Disclaimer - I don't own Harry Potter or any of its characters (as much as
I wish I did). The great honor (and money) goes to J. K. Rowling. I do this
for fun and not money so it's useless to sue me because I have nothing.
Enjoy the story. ^_^
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Blood of My Blood
By Nyghthawk28
Chapter Seven - "The Snake's Den"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Slytherin!"
Well it was no big surprise, at least it was no big surprise for Zeaphur. In fact Zeaphur had been counting on the Sorting Hat putting him in Slytherin. He'd spent months making plans. Being Slytherin wouldn't be a problem in some ways he'd spent the last two years becoming a Slytherin. In the Dark Court cunning and power were a way of life that was beyond second nature but the very nature of life itself. At least in Underhill it was.
Zeaphur removed the Sorting Hat and moved toward the Slytherin table. His bodyguards flanked him slightly as he made his way over to the table. The others would not be sorted since they were here to make sure Zeaphur stayed alive not to get an education. Besides most of them would have no use for wizard magic.
The successful hunt had been a godsend really. Zeaphur was feeling relaxed and energetic. He was ready to mold his place within the ranks of his new house. He'd have to learn their rules since to know the rules is to know how to manipulate the rules in your favor.
The Slytherin table watched Zeaphur approach in silence while the rest of the hall filled with whispers and wild rumors. At his sides were the two huge black dogs, the fairy creature sat on his shoulder looking bored as she scanned the Great Hall. The others including Darkclaw followed behind him as he chose a place to sit. The others settled around him at the table or by it.
Unfortunately Zeaphur chose to sit with the first years who were somewhere between thrilled and terrified to be sitting next to the prince. One little girl who had light blue hair was brave enough to pet Thor.
As Zeaphur took the time to look around the hall he was surprised. His face remained composed but he very carefully started looking down the tables and more importantly the students that were sitting at them. Now two years is a long time not to see someone and this is a school so everyone is growing and maturing, physically at least. Still no matter how bad your memory is there are some things that you just wouldn't forget.
People and friends he once knew looked different and . felt different. Maybe it was because he was different but. It didn't matter now things would play out. As all Fey knew answers would always come given time and he had a lot of time on his hands.
Bloody.
Fucking.
HELL!!!!!!!!!!!
Of all the humanoid magical creatures Albus could have invited.
Why?
Why?
WHY?!?!?
Did it have to be Unseelie?
Royal Unseelie.
Years of careful work were all going to flushed down the toilet. Fey recognize Fey and all it takes is a simple touch. All lies revealed. I'll be stripped naked before the world and I can't do a bloody thing about it!
And to top things off that stupid blue fairy was staring at him!!!!!!!!!!!
Like all Furaeries, Callisto was a simple creature with simple interests. She liked to fight, she liked to hunt, and she liked to watch people fucking like bunnies. Her Xanya, which roughly translates as life provider, was a unique choice. Her kind only produced once every two hundred years so finding an ideal mate was of highest importance to her race.
Finding good breeding material was never easy and not always even humanoid in appearance. The main thing Furaeries look for his fighting ability and battle lust. More often than not humans were chosen but they didn't live long so sometimes you had to chose six or seven different mates before it was mating time but only one at a time. The magic of the mate bond was when a Furaerie became fertile they'd transform into a like form of their Xanya for a week. After being impregnated the Furaerie returned to her clan to raise her daughter (daughter since Furaerie were incapable of producing male offspring). Till such time a Furaerie fought at her Xanya's side until either her death or his. Only a successful mating or death would break a Furaerie bond.
Every Xanya was unique but Callisto's current Xanya was more interesting than most. Her kind had never managed to mate with someone with so much Wild blood, Wild Ones were usually too close to being forces of nature to mate with. That and more often than not they'd choose to hunt you instead of mate with you.
Meeting Zeaphur had been pure chance and extremely good luck for Callisto. She'd been taunting a bunch of Drow guards in Underhill when she'd met Zeaphur. She'd been about to fly off when seemingly out of nowhere a hand had snapped out and caught her. She'd been flying fast, even by Fey standards, and he'd just caught her.
She had gone into shock for a minute or two giving her captor time to visually examine her. Shock had turned into rage and interest but rage came first. She sank her sharp little teeth into his hand and flew off.
She'd spent the next three months ambushing Zeaphur at various times day and night. That had been of great amusement to the Unseelie Court. She always left Zeaphur swearing or mortally embarrassed. She unintentionally taught him to ignore being stared at by humiliating him beyond embarrassment. It also helped that during this time King Azius had decided that Zeaphur needed to learn to be comfortable in his skin so Zeaphur spent months walking around naked, it also added to the Court's amusement at Zeaphur expense. Zeaphur eventually learned his lesson but it took him five very long and embarrassing months.
