Children of Azkaban
Chapter Eleven: The Voice Strikes Again
A/N: Alright, here is the eighth installment of Children of Azkaban. I apologize for the lateness, but the guy who was fixing my laptop had a stroke. His wife had to give it to one of his coworkers to fix. Sorry. I forgot to mention that... *Hides under a blanket*
Also, I want to mention that there is a time skip of seven weeks since the end of chapter seven. I will only have about six or seven more chapters for the Chamber of Secrets arc. In the last chapter, two guests by the name of Truth and Hershey Kiss (Along with a few others) sent me a review about the fact that Arran and Artemis are related, however distant it may be. I can only hope that Truth and the others see it up here.
Truth: Two things:
1. You do realize that Arran and Artemis are related? Arran is related to the Black Family through his father James Potter's mother Dorea Potter née Black.
He is also related to Artemis' father, Tom Riddle, due to the fact that they are both distantly related to Ignotus Peverell.2. Did you plagiarize this story? I found an author, Peace-Dove969, who has the EXACT same plot as you, with only later chapters missing, AND she published her story 25 days before you did (May 6 vs. May 31).
I realize you may be the same author, as the writing hasn't differed much, but I do want to know. Just wondering.
To answer question one: All of the purebloods are related. If they want to remain with a pureblood line, they must marry relatives. In addition, Arran and Artemis completely trust each other- I won't have them with anyone else. This may not sit well with you, but Arran and Artemis will remain together.
To answer question two: No, I did not plagiarize this story. It was originally written by an author called Keniaia. She allowed me to adopt it along with Peace-Dove969. The one difference you will see with my CoA and Peace-Dove969's is that Arran and Artemis will not be captured in Azkaban, or so he has told me.
To Hershey Kiss: Since you are a guest, it takes time (24 hours, I believe) for your review to show up. Don't worry- I got them all, lol.
I hope this satisfied you.
I also want to recognize my THREE Betas'- R. L. Ravenclaw, EndlessChains and Elim Garak. Enjoy!
Dumbledore was pleased with how things were turning out. Almost seven weeks passed with nothing of any real significance happening even though the newfound relationship between Arran Potter and Artemis Riddle was rather worrying.
So far, Artemis kept giving the diary blood every day and Dumbledore could see tiny signs of her weakening. It saddened him, but this was necessary for the Greater Good. He was certain that when the diary killed her, Arran would stop at nothing to avenge her. Arran would battle Riddle and die, providing Neville with the experience and opening he needed to face Voldemort.
Dumbledore also knew that there would need to be another attack. Arran and Neville needed clues that would lead them to the Chamber of Secrets, the basilisk, and ultimately Riddle's shade. Dumbledore was planning on staging the attack after the first Dueling Club meeting, which would be later today. Lockhart and Snape were in charge.
The Potions Master needed only a passing suggestion that young Draco could benefit from learning the Serpensortia spell. Turning back to other matters only made the Headmaster grimace and stare at the report he just received about Neville's grades.
Needless to say, they were abysmal.
He knew that there were very few things that could help Neville on his path to defeat Voldemort, but all except one was long-term. Dumbledore could personally tutor the young boy, but there wasn't a guarantee that it would work. The only option left was a dark ritual that would cut Neville's lifespan in half, but give him the power he needed. Dumbledore already procured the necessary ingredients, but if someone found out, Dumbledore would face life in Azkaban.
He would just have to chance it. With the right spells and potions, young Neville could improve in leaps and bounds. Best of all, Neville Longbottom-Potter would be utterly loyal to Dumbledore and Dumbledore alone.
Neville's sacrifice would be unfortunate, but Dumbledore needed a lever to ensure the wizard society could be made strong. The wizards needed the strength of character and determination if they were to stand against waves of change coming from the Muggle world.
Just the thought of Muggle inventions and masses made Dumbledore shudder. He sucked on another lemon drop laced with calming drought.
Arran and Artemis were told by their Head of House that they were required to attend the Dueling Club at least once, so they decided to get it over with as quickly as possible. Both of them hoped to be able to "duel" Neville and then leave the noisy children. Neville has been especially obnoxious and insulting towards them lately, and was due for payback. This strange "Dueling Club" might provide them with an opportunity to retaliate without suffering consequences from Dumbledore.
