A/N: Okay, this story has not started off well. I've been having trouble with it being uploaded, and when suggested I up the rating, I was thinking I jumped the gun on this one… But, after some reflection, he/she(?) was right. However, I'm not gonna go super smutty, so don't expect anything hardcore.

Anyway, this is inspired by Arcturus Peverell's "The Last of the Peverells". Credit where credit's due. It's a great story. I've taken the basic set up, but I am putting my own spin on things. I'll admit that this one is more pulpy & fun, compared to 'Hunt for Lost Pieces' (shameless plug). Enjoy…

/Portuguese in English/

[Parsletongue]

{Soul-Bond Telepathy}

|Legilimens|

Flashback

Date

CHAPTER 1: The Price of a Name

Friday – September 01, 1995.

Faded blue upholstery and cream walls that were once upon a time pristine white. This particular Hogwarts Express compartment was located at the very end. Inside, there sat a long dark-haired boy, fifteen years of age, and a girl of equal age with long sandy hair that reflected her sun-soaked skin. The boy abhorred his predicament: British Lords and Heirs had to gain their OWLs and NEWTs from Hogwarts. It was a pathetic excuse to have him return to his motherland. His godfather had warned him about Albus Dumbledore's machinations and manipulations; he was a man not to be trusted. The boy also didn't want the girl to be joining him for the next three torturous years. It wasn't out of hate, but a need to spare her the agony of British climates. She would miss the Brazilian heat.

The young Lord had been rechristened 'Alexander Black' as an infant to protect him from Voldemort's followers and the British populace. His godfather explained the choice of name as one incredibly important to Harry's family: Alexander Peverell founded the House, which would eventually merge with the Potters. However, the constant change of names caused the young boy to become confused: it was 'Harry Potter' at home and 'Alexander Black' everywhere else. When he was five, he tearily asked Pa'foo if he was 'Harry' or 'Alexander'. His godfather tried to explain many times that the change was necessary, but he also didn't want Harry to forget who he came from. He is a 'Potter', but he needed to be someone else. Sirius said it would get easier. It was at this time that he began showing Alexander memories in a pensieve of his parents. Now he never forgot who he was or where he came from.

On Alexander's eleventh birthday, he was summoned to Gringotts to undertake a genealogy test, a requirement of the last remaining member of a House. What was discovered still baffled both Alexander and Padfoot:

Birth Name: Harry James Potter

Aliases: Alexander James Black, Alexander Orion Black, Alexander Black, Alexander Potter

Date of Birth: July 31st, 1980

Father: James Charlus Potter

Mother: Lily Marie Potter, née Evans (muggleborn)

Paternal Grandfather: Charlus Fleamont Potter

Paternal Grandmother: Dorea Euphemia Potter, née Black

Maternal Grandfather: John William Evans (muggle)

Maternal Grandmother: Marie Jasmine Evans, née Wilson (muggle)

Entitled Lordships: Peverell, Slytherin, Gaunt

Sealed Lordships: Potter, Rosier

Pending Lordships: Black

All three entitled Lordships were immediately accepted, making him one of the richest people in Wizarding UK. Sirius also formally instated Alexander as his Heir to the House of Black. All that was required for the Potter and Rosier Houses was to wait to turn seventeen. He was then officially and legally christened as 'Lord Alexander Salazar Slytherin-Gaunt-Peverell'. However, he chose to leave off the first two surnames for obvious reasons within the UK Wizarding world. He would always be Harry, but he recognised the advantage that his situation afforded: he could have peace and anonymity for a little while before Dumbledore revealed who he really was, not that it would be too different as he was a Peverell.

One little detail that the Gringotts Goblins explained to both Alexander and Pa'foo was that a wife would be needed for each House he claimed Lordship of, meaning that if all went to plan, Alexander would need to find six willing witches to wed.

Alexander sighed as he grasped his two wands. One was thirteen-and-a-half inches, Yew and Phoenix Feather Tail; the other was thirteen inches, Snakewood and Basilisk Horn. Technically, both of his wands were made for someone else: Tom Riddle and Salazar Slytherin, respectively, but they felt perfect for him. Pa'foo advised against buying one from Ollivander, not because he feared the quality, but to keep his presence within Diagon Alley to a minimum. Sirius was also suspicious that Garrick would inform Albus about the encounter. Still, Alexander was curious to meet the old wandmaker. Maybe during the Christmas holidays, he would pay him a visit.

