Disclaimer: The Harry Potter Works are not mine. The characters and settings are owned by J. K. Rowling and her respected publishing companies e.g. Bloomsbury.

To Open A Chamber

It kills me not to know this, but I've all but just forgotten;

What the colour of her eyes were, and her scars or how she got them;

As the telling signs of age rain down a single tear is dropping;

To the valleys of an ageing face that this world has forgotten.

Savior – Rise Against

Startled emerald eyes flitted around the classroom, yet he could not discover the source of the rustling sound. He supposed, the sound could have originated from the ridiculous amount of movement from the ostentatious Lockhart who was regaling the class with tales of his glorious feats, yet that somehow did not fit.

Emerald eyes searched the classroom once more, ears straining to hear the sound. There! A soft slithering sound seemingly came from the very walls themselves. "Pain." The sound was almost too quiet, but the soft lilt the words had were unmistakable. Parseltongue. And his eyebrows furrowed in confusion, what was a snake doing in the walls?

"Pain...So much pain... Master Tom stop the pain, master Tom!" The snake was female, but how could a pained female snake who had known his brother still be alive?

The sounds of chattering students erupted around him, and he was vaguely aware of Lockhart dismissing the class. The voice of the snake was muffled now, and no amounts of straining would allow him to hear her. Beating down the uncomfortable churning of his stomach, Samael gracefully stood to his feet and followed his oblivious blonde friend from the room.

"- Gods, please tell me that this professor is hiding something Samael!" Draco huffed, as a disgusted sneer stretched his face. "At least Quirrel turned out to be interesting, more than interesting – amazing really – but Lockhart is so shallow! Please tell me he serves your brother!"

"Hmm? Oh yes, I quite agree, Dragon," Samael murmured.

"Samael?" the voice was hesitant and worried. "Are you feeling quite all right? You didn't hear a word I said, and you never drift off, did someone curse you?"

Samael decided to not ponder on how well Draco knew him, or even attempt to decipher the warm feeling which was settling in his stomach with Draco's attentiveness. Instead he cast sharp emerald eyes onto the blonde. "No, no. I am quite well, thank you, Dragon, I was just distracted." A pair of curious silver pools focused upon him; Samael sighed softly. "There is something strange occurring within the school, and I am determined to discover what it is."

Draco paused with a strange look, and placed a light hand on the other boy's shoulder, frowning when the other flinched in surprise. "Are you sure you are fine, Samael? Potter has not said anything has he?"

Samael shook his head before his mind fully comprehended what his friend had said. "No, no, Potter hardly ever steps from the Lion's Den any more. Besides," Samael smirked at this, "Potter does not dare to approach any of us Slytherins, knowing our stance on child abuse."

Draco looked unconvinced, but shrugged it off. Instead, following the Lestrange, Draco travelled in comfortable silence whilst Samael effectively avoided the 'surreptitious' glances the blonde threw his way.

"Pain, oh, Master Tom!"

There she was! Near the girl's bathroom! So with no words said, Samael swivelled upon the heel of his good foot, and strode off in the opposite direction, a bewildered Malfoy swiftly chasing after him.

"Samael! Samael, wait!"

A furious glare and an impatient halt sign came from the Lestrange, and Draco dutifully followed in silence. "Master Tom, my eyes, Master Tom, how they hurt!" Samael's frown deepened and he quickened his pace accordingly, Draco hurrying after him in bewildered silence.

The boy stopped mid-stride (nearly causing the blonde to crash into his back), and quirked his head to the side, scouring for some noise. "Dammit!" the outraged expletive so loud and sudden, that Draco actually turned to see the source of the sound, for Samael could never have uttered it; Samael never swore. However, only Samael could have sworn since no-one else was present. Something was definitely not right with Samael, so with a tentative step, Draco placed a hand on the boy's shoulder.

"What is the matter, Samael, truly?" A disarming smile curled the Lestrange's lips, but Draco would not allow himself to be blinded by his friend's wiles. "You are not yourself, and you are not alone, so tell me what is-"

Tense whispers echoed from further down the corridor, and Draco most certainly did not imagine the relieved breath which escaped Samael at the sound, however before the blonde could protest, Samael had taken off again in search for the new sounds. The Lestrange was stalking the shadows, and Draco would never have been able tell that Samael was in the corridor, if he wasn't already aware, for that was how effective the boy was at concealment.