Still despite everything else Callisto eventually managed to enrage Zeaphur. It happened during one of her night attacks. The weather outside Underhill had been on the brink of a huge storm. The thunder boomed so loud the ground itself seemed to shake. What she didn't know and what no one else realized at that time is while Zeaphur is usually a pretty tolerant and easy going person the addition of Stormayne traits also included personality traits. To put it simply is when the weather is good then Zeaphur is in a good mood, but when the weather is bad so is Zeaphur's mood. It works in reverse too but not to the same degree. Mainly Callisto picked a very bad time to attack and set off Zeaphur like a truck load of C4.
The dark bedroom suddenly had illumination by way of two intensely glowing green eyes and blood red hair that was being raised by invisible winds. Callisto really knew she was in trouble when the Prince growled because it sounded like the storm she flown through to get here. She took off like a bat out of hell and to her shock Zeaphur managed to keep up with her.
Two days later she collapsed moments after she was caught. Lucky for her Zeaphur collapse only moments later. King Azius sent out guards to retrieve the Prince when he didn't return after the first day. The group that found him ended up all the way in Queen Vespa's kingdom. Queen Vespa is the Brownie Queen and her territory is about three hundred miles away from Underhill, although distance isn't as simple to gage as it is in the human realm.
The guards had to bring Callisto back with them since even unconscious the Prince refused to release the success of his Hunt. His first Hunt really. Callisto finally managed to trigger the Wild Blood that attracted Thor(Darkke Hound) to Zeaphur in the first place.
When Zeaphur finally awakened he was a lot calmer and Callisto had had time to think about her options since she woke up several hours before Zeaphur. Before he had the chance to say anything she cast the Mating spell and laid her Mark on him. If you look closely you'll see a tiny set of teeth marks on Zeaphur's left wrist right over his pulse.
She has never regretted her choice. Such fascinating things seem to happen around her Xanya. For example the strange greasy man with the black hair. Something about him was.
Different?
Familiar?
It didn't matter they were going to be here for awhile and she had plenty of time to find out about him. After all one of the best parts of the hunt was the tracking the kill.
~Draco's POV~
Oh Merlin...
Oh...fuck.
Damn hormones!!!
I am a MALFOY! Malfoy's do not drool like idiot Hufflepuffs!
Still...
I'm a Slytherin.
I'm a teenager.
I'm a Malfoy.
I'm attracted to money, sex, magic, and power but not necessarily in that order. The greatest example of all four had just walked into the Great Hall and been sorted into my House.
My HOUSE!
The problem with being a Slytherin is I can never just accept things. My mind is always picking apart the angles, the pros the cons, and of course how any given situation could be used to my advantage.
Right now my mind was trying to decide between licking the blood off the Prince's skin and falling down on my knew to worship him. I want to strip naked and be covered by that sinful hair that probably feels softer than silk. I want to get drunk on the scent of his skin, the feel of his hair, and the strength of his hands.
Don't get me wrong I'm not gay I'm bi which is fairly normal in the wizarding world. Also parts of my heritage have made me a lot more flexible in the sexual arena than most. Although despite rumor I have a very minute amount of Veela blood my pale coloring comes from a different nonhuman source. Even I was surprised to discover the Malfoy's are blood descendants of ice demons called Kuroomie.
~End POV~
Life had taken unusual turn for one Draco Malfoy. Puberty was always something to dread and look forward to. If nothing else the maturing of one's magic was always an almost holy time for wizarding families. It was also a time of havoc since uncontrolled bursts of magic were quite common. It was for this reason Draco was still alive because its common practice to monitor young wizards on the edge of puberty just in case they do something dangerous. It was just Draco's luck that he chose to do something dangerous. His magical changes were a bit more unique and extreme than most wizards. He'd been taking a nice relaxing bath after practicing his Seeker skills on the Mansion's Quidditch pitch. He'd submerged his head under the water when some sort of surge hit him. The next thing he knew his bath water was solid ice and he was stuck in it like a fly in amber.
The lack of air made him pass out but lucky for Draco his mother Narcissa came in wanting to talk to him about a party she had planned. She found her son trapped in the bathtub that had become one huge ice cube and she screamed. She didn't panic for more than a few seconds before pulling out her wand and casting the first spell she could think of to free her entombed son.
The Malfoy physician was summoned immediately and Draco underwent the most thorough examination in his young life. Draco felt more than a little violated by the time it was over but he couldn't do much to halt it with his frantic mother standing over him the whole time.
Well Dr.Demetri Korso finally found the answers Narcissa demanded. The Malfoy line was a long established line of purebloods but pureblood is always a matter of interpretation. To make a long explanation short Draco had developed traits that hadn't been seen in the Malfoy line in centuries. Traits of a creature called a Kuroomie. Kuroomie are native to Japan and China and are more commonly classified as ice or snow demons. They prefer to be isolated and are not commonly seen even amongst the demon community. The demon blood in the Malfoy line had grown quite thin and only really appeared in their white-blond hair that continued to breed true and their fondness for the Dark Arts.
Lucius later reported that Draco wasn't the only one being effected. A lot of other children were also being affected. Old blood was rising to the surface and those going through puberty were being affected the most. Older wizards and witches were also be affected but to a much smaller degree.
