Disclaimer: This story is based on characters created and owned by JK Rowling, various publishers including but not limited to Bloomsbury Books, Scholastic Books and Raincoat Books, and Warner Bros., Inc. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended.

AN: Wow! I got many wonderful and long reviews for the last chapter. I'm so happy! I thank you for your opinion on the Orion/Draco pairing, it helped me make up my mind (And Estheriana, I swear that you read my mind! If you continue like this I'll have to change the plot just to be able to surprise you –grins-.

A reviewer pointed out that Orion is only 14 and that people that age doesn't have serious relationships and they don't consider them long-lasting. I completely agree but in Orion's case, he has always been starved for love, that's why he holds on to his relationship with Lez, because Lez is his first love, the first one to show him that he was loved by someone. Despite Orion's uncertainties about their relationship he wants to make it work, he's quite the romantic sort of person that believes in long-run relationships, even at his age. He wouldn't consider just having flings. And Lezander, though he's only 14 (he's not a thousand-year-old vampire with the body of a boy) also looks for a serious relationship since he wants a mate to be with him during his long life and help him rule his Clan.

There were a lot of other questions that were asked but I hope they will be answered as the story goes on. I'll answer some of HazelWolf's that I remember right now.

- Pettigrew is still a Death Eater, currently spying for LV in his rat form.

- Orion can't pay the Necromancer's Guild to save Sirius because the Guild can only be contacted by a Necromancer, and they wouldn't be interested in money anyways and Orion can't offer the Resurrection Stone because he needs it for himself. Also, as Loki said, no one has ever reversed a Dementor's Kiss before, so there's no point in Orion asking the Guild to do it.

- As for the spirits, Orion has been looking for them and even researching in books but he has found nothing so far.

- In Orion's relationship with Lezander, Lezander is the one who takes control since he's the most outgoing one since he's a vampire and all. Orion's blushes and inexperience are due to the fact that it's all new to him, sure, he's a healthy fourteen-year-old boy that has masturbated and everything, but he and Lez haven't had sex yet. And I didn't want them to be giving each other hand jobs when they were so young, that's why Lez gave him one, or tried to at least, when Orion is 14. At 13 it would have been a little too early in my opinion. But now, Orion will also start giving Lezander pleasure, as they have broken through the first hand job stage. Though I don't think I'll get into their intimacy much, it would be implied that they've kept experimenting. I don't want to portrait Orion as a simpering girl but I want to make him inexperienced and somewhat uncertain when it comes to sex. Later on, I want Voldemort to guide him through it. Orion won't take control in intimacy until much later, but he will eventually.

- As for Orion's submissiveness towards Voldemort: Orion wants to be his equal and he's realizing that he can be a leader himself, but he can't confront Voldemort openly because Orion doesn't want to reveal his real powers before he has mastered them; because Voldemort can still easily kill him; and because Orion wants to be in Voldemort's good graces since he's aware that Voldemort is needed for the war and Voldemort is at present more powerful than him based primarily on Voldemort's Dark Arts knowledge and decades of experience. And their age difference and personality also comes into play in their relationship: Voldemort will always be the dominant one, though as Orion gets older and more powerful he'll be able to turn the tables for once in a while.

As you'll see, this chapter is the longest I've written so far, but it's mostly dialogues so I hope it won't get too boring for you guys. If it's too tedious, please tell me, so next time I'll make it shorter. I had to quickly cover many things in this chapter to continue at Hogwarts in the next one. Please tell me if you like the war themes it touches, there's so much I could write about it that I had to restrain myself. But I would like to know if you're interested in stuff like that or if I should just narrow it without explaining so much about the future war plans.

Thanks for reading and as always, please review! I love to read your opinions and I value criticisms, so don't be shy –grin-.

Chapter 26

Orion appeared in the middle of his dorm and saw Lezander sitting on his bed with an extremely worried expression on his face. He surreptitiously cast glamours for the bruises on his shoulder and the one he felt on his throat. He maintained his cool façade and approached the bed.

When Lezander saw him he immediately stood up and hugged him tightly, "What happened? You just vanished! Where did you go? I was so worried!"

"Nothing much, Lez," replied Orion calmly against Lezander's neck, "My portkey activated. Voldemort just wanted to give me an assignment, a small task."

Lezander broke from the hug and checked him with concern, "Are you alright? He didn't do anything to you? He didn't hurt you?"

Orion shook his head, "No, he just told me what my task was and dismissed me."

Lezander sighed with relief, "Thank Merlin! Ok, let's get back into bed."

Orion stopped Lezander's movement and said beseechingly, "I'm exhausted, Lez. I just want to sleep alone tonight." Then he smiled playfully at him, "I don't think I'll be able to get much sleep if you're with me, I wouldn't control myself. So just for this night, alright?"

"Well, if you're sure," said Lezander frowning uncertainly.

"Yes," replied Orion with a warm smile and then gave him a quick kiss, "Thank you for understanding."

Lezander smiled back and nodded, before turning around and getting in his own bed.

Orion's smile disappeared and his façade crumbled as soon as Lezander got into his bed and closed the curtains around it. He shakily moved towards his bed and burrowed under the covers.

He was dismayed and appalled at what had happened with Voldemort. Utterly confused and horrified. Merlin, what have I done? – thought Orion in despair - What possessed me to do that? Morgana help me, this is too much. I need to- I need to talk to someone…

He took the locket out and after casting his curtains firmly shut and putting silencing spells around him, he opened it.

He didn't wait for Tom's greeting and he rushed out, "I think I'm going mad, Tom. It's too weird. Merlin, I don't even know why I'm telling you this. But you're the only to whom I can talk about it. I don't know what came over me. I saw him and then I saw you in him…." Orion shook his head and said desperately, "I wasn't ready to meet him so soon, not after recently discovering that you're him. But at first I didn't see you in him. He was as brutal as always but then he changed," Orion let out a mirthless bark of laugher, "But he was still himself, not you really, because he was manipulating me just as he had done that first time. Hissing softly and caressing gently and I knew he was playing his little game again but I couldn't help it. I saw him differently. I saw you. And Morgana help me, but I was so confused, I'm still so confused. I don't know what possessed me. I just wanted to touch him, to touch you really, because you were finally real." Orion shook his head again, "But I was mistaken. He isn't you. But it's all so confusing. How can I see you in him just because he turned gentle? I shouldn't because he uses his gentleness to manipulate me. I know it's not real. But I couldn't help it, I just reacted. And I was so horrified afterwards. Merlin, I think he was horrified himself! He backed away from me, for Morgana's sake! That's funny now that I think about it. The Dark Lord backing away from a caress. If the light wizards only knew they would simply smother him and puff! Dark Lord dead by extreme shock. Or perhaps disgust. There's no way to know… Merlin, what am I saying?" ended Orion shoving his face in his pillow.

"From what I could discern from your ramblings," said Tom with amusement, "I take it that I summoned you and the encounter didn't go as you expected?"

Orion looked at him in disbelief, "Didn't go as I expected? I caressed Voldemort's cheek! What do you think? It went horribly! And it wasn't an encounter with you! It was an encounter with him and there's a huge difference in that!"

Tom cocked an eyebrow and gave him a sly triumphant smirk, "You caressed me?"

Orion said through gritted teeth, "I didn't caress you. I caressed his cheek, nothing else! And stop trying to make me see you in him because it won't work!"

Tom smirked at him, "It sounds to me as it already has."

Orion glared at him and snapped, "This is your fault! Feeding me all your stories about how Voldemort isn't so evil and then insisting that he's you. You're trying to confuse me more than I already am! I don't need you to tell me that you two are the same. I need you to tell me that you're different! And that I shouldn't see you when I look at him!"

"Why would I tell you that we're different when that's not true?" replied Tom calmly, "And it seems that even you realize this since you were the one to see it and react to it. There's nothing wrong with it. You're finally breaking through the prejudices you had of him. And that's a positive thing. It might be confusing at first but in time you'll acknowledge that he is me."

Orion hissed angrily, "No, he's not! He was once you but now he's twisted in every way. Why do you want me to like him? Don't you see how he treats me? I can't afford to like him! I can't afford to acknowledge that there might still be some part of you in him! Because I would be at a disadvantage, he would use it against me! He doesn't care for me! He manhandled me today, he physically hurt me! How can you say that he's you when he treats me in such a way?!"

"If I manhandled you it must have been for a good reason," replied Tom nonchalantly.

"You and your sodding good reason," snapped Orion, "You always say that whatever he does is for a good reason and that's a lie! There aren't good reasons or bad reasons with him, only self-centered reasons! Do you know what he said to me? The gall of the man! He said I was his possession! He wanted to dictate who my partner should be! He ordered me to stop seeing Lezander!"

Tom cocked an eyebrow, "Well, I can't say I disagree with myself, after all, I've been telling you that Lezander isn't good for you for quite a while. But pray, why Lezander in particular?"

"Just because he saw the tiny little bite that Lezander gave me!" said Orion in exasperation, "And he just lost it when he saw it! Started hissing about marks and that no one had the right to mark me but himself! Can you believe it? What does he take me for? A cow? That has to be branded with his owner's mark? Is he insane?"

Tom let out a small laugh and said, "You're so naïve, Orion. Don't you see that he lost it, as you put it, because he doesn't want anyone else to have you? He wants you for himself. And his possessiveness of you is quite revealing. He wouldn't have reacted that way if he didn't like you."

Orion snorted, "I don't know who you're trying to delude: me or yourself. He doesn't like me and he certainly doesn't care for me! He thinks of me as a thing! A thing that he believes he owns and doesn't want anyone else touching. Well, I'm not a thing! And I'm certainly not his!!"

Tom smirked at him and said under his breath, "You don't know how wrong you are."

But Orion heard him and he asked angrily, "And what's that supposed to mean? Are you saying that I'm a thing?"

"No," said Tom with a small smile and glinting eyes, "You're definitely not a thing."

Orion narrowed his eyes and hissed angrily, "So you're implying that I'm his!"

"I'm not implying anything," retorted Tom dismissively, "You're overreacting to the whole situation. So I got mad at you and said you were mine. It was something I said in anger, surely. You don't have to take it literally."

"Stop referring to him as you!" hissed Orion, "I won't speak to you anymore if you continue to do that! I won't allow you to manipulate my thoughts in such a way!"

Tom sighed in exasperation, "Fine. I won't do it again. But you must understand that it's really hard for me to not think of him as myself and to not talk in first-person."

"You've been doing a pretty decent job all these years," snapped Orion angrily, "I think you can manage!"

"Alright," said Tom rolling his eyes, "So he got mad at you and said some things you didn't like." Then he added sarcastically, "I think you'll survive."

Orion huffed in exasperation. There was really no point in trying to make Tom understand the seriousness of the situation. "Look, all I'm saying is that I hate it when he treats me like one of his minions. Since the beginning I told him that I want to be his equal. I won't stand to be treated as anything else!"

Tom drawled arrogantly, "He'll never consider you his equal."

"And why is that?" snapped Orion angrily, "I'm powerful enough!"

"You believe that you're equal in power to Lord Voldemort just because of your display of dark magic at Azkaban?" asked Tom snidely, "A display of accidental magic that you have no way of reproducing?"

Orion replied quietly, "I've been practicing, just as you suggested, Tom. I'm capable of some control now and I'll master it in time."

Tom narrowed his eyes at him, "You never told me that."

"I would have told you eventually," retorted Orion dismissively.

"Well, it doesn't matter. Even if what you say is true and you can be as powerful as him, he'll never willingly acknowledge it," replied Tom earnestly.

"Then I will make him admit it!" hissed Orion.

Tom looked at him in concern, "You can't antagonize him openly, Orion. You are powerful but you're still young. He has decades of experience and a deep and vast knowledge of the Dark Arts. Those are his advantages over you. If you confront him, he'll harm you to put you in your place."

"But he needs to see that I'm powerful enough to be his equal, Tom!" said Orion impatiently.

"I think he knows already, that's why he's so interested in you. But he'll outmaneuver you every time to be on top of the game," interjected Tom, "You have to tread very carefully around him. Show him that you're powerful but don't defy him openly, don't give him reasons to attack you."

"How can I not defy him when he spouts ridiculous and twisted ideas about owning me? I won't allow him to treat me that way!" said Orion in frustration.

Tom cocked an eyebrow, "Did he torture you? Did he threaten to kill Lezander if you didn't obey him? And in the end, after your row with him, did he insisted that you obeyed his commands?"

Orion frowned and replied, "No. But that was only because of the whole cheek-caressing-thing. He was too disgusted and horrified by it. He just wanted me to leave as quickly as possible."

Tom smirked at him, "I don't think he was disgusted by it. But anyway, my point is that he didn't treat you as a possession in the end, did he?"