The spike of Professor McGonagall's emerald pointed hat could be seen from around the corner, as well as the ostentatious robes of Dumbledore, and fashionable ones of Lockhart. Yet what drew the two Slytherins' attention was the sorrowful face of the Caretaker – Filch – whilst he clutched the still form of his beloved Mrs Norris to his chest.

"Let's not be too hasty, Minerva," Dumbledore's patient tone lolled down the corridor, and Draco saw the snarl on Samael's face at the voice. No, something was definitely not right.

"Stop pretending, Albus!" the unmistakable Scottish brogue was sharp; "This is exactly like 1945! Salazar's creature ran amok in this school then, and a student was killed! We must be prepared to close the sch-"

"We must not dwell on things that have not yet happened-"

"So you're going to allow this to continue until a student is killed?" the witch's voice was appalled, and Draco's ashen face told of his fear, yet he was distracted by the satisfied smile on the Lestrange's face.

"Of course, why did I not realise earlier?" the muttered words falling from Samael's lips whilst a small smirk graced his features. "A basilisk."

2nd November 1992

The room was bustling with activity, the stands were crowded to their maximum, all leaning in their seats to get a closer view of the high-profile suspects – Lily and James Potter – who were chained to two rotten wooden chairs, and two notorious wizards who hadn't been seen in Wizengamot in quite some time – Lucius Malfoy and Rodolphus Lestrange.

With a 'bang' a door to the front of the room opened, and a stern-faced Amelia Bones strode through, and climbed the short stairs to the pulpit before banging her gavel against the stand. "We are gathered here for the trial of state versus Lily and James Potter, charged with child abuse. How do the defendants plead?"

At this, Lily stood to her feet, her gaze defiantly locking onto the narrowed blues of Madame Bones, and declared. "Innocent!"

Madame Bones frowned. "Very well, prosecution state your case."

A middle-aged man in sharp robes stood and offered a short bow to Wizengamot. "Harry James Potter was only fourteen months old when he was left upon the doorstep of the late Petunia and Vernon Dursley on 31st October 1981. From that moment onwards, Harry Potter was violently abused, whilst receiving no personal contact from the accused. He was starved, locked in a cupboard, and beaten; he has permanent scarring from the abuse he sustained, alongside dietary problems from being starved. Lily and James Potter stand accused of child abuse, because of the lack of care they held for their youngest son, who faced death multiple times, not because of He-Who-Shall-Not-Be-Named, but because of a flying fist from his aunt and uncle!"

Angry murmurs filled the hall as the lawyer sank back into his chair, and the defence – a relatively young man in the latest style of robes – stood to his feet. "Ladies and gentlemen," he began, flashing a smile at those present. "The charges against Lily and James Potter are preposterous, they have not raised a hand to either of their sons, and they were unaware of the abuse their youngest son was suffering from. They placed their son in Petunia Dursley's care due to the threat of lingering Death Eaters, and received regular letters of Harry's well health however when they expressed a wish in taking him back in, they were told of Harry's wish to stay with his aunt and uncle and did not wish to upset him. Lily and James Potter are accused of child abuse, when in reality they are just two parents who love their children."

"Prosecution, call your first witness," Madame Bones called.

"Lily Potter," the lawyer declared, and the woman straightened in her chair and offered a kind smile to the crowds. "When was the last time you saw Harry Potter?" he asked.

"The night that You-Know-Who attacked our home,"

"The 31st October 1981?" he queried, and Lily stated the affirmative.

"And why did you place your son in the care of your sister and brother-in-law?"

"The Death Eaters were still at large, and James and I knew he would be a target of their rage."

"So you placed Harry Potter with your sister due to the threat of the Death Eaters?" she nodded, "Why not keep him in Potter Manor with his Godfather?"

The question clearly threw her, and she frowned. "I did not think that was wise."

"Because of Sirius Black's drinking problem?" Lily nodded once again, and he offered her an encouraging smile. "That was a very responsible idea, such a caring mother you are. Tell me, though, when were you planning on retrieving your son from your sister's care?"

"Once the Death Eaters had been caught."

"The last remaining Death Eater – Bartimeus Crouch Jr. - was imprisoned on 11th November 1991, why did you not get Harry back then?"

"I did not think it was an ideal time."

"Because you were receiving the benefits of being the mother to the Boy-Who-Lived." he stated, much to Lily's ire.