Draco learned first hand why one of the main family mottos is Malfoys don't cry. It happened when Draco accidentally burned himself, a single tear rolled down his face and became a perfect pearl before hitting the ground. That little tear was now worth around a thousand galleons on the black market. This little talent was also the reason Kuroomie have isolated themselves for fear of becoming cash cows for the greedy.
Controlling his new abilities was harder than he'd ever imagined. He had to be especially careful when eating or bathing. He once while absently taking a sip of water suddenly found himself with a mouthful of ice. No damage done but it had been a wake up call. He needed to learn control badly if he couldn't get through something as simple as a meal.
He was barely grasping the beginnings of control when it was time to return to Hogwarts.
Control he was losing because of raging hormones. The Slytherins sitting next to him were huddling and edging away from the increasingly chilly Malfoy. Dealing with Malfoys often left people feeling cold but never quite this literally.
When the Prince settled down with the first years Draco snapped out of his daze and realized what he was doing and clamped down on his powers. His abilities with ice weren't like his abilities with magic, with magic he had to focus to do anything but his ice was like breathing. It was an automatic reflex he never knew he had.
Still even with his hormones racing Draco's mind was also racing. Draco had no illusions about the Headmaster sanity or lack of it but he'd underestimated Dumbledore's cunning. Now suddenly out of the blue a sidhe decides to take lessons at Hogwarts but not just any sidhe but a royal sidhe Prince. Dumbledore obviously has more cards up his sleeves than he'd ever imaged. Voldemort is going to shit in his pants when he realizes who's taken up residence in Hogwarts. There is no way in hell that Voldemort can attack Hogwarts as long as the Prince is here. It would be fucking genocide. No one and I mean no one wants to bring down the wraith of the whole Unseelie court. It's one thing to start a personal quarrel with one of the lords but you never ever mess with royalty unless you're prepared to die along with your family, friends, and any allies you have.
The Headmaster had managed in one stroke of genius, guaranteed the safety of Hogwarts for the entire school year or possibly longer depending on how long the Prince decided to stay. Still knowing Dumbledore there were still plenty of surprises left. For example where was Potter?
A question that was soon answered.
"Well today has been quite exciting has it not? Still the day is not over and I have quite a few announcements to make. The first has to do with young Harry Potter. As some of you have noticed he was not on the train today and he is not in this hall. Mr. Potter was offered a very special apprenticeship from a Mage's circle. I fear I can say no more but Mr. Potter will be continuing his magical education elsewhere. We are sad to loose his presence but we should be happy for the opprotunaties he is being offered."
The outcry from Dumbledore's words took almost ten minutes to settle down. Any actions involving Mages were almost as rare as meeting a sidhe. Everyone knows about or has heard of Mages but almost no one has ever met one. The agendas of Mages were also questionable and the Ministry of Magic had no authority over them. Although there had been some rumors that the Department of Mysteries was a government run Mage Circle but that was unlikely. Mages always worked in circles although no one really knew why or to what purpose.
With the rumor mill barely quieted Dumbledore continued on, "This school year will be very different from previous years. Nine new classes are being offered this year and a few of the old ones have been cancelled or altered. Among the cancelled classes is Divination. Professor Trelawney has found her visions to be too powerful to continue teaching this year and has taken a leave of absence. I know those who take her classes must be horribly disappointed but I'm sure you'll find one of the new classes being offered to be equally enjoyable."
The reaction to this news was either actually disappointment or mockery. Most students were going with mockery and even the Professors found it hard to believe Dumbledore was able to keep a straight face while saying this. For once the Heads of Slytherin and Gryffindor were in agreement and sneering at the "powerful visions and disappointment of the students".
"Both Ancient Runes and Ancient Rituals have been altered. Ancients Runes is now called Power Runes and has become a class on the actual use of Rune magic. Ancient Rituals has become Ritual Circles, this class will teach various circles of protection, methods of pooling magic, and other things. Professor Vector will be teaching Power Runes and Professor Sinestra will be teaching Ritual Circles. These are both elective classes."
"Besides her usual duties as the school nurse Madam Pomfrey has agreed to teach two classes this year. The first class is called Magical First Aid and will be required by all years to learn. It's a short but very important class. She will be teaching another class called the Healing Arts and this class is only available to those gifted with innate healing magic, a rare but amazing talent."
"Some of you may have noticed the return of Professor Lupin but this year he will not be teaching Defense Against the Dark Arts but one of our completely new classes. I'm proud to announce the addition of Elemental Manipulation. This will be a required class of the gifted but also open as an elective for others who wish to learn. It is a matter of learning to harness your innate element of elements or harnessing the elements around you."
A lot of interest among the students had been stirred by this class. Most wizarding children dream of holding fire in their hand or walking on water. A few do when they show their first signs of magic but its usually a one time thing.
