Phoenix Tears Rising

An Alternate Year Six Book

Disclaimer: Harry Potter and characters associated with his world belong to JK Rowling. No financial gain is being made from this story – only hours of enjoyment.

Chapter Nine. Meeting Fate – Part Two

Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Saladin Slytherin's Appartments, 18th November 1060: 09:41 am

Lord Saladin Slytherin was not alone when Ulrich rapt on his apartment door. Harry had felt a pang of panic when Ulrich reach over his shoulder to knock felt ill at ease when the door opened by itself on command to reveal two older gentlemen sitting in throne like chairs by a warm fire.

"Ah, here he is at last." Harry thought he recognised the first gentleman who had spoken. He waited in trepidation as this man regally stood and swept across the room. Harry barely had time to swallow his panic when his upper arm was grasped lightly and he was propelled into the room.

"See my Lord Hufflepuff, no severe damage done by the potion. He is as healthy as any other offspring sired the natural way."

Harry blushed crimson and ducked his head and took the moments pause to take in the man that was still holding his upper arm who he assumed was Saladin Slytherin. His face was strong set, but finely chiselled likewise his hands were very elegant and bejewelled. He also realised this man was tall and willow but was not someone to take lightly.

"Thank you Ulrich, I can look after the lad from here."

Harry twisted his head around and watched with a sinking feeling Ulrich departing back.

"He looks a tad peaky, Saladin," the other gentleman commented. Harry's head shot up annoyed that he was being talked about as if he was not present. The old gent smiled wanly at him and that was when Harry noticed that he was cuddling a badger of all creatures.

"He was attacked by Malic and I have had him dosed up on Dreamless Sleep," Saladin said as he took Harry by the shoulders and steered him towards his seat and then forced him to sit. Harry sat and glanced up. "The poor lad suffered quite a bit of internal bleeding."

"Sodding monster," Lord Hufflepuff muttered.

Harry couldn't help but grin slightly at Lord Hufflepuff's muttering but he wasn't brave enough to answer.

"Ah there's a bit o' Godric in his nose and expression," Lord Hufflepuff said wistfully. "Awful lot of Slytherin in him but I can see Godric in the glint of his eyes."

Saladin Slytherin nodded his head and squeezed Harry's shoulders firmly. Not so that they hurt but so he knew he was standing beside him and watching. "I understand you know of what we speak, Tristian?"

Harry's head shot up at still being addressed as 'Tristian'. And far from being a stupid dull boy, Harry indeed was putting the pieces of the puzzle and had figured out what was going on around him. He just wasn't going to admit it.

Harry paused before he answered licking his dry cracked lips. "I'm not Tristian, I'm Harry."

Saladin's hand left Harry's shoulder and Harry heard the older wizard sigh as Lord Hufflepuff chuckled.

"Stubborn as Godric too, he'll drive Salazar mad."

At the mention of the snake founder Harry's stomach did a somersault. He was sure his face had become pale.

"Forgive me dear boy for not explaining. You are now Tristian Wolfe, my grand nephew if anyone asks you of our relationship." Saladin didn't leave any room for argument. He was worse than old Dumbledore.

Because he was too afraid to argue Harry scowled openly and crossed his arms. He didn't like where any of this was heading.

"Are you aware of your patronage, boy?" Saladin asked almost gently but Harry wasn't fooled it was a demand and a test. Although what Saladin was testing for was beyond Harry.

Harry dipped his head and blushed. "Yes," he answered curtly he wasn't going to give away any more information than was necessary.

Saladin raised his eyebrows in response.

"…I'm aware, milord."

"Do you know the dubious nature of your conception?" Saladin asked a little tersely glaring at his old friend Hufflepuff who was chuckling as he set Badger on the floor.

Harry was blushing crimson and could literally feel the heat of his skin. "Yes, milord," he murmured dipping his head further.

Badger once set on the floor waddled over to the strange boy's feet to sniff. With great snorting breathes he did just that and deciding the boy smelt reasonable he dumped himself on the boy's feet.

"Then you are aware that you have two biological fathers. Godric Gryffindor and Salazar Sly…"

"Slytherin…" Harry finished for Saladin looking up, still blushing and nodding his head sadly. "I know." He ducked his head once more and bent over to pet Badger who obligingly rolled over.

"It is naught something to be ashamed of, Tristian," Lord Hufflepuff said gently in his gruff voice while leaning as far forwards as his tired old bones would allow him.

Harry wasn't able to reply he shook his head finding it somehow harder to breathe easy. Saladin's hands came to rest on both Harry's shoulders, gentle comforting. But when Saladin spoke it wasn't to Harry. "If Milord Hufflepuff doesn't mind I'll need to speak with Tristian in private for some time."

"Of course, of course," Hufflepuff nodded pulling himself out of his chair and he winked at Harry. "Come along Badger."

Harry watched Badger's slowly retreating hind and all too soon the door clicked shut and he was alone with Saladin Slytherin. Saladin released Harry's shoulders from his gentle grasp and glided to sit in the chair that had been vacated by Lord Hufflepuff.