"No!" her denial was fuelled with indignation.

"So you did not accept any gifts on behalf of Harry?"

"No!"

"May I remind you that you are to tell the truth, Ms Potter," he stated disapprovingly, "I submit evidence A," he declared, showing a piece of paper around the courtroom. "This is a bank statement dated 7th November 1991, which shows that you and your husband gained over one hundred galleons which were originally intended for your son. Is it not true that you let your son stay with your abusive sister, so that he could not contest your ill-gotten gains!"

Lily struggled against her bindings. "No!"

"So you did not receive any monies and possessions that were for your son?" his accusing tone was sharp.

"Fine!" she snapped, glaring her blazing green eyes at him. "Yes, I did accept the money. But he was fine with Petunia, he was fed and had a roof over his head; it was only meant to be for a couple of weeks!"

"Yet you have not seen your son in over a decade, did you keep in contact with your son?"

Lily smiled at this, a relieved breath escaping her mouth. "Yes, yes I did. I sent him letters at least once a week."

"May I submit, evidence B, which was retrieved from the Dursley's household," he stated, whilst showing Madame Bones and the accused a piece of paper. "Ms Potter, do you recognise this handwriting?" he questioned; Lily leant in closer to read the paper and paled.

"Yes, that is my handwriting."

"May you read the letter aloud, Ms Potter?" he asked, whilst holding the letter in front of her eyesight.

"My dearest Harry, I hope you are doing well. Your father, brother and I have just visited Calais in France, it was fantastic! Robert misses his little brother, he really wants to visit you but the threat of Death Eaters is still high, and we cannot risk it! I know that Aunt Petunia isn't the kindest woman when it comes to our kind, Harry, but you'll just have to grin and bear it, and know that we love you. Kisses and hugs, your mother."

"So not only did you know, if not, at least suspect that Petunia Dursely would not offer your son a caring environment, you told your son to 'grin and bear it'?" he questioned incredulously.

"I knew that she didn't like people with magic, she was jealous that's all, she wouldn't physically hurt him!"

"What about her husband? Vernon Dursely, could you be sure that your son would be safe with him?"

"No."

"Yet, you happily sent your son to live with them." mutters across the courtroom rose in volume. "Tell me, did Petunia ever reply to your letters?" the woman once again stated the negative.

At this, he looked confused. "I thought that you said that it was Petunia Dursley who told you that Harry wished to remain with her? She did not tell you, then?"

Lily glared at the man. "No, she did not tell me, but it was obvious since she didn't reply to my letters."

"Your sister was a Muggle was she not?" Lily nodded. "Did you think that she may not know how to contact you? Was she aware of your address?" Another shake. "Did the owl even wait for a response?". Yet another shake. "Is it possible, that you did not wish for a response? Isn't the real reason that you didn't offer any option for Harry to respond, was because you knew your son was being abused and you didn't wish to be reminded?"

"Objection!" the defence shouted. "He's leading the witness!"

"Withdrawn," Madam Bones stated with a disproving frown, "Answer the question Ms Potter."

"."

"Were you aware of the abuse Harry Potter sustained whilst in your sister's care?"

"No."

"But didn't you state the opposite when you were arrested on 28th October of this year?"

"Pardon?"

"Did you or did you not state, and I quote 'Vernon may have hit him sometimes, but it's nothing he couldn't handle.' when being arrested?" Cries of outrage erupted from the public, and the grim faces of wizengamot scowled at the woman.

"Yes, but I was stressed!"

"I ask again, Ms Potter, were you or were you not aware that Vernon Dursley was hitting your son?"

"It was only the odd slap-"

"Answer yes or no, Ms Potter."

"Yes."

"Why did you allow this to happen, Ms Potter?"

"He's the Boy-Who-Lived, he survived You-Know-Who he could survive his uncle!"

"Were you aware that Harry Potter was kept in a cupboard under the stairs for the entirety of his life whilst with your sister?"

"No."

"Were you aware that Vernon Dursely broke Harry Potter's arm when Harry was five years old?"

"No."

"Were you aware that Harry was denied medical treatment?"

"No."

"Were you aware that Harry Potter was regularly starved whilst living with your sister?"

"No."

"Were you aware that on 11th July 1991, Vernon Dursley physically attacked your son until the point of death?"

"No."

