Harry Potter and the Forbidden Legacy

Disclaimer/Plot/Author's Note: SEE FIRST CHAPTER

Dedication: I'd like to dedicate this story to Tempest Novastorm for creating such a dark-hunger-inducing challenge and lighting the fire of inspiration in me yet again: my recommended reads are Harry Potter and the Champion of Darkness by DZ2, Janus and Yield to the Darkness by Quatermass, Rise of Ouroboros: New Lord Azkaban and Horror reborn: Second coming of The Butcher by Triple D aka Dark Demon, Harry Potter: Lord of Darkness by AngelSlayer135, Right Side of Hell by NeoMare, Harry Potter and The Prince of Power Book 1 Birth of a Snake by ACI100, The Dark Lord Peverell-Slytherin by Ares Peverell-Slytherin, The Rise of a Dark Lord by LittleMissXanda and Lucifer Rising by JasminSky

Key Pairing: Harry/Neville

Other Pairings: Lily/James; Others TBD

Normal Speech

'Thoughts'

'Mental Speech'

/Parseltongue/

Review Answers:

Andreher: Let's just say I'm pulling inspiration from several fandoms and leave it at that: a taster is coming in this chapter;

PointlessFigment: One of the lesser reasons used in a Dark-Harry story, but that's what makes it so much fun;

Tempest Novastorm: I appreciate the compliment and, just like the other story, thanks for letting me use the pairing I chose;

Mamaduck48: That's why I put portrayals at the end of chapters: because I also hear and imagine those actors/actresses in those roles;

'You know that's not what you call me from now on, is it, young one?'

With wide eyes and an eager, if not ravenously-hungry smile, Harry bowed his head, submitting to whatever the ritual was doing to him even as he spoke the words he'd always wanted to say, even if it meant saying them to his…his ex-family.

"Sorry…I mean, you can have as much of my blood as you need…Father…"

'That's my boy,' chuckled Khan.

The next thing Harry knew, his world was consumed by darkness, combined with an audible boom that shook the chamber to its foundations.

Chapter 2: One Hell of a Sorting

It was just supposed to be another Sorting Ceremony.

All right, so it was a Sorting that was slightly-different because of the air of excitement that surrounded the Hogwarts debut of Michael Potter, the Boy-Who-Lived, while there were a few wild cards and interesting twists and turns on the road ahead.

But, despite all that, it was meant to be just another Sorting.

And it was…

Until Minerva McGonagall said two words that changed a lot of lives, even if those involved didn't yet know it…

Forbidden Legacy

With Sally-Anne Perks sent to Hufflepuff, a few people shifted nervously and with an air of excitement as they considered whose name was going to be called out next. Many of them were already placing silent bets and thoughts on what was going to happen.

Meanwhile, on the High Table, the new Muggle Studies Professor, Lily Potter, and her husband, the new Transfiguration Professor, and Head of Gryffindor House, James Potter, held hands under the High Table as they waited for Minerva – whom now had her duties and attention solely focused on being the Deputy Headmistress, whatever that involved – to say the words.

For a moment, however, even they noticed Minerva looked confused, almost like she had trouble reading from the list.

"What's going on?" wondered James, looking once to Albus Dumbledore, who shrugged in response.

A few seconds later, however, even James' head snapped back around when Minerva made her announcement;

"Peverell, Hadrian!"

In his golden throne, Albus Dumbledore went whiter than white as he heard the name; at the same time, Lily shared an awkward look with James, who suddenly looked as though he'd swallowed live scorpions as he looked to the Sorting Hat, his eyes fixed on whoever or whatever person dared to disgrace and claim to have such a name.

What he saw would never be forgotten.

Making his way towards the Sorting Hat was a young man of eleven who appeared to be a few years older, judging by his height and an air of pride and maturity he seemed to carry in his stride. He had raven-black hair that was brushed flat on his head with a streak of white that ran along his fringe, almost like a lightning bolt, while, when he got close enough for them to see, Lily visibly flinched when she saw cold, hard emerald-green eyes that looked so much like her own, it was terrifying to behold, let alone consider any sort of similarity between her and this boy.