When they finally Shadow-Stepped to the Great Hall, their eyes were immediately assaulted by the eyesore known as Professor Lockhart who was dressed in even more ostentations, bright red robes interspersed with abstract splashes of gold. The Slytherin's entire group sneered at the self-important man prancing about the hall. The Ravenclaw's and Hufflepuff's looked irritated at being forced to be here. The Gryffindor's looked proud by what they perceived as a compliment paid to them by the world-famous Dark Creature hunter.
Both of the Dementor hybrids just raised an eyebrow and stared incredulously at Lockhart, who was sporting a smug grin and signing autographs. Severus Snape, as usual dressed all in black, was giving Lockhart his patented "dark death glare" through the curtain of his greasy hair.
Lockhart, oblivious to said glare, shouted excitedly, "Well, let's start things off, shall we? Before we start things off, let's see what you kids can do. I want to see what you've learned so far. I think Neville Longbottom-Potter and … Artemis Riddle, yes that would do nicely. Could you two come to the stage?"
Severus immediately stalked towards the latest Defense Professor. "I do not think that Miss Riddle would provide much of a challenge to Mr. Longbottom-Potter. Perhaps we should choose a more closely matched pair?"
Lockhart paused for a minute, "Quite right, my dear Severus! Who do you suggest, then?"
Snape's eyes narrowed in thought – as a spy he, by necessity, had to be an accomplished actor. He turned his head and caught the eyes of Draco Malfoy. "Draco, come up here."
The heir to the Malfoy line had clearly been expecting Severus to call him up, so it didn't take him long to climb onto the stage in the center of the hall.
Neville was waiting impatiently. 'I'll show the stupid snakes who's in charge! How dare they walk around as if they owned the place?' Meanwhile, Draco was mentally going over the Serpensortia spell.
Neville sent a winning smile to his admiring audience and jumped around the first couple of Stunners that were sent at him by Draco. While Neville was showboating, Draco twisted his wand in a circular pattern. He was surprised by how successful he was, as a long, skinny black cobra appeared in the middle of the dueling platform.
The cobra hissed, flaring its hood angrily and slithered quickly into the crowd, causing all the students to immediately start panicking. The students started screaming in fear, forming a rough circle around the irate snake. Draco looked shocked- it was the first time that the spell worked properly for him.
When Lockhart finally noticed, he let out a girly shriek which he would deny ever uttering later.
In all of the confusion, Arran and Artemis were separated.
Neville, being the Gryffindor that he was, jumped off of the stage and ran towards the angry snake. He knew full well that he would be punished severely if he attacked Draco in front of the Potions Master, so he settled for the conjured snake.
On his way to kill the hissing creature, Neville ran full tilt into Artemis and together they landed roughly on the floor in front of the cobra. Artemis growled at Neville, pushing him off of her.
Lockhart immediately took the chance to prove just how adept he was at magic. The man shot forward, aiming his wand at the irritated snake and firing off a weak blasting hex. This caused the angry cobra to fly through the air… and land on a surprised Artemis.
Artemis saw that the very angry cobra was poised to strike at her from about two inches away from her face. She instinctively froze at the sight.
Arran pushed his way into the middle, where he spotted Artemis sprawled out on her back with the poisonous snake poised to attack her. He was about to lunge at the cobra, but Artemis reacted before he did.
Artemis and Arran both tried talking to it, automatically switching to a language that sounded like the Dementor's Tongue. It was Parseltongue.
"*Get off of me!*"
"*Get off of her!*"
Artemis heard a few of the students gasp in shock, while the cobra reared back in surprise. Its tongue flickered and it focused on Arran. It hissed at him, "*You are Sssspeakersss?*"
Artemis frowned, not understanding what the cobra said, but Arran just glared at the snake.
That was when pandemonium broke out.
Severus, along with all of the pureblooded wizards and witches, flinched in surprise. Most of them started edging away from Arran and Artemis, recognizing the language they both spoke.