"Because he was in shock!" replied Orion with conviction, "I'm sure that as soon as he gets his senses back, he'll start hissing again that I'm his!"

"Perhaps, but you can't take offense," replied Tom nonchalantly, "You'll have to wait and see how he conducts himself next time."

"Fine," replied Orion moodily, "That's what I'll do. But he has another thing coming if he thinks that I won't fight him every step of the way if he keeps treating me like he did today!"

Tom gave him a sly smirk, "I'm sure he'll enjoy the challenge. I know I would."

Orion rolled his eyes and bid Tom a good-night as he shut the locket. It's a miracle if I don't go bonkers, thought Orion wryly as he fell as sleep, as if one Voldemort wasn't enough! Now I have to put up with two! Of all the sneaky twists of fate and I just had to get both of them at the same time!

The following day, some students started leaving the castle for their Christmas holiday week. Calypso was returning to Durmstrang to spend some time with her father while Lezander would be going back to his Clan. Draco and Orion would be portkeying with Narcissa to Malfoy Manor and from there they would floo to Moscow.

Calypso and Lezander had already left and Orion was wondering around the castle, spending the hour left before Narcissa came to pick them up. He was rather excited about the holidays. He had finally received a letter from Remus where he asked to meet him at Black Manor and he was very curious about how Remus was doing with the werewolf packs. And now, for the first time, he was looking forward to the winter season's balls. He just hoped Draco and he would be included in some of the adults' meetings.

As he walked through a corridor, looking with interest at some of the portraits, he caught sight of purple robes from the corner of his eye. He inwardly groaned. He had been very careful in avoiding Dumbledore but it seemed that the old coot was taking the opportunity of ambushing him while the castle was partly deserted.

"My dear boy," said Dumbledore merrily as he approached Orion, "What a happy coincidence that I stumbled upon you. Would you join me for tea while you wait for your guardian?"

Orion mentally snorted. Coincidence my broomstick! He shot the portraits a nasty look. One of them surely alerted Dumbledore of his presence in this corridor.

He looked up at Dumbledore and said with a smile, "Of course, Headmaster. I would be delighted."

Dumbledore's eyes twinkled and he said merrily, "Excellent. My office is this way."

Orion followed Dumbledore in silence while the old man happily babbled about something or other, until they stopped before a large and extremely ugly stone gargoyle. As soon as Dumbledore stepped in front of it, the gargoyle sprang to life and hopped aside as the wall behind him split in two. Even dreading his conversation with Dumbledore, Orion couldn't fail to be amazed. Behind the wall was a spiral staircase that was moving smoothly upward, like an escalator. As he and Dumbledore stepped onto it, Orion heard the wall thud closed behind them. They rose upward in circles, higher and higher, until at last, Orion saw a gleaming oak door ahead, with a brass knocker in the shape of a griffin.

They stepped off the stone staircase at the top, and the door opened silently before Dumbledore. Orion followed him inside and inspected the office. It was a large and beautiful circular room, full of funny little noises. A number of curious silver instruments stood on spindle-legged tables, whirring and emitting little puffs of smoke. As Orion looked around he wondered where the old goat had the Invisibility Cloak stashed.

The walls were covered with portraits of old headmasters and headmistresses, all of whom were eyeing him in interest. Orion saw Phineas but neither acknowledged each other, as it should be since Dumbledore was watching him like a hawk. There was also an enormous, claw-footed desk, and, sitting on a shelf behind it, a shabby, tattered wizard's hat – which Orion realized had to be the famous Sorting Hat. And standing on a golden perch behind the door was a decrepit-looking bird that resembled a half-plucked turkey.

Orion moved towards it and stared at it in interest. The bird looked balefully back, making a gagging noise. Its eyes were dull and, even as Orion watched, a couple more feathers fell out of its tail.

"He is Fawkes," said Dumbledore behind his back, "He's a-"

"A phoenix," cut in Orion nodding his head, "And he's in one of his burning days."

As he said those words the phoenix burst into flames and with one last shriek there was nothing but a smoldering pile of ash, with a tiny bald head poking from it.

Orion turned around and Dumbledore motioned for him to take a seat.

"It's a shame you had to see him on a burning day," said Dumbledore seating himself behind his desk. "He's really very handsome most of the time, wonderful red and gold plumage." Then he added with a smile, "But you already know about phoenixes, after all, you have a phoenix patronus, which is most unique. But having two, a phoenix and a basilisk, is quite remarkable."

Orion had taken a seat on one of the plush armchairs in front of Dumbledore's desk and he tensed at the words. He took the cup of tea that Dumbledore had conjured for him and pretended to give it a sip. Who knew what the old man had put inside; he didn't put it pass the old coot to have dosed his tea with Veritaserum.

He settled the cup down and said loftily, "Yes, I was quite surprised myself. Could never cast them back, though. Must have been due to the circumstances."

Dumbledore fixed Orion with his penetrating light-blue stare from behind the desk. He suddenly and swiftly moved forwards over the desk and caught Orion's left arm while lifting his sleeve. He saw nothing but smooth unmarred skin.

Orion wrenched his arm from Dumbledore's grasp and hissed furiously, "HOW DARE YOU?!"

As Dumbledore settled back on his high chair, he said unfazed, "Forgive me, my boy, but I had to make sure."

Orion glared at him and Dumbledore slightly narrowed his eyes at Orion's right hand and said, "That ring contains dark magic, my child. I think it would be safer for you to get rid of it."

Orion withdrew his hand from Dumbledore's desk top and said scathingly, "Of course it has dark magic. It's the Black Heir ring, a family heirloom. My dear father gave it to me and I'll always wear it. Remember my father, Dumbledore?"

Dumbledore sighed and assumed a sorrowful expression, "I was very sorry for what happened to your father, Orion. I knew him as a boy. He was one of my favorites and I loved him dearly-"

Orion bristled and bellowed, "DON'T YOU DARE SAY THAT YOU LOVED MY FATHER WHEN YOU PARTICIPATED IN HIS CAPTURE! WHEN YOU ALLOWED THE DEMENTORS TO KISS HIM!"

Dumbledore gave him a sad look and said gently, "Your father was a Death Eater, my boy, the Aurors checked his arm and saw the Dark Mark. I could not have prevented his capture even if I would have liked to."

"You knew that Pettigrew was alive! I'm sure Snape told you as soon as he saw you," said Orion furiously, "And even knowing that my father was innocent of the crimes he was convicted for, you allowed the Aurors to take him! You could have stopped them! You could have told them that Pettigrew was alive!"

Dumbledore looked at him pityingly over his half-moon spectacles, "Regrettably, your father was unbalanced due to his years in Azkaban and he turned to the Dark side, my boy. It pained me greatly, but it had to be done. It was for the best. A Death Eater can't be allowed to interact with civil society."

"And whose fault was it that my father spent ten years in Azkaban?" hissed Orion as his hands clenched into fists, "Who was it that didn't lift a finger to give him a trial? As a member of the Wizengamot you had the power to request one. And yet, you did nothing! If he was one of your favorites, as you say, why didn't you help him?!"

Dumbledore sighed and said softly, "Those were dangerous times, my child. Everyone suspected everyone else and it was very difficult to tell who was a Death Eater. The evidence against your father was so conclusive…" Then he added sorrowfully, "I admit that I made a mistake. I will carry that cross for the rest of my life."

"As you should," spat Orion angrily, "But admitting that you were in the wrong doesn't change the fact that you had the chance to make up for your mistake and help my father this time and you didn't. He might have been a Death Eater but he had committed no crime!"

"He escaped from Azkaban," replied Dumbledore quietly, "Even if it was proved that Pettigrew was alive, your father was still a convicted wizard that broke from Azkaban-"

"Where he didn't belong in the first place!" snapped Orion angrily.

"Even so," said Dumbledore gently, "it's still a crime punishable by wizarding law."

Orion fumed furiously in silence. There was no point in discussing the subject with Dumbledore. The old man would say anything to excuse his own behavior and no matter what he said, Orion would not be swayed from his conviction that Dumbledore was a manipulative old bastard that deserved the worst of fates.

Dumbledore took his silence for agreement and then changed subjects, "How are your guardians treating you, my boy?"

Orion looked at him suspiciously, "I'm very happy with the Malfoys. Draco and I have become good friends."

"I'm glad that they are taking good care of you," said Dumbledore with twinkling eyes, "I was rather surprised that they asked for your guardianship."

Orion replied smoothly, "I was surprised as well. I had never met them before but Mrs. Malfoy told me that she felt it was her duty since she is my last living relative."

Dumbledore smiled at him, "Dear Mrs. Malfoy, just as enchanting as her sister. You might be happy to learn that the excellent Mrs. Tonks was also interested in being your guardian."

Orion looked at him in faked surprise, "She was? I assume that Mrs. Tonks is Mrs. Malfoy's sister?"

Dumbledore nodded, "She's Andromeda Tonks, nee Black, and has a lovely family. I think you would get along splendidly well with her daughter Nymphadora." He chuckled benignly and added, "She's quite a character, very fun to be around."

Orion nodded silently wondering when the old man would get to the point. He didn't have to wonder for long as Dumbledore kept speaking, "They would have provided you with an excellent environment. I believe your father would have preferred that you were living with a light family. I know that he had wished that for himself and I believe that he would have wanted that for you."

Orion inwardly bristled but said calmly, "Perhaps you're right. But there isn't much that can be done about it now."

Dumbledore's eyes twinkled as he said, "My dear boy, if you wanted to change guardians you would only need to submit to the Ministry a signed document expressing your wish to be taken care by the Tonks."

Orion smiled at him, "Thank you for the information, but the Malfoys are taking excellent care of me. I have nothing to complain about. I'm quite happy with them."

"Very well," replied Dumbledore calmly, "Just remember that you have the option if you change your mind in the future. You might feel more comfortable with a light family instead of a dark one."

Orion looked at the old man and said sweetly, "I'll remember. Thank you for your concern."

Dumbledore's eyes twinkled at him and Orion wished he could rip them out of their sockets and make the old man choke on them. While Orion envisioned many tempting scenarios in his mind, Dumbledore said impassively, "I believe that the Malfoys are taking you to Moscow for the winter season?"

"If that is what they have planned, they haven't told me yet," replied Orion smoothly, "But I hope not. I've heard that those balls are quite tedious. It would be quite a bore in my opinion."

Dumbledore slightly narrowed his eyes at him but said merrily, "Well, I'm sure you'll have a fantastic time anyway."

Orion smiled, "Perhaps I will."

After a pause of silence Dumbledore said with a grandfatherly smile, "I was quite impressed with the transfiguration abilities you displayed during the First Task. I must commend you for it."

"Thank you," replied Orion, "My father was very good at Transfiguration, I believe he passed it on to me."

"Indeed," retorted Dumbledore, "He was a top student in Professor McGonagall's class. It's a pity that she won't have the pleasure of teaching you when you return to Durmstrang."

Orion eyed him speculatively and replied, "I'll miss her class. She's an excellent teacher."

Dumbledore's eyes twinkled as he said, "I was surprised that your father sent you to Durmstrang instead of Hogwarts. He had great fun during his school years. He and James Potter were quite popular. I'm glad that you had the chance to come here and see Hogwarts for yourself. What do you think of the school?"

"I like it so far," replied Orion already knowing where this was headed, "it's quite different from Durmstrang but it's nice."

Dumbledore smiled at him, "Now that the Malfoys are your guardians and that you're friends with Draco, maybe they would like you to attend Hogwarts. And I'm sure your father would have liked it as well. You would enjoy it as much as he did in his days."

It was just what Orion had expected so he simply replied, "I don't know if the Malfoys are planning a change of schools for me but I would prefer to stay at Durmstrang. I already have good friends there."

"Friends are very important, indeed. A good friendship is one of the delights of life," replied Dumbledore with a grandfatherly smile, "I'm sure you could have great friends at Hogwarts as well. Your own father met his best friends here. As thick as thieves they were."

Orion, already extremely tired of Dumbledore using his father at every instant to manipulate him, snapped, "Not that it did him much good, did it? One of them betrayed them, one of them died, and the other didn't believe in his innocence until it was too late! I think I'll stick with Durmstrang. Thanks."

Before Dumbledore could reply, Orion made a show of looking at his wristwatch and said, "Oh, look at the time!" He stood up and said politely, "Thank you for tea, Headmaster. I wish you a happy Christmas."

Dumbledore smiled at him benignly, "Thank you, my boy. Merry Christmas to you too. I hope we have another opportunity to have tea in the future."

Orion strained his face to smile warmly at him, "I hope so too." Then he spun around and left the office.