His procurement of the wands was simple: he managed to catch Voldemort's when his killing curse rebounded. For his eleventh birthday, Alexander and Sirius ventured to Ilvermorny and excavated his ancestor's from the snakewood tree that had sprouted from it. His wands were simply exquisite. Both were a shield and sword, and both filled him with a warmth or protectiveness and a chill of viciousness.

"I can 'ear your thoughts from 'ere, Alessander."

He turned to see her smirk. She always jumped at the chance to get one up on him. Her hair cascaded with shades of light and dark golds, her brown eyes held a twinkle of mischief, her lips pulled with delight at seeing him. Her flaws made her perfect. "Sorry, Ava… You know me."

She sauntered a little closer, practically resting her head on his shoulder. "I know us."

They met on his twelfth birthday. Oddly enough, Alexander and Pa'foo were in São Paulo for a holiday when they bumped into a magical family and asked for directions to the magical side of town. The Bragas welcomed them with open arms and dragged the two bachelors to their home. Alexander and the girl his age, Ava Braga, quickly became inseparable in their short time together, resulting in a soul-bond being formed with a blinding golden light.

Tensions rose as Alexander and Sirius were informed of Ava and her mother's lineage of Lilin, a variant of the succubus creatures. Like the French Veela, Lilin produce an allure but can also manipulate others' pheromones with physical contact. They are also naturally powerful Legilimens. When angered or unable to control their emotions, Lilin reveal their true form, sprouting wings and producing balls of purple fire from their palms. They also develop a rather large sexual appetite during and post-puberty.

However, this information changed nothing of the two British visitors' opinions of the Brazilian family, and they revealed everything about the 'Boy-Who-Lived'. Within a year, Alexander and Ava were betrothed to each other, and she was to be Lady Peverell.

Ava brought Alexander out of his daydreams yet again, only this time, with a kiss. "Wakey, wakey, Aly. Your 'ead was in de clouds again."

Alexander smiled as she did. He honestly couldn't get used to seeing it. "Sorry." He kissed her this time.

He replaced his wands in their forearm holster, taking out his trunk from his blazer's inner breast pocket and expanding it wandlessly. He could do simple things with an ease, now. It made him think of the muggles films where people could channel the 'force'. He often pretended that he was hanging upside down in an ice cave and reaching out for his wands that were trapped in the snow below.

Alexander checked the contents of his trunk once again. Apart from his clothes, robes, and footwear, he had his Invisibility Cloak, Marauder's Map, Communication Mirror, and shrunken Firebolt packed. Both he and Ava each had the fastest brooms in production. They were fiercely competitive Quidditch players, but whereas he favoured Seeker, she was a Chaser; he liked the challenge of the Snitch, whereas she enjoyed being in the thick of the action. Flying also gave them brief freedom from life and its restraints.

After accepting the Peverell Lordship, Alexander read the Family Tome, learning that the children story about the three brothers was actually partly true, not about Death, but about three brothers and their creations: the Deathly Hallows. Alexander learned that his Cloak was the very same one created by the youngest brother 'Ignotus'. It was his most treasured possession. The year before, Sirius and Alexander had discovered that the Resurrection Stone was being hidden in the decrepit Gaunt Shack, which also housed the elusive Family Tome. The Stone was disguised as the Gaunt Ring. Touching the ring placed a vile and deathly curse on you, but Sirius had come prepared, using a Basilisk Fang—which was very expensive—to remove it. They both agreed, however, that the Stone should stay with Sirius at Black Manor instead of going with Alexander to Hogwarts.

Alexander closed the lid before shrinking the trunk again and replacing it in his pocket. Pa'foo suggested making an impression by wearing a very tailored two-piece Armani for his first day. In fact, for the last four months it was the only thing Alexander was allowed to wear, unless for P.T. At first, he hated wearing them: they were too snug, too constricting to move in, however, after a few weeks he loved them. Now, he never wanted to be without them. Of course, there were exceptions: P.T., swimming, running, flying, hiking, bed… Apart from that, he would never be without one. And combined with his five-foot-eleven-inch height, lean but muscular frame, perfect-green eyes, and long, swept back hair, he definitely made an impression.

