Title: Falls the Shadow
Prologue
Rating: M
Warnings: H/D SLASH
DISCLAIMER: We do not own Harry Potter! Characters (except those created by us) belong to the amazingly talented J.K. Rowling, WB, and the publishing companies.
A/N (READ BEFORE YOU START THE STORY!): This story is loosely based (and very loosely) on Jane Austen's "Mansfield Park". Therefore, this story takes place in the eighteenth-century. The excerpts in italics (and the summary) are from a poem called "Hollow Men" by T.S. Eliot, more excerpts will appear throughout the story. Also, this story will have a couple of chapters (at most 5) that will take place during Harry's and Draco's childhood, they will age pretty quickly so don't worry about this turning into a fanfic with a lot of childhood Harry and Draco. This is only to build their relationship for the future.
Between the conception
And the creation
Between the emotion
And the response
Falls the Shadow
Life is very long
On a day long awaited by many, on a day that would give way to happiness and new life, sorrow presented itself in its treacherous, evil way.
July 31, 1780 was to be, by any means, a day for celebration, but instead the cruel cycle of life gave a birth and a death. Amid the grief was the only cause of joy; the birth of a child- Harry James Potter.
The mother, Mrs. Lily Potter, died during childbirth after agonizing hours of pain, but her strong will was said to have saved her son from going through the same ordeal as her. Lily Potter, or known as Ms. Lily Evans before her marriage, was from a respectable home in the outskirts of London. She was clever, kind, and with a beauty that gave a lasting impression on all the ladies and gentlemen she met. Her fiery red hair and vibrant green eyes had attracted the attention of many but unfortunately, due to circumstances in social classes, and although she was more than a suitable match for a gentleman of high social class, she was not a lady of high fortune, and her family was not as elite as the families the other ladies in her circle belonged to.
Not paying any mind to her disposition of unfavorable nature, she had a positive attitude and a gentleness of manner that proved her to be content to those around her. Her charm attracted the eyes of Captain James Potter and, not knowing, her life changed dramatically upon their meeting.
James Potter had been born to a family of high social status and he had lived amidst the love of close friends and family members. He was often found enjoying and seeking the company of friends, usually a number that was diminished to three others. Within the company of this group he would often go on outings, basking himself in the radiance of the sun and relishing the sea breeze that for some reason had always attracted him. It wasn't until Lily presented herself that he ever strayed from his three companions.
They had met each other at a boarding school near the outskirts of Scotland and had immediately formed a fraternal group. James Potter, a handsome boy with a disarray of raven hair over his head and luminous eyes had the advantage (or disadvantage to some of the professors) of meeting Sirius Black, a ravishing boy with raven locks and sparkling gray eyes that usually shone mischievously, Remus Lupin, a quiet lad with mousey-brown hair and honey colored eyes and by far the most studious of the four, and Peter Pettigrew, a rather round figure who lacked in character but made up for it with the awe he managed to shower the other three boys with. They had called themselves the marauders back then, a name they had bestowed upon themselves due to their lack of self control and overbounding curiosity and, even after school, had continued to make arrangements to meet. It wasn't until the third year, though, after their last day of ambling through the halls as the marauders (which many sadly, and professors happily, thought would be the first and last group as bold and curious as them to ever run and perform the things they had managed) when James Potter introduced to his three friends the lovely and characteristic Lily Evans. This had been the last thing he needed, approval from his friends which he received with fervent excitement, before he made his intentions known to Lily, who happily accepted and tried her best to keep herself as composed as she could, though a few tears couldn't help but find travel out of the corners of her eyes.
That same day his parents, chastising him on his choice and shaking their heads with disappointment, threatened him with disownment if he continued on with his plans but he continued, nonetheless, and in less than a week they were married. James had to do with what he had and, after a few weeks of debation and trials, he decided to try his luck at sailing. Luck was with him, though, and after a few months with which he struggled to make ends meet and in which Lily gave all she had to help out around the house, he was made captain of a ship and was traveling the seas. Lily was soon pregnant and, as much as James insisted he stay at home until the child was born, she encouraged him to work and so he did, taking short cruises to nearby areas until a dangerous, mysterious, yet undeniably long cruise came into his hands. He looked with uncertainty back and forth between the adventure he was being offered and the possibility that he might miss the birth of his first son ('or daughter' he thought, and although the idea wasn't so bad, he still would prefer a son) when Lily Potter intervened again and spurred James onto the trip. With reluctance he walked away from his wife and towards his fate, where he was met with a devastating end that none had expected.
Two days later, after the birth of Harry, a letter came bearing the ill news of Captain James Potter's death at sea. The news was devastating to the marauders and when Sirius looked over into Harry's cradle, his eyes filled with intense sadness. His best friend's son had become an orphan two days after his birth and, taking a deep breath, resolved to maintain Harry to the best of his ability, to treat him as a son, but most importantly, to give him the love that two parents could not bestow on him.