It was clear to him now that he couldn't put in action his plan to tell Dumbledore that he was Harry Potter in order to gain information on the Order of the Phoenix and the prophecy. He had never been too sure about that plan, the risks were great, but he had considered it as a possibility. But now it would be completely disregarded. The old man was too controlling. If even just as Orion Black, the old coot already wanted to send him to the Tonks and bring him to Hogwarts, then as Harry Potter he would be powerless to prevent it, Dumbledore would move mountains to get his way. No, he would never tell Dumbledore. He would have to find another way to get information.

As soon as Orion reached his dormitory he quickly scrawled a note for Draco telling him to wait for him and left the piece of parchment on his bed. He quickly took out his wand and activated the portkey.

He landed in the middle of Voldemort's study. The wizard was sitting behind his desk, writing on a long parchment as he leafed through the pages of one of the many documents and plans on his desk.

He raised his face to look at Orion, arched an enquiring eyebrow and said coldly, "You have something to report already?"

Orion moved forwards until he stood in front of Voldemort's desk and said urgently without looking into the wizard's eyes, "Not on the task that you gave me but I think this is important. Dumbledore took me to his office for a chat and he was fishing for information about Moscow." He paused uncertainly but then added, "I think he suspects that something will be going on there. He wanted to know if the Malfoys were going."

Voldemort rested his back on his high chair and looked at him with his piercing crimson eyes, "And what do you think Dumbledore suspects?"

Orion frowned, "About the gatherings, of course, and the meetings that will take place there."

Voldemort narrowed his eyes at him and asked curtly, "And who told you about the meetings?"

Orion paled, "Er- no one. Narcissa told me that we were going to Moscow and that the Lestranges were going as well. So I thought that if the Lestranges were going then it must be because there would be meetings-"

Voldemort interrupted him and said in clipped angry tones, "Don't lie to me. Who told you?"

Orion heaved a breath and said, "Draco." Then he rushed out, "But it wasn't his fault. I battered him until he had no choice but to tell me. He adamantly refused to tell but I was too persistent and-"

Voldemort raised a hand and said sternly, "Enough! I won't punish Draco for telling you. The Malfoys would have told you eventually so there's no harm done."

Orion sighed in relief and Voldemort added curtly, "Now, you say that the old man took you to his office. What did he want with you?"

Orion carded his fingers through his hair, "Many things. But the most important was that he checked my arm for the Dark Mark. I don't know why he suspects me..." He shot Voldemort a quick look and said, "You have a spy in your ranks. That would explain why he suspects me and why he knows about Moscow." He frowned and added, "And it isn't Snape. He has never seen me here and the other Death Eaters would have never told him about me."

Voldemort cocked an eyebrow and asked quietly, "And why do you think Snape is another spy?"

Orion hesitated. He didn't want to get Snape in trouble but the truth was that Voldemort needed to know that Snape was passing information to Dumbledore. So he said carefully, "I think he walks a fine line between you and Dumbledore. I think he passes information to the both of you and therefore he can't be trusted for now. But he's still valuable. You have never summoned him when I'm here so I guess that you know this already." He paused and then asked, "Does Snape know about the gatherings?"

Voldemort replied quietly, "He doesn't. I'm taking all security measures." Then he pierced Orion with his eyes and said, "What else did Dumbledore want?"

"He has taken an interest in me," said Orion sourly, "He said that I would be better living with the Tonks instead of the Malfoys and then implied that I should attend Hogwarts." Then he added as he started pacing the room, "It's obvious that he wants me in his clutches but I don't know why. It could be because he saw that I was powerful the night I went to Hogwarts to help my father but he has never seen my true power, not like you have, so there must be something else. Or maybe he simply wants to get as many allies as he can. After all, having a Black on his side would reassure some dark families if they wanted to change sides. And it would be seen as a victory by the Light side. It worries me, this interest he has in turning me to the Light side. I have to practice great restrain when I'm around him. He's so manipulative and controlling that I just want to curse him into the next millennium. If he keeps ambushing me to have tea I might just snap and –"

"Orion!" said Voldemort sharply to stop his ramblings. Orion turned around to look at him and Voldemort continued, "I knew already that Dumbledore would be interested in you. But he can do nothing to remove you from the Malfoys or to have you at Hogwarts. So there's no cause for concern." Then he added with a malicious smirk, "As for cursing him, well, I share your sentiment, but you'll have to put on your best mask and suffer him in silence."

Orion sighed and nodded. Then he looked at Voldemort and said, "Well, that was all I had to report."

Voldemort nodded but remained silently regarding Orion. Voldemort carefully inspected the boy who hadn't looked into his eyes once. He wondered why Orion couldn't meet his eyes. He remembered yesterday's confrontation, he remembered the lost and confused expression on the boy's face while they looked into each other's eyes, just after he had started manipulating the boy with his caress and hisses. He was still startled at his own reaction when he saw the boy's bite mark. All his followers were his to command, that was true, but he had never felt that flare of possessiveness towards any of his followers before. The way he had reacted to the boy, it revealed a weakness that could be exploited by others. They boy was nothing to him after all. He was a tool in his hands, a worthy follower that needed to be molded. The boy was beautiful and extremely powerful, that was true, but he was merely one more pawn in his plans.

Voldemort inwardly smirked. How easily he could manipulate the boy with caresses and silky hisses. The boy's shivers proved that he was susceptible to them. He would use it to make Orion bow at his feet. The boy will learn to obey and respect him. He had to have Orion completely ensnared in his thrall; such a powerful creature couldn't belong to anyone else but him. And there was still much that had to be changed in Orion to make him a perfect follower. The boy had too much innocence, too much compassion. He remembered Orion's horror at what he had done to the Ministry's witch. That needed to be changed. Orion was to become one of his Death Eaters, probably the most powerful one. The boy needed to be cold-hearted and ruthless. He would have to start shaping Orion into a ruthless and obedient Death Eater, so that in time he could be in his Inner Circle. And he had other plans for the boy as well.

He shrewdly inspected the boy again and smirked maliciously. Yes, the boy was powerful, exquisitely so. The dark magic he had felt coming off in waves from the boy in Azkaban was truly enticing and flabbergasting. Never had felt such raw dark power. Maybe he should reevaluate what he wanted to do with Orion. He knew Lucius wanted to attach the boy to his spawn. The Malfoy brat and Orion would certainly produce a powerful heir but it would also be a waste to marry Orion to Lucius' boy. Orion was much more powerful than the Malfoy whelp. Voldemort impassively trailed his eyes over Orion. The boy was extremely beautiful, young perhaps but that mattered little when he held such power in his lithe body. Orion needed to be paired with someone that had just as much power or more. He had never deigned to have a consort before, he had never found anyone powerful enough to be his match, and he had taken measures to be immortal. Eventually he would need to have an heir and train him to rule at his side. Once he conquered the wizarding world he would never relinquish his hold over it but his bloodline had to continue. He couldn't allow Salazar's great bloodline to end with him. And maybe this boy could be the means to accomplish it. He smirked in satisfaction. But first, Orion had to be molded; broken and fixed up to his liking. All in good time…

Orion resisted the impulse to squirm under Voldemort's scarlet gaze. There was a calculating and devious glint in Voldemort's eyes that he didn't like at all. He wondered what the wizard was plotting. He uneasily waited for Voldemort to finish his appraisal and say something.

After a few more tense moments for Orion, Voldemort said dismissively, returning to his reading, "You may leave."

Orion nodded and took out his wand to point it at his ring. Then he paused, shot Voldemort a glance and asked, "What will you do about Dumbledore knowing about the meetings? And about the unknown spy?"

"That's not your concern," replied Voldemort coldly, without looking at him, "Now leave. I have work to do."

Orion shot him a glare before disappearing from Voldemort's study.

As he appeared in his dormitory, Orion thought that his first meeting after the Incident, as he called yesterday's summon, had gone rather well. He had not even once thought of Voldemort as Tom. Well, that could also be because he had not even dared to look at Voldemort in the eye. When Orion had looked at him he had concentrated on the man's forehead or chin, anywhere except his crimson eyes. But Orion was quite satisfied nonetheless. He just had to keep doing that and he could easily meet Voldemort without problems and he could happily continue his existence considering Voldemort and Tom as two separate entities, just like it should be. And Tom had been right, Voldemort hadn't said anything about owning him or some such absurdity. He seemed completely uninterested in him in a personal level. Which was completely fine as far as he was concerned. But on the other hand, Voldemort had looked at him in a calculating way. Well, whatever Voldemort was planning he would eventually find out and oppose it if it didn't benefit him. Let Voldemort believe that he only wanted to be his follower and become his equal in power. But he wanted much more. He wanted to be powerful enough so that Voldemort could never dominate him, never attempt to rule his life. Voldemort might be the Dark Lord but he would become someone important and powerful as well. He would make sure of it.

Draco who was in the middle of Orion's dorm, with arms crossed above his chest, said impatiently, "Where have you been? Mother has been waiting for us at the entrance for ten minutes already."

"Sorry," replied Orion, "I just had something to do…" Then he remembered something and cursed. He went to his trunk and retrieved the book. He turned to look at Draco and said, "Can you take my trunk with you? I'll see you at the entrance. I won't take long." He didn't wait for a reply and ran out towards Snape's office.

He knocked on the door and heard a muffled and exasperated "Enter" from the inside. He quickly opened the door and entered the room. Snape's office had endless shelves along the walls filled with books, glass jars containing weird animal parts and ingredients, and strange instruments which Orion guessed were used for potion-making. It was gloomy and dark, and strongly smelled of aconite and wormwood.

Snape was sitting behind a desk, slightly hunched over a book he was reading while taking notes on a parchment, with his veil of long greasy hair covering part of his face and almost reaching the desk's top. He lifted his face and scowled darkly when he saw Orion.

"What do you want, Black?" snapped Snape irritably.

Orion advanced forwards and with a loud thud placed the Half-Blood Prince book in front of Snape, right under his hooked nose.

"I came to return this to you, sir," said Orion calmly, "I thought you would like it back."

Snape frowned and looked at the book. His eyes widened and he sharply looked back at Orion and hissed furiously, "Where did you get this?"

"From your shelf, during that first class of Potions with the Slytherins and Gryffindors," replied Orion nonchalantly, "Quite an interesting read."

Snape sneered at him, "I doubt that you understood anything that was written in there. It's a NEWT level Potions textbook, way out of your limited scope of understanding."

Orion cocked an eyebrow and smirked, "Oh, I wasn't referring to the potion brewing instructions, though those were interesting as well. No, I meant the dark spells. Your dark spells."

Snape narrowed his eyes dangerously and hissed, "I don't know what you're implying, Black. This is only a used textbook of some old student. If there are any spells written in here I'm sure they are for play and don't actually work."

Orion calmly took a seat in front of Snape's desk and then took his time to regard him in silence. Snape was looking back at him with an increasingly darkening scowl, "I didn't invite you to seat down, Black! Now get out of my office!"

Orion leaned forward over the desk, and with his face just inches away from Snape's, he said quietly, "It is a great book. The dark spells are remarkable. The person who created them is brilliant and I think we both know who that person is. I returned it to you because it could cause you problems if anyone else found it." Then he looked directly into Snape's black eyes and said in a low whisper, "You're a Prince, the last one, and you're turning your back to your own blood. You're allowing Dumbledore to manipulate you. You'll have to choose sides soon and I hope you don't betray your own kind."

Snape sharply stood up and looked down at Orion with a fierce expression. He snarled, "I don't know what you're talking about, Black. But I see you're poking your nose at other people's business, just as arrogantly and impudently as your disgusting mutt of a father-"

Orion forcefully grabbed Snape by the collar and hissed, green eyes flashing in anger, "I've put up with your derogatory comments about my father for a very long time, Snape. But I've just had it. I've forgiven you for your part in my father's capture. But don't push me-"

Snape wrenched Orion's hand away from his collar and sneered, looking down at him from his hooked nose, "As if I care that an insolent little whelp like you forgave me or not. Your father was a Death Eater and deserved his fate. He betrayed-"

"He betrayed no one," hissed Orion with narrowed eyes, "And as for being a Death Eater. So are you. Though not one at heart, are you? You need to reconsider your true allegiance. Dumbledore is using you, turning you against our kind. How can you, a Prince, turn against your blood and ancestors - "

Snape had narrowed his eyes into vicious slits and interrupted him by roughly grasping him by the collar of his robes. Snape dragged him through the office and wrenched the door open.

"Out!" hissed Snape furiously while pushing Orion through the threshold, "Never come into my office again!"

Orion stumbled out of the office while the door clashed shut behind him. Well, that hadn't gone well at all, thought Orion wryly as he walked to the entrance hall. He wasn't concerned about Snape telling Dumbledore about their little chat. It didn't incriminate him at all. He had only revealed that he considered himself dark, which due to his bloodline Dumbledore already knew, and that he knew that Snape was a Death Eater, but Sirius could have easily told him that, so again, it didn't indicate that he was Voldemort's follower. But Snape needed to come to their side. There had to be a way. Well, the only way would be to reveal that he was Harry Potter and to convince him that Dumbledore manipulated his love for Lily to keep him loyal. Orion sighed. He couldn't do that yet. Voldemort would need to know before Snape and he wasn't ready to disclose his true identity to him. But would Snape change sides just because he was Harry Potter? Could he convince him?