Ava was used to the tropical heat of the equator, where everyone wore as little clothing as possible on the account that it was ball-sweating hot. Now though, in the chill of Scotland, she was wrapped in fur and Acromantula silk robes. In a few weeks her ever present sun-kissed tan would fade away, too. Oh, how she was going to love Britain.

Their musings were interrupted by a knock on the door, followed by the sight of three gorgeous girls entering. They were all wearing the colours of Slytherin and looked to be their age. They were easy enough to distinguish: one had long blonde hair and piercing blue eyes, another had long dark hair and dark brown eyes, and the third had short brown hair and complementary glasses. The dark-haired spoke first, "Do you mind? Everywhere else is full."

Alexander looked to his love, then at the bench in front of them. They really were alone. "Please. We could use your help."

The glasses girl inquired while they all sat down across from the couple. "Help with what?"

"Well, I'd like to ask you about the school. Like, what House should we aim to get into?"

Blondie stepped in. "Slytherin, if you're smart… Or Ravenclaw, maybe."

"And de others? Dere are four 'ouses, no?"

The three serpents caught the other girl's accent. She was beautiful but not from around here. He, though, apart from the tan, he sounded English. Brown eyes answered. "Puffs are loyal, but that's it. And Gryffindorks? Please, they're so impulsive they argue when Professors take points away, which leads to more points being taken from them. It's pathetic."

Alexander chuckled. Sirius had told them all about the flaws of Gryffindors, while also putting them on a pedestal. Alexander, however, hoped he'd make his ancestor's House. It would seem strange for Lord Slytherin to be in any other House. "Where are my manners? I'm Alexander Evans."

"Ava Braga." She gave the three her sweetest little smile.

Blondie. "Daphne Greengrass."

Glasses. "Tracey Davis."

Brown eyes. "Pansy Parkinson."

"A pleasure to meet you all."

Daphne's eyes narrowed. "I'm sorry, but I've never seen you before. And she's… Spanish?"

Ava pouted. "Brazilian."

Alexander rubbed her shoulder, knowing she hated when people mistook her for anything but what she was. "This year will be our first at Hogwarts."

Tracey repositioned her glasses. "What about the first four years of your education?"

"I was being privately tutored, and Ava's here 'cause she wouldn't let me out of her sight. I had to come because of that stupid law Dumbledore created."

Daphne's ears perked. "The one about Lords and Heirs requiring OWLs and NEWTs from Hogwarts?"

"The very same."

There was a collective intake of air from the three witches. It wasn't a full gasp but enough to hear in the quiet compartment. Daphne stared right into his eyes. "So, are you a Lord or an Heir?"

"Who wants to know?"

Pansy leaned in. "Daphne and I are Heirs."

Ava turned to Tracey. "'ow about you, Tracey?"

The cute girl blushed and shook her head. "Not me. I'm a halfblood."

"So are we." Ava took Alexander's hand in hers.

Tracey smiled. "Unfortunately, Daphne and I don't share the same father, so I could never be Lady Greengrass."

"Tracey!" Daphne's severity only made the moment funnier.

"What? It's true. We're half-sisters."

Alexander butted in. "Half-siblings aren't welcomed at school?"

Daphne directed her scorn to the boy. "You have a problem with that?"

"Merlin, no. My familial situation is just as complicated, perhaps even more."

Tracey ignored her sister's anger. "May I ask how?"

"Sorry, but we just met. Tell you what, though, if we're sorted into Slytherin I'll tell you."

Tracey nodded. "That's reasonable."

Pansy looked at the strangers with narrowed eyes. "What makes you think you'll be sorted into the same House?"

Alexander and Ava started conversing in a language unknown to the three serpents. Alexander wasn't fluent just yet, needing to talk at a much slower pace, but he was making good progress.

Pansy butted in before Alexander could talk. "Was that Spanish?"

"Portuguese. There's a difference, supposedly-" He was cut off when one of Ava's elbows collided with his ribs. "Ow!"

"Dere iz a difference! Don't make me remind you again." She was hot when angered, figuratively and literally.

Alexander rubbed his sore side as the girls laughed. "Sorry."

Daphne picked up on their chemistry, more than that of simple couple. "Are you two together?"

"Why, wanna join us?" Alexander couldn't help tease.

Daphne stuttered and stalled as her sister burst into laughter. "No one ever makes Daph lose her words! Thank you for that!" The rest joined in, leaving Daphne with crimson cheeks.

