I wasn't going to post this for a few more days...but I did something awful today. You'll never forgive me for it either. You won't find out what it is for a while but when you finally see it you'll never forgive me. I can't look in the mirror without thinking about it. Oh god Sev I am so sorry. But lets get back to the current story okay. Like I said 'I'M SO SORRY!' Also, I'm sorry for those who wanted to keep Julian's father a surprise and I went ahead and categorized the story the way I did. I apologize.
Wow. I think 5 reviews is nice...but more would be like so much better. So please donate to the cause.
lavondyss21: You'll find out now but don't scroll down so you can see it. Read the whole thing first. shrimp stirfry: Why thank you. I just thought it would be a good idea. Arrow Snape: You'll just have to wait and see (grins) Ephirel: (hugs back) You're welcome. I'm glad that you like it so far. I was really wary of sticking in the flashbacks but did it anyway. And don't worry about Jules's house my fellow Slytherin (displays shirt that says 'SNAKES RULE'!) Starr Light1: Read on. You'll see.
TITLE: Raven's Gift
AUTHOR: Alia
STATUS/PART: 2/?
EMAIL:
RATING: PG-13...maybe R
PAIRING: Severus Snape / (won't tell yet. He he.)
SPOILERS: Um...OotP
WARNINGS: slash, mpreg, a little language
DISCLAIMER: I do not in anyway or fashion own HP or anything else. I'm making no money from this.
SUMMARY: Julian heads for Hogwarts and a serious problem arises.
AUTHOR'S NOTES: The first one was more a focus on Severus but this one is more on Julian. By the way, you're about to find out why I did a second part to this. grins
Julian sat back in his seat across from his best friend, Matthew Lyrin. He'd just waved goodbye to his father who was standing quietly at the train station with Matt's family. Sighing, he turned and opened Ignis's cage.
Matt shook his head. "I swear only you would end up with a phoenix for a familiar."
Julian barely gave him a smirk. Matt frowned at the somewhat saddened look on his friend's face. "I heard the Headmaster has one. Maybe you should ask him why Ignis suddenly decided to become domestic?"
"Yeah, sure."
"Merlin! Jules, your father will be alright!" The shout startled Shawn, who hooted at the boy.
Julian glared. "How do you know?! Papa was always alone before I was born. What if something happens in the cottage while I'm away? Or in the shop with his research?"
Matt raised an eyebrow. "Julian, please don't babble. Your father is a grown man. He can take care of himself."
Julian just let his head drop back. His phoenix looked at him silently before settling in the boy's lap.
Matt put Ignis's cage upon the floor and stroked his own owl. It was quiet for a while. Matt though it best for Julian to get over whatever little issue he was going through before they talked.
Julian peeked up at him though his bangs. "Sorry."
"No problem. I'm worried about my folks too but they'll be fine. So are you nervous?"
Julian nodded and shifted in his seat. "Of course, but Papa told me a little about it. He said everything else should be a surprise."
Matt grumbled, "I hate surprises."
"Liar."
Before the boy could comment, the door opened. A young girl stood at the door. She looked of an Asian descent with long black hair and slanted dark eyes. She seemed a bit tall but something told both boys she had to be their age. Her eyes looked at them both carefully and her eyes widened at the sight of Ignis.
"Can we help you?" asked Julian. The girl jumped slightly.
She cleared her throat though she continued to fidget shyly. "Do you mind if we sit here?"
Julian and Matt shared a confused look.
"We?" asked Matthew. He tried to look around her.
A toe headed boy stepped from around her. He was short, much more than the girl and an inch or so shorter than Julian and Matthew. He was blushing red and the stormy blue-gray eyes barely looked up at them.
Julian gave Matt a look and when the black boy just shrugged he said, "We have plenty of room. Have a seat."
They smiled and sat down, the boy by Julian, the girl by Matt. Chuckling at their nervous behavior, Matthew stuck out a hand. "Matthew Lyrin, but please call me Matt."
The girl smiled brightly. "Xiaoming Wong." She shook his hand.
Matt turned to the small boy. He smiled. "Dillon Prain." He shook Matt's hand.
The boy turned to his best friend. "Well, old man."
