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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
slightly, before sputtering pathetically.
Adrian felt like he was on the edge of desperation. If he couldn't satisfy
his father, then it was likely that he would be disposed of.
He needed it to burn. From that desperation and incentive something in
Adrian's skull squeezed his brain just so; the apple burst alight with a
shimmering orange flame.
He watched the fire burn and char the remnants of the apple until it was
a shriveled thing. It proved a distraction to avoid the man sitting across
the table from him- until he felt strong fingers grasp his jaw and force his
head upright.
At once the fire ceased, and he found himself inhaling sharply at the sight
of the deep scarlet irises surrounding oval pupils. It was an uncanny
reminder of the events in the chamber, which his father also grabbed his
jaw and observed his face for resemblance. This time though, the scarlet
eyes were not surveying his features. They were locked with mesmerizing
force on his own eyes and searing into his memory.
He felt a buzzing in his skull as his mental barriers were nearly
obliterated. They were pathetic, even with the pride that Adrian had felt
with their construction.
Adrian was breathing heavily as he felt sharp needles stab into varying
levels of his consciousness. A low tingling buzz near his spine warped
with the sensation of an Eagle's quill jamming just behind his left eye.
He could feel a low whimper slip from his mouth as the thorny presence
withdrew from his mind; the scarlet eyes broke contact and left Adrian
reeling and withholding tremors.
He could tell his father was disturbed over something; he could tell in that
small portion back in his skull which always instinctively told him how
his father felt.
Then, metaphorically before his eyes, the presence of his father's
emotions retracted.
"Fascinating," His father murmured under his breath, glancing off at a
point past Adrian's left ear. His father lifted a long pale finger, pressing it
to his own temple to heighten concentration. The dark eyes flickered
back to Adrian who quickly looked away.
Adrian kept searching in his mind, navigating around the wreckage of his
occlumency walls to investigate the portion which felt numbingly
separated.
Then it opened, unveiling like an eyelid to stare into the ruins of Adrian's
mind. With an absence of subtly or caution, something intruded with
searing black limbs from it. Squirming limbs of a thousand octopus'
grasping and reaching and touching.
Adrian gasped outright, collapsing heavily against his chair as the
sensation of cold water filled his skull. It was spreading, filling him and
leaving jaw chattering tremors in its grasps.
He was torn away from his own eyes, his vision darkening as his mind
separated from his own sense of sight and sound. He was wrapped and
entangled in the confines of something long and nimble; endless with no
distinction between head, body, and tail.
The thing hissed something wordless and without meaning. It tightened,
stealing his withheld breath and caressing his flesh like a dementor's
grasp.
Then it was retracting slowly and leaving Adrian alone.
Adrian gasped something discourteously and blinked.
His eyes somehow recovered from their blindness. He was once again
aware of his own body and how his limbs had spasmed and curled in. He
pried his limbs away from where he had hunkered into a fetal position on
the chair. He jolted his head upwards from the strange position it had
been holding. He didn't remember holding his neck so stiffly during the...
"None of that," His father hushed without kindness, voice loud against the
pulsing in his head.
Adrian swallowed and shakily wiped aside the tears that cascaded down
his cheeks. His hands were curling tightly into his trousers, the knuckles
burning with the intensity of his grasp. Water brushed down his cheeks in
a tickling sensation, dripping from his chin onto the polished floor. He
was crying- in front of his father...
"Those muggles," the elder mused, voice sharp and cutting in the air.
"The...Dursely family?" His father asked out loud although his tone was
entirely rhetoric.
"Don't hurt them." Adrian's voice was automatic, he paled once he
realized his flaw, "I- I meant please, Father."
His father had a frown curling on his lips. His eyes seemed to glow and
once again Adrian felt himself quivering.
"How long have you had access to my mind?"
Adrian's eyes widened in shock and noticeable confusion. "I...What?"
In return, the presense in his mind made itself noticeable once more with
a pulsing flare. It almost echoed a heartbeat, slower and deeper than
Adrian's own fluttering.
"That?" Adrian asked, voice nearly a whisper as he felt it leave a soothing
sting in its wake, like the burn of hot water after a bitter cold.
"Always," Adrian tried to speak firmly, mentally criticising himself as his
voice cracked uncomfortably partway through.
His father frowned, displeased with his answer.
"Always?"
Adrian was right, he was displeased.
"I take it Bellatrix didn't place the chalice in your room, then."
Chalice? What chalice?
"No," Voldemort scoffed, blinking quickly in thought while a thin finger
tapped against his lips.
"Perhaps... boy."
Adrian's head snapped around to stare at his father once more.
The man drew his wand this time, and Adrian couldn't help but flinch
away from the dangerous weapon.
The wand slowly pointed at his face, carressing his jaw and cheekbone
before resting on the bridge between his eyes and eyebrows.
Eyes once more locked together.
Red met green.
His father bit out, "Legilimens."
Adrian struggled to consciousness with the exhaustion of spending an all
day awake. His head throbbed and he felt like something was
compressing his chest.
No, something was compressing his chest. Something long and somewhat
chilled.
"Master!" Lutain hissed excitedly, sliding his way over and onto Adrian's
chest, "You are awake!"
"Get off me Lutain," Adrian slurred, blinking awake exhaustedly and
knocking aside his excited serpent, "My head is killing me,"
"Likely due to the hour I spent unravelling the lamentable shields you called
Occlumency."
Adrian jolted awake, recognizing the voice neither as Lutain or Nagini.
He struggled to right himself, pressing his back flush to the wooden
headboard.
His father was sitting in a chair, reading a book near the foot of the bed.
The book closed with a clatter. It was thrown onto the bed near Adrian's
feet.
"They would jeopardize your work at Hogwarts," his father drawled, a
small smirk playing on his lips, "A greeting gift, from father to son."
Adrian blinked in confusion and in slight amusement at how awkwardly
the words sounded. He had no idea what the man meant.
What gift? The book? Adrian couldn't read the cover from where it
landed upside down. It looked old and well beyond his own reading
level.
If not the book, what else did the man mean?
Adrian poked around in his mind, preparing to scrape over the mess of
his walls- before brushing against something secure and strong.
"How-" Adrian blurted out without thinking, testing the barriers; they
were more impressive than anything he could cumulatively structure
over years.
"It seems that there is a connection between us," his father explained
regally and politely, "a passageway from my mind, to yours."
"You felt true feelings, Master!" Lutain enthused, butting his snout against
Adrian's arm excitedly, "You spoke true! Not yours but felt!"
"Indeed, he is rather observant," his father slipped into Parseltongue easily
while holding one arm out for Lutain to coil through the fingers.
"Remarkable for his age." His father admitted after a slight pause, not
bothering to look at Adrian as he complimented him.
"Silly hatchling," Lutain agreed, flexing his body between the nimble
fingers.
Adrian wanted to grab his familiar and pull him from the older man's
arm.
"The shields will last against that headmaster of yours. Of course, I'll
make sure they're still operating on a regular schedule. Be sure not to
challenge him directly, it will only arise suspicion as to why yours are
now so advanced."
"Will you be entering my mind again, Father?" Adrian scraped out
hoarsely, bowing his head to appear as humble as he possibly could in
the situation.
"None of that," his father scowled, crossing his leg over his knee.
"You are not a servant."
"I..." Adrian's breathing stuttered and left him awkwardly pausing in the
middle of his thought.. He wasn't a servant? He had been led to believe
he would become a Death Eater once he had matured enough to partake
in raids.
"You're my heir," his father explained stiffy, "My followers are
expendable. You, are not."
Adrian's mouth fell open quietly in shock.
"You are to be raised as a weapon," Voldemort continued, swiping his
hand to adjust his dark hair from his eyes.
"A weapon-"
"But, given recent information that has now presented itself, that has
changed."
Adrian looked at the equally baffled Lutain.
"You are to be trained," Voldemort continued as if Adrian understood
everything he was saying, "Originally Bellatrix was to be your teacher.
Given her absence and your new position, I shall be your teacher."
Lutain tensed, staring at Adrian with resignation.
"You?" Adrian nearly whispered out, eyes wide with a mixture of fear and
fascination.
Voldemort stood, glancing back at Adrian with some sort of amusement,
"I would not kill something precious to me."
Adrian echoed back the word in a considerably higher pitch, "Precious?"
Voldemort smiled something wicked, and left the room. Adrian could
have sworn that his father's eyes glowed.
Adrian hit the ground painfully with a crunching rattle that vibrated
through his left shoulder.
The curse soared over his head, leaving him safe for only a moment.
Adrian scrambled to his feet, already attempting to run to avoid the next
flying spell.
Each spell was lazily flung at him; nothing difficult yet obviously the
caster was enjoying himself.
"Incendio," He heard the voice loudly drawl, a pathetic first year spell
just to spite him. Adrian yelped as a plume of fire nearly incinerated him,
something impossibly strong for a first year spell. Adrian almost doubted
that it even was that spell, even as he heard it cast.
"Aguamenti," Adrian gasped out, hacking from the sudden soot in the air.
The water collided upwards to snuff out a small portion of the flame. It
hissed angrily, erupting in a dark plume of steam
The fire... Adrian couldn't see anything through the inferno. It meant that
his attacker wouldn't be able to either.
Adrian's eyesight tunneled and his vision flickered. He swooned, nearly
collapsing as his head ached against the painful pressure. He coughed,
nearly rolling into the movement which transformed into a dry retch. The
ground around him sparked and flared with heat, adding to the stifling
temperatures.
"Come on," He breathed exhaustedly, swallowing harshly against bile as
his magic fluttered and the flames began to falter, "Come on,"
They grew, dancing around him in a careful circle of fire, concealing him
and protecting him in the middle of the blaze.
He released the nauseating pressure, allowing the tongues to lick the
floor hungrily; he keeled and braced his arms on his knees for a moment
to catch his breath.
"Alright," he whispered under his breath, trying not to cough as he
struggled to focus- where had all the spells been coming from?
He pointed his wand in the desired location, and with as much hope and
blind luck he could feel at the moment, whispered the spell he had
learned from Theo.
"Langlock," He casted, seeing the nearly invisible spell shoot off and
counted to three.
The flames lowered like a curtain dropping and Adrian felt himself beam
as his father glared at him, tongue glued to the roof of his mouth.
He was too exhausted to laugh but he felt the bubble of hysterical glee
press on his chest. He felt winded and exhilarated from finally getting
higher ground...
Then he felt winded for real, as the air from his lungs suddenly was
yanked out.
Adrian's eyes bulged and he fell to the ground, hands clawing at his
throat as he gasped soundlessly. Almost at once, the sensation left; his
father waved a contorted hand over his face, silently casting the counter
spell.
"You forget that you are not unique in your ability to cast wandless and
wordless magic." His father explained calmly, eyes almost flickering in
the reflections of the surviving embers decorating the floor.
Adrian grinned silently, "Doesn't mean I didn't get you." He wheezed, his
throat burning from the effort.
His father flicked his wand without even looking, accurately sending a
minor stinging hex. Adrian yelped and hissed in pain once it hit; his
shoulder throbbed mutedly from his botched dive for the ground once the
blaze started.
"Why didn't you shield?" his father asked critically, looking him over for
major injuries while absentmindedly conjuring two chairs.
"I wanted to dodge, make a distraction instead," Adrian shrugged with
one shoulder, already feeling that his tactic was lacking. His father gave a
heavy sigh, as if he too had assumed Adrian's strategy would be
ridiculous.
Adrian used his forearms to pull himself upwards, clambering over to
settle into the conjured chair with a small grimace.
"Evasion is not a reliable tactic," Voldemort scoffed although his tone
made it seem that he had repeated that phrase to others often.
Adrian shrugged, keeping his head low and relying on how much his
father hated when he stewed.
"That's not the real reason," Voldemort spoke lowly, although not as
threateningly as he was well capable of. The man ran one of his long pale
hands through his hair, shifting the bluish strands to rest behind his ear.
Adrian checked his shields to assure himself that they were still in tact.
He still knew better than to flat out lie to the man, plus it was unlikely he
would be cursed for simply not having been taught.
"I can't cast it," Adrian muttered under his breath, admiting the truth
although not being especially happy about it.
"Bellatrix never taught me to shield." Adrian elaborated once his Father
pulled his hands up to rest them under his chin in a long suffering look of
annoyance.
"She likes to have her targets run like headless chickens" Adrian almost
smiled at how pinched his father's voice sounded. Obviously he had
problems with a similar tactic before, although he still spoke of Adrian's
mother figure fondly.
"Then we'll have to teach you. Come."
"What... now?" Adrian gaped, stumbling to his feet whereas his father
gracefully rose, "I...I don't know an incantation-"
"I'll show you," Voldemort stared at Adrian as if his child had said
something momentously idiotic, which, Adrian considered, he likely had.
"The incantation is protego," his father instructed, drawing his wand
before flicking his wand and summoning the whitish shield spell insanely
quickly.
"I..." Adrian elegantly articulated around how fat his tongue felt in his
mouth. He struggled to recall what he had just seen, as well as what he
had heard. After using wandless magic, his head always pounded like
there was a Manticore loose in his skull.
"Watch," his father sighed yet repeated the action considerably slower. He
didn't seem as irritated as he led on, in fact, Adrian suspected the man
actually liked teaching
Voldemort casted the spell once again, performing it in careful slow
motion of the actual process. Adrian knew casting any sort of spell in
such a slowed state actually was more difficult than normal casting. Of
course, if anyone could do it, it would be him.
Once, twice, three times more until he lowered his wand and looked at
Adrian expectantly.
"Er..." Adrian stumbled, pulling out his Holly and Phoenix feather wand
he used only inside the house and out of public eye.
"Protigo-"
"Pro-Tay-go," his father repeated, nodding for Adrian to continue.
"Protego." Adrian corrected himself, trying to flick his wand in the semi
circular movement his father had executed before. It was awkward and
jerky in his grasp.
They repeated it for a long period of time, until the pounding in Adrian's
head was reaching a crescendo.
His father was actually a very good teacher, Adrian knew he made much
more progress than he would have otherwise.
By the time Adrian was panting and bracing his head between his knees
protectively and the ground was swirling ever so slightly from his small
vantage point, he could summon the barest film of a protective barrier.
A considerable improvement.
He found himself actually looking forward to the next dueling practice.
BUNNYKAT12: Why does Voldemort call Adrian "boy"? Does he only see
him as a tool and not a holcrux? And if Voldemort doesn't start showing
Adrian affection will Adrian start to question him or go against him? Also
what has happened to the other Potters they haven't been in a few
chapters? Sorry if this a lot of questions but I'm getting lost.
Boy is used mostly as a term that Voldemort uses because he doesn't overly
care enough to try and be affectionate. Other examples would be 'child' 'kid'
'boy' 'brat', along those lines.
At this point, Adrian is so attention starved that even if Voldemort didn't show
him affection, Adrian would go out of his way to try and please the man. I
hope this chapter makes you rethink this otherwise.
The other Potters are living out the life the way they want to. They had
Ginny's funeral but besides that they're having a nice summer break, preparing
for the third year. James and Sirius are probably sharing a beer over Bellatrix
being locked up.
No worries about asking a lot of questions, I love to try and answer everything
I can.
jeannie kaulitz: I'm wondering if ever tom riddle is still controlling
Harry, 'shrouding his mind', now that Harry already gave the diary to
Voldemort
Well, I wouldn't say 'controlling'. There was one instance earlier where Adrian
was being possessed by the book (confusing Draco with his grandfather), but
besides that the diary was simply influencing him highly. Since the book has
been 'destroyed' as far as we know, the book is no longer actively impacting
Adrian. Voldemort on the other hand is, well, in the words of Impstar, the
most Toxic parent figure to have ever existed.
Sable1212: Ah man Bellatrix is my favorite character :( One thing I am
confused on though; Lucius still slipped the diary into Ginny's possession
at the book store. Why? The Lestranges obviously were never caught and
remain loyal to Voldemort. Is Lucius not trusted enough to know he's still
alive, or? In canon Lucius slipped the diary to Ginny not knowing it was
a horcrux, but rather a very dark artifact of his master's; it doesn't really
make sense for him to do that here instead of just, you know, returning it
straight to Voldemort.
Yes, I love this question. Okay, lets think about Canon. What truly has
changed in this story? So far, the only main thing that has changed is that
Bellatrix wasn't caught. Knowing Bellatrix as we do, she would remain loyal
to Voldemort even as a shriveled up Mandrake body. Lucius on the other
hand, wasn't to be trusted, even in Canon. In my opinion, Lucius didn't know
about Voldemort's state and wasn't aware of the role the diary had. Hell, even
Adrian and Bellatrix didn't know about the book. Lucius couldn't simply give
the book to Voldemort because the blonde man didn't know the worth of the
book or the capabilities of it. He didn't even know where to find Voldemort
until after he was revived.
AmeribeatOddesey: The interactions between the snakes are all so
single minded that it's adorable
Yes! It's tricky for me to write because I'm late in the year 4 and I'm trying to
make it so as time goes on Lutain's communication skill increases. I'm sure you
can really see it in contrast to first year to now, but really I just want Lutain
to be a cute snek that everyone loves and wants to protect.
rocelmamaril1357: i wonder what will his biological parents' reactions
be if they knew he's still alive...
Explosive. Absolutely explosive and desperate and everything you've been
waiting for.
-Request for Beta-
As this story has gotten larger, I've been thinking and actively trying to boost
the speed and efficiency of posting chapters. As such, my main setback is a
Beta Reader. I'm hoping to have multiple who can work together, and together
can crank through the 24 unposted chapters to catch up to where I am with
writing currently. If you're interested in not only exclusive sneak peaks to
chapters, but also hidden content, personal contact with myself, and input with
story and plot points, please PM me for more information.
-Request for Beta-
25. Mourning
This chapter is not beta'd so any errors are my fault.
This chapter actually is newly written. A single review request for
Harry's appearance and for a Skylar based chapter made this
happen.
I hope you enjoy it, as I struggled intensly to make it.
Skylar hated wearing the black suit, designed off of muggle clothing yet
incorporated into classic wizarding clothing. It was soft and smooth,
woven with cooling charms since Skylar wore it every year. At least,
every year for the past four years.
The fabric was imbued with the scent of lavender and the barely there
trace of poppy. Skylar never knew that poppy had a smell but now it was
overwhelming.
Skylar exhaled through his nose slowly, peering at his reflection in the
mirror quietly. He watched numbly as his reflection moved to button up
the highest button on his shirt, leaving him composed and clean.
He walked out of his room, slowly moving down the stairs towards the
front sitting room where he knew his mother would be fussing over a
perfect bouquet of flowers. Icelandic poppies, thin tissue paper petals in
almost every color Skylar could imagine.
"Oh," his mother exhaled while her mouth twisted into a teary eyed
smile, "are you ready to go?"
Skylar nodded slightly, tugging on the worn cuffs on each sleeve.
"Your father sent word earlier, he and Sirius are just about done over
there."
Skylar already knew this, but he nodded quietly as the two walked out of
their safeguarded house and past the elaborate wards to the Apparation
zone. They vanished in a sharp twist that was nothing for Skylar after
Quidditch and years of experience.
The summer sky was unusually cold, cool and chilled from a recent rain.
The ground squished slightly from under his polished shoes. He had the
urge to take them off and take off the grey socks and press his toes
through the muck.
Crickets and other invests chirped loudly, adding to the lively buzz of a
summer field. The sky above was suspiciously clear of clouds, most likely
spelled.
It didn't remove the stifling humidity, already Skylar felt sweat gather at
the back of his neck. Somewhere over the grass, a red winged blackbird
swooped low over the growing corn.
"This way, on the far side of the house." Lily Potter gently nudged her son
forward. Skylar began trudging forward, not noticing anything else
around them.
There was gentle music, heard before the many chairs and tables came
into sight. On the highest rise of the lawn, a half circle of people stood
under the sun in uncomfortable clothing all in shades of black.
"Lily!" Someone cried, stumbling down the slight hill to trudge in mud to
her side. Mrs. Weasley's face was blotchy and red, eyes bloodshot and
filled with misery.
"Molly," Skylar's mother soothed, taking the plump woman into her arms
and clinging to her tightly, "I am so sorry."
Molly pulled away, trying to smile and laugh dismissively although it
sounded choked and painful.
Two more people slid away from the congregation, sliding down to flank
Skylar's sides.
"Hey, come with us, mate." One of the twins urged, giving him a gentle
pat on the back. The other looped one arm through his arm and gently
tugged him along.
It was surreal, to witness something so quiet and unsettling in broad
daylight. Skylar had long since grown used to the sound of his mother
crying behind closed doors. To see it in the open was something unreal.
Everything he was seeing was unreal.
The twins led him out of the thickest of people over towards the back
steps of the crooked house itself. Over there in the shade, the mugginess
was less stifling.
"You want to stay out of that mess, mate." One of them advised, the other
plopped down to his other side on the steps, "it's just a bunch of crying.
Figured you've had enough of that."
Skylar did, he had enough of that for a lifetime.
"Where's Ron?" Skylar asked, his voice sounding hoarse and croaky even
in his own ears.
Fred, Skylar decided, paused and then exhaled heavily, "He's been up in
his room. Hasn't come down for days since we started getting the details
down."
"Blew a right fit at mum the other day, when she tried to drag him out."
George shrugged, the two tricksters looking relatively normal with how
depressing the entire situation was.
There was a loud snap in the air as another person arrived to the event,
wading from the furthest edge of the field. The headmaster, Skylar could
spot him out in a crowd of a thousand people. The aged wizard removed
his hat slowly, clutching it to his chest as he bowed his head toward the
many murmuring people.
"Surprised he showed up," George noted, seeing the headmaster's arrival.
"Reckon he's been blaming himself over it all." Fred ended with a small
click of his tongue.
"Well, he should be." A sour voice growled out from behind the three,
accompanied with the rattling noise of the screen door banging shut.
"The troll emerges from his hibernation," Fred bitterly trilled out, George
lifting his hands to mimic large floppy ears.
Ron flushed angrily, the red moving all the way past his cheeks to touch
his forehead for a surprise.
"How are you two laughing!" He shrieked, voice cracking and instantly
killing the mood.
Skylar felt a lump form in his throat as his jaw dropped, he was
speechless.
"How can you just...just…" Ron struggled for a word, his lips twisting into
a grimace and tears leaked from his eyes, "How can you act like you don't
care!"
"Don't you say that," Fred hissed back angrily, George hurrying over to
grab his upper arm as a precaution, "Don't you dare say that."
"Well you're laughing and making jokes and and…" Ron's hands flailed,
"and acting like Merlin knows-"
"Maybe some of us are trying to help out around here instead of pouting
and throwing a fit in their room!" Fred spat out, nearly prickling in his
anger, "Great job making mum even sadder, Ronnikins."
Ron looked like he was going to pull his wand and start cursing the
twins.
"Stop this," Skylar leapt to his feet, his heart pounding like a
hummingbird.
"You!" Ron shouted now directing his anger at Skylar, "Why didn't...why
didn't you do something?"
Fred and George leapt forward, "Come on now, Sky here's not guilty of
anything."
"He's the Chosen One!" Ron screamed, his voice louder than ever before.
"He should have saved my sister!"
The steady murmurs of the group over on the hill trailed off painfully
quiet. Skylar was all too aware of the many eyes locked on his body. The
black formal clothes felt tighter, like he was being constricted.
"Ron, I…" Skylar trailed off as he felt the itchiness of tears nearly
overwhelm him. His throat hurt and his hands were shaking at his side.
"Ignore him, mate," Fred advised sourly, glaring angrily at Ron.
Ron was right, Skylar should have saved her.
"No, he's right." Skylar was whispering, not noticing the other adults start
to draw closer and prevent the imminent fight, "I... I should have done
something."
"Yeah you should have," Ron hissed out angrily, tears cascading down his
blotchy face although he didn't wipe them away, "You killed her!"
Skylar flinched as if he had been struck.
"Ron!" Someone older belted out, brushing past Skylar and the twins with
an expression of fury. "This is not the time."
The older Weasley, Charlie, Skylar recognized from the age and slightly
puckered burn scar on his neck, grabbed Ron's upper arm and started to
drag him back inside the house.
"You killed her!" Ron screamed, thrashing in Charlie's grip as he glared
and sobs shook his small body, "You killed her!"
Skylar felt someone rotate him by his shoulder and without looking he
sobbed into the chest of whoever it was. He felt another body at his back,
successfully muffling the noise of Ron's shrieking and isolating him from
the outside.
"Is everything okay over here?" Mr. Weasley spoke, placing one hand on
each of the twins. From the securing circle the two boys made, Skylar's
sobs could faintly be heard.
"Fine," George clipped out, glaring at the general vicinity of where
Charlie had dragged Ron inside, "We're gonna take little Sky out back to
calm down a bit."
James Potter arrived, running lightly over the lawn with a flushed
worried expression. The murmurs from the direction of the tables began
rising once again, filling the air with the sound of chatter.
"Everything alright?" James asked concerned, looking inside the
protective dome with paternal instincts.
"Sounds like Ron had a bit of an outburst, James." Mr. Weasley sighed,
running both hands into his tired eyes, "The boys are going to take him
around back, maybe to look at the chickens."
James gave a slight nod and looked at the two twins with a sorrowful
look.
"Head up, boys," He smiled grimly, ruffling their hair with a small exhale,
"It gets better."
The two adults walked off, ignoring the disgusting squelching of grass
and mud. The twins held Skylar close, watching the house and windows
for movement before they retracted their arks carefully.
"Sky? Mate?" The one asked, peering at the blubbering twelve year old
cautiously, "We're going to head around back for a bit, look at some
chickens and imagine they're Ron."
Skylar smiled slightly against his will and he nodded slightly into
whoever's shirt he had essentially soiled. He let it go, wiping his face and
nose quickly to dispel the disgusting amounts of snot.
Each twin took a hand, and between the two they swung his arms
ridiculously in such a way Skylar found himself smiling despite the
gloom. They made their way carefully around the house, approaching the
coop where several hens clucked curiously.
Skylar instantly went to the hutch, opening the hatches to peer at the
startled birds who observed him with nervous glances.
Fred poked around, scaring the bird away as he retrieved an egg. It was
light brown, speckled slightly around the top.
With no grace or hesitation, he smacked it over George's head. The latter
spluttered, reaching upwards to investigate the yellow yolk which
dripped down his nose.
Skylar laughed, an ugly gasping noise but it was a laugh nonetheless.
George sniffed and reached into the opened latch, grabbing a bird and
throwing it right at Fred who fell backwards at the flailing hen.
Skylar laughed again, this time the sound was almost peals of laughter
bordering on hysteria.
The twins looked at each other in relief, before flopping onto the ground.
Thankfully, nearest the coop the ground was still dry, if only a bit dusty.
Skylar settled down near them, playing with strands of grass through the
holes in the wire. The hens approached curiously, pecking at small ants
or at the strands of grass Skylar poked through.
"He's right," Skylar spoke, voice quiet in the silence of the summer sky,
"that I killed her."
Fred glanced at George quickly, "No, mate that isn't your fault."
"Yeah, even Dumbledore tried looking for the Chamber. It's been gone for
centuries, you couldn't have found it."
"No, not that." Skylar felt something bubble inside his chest, under his
ribs and above his heart, "I- I've killed people."
"No you haven't." The two boys spoke at once, synchronizing accidently
yet still sounding firm.
"I have!" Skylar protested, voice warbling into a shriek as tears cascaded
down his face. The relative calm he had crafted shattered brokenly with
his words.
"No, no mate." Fred argued sternly, grasping the smaller boy and holding
him close with one arm.
"You did your best, and you were a good friend." George added with only
a little wavering of his own voice, "Gin really liked you."
Skylar shook his head, the tears and his movement distorted his vision as
words bubbled from his lips and everything he had kept so private was
unraveling under his fingertips. "No no no…"
George glanced at Fred with barely disguised fear and frantic
desperation.
"I killed her," Skylar sobbed, hands rising to clutch his hair between
shaking palms, "I've killed her and...And I didn't mean to and now she's
dead."
Fred patted Skylar unsure, buckling as the younger boy twisted and
collapsed heavily against him. The chickens clucked unconcerned and
pecked at the dropped strand of grass.
"You couldn't have done anything," Fred shushed, speaking lowly even as
his body soon shook gently in his own grief, "you couldn't have done
anything and Merlin knows everyone tried."
Skylar braced his head in Fred's chest and screamed.
George didn't say anything but looked very much that he wanted to join
in.
"I'm so sorry," Skylar bawled, voice barely comprehendible, "I...I didn't
mean to."
Fred rubbed his back in a way he hoped was soothing, looking blankly at
the feathered birds.
Skylar pulled back aggressively, jolting upright as he furiously rubbed at
his face, "It's not fair, people die for me and it's not fair."
"Sky…" George started, only to be cut off with Skylar's watery eyed glare.
"No! First...first Harry and now Ginny and…" Skylar shook his head,
hunkering his shoulders as his hands pressed harshly into his eyes.
"Harry?" Fred tentatively asked, not familiar with anyone who Skylar
knew and was familiar with to be on a nickname with.
Skylar sobbed openly, "and...and we never found his body either."
"Who's Harry?" Fred asked gently, recognizing that somehow this other
name was tied in to Skylar's deteriorated state.
The boy in question peered up at both of them, face skewed and pinched
in an expression of pain as he bubbled out between shaking lips, "He...he
was my brother."
The twins froze in fascination, confusion, and mutual grief.
"He…" Skylar shook, struggling to think through the hazy fog of
mourning, "It wasn't safe, and...and we sent him to be w-with my
cousins…"
Fred and George felt a chill down their arms; the unsettling knowledge
that they shouldn't be listening to this.
"We only left him for a couple years, because there were wizards after
us," Skylar sniffled, steadily growing calmer the longer he talked. The
more the words spilled out the faster Skylar's voice broke the air; the
more horrified the twins listened.
"And, and we went back, and my cousins were gone. Just…" Skylar lifted
one shaking hand, shaped in a fist. He opened it suddenly, revealing
nothing and exhaling quietly, "Poof."
"Sky…" Fred started, rubbing Skylar's shoulders unsure. Skylar shook his
head determined, his tremors lessening as he stared at the chickens
almost angrily.
"No, no I...I need to talk." Skylar argued intently, "I...we looked for him.
For months, and...and one of Dumbledore's friends found my cousin's
family outside Glasgow."
Skylar sniffed quietly and a small breeze ruffled through the humid air.
"I...they didn't say, but I overheard when they thought I was sleeping.
They said that Bellatrix Lestrange got to them." Skylar whispered quietly,
blinking rapidly against his will, "Mum went bonkers."
"Bellatrix, that bitch will get what's coming to her." George spat out, eyes
narrowing in fury towards the idea of the witch, "Azkaban's too nice for
her."
Skylar nodded slightly, faintly smiling as if the idea amused him, "Dad's
been working since, trying to get her off the streets. He can finally
breathe now that they got her."
Fred swallowed and looked across the fields, the swaying of the corn and
the bright glare of the sun. "I'm sorry about your brother."
"I'm sorry about your sister." Skylar countered sharply.
Fred shrugged, rolling one shoulder as if disinterested although Skylar
knew better.
"I hope she burns," Skylar whispered quietly, "does that make me a bad
person?"
"Of course not," George assured him quietly, "It makes you human."
Skylar smiled slightly, not truly seeing as he was trapped in memory.
"I miss him sometimes," Skylar admitted brokenly.
"You should, I bet he was just as reckless as you." Fred teased only
halfheartedly.
"No, he liked animals. Would have been a bloody good magizoologist."
"Ginny liked those horses, the winged ones." George admitted quietly.
"Harry would have known every breed, he'd give Newt Scamander a run
for his money." Skylar laughed brokenly, smiling as if the idea was
perfect, "and he would have had a kneezle, or some rare owl I'd never
heard of but he'd pester Dad all about it. And he'd have it flown in from
somewhere, like Egypt."
"Egypt has owls?" George asked curiously, smiling faintly as Skylar rolled
his eyes.
"What about his classes?" Fred asked quietly, egging Skylar on.
"Oh, he'd be brilliant at Care," Skylar continued, tears lessening as a true
smile spread over his face, "he'd be quizzing and asking Hagrid about
everything. He was always shy but he always tried to drag Mooney to
those ah, traveling creature tours."
"I heard from Charlie about the dragon your first year," George teased
with a grin, "I bet he'd have been in on that."
Skylar laughed, a bright peal of laughter that seemed to echo, "Oh
Merlin's Beard, he'd be camping out in the hut all night waiting for
Norbert to hatch! He never liked Quidditch but he'd be there, at every
game in the stands cheering me on." Skylar's smile began to turn wistful,
"He should be in the stands."
"Yeah," Fred sighed sourly.
"They both should be."
Impstar: So are we going to get a peak into the Potter's minds at some
point?
My original intent was to keep it fairly wrapped up until around 6th year, but
I did make this as inspired by your request. I hoped you like this, as it totally
screwed up my Table of Contents for my already written chapters.
Teufel1987: Why is he defending the Dursleys? One would think he
would be more than happy to have them dealt with...
After all, they were nothing but cruel to him. He even was happy to hurt
Dudley and Vernon.
What's with the sudden bout of compassion for them that he would
actually beg Voldemort not to hurt them?
Adrian is still a child, as such, he wouldn't wish death on his greatest enemy
(except Skylar). He doesn't want people to be murdered simply because of him
at this point of the story. Don't worry, it'll get exciting and things will change.
TL14: I see you've taken my advice about having multiple beta's to heart.
I have. Unfortunately, I haven't gotten many responses. It was a good idea,
and I thank you for that.
Mahina: How fast do you write that yuo can get so far ahead of your
beta?
Well, I have on estimate around 13 pages per chapter. During my school year,
I had 4 hour breaks between classes so I would simply write. Obviously I've
slowed down since I haven't had as much time, but I used to crank out about 4
chapters every other day. I've been on a large hiatus for writing, otherwise the
story would have already been finished. For reference, I wrote this chapter
right here in 32 minutes on my Ipad while watching TV.
My typing speed is 87-92 WPM with around 90-95% accuracy, depending on
the test used. Obviously that is less when I'm using an Ipad.
-Request for Beta-
As this story has gotten larger, I've been thinking and actively trying to boost
the speed and efficiency of posting chapters. As such, my main setback is a
Beta Reader. I'm hoping to have multiple who can work together, and together
can crank through the 24 unposted chapters to catch up to where I am with
writing currently. If you're interested in not only exclusive sneak peaks to
chapters, but also hidden content, personal contact with myself, and input with
story and plot points, please PM me for more information.
-Request for Beta-
26. Juncture
This chapter has been beta'd by Arctic Fox From Afar, they've been
amazingly helpful and ridiculously speedy. Also bold enough to
point out flaws in the plot itself, so you all get to have the polished
version of this story after all.
The beta inquiry is still open, and as such if you would like to help
and join our team (i'm looking for multiple individuals), send me a
PM
"Are you an Animagus?"
Voldemort didn't bother to look up from where he was writing with a
black quill, "No. I found the time and commitment needed for such a
transformation useless. The inability to select your alternate form
presented the chance that the effort would go to something pathetic. I
decided to focus my attention on more useful skills."
Adrian bit his tongue and chewed on it slightly. He felt the itching desire
to learn more and inquire about what exactly was more important than
an Animagus form. His father wasn't wrong, it was still possible Adrian
had an entirely useless or pathetic alternate form. He could see where his
father was coming from.
"What did you learn instead?" Adrian asked, trying to sound as careless as
he could. He knew instantly that he failed when his father glanced at him
intently from the corner of his eyes. The red of the iris was breathtaking
and intimidating all at once.
A small cruel smile twisted the corner of his face, pupils shifting ever so
slightly to something more oval than normal.
"Things far beyond your level of understanding and competence."
Adrian, subdued, nodded and looked back at his book - there were only
so many spellbooks he could read over summer break. He was indulging
himself with an elaborate book on the habits of Grindylow and
Merpeople, creatures commonly misunderstood and often
misrepresented, but thankfully, his father had no objections to his
interest.
It could be useful, at times, to have trivial facts on vampires or
werewolves.
"With your occlumency now, it would be relatively simple to achieve an
animagus transformation." His father's lidded eyes did nothing to hide the
piercing look behind them."Of course, that would be once your spellwork
has reached acceptable performance."
"Of course, father." Adrian smiled slightly, feeling conflictingly at ease
and still cautious in the room. His father had the disorienting habit of
complimenting him so carefully and verbally backslapping him the next
second. It left him nearly dizzy, yet never dispelled the warmth in his
stomach and his silent croon at the praise; no matter the insult directly
after.
Bellatrix's arrest had only been the start of a wild summer. Initially,
Adrian walked as if he was on twigs. He nearly never left his room, when
he did he sent Lutain out with him to scout the hallways to assure the
boy nobody was there. Adrian had seen the strange fondness his father
had for serpents, it seemed to him that Lutain was more safe than he was.
He wasn't sure at the start if his father was as crazy or wild as Bellatrix
was. He was the Dark Lord, after all. He might not have been the same
wizard who tried to kill him as a baby, but he was still infinitely cunning
and capable.
And as it turned out, he was; but in a much more dangerous way than
she was.
Bellatrix was an uncontrollable storm, a tornado of chaos and impulsivity
with no regard for ramifications. She would injure and then coddle and
croon her apologies before inflicting wounds once more. His father...he
wasn't like that.
He was worse.
He was honeyed words and careful movements, everything casual and
calculated to the degree that Adrian fell he was falling into role of a
script.
Adrian tried spontaneity, trying to break the mold he was trapped in.
Even trying to surprise the other man only left Adrian stumbling, as if
everything he did, his father was already prepared for. It felt that he was
stumbling on a frozen stream, no matter which way he turned and
walked he only found himself following the cold trail and threatening to
slip.
His father didn't hurt him, but the man seemed to know Adrian in a way
which left the boy feeling so terribly exposed. The Dark Lord would say
barely anything, yet two or three words spoken so calmly had the ability
to tear Adrian to shreds or leave him basking in a glow stronger by far
than Bellatrix's affection. How Adrian longed for such praise, the simple
acts of paternal affection that were followed with such loving lacerations
to his heart and flesh, leaving him trembling and crawling on the
polished floor.
Nagini was a unique balm that he hadn't anticipated, her heavy bulk and
weight felt like the soothing numb of disinfectant in a wound. Assuring
and pleasant against the sting, and his instinct to recoil away from it.
Yet it was worth it when his father's eyes nearly shimmered, widening
with such surreal light Adrian could swear they would glow in the dark.
He would casually remark about something, a simple observation. And
how Adrian hungered desperately to make that observation into praise-
into a smile and a proud glance that left his blood singing.
Nagini watched him silently the nights where he was left curled
helplessly in a ball. Sometimes he made it to his bed, staining blankets
magically cleaned the next day, and sometimes he would be left prone in
the training room, wracked with tremors as his body shook to stave off
the pain of phantom sensations he couldn't process anymore. She
watched over him as a silent protector, a statue on the altar of Adrian's
devotion.
Lutain always said that Nagini's scales shone brighter in person; from all
the nights he spotted her bulk watching him silently in the dark, Adrian
was beginning to agree.
"Master is speaking to guest inside the office." Nagini hissed, lying entangled
with his legs in her massive coils, her large head nested near his own.
Lutain flicked his tongue companionably, curled around Adrian's right
forearm and his pillow.
"Who is it?" Adrian asked, stroking the long forehead of the python.
"The blonde," Nagini hissed, causing Lutain to perk up.
"Spawn of dragon-hatchling?" Lutain lifted his head upward, eyes bright.
"Draco's father?" Adrian blinked in confusion, his hisses faltering, "What is
he doing here?"
"Crazy-lady, they want her back."
Adrian nearly sat upright. Bellatrix? They were planning to get Bellatrix
back?
Internally he nearly grinned in excitement, and at the same time he was
horrified to think that he would be forced to leave. He didn't want to go,
he wanted to stay with his father here.
"I wish we knew what they were saying."
"I do." Nagini reared, lifting her weight onto her coils before headbutting
Adrian's chest roughly, if still gently for a snake her size. "Self, self?"
"Nagini," Adrian winced and pushed her snout aside. "What are you-"
The tattoo slid out of his skin, flicking its tongue at Nagini, who flickered
her tongue back at herself.
"Self." The real Nagini was satisfied, looking at the mark agreeably, "What
does Master say?"
The tattoo twisted in acknowledgment and melted under his skin once
more. The sensation made Adrian twitch.
How brilliant, he hadn't ever considered something like that before. He
knew that the tattoo, the elaborate yet completely legal mark that
covered his flesh worked as a messenger between the painting in his
father's office and throne room. He hadn't ever considered using it as a
spy, a way to learn more information he wasn't privy to.
Yet, was he actually not permitted to know the information? It wasn't
him who had suggested the tattoo do it, it was Nagini who had
summoned it with an eager butt of her nose. Adrian shouldn't be
punished for the action of his familiar, yet something inside him cried
out that maybe Nagini had summoned it on purpose. Maybe she was
trying to get him in trouble.
No, she liked Lutain too much to go out of her way to try and injure
Adrian.
Yet somehow the concept of summoning the tattoo was a little too
advanced for her, something that seemed suspiciously beyond her
understanding.
It curled and rolled under his flesh, tugging slowly like the uncomfortable
feeling of Spell-O-Tape being pulled away from his skin. It tingled and
itched like a burn, or a blister starting to peel.
"You're using me like a carrier pigeon." Adrian argued, not enjoying how the
python was using his skin.
"I find pigeon," Lutain offered, wriggling excitedly at the prospect of using
his own service. Adrian almost smiled at how his familiar tried his best to
accommodate his discomfort.
They waited in bated silence for the tattoo to slither back into view. It
emerged from his thigh, sliding over a hip before reporting through
fanged jaws, "Raid in fall. Azkaban. Crazy-lady free with kin and den-mates,
Demen-tears problem."
Adrian smiled and stroked the tattoo appreciative. It was beautiful, yet
morbidly nauseating to glance at knowing it was under his body. "Thank
you."
It hissed welcomingly before fading away and leaving the three.
They were planning a raid on Azkaban? Fall was still a long time away,
and Adrian didn't even know when exactly in fall this would be taking
place. In fact, Adrian didn't know anything. He hadn't been told any
details.
He was finding out about it from a tattoo.
Adrian knew that his father was aware that he and Bellatrix were close.
Wouldn't it be logical for him to include Adrian on the planning to better
manage her?
Unless his father didn't want Bellatrix and Adrian to meet or be together.
"We'll have to wait and ask later," Adrian stated the obvious, stroking each
of the serpent's scales soothingly. More for himself as his anxiety drifted
again.
His insecurities and worries only heightened and intensified as all three
drifted in and out of sleep in the afternoon heat.
"Where did my father find you?" Adrian asked, running his hand down
Nagini's back once more.
The sun had begun to set, his father had called a meeting which led to
the three to be confined to the room.
The light shone through the window in flickering tones of red and
orange, lighting across Nagini's scales in bright shimmers, holding tints of
deep green between the normal markings. Lutain's own skin, having
lightened to an earthy brown for some odd reason, glowed like a
smoldering fire from the sun's light. Nagini's awesome bulk was always
awe inspiring, yet somehow she didn't quite hold the same beauty Lutain
possessed with the changing colours of his dark and brown scales.
"Where found?" Nagini asked, humming lowly and contently from where
she curled around Adrian, "In store, near castle."
"Hogwarts?" Adrian blinked in surprise, "You mean the town, Hogsmeade?"
Nagini gave a hum and lazily flicked her tongue against his cheek.
"Well, what else? Did he buy you?"
"Yes, expensive." Nagini coiled lightly on herself, seeming proud of her
price. "I was hatchling, small and cold. I spoke and Master heard, and asked
me if I would serve him. I said yes and came with."
"Nagini always speak well?" Lutain curled onto his master's chest. It was a
good question, Lutain's own vocabulary was painfully simple when
Adrian first found him. Nagini was able to hold entire conversations and
even use sarcasm on the rare instance.
"No. Master use the magic and I learn the words, he speak and I become." She
hissed, mouth opening to menacing proportions if not for her boastful
words, "Master make me great."
"You were always strong, my beautiful," The three glanced up at the door
where the tall red eyed man slipped past the previously locked doors. "I
just offered to you a greater opportunity for your potential."
There was something pointed in the tone, and Adrian knew better than to
think it was coincidental. His father had taken Nagini as a hatchling,
sheltering her and nurturing her into a beautiful creation of lethal awe.
He raised her and tended to her like a poisonous flower, as deadly and as
tantalizing as opium from a poppy.
Then what was he, what was Adrian, supposed to be?
(Against his rationality, he felt like a kneezle; so eager to crawl to his feet
and begging for his father's praise.)
Lutain had never quite obtaining the level of fear Adrian held for his
father, and slithered over eagerly and gazing upwards expectantly.
A small smile graced thin lips as, wordlessly, a small mouse was
conjured. Lutain struck it without thought, the mouse shrieking before
slowly going still.
Lutain's coils pulsated, struggling to orient the mouse in a posture where
the snake could better consume the creature. The rodent flailed,
spasming post mortem in a gruesome display as small amounts of blood
already dribbled across Lutain's body.
"You have a quick strike." his father mentioned, eyeing the limp mouse and
the strangely coloured snake. "An interesting patterning as well."
Lutain peered down at his body, observing the alteration in his colour.
From dark black, almost bluish, he had somehow changed in just a series
of days to speckled yellow and brown.
"Summer." Lutain offered, twisting and dancing in a signature S to appear
more majestic. "It is warm, and summer now."
"Your scales alter with the seasons? Perhaps a lasting warming charm would
appeal to you."
Adrian didn't know how to cast a lasting warming charm. He didn't want
Lutain to indulge in a spell that he hadn't cast.
Lutain hissed wordlessly, rising as high as he could without falling to the
floor. It was an impressive height, just shy of his father's naval.
"Make scales dark?" Lutain hissed curiously, twisting in a cobra-esq dance.
"Make strong?"
"Lutain," Adrian choked out, reaching to snatch the dangerous snake away
and back onto the bed. Lutain squirmed in Adrian's frantic grasp.
His father watched him with a blank expression. His mouth was
twitching into a slight frown, Adrian had no hope for understanding the
expression.
"No?" Nagini asked, lifting her body up and resting her head on Adrian's
bed once again, "Master make you fast."
"He's fast enough," Adrian snapped out, swallowing once he realized his
insolent outburst.
Nagini opened her mouth for protest, only for Voldemort to stroke down
her large head, "Silence, my dear. The spell is quite difficult, otherwise I
would long ago have taught young Adrian it. I don't believe he possesses the
innate ability for such magic, even if he had years to practice."
The words were ambiguous and bordering the line of praise and insult.
Adrian felt almost like keening pathetically, fighting the urge to try and
show him wrong.
He could, he could practice and he could do that magic, easily!
And yet, he mused on if his father intended for him to give in so easily.
Why else would he have phrased it such as that, if not for Adrian to beg
him to teach him anyways?
This wasn't about him though, it was about Lutain. He couldn't throw his
familiar in the same danger he faced every day. He wouldn't.
It wasn't that he didn't trust his father, the man had done a remarkable
job of tending to his wounds and making sure that he was always alright.
He just suspected that everything was beyond his control- everything was
orchestrated and practiced and no matter what Adrian did he couldn't
escape.
By saying no...this was his chance, this was his choice and not his father's.
He didn't want to disappoint his father. He didn't want to hurt Lutain.
He almost felt like crying as suddenly everything was too much, noises
were too loud and his ears rang loudly and he felt the tickling urge of
hysterical giggles press on his chest anxiously.
"Master?" Lutain looked up, wriggling eagerly.
"Let us not pressure your young master." His father spoke slowly, the red
eyes observing him in such a way Adrian knew he could see the impact of
his words.
Adrian tucked his hands below his thighs and out of sight to disguise the
way they shook ever so slightly.
"And let us not be hasty, Lutain. The change is quite permanent, and I would
not proceed without your young master's permission."
The red eyes slyly met Adrian's own, "After all, Lutain is your familiar."
Adrian said nothing, mostly because he was not sure how his voice would
remain steady. He couldn't think.
His father rolled his eyes, Adrian's eyes prickled as he felt the stifling
weight of disappointing his father lay heavy on his shoulders.
"I found Nagini in a pet store, located in Hogsmeade," His father started,
his tone affectionate as he gently ran his fingers over the ridges around
Nagini's eyes, "The store has long since closed. She was quite young at
the time, and the staff obviously didn't know her species."
Adrian leaned forward subconsciously, watching his father's face with the
utmost concentration. The way he spoke was so gentle, so proud and
fond. Adrian hoped that someday he would talk about Adrian that way.
"I purchased her for two galleons." his father continued. "I had to sneak
her back into the castle, of course. I kept her beneath my bed with a
warming charm, as at the time I had to be very careful. The Chamber of
Secrets had just been opened-"
"Why didn't you return my letter?" Adrian blurted, twitching as his father
looked at him questionably, "The letter I sent, about the chamber."
"My useless follower, Wormtail, destroyed the letter prior to me receiving
it, something about it being hexed."
Adrian had heard that name before, he knew who that was. He was the
man who was an animagus, the one who knew the Potters before
everything had happened.
His father wasn't happy with the man; Adrian could imagine how his
flesh would have been slowly cut away in ornate ribbons and spiraling
twirls- like the peeling of an apple.
(Adrian had only seen it once, watching his leg unravel towards his knee
like a Christmas decoration, feeling his wand shaking in his hand and bile
rising up the back of his throat. It was only a second before his father
spoke the countercurse. His muscle looked wet and purple in the
chandelier light.)
"Nagini is very important to me." Voldemort continued, speaking in
soothing tones Adrian had never imagined the man capable of. "She holds
a piece of my soul."
Adrian blinked at the odd expression. He hadn't ever heard of it, although
it did convey affection appropriately.
"As do you," his father finished, turning and locking his eyes to Adrian's
wide ones
His father stood and left his room, walking with footsteps too poised for
how startled Adrian felt.
He was...important?
He knew that he was- what other logical reason was there for his
treatment and care? Adrian still felt the doubt, irrationally gnawing
anxiously inside- was he important?
His father didn't speak to him in those soothing tones, he didn't trail a
finger along his jaw affectionately as he did to Nagini. He pushed him
and twirled him, cursing him and praising him and it gave Adrian the
sick idea that he was simply a marionette dancing on strings.
He choked on how badly he wanted to be the best marionette his father
had, he wanted to make him so happy.
Adrian didn't know how, and he was beginning to doubt he ever would.
"What type is she?" Adrian asked quietly, sitting curled in a couch while
Lutain and Nagini reared playfully on the carpet- each rising into
mesmerizing dances and learning what the other could perform. Nagini
had the benefit of height and girth, able to tense and move the muscles
along her throat and belly until her entire body was undulating while her
head remained still.
Lutain in contrast was thin and fast. He reared to a less impressive
height, yet could dance with cobra grace into an almost hypnotic rhythm.
Adrian's father looked up, peering over his desk at the two serpents.
"I'm not sure; she was advertised as a reticulated python, although it's
more likely that the owner didn't know either."
Adrian tilted his head and observed her body, "She's a python for sure.
She has the heat pits and the other trademarks."
His father gave a small hum of agreement as he quickly finished
whatever paperwork he had been writing. He set the quill down in its
holder and crossed his arms on his desk.
"She didn't always appear the way she does now," his father explained
slowly, in a tantalizing way he did when he was telling Adrian something
he should remember.
"She's been enchanted and enhanced. I...boosted her potential, gave her
abilities others would never have."
Adrian couldn't imagine what else he could have done to a python. She
was obviously more intelligent, perhaps he aided her in serpent abilities?
