Hey there. just a quick word to thanks all of you, and also to say all chapters have been edited.

On this note, I also want to say this chapter is the start of an epic journey - one which truthfully I'm not sure how to write correctly haha. But I have things all planned up to the end of the fourth year, pethaps even middle of the fifth.

Anyway, enjoy and ignore my ramblings :D

Chapter 36: Begin anew

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Bael woke up with a nasty migraine.

First of all, he was not in the mood to catch up with his friends. Even if the Quidditch match had been over for over a couple days, Bael held grudges like a Sphinx. Which meant, he was a damn sore loser.

Then, when he had glanced at his timetable, he had had the pleasure of realizing he would have runes, potions and then duel. Bael seriously considered breaking his leg to miss the classes. But then, he was deemed persona non-grata in the Infirmary Ward for unknown reasons. He blamed Snape.

And finally, Bael had detention with Snape that evening. And no, it was not related to why he blamed Snape for the Infirmary ward.

Really, he was up for damn awful day. At least, he hoped the weather had relented. It had rained for over two weeks straight now, and mood was an all-time low for students. Which was not normal, according to the Prophet. Bael frowned, having read about unnatural magical occurrences disturbing the weather in the Eastern part of the country. Oh well. He wasn't an astro-wizard, so he wouldn't have any answers. So, in order to evaluate the weather, he went to the window to open it. And he was drenched in half a second.

"Ok. So I guess, the weather is still as bad." Muttered the metamorphmagus, waving lazily his wand to dry his clothes. He glared at the window and then at his bag wherein lain his middle-age duel clothes – he knew he would be muddy by the end of the day. He pinched his nose, thinking about the class. He just knew today would be a shitty day.

"Happy Birthday, man."

Bael started and stared at Ron's form. He was still half asleep – the little rascal had no rune class this morning and was sleeping in.

"Open your present." Mumbled Ron slowly, eyes barely opened.

Bael allowed a smile. Perhaps this day could actually go wonderfully. The metamorphmagus went to high five his friend and to unwrap the gift. It was a ring mounted with a topaz rock.

"What … Ron! You didn't have to!" ushered Bael, grinning while sliding the ring on his right index hand.

"Don't worry, mate. It was something Bill got from the Goblins for some work. That way, it'll match with your other rings, right? You always wear that ruby and arm of coats."

Bael frowned and looked at his left hand. The ruby was actually Andromeda's former engagement ring. Somehow, his Aunt had given it to him when they had first met because he had been like her fiancé then. He had sported the ring forever since – and he was practically sure his mother had raved about the jewelry more than once to Aunt Cissy.

"Yeah." Awkwardly said Bael to answer Ron, "Thanks mate. Really."

But Ron was snoring.

Bael heaved a sigh. Only his best friend would pretend to be asleep just so that they would escape the weird emotional moment. But he wasn't one to discard such an offer. With a speed he didn't know he had, Bael bolted out of the dorms. He saw Hermione ready to leave for breakfast.

"Ah, Bael!" she waved, "Happy Birthday." She smiled and gave him her present. "it isn't much, but …"

Bael smiled.

"nah, don't worry. I'm sure I'll like it."

With glee, Bael discovered a kit for a broom maintenance. Oh, he was so in love with the gift. With a huge wooping sound, Bael embraced Hermione.

"That's awesome! Thanks!"

His surprise didn't stop there. A few minutes later, a huge screeching owl was landing on the table near Bael, a small parcel wrapped in between its talons.

"I wonder who is it from." muttered Bael while taking the parcel in his hands.

The bird had left by the time he was opening the gift. Inside, lodged with a small birthday card – and the names of those who had sent him the card – laid a strange 8-shaped form. Hermione peered inside.

"So, who's it from?"

Bael smile tenderly, not missing a beat, "Family." He whispered. "The good ones."

"the good ones?" she repeated, before understanding dawned on her mind, "Ah. Is it a joint gift?" she finally asked.

"Yeah …" Bael frowned. He didn't exactly know what it was. "But I don't kno-" he stopped when he finished unravelling the gift, "These are … lenses." With adoration etched on his features, Bael opened the two capsules on the 8-shaped cubicle of sorts, "Magical lenses … it must have cost a small fortune."