Julian snorted. He smiled and shook both their hands. "Julian Esan. It's a pleasure to meet you two."
"So what house do you guys have plans for?" asked Matt.
Julian just smiled. Matthew had always been talkative even when you wanted him to shut up.
Xiaoming, or Minny as they'd already begun calling her, shrugged. "I don't know. My parents were both in Ravenclaw. I may be put there."
Matt smiled. "Well, I don't have any particular plans. I think whatever house I'm put in will be the best for me."
Dillon frowned. "But what if you get put in Slytherin?"
Julian tried not to stiffen. "What's wrong with Slytherin?" He asked. Matt's eyes suddenly turned a bit darker but he kept a sharp look on his friend. Few people realized that Julian inherited his father's temper. It wasn't visible until it was too late.
"Well...my father said that all of the...Death Eaters," he whispered, "were Slytherins. He said that they're all crooks and back stabbers."
Julian remained silent so Matt stepped in. "You don't honestly believe that do you?" he said with a choked laugh.
"My father said..."
"You shouldn't pass judgment on anyone until you've met them. Until then, you're considered to be an uneducated fool," said Minny softly.
Matt nodded. "They aren't all bad. Besides, I heard that You Know Who even had people from the other houses, even Gryffindor."
"My father is a Slytherin."
Dillon blushed with shame at Julian's quiet admission. "
Wait until you condemn them Dillon. Everyone is born with a little darkness. Papa always said that there is only a darker shade of gray in the world."
Dillon nodded and the others smiled seeing the boy was thinking on their words. A woman with a cart came by offering goodies which all of them indulged in.
By the time they reached Hogsmeade, the four first years were shaking with excitement. The upper years were leaving on carriages but they stood with the other first years.
"What do we do now?" said Xiaoming.
Julian looked around. "Papa said that someone would be waiting for us."
"Who?"
"I don't remember."
Suddenly a bombing voice echoed behind them. "All first years over here!"
They turned and their heads traveled upward. Matt shook his head. "Merlin...and I thought my Grandfather was big."
Julian continued to gawk saying, "Your grandfather is big."
Minny just blinked. Dillon squirmed. Many of the children were gathering around the man and climbing into old boats nearby. The four of them moved up as well.
"Who is he?" whispered Matt as the huge man with the beard helped the others in.
"Hagrid. Dad said he was the groundskeeper. He's also teaches Care of Magical Creatures." Hagrid turned and smiled at him. "You two next."
They'd been stunned by their first glimpses of Hogwarts. Julian couldn't stop looking around as the first years were again gathered. The castle was just as magnificent as his Papa had told him and Matt.
The boy shifted beside him. Minny and Dillon stood close by. After a few moments of waiting, an old woman with slightly graying hair, in dark robes and a witch's hat came down stairs that were close to them. Her face didn't show much emotion and Julian identified this woman as Minerva McGonagal. She introduced herself and after a few instructions began leading them to the Great Hall. After the four of them nodded at each other, they got into a line and followed McGonagall.
Julian bit back the gasp he held as he entered the Hall. The place was enormous, it somehow seemed to pale in comparison to his father's description, though it could have been all the upper years sitting at the four long tables staring at them. Closing his eyes, he took a deep breath and remembered his father's words from earlier.
He looked up closely at the Head Table and immediately found Dumbledore. The man reminded him somewhat of Santa Claus but his Papa had told him that this gentle lookalike was also one of the most powerful wizards in the world, one that should not be angered. He didn't really worry about that. Although he was happy with his father alone, and would have issues about sharing the man, he would like to know the person that was closest to being his grandfather.
"He'd been the only real father figure I had in my life. Though we each had our problems, I still trust him with both our lives."
Julian had only nodded.
The girl behind him was shaking and Julian did not want to become nervous before these people. "Darius Dryns." Julian sighed weakly as the boy before him went to the stool and Sorting Hat. Instead of concentrating on the butterflies in his stomach, he looked back at the Head Table.
Dumbledore was looking at him curiously and honestly, all Julian could do was look back. He spared a short glance at the other teachers at the table. On Dumbledore's left was a young man with shaggy black hair and emerald green eyes. If he listened enough he could hear a few whispers behind him. The man glanced at him before looking back down the line. Julian finally saw the lightening bolt scar.