"And is the reason not because you did not care to know?"

"No!"

"Then why did you not visit your son?" the woman did not reply, and the man shook his head. "Wouldn't any decent mother have at least checked up on their son?"

"Well at least I am not a decent mother then," Lily's reply was scathing, and lacking any remorse.

"I rest my case," he declared, whilst taking his seat once again.

"Defence, any questions for the witness?" Madam Bones asked, and the younger wizard was decidedly lack-luster in his agreement. None saw the nod of approval she sent to the wizard.

Hogwarts newest Mediwitch looked up from her medical charts to glare at her intruders, only to immediately vacate her seat and hurry to where Sirius Black was carrying the unconscious form of a second-year Hufflepuff boy.

"Name?" she questioned, whilst waving her hand over the boy.

"Justin Fitch-Fletchley," slurred the man, and her narrowing gaze was sharp on the man. "Is he the same as Mrs. Norris?"

She returned her gaze to the boy, and nodded solemnly. "Yes, he has been petrified."

"Well what's doing it then?" he questioned, his eyes wild as they glared at the MediWitch. "What's Slytherin's beast? I bet you know, don't you? I remember you were a Slytherin; couple of years below me, but a filthy little snake nonetheless! What is it then?"

"If you cannot figure out the creature by yourself, Black, then you are incapable of thought," she drawled, which seemed strange as the woman was performing the gentle action of plumping pillows for the petrified boy. "Salazar Slytherin spoke to snakes, he created a chamber inside the school to house his familiar, and said familiar petrifies people. Now, I am far from a genius, however that seems to point to one creature, and one creature only."

Sirius stiffened, and took a threatening step towards the unimpressed healer. "What are you saying, snake? What are you hiding from me!" spittle flew from his mouth, and the overwhelming stench of firewhiskey burned her sinuses.

"Get away from me, Black!" she snarled as the man invaded her personal space, but the man just grabbed her wrist instead. "Get off me!" she repeated, roughly yanking her arm back from the wizard.

"Tell me what you are hiding!"

"Sirius Black!" a loud voice reprimanded, and Victoria hid her smirk as the man flinched at the sound. "What do you think you are doing? How dare you threaten a member of staff!" The furious form of Minerva McGonagall stormed into the room, an angry scowl fixed on her face.

"Minerva,"

"Do not Minerva me, Sirius Black!" she thundered, and her nostrils flared as she approached the man. "Have you been drinking?" Sucking in a deep breath, Sirius hurriedly shook his head. "Do not lie to me, Sirius! You would have thought that after that indecent assault charge, you wouldn't risk your career again, yet you astound me."

"Please, Minerva, Lily and James – I can't believe what they've been doing; I've known them for years!"

"That is no excuse for drinking whilst at work!" her voice was clipped, and her eyes narrowed. "Now not only have you been drinking but you have also assaulted a member of staff,"

"But Minerva, she knows what the beast is! She's probably been helping the Slytherins! I bet you it is Malfoy, he's a rotten egg if ever I've seen one, plus he's a Slytherin, the whole house is full of the filthy-"

"Sirius Black! I may have humoured your pathetic hatred for Slytherins whilst your were a child, however you are now a fully grown man picking on children. Now it pains me to say this, but Peter Pettigrew-" she ignored his snarl, "The man who betrayed the Potters to You-Know-Who was one of our own, so cease your prejudices."

"But the beast! She knows what the beast is!"

The woman appeared unperturbed, "As does every member of staff who attended the staff meeting last Thursday," she frowned at the man with pursed lips, "The beast is a basilisk, and whilst this is disturbing, Pomona is growing Mandrakes and Severus is brewing the appropriate potion to revive those who have been petrified."

"Snivilus!" Sirius sneered, releasing a huff of annoyance. "I bet you that he's helping the Snakes, the slimy little-"

"Enough!" the elder witch's clipped tones rang through the room and Sirius' look of disgust morphed into one of contrition. "You have failed to listen to a word I say, you have repeatedly degraded Severus Snape for many years, you are drunk and you assaulted Victoria. As acting Headmistress I am afraid that I have no choice but to suspend you from work, please collect your belongings and leave the castle by six o'clock tonight."

