Another Chance

[Warning: Abuse :( Please, if you can't take reading abuse stories skip this chapter; it'll be the only one talking about abuse. P.S: I loathed writing this]

Chapter 22: Before the Story: Oliver's Life

Luna and Oliver were sitting by Harry's bed; it had been exactly one month since Harry had gotten hit by the curse. The Untouchables were still training and fighting Death Eaters, trying to avenge their cursed leader. Sometimes one of them would wear Harry's uniform and pretend to be him whilst fighting Death Eaters. Ginny had taken it the hardest, she had refused to eat or talk to anyone for a week and three days.

Luna looked over at her boyfriend, they had been sitting still in silence for over ten minutes and she was getting bored.

"What do you really look like?" she asked. Oliver turned to her stunned; he hadn't been expecting that question.

"Like a person." he replied smiling at her. Luna hit him playfully on the arm.

"Please, I want to know about your past." Luna pleaded. Oliver looked at her and sighed, how could he say no?

"Fine, but don't interrupt me."

Luna nodded; she was egger to hear about his past. Oliver closed his eyes and let the painful memories flood him. His hair turned into a dirty blonde and his eyes turned a grayish blue. Luna gasped, but not at his face she gasped at his arms. She traced the bruises and scars he had.

"They'll never heal." Oliver said silently.

(And the story begins, now)

"I'll name him… Nigel." a woman decided. She was holding a yellow blanket that was wrapped around a dirty blonde boy. He was sleeping calmly as his mother stroked his face.

The woman looked up as a man entered. He had sleek blonde hair, and icy blue eyes. He went over to the woman and gave her a kiss on the cheek. The woman smiled up at him, her grey eyes gleaming. She handed him the baby as she pushed her curly and unruly brown hair behind her ear.

"He's beautiful, reminds me of you." he said whilst looking at his smiling wife. She nodded then frowned. The man sighed; he seemed to know what had made her upset.

"Rose, don't worry, I won't let Darcy get to him or Emmett." he said to his wife, Rose.

"How do you know? She- she's theirkind, I'm pretty sure your sister can get to Nigel, Grayson." she said with tears in her eyes.

"I just know." he reassured her. He put the baby in his cot. He helped her out of the bed and out of their room. They lived in a small cottage and were a poor family but they survived.

After they left the room the door magically locked and a sinister looking blonde popped into the room. She had a scar that ran from her forehead through her right eye. She walked slowly up to the cot with an evil smirk, it was time for revenge.

"Aww, look at you. How are you my dear godson? Is my brother treating you well." she sneered.

"He hasn't told you of what he did yet, has he? Well let me tell you." she said whilst picking the baby up. She cradled the baby in her arms. Nigel's eyes fluttered up as he looked up at the scary woman. He opened his mouth about to cry when the woman waved her hand over his mouth. The baby looked at her shocked, he couldn't make any noise.

"Your loving daddy did this to me." she said pointing to her long scar. "He left me blind in my right eye."

The baby coked his head, not sure what the crazed woman was saying.

"Let me tell you a story Nigel, first of all I'm your unannounced godmother, Darcy. I am a witch. Now don't let that scare you like it did my brother. We used to be really good friends, but then he became jealous he couldn't have what I had, magic." she said whilst flicking her wrist making bubbles come out. The baby cooed happily and looked back up at Darcy.

"He isn't all he seems, he's the jealous type I tell you. One day when we were both fourteen, you know we were twins right? Either way, I set out into the world wanting to learn more of my magic. Both our parents were regular humans, nothing special. Soon after a few years I returned, I had mastered quite a few things. I found out I was best at transfiguring one objects into another. I could do the same for humans you know, I could turn them into animals or objects forever." she said as she transfigured his cot into a bird cage.

