilimency without any

mind.

Adrian choked, folding over and clutching his scalp between shaking

hands.

"Master?" Lutain hissed in alarm, "Master?"

"Possession," Adrian choked out, feeling as if the invisible presence was

clawing in his throat, "It's-"

'Oh,' an invisible presence whispered, sliding between each wall of his

mind like water, 'oh,'

Then it receded, withdrawing so fast it left Adrian slamming backwards

heaving against the back of his headboard.

"Back!" Lutain hissed, rearing in a lethal display as he revealed his long

fangs, glaring in Adrian's face with the viciousness of a wild animal,

"Leave!"

"It's me," Adrian blinked, wincing as he fumbled for a vial of pain relief

potion he received for Christmas.

He almost kicked his foot out to send the book flying across the room. An

artifact with sentience strong enough to possess someone? What was his

father thinking? At least he knew the book wasn't spelled to compromise

him.

A single word scribbled back across the page, shaky in contrast to its

normally precise lines.

'How?'

So now it believed him. It was alarming and a bit terrifying how quickly

it demolished his Occlumency shields, he was proud of them.

'I'm your son,' Adrian wrote, his handwriting shaky for what was

happening, 'Voldemort is injured. The Chamber of Secrets has been opened

and I can't find the entrance.'

'Impossible,' It wrote instantly, 'Voldemort cannot be harmed.'

So his father had a god complex as well.

'He is,' Adrian tapped the edge of the quill against his lip, 'He looks like a

mandrake.'

'What.' It deadpanned. Adrian paused with his quill still on the page, ink

seeped into a larger blot the longer he waited, 'A mandrake. A screaming

shriveled root.'

Adrian slid the book out of his reach and onto the edge of his bed. Its

pages flickered quickly, moving from cover to cover like a whirlwind. It

snapped shut, spine creaking loudly.

"What is it doing?" Lutain asked curiously, he hadn't ever seen a book act

like that before, "Is it angry for being read?"

"No, he doesn't like how my father looks like a plant." Adrian responded

calmly, waiting for the diary to end its temper tantrum, "Apparently it's a

sensitive subject."

The book swung open to an empty page, quickly spreading black ink

across its page.

'A lavatory. Speak in the tongue under the sinks. A girl was killed there.'

Adrian's eyes widened- the ghost he had been talking to earlier? The one

that screamed at him?

Of course, she would scream because he was similar in appearance to her

killer.

'What is the monster?' Adrian wrote back calmly.

A single word filled the page.

'Basilisk.'

Adrian was forced as the days continued, to pick his classes for the next

year. Some people chose classes that were sure to be very simple to learn,

Divination mostly. Adrian felt compelled to take Care for Magical

Creatures, something about the course seeming highly interesting to him

although he would likely be caring for slugs.

Ancient Runes also seemed important, as well as Arithmancy

In the end, he chose to take Ancient Runes and Care, leaving his schedule

free to fill with his other required core classes.

Now that Adrian had talked to Tom Riddle over the more darker

materials, he often took the diary with him to have conversations about

everything he could whenever he could.

He found out, that his father was actually an amazing teacher.

With Tom Riddle's written instruction, Adrian actually had confidence in

his Occlumency. It was almost like holding the diary and focusing on his

shields, somehow gave him a boost- like the diary itself was assisting him

with making them stronger. It was entirely plausible considering the

book had the suspicious capability for possession.

Then he ran into Hermione.

He scowled, glaring at her cold enough for the girl to freeze. Hermione

managed to look guilty, and walked over before tugging on Adrian's arm

to pull him away from his chair and his books.

She dragged him around a bookshelf where they were a bit more

secluded.

"Adrian, I'm really sorry-" She started, voice jumbling and jumping to

explain, "You probably know that we had the Polyjuice potion... but we

just wanted to ask Malfoy!"

"You used a deal against me." He growled out angrily, "You snuck into my

dorm to spy on me!"

Hermione chewed her lip uncertainly, and nodded.

"I have nothing left to say to you." Adrian bit out, and Hermione grabbed

his arm once more.

"I need your help!" She blurted, looking embarrassed, "I- I know you

know a lot about magical creatures and I can't find the right book so I

was actually looking for you and..."

"Hermione!" Adrian hissed out, nearing the end of his patience.

"Basilisk!" She blurted, seeming unsettled but looking at him hopefully, "I

think the monster is a basilisk!"

"Impossible." Adrian ground out, "Basilisk's can't survive in this climate.

Not to mention that if it was, Potter would have heard it-"

"He's not a Parseltongue!" She exclaimed angrily.

"And the monster isn't a basilisk!" Adrian hissed back, "Why don't you

busy yourself with course selections, or go read something useful."

He turned and dismissed her, not feeling a shred of guilt when she looked

very much like she was about to cry.

He returned to his spot, pausing and noticing at once something was

askew.

He sorted through his books, mouthing the titles as he went.

It took him until he had placed them all back in his bag that he realized

the diary was gone.

The next week, he heard the Basilisk travel through the pipes again.