Bael had not wasted a single minute to change his glasses for the lenses. Briefly transfiguring his goblet into a mirror and rinsing his fingers with water, Bael put them in. He ignored the disgusted faces of his classmates.

Slowly, his migraine was receding. Which was good, considering he still had a long day before him. At breakfast, Bael did see his cousin, and scowled when he had the gall to offer him a snake. Really, he shouldn't have bothered with Draco anyway. Pushing the snake away with a disgusted face, he was also unsurprised when Hadès – his mother's owl – descended and confronted him with a letter. With a bit of apprehension, Bael opened the letter.

"So, anything good?" asked Hermione a bit quietly.

Bael scowled.

"I don't know why I put up with them." He whispered harshly. "They forgot about my birthday. I mean, even Draco tried. I feel insulted here." He whined, pushing Hadès away and burning the letter with bitterness. "I'll be up in runes. See you later." He muttered.

"Don't." cut off Hermione. "I'll go with you."

Bael stiffened, but thanked her later anyway.

"I don't know why I react that way." He finally whispered to his best friend, all the while looking at the window, waiting for the class to fill in. "It's always a disappointment in the end."

"Oh, Bael. I'm sure something must have happened. Perhaps with that storm, their mail hasn't arrived."

Bael's eyes were actually alight with slight hope.

"Perhaps. I don't think so, though."

Yes, a shitty day in perspective.

"Alright class!" professor whatshisnameagain babbled. Bael really should put more effort in this class if he couldn't bother to remember his teacher's name. "Let's stop moping around! Today's assignment will be about Marlow's law – which is quiet similar to the Andrean code some of you must have met in Arithmancy. A number for a certain letter, with a slight twist when-"

Bael ignored the voice. He already knew Marlow's law anyway.

I think her name was …. Babbling! I'm such a genius.

With a satisfied smirk, Bael bent down on his desk. He only had 30 minutes left before potions. Only 30 minutes left bef … Bael fell asleep in under a second.

"Mr Black!" quipped a voice near his ear.

Bael started and almost knocked down the teacher.

"Oh. Professor Babbling. My apologies."

On a side-note, never anger a runes professor. They have a knack for giving the worst kind of punitive homework. Bael groaned as he eyed warily the 30 cm long parchment he was supposed to translate for tomorrow. And to say he had detention with Snape … ugh. He would have to pull an all-nighter.

"Bael!"

Bael turned to glare down at whoever was calling him.

"what?!" he snapped. It was Hermione. Bael squashed down the remorse he felt. Right now, he needed to vent. And the next classes weren't going to allow him to do so.

Hermione's brow creased. She pulled him aside.

"Not so loud." She insisted, "Bael, the numbers from the poem and all, remember them?"

Bael emitted a sort of grunt, watching the grandfather clock for the time he would arrive in potions. He didn't need Snape on his back this morning. But perhaps that was wishful thinking.

"What of them?"

"I used Marlow's law on them." Answered the witch. She hesitated before asking, "Bael, you've never … tinkered with time, right?"

Bael stared.

"What?"

Hermione pursed her lips.

"I … oh, just look. The numbers … they spelled out your full name Bael." She harshly showed him her notes, "There, Xerxès Baelfyre Arctymeus Black Lestrange."

All colors drained from Bael's face.

"Bael, you swear you've never been to those ruins, or used … I don't know. A time-turner? It would explain why Ms Pomfresh was so mad at you … if you-"

"I'm not a thief, Hermione." Coldly snapped Bael, "And even less of a time traveler. I actually find this to be nonsense. I mean, let's face it. Numbers in ruins, names scattered everywhere and then suddeny my name appears? Right." He snorted, "That's far-fetched. This is … I don't know."

"Do you believe in Seers then? Perhaps, Seers from a forgotten age forecast your name … " asked Hermione.

Both Gryffindors let out a smile.

"Yeah. No." they said at the same time.

"Although, your name was still spelled out, Bael." Muttered Hermione, leaving a thinking Bael.

"I don't know, 'Mione. I've never heard of these people before. So I really have no idea why …"

A strident ring stopped the two friends in their musings.

"We're late for potions!" half shouted Hermione, horror dawning on both their faces.