"Did you give her venom?" Adrian asked, peering at Nagini who was now
flicking her tail stiffly in attempts to mimic Lutain's whiptail.
"Partially," His father hummed, avoiding the question and leaving the
answer tantalizingly out of reach, "I imbued her with magic. Her body
strengthened and enchanted itself and she developed the venom herself."
It made sense. Adrian couldn't imagine any store selling an animal as
lethal as Nagini; if her lethality came only after she was purchased it
would certainly explain why she was so difficult to determine what
species she was.
"Can she breed?" Adrian asked curiously, trying to imagine how
interesting it would be if such enchantments carried through to her
children.
Adrian's father looked baffled, his eyebrows rising ever so slightly and his
eyes widening in confusion.
"Nagini has no interest in coupling nor will she ever." His father scoffed,
as if the concept was well below him and her alike.
Adrian felt as if he should argue. He didn't want to, most likely because
his father sounded so sure of himself. He wondered if the enhancement
he was talking about was what he had offered Lutain.
"And Lutain?" His father asked, watching the thin brown snake coil
himself and flash his fangs affectionately, "No muggle store would possess
such a creature, and yet he seems too exotic to be found in the wild."
Adrian smiled at his familiar, "He wasn't. I didn't buy him. I stole him,
really. Accidental magic,"
Adrian heard his tone soften in affection to his serpent. "He wanted
freedom."
"You stole him?"
"From a zoo," Adrian offered, almost laughing at the surprised expression
on his father's face, "He wanted to leave so I took him. He was much
smaller, probably only a few months a muggle species, no magic in him."
His father eyed Lutain considerably, "I have not encountered such a snake
before. It is remarkable that he is as formidable as he is, without the aid
of magic."
Adrian felt the glow of pride bubble inside him happily. He had to hold
himself back from beaming.
Lutain peered back at the two of them, his face and skull shaped into a
permanent glare.
"Very," Lutain paused, considering before slowly hissing out, "For-mid-
able."
"Formidable," Adrian offered again, Lutain flicking his tongue as he
corrected himself and returned to playing with Nagini.
"You're patient with him." His father noted, his tone just shy of
something... new. "You haven't enhanced his mental capabilities with
magic at all."
It wasn't a question, simply an observation. Adrian didn't know if he was
impressed or disappointed.
"No," Adrian admitted, twisting his fingers nervously, "He... I hadn't
known any spells or enchantments then. I wanted to teach him English,
he's a good friend."
Voldemort nodded slowly, blinking lazily like a content crocodile. "A
testament to your patience. It seems ironic that you're capable of
teaching a serpent to comprehend English without spellwork, and yet
you're unable to master a rudimentary shielding charm."
Adrian paused and swallowed hoarsely. It didn't help move the lump in
his throat from wiggling down into his stomach. Oh Merlin, Adrian felt so
mediocre...
"Then again," His father started, pausing dramatically as tensions once
again rose higher, "You would not believe who cannot perform that spell.
Only a fraction of my Death Eaters can cast it adequately." Voldemort
huffed, somehow keeping his tone light and only minorly intimidating.
Adrian wasn't sure if he was expected to laugh or balk at the expectations
set for him.
"Hatch day!" Nagini suddenly interjected, hissing with an urgency
trademarked by spontaneous recollection, "Master! Hatch day!"
Voldemort caught her head as his familiar collapsed in his lap heavily.
Nagini tensed and twitched, her scales expanding before contracting in
movement of her muscles coiling under her skin.
"Ah yes, thank you, my dear." Voldemort crooned, assuring Nagini of a
job well done, "I nearly forgot. Your birth date is approaching rapidly,
isn't it?"
Adrian nearly balked, "I- yes," How was this conversation supposed to
end?
Voldemort hummed a monotone which conveyed no emotion or desire to
continue the conversation.
Adrian wondered morbidly what Bellatrix would have gotten him for his
birthday.
Adrian's birthday was a lethargic instance of how doing absolutely
nothing was wonderful.
His father lived on the belief that a day where nothing was accomplished
was a poor excuse of a day itself. Adrian was held with the expectation of
accomplishing something before bed everyday.
It was exhausting, yet rewarding to track his exponential knew that by
the quickly approaching school year, Adrian would be miles ahead of his
classmates.
The rigorous schedule was broken by the heavy weight of Nagini
crushing him to the charmed mattress under a loud mantra of 'Hatch day!
Hatch day!'
Adrian didn't understand how a python with a poor grasp on human
behaviour was so excited for a birthday, but Nagini's mood was
infectious, her loud feminine cries lured Lutain into repeating the mantra
with the sparse storytelling of Adrian's prior birthdays.
Adrian padded down the stairs and into the kitchen of the large estate
dressed solely in his sleeping clothing. His slightly too long trousers
dragged on the floor and collected dust in a way he knew his father
would hate. It was comfy, so that was all Adrian had to say.
"Master!" Lutain cheered, slithering his way up onto the counter from a
haphazard collection of empty boxes Adrian had stacked just for his
friend. Lutain yawned largely, his scaled lips flapping in a way which
never ceased to make Adrian smile, "Gifts? Gifts for the hatch-day?"
"Probably," Adrian blinked, fishing around for an apple, "although
considering Bellatrix isn't here, I may not actually get anything. Don't
worry, you'll still get to lounge around."
Lutain yawned again, showing off his brightly yellow belly and his
strangely sandy brown scales.
Adrian didn't have any training or spellwork. He didn't have anything
extra to read or assignments to complete. Best yet, he didn't need to do
anything.
Which is how his father found him buried deep into a book about the
magical animal species of southern Africa, nursing a cup of warm
butterbeer and wearing two mismatched socks. The best part was that
Adrian was sitting sideways on the chair, wearing the ratty sleeping
garments he knew his father hated, still coated with the fine crumbs of
messy breakfast pastries.
Voldemort's nose wrinkled in distaste the moment he laid eyes on
Adrian's posture and appearance, "I'm not sure what I am most aghast
by."
Adrian peered up over the book, blinking silently and waiting for the
hailstorm to begin.
His father opened his mouth, poised for the verbal thrashing, before his
jaw closed with a click. The red eyes conveyed all the disgust needed,
although it was amazingly reigned in.
"Come along," Voldemort grunted, losing his image of a father-figure with
how his shoulders slumped in annoyance, "Nagini is excited to see you
open your gifts."
He had gifts?
This was beginning to be one of the most surreal experiences in Adrian's
life.
He did have gifts. Stacked in tiny piles in one of the rooms nearest to to
where the post delivered. All of the packages likely had been delivered
and thoroughly checked by the wards. He spotted the trademark
embossed silver wrapping paper from the Malfoys, something reddish
brown signed by Theodore Nott. Boxes from Pansy and shockingly
enough, Hermione nestled themselves around other boxes and packages.
Draco sent him books, as well as Hermione and Pansy. It appeared books
were the best default present for him. Theodore Nott tried a step further,
gifting him an elaborate set of ink sticks used to create custom coloured
inks of varying viscosities.
At that point, all of the gifts became better.
He had been gifted a larger cage for Lutain, nearing the size of a full
sized trunk with realistic canyon walls and sandy plants growing in the
substrate. It would be perfect to display his friend in his dorm room,
while also granting the illusion of control. He was gifted a collection of
books as well, a designer set each autographed by Newton Artemis Fido
Scamander back in the early 1900's. A few even had hand drawn
illustrations in the margin- ink smeared on the cover with handwritten
note to a Lestrange.
The real golden snitch of Adrian's gifts, was the single crystal vial with a
Animagus Transformation potion inside of it.
"I hope you know how to use that," His father sniffed, eyeing the contents
with a bored expression, "In the rare occasion it is something useful, you
are permitted to practice the transformation."
Adrian had the Animagus Transformation potion, he had it and he hadn't
needed to even buy it.
For a split second, Adrian forgot completely that his father was Lord
Voldemort.
He could hear the distant childhood laughs and cries of a birthday party,
the late summer sun warm his skin as children played quidditch and he
sat on the porch. He could almost taste the sweet lemonade and feel the
stifling heat vanish with the slightest breeze.
This time it was his party, it was his.
He couldn't remember James Potter in his childhood memory. He
remembered someone walking to the porch, seating themselves beside
him and talking with a gentle lilting voice as the breeze once more rose
and stirred the air.
Red eyes looked downwards curiously and a slightly amused smirk tilted
lips as Adrian leant against his father with the muffled imagination of
what it should have been.
Lutain jolted in surprise when Adrian nearly threw the boxes from his
lap. He clutched the crystal vial in his left hand tightly as he jumped the
small gap and wrapped his small arms around the waist and black coat of
the imposing figure that had suddenly changed his world.
Voldemort was hit with a metaphorical freezing hex.
It was the best birthday Adrian ever had.
In some countries the age of thirteen was the age of adulthood in the
magical world. It was obviously the age where his father assumed Adrian
could start proving his worth.
It was ridiculous to send Adrian out on the field of battle with such
inexperience. Adrian had abilities and skills most of his Death Eaters
didn't- the pure fascination and desire to learn about magical creatures.
He wasn't an experienced dueler; if he believed the scathing insults, then
he was mediocre at best, with no imagination during a fight. He relied
too much on a flimsy base ability for accidental magic, which was
pathetic at best.
Adrian did know various species of merfolk, which also was pathetic. His
father mused on sending Adrian out on a peace relation with various
creature species in the future, although the prospect of meeting and
trying to intimidate a vampire seemed horrifying.
If that's what his future was, then Adrian was going to try his best at that.
He jumped into learning as much as he could from the various books he
had received from Bellatrix a while back, reading and struggling to
memorize all of the information he could on werewolves, vampires,
giants, and any creature he likely would encounter.
The more Adrian read about Dementors and other wraith-like creatures,
the more he felt something stirring deep within him.
His father had explicitly told him before that he shouldn't concern
himself with Dementors. He assumed that it was because there were
plenty of people locked within the depths of Azkaban, it was unrealistic
for Adrian to focus his attention on something that was impossible to
penetrate.
Adrian also suspected that his father didn't want him to think of Bellatrix.
He had heard stories that those who went to Azkaban, no matter how
long, never came back the same. All because of Dementors.
He wanted to know more, how did these shadowy beings live? How did
they function? How were they so mysterious but imbued with such
power?
He wanted to know everything.
(And from there he was gone.)
Impstar: Wasn't Harry sent to an orphanage? Why was this not
mentioned by Skylar?
In my story, the decision to send Harry to the orphanage was something the
Dursley's came up with themselves. They did not tell the Potter's that they were
dropping off the kid at an orphanage. So, since it's highly implied that the
Dursleys are all dead, the Potters have no way of knowing that Harry was
abandoned. They assumed that he was murdered along with the family.
tecachan: So, how did Moony felt loosing a cub? Wouldn't he follow his
cub to the depths of hell and back? I mean, he isn't all weak for losing his
pack and from years of barely surviving like in canon, between Sirius and
James he would have a fairly good life, even rejecting all the spoiling. So,
wouldn't he just know inside him that his cub was alive somewhere?
Wouldn't it be extremely nice to have at least someone on his side?
Though I think of something similar happening in the other fic, I'm not
sure anymore)
Well, lets just say the entire family took it very hard. Remus doesn't know
Harry is still alive, but let's just say something about Adrian draws Remus
right to him. I have a feeling you're really going to like this next story arc.
The Beta option is still open, if anyone would like to join our team
(currently just 1 beta and they could use the help), please PM me.
I'd love to have you, not to mention you get exclusive sneak peaks
at the entire story.
27. Shiver
Alright everyone, the Beta collective is in full swing and you'd be
amazed at how fast chapters are getting rolling.
This chapter was beta'd by:
-Arctic Fox From Afar
-Mahina
-Cyndaquil05
If you would like to join our collective, shoot me a PM
Adrian packed the Animagus Transformation potion in his trunk with all
of his things; as well as Lutain's new home and his near bookshelf worth
of tomes. Even trying to push and arrange Nagini's considerable weight
on the top lid only compressed the pile slightly. He unhappily had to
restack and remove several of his books from his collection simply to
fasten the lock shut.
On September first the Hogwarts Express left promptly, and it wouldn't
do to show up late or early enough to be noticed.
Normally lucky to find an empty compartment, it seemed that no matter
where he looked Adrian was forced to exchange pleasantries with
younger students or the occasional annoying upper year. His reputation
was working against him, after the fiasco of the Chamber of Secrets
people started to view him as the more shady salesman of Hogwarts. On
multiple occasions in the short trek through the cabins, he was forced to
awkwardly inform equally awkward students that no, he didn't have
anything on him for the trip.
One student even gasped embarrassingly loud before yanking her friend
out of his way. She blushed embarrassed yet still eyed him warily.
Merlin's beard, did she think he was suddenly going to throw a cursed
mummified rat at her?
The idea behind such an unwarranted stigma caused him to hotly shove
past, none to gently, knocking his bony shoulder into her side. He heard
her gasp loudly again and murmur to her friend as he practically stomped
down the hall.
He hadn't done anything, it was absolutely asinine for anyone to treat him
like that.
He slid into a compartment with a strange looking younger year student,
wearing dark robes with a silvery blue scarf which complemented her
surreal eyes. She was reading a book upside down, seemingly enraptured
in it, although it must have been entirely illegible.
Adrian stewed and slid down slightly in his seat, saliva pooling in his
mouth as he bit his tongue waiting for her offensive question or action.
She didn't look up, she simply turned a page of her upside down book.
The train ran over a bridge, the repetitive sound of wheels turning
changed pitch and light flickered in the window.
"That's a nice snake you have," The girl spoke, her voice feathery soft and
her eyes half-lidded as if she had just woken up, "He seems nice."
Something about her face reminded Adrian of a newly hatched snake,
eyes clouded and unfocused with the sudden exposure to air. No,
somehow the incoherent hatchling didn't fit her. She seemed more
haunting, a dream-like creature such as a Nocnitsa; drifting in and out of
awareness with a state of relaxed lethargy.
Adrian stared at her with no regard to politeness. Who was she?
"Excuse me?" he asked abruptly, long past the point where a comment
didn't seem awkward.
She didn't look like she noticed the time that elapsed.
"Your snake," She blinked widely, tilting her head and sending mosquito-
earrings twisting gently. At least, they looked a little like mosquitos. If
mosquitos normally had three wings and a stinger. "He must be a
gentleman."
Adrian had no idea what to say in response.
"It's a shame with last year," She continued, confirming that she wasn't a
first year, "Now people look at you like you have Bowtruckles for hair."
"Well I hope I don't," Adrian blinked, still completely baffled. At least she
made a little more sense than Bellatrix. A little. "That would be a
disaster."
"Yes, it would," She tilted her head with a knowing smile and the
disconcerting silvery eyes. "Your hair is more blue. Like a Korruu."
"A korruu?"
"Yes. They're like giant wolves with antlers. But they have black hair and
eat femur bones. It's a shame that they're being pushed out of Bulgaria- "
"I know what a Korruu is," Adrian stumbled to try and save the
conversation, "There's a preservation in Hungary for them. I heard the
American breed is doing well."
"Oh wonderful, I wondered if they were doing alright with the
Thunderbirds and the Naki war. Silly things, Naki, they think that every
storm is because of a Thunderbird. Naki just want to eat tree roots in
peace, but it's hard to when the tornados keep coming around. At least
they don't have any Hankypuffs fighting with them either." She smiled,
beaming with strange eyes like they were filled with stardust.
What? What was, what was this girl? Some sort of Sylph? No, the sylph
were much more elusive and other species of human or human like
creatures weren't accepted into Hogwarts. Perhaps she was some sort of
seer? A seer wouldn't explain her befuddling personality.
Then she looked back at her upside down book and ignored him for the
rest of the ride.
Of course.
Just over halfway, the train skittered to a screeching stop. Lutain awoke
in a fury of aggression at being jolted around in his comfy nook in
Adrian's front pocket. As he cupped one hand around his chest, he could
hear the muffled shouts and complaints from other students and
classmates as the train teetered to an unfortunate stop.
"What's going on?" Adrian mumbled under his breath, asking his familiar
more than anyone else.
"The train has stopped," The girl blinked, jolting him and reminding him
that he wasn't quite alone, "I dearly hope it's not from a Boobrie."
Adrian shot her a look. "This far from a loch? Probably not, a Glaistig or
a Cu Sith seems more likely..."
She smiled knowingly and looked out the window right as the sky
became black. Her smile faltered, twisting her expression into something
concerned.
"Master," Lutain hissed, tucking his snout under Adrian's jaw, "Master, I
smell rotting death."
Adrian's hairs slowly stood on end on his arms and the back of his neck.
He almost smelled the sickening aroma that a few of Bellatrix's spells
gave off, brushing just along his jaw.
Clouds covered the sun from what the window of his compartment could
show. The window on the door to the hallway flickered eerily, making
Luna's skin look slightly green.
He heard a muffled voice cast lumos, echoed by other students; fireflies
illuminating through the glass like pixies.
Adrian exhaled and saw his own breath just as his bones began to ache in
his skin.
"Oh," The girl exhaled, her own breath a fine cloud of cold. Adrian
followed her eyesight, seeing something fluttering and black flash past
his window.
What was going on?
It was too much Bellatrix's style, her taste in dramatics. But Bellatrix was
in Azkaban, this...this couldn't have been her work.
Perhaps his father, oh Merlin, was his father making a move?
Wouldn't he have told him?
There was another trail of black, barely visible in the gloom that had
shrouded the window in darkness. Black trailing strands, like ribbons
dancing over the glass.
At once he knew what it was, and he felt the rising swell of excitement in
the face of danger.
"Dementors," He breathed, stumbling to his feet to swing open the door
to the hallways, "They must be on the train for something…"
He had to see them, he had learned so much about them behind his
father's back. His father had told him to not interest himself in the
guardian's of Azkaban, that he wouldn't find use there.
But Dementor's were on the train, he knew that the book would be useful.
(He mentally groaned as he remembered where he had left the book,
hidden in his room under his bed. It was one of the first books to be
removed from his trunk when Nagini convinced him that no matter how
hard she squeezed, the lock wouldn't close.
The darkness receded and the temperature rose before he could open the
door to see the shadowy figures just out of eyesight.
"The Minister should have better control over them." A glance at the girl
showed she was as pale and shaken as a real sylph after being so close to
them. "They shouldn't be on the train."
"Don't you wish you saw one?" Adrian asked in puzzlement, this girl
knew magical creatures and seemed enthusiastic over them. Surely she
hungered to see the creatures that stood in the Veil between death and
life too?
"No," Her voice was sharp and her eyes lost the dreamy qualities.
"Creatures that are more shade than living are not for those on this train,
Shadis."
For speaking of Thunderbirds before, she seemed to embody the firm
boldness of the creatures.
Adrian flinched unwillingly at the firm nearly sizzling bite to her tone.
"What? What did you just call me?"
She gained the dreamy quality once again, "Selwyn, of course. A
wonderful name, it almost sounds like selkie." She paused, looking
pensive, "Do you think there could be selkies in the Black Lake?"
Shadis, she had clearly called him Shadis.
Adrian didn't know why that name had hit him somehow harder in his
chest than the Dementor's presence had, but it couldn't be good.
Everyone was still complaining about the Dementors by the time they
had reached the Hogwarts station.
The first years were split apart to ride the boats across the Black Lake in
the impressive first glance at the castle. The other students waited
patiently for the Thestral-drawn carriages to transfer a half dozen
students at a time.
Luna eyed him boldly, not looking away even as he caught her rudeness.
She was observant, much more than he had given her credit for. He knew
that she had seen his accidental flinch.
She turned in the crowd, walking with the masses away and out of sight.
Despite seeing her walk pointedly out of his sight, she somehow gave the
impression of fading away into the dark, swallowed up into the night.
Adrian didn't bother chasing her.
Instead Draco approached and slung one arm around his waist, careful to
not bother Lutain who curled around Adrian's throat.
"Ah," Draco grimaced, "Still have that thing with you?"
"You smell like canary." Lutain hissed casually, as if discussing the
weather.
"Can't get rid of Lutain that easily," Adrian smoothly stated, peering up at
the Thestrals who paid no mind to him, "Did you find the others?"
"Crabbe and Goyle rode with Pansy in the last carriage. Theo, Blaise, and
Daphne are waiting for us." Draco assured, turning and taking the lead
towards a more weathered Thestral in particular. Theo was awkwardly
avoiding looking at the creature in question.
"There you are!" Daphne sighed, brushing her hands on the green
overcoat she was wearing, "Were you on the train with the Dementor?"
"No, fortunately." Adrian lied smoothly, and continued with "A pleasure
to see you again, Daphne."
"Bad luck, that." Theo started, fidgeting to not look at the thestral.
"Figures if anyone would see that thing, it would be you."
Adrian felt a flash of annoyance through him, burning slowly at his
fingertips. He had grown so used to the respect and strange balance he
and his father had, the blatant disrespect irked him in a way it never had
before.
"Bad luck, right." Adrian spoke sharply, glancing at Theo coldly and
irritated, "Best I not let all that out then."
Theo's face twitched in surprise at how sharp the comment was. He didn't
say anything further.
"Master, can we go?" Lutain hissed, flexing against his throat, "It is cold and
wet."
The thestral snorted and shook its head, as if laughing.
Theo jumped noticeably, skittering once he landed like a fawn on ice. He
flushed uncomfortably, trying to skirt away from the Thestral with how
anxious he looked in its presence.
What a ridiculous thing, Adrian almost felt like glaring at him.
Thestrals were gorgeous, strong yet wiry with every bone on display like
an anatomy textbook.
He tried to not let it bother him how Theo cringed away from such
beautiful beasts, they deserved more respect and admiration. Adrian
would love to gaze upon them if he had time.
"Let's hurry on, I'm dying for the feast." Draco drawled, "Honestly, those
pathetic pastries the trolley passes off as-"
Adrian quickly ignored the dull chatter of the others as he took his place
nearest the window.
The carriage rolled towards the castle into the unloading area where the
Prefects and house ghosts were cheerfully moving the students along into
the grand hall to find their spots under the proper tables and banners.
"Draco!" Pansy shrieked, having saved a spot for him right next to her,
how amusing the sight was. Draco winced but resigned to sit next to her,
Adrian sat across in a spot not as good for viewing the new first years.
"Ah, still have that thing?" Pansy asked, her smile strained as she spotted
Lutain uncoil from Adrian's neck to sit on his golden plate.
Lutain puffed out air annoyed, his tail tip flickering lazily to show his
disinterest and offence.
"You can't keep the snake away, can you?" Blaise grumbled, seating
himself stiff and dignified and ignoring the glances from two second year
girls whispering and giggling to each other.
Finally the tables were filled, proportionally quieter compared to the year
before. Most likely due to the somber quiet Weasley twins who looked
more sickly than happy.
Adrian physically jolted when he realized why.
Ginny.
"What's wrong, it looks as if you've seen a ghost." Daphne remarked,
reaching for a goblet filled with water.
"I'm fine." Adrian croaked back, trying to compose himself quickly.
He hadn't even thought of Ginny in the summer months.
He had left a girl to starve to death, wandless, alone, and scared, miles
below the school, and forgotten about it.
He had murdered her-
'But was it murder?' A voice prompted him, soothing away his horror, 'You
were only a bystander. You didn't kill her, after all, starvation did.'
That was true, but -
He chose to do nothing.
Nothing.
Was choosing to not intervene in certain death the same as killing her
himself? And what did it matter? His father would have had her killed
without question, she'd seen and heard too much. If anything, he'd given
her a kinder death than his father would have.
He thought of hunger, and darkness, and fear - please let me out I promise
I'll be good mom, dad, where are you! - and wondered when those things
had become a kindness.
He couldn't think about that now. He couldn't.
He hadn't thought about that in a long time. He couldn't lose it now.
The large doors to the main corridor swung open, being led by Professor
McGonagall with a large pointy hat. The first years all looked a mixture
of terrified and amazed by the thousands of floating candles and
enchanted ceiling.
"Hey," A slytherin slid down the table, one of Pansy and Daphne's friends,
if Adrian remembered correctly. "You hear Potter fainted?"
Draco's neck snapped around in surprise as his jaw dropped.
"What? Tell us!" Pansy shrieked in a whisper like a baby banshee, looking
enraptured in the story already.
"Yeah!" The girl giggled, a noise more dignified on Millicent. "Somethin'
bout the Demen-tor stalkin' him! He was at front o' the train so it got 'im
and 'e fainted! Shrieked somethin' and passed ou' righ' there!"
Draco looked positively gleeful
Something twisted warmly in Adrian's chest. Skylar had fainted, hell, he
could wager that Skylar didn't know a single thing about Dementors.
He wanted to search out the other boy and laugh at his face.
The first names were called and the students walked across the stretch to
get to the sorting hat.
"But tha's no' the bes' par'!" The girl continued, leaning inwards with a
whisper."They said 'e shouted ou' a name o' some guy-"
"Potter's a poofer?" Draco gasped, eyes growing wide in surprise.
"Nah, nah!" The girl hushed, eyes gleaming with excitement. "Be'er!"
They were on the C's now for students.
"Better than that? I doubt it." Draco sniffed, losing interest already. "Isn't
that right, Selwyn?"
Onto the D's.
"I get better information from the Hufflepuffs." Adrian baited, watching
the girl scowl and rise to prove them wrong.
"Fine! Bu' hear this," She grinned at each face, waited, then dropped.
"Shou'ed somethin' abou' a brother."
Adrian's heart jolted.
In the shocked silence of the table, the name of the next student rang
loud and clear in the quiet of the Great Hall.
"Forestar, Suzan!"
Adrian's heart stopped.
A girl in pigtails- her face was unmistakable, sprang across the ground
looking excited and nervous all the same. The hat fell over her head,
contemplated a while before shouting loudly to the expectant hall,
"Slytherin!"
Adrian's life was falling apart.
It was her.
It was her.
How? How? Adrian thought she was dead- she should have died in the
fire. There was no way that she could be alive, not to mention here.
Suzie was younger than Adrian, but she hadn't ever expressed accidental
magic. If she did she could have stopped him from pushing her down the
flights of stairs, she could have stopped him from destroying her bear,
she should have stopped him from-
David's cold empty eyes stared at him. His corpse had stiffened and
glowed orange in reflection to the fire-
Adrian clutched his head harder and tried to keep from curling into a
ball.
His father...his father could help. Yes, his father would help, because he
was important to his father.
But was he really? Perhaps his father would scoff and find it a nuisance.
No, no, no he had to think that his father would help him.
Unless he had to deal with her alone.
Against his will, a flash of red hair and pale skin filled his mind.
He shook his head violently, hair whipping his face at the near manic
movement. Draco coughed around his roll, eyeing Adrian as if he was
possessed.
Oh Merlin, what if his father wanted him to kill her.
Oh god no, no he can't do that…
He felt bile twist and surge against his throat, stinging his chest painful
enough tears welled in his eyes. He forced it down, gagging on the acrid
taste as his knuckles curled and he struggled to ease his breathing.
In through his mouth, out through his nose.
The air stung his nostrils.
This? Was a disaster.
The rooms for the Slytherin students were finally moved upstairs. Theo
had graciously agreed to be Adrian's roommate this year. He'd even
already moved everything onto his one side, decorating the walls with
earthy tones after a simple spell. Adrian had waited until the other boy
left before he locked the door.
He managed to unpacked one chest before he crumpled to his knees.
It was Suzie, it was her. He could recognize her face and her voice
anywhere, even as it was older. She still had those ridiculous pigtails,
although she had filled out much more. Had she been adopted? Was
David a squib?
Suzie had seen Adrian speak parseltongue-
If Suzie exposed Adrian, then the only student who could possibly be the
heir to Slytherin would be him. They could threaten him with expulsion,
they could take Lutain away from him in an attempt of a threat. Worse
yet, it would give the headmaster a reason to finally start to look at
Adrian, to really look at him. It was suspicious how similar Adrian
already looked like to his father, he knew that Professor McGonagall was
uncomfortable but had dismissed it.
But Suzie could ruin everything.
Not only that, but now a rumor spreading around that Skylar Potter had
a brother?
"This is bad," Adrian choked out, clutching his head in a panic-induced
mess. "Lutain, this is bad."
"I can bite!" Lutain offered, even as he was shivering with equal levels of
anxiety. "Get rid of girl-"
"No no, they have tracking spells, analyzing spells, they'll trace it back to
you and me both." Adrian gulped, pausing before his eyes widened even
further, "Lutain, she's seen you before. She's seen you before."
Adrian crumpled, bracing his forearm against his bed as his stomach
twisted and he gurgled pitifully. His jaw jolted open to near serpentine
proportions as he gagged, nearly retching out the dinner he had just
consumed.
Adrian Selwyn was, utterly and entirely, screwed.
When Adrian entered the Great Hall for breakfast the next day, the first
thing he saw was Draco Malfoy entertaining a large group of Slytherins
with a story. As Adrian walked closer, he could see Draco imitate a
swooning fit to cause a roar of laughter.
"Hey! Potter!" Adrian flinched before realizing Pansy's cry was directed
over his shoulder.
Skylar Potter, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger all scowled at Pansy.
"Potter! The dementors are coming, Potter! Wooo!" Draco imitated, once
more drawing laughter from the crowd.
Adrian instead walked to the table to receive his schedule for his classes.
He pulled off an excellent job ignoring everyone, although it may have
been from how terrible he looked. Dark bags hung from his eyes, his
normally pristine hair was in disarray and he found himself jumping at
all sounds.
"You okay there?" Theo asked, sliding closer to lower his voice under the
level anyone else would be able to hear."You didn't sleep last night-"
"I'm fine." Adrian snapped, snatching his schedule before quickly reading
it over. Hagrid was the new Care of Magical Creature's teacher? He must
have missed it being announced the night before.
His schedule was custom-fitted to accommodate his strange request for
Care, along with Runes and not Arithmancy or Divination. This meant
that his first class would be the following day, generally the first day was
a free day to walk your schedules and to find all of your classes before
you were on a time constraint.
Adrian had something better to do.
There was an Animagus Transformation Potion he needed to take.
The Chamber of Secrets didn't smell, that was the first warning.
It looked identical to how Adrian and Riddle had left it. The massive
snakeskin was still there, shifted to one side but still in perfect condition.
It just emphasized the oddity of having a complete skeleton nestled
nearest the clawed up bits of skin.
For some reason, seeing a skeleton was easier than seeing a corpse.
"I thought bodies took longer to rot." Adrian spoke, feeling as if he was
hearing the words spoken by another person.
"It is wet and air," Lutain offered, uncoiling and sliding down to finally
stretch and slither off into the darkness of the chamber.
No- in the tomb.
It was now a tomb.
Adrian approached the corpse, trying not to heave at the sight of the
hair, dampened by grime and wet and rot, but still fiery red, and the
pristine teeth still stuck by the roots.
The snake skin had suspicious marks on it, like rodents had been gnawing
at it, or something, something else-
Adrian turned and vomited violently on the floor. His breakfast was
expelled in an acidic slosh of juices and half digested pastries.
"Master?" Lutain slithered over alarmed, "Is threat near? No smell, do you?"
"Lutain what-" Adrian choked off at another dry heave as his stomach
gurgled angrily. "What are you talking about?"
Lutain seemed confused, but even he could recognize that vomiting was a
bad sign.
Adrian couldn't look at Gi- at the corpse. The corpse. He couldn't even
think of how she probably was so tired, so exhausted to even try to eat
the remains of a Basilisk's shed skin for food.
No. No. no, no, no, no…
He heaved with a contracting wave of pain, his stomach cramping against
the movement. Stumbling onwards, he hurried into the main chamber to
try and get away from the stench of bile and the sight of red hair.
His legs shook, threatening to pitch him onto the slimey ground. He
nearly fell, already twisting his body in the pathetic movements to crawl
away.
Adalonda was sleeping, as Adrian requested. He would awaken her but
for now...
He needed something to block it out. He needed to forget.
No, no, no, no
He could see her staring at him. Lying prone and limp with lips painted in
blood.
How she would lift herself up on bruised forearms, reaching out to trace his
jaw gently with fingertips tinged in gore.
"You killed me," She whispered, and the soft fingertips suddenly felt like dull
bone.
He sunk to his knees, the sound clicking loudly in the large dimly lit
chamber. He hunkered and heaved, wet sounds from his tongue as he
coughed pathetically and greenish bile dripped onto the ground.
"Lumos." He croaked out, lighting his wand as Lutain curled restlessly
around where he kneeled.
"Master is this good idea?" Lutain fretted, "You smelled threat so no food-"
"No," He coughed, gagging, "It- It's a human thing."
"Oh," Lutain sighed, scenting worriedly, "I will check for threat."
Adrian exhaustedly smiled, "Thank you."
The crystal potions vial was cold in his hand, and almost certainly
terribly to take, especially on an empty stomach. It grounded him,
bringing slight clarity through the vicious trembling of his body.
It couldn't possibly be worse than Bellatrix's curses, and it would keep his
mind focused, away from- away.
The potion was only supposed to sink him back into his mind, so far
intoxicated that he would barely feel when his magic would wrap his
body for the first change. From there he would have to teach his own
magic how to trigger it on command. Essentially, he would fall
unconscious and he would transform into his animagus form. Trapped so
far from his body, pushed back in his mind to where he wouldn't be able
to see the skeleton...
He fished for the crystal vial, holding it up in the light his lumos cast. It
was slightly golden, nearly transparent, and it didn't smell when he
removed the stopper- very high quality
"Bottoms up," He muttered with barely any attempt at humor, hoping it
wouldn't taste as bad as the bile which still permeated his throat.
It tasted like honeysuckle and ginger.
But it burned like Fiendfyre.
Adrian woke up with his head pounding and his limbs feeling like jello.
They tingled with a painful pins and needle sensation, taking several tries
to flex and move properly.
"Lutain?" Adrian hissed, blinking in the dark for his companion. He
belatedly noticed he was speaking parseltongue.
He found his wand, a short distance away from where he had put it, and
lit lumos once again.
"Master?" Lutain quizzically asked, a safe distance and coiled loosely
around himself, "Are you back?"
"Back?" Adrian asked, rolling his shoulder painfully, "What happened?"
"You are!" Lutain hissed enthusiastically, slithering over tentatively, "You
are of noble kind!"
"Noble kind?" Adrian echoed with a hoarse snort, "You've been hanging
around Nagini too much."
"Never," Lutain retorted. "A serpent of blackened scale with green eyes."
Huh. That was... useful.
"How did I know it would be a snake?" Adrian sighed, smile curling at his
lips.
The best thing was, if he was a snake, there was no excuse why he
couldn't travel with his father on raids.
He would be useful. He would find a way.
And he would forget about ginger hair and gasping sobs. He. Would.
BUNNYKAT12: Wait if Harry meets Remus won't he recognize his scent
or something like that?
Scent for animals is based on blood and pheromones, In this story, Harry has
been blood adopted by Tom Riddle, which has dramatically changed his scent.
Along with that, dietary and emotional chemicals also change scent- where in
Harry's case would make him very different.
Aile d'Argent: I hope that Adrian will grow as a Dark Wizard (and
STAYS a Dark wizard, as if, doesn't switch for the light side like in a lot
of stories).
There will be an arc where he is essentially held hostage by the light, but in
this story he never joins them. He will be a dark wizard all the way through.
SernaJ: This fic is so...real...I love you, Author
I love you SernaJ
MaximusGreatest: Who is Skylar and Harry's Godmothers?
Uh, well, I never really thought about that. I guess that Remus was Harry's
godfather, and Sirius was Skylar's. I assume then that either Lily would want
the Dursley's or maybe it would be with the Longbottom's or the Weasleys.
Feline lover:In chapter 26 it brought up the concept of Nagini having
hatchlings. I was wondering if you were telling us that you have
dismissed the idea or not.
I brought that up mostly to show how Voldemort thought of Nagini more as a
part of him than another sentient being. There will be no small baby snakes
slithering around in this fic, sorry!
Sillver: So this is the first time I am reviewing on any story I've read on
this site. Ironically its also the first story I've read that is actively being
updated as I read it.
So far I am enjoying it immensely.
I read the original one and found it fascinating. Although I must say this
one is a lot better (in a realistic and more believable sense. Both stories
are really good) and I am enjoying it a huge amount. It is in two words
"utterly brilliant" I can't wait for more chapters to go up.
Yes! Wonderful! I actually edit'ed the first chapter of my other story telling
people about this one, but I guess other people still like the original.
I'm much more proud of this story, and I'm so happy you enjoy it as well!
28. Boggart
As the school year is approaching, I'm hoping to start posting
chapters almost on a regular schedule.
This chapter was beta'd by:
-Arctic Fox From Afar
-Mahina
-Cyndaquil05
If you would like to join our collective, shoot me a PM
There is fanart I scribbled out for the boggart scene. If you know
how to use Tumblr, my username is Digitalta, and the picture is in
the tag 'Antithesis'
Care for Magical Creatures was an exciting class, especially since Adrian
had already established a strange relationship with the now-teacher.
The books required for Care for magical creatures were fascinating. They
had teeth, snarled, snapped, and looked less like books and more like
creatures. It growled and tried to eat Adrian's hand first time he picked it
up in Diagon alley. He fed the book a few things, and the poor paper
monstrosity went surprisingly docile after eating a raw carrot. It seemed
that other students were not nearly as lucky with Adrian's discovery; one
student was sporting a rather striking set of papercuts all along his
forearm.
Draco found the book ridiculous, he struggled to even hold the
monstrosity with its impressive added girth of well spun rope. Adrian
spotted Skylar Potter scowling at his book, bound with a black belt. At
least he had the foresight to bind it shut.
They stumbled over roots and gnarled stumps, a few plants along the trail
reached out with thorny barbs to ensnare the students. Adrian and his
fellow classmates ignored them easily. Longbottom paused on his trek to
pet and coo over one disgruntled stem and leaf.
"These things, are bloody useless." Draco growled out, struggling to catch
his book as the rope once more slid from his grip.
Adrian glanced down at his own book, contently blinking at the
surroundings as its teeth gnashed quietly.
"Figures, Adrian Scamander here manages to tame his," Draco continued,
not bothering to see if Adrian was even paying attention. At this point, it
was more Draco scathingly grumbling to himself.
"I fed it a carrot," Adrian offered helpfully, "It enjoyed the crunching."
Draco rolled his eyes and sniffed in annoyance.
Hagrid emerged from his hut, slightly uneasy yet not lacking enthusiasm.
Draco joined in vehemently, shouting insults about how impractical the
books were. Almost instantly, the large man faltered, looking obviously
distressed with himself.
Adrian was mentally bemoaning how disastrous the first class was going.
Why couldn't he act like the other professors and simply provide them all
a syllabus?
Hagrid of course, wasn't like the other professors.
He left, trying to salvage the first lesson by introducing the students to a
disastrous large dangerous creature. It was so unmistakably Hagrid,
Adrian almost found the action endearing.
He had a large smile as he returned, thick hands grasping hefty rope
attached to a leather collar. Once the alpha was led, others followed after
like a herd of gentle deer.
But they were not deer.
Huge winged horses crossed with lovely birds. Sharp intelligent eagle
eyes set in gentle cream and brown feathers sparkling in the sunlight.
Some were speckled and painted, mottled grey or entirely arabian with
glossy crow feathers.
"Hippogriffs," Adrian found himself mouthing along with Hagrid's loud
proclamations of what the amazing creatures were.
"So, he speaks." Draco drawled, and elbowed Adrian. "Finally chose to
grace us with your presence?"
Adrian scowled, his complexion much more pale in the sunlight. Adrian
wouldn't be surprised if the other students started jokingly teased him
with his likliness to a vampire.
"Hey Crabbe, think those things puff up like the owls do?" Draco
muttered under his breath, eyes alight with the desire to wreck Hagrid's
class.
"Don't," Adrian muttered. "Hippogriffs are vicious. They'll gut you before
you even start laughing."
Draco looked startled, as if he hadn't actually thought that they were
dangerous, or it hadn't occurred to him anything would attack him.
Hagrid went on to ask for volunteers to get closer to the Hippogriffs,
right after enthusiastically describing the dangers of the beautiful - and
vicious - animals.
"Righ'- who wants ter go first?"
Adrian knew full well if he made eye contact, he wouldn't be able to
resist himself from volunteering. Most of the class took a step farther
away in answer, even the Potter trio stepped back. The Hippogriffs were
tossing their fierce heads and flexing their powerful wings, they didn't
seem to like being tethered. Which wasn't too surprising; they were
creatures of air and sky, affiliated with freedom and new, and being
roped like this was… rather dangerous… for everyone involved.
Adrian would have loved to walk forward, to brush his hand and feel the
silky difference between fur and pointed feathers. He'd love to gently
touch the talons and feel the sharpness of the curved claws.
He couldn't, he couldn't. Not because of Hagrid or the Gryffindors, in all
honesty he would have the previous year without a thought. The dangers
of it be damned, he was fascinated by the Hippogriffs.
But he couldn't, because he knew Draco would boast about it or prattle on
about it behind closed doors in the dungeons. The last thing Adrian
needed was the first years curiously listening in.
He couldn't risk the attention, especially so soon.
"No one?" Said Hagrid, with a pleading look. You could almost see his
shoulders lower like a wounded hound.
Adrian bit his tongue, chewing on it gently to resist the urge to speak up.
The class was split with Gryffindors, there would be at least one student
who would be reckless enough to want and see the creatures closer.
"I'll do it."
In hindsight, Adrian should have expected it would be that Gryffindor.
'Freaking-'
Only the thought of what his father would say if he finished his sentence
kept him from repeating a few interesting phrases he'd heard Rabastan use.
"Oooh, no, Skylar, remember your tea leaves!" A female Gryffindor
gasped, brushing against Skylar's robes with a wide eyed horrified look.
What the... what did that mean?
Skylar ignored them as he climbed over the paddock fence. What a
surprise.
"Good man, Skylar!" Roared Hagrid. "Right then- let's see how yeh get on
with Buckbeak."
Adrian had to choke back the jealousy rising up the back of his throat. Of
course it was Skylar that was doing this- why was that moron able to
meet a Hippogriff up close? He was the one to specialize in magical
creatures, he was the one that loved them, blood and bone, heart and
soul!
He was the one who deserved it, not that selfish brat who had everything-'
Adrian's fist clenched as he forcefully shut down on the scathing jealousy
fueled train of thought.
Adrian's jaw clenched and his teeth bit sharply into his tongue. He tasted
the disgusting tang of blood and exhaled sharply through his nose.
He had to remain calm, he had to remain in the background and not
draw attention to himself.
It almost physically pained him to do so. Hagrid untied one of the chains,
pulling a grey hippogriff away from its fellows and slipping off its leather
collar. The class inhaled collectively at the sight.
"Easy now, Skylar," said Hagrid quietly, "Yeh've got eye contact, now try
not ter blink...Hippogriffs don' trust yeh if yeh blink too much…"
Buckbeak the hippogriff had turned his great sharp head, and was glaring
at Skylar with ferocious eyes.
Skylar bowed.
A heartbeat of breath-held silence, and the hippogriff bowed back.
"Stupid birds," Lutain sniffed, hiding under Adrian's clothing like he
always did. "Smart as pigeon."
Didn't change the fact that it was Skylar who was getting bowed to.
Then, it managed to get worse.
Skylar was prompted onto the back of the mighty creature, then it had
the audacity to actually start to fly away. Skylar Potter, was riding a
hippogriff.
That was a once in a lifetime opportunity. One that Adrian could have
had, if it wasn't for Suzie.
Adrian felt frustrated needles prick behind his eyes. His teeth gnashed
and once again the tang rose. He felt nauseous.
"It's a stupid bird," Lutain whispered. "Adalonda would give you a ride."
Adrian would have smiled at the mental image if he hadn't wanted to
start screaming so badly.
Skylar returned looking breathless and overjoyed. From there, everyone
carefully climbed over the paddock, cautiously approaching the other
creatures and bowing respectively. Adrian stuck close to Draco as the
blond haired boy selected Buckbeak.
Draco grew more arrogant the moment the large creature bowed to him.
It really wasn't as difficult as they had been led to believe, even though
the danger still existed.
"This is very easy," Draco drawled, loud enough for Skylar to hear him. "I
knew it must have been, if Potter could do it...I bet you're not dangerous
at all, are you?"
And of course, saying that was exactly what he shouldn't have done.
Draco sauntered forward, Buckbeak's feathers around his neck rose
alarmingly as if hackles on a wolf. It's pupils constricted sharply as its
neck jerked, face staring intently and beak clicking sharply.
"Don't!" Adrian jolted, pushing Draco out of the way the moment the
large creature let out an ungodly wail of half bird-call half horse-knicker.
The Hippogriff spread its wings partly, primaries sliding over secondary
feathers with a sound like silk. In contrast, It lifted one razor sharp talon,
preparing to slash across Adrian's body.
The series of events smoothly transitioned from one to the next, yet
together took enough time for Adrian to find himself puzzled over his
own actions. Why had he moved, jerking forward to shove another
student out of the way? It wasn't as if Adrian would get anything out of
taking Draco's place...In fact, he should have let the boy get struck.
There was a primal instinct, something deep in Adrian's core which
simply whispered to him that he should move. That he should help. Call
it humanity, call it his fear for someone who tentatively was his friend-
his first friend.
If all of Adrian's friends jumped off the covered bridge, Merlin be damned
he sure wouldn't. Yet apparently that expression didn't apply to bloody
Hippogriffs.
This was going to hurt.
"Master!" Lutain gasped, scenting the threat just before it came to fruition.
Buckbeak's eyes locked with Adrian's, and Adrian felt something unfurl,
in his raging fear. Borderline hysteria, the unrelenting tide of oh god, oh
god, that seemed to pulse over his skin.
He couldn't think, but he could feel; almost like he was peeling off a tight
layer of clothing.
Buckbeak froze, one claw high in the air poised to strike yet it didn't
come. Its eyes shook, alarmed and in shock, widening in panic as the
creature seemed to be covered in small treamors.
Adrian couldn't move, his body was straining and his eyes burning and
his blood was on fire.
A second, two seconds...long enough for Adrian to know it was
unnatural. Impossible.
"Adrian! I got yeh!"
Hagrids shout ruined it and seemed to snap Buckbeak out of his trance.
Adrian felt his body burn, tingling through his skin from the backlash.
The creature whirled, flaring his wings and lowering its leg with a mighty
swipe. Adrian stumbled backwards trying to avoid, only managing a gash
on his left forearm.
Adrian curled inwards instinctively, twitching ever so slightly and
gasping audibly as the wound finally registered.
Buckbeak skittered away, snapping angrily and glaring at Draco who
looked much too horrified at what had occurred.
"You..." Draco gasped, growing more pale as he noticed blood welling up
and trailing down the ruined sleeve of Adrian's robe. Adrian blinked,
seeming to snap out of the exhausting haze that was his accidental magic.
His absolutely useless accidental magic.
"I'm fine!" Adrian snapped, his arm complaining loudly as well as the rest
of his limbs from his terrible and exhausting day.
His eyes stung again, an uncomfortable tightness near the back of his
throat due to his frustration and helplessness over the situation.
He was supposed to be nobody! That was the entire reasoning why he
didn't get to ride Buckbeak! And now, and now because Draco was so
bloody stupid...
"Master, are you-" Lutain silenced himself when Adrian stood stiffly and
glared. He knew his skin was pale, his eyes bruised and sunken. His limbs
shook from the effort of standing after such an event. His heart thumped
loudly in his chest and every exhale felt the slightest bit sour.
"I can take yeh to the-" Hagrid cut off as Adrian pointed his wand at his
arm and casted a healing spell to close the gash. It stung, itching
painfully as the blood clotted and scabbed something ugly. He was
thankful he knew this spell after all of the dueling and curses he had
experienced.
The class was silent, Skylar looking horrified and taken aback.
Everyone was looking at him. He was just...he just wanted to not have
attention on him, and then this...
"Er- class dismissed." Hagrid added, looking quite faint. His large hands
fumbled around each other- he looked quite horrified with how the
events had progressed.
Adrian felt like crying, he couldn't tell if it was from anger or frustration.
The first Quidditch match was Slytherin vs Gryffindor. Draco didn't shut
up about it, boasting about his practice sessions, the state of the
uniforms, and the unparalleled speed he could achieve. Adrian spent the
time sleeping in his bed, drawing the covers to his chin to try and relax
his mind through the stress he had been putting it under. It was almost
painful, at times his paranoia and stress over simply attending classes
was enough to make him retreat to his room.
The Animagus transformation potion, the upkeep for the occlumency
walls, not only that but it seemed that the newest Defence Against the
Dark Arts teacher had taken a personal liking in him.
(It was nice in a strange way, he hadn't ever gotten favoritism from
anyone except Hagrid, but considering how that lesson went… Then
again, Adrian found all of the attention ridiculously annoying. He'd take a
Hippogriff claw again anyday.)
He was drawing attention from Dumbledore, and it would only be a
matter of time before he was interrogated on who his father was. Thank
Merlin his name was Selwyn and not Riddle.
The first practical defence class with Professor Lupin, Adrian knew it
would be different. The class was not split with other houses, a wise
decision because in the earlier years it led to more cross-house attacking
then actual learning.
"No books today," Professor Lupin smiled kindly, "Only your wands,
today will be practical only."
Daphne exchanged surprised looks with Adrian. Not many teachers
would forgo books entirely.
"If you would all follow me," Professor Lupin smiled and guided them out
of the classroom and down a deserted corridor into the teacher's staff
room.
The massive wardrobe stood out clearly in the otherwise bare space.
"Now then," Professor Lupin started, beckoning for everyone to enter the
room. They spread out, clinging to the external walls and as far as
possible from the wardrobe, which wobbled suspiciously.
"There is a boggart in there." Lupin announced calmly, almost proudly as
he secured the hallway door behind them.
Trapping them. In with a boggart.
Adrian paled and mentally cursed the fact he left Lutain in the dungeons.
"Boggarts like dark, enclosed spaces. Wardrobes, the gap under beds, the
cupboards under sinks. This one moved in a few days ago, I asked the
headmaster and staff to leave it to give you all some practice. So, the first
question we must ask ourselves is, what is a boggart?"
'Don't forget the cupboard under stairs,' Adrian scathingly thought, already
setting himself in a bitter mood.
Eyes of his yearmates instantly fell on Adrian.
'Wonderful.'
"Oh? Seems like you're the one everyone looks to for help." Professor
Lupin smiled politely, nodding to the uncomfortable Adrian, "Would you
like to give it a shot?"
"Adrian knows every ruddy magical creature" Pansy, shut your bloody
mouth- "What they look like or how to find it. He's a walking textbook."
Lupin looked similarly alarmed and impressed. He smiled, tilting his head
slightly as he leant against a nearby table. He beckoned with one hand
politely for Adrian to take the stage.
"It's a shape-shifter." Adrian muttered. "It takes the shape of what the
closest person fears the most, or what will incapacitate us best."
"Well done," Lupin confirmed with explanation, gazing over the other
students to take notice of the atmosphere. "So the boggart is currently
waiting and has not assumed a form. He does not know what will
frighten the person on the other side of the door. Nobody knows what a
boggart looks like when it is alone, but when I let him out, he will
immediately become whatever each of us most fears. This means, that we
must use our advantage of numbers."
Pansy looked squeamish.
"The charm that repels a boggart is simple, yet it requires a certain force
of mind. You see, the thing that finishes a boggart is laughter. What you
need to do is force it to assume a shape that you find funny. The charm
is...Riddikulus!"
Everyone repeated it with varying levels of confidence.
What did Adrian fear the most, what could be plausibly pass off the best?
In this situation, anything could compromise him.
Time blurred and moved too quickly, passing down Theo (who had a
banshee monster) to Blaise ( who had an unrecognizable man.) Draco
scoffed and cast the spell perfectly against a gigantic wraith-like monster
which Adrian recognized faintly, followed by Crabbe who was nearly
shaking at a miniature troll.