Besides removing Snape's blind to Dumbledore's manipulations, which Snape had to be aware of at some level, the fact that the Boy Who Lived was on the Dark side could also sway Snape. Snape was a survivor after all. He wouldn't cast his lot with the losing side. And the Light side without the Boy Who Lived was weaker in comparison. Orion sighed again, so many things to do, so many plans. And what would happen when his identity was revealed? What would Voldemort and Dumbledore do? How would the wizarding world react? He could see it already. Voldemort torturing him until he was satisfied that he was truly on his side; Dumbledore attempting to get his clutches on him, wanting him to be at Hogwarts under his thumb; the wizarding world horrified that he was dark but nonetheless demanding that he took the mantle as their Savior. And all because of a prophecy that he knew now existed. The wizarding world didn't know about it, but they knew that he had defeated Voldemort once and therefore expected him to do it again; never mind what he truly wanted, never mind that he was just a boy. He was expected to give his life for them. Orion snorted. He would play hero for no one. Even less for a bunch of light wizards that wanted to cowardly crouch behind a boy. Wizards that would happily see dead his own kind.

Dumbledore was the biggest threat of all. According to what Snape had said in his vision, Dumbledore was preparing Neville for the role that he had hoped Harry Potter would have fulfilled. When Dumbledore discovered that the Boy Who Lived was alive and kicking, he would snatch him immediately. He was a thousands times more powerful than Neville. The old goat would rejoice in his good luck. Dumbledore would indubitably try to brainwash him against the Dark. He would use his father's and his mother's memory. He would take him out of Durmstrang! Orion wearily rubbed his forehead. Damn that prophecy! What did it say?! Why did Dumbledore place such faith in it?! And how on Earth will he ever be able to discover it?! Orion took a deep breath and calmed down. Whatever it said he would not allow anyone to use him. He was powerful already, he would be even more powerful when he managed to control his dark magic better. He would stand up to Dumbledore, Voldemort and the whole wizarding world if he needed to. And Tom would help him, he would guide him. But Tom was Voldemort…Tom! He hadn't even thought of asking him about the prophecy! Orion frowned. But Tom was only twenty years old or so and Snape had told Voldemort about the prophecy sometime before the night of the attack on the Potters. So Voldemort had been around fifty at that time. Tom wouldn't know about the prophecy. Orion sighed. Well, somehow he would find out.

He meet a scowling Draco and a patient Narcissa by Hogwarts' entrance doors and they portkeyed with the trunks to Malfoy Manor. Orion quickly went to his room and snatched Phineas' shrunk portrait and placed it inside one of his trunks. Then he helped the mediwitch floo with Sirius to Moscow, grateful that Narcissa had decided to take Sirius with them for Orion's peace of mind. After settling Sirius in a room besides his and after dismissing the elves that had unpacked his belongings, Orion notified to Narcissa that he would be spending an hour at Black Manor to ascertain that the elves were keeping the place as he had instructed, before coming back and getting ready for the evening's ball.

As soon as Orion stepped out of the fireplace of Black Manor's main parlor, he checked the time. Remus wouldn't be arriving in another fifteen minutes. He looked around and hated the empty feeling of the Manor. There was no Sirius to greet him with a warm hug and barking laughter. No father to tell his worries or to playfully annoy. Orion sighed. The place didn't feel like home anymore, not without Sirius. He slowly walked towards Sirius' study. He had instructed the elves to keep it clean but untouched and he hadn't dared to enter after his father's death. He stood uncertain before the door. The memories would be painful to bear. But perhaps he needed this. He opened the door slowly and went inside. It was just like Sirius had left it. He could even pretend that his father was somewhere else in the Manor and that he would be coming back shortly into the study. Orion approached the desk and sorrowfully touched his father's belongings. He could almost hear Sirius' laughter echoing in the room.

He sat down on his father's high chair behind the desk and looked around despondently. He closed his eyes and rested his back on the chair. As sorrowful and depressing thoughts entered his mind, he became aware of a tingling of magic. He opened his eyes abruptly. He had felt a nearby concentration of wards. He frowned and passed his hand over the desk. There! The magic came from the last drawer. He took out his wand and started tearing down the wards. The last one was based on blood magic. He used a letter opener and pinched his finger. He pushed the fingertip against the drawer and smudged his blood on it, and with a click the drawer opened. Orion's eyes widened when he saw his father's pensieve inside. He hadn't given it a thought! As soon as his fingers touched the rim, a piece of parchment popped into existence, hovering in mid air in front of his face. Orion blinked in surprise and grasped it. The blood drained from his face and tears started streaming from his eyes as he read it.

My young pup,

I'm writing this as I get ready to go to Hogwarts once more. If you're reading this then forgive me for breaking my promise to you but I can't idly stay at the Manor while I know that your mother's and James' betrayer remains free and unpunished. I hope you understand that I need to do this. I'm aware of the risks involved, that's why I'm leaving my most precious memories behind, in case I get captured by the Dementors or that Peter takes me to Voldemort. I don't want them to take these memories away from me; all my memories of my friends, all my times with Lily, and all my memories of you, I leave behind because I treasure them above anything else.

I know we've never seen eye to eye about Voldemort and the war, but I want you to know that whatever path you choose I'll be proud of you because I know you'll make the right choices. You have your own destiny to fulfill and I know you'll be great.

Whatever happens to me, remember that I love you more than life itself. You gave me a reason for living when I thought I had nothing left. You've made me so proud and happy that I have blessed each moment that we have spent together. Please don't worry about me and enjoy your life.

I'll always love you.

Your father,

Sirius

Orion dropped the letter on the desk and with blurred vision looked down at his father's pensieve. It was full at the brim with silvery swirling memories. Half his father's life seemed to be there. He could only be grateful that his father had taken the precaution of leaving his best memories behind because the Dementor would not feed on them. He would be able to place them back once he rescued his father's soul and resurrected him. After that last thought, he broke into heaving sobs and sagged against the desk. His father had known about the risks, he hadn't acted recklessly as Orion had once believed. Then why had Sirius preferred to risk his life to get revenge instead of being safe and remaining at his son's side? He didn't understand.

"Orion?" said a concerned and gentle voice.

Orion lifted his tear-stained face and saw Remus standing in the study's threshold. When Remus saw his face his alarm grew and he quickly crossed the room and knelt by his side.

Remus cupped Orion's face and said softly, "What happened? Why are you crying?"

Orion merely sobbed harder and with shaky hands he gave the letter to Remus. The older wizard's eyes widened as he read the letter and then they filled with unshed tears.

"Oh, my cub," said Remus with a shaky voice as he embraced Orion and pulled him to the floor with him.

"He k-knew, Re-mus," said Orion between sobs against Remus' chest, "He w-was aware of the d-danger. But he lef-ft me. H-he abandoned m-e. He preferred to exa-ct his re-venge ins-tead of taking care of me, instead of lo-ving me -"

"He loved you more than life itself, cub," said Remus tremulously while he tightened the embrace and stroked Orion's hair, "But Sirius was always very restless. It must have been very hard for him to stay at the Manor while he knew Peter was at Hogwarts, so near his grasp. You must forgive him, Orion. His heart was in the right place. He lived only for you but he couldn't go on while knowing that Peter remained unpunished. He needed to avenge your mother's death. You must understand that his decision doesn't mean that he loved you any less."

Orion grasped Remus' robes and he burrowed further into the werewolf's chest. After a while he said in a broken muffled voice, "I think I understand but it doesn't hurt less."

Remus sighed and slowly carded his fingers through the boy's hair, "The pain will dull in time, my cub."

Orion looked up at him, eyes red from crying, and asked softly, "Did it go away in your case?"

Remus' sad eyes looked into space and he replied quietly, "No. It's still there. I don't think it'll ever go away but one learns to live with it. One goes on with his life…" He paused and said with a small smile, "Come, I have much to tell you."

Orion nodded and Remus pulled him up from the floor and took him to the only couch in the study. Orion really looked at Remus for the first time. He had never seen him so well before. His face wasn't marred by scars and he looked younger and healthier.

"You look different," said Orion quietly while he inspected him, "You look happy and healthy."

Remus gave him a soft smile and replied, "I feel happy. It has been a couple of strange but good months."

"Then it went well with the werewolf packs?" asked Orion puzzled.

"Yes," replied Remus with a larger smile, "More than well. I have never felt this good. It's hard to explain, cub. I had never formed part of a pack before. When I went to Hogwarts I transformed alone, except during the last years, when James and Sirius adopted their animagus form and accompanied me. And after James and Lily died and Sirius went to Azkaban, I fled from the country and spend my years hidden in a remote cottage. Those were the worst years of my life. I had no one and the transformations scared me. I tried to fight it but it was inevitable and very painful. I hated myself for my condition. I thought I didn't deserve to be around normal people. I never expected the transformation to be any different in a pack." His eyes glinted as he continued, "But it's so different. We don't take the Wolfbane Potion, none of us has the money to buy it. We group together during the full moons and transform at the same time, but there's this shared feeling of belonging between us that makes it bearable, almost painless. They don't fight it, not like I did. I had to learn to let go of my fears and I finally managed to transform with minimum pain, with their help. The best part is that when we're werewolves together we don't attack each other or ourselves. There's this sense of family that binds us together and appeases the wolf. We merely hunt for small animals during the night and end up sleeping on the ground, grouped together and content. It's marvelous."

Orion grasped his hand and said with a smile, "I'm so happy for you, Remus. I'm glad that you're not denying the wolf any longer. "

"I have you to thank, cub. I would have never gone to them if you hadn't convinced me," said Remus gratefully.

Orion shook his head, "You have nothing to thank me for. I didn't know that the transformations were easier when you belonged in a pack."

Remus smiled warmly at him, "Nevertheless, I thank you."

Orion shrugged his shoulders and asked, "Tell me more about the packs."

"There are four in England and more abroad. The pack I went to is composed by muggle and wizard werewolves," explained Remus, "The muggle werewolves manage to have low-income day jobs since werewolves are unknown in the muggle world, so they provide some money for the pack. They aren't learned because they were thrown out of their homes by their families or they fled when they were bitten and had their first transformation. But together, they manage to save money for the pack. The wizard ones, however, can never keep a job unless it's in the muggle world, since in wizarding communities they're quickly detected and turned to the Ministry. As you know, by wizarding law, a werewolf can't have employment or be accepted in a magical school. The wizard werewolves never had the opportunity I had, so I spent most of my time teaching them how to cast spells. I bought wands for them and gave them my old Hogwarts' textbooks. We live in tents with basic commodities in a large forest, away from muggle cities and wizarding communities. We are absolutely isolated from any other humans for our protection and theirs." Then he added with a grin, "After my stay with them they came to consider me as a sort of mentor figure. They were thrilled to finally learn how to use their magic."

"So you became their alpha?" asked Orion excitedly.

"I did," said Remus with a content smile, "They look up to me for guidance since I'm the most learned one in magic and I'm the one who knows more about the wizarding world. They also respect my knowledge of the muggle world since I used to go into muggle villages when I lived in the cottage during all those years."

"That's fantastic, Remus! You did it!" exclaimed Orion proudly.

"Yes," replied Remus but then he sighed, "But there's so much to change, cub. We live almost in poverty and they're uneducated. I have to help them more. I'm teaching them magic but I want to set up a classroom in our campsite, for both the muggle and wizard werewolves. I will train a few for more months until they're ready to teach the others. And I want to give them better facilities."

Orion grinned at him and pulled out a small black velvet sack from his robes and handed it to Remus, "I anticipated that you would need some funds. This is linked to the Black vaults in Gringotts. It will refill whenever the level is low. Take it and buy muggle and wizard textbooks. Set up your classroom and improve the living conditions for your pack."

Remus shook his head and made a move to return the sack, "I can't accept it, cub. You have already helped me too much –"

Orion pressed the sack into Remus' hands, "Don't be a fool, Remus. You're family. This is nothing. I have too much money as it is, sitting in Gringotts doing nothing. This is for a good cause." Then he added with a grin, "Besides, Sirius would kill me if he knew I wasn't doing anything to help his best friend. Please accept it for him as well."

Remus sighed and replied, "I'll return every sickle as soon as I can."

"You don't have to," said Orion sternly, "I mean it, Remus, you are the only one I have left. I want to help you as much as I can. Money means nothing if it isn't used for a good purpose. I infinitely prefer to know that you're using it than spend it in trivialities." When he saw that Remus was about to retort, he quickly changed subjects, "But you haven't told me about Greyback. Have you seen him?"