Neville started muttering to himself. 'DAMMIT! Why do they keep showing me up?! They have no right!' He gripped his wand tighter, lunging at the two Slytherin that he took as his enemies. Neville raised his wand, aiming at Artemis. Before Neville could finish invoking the spell, he was jostled by Ron who in his terror backed into him. At the same time, his wand released the curse and shot the Cutting Curse that James taught him last summer at Artemis.
The spell connected with the girl's stomach, leaving a huge gash stretching from one side to the other. Artemis shrieked in pain, clutching at her wound and trying to staunch the blood that was rapidly seeping through. Before Neville could blink (or do anything else, really) he was pinned to the floor by an extremely pissed off Arran. Arran's eyes were dilated, and his skin was taking on an ethereal glow. A second later, his eyes began to glow as well. His clothes started billowing around him, caught in a magical wind that came out of nowhere.
Arran began to repeatedly punch Neville, slamming his head into the stone. Distantly he felt his limbs stretching and punches getting stronger. The students scattered away from the battle, as Snape tried to pull the two apart. Arran refused to let go of his prey, grabbing at his lapels and continuing to punch him. Neville's nose was squished like a ripe tomato, his face was covered in blood, and drops of it were splattered across the floor. The closest children could hear the sound of meat-like smacks raining down on the Gryffindor, over and over.
Before everyone's eyes his body had begun to start changing ever so slowly, and then speeding up.
Arran's eyes became more cat-like, growing a little wider. A smoky grey outlined his eye, with a narrow line shooting out of the corner of them which only made them look more exotic. His hair grew into a sort of mane, with a silvery color creeping in. Arran's skin tanned slightly and his body lengthened, becoming lean and thin. It was easy to tell that he would be very flexible. And his teeth… Arran had grown larger canines, both of them being about an inch longer than normal. After this happened, the glow faded and left behind the softest looking skin anyone had ever seen.
When he was finally pulled away from the crying boy, Arran said in a low growl, "If you EVER come near her again… I will end you, do you understand?"
The students that heard what he said shuddered at the cold fury in his tone.
Neville let out a strangled moan. Arran shook Snape's hands off and ran up to Artemis, hugging her closely. She was lying in a slowly spreading pool of blood on the floor.
"What are you staring at, idiots?!" he shouted. "Call a healer!"
An hour later, Arran was summoned to the Headmaster's office. Artemis was also summoned, but Dumbledore was informed that she was still unconscious. She was left under the tender mercies of the school nurse, Madam Pomfrey. When Arran left her side, she was still bleeding from the gash in her torso.
Neville was still moaning on the other side of the infirmary.
Arran was swiftly escorted to Dumbledore's office, where the Headmaster, Severus and Minerva were waiting. Minerva looked furious and it was obvious that the only thing holding her sharp tongue back was Dumbledore himself.
Arran slipped into the room silently. He waited for one of the Professors to say something.
After about a minute of silence, Dumbledore finally spoke. "Why did you attack Neville Longbottom-Potter, Arran?"
Arran gave the elderly Headmaster a sharp glare and then answered him in a frigid tone of voice. "Why did your 'hero' attack Artemis? He nearly killed her! She would be dead if that spell hit her just six inches higher. Neville is lucky he got off so lightly."
Dumbledore frowned. "Artemis made a deal to save your life. You should be grateful that I took you from that prison, Arran, not to mention the fact that you are James Potter's son. Whether you accept that or not is up to you."
Severus cut in. "I want to know what exactly you are. During the… incident, you underwent a strange transformation. What happened to you?"
Arran's gaze shifted to the Potions Master. "It's part of my inheritance. My mother, Lily Evans, was a High Elf. She kept it hidden from everyone. This makes me a High Elf as well. That transformation was caused by the Elven blood, I think."
Dumbledore looked completely shocked. "Lily Evans was a High Elf? How did she hide that?"
Severus scoffed. "By the time Lily's inheritance came into play, she already knew several spells that can disguise a person's appearance. Do you have any meaningful questions Dumbledore?"
The Headmaster gave the Potions Master a sharp look before his gaze shifted back to Arran. "What exactly does that mean? What did your inheritance do to you?"