He was also dressed in his Hogwarts robes and, to the curiosity of Lily, James, Dumbledore and one or two of the students, the young man walked with the aid of a cane that was topped with a red sphere, which had a well-known symbol engraved onto the orb in black.

However, the most-curious thing about the boy, apart from his noble posture and the cane he carried, was how, as he walked to the hat, Lily and James, as well as their colleagues and future charges, then noticed the young man identified by Minerva as Hadrian Peverell wasn't alone.

Next to him, dressed in what could only be described as an olden-days tailcoat and tuxedo-like suit, was a tall, thin man with dark eyes and darker hair, his posture straight and true as he walked alongside his charge, standing next to him like a sentry on guard as the boy sat down beneath the Sorting Hat.

One second later, the Hat made its choice;

"SLYTHERIN!"

No-one clapped and yet, as he removed the hat from his head, the boy walked over to the Slytherin Table, his strange companion with him.

Once the boy took his seat, however, Minerva barely managed to gasp out the name everyone had been waiting for;

"Potter, Michael."

However, to James' ire and Dumbledore's surprise, unlike another time and place, there weren't any curious whispers or murmurs regarding the future of the hero of the magical world. Even as Michael Potter – a russet-haired youth with heterochromic eyes: one his Mother's emerald-green and the other his Father's darkest-brown – sat beneath the Sorting Hat, nobody whispered or craned their necks to see him; nor did they pay much, if any attention to the boy being Sorted.

Instead, every pair of eyes, save Lily and James', seemed to be focused on Hadrian Peverell, who seemed more content with the idea of resting his chin on the orb atop his cane, as though he was bored.

"GRYFFINDOR!"

Even as James applauded, in a rather-celebratory fashion at that, nobody else did.

None of them could take their eyes off the mysterious newcomer.

Even as his son sat down, James scowled darkly as he hissed, "I want to see that…boy in my office first thing tomorrow morning!"

"Then I trust you will allow me to be present when you meet my new charge, Potter," scowled Severus Snape, earning a dark look from James, who would sooner swallow molten lava and bathe in acid before he allowed his hated enemy anywhere near him without wands being drawn.

Still, he was a teacher now, so he had duties and responsibilities, even if he didn't like it.

Though he only nodded once in response to Severus' question and, even then, it was so stiff and forced that it looked like he'd jerked reflexively.

Forbidden Legacy

"Welcome to Slytherin House, first-years: here, you show a united front at all times and keep all troubles and squabbles in the Common Room or to yourselves! Any that require further confrontational methods may be dealt with in the Slytherin Arena: a training room that is only open between the hours of 5pm and midnight and, even then, requires a Prefect, the Head Boy or Girl or myself to be present to acknowledge it and ensure the bout is not taken too far between opposing parties!"

"Furthermore, all students are expected to be in their dorms by midnight at the latest and not to be the last into a lesson or a meal: we have held the House Cup for many years and I will not have our noble reputation tarnished by a few dunderheads who cannot follow simple procedures. Now, your dormitories are twin in nature, meaning you bunk with another student, as, due to the less-than-civil reception of your peers, we of Slytherin have always encouraged you all to have at least one faithful ally at your side, so find your dorms and, again, welcome to Slytherin."

With his traditional speech finished, Severus looked over the small group of heads before he cleared his throat as he added, "Mr Peverell; might we have a quick word before you say your goodnights?"

"Of course, Master Snape," answered Hadrian Peverell, his voice as cool as ice and as silky as silk could be.

Truly, he was a Slytherin, but Severus would not be deterred, not even by the respectful term used by the boy to address him.

While the rest of the students left for their dorms, Hadrian walked over to the Head of Slytherin House, pausing only to rest his hands atop the orb on his cane as he asked, "Before we begin, may I say what an honour and a privilege it is to meet you? Your reputation precedes you, sir, and it will be a great honour to learn from one of your craft."