He had rushed to the washroom in question, peering at all of the sinks

but he hadn't found any symbol for a snake. He still hadn't managed to

get to the chamber.

It was Hermione who was found petrified.

With how annoying she had been getting, a part of Adrian wished the

basilisk had killed her.

With the recent attacks, the failure to find a culprit, and lack of

knowledge of what the monster actually was; Dumbledore was suspended

from Hogwarts by Minister's Orders.

People were more frantic, the hospital wing was entirely shut down and

permitted no guests. Classes were covered with the strictest security, and

students moved in large groups.

The Exams were to start on the first of June, one week from today.

It was asinine that they were still getting exams- classes were canceled

left and right in fear of the attacks. The library was closed from being a

crime scene, and each house had a strict curfew.

Three days before the first exam, Professor McGonagall made an

important announcement. The Mandrakes had finally grown to a point

where the cuttings could be used to revive those who had been petrified.

The time was drawing short, the window of opportunity for the diary to

act was down to just days.

Adrian smiled when he heard the announcement for all students to go

back to their House Dormitories. That meant there was another

petrification, which meant the diary had decided to take actions.

Draco stared at him horrified as he made his way the opposite direction

of the Dorm.

"Adrian! Where are you going!" Draco hissed, and Adrian simply smiled.

A breathless excited smile which left Draco standing stunned. Something

wasn't right about his eyes.

Adrian walked away, thankful that Lutain had fallen asleep in his pocket.

"Wake up." Adrian giggled, sliding behind a tapestry and pulling out his

wand, "It's time to go to the chamber Lutain," He practically crooned.

He casted the disillusionment charm on him, feeling the unsettling

sensation as he walked through the now empty hallways with ease.

"What?" Lutain stumbled, waking up sleepily, "What time is it?"

"Time for the Chamber," Adrian hissed, knowing that there was no risk

while invisible, "Let's head to the Chamber and see the basilisk."

They walked to the washroom, there was a message written in blood

right where the first message had been written at the start of the year.

"Her skeleton will lie in the Chamber forever." He read quietly in English,

lifting a fist to bite it sharply. He would have laughed otherwise- out of

sheer relief. Everything was working, the diary had taken a body.

He didn't bother with investigating the sinks, "Open!" He hissed loudly.

The sinks ground, and slowly slid open to the beautiful sight of a hole in

the ground.

Adrian stepped into the hole and slid out of sight.

"Look at the shed!" Lutain gasped, flickering his tongue at the huge

hollowed form of the shed skin. It was twenty feet long and pale white

with imprints of scales larger than Adrian's fist.

There was something freeing about being in this chamber- miles

underground. There had never been documents saying that the Chamber

existed. No wards, spells, or maps ever drew it. It was completely

untraceable, unmappable, which meant no matter what sort of spells

Adrian casted, he would never be found.

His face was starting to hurt from smiling when he reached the next set

of doors, two carved intertwining serpents with glittering green eyes.

"Open," Adrian laughed, watching as the door cracked apart and each half

slid out of sight.

Adrian walked forward, nearly skipping.

He and Lutain were standing at the end of a very long, dimly lit chamber.

Towering stone pillars were decorated with more curved serpents, rose

high into the dark to support the ceiling.

Adrian pulled out his wand and walked between the serpentine columns,

his footsteps echoed loudly off the shadowy halls.

At the last of the pillars, a statue high as the Chamber itself loomed into

view, standing against the back wall. Adrian had to crane his neck back

to see the face above: something monkey in features with a long thin

beard.

At the base of the floor, a single prone red haired girl lay.

"Ginny Weasley?" Adrian asked, his voice echoing loudly, "Seems a bit

strange to possess a pure-blood."

"It worked, didn't it?" a soft voice answered him behind.

Adrian turned slowly, holding his wand aloft.

The tall black haired boy was unmistakable, although he was eying over

Adrian with interest, "You have my face," Tom said, blinking in surprise

and some sort of pride, "And my hair."

"Blood adoption," Adrian explained, trying to not seem strange with how

intently he was looking at Tom Riddle. He hadn't ever seen his father

look remotely humanoid, seeing him like this was baffling and thrilling.

Adrian wondered how similar they really would look once he grew more.

Ginny made a loud whimper, echoing through the hall.

Adrian looked down at the girl, "She isn't dead?"

"Almost," Tom sighed, looking at her fondly, "She was a wonderful pawn.

As she grows weaker, I grow stronger."

"Did you possess her the entire time?" Adrian asked intrigued, "Or only at

times?"

"At times," Riddle confirmed, prodding the girl with one of his shoes, "She

was pathetically easy."

"Are you able to go back into the diary?" Adrian asked, "It would be

easier to take you out of here."

Riddle was still eying Adrian with some sort of fond affection. Riddle

stepped forward, bending slightly and with one hand touched Adrian's

cheekbone. Then his jawline, he pinched his chin and turned his head

side to side to observe it better.

"You do look like me." Riddle hummed, "So strange, I never thought I

would ever have…"

He trailed off, and then he smiled. It was a wide breathless smile which

somehow made something in Adrian's heart stir.