"I would like to clarify a few rumors about Professor Lupin. Yes, as some of you know he is a Werewolf but with the exceptions of the nights of the full moon he is no more dangerous than any other wizard. Our Potions Master Professor Snape is quite capable of providing him with the Wolvesbane Potion which keeps him in control during the nights of the full moon. So you have nothing to worry about from him. Take this chance to ask him questions about being a Werewolf and let the rumors be replaced by facts." Said Dumbledore.
Lupin kept a straight face through this announcement as all the students stared at him in confusion, fear, interest, and a few in welcome.
"Moving on another new class this year is called Beast Magic. This is not Care of Magical Creatures which Professor Charlie Weasley has agreed to teach this year in Hagrid's absence due to family business. Beast Magic can also be called Summoning Magic and will go over the summoning of true Familiars and other creatures. The key to Summoning Magic is not bringing forth what you summon but controlling it once it has arrived. Madam Hooch has graciously agreed to teach this along with her Flight classes. She is quite gifted in this subject so I'm sure you will be learning quite a lot from her. Still Beast Magic is an elective class."
"An interesting new class called Magical Amulets is offered this year. Our new American Professor Ruby Goldstrike will be teaching this subject. It will go over the magic of crystals, gems, stones, metals, and crafting them into amulets. This is in some ways a forgotten art. A lot of people have forgotten or don't realize what's involved in creating magical objects and not just enchanting them."
"Another new class this year is Guardian Magic and I will be teaching this class. Guardian Magic is a unique form of defense magic but it not a personal defense but the defense of others or objects. It is not an easy subject. You make yourself into a shield for those who have entrusted their safety to you. It does have an offensive side but it is mainly a defensive art. This is also an elective"
The Headmaster had managed to interest the students about his new class. It questionable about how many were actually interested in the class but he got their attention.
"The next new class I'm about to announce is rather interesting. Hogwarts now teaches Sorcery."
There was a bit of an uproar from the students but he finally managed to get the attention of the Slytherin table.
"Sorcery is not the Dark Arts. Sorcery is a type of wandless magic that draws magic from outside sources. In some areas it is like Elemental Manipulation but it depends from what you are drawing magic from. It is a very powerful art but a very difficult one to master. It will be an elective class. The teacher for this class also comes from the states so let me introduce Professor Damien Darkholme."
The Great Hall doors opened and in he came. He looked like a vampire with ivory pale skin and raven black hair. He was dressed in black pants and a dark red shirt. A pair of dragon hide boots with ruby buckles. He took his seat at the head table without a word.
"Now for the final new class. DADA has been altered a little. DADA has become more of a physical class than a magical one. To balance this Dueling has become a class of its own and our resident Dueling Master Professor Flitwick will be teaching this new class along with his usual Charms classes. This is a required class."
"After all these announcements you probably have noticed the lack of a DADA teacher. The reason for this is he was delayed in arrival. He should be here by tomorrow and I will introduce him then. You have been given a lot to ponder and I will try to finish quickly so you can retire for the night. The elective classes have been opened to all years and you may choose to take as many as you like. Special arrangements have been made for this although please do not overburden yourself. Tomorrow all the elective and new classes will be demonstrated so you have a real idea what you can choose to learn. Now let us sing the school song and settle in for the night."
The song was quickly sung and prefects led their charges away. The older years didn't linger and headed directly for their rooms. Draco had the honor of being a Prefect this year and was leading his own group of first years to the Slytherin dorm along with the Prince and his entourage. After all the announcements most of the students had actually managed to forget about their new guest at least for a little while.
Zeaphur soon found himself and every other Slytherin assembled and waiting in the Slytherin common room. It was strange to see all the Slytherins assembled in a relatively small room. It seemed small with the Great Wolf and the two giant dogs at his side. Although truthfully Thor and Loki seemed to be taking up more space than Blackfang. The Echo seemed gifted at becoming part of the background so he could witness events.
When every last Slytherin was assembled the Head of House finally stepped forward to speak. "Throw out any preconceived notions you may have about Slytherin. Everything you've heard or have been told is either a lie or not the full truth. McGonagall has probably told you that your house is your family. She is both right and wrong."
Snape paused for minute before continuing. "Before you came here you were all equal but that is no longer true. The Sorting Hat has decided your fate by dividing and labeling you by your most dominate personality trait. If you were resorted a year from now, a week from now, or even a day from now you would very likely be placed in another house. Since today you were Slytherin then Slytherin you will remain for the rest of your life."
"What is a Slytherin some of you wonder, while others think you know. You're all wrong because there is no clear cut answer. Slytherins are never what we appear to be. We are masters of illusion and seeing through the illusion of lies. We are cunning, we are ambitious, and we always have hidden motives. This doesn't make us "Evil" and this doesn't make us "Good" either. Quite simply we are always looking out for our own interest even if they carry over to other people or causes."
"Some of you have probably heard of the Slytherin Code of Conduct. Again this is a lie that only applies to outsiders. There is no Code but feel free to make up rules to mess with the minds of outsiders. As of right now everyone not in this room at this moment is an outsider. That includes your parents or any other former Slytherin, they are outsiders. Slytherins are a family but more than that we are an army. When together we are united in battle, when separated we're part of a different army and a different war."