Soon, a comfortable silence descended. Alexander leaned against the window and closed his eyes. Ava joined him in slumber as the three girls broke into a discussion about OWLs and how hard they will be. Secretly, Alexander and Ava were well onto finishing their studies for NEWTs, but it was decided that they'd simply fake three years of learning to blend in. At least they wouldn't have to worry about homework or assignments.

Being more observant, even while half-asleep, Alexander heard their discussion begin to be directed at him. Tracey's voice broke into a hushed tone. "Do you think they're asleep?"

"Hm. I think so." Pansy?

"He's so polite… and hot. They both are."

"Tracey! They're right there." Daphne scolded her sister again.

"What? You're thinking it too."

"Am… not."

"Ha! You paused. You were too." Pansy chimed in with a victorious point of her finger.

Alexander was leaning on his occlumency shields to stop himself from chuckling. He knew he was somewhat good-looking, it was either that or Pa'foo was just making fun of him every time a witch his age looked at him. He also knew that Ava was a goddess, so no surprise there, plus her allure often attracted the attention of both sexes. Having just met the three attractive snakes, Alexander actually liked being around them. He wasn't entirely sure how their reactions would be when they found out he was the 'Boy-Who-Lived', but he hoped they wouldn't act differently.

"-admit it, Daphne, you think he's cute." It was Pansy this time throwing accusations.

"Alright! Fine, he's appealing in a way. Now, shush! I think he can hear us."

The three Slytherins looked at their target, whose face wasn't betraying his interest. Tracey leaned over and inspected both of their features more closely, looking for any sign of deception. When she pulled away, Alexander breathed a mental sigh.

The rest of the train ride was a lot less eventful. Alexander and Ava only woke when Tracey shook them a few miles from Hogsmeade Station. They draped their school robes on and followed the girls to a carriage. Daphne explained that 'first years' took the boats, but it wasn't an order, so Alexander and Ava entered their carriage, filling it up. He spotted a very pissed off blonde boy glaring at him as their carriage pulled away. He also saw a redhead boy looking pissed off at the blonde boy.

"Since when did Hogwarts use Thestrals to pull carriages?"

"What do you mean? The carriages pull themselves." Pansy looked at him strangely.

"I'll show you when we stop." Alexander spent the short ride preparing his shields for the intense introduction he was about to receive. Ava turned to her mother-tongue to vocalise those concerns as well.

When the carriage came to a halt Alexander exited first and helped all four girls out, with Pansy being last. He held her hand and led them to the black, skeletal creature. To the two Slytherin girls, they thought he was mad, until Alexander placed Pansy's hand on an invisible bony spine. She couldn't see it, but she felt the thin skin, the bumpy bones, the chill of its touch. "Thestrals are very rare. The only way you can see them is by witnessing death… However, they're not dangerous, just… misunderstood."

Ava had taken Daphne and Tracey's hands and similarly placed them on the invisible flesh. Alexander gave Pansy a small smile before retracting his hand. "I think we need to find Professor… McGonagall?"

"Yeah. She'll sort you." Tracey chirped in.

"Thanks. I hope to see you again, even if we don't make Slytherin." He then left, taking Ava's hand in his before anyone could respond. After turning a corner, Alexander took out the Marauder's Map and spotted McGonagall rather quickly. A few more corners and hallways and they found themselves surrounded by thirty eleven-year olds. "Professor McGonagall?"

Said professor turned and looked slightly shocked to see two students that were clearly far older than their peers. "Yes. How can I help you?"

Alexander gave a slight smile. "Well, we're new and we were wondering how we would be sorted."

McGonagall raised a brow slightly. "In a few moments, dear. Now, may I have your names?"

"Alexander Peverell and Ava Braga."

There was a pause. It was small but noticeable. The old Professor looked from the boy and girl in front of her and the sheet of parchment in her hands. Nowhere did she see 'Alexander Peverell' but there was a 'Harry Potter', which was listed just below 'Ava Braga'. Surely the boy-who-lived would be older than eleven by now… She had heard of the Peverells, but they were long extinct. Then it clicked: those eyes and that face, he was the spitting image of two former students. "I see. Although, it seems that's not the name you are registered here as. Shall I change it?"

Alexander gave a full smile this time. Pa'foo said she could be trusted… somewhat. "No, leave it. It'll get out eventually."