"Has my older self taught you spells?" The younger asked excitedly, "I

could feel you when you walked in here- why is that?"

"You can feel me?" Adrian's jaw dropped, "How?"

Riddle shrugged and offered a sharklike grin, "Would you like to see

Adalonda?"

"The basilisk?" Adrian asked excitedly, looking around the chamber.

Riddle turned, looked up at the statue and hissed loudly, "Speak to me

Salazar Slytherin, greatest of the Hogwarts Four."

The stone mouth slid open, and from the empty cavern something

slithered from within.

"Adalonda," Riddle spoke, "This is a friend of your noble kind. He speaks and

is of my blood."

The basilisk hit the ground, its eyes were greyish and clouded by an extra

eyelid. It's girth was amazing, it's hiss was loud enough to echo.

"Another speaker?" It spoke, voice much more intelligent as the rest of its

body landed and began to slither between them, "So young. So fresh." It

hissed, jaws opening to reveal a row of multiple fangs in its mouth,

pointed and needle sharp like a python or a boa.

Lutain slithered out of his pocket and up to see the basilisk, "Your scales

are like sun on water." Lutain prattled out, nearly wriggling in excitement,

"Your teeth could sink many prey."

The basilisk hissed, tilting its head curiously, "A little one," It cooed, "So

small, are your fangs sharp?"

Lutain hissed eagerly and slid off Adrian onto the ground to rear in front

of the mighty basilisk. He was a tiny twig in the wake of an ancient Oak

tree.

"What is your name, little one?" It tilted its head, "You are not Nagini."

Adrian looked at Riddle who stood with his leg resting on the deathly

still Ginny.

"You had Nagini when you were at Hogwarts?"

"She's still around?" Riddle looked interested, "She had just hatched."

"Nagini is wise." Lutain hissed in glee, "Master! The mark! Summon the

mark!"

Oh, that was actually a good idea.

Riddle blinked in alarm, "I finished the Dark Mark?"

"A different one," Adrian explained, removing his cloak and unbuttoning

his shirt. He pressed his fingers to his collarbone and hissed directly at

his skin "Nagini."

He grimaced at the sensation and Nagini pulled her way out of his skin.

Riddle's eyes widened and he smiled at the sight of his familiar moving

around Adrian's body, "Nagini," Adrian addressed the mark, "Tell father

that the diary has taken a body."

The snake hissed and dove through his skin again.

"That's brilliant," Riddle smiled, glancing down at Ginny, "I think she's

comatose."

Adrian nodded, staring at the Weasley girl.

Her breathing was low, barely anything. Her eyes had opened at some

point and were rolling around in her skull, clouded and desperate. She

made desperate whimpering noises, tears ran from the corner of her eyes.

"She's going to die," Adrian breathed, lowering to his knees. The sound of

his kneecaps hitting the stone was muffled yet sounded loudly in Adrian's

ears.

He felt Riddle behind him, peering over interestedly. His presence

washed soothing black waves over Adrian's mind; he felt it go cloudy,

everything tinted by the inhales and slowing exhales.

"She doesn't have to," Riddle spoke, there was a soft tone in his voice, one

hand resting on Adrian's shoulder, "You could take her with you if you

want. She'd live."

He could, he could take her with him. Be declared a hero and carry

Ginevra Weasley to safety from the Chamber of Secrets...

But how would he explain how he knew she was down here? How would

he explain how he snuck down here? How would he explain how he

saved her from the basilisk?

Then what would the story be for how Ginny had been opening the

chamber?

"No, no I can't." Adrian breathed, the soothing dark around his shoulders

was fogging his mind, "She can't live."

Adrian almost heard the phantom whispers of something inaudible hiss

'yessss' deep in his skull.

"Are you sure?" Riddle sounded so concerned, "I can pull away now, not

become tangible."

"You can't." Adrian breathed, "You can't kill her entirely. I have to sneak

you out in the diary."

Riddle exhaled with a smile somewhere between resignation and pride,

and with the sound of a taught wire snapping, Ginny let out a choked

gasp and a cry. Tears began cascading as she started sobbing wildly.

"Master?" Lutain asked, slithering over and looking at Adrian

concernedly.

Adrian didn't hear him- whispers were gathering in his head.

"You should let her live," Riddle whispered, his mouth by his ear.

Something was thrumming 'Kill her, kill her.'

"Let her live," He murmured once again,"She's in pain."

'Kill her Adrian,' Riddle's voice was clouding his ability to breathe, like

smoke in his lungs, 'She can't live.'

Adrian jerked forward and grabbed the diary from the ground.

Ginny turned her head towards him, her eyes met him and he could see

her begging. Tears ran from her eyes.

"Lutain, we're going." Adrian spoke, feeling like he was watching the

scene from outside his body, "Adalonda, I must go. Go to sleep, I'll be back

when I can. It may be months."

Adalonda gave a regal nod, and turned towards a tunnel on the side.

"She'll wake up, now that I'm not attached to her," Riddle warned,

looking at the scene with some sort of half lidded amusement- like

everything was coming to fruition.