"Flattery will get you nowhere, Mr Peverell," argued Severus, though he couldn't help but smirk even as he indicated the man with Hadrian, whom everyone else had seen practically glued to the boy's side during the Feast and when they'd come down to the dungeons. "Now, the first question, I suppose, is who this man who accompanies you is and what is he doing here at Hogwarts?"

"You say first question, Master Snape," observed Hadrian, cocking an eyebrow in a perfect pure-blood manner as he asked, "Does that imply that either you or your superiors wish you to question me regarding my identity and my bodyguard?"

"Bodyguard?" asked Severus, earning a nod from Hadrian as he indicated the man with him.

"He is my humble servant, personal attendant and aide and, at my Father's personal request, he is to be my bodyguard and the representative of my Father in my family's name: Sebastian Michaelis."

"An honour, Potions Master Severus Tobias Snape," added the tall man, earning what could have been described as a visible shudder from Severus at how cool-toned and sibilant in its hiss-like voice the strange man, Sebastian, sounded.

At the same time, Severus was surprised: the role of bodyguard was an old role that had been allowed many years ago at Hogwarts – before the time of Grindelwald himself, if Severus' memory was correct – when ancient Houses felt the need to have a more-personal, trustworthy ally at the side of their heirs and heiresses.

These days, there were protocols and channels to go through; however, as Severus thought on this, Sebastian cut him off as he explained, "If my theory is correct, you are curious as to the nature of my being here without your Headmaster, the Chief Warlock, knowing of it. Therefore, I will tell you that my presence was sanctioned, both by the Hogwarts Board of Governors and the Minister of Magic, Cornelius Fudge himself."

"And," continued Hadrian, speaking as though he'd been the one explaining this the entire time as he didn't even pause for breath as he explained to an awestruck Severus, "If you wish further confirmation of Sebastian's right to be here, you can, of course, go right ahead and speak to the Board member who double-signed the Minister's Sanction: Lord Lucius Abraxas Malfoy."

Now Severus was interested: if Lucius himself had been the one to sanction this, it meant something was seriously unique about the circumstances; at the same time, the Head of Slytherin couldn't help but wonder about what sort of lord could make Lucius decide on such a move without consulting his usual connections in the magical underworld.

Then there was Fudge, who everyone knew was a bit of a bumbler with a bit of a magpie-minded interest in the progress of the Brat-Who-Lived and his special Auror-turned-Transfiguration-Professor Daddy, but for such a move to be made, it left Severus wondering.

Just who was Hadrian Peverell?

As Severus considered his next move, he looked back to Hadrian as he asked, "And what, may I ask, are his duties here?"

"At the express command and by order of my Lord Peverell," replied Sebastian, his voice edged by a sense of duty and raw sincerity as he went on, "I am to be an observer, companion and, where necessary, friend and source of aid to my Young Master, as well as a silent guardian and liaison, acting in the stead of my Lord when such matters arise. However, my Lord Peverell also commanded me to ensure I did not do my Master's work for him, nor would I intervene unless ordered to do so by my Master, a privilege Lord Peverell has had my Master swear he will not abuse."

"Not that I need it," argued Hadrian, looking to Severus as he explained, "I'm more than capable of looking out for myself and taking care of my own problems, Master Snape: why else would the Sorting Hat send me to a House as noble and proud as the brainchild of Lord Salazar Slytherin?"

While Severus was left astounded by Hadrian's argument, Sebastian cleared his throat as he spoke up, "Apologies Master, but if we are done with this impromptu meeting, might I suggest we go and meet your dormmate and retire for the night? Your Father was very clear on being ready for your first day and all others without risking oversleeping or being perceived as lazy or disrespectful of the rules and ways of the school."

"Yes, you're right, Sebastian," agreed Hadrian, looking to Severus with a calm air about him as he added, "If you have more questions, Master Snape, you may ask them of me tomorrow morning when I am to meet Professor Potter for his summons."