Remus Lupin supported Sirius as he strove to take on his new role as a father and to Sirius, Remus was the person that he was most in confidence with, and he valued his decisions and advice very highly. Remus was always present whenever trouble arose, and he was always there to lend a helping hand when Sirius was near wit's end on several occasions. Peter began to distance himself after James' death. He disappeared for long periods of time and returned pale and with a nervous air every time. Sirius and Remus could not understand what the matter with their friend was, and Sirius lost no time in seeking out the truth, but he was never successful.
Many springs and winters passed, and Harry grew into a kind, yet courageous child. The thought of having no parents plagued him, but he had Sirius and Remus and the arrangement was of most satisfaction. He loved them dearly, and wished to have them both forever with him.
Remus took hold of his education and, although he was not very keen of sitting down in a stuffy room to learn about the old works of Socrates or read poetry and elements of science, he was a very intelligent child.
Sirius and he spent most of their free time outdoors riding the horses Sirius kept. Harry looked forward for an afternoon ride across the meadow and hills of his uncle's estate, feeling the breeze through his raven black hair and the freedom that ran through his veins on the occasions he went out for rides.
He now had his own horse, but it was considerably smaller than Sirius'. He had begged to be given a grander horse, but Sirius had shaken his head with amusement, and told him to wait until he was older and a more experienced rider.
He grew like this, not amidst society's wealthiest but not in the poorhouse either. He rather liked where he lived, or that is, he liked it until his tenth year.
His tenth birthday came and went and the usual three showed up, seeing as he was home schooled and his godfather was his best friend. He never had taken a great liking to Peter, and for some reason the image of a rodent always came into his mind when met with the sight of that man, but he continued to be invited and Harry didn't mind him so much once he would get into thinking about the situation. After all, he was receiving a present from this strange fellow. Harry had eagerly opened Remus' present and had falsified a grin as he caught sight of a book under the mass of paper that had been used to wrap it. He listened attentively and laughed silently at his godfather's antics as Remus tried to explain what the book was about and how it would help him until Remus, in good humour, threw up his hands in the air, muttered something about being exactly like his father, and gave up, sitting down with a half-amused pout on his face. Harry had grinned at him and had told him he really did appreciate the gift and had even promised reading some of it that very night to comment on it the next day before he turned and faced his godfather. Sirius had merely stared back at him until Harry had demanded his present, at which Sirius had laughed and asked him what exactly he was going on about. Harry had stared at him, and not buying the act, had smiled and asked where it was placed again. Sirius though, remained just as stubborn as Harry and refused to tell or let Harry know about any present until Harry was soon near the brink of annoyance and Sirius, who was grinning madly, finally gave in at the urgings of Remus and had bade them all go outside.
Harry had immediately rushed outside and was followed by Sirius, Remus, and Peter, who stood aside as Harry stopped and eyed the magnificent steed that was being presented before him. He rushed at it, giving nearly everyone a fright, and had reached to pet the soft brown mane that hung over the horses' neck. He ran his hands over the silky, chestnut coat and ran back towards his godfather, frightening them yet again with his lunge. Sirius fell back, surprised, but had begun laughing once he heard the continuous thank-you's being expelled from his godson's mouth and felt like he couldn't have wished for a more perfect evening.
That same day, while Peter talked aside with Remus, Sirius and Harry went for a ride and Harry was able to ride his first, according to him, real horse. He made it walk, prance, and gallop, and was followed closely behind by Sirius, who was beginning to have second doubts as thin sheets of sweat formed over his brow with the worry that consumed him because of Harry's reckless riding. After a few hours, they went back into the house, a joyous Harry and Sirius, when their smiles turned into frowns as the sight of Remus placing books into a bag stopped them. Peter was nowhere in sight and Remus told them that Peter had asked him for help and he had agreed. Sirius only nodded, and Harry could see the lines of anger forming and decided not to push his luck. He said goodbye to Remus, wished him good luck and a safe trip, and made his way up to his room, dreading what was to come but with enough curiosity to wonder, and even make his way out of bed to spy.
That was the day he heard the first (and only) real fight between Sirius and Remus go on in the study and try as he might, he couldn't tear himself away from the wall as they both battled with words, making Harry wish they would stop. When they finally did, though, he immediately wished they hadn't and he quietly made his way up to his room just in time as a deadly silence began to surround the house, accompanied by the opening of two doors and the closing of one. That was the last he saw of Remus for years to come and the last day he saw was able to see Sirius with a full smile on his face.
Breakfast the next day was cold and few words were passed as a silence loomed over them. Neither said a word and they both went out for their evening rides, though Sirius' riding was more reckless than usual and he did not go after Harry as much as he would have done before. Days followed like this and soon months, and Sirius was only getting worse. Harry watched as his vibrant and energetic godfather changed from a youthful sprite into a willow twig and couldn't help but feel resentment towards Remus for his doing and even more towards Peter. He tried to reason with Sirius, but whenever it was even spoken of, Sirius would immediately cut him off or cast him a sad look that would make Harry wish he had never even mentioned the incident. He knew Sirius was conscious of what was going on and wondered why his godfather made no attempt to make his life better, to return to normal. After all, Remus was coming back, wasn't he?