'Leave her be,' Something whispered, its voice enticing. He almost didn't

feel his own lips moving, "Leave her in the Chamber."

"In the Chamber?" Riddle looked almost alarmed, reaching around in

some sort of mock embrace, his touch felt like smoke, "In the Chamber?

All alone?"

He was breathing in the clouding poison...

"Let her starve to death." Adrian exhaled almost dazed.

He turned and stumbled out of the Chamber, Adalonda's scales slid

smoothly over the stone until she too, vanished.

Somewhere faintly over the sounds of Tom Riddle laughing in his head,

he heard Ginny sobbing.

Tuefell987: The following things are a bit confusing:

1. Harry/Adrian: why is he struggling so much for money? The

Lestranges are filthy rich. The seventh book more than proves that.

Seeing that the three of them weren't caught torturing the Longbottoms, i

don't see why they would be hurting for money enough to have a

dilapidated house for example

2. The whole Hermione in the Slytherin common room bit: that is way

out of character. Adrian could have just got the whole story from that

prefect discreetly instead of resorting to such melodrama. Why didn't he

just do that? He would have Hermione more in his debt instead of

liberating her for little to no gain

3. The flying: didn't the first years have flying class?

1. Adrian comes from a rich family alright, but see it's a bit difficult to walk

up to Bellatrix and flat out say "I need twenty Galleons", which essentially

means that Adrian is struggling for money for his own bartering business. It

won't be a permanent problem, mostly from the end of this chapter.

2. It was dramatic and you would not believe how much I hated that scene.

Unfortunately, I did it so Hermione would know where the Slytherin common

room is and make a little more drama between her and Adrian, compared to

Canon where she was sick. I'm not that happy with how it turned out either.

3. First years did have a flying class but it was very simple like 'go up and go

down', the rest of them wanted to see Adrian go a bit more 'out there', plus

sometimes Adrian is a jerk and they wanted a little payback.

SafeT2nd What kind of snake do you have?

I have a Ball Python! I know I know, a bit unoriginal. If you're into the reptile

breeding business, my snake is a Enchi Hypo (Ghost Orange). and I intend to

get a Rainbow Boa when I'm older

23. Veil

Wow it's been a while. This chapter is not beta'd so any errors are

my fault.

This chapter marks the end of year two.

As always, questions from the previous chapter are addressed at the

bottom of this chapter.

Draco Malfoy noticed how Adrian was acting the moment he slipped in.

Draco stayed awake long since the others had retired. He noticed full

well that Adrian hadn't been in the Slytherin Dormitories. It was far past

curfew.

He noticed instantly the second the stone doorway shifted and a lone

figure walked inside.

"Adrian?" Draco asked, rising to his feet. The figure was swaying, sluggish

and barely remaining upright.

"Adrian?" Draco asked again, squinting in the dark, "Are you drunk?"

It was Adrian, he had one forearm braced against the wall to keep himself

upright. Adrian jerked his head upwards- his pupils absolutely blown and

his expression something Draco had only ever seen on his aunt Bellatrix

in photos from Azkaban.

"Adrian?" Draco took a step back, mindful of the nearby table.

Adrian succumbed to giggles, blinking quickly before tilting his head,

expression shifting to something confused before back to hysterical,

"Abraxas?"

"What?" Draco blinked, feeling for his wand and holding it tightly,

"Where have you been?"

Adrian's expression shifted, changing entirely into a too pleasant face, a

too calm composure.

Something wasn't connecting right- like the expression behind Adrian's

thoughts were bubbling out into something opposite.

"I'm sorry, Draco, is it?" Adrian spoke formally, blinking dazed and

puzzled by the surroundings. He shook his head suddenly, whipping his

neck around with the ferocity of his movements.

"Of course, my apologies. I dearly hope I haven't left you waiting too

long." Adrian apologized, face shifting and looking so heartfelt sincere...

Draco stared. Absentmindedly his hand subtly drifted to where his wand

was tucked securely.

"I'll be heading to bed," Adrian announced, giving a tight lipped smile,

"Plenty of packing to do, considering we're leaving soon."

Adrian walked past with grace, pausing at the stairwell as if confused

before he jolted forwards as if he had never hesitated.

Draco floundered, and shivered.

He had a feeling he didn't want to know.

Dumbledore returned the next day, apparently the other eleven

governors contacted him. In wake of the death of Arthur Weasley's

daughter, the anonymous conclusion was that such tragedy occurred due

to his absence.

Dumbledore, in the mind of the Ministry, was the best person to try and

restore order.

There were no attacks since that day. The hallways were filled with an

invisible smog, mourning that encapsulated everything and everyone.

The windows did not shine brightly, instead they glowed a dull grey,

adding to the atmosphere.

The school once more took extra efforts to try and locate the Chamber of

Secrets.

They came no closer to discovery, or closure.

Adrian tried not to think about it.

(Her face was so pale and scared all alone)

Adrian imagined the smile that Tom Riddle, that his father gave him. He

forced his mind to summon the memory, already distorting and warping

in his mind.