Remus shot him a look to make him understand that the matter wasn't forgotten but he replied, "Greyback leads another pack. I haven't gone to them yet. He isn't well liked in my pack. Greyback tried to convince some to join his pack but they refused because they heard that they transform in the middle of muggle towns to purposely attack them and convert them. I have been visiting the other two packs and I think it's viable that they'll want to join ours. We're still negotiating but the prospects are good."

"That's wonderful," said Orion with a smile, "What are their views on Voldemort and the incoming war?"

"My pack was led by an old wizard werewolf that was approached by Voldemort during the first war," replied Remus, "As you can imagine, he wasn't satisfied with the promises Voldemort gave him and the others don't trust Voldemort to keep his word. It doesn't help that they know that Greyback is his staunch supporter. They don't want to be used as killing machines."

Orion hummed, "Well, that needs to be changed. If the other two packs join yours, how many would you be? And how many does Greyback have?"

"We would be around a hundred and Greyback currently has about thirty," replied Remus.

Orion raised his eyebrows in surprise, "That's a lot. I never expected that they were so many." Then he smiled conspiratorially, "If you manage to merge the three packs you'll be able to defy Greyback and convince his pack to join yours. I'm sure that once they see your improved campsite and how your pack is being educated, they'll want you as their alpha as well. You're doing great Remus! Once you have them you can begin negotiating with Voldemort. You'll be the leader of all the packs in England! You'll have the power to make Voldemort acquiesce to your demands!"

Remus gave him a small smile, "Yes, perhaps I will."

"I'm sure you'll manage it, Remus," said Orion excitedly, "You're perfect for the task. And you'll have me inside Voldemort's ranks. I'll be able to pass you information. I'll convince Voldemort to let me participate in the negotiations." Then he added thoughtfully, "In time you'll need to contact the foreign werewolf packs. I'm sure Dumbledore and Voldemort will send envoys to gain their allegiance. You have to meet them first and present a common front during the negotiations."

Remus sighed, "Yes, in time I'll do it. There's so much to be done."

"How long will it take you to convince the other packs in England to join yours?" asked Orion.

"The other two won't take too long, if all goes well," replied Remus pensively, "Greyback's will be the hardest because I will have to fight him before assuming the role of the alpha werewolf of his pack. Perhaps a year in the best case scenario."

Orion widened his eyes in concern, "You would need to kill Greyback? That's too dangerous, Remus, what if he hurts you?"

Remus smiled at him, "Don't worry, cub. I only need to defeat him, not kill him. It would be a fight in our werewolf forms and I'm much stronger now that I'm living with my pack. I'll be ready and fit when the time comes."

"But it's still dangerous. He's vicious, Remus," said Orion worriedly, "He's insane." He paused to look at Remus and said quietly, "I could kill him for you. I could probably do it without the Death Eaters finding out –"

Remus clutched his shoulders and said in apprehension, "You will kill no one, Orion! You're a boy! I won't let you kill anyone! And even less if it's for me. I can manage him."

"Remus," said Orion wearily, "I will kill eventually during the war. I've accepted it already. And I have no compunctions in killing someone like Grey- "

Remus grasped him tighter and said in alarm, "You don't have to kill anyone, even if it's during the war! This is exactly what your father and I feared when you decided to support Voldemort. He'll want to turn you into a murderer but you can't allow it! You're Sirius and Lily's son! They would never want you to kill anyone! They would be appalled if they knew that the Dark side was turning you into a killer!"

Orion let out a mirthless bark of laughter, "And what do you think the Light side would want me to do if they ever discovered that I was Harry Potter?" He pierced Remus with his green eyes and continued, "Dumbledore would want me to kill Voldemort! The Light side is exactly like the Dark! They would use me in the same way. At least with the Dark I would be killing to fulfill my own goals, to help my kind. And besides, I won't allow Voldemort to use me either. If I kill it will be because I deem it necessary, not because Voldemort commands me to."

"But you're just a boy-" started saying Remus frantically.

"I was never a boy," interrupted Orion sharply, "Not just a boy. I'm the Boy Who Lived, the one who inexplicably felled the Dark Lord during the time his powers were in his height."

"Lily's sacrifice- " started saying Remus.

"Had nothing to do with it," finished Orion sternly, "I have already researched it to exhaustion. A love sacrifice can't block the killing curse. I think it only makes my scar prickle painfully when I'm around the person she was trying to protect me from, when I'm around Voldemort, as a sort of alarm system. It was me, my powers, that saved me. And I already have an idea how." Remus frowned at him confusedly and Orion added in a confidential quiet voice, "Remus, I'm something else. Besides the parseltongue ability that Voldemort involuntarily transferred to me that night, I have unique powers."

Remus frowned and shook his head, "I don't understand what you're trying to say."

Orion grasped his hands and looked into Remus' amber eyes. He said softly, "I thought that my dark magic – that what I could do with it wasn't uncommon. That perhaps others could wield it as I do. But I have looked into every Dark Arts book that I could find and not a single word was said about my powers. I've never shown you. I've never shown anyone for that matter. Voldemort saw an uncontrolled display of my powers when I wasn't even aware of it. But I have started to control them now. I'm able to summon my dark magic at will. I still have much to learn but in time I'll master them. You see, I think it was my dark magic that saved me that night. Even as a baby, I had it in my magical core. And in times that I have needed it, it has risen inside of me. I believe that I perceived a threat to my life that night and that my dark magic protected me. Not even Voldemort's killing curse could shatter the protection my magic gave me." He paused uncertainly and added in a whisper, "Voldemort's dark magic is similar to mine. I don't know why but when I feel his magic I somehow recognize it. It feels- it feels familiar. It feels enticing, as if our magic was of the same kind, as if it was calling to each other. But on the other hand, Voldemort isn't capable of doing what I can. If he has my type of dark magic in his magical core, he isn't able to summon it and use it wandlessly like I can. I'm sure he would display it if he was able to."

Remus looked bewildered and horrified at the same time, "Orion, Voldemort isn't like you! He's corrupting you. How can you possibly find his dark magic enticing?"

Orion released Remus' hands and sighed, "Voldemort isn't corrupting me. I don't even know if he feels the same when he senses my dark magic. I have only used it once in his presence. He hasn't had the chance of feeling anything." Then he added with a grimace, "And I'm not saying that he's similar to me. Merlin forbid! I don't want to be like him. I'm just saying that out of all the wizards I have met, his dark magic is the most similar to mine."

"I'm not sure if it's such a good idea for you to be on his side, Orion," said Remus in apprehension, "I should perhaps come back to Black Manor and be here for you. I could hand the money to my pack and –"

Orion interrupted him angrily, "Remus, I didn't tell you this so that you became concerned for me! If I had known I wouldn't have told you anything! You have nothing to worry about. I'm perfectly able to manage Voldemort. He is the most powerful wizard out there but I can wield magic that he can't! If he ever hurts me, I'll hurt him back!" He looked at Remus and added sternly, "You have your duties to your pack and I have mine to my kind. I won't allow you to abandon your pack and plans just because you're worried about me. I have friends and others that care for me. I'm not unprotected."

"You only have the Malfoys who would turn you to Voldemort if he commanded it!" retorted Remus with apprehension.

Orion sighed, "That might be true but I can hold my own against Voldemort." Remus looked at him disbelievingly and Orion added snappishly, "I won't discuss this further with you, Remus. I'm not leaving the Dark side and you're not leaving your pack. This war is greater than both of us and we have to be prepared; we must go along our respective plans. I'll contact you if I ever need your help."

Orion stood up, "I must leave now. The Malfoys are expecting my return by now."

Remus grabbed his arm and said gently, "I don't want us to part in bad terms, cub."

Orion smiled at him and gave him a tight hug, "We will never be in bad terms, Remus. I just ask you to have some faith in me. I'm not bragging about my powers. What I told you is the absolute truth and I can take care of myself."

Remus sighed in resignation, "Promise me that you'll contact me if you're in danger, if you need my help."

Orion broke the hug and looked up at Remus, giving him a warm smile, "I promise. Good luck with the packs. When you get the chance, write to me with your news."

Remus nodded and as Orion was about to throw the floo powder in the study's fireplace, he murmured, "Just as stubborn as your father."

Orion peered around his shoulder to look at him and said with a happy grin, "Indeed I am."

As soon as he came out from the fireplace of Moscow's Malfoy Manor, Lucius, who was calmly reading the Daily Prophet at the tea table, said, "All is well at Black Manor?"

Orion scourgified his robes and replied calmly, "Yes. I gave some more orders to the house-elves but they're already doing a good job."

Lucius shot him a glance from behind the newspaper and said, "Very well. Draco is waiting for you at the Library. The ball will be in two hours, I expect you to be ready by then."

Orion nodded curtly and left for the Library. Draco was seating in one of the many plush and ornate armchairs, reading a thick document.

"Oh, you're finally here," drawled Draco lazily, "Here, we have to read this before the ball." He handed Orion a thick document, much like the one he was reading.

Orion sat in front of him and asked with a raised eyebrow, "And this is?"

Draco smirked at him, "A dossier on the wizards that will be at the meeting."

"We'll be able to attend then?" asked Orion excitedly.

"Yes, but Father told me that we are to observe quietly without speaking," replied Draco and then he added with a huff, "And this is the only meeting will be allowed in."

"What?!" said Orion in disappointment, "There will be two other balls this week!"

Draco sighed, "I know. We have to mingle and make contacts during those balls while the meetings go on."

Orion said in resignation, "Well, it was too good to be true. How many balls will there be after we leave?"

"A couple more throughout the rest of the winter season," replied Draco, "My parents and the Lestranges will be staying here to participate in them." Then he stretched out his hand to give something to Orion, "Ah, and Father says you have to wear this."

Orion frowned and grasped it. His eyes narrowed angrily when he saw it was his father's ring. It had a rare and unique black sapphire with a small, ornate, silver B incrusted in it. It was larger than his Black Heir ring but elegant and masculine nonetheless.

"Lucius took this from my father?" asked Orion, voice shaking in anger.

Draco looked at him and said sternly, "Yes, he said you were refusing to take it but you must wear it, Orion. At least for this type of social engagements. It denotes that you're the Head of the Black House."

"I don't care!" spat Orion, "He had no right!"

Draco scowled at him, "My father did it for your benefit! It's necessary. I'm wearing my Malfoy Heir ring!"

"I won't," said Orion angrily, "It's my father's. He's not dead yet! I won't take his place!"

"You already have his place!" said Draco impatiently, "He's not dead, at least not physically, but he stopped being the Black House Head by law when he was Kissed. If you don't wear it I doubt that my father will allow you to attend the meeting!"

Orion angrily clenched his fist around the ring and then pocketed it in his robes.

Draco narrowed his eyes at him, "Will you wear it?"

"Yes," snapped Orion moodily.

Draco seemed satisfied and continued reading his dossier. Orion angrily started leafing through his and after a while he said, "There are many. I only recognize a few family names. Three Americans and three French…"

"I don't know why they bother," said Draco, "The American wizards have always been isolationists and only enter wars when a bunch of them gets killed. They couldn't care less about what happened in Europe," Then he added with a scrunched nose, "And the French aren't much better; bunch of conceited chauvinists in my opinion."

Orion chuckled, "The same could be said about us, the English," Draco shot him a glare and Orion smirked at him, "But it makes sense. The French would soon get involved in the war and Dumbledore has a greater base there because it's filled with light wizards."

"True," replied Draco, "and at some point we'll need the Americans as well."

"How so?" asked Orion with interest.

"Well, many of the dark pureblood families that were hunted down centuries ago migrated to North America and established colonies there," explained Draco, "So there are some powerful families there. They changed their family names to avoid persecution and start with a clean slate, so that's why you can't recognize any of the names, but most of them come from branches of our English dark families. This Comodus Conrad for example, I know that he's related to my family somehow. My father has had business deals with him in the past. The American wizards are much more relaxed in their opinions about the muggles and muggleborns but the dark families keep to themselves and are quite wealthy."

"You think they'll help us?" asked Orion with a frown.

"If it's in their interest, yes," replied Draco, "They care more about wealth than anything else but they're greatly outnumbered by the light wizards and that makes them uncomfortable; and it's also bad for business, you see. I think that if they saw that we are strong in Europe they'll lend funds and probably convince their Congress to side with us and send fighters."

Orion frowned, "But how can they convince their government if they're a minority?"

Draco smirked at him, "They're a minority but they're the wealthiest and own the most important businesses. They have great political clout due to that. Politics there is much more to my liking. Who has the money gets obeyed, that supersedes the Light's prejudices against the Dark. Their whole economy would crumble without the dark wizards and the light wizards are aware of this. So they might kick and scream that they don't want to support the Dark Lord, but in the end the dark wizards will bribe them and threaten them into voting what they want."