Well, they were screwed.

"Granger and Black." Sneered Snape. He seemed to be enjoying this way too much.

Right on the front door of the potion class, both Hermione and Bael were staring at their potion professor, awaiting the fatal house point loss and possibly humiliating next sentence. They were also reining in their ragged breaths, probably starting a few rumors if the slight glint in Brown's eye were anything to go by.

"How nice of you two to join our humble class." Continued Snape, eyes boring in their eyes.

There was a slight stare-down between the teacher and Bael and – Wait a minute. Bael frowned. Was that a probe he had felt on his mind? Oh, he would have never thought his mother's Occlumency lessons would have paid off. But apparently, Snape had noticed that Bael had noticed his mental probe. With a slight smirk, Bael prepared an acid reply. He was cut off by Snape though.

"Enough. Detention for you both, and 50 points from Gryffindor for being late. Also … today's lesson is about burn salves. Granger, partner up with Goyle, Black, with Crabbe.

Bael shut up his mouth.

Oh, this was beginning to be the worst day of class. He reserved the worst day of the year to his confrontation with the basilisk.

"Yes sir." Mumbled Bael with forced politeness.

He swore there was a running gag amongst the teacher to see when he would snap with Crabbe and Goyle. He would be ready to bet a few galleons on that.

During the whole course, Bael felt his patience reducing to an almost non existent layer. And would still have to put up with them for duel. Briefly glancing at Neville and Ron – the two were mouthing insults at his cousin while Bael looked with horror as Crabbe took the porcupine quills and threw them in the cauldron. If possible, Bael would have rather liked to die. Or cease to exist this very moment.

"Black!" snapped Snape. "Care to tell me why your potion is orange and not white?" the dangerous voice of the potion teacher brought back a dry-heaving Bal to reality.

"It was no my fault." Croaked out Bael.

Snape smiled. The horror.

"Perhaps, you ought to listen to professor Thaddéus more. Cooperation is doable when all parties involved are agreeable. And I'm afraid, you are far from cooperating, Mr Black. That will cost you another 10 points and detention with me. Again."

The foul taste of anger stayed upon Bael's tongue for the rest of the potion class. He was feeling mutinous, and his hair probably said as much.

"So … happy birthday."

Neville's meek voice made Bael smile a little. At least some of his friends cared about him.

"Thanks." Bael smiled, but he was well aware his smile looked like a grimace.

Bael and his friends were at the table, eating lunch. All of them were looking at the windows, where the rain was still pouring down.

"At least there are no lightning bolts." Said Hermione, trying to reassure her friends, "Thaddéus probably plans for a less intensive lesson anyway."

Ron gulped.

"I hope so. I think the day has been awful enough."

"Talk to me about it." Muttered darkly Bael.

Neville wisely chose not to ask. Bael was in one of these moods, you'd better not cross his path.

"Which reminds me" Bael cracked his neck, "I finished what I had to do for Colin."

Ron and Neville zeroed in on Bael, both curious as to what it was. They watched as their metamorphmagus friend – his hair still had yet to relent from the bleeding red like color it had taken during potion - exchanged an orb with Colin, both sounding excited about it.

"Will you tell us about that on day?" whined Ron.

Hermione and Bael smiled.

"Perhaps." Taunted Bael, a newfound light smirk playing across his face.

"Alright." Thaddéus was garbed in her eternal combat robes, watching over a crowd of sixth and third year students, "You must all being wondering why I gathered you all here." The strict teacher spared them once glance and continued, "Today, I will test your abilities in a full Duel." Excited whispers broke out. "There will be two teams, the Sixth grade and Third grade." Thaddéus waved her wand and black and white tissues appeared. She distributed each one to each team. "The goal, is to take back the flag of the other team and make it back safely to your own team. The pitch used will be the whole Hogwarts Park." People eyed carefully the rain, "You have roughly 30 minutes to prepare. Now scatter."

As always with the teacher, there was only a bare minimum of instructions. As soon as she had said scatter, Bael had not waited long to leave in the park. Actually, he had no other choice. His whole team was going to the park, sparking a few spell to impervious them from the rain.

"First things first, we need communication." Had muttered Susan Bones in their huddle.