He remembered the excitement, the concern and the unusual pride that

his real father had not shown him.

He obsessed over the fantasy of his father- his real father treating him in

the same way.

He wanted to get a similar smile- he wanted his father to teach him spells

with the eagerness Tom Riddle asked him questions.

There was a part of him nestled deep and scorned inside of him crying

for affection. There was a larger part of his bare being that ached for

some sort of acknowledgement or recognition from his father.

He knew the diary would be the key to it as well.

The Mandrakes worked perfectly, everyone who had been petrified

awoke in confusion.

It was a celebratory moment, until Hermione and those frozen were

informed of the single death. They too then joined the funeral parade,

never ceasing and wandering without an end in sight.

The Hogwarts Express was a gloomy thing, although people were excited

to travel home. Relieved and hoping for the small shred of safety.

Lutain was moping, bemoaning about how long he would have to wait to

talk with Adalonda again.

Adrian was excited for the next year as well, he had a feeling it would be

very eventful. Not that he hadn't learned or accomplished a lot this year,

in contrast to the year prior it was as if he had an epiphany.

The winter holidays, the persistent fear others expressed, Adalonda-

(Ginny's red hair darkened when wet, and in the poor lighting of the

Chamber one could easily mistake it for blood pooling out from her

throat.)

Adrian flinched boldly, smacking his head against the chilled glass

window and startling Lutain from his musings.

"Master?" Lutain asked quietly, "Thing's won't be the same anymore, are

they?"

Adrian stroked one finger down Lutain's head, "No, no they won't be."

The diary in his pocket burned.

Bellatrix could tell the moment Adrian walked into the house that

something had changed.

Adrian held himself differently; he altered suddenly between hunching

and barely mumbling to arching his back proudly and gazing at her with

a cold had his wand wrapped with white knuckles and sent off spells

before Bellatrix could launch a curse.

Rabastan noticed as well, and informed Rodolphus who hadn't been

around enough to notice.

Adrian relished in his newfound freedom in the security of the wards. He

practiced spells, spells Bellatrix had never heard before and spells which

fumbled awkwardly from Adrian's mouth like he had only read them.

Adrian was growing distant. He was slowly and surely separating himself

and relying less on Bellatrix. It hurt her in small pangs, a part of her cried

out. She missed the sparring, the exhilarating laughter Adrian always

gave when he had finally bested her. He missed hearing him chuckle

under his breath from something his snake whispered in foreign tongue.

She knew that eventually he would be taken from her, yet she longed for

more time.

Adrian approached her with cold eyes and curtly ordered her to take him

to his father.

And then, she knew that time had run out.

Adrian walked through the halls with silent shoes and a fluttering cloak.

His occlumency walls were hardened, strengthened with the steely ability

of the diary. It influenced his abilities, it snuck into his mind and made

his thoughts shrouded and protected.

He opened the large doors, hearing them click behind him; this time he

felt no fear.

"Father," Adrian addressed, words sliding from his tongue thick as honey

as he approached and bowed, "I have a gift for you."

He pulled the diary from his pocket, securing it in his hold as he walked

forward and placed it gently on the table directly in front of the skeletal

creature.

He felt his father's surprise- just as he could always feel from the diary.

Something sour and sulfuric that tickled the furthest portion of his mind.

"I hope it to be of service," Adrian spoke again, bowing low and smiling

crookedly although it was unseen through his hair.

In his rare confidence and pride over his success, he smugly stated "It told

me it would be."

He wasn't cursed, so he left.

Nagini greeted him, the real serpent. She was excited to see him, wanting

to know his ventures in the 'Stone-den'. He mentioned Adalonda and

suddenly he was pinned under her mighty bulk, demanding to know

what she had spoken.

He smiled, and explained the beauty of her eyes and the wisdom of her

words.

Bellatrix seemed to be fueled by an unnoticed fire. She constantly

searched for Adrian under the guise of teaching him new spells.

She gifted him books, marked with broken quills where specific pages

had information of interest.

Adrian was rather overwhelmed, although he understood it on a basic

level.

He was older (although only twelve) he was of age where his father was

beginning to take a special interest in him. Not only that, but he had

heard the bare whispers from Bellatrix and Nagini that his father was

planning to undergo an elaborate ritual, using the diary to restore himself

to power.

Adrian knew that his father had succeeded when he saw all three of the

resident wizards crumple to the ground clutching their forearm in pain.

Bellatrix was ecstatic, yet her normal chaotic energy was tainted by a

melancholy she tried to veil. Adrian felt impassive- would his father

accept him and take him under his wing? Or would Bellatrix continue to

be his authority figure and teacher until he was older still?

Regardless of Adrian's own insecurities, the appearance of his father only

swarmed the past followers to his feet once more.

Bellatrix hushed him and ordered him to wear his prized cloak,

enchanted and charmed to keep his features shrouded from prying eyes.

There was nothing to be done about his height, although various magical

creatures and magical ailments could excuse such size.