Orion hummed. "And the French? Who's this Sebastien Valois? He's the youngest in the dossier," said Orion while he looked at the French magazine clipping of the magical picture of an aristocratic and handsome twenty-something-year-old wizard with dark wavy blonde hair and light hazel eyes.

Draco huffed, "He's a very conceited wizard, the Head of the Valois pureblood family, ever since his parents died about five years ago. The Valois had been royalty during the 1300s to the 1500s in French muggle history, though the muggles didn't know that they were dark wizards, of course."

"They mixed with muggles?" asked Orion in surprise.

"Not in their bloodlines. They're dark purebloods through and through," replied Draco, "They assumed the muggle throne merely to have more power and to enrich themselves. When things turned bloodier between the muggles, they left the throne and returned to the magical community. The Valois are the most important dark family in France, they lead the others." Then he added in distaste, "If Sebastien Valois supports the Dark Lord then we would have all the other French dark wizards on our side and even some of the light families as well. He's very well connected."

"Have you met him?" asked Orion with curiosity, "By the way you speak about him it seems that you have."

"I met him during the last winter season. You didn't come to the last two, many new wizards attended them. Our families have always competed with one another. The Valois is the most important family in France, just like the Malfoys in England, so there's always been a historic rivalry between us," replied Draco. Then he added nastily, "Sebastien Valois is conceited git, a frivol playboy that believes he's Merlin's gift to wizards."

Orion cocked an eyebrow and said with amusement, "What, asked him for a dance and he refused?"

Two pink blushes appeared on Draco's cheeks and he scoffed, "Nothing of the sort. He danced and flirted with every good-looking wizard under the age of thirty, that's why I said he's a playboy. Besides, his romantic escapades and affairs are printed in every French wizarding magazine. Haven't you ever read about him?"

"I'm not interested in gossip magazines, Draco," said Orion with a chuckle, "I bet you read Weekly Witch as well."

Draco glared at him and said with indignation, "Of course I don't! But unlike you I read foreign newspapers and magazines to keep up to date."

Orion waved his hand dismissively, "Is he intelligent and powerful?"

Draco shot him a suspicious look, "He went to Beauxbatons and was a top student. They say he's well versed in the Dark Arts, probably learned with a tutor since they don't teach it in Beauxbatons, and that he's a powerful dark wizard. But he doesn't seem the kind to be a good dueler; too lazy and vapid for that. Probably just learned for appearance's sake." Then he narrowed his eyes at Orion and said snappishly, "Don't tell me you're interested in him?"

Orion blinked, "Of course I am. He's the one that determines if the French will support us in the war. It's advantageous to know about him as much as possible."

Draco groaned, "I meant if you're attracted to him!"

Orion looked at him in disbelief, "From looking at a magazine clipping?" He broke into laughter and then said, "By Merlin's staff, Draco, I'm not obsessed with wizards, you know? And I have my hands full with Lezander at present. Besides, it's Valois' opinion on the war that interests me, not his good looks!"

"So you admit he's good-looking," said Draco with suspicion.

Orion cocked an eyebrow and smirked, "He is. I dare say most wizards and witches would believe the same. What do you propose? To seduce him to our side?"

Draco snorted, "Hardly. Too full of himself. Though I bet that the Dark Lord will try."

Orion's eyes narrowed and he snapped, "What, does the Dark Lord take to his bed all those he wants to convince?"

Draco arched an eyebrow and replied calmly, "I don't think he would have any qualms if it meant the support of the French. But I haven't heard of the Dark Lord having any lovers this time around."

"And during his first rise?" asked Orion quietly with a frown.

Draco eyed him speculatively, "From what I've heard he had numerous lovers before but never a steady one. I think my Aunt was the only one to keep his bed warm for more than a few nights."

Orion choked and gasped out, "Bellatrix?"

"Yes," replied Draco nonchalantly, "She has always adored him and her marriage with Uncle Rodolphus was an arranged one. They each kept their own lovers. But the Dark Lord soon got tired of her as well, though that didn't diminish her affection for him." Then he added with narrowed eyes, "Why are you so interested in the Dark Lord's lovers anyway?"

Orion pulled a blank expression on his face and said dismissively, "I'm not. I was just curious." He added changing subjects, "The rest of the wizards in the dossier are from Central and Eastern Europe, I guess that's because the dark wizards are stronger there, right?"

"Yes," said Draco with a nod, "The Russians and Germans would be our best allies, as well as the dark wizards from the smaller countries surrounding both countries. The dark wizards have more power in those countries than anywhere else as their laws concerning the Dark Arts are more relaxed."

"In Germany as well? After what happened with Grindelwald?" asked Orion, "I thought that the German dark families left the country after his defeat and that ruthless laws were established."

"They fled to other countries at first, but slowly returned. Some of them remained in Austria and Poland," explained Draco, again in his element, "And the laws were very harsh at the beginning but the dark wizards gained more power with Russia's support and now they're more even in number with the light wizards. As you know, Russia has the largest community of dark wizards and they're politically stronger than the light wizards, so they're able to lend support to other dark wizarding communities and it was in their interest to help the Germans. As you saw in the dossier, there is one wizard each for Ukraine, Romania, and Bulgaria; that's because dark wizards are stronger there thanks to Russia as well."

Orion nodded. He had read much about modern wizarding history after all, but Draco seemed to know quite a bit as well. Then he said thoughtfully, "The world's most ancient and powerful dark communities are in Egypt, China and India. I guess that the Dark Lord first wants to conquer England and the rest of Europe before turning to look at the rest of the world. And Europe can't be conquered without being certain that the Americans won't support the Light side." Then he added in dismay, "It will take us decades at best!"

"It will, at least a decade, I believe," replied Draco pensively, "But if we have some of the dark creatures' support it might be faster. The Dementors are already on our side, so that's a benefit. And the giants supported the Dark Lord on the last war, I'm sure he'll manage to convince them again. The werewolves' support would be great, since they're almost in all countries and are feared by all wizards."

Orion said sternly, "Yes, but we would have to be fair to the werewolves. If the Dark Lord doesn't fulfill his promises I'm sure they would retaliate."

Draco smirked at him, "The Dark Lord has been able to get deals with dark creatures before and then renege on his promises without action being taken against him. I'm certain he'll benefit from the werewolves' support this time and then do whatever he likes once he's in power."

Orion didn't reply. Not while I'm here, he thought darkly. If Voldemort even attempts to cheat on the negotiations he'll be sure to let Remus know. He supported the Dark but that also included helping the dark creatures who had been just as crushed by the light wizards as the dark wizards have been.

Draco interrupted his angry musings, "We have to get ready, Orion. The ball will begin in thirty minutes. My mother left your dress robes in your room."

Orion nodded and took the dossier with him. He would use some time to memorize the pictures and information on the wizards, it would be extremely useful for the meeting.

Draco and Orion were standing with Kara, Evander, Calypso and Viktor, at one side of the beautiful and enormous ballroom of Fornax Manor. Their parents were also attending the meeting, and Evander, after greeting the guests with his parents had slipped away to join them. After talking about the First Task of the Triwizard Tournament and all the going-ons in Durmstrang, they spend the time commenting on the guests.

Orion whispered impatiently to Draco, "When will the meeting start?"

"Father will get us before it begins. A bunch of wizards can hardly disappear as soon as the ball starts. Don't worry and stop fidgeting!" replied Draco in a murmur.

Orion sighed and straightened his dress robes for the umpteenth time. The robes were really beautifully. Narcissa as always had exquisite taste and she had somehow managed to get a dress robe of the same color of his eyes, though still elegant and masculine. And he was wearing his father's ring, much against his will. But he couldn't avoid fidgeting while impatiently waiting for the meeting to begin. He had refused anyone who had asked him for a dance; the ball held no interest for him, it was the meeting that he was longing to start.

Calypso nudged his ribs and said with envy, "You're so lucky that Mr. Malfoy is taking you to the meeting. I pleaded with Father but he refused, he said that the Dark Lord had only allowed you and Draco after Mr. Malfoy's request. You must tell me everything afterwards!"

Orion smirked at her, "And what do I get in exchange?"

"You'll deny your best friend the information? After everything she's done for you?" said Calypso in a sweet voice, "After all the warm and sisterly feelings she has for you?"

Orion grinned at her, "Tsk tsk. I'm not susceptible to emotional blackmail, little Calypso. I'll tell you if you deal with the blasted egg. It's driving me crazy, no matter what I do it keeps shrieking."

Calypso huffed and rolled her eyes, "Agreed, but I was going to help you with it anyways."

"I just wanted to hear you ask nicely," said Orion with a grin, "I know you would have pestered me to death until you extracted the information about the meeting. Now, I just got rid of the annoying egg without giving you anything in exchange which I wasn't already planning to."

"Like a true Slytherin," said Draco proudly. Then his eyes shot forwards and he groaned, "Merlin, not him!"

Orion turned to look at Draco's cause for annoyance and saw a tall and well-built young wizard in pale blue silk dress robes approaching them. He smirked with amusement at Draco when he recognized that it was Sebastien Valois.

Orion leaned towards Draco and said in a taunting whisper, "Don't worry, Drakey, I'm sure that if you ask nicely he'll agree to dance with you this time. How could he refuse a Malfoy twice?"

Draco shot him a dark glare before assuming a stoic mask.

"We meet again, Malfoy," said Valois with a seductive smirk as he looked at the others, "And who are your enchant'ng companions?"

Draco curtly made the introductions and while Kara gazed fascinated at Valois while being scowled at by Evander. Valois' eyes returned to Orion and he said silkily with a very mild accent, "Orion Black? Ze Head of ze Most Noble and Ancient House of Black, I assume?"

Orion's lips quirked with amusement at Draco's fastidious expression and he replied, "The one and only."

Valois smiled at him and said while offering his arm, "May I have zis dance, zen?"

Orion widened his eyes in surprise and gave him a tentative small smile, "Of course."

As Valois led him to the middle of the ballroom where the rest of the couples were dancing slowly, Orion could almost feel Draco's furious eyes piercing the back of his head.

Valois gently took his hand and circled an arm around his waist as they started dancing.

Orion looked up at him and said with amusement, "You were trying to annoy Draco, confess."

"Whazever do you mean?" asked Valois with a wicked smile, "Why would dancing with you annoy Malfoy?"

Orion smirked at him, "Because we were talking together and I bet you love to get a rise out of him."

"I care little about Malfoy," said Valois earnestly, "I just wanted to get to know you." He smiled at him and added, "I've read about ze Triwizard Tournament and you. Is it true zat you're heart is breaking for boz Malfoy and Krum?"

Orion laughed and shook his head, "No, what a predicament that would be. I think that I couldn't cope with just one of them, let alone the two." He looked at Valois thoughtfully and asked, "Do you know Fleur Delacour?"

"I know her family," replied Valois, "but not her personally. I've heard zat she's a good student at Beauxbatons. How is she doing at ze Tournament?"

"She's on third place after the First Task," said Orion, "She seems able, I like her."

Valois arched an eyebrow, "One more zat has fallen in her zrall?"

Orion chuckled, "Hardly, she's not my type. I prefer wizards."

Valois' hazel eyes glinted with interest and he asked silkily, "And what type of wizard would zat be?"

Orion looked up at him, slightly confused with the change of Valois' tone of voice, and replied uncertainly, "Er- well, I don't think I have a type. A dark wizard preferably, I think. But I've never been with a dark wizard before so it's all a guess."

"You've never had a boyfriend?" asked Valois with a pleased smile.

"I currently have a boyfriend, my first one really. But – er – he's not a dark wizard," replied Orion.

Valois leaned his head forwards and said in a low whisper, "You'll find zat dark wizards are ze most interesting ones." He looked into Orion's eyes and said softly, "You really are a beautiful boy. Though ze pictures don't do justice to your amazing eyes."

Orion briefly tensed in Valois' arms and couldn't prevent the light flush creeping on his cheeks.

Valois looked at him with amusement and asked, "Does my forwardness make you uncomfortable?"

"Maybe a bit," replied Orion truthfully, "Only my boyfriend has ever told me that he considers me beautiful, Valois. It's strange hearing it from a stranger."

"Ah, but we're not strang'rs anymore, Orion," said Valois with a warm smile, "And please call me Sebastien." Then he added silkily, "And you should be told more often, until you believ'd it, at least."

Orion shrugged his shoulders, "I don't care much for that sort of thing. If my boyfriend believes it, it's enough for me."

"How very refresh'ng you are after all ze tedious wizards zat I normally meet at zis type of gather'ngs," replied Sebastien with a sly smirk, "I think you've become my favor'te dancing partner. You're going to be engaged with me for all your future dances."