Pansy stepped forward, the second to last person to go. She held her
wand daintily as the boggart shapeshifted into a giant aractromantuala. It
hissed and spluttered angrily, snapping its fangs.
"Ridikkulus!" Pansy barked out, changing its body into a spinning ball
which sent it whirling into the cabinet once more.
Pansy grinned, and stepped aside, allowing Adrian to step past.
He could see Draco and the others lean forward excitedly.
The cabinet rattled before opening slowly. Bright, unmistakably green
eyes stared out blankly.
Adrian's jaw clenched and he pointed his wand viciously at the cabinet.
"Why did they go?" It crooned, voice childish and high pitched,
unmistakably young. "Why did mummy and daddy-"
'None of that' Adrian thought, using his occlumency shields to suddenly
cut down on the memories the boggart was feeding on.
It stuttered, the eyes stumbling before wilting and turning dark inside the
cabinet. Adrian could see its strange mass bulge and bubble, warping and
distorting as it struggled to create a tangible form. Adrian struggled to
snap down on anything he could possibly fear, anything which made his
hair stand on end.
It must have found something, and with a sense of dread Adrian saw it
stumble outwards.
There was a pause, the whispers of confusion started before the boggart
stepped out in its next assumed form. The lighting was poor, yet the
shape was unmistakable.
Adrian gasped audibly and stepped backwards against his better
judgement.
Dark wine red eyes belonging to a face with high cheekbones morphed
into a disgusted, revolted expression. Tall, confident, regally posed with
expensive silk.
Draco startled upright, the other Slytherins reeling in surprised noises as
they quickly glanced between Adrian and the mystery man. Adrian's dark
black hair, almost as blueish tinged as the mans'. The tall cheekbones, the
aristocratic nose and pale complexion- Adrian's was actually naturally
paler.
The resemblance was uncanny.
Adrian felt fear swallow him as he glanced at Lupin in barely restrained
horror.
The man was at an angle where he was unable to see the boggart's face.
Small mercies.
The boggart scoffed, a disorienting sound that made Adrian nearly
instinctively whimper.
No, it wasn't real.
Adrian's hands curled until his nails left crescents in his palm.
"What a pathetic-"
It's fake. It's fake. It's fake.
Adrian pointed his wand coldly. His expression became flat, emotionless
and concerningly casual. He didn't need emotions, he could lock them
behind shields. He could remove feelings, he didn't need feelings.
"-weak vermin. I should-"
It's fake.
You know what to do.
"Ridikkulus."
His father popped backwards, head shifting into one of those comically
exaggerated heads he had seen in the store windows of Knockturn Alley.
Leather and sun-kissed, embroidered in crossing stitches over its eyes and
mouth with bright red floss. It stumbled backwards, blinded and on
ungainly limbs.
How clumsy and distorted it looked, like something had grabbed its limbs
and stretched it out like a scarecrow.
Oh Merlin, Adrian had turned his father into a window decoration.
Adrian felt himself snickering in amusement and trying to hide his smile.
He failed dramatically, his body shaking slightly.
Adrian glanced over in surprise as Professor Lupin rushed forward,
interjecting himself between Adrian and the Boggart.
It shifted into something white, ethereal...and then vanished into the
wardrobe.
"Merlin, what was that." Daphne breathed, looking vaguely ill.
Adrian glanced at her in confusion, before he felt his amusement rotting
away.
"Nothing," Adrian bit out snappily, glaring and almost curling his lips
back in a snarl.
Daphne looked like she had been struck, or Adrian had offered something
entirely illogical as rational fact. Mandrake roots dance the tango.
"No I…" Daphne blinked completely baffled once again, "I'm sorry, I can't
think right now."
Mandrake roots dance the tango and sometimes waltz with centaurs.
Adrian scowled slightly, finding her confusion and obvious dazed
expression somewhat aggravating. What was so wrong with his boggart?
Like hers would be any better!
"Bloody hell," Theo swallowed, looking even more ill than Daphne, "If
that's what you think is funny…"
Theo trailed off, swaying where he stood as he grimaced and looked
nauseous.
Adrian paused and looked over his shoulder where Professor Lupin was
instructing the rest of the class how else to hinder or identify a boggart
before releasing it.
What was so wrong with the distorted heads in Knockturn? Adrian
considered getting one for Bellatrix's birthday once.
"I thought they were funny," Adrian crossed his arms, feeling fairly
defensive now, "I once almost bought one."
"Merlin…" Daphne breathed, blinking and gazing off into the distance.
She looked eerily similar to Luna in that moment.
"Almost?" Theo inquired weakly.
"We don't talk about it."
The Hogsmeade weekend in November left Adrian walking with a thick
wool scarf around his mouth and Lutain nestled against his chest. Lutain
was certain he was going to get one of those exotic mice bred in Africa
which somehow tasted twice as good and was half as easy to digest. The
others were planning on starting early holiday shopping.
Adrian had been tasked with even more supplying and selling than the
year earlier. Somehow his status had become well known in slytherin, to
the point that now the upper years were asking for his help in ordering
and dealing questionable goods to the other students. Lutain made an
excellent lookout, as well as intimidation technique if students didn't
want to comply with his brokering system.
Dementors still circled around the school, staying high above the
quidditch pitch in a silent guard to the wizarding school. They were
expecting something big, something deadly. It was rather annoying, since
the students were not permitted to know why the dementors were at
Hogwarts. Draco had already made a fuss about them, raving about how
his father refused to tell him information besides how he was upset with
the new addition. The Dementors wre generally used to guard Azkaban-
so why were they at Hogwarts and not protecting the wizarding prison?
The only thing Adrian could possibly think of was perhaps they were
placred at Hogwarts by the Ministry to try and halt the Slytherin Monster
from attacking other students. It would be a smart idea, especially since
the death of Ginny was still mentioned through hallways.
Nobody seemed to like the dementors, they found them creepy. Ghastly
beings that croaked and whistles shallowly while they breathed through
rotten lungs. Pansy had sworn she heard one talk, a hoarse croaky noise
that sent hairs upwards on end.
Adrian thought they were beautiful.
Adrian didn't often have the opportunity to see them up close, mostly due
to his reclusive pattern. He only ventured out when he was positive that
he wouldn't be spotted, or when he wouldn't draw attention to himself.
So far, he hadn't actually talked to any of the first years, although Theo
informed him his usual clients were getting fed up with his hermit status.
Mostly for appearance's sake, he agreed to venture into Hogsmeade.
Already he had seen a quarter dozen clients, each looking somewhat
relieved or pissed with him.
Daphne found it interesting, the Pureblood politican that she was.
Hogsmeade was alight with lanterns and loud voices. Children ran from a
joke store into a candy store and back again repeatedly. The crowd at the
resident pub was overflowing with people.
"Mouse! I want a mouse!" Lutain cheered, inaudible to everyone else there.
"I'll head to the pet store." Adrian found himself saying, already turning
without care if anyone heard him or not.
"Oh! I'll come with!" Daphne chirped excitedly, nearly jumping onto his
arm with enthusiasm. She smiled widely, actually pretty in comparison to
Millicent and Pansy, and started to drag him along.
The protesting noise Draco made was lost in the atmospheric background
noise that was Hogsmeade. Her arm was firm, leaving him no room to
escape as they walked along the well trodden path towards the store.
The pet store was an old, rustic-looking building with aged wooden side
panels and a resident cat that, although it lived in the store, was not for
sale. It watched them with friendly blue eyes, brushing against their
black robes and leaving calico cat fur in its wake.
"Aren't you adorable?" Daphne cooed, bending down to pet the
affectionate cat. "Who's a good boy?"
"Girl," Adrian instantly corrected, "Calicos with multiple colors can only
be female."
Daphne had a wistful smile on her face as she eyed the calico as it ran
away, the sound of its bell tinkling in the quiet store.
The owner was an elder man with a kind smile more trademark for a
candy shop store. He wore small glasses which had an uncanny
resemblance to Ollivanders', yet skittered slightly on the anxious side
Theo always displayed.
"Hello!" Daphne chirped with pureblood politeness, "This is a wonderful
store you have."
The man smiled and Adrian almost snorted at how straightforward
Daphne was coming across. Daphne sharply elbowed Adrian's side.
"I have a younger sister and I was wondering if you have anything I could
gift her for the approaching holidays," Daphne smiled brightly, her blue
eyes sparkling as she looked around the store calmly, "I'm positive that
you could find me something."
The man smiled and peered out on of the larger windows, "You may have
better luck at Diagon Alley, missus."
Adrian wandered over to one side of the store, which was charmed with
a shimmering reddish spell to keep the heat at manageable levels. An
assortment of old or full grown animals peered up curiously.
"You resale animals," Adrian stated, looking over his shoulder in surprise,
"Doesn't seem much profit in that."
The man looked somber, and more uncomfortable with Adrian than he
was with Daphne.
"Too many wizarding children get pets and don't know how to care for
'em. Or don't want 'em anymore. It's a pity, such beautiful creatures."
Adrian smiled sadly and looked down at the assortment. A full grown
lizard blinked at him and burped a green bubble.
"Oh no," Daphne exhaled, "Oh no, I know that look."
"What look?" Adrian quickly blanked his face, lifting one sleeve to let
Lutain slide out and investigate the shop. The owner didn't see.
"The look you get right before you do something stupid," Daphne crossed
her arms with a pointed look, "Adrian Selwyn, you are not bringing
something back with us."
Well of course he wasn't. That would be making a large glowing sign
practically shouting his name to everyone. He was trying to remain
anonymous
"Master! Look!" Lutain cheered, peering in at something unseen, "It is a
bird but noble kind! It is like hatchling but large!"
A cockatrice?
Shit
On one hand, he would be proving a point to Daphne and remaining
hidden. He was here only for a mouse, or something for Lutain. Maybe an
updated heating charm.
But on the other hand….
A Cockatrice.
Adrian kept full eye contact with Daphne while he elevated his voice,
"How much for the Cockatrice?"
The man spluttered, "The- you mean The Grifdor?"
Daphne groaned, "Don't do it, don't do it, it sounds like bloody
Gryffindor."
"Master! It is so stupid!"
A Grifdor? The man had a Grifdor?
Adrian was trying to remain anonymous….but there was a Grifdor!
"I want it." Adrian snapped, looking at the man, "How much?"
The man paled, "Eleven galleons but young man, that animal is very
dangerous and was given to me by a very experienced reptile tamer-"
Lutain hissed loudly, rearing up and over the cages to look at the man
right in the face. Lutain's scales were darkening back to the usual black
and slightly blue tint, his belly starkly yellow in the light.
"That's a Taipan." The man stated bluntly, entirely dumbfounded,
"That...how did that-"
"That's my familiar," Adrian said pointedly, "And I want the Grifdor."
How the bloody hell was he going to care for a Grifdor? He didn't have
any of the requirements or the objects needed to take care of it.
Then, Adrian was struck with a sense of genius.
"Yes!" Lutain cheered excitedly, "I shall name you -" Lutain let out a series
of hisses Adrian would only be able to replicate in Parseltongue.
He could gift it to Nagini, explicately saying that it wasn't for
consumption. If Lutain loved it, Nagini would love it too. Then Adrian
would still have a Grifdor, and better yet, he could visit it over the
holidays. The joys of an exotic creature without the work of actually
caring for it.
His father couldn't exactly return it, especially with how he was the one
hiding.
Daphne groaned and rubbed her eyes tiredly, well past the point of tired
with Adrian.
"What's its name?" Adrian asked, the man floundered.
"Er... Walter."
Adrian turned to address Daphne seriously, "His name is Walter."
Daphne glared angrily, "I hate you so much sometimes."
Daphne stormed out with an old caramel coloured Puffskein under one
arm, and an advanced cage in the other.
Adrian stayed behind, shushing the anxiously chirping Grifdor which
seemed to hop around and flare its trimmed wings angrily. Lutain curled
on the table, cooing over his new pet with strange serpentine
complements.
"Alright, here's a supply of frozen food, should last Walter a month or so."
The man worriedly instructed, placing a decently sized parcel on the
countertop, "He gets a bit messy but isn't too bad to handle."
Walter squawked and pecked at his foot.
"It's a pity nobody wanted him," Adrian mentioned, glancing at the
creature with utmost fascination, "He's beautiful."
And indeed Walter was. He had the upper body and sharp beak of a
partridge, yet from the base of its wings he sprouted cream coloured
scales which warped into a long serpentine tail. He had slit pupils and
the strange mixture of two short nubby fangs on the inside of its beak.
Adrian doubted that he could properly fly, although perhaps he was
similar to a pheasant, able to use the long tail as a rudder or for balance
as he ran at high speeds.
His father was going to hate him.
"Oh I know," The man wheezed with a smile, running a finger down
Walter's head and neck with the affection of an old friend, "People just
throw away magical creatures all the time. Treat them with no respect."
Adrian found himself nodding along with a wistful smile.
"So! How did you tame a Taipan? I'd expect an enthusiast to have an
Ashspore or a Dagger-mouth."
"Lutain?" Adrian blinked, glancing at his darkening friend.
The man's expression lit up, "Oh what a lucky boy you are, to have the
fabled Fierce Snake." He smiled and hesitantly reached out with his hand.
"Fierce snake!" Lutain crowed, pausing before boasting wildly, "I am
fierce."
Adrian smiled as Lutain nuzzled his face against the hand of the man who
looked nearly about to pass out from excitement.
"How often do you get rare creatures like this?" Adrian asked, nodding to
Walter who had settled to clucking to himself and coiling its tail around
his feet, "I could take a few- only the ones that really need it."
Okay, he really couldn't.
Not that he was going to say that to the man, but what if he came across
something like a basilisk?
The man smiled, timid yet his eyes shone hope like a single star in a
blackened night, "Would you, Mr. Selwyn?"
Adrian felt a smile curl on his mouth against his better judgement. Walter
looked around and ducked as Adrian ran a single finger down his head
and neck, brushing over his wings and smooth scales.
"Is there an owlry around here? For larger parcels?" Adrian inquired
carefully, shushing Walter back towards his carrier container. The man
nodded and scrambled to find a scrap of parchment, writing out a
company on the top.
"Here, if you use the messenger eagles in a hawthorne box, they deliver
faster for the holidays." The man added helpfully, scribbling out
instructions and which postal service in particular was best for live
animals.
"And, I just need to send a confirmation arrangement to the Headmaster
now," The man hummed.
Adrian froze.
"No," He blurted instantly, struggling to think on his feet, "That's, that's
really not necessary."
The man's face skewed in concern, "I'm sorry, it's store policy…"
"No no, I mean, I'm not sending him to the castle. So he doesn't need to
know." Adrian desperately added, the relaxing aura he had achieved
started to crumble.
His arms felt cold as a chill raced down his neck and spine, his breathing
was hitched and his hands shook slightly.
"I'm sorry, but it really is store policy." The man apologized, looking
genuine.
"No no," Adrian shook his head, blinking three times and swallowing
quickly, "I...please?"
Adrian didn't hear anything the man said, he could hear his heart
pounding loudly. Dumbledore was going to find out, then he would try
and take it because he isn't allowed to have a Grifdor. Then he would ask
where it went, he'd ask about Adrian's father and he would…
"Whoa, whoa," The man stumbled, reaching out to try and ease Adrian as
the younger boy's legs collapsed. The man lowered, trying to help Adrian
to the floor as he panicked, entire body shaking.
"Mr. Selwyn," The man fretted nervously, looking for his wand to possibly
call for aid.
"You can't," Adrian choked out, eyes blown with panic, "Don't...don't tell
Dumbledore."
"I have to, I'm not sure why you're so worried." The man tried to soothe,
"Can you breathe with me? You're breathing too fast."
Adrian couldn't let him tell Dumbledore.
He didn't know how to do this, but his Father had somehow left him the
Occlumency shields, he must have heightened the other skills too.
Adrian couldn't breathe as he jerked his head up, staring at the man's
worried eyes.
It couldn't be that hard, could it?
He stared, and tried to push…
The man paused, seizing his body as it went tense, a low groaning noise
escaping his mouth as Adrian shoved himself in, confused and
disoriented and scrambling as much as he could- enough that it would, it
would work out.
It was going to be okay, it was going to be okay.
The man's eyes rolled into his head and Adrian gasped in surprise,
skittering backwards as the man collapsed. He lay stiff, shuddering twice
before resuming a normal breathing pattern.
"Master? What did you do?" Lutain asked quietly, looking at the man in a
masked emotion.
"I...I think I scrambled his memory, of us." Adrian swallowed anxiously,
"I...we need to go."
Lutain didn't say anything as Adrian quickly scooped the Grifdor, feeling
all of the stress he had been working to hide crush downwards on him.
His legs wobbled, his bones ached and he just wanted to...he just wanted
Bellatrix
Adrian choked on a sob as he made his way outside, stumbling away
towards the one postal service the man had recommended, hurriedly
ordering the fastest hawthorne package and silencing the upset Grifdor.
He regretted ever venturing into Hogsmeade.
He should have just stayed in bed.
S058: And is it weird to kinda be interested in the idea of Adrian/Luna
here? Their first appearance has some intriguing chemistry, I gotta admit.
Or at the very least, a potential friend? One who isn't a snake, both
literally and metaphorically, that is.
I'm intending for Luna to be a friend, but this story will have no romantic
pairings for Adrian for obvious reasons later on.
fall equinox 1: Will Harry get his cloak in this arc or will he even get it
If you mean the invisibility cloak, he won't get it. He'll actively work to try and
thwart Skylar, who owns it currently. If you mean the dementor cloak, it'll be
brought in by next chapter!
Impstar: I love this chapter, because I feel like you've struck home that,
no matter how cynical or jaded Adrian thinks he is, he's so young as well.
Too young to not feel guilt at his indirect role in Ginny's death, too young
to handle the kind of stress he's going through well... it makes him very
human. Which, of course, will be the point if he, like in the original
story, begins to lose his humanity over time.
Yep! This story will have a similar arc of insanity. This story, instead of the
weird shade nonsense I made when I was 12, It'll be something more along the
lines of a...terminal disease, it's complex.
THE DARKEST OF THEM ALL: Okay first of all, amazing chapter.
Second, I feel like there's an oblivious fact being forgotten here, Suzie has
only seen harry potters face, not Hadrian riddle, and I feel like Hadrian is
a little bit overreacting to her finding out through recognizing HIM.
Third, one of the things I love about this fic is the fact that skylar isn't a
cruel idiot who is happy that he is an only child unlike nearly all other
WBHL stories so please keep it that way.
And in the end I don't know if you take requests or not but if you do can
you please write a moment between Adrian and skylar where they sit
down and have a civil conversation.
Like Skylar is trying to be friendly but Adrian is like seething at his nerve
for even approaching him.
If you do something like that it would be so awesome, but if you don't,
well it's your story.
Okay okay, this actually hit me a lot of ways.
1. Thank you!
2. EXACTLY! That was my main point- Adrian is flat out freaking out and
due to this stress he's going to make a lot of mistakes. Oh, it's super exciting.
3. Okay, I can't quite remember how far it is, but there is a scene I've already
written that's nearly half a chapter long where Adrian and Skylar are having a
nice civil conversation and Skylar is like, trying to coddle him and Adrian is
like "What is this. Stop this. Oh my god, no. Stop." Trust me, I love that sort of
thing as much as you do.
BendalfTheBlue: Is Suzie going to die?
Well...I mean...The liklihood of her dying is very high, but so far she's still
kicking even by the 5th book.
SernaJ: I think Luna could also be described as a Rusalka (which could
be fitting, because of it's association with death and water), maybe you
could use it somehow in the future?
I wrote it down in my notes! I'll 100% keep it in mind!
SalemTheSpeakerOfTruth: As annoying as the overly emotional
segments can be, they are necessary to accurately portray what most
would feel going through the events of the story.
Exactly, Adrian is super emotional and responsive because realistically he is
an abused child. I'm not trying to make this story a 'story', I'm trying to make
it a realistic capture of what it's genuinely like.
TheSinPride: One question, though; How in the world is your writing so
amazing?
A lot of practice! My first story was actually so bad, I had to delete it only a
day up. It was soooo bad in retrospect.
TL14: do you intend harry to have the potential to be a wizard of the
Dumbledore, Voldemort or Grindelwald level or more of a powerful but
not that great level?
I'm actually aiming for Harry to not be that powerful. He currently has a
super crude understanding of accidental magic, mostly just fire which is one of
the easiest ways to lash out with magic. I intend for Harry to be more of a
'Well Known, but not Powerful' type of wizard. Like Mad Eye Moody is well
known although not actually known for his spells or dueling, or Bellatrix who
is known for her actions but not for her spellwork. So, famous, but not
powerful.
Mrsiri: I fail to see the problem as harry has been blood adopted and
looks different.
Exactly.
MaximusGreatest: Are the Potters really sad about Harry's death? and is
Dumbledore good, manipulative, misguided or bad? Also around which
year are you going to reveal in the story that harry is the real bwl and
Adrian's identity. hope you dot make harry join the light side again. in
the last fic he was merciless but in this, he has human emotions
The Potters most certainly are sad. Dumbledore isn't...Dumbledore is just
trying his best. I'd say that he's good, but honestly I'm trying to make every
character justified, and no character inherently 'evil'. You can decide while
reading which side you're cheering for.
Harry wont join the light. They will learn Harry is the real BWL. He is still
going to be savage, no worries.
Lesly2626: I was wondering something, are you going to end it the same
way Shadowed Malice ended?
Yes and no. I'm removing the shades, or at least modifying it all so it makes a
lot more sense for everyone.
Setokayba2n: I did not get the last part...Adrian did not find a corpse?
Oh no, it was Ginny. She ded. She ded as heck.
Vhully: Is this story going to get darker? I absolutely love the way you
write your darker elements. I can tell that you had a lot of fun with the
part where Adrian finds Ginny's corpse. Though I am a bit concerned.
Since this is technically a rewrite of 'Shadowed Malice' and you seem to
be following the original plot at least somewhat coherantly, will we be
seeing Shades in this story? Despite it's glaring flaws, Malice is still fun to
read but that last arc left me skipping huge walls of dialogue. It was
simply too edgy and ridiculous, even for a guy like me.
Oh god, I know. I skip practically all of the dialogue when I read it over now.
It physically pains me.
The shades are being removed, and instead the 'shade' concept is being used
more as a...terminal illness.
This story is going to get sooooo dark. Like, Adrian is going to be a savage
little monster.
Jennybeth98: What happened to Adrian's magic ability? In the early
chapters he seemed to be much more powerful, or at least have a lot of
promise to be so. I mean, how many children that young can perform
deliberate wandless magic? But now Voldemort is telling him he doesn't
think he has natural talent and he can't perform a basic shield charm.
Does he really mean that or is he playing some sort of game?
100% playing a game. Insult the child so when you praise him, he'll cling to
your every word. It's a common symptom of real child abuse, and very sick to
think about. As for Adrian's magic ability, it's still there. It takes time and
concentration to essentially burn things, so it's difficult to use in combat
because it takes time. Trust me, his burning is still strong, but the problem is
that it can be fueled emotionally which makes it a double edged sword. Get
too angry, things burn. Focus hard for a bit of time, things burn.
Random reviewer: I cannot wait for the part where the Potters, Sirius
and Remus find out. How far away would you say that time is?
Alright well, Remus is getting involved this and the next few chapters. The
main 'finding out' is farrrr in the future. I'll throw you a couple bones along the
way, no worries.
29. Patronus
This chapter was beta'd by our amazing Beta Collective
-Arctic Fox From Afar
-Mahina
-Cyndaquil05
If you would like to join our collective, shoot me a PM
So sorry for the delay, this chapter was posted nearly 5 hours after
its AO3 counterpart, due to some sort of maintenance error on this
website.
Small notice, there is reference to child abuse, and similar to how I
try to make this story realistic, there will be realistic elements of it
here.
For some inexplicable reason, the Dementors grew closer to the castle.
Two students were rushed to Madam Pomfrey after being exposed for too
long, both a shaking trembling wreck. They had been outside, testing the
Black Lake for possible ice skating when the Dementors swept in like
ravenous hounds.
Adrian was in the hallway, watching as Professor Sprout hurried in with
both of her students levitating behind her.
That information in itself easily paid off the cost of Walter.
Since the Dementors were growing closer and with more numbers,
students began to sell to one another home remedies to bite off the
chilling cold. Pepper-Up potions were passed around by the twin
Weasleys in the Gryffindor house. ("Better hurry up, Selwyn, they're
running you out of business!" Pansy had snickered over Potion's class one
day).
Ravenclaws cast warming charms and traveled in groups, Hufflepuffs
always skirted behind and watched around nervously. The entire
dilemma was a fiasco, teachers couldn't be everywhere at all times.
Aurors were brought in, though only a dozen. They were stationed on
patrols around the castle, each observing and casting shielding spells,
warming charms when necessary. The House Elves went so far to skirt
around the castle with mugs of hot Chocolate just to thank them for the
work. The aurors made it much harder to smuggle goods in and out of
the castle, forcing Adrian to send Hedwig away just to make sure Walter
safely made it to his Father. It wouldn't be too difficult to find the parcel
that contained Walter, or to find the company eagles carrying the
hawthorne box.
Sirius Black was back at the castle, as well as James Potter (who the
Slytherins all groaned about), joining Professor Lupin with entirely
optional classes for learning to perform something called a Patronus
Charm. The spell was difficult, high level magic that only upper year
students were seriously contemplating.
The spell was something Adrian hadn't ever heard of. A charm that could
deflect Dementors, prevent them from even getting close? It seemed
suspicious to Adrian how his rather detailed book didn't mention the
charm once. Not even in passing.
Adrian couldn't quite understand the fear, to be completely honest he
didn't understand it at all. He could see why some people were
uncomfortable or hated Dementors, why they disliked them, but
shouldn't you combat them in a fair fight? Attack them when they have a
chance to attack back? Make it a fair fight? Yet the Patronus charm did
none of that, it simply deflected the dementors. It formed an impassable
barrier like a ward, where the Dementors could still leave you with a fate
worse than death.
It baffled Adrian that no wizard had ever constructed a spell to outright
hurt or even kill a dementor, instead wizards hid behind a simply barrier.
Then again, the books he had read seemed to delve so far in depth on the
topics they outright ignored information that appeared very basic.
Perhaps the Patronus Charm was simply an oversight; the book did have
an entire chapter that speculated the origins of the cloth like fabric
dementors wore.
Adrian figured the cloak he had at his house was hemmed with a
Dementor's cloak. The material was cold to the touch, silky smooth like
touching smoke.
Adrian wondered if touching a real Dementor would be like that.
He wanted to meet one.
(Given that Dementors were important for the cause, his father may
actually let him learn to speak or deal with them. Under direct
supervision of course)
Meeting a Dementor would have to be done carefully, under the
supervision and security of something stronger than an invisibility cloak.
But first, learning a Patronus Charm could help, no matter how unfair he
felt the tradeoff was.
The classes would be held before Christmas break, mostly to weed out
those who wanted to learn and those who didn't.
The first class was huge, the room filled with upper years with the
occasional fifth year. Adrian was there nestled behind two sixth years
who were either kind enough or arrogant enough to ignore him. It
offered Adrian the prime viewpoint to watch as none other than Skylar
Potter and Hermione walked in, Ron Weasley trailed further back and
seemed grudging to actually join the other two. That was a surprise,
when had the famous trio fought or broken up?
Whispers started, low mumbles about how it was ridiculous for a third
year to cast a patronus, or how if anyone could do it, Skylar could.
"Settle down!" Lupin shouted, clapping his hands loudly. James Potter
nodded in greeting to Skylar, who smiled back. Sirius Black shifted his
weight from side to side, looking around eagerly.
"Today will be a demonstration of the Patronus Charm. The Patronus is a
piece of very complex magic, and very few people are capable of
performing it. It creates a guardian that acts as a shield between you and
the dementor. Thankfully, we have my friends and assistants who will
demonstrate for us today."
Sirius whipped out his wand excitedly, James Potter following with a
wink as they both spoke the charm at the same time.
From the ends of the wands, a silvery mist expelled, solidifying into two
animals which pranced around on the ground. A large silver dog ran
around with a slobbering tongue, drool vanishing the moment it left its
long tongue. A proud doe jumped around, tossing her head daintily
before she playfully kicked at the dog with careful precision.
The upper years cooed excitedly, females laughing at the adorableness of
the dog and how beautiful the doe was.
"Thankfully, to show that the spell is achievable by others, I have already
been teaching Mr. Skylar Potter how to perform it. If you would," Lupin
nodded with a professional smile, beckoning with one hand towards an
open area.
The room hushed and Skylar awkwardly stepped forward, brandishing
his wand and shouting the spell.
From his wand, sluggishly compared to his father and Sirius, silver mist
formed into the shape of a deer, some sort of blurred fawn which was
much smaller than Sirius' dog.
No, not quite right. It had antlers, a strange shape and a unique pelt
splattered with darker shades of silver. An antelope? Or a Gazelle?
The deer-like patronus ran and jumped right into Sirius' dog, knocking it
over and playing on the ground. The doe slowly lowered itself to the
ground, watching the two animals playing with affection.
Potter could already perform the Patronus.
Adrian's jaw clenched in agitation, of course Skylar had been receiving
lessons already.
The class went on to describe the properties of the spell, and how it
needed to be fueled by the happiest memory one had. The happier the
memory, the stronger the patronus.
They weren't allowed to actually perform the spell yet, instead they all
watched and learned more.
Adrian didn't know what his patronus could possibly be, not to mention
what could be his happiest memory.
He couldn't stand to be in the room any longer. It was stifling.
The other students began clearing out, everyone talking about what
animals they hoped they would form or their best memories to use.
Adrian was almost out before he heard a stiff and cocky voice call his
name.
"Mr. Selwyn!"
Adrian twitched but turned silently.
James Potter had a smirk, arms crossed over his chest cockily. "Did you
like the presentation?"
Adrian's jaw twitched. Of course, James Potter would have remembered
him.
He did leave a rather memorable impression his first year, not to mention
James Potter had a rather infamous stigma for singling out children of
death-eaters.
Skylar floundered, shaking his head and looking ready to interupt and
stop his father in his tracks. Adrian felt his hands twitch and his nerves
rise up. Did James Potter know something? Had he slipped up somehow?
"James, none of that," Lupin scolded, stepping forward with a small
frown, "Mr. Selwyn is my student, not a child to patronize."
Sirius' jaw dropped, "But Remus-"
"None of that!" Remus rolled his eyes, "Go find the Weasley twins, or take
Skylar out to Hogsmeade."
James laughed awkwardly but clapped Lupin on his shoulder before
heading out. Skylar paused, looking at Adrian with an unrecognizable
expression before he turned and walked out. Hermione and Ron were
waiting by the door, looking stiff and uncomfortable with each other but
somehow still friends. They must have had some fight.
Soon it was just Professor Lupin and Adrian alone in the room.
"I noticed when you came in, Mr. Selwyn." Professor Lupin divulged
calmly, settling on a nearby chair to lower the height difference, "You
were the only third year to come to my lesson today."
"Besides Skylar and his friends." Adrian coldly pointed out, "I should have
guessed that he was getting lessons."
Lupin nodded, pursing his lip thoughtfully, "That's true, but then again he
did have a bad reaction to the Dementors. He needed it for protection
more than just to master advanced spellwork. You don't seem the type to
learn such difficult spellwork for the thrill of it."
Adrian shrugged and avoided eye contact on the offhand chance that
Lupin was a Legilimens.
"So what is it?" Professor Lupin asked kindly, crossing his ankles together,
"Is it for information? Quite a business you've started." He winked and
once again smiled encouragingly.
Adrian blinked, taken aback by the conversation. It was weird to think of
this as a teacher and not a gentle uncle or some sort.
Adrian felt a shiver of deja-vu.
"Thank you, has its uses." Adrian cautiously agreed
"Yes, yes, financial I assume." Professor Lupin added, starting to chew on
his lower lip, "It worries me, not as a teacher but as a person, that a
student as young as you has to go through such means for finances."
"It's useful-"
"Yes yes, I know, you can purchase all sorts of treats with a few sickles of
change." Professor Lupin smiled reaching into his pocket to find a few
cauldron cakes, offering one nicely, "Merlin knows I snuck over to
Honeydukes when I was your age, James, Sirius and I were quite the rule
breakers. I'd be a hypocrite to scold you. Would you like a pastry?"
What was going on? Did the man not realize that Adrian had long since
moved on from bartering sweets?
Professor Lupin opened one of the cakes, biting into it carefully and
addressing Adrian once again, "Do you have sweets often? At your
home?"
Adrian paused, "Sometimes. My father isn't…I have them on occasion."
"Oh, yes." Professor Lupin smiled, "That would be the man your boggart
turned into, It concerns me why your father is your greatest fear, Mr.
Selwyn."
"That's what this is about?" Adrian blinked, nibbling on the cake with
dainty bites, "My father just has high expectations."
"Right, right," Professor Lupin soothed, pausing before his expression
became incredibly concerned, "I couldn't help but notice your upper left
arm."
Adrian's hand flashed to his arm where he knew the thin white scar was
located. Bellatrix had always said it was an accident.
"Would you mind if I took a look?"
Adrian knew he couldn't refuse or it would look worse. He shrugged off
his outer robe, sliding up the partial sleeves to show the white line
against the outer edge of his upper arm. Professor Lupin took his arm
very carefully, calloused fingers touched his skin.
"This is a mark from a cutting curse, Adrian." Professor Lupin exhaled
shortly, "...Do you have anymore marks, or scars from your father?"
"What?" Adrian's jaw dropped in shock, "What... no, no. He didn't..."
"Mr. Selwyn, I know normally you'd go to your head of house, however I
felt the need to intrude. If you would like, I'd gladly speak to Professor
Snape about this, or I could not. Nothing you tell me will be told to
others, unless you intend to take legal action." Professor Lupin sighed, "I
only want to help you."
Adrian stared, swallowing before looking at his feet.
He was in a rough situation.
He could deny everything, which would bring more attention to his
father for suspected child abuse. He could tell a lie, some sort of
constructed nonsense about who had hurt him, but then they would be
investigated for legal purposes.
He'd have to construct a story, a parental figure who was already in
prison or arrested under charges where child abuse wouldn't be that
outrageous.
Oh.
"Everything I say will stay private." Adrian repeated, obviously looking
skeptical.
"Of course," Professor Lupin smiled, "I can involve my friends if you
would prefer aurors when you return-"
Adrian lifted his eyebrows in disbelief, causing the other man to wince,
"Alright, perhaps not. Are you in any danger at this time?"
"No."
Professor Lupin looked relieved. "Who caused that scar, Adrian?"
"My aunt," Adrian paused, "Bellatrix Lestrange."
Professor Lupin flinched away in shock, growing pale as one hand
covered his mouth. For some reason, Professor Lupin's eyes seemed to
flare golden for a brief moment.
"No wonder you wanted to learn the patronus charm," Professor Lupin
shivered.
Then his arms reached out and gently tugged Adrian to his chest, hugging
him closely against his low quality brown robes. A chin rested on
Adrian's head, tucking him further in.
Adrian froze.
What was this. What was going on.
"I'm so sorry," Professor Lupin exhaled sadly, "But here on Hogwarts,
you're safe. You won't be hurt here. It wasn't your fault."
Adrian was getting hugged. He was being hugged by Professor Lupin.
'Oh, no Harry, none of this was your fault. You don't have to be sorry for
anything.'
'I'm so sorry.'
Adrian flinched away in a jerk, stumbling back into the open area of the
room. His chest heaved back and forth quickly, his eyes stung with the
confusion.
"No, no i'm Adrian." He muttered under his breath, shoving his emotions
behind his occlumency shields quickly, "I'm Adrian."
"Alright, I've been keeping you too long," Lupin blinked quickly, trying to
compose himself quickly, recovering after Adrian's jerk away "I'm so
sorry, that was terribly unprofessional."
"No, no it's fine." Adrian paused, uncertain on how to convey when he
felt, "I'm not used to it."
"To being hugged?" the golden eyes softened like melting metal, "Oh,
Adrian."
Adrian bowed his head and ignored it, looking out the window. It was
starting to get darker out, the nights were longer than the days now.
No, there was something else.
Remus Lupin, Adrian remembered Remus Lupin. He was, he was Harry
Potter's godfather.
He took him to an expo, an animal showing. He took him and there was a
manticore... there was a snake. It had all been a disaster, flashes of
screaming and of broken doors. The shrill death throes begging for
mercy.
Remus Lupin was a werewolf.
"I like magical creatures." Adrian blurted, not aware that he had spoken
at all. Lupin nodded slowly.
"That's common. Abused children tend to empathize with creatures and
animals more."
"I'm not abused." Adrian protested with a scowl, "People are just all…"
Lupin's knowing look made him cut off his terrible excuse.
"Where do you go?" Adrian blurted, shifting and looking uncomfortable,
"You're a werewolf."
Lupin froze and his skin paled. His hands trembled slightly and he curled
them into fists, lowering them to his sides to try and stop any physical
signs of distress.
"Why do you want to know?" Lupin's voice was strained, he stood and
started pacing wildly, running one hand through his hair, "You're not-?"
"No," Adrian blinked, "I'm not."
Lupin's smile was strained, thin and somehow in the lighting Lupin
looked more wolf like than ever before. "I think I've taken enough of your
time tonight, Mr. Selwyn."
Adrian returned home for Christmas break with the intentions of
retrieving his secret cloak, as well as to make sure Walter was settling in
okay.
Hedwig had apparently returned to the manor with Walter's shipment
right during morning tea. Not only did Walter awake and eat an entire
slice of toast, but he also indulged himself with his father's tea before the
Dark Lord realized that what was occurring was actually real.
Nagini loved having a pet. For some reason Walter enjoyed nesting in
Nagini's coils, and reacted equally to Parseltongue as it did to English.
"This isn't going to be the only pet you bring home, is it?" his father
sighed, looking at how Nagini fussed over how Walter's shed was getting
slightly stuck. His father couldn't argue, especially with how happy
Nagini seemed to be.
"Would you be surprised if I got a dragon?" Adrian asked jokingly, only to
receive a glare.
"No dragon."
"Yes father."
"Expecto Patronum." Adrian muttered, sitting on a chair outside, looking
over the forests and the gardens of the house.
His wand made a faintly silvery mist, but that was it.
"Expecto Patronum." Adrian tried again, speaking through gritted teeth.
There was a pathetic spatter of sparks before once again, nothing.
Adrian shouted angrily, nearly throwing his wand across the yard, "If
Potter can do it why can't I!"
The door behind him opened loudly, causing Adrian to scramble
backwards and look over his shoulder in surprise.
His father stood in the doorway, arms crossed with the most unimpressed
expression.
"Maybe that's because you're not a spoiled brat."
If Adrian wasn't so angry, he would have known better than to rant.
"But I can cast any spell better than him!" Adrian seethed, fist clenching
in anger as rage rose, "It's not fair, I should be able to cast it!"
His father rolled his eyes, "You have anger problems. Control it before I
make you."
Adrian grumbled but looked down resigned, frustration and the starting
sting of tears burning his eyes.
"The Patronus charm," His father started, "Is a difficult spell. I only
learned to perform it in my sixth year, of course, I was self taught."
"Is this supposed to make me feel better?" Adrian sighed, sliding over a
seat for his father to sit next to him, "Why don't you lower the warming
charm? Make the temperature as cold as you are."
His father gave a sigh before he drew his own wand- pale white and
intimidating yew.
"Expecto Patronum..." From his wand a large snake jumped out, thick and
powerful, Nagini rearing and glowing silver in the cold air.
"How-" Adrian scrambled upright, looking at the ghostly serpent in awe
as he ran his fingers through her intangible bulk.
"Adrian, come here." His father ordered, red eyes smoldering in the light,
"I'll show you a trick."
Adrian complied, sitting as close to his father as he could pulling out his
wand and waiting. "I grabbed my Holly Wand- I figured that it would
make it easier."
His father hummed a sound and beckoned for Adrian to try again.
"Expecto Patronum." Adrian started, motivated by his father's company.
His wand spluttered and only a faint mist formed, he groaned
disappointed.
"What are you thinking of?"
"Lutain, meeting him." Adrian felt a smile form on his mouth, "And just
the general impression."
His father clicked his tongue, "Not specific enough. It has to be a very
specific moment or memory."
Adrian's jaw dropped, "but I don't have a single memory better than that."
"Neither did I. I invented one."
Adrian looked at his father in awe, "You can do that?"
"With enough self control and motivation, you can create any memory.
Allow me..."
Adrian felt the pressure in the back of his mind crack- the black eyelid
sliding open to grant access to the creeping mist through his head.
Adrian whined, starting to slump backwards as his eyesight looked so far
away. The black coils of something with no start or ending was twisting
around his body, suffocating and caressing.
"I've got you." His father spoke, the sound entirely inaudible and yet
somehow understandable. Vibrations from his speaking went through
Adrian's back, warming his chest and body.
He could hear the whispered 'oh' as it found something that it was so
carefully probing, searching for something.
Adrian's mouth moved without his control. His words were velvety
smooth yet undeniably his own voice. "Expecto Patronum."
Adrian felt his magic move and from his wand a silvery beast emerged,
much larger than he had expected but still smaller than Nagini. It
crawled, scraping scales and belly plates as its protruding teeth flowed
ethereally. It growled lowly, a reverberating warning noise which was
felt through the air itself- morphing into a guttural hiss as it opened its
mouth slowly. The jaws snapped shut violently.
The coil in his mind retreated, slithering through the open eye before it
closed gently without a trace. The patronus evaporated.
Adrian snapped back into his body with a groan, twitching as he regained
movement in his hands and feet.
"You back with the living?" His father asked, voice thick with
amusement.
"Warn me next time," Adrian grunted, raising a hand to rub against his
eyes, hardly believing that the crocodile-esq creature was real.
The next thing Adrian realized was the he was reclining firmly against his
father's side, one large arm wrapped around his midsection to keep him
upright.
"I implanted false memories in your head," His father spoke again, this
time Adrian could feel the vibrations through his back, "They were
sufficient enough with your personality to conjure the patronus."
Adrian straightened, rolling his shoulders to try and remove all of the
fogginess. "What memory?" Adrian mumbled, wincing at the post
possession tremors.
His father only looked at him, a side glanced look with ruby eyes; the
Dark Lord said nothing and instead ruffled Adrian's hair once before
leaving. Adrian practically melted at the touch.
The air was much colder without a warm body near him. He ached to
have that warmth back.
Adrian blinked, then tried to recall what possibly could have been
implanted.
"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. I know mum, Skylar is more-"
"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. 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. 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"
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 ultimately made her decision as she hurried over, leaving
Harry alone on the porch once again.
Harry glanced back at the white paint on the deck and scraped his nail
across the path of a particularly adventurous ant.
"What did the ant ever do to you?" A drawling dry tone caused Harry to
glance up in surprise, a smile spreading unbidden.
"You came!" Harry smiled, trying not to look as excited as he actually
was, "I didn't think you'd come since it's Skylar's-"
Adrian's father chuckled, settling down awkwardly on the porch next to
Adrian, slinging one arm around the young boy's carelessly, "As far as i'm
concerned, this is your party."
"Really?" Adrian asked sadly, exhaling and slinking downwards, "It seems
like nobody notices me."
Adrian's father scoffed, "because they're ignorant morons. They can't see
the raw potential, they're stuck with their heads too high; the brooms
help with that."
Adrian cracked a smile before looking down, fiddling with his shirt.
"Head up," Adrian's father snapped suddenly, causing Adrian to jerk his
head upright and sit straighter.
"Now, listen to me," His father started, red eyes locking to convey how
serious he was, "That mudblood and blood traitor don't know what
they're tossing away. They don't see how much better you are, they're too
captivated by that rotten boy."
Two long hands cupped his jaw, angling his head upright to make sure
everything was heard, "You are going to be the best, they'll come to regret
every glance they've given you."
"Why?" Adrian's voice broke, his eyes were welling against his will, "Why
help me?"
Tom Riddle's eyes softened and he smiled something gentle, "because
you're my son. And because I-"
Adrian snapped his head up, feeling the wavering warming charm
keeping out the holiday chill.
The night was dark, and Adrian's cheeks were wet.
"Ex-Expecto Patronum."
The patronus lumbered out, dragging heavy scale plates over the ground
with the lethargic grace of a predator.
S058:Interesting to see Adrian saving Draco though. Wonder if that's just
because Draco is kinda too useful to risk being Hippogriff chow, or some
semblance of a conscience? Really hard to tell, given his mind seems to
operate on a weird level from us.
My goal was to make it seem that Adrian still has a conscience! No child
would willingly stand by and do nothing in a situation like that, unless they
were damaged in some sort of way.
fall equinox 1: Will Adrain us wide scale wards and barrier magic in
combat or precise and well aimed cutting spells. If not will he combine
his magic with animals like using a banishing spell on Lutain to speed
him up when he strikes.
That's an interesting idea. I think, that Adrian will find one area of combat
and focus on that instead of incorporating a lot of random bits and pieces. His
cover name is Cerestes, which is an ambush predator that blends in with its
surroundings. As such, Adrian will mostly be attacking one strong hit and
maintaining his cover for a long time, no experienced or highly skilled dueling
for him.
Lutain on the other hand, may be enhanced in some way or form, although he
will certainly still be the same charming character we all love.
Impstar: Harry's already beginning to fall to pieces. If he just keeps
getting worse, well, it'll be obvious how he goes bat-shit crazy. The guy
needs to take a chill pill, but being who he is in his situation, not gonna
happen.
He needs some Wizard World Xanax for sure.
saphira88: I love Luna. She's my favorite character in HP. Please make
Adrian friends with Luna. And maybe make Luna a seer. To help Adrian.
I'll throw her in! She's going to help him, not in the medical or the get well
soon sense, but more of a...More of a person that watches him fall to pieces
and herds other people away from the scene.
fez8745: would love a Luna Harry friendship. id be even happier for it to
develop into romance, they make the best couple. but anything other
than slash is good. too much of that trash on this site with zero filtering
already.
I wouldn't say that about slash. I can agree that FF does have a lot of stories
that are low level, however I view this site as a way for people to express
themselves in a safe place. A lot of people are also exploring their sexuality
and trying to determine who they are. I've noticed a large boost in
Homosexual and Gender Identity stories since it's become a big deal. I
wouldn't call that trash.
If it's a really big problem to a reader, I find on AO3 its easier to filter out and
avoid stories you possibly wouldn't like.
King of Souls: What is a grifdor?
I honestly hit a bunch of keys and that came out. It's like...A modern idea of a
basilisk or a Cockatrice, with a bird like body and a serpent lower body.
MaximumGreatest: Does Voldemort actually care about Harry, as in
more than just a horcrux and how did he find out harry was a horcrux?
Oh and how long is this fic going to be, like over 50 or something. Is
Skylar spoiled?
Voldemort does in the creepy way that Voldemort is. He found out about it
after pressing in with Legilimancy and opening the horcrux, as was described
as an 'eyelid' in Adrian's mind.
The story is going to be exceeding 150K at a minimum, I'm estimating around
230K. Maybe 80 chapters.
Skylar is as spoiled as any single child would be.
Kclown:Why did Myrtle sream at Harry? I know where you explained
the part about his father killing her, but she never figured out it was him
(did she?)
She didn't, although I'd assume as soon as she died she saw him lurking
around there. People probably realized that something was wrong with Tom
Riddle anyways.
TMarvoloRiddle1944: So is the Grifdor a real mythical beast? Or of
your own creation?
I made it! I hit random buttons on my keyboard and the name popped up.
Imagine a Cockatrice with more reptilian features.
Guest: well done, got to say though I think Adrian and Daphne would
make a great couple in this fic, I haven't read the original so I am
completely in the dark about what will come next, though you have said
there will be no pairing a part of me would still like to see the
aforementioned Adrian and Daphne pairing
Haha! In the original fic there was a shipping war between Daphne and Luna!
It's amazing to see the sides already start up!
30. Investigating
This chapter was beta'd by our amazing Beta Collective
-Arctic Fox From Afar
-Mahina
-Cyndaquil05
Thanks to everyone who has inquired and are starting to work on
the document.
The cloak was made out of Dementor cloak material. His father had
confirmed it when he asked.
When a dementor dies, the withered soul inside its body changes to dust,
leaving behind the remains of the cloak.
It took impressive skill to get that close to a Dementor. It also took
bravery and guts. The type of courage needed to face down an angry
dragon, or calm a raging manicore. Yet it took careful planning, cautious
well-thought prediction. It took ambition.
The courage and ambition needed to awaken a sleeping basilisk.
"Isn't that right, Adalonda?"
Before his eyes, the large coiled sleeping reptile slowly began to stir,
twitching and tensing each muscle in the slow steps to awakening.
"Hello?" She grumbled, the voice echoing loudly around the walls of the
chamber.
"Time to wake up, Adalonda," Adrian hissed, smiling excitedly, "What do
you know about Dementors?"
"Selwyn!"
Adrian groaned and looked up. Daphne had her hands on her hips, a
calculating expression on her face. "What ever happened to that
Gryffindor monster?"
"Oh, must be talking about you Draco," Theo sniped up, snickering past
as he plopped a pile of books on the table, too many books for one
person.
"You're the one with hair like a drowned rat." Draco scowled, dropping
onto a couch and throwing his arms on the back of the couch, "Adrian,
four galleons to make my Care essay."
"Do it yourself," Adrian grunted, "Fire Crabs are the easiest thing to write
about."
Draco groaned and leant his head back on the couch.
"The monster!" Daphne started up again, "What did you do with it!"
"Adrian adopt another pet?" Theo asked excitedly, "Is it a snake? Like
your tattoo?"
"Wait- wait," Daphne floundered in shock, Draco jolted upright and Theo
shrunk back.
"You have a tattoo, Selwyn?" Draco gasped, "How big!"
Daphne leant forward excitedly as well, her eyes raking over his body as
if she could see through clothing.
Adrian scowled, "That's information you'd need to pay for."
"Ten galleons." Draco retorted.
"Twenty," Daphne challenged, "And I'll get your snake a rat."
"Do it." Lutain gurgled, poking his head up excitedly, "Do it for the rat."
Adrian's jaw twitched, "Deal. Four feet."
All three eyes grew large, "Whoa," Daphne breathed, looking over his
body excitedly.
"Miss Greengrass?" A younger voice piped up, short and barely taller than
the couch, "Can I ask for some help?"
"Master!" Lutain hissed angrily, scenting the air and scanning his head
frantically, "The girl, I scent the girl!"
"Who?" Adrian asked, voice teasing enough to be interpreted as a jab.
"The girl! The hellspawn-"
"Oh ignore him, he's the resident potions dealer." Daphne rolled her eyes
teasingly, "I don't think you've met. Malfoy, Nott, Selwyn, meet my friend
Suzan."
The girl rounded the couch and offered a large cheeky smile, just shy of
mocking.
No.
No.
Adrian froze.
Draco sniffed, "Picking up strays now, Greengrass?"
"Never, that's Selwyn's job." Daphne smiled sweetly, patting the couch
next to her for Suzie to join them, "Isn't that right?"
Suzie skipped over and sat on the couch, painfully close to Adrian.
Adrian flinched away, as if Suzie's skin was toxins.
Oh Merlin.
No. Lutain was right there.
"Master, i'm going to bite her." Lutain hissed angrily, still thriving in
memory of all of the terrible instances with the same girl, "Don't stop me."
"Don't." Adrian bit out sharply, voice cold and fingering the edge of
malicious. The word had such a bite it made Suzie full out flinch, Daphne
jolt in alarm as well.