"To outsiders we are united in everything but that is just another illusion. Like all family we will have disagreements and internal battles but they will be resolved by us amongst ourselves. Have your little mind games and prank wars with other houses all you like but trouble between Slytherins is either resolved by words or by the Arena. When words aren't enough then combat in the Arena is the deciding factor. The Arena can't be spoken of outside of Slytherin because outside the dungeons the Arena doesn't exist. There are enchantments from the founding of Hogwarts that protect the secrets of the dungeons."
"Now that you have a small idea of what being a Slytherin means let me explain about the dungeons we call home. The dungeon is a labyrinth. Like the stairs and other parts of the castle the dungeons are an ever changing maze of secret passages, hidden rooms, and forgotten treasures. Unlike the other houses we don't have assigned dorms. There are seven corridors for the seven years each more difficult and dangerous than the last. Depending on your year you walk down the corridor and you have find your room to claim it. You can do it individually or in groups but I will warn you the better rooms are those best hidden. Once you've found a room you like to claim it simply pull down the sheets on the bed the house elves will deliver your luggage to your chosen room. You have all night to locate a room and I assure there is more than enough rooms for all of you. Now I suggest you start searching."
"An interesting scenario." Said Davan.
"I'm starting to feel right at home. This is just like Underhill." Said Aris.
"Underhill isn't a labyrinth." Said Zeaphur.
"It felt like one." Muttered Solis.
**Fascinating.** was all Blackfang had to say.
Snape paused and turned back around towards the Prince and his entourage. "You have no specific year as far as I know so I will leave it up to your own assessment to decide which corridor to choose." Said Snape before retiring to his own rooms for the night. He had a report to send to Voldemort. Not reporting the appearance of the Fey would earn him some serious Cruio time.
Loki(Sirius) was quiet. Two years of relative peace had changed him both physically and mentally but Sirius was still Sirius. Snape's words hit him hard. He still hated the git but this had been an unwanted insight into the world of Slytherins. He had grudgingly accepted Snape as an ally but he hadn't expected to actually get to know him. It was enlightening and horrifying at the same time.
"Let's find a room tomorrow will be quite a day. Davan if you wanted to hide a luxurious room where would you hide it?" Asked Zeaphur.
"Plain sight it always the best place." Replied Davan.
"What do you say Aris?" asked Zeaphur.
"I agree with Davan but sight is not always the key to hiding something. The corridors are a test. A maze the students willingly enter but Professor Snape said the Dungeon is a labyrinth not just those corridors. That means this room is part of the maze and probably concealing rooms as well." Said Aris.
"What do you think Solis?" asked Zeaphur.
"I'm not the best with puzzles but my instincts say Aris is right." Said Solis a little surprised to be asked at all. He wasn't usually one wanted advice from except on cute butts and the flammability of an object. Still both foxes and Kitsune are thieves by nature, although not as bad as ferrets(or bouncing ferrets).
"Now the question is what do you think my Prince?" asked Davan.
"I think we should leave this to an expert. Loki see what you can find." Said Zeaphur.
Sirius was glad to take his mind off contemplating Snape. Although he had never mentioned it, when they had originally created the Marauder's Map he'd been the one to find most of the Secret passages. He had experience with castles since his family home was one. Of course Castle Black wasn't as friendly and harmless as Hogwarts. Still when it came to hidden passage ways and secret rooms he was the master. Having enhanced senses of hearing and smell were a real bonus to his skills.
With all the students gone in search of their own rooms Sirius finally had a chance to examine the Slytherin common room. He started walking around and examining every corner of the room. Already he found at least three hidden doorways but none of them felt quite right. Then the faintest sound of water caught his attention. At first he ignored it as the sound of pipes but as he thought about it he'd never been able to hear any of the pipes in Hogwarts. The pipes were enchanted to be silent. Well if it wasn't pipes where was the sound of flowing water coming from? Sirius decided it was worth investigating.
Seeing Loki's interest in one wall they decided to come over and help if they could. They didn't have Loki's ears but they had other senses to search with. Like magic for example.
"Well there's something here but I'm not sure how to open it." Said Aris.
"Did you try knocking?" asked Solis. It was a joke but Zeaphur took it seriously. He moved to stand in front of the stone wall and as it was a regular wooden door he knocked on the stone and waited.
"Who's there?" asked the wall.
"My name is Prince Zeaphur."
"What do you seek?"
"I seek lodging for myself and my companions for the school year."
"Very well you and your companion my enter." Said the wall and the stone opened up like the entrance to Diagon Alley.
Davan took one look inside and said, "I believe we've found our room."
Aris snorted and they entered their new room for the year.
******************end chapter seven************************
Author's Notes- Well I'm finally updating this fic. I admit I've been beyond lazy in getting this chapter out but I was lacking in the inspiration area. Funny thing was I've gotten more reviews for this fic in this last month than when I originally released it. Most of which asking or begging for me to update. Wonderful prod for a lazy writer. This chapter is a bit low on action and more focused on speeches and some background information. Still I hope you all like it. I also hope it's long enough to make up for how long it took to be posted.