Bael was perched on a tree, trying to ignore the whole drama. Already Ron was picking a fight with Draco, while Pansy was insulting Hermione. Smirking, he could already predict which team would be winning this little contest.

Bael opened his eyes.

Or not.

The opposing team would probably think one of them would hold over the flag. But if he were to hide it, per say, with the giant squid … It was technically still within Hogwarts Park. Grinning madly, Bael made a dash to Ron – after all, he was the only one capable of talking to that squid and being listened to.

"So I had this wonderful idea!" began cheerfully Bael, ignoring Draco's attempt at leadership, "We have to hide the flag with the Giant Squid."

His idea was received with rocks. With actual rocks.

These uncouth undeserving brats

Bael was fuming.

Oh fine. He wouldn't be the one fighting anyway. He couldn't materialize a weapon. All he was good at was hiding in a hole and waiting, which he planned on doing. Possibly in a tree, where he would be at least sheltered from the heavy rains.

"Thaddéus always talked about how communication is important. We need to always stay in contact but not be huddled. Or it will be easy to pick on all of us." Explained a ravenclaw – the Patil twin? "So here is a communication device." She handed the whole group a rock. Ah. So that was why he had received a rock on his head. What a violent person. "Also, we need somebody to connect all the rocks together. You just have to swish your wand that way." She demonstrated, "that way, our weakest element in the group wouldn't have to fight."

Bael felt deeply offended when almost all eyes turned to him. So what if his legendary skills in duel had not shown up. He seethed. He would show them all not to mess with a Lestrange.

"Whatever." Muttered Bael when Parvati Patil (that was the Ravenclaw's name) gave him instructions on how to connect the devices. He still had to admit it was very smart. But not as smart as his parchments. At least, his were automatic devices. Her rocks … felt barbaric at best. Ignoring the Slytherins mockery and the apologizing looks sent his way, Bael took the rocks and isolated himself. Clearly, he was not needed anymore.

A strident ring hung in the air. The signal was probably meant as the beginning of the duel against the sixth year. Oh well. Bael would just hear all the squabbles with the rocks. He laughed maniacally at all the blackmail he was sure to gather. This was actually a goldmine. Swishing his hand, he heard Ron's voice asking for a house teaming. Something to do about affinities. And then, they were four groups leaving in Hogwarts park, looking for the sixth year.

As fast as possible, Bael had hidden himself in the high branches of a tree. Along with his metamorphmagus abilities, he was sure not to be caught. Or … wasn't Tonks in the sixth year group? Now, he would have to be extra careful. Belatedly, Bael realized he was freezing, tired and bored. Yawning, he looked around him to identify any upcoming threats. No one was there. And even if he could use some spells to be more comfortable, he felt a bit edgy today. Something, in his guts, told him that soon enough, a threat would come hunt him.

Oh no … thunder is coming down

A thunderbolt crashed somewhere near Hogsmeade. Bael watched the sight with heavy eyes. Smoke was lifted, a tree was on fire in the countryside.

The wards should stop them from hitting the grounds anyway mused Bael, idly watching the mesmerizing sight of yet another lightning bolt.

"What are you doing up here, boy?" A menacing voice was heard over the storm. "It is dagerous to be there in a thunderstorm."

Bael glanced down. A centaur was casually walking near his tree. He was out of the forbidden forest too. Now, that was suspicious. Perhaps, it was why his guts were clenching. Or perhaps it was because he felt abandoned today.

"Just waiting for the class to end." He drawled, still swishing his hand over the rocks to keep communication between his comrades.

The centaur pursed his lips. He seemed to debate over something before putting his hooves on the tree bark, causing it to tremble slightly and Bael to grip tightly the branch he was perched in. His dark fur was almost shining under the rain drops. And since the rain was not showing any abating signs, the centaur would most definitely get stuck with that ridiculous look for a while.

"Come. You were requested." Came the Centaur's voice again. His eyes boring holes in Bael's back.

Bael's hawk like eyes focused solely on the centaur then. He was pretty sure he had never seen him his entire life. Sure, he had met with Bane and Firenze. And even Altric. But still …

"Who? Bane? Altric? Firenze?"