"What's gotten your knickers in a twist?" Draco sighed, reaching out for
his scroll of parchment, "Just help us with this essay."
"It's about a fire crab." Adrian hissed, leaning forward to slam his fist on
the table between them, smoke rising from where his hand impacted, "Do
it yourself!"
Theo stopped writing his essay, his quill scratching quieted and all eyes
were locked on Adrian. He tensed his jaw, twitching wildly and the air
between Suzie and him was practically burning...
"I see why people don't like you." Suzie grimaced, starting to
absentmindedly pick at her nails.
Adrian's entire body froze, his mind blanking as it struggled to even
compute.
"She's dead! She's dead!" Lutain shrieked, rising in a terrifying display that
left even Daphne grabbing and pulling Suzie back.
Suzie gasped, squealing like a stuck pig as Daphne pulled her over the
armrest to flop painfully onto the floor.
"Whoa whoa!" Theo garbled, jumping to his feet and away from the
coffee table where the very much deadly snake was displaying itself.
"Listen here, Suzie," Adrian snarled, rising and summoning all of the
malicious fury he had. His voice was cracking as it rose in pitch,
displaying how close to puberty he was yet not changing how scary he
sounded. She froze stock still, paling in fear as Lutain coiled around his
neck, "This is my house. You can say many things, but if you mess with
me one more time; I will make you wish you were a squib."
Suzie couldn't blink, trapped in Adrian's unwavering gaze. Toxic green
somehow dancing on the edges of something lethal, suffocating and
leaving her eyes watering for something unknown...
"Hey hey, she's a first year, lay off."
Adrian snapped his gaze to the side, meeting Draco who froze instantly in
horror. Draco hadn't ever seen Adrian so absolutely….
Furious.
Suzie was reaching for her wand, trying to be subtle with it.
"Master! She spells!"
Adrian flicked out his wand and without even thinking cast a combat
spell directly at Suzie.
"Get down!" Daphne shrieked, shoving Suzie off the couch where the
curse hit the back of the leather. It smoked and smoldered something
rank.
Lutain jumped off, leaping towards Suzie with the maddening intent of
killing her in the primitive rage of an angry serpent.
"Wingardium Leviosa!" Theo gasped, snatching Lutain in mid jump to
keep him suspended.
"Lutain!" Adrian gasped in surprise, turning with single minded fury. His
hands clenched and the smell of burning leather increased.
"Stupify!" Draco shot out, Adrian deflected it with the finally perfected
Protego.
The Prefects ran into the room, finally hearing the shouts and responding
accordingly.
"All of you! Stop this!" The new female prefect shouted, her voice going
overheard in the shouting.
"Flipendo!" Adrian growled, shooting the jinx at the couch where Suzie
ducked behind just in time.
Daphne bolted away, leaving Suzie on her own, Theo had run for cover
as well leaving it fairly obvious that Suzie was the intended target.
"Let me down! Let me down!" Lutain shrieked angrily.
"Don't move!" Suzie screamed, pointing her wand at Lutain instead of
Adrian, "Or I'll blast the snake!"
A chaotic medley of people protesting rose loudly.
"No no!" Draco shouted in horror, "Don't blast the snake!"
Theo looked at Daphne with an expression of helplessness, "She
threatened the snake."
Daphne looked pained, as if she had just witnessed something immensely
stupid.
A loud buzzing and a surge of hate rose in Adrian, his eyes flashed. His
eyes met Suzie, locking on and somehow they were so close amidst the
chaos and snapping couches and loud shouts.
"Lutain, bite her." Adrian hissed, not realizing he was speaking
Parseltongue. His words and voice drowned out in the chaotic swell of
activity. Except for one person who was paying particularly hard
attention.
Suzie's eyes widened noticeably as she inhaled sharply in surprise.
Multiple things happened at once.
The Slytherin prefect petrified both Adrian and Suzie in two strong
charms. Lutain was blasted backwards from a messy spell, hitting the
wall and passing out. The leather couch burst into flame entirely and
raged so high it smoldered the ceiling for a split second.
Adrian hit the cold floor with a loud click, trying to quell the anger
flurrying through him like a winter snowstorm.
'You have anger problems. Control it before I make you.'
Adrian exhaled and tried not to focus on how his magic felt so sour.
"Alright you two." The prefect's nostrils flared, glaring at Adrian without
glancing at Suzie, "I don't care what you two were fighting about, but not
again. You're lucky I don't call Professor Snape down here right now." She
threatened.
It would be much more frightening if it wasn't for how Adrian didn't even
bother to know her name.
She cast the counter spell, leaving Suzie in a shaking mess on the ground,
nursing a heavily leaking nose with snot.
"Now get out of here." The prefect snapped, pointing at the door out of
the common room. Suzie scampered away, Adrian stood slower, glaring
with a prickling aura of irritability. He walked over, picking up the limp
Lutain with uncharacteristic tenderness before settling him in a pocket of
his inner robe.
Everyone gave him a wide berth, Draco and Daphne wouldn't even look
at him. Theo shook in the silence of the room.
Adrian didn't need friends. They just got in the way.
He intended to go to the Hospital Wing to see if he could smuggle potions
from Madam Pomfrey. A bruising salve, or a pain relief; Lutain needed
something in his current state.
He was nearing the hallways, most empty with the population in the
dining hall for the evening meal. He wasn't expecting to find anyone.
"Mr. Selwyn?"
Adrian tried not to look up, he sped up his pace ever so slightly, hunched
forward to protect the limp rope that was his best friend.
A large warm hand settled on his shoulder, halting his walk and turning
him into the gaze of the worried Professor Lupin.
"You've been crying?" Professor Lupin asked, immediately alarmed,
"What's wrong?"
"Nothing." Adrian ground out, looking away to prevent making eye
contact. His face felt sticky and sore.
"Ah," Professor Lupin started, the sound was too gentle, "My private
chambers then? Just this way, we can talk in private if you'd like."
Adrian turned and nodded slightly.
They didn't meet anyone in the hallways which was a pleasant surprise.
Professor Lupin's private quarters were hidden behind a scenic painting
of a valley in remote wilderness. Lavender and wildflowers swayed in a
faint breeze, opening to reveal an ornate wooden door.
"It's not much, but I hope it'll suffice." Professor Lupin smiled, holding the
door open for Adrian who quietly walked in, quickly evaluating all
corners of the entry room.
It was roughly the size of Adrian's own room, although it was only the
entryway. If Draco had been correct, there would be an attached lavatory
and bedroom. Often another bedroom appeared for guests although
Adrian didn't see the door.
"Now, what seems to be the problem, Mr. Selwyn?"
Adrian opened his robe and withdrew Lutain, still out cold and pliable in
his hands.
Lupin instantly dropped to his knees near Adrian, pulling his wand to
mumble various healing charms.
"They're just to tell how hurt your friend is," Lupin soothed calmly, "They
won't hurt him."
"I know," Adrian paused, "I know how to cast a few myself."
Lupin glanced at him with an unreadable expression before he jumped
back into helping Lutain.
A few tense moments later Lupin left before coming back with a small
vial, "This potion needs to be given, only a few drops considering snakes
are cold blooded. But, his venom-" Lupin hesitated, wary of Lutain's bite.
It was realistic of course.
"I'll do it." Adrian mumbled, using his short cracked nails to pry against
his reptile's lips, pressing against the jaw joint to force it open.
It was dangerous how close his friends' fangs were. He knew firsthand
how frightening they were.
A few drops into Lutain's mouth and Adrian placed the long snake in a
loose coil on the chair beside him, watching him breathe for a few
minutes carefully.
"What happened?" Lupin asked politely, "I assume there must have been a
fight. I didn't think you would lose your temper so easily."
"Because of Bellatrix?" Adrian snapped, glaring with flared nostrils,
"Because I never went running to another teacher?"
"I didn't say that." Professor Lupin added, "I just said you didn't seem the
type to have a short temper."
Obviously he didn't know Adrian.
They stared at each other, the silence broken by a ticking clock on the
wall.
"How was your change?" Adrian asked, noticing the slight marks on
Lupin's exposed neck. It would be dismissed as minor scratching, except
Adrian knew the look of freshly healed wounds. The full moon was only
two days earlier after all.
"Painful." Lupin confessed, "how was your Winter break?"
Adrian stared, trying to determine what Lupin was trying to get from
him, "Not. Not painful I mean."
Lupin looked much too happy for Adrian to bear.
"Why?" Adrian blurted, "Why do you make me your pet project? Why are
you so determined to help me?"
Professor Lupin aged before his eyes many years. Wrinkles set and
changed the shape of his mouth, altering his entire complexion into
something old and tired.
"I-" Lupin frowned, rubbing his eyes with an old sigh, "I care for my
students-"
"No, you don't." Adrian's lip curled, "You have attachment for me."
Adrian's eyes narrowed, "Why me?"
"Adrian-"
"No!" Adrian hissed in English, jumping upright with his temper prickling
once again, "Why me? Why?"
Professor Lupin stared at Lutain carefully, pointing for emphasis, "That's
an impressive pet. Not many students actually have pet snakes, I've
noticed. Beautiful creature."
"Some people would say the same about werewolves."
Finally he grew uncomfortable. "Most people find them horrifying."
"Most people hate Dementors, I don't think you do." Adrian pointed out,
watching Professor Lupin's golden eyes carefully, "I think, you find
they're fascinating."
Professor Lupin leant back in his chair heavily, crossing his leg at his
knee, "That's a strange thing to say. Especially considering the
unfortunate fact that they seem to be outside our every window."
"You know quite a bit about them," Adrian's throat quivered, "tell me
about them."
Professor Lupin's brow momentarily twitched before he gave a small nod
and his voice deepened slightly, slipping into his lecture more.
"Very well then, Mr. Selwyn. Dementors are considered by the ministry as
a non-being, a classification other creatures such as Lethifold,
Hidebehind, Shades, and boggarts share. They are called this because at
no point are they ever truly 'alive' in the sense we all know it."
"They can't die, or that's what they say." Adrian added, peering out over a
window sightless, "Yet you can kill a boggart."
"That's a bit difficult to explain, boggarts only barely fit the profile as
they can die in the assumed forms they take when feeding on fear." Lupin
explained, pausing to gather his words, "I've never recalled an instance of
another non-being dying, although they are relatively rare."
"Dementors in question have the ability to suck the soul out of a person.
They can feed on the happiest memories someone has, draining all hope,
love, and compassion out until they are but an empty husk." Professor
Lupin continued, his voice strangely relaxing.
"The patronus charm is the only known way to repel a Dementor- as you
saw from my first lesson. I expected to see you at my lessons, why did
you never-"
"I know how to cast it," Adrian mumbled out, "I learned it without you."
"...Do you learn your spells on your own then?"
Adrian sighed through his nose and crossed his arms, "How long has
Dumbledore had an interest in me?"
It was a small question- Adrian hadn't actually noticed Dumbledore
looking at him. He hadn't interacted with the man.
Considering his track record already, Adrian was almost positive that the
man was watching him.
It was a reasonable fear. His father had told him time and time again to
watch his movements.
Lupin smiled thinly, "Since your boggart."
Shite, the man was watching him.
Adrian nodded faintly, trying not to appear as dazed as he felt, "Of
course, you report all of your student's fears' to the Headmaster then?"
"Only child abuse cases." Lupin carefully controlled, "Your last name
alarmed me. Blood adoption?"
Adrian froze, breathing stopping as his eyes widened comically.
"Here," Lupin offered, rising to his personal desk before retrieving a
single leaf of paper, poking it with his wand and opening it carefully. He
folded it a number of times, walking over to point out two small names
and a figure of footsteps.
Remus Lupin
Hadrianus Selwyn-Riddle
"You were adopted by purebloods, but somehow you were raised by
Bellatrix Letrange." Lupin sighed, "None of this the Headmaster needs to
know."
Adrian laughed incredulously, "You're not going to tell him?"
"Unless you give me a reason, getting in another fight, for example."
Lupin pointedly stated, "He doesn't need to know anything besides your
perfect exam scores."
"You want me to do better than your godson?" Adrian's eyebrows rose.
"I don't have a godson, Mr. Selwyn." Lupin tersely pointed out, "besides, I
figure James's face would be fun to watch."
Adrian almost coughed a laugh, "That would be a sight, wouldn't it."
"Allow me the privilege of seeing it firsthand, and I'll tell you anything
you'd like to know about magical creatures."
Adrian snapped his head up, "Tell me about being a werewolf."
Lupin nodded, as if considering the deal, "Tell me about living with
Bellatrix Lestrange."
Adrian's jaw quivered, his throat swallowing rapidly. "Touche."
"Dementors are such sick creatures." Adalonda grumbled, watching
amusedly the antics of the smaller beings, "Old tales said that they borne
from sickened children."
"And that's not true?" Adrian asked, using Parseltongue for the flow of the
conversation.
"No, little one." Adalonda chuckled, closing her eyes to relax on the
surreally warm stone of the floor, "Tis other beings which borne from child's
last breath."
"Have you seen one? A Demon-ter?" Lutain enthused, nearly blending into
the darkness with how his scales were black once more.
"I have," Adalonda cooed, "Many seasons and many men ago. When I
breathed air and hunted in sun. They were such foul things, perverse and
greedy. Mercenaries for those in need."
"Mercenaries?" Adrian asked, "How could a nonliving be a mercenary?"
"They spoke none but transferred the final breath of those who wanted."
Adalonda rumbled, her body relaxing and tensing with every breath, "If
not religion who determines your soul what does?"
"People used them as executioners back then, that's so fascinating." Adrian
blinked, imagining the weathered hands and the ghastly faces under the
cloaks.
"Aye, formidable weapons but the toll too high. I have heard of kings selling
kingdoms for aid in battle, fools betting worse for a chance of fate."
"You can bribe a Dementor?" Adrian asked, a smile slowly spreading "How?
How do you bribe a Dementor?"
"Souls most prideful. Those who would not bow to those cowardly or weak."
Adalonda explained, "Knights and knaves were fodder in their breath."
"Those who wouldn't bow to the weak." Adrian murmured out loud,
thinking of who would fulfill that end of the bargain.
And, oh.
He had just the creature in mind.
Daphne changed from the one eventful day of reckoning in the Slytherin
common room. At first Adrian assumed that she was having another
argument with her roommate, Tracey Davis, but as it started to go on and
on, Adrian realised it was something else at work.
At age thirteen, fourteen in some students, his classmates began to
change. More ramped on hormones and desire to perform well, and
occasionally insult every Gryffindor that walked past.
Adrian was no exception, he found his temper slowly impairing his other
functions. Since his brawl with Suzie, he had targeted and exchanged
spells with a Hufflepuff and an overconfident Gryffindor boy.
Draco started casually throwing around the expression, 'burning angry'
which infuriatingly caught on quickly in Slytherin. Even applicable to
others, the expression was used when the threat of spells or a fight was
just barely restrained.
Other people were annoying, they were constantly wanting help or
information, favors or papers, wanting him to purchase and give them
the perfect gift or object.
It was exhausting to the point of reducing Adrian to simple introvert.
Normally this wasn't a problem, if anyone wanted his direct presence
they would tell Theo, who was the only one able to open the room. The
rare occasion where Adrian stumbled out he normally wore sloppy sleep
clothing, it made most purebloods sneer in disgust.
More than anything, Adrian was confused.
Why had Lupin been trying to get closer to him? Why had he gone
through the effort?
What did Lupin want with him?
Lupin had his uses no doubt, not only his immense wealth of information
and the kind personality and aura around him managed to soothe
Adrian's temper on occasion.
The fact he was a werewolf was just an added bonus.
But what would Lupin want? There had to be an ulterior motive behind
his actions.
Was it possible Lupin somehow connected the dots between who Adrian
was? That he somehow linked Adrian's entirely different appearance to
the small scared little boy who just wanted to go to an expo?
With Suzie suddenly in Slytherin and poking around where she shouldn't,
the added stress of Lupin figuring out who he was would be too much.
Not to mention he still needed to investigate the Dementors, establish
contact for the Azkaban break-out, and pass his final exams. He needed to
prove Skylar Potter wrong with a higher Defence exam score.
His desire to perform better sent him into a haze of studying and reading.
Wrapped up in a blanket stolen from his bed, he read the thick Defence
textbook in dark sleepwear in the public common room.
"Comfortable?" A smooth eloquent voice asked, voice thick with the
disgust Adrian always received when wearing sleepwear.
"Your discomfort is my comfort," Adrian responded absentmindedly,
belatedly realising who it was actually talking to him. "Oh, over your
tantrum then?"
Daphne's exterior frosted over, "Done antagonizing my first year?"
Adrian's face twitched against his will.
"Careful there, Selwyn," Daphne warned, walking slowly around the
couch to sit daintily on the far side of the one he sprawled across, "those
facial tics of yours give you away."
"I don't have facial tics." Adrian scowled.
Daphne smiled thinly, "Of course. You know, I was wondering what type
your snake is. I've never seen one like it before."
Adrian eyed her suspiciously, "Considering you don't even know his
name, your sudden interest is suspicious."
Daphne laughed gently, perfectly; it was posed and practiced too well,
"Oh I've always liked him. He's gorgeous, such pretty black scales. He
must have cost a fortune."
'She's digging' A voice whispered wearily, 'She's looking for something.'
"If you enjoy him so much, why don't you look for him?" Adrian asked,
waving his hand to the open room, "He's around here somewhere."
"You just let him loose?" Daphne's face tightened, "that
seems...dangerous."
So she was still afraid of Lutain after he had lunged at Suzie with lethal
intent.
"Don't upset him," Adrian advised, "He understands English."
"If he has your temper, you should keep him caged at all times." Daphne
thinly stated, "For everyone's safety."
Adrian smiled, "Why, was that a threat, Greengrass?"
Daphne stared, her blue eyes watched him carefully. She would have
done well in Ravenclaw.
"Selwyn," Daphne leant forward, crossing her leg to subconsciously alter
her entire presence, "I was speaking with Millicent the other day-"
"That must have been strenuous."
"-and she told me the most fascinating thing." Daphne paused, "How she
believed that you were adopted-"
"Oh not that bloody mess again," Adrian sighed, closing his book
pointedly and drawing his legs up into a more professional position,
"Greengrass, if you have nothing to do but spread around rumors that
circulated in our first year-"
"The man in your boggart was your birth father," Daphne smoothly
covered, silencing Adrian's protesting words, "or, a blood adoption."
'Humor her,' The voice whispered, soothing tendrils to calm his anxiety.
"So now it's a blood adoption?" Adrian spoke, somehow, thank Merlin, his
voice didn't tremble. "What's next, I'm half veela? A vampire? A
daywalker?"
Daphne frowned, "Things about you don't add up, Selwyn."
"Just the way I like it," Adrian sighed, "If you're that interested, cough up
the galleons. Then we'll talk."
"No," Daphne spoke, rising to her feet smoothly to look down at Adrian.
Her eyes were suspicious and sharp, her mouth turned downwards in a
small frown.
Adrian arched his eyebrow, toxic green eyes nearly glowing in the green
light of the room. His face was broken with a careful smile, an
insufferable one which gave the viewer the urge to smack him right in
the face; it was obviously a taunt but never with words.
"Am I the only one who seems to realize that your deals aren't just for
galleons?" Daphne asked softly, "You get just as much out of it as
whoever asks for help."
Adrian shrugged, reaching for his book again, "It gives me assurance."
"It taints your name."
"Honestly, Greengrass," Adrian snorted, "Do you really think names
matter that much?"
Her jaw twitched falling for the bait. Then she smiled, a victorious look
with a self gratified fire burning in her eyes, silvery-blue like unicorn
blood.
"Thank you Adrian," She smiled, voice like fae's bells, "you've just told me
you aren't a pureblood."
She sauntered away, leaving Adrian staring at her in shock.
"What." he breathed, unable to react until the cornsilk haired girl had left
his eyesight.
"Well, that was fun." Lutain hissed, sliding his way out from under the
couch, "More fun than scaring humans. You were tricked like rat-man and
Nagini."
"Never call me Wormtail again," Adrian clipped hotly.
Lutain snickered to himself and slithered back under the couch to the
safety of darkness.
fall equinox 1: What you wrote about Adrian thinking about a spell that
can kill a dementor a very easy and simple way to do that is add maxima
at the end of expecto patronum to make a better and more powerful
version of the charm. One of the places your imagination shines, is when
you made up the idea of implanting a happy memory in a person's mind
to use the patronus charm. I don't think you will do this but please don't
use implanting a memory too much. Have a good day Ma'ma or Mr
Antithesis.
Ah, that's a good idea. I feel that for the purpose of this story, Dementors will
be significantly harder to kill. I'm happy that you liked the implanted memory
idea! I definitely won't be using it too much, don't worry about that at all.
Maybe only once more. And it's Ma'am!
saphira88: Thank you! I can't wait til 5th year, when skylar try to get the
bloody prophecy and he couldn't bwahahaha...
What's Adrian's patronus anyway? A crocodile? A komodo dragon? A
dragon?
Oh man, 5th year gets crazy.
Adrian's patronus is a Caiman, which resembles a Crocodile or an Alligator.
They have a unique snout, and a more volatile temperament. Most species do
not reach the sizes of other Alligators or Crocodiles.
KClown: Are you supporting Luna x Harry or Daphne x Harry? Luna
might be a bit better as you could make Xenophillius care less about Luna
since her mother's death and with the bullying, Harry could relate to her.
I do not write romances or ships in my stories. So, I am neither supporting
either side. Just for you all, I'll keep throwing you the bones so you can decide
or pick a side on who you prefer. I don't intend to change canon for other
characters, so I will not make Luna live in an abusive or distant household.
Sean: will Adrian ever see Bellatrix again?
Oh even Azkaban couldn't keep Bella away from Adrian
Hope1616: Why did Skylar try to stop James when he singling out
harry? Does harry think of Bellatrix as his mother figure? Will Harry be
staying with Bella or Tom?Why did the diary Tom seem so interested in
harry? Does Bella love Tom romantically or just as a master? Does she
love Rodulphus? What does Tom think of Bella? And is the ending for
this fiction going to similar to the one in shadowed malice?
Okay, let me break this down.
1. Skylar isn't really a bad kid. I mean, he is under a lot of stress but it's not
like he's a jerk or he's trying to antagonize other people. He honestly is just
trying his best, he didn't want his dad to upset or be mean to Adrian, plus I
assume it was awkward.
2. Adrian kinda has a...unique relationship. He doesn't really have a mother
figure, but I guess Bellatrix is as close as he can get to one.
3. Adrian will be staying with Tom at this time since Bellatrix is in Azkaban.
4. Diary Tom was fascinated with Adrian because he was his biological heir,
plus the Diary assumed that if he made a child he likely continued and
successfully made all of his Horcrux's. He sensed that Adrian was a Horcrux,
and was rather protective and influenced Adrian a bit.
5. Bellatrix is not romantically attached to Voldemort. I tend to not write
romances that don't exist outside of canon, and in this fic, canon is simply the
original 7 books.
6. Tom views Bellatrix as a loyal follower and useful tool for raising and
rearing Adrian for his cause.
7. The ending will be different because the ending of Shadowed Malice was
super confusing. It will be cleared up and much, much better.
31. Frozen
This chapter was beta'd by our amazing Beta Collective
-Arctic Fox From Afar
-Mahina
-Cyndaquil05
Thanks to everyone who has inquired and are starting to work on
the document.
I got a review about how my fan was upset at the random update
schedule, and I promise, it will get better when I get back to
University (on the 28th) but for now I've really quickly read over
this chapter to post it early.
It's double length too.
I hope its apology enough, hope you can forgive me acelenny.
The Dementors were swirling, conspiring in thick shrouded masses
outside the windows.
Adrian could see them dance in his peripheral vision, startling students
who sat nearest the windows with sudden bouts of frost and dread. An
impressive fire had been charmed to blaze cheerily in all classrooms,
dancing the shapes of phoenixes and unicorns running in and out of the
smoke.
Aurors were more present, less to protect the populace and more to
figure out why the Dementors had suddenly congregated at the school
instead of the borders along the property. They still worked at Azkaban,
at least a portion did, securing the prisoners and feeding on their faint
tastes of hope and longing.
Perhaps that was why they were near Hogwarts, just beyond the wards of
the castle. The hopes and aspirations of children would be as delightful as
a suckling pig to a butcher.
"They're creepy," Draco muttered under his breath, sitting next to Adrian
in Potions although not actually sharing his cauldron. Instead Adrian
worked with Goyle, trying to save the potion as much as possible.
"I think they're beautiful," Adrian countered, slapping away Goyle's
grubby fingers who were reaching for beetle eyes at the wrong time.
"Yeah but that's you," Draco argued, deftly slicing poppy roots while
instructing Crabbe how to stir the concoction, "I wouldn't be surprised if
you had a taxidermy pixie collection at your home."
Adrian shot him a wounded look, "A pixie collection? If you're asking
about my dragon claw collection-"
"What, no skulls?" Draco drawled, "Missing the pickled two headed baby
squid in a jar?"
Adrian chuckled under his breath, shaking his head in amusement as he
added in the beetle eyes Goyle had been pawing at the proper time.
"I wouldn't object to a dragon skull," Adrian mused, "Especially if it had
been in battle."
"You mean with scales?" Draco asked with one eyebrow raised, "An
Opaleye would be interesting."
Adrian hummed, pointing out how to stir the cauldron to Goyle as he
started peeling hopping seed pods, "A live dragon would be even better."
"If they weren't illegal." Draco added with a frown, "I have a feeling you
wouldn't follow the law anyways."
"What, me?" Adrian gaped in mock surprise, "Never."
They continued chatting, Draco offering animals that gradually grew
more and more ridiculous. Adrian then named the proper living
conditions or how he would contain it, or mount it on his wall. Potions
class was let out, thankfully with no unfortunate accidents from
Longbottom or Potter (Who managed to lose forty house points). They
rose from the steps, heading out across the covered bridge towards
Hagrid's hut where Care for Magical Creatures took place.
Dementors swooped in the air around them, kept out by a near invisible
shimmering sheen like glossy fish scales.
Draco shivered, "I don't see how you find such monsters, beautiful."
Adrian frowned, "Look at them. They look so effortless, so powerful in
the air." Adrian explained, eyes glazing as they danced in the air
swooping down and up again, "They look like wind itself."
"More like a nightmare." Draco muttered, "If you like flying so much, why
don't you just ride a broom? I'd take you flying again if you want."
A dementor looped in the air, its cloak trailing behind like elongated
shadows of smoke.
"No," Adrian mused, not regulating his words, "I want to fly like that.
Without a broom. Just the wind and your own body twisting in the air."
Draco laughed out loud, "Better luck riding a Griffon, you dolt."
Adrian smiled faintly, "Bet you ten galleons I'll do that too, someday."
Red sparks shot up from the rough area of Hagrid's hut, from the various
pens and wooden fences along the side. Hagrid was nodding in the
distance, talking to someone with unmistakable bushy hair.
"Oh look, your mudblood girlfriend." Draco sneered, causing Adrian to
jolt.
"Excuse me?" Adrian blinked, "She's a Gryffindor snob along with a pushy
bookworm. I despise the air she breathes."
Draco looked as if he had been struck, "Why do you hang out with her?"
Adrian blinked in bafflement, "I have debts to fulfill. Besides," He paused,
smiling slightly in amusement, "She's friends with Potter. Never know
when that will be handy."
Being close to Potter would be handy.
He'd be able to spy and-
Adrian exhaled in a single large rush of air, his eyes widened as slots of
ideas slid together into a cohesive idea.
"Look, I've got to go," Adrian breathed, stepping backwards towards the
castle.
"What?" Draco snapped, "No, no, you are not skipping Care-"
Adrian had already turned and bolted, running into the castle with
determination in his steps.
He ran up the stairs, waiting impatiently for a specific moving stairwell.
A group of upper year Hufflepuffs shouted angrily for him to slow down.
Adrian first checked the classroom, swinging the door open to look in the
quiet room. Dementors flicked beyond the high stained glass windows in
the back.
"Selwyn?" A baffled but obnoxious voice questioned, curiosity thick like
molten chocolate.
"Potter," Adrian monotonously responded, pausing to form a pleasant
smile as he observed the Gryffindor boy, "What might you be doing
here?"
"Er," Skylar blinked, eyes half hidden behind mousy bangs. His rounded
cherub looking face looked cursable, "Remus wanted me to get his lesson
plan for tomorrow-"
"Remus?" Adrian asked dryly, "Really feeding out of your teacher's palms,
aren't you."
Skylar blushed, then flushed angrily.
"I don't know why Hermione likes you!" He blurted suddenly, "You're
always so rude-"
"But I'm helpful." Adrian sniped out cockily, "Much more than you are."
"You snake faced-"
Adrian snorted at the insult. His father may be, but thankfully he hadn't
inherited those genes.
"Is he in his quarters?" Adrian asked, already walking to Lupin's desk to
grab the lesson plans in question, "I'll take them to him."
"You-" Skylar started to question before pausing abruptly, "Aren't you
supposed to be in Care right now?"
"Aren't you?"
"I'm on-" Skylar winced suddenly, "Official Saviour business-"
Adrian tilted his head back and laughed, "Oh Merlin," He wheezed, nearly
crying at the ridiculousness of it, "Is that really what you're telling
people?" He gagged, inhaling too quickly for his lungs to accomodate,
"Oh, no wonder you're the joke of the Wizarding World."
"I am not!" Skylar shouted, flushing up to his ears in embarrassment, "I
really am doing important-"
"Listen here, Potter." Adrian's smile became wickedly sharp, "You may
think you know what you're doing, but in this castle, I'm the one, who's
one step up."
Skylar frowned and looked ready to punch Adrian in the face.
"You're not the boss of me." Skylar prickled, nearly sending spittle on
Adrian's face. Skylar was in an unusually grumpy mood, generally he
wasn't this easy to rile up.
"No, I'm not." Adrian agreed, "But remember that when the time comes
for you to need information or help, I have blackmail or dues for nearly
everyone in this castle."
Adrian's eyes nearly glowed, "And that's something even you, Golden boy,
don't have."
He shoved past Skylar, taking great satisfaction with how his bony
shoulder clipped the other's.
"Professor?" Adrian asked politely, elevating his voice to speak through
the door, "Professor Lupin?"
The door opened slowly, revealing a sickly looking man who was still
unmistakable.
"You look terrible." Adrian blinked, ever so blunt with his observation.
Lupin still looked baffled, stepping back to allow the door to open
further, "Mr. Selwyn, why are you-"
"You're having Skylar Potter do your errands?" Adrian arched one
eyebrow, "Really?"
Lupin blinked, large bags under his bright golden eyes, like melted
galleons, "Don't you have class?"
Adrian ignored it and walked further into the room, stumbling as he
slammed into the strong smell of incense in the air.
"Mr. Selwyn, I feel morally obliged to send you back to your class-"
Adrian sighed audibly, "I have your lesson plans, I'm more useful than
Skylar."
Lupin smiled thinly, dropping onto the opposite chair with a small wince.
"Well, Skylar is a good boy-"
"Also your godson," Adrian pointed out, causing Lupin to frown.
"Mr. Selwyn, I'm not sure where you get this information-"
"I have a lot of good information," Adrian slyly added, "I'm sure you'd
find it useful."
Lupin rolled his eyes with a strange fondness Adrian hadn't ever seen
directed at him before.
"Well, I'll let you know next time I want to know the newest gossip wheel
in the Slytherin house." Lupin smiled, "Maybe Professor Snape and I can
discuss it over tea."
Adrian gave a bark of laughter at the thought.
"Anyways, thank you so much for delivering my lesson plans. I'm feeling
a bit under the weather, I'm afraid I won't be able to teach tomorrow."
Lupin apologized with a sincere expression of regret.
"I'm sure that Snape would like teaching for a day, since he can't get the
position." Adrian blinked slowly, "The position is cursed, you know."
"It's such a strange expression considering real spellwork and curses
exist." Lupin smiled, running one hand through his limp brown hair.
"Oh," Adrian blinked slowly, "It is cursed. The Dark Lord cursed it
himself, only misfortune falls to those who attempt to teach more than a
year."
Lupin froze, his hand stilling in his hair. He looked at Adrian with a sense
of utter disbelief, "Mr. Selwyn where did you hear such a silly rumor-"
"I know a lot of things," Adrian swallowed, "Can you swear to me what I
say won't leave the room?"
"Mr. Selwyn-"
"Please?" Adrian paused, stomaching his pride to try and assume the
persona of not his father's son. "Please, Remus?"
Remus melted like the paternal sap he was. "Of course, I swear what we
talk about won't leave the room."
Adrian smiled, a gentle expression formed on Lupin's face. Adrian
stomached his doubt, briefly wishing Lutain was with him to egg him on,
"I know about the Order of the Phoenix."
"What?" Lupin jumped to his feet in alarm, "What are you-"
"I know a lot of things," Adrian added, "Things that a boy my age
shouldn't. People overlook me," he pointedly stated, staring with all
seriousness into Lupin's eyes, "Bellatrix underestimated me."
Lupin paled more than it seemed he possibly could with his complexion,
"Mr. Selwyn exams are fast approaching, you should be better using your
time-"
"The dementors are so close, Professor." Adrian spoke, lowering his voice
to a whisper as he looked out of the nearest window, it was already
getting dark out, "they're leaving Azkaban."
"Listen to me, Adrian," Remus Lupin growled, a low rumbling noise in his
throat that was distinctly canine, "Bellatrix Lestrange cannot get out-"
"Students are whispering," Adrian pointed out, still gazing out the
window, "They're saying things that Azkaban is going to fall."
A complete lie. Or perhaps it was truth, Adrian didn't know for sure.
Remus Lupin leaned back, rubbing his eyes and looking considerably
worse off, "That's...Let me think on it, Mr. Selwyn-"
"If I'm helping you, you can call me Adrian." he pointed out, green eyes
finally meeting gold, "anonymously of course."
Lupin smiled tightly, "This is dangerous work, Adrian."
Adrian smiled back, eyes sharp, "This is a dangerous world we live in,
Professor."
The chill was rising with the moon. Adrian didn't have that much time,
not to mention his detour to the Slytherin rooms to retrieve Lutain.
"We heading to the forest?" Lutain hissed eagerly, peering around and
scenting the air as an early warning, "Heading to Adalonda?"
"Adalonda first," Adrian mumbled to himself, walking purposefully
through the dark passageways of the castle. Paying the Weasley twins for
the secret pathways was well worth it.
"Yes! The forest for demon-tears." Lutain cheered, purposefully messing
with the word.
Adrian smiled and slid out into the washroom, opening the Chamber to
slide down.
The Chamber was just as he left it, although it had been tidied slightly.
The huge snake skin had been pushed out of the way, trampled by
something roughly the same size.
"Adalonda?" Adrian shouted, his hisses reverberating oddly in the large
room.
Ginny's skeleton was moved as well. Only her hair remained.
(Lutain had mentioned it to Adalonda, who moved it one day without
further questions. Adrian hadn't seen it since.)
"Lutain?" A larger much deeper grumble sounded, echoing off the many
pipes and statues, "Cerestes?"
That had been an argument in itself. Adalonda had quickly fallen into a
mothering relationship with the two, constantly wrapping them under
her coils like she was nesting a clutch. She refused to call Adrian by his
name, instead falling into her self proclaimed tradition of naming
serpents.
Adrian had absentmindedly mentioned his title was to be Cerestes, a
mythological serpent which survived by disguises and ambushing;
Adalonda instantly took to it, only calling Adrian that.
"We're here." Adrian responded, walking into the main chamber just as
Adalonda finished slithering out of one of the massive pipes, "Where were
you?"
"Swimming," Adalonda blinked, moving aside one of her many eyelids,
"Not long, helps with shed." she explained briefly tilting her massive head
to one side, "You travel to the forest?"
"Yes!" Lutain writhed eagerly, "I will strike centaurs! I am faster now!"
"You have shed many times since I slept last," Adalonda commented, "You
are nearly unseen, night-scales."
Lutain wriggled excitedly.
"Which pipe exits in the Forbidden Forest?" Adrian asked, peering through
the many twelve foot tubes.
"The Lost Forest is old," Adalonda tisked, "Not forbidden, only Lost. This
path, little Cerestes. Exits near clearing, but long have abandoned. Giant
spiders flee, like worms." Adalonda explained, pausing before making the
oddest grunting noise.
"I make the hiss of a spider," Adalonda explained, looking as if she had
done something obvious, "It was accurate."
"That was one of the worst impressions I've ever heard." Adrian added
goodnaturedly, patting her side affectionately.
"Such rude hatchling," Adalonda huffed, peering at Lutain tiredly "Does he
always speak so rude."
"I did not understand your hiss." Lutain confessed, "Sounded like frog."
"It did not!" Adalonda huffed, a smile in her voice, "You all have leaves in
ears."
"I don't!" Adrian argued.
"I don't have ears!" Lutain argued as well, "Your tongue is limp!"
"His tongue is a fish!" Adalonda pointed out, flicking her own forked
tongue for emphasis.
Adrian smiled and wrapped one arm a third around her neck in a quasi
hug before climbing carefully into the dark tunnel.
"Lumos," He murmured, alighting his wand before turning back to the
clouded eyes of Adalonda "You be safe, okay?"
"'Be safe'" She mimicked, tossing her head, "You are one who awakens a
sleeping queen without knowing what will happen! If anyone needs to 'be safe'
it is you! My scales will fall out with stress!" She ranted, "Stay away from
Centaurs! They are fast and will shoot you with arrows!"
"I'll bite if they do!" Lutain boasted, causing Adalonda to huff in
amusement.
"We'll be safe," Adrian smiled, "We're only going to offer a treaty to
Dementors by giving them the soul of Hippogriffs."
Adalonda blinked slowly, "You're worse than Salazar."
"We'll be back!" Lutain promised, darting into the tube ahead of Adrian,
forcing the wizard to run after.
Ever so quickly the tube stretched off, leaving Adrian with the
disorienting sound of his own feet echoing all around him.
"Master, what happens when we reach the forest?" Lutain asked, slithering
quickly with the casted heating charm around his body, "I can't bite dead."
"Well you could, but they're already dead so it wouldn't do anything." Adrian
pointed out, relishing in his parseltongue, "I brought my cloak. I don't know
where father got it, but I think the dementor material sewn into the bottom will
help. It should keep them away."
"Should?" Lutain picked up on the hesitancy, "You have no idea do you."
"I am entirely certain a portion of the time."
Lutain paused a second to comprehend what Adrian had said, "You're as
smart as a rock."
Adrian blinked and scoffed, angling to the left and upwards slowly as the
tube ramped up, "That was rude. Should I use large words to confuse you?"
"Master I think you are being very rude." Lutain spoke with a fluid
eloquence that could only exist from practice, "Nagini taught me that
phrase,"
"I wonder why she knows that so well." Adrian chuckled, recasting Lumos to
carry on in the darkness of the pipe.
Adrian was starting to doubt if Adalonda had been right before the tube
started to widen, creating a funneling opening in the ground near an
uprooted tree. They stumbled out, crunching on stiff grass as before their
eyes, the tube melted into the dirt.
"Open," Adrian tested, feeling relief as the depression slowly melted away
into the opening of the funnel once again, "Alright, Lutain you're up. Can
you find the Hippogriffs?"
"You could if you were serpent." Lutain slightly barbed, "I could take you
hunting!"
Adrian snorted, "You know I can't change into that. I'll need Wormtail to help
me."
"Then you can eat him!" Lutain cheered, "He smells bad. You should eat
him."
"You know, you can't always just bite and eat people you don't like." Adrian
noted, stepping over a branch and offering an arm for his friend to climb
up. Lutain slithered up, only using it as a crutch to be dragged over the
large log, then he was on the prowl once again.
"I can't?" Lutain asked in surprise, "We always bite what we don't like. Or
what scares us." Lutain added afterwards, gazing off into the distance as if
lost in thought.
"We never had so many words either. So many sounds and meanings..."
Lutain mused, voice trailing off quietly.
"Serpents?" Adrian clarified, "Do you like having more words?"
"It's strange." Lutain added, shifting under a fern and out of sight for a
moment, "So many ways for saying what food wanted. Rat or mouse. Small
or large." Lutain huffed, "I like words."
Adrian smiled, "It's nice to talk to you," he smiled, helping his friend over
another log, lowering down a ravine carefully, "Are you sure this is the
right way?"
"Are my scales black?" Lutain hissed in amusement, sliding up Adrian's leg
before he got the message and lifted him to his throat, "Horse-birds that
way."
"Horse-birds, right." Adrian nodded, "Have you ever seen a horse before?"
"Yes Master." Lutain hissed, peering around in the dark, "Hatchling in
strange house of many prey and predators."
That was true, Lutain had come from a zoo.
"We are close." Lutain reported, uncoiling to allow Adrian to fish around
in his expanded robe pocket to retrieve his cloak.
It fit him snugly, even through another robe than normal. The clasp
clicked shut around his sternum, the edges flaring out like wings before
settling gently around his legs.
"It's cold." Lutain complained, flicking his tongue at the off coloured grey
tendrils at the bottom of the cloak, "It smells sick."
"That's how you know it works." Adrian smiled, pulling up his hood in one
swift movement, activating the sticking charm interwoven with the
fabric.
Lutain struggled to slither up the fabric, finding himself sliding down
every time he tried to grip. "Allow me," Adrian offered, gently grasping his
friend around his midsection. Adrian distantly marveled over how large
Lutain had grown, he must have been nearing four feet.
Lutain coiled snugly, gripping tightly around his neck. Amazingly, no
matter how much Lutain tightened, the cloak didn't press against his
throat.
Adrian spotted what looked like a wooden fence in the distance, as he
drew closer he could identify it as the edge of Hagrid's pasture. Although
the Hippogriffs could fly, Adrian had noticed they stuck to the pasture
where they were for sure to be fed.
"There!" Lutain hissed, tugging towards the right with his body, "I scent!"
"Well I don't see anything." Adrian retorted, squinting in the distance, "I
know, I know, pathetic human eyes and all. Not everyone can smell body
heat."
"That's why you should shift into a serpent kind." Lutain smugly added, "We
wouldn't have this problem."
Adrian chuckled at Lutain's words. He moved carefully, taking a few
moments to jump the fence carefully. He slid his wand into his hand,
stopping his lumos spell as he drew closer.
He spotted the first Hippogriff, standing in a strange mixture of
hunkering into its wings and curling its cloven hooves under it.
"Now we need the dementors." Adrian muttered, peering off into the
distance.
There was something wrong with it, something was tickling his neck the
wrong way.
The clouds over the full moon dispersed and as soon as he saw the light,
he realized why.
"Lutain," Adrian snapped, drawing his wand and hunkering into a
defensive stance, "Do you scent anything strange. Like a dog."
"Never scented a dog before." Lutain cheekily replied, but obliged by
tasting and scanning around repeatedly.
It was likely that Lupin wasn't even at Hogwarts anymore- he had even
seen Lupin looking so terrible.
"Stupid, stupid!" He cursed to himself, scanning around in the bleary dark
anxiously, "Let's just find the dementors. Can you smell them?"
"No," Lutain hissed, "They fly near lake. Not big lake, small one." Lutain
instructed, looking over to the side.
Adrian faintly knew of a smaller lake, one that Unicorns went to for
drinks and to bathe. Hagrid had spoken of the place, it seemed ironic that
a place once full of light and hope had been pushed out by the non-
living.
Adrian hurried off, running in a sprint. Once he found a dementor, he
had to hope that a Patronus would show he was serious. Then he'd have
to bring a Hippogriff to him- perhaps they just needed permission before
feasting on a soul?
Adrian suspected Dementors worked on a system of permission and
loyalty binds. They were neutral in alliance, only serving those who had
the highest profit to did wonders to confirm his suspicions. Although
Adrian could go and drag a Hippogriff all the way out, he really hoped he
just had to formally grant permission.
He stopped, his heart fluttering in his throat, when he heard the lone
howl of something larger than a wolf.
"Bollocks," Adrian gasped, looking at Lutain who had frozen in fear as
well.
They were out in the middle of the Forbidden Forest with a werewolf on
the loose.
Adrian rolled his shoulders, twisting his wrist and held his wand before
him. He had in practice, learned many different spells to fight off magical
creatures, although he hadn't ever executed them against something.
Practice was one thing, but actually performing?
He was hesitant to use his patronus now that Lupin was out and about,
there was a chance that he could recognize it later.
"Let's go and get out of here." Lutain hissed, "You do not stop the hunt if the
prey is formidable."
Adrian sighed but started running again, jumping over fallen trees and off
mossy boulders when he could. He could hear the whispers in his ears,
his breath drawing mist before his mouth, and he knew he was in the
right place.
The lake was frozen, dementors dipping down low enough to brush
against the lake and cool it once more. It was beautiful in its own way,
the swirling pattern like a tornado of black, illuminated by the full moon.
Adrian walked out, trying to quell his hammering heart, watching the
phantoms of reality dance before his eyes like a private show.
"Sonorus," Adrian cast with a sliding motion, pressing his wand to his
throat to amplify the sound, "Dementors," He addressed, hoping his voice
didn't warbel.
They spun, swooping to somehow curve around him, wrapping him in
the center of the cyclone. The temperature dropped drastically, numbing
his exposed fingers. The cloak appeared to neutralize the other effects,
they seemed to realize it as well.
One swung forward, pausing just out of his grasp. It tilted its hood,
creaking groans and gasping parted from what was its vocal chords. It
reached out one hand, long and bony with scaled rotting skin flaking off.
"Dementors," Adrian addressed once again, "I come offering a token of
peace, and a sample of what My Lord can offer."
It tilted its head, drawing closer with the grace of death itself.
"Master," Lutain shivered, tensing closer as the monster pressed nearer.
"There is a- a herd of Hippogriffs on the outer rim of this forest," Adrian
stumbled, feeling his hands start to shake from the cold. His instincts
crying at him to get away-
He wanted to reach out and touch it, to see if it's hand felt as it looked.
'Bestow them,' the voice whispered in his skull, 'A gift of gratitude.'
"I bestow to you and your kind, a gift of gratitude and a-an offer, for
future compliance with the D-Dark Lord Voldemort," Adrian started
again, feeling lightheaded from the pressure of so many monsters, so many
beautiful creatures-
It tilted its head as if considering. They swept back, bowing with arms
extended in a circle around Adrian. The one in charge rattled loudly, it's
cloaked hood seeming to lower as the bottomless black depths of…
Sound seemed to pulse slowly, even the feeling of Lutain drifted.
The black depths seemed closer, ever so close to Adrian. It swallowed
him, the edges of his vision creeping black as his breath rattled hollowly.
It inhaled and Adrian felt so very dizzy...
"Expecto Patronum!"
And it was broken.
A shaky antelope bolted out across the ice, skittering playfully and
dispersing the Dementors.
Adrian knew that shaky creature. He knew that creature and why was this
happening?
"Potter!" Lutain hissed, who tucked himself to Adrian's neck, disguising
himself better. Lutain seemed oblivious to the disorientation Adrian felt,
how the very air itself stung and burned his lungs.
Adrian felt like teetering to the ground, he couldn't. Not when somehow
Skylar had followed him.
How? How did Skylar follow him? He couldn't have, but the likelihood
that the two of them would venture into the forest at the exact same
time…
Where was Skylar, anyways?
And then Adrian saw. Across the pond, there were two people, laying in
the grass exhausted and shivering. Looking worse for wear, shaking and
trembling on the pond stones bordering the frozen pool.
"The female," Lutain warned, "Potter's Den-mate."
Hermione and Skylar were a shaking mess, the epitome of pathetic and
lucky.
To make matters worse, a huge black dog barreled into the area,
skittering across the ice with a yelp before crashing and sliding, it hit the
bank as a man.
"Skylar! Hermione!" Sirius Black shouted, grabbing the two and pulling
them to their feet, "Let's move, Moony's on his way and Prongs can only-"
Moony? Prongs?
The trees smashed open with the strange sight of a huge twelve point
stag tossing its head, trying to warn back a humongous bipedal creature,
short fur interspersed with pale silvery skin. Large gruesome scars and
claw marks decorating its shoulder and face in a recognizing pattern...
Lupin.
"Move move!" Sirius shouted, scrambling back and pushing the kids
behind him, "Run!" He shouted, jumping into a mid-air animagus
transformation.
It was amazing, to see skin be replaced with fur in a smooth transition of
wax melting on a candle burning too hotly. The stag- Prongs, Sirius had
called it, bleated out an angry noise, stomping its hoof angrily. It was too
intelligent for a normal animal, avoiding its prey thought process.
Lupin's golden eyes met Adrian's through the hooded cloak with the
savagery of a wild animal.
The werewolf howled, a long single note that rang true through the trees
and on the wind. The lonely sound of a wolf without its pack.
Adrian held his wand in front of him, and exhaled slowly.
This was no worse than Bellatrix.
This was no worse than his father.
'You have held your own against the Dark Lord,' he thought with an
intoxicating softness, smoothing and depressing his anxiety, 'You can hold
you own against a mindless beast.'
He could. Adrian exhaled, and smiled.
The Werewolf jumped over the stag, its face pinching in violent intent. Its
long hooked claws dug into the ice like hooks, pulling it across the
surface towards Adrian before Sirius Black or the stag could redirect him.
"Master," Lutain warned, tensing close to his neck, "I'm ready."
Adrian shook his head, "Let me," He hissed quietly, holding his wand in a
dueling pose parallel to his jawbone.
His father could curse him, but a werewolf could not.
"Impedimenta," Adrian casted flawlessly, hitting the Werewolf in its chest
right as it lifted its left arm to slash through Adrian's chest.
Adrian stepped to the side, exhaling softly as the slowing spell allowed
him to duck under the werewolf, pointing his wand at the wolf's back,
"Reducto."
The spell collided and blasted the wolf into a tree. It groaned, wood
flaking off as the entire trunk shook under the weight of its impact.
"Good strike, Master." Lutain hissed excitedly, "Black fur creature, behind
you!"
Adrian slashed his wand over his shoulder without looking, "Flagrate"
Fire spells always were Adrian's specialty, it was Black's fault that he
jumped right into the fire line burning strongly in the air.
Black yelped, landing on the ground in a strange sprawl. The dog fur
started to shift, receding; extinguishing the blaze.
Lupin growled and shook himself free from the tree. He lowered himself
into a stalk, long claws dragging as he approached Adrian cautiously.
Black paused, then grimaced and resumed his canine form to combat the
werewolf.
Adrian didn't need to watch Sirius, he had his best friend to do that for
him.
"Behind!" Lutain warned, giving Adrian the split second needed to duck
into a roll and send the Werewolf jumping over onto the yelping black
dog. Adrian's side somersaulted over a large rock, sending a throbbing
pain through his chest which would most likely bruise.
A stag tossed its head angrily, each of its prongs sharp in the moonlight.
Adrian cracked his neck and pointed his wand once again, this time at
the stag instead of the canine dog fight.
The deer charged, the Werewolf jumped, and Adrian casted the strongest
shield he knew he could execute.
The deer recoiled from whiplash, snapping its head back with enough
force it collapsed on the ground. Lupin slid down the shield, blinking in
animal confusion before Adrian sent another blasting hex at the wolf,
sending it skittering across the iced pond.
Lupin skittered, scrambling before his claws punctured the ice.
Adrian inhaled, and focused with a serene calmness.
Inhale.
The werewolf's lips pulled back into a silent snarl, long strands of saliva
dripping from its maw as its gums twitched.
Pressure built behind Adrian's eyes, pinpointing like a thorn inside his
ears digging deep, deep, deep…
Exhale.
The ice shifted, the water below bubbling unnaturally.
Crack.
Lupin froze, the hair on his back rising in instinctual fear as something
was most definitely wrong.
The ice broke. Melted from a boiling fire.