"How did you…"

"I am fluent in lip-reading capabilities and possess exceptional hearing, sir," explained Sebastian, earning a surprised look from Severus as the strange bodyguard added, "Therefore, during mealtimes, if no other time, I would strongly advise you do not plot any false hopes, beliefs, leads or ideas concerning my Master and the moves and roles he has to play. After all, my duty as a bodyguard also involves dealing with any threats my Master feels may hinder his growth as a student of this noble institute."

While Severus blanched at the way Sebastian said it, he couldn't help but snort as he said, "You're certainly no ordinary bodyguard, are you, sir?"

"No more or less than what is required of me in my duties, Master Severus," argued Sebastian, his lips twitching in amusement as he held up a finger before he went on.

"You see, I am simply one hell of a butler."

Forbidden Legacy

When Hadrian found his dormitory, he pushed the door open with ease, though Sebastian seemed content to stand outside, almost like a soldier on guard, as Hadrian entered the dormitory and looked around.

Given the Slytherin nature, it was pretty simple in its appearance and design: two four-poster beds were set opposite one another with a small wardrobe for robes and space for the trunks of the students staying in the dormitories. The beds were decorated with emerald-and-silver-coloured sheets and pillowcases, both of which also had a large green shield bearing the Slytherin House Crest while a single window offered an enchanting view of the depths of the lake outside the Slytherin Dorm and Common Room.

Later, Hadrian would discover that, if he touched his wand to a brick on the wall bearing the Slytherin Crest and turned it like a key in a lock, he could change the view in the window to any sort of view he desired, even one that showed day when it was meant to be night or vice-versa.

A single door, apart from the one that led Hadrian into the dorm, led through to a private bathroom and shower area with silver taps engraved with serpents and a portrait showing a fairly-beautiful jungle scene filled with more serpents, who often hissed and slithered through the portrait as though they vanished into the walls themselves.

As Hadrian looked around with a hint of pride and satisfaction in his gaze, he looked back just in time to see his dormmate emerge from the bathroom, wearing little more than a pair of black pyjama bottoms while his hair and body were damp from a late-night shower.

He was a blonde-haired boy with grey eyes that widened when he saw Hadrian, who smirked thinly before he drawled, "Hello Draco."

Had anyone else been in the dorm at that moment, they would have been beyond surprised to see the blonde boy drop to his hands and knees, prostrating himself before Hadrian, his nose touching the floor while his voice was soft, but clear as he spoke up.

"My Lord: I am unworthy to even sleep in a bed with you in the room; please Master, take whichever you wish and do with the other as you will."

"Then I'm taking the one on the left here and you will sleep in the other one on the right," said Hadrian, earning a quick nod from Draco as he quickly dragged his own trunk away from the bed Hadrian had claimed while a flick of his wrist saw Hadrian's trunk switch places with Draco's as the young boy went on. "And make sure you only ever bow to me in here, my slippery friend: should anyone suspect we are more than Housemates, you know what will happen."

"I'll die," said Draco, earning a cold chuckle from Hadrian as he sat down on the end of his bed, looking over at Draco with an almost-hungry leer;

"Nothing so easy, my little dragon-boy…no, if you fail to keep my secrets hidden until the right time, I won't kill you…I'll just eat you!"

Chapter 2 and you could say the prodigal son returns, but, wow, it looks like our hero has been busy: how is it he now wears the mantle of Peverell and how will he handle opposition from those who shunned him?

Also, why is Draco acting like he is? Could it have anything to do with Lucius' aid in getting Sebastian to Hogwarts with Hadrian?

And what do you think he means when he tells Draco he won't kill him…he'll just eat him?

Keep Reading to Find Out

Next Chapter: Hadrian Peverell meets the one who seems to think there's a mistake, but when he does, he has a message for them: one James won't like, Lily will be terrified to hear and even little Michael will never forget;

Please Read and Review

AN: Portrayal

Sebastian Michaelis: Tom Hiddleston