The centaur seemed pained. He used his hooves once again to hit the tree. He was beginning to be angered, realized Bael. His eyes were almost throwing bolts.

"No. Much more important. Come now."

The centaur's voice was gentle, which was a stark contrast to his earlier attitude. Bael was wary of an Imperio Centaur. It potentially could happen …

"I won't harm you in any way. But you must come now." He urged.

A sinking feeling descended on Bael. The centaur was very serious. And a serious centaur meant trouble. More than Thaddéus would ever be. Quickly deciding to abandon his rocks – his team-mates were being thrashed anyway if the cries were anything to go by -, Bael followed the centaur quietly. The two walked a couple minutes to the Forbidden Forest barrier. Even if the rain was impairing sight, Bael could still feel other centaurs around, stopping him from leaving if he wanted to. He was now officially trapped.

"What's happening?" he asked once again, a hint of panick lacing his voice.

"You were requested." Replied the centaur, looking right in front of him and leading Bael into the heart of the forbidden forest.

"By who?" whined Bael, deciding on his next action.

The centaur stopped walking. He stared down at Bael. The metamorphmagus fidgeted.

"By someone who wishes you well. Fare well, boy." The centaur left on these last words, leaving Bael alone with his thoughts. That, was something he had not predicted. Usually, centaurs liked to use the planets to predict some obscure future. Also, they didn't like people breaching into their territories. And Hogwarts students were amongst their most hated creatures. So, why had the centaurs left him? He was currently in the middle of nowhere. Only a dirty path led somewhere north, putting more distance with him and the Castle.

No. Actually, the centaur had not left. He was watching him behind a tree. And so were other centaurs. Their eyes were eerie. Bael cringed when he realized the centaurs had also drawn their bows. The glinting arrows under the storm compelled Bael to move forward.

Bael gritted his teeth. He was missing the bigger picture here. He hated missing the bigger picture. Slowly, Bael walked towards the small trail the centaur had shown him, wand drawn. Walking painfully towards the clearing, Bael clutched his wand in his hand in case of danger. Behind him, somewhere, another thunder bolt was unleashed, making terrible noise.

"You sure took your time, idiot." A familiar voice drawled not far away from Bael's ear.

Bael turned, wand raised. Heart racing far too fast to be healthy.

"What … ?"

Bael was left speechless. Despair was even beginning to well up in him. For in front of him, the ghost of both Ron and Draco stood, not a day older than the last he had seen them. And they were in their combat clothes. A large stick was held in each of their hands but Bael couldn't move. His tears were mixing with the never faltering rain.

"What happened?! How ...?"

Ho, how much he despised today.

"Avada Kedavra"

Even with the thunder rolling not so far away from him, Bael heard the distinct spell. Somehow, with newfound rage, and in a clogged daze, Bael turned away and dodged the green ray. Standing a few feet away, Peter Pettigrew was grinning. Not long away, Dementors were starting to give the chase, but Bael had only eyes for the Death-Eater. The frozen breeze Dementors brought with them was affecting both wizard, but none moved.

"You …"

Bael clutched his wand tightly.

"It's your fault! Murderer!" screamed Bael, "Deleor!"

One of his favorite spell. Pettigrew laughed. With agility, he avoided the spell. A tree exploded. But Bael didn't waver. So much was his rage, that somewhere along the lines, he realized he had been using his mother's spells. Somewhere, too, a part of his mind registered the gash in his right arm. And then, when Bael looked up, Pettigrew had appeared grossly detailed. He stood a mere handshake away. Far too close … far too close to his face.

With horror, Bael realized he couldn't move, a stunner was probably hampering him from doing so. Slowly, he could simply watch as Pettigrew retrieved a black looking sphere. With one of his mightiest effort, Bael tried to cast a last spell.

"expulso" he croaked out

The red lightning touched Pettigrew and expelled him in a broken tree. At the same moment, the black sphere was heaved in the air just as a thunder bolt stroke it.

Bael registered the deafening sound of an explosion, the heat of it too. Somewhere, bark was flying, howls were heard …

As the wind picked up, Bael's grasp on reality fell with his wand. His last sight before darkness engulfed him was the muddy grass and somebody's footsteps approaching his heavy form.