Lupin fell through the ice with a high pitched yelping noise; Sirius Black
instantly began to yelp in response, belly crawling across the broken ice
to try and get to the shattered spot.
The stag jumped, shifting halfway through- it was an animagus like
Adrian expected.
"Moony!" James Potter shouted, fumbling in his robe's pocket for
something, likely his wand.
Adrian lifted his wand one more time, pointing it at James Potter's
unprotected backside.
"James! Your back!" Sirius shouted suddenly human and still wiggling
across the ice.
James spun, raising a shield just in time to stop a blasting curse.
"Get Moony! I'll take the Eater!" James hollered, spinning and shifting
into a dueling stance.
Shite.
Adrian had dueled Bellatrix on multiple occasions, of course at that time
the focus was to get Adrian to successfully cast a specific curse or spell in
question. Dueling with his father was much harder, although those duels
focused on Adrian's agility and ingenuity; he wouldn't ever be seriously
hurt.
James Potter holding nothing back, he may be hurt.
He was out of his league.
"Stupify!"
"Protego!" Adrian summoned his shield, thankful again to his father for
making sure he had mastered it.
"Stupify!" James sent again, the curse was bright red and lit up the
clearing, "Stupify!"
"Diffindo!" Adrian shouted, using the moment Potter dodged to hiss under
his breath to Lutain, "Dry bite!"
"But Master! My venom!" Lutain complained, getting no response he
grumbled but coiled in preparation to strike.
Lutain would not kill him.
Only Adrian would be granted that pleasure.
But for now, Adrian couldn't do that. He had to just bide his time and get
away.
"James!" Sirius shouted, scrambling to try and levitate the thrashing
howling werewolf out of the water, "I need help!"
"Hold on!" James shouted, wanting to help his friend.
"Accio, James Potter's robes," Adrian rushed hurriedly, swishing before
stepping to the side as suddenly as a matador.
James Potter pinwheeled, trying to slow his speed.
He brushed nearly right next to Adrian.
Lutain struck- his body a single well oiled machine. Fangs as white as
bone needles, piercing flesh...
James Potter shouted, scrambling back with his hands flashing to his
neck- blood was pouring out at a dangerously fast pace.
Lutain hadn't- Lutain hadn't injected venom...
"Dry bite," Lutain assured, feeling his tension, "Let's go. Adalonda awaits."
Adrian paused, watching as James Potter collapsed, eyes wide and
horrified. He paled, not from blood loss but from horror of the situation.
"James! James help me-"
"It bit me," James choked out, stumbling backwards, "I- A snake- A snake
bit me."
A pause before more muffled swearing and a keening suffering werewolf
still trapped in icy water.
"Let's go!" Lutain wailed, tugging towards the vague direction of the
castle, "Flee!"
With how dark the night was, even with the full moon, Adrian doubted
he could have found the recess in the ground that led back to Adalonda's
cave. They would have to run for it, thankfully both Potter and Black
were occupied, allowing him to slide back in the trees. There was still the
chance that Hermione and Skylar was lingering in the woods- come to
think of it, why were they out there anyways?
The moment he was hidden behind an ancient Oak, he took off in a loud
sprint. Trees and fallen leaves from the autumn crunched under his shoes;
Adrian abandoned all attempts of stealth as he sprinted through the
underbrush, occasionally running into reaching tree branches.
He wasn't sure how long he had been running, adrenaline pulsed through
his deafening heartbeat. His legs burned yet he forced them to move
faster- branches whipped at his face leaving him teary eyed and stinging.
The forest broke in a clean line- he had run off course from Hagrid's
corral and ended up nearly out of sight. The castle of Hogwarts loomed
high in the sky, looking something of mythology under the stars and
moon.
"The Hippogriffs," Adrian strangled out, resisting the urge to vomit from
his unexpected sprinting.
The plan was that Adrian would sneak back to Adalonda, informing her
that the Hippogriffs had been sacrificed. She was the one adamant in
making sure the bodies were not wasted. With how the night had turned
into a disaster, Adrian doubted that was possible.
"Leave them," Lutain complained, making a sigh of defeat when he knew
Adrian wouldn't listen anyways.
He lumbered across the uneven grass, his cloak snagging on a few small
shrubs of scottish heather. The tendrils of Dementor's cloak were more
durable, drifting over the branches like silk on skin. The rest of his cloak
was the problem. Small barbs from prickly forest plants stuck around his
hips, pieces of broken twigs and bark clung to his shoulders and arms.
He hobbled over, finally having his breathing under control. The wooden
slats for the fence were frozen, decorated with the thinnest layer of frost.
The Hippogriffs were sprawled in odd positions; a normal person would
assume them dead if not for the deep breathing and moving chest.
Adrian placed one foot on the lowest rung of the fence, already hiking
himself up and over.
"Master! No." Lutain yelped, "Master no! Back to the castle! Do not!"
"Relax," Adrian mumbled, hopping onto the soft grass on the other side, "I
only want a feather."
"A feather?" Lutain squawked, "You risk our scales for a feather!"
Adrian wisely didn't respond to his fuming familiar, and approached the
nearest Hippogriff. Something mahogany brown with speckled feathers
around its neck. Adrian reached out, pressing a hand to the warm fur by
its flank. He could feel its heart, such a strong heart to send blood to the
wings and its massive body, constrict and beat with a distracting
calmness.
"Master! If you want feather, fine! But be fast!" Lutain hissed, flicking his
tongue quickly, "Not safe here."
"Right," Adrian blinked, pulling his hand away as he walked up to the
Hippogriff's giant wings, tugging at the primaries uselessly.
"Stop playing!"
"I'm trying! It won't come off!" Adrian complained, scowling at the
beautiful speckled object as if it had offended him. He tried another,
using his leg to hold the wing to the ground.
It came free with a cracking noise- he had pulled too hard and broken the
bone. The bone had been weaker than Adrian expected.
"Look what you done!" Lutain hissed, his tail twitching in agitation, "Broke
it!"
"It's already dead!" Adrian defended, holding the feather reverently in his
hands, "Completely worth it."
"You're a worm," Lutain insulted, "With a useless collection."
"My collection is not useless!"
"Will you ask Adalonda for a fang?"
"Okay," Adrian paused, trying not to cave so easily, "Do you know how
amazing that would be? A real Basilisk fang?"
"Master?"
"Yes, Lutain?"
"You're a worm."
Somehow through the anxiety and rapidly fading adrenaline, Adrian
found it in himself to breathlessly laugh.
32. Breakout
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Lutain slithered down towards the Chamber before Adrian woke up. It
was fortunate Lutain had thoroughly investigated all of the plumbing
pipes with Adalonda's help, being able to slither to the chamber from
nearly any washroom in the castle was surprisingly useful.
Adrian slept wonderfully, even after having to sneak into his own room
so quietly as to not wake Theo.
Adrian was blissfully unaware up until the point where Theo doused him
in icy water.
"Theodore!" Adrian gasped out, rolling out of the puddle on his bed onto
the floor. He was fortunate to wear a shirt to sleep, it was easy to remove
the icy fabric. Even more fortunate that Adrian had multiple spares, with
how often he overslept or stayed in his room.
"That's what happens when you sleep in, well, more than usual." Theo
noted casually, peering around the room curiously, "Where's your snake?
Want me to leave the door open?"
It was a testament to how much Lutain had grown on Theo for the other
boy to offer without another thought. The idea almost made Adrian
smile.
"I'll do it when I leave," Adrian sighed absentmindedly, stretching and
wincing. He still felt completely exhausted, he had been out way too long
the night earlier. Then again, he generally always felt some level of
exhaustion.
Although the one hippogriff feather would look beautiful in his room at
home.
"What were you up to last night?" Theo asked, picking out his clothing
for the day, "Didn't figure there was much left to do, since we're leaving
soon."
Adrian grumbled but searched for his own clothing to change into, "I was
just out."
Theo snorted but after checking that Adrian was decent, darted out of the
room to meet up with Blaise.
Adrian fumbled with his shirt, buttoning it quickly and sliding on his thin
robe.
The others were waiting, looking as prim and proper as they always did.
Daphne clicked her tongue and cast the charm to fix bags under eyes,
smiling the entire time. How polite of her.
They walked through the recognizable arches, up the steps towards the
Great Hall. There was a suspicious lack of students up and about,
especially considering it was the day before they departed for home.
Generally students were making messes out by the front doors, the
Weasley Twin's or Peeves' signatures on the walls.
They walked into the Great Hall, taken aback by the chaotic flurry of
feathers and screeching birds.
"What-?" Pansy shrieked, fending off a grey owl which snapped at her
harshly, "What happened?"
"Did the minister get assassinated or something?" Daphne sniffed,
walking through the chaos as calm as ever. She took her seat, trying to
flag down one of the Daily Prophet's owls.
Adrian frowned, looking for Hedwig in the flurry. He didn't see her,
although he did spot one tall figure walking towards him with the
Gryffindor Head of House.
"Oh no," Blaise reached for a piece of toast, "Look who's coming for you,
Adrian."
That was strange, especially since it wasn't Snape, who generally took
care of his students.
"Mr. Selwyn," Lupin's expression was pinched and waxy. He looked
overall, completely terrible, "A moment of your time."
Adrian felt cold as ice once again, his irrational fear spiked and sent
shivers down his arms.
'Calm down,' he forcibly thought to himself, exhaling harshly through his
nose in one mighty gust.
"Professor," Daphne politely added, "Are you feeling unwell? Perhaps you
should visit the Hospital Wing."
Lupin shook his head slightly, "I'm afraid that I really must insist,
although I thank you for your concern. May I speak with you in private,
Mr. Selwyn?"
Adrian blinked and nodded slowly. He stood- only for a large black eagle
to plunge into the room with the viciousness of a vulture. It lunged,
several tail feathers swaying haphazardly as they nearly shook loose.
Draco flinched, gaping at the bird in surprise and recognition. He didn't
seem necessarily pleased, glancing around the Slytherin table in concern,
as if the bird was for him.
Adrian knew that bird well. Although he had no idea how it was
recovered, as far as Adrian knew it was taken in as contraband.
He also knew that the bird was not there for Draco.
Adrian extended one arm, allowing it to perch and dig its wicked talons
into his arm. Adrian grunted slightly, the noise high pitched and nasally
as a single bead of blood welled from where it's filthy talons dug. It
snapped its beak, holding out one leg with a small amount of parchment
tied to its scaled leg.
"That's..." Draco floundered, unable to process the bird perched on
Adrian's arm. He quickly snatched a Daily Prophet from a first year,
blurting out a random insult to have the younger student release the
paper.
Draco jerked the paper open and froze; Pansy gasped in shock, reading
the headline over Draco's shoulder.
"Oh. Oh Merlin," Theo blinked, looking horrified as he read the title,
"Adrian..."
The bird shrieked impatiently as Adrian untied the parchment carefully.
It was difficult to do so with one arm. It snapped, jerking and flying off
unprompted with no intent to stay behind. Small wells of blood slowly
trailed downwards from where the talons had dug in.
"Give me the paper," Adrian swallowed, holding a hand out for the
newspaper. The rolled parchment was still trapped in his clenched fist.
Draco handed the Prophet over numbly.
Daphne folded one hand under her chin, watching Adrian's face
attentively.
'MASSIVE-BREAKOUT-AT-AZKABAN.'
Oh.
Bella.
Adrian paused before politely and thinly smiling over his shoulder where
Professor Lupin and the Head of Gryffindor house watched him
concernedly.
"Professor, perhaps we should discuss whatever that was in your office."
Lupin nodded shortly, walking hurriedly out of the main hall with the
obvious intent of readying his office for Adrian's arrival.
Bellatrix was out? Bellatrix had escaped Azkaban?
Were the Dementors around Hogwarts because they knew the attack was
coming? Or did the attack occur simply because the Dementors were
away?
Had his father somehow already conversed with the Dementors? Was
that why he hadn't wanted Adrian to meet with the undead creatures at
all?
Bellatrix was free, his Bella was free!
Adrian briefly spotted Neville Longbottom being consoled by Skylar and
Hermione in the hallway- others were affected by it too, weren't they?
Adrian had almost forgotten that other people knew Bellatrix.
Adrian hurried past, trying to ignore everyone and make the parchment
in his grip seem unassuming. He spotted the werewolf waiting near a
corner, shoulders shaking as he tried to compose himself. His instincts
were likely still sharp with his recent transformation.
Adrian stepped up to stand besides Lupin and followed him silently until
they arrived at the Professor's private quarters. With barely a pause, they
stepped inside and closed the door.
The moment Lupin stepped through to his room, he sighed and sagged
his shoulder as if tired from carrying an immense weight.
"You look terrible," Adrian announced, breaking the quiet.
Then, because Adrian was feeling incredibly bubbly and giddy, he added
on almost humorously, "Rough night?"
Lupin shivered, "Something like that. I'm sure you've gathered that
Bellatrix Lestrange has escaped from Azkaban?"
Right, Adrian had to look concerned.
Adrian nodded slowly, forcing the movement to look timid, "I figured
that's why she was out. You-Know-Who would probably want her back...
do you think that he's back?" Adrian widened his eyes forcefully,
"Wouldn't that be a surprise for Skylar Potter."
Lupin paused, observing and staring at Adrian for a moment too long to
be normal. He looked almost like he was evaluating him, scrutinizing his
appearance.
Adrian wasn't...Adrian wasn't giving anything away though? Was there
something telling, something he hadn't thought of?
"Let's not talk about Skylar," Lupin advised eventually, sinking into a
plush chair, "Let's talk about you. I don't normally extend this offer, but
I'd like you to know that you can owl me at any time over the summer."
Adrian blinked in surprise, "Pardon?"
"I'm worried that Bellatrix may attempt to meet you over the summer… if
that happens, message me and I will personally escort you to a safer
place."
What?
Oh Merlin, what had he done?
"You'd put me into protective custody?" Adrian's jaw dropped in shock,
"But... the wards-"
"I can tune your owl into my house's wards, and into any place I'll be
visiting." Lupin politely added, "Your owl is the gyrfalcon?"
"I- yes." Adrian blinked, trapped somewhere between dazed and baffled,
"Her name is Hedwig."
"A wonderful name for a beautiful bird," Lupin wistfully added, eyes
sparkling despite his gaunt and waxy looking skin, "And your familiar's
name is Lutain, correct?"
Lupin was actually trying to remember the name of Adrian's friends?
Lupin was being serious?
Oh Bloody Hell, Adrian's father was going to kill him when he learned
what a mess Adrian had made.
There was no way Dumbledore wasn't aware of this train wreck.
But… Lupin had said that Dumbledore was only aware of the so called
'Child abuse', which meant that perhaps the old man only knew that
Adrian was in an unhealthy household.
It didn't necessarily mean that Dumbledore knew that he was living with
Bellatrix.
And yet...Lupin's offer made sense, it was useful.
As much as Adrian didn't want to admit it, the man had a point. Adrian
didn't know where he would be going once he got off the train. He didn't
know which house was truly his anymore. Would Bella have a safe-house,
or somewhere else she'd be living? Would he live with her, or would he
stay with his father still? Would he be passed back and forth like some
sort of pathetic muggle custody challenge?
"Also," Lupin spoke, his voice dragging Adrian out of his own thoughts.
Lupin looked much more hesitant, as if he was fumbling with how to
bring up a topic, "Are you… certain that your birth parents are deceased?
My friend, James, or Professor Potter to you, he could search through the
Ministry database if you recall your true birth name-"
Why would Lupin think that Adrian's birth parents would still be alive?
Well, Adrian's surname that appeared on that damned charmed map did
display Riddle. It sounded like a muggle surname, which could leave the
impression Bellatrix was a cradle robber.
Actually, wasn't she?
Ah well, at least Adrian could tie up this loose end. As far as Adrian was
concerned, his birth parents were long since dead to him.
"They're dead," Adrian's eyes darkened as once again his temper flared,
tainting his tongue with an acrid flavour, "Do you know what that's like?"
Remus Lupin face pinched into a look so painfully haunted, it reminded
Adrian of thestral cries. The mournful sounds they gave when the milky
eyes stared deep into your soul.
"I do," Remus admitted, his voice breathy like a sigh. The man paused,
lifting his hands and rubbing his eyes.
"I- not many people know, but Skylar was born a twin."
Adrian froze, in horror.
What.
The.
Hell?
What was Lupin doing?
"Exactly," Lupin misinterpreted his horror as surprise, "His name was
Harry, he was a wonderful boy, an amazing child," His voice cracked and
he cut off with a sigh, "We were alarmed when he didn't attend
Hogwarts... it was too dangerous to check in on him before then, too
many Death Eaters were looking for revenge."
"The rumor, on the train when Skylar passed out." Adrian almost didn't
hear his own voice.
"It was truth, Skylar did have a brother."
"What happened?" Adrian's mouth moved numbly, his words sounding
fractured even to him.
"Bellatrix Lestrange," The name sounded like a curse from Lupin's mouth,
his eyes flashed wolfishly, "She destroyed everything. She... we couldn't
even find a body."
They had looked.
They had looked for him.
Oh Merlin, no wonder everyone was so shaken with Bellatrix being
released, Skylar Potter must be filled with horror over the situation.
"I'm sorry," Adrian stiffly murmured, "Were you two...?"
"I was his Godfather; a rather ruddy one at that."
"It wasn't your fault," Adrian echoed, words that had been spoken to him
such a long time ago.
Lupin looked up sharply, golden eyes narrowed as his nostrils flared in
surprise. Adrian's pulse fluttered in his throat, "I'm not him. I'm not your
godson, I don't know what you're doing, why you're so interested in me. I
don't know, I just…" Adrian trailed off uncomfortably- why was his
throat feeling so tight?
"It wasn't your fault but don't replace him with me." He coughed out, as if
it was a bladed weapon that tore his throat apart.
"Of course I wouldn't," Lupin smiled somberly, the expression looking
pained, "But I wouldn't want to see Bellatrix Lestrange tear apart
someone else. "
There was something unspoken on the end of the sentence.
"I'd like that," Adrian blinked, not even aware of the words until after he
had said it.
What was he doing?
Lupin smiled, a large grin that split from one side of his face to the other,
"Thank you, Adrian."
"My name is Hadrianus," Adrian blurted, chewing on his lip thoughtfully,
"Technically, Harry is a shortened version."
Lupin shook his head ever so slightly, "No, I think I'd prefer to call you
Adrian, if you don't mind." His eyes softened and nearly shimmered, "I
think you two would have gotten along well."
'I killed him,' Adrian wanted to blurt, 'I killed Harry Potter,'
But he didn't.
He didn't know what he was doing either.
The Hogwarts Express chugged across the landscape.
"Think Nagini is bigger?" Lutain hummed curiously, peering out at the blur
of the landscape, "I've shed many."
"I doubt it," Adrian sighed, staring at a page of a book and failing to read
it properly. His mind was whirring too quickly with the thoughts of
Bellatrix and Lupin. Even his father.
They were polar opposites, different ends of the spectrum. Bella was
chaos in itself, Lupin was security and stability. His father was
somewhere in between, something much more dangerous than a
werewolf could ever be.
How was it that both his father and Lupin had taken such an interest in
him? Lupin had only known Adrian for a year. His father not much
longer.
"There are sheep!" Lutain enthused, looking at the various pastures, "So
soft!"
Sometimes it was the smallest things which made his familiar so happy.
"Did you know," Adrian started, closing his book and peering out the
window as well, "That when sick, sheep will actually medicate
themselves by eating specific herbs?"
"Clever sheep," Lutain confirmed, peering out as they passed another flock.
They exited the platform, taking time to lug down each trunk onto
special carts and trolleys for transporting luggage. Wouldn't do for a
Pureblood to lug around an owl cage.
Hedwig's cage rattled loudly, smacking into Lutain's special box. The
snake in question was curled around his neck, scenting the surprising
mixture of animals and people.
"There you are," Daphne Greengrass smoothly slid over to him. She
wheeled her own trunks with the Greengrass crest over alongside
Adrian's own collections. Her hair had been done up, styled nicely at the
nape of her neck so as to not snag on the bags she had slung over her
shoulder, "Oh, what a coincidence. I would love to meet your parents,
Adrian."
Adrian scowled, she politely smiled in response.
"We simply must stay in touch over the holidays," her smile was
predatory, "I'm eager to see you attend my summer gathering, Adrian."
"I doubt I'll-" Adrian paused when he felt the strangest tingle against the
edges of his senses, a pulse of something decadent.
"What is it?" Daphne asked, peering through the mob of people, trying to
see what had caught his attention.
Adrian's face split into a smile against his will, eyes widening in
amusement and humor at the situation, "Oh, he didn't."
Daphne eyed him oddly and confused.
Lord Voldemort himself was smoothly moving through the crowd, each
step fluid and languid like a vampire. Nobody managed to touch him,
most likely subtle repelling and notice-me-not charms on his cloak and
high quality robes.
"Oh," Daphne blinked quickly, glancing between his father and Adrian
with an almost disappointed expression, "Your resemblance is uncanny."
They'd have to change that somehow.
"Hello Adrian," his father calmly addressed, overlooking Daphne with
disregard as if she were scenery. "I assume you have gathered all of your
necessities."
"Of course, Father," Adrian responded shortly, it was easy to see where he
inherited his tone of voice from.
His father placed one hand on his shoulder, twisting suddenly and
violently to apparate away without ever acknowledging Daphne
Greengrass.
Let her try to swallow that bit of information.
From Chapter 30 Reviews
Ada1229: I'm curious as to Daphne's logic...how does Harry asking if
names really matter mean he's not pureblood? Obviously it means
nothing...
In my mindset, the question was based off of Slytherin Pureblood pride. It's
common in Slytherin to have a high esteem for your family name. Since
Neville was in Gryfindoor and was raised with a different outlook, he's an
exception. In Slytherin, names are everything,
saphira88: Can't you just make Adrian order the basilisk to kill that
hellspawn suzan? Or bribe the dementors to feast on her?
Well, it would look super bad. The Basilisk is a secret, so if it killed Suzie then
the monster of the Chamber is still roaming free and the school is shut down.
The Dementors are ordered not to kill students so if they did, Dumbledore
would know someone tried to assassinate Suzie. Who doesn't like Suzie-
Adrian. Boom, caught.
From Chapter 31 Reviews
S058: Though I'm curious why the Hippogriff broke it's wing that easily. I
work with birds (Chickens, which are evil shites), and feathers don't
resist that much. Breaking the bone, well, even if we assume they're
fragile, is a bad sign.
I didn't know that! My experience is mostly just an incident with a roadkill
turkey, I was trying to pull out its pinion feathers and I ended up breaking its
wingbone. I ended up having to tear it off and take the entire wing home to
pull out the feathers.
fall equinox 1: Ok sorry ma'ma. So will Adrian be dancing around his
enemies?
No need to apologize! He'll be dancing around the best he can!
Child of Dreams: But what about Remus?
What about him?
Grayson Steele: Alright, I'll bite, why were Harry and Hermione outside?
Canon had them there because of Sirius dragging Ron away to get
Pettigrew after they'd visited Hagrid. Since Beaky isn't being executed
and Sirius didn't have to escape Azkaban and Peter is already with the
Dark Lord, what would have dragged Hermione out of the castle on the
night a full moon when she undoubtedly has figured out Lupin's
condition? Part two, why is Lupin in full werewolf mode if he has been
taking the Wolfsbane potion and presumably didn't miss a dose due to
seeing Peter's name or Sirius' on the Marauder's Map?
Crap. I have Betas to try and catch these things. Okay, lets see.
I'm going to guess that Hermione and Skylar for some reason were super
concerned over Moony, Padfoot, and Prongs going into the forest with all of
the Dementors congregating so thickly. In the classic Boy who lived way,
Skylar's trying to save the day.
Or something like that. As for the Wolfsbane...okay, I have nothing. You're
really good at this. I'll head back eventually and edit the past chapters so It
makes sense. I should have you as a beta!
4everfictional: so, he's not going to transport the bodies to her?
I know! Poor basilisk! The pretty girl is going to starve!
THE DARKEST OF THEM ALL: In shadowed malice one of the things
that struck me as odd was the fact that u did a time skip and after that it
was as if Adrian knew that he was a dementor like creature.
Is it going to be like that in this one too or not?
Also loved the fact that Adrian was able to keep his cool in the fight,
really appreciate it.
And I was so triggered when the stag came in cuz I thought it was skylar
and I thought Sirius and James have thought him how to become an
animagus.
Is it going to be like that in this one too or not?
Nope! This story is essentially here to correct all of the mistakes in Shadowed
Malice. It always struck me odd as well. No worries! It will be fixed!
Skylar is not an Animagus! At least Adrian is ahead of him with that!
KClown: Why did Harry approach the dementors on his own? It said in a
previous chapter that he should approach them with an adult but he
didn't. And what was the reason for the scene with hippogriffs?
Well, who was Adrian going to drag out into the forest to watch him get
Dementors to pledge to the Dark Lord. Flitwick? I doubt that would have gone
well.
Adalonda explained that Dementors worked as mercenaries a long time ago, if
they were 'payed' with courageous brave souls. Hippogriffs fit that perfectly.
33. Splinch
This chapter was beta'd by our amazing Beta Collective
-Arctic Fox From Afar
-Mahina
-Cyndaquil05
- and countless anonymous helpers!
Thanks to everyone who has inquired and are starting to work on
the document.
I also want to mention that just because something important
happens now, it doesn't mean that the next chapter will directly
relate to it. This story is a butterfly effect, and everything Adrian
does leads to a very specific outcome you wont see until later.
Thinks from chapter 12 will come back in chapter 45. That's how
this story is written, and how I hope you all will enjoy it!
Thoughts drifted lazily in and out, each tangible until they melted,
evaporating into the finest sand, blowing gently in a wind.
Every cloud, every solid surface bubbled and boiled when the scantest
trace of touch drifted near its surface. It drifted, rippling and caressing
each prod like smoke.
The intangible liquid condensed when out of prodding distance, forming
into shrouded walls and blackened pillars. The illusion was disorienting,
surrounded by oasis in a never-ending desert.
It was a snowfall of grey ash; pillars and walls constructed of fine dust
and soot. Like a painting, the further you stood the more solid it
appeared. Under close scrutiny it crumbled and faltered like sandstone
under foot, leaving dust and unreadable powder with every step.
Memories disintegrated, whispering broken snatches of conversations
into a meaningless blur of sensations and sounds.
The touch removed itself, the fluid serpentine body pulling away and out
of Adrian's skull with near damaging force.
Adrian blinked, his eyes rolling back into focus as he rolled his shoulders
tiredly.
"So?" Adrian cleared his throat, resisting the urge to rub his eyes with the
palm of his hand.
His father's eyes narrowed, one hand tilting Adrian's head sideways with
gentle fingers. Adrian could tell his father was sliding into his mind once
again- absolutely seamlessly to the point Adrian couldn't even tell.
"It's unique," Voldemort stated eventually, his voice smooth and careful,
"Defensive to the point of maddening."
Adrian felt a flare of pride, washing through his head to the core.
"Emotions aren't well disguised," Voldemort noted scoldingly, "They carry
through stronger than distinct thoughts."
He was still in Adrian's head? He had broken eye contact, how was he-
"I'm the best legilimens in the world, child." Voldemort's red eyes
glimmered in satisfaction, "I don't require sustained eye contact to read
your thoughts, of course, only I am able."
Adrian sagged in relief, the last thing he needed was Dumbledore or his
head of house to sneak through his mind even with broken eye contact.
"So I can help?" Adrian asked hopefully, crossing his legs carefully on his
bed. It had been expanded with Adrian's growth spurt. He had easily
grown a few inches taller in the last couple of weeks. Along with his
height, his voice had begun to lose the childish quality, lowering into
something smoother with occasionally horrifying cracks.
"You've placed yourself in a unique position," Voldemort admitted
crossing one leg at his knee. He lifted his left hand to remove one stray
hair which drifted in front of his face, "A valuable one, although risky
considering your barriers were not yet cemented."
"They are now," Adrian grumbled, resisting the urge to cross his arms,
"Lupin isn't a legilimens anyways."
"You couldn't have known," Voldemort retorted with one arched
eyebrow, "Do not forget it was my influence which constructed your
Occlumency."
Adrian blinked in genuine confusion for a split second, "I know. You're
my father, I like that you can see inside my head."
Voldemort said nothing, he only blinked slowly and turned his head
slightly. The light from Adrian's bedside lamp cast a shadow over his
father's cheekbones, hollowing his jaw.
"You'll be training with Bellatrix once again," his father announced, "More
difficult spells of course. Your magic is at it's swell, as such you will be
trained accordingly."
"Darker magic?" Adrian asked, trying to hide the hope lifting in his voice.
"Spells others won't know?"
"Or how to counter." his father noted with a slight glimmer, "You will be
training with a follower of mine, Rowle. He will teach you Apparation."
"Apparation?" Adrian blinked quickly, trying to dispel the nervous
tension, "Isn't that a complex skill?"
"Easier than the Animagus transformation, which you intend to master as
well." Voldemort noted pointedly, wrinkling his nose slightly in disdain,
"Apparation is more useful if you are to spy on the Order of the Phoenix."
"Can't we just use the mark?" Adrian asked hopefully, he really did want
to master his Animagus transformation before attempting something as
advanced as Apparation. He had heard horror stories about it from
Rabastan- people splinched with legs protruding from their shoulders.
One lady had died after leaving her lower half behind and showing up as
only a torso.
"The mark is not useful for training or elaborate concepts," his father's
voice was sharp. A small flare of throbbing in the back of Adrian's mind
alerted him to his father's rising annoyance, "You will learn Apparation. I
intend for you to participate in a raid, my announcement of my return.
You will be using a portkey, but such failsafes cannot be relied upon
forever."
"A raid?" Adrian straightened instantly, "An actual raid?"
Adrian had always dreamed of participating in a raid. Obviously he
couldn't help with the minor spells and charms learned in his first year.
Even the elaborate hexes that he spent weeks on wouldn't be enough to
defeat an auror in a simple duel. His fight with James Potter just before
the term ended was proof enough. It was dumb luck that Werewolves
couldn't swim that had saved him and stopped the two aurors from
chasing him down.
"After you practice with Bellatrix," Voldemort crooned back, eyes glinting
brightly like rubies, "You will go with Nagini as a guide, she will protect
you and let me know your whereabouts at all times."
Adrian huffed and swallowed down his protests- he didn't need Nagini to
mother him and guide him around like a lost dog. He was much faster, he
was already a much better spellcaster than Potter.
"The raid will take place on August 25, during the Quidditch World Cup."
Voldemort continued, ignoring Adrian's stewing thoughts, "You will
attend as a learning experience only."
Adrian wasn't a fan of quidditch, although the world cup was something
Theo had been enthusing about since second year. Theo was excited,
along with Draco that it would be hosted in England. Knowing Draco, he
would likely already have seats reserved.
"What spells am I going to be taught?" Adrian leant forward, bracing his
elbows on his knees, "The Unforgivables?"
"I learned those in my sixth year," Voldemort smoothly rebutted,
frowning as he observed Adrian's face closely, "Those are still too
advanced for you."
Adrian did not pout, although his cheek did twitch unwillingly.
"Unfortunately," Voldemort continued, sighing dramatically with
displeasure, "You have inherited my looks significantly."
Adrian had hoped for that, although he only shared half of his father's
genetics from the blood adoption potion, the fact he had taken it before
he grew ingrained their shared features further. He didn't see it as a
problem at all, he was proud to inherit the hair and the nose. A
permanent reminder that Adrian existed as someone entirely new,
someone who was a threat.
"I agree, you are a threat," Voldemort nodded, a small smirk twisting his
thin lips as his eyes darkened lazily, "I would love to see the expression
on the old fool's face if you were to age, untouched."
"What-" Adrian bit his tongue, growing silent as his father frowned in
disapproval at his interruption.
"It's possible to place a minor glamour over you, shifting it to be
permanent," Voldemort continued, clicking his tongue thoughtfully, "Of
course extended exposure to that may indirectly affect your magic, and
you already have such wonderful control."
Adrian flinched but stayed still as Voldemort snatched his head, long
fingers curling around his jawline and chin, forcing it sharply to the side
to see his profile.
"No, perhaps a natural illusion would alter your appearance
appropriately," Voldemort hummed, "And you've created such a
wonderful tale of dear abusive Bellatrix."
"What..." Adrian swallowed anxiously, feeling the beginning stirrings of
fear in his stomach. "What do you mean?"
His father had a strange expression on his face, one glimmering with
some sort of dark amusement. He reached out, gently shifting Adrian's
hair until he could see the bone white mark on his up upper forehead,
hidden always by his fringe. His scar, or at least the one his father had
given him a very long time ago.
The long finger trailed over the slightly raised edge, more tangible than
visible. It was in the shape of a lightning bolt, unique and something
Adrian treasured.
His father's mouth quirked, as if he had realised something at the sight of
his scar.
"I'm sure I can come up with something." He mused, twitching his finger
so the nail sharply dug into his skin. Adrian didn't even flinch.
His father, like the sadist he was, immediately threw him into the
dragon's cage to face the beast itself directly after the proclamation.
"Adrian!" Bellatrix shrieked, her hair much shorter than he was used to. It
barely brushed her bony shoulders, "My baby!"
Adrian turned partially, taking the tackling hug with his shoulder
knocking into her chest. It didn't prevent the long gnarled nails on her
hands from digging into his upper arm, although it helped him protect
his lungs and breathing from impact.
"I've missed you!" Bellatrix cooed, stroking his hair and somehow knotting
the locks between her slightly shaking fingers, "You're so tall now!"
He had grown, although compared to his father he was still so short. Next
to Bella, he realized he didn't need to look up at her nearly so far.
"Yes, I grew," Adrian spoke, the words awkward and stiff as he watched
her for any violent movements, "That's what people tend to do."
She flung him away, curling her hands to her chest as she cackled loudly,
eyes welling with delighted tears.
"They do!" She agreed enthusiastically, "Like a puppy!"
Adrian carefully pulled his wand from his sleeve, showing her his
movements slowly so she wouldn't lunge at him. "Father said you were
supposed to be showing me spells."
"He did?" She cocked her head the one side, eyes going blank before
sharpening, "Oh! Yes! He did!"
Bellatrix never used to forget information like that, especially from her
lord.
"Here," She chirped, flicking her wand in a movement Adrian dreaded
seeing every morning. Cheery birds shot out, flapping in the air excitedly
in mockery of Theo's inventive technique to rouse Adrian, "Target
practice!"
"On live birds?" Adrian floundered, "Shouldn't we conjure a target first?"
She blinked and shook her head patronizing, "Oh Adrian, what's the point
in learning dark magic if you don't have some fun!"
She spun, pointing one shaking hand at a happy canary, she shouted
something quickly, sending a white line of magic at the bird. Despite how
her arm tremored, her aim was impeccable.
The bird shrieked, spasming and collapsing to the floor. It trembled,
shaking as its feathers puffed unnaturally, its skin swelling as if it tangled
with a stinging jellyfish.
"See!" Bellatrix cackled, "Much more fun with live things!"
"That was a stinging hex?" Adrian blinked quickly, trying to mentally
process how fast events had unfolded, "you're teaching me a stinging
hex?"
"Oh," She blinked, eyes blank once again, "Yes, yes, let's teach you that.
Okay, it's Ictum. Cast it like this-" her tongue poked out as she jabbed her
wand forward like a spear. She did it casually at Adrian's chest, not
caring about how the movement had Adrian ready to shield at any sign
of magic. Bellatrix seemed like she would curse him without thought.
She looked at him impatiently, and with a slow breath he relaxed and
looked for a target.
"Okay," Adrian exhaled, pointing his wand at a carefree bluebird, "Ictum."
He didn't cast it, although it sent the strangest sensation up his arm,
leaving him gasping in surprise at the feeling. It felt like he had briefly
submerged his arm in water, sending feeling through his nerves.
"No no," She tutted, dancing forward and grabbing his arm to point it at
the bird again, "Like you're stabbing out its eyes!"
Right, stabbing out its eye. He practiced the movement once, exhaling
before casting loudly, "Ictum!"
A white light shot out, hitting the bird and causing it to falter. It was
flapping with a limp, landing and preening at its feathers uncomfortably.
The strange sensation tingled up Adrian's arms once again- was this what
dark magic felt like?
"Ictum," He tried again, jabbing forward and sending a considerably
stronger jet of light. His nerves tingled and muscles twitched as the
relaxing feeling of warmed water drifted up his arm, just above his
elbow.
The bird shrieked, puffing dramatically and dropping to the floor.
"Yes! That's it!" Bellatrix laughed, "Stinging hex like a pesky stinging
nettle."
It looked more like an allergic reaction, similar to the bite of an Urosting.
"Ictum," Adrian continued, reducing his volume into a determined flat
tone. Twice more his arm tingled comfortably, causing him to frown
when it receded.
Birds dropped to the floor around him, chirping somberly as wings were
held in awkward positions.
"Here," Bellatrix coached, directing his aim at one of the birds on the
ground, "Rumpervis! To pop pesky feather balls!"
Adrian hadn't ever heard of a spell to 'pop' feathers. Was it a spell used
against feathered magical creatures?
"Rumpervis?" Adrian tested the word, rolling it on his tongue. Bellatrix
nodded eagerly, pointing at the first Canary on the ground, "How do I
cast it?"
"Like avis," Bellatrix innocently added, "It gets rid of them!"
Avis had a counter spell? Normally the birds just vanished back to
wherever they were summoned after a period of time. It would be useful
to know the counter spell, especially when Theo summoned a flock to
pester him in the mornings.
"Rumpervis," Adrian casted, not expecting a dark corkscrewing spell to
leave his wand. It twisted, purple on the very edge before it connected
with the bird.
It circled it for a split second, making almost a net around its swollen
body. It sunk, paused for a split second before the bird exploded.
Adrian stumbled backwards, tripping on the ground as a tiny splash of
blood speckled his cheek. It was probably unnoticeable, yet the warm
fluid felt like it had drenched his entire face.
Yellow feathers stuck to the ground in the sticky pile the bird had once
been, its left wing had been blasted clear off and laid on the ground. One
puffy Robin hopped over to it curiously.
"See?" Bellatrix cackled loudly, "Pops feather balls!"
"You should have told me that it explodes birds!" Adrian shouted back,
scrambling upwards to pull out his wand once again, he hadn't been
prepared to just murder an animal.
"It's more fun not to tell you," She laughed, "Rumpervis! Rumpervis!"
Two more birds exploded with small bangs, speckling blood on the
startled Robin.
Adrian had just killed a bird.
Although, they were conjured. So it was likely that they never had
existed, or were true to the word 'alive'. They were just targets, moving
targets that had as much life as a stationary training dummy.
"Okay," Adrian breathed, standing shakily and pointing his wand at
another bird, ignoring Bellatrix's massive grin, "Rumpervis."
The Robin hopped, looking flustered with one gigantic wing, then it cried
out.
Pop
The blood made Adrian flinch, looking away while exhaling through his
nose. His arm tingled like stinging hex, making his skin warm and
relaxing his muscles. He could seriously see the use of casting magic like
this- to ward off the cramping muscles he got after writing long essays.
"Feel it?" Bellatrix asked, breathing it out in a loud noisy sound, "The
harder the magic, the better it is."
"The stinging hex is better," Adrian blinked, frowning as the warmth
faded all too soon, "Does it last longer depending on the target?"
"Nope," she popped the P with her lips, painted in horrible lipstick, "The
stronger the spell the longer it lasts."
Adrian pointed his wand at a bird circling above them, "Ictum."
The spell was cast harder, the white light tinted almost blue around the
edges. Adrian felt the sensation before it even hit the bird. He cast the
dark bird popping spell before the bird hit the ground.
It felt nicer, like he had sprawled out with his arm on Nagini's basking
rock.
He didn't even notice the bird pop.
He blinked, staring at his hand which displayed no external signs of the
feeling. It was his magic itself thrumming in his skin, warming in his
blood.
"What's next?" He asked Bella instantly.
She grinned.
The convenience with Adrian's new height, was that he could pass off as
an adult when he wore robes.
Of course his entire wardrobe had to be adjusted, his special cloak was
taken from him one day and returned the next with all new fabric.
Lutain had been spending more time with Nagini, at night they conversed
and Lutain filled him in on the new techniques for scaring and his new
lessons in human-building-navigation. Adrian thought it was all Griffon
fodder until Lutain surprised him horribly by opening the door to the
lavatory while he bathed.
What Lutain lacked in muscle and in size (although he was rather skilled
at tightening around Adrian's throat if he said so himself), he made up in
speed. With his black scales and stunning yellow belly, he and Nagini
made it a contest to scare the living daylights out of Wormtail whenever
they could.
Adrian had explicitly told the two that he still needed Wormtail for his
animagus lessons, and they were not allowed to eat him or kill him.
Bellatrix's lessons continued on a daily schedule, although the intensity of
the training varied by the injuries obtained. Adrian's father had a near
constant supply of potions for injuries, Adrian suspected the man brewed
them all himself. Although Voldemort hadn't ever actually stopped in to
watch the training for himself, he seemed pleased by the evidence of the
curses along Adrian's skin.
They had mostly stuck to various hexes and curses that were simple in
complexity- Adrian could tell because the most satisfaction he received
was warming tingles to his right shoulder. Regardless, they were able to
do enough damage sticking to the basics. Slashing, blasting, melting, and
cutting hexes were almost exclusively used.
Bellatrix managed to cross over the scar on Adrian's bicep with a curse,
turning it into a perfect 'X'. Adrian managed to cut her hair even shorter.
Considering how long it took for Adrian to heal, he considered it a win.
Once again, Adrian found his affinity with fire spells, able to shift them
and cast them with relative ease. Bellatrix mentioned how his Fiendfyre
would be absolutely beautiful.
He wasn't allowed to start practicing magic that advanced, the only
difficult piece of magic he was expected to learn was the one he was
dreading.
Apparation was something Adrian genuinely expected to learn from his
father. He assumed since it was a general mode of transport for most
wizards and witches, it wouldn't take an extensive time to learn how to
perform.
Rowle was one of his father's followers, therefore loyalty and duty bound
to protect Adrian was well. It was a good decision, mostly because Adrian
wondered if Bellatrix would have actually helped him if he splinched part
of his leg on the other side of the room. Rowle apparently was very
proficient with dark magic, as well as damaging charms. Bellatrix sighed
almost dreamily as she explained how she once watched him cast four
killing curses back to back.
If his father trusted the man, then Adrian would have to hope that he
didn't mess up too badly.
"He's here!" Bellatrix squealed excitedly, skipping down the hall with
Adrian's forearm in her gasp. "Oh, you're going to love him."
Adrian seriously doubted that.
Bellatrix swung open the door to the main dueling area, warded to
prevent damage to the building's infrastructure. A smart decision
considering how vicious Bellatrix got.
Rowle stood, wearing dark clothing with the signature white mask
covering his face. His hair was short and blonde, more of a Northern
European look than the Malfoy platinum. Sharp blue eyes pierced Adrian,
as fierce as an eagle.
"Hello!" Bellatrix cried excitedly, jumping up and down with her robes
billowing, "How have you been!"
Rowle's thin lips pinched into a polite smile, "How was Azkaban."
His voice was deep, rumbled with the faintest slur of an accent or a
speech impediment.
Bellatrix threw her head back with a cackle, twisting her torso and nearly
throwing Adrian with the sharpness of her movements, "Wonderful! So
many crying idiots, begging for this or that. I almost miss it."
"Enough goading," Adrian clipped out, eyes looking at Rowle criticising,
"I was told you're a proficient dueler."
Rowle tensed, his obvious muscles hunching as he flat out ignored Adrian,
looking at Bellatrix instead. "What's with the kid?"
"Thorfinn!" Bellatrix gasped in shock, holding her hands to her chest in
shock, "How rude!"
Rowle sniffed, "When did you get a kid?"
"I'm not Bellatrix's child," Adrian's voice was icy. He mentally chanted
that this man would not attack him, no matter how intimidating he
looked.
"Right," Rowle sighed impatiently, "I have things to do-"
"You're supposed to teach me Apparation," Adrian scowled, spitting the
word like venom from his mouth, "In two months at the latest."
Rowle's eyebrow lifted from behind the mask, "Two months, right. How
old are you kid, fifteen?"
"Thirteen," Adrian scowled, pinching his expression sharply, "Fourteen in
a month."
Rowle snorted loudly, a patronizing smile on his face, "Right, thanks for
the laugh Bellatrix but-"
"Oh Thorfinn," Bellatrix sweetly sighed, shaking her head sadly, "How
upset our lord will be when he finds out you were so rude to his heir."
Rowle paused, looking at Adrian blankly.
Adrian rolled his shoulders with pointedly annoyed expression, "I need to
perfect the Animagus transformation as well. The sooner we get this over
with, the sooner I can get back to more important things."
Rowle opened his mouth, then clicked his jaw shut.
"Isn't he precious?" Bellatrix gushed, "I taught him everything he knows!"
"If that's true, Merlin save you." Rowle grimaced, pulling his mask off to
reveal strong features and a thick jaw. He stashed it in his inner cloak
pocket, offering one arm as thick as Adrian's leg, "You ever Side-
apparate?"
"I have." Adrian admitted, "Father took me."
Rowle paused, "Father, right. Okay, well..." He coughed uncomfortably,
"Let's hope you don't splinch yourself."
Adrian winced visibly, "Can't possibly be worse than Bella's curses."
Bella wriggled her fingers sweetly.
"Probably not," Rowle admitted gruffly, "Hope you're persistent."
Adrian grasped the arm, looping his own thinner limb through it like a
hook, "I'm not lazy.."
Adrian splinched himself so badly, his right foot was left on the other
side of the room.
Bellatrix had the gall to laugh.
Infinity128: And Voldy wasn't diguised?
confused a bit with the ending of this chap
wasn't adrian not wanting Bella just a few chaps ago and wishing she
never breaks out?
and suddenly he's all happy about it sayimg 'my' bella and stuff?
Voldemort wasn't disguised since his face in its natural form, is a disguise. The
only person who actually remembers what Voldemort looked like was
Dumbledore, and Slughorn. Both of which he knew wouldn't be at the station.
Not to mention he wanted to make sure nobody stole Adrian, especially with
how much Adrian knew and how poor his shields were.
Adrian doesn't really know what he wants with Bella. He likes his father a lot
more than Bella- so he didn't want her to escape because then he would be
living with her again. But he did miss her. It was a selfish wish that she didn't
escape so he wouldn't have to give up living with his father. Although this
chapter makes that null, since he's living with Voldemort anyways.
S058: Yeah, if the bird in question was roadkill, well, odds are the
impact of the car kinda softened him up since a Hippogriff looks bloody
massive, which implies it'll have big bones that are pretty dang tough...
Huh, that's fascinating to hear! I honestly thought all birds had their primary
feathers pretty well stuck in there. For this story, I'll just go with the idea that
Hippogriff feathers are really dark stuck in there.
Cat Beats: I am a little confused over why Daphne was disappointed after
seeing the resemblance between Harry and Tom. Was she expecting some
well known pureblood to pick him up that would give away who his
magical parent would be?
I think Daphne was hoping for something to give him away. I think Daphne
was at the assumption that Adrian had gone through a blood adoption, and
then was given up by that specific person. That's why Adrian's boggart was his
'blood adopted' father. He was then likely taken in by a different family, so
Daphne believes he went through three families. Seeing Voldemort/Adrian's
Father blew her idea that Adrian had a bad relationship with the blood
adoption father, leaving her confused about the boggart.
shadowman21: I'm guessing Adrian will be attending the Greengrass
Gathering is that when Lord Voldemort tries to recruit the Greengrasses
and is Adrian going to see Draco this summer?
Well, Adrian and Daphne aren't really friends at this point, not to mention
Daphne doesn't really know where to send the letter to.
Adrian will see Draco! Although almost entirely in a completely different
setting and circumstance than you can imagine.
Impstar:I can't believe I forgot to review this when I read it. Blasphemy I
tell you! Someone is manipulating my mind!
Ahem. Lupin works his way closer into Harry's heart, which is good to
see. Harry needs as many people in his corner as possible. Bellatrix
escape, which... I'm not sure if this is good or bad for Harry's mental
state, which is already tenuous.
By the way, in a review response you said that the reason Adrian didn't
sick dementors on Suzie was because he'd be suspected for murder. I
think that's kind of a leap in logic. He vehemently dislikes Suzie. That
doesn't make him a murderer. He's a 13 year old kid. He wouldn't be
suspected that easily, I don't think. This doesn't mean that he would be
under a degree of suspicion of course.
Blasphemy!
Oh man, if you think his mental state is bad now, just wait. It's going to
become so much worse.
I completely understand why you're so skeptic. I think, that although he
wouldn't really be charged for the death of Suzie, he would be under major
suspicion. And since his Occlumency walls weren't finalized, even a bit of
suspicion would be devastating. Not to mention, two deaths in Hogwarts in
such a short time? Yikes, the school might close and that would make spying a
whole lot harder.
Chase354: how often do you post each chapter?
Now that school has started, I'm aiming and trying to keep to posting one
chapter a week. Keep in mind, that I'm very busy (16 credit hours in a science
field) and volunteer often (about 20 hours a week) not even including
homework or anything that comes up around in my daily life. I've gone ahead
and proof read and edited the next chapter, so that should be posted sooner
rather than later. I like to put a pause before chapters for people to review
with questions so I can answer them here.
KClown: Are you going to make another chapter like 'Down Goes
Daphne'?
No! Oh no, that was absolute insanity. Daphne will last a lot longer and have
a healthy amount of story time and will not unnecessarily die just for dramatic
emphasis.
34. Rapture
This chapter was beta'd by our amazing Beta Collective
-Arctic Fox From Afar
-Mahina
-Cyndaquil05
- and countless anonymous helpers!
Thanks to everyone who has inquired and are starting to work on
the document.
I would also like to say that after this chapter, fanart on my
personal Tumblr is now working! I've drawn Adrian before, but if
you'd like a more visual idea, my username is Digitalta, if you
understand how to use tumblr, search tags for this story, antithesis
Rowle was a good teacher. He was calm, and didn't tire. It was
convenient since Apparation was even harder for Adrian to perform than
he anticipated.
Bellatrix didn't always watch, she often had other things to do. Rowle
was given a special Portkey to the manor, and the privilege of freedom
only in the main training room. On the rare occasions he saw another
person, it was either Wormtail being chased by Nagini, or Rabastan
delivering another shipment of illegal goods.
Rowle was professional in terms of never asking for information about his
student.
Adrian almost suspected that the man doubted that he was the Dark
Lord's Heir, until he saw Adrian deep in discussion with Nagini.
Lutain then terrified the man by moving across the floor faster than any
curse, five feet of lethal intent.
"Got you!" Lutain crooned happily, displaying his fangs horrifyingly, "you
are not so fast."
"That's because father would kill him if he cursed you," Adrian sighed,
rubbing his eyes with his palm, "Leave him, he's my tutor."
"Shame he isn't as good as Nagini," Lutain sniffed, but retracted his
imposing body obediently, "we are well matched."
Rowle swallowed nervously, blue eyes focused on Lutain's strikingly dark
scales. "An impressive snake you have, young lord."
"Young lord?" Adrian quoted questioningly, blinking slowly as his
familiar hissed laughingly, "That's a new one."
"Is it?" Rowle asked calmly, hands trembling as they clenched only air-
not daring to draw his wand, "It baffles me others do not show you
proper respect, my lord."
"Considering only you, and the Lestrange's know of my existence," Adrian
stated boldly, drawing his wand and pointing it at Rowle innocently, "I
don't have many to base my standards on."
Rowle nodded, not so much as blinking at the threat, "Then allow me to
thank you for the generosity of your presence."