Sirius' brows furrowed in desperation. "Minerva, don't do this! I need this job, I need it!" the woman refused to comment. "I'll tell Albus, I will! And he'll give you a tongue-lashing; you can't fire me, Albus will-"

"Albus has no say of my decisions, and in his absence I am the highest authority here." Minerva drew herself to her highest height, and fixed her sternest glare on the man. "And as acting Headmistress I am suspending you forthwith. Now leave my sight!"

Sirius Black did as he was told, and furiously stalked from the room, banging the door as he left.

An amused twist of lips graced Victoria's features. "Well done, Professor McGongagall," her words tainted with something sour. "It is wonderful seeing these prejudices coming to end."

Said woman could only nod faintly, cast a searching look at the petrified Hufflepuff, and leave the room, intent on flooing the best Charms Professor she knew.

3rd November 1992

"Mr Brockling, may you state your credentials to the court please?" he asked the well-dressed middle-aged man at the stand.

"Certainly." And the smile sent to the court was one full of warmth. "I have a Masters in Warding and Family Magic, and I was the head of the Child Protetion Services for seventeen years."

"You have retired?"

"Yes, August of 1991."

"I see, and what are you affiliations with this case."

Brockling released a heavy sigh, "I dealt with the Harry Potter's adoption, and allowed the Aurors to access his files last month."

"Why only last month?"

"The family who adopted Harry, well they wanted to settle him in first." Brockling paused, and pinched the bridge of his nose. "Harry... The Dursleys had convince him that he didn't deserve a loving family, and his adopted parents wanted to rectify that. I must admit, that after I finalised Harry's adoption I wanted more than anything to go to Aurors, but Harry would not have been able to bear his private life thrown around a court-room at that time."

"Is that why his adoption records have been sealed?"

Brockling frowned, "Adoptions are always kept private; only the Ministry official who officialised the adoption, in this case – me – knows who adopted a child. Afterwards, it is purely up to the parents on who can access adoption records, and in this case they have expressed a wish for them to remain private."

"I understand. In your professional opinion, what did you think of Harry's case?"

"Harry's case was the worst I have ever seen. The emotional abuse he suffered was extensive enough-"

"You mentioned, that he did not think himself worthy of a family?"

"Yes, his aunt and uncle never called him by his name, either 'freak' or 'boy'. They kept him in a cupboard under the stairs, worked him to the point of unconsciousness, and forced him to make them meals whilst starving him, all whilst telling him that his family did not love him because he was a 'freak' who did not deserve love," Brockling stated in a hollow voice, whilst glaring at the man and woman on the dais.

"I see. Did he know his parents?"

Brockling shook his head. "He never met his parents, he had seen photos of them, but never physically seen them, and he wasn't even sure on their names. The Dursleys used this fact to reinforce the belief that his own family did not care about him."

"What did Harry look like when you saw him?"

"He was small for his age, I first thought I was dealing with an eight-year old, however I later learned that his small stature was due to him being kept in a cupboard. He was also severely emaciated, he was literally skin and bones, you will see in the photos that his ribs were clearly visible and his arms and legs were extremely fragile."

"May I present evidence C – photos of Harry Potter taken on 13th July 1991," he declared, and audible gasps of shock and rage erupted from the court.

"You will also see in the photos, that Harry's stomach and back were covered in scars, some of these were scars were quite recent and were healing, however the majority of them were years old which Harry had sustained from age five, Harry told me that his uncle would whip him with his belt when angry." the fury in his voice was evident, and his clenched fists were turning white.

"And the bruises?"

The large dark patch on his stomach, is from where Vernon Dursley kicked him repeatedly, and the bruises on his face are from when Harry was slammed into the kitchen cabinets and knocked unconscious."

"Would this happen often?"

Brockling nodded, and cleared his throat. "Yes, almost once a week, however never as severely. The garage of the Dursley's house, was the designated area where Harry would be delivered his punishments. Vernon rarely kicked Harry, most of the time he whipped Harry with his belt until he was unconscious."

"And then what would he do?"

"Vernon would shake Harry awake, and order him to do a chore, such as making dinner, or mowing the garden."

"Without medical treatment?"

"Yes. Harry was not registered at the local medical practice as the Dursleys did not have any legal information for him, so they could not take him to receive treatment."

"The Dursleys did not have any legal information for Harry?"

"No. Lily and James Potter had not given the Dursley's Harry's birth certificate, or any kind of adoption certificate, so they could not register him at the practice or for primary education."