"So when I returned home your father was there waiting for me, with thirty other men. They all carried pitchforks and torches shouting about witchcraft. I tried to be the bigger person and not fight back, but they just wouldn't back down. I turned their weapons into fruit and pillows; you know trying to keep it safe. That's when your father did it, I didn't even see him. He grabbed a wooden pitchfork and lit it on fire, he took one slash and this is what happened." she said gesturing to her eye.

"You know it's a shame, what I have to do. You are quite the cutie, but you're also the only way to get revenge on my brother." she said regaining her evil personality.

"Now… how do I hurt my brother everyday of his life you ask? Well what if he had to lose his son yet see him every day? Easy, you turn him into an animal, just like the animal my brother was. Now I won't change you into any old animal, what kind of godmother would I be if I did? It's a simple charm that'll transform you into your true animal form forever." she said slyly. Darcy closed her eyes and muttered something under her breath. Blue and Yellow mist started surrounding Nigel. In his place a dirty blonde owl appeared. Darcy picked the owl up carefully and examined it. She kissed its head and placed it in the cage before securely locking it. She snapped her fingers and parchment and a quill appeared. She quickly scribbled letter before kissing the letter and 'popping' away.

Grayson and Rose burst through the door; it had taken them fifteen minutes to get inside. Rose looked around frantically for her son, she spotted the birdcage in the place where his cot once was and walked over. She spotted the note and quickly skimmed it. Rose shrieked and dropped it in horror, how could that witch do that to her son. Grayson made his way to his wife and picked up the note she dropped.

Dear Brother,

Hope you didn't think I'd just leave you alone like that. After all I think it's fair, you took away my eyesight, my life and my dignity. So I took away your son. I didn't actually take him away though; I just turned him into an owl forever. Turns out he was supposed to be smart and loyal, oh well. You should have thought about that before you ruined my life. Don't worry I already named him for you, his name's Noctis, he'll only respond to that.

Love, Darcy.

He clutched the note furiously and through it on the floor. How dare she!

It had been sixteen and a half years since Nigel had turned into Noctis. That fateful night his parents had taken Noctis to the Ruler of their Village and Kingdom. He had promised them three solid gold bars a month for the rest of Noctis's life or until he turned back into a human. This deal had caused his parents to go greedy and pompous. They had moved out of their small cottage and into a two story house in the village. They met up with the Ruler at the end of each month for a dinner. They had used all the gold to spoil their eldest son Emmett. Only on some occasions, usually at the dinner parties, they'd grieve over their youngest son.

Rose, who was once a selfless loving lady, became a selfish greedy and cold hearted woman. Grayson was a pompous prat; he ignored those below him and brought down those above him. He often ignored Noctis and when they were alone they pretended he was just a pet, nothing else. After a few years they had stopped feeding him and just let him out to go hunt instead. Noctis still remembered the time he was turned into an owl by his godmother. He often wondered what would've happened if she had just taken him instead or never even found him.

Noctis was out hunting, he had to learn by himself since no one could teach him. He had learnt almost everything her knew by himself. Even though he was an owl Noctis knew how to read, he could read more fluently than his older brother. He flew onto another branch and looked around, still nothing. He looked down as he saw a strange looking man below him. To his surprise the man chuckled.

"I'm just going to guess, you're just like the other two and want some time to spend with them." he said. Noctis cocked his head, was this man mental.

"I am looking for three apprentices, I've got two already, even if it took me a few months to convince them, but I'm looking for a third. If you agree to be my apprentice I will turn you into a half human and you will receive remarkable powers." he explained.

Noctis once again looked at him strangely, not believing a word he said.

"Don't believe me? Ok then," he flicked his wrist and Oliver felt himself changing. He was surrounded by Blue and Yellow mist and turned into a human. "You so far have the power to change your age from thirteen to nineteen. When you're ready to join just call." he said. Before 'popping' away.

Noctis quickly changed back into his owl form and flew back to his house. He'd show his parents today at the dinner party.