Orion, having gained more confidence in Sebastien's banter, replied with a taunting smirk, "Quite sure of yourself, are you? Perhaps I find you just like all the others and prefer to dance with my good friend Draco."

Sebastien arched an eyebrow and said with a small self-assured smile, "A Malfoy preferr'd over a Valois? I'll never see ze day." He added seductively, "And let me assure you zat I'm very differ'nt from anyone else you have ever met." He lowered his voice to a whisper and said, "If you ever allow'd me ze chance to show you just how much-"

A discreet cough interrupted him and Orion was startled to see Lucius before them.

Lucius looked at them impassively and said in a low murmur, "The meeting is starting. If you'll accompany me, I'll lead you to it."

Sebastien nodded while he withdrew his arm from Orion's waist. As they followed Lucius, Sebastien arched an inquiring eyebrow at Orion's presence while Orion simply smirked at him.

As soon as he entered the room, Orion spotted Draco seating far away from the head of the table. He quietly sat besides him and immediately felt Voldemort's familiar aura as the wizard entered the room seconds after them. Sebastien winked at Orion as he sat near Voldemort and Orion saw that the group seemed to be complete. The Lestranges and the Inner Circle Death Eaters that had been rescued from Azkaban were seated amongst the new wizards and he spotted his friends' fathers as well. He glanced at Voldemort and had to admit that the wizard looked very intimidating and held a commanding presence. Voldemort's magic felt stronger than usual. Orion suspected that he was letting it out a bit so that the rest could feel it.

As the group fell silent, Voldemort rose from his high chair at the head of the table and said quietly, "Welcome, my friends, to our first meeting to address issues that concern our dark magical communities." He looked at the faces of the wizards and his voice got stronger as he continued, "We are gathered to reach an agreement between the most powerful dark communities and present a united front against the wizards that have been suppressing our beliefs and magic for centuries. The time has arrived to stand up for our rights before our bloodlines weaken further and we lose more political ground to the light wizards. They would gladly see our bloodlines and dark magic extinguished and for too long we have allowed them to ban our practices and condemn the use of our magic. If we come together we'll be able to defeat them in the imminent war and then shape the wizarding world to our liking. Our kind would dominate the others, the muggles and muggleborns would be subjugated to our will, and our word would be law. We would practice our dark magic freely without facing prejudices; we would reestablish our families into the position of power and respect that they deserve; and our children will be magical stronger with each passing generation until our bloodlines carry the power and purity they once held. This is the magical world I envision for us if we succeed in these negotiations."

Many nodded in agreement while others refrained from commenting. The silence that had ensued was broken by the first courageous one, a forty-year-old attractive French witch, which was Sebastien Valois' aunt according to the dossier.

Sophie Ambroise said in a melodic clear voice, "Zat sounds wonderful, Your Lordship. But ze question is how will ze British manage to overpower Dumbl'door. Removing him is ze first step for ze war, since none of us has a light wizard as powerful as Dumbl'door in our countries. Ze dark wizards in England have to prove zat zey're able to defeat him, preferably kill him, before the French, at least, get involved in ze war."

"Dumbledore is nothing," replied Voldemort calmly, "I will easily dispose of him when my plans come to fruition, but our alliance needs to be established before that. We have little time and much to plan for, to delay everything just because Dumbledore still lives."

"Dumbl'dore deveated Grindelvald," interjected Dietrich Emmerich, an eighty- year-old imposing German wizard, "And Gillert was supposed to be invincible. I vas there during their duel, Dumbl'dore vill not be easy to deveat."

Lucius answered with a small sneer, "Dumbledore doesn't have the same powers he had decades ago, Dietrich. He's an old man and he's no match for My Lord."

"Ah, but what of 'Arry Potter?" retorted Sebastien Valois, casting a sly smirk towards Lucius, "Dumbl'door wasn't able to beat Your Lord during ze first war but- excuse me Your Lordship," he said with a curt bow to Voldemort, "but 'Arry Potter managed to kill you, though thankfully not perman'ntly."

"The filthy half-blood is dead," interjected Bellatrix in a high pitch, "And it was his mudblood whore of a mother that saved the whelp -"

Orion clenched his fists in fury but Voldemort silenced her with a warning glance and said quietly, "Harry Potter survived because his mother died to protect him. He had no extraordinary powers and he is dead now." Voldemort's calm tone belied the anger Orion knew he was feeling, since his invisible scar had started twitching painfully.

"But hoff do ve knov that the boy is really dead?" asked Gunnar Ingegärd, the Swedish wizard, "Accorgding to the papers he simply diffappeared, they nevergh found a vody."

Romulus Rosier replied calmly, "If the boy was still alive, Dumbledore would have found him and the spies we sent into muggle London would have found at least one clue. Dumbledore has already given up the search, so it's quite safe to believe that the boy is dead, and if he's not, then he has never been magically educated and therefore doesn't represent a threat to our plans."

"In ze event zat 'Arry Potter was still alive, zen we would need to persuade him to our side," said Sebastien Valois with conviction, "It doesn't matter zat he's untrained, he's still an icon for ze Light and as such he gives zem hope. Zey would rally to him and expect him to lead ze war with Dumbl'door. Zat can't be allowed."

"The half-blood is dead!" interjected Bellatrix impatiently, "And if he's not he's merely a powerless snotty little street urchin. It was the mudblood's sacrifice that saved him. Let the Light keep him if they find him, he's useless anyway."

Sebastien sneered at her, "Even if he's powerless he has political value. We can't allow ze Light to have him. Besides, a kill'ng curse can't be stopped by a mother's sacrifice. I would have expect'd that someone rumored to know so much about the Dark Arts would have realiz'd zis already. He stopped ze kill'ng curse himself!"

A tense silence overtook the room and Orion's scar was prickling more painfully than ever. Voldemort seemed to hate where the conversation was going but he had a perfect mask of tranquility on his face.

"It's useless to speculate about Harry Potter," said Konstantin Kavsir calmly, "If he ever shows up then we'll plan what to do with him. Until then, we should discuss more pressing issues."

"Ja, I agree vith Konstantin," retorted Ludolf Veitner, the Austrian wizard, "Potter is the English's problem. As for Dumbledorgh, no one's a match vor him except Your Lordship, so ve vill leave him to you as vell. The rest of us can vorry about sending you fighterghs for the English var before it erupts in Europe."

Anatoly Kusakov, a Russian wizard that reminded Orion of Karkaroff, said gruffly, "I vould like to knov vhich countries vould be the first to revolt after you've taken England."

"I think it's more import'nt to know about ze kind of governm'nts zat are going to be establish'd after ze war," interjected Didier Benoit, an old and sophisticated French wizard, "Ze French will not allow to be ruled by any supranational form of governm'nt. We value our independ'nce above anything else."

"What about the war retribution payments?" added Comodus Conrad, one of the Americans, "The Light wizards should be asked to cover all the material damages done to buildings and businesses during the war; it's the lot of the defeated. And we want our banks to have the exclusive rights of lending money for the rebuilding of Europe once the war is over."

Alistair Armitage, the only Brisith wizard apart from the Death Eaters, rounded on Conrad, "Over my dead body! European banks will lend the galleons to restore Europe. I won't see Europe sucked dry of her blood life by the greed of American banks."

After that, several groups of wizards exploded into arguments. Cassius Sormen and Reginald Rook, the two other American wizards, backed up Comodus Conrad, while Armitage was supported by Alessandro Bernasconi, Bruno Constanzo, and Luis Castillo-Torreblanca, two Italians and a Spaniard, respectively. While that group discussed about banking rights and who was going to suck dry the light wizards of their galleons, the French were arguing with Lucius, Rodulphus and Romulus about the independence of their government. On the other side of the table, the Russians and Germans discussed which countries had to revolt first, while the wizards from Ukraine, Romania, Bulgaria, Austria and Poland, argued about national rights over magical territories long disputed between them, Russia and Germany.

Orion shot Draco a bewildered look and was answered by an amused smirk. The arguments only lasted for a few minutes since Voldemort soon got angry and wandlessly shot out a spell that forced everyone back to their seats, which quickly silenced them.

Voldemort pierced each and every one of them with his furious crimson gaze and said in a deathly quiet voice, "All your arguments are petty concerns until we have won the war in England. We should be concentrating on that instead of wasting any more time. But let me make one thing clear; each country will maintain it's Ministry of Magic, ran by dark wizards loyal to us, but there WILL be a supranational government that will guide the Ministries and enact laws to be established equally in each country."

"I suppose that this supranational government vould be headed vy you and composed vy some of your Inner Circle?" asked nonchalantly Cyryl Czesceslaus, the Ukranian wizard.

"Exactly," replied Voldemort with a cold smirk.

"C'est ne pas possible!" interjected Didier Benoit, "Ze French have never been subject'd to fore'gn rule. We can't abide to lose our pol'tical and legislative autonomy!"

Voldemort pinned him with an icy glare and said quietly, "The countries would not be losing political or legislative autonomy, they would be ran as before, just having dark wizards in charge instead of light ones. You'll still get to elect your own representatives and enact your own laws. I merely wish to establish an international form of government to ensure harmony between all our countries and make sure that the right laws are being implemented. Without me, the war couldn't be won, so I think I'm not taking too much when I plan to leave your countries alone and only take a supervisory post."

The French still looked mutinous; the Russian and Germans looked at Voldemort with trepidation; and the Americans with slight apprehension, not truly believing that Voldemort's supranational government could force them into anything. All the while Orion had apocalyptic scenarios flashing in his mind, with Voldemort taking hold of the wizarding world after killing the head of the governments of each country, while muggleborns were stripped from their rights and without anywhere to turn to due to Voldemort's supranational laws imparted in all countries.

Voldemort's idea of a supervisory supranational government wasn't bad at all; it was just Voldemort leading it that made Orion cringe. He had no doubt that Voldemort would tell them whatever they wanted to hear to assuage their fears and then, with the war won, he would do whatever he pleased. And he could already see that some underestimated Voldemort's ambitions and powers. The Americans were too sure of themselves, for example.

The meeting carried on for what seemed like hours for Orion. Finally some tentative agreements had been reached. The Russian and the Germans were the ones that had shown more support for Voldemort's plans. It had been agreed that once the war erupted in England, the Russians and Germans would move against France which had the largest community of light wizards in continental Europe, with Valois and the rest of the French dark families working from the inside. That way the English light wizards wouldn't get French support. Once France and England were conquered, the Russians and Germans would move to conquer Poland, Austria, Ukraine, Romania and Bulgaria -which also had allies in their midst -, while the French and British moved to capture Spain and Italy. After that, they would move together to conquer Sweden, Finland and Norway, and the rest of the smaller remaining countries.

Voldemort explained that the war in England wouldn't begin in about two more years, so that they could go back to their countries and start convincing the other families and gathering resources. The Russians would subtlety help the Germans to politically overrule the light wizards in their country, so that by the time the war started, Germany was in the dark wizards' clutches. France represented the most delicate situation. Sebastien Valois would have to begin gaining allies in the light families, besides grouping all the dark families under his leadership. And the Americans were expected to lend funds and fighters for the war in England and had these two years to outmaneuver their Congress to accomplish it.

That was the general outline of Voldemort's plan but details were not discussed yet. Those were left for subsequent meetings, as well as the rewards that each of the attendants expected for their support and their demands for their countries. At the end of the round of the negotiations, that could take about a year by the look of things, each one of them had to sign a magical binding contract so that they fulfilled the agreement reached.

When the meeting was adjourned, Orion tiredly trailed after the parting wizards. As soon as he crossed the door, Sebastien pulled him to a side.

"Your innocence is so deceiving, Orion," said Sebastien in a whisper, "I didn't know zat you were a Death Eater."

Orion looked up into Sebastien's light hazel eyes and said quietly, "I'm not a Death Eater, just a supporter."

Sebastien looked at him quizzically and said silkily, "Better and better. I hope zat I have ze pleasure of seeing you in ze next ball?"

"For the ones planned this week, yes," replied Orion with a small smile, "I'm going back to Hogwarts on Sunday." Then his smile fell and he said with resignation, "But I won't be attending the meetings. This was my first and only one."

Sebastien gently lifted his chin and said in a low seductive purr, "Don't despair, mon petit. You'll be able to dance with me. I'll look for you after ze meetings."

Orion cocked an eyebrow and gave him an amused smirk, "I see now what they meant when they told me that you were the narcissistic type. I suppose that I have no choice but to put up with you for a few dances."

Sebastien's lips quirked in amusement and he said mockingly, "Ow, a stab to mon coeur." Then he added silkily, "I'll have to work hard zen, to get rid of ze misconceptions you have about me. I'm sure I'll enjoy showing you ze real me."

Orion's retort was interrupted by Draco's hand on his shoulder.

Draco shot Sebastien a contemptuous look and said to Orion, "We are wanted back inside."