Minerva nodded. "Very well… Now, wait here, at the back of the line actually. I'll see if they're ready for us."

"Thanks, Professor."

Ava led Alexander to the back as instructed. She lowered her voice to keep eavesdroppers unalerted. /How are you feeling?/

/As well as expected. You?/ Alexander enjoyed speaking in her tongue, especially when no one else could understand it. It was like they had their own little private world.

/My blood is freezing, my skin is dry, my nipples are hard, my bottom is numb… I am wonderful./

Alexander leaned in for a prolonged and passion-filled kiss. /Better?/

Ava lifted her chin in contempt. /Not even close./ Her air of superiority lasted for a few seconds before crumbling to giggles. /Damn. I was doing so well!/

Alexander placed another but brief kiss on her cherry lips. /Hardly, but the effort is to be commended. I'll warm you up when we make it to our room./

/Mmm. We'll have to go to your ancestor's fabled Chamber soon. I don't want to share a room with others so nearby, interrupting us at all hours./

/Maybe Salazar had private quarters outside of the Chamber. Maybe I could ask the ghosts or portraits./

/I think you should just demand it of the Headmaster, being Lord Slytherin himself… Although, that may not be the subtlest way of approaching it. Still, I'd rather it be done as soon as possible, Aly./

/So would I, but Pa'foo said we couldn't trust anything Albus did or said. We'll have to at least try and be sneaky at first./ They sat in silence, hand in hand, until McGonagall came to escort them all into the Great Hall.

Entering the large and ancient Hall was taxing on Ava, as she had to consciously rein in her allure to prevent everyone from drooling or leap at her with lust. While she was very experienced in it, it still took a lot out of her. This, in turn, caused her to rely on Alexander for support. Looking around, he could see the faint looks of carnal attraction in many eyes.

Alexander was able to identify many of the staff members from the descriptions Pa'foo gave him: there was Minerva McGonagall, the stern Transfiguration Professor and Gryffindor Head of House; Hagrid, the gentle half-Giant and Keeper of Grounds and Keys; Filius Flitwick, the part-Goblin Charms Master and Ravenclaw Head of House; Pomona Sprout, the plumpy Herbology Professor and Hufflepuff Head of House; Horace Slughorn, who was returning to teach Potions and was the former Slytherin Head of House, as his successor in both positions, Severus Snape, had finally acquired his dream job of teaching Defence Against the Dark Arts. Pa'foo had told him all about the obsessive, possessive love Severus had for Lily, which was ultimately unrequited. Pa'foo theorised that it turned sour. They both shared the suspicion that he had a hand in his parents' murder. It didn't help that he was protected from Azkaban by Albus Dumbledore, himself. Speaking of the old fossil, he sat on his golden throne in the middle of the staff table, watching the procession like royalty.

The strangest, but recognisable sensations overcame him when his eyes connected to both Severus and Albus. They were trying to peak into the unsorted-but-clearly-too-old-to-be-a-first-year's mind. He felt their presence meet his first and purposely-weak shields. So, Alexander sent a decisive and dismissive mental slap to both men, causing them to snap their heads back. He grinned and looked away.

{I felt someone- someones in your mind. It was Severus and Albus, wasn't it?}

{Mm hmm. Gave them a backhand for it.}

Ava grinned. {Good.}

A bonus to a soul-bond meant gaining the ability to communicate telepathically, once a strong enough connection was established. There were limits, though, such as: you had to be within close proximity for it to work. The furthest Ava and Alexander had gone was when he got separated during the World Cup last year and ended up on the other side of the camp grounds, which were deceptively enormous. They still had to keep testing its limits, though.

The sorting took barely twenty minutes, one of the shortest in the last hundred years. Ava barely had the Hat on her head before it shouted 'SLYTHERIN!'. She joined the table of snakes and was welcomed by the three friendly girls. Then it was his turn. He looked over at the four Slytherin girls, they each eyed him with interest. He gave them a big grin.

"Harry Potter."

There was an audible, collective gasp as the Great Hall heard the name. Alexander stood firm and watched the Headmaster almost jump out of his great chair. The old man looked reinvigorated. McGonagall gave him a look of confusion before realisation dawned. She smirked. "I meant Alexander Peverell." That set off pandemonium. He figured that most of the purebloods would have at least heard the name from the Beedle and Bard book. He was having fun.