So this was Harry Potter. His father had told him that the man wasn't much. Julian could only see that those eyes were older than they should be. They reminded him of his Papa's own, be they blue or black.
His assessment of the Boy Who Lived was cut short as "HUFFLEPUFF!" and a loud applause echoed through the room. The boy, Darius, rushed toward his table. McGonagal looked at him. "Julian Esan."
His heart beating, he turned back for a mere moment to see Matt's encouraging grin. Believing that there was nothing to worry about, he stepped forward and sat carefully on the stool. He held his breath until the hat dropped onto his head and over his eyes.
Well, my boy, you are certainly interesting are you not. The child of two great war heroes.
Julian smiled. /Papa is a hero! I knew it./
Oh yes. They'd have never won without him. Either of them actually, but it seems that you don't care to find out much about your other father.
Julian didn't answer that.
Let us see. You are very courageous my boy, but something tells me that bravery and honor aren't all of your qualities. Very intelligent as well but not all knowledge is your goal.
Julian chuckled. /You're putting me in Slytherin, right?/
Your fathers were made for this house. You are as well little heir.
/Huh?/ He felt a shiver go down his back.
"SLYTHERIN!"
Julian smiled and handed the hat to McGonagal. Dillon smiled at him from his place in line while Julian made his way to the Slytherin table. Julian felt relieved when Minny and Matt did the same. He'd hate to lose his new and old friends.
He smiled when Matt went up shaking somewhat. After a few minutes, the hat proclaimed his best friend "GRYFFINDOR!" The two smirked at each other. Oh they had plans for their houses.
Dillon grinned brightly as he was placed in Ravenclaw. Minny sat beside him when she'd taken her turn. Matt had a little disappointed look that none of them had made Hufflepuff but they'd take care of that later. Julian gave a smirk worthy of his father. "Oh yes. Much later." A first year beside him got his attention, and Julian began using skills he'd been raised to use.
The next morning, the foursome met at the Ravenclaw table. It was considered a more neutral territory than Slytherin or Gryffindor. Matt rubbed his hands together greedily. "Oh, Jules. The pranks my man. The pranks! Think of the chaos we could cause in our houses!" he whispered evilly.
Julian rolled his eyes. "It won't last long you know. They're not stupid and sooner or later they'll know they have a traitor in their midst." He smiled. "We'll start next month. A prank for each year."
"You'll have to prank yourselves."
Dillon nodded in agreement with Minny. "It'll be obvious if they miss you."
Julian nodded. "We know guys. We'll be careful."
A throat cleared behind them and Julian was the only one that didn't jump. He turned around smoothly and smiled when he saw who it was.
"Good morning Professor Dumbledore." His friends repeated his greeting.
The old man greeted them as well. "Though I am happy to see the four of you conversing, I must tell you that it is time for you to return to your tables. You'll be getting your schedules in a moment." Julian nodded and thanked him.
As Dumbledore continued on his way, Julian and Matt nodded their goodbyes. "Later." "See ya." As Julian moved to his table a fifth year who'd seen him speaking to Matt opened his mouth to comment but a cool glare shut his mouth quickly. The others who'd seen it slowly nodded in respect.
The mail came soon after and Julian didn't bother smothering the smug look he had. When his phoenix came flying through to land beside him, the entire hall was in an uproar that a Slytherin had a phoenix for a familiar. The Headmaster looked not only stunned but delighted. Julian decided that he would talk to the older man later. He quickly wrote a note to his father and Ignis was off to deliver it. The other teachers as well as Dumbledore began to watch him afterward.
Most of his classes were with Gryffindor, two with Ravenclaw, and one with Hufflepuff. That morning, first year Slytherins and first year Gryffindors had Potions that morning. Both he and Matt had taken turns grinning at each other as they were way ahead of the others. It paid to have a father as a Potions Master.
Clara and Atticus, first years, walked beside him to the dungeons. "I'm going to hate this class. I can feel it."
Clara frowned. "Why is that Mast?"
"Yeah, isn't Slytherin known for excelling in Potions," laughed Julian.