"As his lordship said, you need not be ashamed of your parentage. But in the same breathe I need to advise you to be cautious." Harry glanced up at Saladin Slytherin who he noted sat regally as if he were a King. Harry nodded because that was the only response his slow moving mind could make up to do.

"I am Lord Saladin Slytherin, father of Salazar Slytherin, Tristian," Saladin continued in his gentle voice he paused for a moment to allow Harry to digest this information. "Your grandfather, child, and your guardian for now."

Harry blinked in rapid succession. "You mentioned caution, milord?" Harry murmured blurting out the first thing that came to mind.

Saladin regarded Harry with solemn sea green eyes and rubbed the bridge of his nose. Harry had the distinct impression his grandfather already had a headache.

"Both the Gryffindor and Slytherin clans are powerful and with great power often come great foes. You met one of my more bitter enemies in Fredrick Ball's office. I must impress on you to stay within the safety of Hogwarts Castle and the grounds surrounding the school. You must not stray. If you do you'll have to answer to me and your fathers…"

Harry barely stopped himself from gulping. "Yes sir," Harry blurted to let Saladin now he got the message.

"It was with those considerations that I created your alias, which you must stick to at all times. In public you may only address me as milord or sir, nothing else, same goes to your fathers. Is that understood?"

"Yes sir."

"It isn't safe for knowledge of your true existence and identity to be spread. Your clan's colours are reds, greens and golds. You are here at Hogwarts under my tutelage but as my fostered young relative I will allow both Godric and Salazar to teach you. I may have 'fostered' you but you must also keep in mind you are the son of two founders of this school I am merely acting as a mediator. You will hold both fathers in equal regard am I clear?"

"Yes sir," Harry mumbled humbly looking down at his hands self consciously.

"Now that I have impressed upon you the dangers of your circumstances we can move onto more pleasant introductions. Welcome to the Slytherin clan, Tristian Wolfe."

Harry nodded as the numb feeling seemed to have slowly crept through his body. Everything seemed surreal at any moment Harry thought he would wake up and find it had all just been a dream.

"You've been listless the last few days with a strong sleeping drought so it would be useless to ask if you are hungry."

A small wooden table with a gigantic silver platter full of fruits, sweet meats and breads suddenly appeared in front of Harry. Being used to magic Harry didn't stir at the sudden appearance.

"You've grown up around magic then boy," Saladin stated seeing the lack of Harry's reaction. "Good. Salazar was most pleased when we found your wand."

Harry started and despite knowing his wand was not there he clapped his hands over his hips looking for his pockets. Saladin smiled wanly and pulled Harry's wand from his top pocket. Leaning over Saladin offered the wand to Harry who meet his grandfather half way.

Harry took his wand a little too quickly and shoved it into his voluminous robes.

"Eat, child," Saladin insisted before standing regally and wrapping his robes about him.

Harry obeyed and reached out for something that looked slightly familiar. This happened to be a piece of fruit that looked like it might be a peach but was not a peach. He had it half way to his mouth when someone crashed through the door. Harry froze like a thief that had been caught red handed.

"Godric!" Saladin hissed. Harry winced the effect of Saladin's solemn voice was somehow worse than yelling. "What's the meaning of this?"

The wizard that Harry vaguely remembered from his earlier adventures glanced up somewhat surprised. His beard was sparse on his chin and cheeks, neatly trimmed his underrobes Harry noticed was gold with an overrobe of deep set crimson. In his fist was a squirming man dressed solely in black.

"Erebus has a confession, milord Slytherin," Godric said slowly his eyes never leaving Harry.

Harry was still sitting frozen to his spot transfixed on the wizard that he now knew was Godric Gryffindor: father number one. Harry felt his heart start to palpitate faster in his chest. He had not expected to come face to face with his fathers so quickly. His grandfather was enough for one day.

"Godric really is that anyway to enter my father's quarters unannounced?"

Another figure dressed in elegant green and silvers stepped casually into the room. Harry immediately recognised the similarities of the new comer and his new found grandfather. Long black hair and a thin fine boned skeleton seemed to favour the Slytherin clan. Enter father number two.

Harry finally decided to place the peach back onto the platter. He shuffled restlessly aware that every eye on the room was trained upon him. In turn he determinedly studied the rug that decorated the floor underneath his feet.

The man dressed solely in black crawled comically over to Harry. Harry had to resist the urge to kick the man back. He didn't like this man too much for some reason.

"Is this him then?" the man inquired as he stopped by Harry's knee. Harry turned his face away as he did not want to make eye contact.

A shaking pale hand snaked around Harry's chin forcing Harry to look down upon the man at his feet. "What a blessed, blessed child."

Harry wrenched his chin away from the man's grip before standing angrily. "Don't touch me! How dare you call me blessed!" Harry cried retreating a few steps away. For a moment he forgot that he was in the presences of his fathers and grandfather. He sneaked a quick glance at the elder wizards. Salazar looked somewhat miffed, while Godric seemed to be smirking proudly.

"Tristian, calm yourself," Saladin Slytherin said neutrally. "There will be time later to vent your anger."

Harry nodded wearily, crossed his arms and point black refused to sit nearby the cowering man.