Big thanks go to those who prodded this lazy writer into getting this written.
Eaiva le Fay - Well here is the update. The secrets of the two years in Faire will be revealed over time. Neither Snape or Dumbledore know who Zeaphur really is.
tobytdk - Here it is. Thank you.
LunaBard - Thank you.
sarah (Ladyhawk_676@msn.com) - Thank you very much for the compliment and yes I do plan on finishing this story.
lrs - Thank you and more is here. ^_^
Elizara - The continuation is here and thank you for caring.
caliadragon - I hope the fascination continues and thank you.
Kashke (kashke_tea@hotmail.com) - I hope this is soon enough for you. Thank you very much for the compliment and Harry's identity probably won't be revealed for awhile yet. ^_^
Susie - I hope I gave you enough of a Slytherin reaction but Slytherins don't make snap decisions like Gryffindorks oh! Sorry Gryffindors. ^_^
Setsunasgirl - I will continue this and Snape's role will become quite obvious in a later chapter. Harry is going to remain a mystery for awhile. Thank you.
dannie (devil_tiger_4@hotmail.com) - Thank you for the compliment and as ordered I will keep writing.
Beth (catnamedcuddles@yahoo.om) - I like to share. Love the compliments and hope you like the newest chapter.
Ss'zra - Well I hope you liked Draco's reaction. As for Snape's. ^_^ The realization between Snape and Zeaphur will be quite interesting. ^_^
Harmoni - Please continue to be intrigued. ^_~
Ghost (ket134@insightbb.com) - I'm glad you liked the action and I hope you like the new chapter even if it isn't as active as the last.
Renae - Your commits make me blush so by all means do continue. Enjoy the next chapter and thank you.
Gusha - 1) I'll reveal more about the sprites later along with the Snape heritage. 2) The sword was sealed up so he couldn't use it besides he was angry and not really thinking straight. 3) The story might feel like two different ones but I was trying to show transitions between what Harry had been and what he was becoming with a little humor thrown in for flavor. 4) As for your challenge I'd like to hear it. Over all thank you very much for your commits and opinions. It is always good to hear what other people think.
Loupa (fanofdci@hotmail.com) - Well it wasn't exactly soon but its updated now. ^_^ Thank you.
koashura - Glad someone got the YYH reference and Harry disappearance has been explained in the chapter. The question is if Dumbledore doesn't know about Zeaphur why did he say what he did about Harry and getting Mage training? ^_^
devilish-angel6-9 - Thank you very much!
Jiltanith - As for how Harry became sidhe, it's simple.He was always sidhe in the first place he just didn't know it but more about that will be revealed later. As for spelling I admit I suck and a spellchecker isn't always the most helpful program but I try. I've tried a beta-reader before but once I finish a chapter I don't like waiting to release it. Thank you very much for the compliments and the criticisms.
Chosentwo4381 - As for the new Gryffindor Seeker? I honestly have no idea at this point. I agree that what happens with Draco should be very interesting. ^_^
- To blank I hate to say it but I like the goth look but it is becoming more of a dark elf look so I hope you don't find it too painful.
Skysong - Thank you for the compliments and I hope you like this chapter as much as the last although it has a lot less action.
glimmer - Well I hope I've kept your interest with this chapter and I hope I can keep the dialogue up to standard.
MercS - Before I say anything else I must say I always look forward to your commits and please continue with them. ^_______^ I'm glad you caught on that no one else realizes that Zeaphur is Harry. Keeping Dumbledore in the dark is always fun. ^_^
Myrddin Ambrosius (myrddin_ambrosius@netzero.com) - I'm a favorite? I'm honored. I do try to be original since I get bored with how people all seem intent on doing the same thing in the same way. As I mentioned to Jiltanith a spellcheck isn't perfect and sometimes when you're writing, what you're thinking what you end up typing aren't always the same thing. You heard about what happened to Draco in this chapter but for the rest I'm still undecided.
jliles - Thank you.
Next Chapter - I have no idea. _
More on the new classes & teachers?
Voldemort's reaction?
A giant bunny?
More Snape?
More Draco?
More Callisto?
More...?
Who knows we'll just have to wait and see. @_@
Sincerely & Insane
Nyghthawk28
P.S.- REVIEW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
P.P.S.- Pretty Pleaseeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Blood of My Blood
By Nyghthawk28
Chapter Seven - "The Snake's Den"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Slytherin!"
Well it was no big surprise, at least it was no big surprise for Zeaphur. In fact Zeaphur had been counting on the Sorting Hat putting him in Slytherin. He'd spent months making plans. Being Slytherin wouldn't be a problem in some ways he'd spent the last two years becoming a Slytherin. In the Dark Court cunning and power were a way of life that was beyond second nature but the very nature of life itself. At least in Underhill it was.