Arran narrowed his eyes. "Why should I tell you? You are more concerned with why I attacked the idiot than you are about the one who was hurt by him! When I came into your office, you asked me why I attacked Neville Longbottom-Potter. I attacked him because he hurt Artemis very badly. Madame Pomfrey said that she will have a scar across her stomach for life! Neville will have none yet you asked about my motive first. You forced both of us to stay here and when she is hurt, you care more about Artemis' attacker than her!" Arran ranted angrily, his hands tightening into fists.
Severus frowned. He was about to take a jab at Dumbledore himself, but the Headmaster was already talking. "As I said before, Miss Riddle and I made a deal. You two staying here is part of that deal. I am not forcing you to remain at Hogwarts."
Arran glared at Dumbledore. "What did you call me here for Headmaster?"
Minerva stepped forward. "You have no ri-"
Arran's head whipped around and landed on her. "I have every right! Artemis was viciously attacked in his school, but he is going after the one person who defended her. Does that seem logical to you?"
The Transfiguration Professor scowled. "The Headmaster has his own ways to deal with incidents. You are a student, no matter how intelligent you are."
Arran scoffed, before changing the subject. "Is Neville going to be punished?"
Severus used this time to pull a fuming Minerva from the Headmaster's office.
"I do not plan on punishing him, Mister Evans. He was merely defending himself against a perceived threat. You both are doing much better then Neville, after all." Dumbledore said slowly. "Your attack was more than enough punishment, I do believe."
The Elven Halfling stared at the Headmaster incredulously. "Are you serious? The only reason I have not taken Artemis away from here is that ward. If I feel as if I am in danger, I can simply ask the Dementors for help. You know what they are capable of, Headmaster. Do you really want that?"
Dumbledore looked startled. "Why would you feel like you have to go that far? Miss Riddle will be fine, Arran."
Arran's expressionless face scowled angrily. "Yes, she will live. Artemis will have a scar for the rest of her life, Dumbledore. Is that your definition of fine?"
The Headmaster paused. "Why are you so determined to have young Neville punished? You attacked him, as I recall. Is that not enough punishment?"
Arran's eyes narrowed. "Does he have a permanent scar for the rest of his life? I didn't see one on him. If Neville is failing, then that means that everyone who is doing better is open to retaliation from him. Is that your definition of fine? He could 'defend' himself against another 'perceived threat' and go even further. If Neville lashes out again, someone might accidentally get killed!"
By this time, Severus returned. "Headmaster, I must agree with Mister Evans. Miss Riddle did almost die, after all. Mister Evans may serve out three detentions with me as his punishment, but Mister Longbottom-Potter should get more than that. I do believe that a suspension period is in order, perhaps even expulsion from Hogwarts."
Dumbledore looked surprised and a bit wounded by Snape's sharp words. "You cannot be serious, Severus!"
The surly Potion Master's expression darkened. "I am very serious. You are being blinded by your own desire to keep Mister Longbottom-Potter on your side, but this is going too far, Albus. One of my Snakes was gravely injured by the Potter brat. If he is not reprimanded to my own satisfaction, I will go to the Daily Prophet and see exactly what they think of his newest debacle. Do I make myself clear?"
The Headmaster's face soured. "Crystal. Mister Evans shall serve out three detentions with you and young Neville's punishment will be discussed later."
Arran looked pleased. He and Dumbledore both knew that the three detentions would not be very strenuous.
"Dismissed." The Headmaster ground out. "Severus, I will expect you to be in my office directly after dinner to talk about Neville Longbottom-Potter's future."
Severus quickly put a hand on Arran's shoulder and guided him out of Dumbledore's office before Arran could say anything else to the Headmaster.
Artemis woke up to see the pristine whiteness of the Medical Wing.
She glanced around, searching for the familiar face of her boyfriend. The sound of the door opening caught her attention.
Arran just slipped in and when he looked up, he smiled softly. "Are you alright?"
Artemis shifted so she was sitting upright. "Yeah, I think so. What happened?"
Arran's smile faded and he decided to use the Dementor's Tongue so only Artemis could understand what he was saying. He knew that there were no Dementors nearby. "*You don't remember what happened yesterday?*"
Artemis frowned. "*Remember what? Arran, what happened? Why do you look different?*"
"*Oh, this? Apparently, my Elven blood kicked in and changed a lot.*" Arran hissed casually.