The halls were filled with masked bodies and hidden eyes, each filling the

large banquet room Adrian had never seen. It was elaborate, tall stained

glass windows displayed the fading twilight in hues of deep lavender and

scarlet.

His father stood tall, and his features were garish and horrifying.

This was what Bellatrix referred to as powerful? The serpentine creature

bore a striking resemblance to a cobra, a folded reptilian hood pressed to

the sides of his throat and shoulders. His father had lost all semblance of

a nose, his face having been warped into the serpentine planes of scales

and slitted nostrils. Around the edges of what should have been

cheekbones, pitted grooves eerily similar to Nagini's heat sensing pits

surveyed the room.

His eyes were the darkest red Adrian had ever seen, his body exuded

dark magic like the finest perfume.

"My followers," He spoke, his voice layered with a high pitched hiss

similar to his previous vessel's vocal capabilities, "how long, we have

waited."

Adrian shifted nervously, sticking embarrassingly close to Bellatrix's

robes.

"For the days you have all hid," his father's eyes flashed as his lipless

mouth articulated the words smoothly, "uncertainly in your estates and in

the comfort of your gold." he sneered loudly, aura pulsating in rhythm to

a heartbeat, "the loyal, will be rewarded."

He said nothing for those who hadn't been.

"Go, my followers," Voldemort smiled, showing the barest traces of a

forked tongue, "Await my instructions further, do not fail me."

The room bowed, Adrian stumbling to follow along with the movement.

His father stood, sweeping across the floor and through a door further

behind where he had stood upon a platform.

"Come along," Bellatrix murmured under her breath, "We are to speak

with our Lord after all have left."

Adrian gave a short nod, reaching to fiddle with the hood on his cloak

yet mindful that it not fall. Slowly so slowly, the room cleared. Rabastan

and Rodolphus left them, throwing a cautious look from under their bone

masks, a warning to keep Adrian from being harmed extensively.

Bellatrix of course ignored them as well as any maternal instinct she may

have had. Her fingers grasped Adrian shoulder to steer them towards the

door standing terrifyingly tall.

The door opened under Bellatrix's hand; Nagini reared in anticipation on

the other side.

"Hello Nagini," Bellatrix cooed, "How pretty your scales are."

Nagini flickered her tongue, "You do not have Lutain?" Nagini seemed

disappointed, "We were talking of the best rats."

"I wasn't sure how he would be received, I didn't want any unfortunate

accidents." Adrian explained, more relaxed in the presence of the giant

snake.

"Master keeps all of noble kind under protection," Nagini dismissed, "Bring

Lutain more. His strike is fast but mine is faster."

Adrian smiled, "It is, you can down formidable prey, I hear. Can you actually

eat a dog?"

Nagini's tail tip wriggled excitedly as she flickered her tongue hungrily.

"Is she going to show us where to go?" Bellatrix blinked, having been

oblivious to the entire conversation.

"Yes, loud-lady." Nagini sighed, sounding exasperated, "Yes Master says to

show you the way. Come, clumsy loud-lady."

Adrian almost smiled as Nagini sunk to the ground and propelled herself

over the stone with her powerful body.

They moved into a waiting room, a balcony with a short series of stairs

ascending towards it. Descending down the very steps, an unfamiliar man

with dark hair walked.

"Bellatrix," The man said, his voice smooth and polished with poise and

confidence, "I see you have brought the boy."

The man turned partially , revealing a thin nose, sculpted cheeks and

dark hair framing deep scarlet eyes with the barest traces of slitted

pupils.

Only through staring at mirrors and his own face could Adrian hastily

recognize the man.

"Father," Adrian addressed breathily, unable to keep the baffled

expression from his face. He hastily lowered his hood, revealing his own

features.

His father stared at him, and Adrian hastily stumbled into a bow, not

entirely sure what else could be expected of him at the time. Nagini

stared unnervingly even as his father walked closer to survey him better.

His father blinked slowly, and looked at Bellatrix who had an eager

expression set on her pouting lips.

"Bellatrix, I have an assignment for you." Voldemort explained, reaching

into his robe pocket to retrieve a roll of parchment, "A specific ministry

worker is pending an act which enables the lawful ability to evict those

of creature blood from employment."

Bellatrix took the parchment delicately, holding it with reverence and

respect.

"The law would create tension in several of our werewolf packs, as well

as the vampire clans," His father sniffed in disdain, an expression of

annoyance so positively human it baffled Adrian for a moment. "it is

imperative the worker disappears as well as all mention of the law in

question."

"Yes, my Lord!" She gushed, dropping to the floor to humbly kiss his

father's robes, "Anything you ask!"

"You," Voldemort addressed Adrian, "will be residing in the room created

for your occupancy."

Adrian had a room? When had such a thing been set up for him?

"Once you return, you may retrieve the boy." Voldemort elaborated

further, adressing Bellatrix who pawed animalistically at his father's feet

"fetch the Lestranges for aid."

"Yes my Lord!" Bellatrix gushed, "We will not fail you!"

Adrian gulped as Bellatrix backed away and apparated suddenly, leaving

him alone with the tall handsome man who bore a striking resemblance

to Adrian's own face.