"You flatter me," Adrian drawled, lips pressed thinly together, "I know
you're supposed to be teaching me how to apparate. I want you to teach
me a spell, or a curse. One that will be more useful than popping birds or
tripping aurors."
"Hatchling," Nagini scolded, peering over at Adrian disapprovingly, "You
are to learn different magics."
"I won't be of any help without knowing any useful spells" Adrian hissed in
response, "What point is learning Apparation when father already said he
didn't think I could master it before the raid? I should at least know how to
defend myself for a while."
"You have our bite," Nagini's tail thrashed loudly, thumping heavily on the
floor, "That is all that is needed."
"But I should know something- just the incantation," Adrian bartered, "I'll
practice it on my own. Just one day for the spell, then I can master it along
with Apparation."
Nagini looked unconvinced, "You will practice with yourself?"
"And I won't get far behind. Let me surprise father."
Nagini grumbled and looked at Lutain who was obviously waiting for her
decision.
"Okay," Nagini huffed, "But strong spell! Only for your safety!"
Adrian smiled, nodding to Rowle who looked remarkably well composed
for having witnessed an entire conversation in parseltongue.
"She agrees, and you won't be disobeying my father," Adrian translated
with a small smile, "I want you to teach me a spell. Something for
combat, something strong."
Rowle's face spread into a vicious grin, his pale eyes lightened
considerably, "Oh? Dealing some damage, are we?"
Adrian's face didn't flicker, "Something brutal." Something dark.
Rowle paused in consideration, chewing his bottom lip thoughtfully.
"What do you know about the Dark Arts, Ki- my lord."
Adrian almost smiled. He wondered how Draco would look if he was
forced to address Adrian as such.
"Dark magic is a mutating form of magic, always adapting and changing.
It's not defined or restricted by limits of power, or expressions of
emotion." Adrian recited properly with near textbook definition, "I want
something which cannot be countered easily."
Rowle grunted an affirmative, "Tell you what. I'll show you two; one for
large scale attacks and one for single targets."
Adrian nodded, watching as two training dummies were conjured- not
nearly as well constructed as Bellatrix's usual creations.
"Abrumpo!" Rowle hoarsely grunted, slashing his wand in a diagonal
shape. A shimmering red line blasted out of his wand, glinting like a
blade. It slashed deeply into the dummy, spilling its cotton and straw
stuffing onto the floor.
Without giving Adrian enough time to register, Rowle was already
moving onto the next dummy.
"Ruptura," Rowle spoke, sending a thin stream of purple fire searing
through the air like a long rope attached to an arrow. It singed, burning
through the cloth of the dummy with a clean move.
"How is the second one able to affect multiple people at once?" Adrian
spoke calmly, ignoring how the purple heat singed his own skin.
To demonstrate, Rowle twisted his wrist, severing his wand's connection
to the fire as it continued through the air like a dangerous ribbon.
"It'll exist for several minutes after being cast," Rowle explained with the
smallest flicker of a smile, "And will continue to feed off of your own
magic unless you consciously sever it."
The fire burned, moving faintly in the air with the grace of kelp in water.
"Alright," Adrian exhaled through his nose, "Abrumpo and Ruptura. I can
remember that."
Rowle's eyes shined with some sort of sadistic humor, as if he wasn't
telling Adrian all of the relevant information.
"Good," He smiled, lips pulling back in an expression Adrian couldn't
decipher, "Apparation then?"
Dinner was always an uncomfortable situation, mostly because it never
extended to involving people beyond Adrian and his father.
The table was a long piece of wood, lacquered darkly and covered with
silvery plates with various foods. They were fancy, high quality
ingredients set in an aesthetically pleasing shape by the house elves.
"How are your studies?" His father asked casually, more out of obligation
than actual interest.
"Decent," Adrian responded politely, pausing as he buttered a roll with a
dull knife, "Rowle is an adequate teacher."
His father arched one eyebrow and looked at him with an almost lazy
ruby glance, "Only adequate?"
Adrian gave a minor shrug, looking down at the bread in his hands.
"Don't shrug, it's unbecoming," his father scolded without looking up from
his food, "I had assumed that his personality would prompt you to master
the techniques faster."
"He's…" Adrian paused, thinking carefully, "He's bold. Impressive
endurance."
Voldemort gave a low hum of thought, slicing his own portion of meat
into bite sized cubes with elaborate silver utensils. "He's loyal. I noticed
you asked Rowle for advanced spellwork."
Adrian paused, "Did Nagini..."
"No," Red eyes glimmered, "You forget your mind is as open to me as it is
yourself."
It wasn't like he was hiding his curiosity. Adrian didn't want to be pinned
down by Hogwarts curriculum spellwork and charms. With a resource
like Rowle at his disposal, Adrian would be an idiot to not take
advantage of it.
"Unfortunately, although Rowle performs spells acceptably, he lacks the
required knowledge on theory itself." His father continued, plucking a
ripe plum from a nearby plate. His knife split its skin effortlessly, sending
darkly tinted juice over the metal.
"Magical theory?" Adrian paused tentatively, "Dark magic is a mutating
form of magic, always adapting and changing. It's not defined or
restricted by limits of power, or expressions of emotion."
What he said to Rowle suddenly sounded much less impressive when he
was saying it to the Dark Lord.
"That book was created to address neutral magic and light magic," his
father explained casually, "I recognize the phrase. Unfortunately
misinterpretive for the content. Dark Magic feeds off of destructive
emotions. Normally thought of as a loose term applicable to any spell
whose intended effects are discomfort or death, it generally does not
consider other emotional based magic."
Adrian paused thoughtfully, "Magic such as the Patronus charm then-"
"Is a derivative of dark magic which does not function in previously
defined categories."
Adrian paused thoughtfully, "Dark magic is any magic which feeds off of
emotional cues, and light magic is from intent itself?"
"There a considerable difference between 'intent' and outcome,"
Voldemort sighed, holding the sharpened knife with plum juice on the
blade between two fingers, "If the intent behind one dark spell is lesser
the damage will be reduced. If the intent behind a light spell is lesser, the
spell will not perform."
With how Adrian's patronus could be conjured in the beginning
depending on his level of emotion, it didn't fit in the category of light
magic.
"Dark magic is considered dangerous," Voldemort continued with the
smallest twist of amusement on his lips,"because our cores interpret
strong emotions as pleasure."
"The more emotion required behind a spell, the nicer it feels?" Adrian
simplified, staring transfixed at his father.
Voldemort sliced off another layer of the plum. It's juice was similar to
blood dripping over his fingers. "Precisely."
Adrian shrugged on his cloak, pulling the hood up carefully just in case
his father had late night visitors over. Adrian was not sure- although he
knew that the residential wing and his training rooms were off limits to
guests.
"Master?" Lutain asked groggily, eyes clearing as he awoke to Adrian's
movements, "Where are you going?"
"To practice spells. Go back to sleep Lutain," Adrian hushed, pulling the
covers back up to save whatever heat they still retained. Lutain grumbled
something before drifting off into sleep once more.
Adrian smiled fondly at his familiar. It was still rather early in the
morning. He'd have hours before Bellatrix or his father went looking for
him.
He tiptoed out of his room, through the hallways carefully and down the
stairs. He didn't encounter anything except one startled house elf,
wearing a strange mixture of half a curtain and a woman's hairnet.
He opened the door to his training room, activating the illuminating and
protective wards with the keyword. The door closed behind him, sealing
the protective barrier in place until he or someone else opened the door
once again.
Adrian shrugged off the cloak, pulling out his preferred wand and smiling
at it fondly. "Avis!"
Birds exploded from his wand- the magic was simple and he barely felt it
tug on his senses. He repeated it twice, watching confused cardinals and
doves roost above him on the wooden rafter beams.
He then drew two of the hay bags in the corner over to the center of the
room, taking time to transfigure them into something humanoid. They
barely resembled anything human, although he wasn't picky.
For having attempted and getting decently along in an Animagus
transformation, he was rather rubbish at transfiguration.
Adrian breathed out, smiling slightly at the silence of the room. There
was something comforting about practicing spells alone without an
audience.
His magic tingled, boiling under his skin ready to be summoned in the air
with flames. He didn't want that this time, this time he wanted to perfect
the spells Rowle had shown him.
He didn't know anything about them to be honest, he had not even heard
of the incantation. Admittedly, it was possible that he had actually heard
of the proper names, and forgotten about it from one of his many books.
He pointed his wand at the shoddy dummy, recalling the slashing curse
he had seen. "Abrumpo!"
His wand fizzled, scrounging only the thinnest ripples of a spell. It
traveled only a foot[1] before vanishing.
Adrian's entire hand felt numb, sparking with sensations entirely different
than what Bellatrix had shown him. "Whoa," He breathed excitedly,
feeling shivers twist down his spine and shake his body against his will.
He positioned his wand at the ready, focusing on his emotions which
generally ran a bit stronger than others already. "Abrumpo!"
This time the spell worked, sliding through the air as thin as a razor, not
the desired thickness of a sword's blade. It sliced through the thin canvas
layer of the dummy, puckering and revealing the smallest hint of hay.
The tingles zapped up and through Adrian's body like an electric shock.
He made a strange keening noise, his spine spasming against the most
wonderful feeling...
"Abrumpo!" Adrian casted again, slashing faster through the air.
"Abrumpo!"
Unlike the other spells, the sensation didn't vanish. It built and built
slowly until all of his nerves were alive, popping and sizzling like the
muggle candy he tasted once as a child.
His blood was electric, and it was one of the best things he had ever felt.
He gasped, stumbling upright- when had he been lying on the floor? The
birds circling above were looking at him curiously, chirping happily.
The dummy was obliterated, shredded like a manticore's nest. How many
times had he cast the spell to achieve that effect?
No wonder Rowle seemed so amused when he displayed the spells, he
knew how amazing it was.
Adrian rolled, stumbling to his knees. His heart was pounding and
adrenaline was causing his vision to blur.
"If only I knew this," Adrian almost giggled, "When I was against Potter."
What about the other spell? Adrian had a natural affinity for fire, if it
worked better than what he knew now, he may have found a formidable
spell for combat.
He pointed his wand at the other dummy, still resting on his knees.
"Ruptora." Adrian pointed, pausing as nothing happened. "Ruptura?"
He felt something flare, his magic surging as the proper pronunciation
made the difference. Already it seared, drawing a breathless smile to
Adrian's already worn out body. "Ruptura!"
His wand flared, sending a hot whip of fire flying like Lutain's strike.
It came much easier to Adrian than the cutting curse. It washed through
his blood like hot water, prickling through his nerves almost unbearably.
It snapped outwards much stronger and more viciously than he had ever
experienced.
Adrian's blood burned.
Bellatrix found him after the sun had risen. She cautiously pressed on the
door, feeling the wards unlock and allow her to swing the hinge open.
"Adrian?" Bellatrix peered inside curious, "Are you here?"
She paused, observing the room with the vaguest sense of confusion. The
air itself crackled, like static before a lightning strike. Shreds of cloth
were scattered around the ground as if a feral dog had torn into
scarecrows. The acrid stench of burnt hair was pungent in the air.
Adrian was trembling in the middle of the room, eyes wide and dilated to
the point of no green. His entire body spasmed, looking to Bellatrix like
one of the strange diseases people were afflicted with after the Cruciatus.
Had someone cursed Adrian in the night? Why would someone sneak in
and leave him alive? Let alone in one of the training rooms.
Unless it was his father who had done it, although that felt
counterproductive. Which meant the only reasonable suspect was Rowle.
"Adrian?" Bellatrix asked, walking over hurriedly through the straw and
feathers. Her shoes were sticking in something congealed on the floor.
"Bella?" Adrian asked, his voice hoarse as his head wobbled unsteadily on
his neck, "What are you- what are you doing here?" His teeth were tinged
pinkish.
"It's noon." Bellatrix stated bluntly, cocking her head like a particularly
curious owl "Where's Rowle? I'll kill him. Please?"
Adrian blinked sluggishly, as if on high strength pain potions, "Rowle?
What... what did he do?"
"Didn't he curse you?" Bellatrix asked, voice trailing off awkwardly,
articulating her confusion accurately.
"No- he..." Adrians eyes lit up, his pupils shrunk so amazingly quickly
Bellatrix felt alarmed. A second later, his eyes were nothing but bright
venomous green, a pinprick where his pupils were.
a strangely disconcerting grin spread across Adrian's normally relatively
composed face, "Look- look,"
He brandished his wand, pointing it upwards and prattled out a spell so
fast Bella almost couldn't understand it. Birds exploded outwards, but
before she could marvel at how many there were- he had crooned out
another spell that caused her to stare in surprise.
"Raptura," He hissed out, voice almost slurred and lethargic. His eyes
nearly rolled up into his head as his entire body jerked at the spell, a fine
tremor that was distinguishable from his constant shaking. The bright fire
ribbon blasted upwards and cauterized the wings off of two birds,
evaporating the blood and setting the feathers ablaze in one swift motion.
"You know the Lavcorpus curse?" Bellatrix stumbled over the name in
surprise, "That's..."
Adrian shivered, entire body twitching as every nerve in his body was set
ablaze.
"I know," Adrian moaned in satisfaction, "It's wonderful."
'This is bad,' Bellatrix thought distantly to herself, somewhat alarmed and
somewhat proud 'This is very bad.'
Adrian was still shaking- miniscule spasms wracking along his arms and
legs. His skin itched and insects crawled under his flesh.
He walked, his cloak clasp digging into the sensitive skin of his throat. He
couldn't bear to wear Lutain, even his familiar's pressuring coils made his
body flair in pain.
He walked with the slightest limp, his hair hanging low on his face from
his earlier exertion. His complexion was pale with his exhaustion, he was
almost certain he had bags under his eyes as well.
It was embarrassing to walk to his father's study in such a state, knowing
that his appearance would displease him.
"Are you sure you are not sick?" Lutain pestered once more, slithering
slowly over the floor next to him, his bright yellow belly almost
reflecting on the polished wood flooring.
"I'm fine, Lutain." Adrian muttered back, shaking and shivering, "I overdid
it."
"Spells and spells," Lutain grumbled sourly, "you should just become the
noble kind already."
"Animagus transformation isn't easy," Adrian sighed once again, wincing as
his joints ached in pain, "After I get Apparation down."
"You always lose your legs," Lutain sighed wistfully, "Always the legs."
Adrian rolled his eyes but didn't deny it. He paused by the main door to
the study, resting one hand on the wood before closing his eyes briefly.
He pushed the large door carefully, not sure of how heavy it was. The
last thing he wanted was to slam it into the wall behind.
Adrian walked inside confidently, clasping his hands behind his back to
hopefully hide the shake. The study was imposing, tall piles of books and
elaborate bookshelves. Glowing stones and runes encircled the walls,
strange objects hung from pegs nearest the door.
His father didn't look up, writing something attentively with a black
fountain pen. Nagini did, her large head lifting from the corner of the
desk where his father sat.
"Hatchling!" Nagini cried instantly, dropping her head to the floor with a
mighty thud, "What did you do! You have a sickness!"
Adrian's father's head snapped up at the sound, red iris' widening slightly
as he took in Adrian's appearance. His eyes stared at Adrian's face, seeing
something new and surprising.
"Hello," Adrian spoke, clearing his throat uncomfortably from the
hoarseness of it, "I- how may I be of assistance?"
His father stared for an uncomfortably long moment. Eventually he
straightened his back, placing the black fountain pen down on his desk in
its respective mount. He paused, tilting his head and looking at Adrian
critically.
"You've ventured into more difficult spells," his father stated
ambiguously, "Quite advanced, by the look of you."
Were they? In that case, it was entirely Rowle's fault. Which may have
explained why he was so pleased with teaching him spells.
Advanced dark spells.
That load of dragon dung.
"I only wanted to impress you," Adrian spoke, his voice a slightly shaky
murmur, "I wanted to be helpful."
"You would be helpful once you mastered Apparation."
Adrian shrunk back with a wince.
"Of course," Voldemort paused, tapping a finger to his lips thoughtfully,
"This could be a solution to our current dilemma. Your appearance."
"I look like you?" Adrian spoke, his voice raising in pitch at the end so the
fact in itself sounded like a question, "Are we going to establish a
glamour? You said it would impede with my magic."
"It would," His father agreed, "Fortunately, the story you told the
werewolf will work in our favour."
"Bellatrix?" Adrian tilted his head curiously, "how will Bellatrix change
the way I look? You ah, you didn't explain before."
Voldemort smiled with the look of Nagini staring at a hopeless rabbit.
Adrian swallowed thickly.
"She's going to nearly kill you," His father replied almost gleefully,
folding his fingers delicately into the posture of a politician, "and you're
going to have a horrible curse-scar."
S058:On the kinda weird side, would be amusing if there's a tiny bit of a
Jocasta Complex going on with Bella, given Adrian's resemblance...
Blocked. No. Nope. That Is sooooo wrong, I'm laughing both at how disgusting
that is and how I know someone would ship it.
yveltaldarkrai3: One question, did Voldemort possess Quirrell at the
beginning of the fic?
Yep! I tried to leave Voldemort pretty well removed from Adrian at the very
start, mostly because he wasn't really that interested in Adrian until he was in
his strange fetus state with Wormtail at his manor. Bellatrix primarily cared
for Adrian, so she took him in assuming he would be important, not on
Voldemort's orders.
fall equinox 1: You wrote that Adrian would be at the raid, but the way
you wrote it is like he will take a porkey there after the raid had began. It
would be much more logical for Adrian to already be at the World Cup
then to go there after the raid had began or if you are going to have Tom
introduce him right before the raid then all this is meaningless.
I don't think learning Apparation would be 'meaningless' but I understand your
points!
Amazingly enough- you hit the nail on the head. I've thought of all of that and
actually worked and had my story written on your same trail of thought. I
wrote that bit probably months back, but I do know that nothing written will
make this all meaningless. Everything has a purpose.
.love: I can't wait to see what animal Harry turns into. I don't think think
it would b a snake. Though he might wish it was. But maybe something
that relates to the potters. That being said whatever you may choose I'm
excited for.
The Animagus transformation is supposed to be a magical transfiguration
which relates your personality and characteristics into the natural instinctual
nature of an animal. That given said, I've made a few liberties, especially since
the transfiguration is potion based and as such, I assume it can be factored by
other influences. Adrian accomplishes and uses his Animagus form in the fifth
year!
Shawnia 5090: Where does Snape's loyalties lie in this story? Will he be
a spy? If so, will Snape recognise Adrian from a raid or something like
that? Will Adrian eventually take Lupin in like in Shadowed Malice?
Snape thinks of Adrian as a spoiled, lazy brat and couldn't care much
otherwise. Snape will have his same duties in this as he does in the books, so
yes, a spy. Adrian has been given a cloak to mask his facial appearances, so
even if he was on a raid, I doubt Snape would recognize him. That being said,
if Snape did see Adrian around the manor, he would almost certainly report
that to Dumbledore.
This story...is significantly different than Shadowed Malice. It's how I wished I
could have written that mess of a story. Lupin and Adrian will have a very
unique relationship.
35. Afflict
This chapter was beta'd by our amazing Beta Collective
-Arctic Fox From Afar
-Mahina
-Cyndaquil05
- and countless anonymous helpers!
Thanks to everyone who has inquired and are starting to work on
the document.
At the end of this chapter, I'll post the URL for fanart that briefly
shows Adrian's injuries.
Remus Lupin was enjoying a cup of tea, listening to a headache inducing
ramble as James and Sirius tried to explain to the group how they
smuggled a live deer into Hogwarts as a cover for James' animagus form.
It was an elaborate story, one Remus regretted having been associated
with. He had been indisposed at the time, and hadn't ever actually heard
the story. He could only imagine Dumbledore's face when he realized it
was a genuine wild deer.
"Oh James," Mrs. Weasley laughed, smacking him gently with a rolled
newspaper, "I can hardly tell what's real and what isn't!"
"Yeah dad," Skylar laughed, a large grin lighting up his entire face, "Tell
them about that time you took me flying and we found the flock of-"
"No no..." James quickly waved his hands, pointing at Lily, "That did not
happen. Not at all."
Sirius leaned over and whispered loudly to the Weasleys, "I don't know
this story, but It totally happened."
"Yeah mate," Ron laughed, clapping Skylar on the back of his shoulder,
"What about the story with the dragon-"
Skylar clapped a hand over Ron's mouth quickly. He grinned sheepishly
to the steadily worrying Lily Potter.
"Skylar," She warned, "What is this about a drago-"
The conversation was broken by a unique loud shriek. The group jolted
in surprise at the noise, not recognizing the cry. Mrs. Weasley quickly
rushed towards the kitchen window, peering out quickly to try and spot
the culprit.
A bird appeared, at first she had mistaken it for a Snowy Owl. It
scrambled, long talons clawing grooves in the windowsill as it struggled
to perch on the tiny lip. Its wings flared, flapping heavily to keep it aloft
and balanced.
"Oh dear," Mrs. Weasley stumbled, hurriedly unlatching the window so
the poor thing didn't have to struggle any longer. Once the glass swung
open, the bird jolted and dove inside hawkishly, glaring fixed around the
room.
"A letter?" Lily asked rhetorically, reaching out to stroke the sleek
feathers on the bird's head. It snapped its hooked beak angrily, much
more temperamental than an owl.
"There shouldn't be a bird here," James grimaced, watching it carefully as
he drew his wand slowly, "The wards…"
"No no," Remus interrupted, looking tired and uncertain, "I... I must
apologize. I spelled her a tracer to always find me, despite wards."
"You know it, Moony?" Sirius asked with a frown, blinking curiously
before a large wolfish grin spread over his face, "Oh, Is it that kind of
person?"
James gave a low whistle, Sirius wiggling his eyebrows suggestively on
cue.
Remus blushed, choking before he composed himself.
Remus sighed fondly, standing to let the bird inside, "I'm afraid not,
although I didn't expect a letter to be honest-"
He uncurled the parchment, a growing sense of dread grew as he noticed
the parchment wasn't folded or rolled as carefully as Adrian Selwyn
would roll it.
"Who is it, Moony?" James asked, walking up behind to peek over
curiously, "A secret admirer? Some seventh year missing their professor?"
"Leave the man alone, James." Lily scolded, "Go set the table if you're so
full of energy."
Sirius winced, "Walked right into that one, mate."
James rolled his eyes but obliged, throwing a funny face at Skylar who
mimicked it right back.
Remus smiled, unfolding the parchment to look for words.
Lupin
The handwriting was unmistakable, but had a distinctly shaky style that
was uncharacteristic.
Lupin's smile fell and his face must have conveyed something because
quickly the chatter lowered and all eyes were on him.
I know you're probably busy. I don't know if this letter will find you. She's
looking for me and she's going to find me.
I don't know where to go, she's angry.
It didn't need to be signed, Remus knew exactly who it was from.
"Remus," James spoke, clapping one hand on the man's shoulder,
"Everything okay?"
"No I..." Remus sighed, one hand rubbing into his eye socket much
harsher than he probably should, "James, Sirius, can I talk with you
outside?"
The two exchanged looks. They stood and slipped outside through the
back door, not saying anything.
"Moony," Remus paused in the doorway. He glanced over his shoulder,
seeing Skylar, who was awkwardly shifting in his seat, "Is there
something I can do?"
Remus smiled softly, "No, everything's okay. We'll be inside in a second."
Skylar hesitated but nodded, looking for Ron and vanishing up the stairs
to where the other boy had gone.
Remus exhaled through his nose, passing through the door to meet with
his two friends waiting anxiously outside.
"Alright," James crossed his arms, looking serious, "what's wrong?"
"A student of mine- or a past student," Remus rubbed his arm
uncomfortably, "He sent me a letter."
Sirius didn't take the opportunity for an innuendo, which showed how
serious they were taking the situation.
"What's wrong with the kid?" Sirius asked, bouncing on his heels, "..Is it
a... ah….a furry little problem?"
Remus flinched, "Merlin I hope not. I think he's in trouble."
James frowned and licked his lips worriedly.
"What kind of trouble, Moony?"
Remus exhaled through his nose, "I need you to track the bird. Her name
is Hedwig. Her owner may be injured."
"A student of yours may be injured?" Sirius looked at James unsure,
"Alright, on it, Moony."
Sirius turned to peer inside. The bird flared its wings and threw itself
onto the open window. Sirius flinched as her long talons chipped off a
piece of painted wood.
The bird snapped its beak angrily, looking fierce at the two aurors.
Sirius waved his wand, pointing it at the bird and recited an incantation.
A blue mist surrounded her, sinking under her feathers and casting her in
a near invisible glow.
"Alright girl," James shoed with his hands, "Go home. Go back to
whoever, we'll follow."
"Follow?" Sirius asked with an eyebrow raised, "Not sure bout you, but
Moony doesn't fly, mate."
"I'll apparate back and tell you where we are," James promised Remus,
"Padfoot and I will follow her."
Remus gave a slight nod, looking worried, "Probably smarter, they may
be watching me. If you find him...when, when you find him. You, ah, you
won't miss him, don't approach him. Get me instantly."
Sirius barked a disbelieving laugh, "What, they'll curse at my pretty face?"
"Yes." Remus deadpanned, causing James to snort uncomfortably,
although the auror looked very cautious.
"Sure know how to pick 'em, Moony. Alright, we'll let you know when we
find him."
Remus nodded, looking worried and back at the house, "Should I..."
"Eh, tell Lil's that its Auror business." James advised, "She'll understand."
"Good luck." Remus added thoughtfully, looking at the annoyed and
preening Hedwig, "You may need it."
"What do you mean exactly, by 'nearly killing' me?" Adrian asked
carefully, voice betraying his worry.
His father crossed his arm, face stony and expressionless. His red eyes,
shadowed by the dark hair made his entire face seem that much more
sinister.
"Your face needs to be disguised, any glamour or warding would be too
easily detected by Dumbledore, no matter how subtle." his father
explained, drawing the pale white wand, resembling exposed bone, "A
possible disguise is by altering your very own features with a deformity."
Adrian nodded, his throat clogging and hysteria bubbling under his skin.
"People tend to look away from disfigurement. It'll help aid your story, as
well as keep others from wanting to look too close."
His father leant forward, still so very tall to loom over Adrian. He pressed
his wand to Adrian's jaw, just under his chin.
"I'm going to have Bellatrix cast a spell," he spoke gently, red eyes
shimmering with a higher intelligence Adrian only hoped to match one
day, "which will disfigure your features and disguise you enough to cast
doubt over our resemblance. The effects of a curse scar will correlate to
your untimely….addiction."
Adrian flinched, but sustained eye contact as Voldemort lowered the
wand from pressing into his skin.
Adrian completely understood it- he would have agreed to it without a
doubt if it wasn't for the implications. It would hurt, certainly so; it
would disguise him and cast him in a specific lighting which would be
pivotal with his role in the new war.
Bellatrix though... he had witnessed her lapse in sanity all too closely in
the last month. Her moments of staring emotionlessly at inanimate
objects, hysterical fits or sudden bouts of rage at random stretches of
walls.
She would be able to cast a curse strong enough to scar, no doubt in his
mind. He doubted if she would be able to do so without leaving him with
lasting damage.
"I don't want Bellatrix," Adrian blurted suddenly, his hands shaking at his
side as he suddenly second guessed his outburst. Red eyes observed him
coldly, "I... I want you to cast it, father."
Surprise flitted across for a brief second. An amused smile pressed on thin
lips, "Me? You crave pain?"
"I..." Adrian swallowed against the lump and bowed his head with silent
prayer to fate itself, "I know that the spell will be performed
successfully."
"Is that so?"
His father's shoes were silent on the floor. How had Adrian never noticed
that before.
A bony hand tilted his chin upwards, framing the identical cheekbones
and the wide eyes.
"I find it a shame," his father paused, "to impair such potential. It's
unfortunate that this is so necessary.
Adrian swallowed, his throat moving under his father's hand, "I trust
you."
The wand was pressed under his chin, alongside his throat nearest his
right ear. Adrian's breathing sped up.
"This will hurt," his father deadpanned.
That was his only warning.
The white falcon was fast; almost too fast for James and Sirius to chase. It
was only through their years of Quidditch and occasional recreational
matches were they able to follow her fast banks and sudden unexpected
dives. Sirius was suspecting that the bird was doing it just to make their
life so much harder.
The two had cast charms to disguise their bodies as they flew over
muggle populated towns. Sirius's teeth chattered against the wind chill as
they flew towards the more occupied areas of London.
"Ay!" Sirius shouted over the wind, swooping over to fly alongside James
although he was careful to keep the gyrfalcon in his eye sights at all
times, "who is this kid?"
James grimaced, although it may have been the wind pulling at his lips
and cheeks, "No clue, Padfoot!" he shouted over the wind.
The bird seemed to notice the shouting and disapproved of it. She took
them on two sudden corkscrews, pulling up at the last moment to avoid
smashing into a house.
"Bloody hell..." Sirius swore, twisting to avoid being tangled in a muggle
telephone wire, "this bird is mental!"
James nodded, watching as it gave a loud cry of aggression, flapping its
wings strongly to ascend once more into the sky.
James pulled out his wand, shaking wobbly on his broom. He double
checked the tracing charm, making sure that the tracking charm was still
working. He had a feeling he'd be needing a way to follow it once the sun
started to set.
Adrian woke with a spasm and an unbecoming whimper slipping past
bloodied lips.
"Adrian?" A low calm voice asked.
Adrian tried to open his eyes, wincing as his brain finally began to
decipher the signals his body was sending.
Every muscle hurt, they throbbed as if he had undergone a strenuous
training exercise without any breaks. His heartbeat raced in his ears, the
roar of blood just slightly louder than the irritating whistle that didn't
seem ready to fade anytime soon.
"What..." Adrian coughed, instinctively curling and arching against the
padding of his bed. His throat was on fire.
"Don't talk," idiot, went unsaid. His father trailed one hand over Adrian's
face, tracing invisible patterns over his skin, "You entered a near seizure
state. I detected no brain injury, however your body has suffered
accordingly."
"Oh," Adrian croaked out, ignoring his father's advice completely. His
hands and feet were in a near permanent state of tingling, as if they had
fallen asleep, "Did it work?"
"It did," There was a pause, "You have sufficient disfiguration."
There was something admittedly sad in the way he said it. Voldemort
hadn't wanted to actually do it, it was necessary. Adrian understood that.
It was necessary.
"Good to hear," Adrian mumbled, the words sounding slurred together.
He tilted his head, pressing his overheating cheek to the cold pillow,
"Hedwig?"
"Already left hours ago with your letter. My wards alert me that she is
returning to the predetermined location."
Adrian nodded ever so slightly against the pillow, barely conscious.
"S'good."
There was a dip on his edge of the bed, just near his hip. A cold hand
moved through his hair, pushing his bangs back to feel the skin of his
forehead.
"You're warm," his father paused, "I've cast the countercurse for the spell.
I can't administer any potions for the sake of our story."
"Bellatrix is a terrible mother," Adrian garbled into his pillow, his mouth
twisting into an exhausted smile, "the worst."
"Oh absolutely," His father agreed with a sigh, "Although she has her
uses."
Adrian made a unspecific sound of agreement.
He wasn't aware how much longer it was, but the next time he was
completely lucid he was able to open his eyes.
The room was dark, illuminated by tasteful blue lights set in glass lamps.
His bedroom was the same, although there was a suspicious lack of
Lutain.
He moved, wincing as his entire body protested at the movement. Tears
spilled from the corners of his eyes, over his cheeks which stung against
the salt.
He moved his arm painstakingly slowly- blinking hurriedly to try and
force his eyes to focus faster. It wasn't his imagination, feathery patterns
of darker skin trailed down his arm towards his palm in an almost
delicate pattern.
The door opened, throwing brighter white light into the dim room.
Adrian winced and closed his eyes as it assaulted his senses and brought
his migraine to the forefront of his mind.
"I was able to treat your muscle exhaustion, although it is only
temporary," His father spoke, sliding into the seat set up next to his bed.
His pale skin looked archaic in the blue lighting, "Such spells can easily
be dismissed as your own instinctive magic."
Red eyes watched carefully as Adrian shakily lifted his hand to his face,
feeling the smooth skin questioningly, "What does it..."
"Increased levels of energy always seek to return to the Earth," Voldemort
started, red eyes looking violet as they were engulfed by the slit pupil,
"The scars across your body resemble that of lightning strikes."
Adrian almost frowned, "Like my one…?"
Voldemort's lips twisted into the rare displays of genuine humour, "That
may have been an inspiration."
"You're awful," Adrian breathed, wincing as the loud ringing returned to
his ears, they felt wet, "Now, now what?"
Voldemort peered out of a window to see the darkened outdoors, "Now
you will continue with the plan and appear in an area of Knockturn alley
for the wolf to find you."
"Right," Adrian coughed, hating the way his entire body twitched, "And
I'll see you at
the Quidditch World Cup?"
"We will communicate the finer details as the time grows near,"
Voldemort's eyes flickered southward, pointedly looking at a spot below
Adrian's collarbone. The tattoo he had would be able to bypass most
wards and spells.
"Alright," Adrian wheezed, "Lutain-"
"Will be taken care of and tended to by Nagini," Voldemort rose slowly,
his dark cloak made it near impossible to distinguish him from the walls
of the room, "You will be unconscious until you are revived."
Probably for the best considering how his left leg was growing more
numb over the course of the conversation.
"Stupify."
Adrian's body slumped limp against the bed once again.
The bird flew and soared over the darkened Victorian architecture just
outside the muggle entrance to Diagon Alley. They flew themselves, just
alongside the wards of the alley to the point where the postal service
gateway enabled the Gyrfalcon to swoop through.
"Well," James Potter grimaced, "He's in Diagon."
"Bad luck, mate," Sirius winced, peering around the sky above, "I'll get
Moony!"
Sirius then casually stood on his broom, throwing his arms out for
balance. With a twist and a startlingly loud snap!, the man vanished and
left the broom hovering aimlessly in the air.
James sighed and snatched the broom, shrinking it and stashing it in his
inner robe pocket.
James turned and flew down towards the courtyard just outside of the
Leaky Cauldron which publicly allowed brooms and other modes of
transportation into the alley. James had barely landed and stashed his
own broom when two resonating snap! popped right in his ear.
"Merlin!" James jumped, not expecting Sirius to clamp one hand on his
shoulder, "Warn a bloke!"
"Never," Sirius grinned, looking at the faintly smiling werewolf alongside
him, "Anyways, the bird vanished in the postal corridor for birds."
Remus nodded, "Let's check Knockturn. Do you know the local floo
channels or the stores hooked up to the floo network?"
James' jaw dropped, "Wait, why do we have to go right to Knockturn?"
James hung his shoulders, "you know I can't go down there, mate."
Sirius grinned, "No worries, Prongs. Just search around Diagon then!
We'll handle the search and rescue!"
Remus tried to smile, although he still looked ridiculously worried,
"Actually, James. You may want to keep mediwitches on standby. Just in
case."
Sirius's smile fell, "The kid may be injured?"
Remus didn't say anything, instead he pulled his brown worn cloak
further over his shoulders and took off further down the road.
Sirius glanced at James unsure before he looked around for any visitors.
Sirius jogged towards a small storage room, slipping inside before
running out as a large shaggy black dog. He sniffed a few spots, giving a
playful bark at James before taking off after Remus.
James Potter sighed, looking around the entry point with a growing sense
of unease.
According to the plan, Adrian shouldn't have woken up until Remus had
found him.
Like everything in his life, his plan went out the window when he felt
sharp claws digging into his side and trying to pull him further into an
alley.
Adrian's eyes flickered open, vision foggy although he could recognize
that ratty feathers and orange claws normally meant something had gone
wrong.
He fumbled for his wand, feeling his body protest to the movement. The
creature squawked, claws digging in deeper.
"Harpy," He rasped out with a glare, focusing singing flames to lick the
flammable wings through his migraine. It stung, hurting his face and his
skin as it flared through his blood. He gagged, as if suffocating or
breathing water.
Flames sparked, the harpy shrieked and released him and hopping away
leaping from one foot to the next.
Adrian groaned, rubbing the back of his head which pulsed so angrily. He
felt like his gums were bleeding, aching sore through his teeth all the
way to his bones and skull. His side was bleeding sluggishly, the harpy's
claws were effective in puncturing his skin near his shoulder.
Adrian struggled to grab his wand, it having rolled a few feet just out of
his grasp. Once he held the wood in his grip, his worry faded slightly
although it did nothing for how his head throbbed.
Black spots danced in his vision as he struggled to right himself, pressing
his shoulder and cheek to the cold stone of the nearest building. He was
getting something slimy against his skin, stinging and aggravating the
injury his father had made.
"Why didn't you bite it Lu-" Adrian cut himself off, suddenly
overwhelmed by the crushing sensation of loneliness.
"Right," Adrian breathed slowly, the alley was unsettlingly quiet, "You're
not here."
The ominous sounds of Knockturn suddenly sounded much more
intimidating.
"Okay," Adrian breathed, stepping away from the stone wall. He cut off a
choking sound as his entire body burned.
Remus would be on his way soon, Adrian just had to find his way back to
the stop he was at before the Harpy found him. And fend off the curious
vampires that would almost certainly be attracted to the smell of blood.
"One step at a time," Adrian mumbled to himself, taking a limping
stumbling step out towards the main openway of the alleyway.
He figured he must have looked terrible. The few people he saw walking
past only glancing at him briefly before they hurried down the path to
wherever they were trying to go.
Adrian kept his wand on him at all time, clutched tightly in his shaking
grip. An emaciated dog ran up to him, growling lowly and sniffing him
from a distance.
"Go away," Adrian grunted, his face already numb along the left side and
his vision tinting badly, "Go away." He snapped at the dog.
It paused, then snarled and took a closer step.
Adrian closed his eyes with a sigh, clutching the pipe he was holding to
remain stable on his feet.
Lutain would comment about how if he was a noble kind, he could scare
the dog with a single hiss.
He was a noble kind.
Adrian's eyes flashed open and his lips curled back in a feral hiss.
He waited one second, not feeling the shifting of bones or flesh. He
almost sighed at how he failed his Animagus transformation yet again,
but some of it must have transferred properly. That or he just looked
scary. The dog stiffened, eyes widening and its tail tucking between its
legs. It made a loud yip before running off suddenly.
Adrian's eyes stung like he forgot to blink for the longest time.
"You lost?" A low croaking voice asked, a man with vibrant purple eyes
and translucent skin, "What is someone like you doing-"
"Go away," Adrian clipped sourly, blinking to try and removing the itchy
feeling, "I'm fine."
The man chuckled lowly, smiling to reveal two rows of teeth, and what
looked to be a black tongue. "I don't think so..."
Adrian felt his magic prickle, surging beneath his skin but for some
difficult reason, it was struggling to pull itself to the surface. Resilient
and resisting, similar to the Fury only being singed.
He felt nauseous, like something was writhing in my stomach.
It reached out, it had an extra digit on its hand. If Adrian was thinking,
or if he could through the pounding of his head, he could have named
the exact species of the humanoid.
"Go away," Adrian warned, pointing his wand at the man, "Your last
warning."
It didn't even blink, and Adrian hissed out the first curse that came to
mind.
"Abrumpo!" Adrian hissed, gagging as the sudden surge of his magic at
the movement.
Adrian slid to the ground, his legs too weak to support him. His eyes
blurred, warmth and pleasant sparks illuminating his blood and
permitting him to relax.
No, no he couldn't. It wasn't the time.
Yet, his blood sang and tickled, a contrasting feel against the stinging
burn of his skin. His senses were flaring out in confusion, and he felt
himself groan somewhere between bliss and agony.
Adrian panted, eyes barely able to focus as he saw the other creature
collapse to the ground. It screamed inhuman angry shrieks as it fumbled
across its chest to stop blue silvery blood from staining its clothing. He
hit it then, good.
"Oh," Adrian slurred, smiling breathlessly as the euphoric sensations
washed aside the pain of his skin, still leaving him twitching and
spasming on the ground. "You're mermish."
The creature glugged angrily. Its bright eyes filled with fury, glazing
through its savage blood loss. It reached out again, the extra digit on its
hand suddenly made sense, it was a fin.
"You!" It gasped, its voice was wet and thick. "You- you-"
No, a mermish didn't make sense. Adrian blinked, barely aware he was
talking out loud through the heavy feeling and the ringing in his ears, "A
siren? Mermish don't eat humans."
It shrieked in anger, unhinging its second set of teeth to make a serrated
cavern of hungry bone. It was kind of pretty.
A black dog slammed into the creature, knocking it to the ground where
it had barely managed to rise. It glugged angrily, blood splashing onto
the ground.
Had the dog from before come back?
Adrian finally was able to hear the other voices, the persistent horrified
shouting that was growing closer.
Ah, no. It was a different dog, one that was big and shaggy and a
startling shade of black.
Something popped in his ear, a bubble that had been blocking his
hearing. The shouts suddenly made much more sense.
"Remus?" Adrian gasped, waving with one hand intently as the pleasant
sensations of darker magic and the pain really dimmed his thinking.
"Remus? You..."
Hands coddled Adrian, searching over him with feather light touches.
Golden eyes were wide in unmistakable horror as they took in Adrian's
face, focusing on something below his eyes.
"Adrian," Remus sighed, looking on the verge of tears, "I'm so sorry-"
"Oh," Adrian blinked sluggishly, seeing a circling white spec in the sky
above. "Hedwig found you?"
Sirius Black appeared, looking around carefully with his wand drawn. He
kept his back to the two, leaving some semblance of privacy.
"Moony," Sirius grunted, scanning the road and the corpse, "That him?"
Remus exhaled shakily, pushing back Adrian's hair to look over his face
and exposed skin better, "Yes- yeah. James has a few already- lemme
send him notice." Sirius sent his wand moving, the shimmering fog of an
obvious patronus shot out and vanished before Adrian could tell what it
was.
"Adrian, i'm going to pick you up," Remus soothingly stated, although his
voice shook. Remus reached out, carefully sliding his arms around Adrian
with the gentlest touch.
"Sirius, do you know any numbing charms?"
"Yeah, one sec." Sirius grunted, casting a complex movement with an
incantation Adrian didn't hear. "There, give it a few seconds."
Adrian groaned quietly in relief the moment his nerves stopped burning.
He could feel the strong arms around him, barely more than firm
pressure. They were moving, leaving the alley.
"Sirius Black?" Adrian asked, eyes rolling in his head from the combined
pain and his magical exhaustion. His voice was flat, slurred and
monotone.
"When did... when did you get here..."
Sirius paused as he deciphered the lisping sentence, taking it in stride and
not drawing attention to how horrid Adrian's speech was.
"Right before that vampire was going to take a snack," Sirius grunted,
scanning the surroundings with practiced ease, "So, good timing on my
part."
"Oh," Adrian spoke, wincing as his head pounded from the sudden flash
of sunlight, "Not a vampire, mermish."
Remus laughed slightly, it wasn't his normal laugh. Anxious and nearing
hysterical, an attempt to dispel his nervous tension.
"That was a brutal hex there, kid." Sirius noted distantly, moving in stride
to walk next to Remus and nearest Adrian's head.
"What spell was that? Not diffindo, that's way above you, unless old
Dumbledore is driving slave labor."
"Oh," Adrian slurred, head starting to hang limply as his neck relaxed
from supporting him, "Bella taught me."
Sirius froze, and Remus stiffened. Remus swallowed, his heart loud as
Sirius scrambled to catch up a few strides, already hissing under his
breath.
"Bella? Bella? As in Bellatrix? Moony, what the f-"
Remus glared, causing Sirius' jaw to click and a vessel to pump near his
temple.
"Moony- you, this..." Sirius' shoulders slumped as he exhaled furiously,
"Wait, you knew?"
"Sirius, can we talk about this later?" Remus muttered lowly under his
breath, eyeing the curious people who were starting to watch them,
either from Sirius' obvious indignation or Adrian's limp body.
"Oh no, I've been in too many dead ends to just let this go."
"He's injured." Remus harshly whispered back, gesturing with his head to
Adrian's limp body. Adrian's face was twitching, spasming under his eye
and twisting his features into some more garish.
"Wait-" Sirius floundered, nearly choking on saliva. "You mean Bellatrix
did that?"
Remus shot Sirius a stern look, "Later, there are too many people."
Sirius swore, shaking his head before looking at Adrian with a
sympathetic sigh, "Sorry kid, can we stun you? You'll wake up at St.
Mungo's-"
"Please," Adrian gargled, his face twisting into a smile that was unsettling
and somehow twisted all in one. Sirius felt his heart pound firmly, nearly
leaping through his chest. Adrian looked bored, obviously in pain but
somehow looking disinterested as if the entire situation was something
lackluster.
Adrian lifted his hand, stiffly and with obvious effort; he stared at the
unique darkened marks that snaked around his arm and hand like a whip
of snowflakes.
"How bad is it?"
Sirius nearly tripped, and suddenly felt like vomiting on the cobblestone
under his feet. "You haven't... you haven't seen it?"
Remus shuddered, the movement of his arms twitching traveled through
his body and into Adrian's.
"It's...It's distinct." Remus struggled, looking as if he'd rather bite his
tongue.
"Looks bloody awful, that's what it is." Sirius muttered darkly, "No
worries, we'll get this sorted out. See you soon, pup, Stupify."
Adrian collapsed limply and heavily the moment the spell touched him.
Remus had anticipated the sudden casting, and adjusted his weight
accordingly.
Now it was just those two, cradling an unconscious child who looked like
he had gone through some sort of squid attack
Sirius pulled the hood of his cloak up self consciously; the magical
creatures and humanoids of Knockturn seemed fixated on watching the
group.
"This place is giving me the creeps," Sirius confessed, jumping to avoid a
puddle of questionable origin as they hurried on.
Remus glanced up and most likely saw something he didn't like. He
hunkered lower, his body looming and curling over the unconscious body
in his arms.
Something gave a shrieking laugh. Sirius snapped his head up, hair on his
neck rising as he readied for a fight. Instead, he just spotted something
perched on a roof, swinging its legs and grinning impishly at the two. It
laughed again, sounding stunted and thrilled at the sight.
A woman on the street looked at them curiously, approaching them to
pass by with a purple shawl over her hair. She smiled politely, not even
glancing at Adrian.
Remus swallowed and didn't make eye contact. Sirius nearly tripped as
the woman's eyes bled violet and her exposed chin puckered and popped
out two insectoid barbs.
"Afternoon," She tittered, and Sirius coughed something illegible and
hurried faster down the street.
They had almost a mile of confusing alleys and anti-apparition wards
before they could breach the barriers and apparate Adrian to St. Mungos.
It was going to be a long trek.
Adrian woke up slowly with his body uncomfortably numb.
The room was too bright, too white, and smelled of something sterile
instead of aged parchment and rosewood.
His eyes focused slowly. His arms cooperated in inching his body into an
upright sitting position, although it took a moment for his limbs to
cooperate.
There was a mirror directly across from him; the white light and the
white robes he was dressed in made his pale skin seem even more fragile.
He looked washed out, almost translucent.
The lights also made the unique scar patterning across his skin stand out
starkly in shades of angry red and magenta.
Adrian lifted one hand, moving it to his cheek.
As if written by his father in his spidery penmanship, delicate lines
decorated the hollow of his cheek and along the pronounced bone ridge
of his cheekbone.
It looked like feathers were branded to his skin, pressed and seared there.
The longer he looked, the less they resembled feathers.
Snowflakes, something organized yet chaotic. A burning touch of winter
frost from where the electricity incinerated his flesh and cauterized the
wound.
"Oh," Adrian breathed, touching the scarring where his entire body was
numb. He pressed harder, digging his clipped fingernails into the marks
until one blister ruptured and oozed over his flesh. He didn't feel it, he
didn't feel pain.
It had worked, the spell had worked.
He didn't resemble his father anymore, yet, he still did. It was hard to
see, difficult to recognize through the distracting colours.
Adrian grinned wide enough his face felt foreign. He breathed hurriedly,
loud and excited.
It had worked.
He was happy
S058: It seems to actually injure you, somehow, which begs a question,
namely, how the hell someone invented the spell. I mean, normal magic
is apparently hard to create new stuff with, see how Luna's mother died,
and that wasn't even dark magic. This... Yeah, I'm honestly curious how
the hell Dark Wizards mess around with this stuff and survive, outsource
it to young and gullible people?
One of the things that I dislike most in fanfiction is the blatant use and
creation of all new spells. If I'm going to make a spell, I look up Latin and
Greek bases and roots to try and link together something realistic that isn't
simply just a translation of English into Latin. If I'm putting this much work
into simply naming the spell, I sure as heck am making my characters put a lot
of work into learning it.
I think dark magic is just an experience thing. You build a tolerance, although
you require more and more powerful spells to get the same rush. Think of it as
drugs, or even prescription medication.
shadowman21: Okay I've got to ask and I know it's major spoilers but
does Draco find out about Adrian being the dark heir in the fourth year?
Someone does, although Draco will learn about it after fifth. Over the summer,
just before sixth year.
Impstar:Uhh... wow. Going for mutilation? That'll suck.
I was super hesitant to make a glamour or a disguise. It just seemed like
Dumbledore or even Moody could see right through. The best disguise is one
nobody looks at twice, either out of boredom or because you're uncomfortable.
LittleSpiderOnTheWall:Oh nooo! Plese tell me that you are not going to
ruin his face for real. It has to be some kind of glamour, right? I know
that it is your story and the decision is only yours to make, but :
1) it will be totally illogical. I do not know what you had in mind when
you came up with this, but hey) it really sounded like " You have my
beautiful face?! No one is allowed to be as be as beautiful as me, so you
will have to have a horrible scare on your face for life because I haven't
found another way and do not really want to bother myself with it" In
your story you made Voldemort sound like a reasonable man and no one
with half a mind will take irreversible harm as a solution.
2) it will not hide the resemblance if it is not really THAT horrible. And if
it is it will psychologically damage the child. He is still 14 and all
teenager even boys care about their looks.
3) it will make readers subconsciously pity the main character all the
time. Pity is not an emotion that is pleasant to experience throughout the
story and may ruin the excitement.
Let's break this down.
1. Oh, yeah I see your point. I tried to make it sound like Voldemort wished he
didn't have to. I designed this impairment to not so to speak 'destroy' his
physical characteristics, but simply make something super flashy or attention
grabbing nearby. He didn't have his nose blown off, although its difficult to
look at his nose if his entire cheek looks disgusting. I'm sorry I made
Voldemort look unreasonable, I was attempting to make him view Adrian
more as a possession and his horcrux than as his son. He views Adrian and
Nagini equally, and he wouldn't feel bad about non consensually enhancing
her.
2. I'm using human psychology for this, if you'd like you can PM me and I'll
link you to the research studies I used. Instead of masking Adrian's face,
Voldemort is simply making a more distracting feature. It is difficult to recall
the eye color of someone who has a large burn scar or facial deformity. It is
difficult to look for extended periods of time at someone who has a deformity,
because subconsciously we find it unsettling, so we naturally tend to look
away or not stare at the deformity, which makes us block or not receive visual
input of the victim. I'd be happy to explain further.
And yes, self esteem will play a huge huge roll because you're absolutely
correct.
3. I'll try my best to make you not pity him. You may pity him this school
year, but I can almost assure you that you won't at the end. View this story as
if Adrian has a disability, not that he is something to be coddled or taken care
of. Hard of Hearing people function and perform just as well as normal
hearing. Those who lack sight still live their lives contently. Don't pity Adrian,
just because he's different does not mean that he is someone who is fragile.
TL14: Like the story so far, though Adrain is a bit soft for how he was
raised and by who. Keep in mind that children can be just as ruthless and
despicable as adults, sometimes more so as their sense of empathy is
often not near it would be when they are older and as such they can
commit acts of cruelty defying explanation and not feel bad about it.