"So technically,the Dursley's never legally had guardianship of Harry Potter?"

"That is correct, yes. Harry Potter was legally in the care of Lily and James Potter."

"Then how could Harry be adopted?"

"Because even though Harry was legally under the guardianship of Lily and James Potter, neither of them had provided money, food, or medical treatment for him, which is the first reason for removal of guardianship in the CPS' rulebook. Also, Harry was not only neglected, but also abused to the utmost extent, this allowed him to be given new guardians without the parents' notification."

"Harry was removed from the Potter's guardianship on 13th July 1991, and adopted on the same day. Could you explain why he was adopted so quickly?"

"A friend of Harry's adoptive parents' found Harry in a back-alley in London, and took him to Harry's adoptive aunt for healing. His adoptive parents were visiting at the time, met Harry and fell in love with him."

"So the adoption went quickly, as there was already prospective guardians for Harry?"

Brockling smiled sheepishly at his rather long-winded explanation, and nodded. "Yes, and they were well-known to uphold the pureblood beliefs of child-rearing." Murmurs of relief spread across the Wizengamot members at this statement.

"Have you contacted Harry Potter recently?"

Brockling nodded, whilst shifting in his seat. "Yes, so that I could gain permission to open his file to the Aurors."

"How is he?"

Brockling smiled widely, "He's much better, so much in fact that I would hardly recognise the boy I saw as the one I met last year. His personality is much lighter; he hardly flinches at noises and more importantly he is happy. He is now a healthy weight, and his wounds have completely disappeared, in fact the only way someone would know of his past life is if they saw his scars which I am afraid will never heal."

"So,in your opinion, how do his adoptive parents treat him?"

"Like he is a gift from Magic herself, they treasure him like any parent should do to their child."

"Samael," Andras called upon spotting the Lestrange, said Slytherin only glance up from his dusty tome and graced the Ravenclaw with a raised eyebrow. Andras beamed at the boy, slung his arm around Ginny's shoulder and ushered his other two companions forward. "We were looking for information regarding the Autumn Equinox, but we can't seem to find any, and since I know that you're a fountain of all knowledge-" he trailed off, smiling a winning smile as Samael's eyebrows only rose further into his hairline.

Two of his companions shifted uncomfortably under Samael's gaze, whilst the third stared wide-eyed at the shelves behind the Lestrange; Andras' smile never faltered in the slightest.

"Very well. "A soft sigh escaped the Lestrange as he closed his book. "Take a seat then," he declared, lazily waving a hand at the chairs. Andras immediately sat opposite him and Samael spared the three girls a meaningful stare. "All of you."

Andras shot up in his seat. "Oh! How rude of me. Samael this is Ginny Weasley, Luna Lovegood, and I think you already know Hermione," he murmured, the Gryffindor witch nodded. "Guys, this is Samael Lestrange."

Hermione nodded once more at the boy, holding his amused glance with one of exasperation, whilst Ginny smiled shakily at him and ducked away. "It's wonderful meeting you, the Blubbering Higgleons have been whispering about you and the current headlines, they are very pleased with your actions." the blonde girl whispered, her silver eyes wide.

"Luna, these Blubbering Higgleons aren't real," the bushy-haired witch attempted to reason, but Luna merely smiled pityingly at her and shared a conspirational look with the Lestrange.

Surprisingly, Samael smiled. "I am glad that the Blubbering Higgleons are pleased," he murmured, inclining his head at the girl "It is an honour to meet one such as yourself, Miss Lovegood. Now how may I be of assistance?"

The two Gryffindors couldn't hide their shock at Samael's politeness, whilst Andras beamed at them all. "The Autumn Equinox, Samael."

Samael's lips twitched. "I am afraid to say that you have missed it, Andras."

Andras sighed the sigh of an old man, and collapsed further down in his chair. "I know that, Samael. But we couldn't have celebrated it at school unless we went into the forest, and Hermione and Ginny weren't too keen on that idea-"

"Hmmm? The thestrals would have loved to see us," Luna declared with a rather put out expression, "Though the wrackspurts were rather excited in September and we all would have ended up terribly confused. And oh dear, it seems as though you have several swarming around you, Samael."

Hermione opened her mouth as if to interrupt, but Andras motioned for her to stop.

"I see," Samael murmured and his dancing emerald eyes locked upon hers.