Voldemort's eyes narrowed, long pale fingers tapping against the white

wand in his grasp.

"Master," Nagini hissed, butting her blunt snout against the unoccupied

pale hand, "Hatchling said I could have a dog."

Voldemort leisurely stroked her head, scratching just under the ridge of

her jaw, "did he?"

Adrian trembled slightly, and the barest hints of a smirk formed on

Voldemort's face.

"Who am I to resist such a beautiful creature," Voldemort hissed, receiving a

low rumble of pleasure from his familiar.

He twisted his wand, and from the air alone, conjured a poodle.

Nagini nearly trilled in excitement, lunging at the canine and coiling

around its body with muscles as thick as a grown man's thigh.

"Ditty will show you to your room," Voldemort sighed, "don't interfere

with my work, boy. Understand?"

Adrian stumbled out a quick, "Yes, father."

Thankfully, he would only have to wait until Bellatrix returned.

Days passed, weeks passed, and Adrian felt melancholy and the bitter

humor that was his life claw through his bones.

'Bellatrix will come back soon,' He assured himself anxiously.

Bellatrix never did.

S058: I really liked the interactions between Adrian and the Diary at

first. Though I kinda question why he didn't bring in someone else, I get

where he's coming from. Showing weakness in Slytherin...

My mindset was that if the book didn't have any sort of charm or curse on it,

it would look rather suspicious why Adrian went to such lengths to have

someone else write in it for him. He didn't see the need or rather he was afraid

to get other people involved with something that seemed super important to

him.

acelenny: Like where this is going, though I would prefer longer

chapters.

I currently have up to chapter 50 actually written (this is chapter 23), my

hold up is beta and proof reading for posting.

Teufell987:As for Hermione needing to know where the Slytherin

Common room is ... well, why couldn't she just use her wits to figure it

out? After all, it is within the castle, a good one fourth of the student

population go there, and it isn't all that big a secret.

I think in two years of living in the castle would give her an indication as

to the general direction the Slytherins all go when heading towards their

dorms. Someone with her intellect should be able to figure it out from

there.

After all, she isn't alone in trying to figure it out either. Ron, for one, has

three older brothers, two of whom would know the castle enough to

straight out tell him should he but ask and give some guff about wanting

to prank Slytherins...

Excellent points, and I agree on a lot of those. I wanted this story to be

primarily based from Adrian's perspective and a part of me was worried that if

I didn't show how the others learned to get into the common room, it would

seem too obvious or 'oh so thats how it is' for the readers. I totally agree with

you with how awkward it seemed, mostly its so later on in other years they

remember how to get into the common room.

THE DARKEST OF THEM ALL: 1- like did he save the diary's body or

not?

2-is he going to save all of the horcruxes unlike canon HP where he

destroyed them?

And finally

3- in one of your previous chapters you stated that Voldemort's affection

for harry is because of him being a horcrux. Is that why diary tom riddle

was looking at harry with affection?

1. He physically took the diary with him before it took Ginny's life, so it

remained in book form.

2. That...is a plot element I'll explain at a later time.

3. The diary was able to sense that Adrian is a horcrux when it first made

movements to possess him in earlier chapters (when the cold sensation was

going up his arm), the diary expressed fondness because it meant that his

plans to make many horcrux's obviously worked.

Kitty Burglar: I 've noticed you've been calling people parseltongues.

Actually, parseltongue is the language. People are parselmouths

Thank you so much! I'll put that in my personal notes I use when writing and

try my best to fix any errors in my future chapters.

Impstar: The ending was somewhat confusing for me. Was Riddle telling

him to spare her or not? How much was the voice in his head and how

much was Riddle? Why would Riddle tell him to spare her?

Hi Impstar! Wonderful to see you again!

Alright so, first i'm going to ask you to think of the standard traits of a

psychopath/Sociopath (I'm aware of the differences and how those terms arent

really used anymore but just for the larger populace hang with me).

My concept was that Riddle was using the diary to influence and somewhat

'Force' Adrian into thinking that there was no choice other to kill her.

Verbally, he was acting like a concerned unsure kind human being, asking

repetitively "Are you sure?" "I can let her live!", not because he was testing

Adrian but because well, it was fun from his perspective.

Adrian didn't want to kill Ginny, and if not for the diary he wouldn't have.

I ask all of you to pause and think for a small second what were you doing

when you were 12? I had just started my previous story that this is based on,

and I can assure all of you actively killing or murdering a human being would

have destroyed me.

Adrian didn't want to kill Ginny, the diary clouded him and made him act

without realizing it.

And Tom was amused with how he could manipulate Adrian so, that he was

pretending to give Adrian a choice on the matter.

24. Practice

This chapter is not beta'd so any errors are my fault.

This chapter is an interlude of sorts. Also the first glimpse at how

Voldemort acts with Adrian.

As always, questions from the previous chapter are addressed at the

bottom of this chapter.

Also, I am looking for people to help me with Beta'ing. It wouldn't

be an exclusive job, as I'm hoping for a series of people who could

work and help with various chapters.