A smirk of his own crawled at the corners of his mouth as he glided to and sat down on the stool. The hat was placed on his swept-back hair and a voice penetrated his shields. "Now, now, no need for that."

"Forgive me, but there's some things I don't want anyone finding out."

"I can see. Worry not, you're secrets never leave here… Now, let's see where you- Oh. Lord Slytherin has returned."

"See what I mean?"

"Yes. Hm. It would not be wise to reveal that just yet."

"My thoughts exactly."

"I assume you know where your ancestor's Chamber is?"

"I do."

"It's not my place but there was some trouble three years ago with its 'apparent' reopening. The Headmaster kept it all tightly wrapped, but everyone knows two girls and a teacher were never seen again."

"Whom?"

"Ginevra Weasley, pureblood, and Penelope Clearwater, a muggleborn, and Professor Gilderoy Lockhart. A word of warning: three other muggleborns were killed and the school was very nearly closed down for good. I would stress caution upon entering the Chamber, if you find it."

"I will. Thank you."

"Very well. Aside from the obvious, you have plenty courage, unwavering loyalty, and a thirst for knowledge. Hm. Very interesting. Your mate is very complementary."

"Thanks. Would you know if the Headmaster went into the Chamber?"

"No, he was preoccupied with the Minister and Aurors attempting to evacuate the students from the school."

"Hm. If I ever wanted to speak to you, would it be possible?"

"I am at your service, although, caution would be advised."

"I have another question, then."

"Ask and I will answer."

"Being Lord Slytherin, I assumed my ancestor had private quarters apart from his Chamber. Would you know where they are?"

The Hat was quiet for a few seconds. "Inside the Common Room there is a large statue of a Serpent coiled around a Wand. It will open for you."

"Thank you."

To the rest of the Great Hall it was ten minutes of complete silence. Everyone was rapt with anticipation, no one so much as sneezed. Even Professor McGonagall, a true hatstall, was never on the stool for this long. Dumbledore was waiting patiently for the decision, one he was certain of.

"SLYTHERIN!"

Pandemonium once again. Alexander gently handed the old hat to the surprised Professor before making his way out of the Hall and to the dungeons. Ava had already slipped out during the vocal chaos and was waiting outside for her mate. They were standing outside the Common Room entrance when the pitter-patter of approaching footsteps alerted them. They turned to see three shocked faces. "Anyone know the password?"

Daphne was the first to recover. "It's 'Runespoor'." The great doubles doors unlocked and opened. Alexander led the small group inside, taking in the interior design of his ancestor: blacks, silvers, and emeralds covered everything apart from a stone statue on the farthest wall. /Do you see that statue of the serpent?/

/The one that looks like your wand?/

/Yeah. That's the entrance to Salazar's private quarters./

/Oh, goodie. The Hat told you? Shame I didn't get to spend more time with it./

The three girls watched with confusion as the couple conversed as if they were the only ones in the room. Pansy was reaching her limit. "Please! One of you start talking."

Alexander regarded the three girls before motioning them all to follow him. At the stone statue, he grinned. [Open for Lord Slytherin.] His hissing initiated the statue moving smoothly to the side, revealing an entrance not entered since the Founders' time. "After you." Alexander allowed his love to enter first, then the three serpents, then himself, making sure the statue closed after him.

The Common Room was nice and lavish, but this was a new level of extravagance. It also had something the Common Room didn't have: restraint. Alexander figured the other room was decorated in such a way to unite the whole House and imbue them with a shared sense of allegiance. Here though, in Salazar's private quarters, the design was far more personal. The furniture was made from exquisite snakewood, with ornate carvings, and stained in dark shades. The upholsteries, drapes, and bedding were of a richly dark shade of green – appearing to actually be Salazar's favourite colour. There was a sense of comfort and luxury that fit the much-maligned wizard. For Alexander, it felt like home. The large fireplace erupted, illuminating three couches, arranged to form a U, with the bottom sofa being directly parallel to the fire. "How about we sit down?"

Ava launched herself, sailing through the air and hogging the entire parallel sofa. Alexander and the girls sat on the two facing couches. Tracey was looking around in wonder, Daphne was lost in deep thought, and Pansy just looked plain mad. "What is this place?"

"Salazar's personal cor-ters. Now, ours." Ava spread out like a cat, covering and testing the feel of the cushions.