"Do you?" her tone curious, despite the hardness that had entered her eyes. Samael only spared her a genuine smile.

"Yes." the answer was short and simple, and the blonde witch smiled once again. "As for the equniox, well the whomping willow is the only reasonable suggestion I can think of."

"Of course!" Hermione burst out, glaring as Samael raised an eyebrow at her. "Hardly anyone goes near the whomping willow, and if we stood on the other side, no-one could see us from the castle!"

Samael ignored the appraising glance Andras sent his way, Ginny however, did not and pulled on Hermione's shoulder. "Come on; let's find some information on the ritual." No-one commented on how the witch's eyes lighted with excitement at that suggestion.

"I will assist you," Luna called after the two Gryffindors, "The wrackspurts are circling around Samael at the moment," she paused, "It's best to rid of them."

"She is an interesting one," Samael murmured after the blonde witch; Andras merely smiled in agreement. Emerald eyes danced with amusement. "What is it you truly came to me for, Andras?"

Amber eyes hardened in response, his usually carefree face fixed into one of concern. "Father wishes to see you," he paused as if to assess the Slytherin's reaction. "Wizengamot have reached a decision."

Samael stiffened in his seat, emerald eyes frigid and face impassive. "Is that so?" His voice high and foreign, even to his own ears. "I suppose I will visit him then. Thank you for the message, Andras," Samael's words cold, and without a word he left the room.

Andras cursed quietly to himself, and picked up the book Samael had left behind. 'Hogwarts Alumini' and there smiling a wide predatory smile from the page was someone who he recognised from photographs his father had shown him. 'Tom Riddle' the name read. "Lord Voldemort." His face paled with realisation as the book slipped from his fingers. "Ginny."

Draco Malfoy prided himself on the fact that hardly anything could surprise him, not even when he discovered that Remus Lupin was a werewolf who gave birth to a son, however this attribute that he prided himself on always disappeared when with Samael. Samael, the boy who turned his entire world on its axis and made it revolve around him, so that Draco could not live a day without seeing the boy by his side. Or how his shining emerald eyes would shimmer with anger or how that perfect, pale cupid bow he called lips would purse with-

'Wait – perfect, pale cupid bow?'

Somehow even repeating those words didn't make them any less wrong to him. He filed that piece of information away for study at a later date.

Anyway, the fact that Samael could always shake Draco's earth was the reason why the blonde wizard was currently staring at him with wide silver eyes. Samael was crouched upon the dirty flagstone floor, knees hugged to his chest, and tears staining his pale face. Walking cautiously towards his friend, he placed a delicate hand upon his shoulder. Samael recoiled at the touch, his pupils blown so wide only the merest tinge of emerald could be seen.

"D-Draco?" he questioned. Draco's shocked face contorted into one of worry and anger, how dare someone make his precious Samael cry?

"What happened, Samael? What's wrong?"

"It's the Potters, the trial, they've been-" he faltered, as new tears escaped his eyes. Draco's hand faltered slightly upon the boy's shoulders. 'Damn the consequences, Samael needs me,' the thought raced across his mind, as he pulled the boy into his arms, so that Samael's face was pressed into his neck whilst his arms fell limply by their sides.

"What about the Potters? Did," he stopped to search for the words, "Did they go free?" He felt Samael shake his head 'no', and those arms clutched at the back of his robes whilst warm tears dampened his shoulder.

"They've been sentenced. Five years in Azkaban, three for good behaviour," the words were stronger, yet Draco only tightened his grip on the smaller Slytherin.

"That's good, isn't it? They'll never hurt you again, Samael, I will never let them, you hear?" he asked gently, smiling when he felt the boy nod. "No-one shall ever hurt you again, I promise." The vehement vow was whispered into Samael's ear, as he attempted to not enjoy the feel of Samael in arms.

"Thank you." The words barely audible but Draco heard them nonetheless, and the silly grin on his face could light the skies. Samael shifted in his arms so that his back was to Draco's chest whilst he rested between his legs; something in Draco warmed at this action. Was there a chance that he liked Samael more than he should? Probably, but with Samael in his arms, he just could not bring himself to care.

A/N: Sorry for the late update guys, RL definitely caught me up. My dad went into intensive care, then he was in the normal wards for two weeks (he's out now though) and then my sister went into labour! Gods, anyway I hope this chapter makes up for it. Ta-ta! :)