Bellatrix and the Lestrange brothers were taken into custody by the

British Ministry of Magic, for countless acts of terrorism and extensive

use of illegal Dark Arts.

They were served a life sentence in Azkaban, and their estate seized by

the government as evidence for a nonexistent trial. The information was

passed along to Adrian's father almost immediately due to his ministry

ties. The public was quick to celebrate.

Word of the arrest spread faster than the court issued search warrant.

Adrian was able to call upon the Lestrange house elves and order them to

remove everything of Adrian's from the building. There was to be no

proof or sign that Adrian existed.

From there, evidence had to remain to suggest that the house was

actually being lived in; beds had to remain unkempt, the questionably

edible cake Bella had made earlier that day sat out untouched, and the

training room still messy from the blasting curses and burn marks.

Lutain appeared in the hands of a terrified House Elf. The magical

creature nearly screamed as it practically flung Lutain towards the bed.

The bed was the only spot in Adrian's room that wasn't magically being

filled with boxes and random knick-knacks.

"Master?" Lutain grumbled, disoriented and confused with the sudden

change as well as his sudden flight through the air, "Where are we,

Master?"

Adrian grabbed Lutain and rapidly began to slide his fingers down the

soft scales behind his neck. The action was repeated, over and over as the

room began to fill with books and trunks. The longer he spent tracing the

scales and belly plates of his closest friend, the more relaxed he became.

He was finally able to fight and dispel the rising nausea.

"Master?" Lutain was alarmed, seeing as the stack of trunks began to

include the trunks of dark artifacts Bella had obtained over the years.

That along with Adrian's uncharacteristic behaviour was starting to alarm

the serpent.

"Master where is the witch?" Lutain asked, nearly flailing to break free from

Adrian's grip.

"Bellatrix has been captured," Adrian choked out hoarsly, "and imprisoned

for life. We're going to live here, with Nagini and my father."

Lutain stilled, looking at Adrian with the reptilian version of confusion,

"Live here? Den-mates with Nagini?"

Adrian smiled softly and stroked Lutain's chin and the small bulges of his

jaw muscles, "She asked about you earlier. She likes you, you know."

Lutain cheered up, looking eager to find his serpentine companion.

Something empty was carving a cavern in Adrian's throat, "I'm glad you

have a friend."

The unspoken 'Now that Bella is gone' rang loudly in the silence.

"Oh Master." Lutain sighed, voice conveying pity and sorrow.

"No!" Adrian snapped, standing sharply and knocking the snake off of

him. "You said it yourself a long time ago. There's no use having friends when

they'll always leave you in the end."

"Master, the witch did not mean to leave you." Lutain argued.

"If she really cared," Adrian snapped out, ignoring the feeling that

something was crying inside, "she wouldn't have gotten herself captured."

"Mast-"

"She's just as bad as the Potters!" Adrian spat out, stalking to the door and

slamming it on his way out.

The first time Adrian ran into his father, he found the older man in a

clearly muggle kitchen.

It was old, equipped with stone countertops but rather rustic stoves and

refrigeration. The accessories looked like they hadn't ever been used,

leaving Adrian to only guess where the food was actually stored.

His father, holding a half eaten red apple in one hand observed him with

a bored expression. It was unsettling, mostly because Adrian had the

mental image of some horrific pale creature resembling the mandrake

root body his father had inhabited before.

Seeing his father looking so positively normal was a sort of terror unique

to itself that somehow was more horrific than even a face mauled by

werewolf claws.

And as such, Adrian froze in the doorway feeling his entire body go cold.

"Well?" The older man sighed, voice tinged with annoyance, "are you

going to stand there all day?"

Adrian mechanically walked into the kitchen and quietly sat on a chair.

His father eyed him critically and bit the apple again. The crunching

sound drew an instinctive flinch from the boy.

The crimson eyes were terrifying, they unnerved him and watched his

every move as his hands curled into fists under the table.

"You're so terrified," his father dryly stated, somehow sounding pleased

with the arrangement.

"It seems, that I owe you gratitude for returning my diary to myself."

Adrian's head jerked around and watched in bafflement as his father

snatched a plate of tarts from somewhere hidden. Voldemort walked

over, setting the glass platter onto the table with a loud clatter. The tarts

shook slightly, almost bouncing off of the gilded surface.

The tall figure slid into the chair opposite of Adrian and arched one

expressive eyebrow into an inquisitive look. Adrian timidly reached out

and selected one of the flaking pastries from the dish. His father didn't

look any more pleased but he didn't look insulted either, Adrian assumed

he was in the clear.

"I was informed of your progress, prior to Bellatrix's...absence,"

Voldemort's nose wrinkled in distaste, "I've been led to believe you are

adequate with spellwork."

Adrian wisely didn't respond.

His father cleanly placed the remaining apple core on the table between

then, just shy of the pastries. "Burn it."

Adrian swallowed and let the bubbling rush drag through his body in a

dissociated exhale. His vision warped, tunneling slightly as the apple

smoldered a pathetically wispy plume of white smoke. It thickened