I completely understand and I agree. I'm not trying to make Adrian cold or
insane. How children view and act is highly influenced by environmental
factors, although I'm trying to make Adrian genuinely a nice person in heart.
I'm trying to make it where he has his own set of morals, independent of his
childhood, and with that he struggles to properly balance expectations,
morality, and his own sense of justice or revenge.
Adrian is painfully empathetic, but only to selective things. Lutain for
example. It would only be just, that how Adrian treats Lutain is how deep in
his heart, how he wants to treat everyone. If he were to truly do a despicable
act, then he would have to desire it so strongly to inflict it on his friend.
Adrian wants to be a good person, and he wants to make people happy and
proud of him.
That's why this story is so sad.
As promised, Here is the link to my Tumblr where I post fanart. The
picture below is a rough drawing of Adrian's side view, mostly when
I was struggling to draw or determine what impairment to go with.
post/156866811107/messing-around-with-how-to-horribly-
disfigure-a
If you would like to see real images, please search the term
Lichtenberg figure, especially in regards to human epithelial scarring.
For this story, I have taken liberties to make the damage extremely
extensive, more than what people generally are inflicted with in
real life.
36. Balm
This chapter was beta'd by our amazing Beta Collective
-Arctic Fox From Afar
-Mahina
-Cyndaquil05
-4everfictional
- and countless anonymous helpers!
Thanks to everyone who checked out the fanart! Feel free to look at
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Adrian didn't understand why the Healers were so startled and wary of
his answers.
They questioned him like he knew they would, and he responded
according to the predetermined script he and his father had already
created.
Yes, he had been living with his father. Yes, Bellatrix had shown up
unexpectedly and kidnapped him so to speak.
With her lapse in sanity due to her imprisonment in Azkaban, the healers
and mediwitches were being 'considerate' enough to not question him
directly on the events leading up to the curse.
They had performed the counterspells, along with the nerve and muscle
reconstruction spells. Unfortunately with the type of spells lightning
curses were, and the act of cauterizing the skin itself, there was no
chance to reverse the immense scarring; although they were able to
lessen the angry red welts into more subtle red and purple scarring.
The scars altered the entire shape of his face- reducing the prominence of
his cheekbones and casting the illusion of a more circular jaw. His green
eyes popped eerily, more attention grabbing than his thin nose or
familiar facial features.
It worked in all the best ways, and gave an excuse for why his body
shook and trembled with the after effects of his dark magic splurging.
The Healers didn't like how he answered everything calmly and
rationally. They didn't like how he didn't scream at night.
Then the mediwitch implied during one questioning, that perhaps
Bellatrix had abused him in other ways.
Adrian had an outburst of anger, only partially fueled by the bone aching
need that ran rampant in his blood. He had shouted, thrown his pillow
and cursed vulgarities much more violently than a fourteen year old
should have.
Remus, who was painfully awkward with children, made the entire thing
slightly better by assisting Adrian with the first rehabilitation efforts once
he awoke.
He was informed that both James Potter and Sirius Black visited him in
the hospital, although Adrian sent them away instantly. They hadn't
treated him well in his first year, they would be idiots to assume he didn't
hold a grudge.
His nerves had been damaged severely- to the point the mediwitches
doubted he would have complete control over his magic.
(Adrian mentally laughed and thanked his father for casting the curse
himself, and not giving the task to Bellatrix)
Once the employees of St. Mungos were absolutely certain that he would
be able to deal with any future rehabilitation efforts or medical
procedures, he was signed for release.
He was discharged after four days, his wounds bandaged from where
patches had blistered and were still interfering with his magical current.
From a lack of magical guardian, Adrian was taken care of by Remus who
had used his title of Hogwarts Teacher as a temporary guardian.
Which, through a chain of events, led up to the single moment where
Adrian was indulging himself by making up for his missed childhood.
Namely, by locking his door and refusing to come out.
"Adrian!" Remus shouted once again, the sound muffled by the weathered
oak door, "Open this door! You haven't come out all day!"
Adrian rolled over on his bed, staring at the wall pensively. He stared at
the cracks in the plaster until they blurred in his vision and created
abstract pictures and faces.
Remus thumped once more- this one sounding significantly different.
Adrian could well imagine the older man pressing his forehead to the
door in a mixture of annoyance and exasperation.
"If you don't open this door," Remus paused in thought, "I'll ask James
what to do."
Adrian snorted. Remus' sensitive hearing easily picked up the sound.
"Fine!" Remus argued back, scowling on the other side, "Maybe he'll bring
Skylar!"
Adrian tensed. James Potter wouldn't.
He did.
Adrian heard the lighter feet of Skylar Potter running up the steps,
running across the creaky wooden floor of Remus' shack of a house. If
Adrian focused, he could hear the faint murmur of people talking down
the hall in the main foyer.
Five fast knocks rattled Adrian's door, causing his teeth to itch and his
hand twitch to pull his wand from under his pillow.
"Adrian!" Skylar Potter shouted, his voice had gotten deeper as well, "I... I
know we're not friends but-"
Adrian couldn't help it, he laughed. It was a high pitched sound verging
on hysteria, something completely acceptable for a boy tortured by a
maniac.
"Friends?" Adrian echoed, barely aware of the hysterical tears that slipped
from the corner of his eye, "Skylar Potter, I hate you."
Skylar paused on the other side of the door, then leant his entire weight
against it. He slid to the ground, dark shadow from under the door slit.
"C'mon mate," Skylar's voice was lighter, "Come on out and we can floo
Hermione..."
Adrian grabbed the nearest thing he could see- a porcelain mug Remus
had offered him hot chocolate in. He let it fly, crashing and shattering
against the door. It suitably scared Skylar, who jolted away from the
wood.
The sound attracted someone else, heavy footsteps of an adult and a
faster speed than Remus.
"Skylar?" James' voice was unmistakable, even through the wood, "You
alright?"
"Fine dad." Skylar assured him, "Was being a bit rude, my bad."
James paused, obviously not sure and well experience with Adrian's
snark, "You sure?"
"Fine," Skylar's voice was bright and Adrian could tell he was smiling,
"I've got this."
How could Skylar Potter be so inherently good?
Adrian jolted to his feet, toes stinging pins and needles from his seated
position for such a long time. He stalked across the wood, ignoring its
obvious creaking to warn the others that he was nearing the door.
Adrian grasped the handle and flung it open, deactivating its privacy
ward. Skylar fumbled forward, nearly getting hit by the fast moving
doorknob.
"Why," Adrian nearly growled out, glaring at the backside of Skylar,
"Don't you leave me alone?"
Skylar held his hands out and turned slowly, his mouth opened obviously
in an awkward attempt to peacefully fix the situation.
Adrian was taller; he had to look down at Skylar.
Skylar met Adrian's eyes, then his eyes wandered.
They widened, his mouth dropped into a small shape of expressive
horror.
Adrian's jaw twitched, and Skylar watched transfixed how it stretched the
painful purple scaring over his cheekbone.
"What..." Skylar cleared his throat, not sure of how hoarse it had gotten,
"What happened…."
Adrian smiled a wicked grin, it made his face look terrifyingly sick.
"You mean your dad, didn't tell you?" Adrian almost crooned, his
expression sending the hairs on Skylar's neck standing upright, "This was
a welcome home gift."
Skylar's face expanded into horror once again. Adrian found he rather
liked the power that emotion gave him.
Then it switched to pity, and Adrian temper flared like the angry maw of
a Chinese Fireball. His magic didn't react, but his fist did. It was painfully
muggle, and he had no practice with melee combat to begin with; his
knuckles cracked loudly and his thumb ground against his bone,
threatening to snap. Skylar's jaw snapped to the side, but Adrian
suspected he had done more damage to himself than to the Golden Boy.
Skylar gave a loud cry of pain, although it was mostly surprise. He
fumbled to the ground, a jumble of gangly limbs he hadn't adjusted to
yet.
Adrian fell with him, nursing his throbbing hand close to his face. Adrian
noted the way Skylar paled when he saw the fine reddish blemishes
continued down the back of his hand.
"Sweet Merlin," Skylar shuddered, hesitating before he cautiously pulled
down on the neck of his shirt, stretching it beyond the point of return.
"I know it's not the same..." Skylar paused, tugging further to reveal the
fine white scar directly over his heart, "but I have one too..."
Skylar thought that the tiny mark over his heart- a flesh wound, could
dare compare to everything Adrian had endured?
Adrian saw red.
It was blur of movement and disorientation. Adrian couldn't hear- he
couldn't see. He felt the stinging tingle of his scars itching, his magic
boiling and tugging on the Keloid tissue in attempts to heal what could
not be fixed.
Adrian's head snapped around when large hands and arms snagged him
under his armpits, yanking him up off the ground and for a split second,
he was entirely weightless.
Then he crashed to the ground, skidding across wooden floor as
sensations returned quickly.
"-rian!"
Adrian blinked, stumbling backwards on his elbows as he clumsily tried
to get to his feet- struggling at how his body stung.
"Adrian!" Remus tried again, relief spreading across his face briefly,
"Thank Merlin; I don't know what happened but your curse scar
activated..."
"What?" Adrian asked dumbly, looking past the werewolf where Skylar
was sporting a large burn across the bridge of his nose and cheekbone,
narrowly missing his eye. James was holding him securely, face stony
with the professionalism of auror's having seen this before.
"A curse scar," Remus explained, lowering himself to kneel on one knee
and soften his voice, "When very dark magic is used, often it leaves
behind scars which can temporarily manifest similar magic to what was
cast. Didn't the healers talk to you?"
James nodded stiffly, "Assuming your curse was the lightning curse, it
was activated by whatever Skylar said or whatever you felt."
"Dad," Skylar urged, knocking aside James' wand with a small pout, "It
was me. I showed him my own scar-"
"You what?" James gaped, "Skylar Charlus Potter, you know the risks of
exposing curse scars to one another..."
"Are you alright?" Remus asked quietly, directing Adrian's attention away
from the parental scolding Skylar was receiving, "We haven't had an
incident with Skylar's scar, but it's possible it reacted to your own."
Adrian knew that wasn't the case.
"I'm fine," Adrian shrugged, curling his shoulders inwards as he locked his
jaw, "I didn't like the way he looked at me."
"Unfortunately," Remus smiled dryly, the expression tugging on the
disfiguration of his cheek, "People tend to stare."
Remus stood slowly, rising from his half kneeling position. He offered
one hand to Adrian, weathered and calloused.
"Come along," He smiled gently, "We'll see what my kitchen has for food."
"I don't suppose you have house elves?" Adrian asked, accepting the hand
and pulling himself to his feet, hunking slightly under James Potter's
cautious look.
Remus chuckled lightheartedly, "None of that here. Anything we're eating
we're making with our own hands- or paws." He winked playfully.
"Remus," James spoke cautiously, giving a pointed look at Adrian, "Is that
really the best..."
"He knows, James." Remus sternly stated, "He's a rather intelligent boy,
he figured it out on his own. A genius with magic creatures, it baffles me
how he apparently performed so poorly when you taught."
"I didn't," Adrian interjected monotonously, "He just never liked me."
James flushed and had the decency to look embarrassed.
"It's true though!" Skylar defended, "Hermione says he's a textbook! And
that came from Hermione!"
James Potter crossed his arms and shifted his weight, "Well, in that case,
I owe you an apology, Mr. Selwyn."
Adrian tilted his chin slightly in a polite nod.
"Well then," Remus cleared the air, "Perhaps sandwiches for lunch?"
Remus was a decent cook, although there wasn't that much involved with
creating simple sandwiches. Nonetheless, Skylar and his father gorged
themselves on sliced meat and cheese layered between rye bread.
Adrian's father hated rye.
He did notice large amounts of meat in Remus' food keeper, which
amused him a great deal.
"Where's your snake?" Skylar blurted, holding the uneaten crusts in his
hand, "The uh, the big one."
Adrian tensed and gently set his sandwich down on his plate. "I only have
one snake, Potter."
"Hey, play nice." James frowned, pointing between the two, "He was just
curious. I didn't know you had a pet."
"Oh..." Remus breathed softly, clinking his elbow on the table as he
rubbed his eyes and forehead with his hand, "Oh, I am so sorry, Adrian."
Adrian looked at his fingers and tore the bread apart.
"What?" James paused, "What is it Moony?"
"Adrian is a rather gifted child in that he has a familiar," Remus' voice
was strained.
Skylar jolted in surprise, "Isn't that rare? Isn't that like, impossible, dad?"
James blinked in alarm, and looked at Remus sternly, "Unless he's been
tested..."
"James," Remus sounded tired.
Adrian didn't look up as the torn bits of bread were clumped into a ball
and rendered inedible.
"Moony-" James struggled before he lowered his voice to a rushed hiss, "If
he isn't tested then it can't be a confirmed familiar! They only occur after
the age of..."
"Look at the exceptions!" Moony growled back, his voice deep and
uncharacteristically fierce, "Look at all notable cases in which
prepubescent familiar's have been recorded-"
"You can't assume that is applicable in this situation! Just because he was
abused doesn't mean-"
"Abused?" A small confused voice asked, causing the table to become
awfully quiet.
The unsettling wad of rye bread was now being molded into a flattened
rock.
"That's not true, right dad?" Skylar asked in horror, turning and looking
at James with some sort of longing, "Right dad? That's not true? Right?"
His voice broke, crackling awkwardly in sure sign of distress and teenage
adolescence.
"Sky," James Potter sunk, realizing his guilt now at having said such a
private thing in front of his son, "Sometimes bad things happen to good
people-"
Adrian snorted, loudly. He stood forcefully, seething with an ugly scowl
pulling the edges of his scars.
"Are you serious?" He growled slowly, hands curling into fists as
something desperately raw tore inside him, "Are you bloody serious?"
"Adrian-" Remus started, sliding his chair back and standing slowly to not
set the younger boy off.
"Oh Skylar, I am so sorry for the terrible burden you have as the Chosen
One." Adrian's voice shook, "It must be simply horrid to have so many
dark witches and wizards constantly almost killing you. And all that
wretched fame and glory, it must be simply too much."
"Adrian," Remus tried again, trying to stop the tide of words.
Adrian didn't stop.
"Do you cry when Witch Weekly catches a photo of you with your shirt
untucked? Do you have to sign autographs every time you wander freely
in Diagon?"
Skylar was paling, his complexion turning nearly sickly and his eyes
glassy. Adrian's throat burned and his breaths weren't satisfying his need
for air.
"What a terrible weight you have to carry alone, you wouldn't wish
something as awful as your life on anyone."
Adrian was spun by a warm hand between his shoulder blades. He didn't
think, he reacted and ducked his face into the soft brown robes with a
fraying edge and missing button.
He couldn't hear, he only gasped for breaths as his breathing hitched and
his throat created the most unbecoming sounds.
"You should go," Remus spoke softly, his words vibrating through his
chest and against Adrian's shaking form.
Adrian didn't look to see if they left, he only clung on and shook with the
rising panic and anxiety of the situation.
What was happening? Generally Lutain was near or he would circle
around with cold scales and reassure-
He struggled to find his occlumency barriers and drag them upwards,
dispelling the dangerous riptide of his loathing into temperamental mist.
He was sitting on a couch, tucked under the thick warmth and weight of
a woolen blanket, hand knit and beginning to unravel on certain stitches.
Remus appeared, balancing a vial of something soft blue and two
steaming mugs of likely tea. Adrian didn't drink tea.
"Here..." Remus shuffled, placing one mug on a nearby table and
balancing the other as he fished for the vial, "I have access to a supply of
calming draughts- yours I mean. I have to regulate them since you're
under aged and St. Mungo's is very strict with those rules."
"Right," Adrian blinked, dazed at how he had suddenly appeared on a
couch of all places, "Calming draught." His stomach was still churning
and threatening a reappearance of the sandwiches.
"I brought along tea as well," Remus offered, "And warmed cider, I wasn't
sure which you would prefer."
Adrian fumbled with the stopper for the calming draught, picking at the
seal with broken fingernails.
"Why?" He asked quietly, voice hoarse and rough, "Why are you being
nice?"
"Why wouldn't I be?" Remus countered, stifling a sigh as he settled into a
deep chair across the room, nursing his cup of tea with both hands.
"Why me? Why are you being nice to me of all people?"
"Well," Remus started calmly, "I see no difference between you, or your
classmates, or even a stranger."
"I was raised by Bellatrix," Adrian stressed, the name sounded hollow. His
hands trembled and he inhaled wetly, "I could have been raised to kill
you."
Remus took a sip of his tea and nodded.
"I could have been raised to kill Potter." Adrian tried again, desperate in
his attempt to scare the man.
"You could have been," Remus agreed, with the faintest glimmer of
sympathy, "And if you were, I would give you freedom to live away from
expectations or requirements. I would give you an opportunity to follow
what you want to do, and not what you were raised to do."
"No," Adrian argued, his voice cracked entirely as the beginning gathering
of tears formed, "You shouldn't- you shouldn't be nice to me then-"
"Adrian," Remus started, placing his mug aside so he could lean forward
with his elbows on his knees, "You told me you were adopted, by
Bellatrix."
He was, he had told him that. It was true...
"It wasn't your fault." He spoke softly, "That you were left there. That you
were abandoned by your birth parents- it wasn't your fault."
Adrian's heart stopped.
"I don't know anything about them, and I don't want to even think about
the unspeakable mistake they made," Remus continued, voice firm and
somehow, his words shone like a lighthouse in the middle of a raging
storm, "but Adrian, know that it wasn't your fault. There isn't anything
wrong with you, it wasn't your fault."
"No." Adrian shook his head, why couldn't Remus see? He should- Adrian
was dangerous, he shouldn't be- "No, no...no..."
"It wasn't your fault Adrian," He repeated carefully, "and I'll tell you that
every day for however long it takes for you to realize that. You weren't
abandoned because of who you are. It wasn't your fault."
Adrian shattered.
yveltaldarkrai3: Will Adrian's face be permanently disfigured?
Yep, it's done.
Impstar: If you're going to go with mutilation, that isn't a bad scare to
have. Almost looks cool.
WAY better than what Bella would have done, I imagine.
Yes! My biggest peeve is people who write fics with unknown medical
background. I'm not saying I'm a doctor but I absolutely dread when people
give others scars right over their face or eye. I live for medical realism.
Vhully: Another update? Author, you spoil us.
It's because I love you
Kclown: What happened to Suzie? She showed up for like 2 chapters in
Hogwarts then it was as if she was never to be seen again. What are you
planning with her, as you haven't really used her since she came to
Hogwats.
Well, it's the summer right now. Why would Suzie show up in the middle of
summer.
She'll play an important part, but well, she doesn't know who Adrian is. As far
as she knows, stay clear of him. That's why we haven't seen her, because
Adrian literally hasn't seen her.
37. Starve
This chapter was beta'd by our amazing Beta Collective
-Arctic Fox From Afar
-Mahina
-Cyndaquil05
-4everfictional
- and countless anonymous helpers!
Thanks to everyone who checked out the fanart! Feel free to look at
any time!
The most excruciating problem with residing inside Lupin's small home,
was the maddening prickling under his skin.
He itched and ached for his other wand, the phoenix feather and holly
wand he had removed the ministry trace from years back; the wand he
used to practice magic. He could almost see it, held carefully in a box
hidden in his father's estate.
Instead he used his spare, the second wand he always took with him to
Hogwarts and into public. It fit adequately, but tingled sourly in a way
which only made his magic hurt so much worse.
How he burned to release and send curse after curse at the wall, to slash
deep grooves and burns across the wooden boards until the entire house
shook from his fury.
He wanted to do so so badly, it made him sick to his stomach and muscles
clench against the burn of staying still.
Remus had panicked at the first instance where Adrian's temper had
flared and soured the air so poignantly. He thrashed and screamed,
clawing at his own arms to let the burning out.
The mediwizards assured the werewolf in soothing tones, that it was
simply an aftereffect of the curse scar. Adrian wasn't as convinced,
something about it drew on his weakness and urged him to burn the
entire house down with fire. A curse scar wouldn't construct such
desirable thoughts.
The worst part out of the situation, was that Remus wasn't leaving him
alone like he had first assumed he would. The man would check in on
Adrian constantly throughout the day, making sure that he took his
potions or didn't skip a meal. It was treated and monitored in such a way
Adrian prickled at the loss of his independence, Bellatrix or his father had
never tread so carefully over him.
("Adrian, stop scratching."
"I'm not scratching."
"I can still see you-…")
He supposed it was until he relaxed and cooled down from whatever
ailment made his body spasm and his magic twitch. It already was
fading, the fits taking less time and singing more mutedly in his blood.
Remus seemed to notice as well, his relief was very obvious.
The Potters and Sirius Black visited often.
Adrian prefered the heir to the Black fortune and riches, he was bold and
annoyingly blunt but also seemed to understand Adrian's habits and
personality better than Remus could. He cooled down the werewolf,
explaining in simple terms his need to be alone.
Remus had explained in stressed and worried tones, his concern over
Adrian's occasional fits. Sirius Black was on edge with the explanations,
he never quite relaxed with Adrian after such admissions.
Black's terse and tense visits were much more preferable to the Potter's,
who often brought along not only Skylar, but a troupe of Weasley's in an
attempt to 'give the Selwyn bloke some decent friends for once.'
Somewhere across magical Britain, Draco was laughing himself to tears.
Adrian was invited to Skylar Potter's birthday party, yet given the more
paranoid state the Potter's were now living in, it wasn't a very public
event.
Adrian vehemently expressed how he would hate to intrude on such a
welcome occasion, which naturally caused the embodiments of fate to
laugh.
Potter's simply arranged for the party to take place at Remus' house.
Adrian wanted to clobber one of them.
Between the loud shrieks of Ronald Weasley, and the chaotic laughter of
the two elder twins (Adrian could tolerate those two, they had made
several investments in his services to obtain illegal potion ingredients), it
was beginning to add to the headache pounding in his skull.
Skylar seemed bemused by the situation, offering without a thought to
help Ronald remove the thick purplish goo from where it coated the back
of his neck.
"It's nice to see them relaxing," Lily chimed contently to Mrs. Weasley.
The elder woman nodded her head vigorously, "Oh yes! Simply
wonderful, I do hope that Skylar dear enjoys himself."
James laughed heartily as the twins managed to land a temporary dung
bomb on their new target, the elder brother Charlie who flailed
backwards at the smell.
"Don't you want to play?" Remus asked curiously, peering at the small
collection of gingers and Skylar, "I hear that they're going to be heading
outside to fly for a bit."
Adrian scowled as he forcefully peered out of the nearest window to
observe the sunny outdoors, "I don't like quidditch."
"What?" James gasped as if struck, "but... I had heard that you were good
at flying…"
"Who in Merlin's name told you that rubbish?" Adrian snarled out, his
neck prickling uncomfortably, "I don't like flying, I don't like quidditch,
and I don't like you."
"Adrian dear," Mrs. Weasley floundered, gobsmacked by the aggressive
display, "Certainly you don't mean that. I'm sure Ronald would love to
show you how to fly…"
Adrian glared at her coldly, his lip curling in a way he knew made his
face appear even more grotesque.
"Adrian." Remus barked, his voice stern and layered with something
dissapointed, "That is no way to speak to elders or to behave,"
"Oh sorry, I haven't had manners ingrained into me," Adrian snappishly
retorted, "I was busy learning other lessons of fine etiquette instead of
how to talk to blood traitors."
He felt a surge of satisfaction, a sadistic sense of glee at his scathing
remark. Lily flinched boldly, while Mrs. Weasley gasped obscurely.
"That's it," James' face darkened and his voice was clipped. He stood up
imposingly, which would have had more effect if Adrian wasn't nearly his
own height, "That is no way to talk to us."
Remus stood as well, at this point the small group of children had
stopped laughing and were now watching fascinated.
"James…" Remus trailed off with a sigh, "You're being too harsh-"
"Harsh?" James echoed in disbelief, "Moony, you have no idea how to
raise a child-"
"I'm not being raised, by anyone." Adrian hissed back sourly, "I don't need
raising!"
"Then stop being an idiotic kid and smarten up!" James shouted back,
face flushing angrily, "or Merlin forbid, I'll convince Moony to drop you
right off at St. Mungo's for the rest of the holidays."
Adrian tensed and leant forward slightly, hunkering instantly to
accommodate the phantom scales that should have risen to coil around
his shoulders. He felt nothing, and with a flash of sorrow he flinched
noticeably.
"Dad," Skylar complained boldly, crossing his arms with a frown, "He
didn't mean it, he's been around Malfoy too much and he just slipped."
"Yeah-" The two twins chorused, "Everyone knows how that slimy ferret-"
"Is such a fan of us-"
"Why Gred, I do believe that he says the most beautiful names-"
"Oh Forge, I know, It's a marvel our little scaled friend-"
"Nothing mean by that, you're our favourite little slimy snake-"
"We say it in the nicest way-"
Adrian rubbed his eyes sharply and resisted the urge to draw his wand
and start throwing curses.
Considering how often he talked and arranged deals with people, he truly
didn't know how to socialize with people.
"We'll take him off your hands-" The twins started, one of them lazily
throwing an arm around his shoulders.
Adrian opened his mouth to argue, but the Twins' involvement had
apparently soothed James enough that the topic was dropped. The twins
were a soft spot in the hearts of the pranksters.
"You do that," James nodded and paused consideringly, "Maybe talk to
him about those seats."
'Seats?' Adrian wondered instantly, yet whatever it was, he had a bad
feeling about it.
He was right. He didn't like the seats to the Quidditch World Cup at all.
Fred and George were the only tolerable ones in the entire house.
More often than not, Adrian woke up to the muffled noises of visitors in
the home. Remus, having never been exposed to or used to children, was
struggling in his attempts to 'raise Adrian'. He had overheard Sirius
muttering about how Remus certainly picked a challenge for his first try.
Adrian tried not to feel smug about that.
He was labeled as the brooding type, which was fine as everyone seemed
to give him distance. Well, as much distance as possible in the small
home Remus could afford with his Hogwarts staff wages and other
unknown income sources. In another life, Adrian may have offered to
periodically cut Remus' hair and sell it to Knockturn Alley potion
suppliers. Werewolf hair was never ever easy to come by.
Up close, Adrian was able to see another side to Skylar and the others,
which contrasted and simultaneously fueled his assumptions in one go.
Skylar wasn't a brat; he knew the brattish type after one glance at Draco.
Skylar was overwhelmingly good, his morals and compassion so strong it
struck Adrian like a physical blow.
He could throw boiling water at the boy, clobber him or spit threats for
days on end. Somehow, the golden hero would smile and accept it and
apologize because somehow he had upset Adrian, and that was certainly
not polite of him.
It was infuriating and suffocating. Adrian wanted to fight a brat, he
wanted to fight a selfish naive jerk, who would siffle and mewl under his
curses.
Adrian knew that instead of that, Skylar would simply smile sadly and
accept anything and everything he cast at him.
It was unfair. He wanted a challenge, he wanted a target that with one
glance he knew that he was justified.
Adrian was vindictive, and Potter was so masochistically subdued it
ruined all of his assurance.
Not only that, the other boy seemed to take in the burdens of everyone
else without buckling under the strain. He offered the Weasley's a
shoulder to cry on, he offered his best friend, Ron, someone to confide in.
Adrian had wandered through the rooms one night, a few days before
they were to leave for the Quidditch World Cup. The adults were in the
kitchen, discussing plans under silencing charms and steaming mugs of
tea.
The twins had left with their older brothers (Adrian had formed a sort of
peculiar bond with the one boy, Charlie. A mutual friendship over snarky
puns involving Wyverns and Hungarian Horntails), leaving the house
unsettlingly quiet.
The lack of Lutain's snark and softly scraping scales made everything
seem that much lonelier.
Adrian knew that the Potters wouldn't abandon Skylar here all alone, no
matter how important their discussion was. Which led to the unfortunate
scene Adrian stumbled into.
Ronald Weasley, normally brash and hard headed, mewling and sobbing
disgusting sounds onto the shoulder of Skylar. The latter of course had a
sort of unwavering sympathy, patting the other boy's shoulder firmly yet
somehow gentle.
"I can't..." Ron sobbed, entire body shaking as he trembled harder,
"...Ginny."
Oh, right.
Ginny Weasley.
'Leave her in the Chamber' The words flashed through his mind with
chilling coldness. His own tone so blank, it was unrecognizable.
'Let her starve to death.'
Adrian flinched so violently, his shoulder clipped the doorframe with a
emphasized bang. The noise startled the two, alerting them of his
presence.
"You!" Ron shouted, sniffling against the viscous snot in his nose,
"You...you… you slimy git!"
"Ron," Skylar started, his voice sharp yet somehow understanding, "Ron
leave it, he wasn't-"
"No!" Ron shouted, ignoring how the sound would likely carry into the
kitchen, "He...He's a Slytherin, he was in on it, mate!"
Skylar looked torn, his brown eyes widening as he looked at Adrian in a
silent plea.
"What happened to her?" Ron sobbed, on the verge of screaming in his
grief, "What did you do to her?"
"I-" Adrian stumbled to make a noise, overwhelmed and in shock at the
focused conviction. It was impossible the boy knew, he couldn't know.
"Ron!" Skylar shouted, one hand clapping the redhead's shoulder firmly,
"Ron, mate, let him go. He wasn't part of it, mate. He's Mione's friend."
"Some friend!" Ron shrieked angrily, his face flushing horrendously,
"Goes around making bloody bets, crawling to Malfoy and those other
gits…"
"I make deals," Adrian countered sourly, sneering sharply in return, "A
few that you've used if I remember right."
"No," Ron laughed ugly, "You just crawl from one bloke to the next,
hoping you get a scrap from anyone."
Adrian recoiled in surprise, before it swiftly shifted to aggression.
"Excuse me?" Adrian hissed, almost shifting to parseltongue. Ron jutted
his chin out, hands curling into fists.
"You heard me!" He barked harshly, "You're just a dog, crawling on your
belly for everyone so you don't get blamed, you spineless coward…"
"Ron!" Skylar started, shoving the boy backwards and physically out of
his accusatory trance, "Ron, mate, no. You don't know his life, it's
different for him…"
"I do what I have to do to survive!" Adrian growled back, eyes glittering
dangerously as his blood tingled for his other wand, to point and silence
that mongrel, "You three have me to thank for everything."
"Right!" Ron laughed, trying to sound patronizing, "like Mione couldn't do
any of that without you!"
Adrian opened his mouth to retort, he never had the opportunity to
respond before the Weasley continued with his tirade.
"Hermione is smarter than you any day!" He continued, "So what if you
got us potion ingredients? Mione would have found them herself! So
what you found out that Chamber stuff, she would have found it
anyways. You aren't important to us, you aren't needed, and you aren't
our friend!"
"Alright that's it!" Skylar shouted, pushing Ron away so he was now
across the room. Skylar outstretched his arms, holding them palm spread
to form an imaginary barrier between the two boys, "Ron, Adrian's
helped us out more than Mione could. Yes she's smart, but it would take
her time to find that stuff, it helps to have another person looking!"
Skylar's voice was sharp, his face in a pointed expression yet somehow he
still retained the gentle lilt to his tone. Ron opened his mouth to argue,
and Skylar sighed, "C'mon mate, just because Slytherin wrecked your
family doesn't mean the same didn't happen to him."
That jarred Adrian. Deeply.
"And you," Skylar turned, nodding to Adrian who still stood tense in the
doorway, "I know we've gotten off on the wrong foot, but some of that's
your fault too."
Adrian blinked, "Wha- my fault…"
"You haven't exactly made it easy," Skylar admitted, "although Hermione
really is fond of you. You have moment's too, where you're a prat-"
Adrian flushed angrily and opened his mouth to argue.
"But," Skylar hurriedly added, "you're really not bad. Bloody good dueler
and wicked at Care."
'What,' Adrian blinked, trying to think.
All semblances or traces of thought refused to form, dancing out of his
grip like his occlumency barrier turned against him. He floundered,
looking as shocked as Weasley.
"I think," Skylar started, his voice much more soft and gentle than he had
used with either of them, "that Ginny would really have liked you."
'Leave her in the chamber.'
He flinched, viciously and in such a way his chest physically ached.
He missed Lutain so dearly.
Ron looked scrutinizing, his face pinching tightly, "Fred and George say
you're not bad," Ron admitted sourly, "and she was closest with them."
'In the chamber?'
"Right," Skylar started brightly, "she loves..." Skylar faltered slightly as he
corrected himself, "Loved, flying horses, the winged ones ya know? What
were they, uh…"
Skylar trailed off awkwardly, glancing at Ron who looked as if he was
somewhere caught between brooding and mourning, "Granian," He
quietly confirmed, "drove Mum up the wall with how she wanted one out
back."
Adrian stared, yet behind his open eyes he saw the excited expression of
his father tugging and pulling him further down.
'In the chamber? All alone?'
"No," Adrian cleared his throat, from where it felt like it was closing on
him, "Aethenon are the only species registered in Britain."
Ron seemed baffled, and in a few seconds his expression shifted through
a scale of different emotions. Anger, sadness, satisfaction, curiosity, and
caution. It settled on something neutral, bland yet with the smallest
touches of acceptance, "Yeah, that one. Got Charlie to try and make a
stable out back."
The idea that housing an Aethenon at the Weasley estate was even
possible, was laughable. The creatures were huge, and required enormous
amounts of fodder and grain just for daily life, not counting the exercise
and expensive riding gear.
Somehow, the mental image of a little girl trying to persuade loving
parents that they needed one was charming. Bittersweet in a hollow
aching way.
Adrian had taken that, had taken her away from them.
'Leave her in the chamber to starve.'
Adrian had killed Ginny. He hadn't ever thought of it like that, so bluntly
stated in his head. He knew that he had killed her, he left her to her
demise.
The ramifications of his actions hadn't ever set in, they hadn't ever
occurred to him. She had just been a first year, in the wrong place at the
wrong time. She was a casualty in war; she held no more significance
than a shirt Bellatrix had ruined during training. She had died, but it felt
more to him that she had...expired; her use and her ability had ended,
she was the shed Lutain left behind as he continued to grow.
He had never thought of her as someone with individual dreams and
desires, an individual life that everyone would mourn and miss and
remember.
She hadn't...she hadn't (or had she always been?) a person, in his eye. She
was just an object, a possession of the wrong side…
He had left her behind, left her lying in a pool of water too weak to stand
or speak.
He had turned his back on her and left her on the floor.
"I mean he didn't," Ron added on, now deep in the throes of nostalgia,
"well, he did, but it was more of a shack. The Gnomes got in after a week,
we used it as a quaffle post, see how far we could chuck gnomes in it."
Her hair had spread around her fallen form, outstretched like stringy wet
rays of sunshine. Her complexion was far too pale, like spoiled milk.
"That's what that shed is?" Skylar asked intrigued, "I always thought it
was for gardening,"
"Merlin no," Ron almost smiled, "Charlie was proving to mum he and Gin'
could have a pet, although Charlie wanted a dragon…"
His father had been so happy, his expression thrilled and so lifelike
Adrian could have felt cooled skin.
Adrian didn't even curse her, he left her to perish like a muggle.
"You okay there, mate?" Skylar asked, his smile faltering as he caught
sight of Adrian's rapidly paling complexion, "You looking a bit peachy
there…"
His father had laughed, he had smiled and crooned sweet words of praise
and pride as he turned and walked over wet stone.
"Ron, go get-" Skylar started, his voice sounding muffled.
Adrian didn't notice.
Somewhere over the sounds of Tom Riddle laughing in his head, he had
heard the desperate breathy sounds of Ginny sobbing.
He had walked away and left Ginny Weasley crying alone in the
chamber, he had walked away.
Hadrianus Selwyn killed Ginny Weasley.
It suddenly didn't sound as alluring as it once had.
He teetered, and heard Skylar give a cry of alarm.
'Leave her in the Chamber.'
'All alone? In the Chamber?'
'Let her starve to death.'
Nattefrost: I'm wondering when the Potters realised that Harry wasnt
safe at the Dursley's. Remus's comment about how they worried when he
did not attend Hogwarts , implied that it wasnt until sep. 1 that they
realised something was amiss. And yet James seems so upbeat and
normal in Adrians earliest classes. Despite being neglectful, he should
have behaved more distracted when one of his sons did not show up.
I'll actually explain this a lot in the future. As in, there will be large chapters
that explain this entirely.
Just for a rough timeline, the Potter's checked in on the Dursley's and couldn't
find them. They assumed that they left with Harry for security reasons, and
assumed that they were in hiding (since they were Muggles and had no
protective wards or abilities).
After a series of events and bodies found, they realized that there was a
chance Harry still lived because they didn't find a body. At this point they
presumed he was dead but remained super hopeful until Hogwarts started,
then they finally accepted he was dead. This is all behind closed curtains,
that's why it isn't explained at this point.
Mezzem313: What's going to happen with Lutain? When are we and
Adrian going to see him again?
Soon. He'll be back, no worries.
Shawnia 5090: What's this "tested" thing about familiars? I didn't really
understand. Will it be explained in next chapters?
Alright, view Familiars as Medically Assisted Animals. In University settings,
some university dorms will not allow you to have a pet with you in the
exception of a Medical Assistant Animal, sometimes known as 'therapy pets'.
These can extend to anxiety animals, seeing-eye animals, seizure sensing
animals, depression assistance animals, and more. To have one, you must
legally register your animal with a medical facility and a doctor and contact
the university. This is to stop people from bringing in giant animals to
university dorms or appartment complexes.
In this story, Familiar's are similar creatures.
Familiar's are animals that have magically bonded/connected with a Witch or
Wizard through extreme events or through prolonged exposure. Familiar's, to a
degree (which is dependent on the natural intelligence of the animal species in
question), are able to understand or send small 'flashes' of emotions towards
the Witch or Wizard bonded with. They're your best friend, your partner, and
family. Unfortunately, the only way to actually have a 'legitimate' familiar is
through repeated exposure, oftentimes this is only possible as an adult. A child
having a familiar is extremely extremely rare, and generally only happens in
cases of abuse or negligence (although in abusive households, its unlikely you'd
be allowed a pet. That's why they're rare.)
A mediwitch or a practitioner would test for some sort of magical bond or link
between the creature and the person, and possibly test for any sort of
communicative properties. Once registered, no building or establishment is
permitted to kick out a familiar, as it would be considered very cruel or
medically detrimental. Of course, a lot of people would try and fake having a
familiar. "Hello, my name is Creal, and this is my familiar Snarg who is a
twelve foot three headed Goat who eats houses."
In this story, Fawkes is Dumbledore's familiar. In the original canon series, I
consider Hedwig Harry's familiar (although to a lesser degree due to an owl's
brain development and capabilities.)
Dekatria13: Your cover is creepy
I tried to make it a flip of the original stories cover!
Kclown: When will the Potters' realize Adrian is Harry? I can just
imagine the scene. The faces of shock betrayal and disbelief, Skyalar's
tears and so much more drama. I can't wait!
I'm actually currently writing the scene where Remus finds out. It's painful.
Hello Everyone! I've recently opened a Poll on my profile page, just
to test the waters and see what everyone is feeling in terms of this
story.
Keep in mind, your choices or preference will have some sway over
the story, although not major events I've already planned and
chapter's already created.
However, your choices will significantly influence how this story
ends in regards to the 'Final Battle.'
Please click on the link to my profile at the top, and take the poll! It
also addresses your 'side' and your preferred romantic pairing or
ship!
38. Bloodbath
This chapter was beta'd by our amazing Beta Collective
-Arctic Fox From Afar
-Mahina
-Cyndaquil05
-4everfictional
- and countless anonymous helpers!
Thanks to everyone who checked out the fanart! Feel free to look at
any time!
What horrified Adrian more in the last couple days wasn't how he fainted
under the pretense of his 'Curse scar', or the fact that he had to share a
tent with Twins, or even the fact that he was being dragged with the
Potters to a Quidditch match.
It was that the box they were seated in, was also occupied by the Malfoy
Family.
The entire Malfoy Family.
Under different circumstances, Adrian may have enjoyed how Draco's
expression went through an alarming array of emotions in such a short
time. It ended on gobsmacked confusion, alternating between cruel
sneers directed at Adrian's company.
Remus was unsettled by the display, although he never steered Adrian
away which would have only further escalated it.
"Potters," Draco's father spoke smoothly, eyes sharp as he observed the
entire group, only pausing for a short while on Adrian, "How charitable
to grant the Weasley's a place in such lavish decorum."
The Weasley's in question flushed, although civilly returned the jab with
another clipped remark. Adrian didn't overly care to listen, nor was he
interested in Draco's attempts to gain his attention. He stared blankly out
of the enchanted glass.
He didn't like quidditch. He didn't like being there.
Adrian wanted to go home, he missed Lutain. He missed the strange
system he had with his father...
He missed the unspoken environment that screamed mutual respect- he
missed the independence and the freedom to cast spells or curses
whenever he pleased. He missed knowing that any questions he had
could be answered immediately, even the simplest inquiries answered
with an exasperated sigh but a well instructed answer.
He missed all of it, he missed his father.
Adrian should be excited with the inevitable fruition of the plans, slowly
growing closer and closer with every quidditch point scored.
His nerves twitched and sparked unsettlingly, twisting his stomach until
he felt queasy. He knew what was going to happen, he knew and nobody
else did.
But he missed Lutain, he missed Nagini. It was depressing to try and
communicate with the mentally handicapped tattoo that only held the
faintest impression of the giant snake.
As teams competed and the hours ticked on and on, he found himself
contradicting his desires.
Adrian was anxious. As much as he missed his family and as dearly he
wanted his companion once again, he was dearly dreading when the
attack was to actually happen.
There was something comforting, about the role he had found for himself
in the presence of the Werewolf. Something gentle and homely in a way
nothing else was.
The sun descended, throwing long shadows on the ground. The sun
glittered orange and illuminated torches as if they caged phoenixes. The
stadium began to empty. The stands were a disorienting swirl of colour as
hundreds of people began to leave for the Floo or Portkey stations.
Others traveled still, moving to prepaid campsites where they would stay
for the festivities.
The box Adrian was in rose, stretching cramped muscles and chatting
excitedly about the stunts and skills they had just seen. The quidditch
players had barely registered to Adrian, they were only points which
marked the passage of time.
The sun had descended below the horizon, tainting the air with the
fading glow of twilight.
"Adrian?" Remus asked gently, not prodding the younger boy, "We're
leaving."
Adrian didn't want to get up and leave his chair. It meant that it was
going to happen, it meant that it was really going to happen.
He distantly noticed that the Malfoy's had vanished from sight, was
Draco's father already preparing for the raid?
How would he find Bellatrix, how would he not be targeted…
He flinched largely as something stretched and silently tore near the flesh
of his left hip. It snaked upwards, chillingly cold as it caressed his bones
and wormed its way to his throat.
"Are you okay?" Remus frowned, resting one large hand between Adrian's
shoulder blades.
Adrian nodded, pulling his cloak closer to his body and under his chin.
They were all so oblivious…
"I'm fine," Adrian spoke, giving a small cough to try and disguise his
shivering, "Just cold."
Remus smiled reassuringly, "It gets colder at night, I always
underestimate it as well. Did you pack a warmer cloak?"
Small talk, they were making small talk.
"I did," Adrian smiled weakly, thankful that the sudden darkness
disguised how shaky he felt, "It's in the tent."
They were making small talk.
(And they were all going to die.)
Adrian felt sick.
Remus opened his mouth to respond before his head jerked upwards
peering in one direction frozen.
"Moony?" Sirius barked teasingly, his smile faltering when he noticed
how intent Remus' expression was.
"What is it?" James asked, removing one arm from around his wife,
"Moony, what-"
From the night rose a chaotic medley of screams. Beautiful in its
synchronous movements, it spread outwards in a half circle around the
perimeter of the campgrounds.
From the ground burst dragonfire, spreading molten wings and roaring
soundlessly into the night sky.
"Fiendfyre!" James shouted, barely audible over the dark magic, "Run!"
Adrian's skin tingled as Nagini's phantom tongue lovingly flickered
against the hollow of his throat, "Find us."
"Go!" Remus shouted, drawing his wand and ushering Adrian with the
younger children towards the emergency Portkey stations.
"Stay with Lily!" He shouted, pointing with his wand directly at Adrian.
Remus' eyes flickered golden, reflecting fire roaring in the sky.
Adrian nodded without seeing, sprinting after the crowd on autopilot.
He heard the screams and cries of people; women and men alike. Tents
were on fire, spells of purple and yellow flung around the clearing,
fending off the acrid green.
Adrian'd father always said his eyes looked so similar.
Another group of panicking family melded with Adrian's group. In the
chaos of screaming and pushing bodies, Adrian ducked behind a tree. The
bark pressed sharply through his thin cloak, leaving temporary indents
against his skin.
Nagini twisted disgustingly on his chest, tugging against his body
unnaturally. Lovingly she danced, grotesquely pulling and persuading
nausea to rise.
Adrian pulled out his wand, thankful he had it on him at all times. He
held it flat in his palm, staring at the wood blankly before he focused
enough to think.
"Point me…" He trailed off uncertain. Would Lutain be possible to cast?
He wasn't sure if the spell could find a snake.
He would find the next best thing.
"Point me Bellatrix Lestrange," He mumbled under his breath, half
expecting the spell to not work.
It did, and pointed him towards the chaos.
He should have known.
Adrian hadn't ever seen a battlefield.
He had dueled with Bellatrix, he had fought off various malicious curses
and spells. If he was ever struck, she would speak the counterspell or heal
it afterwards.
He had never ever considered that those targeted wouldn't be as
fortunate.
It was a childish thought in hindsight, a innocent mindset that crashed to
the ground the moment he saw the first body.
It was slashed open, hip to hip, and from the gash silvery purple organs
spilled out like a ruptured pastry.
Adrian had never seen organs before. He had never ever thought about
what they would look like even as he himself learned the same spell.
They were darker than he expected, slimy like an eel yet shimmery like
Nagini in the dark.
They stank something warm and putrid, foul enough for Adrian's stomach
to clench.
The man's eyes were glassy and clouded, but not to the obscure degree he
had always imagined.
He stepped over the body, not even feeling the bloodied grass as it
caressed his ankles and left red trails in wake. He kept walking, past
smoldering tents and remnants of a tree.
Something far off in the distance exploded with a spectacular bang.
He could see them swarming, the Death Eaters. They moved as a unified
front, black cloaks melding with the night while bone white masks stared
hauntingly into the dark. They were experienced duelers, moving and
casting, soundless except incantations. Some moved so fast, Adrian didn't
even see the movement.
He was closer, and that's where he drew to a stop. They moved past him
silently, not seeing his body shrouded by the trees.
He did not see Bellatrix, instead his weakness was not of human eyes. He
was found by the heat scenting eyes of a mighty snake many times his
size.
"Cerestes?" Nagini crooned, slithering across the battle torn grass faster
than he had expected she could, "Little one!"
"Nagini?" Adrian asked back, feeling foolish at once. Who else would be
of her size and actively seeking him out?
"Yes!" She hissed happily, reaching his hiding place and coiling around
his lower legs in an embrace, "I have wand for you."
"What?' Adrian blurted, feeling far too slow for the rapidity of the
situation, "How could you have my wand…"
And Nagini spasmed, jerking and wheezing sickly to vomit a brown bag
roughly the size of a rabbit. It was covered in bile and other bodily fluids,
slick and flattened by her muscles.
"Wand," Nagini agreed pleasantly, "And human scales! Come! Lutain
awaits!"
"Lutain?" Adrian echoed numbly, unfastening the slimy bag to reach into
its expanded depth. He felt his wand, holly and phoenix feather. The one
void of the Ministry Trace. Although it mattered not, not with all of the
magic in the air.
"Yes!" Nagini excitedly informed him, "Over with the mad lady. Across the
fire, hurry! He misses you so, hurry Cerestes!"
Adrian almost argued that he wasn't Cerestes.
His hands felt the chilling material, sewn to the lower hem of his cloak.
He pulled it out carefully, trailing fingers over its clasp and silken lining.
It felt very heavy in his hands.
He pulled it on, tugging it over his head.
'What am I doing?' he thought hazily to himself, lethargically pushing his
brain to think.
Nagini turned, slumping to the ground in preparation to move.
"Nagini?" Adrian spoke mutedly, his head buzzing loudly as he traced the
wood of his wand.
She turned her head and glanced at him questioningly.
"I missed you," Adrian confessed, feeling very much like a child.
"I missed you too," She crooned back, her voice lilting and alluring as her
scales reflected firelight, "Come, Cerestes."
Adrian did, he walked out with her mighty girth near his shin. Her
presence both soothed him and warped his perception. There was
dangerous magic in the air, tingling and pressing on his skin lovingly.
"Master missed you too." Nagini mentioned casually, "He hunted prey alone
and did not look happy."
"He missed me?" The idea tasted like honey, saccharine and sick. "Father
missed me?"
"He did," Nagini confirmed, her body climbing over the fallen corpse of
something Adrian couldn't remember, "He misses you.'
That sounded wonderful, it sounded perfect.
There was a voice to Adrian's left, something ugly and sharp which
shattered the tranquility Adrian had surrounded himself in.
A flash of red shot over the ground, directly at Adrian's chest.
"Protego," Adrian cast, jerking the movements and blurting the
incantation out of reflex. Nonetheless, he waved his arm just as how his
Father had taught him. The spell held, deflecting the stunner without
danger.
"Prey!" Nagini spat, sounding offended and infuriated at the same time.
Adrian shifted into his dueling stance, Nagini tensed at his heels.
The chaos Bellatrix had created and the smell of fire brought sudden
clarity in a way nothing else had before.
The man fired another spell, not a stunner but something Adrian
recognized as a body bind. He sidestepped, swinging his arm with the
momentum to send his curse back.
It left his wand a violent lavender, cast perfectly without a hitch despite
how long it had been.
The moment the spell was cast, [1] it did something. Adrian groaned, his
legs collapsing as he crumpled onto the waiting form of Nagini.
"Little One," Nagini prompted patiently, "Rise,"
His entire body spasmed, breathing felt electrifying. His nerves and
muscles tensed in preparation and in need.
'More more more'
"Abrumpo!" He hissed, nearly switching to his other tongue. The dark
cutting curse sped into the dark, removing a portion of the man's cloak.
The spell sent euphoria down his arm, pulsating as adrenaline pumped
and made everything so much sharper. It was good he already was
shaking on the ground- his legs would have collapsed from under him.
He sent it again, rising unsteadily to continue his dance. Nagini's tail
twisted excitedly, watching with rapt attention.
"Abrumpo!" He sent again, slashing over and over through the night and
darkness as his body hummed. His magic sang happily, pulsing in beat to
his heart as it danced through the air.
Was this why Bellatrix laughed when dueling?
He would laugh as well.
The man tripped over something, collapsing on the ground as his eyes
bugged out. He mouthed something, the words unheard behind the
rushing of blood in Adrian's ears.
Adrian didn't think, he slashed his wand through the air once again. The
word tumbled from his lips, foreign but oh so practiced.
It hit its mark.
Something warm splashed over Adrian's face, deflected by the spell on his
hood yet soaking the fabric around his throat. Wet and hot, it spread
downwards slowly in intrusive rivulets.
Adrian could hear again, he could see again.
The man was gurgling feebly, one hand clutching his chest where he…
"Why did you stop?" Nagini complained, slithering over curiously towards
the man. He screamed, either in horror or pain. Maybe the man was
screaming because of Nagini, or perhaps it was-
"I-" Adrian choked off, body shaking either from such a glorious bliss
leaving him so soon, or due to the blood staining his clothing. "I didn't-"
The man's eyes were bulging, his hands were gasping against his torn and
butchered chest.
"He is prey," Nagini simplified, "Prey are eaten."