When they reentered the room, all the Death Eaters were seated besides Voldemort and they were discussing the meetings' events. Orion sat down quietly with Draco.

"……The French and the Americans are the ones that showed more reticence, My Lord," said Lucius, "They'll demand a great price for their support."

"The Americans are greedy bastards," interjected Yaxley snidely, "If we give them the banking rights for the reconstruction they'll easily agree to support us."

"But many English dark wizarding families won't like that at all," retorted Dolohov, "You saw how badly Armitage took it. His family has deals with Gringotts and own shares of some of the most important wizarding banks in continental Europe. And he has a lot of sway with other dark families."

Voldemort replied indifferently, "The Americans will be dealt with after we win the war in England. We will give them what they want for now."

"My Lord," said Rookwood deferentially, "Besides funds and fighters, we should ask them for the magical objects that are being kept and studied in the underground chambers of their government building."

Voldemort quirked an eyebrow in interest and said coldly, "Explain."

"During my time as an Unspeakable at the Department of Mysteries, there were rumors amongst us about what the Americans had," retorted Rookwood, "It was said that throughout the centuries they have been stealing powerful magical artifacts from Latin American countries, probably of Mayan, Inca and Aztec cultures. Magical knowledge long lost that they are attempting to unravel."

Voldemort turned thoughtful and after a while said, "It would be very convenient if we could get hold of that knowledge and the artifacts. You're right, Augustus, we should subtlety bring it up during the next meeting."

"That still leaves the French, My Lord," said Rosier, "They're completely opposed against the establishment of the Dark Council after the war. They refused to be subjected to the supranational powers that the Council would have over their Ministry. And if they knew that you are going to adopt the title of Dark Imperator over the wizarding world they would fight it with everything they have. "

Orion's eyes widened. Merlin's beard, Voldemort's ambitions knew no boundaries! Emperor of the wizarding world? And probably of the muggle world as well after they had been properly crushed by Voldemort and his army. His worried thoughts were interrupted as the conservation continued.

Amycus Carrow interjected nastily, "That's the work of that doddering old fool, Benoit, and the conceited upstart, Valois –"

"We should simply kill them both after the war, Master," interrupted Bellatrix with a high-pitched cackle, "I would immensely enjoy disfiguring the handsome face of Valois while he pleads for my mercy."

Voldemort gave her a cold smile and said indulgently, "Perhaps I'll grant you your wish, Bella."

Orion froze in his seat. He didn't know how he felt about Sebastien, he was a consummated flirt, but he had seemed like a good person and was interesting nonetheless. And just imagining Bellatrix torturing Sebastien made his blood turn cold.

"Perhaps there are other ways of convincing the French, My Lord," interjected Lucius carefully, "If we killed Valois, the rest of the French dark families would turn against us. It wouldn't be a wise move."

Voldemort turned to look at Lucius, "And what do you propose, my cunning friend?"

Lucius shot Orion a glance and replied, "Valois seems susceptible to the charms of young wizards, My Lord. He could be persuaded to support us if we dangled in front of his face something he desired."

Voldemort narrowed his eyes and said quietly, "Like whom?"

"Valois seemed interested in Orion, My Lord," replied Lucius impassively.

Orion gasped as the eyes of the Death Eaters zeroed in on him. He felt his invisible scar burst in pain as Voldemort narrowed his eyes at him and said silkily, "Is that so, Orion?"

Orion shook his head and said faltering, "Er- no. I have just met him today. He didn't express any interest in me- "

"When I interrupted your dance with him, he was whispering to you," interjected Lucius nonchalantly, "He seemed completely infatuated with you."

Voldemort's eyes turned into slits as Orion's pain increased, and he said to Lucius without turning his crimson gaze away from Orion, "Are you suggesting that we use Orion to seduce Valois, Lucius?"

Before Lucius had a chance to reply, Orion jumped from his seat and said seething, "I won't be used in that way! I won't be whored so that you get your ally!"

Complete silence fell on the Death Eaters as some of them waited in anticipation for Orion's punishment due to his disrespectful way of addressing the Dark Lord. They weren't disappointed for long, since Voldemort whipped out his wand and said quietly, "Crucio"

Orion fell to the floor with a shriek. As his body convulsed and he swallowed his pain-filled screams, he heard Voldemort dismissing the rest of the Death Eaters. Through his tears he saw Voldemort's robes in front of him.

He was roughly pulled up by his collar as the curse was cancelled and he was confronted with Voldemort's furious face.

"How many times will I have to punish you before you learn to address me politely?" said Voldemort in a deathly quiet voice.

Orion fought against the pain in his scar and the lingering pain in his body, as he replied hoarsely, "I didn't – I didn't mean to be disrespectful. I was surprised by your wish to hand me over to Valois-"

Voldemort lifted his chin forcefully and hissed angrily, "You foolish boy, I have no intention of letting him or anyone else touch you." Voldemort pierced him with his scarlet eyes and said silkily, "I won't whore you, as you so aptly named it, at least not to others." He smirked when he saw Orion's eyes widen and he started to trail his fingers on Orion's tear-stained cheeks. He continued silkily, "Perhaps you were afraid that I would let someone else use you for their pleasure? That I would relinquish my hold on you? Is that it, Orion? Are you concerned that I rather let others have you instead of taking you myself?"

"What?! No –" gasped Orion.

"Hush, Orion," said Voldemort pressing him against his body. His fingers trailed smoothly over Orion's lips while Orion looked at him in increasing alarm. Voldemort smirked at him and hissed huskily, "Isss thissss what you want? Do you want me to claim you? To sssshow you and othersss that you belong to me?"

Orion opened his mouth to retort angrily but his words were muffled when Voldemort aggressively kissed him. He felt Voldemort's warm tongue exploring the depths of his mouth and his arms crushing him against his body. In his shock and confusion he didn't react and he allowed Voldemort to plunder him. All through the dazed pleasure he was feeling, mellowing the sharp pain from his scar, he felt something within him stirring, trying to rise, as if it were trying to make a connection. He inadvertently moaned against Voldemort's insatiable mouth as he was pressed closer to his body; his mind torn between pleasure, disbelief, and reproach for allowing this. He regained his senses immediately when he felt Voldemort's hard erection pressing against his stomach, which made him frantic to stop whatever was happening.

He brusquely pushed Voldemort away from him and said furiously in between deep pants, "What- what do you think you're doing?! What vicious game are you playing with me now?! Just leave me the hell alone!"

Voldemort had a puzzled frown on his face, which disappeared instantly at his words. He forcefully grabbed Orion's face and said in cold anger, "Leave you alone? I won't ever leave you alone! You're my follower! You'll do what I want! And never let me find out that you've been cavorting with Valois again! "

"ARE YOU INSANE?!" yelled Orion swatting Voldemort's hands from his face, "YOU DON'T TELL ME WHAT TO DO! I DON'T HAVE TO OBEY YOU! If I want to be friends with Sebastien, then I will-"

Abruptly, Voldemort backhanded him and he was knocked against the wall. He let a whimper of pain and dazedly saw Voldemort advancing towards him with a seething expression on his face. Orion reacted instinctively; he pushed both of his hands forwards as his furious dark magic flew from his palms, erecting a wall of black consuming flames between him and Voldemort. Orion shakily straightened and looked in awe at what his magic had produced. He could discern Voldemort behind it and saw him stretch out a hand to touch it and quickly withdrawing when he was scorched by the flames.

With a burning cheek and a fiercely painful scar, Orion pierced his viridian eyes to Voldemort's through the black flames. He wiped the drop of blood from the edge of his mouth and said in cold seething anger, "You've gone too far. You will treat me as an equal in the future or next time I WILL retaliate!" He saw Voldemort narrowing his eyes at him and he spat, "I won't change sides but I will defend myself from you if you insist in harming me!"

He spun around and left the room. Moments after, the wall disappeared in great puffs of black smoke and Voldemort looked with amazement at his charred fingertips. The boy was able to control the dark magic he had seen in Azkaban, to give it the form of flames. Incredible. He could still feel the pleasant tingling of the boy's enticing powers. What kind of unique dark magic does the boy have? So spontaneous and raw, so purely dark. And the kiss, it had been unexpectedly exquisite, but there had been something else there. It had been too brief but he had felt… something… something familiar that had puzzled him extremely. Could it be the boy's magic? Or something else?

Voldemort frowned. Orion was full of mysteries. He needed to find out what all this meant. And worse, Orion still didn't know his place. His face darkened as he thought about Valois. Another problem. The boy seemed to attract too much attention. Orion needed to be restrained, needed to learn obedience, and above all, Orion needed to acknowledge that he belonged to him. All that nonsense about being his equal was ridiculous but he grudgingly respected the boy for making a stand. He would need to be more careful with him given his powers. And he was losing control; he shouldn't have kissed the boy, and he shouldn't have taken pleasure in it. But the boy's lithe body against his, his exquisite warm mouth surrendering to his… No! He wouldn't fall into temptation, into weakness. If he wanted to use the boy however he saw fit, then he would, but he would be in control. He would do it to manipulate, not to get lost in mindless lust.

As Orion left the room, he saw that the ball was still in full swing. Orion went into one of the deserted rooms and quickly threw the floo powder at the fireplace and flooed to Malfoy Manor. When he reached his bedroom he tiredly dropped on his bed. He tentatively touched his bruised lips and then scowled at himself. He had liked it. Morgana strike him down! He had liked Voldemort's kiss! He hadn't even been too aware of that while it happened but now he knew. So different from any other kiss that Lezander had given him, so much more intense and consuming. Orion angrily punched his pillow. Damn it! He shouldn't have liked it! Not while Voldemort had crucioed him and then backhanded him, not while Voldemort had been spouting again his ridiculous ideas. This was getting out of hand. He had to put an end to it. He shouldn't give Voldemort a reason to start that kind of games with him. He had to act cool and indifferent around him. That's it! Just be unnoticeable. Voldemort had a lot on his hands, if Orion kept a low profile then Voldemort wouldn't pay attention to him. But by Morgana that next time Voldemort harmed him he would harm him back! Orion sighed. At least he won't be seeing him at the meetings again. He wouldn't go to the next two balls either. He frowned. Voldemort had seen the control he had on his dark magic. Damn it! It was too soon. He would need to train harder to control it better. But besides that, there was still something strange. The kiss, what he had felt, had it only been pleasure? No, he had felt something else pulling from within. His magic? Maybe…What was the meaning of it? Orion tiredly rubbed his eyes. It was all so very confusing. He needed to rest.

Orion faked illness for the next two balls and he wrote to Sebastien to excuse his absence. After confronting Lucius for telling Voldemort about Valois and him, he was at least more pacified when the older wizard explained that he hadn't thought that Voldemort would get angry or that Orion would react so stupidly. Lucius said that he wasn't proposing that Orion, in particular, should seduce Valois, he just thought that Valois' weakness was something useful that Voldemort needed to know. Lucius and Draco had separately interrogated him about what happened between Voldemort and him once they left the room but Orion had refused to say anything. He only told them that they had a brief argument and had left it at that. Lucius had seemed perturbed and Orion thought that he might have told something to Narcissa, since in the following days she had been casting concerned glances at him. But none of them spoke about it again.

On Sunday, he went back to Hogwarts with Draco, thankful that Voldemort was too busy with the meetings to have time to summon him and confront him. Though at some point Voldemort would call for him, of that, he was certain.

As Orion reached the entrance of Durmstrang's dorm, he remembered something that had been on his mind since the meeting. He stopped Draco from advancing towards Slytherin's dorms and asked, "Draco, what's the Department of Mysteries? Rookwood mentioned it during the meeting."

Draco looked around to make certain they were alone and then cast silencing spells around them. He looked at Orion and said quietly, "The Department of Mysteries lies in the lowest level of the English Ministry of Magic, on the ninth level. There, wizards who are called Unspeakables, go about researching some of the deepest mysteries of magic. They explore and experiment with these mysterious forces in various chambers. No one really knows what is down there since the Unspeakables take an oath to keep their secrets. Rookwood somehow managed to circumvent his oath and he passed information to the Dark Lord during the first war. From what he said it seems that the Americans have a similar department; I guess all countries do."

Orion nodded and went to his dorm. He wondered what kind of things were studied there, it sounded very interesting. And what could the Americans possibly have?

That night, as he lay besides a sleeping Lezander, his guilt consumed him. He had allowed Voldemort to kiss him and worse, he had enjoyed it. But it wasn't right. He looked at Lezander's peaceful face and tenderly caressed his pale cheek. Lezander was so gentle and good to him. This is what he needed; Lezander's love not Voldemort's aggressive and manipulative possessiveness. Orion softly kissed Lezander's lips and burrowed against him. He vouched that his relationship with Voldemort would be strictly professional from now on. Lezander was everything he needed.