"My older sister told that the woman who teaches is a complete idiot. I heard the school hasn't had a good teacher since Snape died ten years ago."
"Snape?" asked Julian slyly.
"Yes. My sister told me Severus Snape used to be the head of Slytherin but he fought against He Who Must Not Be Named and died in the final battle. He got an Order of Merlin and everything."
Julian nodded with pride.
When they finally entered the room, and did their best to ignore the horrible smell, Julian made his way over to Matt.
"You were almost late old man."
"Whatever. Shove over."
There were a few strange looks their way but the boys merely implied looks that their fathers had taught them. Their housemates quickly looked elsewhere.
A few minutes later, an extremely thin women with white robes and thin wire framed glasses entered the room with a large smile on her face. She had blonde hair and light blue eyes. Something told them she was also a complete ditz and not because of the bleach job. Clearing her throat she tried to walk gracefully through the room to her desk. She did a horrible job of it. "Good morning, children. I am Professor Orungs."
Julian burst from the room utterly disgusted. Matt was right behind him shaking his head.
"Thank Merlin, your dad isn't here." He briefly glanced at Clara and Atticus who were watching them. "He'd have killed her for that."
Julian spun around and glared at him. "Him! I should have killed her! My god, Matt, I've never seen such foolishness in my life. She couldn't remember the ingredients for a first year potion. A simple healing draught. I've been able to do those blindfolded since I was six!"
Clara asked, "How do you know so much?"
"My dad owns an apothecary and he's also a Potions Master."
"This is good," said Atticus.
"Why?"
"Because I refuse to fail because of her idiocy. At least if she doesn't kill us first." He looked at the Gryffindor.
"Matt Lyrin."
Though he hesitated, he responded back. Clara did the same.
"What's next? Please tell me it's something good." Julian begged with his eyes.
"Transfiguration," muttered Clara.
"I miss home already."
His day was finally over and though it had taken some swift talking, he'd gotten Flitwick to give him the password and location of Dumbledore's office. Ignis sat perched on his shoulder eyeing the gargoyle. Julian smiled. "Grape Nerds." He shook his head wondering about the old man's sanity.
Climbing the stairs after requesting they remain still, he knocked firmly twice on Dumbledore's office door. "Come in." He opened the door slowly taking in his knew surroundings as they were revealed.
The moment it was fully opened, Ignis flew from his shoulder to Dumbledore's. The old wizard chuckled. Julian inhaled sharply as sharp blue eyes turned to look at him. Old he may be, but Dumbledore had a lot of time left. "Good evening, Mr. Esan."
"Good evening Professor Dumbledore."
"Quite well. Come have a seat." He sat awkwardly in the chair before the desk.
Dumbledore looked at him curiously while stroking his bird. Another phoenix, the Headmaster's obviously, sat nearby looking at him with an equal curiosity.
"Was there a reason you can to see me Mister Esan?"
Julian blinked. He knew he'd forgotten something. "Um...no?"
Dumbledore chuckled. "So, how are your classes so far, Mr. Esan?"
He smiled. "Julian, if you don't mind Professor and they're..." He didn't want to lie exactly. "...not bad."
Dumbledore's eyes twinkled brightly at that. He was interested in this child. No Slytherin, especially a first year, would have come to see him just to chat. "Meaning?"
"Don't think I'm being offensive but can't you find another potions master?" Julian managed to catch the brief look of pain in the man's face.
"Not at the moment, my boy, though I do admit Professor Orungs isn't the best in her field."
Julian snorted at the understatement and Dumbledore laughed. "So, I saw you with the others this morning. Did you enjoy yourself?"
The two of them kept up idle talk from Julian's home village, schoolwork, and their phoenixes. Julian had enjoyed talking to his godfather, though Dumbledore had yet to know that. It was near curfew when they finished.
Two Months Later
Harry Potter, the Muggle Studies Teacher of Hogwarts, made his way to Albus's office. There was going to be a staff meeting that Friday afternoon but the Headmaster had amazingly not shown up. Being the youngest, the others had told him to go get the old man.