Zeaphur removed the Sorting Hat and moved toward the Slytherin table. His bodyguards flanked him slightly as he made his way over to the table. The others would not be sorted since they were here to make sure Zeaphur stayed alive not to get an education. Besides most of them would have no use for wizard magic.
The successful hunt had been a godsend really. Zeaphur was feeling relaxed and energetic. He was ready to mold his place within the ranks of his new house. He'd have to learn their rules since to know the rules is to know how to manipulate the rules in your favor.
The Slytherin table watched Zeaphur approach in silence while the rest of the hall filled with whispers and wild rumors. At his sides were the two huge black dogs, the fairy creature sat on his shoulder looking bored as she scanned the Great Hall. The others including Darkclaw followed behind him as he chose a place to sit. The others settled around him at the table or by it.
Unfortunately Zeaphur chose to sit with the first years who were somewhere between thrilled and terrified to be sitting next to the prince. One little girl who had light blue hair was brave enough to pet Thor.
As Zeaphur took the time to look around the hall he was surprised. His face remained composed but he very carefully started looking down the tables and more importantly the students that were sitting at them. Now two years is a long time not to see someone and this is a school so everyone is growing and maturing, physically at least. Still no matter how bad your memory is there are some things that you just wouldn't forget.
People and friends he once knew looked different and . felt different. Maybe it was because he was different but. It didn't matter now things would play out. As all Fey knew answers would always come given time and he had a lot of time on his hands.
Bloody.
Fucking.
HELL!!!!!!!!!!!
Of all the humanoid magical creatures Albus could have invited.
Why?
Why?
WHY?!?!?
Did it have to be Unseelie?
Royal Unseelie.
Years of careful work were all going to flushed down the toilet. Fey recognize Fey and all it takes is a simple touch. All lies revealed. I'll be stripped naked before the world and I can't do a bloody thing about it!
And to top things off that stupid blue fairy was staring at him!!!!!!!!!!!
Like all Furaeries, Callisto was a simple creature with simple interests. She liked to fight, she liked to hunt, and she liked to watch people fucking like bunnies. Her Xanya, which roughly translates as life provider, was a unique choice. Her kind only produced once every two hundred years so finding an ideal mate was of highest importance to her race.
Finding good breeding material was never easy and not always even humanoid in appearance. The main thing Furaeries look for his fighting ability and battle lust. More often than not humans were chosen but they didn't live long so sometimes you had to chose six or seven different mates before it was mating time but only one at a time. The magic of the mate bond was when a Furaerie became fertile they'd transform into a like form of their Xanya for a week. After being impregnated the Furaerie returned to her clan to raise her daughter (daughter since Furaerie were incapable of producing male offspring). Till such time a Furaerie fought at her Xanya's side until either her death or his. Only a successful mating or death would break a Furaerie bond.
Every Xanya was unique but Callisto's current Xanya was more interesting than most. Her kind had never managed to mate with someone with so much Wild blood, Wild Ones were usually too close to being forces of nature to mate with. That and more often than not they'd choose to hunt you instead of mate with you.
Meeting Zeaphur had been pure chance and extremely good luck for Callisto. She'd been taunting a bunch of Drow guards in Underhill when she'd met Zeaphur. She'd been about to fly off when seemingly out of nowhere a hand had snapped out and caught her. She'd been flying fast, even by Fey standards, and he'd just caught her.
She had gone into shock for a minute or two giving her captor time to visually examine her. Shock had turned into rage and interest but rage came first. She sank her sharp little teeth into his hand and flew off.
She'd spent the next three months ambushing Zeaphur at various times day and night. That had been of great amusement to the Unseelie Court. She always left Zeaphur swearing or mortally embarrassed. She unintentionally taught him to ignore being stared at by humiliating him beyond embarrassment. It also helped that during this time King Azius had decided that Zeaphur needed to learn to be comfortable in his skin so Zeaphur spent months walking around naked, it also added to the Court's amusement at Zeaphur expense. Zeaphur eventually learned his lesson but it took him five very long and embarrassing months.
Still despite everything else Callisto eventually managed to enrage Zeaphur. It happened during one of her night attacks. The weather outside Underhill had been on the brink of a huge storm. The thunder boomed so loud the ground itself seemed to shake. What she didn't know and what no one else realized at that time is while Zeaphur is usually a pretty tolerant and easy going person the addition of Stormayne traits also included personality traits. To put it simply is when the weather is good then Zeaphur is in a good mood, but when the weather is bad so is Zeaphur's mood. It works in reverse too but not to the same degree. Mainly Callisto picked a very bad time to attack and set off Zeaphur like a truck load of C4.
The dark bedroom suddenly had illumination by way of two intensely glowing green eyes and blood red hair that was being raised by invisible winds. Callisto really knew she was in trouble when the Prince growled because it sounded like the storm she flown through to get here. She took off like a bat out of hell and to her shock Zeaphur managed to keep up with her.