"A thousand pardons, Master Slytherin-Gryffindor, if I had unknowingly offended you," the man in black pompously started. "I am…"

"I'm aware of who you are," Harry snapped harshly. "And let me tell you Mr. Prior you could apologise and beg for pardon for a thousand and one years and still I would not forgive you for the wrongs you have committed against me."

"But I am your creator…" Erebus Prior was now resembling a fish out of water. Obviously whatever reaction he expected from his creation was not outraged indignation.

"I am nothing but a weapon, Mr. Prior. That is what you have created: a weapon! No good for anything but destruction. I'm a logistical nightmare… a signed death warrant if you will. So don't you dare make a claim over me or I'll…"

Salazar Slytherin stepped further into the room and past the dazed Erebus Prior. He snaked his arms around Harry's shoulders. "Calm now my lad. Do not let your anger control you." Salazar was standing so close to Harry that his breath tickled Harry's neck.

Harry nodded and breathed deeply before giving a death glare that could kill a Hippogriff at ten paces. Salazar's arms were still tight around Harry's shoulders as he could physically restrain the younger wizard from any more outbursts.

Godric cleared his throat gaining Harry's attention. For a moment father and son locked eyes. Godric however quickly severed the connection by glancing at Saladin. "Perhaps Erebus' confession can wait. There are more important things requiring attention." Godric eyes snapped back to Harry, making Harry's stomach drop to the ground.

Saladin nodded curtly. Harry opened his mouth to argue but at a firm squeeze from Salazar decided not to.

"You have Gryffindor's infamous temper you must learn to curb that," Salazar said softly above Harry's ear.

"Yes sir," Harry mumbled trying to sound contrite he glanced over to Erebus. "I'll behave as long as he does."

Hearing Harry's somewhat sullen response Erebus nearly choked on his tongue. Godric actually snorted and shook his head almost sadly. Salazar however cuffed Harry's head.

"Ow!"

"No son of mine is blatantly cheeky," Salazar hissed.

"Nor mine," Godric growled from his corner.

Harry fought the urge to roll his eyes. He did not want to become the common fighting ground of Salazar and Godric. He mumbled a stammered apology and shifted uneasily under the elder wizards' blatant stare.

"The boy has been informed of his role he must perform?" Salazar removed his arm slowly from around Harry's shoulder. His movement was cautious as if to gauge Harry's reaction. Harry for his part froze.

"He has been told," Saladin confirmed with a gentle nod of his head.

Harry blushing furiously turned his head to the side so that he would not have to look at either father as they prowled about the room.

"He knows who we are?" Godric inquired. It was almost as if the man was holding his breath.

"Yes, sir, I know," Harry murmured. "But that does not mean that I understand."

Godric sighed and rubbed his beard in contemplation. "Ah and what is it that you understand not?"

Harry blinked a little surprised by the question. He had assumed his own understanding would not be considered a priority to these wizards. But all the adults were patiently waiting for him to speak. Even Erebus Prior seemed interested.

For a moment Harry floundered, his brain had seemed to have grown numb. Harry waved his hands about as the words slowly formed on his tongue. "How? How is this possible? Are you pansies?" Harry asked using a term he had heard his Uncle use on the odd occasion.

Godric blinked slowly in confusion. "As you can see my lad, I'm most certainly not some type of flower."

Harry snorted and struggled to find another term that wasn't so insulting. In the end he decided for the blunt approach. "Gay?"

Salazar crossed his arms against his chest. "I'm not particularly very happy at this instant, no."

Feeling flustered Harry felt his cheeks burn. "No you don't understand." Harry shook his head.

"Then what is it you are trying to ask from us?" Saladin inquired knitting his elegant brows together. Harry thought that made the man look older but somewhat wiser.

Shaking his head to clear any stray thoughts Harry decided to use simple language. "You're not in a sexual relationship with each other, are you?"

Everyone froze in the wake of Harry's question. Godric swallowed heavily all colour drained from his flushed cheeks. Salazar on the other hand seemed unusually flabbergasted. Saladin was rubbing the bridge of his nose as if to fend off an unwanted headache.

Erebus Prior however found the whole situation funny. He choked on his laugher but alas a chuckle escaped his lips. "What did you think I did to create you boy? Have Lord Godric and Salazar pro creating like laboratory specimens?"

Harry flushed further and stole a glance at his fathers, only to be mortified that neither had regained their senses.

"What was I suppose to think?" Harry sneered at Erebus. "I exist and by rights I shouldn't exist."

Unfortunately Erebus Prior was still laughing, stuffing a large handkerchief in his mouth to muffle his chuckles of glee. It was unfortunate because Harry lost his temper and found another extortionary talent all within a matter of seconds.

"Burn in hell!" Harry roared at the mad potions master and to his shock Erebus' cloak erupted into flames. Not your ordinary flames but burning white tongues.

"Argh! I'm on fire!" Erebus screamed rolling around on the floor in hopes of quenching the magical flames.

Unfortunately Harry was still angry. He stormed towards the door, completely oblivious to his agape audience. "Oh go choke on some polyjuice," Harry snapped at Erebus who was still screaming on the floor, before slamming the door behind him.