The man gasped something wetly, it sounded faintly like a plea.
What had he done.
What had he done?
"You!" Someone shouted, racing over the battlefield in the distinct cloak
and armor of the Ministry Aurors.
Adrian stumbled upwards, jerking a step backwards. Nagini hissed
displeased at the interruption, flexing her muscles.
"He cannot stay," Nagini surmised, thinking clearly for Adrian since he
struggled to remember how to speak.
Adrian stomach lurched, "Nagini don't-"
The giant snake lunged forward, fangs sinking into muscle and jugular
with a sound of wet parchment tearing.
Adrian flinched. The man on the ground didn't plea anymore.
"No!" The auror shouted, flinging a stunner across the distance in anger,
"Leave him alone!"
Adrian raised a shield on automatic, protecting Nagini. Her maw was
coated in gore.
The auror threw another spell, Adrian blocked and sent a blindness curse
in return. It sang and tingled in his blood, threatening to overwhelm him
as his spells before. It tempted him to begin another frenzy of dark
magic.
He restrained himself, turning to run only when he saw the auror scream
and clutch his eyes in pain.
"Nagini!" Adrian hissed, prompting for the serpent to lead the way back to
where Bellatrix had been.
He didn't dare look back, he couldn't afford to look back.
If he dared to, he couldn't pretend that he hadn't-
Adrian kept running.
"Master!" Lutain shouted, flinging himself off of Bellatrix's neck like a
leaping dog.
The large snake made the distance, wrapping heavily around Adrian's
forearm albeit clumsily.
"Master!" Lutain repeated with the same intensity, despite the reduced
distance, "You're here!"
"Lutain!" Adrian responded with equal enthusiasm. He couldn't help the
smile that spread across his face, leaving him breathless and thrilled, "I
have so much to tell you!"
"I have much to tell you!" Lutain countered smugly, "Many sheds! One shed
entire strip!"
"Well that's impressive," Adrian admitted in good humor, smiling shakily.
Lutain stared, cocking his head in interest, "You look sick."
"I'm not," Adrian assured, swallowing the lump down his throat, "You
remember Remus? Well, he's pretty much promised us into the Order."
Lutain cocked his head the other way, interested, "Of the birds?"
"Phoenix," Adrian corrected, helping the long serpent coil around his
throat and neck like an elaborate necktie, "and yes. Lutain, it worked.
Everything worked, oh I've missed you so much."
"As I you, Master." Lutain flicked his tongue against the ridge of his
knuckles, "I missed you much. Never leave again?"
"I won't," Adrian swore, eyes prickling and throat clogging, "Never again."
Impstar: The more attached I get to Harry, the more the story's direction
saddens me. Not from a "story is moving in a bad direction" kind of way,
but more of a "I'm sad where Harry's character is going to end up."
And Skylar... I like your interpretation of Harry's brother. Most "Harry
has a brother" stories are one step from bashing him or otherwise making
him the Gryffindor stereotype posterboy.
I know, I'm so sorry that you'll have to see Harry go down this path but at the
same time I'm so moved and touched by how attached you are to my
character; I feel as if my writing has been given the highest honor.
I never understood why the twin was treated so wrong, and as such I wrote
him as any normal child. This story has no good and evil, simply those
unfortunate and those even more so.
Some Guy In An Ambulance: Is this the start of a redemption arc? Aww
jeez, and here I was cheering my boy Adrian on when he actually did
leave her in the chamber. I didn't see it coming, but life moves forward. I
support that decision.
Oh no, Ginny most certainly has rotted to bones.
In the Darkest of Nights: Another amazing chapter! I swear, this story
just keeps getting better and darker. You mentioned Remus finding out
about Adrian being Harry- is this chapter coming up in a few more
chapters later or is it a thing he finds out later on?
Later on. It's when people are dying and Adrian feels so terribly guilty. You'll
be so furious with me.
Adara Starborn:I Love your stories... Especially Lutain,what I want to
know is ...if harry ever wonder that he'll meet his parents as their son
again. Has he even given a thought to what happens if James and Lily
finds out what happened to him? What he has become? And I'd
personally like a chapter sorely focusing on Lily's grief, or Sirius's
thoughts on Harry. Thx
I can certainly try to make an interlude chapter, although no promises with
how busy my schedule has become. I was thinking of making one anyways,
focusing on the Potters as well as Daphne.
KClown:Will Harry die in the end like in Shadowed Malice?
In Shadowed Malice, Harry didn't 'technically die', although worry not, this
ending will be very different.
Guest: What's wrong with Bellatrix (The spacing out)?
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder or Intense Trauma due to her imprisonment.
HeraldSaysNO: You can just see the improvements in this from
Shadowed is just so much more reasonable and your writing improved as
wel. I guess having multiple Betas helps too.
The Beta's mostly help me with spelling errors, I'm wicked for tenses. To be
honest, I use them mostly as a more intelligent spell check. The plot and
writing style is all my own, only on occasion does a Beta jump forward and
challenge my plot points, in which I rewrite that segment entirely.
Vaelisia: Also with Adrian's disfigurement what will happen to him in
school, I don't see him as the type to get bullied. I really like his role in
the slytherin circle is that role going to change when they find he's been
abused?
Adrian is going into his 4th year, which means he's around 14 years old. In
the United States, 14 year old is the start of High School or around there. And
let me tell you, children can be the most savage out of all of us.
I'm making this story realistic, people don't care if you 'seem the type to' or
not, kids do what kids want to.
Wolf-master321: I would like to see him take Hermione to the ball
during the Triwizard Tournament question is will they ever find out he is
the one left ginny to die
Hermione will have a large part in the Triwizard Ball. They will figure it out,
and it won't be pretty.
Wolf-master321: I am surprised Remus being a werewolf did not notice
yet "the smell"
First, please do not misinterpret this as me being upset. I'm going to underline
the next bit simply because the question has come up in asinine proportions
throughout all of these chapters, even with my notes. I do love your questions,
this is simply for others.
There is NO LINK between Adrian's 'Smell' and Remus' ability to recognize it.
Genetics change the composition of blood, as well as hormone creation.
Post puberty, all human's have a unique scent that was not distinguished or
RECOGNIZABLE FROM A CHILD.
Now accounting for blood rituual, Remus can not detect Adrian due to his
scent.
39. Novice
This chapter was beta'd by our amazing Beta Collective
-Arctic Fox From Afar
-Mahina
-Cyndaquil05
-4everfictional
- and countless anonymous helpers!
Thanks to everyone who checked out the fanart! Feel free to look at
any time!
"Are you alright?" Lutain inquired, flicking his tongue to scent Adrian's
throat attentively for signs of sickness.
"I'm fine," Adrian responded promptly, lavishing in his ability to speak
parseltongue.
Lutain seemed skeptical of his reply, although he did slither further down
Adrian's chest to nestle above one hip.
His room was just how he remembered it, the strange collection of
magical artifacts and creature claws and teeth. The various odds and ends
barely related to one another, and made his room seem chaotic and
discomforting for anyone who would visit.
Well, Bella visited and she didn't seem too bothered by it all, although
that wasn't saying much.
"You don't seem fine," Lutain noted, staring at him contently from his spot
on Adrian's abdomen.
Adrian smiled wistfully, and gently stroked the smooth scales of his
friend.
"It's hard to explain," Adrian confessed quietly, pausing in his rhythmic
strokes.
"Is it the wolf?" Lutain asked interested, tail tip twitching slightly. He
scented the air twice, his long tongue nearly tickling Adrian's chin.
"It is," Adrian confessed almost embarrassed, "It was...It was strange living
with him. For a while at least."
Lutain huffed, the movement flexing his muscles and causing him to puff
up slightly, "I should have bit before."
"No no," Adrian smiled affectionately, trying not to laugh at his friend,
"Nothing like that. It was different, not bad. It was like how I imagine a
normal family is."
"Oh," Lutain deflated, looking guarded yet somehow very exposed, "Nagini
told me, of her hatching. It was cold and lonely, and she was separated and
stored in boxes and fed sparingly."
Adrian blinked in surprise, he hadn't expected such a revelation from his
friend.
"I had hatching outside," Lutain added, his tone dismissive yet still
hesitant, "In den with eggs and rocks."
Adrian glanced to his side, peering out of the window that showed
nothing in the darkness of night. Despite that, he found comfort in
knowing he would see the familiar grounds he had missed so dearly.
"Prey was hard to find," Lutain continued, knowing that Adrian would
always be listening, "Birds and always hunted by bigger threat. Then humans
came, they came and they took." Lutain's tail thrashed in his discomfort, an
unsettling whistle through his nostrils.
"Is that how you ended up in that zoo?"
"Yes," Lutain scented the air, turning to look at Adrian in the eyes, "That
was before. That was life of normal."
Adrian smiled, tracing one finger along the crease of his familiar's
jawbone.
"Normal was suffering," Lutain quietly added, entire body tensing slowly
throughout his speech.
"Life now is much better than normal," Lutain finished, butting his snout
forwards to burrow into Adrian's shirt close to his neck, "So happy that life
now is not normal."
Oh, and suddenly it made so much more sense.
Lutain felt heavy, an unsettling weight that compressed Adrian's chest
just so.
"Yeah," Adrian spoke, almost choking on the sounds, "I wouldn't want a
normal life either."
Liar.
The floorboards were dark wood, scuffed with time yet still polished and
stank of vanity.
Of all the differences between the two households, Adrian didn't think
that it would be the floorboards that truly let it sink in.
"Are you not hungry?" Nagini inquired, peering up lazily from where she
coiled near the heated rock in the kitchen.
Adrian blinked, startled out of his thoughts.
"I wonder the same myself," languished elegant hisses, accented only
slightly in such a way they sounded more regal than Nagini's own tone.
Distinctly male, his father's voice.
"I just-" Adrian swallowed the lump down his throat, twisting the fork in
his grip and refusing to meet his father's eyes, "I'm still acclimating."
Nagini made a noise of agreement, "Never eat after new place."
The information was so serpentine yet spoken so solemnly, Adrian
couldn't help but smile.
"That is true, my dear," his father responded, the slightest lilt to his words
to show that he too was amused, "However, he is a human."
Nagini flicked her tongue blandly, "Would Cerestes like a rabbit?"
Adrian smiled and shifted his fruit slice around the plate once more with
his fork, "No thank you, Nagini. I am sure you could hunt a dozen rabbits for
all of us."
She chortled happily at the praise and set her head down to rest on her
coils.
"And where is your friend?" Adrian's father spoke in English.
Adrian paused and slowly looked up, briefly catching ruby eyes before he
focused just beyond his father's ear.
"Lutain didn't sleep well last night," Adrian admitted calmly, "I let him
rest in my room."
His father hummed wordlessly, folding his hands in front of his chest.
"That creature always prefers to spend time in your room,"
Adrian's heart fluttered at the thought of his familiar spending every
night he was gone sleeping in his bed.
"I heard from Nagini that he missed me," Adrian confessed, lips twitching
slightly into a small smile.
"Master did as well," Nagini grumbled from her spot on the floor, "He will
deny but it is true."
"Hush you," Adrian's father retorted although only with affection in his
hisses, "You've been spending too much time with the brat. Developing some
cheek."
"It is nice to have you home," Nagini nearly purred, flicking her tongue
towards the table.
"It is." Adrian's father confessed after a brief pause.
All doubts ebbed away, leaving a comfortable warmth that left Adrian
questioning why he had ever felt so insecure about his place by his
father's side.
"At the Quidditch World Cup…" Adrian started, trailing off as he wasn't
truly sure what the question was that he was asking.
His father seemed to understand, and didn't mind the open ending.
"The raid was successful, not only did the Ministry suffer heavy losses,
but we cemented a key position in our plans."
Adrian peered to the side and met ruby iris' questioningly, "And you,
father?"
His father rolled his eyes in a surprisingly human display. His wrist
twitched, flicking imaginary dust through the air and away from him.
"I did not appear, as such my return has not been announced. This was
a...a desperate plea, as the paper's are naming it."
His father's lip curled in a disgusted grimace. Adrian gave a burst of
laughter, then felt a quick wave of horror at how blatant he had been.
His father met his eyes and arched one eyebrow calmly, "You seem in
brighter spirits."
Adrian quickly dropped his eyes and shifted uncomfortably, "A-as do you,
father."
His father frowned slightly, the corner of his mouth tilting downwards.
He folded his hands, resting his forearms on the wood of the table.
"My magic has settled," His father spoke, words smooth like honey.
"Wh-" Adrian started to blurt, before he swallowed his questions and
waited.
He peered at Adrian calmly with a sense of tranquility he had never
displayed before, "Among other things. In your absence, many things
have...become apparent."
Adrian didn't understand what he meant, even though it seemed like
some sort of great admission.
"That's good." Adrian lamely stated, unsure of how to proceed.
"I see you yourself have as well," his father's eyes glittered with
something Adrian was hesitant to call amusement.
What did he mean by his magic settling-
Adrian inhaled as the previous magical sensations he had been
experiencing suddenly made much more sense.
"You wanted me to have a new tutor, so I would have that problem?"
Adrian spoke aloud, foggy and not quite understanding the rationale
behind.
"Dark Magic addiction is necessary for all practitioners of the dark arts,"
His father began without any sense of remorse, not that Adrian expected
any.
"It is always worst at the start, harder to control with more effects and
ramifications. As your magical core is still developing, having undergone
and surpassed it will enable a higher level of tolerance for almost all
spellwork you will encounter."
Adrian blinked, feeling slightly more welcome to ask questions with
how…(dare he say it) nice the atmosphere was.
"You yourself experienced it then, Father?"
Voldemort tilted his head forward in a slight nod, "Correct. My Sixth Year
when I attended Hogwarts."
"When you opened the Chamber." Adrian found himself speaking before
he could stop himself.
"Correct," His father's eyes were glittering darkly like a multi-faceted
garnet, "How does Adalonda fair?"
"Well, I mean she's well," Adrian stumbled over his words, yet he found
himself smiling in memory of the great creature.
"She's, uh, very interesting, pleased to be awake." Adrian lamely finished,
yet not feeling as uncomfortable as he once had.
"Excellent to hear," His father nodded slowly, dismissive although his
eyes were fixed on Adrian with a deeply considering look. "I believe you
said you intended to learn the Animagus transformation."
Adrian jolted slightly from where he sat, blinking quickly as he tried to
manage anything beyond nodding stupidly.
His father tilted his head sideways slightly, "Then I grant you complete
use of Wormtail, for undetermined time or until you see fit."
Adrian paused, "...Father?"
"Attempt it." Voldemort curtly added, once more his expression was
impossible to read.
"I always felt the effort of such a transformation could be better spent
on…" his father glanced behind Adrian, towards Nagini with something
unspoken, "better things."
"Thank you." Adrian nodded, nearly choking on the words. He felt a
slight pang against the dismissive treatment of the Animagus
transformation, or how it was brushed aside for something more
important.
Animagus transformation was important to him, and although he knew
that, something shriveled painfully with how skeptical his father felt over
it.
"Hogwarts- I mean, I have to return to school soon."
"You do," Voldemort agreed, tapping the lower edge of his jaw
thoughtfully, "Perhaps you could take Wormtail along with you. I doubt
you would manage to even decently progress in the time remaining."
That hurt, yet Adrian pushed through, "To Hogwarts? Where would…"
"The Chamber is beyond the boundaries of the school wards. As such, he
will be undetected by wards or sight."
It wasn't a bad idea, although the Chamber was a rather horrid place to
live, with the mold and dripping water.
Then again, it was only Wormtail.
"It would be perfect," Adrian breathed, nodding quickly, "Brilliant
actually, is he-"
His father dismissively flicked his hand, "He is aware. Also, the first step
for transformation is to place a mandrake leaf within your mouth for a
month."
How...had his father already researched the transformation? Had he
actually investigated it as an option at some point in the past?
That...that made his doubt so much more sharp and horrid in his throat.
Adrian swallowed harshly and his heart plummeted, "A.. a month?"
Adrian shouldn't have been surprised when his father casually summoned
a small leaf, similar to a fresh tea leaf. The look in his eye was devious as
he drew his wand and levitated it down the table, leaving it twirling just
in front of Adrian's face.
It filled him with a sense of dread, as if he was facing a jar of noxious
fumes.
"Obviously, I am aware of a spell to adhere it without interruption for the
duration of the ritual."
Adrian exhaled slowly through his nose, "Yes father, thank you."
"Everything will taste of rosemary, of course."
Adrian's shoulders slumped, and he slid downwards in his seat with
visible gloom. "I hate Rosemary."
His father smirked viciously, "I know."
Daphne Greengrass sat in her room, tapping her quill against her lips as
she once more scanned the roll of parchment she had opened and closed
over and over.
It was a small thing, creased and fraying on the corners. Scratched
handwriting she had carefully crossed out to replace with more refined
penmanship.
She was a Greengrass, and as such she had the rightful duty to observe
and evaluate all of her possible suitors, regardless of her age.
She was young, she knew that still. Yet, she'd rather have all the
information in regards to her options, before coming to a hasty
conclusion.
She wanted to know the dirty secrets, the serkets in the closets of her
options. And if not for her, then to scrape out and hold leverage against
anyone who could possibly hurt-
"Daphne?"
She smiled, lowering her quill to peer over her shoulder at her younger
sister, exhausted and curious.
"Hello, Aster." She greeted happily, a small smile curling on her lips.
Astoria scowled something small, running one thin hand through her
darker hair as she stumbled over to Daphne's desk, squinting at the
parchment with a frown.
"That again?" She huffed, looking disgruntled yet slightly amused by the
sight, "The bachelor list?"
Daphne rolled her eyes in good nature, "You'd be amazed at how pathetic
your options are."
Astoria scowled, "You mean your options. I'm fine on my own."
Daphne smiled thinly, then genuinely as Astoria whined in frustration.
"Fine," She scoffed, leaning heavily on her older sister as she squinted at
the names. Then she frowned, face relaxing and pinching in confusion,
"Daphne, who is this one?"
Daphne didn't need to look to know which name she was pointing at- the
name she had scribbled convoluted theories and facts over and over
again.
"Selwyn?" Daphne asked dryly, already feeling the start of a headache,
"The most insufferable male in all of Slytherin's house."
Astoria almost looked awed at how aggravated Daphne was, "Why?"
The gates were opened with such a quiet innocent question.
"He's so…" Daphne's face twisted ugly, "He's unbearable. He's arrogant,
conceited, reclusive and narcissistic and and...and so...impossible!"
Astoria's face twitched slightly into a sly grin, "Sounds like someone has
thought of this a lot-"
"He's the one who sent Bulstrode on fire," She snapped out sharply, voice
nearing a growl.
Astoria's face paled and she smile fell quickly from her mouth, "...oh, he's
the one?"
Daphne scowled and rubbed at her temple with an ugly sound, "He's
slipped accidental information constantly- but it keeps contradicting
itself."
Astoria frowned, "Want me to look?"
"No." Daphne snapped, her jaw nearly grinding together, "You're not
going near him-"
"You don't know how to slip inside his head," Astoria protested with a
pout.
"You're barely adept." Daphne snapped back, "I'm nearly positive he's an
occlumens."
Astoria paused, "Why would he need to learn that?"
"So people like you don't go poking around with your grubby fingers."
Daphne scoffed, snatching her quill to brush the fluffy tip in her sister's
face.
The question still hung in the air, stifling and heavy between them.
Why would someone need to know Occlumancy? Especially at that age?
"What do you know about him?" Astoria asked softly, reaching out with
thin fingers to twist and play with Daphne's hair, "What's his blood
status? His family?"
Daphne breathed through her nose, "I don't know."
Astoria's fingers stilled a few seconds, "that's unlike you."
"It's true," Daphne admitted sour, "He's adopted, and he's not a Pureblood,
or at least he was adopted by some house who has no pride or no name."
"Are you sure? Or is he hiding his name?" Astoria asked curiously,
beginning the movements of a french braid, "I haven't heard of a Selwyn."
"Adopted by a not Pureblood family, he doesn't care for his name."
Astoria hummed, working her hands carefully over and over, "Are you
sure? Maybe that's the reason you haven't heard of it."
Daphne shook her head, nearly dislodging her sister's fingers, "No
Pureblood family would dare adopt something impure into the family!"
Astoria sniffed, "Maybe he wasn't adopted?"
Daphne worried her lip, "No, there was a boggart, in my second year.
It...There was resemblance. I met him on the train platform, it was the
same man."
"Let me see?" Astoria asked quietly, tapping Daphne's head just behind
her ear.
Daphne smiled, and turned, locking silvery eyes with her sister, who
tilted her head ever so slightly.
A second passed, then two and Astoria looked just as confused as before.
"I don't understand," Astoria blinked wide eyed and oh so innocent, "He's
adopted? Through a blood ritual?"
Daphne gave a curt nod, "He let it slip he had a brother- but from which
family? From before? After?"
Astoria blinked wide eyed and cynically aware, "You've been talking to
Suzie Forestar."
Daphne whacked Astoria's arm, "Stay out of her head."
Astoria shrugged but didn't look regretful, "I wondered what you were
doing, you wouldn't talk to me at school."
Daphne didn't feel bad, and Astoria didn't look that upset.
"I don't understand," Astoria confessed, trailing her brown hair between
thin bony fingers, "He...this...Selwyn, he's adopted? And mentioned he
has a brother?"
"Yes, it's why he's so confusing." Daphne admitted.
Astoria blinked, "I don't see why you're thinking that his birth family is
dead?"
Daphne paused, and her jaw dropped slightly with a small gasp.
She snatched her quill, and began to write.
The train ride back was uneventful, and swift.
The Great Hall, was exactly opposite of such.
Once seated and the newest first years sorted, a great chaotic influx of
people appeared through dazzling displays of intimidation and grace.
Triwizard Tournament, Adrian was amazed that Remus didn't warn him
ahead of time of such a spectacle.
(Then again, perhaps he would have if he stayed.)
Adrian almost forgot that he had been 'kidnapped' and taken to the side.
Only after the two new schools had thoroughly mingled did Adrian
remember.
Skylar in particular looked gobsmacked, catching eyes with him across
the distance of the Great Hall. Skylar nudged Hermione sharply, drawing
her attention and pointing.
She gasped silently, eyes widening as she conveyed the largest sense of
guilt possible through her gaze.
Remus maybe mourned, or assumed the worst.
Once the students were dismissed and people began to file out, Adrian
hurried through the halls to try and escape any sort of scene created by
the golden trio.
Unfortunately, he hadn't considered Draco wanting a word, especially
considering the last time he had seen the blonde.
Adrian scrambled down a corridor, taking sharp turns and fearfully
hoping he would be far enough away from the main masses before he
was so vocally questioned. He heard shoes racing after him, feet slapping
on the floor loudly and Hermione's wordless cries to hurry.
Adrian ran one hand through his hair and spun. He could see the sunset
through a nearby large stained glass window.
He shifted his weight, standing solid as he waited in preparation for the
three. If he was going to be attacked, best that he determine the setting.
The golden trio spun around the corner, flushed and panting with how
hurried they were to keep pace. That surprised Adrian, hadn't Skylar
received any extensive training? At all?
"Adrian!" Skylar gasped out, wheezing although looking more composed
than the other two," You're alive, mate!"
Adrian stared, he hadn't expected the confrontation to begin like that.
"Brilliant deduction."
Ron flushed red and opened his mouth to argue, only for Hermione to
jump forward and throw her arms around him.
"We thought you were gone!" She gasped in relief, "Or worse!"
"Remus was in rough shape, mate." Skylar looked miserable, worrying his
lower lip anxiously, "We searched those fields for days after."
No, you didn't.
"Yeah, nothing there but rubble." Ron nodded attentively, "How are you
alive!"
Adrian twitched as Hermione clutched him tighter, "Adrian Selwyn!
Never do that to us again!" She threatened, pulling away only to whack
her hand on his upper bicep viciously, "Thinking that those... those-"
"Death Eaters," Skylar helpfully provided.
"Death Eaters!" Hermione parroted, jumping back into her furious rant, "-
got you! Thinking that Bellatrix Lestrange got you! She was there you
know! We heard reports from the aurors, Sirius says himself that he saw
her there!"
Adrian scowled, glaring at Skylar who went so far to place one arm on
his unoccupied shoulder.
"I know," Adrian grit out sourly, hands spasming into a fist "She was
looking for me."
There was a sudden pause at his bold declaration.
"Blimey mate," Ron muttered confused and amazed, "I think my mother's
looney but that Lestrange really takes the cake. Must be awful, her being
your mum and all."
Adrian's cheek twitched, "I got Lutain back. I'm fine. Can I go now?"
Skylar looked as if he had been smacked, "the familiar? You got that
snake back?"
"Are you though?" Hermione gushed worriedly, ignoring the bit that
Skylar was stuck on. "Fine?"
Adrian scowled sourly, "Yes, now I have to go."
He pushed past, not looking back even as Hermione called after him.
Adrian knew that they would contact Remus, who would likely send him
an owl. All Adrian truly wanted was to go back to the common room, get
Wormtail out of his trunk and head down to greet Adalonda once more.
He slipped down the staircases heading towards the dungeons, his
footsteps echoing through the hallways. There was something
empowering about the way his heels clicked against the stone. Echoing,
resounding against and off the walls.
He entered the main room, heading towards his room determinedly.
"Adrian!" Theo called from the couches, "Draco was just in, he said he
wanted to talk to you-"
Adrian ignored him and opened his door, shrugging off his outer cloak to
through on the nearest chair. He wasn't in the mood to talk, he just
wanted to get the filthy rat...
"Lutain-" Adrian cut off sharply, swallowing his words before anything
else spilled out.
Well, Theo had warned him.
Draco shifted how he sat, posed carefully with his chin tilted ever so
slightly. He looked more regal, poised as he perched on the edge of
Theo's bed, directly across from Adrian in the doorway.
"Adrian," Draco greeted coldly, his face blank yet just slightly shimmering
with anger, "Or should I call you Adrian Lestrange?"
Adrian paused, blinking, and letting the curse slip from his lips crudely,
"Bollocks."
fall equinox 1: Will Adrian develop a fear for the curse that he used and
only that curse) to kill that man, or will he become addicted to the
feeling(the curse he used to kill the man) it gives him like the other dark
curses. In the why that he will use it more often than other dark curses.
The spell was used simply because it's one he's used the most. Similar to how
in cannon the disarming spell was used, Adrian is using that dark cutting curse
simply because at this moment, he's better at it.
Dark magic has addictive properties until one builds an immunity to it through
exposure or time.
Adara Starborn: Brilliant chapter. But I'm not too sure about Voldemort
missing Adrian, did Nagini throw a bone to Harry? knowing how
desperate he is for affection? Or did she genuinely believe her master
missed him? I've always wondered about Nagini too... really how
intelligent or perspective is she? How attuned to Voldemort's emotions is
she?
Nagini threw a bone, and she maybe relayed her ideas or thoughts to
Voldemort and let's just say that they're aware of Adrian's need to feel wanted.
Nagini is unique, and is as intelligent as the locket was, or as intelligent as
Lutain is considering that Nagini is both an individual creature (Lutain), as
well as an enhanced cursed object (Horcrux).
Hope1616: At this rate Harry will end up madder than the hatter. His
mind's already so jumbled up. Are you going to give him a disorder like a
second personality or something?
I am writing this story to try and be as realistic to human nature and real life
as possible. As such, people generally do not just spontaneously develop
disorders that do not appear in childhood, and although Adrian had a pretty
terrible childhood he has not displayed any sort of traits or symptoms that
suggest the development of a mental disorder such as Multiple Personality
Disorder or other ones.
However, he has a severe anxiety and borderline depression currently, as well
as a distorted view of self worth or self image. This will develop further into
just relative instability in regards to social connections.
KClown:You claimed in Starve that Skylar won't get angry at Adrian yet
in Frozen Skylar got really mad when Adrian did nothing than taunt him
a little.
P.S In this chap it said 'The moment the spell was cast [1]' you didn't
explain what [1] is or is that something you forgot to remove?
Skylar won't get mad. When I mean that, I mean that Skylar won't have a
screaming emotional confrontation that ends up with more exclamation points
than I care to write in a single paragraph.
A few lines or scathing remarks does not mean that Skyar is furious. He's
relatively calm, and he's going to be more sad, than anything. This wasn't the
scene I was actually referring to as well, although this does imply since I was
trying to explain Skylar's personality.
1. "The moment the spell was cast." This is implicit language. The spell being
used was the same one used the five or sixth times prior. The dark cutting
curse.
2. I didn't forget to remove it, it was an alternate sentence structure using
implicit language instead of explicit language.
yveltaldarkrai3: I feel like the guy that Adrian killed at the end of the
chapter was someone important.
Important to Adrian's character, but not important as a character in itself.
CloakedDarkness: Will everyone find out Adrian's true identity, adopted
father and will he stop feeling guilty for various deaths?
Yes, they will. Eventually, he'll learn to cope.
TheDarkMan19:So first being the peeking little shit that I am I thought
I'd read the finished version first since this is a rewrite. let me say. I
couldn't get through a chapter. it was bad.
That being said i burned through this in a couple days and it's fairly
impressive how much your writing quality has improved. You tend to
harp a bit on a particular emotional string, especially the ginny death
scene, but given that I'm guessing sentencing a 12 year old girl to starve
to death is moderately traumatic it's not inaccurate to do so, merely
tedious for the reader. Guilt is one of those emotions that doesn't read
well I've found. Adrian comes off alternatingly angsty and tragic in his
dialogue Which is spot on for a troubled teenager so well done there.
other than that your prose is efficient and paints a decent picture, and I
very much approve of some of the minimalist detail applied to the
characters. It's bad writing in my opinion when authors are incredibly
explicit about how a character looks. even his scarring you only give an
impression of which allows the reader to develop their own image.
Overall a very good read and I look forward to seeing how it continues. I
wonder do you plan on any romantic angles subplot? more morbidly
curious than anything since I can't imagine Adrian forming anything
other than a mutually abusive relationship. Ha possibly with the younger
sister of the boy Lutian killed.
YES. YES I KNOW.
I absolutely despise the first version of this story, as I wrote it when I was 12
years old. It's terrible, although I do regret that I never fixed it since the plot
actually was quite amazing if I ever actually articulated it properly.
As I mentioned above, I'm writing this story based on human psychology and
not the tropes of writing or fanfiction. As such, I am following the route of
human grief and coping and not the path of story arcs. I can understand if this
is a bit preachy, although truly, after a death or something so traumatic, you
don't forget it for years. Even then, it still haunts you.
Thank you for your words about my minimalist detail- I hate when I have to
suffer through paragraphs of detail. And as for romance- Adrian won't be
having any although the opinions of the fans does indeed influence the story. I
couldn't imagine Adrian with anyone, and audibly laughed at the idea of him
and Suzie.
Impstar:It was heartwarming to see Lutain's and Adrian's reunion
though. And apparently Voldemort actually missed Harry? Is he getting
some paternal feelings after all? I had thought that he only though of
Harry as a valued possession.
Let's just say, that manipulation comes in many forms. And Nagini is just as
guilty as Voldemort.
Finally An Available Username: Dude. I found your story by pure
accident. I started reading it yesterday and just finished reading all that's
posted today. I just couldn't put my phone down. This is simply amazing.
The grammar, the characters, the story, the entire thing is just beautiful.
Every once in a while I stumble into a story that is just so amazingly
written that I think the the author just has to be a professional writer
that's writes fanfics in his spare time. If you're not, you definitely have a
future if you decided to continue writtting. I love this story. The
characters feel so real, it makes the story incredibly immersive. They're
not some two dimensional caricature like how most fics tend to do. I've
barely noticed any grammatical errors, which is already a great thing on
fics. And most of all, you've pretty much managed to avoid all of the
more common cliches, making for an interesting and unexpected way
plot that moves along at the perfect speed. Overall, you've blown me
away. Keep it up man, this is a real piece of art. Thanks for posting.
I'm 19 and have never published anything. I actually don't have anything
finished, and I struggle to write an original plot. I'm working on it, but I
honestly doubt my work is anywhere near good enough for publication.
Regardless, you have no idea how your words really touched my heart and
inspired me once more to maybe take up a pen and try again. I don't know, I
use writing and this story as a way for myself to express various aspects of the
real world and areas that people misunderstand. I write it because who knows,
maybe there are a dozen of fans that relate to Adrian through abusive
household situations, or emotional abuse, or maybe there's a dozen fans who
relate to Skylar or Remus or even Lily Potter dearly missing their child will
come home.
I don't know, I think I'm writing this for you all but I feel that maybe it's for
me as well.
Maybe I should try again to write something original, I don't know if anyone
would read it but perhaps I can find one fan in you.
40. Moon
This chapter was beta'd by our amazing Beta Collective
-Arctic Fox From Afar
-Mahina
-Cyndaquil05
-4everfictional
- and countless anonymous helpers!
Thanks to everyone who checked out the fanart! Feel free to look at
any time!
There was a new professor at Hogwarts that was both an enigma and an
absolute horror for Adrian.
His name was Professor Moody, or Mad-Eye-Moody as most of the
Slytherin's were murmuring unsurely to one another. An experienced
Auror, a dark wizard catcher, a lunatic. Apparently a high percentage of
wizards and witches imprisoned in Azkaban were due to the one man
alone.
Moody unnerved Adrian scarily so, especially with the Ex-Auror's blatant
disregard for school rules and punishments.
Professor Moody displayed the three Unforgivable Curses with terrifying
ease.
Adrian hadn't ever attempted the curses; they were the darkest spells he
knew. He didn't even know the incantations for them (well, he hadn't
before.)
Dark Magic addiction would be overwhelming, it would have left him
immobile and writhing against it.
Yet this teacher didn't even flinch, he didn't even grin.
That was a horrible sign if there was one.
Draco had been...different.
Very different.
Admittedly, it was Adrian's fault that he had slipped away too obviously.
Word had spread as rumor tended to.
Granted, Adrian had thought that the rumors with Bellatrix would have
lasted a bit longer, that the secret would have remained hidden for a bit
longer in time.
For the Order and for word to so carelessly fall into the hands of
children, well, obviously there was a spy within his Father's ranks, or
within the Order.
(Not only that, but the spy fell for something as simple as irrelevant
information, Adrian was almost disappointed.)
Draco was angry, a seething fury that was restrained by fear and the
knowledge that Adrian very likely could (and would) attack him.
Draco believed that Adrian would send him to the Hospital Wing
unrecognizable, Adrian knew that he could.
(Would he? No, not when more things were at stake. Not when he was
being watched by so many eyes.)
Draco found a way to combat this new threat, in the standard Malfoy
name. His name carried weight in a way Adrian hadn't truly realized
before.
The influence and power of Draco's standings, and his new ignorance
policy he implemented towards Adrian absolutely demolished Adrian's
dealings.
Hopefully when the tournament began, the selected champions would
need assistance or some sort of help with spells. The galleon's he had
saved were quickly running low, scraping the bottom of the cauldron as
he recklessly purchased useless quills or new potions for Lutain's scales
without halt.
For now, he was withholding his spending and hoping for some sort of
demand of his services.
Until then, and until the weather plummeted to even colder outside,
Adrian was perfectly content to spend his time outside with Lutain sitting
along the lake. The giant squid was enough company as it was.
Adrian skipped the announcement for the Hogwarts Champion and the
Champions of the other schools. It wasn't yet too late for a walk, too
many people and too many eyes on him still unnerved him.
Not to mention the Durmstrang and Beauxbatons students tended to stare
at Adrian. They would stop, or take a double glance to follow him as he
walked across the courtyards. Sometimes he was lucky to be out of
hearing range before they started whispering,
('What's wrong with him?'
'Why is he alone?'
'Hah! Look at how disgusting!'
'Don't look, Mari, he'll see you-')
Adrian wasn't quite used to his reflection yet either.
"Adrian!"
The boy in question spun on his heels, jolting at the noise. His change in
movement nearly threw Lutain from his shoulders.
"Remus?" Adrian blinked in surprise, overwhelmed when he was
suddenly taken into the man's arms and hugged quite fiercely.
He was fortunately outside near Hagrid's hut, far enough nobody saw the
man embrace him.
"Oh thank Merlin," Remus exhaled, clutching the younger boy close,
"Skylar sent an owl saying that you were alright; I-I couldn't come until
today you see, sneaking in with the family group for the champions."
"What…" Adrian blinked, struggling to understand what was going on,
"What do you…"
Lutain took that moment to hiss, the sound was muffled from under the
clothing but the thrashing couldn't be disguised. Remus loosened his
arms, relaxing them from where they had constricted to a twinging pain.
His torso shook slightly, a hitch in his breath as if he was sick.
"Oh!" Remus pulled back, peering down quizzically before his expression
changed to beaming, "Ah! Your familiar! Are you alright, little one?"
He addressed Lutain directly. something which baffled the snake.
"Yes?" Lutain hissed curiously in response, almost expecting the werewolf
to speak back.
Remus didn't, and instead smiled far too overjoyed for Adrian to
comprehend. What on Earth made him so happy?
"May we talk?" Remus asked politely, his expression shifting into
something serious, although the light never did fade from his eyes. The
two walked towards the forest, taking a small path around the hut into
the woods where a small lake rested shrouded by trees.
"I would generally never take a student into these woods, although we
both know we're well versed with magical creatures."
Remus' slightly sarcastic drawl caused Adrian to smile faintly without his
knowledge. He reached out his hand to brush against the thick bark of
the ancient trees, "That's true."
Remus smiled, taking a seat on a large boulder just shy of the small lake's
lapping edges.
Adrian wondered mutedly if the werewolf was at all aware that this was
the same lake he had threatened to crash through the last year,
scrabbling at the frozen edge and howling into the night.
Lutain bit James Potter that day, and Adrian nearly killed him.
Adrian flinched.
"So," Remus began, looking hesitant yet curious and worried, "I as well as
a few others want to know all of what happened in your absence."
"A few others?" Adrian asked with a frown, crossing his arms sourly and
in a defensive posture.
Remus smiled, looking at Adrian fondly as he shook his head in good
nature.
"The headmaster," Remus admitted, fingers twitching and tracing
imaginary patterns on the boulder, "He was intending to talk to you
directly, but ah, since you two haven't been introduced Albus thought
you may feel...intimidated."
That clarified a few questions Adrian had.
"Intimidated," Adrian repeated, quietly under his breath with a scoff.
Remus heard, and he turned away quickly to hide his affectionate smile
at how annoyed Adrian sounded.
"Alright," Adrian settled carefully. He shifted, moving to sit on the nearest
rock. Lutain uncoiled, sliding down to peer and spot minnows swimming
in the shallow water.
"What happened? At the World Cup." Remus asked quietly, his good
mood evaporating and leaving the air brittle and cold.
Adrian stared out over the water of the secluded lake, he could almost
imagine the snow, the broken ice and the shrieking- "James! Help me!"
He blinked, and saw water once more. "I was separated. Bellatrix had
Lutain with her, so I couldn't do much else but agree to go with her."
Remus for his credit didn't say anything.
Adrian ducked his head, plucking at a small stone nestled in a groove of
his boulder, "So we went home, and then I came here."
Remus leant forward, resting his chin on his knee with a frown. "Did she
curse you?"
"No," Adrian denied with almost a smile, "She...she was mad, before.
Azkaban changed her, it was easy to distract her."
Remus flinched at that and shook his head, "I'm so sorry- I should have
tried harder. I'm so sorry that…"
"Don't be, I have Lutain again." Adrian glanced at his friend, smiling as
the snake snapped and tried to catch a fish. It was fruitless, and instead
left his friend playing in the shallows, warmed by the sun.
"I... I was told, to ask if you had…" Remus paused and tried to summon
his words. He wrinkled his nose, looking annoyed or offended by
whatever he had been tasked to ask Adrian.
It wasn't that hard to guess.
"If I overheard anything, about the attack. About why she did it or…"
Adrian's eyes darkened, "About You-Know-Who?"
Remus looked pained, and furious with himself. "Albus' request, of
course, I think it's shite."
Adrian blinked in surprise and confusion, "I...pardon?"
Remus rolled his eyes, still looking agitated but somehow undeniably
happy, "You're here. I don't care how in Merlin's name you're alright, but
I'm so, so thankful that you're alright."
Remus paused, before reaching out and gently taking Adrian's arm,
clutching his hand between his two palms as if it was chalice holding an
antidote to a poison.
"I am so glad you're alright," Remus spoke, voice hoarse and pinched yet
his eyes were wide and undeniably honest.
Adrian swallowed the lump in his throat, and struggled to speak words,
"I- Bella. She didn't say anything about it, or- or about He-Who-Should-
Not-Be-Named."
Remus didn't care, and instead shook his head gently.
"This is my fault…"
"No, It isn't. It wasn't awful either, besides," Adrian's eyes were faintly
sharp, "Don't you have Potter to worry over?"
"I have plenty of time to worry about Skylar. Allow me to worry over you
right now. How are classes? Not too difficult?"
Adrian looked taken aback once more, "No, er, not yet. I'm part of the
Advanced Care Classes."
"I've heard, Hagrid speaks all about you. Are you aiming for a career with
magical creatures?"
Adrian paused thoughtfully, feeling almost suspicious with Remus'
curiosity. "Maybe. I never considered far into the future."
Remus smiled, his teeth were white but his canine teeth were slightly
pronounced. "I heard that Charlie Weasley is visiting soon, he's a keeper
over in Romania at a Dragon Reserve. I'm positive the boy would love to
talk with you, it's not every day someone can hold their own against
him."
Lutain snapped loudly and struggled. His body flailed, coiled half
hazardously around a silvery body, struggling to hold on.
"Blasted worm!" Lutain cursed around the slimy fish scales in his jaws.
Remus laughed, watching the display fondly, "I see why you care so
much for him. He is quite the character, I never truly understood the
desire for a snake. I've been missing out."
Remus' eyes were twinkling and alight with something gentle and kind,
warm and sweet like melted honey.
"You can owl me for anything you need, Adrian. I'll make it up to you."
Adrian blinked slowly and watched Lutain flounder and get coated in the
dark brown mud of the shore.
"I know, I just...I do things on my own." Adrian paused, trying to
elaborate but struggling with the words.
"Ah, I know how you feel." Remus smiled slightly, something nostalgic
and yet so terribly pained, "We all have our own burdens to carry."
Adrian felt the press of Nagini beneath his skin.
Some burdens weighed a bit too much for even him to carry.
(Remus told him that he visited with James and Lily, sneaking in along
with Sirius under some sort of loophole in Ministry regulations. He was
there for the family visitation for the Champions.
Skylar was the Champion.
Remus' visit suddenly confused Adrian more than anything in his life-
why would the Werewolf spend his visitation with Adrian? And not
Skylar?
Nothing was making sense anymore.)
Hedwig returned to Hogwarts when Lupin visited. He had a paper with
her, an official inquiry from the Headmaster although it was null and
voice now he had talked to Lupin.
Hedwig cooed and clicked her beak happily, hopping from perch to perch
within the owlery. He stashed bits of bacon from his breakfast; he fed her
pieces between pets along her feathers.
"What a pretty bird," A chiming voice complimented, the owner of which
skipped into the owlry smoothly.
Adrian turned, encountering a girl who looked achingly familiar.
"She's well trained," The stranger smiled, eyes such a light colour they
looked almost blind, "you care for your animals a lot, don't you?"
Adrian paused, "I'm sorry, have we met before?"
"We have," She hummed, and then moved to a large grey owl that looked
somewhat in a dazed state.
Adrian waited, and she didn't care to actually introduce or elaborate.
"My name is Adrian Selwyn," he introduced, offering his hand graciously
for her knuckles. She obliged, skipping over and placing her knuckles in
his grasp.
"How polite," She beamed, the expression somewhat disconcerting with
her vacant eyes, "You're different from the rumors."
"And what do the rumors say?"
"Oh all sort of nasty things." she hummed, shaking her head and rattling
her broken quill earrings. It was a miracle they didn't scratch the delicate
skin of her neck.
She twirled away once again, silver and blue scarf slapping him across
his cheeks.
"They say that you deal all sorts of illegal things. They say you poisoned
people, that you were born from a Banshee and you drink blood at
midnight." She giggled over the words, as if it was something hilarious.
"You seem to be alright with me," Adrian slowly added, watching her
movements as she pulled out a strange piece of meat- was that a mouse's
head? She tossed it to the grey owl, smiling as it snatched it greedily.
"Of course I am, they call me crazy too." She blinked wide eyed and gave
a sparklingly large smile, "Would you like to feed thestrals with me?"
Adrian opened his jaw, closed it, then opened it again.
"You know," Adrian struggled to think, "I have had a strange week. I
would love to."
"Great," She tilted her head dizzily, "They don't like turnips though, at
least I don't think they do."
"What's your name?" Adrian asked curiously, finding this strange girl
much more amusing than the others who always looked at him afraid or
disgusted.
"Luna Lovegood, although people call me Looney."
"People think I drink blood," Adrian mused out loud, offering one hand
politely. Luna beamed, grabbing his hand and skipping towards the door
that led outside. She moved far too fast for walking, so Adrian was forced
to stumble after nearly running.
"I like you," She grinned, sunlight catching her hair and making her
entire complexion seem ethereal, "Although you don't look like an Adrian
to me. Maybe a Demitri, or a Harold."
Adrian smiled a bit pinched, "You look like a Maria then."
She giggled knowingly, "No I don't, but thank you. I can't wait to tell my
father I've made a friend. He's the author of the Quibbler, you know."
A friend?
Luna stopped him at the bottom of the owlry, pointing out how a small
wildflower meant that Doxies were in the area. Adrian thought there was
absolutely no truth to this, but she only smiled and kept chatting about
things that either was irrelevant or too relevant for her to know.
("Not a Harold, maybe a Harrison? No, not that either, or at least you look
like you outgrew it. Maybe you should be named Cedric like the Hogwart's
Champion. I'd help you change your name you know."
"I'm happy with my name, Luna."
"You are? Ah, I must have been thinking about Blibbersnouts again then.")
The thestrals were hidden far into the forest, yet Luna did not falter once
in her steps. She ran and jumped, twirled over dangerous dips or hidden
roots ready to trip her. She was graceful in a hazardous way, yet still
managed to clumsily stumble over her own feet and drop into a bush.
She laughed, pointing up through the reaching branches to the sunlight
and described the green as the colour of a newborn Morscarbury pup.
Adrian had never heard of something like that.
The thestrals were found, a large herd that no doubt pulled the carriages
every year.
"Hello!" Luna chimed, reaching out towards the largest one and running
her fingers over the bony protrusions of its spine, "I brought a friend with
me! I hope you don't mind."
The thestrals turned their milky eyes on him and wheezed a rattling
breath.
"Hello," Adrian waved to them, finding the surreal silence of their
movements somehow calming.
A foal (were they called foals?) stumbled up to him, legs shaking under
the exertion of running over. Adrian reached down to pet it, only to stop
when one thestral chuffed loudly in protest. He froze, waiting for the
strange child to butt its head against his palm.
"They don't mind you," Luna chimed up, staring at him without blinking,
"But they aren't unsure. You've done things, and they don't like it."
"Pardon?"
"They think it's sad. Are you sad, Adrian?"
Was he?
"No, of course I'm not." He heard himself responding, the words listless
and numb in his mouth.
Luna hummed, gently running her hand along the neck of the large
thestral that was staring at Adrian so attentively.
"Curious things, thestrals. People think they're dark, but truly they're
misunderstood. Only those who have seen death can see them, I think it's
so you understand them. Imagine how horrid if everyone could see them,
why, the ministry would hunt them right out."
The young thestral finally but its head against Adrian's hand, letting him
run his fingers down the knobbly spine of its back.
"Would you like to know a secret?" Luna asked curiously, reaching into
her side pocket and fishing out suspicious clumps of severed rat heads.
Luna leant forward consolingly, eyes wide and milky like the thestrals'.
"I heard that thestrals never mate, and never have young," She began,
smoothing over the fur of one rat head lovingly.
"Then how…"
The young thestral chirped curiously.
"I think thestrals are all children at heart," she giggled happily, "they are.
Children who die the most horrid, awful ways; children who die in such a
way that thestrals cry for them. So curious why that one likes you, it's
only a few years old."
Adrian's blood froze, and his hand stiffened on the spine of the curious
creature.
Luna noticed, and she smiled something soft and sad.
"You know, I think you'd be a wonderful thestral." She smiled, and turned
back to the larger beast next to her.
They didn't stop staring at him.
Shadowman21: You've improved so much from the original but please
and I beg this of you don't make this a redemption story. And do you
believe that the Death Eaters are evil? If so why is ut because of their
beliefs or their methods that make them evil?
This story isn't a redemption story, don't worry. In the end, you'll hate all of
the characters. I don't believe in Good and Evil, I really don't. Even in this
story, I believe in circumstance and misfortune, and that everyone can be
excused of their actions no matter how horrible given the proper explanation
and background.
Hope1616:How do you come up with all this? Think of all the possible
routes the story could take and choose the most disturbing one? (No
offense meant, just a little amazed). And why hasn't Bellatrix blood
adopted harry as his mother and how did the light side reach the
conclusion that harry's Bellatrix's son?
To be honest, I'm following the plot I came up with when I was 12. I have no
idea how it happened either.
Adrian is Voldemort's son, and I think some part of Voldemort doesn't want to
have to share anything with Bellatrix, because it would imply a level of
equality that Bellatrix does not deserve in his mind. Adrian told the light that
he's Bellatrix's kid.
Roostertheking:Wonderful chapter again..wish Adrian shares he true
adopted father name to Draco.. Being dark lord's son I mean... Draco may
become his most trusted Ally... Wish he gains another creature to his
collection... May be a dragon..going against his father's wish about not
getting a dragon home..hahaaaa...does Voldy know Adrian got dementors
under his control?
I want this story to remain fairly realistic, so I wont't have any spontaneous
animal adoptions because I don't know anyone that would do that. Let alone a
dragon, that's just unfeasible. Continuing on trying o be realistic- I don't think
that informing a classmate who is 14 years old about the fact you're the son of
a Dark Lord is a good decision.
ABuzzman:I cant seem to find word to describe on how good I think
your story is. And you have no I dead on how long I stared on my phone
searching for words to describe how wonderful and amazing this story is.
Thank you.
I don't think you all, my fans, truly realize the power and influence you have
over me. Thank you, so much for your amazingly kind words. They mean the
world and more to me, and are never overlooked.
teachan: Ugh... Haven't commented on a while. Superb story as always!
And as you said in an answer to a comment of mine, I loved the arch
with RemusSimply brilliant! Though now I can't wait to see what Draco
comes up with and his reactionI keep wondering what would have
happened if Adrian was a little bit less insane and took Ginny home as a
pet project instead of letting her die... (a pity I don't have the time to
elaborate this one i.i)
How would he have snuck her out? Well, assuming she gets out alive, it would
be almost entirely just her, an eleven year old stuck in the same house with
Voldemort. Even I can't imagine that ending well, either he'd pass her to a
follower to keep hidden or just get rid of her and let Nagini have her.
Fire'sCatching: I read this in one day which the afternoon went away
quick. This story is so damn good. I actually looked at the fan art and
admitting that it is actually cool. At first I didn't exactly agree with it but
it really does bring out Adrian's features. I hope you update soon its so
interesting as I can't wait to read the next chapter.
Hello! I'm happy you took a glance at the fanart, I know there's a small group
of followers on Tumblr itself, but I'm happy that people here and looking over
at the art.
If you don't mind me asking, what in particular about it did you not agree
with? I was attempting to try and create a deformity that wouldn't actually
damage or impair the wearer that bad, while visibly distorting the appearance.
Massive scar tissue or a scar over half of a face would result in nerve damage
and a lot of pesky things I didn't want to bother with. I hope that maybe with
my explanation you understand or like it a bit better!
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