"Salazar Slytherin? How did you gain entry? How did you know about it? We didn't know about it. No one knows about it." Pansy was getting madder and madder with every question. It was rather cute.

"Well, he is my ancestor. I am Lord Slytherin and am a parselmouth. And I asked the Sorting Hat if Salazar had personal quarters. He was more than happy to help." Alexander leaned back with a smile.

Tracey looked in heaven. "This is so cool, you guys! Can we hang out here? Can I even ask that?- I'mma shut up!"

Ava laughed. "Of course, we can 'ang out 'ere! Wouldn't be much fun alone, now would it?"

Daphne broke her silence. "You're Lord Peverell and Lord Slytherin, aren't you? Head of two of the most fabled Houses in Britain? You're Harry Potter, the Boy-Who-Lived, and a parselmouth. You're here not because you want to, but because you have to. And I bet you two are betrothed."

Alexander's smile grew even more. "I prefer 'Alexander'. And 'yes' to everything you said. I might also add that I'm also 'Lord Gaunt' and we're soul-bound."

Daphne immediately stood up. "I need to leave. There's no way I'm going back to the Great Hall. Trace, I'll eat in our room. You can have the House Elves bring you dinner. Goodnight." And with that, she left as the statue automatically opened for her exit.

Tracey's enthusiasm quelled considerably. "Sorry." She stood up as well. "I should probably go after her. I'm really glad we met today!" She chased after her downcast sister.

Pansy left with a reaction that was somewhere in between. Her only words were a brisk, "I'll leave you to settle in."

Now alone, Alexander and Ava summoned an over-ecstatic House Elf, from Daphne's instruction. The Elf, called 'Binny', brought them a selection of food from the feast. He also recruited a team of Elves to change the bedding and clean the place up while they ate.

After dinner and dessert, Ava entered the bathroom with a mischievous grin. She closed the door as to not spoil the 'surprise'. Alexander made short work of relieving himself of the layers of clothes. Waiting on the edge of the bed in only his black skin-hugging boxer-briefs, he thought about the luck his life had: being saved by Pa'foo as a baby, being trained to be one of the best, meeting a certain girl in a country where he was the stranger. Given how his life could have turned out, he felt very lucky.

But his meandering ruminations were cut short when the door opened, and he saw the most erotic sight he had experienced yet: Ava was in her true form. Her skin was a shade of grey with a smidge of muted green laced within it, yet it was the smoothest thing imaginable; her ears pointed at the tops, giving an elvish or fairy quality; and her hair had changed to a subdued shade of lavender. Then there were her velvety and complementary wings. In a way, she never ceased lighting his fire.

Ava swayed her hips, enjoying the way Alexander followed left to right with his eyes. She stood only a foot in front of him and could see the tightness his boxers were straining with. "Alessander, you look uncomfortable." Kneeling, she grinned like the cat caught the canary. "'ow 'bout I relieve dis pressure?"

Alexander returned with his own grin. "That's mighty kind of you." He leaned back as Ava pulled his boxers off his legs, which sprung his solid shaft straight up. /Do you like it so far?/

Ava popped his shaft out of her mouth like a lollypop. /Ask me in the morning./

end of chapter 1

A/N: So, I hope you like this more light-hearted story. Right off the bat, some background stuff.

First Year: Hermione, Ron, and Neville help Dumbledore stop Professor Quirrell/Voldemort from obtaining the Philosopher's Stone.

Second Year: Ginny Weasley still opened the Chamber of Secrets. Colin Creevey, Justin Finch-Fletchley and Hermione Granger were killed by the Basilisk. Ginny led Percy's girlfriend, Penelope Clearwater and Lockhart, down to the Chamber but they were all killed by the Basilisk before Tom could be fully revived. The Diary is still down there.

Third Year: Pretty much a normal, boring school year as the whole 'Prisoner of Azkaban' doesn't happen. No Dementors, either. Lupin is still the Defence Professor and is found out to be a Werewolf.

Fourth Year: The Quidditch World Cup is not attacked by Death Eaters. Tri-Wizard Tournament happens with the three competitors. Fleur ends up winning. Cedric doesn't die. Voldemort is not brought back.

Fifth Year: Umbridge won't be at Hogwarts because there's no reason… yet. Instead, the position of Defence Professor will be filled by Snape, with Slughorn taking over Potions.