It was a day in early July when the sun was scorching, even though it was already evening and the sun was soon to set. Harry reined his horse and stopped near the post of the fence as he watched his godfather ride his third horse that year continuously around the track. He had taken to doing that lately, riding more, and Harry could not help but feel like he was trying to hide the fact that Remus had not come back yet, had not even contacted them in practically a year. Harry accidentally dug his shoe into his mare's side as anger flared up inside him once again and immediately soothed the horse until it was calm before letting his green eyes resume their glance on his godfather. He was riding a blue grey horse this time that he had hastily picked out and who wasn't good on turns, but whom Sirius was riding to its full potential and tiring quickly. The horse was panting and sweating as Sirius made his way constantly around the track and Harry couldn't help but wince at every turn, noticing how the horses' hoofs would give out a little underneath it. That was when it happened. Harry felt it happen; he felt it even before it happened. He knew the horse was bad, he knew the feeling in his gut had not been his imagination, but a real premonition, and he galloped as quickly as he could over to his godfather who was still as death under a horse that tried, with all its might, to get up from its position, not caring about anyone's safety but its own.
Sirius' body was taken away, away from the eyes of Harry and the neighbors. Talks regarding Sirius' wild habits began to surface. They came to visit the 'orphan boy', but it was never for comfort. Harry, once again, was left without anyone in his life. He was alone and desolate and such state of affairs for a young boy is nothing short but a dreadful and traumatic experience. An old woman was left to take care of him in his godfather's house, but Harry spent most of his time in his room, quietly looking out the window into the lush green meadows, and the sun that seemed to be everlasting. Sirius was buried two days after his death, but Harry had not been present in his funeral. The old woman had said it was a delicate matter for a delicate child, and he was not allowed to bury his equivalent of a father. In his young heart, Harry felt this as ultimate cruelty, but he remained silent, and he continued to miss his godfather in silence.
He had hoped that Remus would come and take him away from the house and every day he would sit by the window...waiting. Remus never came.
Two weeks after living with the temperamental old woman and living in complete desolation, a tall old gentleman came to discuss some urgent business. Harry was called to talk to this gentleman, and he sat in stupor as the man addressed him. The gentleman talked for some time, but Harry could not bring himself to understand what the man was referring to. He did not want to believe what he was hearing, it was impossible…it could not be happening to him.
But it was. Sirius had some debts that needed to be paid and therefore his home had to be sold. Harry, being underage, was to be placed under the care of Bellatrix Lestrange, a woman that Harry had long known Sirius to speak ill off. Apparently, due to financial circumstances, Bellatrix could not care for him, and he had been handed to another of Sirius' cousins- Lady Narcissa Malfoy.
He was to leave immediately by carriage and travel thirty miles to his new home. The man told him he was considerably lucky, for any other child in his situation would be in an orphanage. Harry was to be off the next day in the morning and after the gentleman bade goodnight to him, Harry was left to pack his belongings.
He found a battered suitcase and began to pack his few possessions slowly and silently. Sirius had always mentioned that his family, although wealthy, did not conduct themselves satisfactory. Arrogance, and pride were abundant in the Black family, and Sirius had never grown fond of them.
Sleep was troublesome, and when he did fall asleep, after listening to the wind rattling against the window pane, it was to a sleep filled with nightmares. Nightmares revolving his past, his present, and his uncertain future plagued him. He woke up with a start, meaning to run to Sirius' room to tell him of his nightmares and to seek comfort, but as he slowly awoke and realized that he no longer had anyone, he could not help but cry quietly to himself.
Early the next morning the old woman announced that the carriage had arrived. Harry grabbed his belongings and headed towards the door. He stopped by in front of Sirius' room but did not dare go inside. With intense sadness, he turned and continued on his way. As he was about to go out the door, he noticed an object glinting with the few rays of sunlight that had entered the house. Harry walked closer to it and took the object in his hand. It was Sirius' old pocket-watch and, with a slight smile and watery eyes, he took the watch and placed it in his pocket.
Finally, he got inside the carriage and the door was closed. The carriage started moving and Harry slumped into his seat. He was leaving happiness and childhood behind and all he had left was the ridiculous notion that Sirius had always told him - 'happiness is not over until life ends'.
He spent the night at an inn and set out in the early morning. His arrival in his new home was expected by the afternoon, and Harry did not feel the natural childhood curiosity and excitement of going to a new place. He felt his eyes close as the carriage traveled across the bumpy road, the sound of the wind sounding like a lullaby.
The next time he opened his eyes was to find a great, white manor looming before his eyes.
A/N: So….what do you think! We know some things might be…off….but it is needed for the rest of the story. Please review!