"Announcing, sir and lady West, and their son's Emmet and Noctis." the announcer cried. His family walked over and took their seats. Noctis couldn't wait; he could just imagine his parents' proud faces when he revealed he wasn't an owl anymore, or at least half-owl.

Finally everybody had been seated; Noctis spread his wings and flapped them attracting everyone's attention. He jumped off his seat and landed gracefully on the floor. Noctis spread his wings and waited for the colorful mist to surround him. After a few moments Noctis had once again turned into a half human. Everyone in the hall had their mouths opened in shock. The ruler stood u furiously and cried out. "WITCHCRAFT!"

Noctis stepped back, that wasn't what he was expecting. The guards aimed their weapons at him and began to shoot. Noctis turned back into an owl and flew out the opened window. Jaded, he landed on the roof of his house.

Transforming back he walked into his empty house. He had never seen t from this point of view. He looked around and spotted many different expensive paintings and potteries. Noctis noticed that nothing in the house belonged to him. Well what were they supposed to give to an owl he thought? He continued to look through many other objects and knickknacks that all belonged to his brother.

Suddenly the door burst open; there stood an enraged looking Grayson. Rose and Emmet promptly made their way up the stairs and locked their doors, neither wanted to face a furious Grayson.

"What the hell?" Grayson asked whilst grabbing a nearby pot.

Noctis bit his lip; he still hadn't tried talking yet. He opened his mouth half expecting hooting noise to come out. When none did he took a deep breath before talking.

"T-today whilst I was hunting, I-I met this wizard named Merlin. H-he turned me into a half human." he said quietly.

"Oh, well that makes it all better! Tell me son, what else did the crackpot give you? Magical flying powers?"

He wanted to say that he could already fly due to being half owl, but that wouldn't really help his case. Instead he decided to just answer truthfully.

"H-he gave me the power t-to change my age from thirteen to nineteen." he replied quietly.

Grayson clenched his teeth and the pot harder.

"Well I hope you enjoy working because that's exactly what you're going to do tomorrow! The ruler has forbidden us to visit him again and won't give us anymore money so you'll have to work for it!" he sneered.

"B-but father! Emmett doesn't-"

"Don't you dare bring my son into this! And you will address me as sir or master from now on, boy." he yelled.

"Y-yes fath- I mean sir."

"GET OUT OF MY SIGHT YOU PIECE OF TRASH!" Grayson screamed whilst throwing the pot at Noctis. Noctis managed to dodge the pot as he ran up the stairs. He quickly slipped into a random room and fell asleep. Surely his father didn't mean to hurt him, he was probably just shocked. Blocking the thoughts of his father Noctis fell asleep.

As promised Noctis started working, in fact he was the only one in the family who did. He was a waiter in a nearby restaurant that sold different kinds of foods. Many times whilst on the streets people would ask him to perform magic and they'd pay him. Since he could only change his age and turn into an owl so far that's what he'd show them. Whenever he got paid he was forced to give all his money to his father who usually used it for drugs.

Noctis noticed that after three months of living as a half human his parents still hadn't done anything nice for him. Today he had gotten paid but it was less than usual because the owner's wife was pregnant and he needed the money.

Noctis ran home, his father would not tolerate tardiness, he'd learned the hard way.

Flashback:

Noctis was running home, he had just been assaulted by a group of men who were claiming that they were trying to kill the demon. He had bruises up his arms and legs and his clothes were tattered. His hair was messier than usual and he had a bloody nose. Noctis knew his father would be mad about him being late but hopefully not that mad.

As Noctis opened the door he smelled alcohol; his father had been drinking again. He tried to sneak inside and up the stairs, sadly he wasn't stealthy enough.

"Thought you could sneak into my house at such a late hour?" Sir said whilst glaring at him.

"Sir I was-" he tried to respond but Sir didn't want to hear it.

"I don't give a damn about what happened to you! I never did! But if you can think you can come into myhouse late, then you're terribly mistaken." he raised his arm and slapped Noctis hard causing him to stagger back. He punched Noctis in the ribs which made him collapse in pain.