What he walked into was not what he expected. He'd heard about the young Slytherin that often spent time with Dumbledore. Many teachers had stopped by his office in the evening and usually after dinner the boy could be found with the Headmaster doing his work, talking, or playing chess. Though all of them were confused none of the teachers complained. This however was his first time seeing it.
"Don't you lie to me, Dumbledore! You stole my pawn."
"Really, Julian. Why ever would I steal your pawn?"
"Do you want the list of reasons, Albus?"
Dumbledore laughed. "Very well."
Harry watched Dumbledore hand over a white pawn.
"Cheat."
"Now, Julian..."
"At least Papa takes his losses."
Dumbledore's face changes slightly.
"What is it? You're giving me the look again."
"You'll have to forgive me Julian but you often remind me of someone. What is your father's name my boy. You said he was once a student here."
The boy's face blanched but for less than a second. "He transferred early in his schooling so you probably won't remember. Raven Genesis Esan."
Albus's eyes looked at Julian for a long moment. "Hmmm. Well, no matter. Shall we return to our game?"
"I say you forfeit. You are a sore loser Professor."
Clearing his throat, Harry caught their attention.
Dumbledore's eyes widened with realization. "It seems as if we lost quite a bit of time, Mr. Esan."
Julian nodded. He glanced at Professor Potter. "I'll see you tomorrow after dinner, Headmaster."
"Good day, Julian." The young man nodded to his teachers before leaving.
Dumbledore smiled at Harry as he put away the chess pieces and board. "Hello, Harry! I apologize for forgetting the staff meeting. It appears Mr. Esan's games have such an affect on an old man."
Harry smiled. "It's alright. The others are waiting in the teachers' lounge." Dumbledore soon had them going toward the lounge.
"You've taken to Esan."
Albus chuckled. "He's a very interesting boy. Intelligent and quite pleasant to be around. He reminds of someone."
Harry nodded. "Who does he remind you of?"
Albus's feet slowed slight. "A young Severus. At the very beginning, that's how he once was but with much less self-esteem or confidence."
Harry cursed himself for bringing it up. It had been tough for the Headmaster to have closure for the death of his somewhat adopted son. Especially since his body was found mutilated and burned after the final battle.
It took Snape's death for them to realize what he meant to everyone individually and to the cause. It had affected Harry himself...but he'd pushed it to the back of his mind. It was too painful to think about.
A couple weeks later found Dumbledore taking over for his joke of a teacher in Potions. Apparently, Orungs had made one mistake too many and turned herself into green and white polka dotted goat that coughed up dancing bubbles in the shapes of fairies.
After she'd been taken to St. Mungos the children were questioned and apparently the first year Slytherins and Gryffindors had no idea what happened. Julian had hid his smirk perfectly but Albus had seen the look in the boy's eyes. Good thing it wasn't permanent.
He had them preparing a Paternity potion. It was simple enough but still challenging and he often helped the students when they needed it. "Now, with donations from the staff, each of you will take a vial and test the blood with a drop of your own in the potion. Since none are related to staff, the potions should turn clear instead of the present dark purple."
"What color if we were related?"
"It would turn blue. A blue-black would be close relation, like a parent." Matt dropped a bit of the blood into the cauldron then nodded at Julian. Pricking his finger, he lost a few drops also. Both boys paled when it turned a blue-black.
"That's not possible!" whispered Matt.
Julian couldn't breathe for a moment as fears suddenly slammed into his head. "No."
"Jules?"
He turned to his best friend. "Whose name is on the vial?" Matt shivered. Merlin... He held it up for viewing. "Professor Potter's."
Dumbledore turned to see Julian was breathing heavily. "Mr. Esan?"
Julian reached across the table to grab something. Albus quickly moved to their desk. "Julian!" The ingredients the boy dropped in, destroyed the potion but Albus had already seen the dark color.
He looked at the distraught child looking up at him defiantly. "Class dismissed. Bottle your potions and leave please." He never lost eye contact with Julian and that caused the students to leave hurriedly.
Matt hovered in the background until a quick nod from Julian had him exiting the door. Dumbledore followed and locked the door behind him. He looked at the vial on the desk. The name read perfectly clear. He looked at Julian. "I believe we should talk, child."
TBC
Alia: Go evil me! Yay! (does dance)