Artemis narrowed her eyes. "*Well, we knew that it would happen eventually.*"
Arran nodded. "*Are you in any pain? I can get Madam Pomfrey if you are.*"
Artemis looked confused. "*What do you mean? Why would I be in pain and why did you avoid my question? What did I forget?*"
Arran sighed. "*Fine, I'll tell you. When the cobra was about to get off of you, Neville attacked you with a strong Cutting Curse. It hit your stomach, Artemis. You have a permanent scar because of him…*"
Artemis paled. "*Then why did he attack me? I didn't do anything that bad to him…*"
Arran scoffed. "*The Headmaster said that Neville felt threatened by us because we were doing better than he was in class, so he lashed out.*"
Artemis' mouth dropped open in shock. "*But that means that everyone in his classes are at risk! What is Dumbledore thinking?!*"
Arran nodded. "*Dumbledore wasn't planning on giving him a punishment, but Professor Snape and I managed to change his mind. I do have three detentions, though…*"
Artemis narrowed her eyes suspiciously. "*What did you do to get those detentions, Arran?*"
He shifted uncomfortably. "*Well… I, ah…*"
Artemis groaned. "*Arran… did you attack Neville?*"
Arran grinned with a mixture of sheepishness and satisfaction. "*Well… yeah, I did. I'm not sorry about it, either. He hurt you, after all.*"
Artemis groaned, and then gave him a half-hearted glare. She threw her legs over the side of the bed she was on. "*Arran…*"
His sheepish grin widened. "*I know, Artemis. I shouldn't have attacked him… it just makes me so angry that he is getting off almost scot-free. Sure, he will be punished, but he won't have any permanent scars. You will, Artemis. You are in here, not him.*"
Artemis let out a small sigh. "*I understand. I guess he did kind of deserve it…*"
Arran nodded, the grin fading slowly. "*He did.*"
She hummed, and then lifted her shirt up so she could see her new scar. It was thin and straight, spreading from the right side of her hip to just under her left lung.
Artemis laid one of her hands on it shakily. "*I… remember now.*"
Arran scowled angrily. "*I should have been able to stop him.*"
Artemis stared at him in surprise. "*What does that mean? You didn't know that he would attack me.*"
Arran avoided her gaze. "*I should have expected something. I should have kept my guard up around him… It should have been me bleeding on that bed, not you.*"
Artemis shook her head. "*Arran, you can't protect me from every bad thing.*"
He sighed sharply. "*I know that, Artemis.*"
She focused an intense stare on Arran, taking note of his uncomfortable movements. "*Do you? I survived that guards attack, and I survived this one too. I'm fine, Arran. It's not your fault.*" Arran looked at her, his eyes searching hers for confirmation. He wanted to know if she really felt that way.
Arran only had to search for a second to know that Artemis didn't blame him. He relaxed, and silently made a vow to himself. Nobody would hurt Artemis while he was around.
Together, they would stand.
Together… They would survive.
TIME SKIP: TWO DAYS
Madam Pomfrey just released Artemis from her care about an hour ago. The medi-witch gave Artemis a few potions for pain before they left. Arran told Artemis what Neville's punishment was while Madam Pomfrey was getting the potions.
"*Neville is suspended for six months. He will have a tutor, though. Dumbledore made sure of that. When he comes back, he will be in his own year again.*"
Artemis just nodded mutely. She didn't need to reply- Arran already knew what she would have said. It would have been the same thing she had said two days ago.
Arran and Artemis immediately took off, heading to the top of the Astronomy Tower. No one else was there. The duo sat calmly on the ledge, watching the Thestral's flitting about in the air above the Forbidden Forest and holding hands. Neither of them spoke a word the entire time.
They spent away three hours watching the black skeleton-like Pegasus playing games in mid-air until it got too dark to spot them. Arran stood up first, followed by Artemis. He turned to her and tightened his grip, pulling her into his arms gently. She promptly nuzzled her face into his chest.
Arran put his arms around her and Shadowed them both away from the Tower.
Together.