"Get up you worthless piece of shit! Dinner needs to be ready by the time my wife gets home from the market! If it isn't then there will be prices to pay." he said emphasizing pay. With one last kick at the ribs he turned away and stalked off.

End Flashback

As Noctis opened the door the familiar scent of alcohol greeted his nose. Noctis walked in slowly, looking around for Sir. He sighed in relief, he wasn't here.

"OWL!" he heard the familiar voice call out. Noctis turned around to face Sir.

"Yes Master?" he asked innocently.

"Don't use that tone with me! Hand over the money!" he commanded whilst sticking out his hand. Noctis could obviously see that he was drunk, nonetheless he handed him the money.

"What the hell is this?" he spat out. He turned the money sack over as a small pile of coins fell out.

"I-it's my pay." Noctis said quietly. Grayson chuckled lowly.

"Do you think I'm stupid boy? Do I look mentally retarded to you? Where the hell if the f*cking money?" he asked. Noctis flinched, what was he supposed to say?

"Th-the owner couldn't pay me-"

"Couldn't pay you? HA! You really do think I'm that thick don't you? Well listen here boy! Your going to pay me one way or another!" he said whilst grabbing a switch.

Noctis watched in horror as he raised the switch, he was going to beat him! Before he could retaliate he was hit once again. Noctis held back his tears, he wouldn't give Sir the satisfaction of seeing him cry. After agonizing minutes that seemed like hours of beating were over Noctis got up. But apparently that wasn't the end. Grayson grabbed his hair and yanked it as hard as he could. He slapped Noctis again as hard as he could before leaving him on the bloody floor.

Grayson walked over to a boiling pot and grabbed a burning rod with a pair of pincers. He slapped the rod against Noctis's cheek. It left a burning scar shaped like a wave (~) there. Finally, Noctis screamed out in pain since Sir wouldn't take the rod off. Sir finally took the burning rod off his cheek and began whipping his back with it. When it finally cooled down Sir grabbed the pot that was full of boiling water and dropped it all over Oliver.

"And now to finally end you." he said dangerously as he withdrew a knife. "I'm sending you back to hell, where you obviously came from." Noctis screamed and tried to get away, he heard a distant voice saying 'When your ready to join just call…'

"MERLIN!" Noctis screamed out. The room was filled with a white light and Noctis was transported out of there.

Noctis curled up into a fetal position, he let his tears run freely. From that day on Noctis swore to not let that happen to anybody else, he would protect them no matter what. He would never let a minor get hurt physically, mentally or even both. He'd protect them one way or another.

"Wow…" Luna said whilst looking at him in an understanding way. "Was that all the times he beat you? Did your mother ever-"

"No, there were many more painful times. My mother never beat me but she did abuse me mentally and neglect me. After a few years I finally figured out why they hated me, they were jealous." Oliver took a deep breath before continuing.

"They were jealous because I was magical and they weren't. I heard Harry's relatives were somewhat the same, only they just neglected him. I wish that was all they did, but no they abused me. The day I left I swore to protect anyone who was being abused, I also vowed never o go by Nigel again. I kept the name Noctis because it is the name that reminds me of my godmother's wish, for me to see my realparents. Darcy means darkness in Irish, Noctis means Night in Latin so it sort of reminded me of her." He said sadly.

Luna smiled sadly at him, she knew it was really brave to tell someone about your past, especially one like his.

Please, if you are against abuse review!

Think of it this way, everyone here has seen a stack of pennies before, right? Well, there are 100 pennies in one stack out of those one hundred only three say anything about being abused. If you know of someone being abused say something, don't be like those 97 other pennies.

Review, all you people that love Oliver, Review.

Hmm, twenty-second chapter so I'll ask again. Who's your favorite character?

REVIEW! LET'S TRY TO GET TO SIXTY!