Two days later she collapsed moments after she was caught. Lucky for her Zeaphur collapse only moments later. King Azius sent out guards to retrieve the Prince when he didn't return after the first day. The group that found him ended up all the way in Queen Vespa's kingdom. Queen Vespa is the Brownie Queen and her territory is about three hundred miles away from Underhill, although distance isn't as simple to gage as it is in the human realm.
The guards had to bring Callisto back with them since even unconscious the Prince refused to release the success of his Hunt. His first Hunt really. Callisto finally managed to trigger the Wild Blood that attracted Thor(Darkke Hound) to Zeaphur in the first place.
When Zeaphur finally awakened he was a lot calmer and Callisto had had time to think about her options since she woke up several hours before Zeaphur. Before he had the chance to say anything she cast the Mating spell and laid her Mark on him. If you look closely you'll see a tiny set of teeth marks on Zeaphur's left wrist right over his pulse.
She has never regretted her choice. Such fascinating things seem to happen around her Xanya. For example the strange greasy man with the black hair. Something about him was.
Different?
Familiar?
It didn't matter they were going to be here for awhile and she had plenty of time to find out about him. After all one of the best parts of the hunt was the tracking the kill.
~Draco's POV~
Oh Merlin...
Oh...fuck.
Damn hormones!!!
I am a MALFOY! Malfoy's do not drool like idiot Hufflepuffs!
Still...
I'm a Slytherin.
I'm a teenager.
I'm a Malfoy.
I'm attracted to money, sex, magic, and power but not necessarily in that order. The greatest example of all four had just walked into the Great Hall and been sorted into my House.
My HOUSE!
The problem with being a Slytherin is I can never just accept things. My mind is always picking apart the angles, the pros the cons, and of course how any given situation could be used to my advantage.
Right now my mind was trying to decide between licking the blood off the Prince's skin and falling down on my knew to worship him. I want to strip naked and be covered by that sinful hair that probably feels softer than silk. I want to get drunk on the scent of his skin, the feel of his hair, and the strength of his hands.
Don't get me wrong I'm not gay I'm bi which is fairly normal in the wizarding world. Also parts of my heritage have made me a lot more flexible in the sexual arena than most. Although despite rumor I have a very minute amount of Veela blood my pale coloring comes from a different nonhuman source. Even I was surprised to discover the Malfoy's are blood descendants of ice demons called Kuroomie.
~End POV~
Life had taken unusual turn for one Draco Malfoy. Puberty was always something to dread and look forward to. If nothing else the maturing of one's magic was always an almost holy time for wizarding families. It was also a time of havoc since uncontrolled bursts of magic were quite common. It was for this reason Draco was still alive because its common practice to monitor young wizards on the edge of puberty just in case they do something dangerous. It was just Draco's luck that he chose to do something dangerous. His magical changes were a bit more unique and extreme than most wizards. He'd been taking a nice relaxing bath after practicing his Seeker skills on the Mansion's Quidditch pitch. He'd submerged his head under the water when some sort of surge hit him. The next thing he knew his bath water was solid ice and he was stuck in it like a fly in amber.
The lack of air made him pass out but lucky for Draco his mother Narcissa came in wanting to talk to him about a party she had planned. She found her son trapped in the bathtub that had become one huge ice cube and she screamed. She didn't panic for more than a few seconds before pulling out her wand and casting the first spell she could think of to free her entombed son.
The Malfoy physician was summoned immediately and Draco underwent the most thorough examination in his young life. Draco felt more than a little violated by the time it was over but he couldn't do much to halt it with his frantic mother standing over him the whole time.
Well Dr.Demetri Korso finally found the answers Narcissa demanded. The Malfoy line was a long established line of purebloods but pureblood is always a matter of interpretation. To make a long explanation short Draco had developed traits that hadn't been seen in the Malfoy line in centuries. Traits of a creature called a Kuroomie. Kuroomie are native to Japan and China and are more commonly classified as ice or snow demons. They prefer to be isolated and are not commonly seen even amongst the demon community. The demon blood in the Malfoy line had grown quite thin and only really appeared in their white-blond hair that continued to breed true and their fondness for the Dark Arts.
Lucius later reported that Draco wasn't the only one being effected. A lot of other children were also being affected. Old blood was rising to the surface and those going through puberty were being affected the most. Older wizards and witches were also be affected but to a much smaller degree.
Draco learned first hand why one of the main family mottos is Malfoys don't cry. It happened when Draco accidentally burned himself, a single tear rolled down his face and became a perfect pearl before hitting the ground. That little tear was now worth around a thousand galleons on the black market. This little talent was also the reason Kuroomie have isolated themselves for fear of becoming cash cows for the greedy.
Controlling his new abilities was harder than he'd ever imagined. He had to be especially careful when eating or bathing. He once while absently taking a sip of water suddenly found himself with a mouthful of ice. No damage done but it had been a wake up call. He needed to learn control badly if he couldn't get through something as simple as a meal.
He was barely grasping the beginnings of control when it was time to return to Hogwarts.
Control he was losing because of raging hormones. The Slytherins sitting next to him were huddling and edging away from the increasingly chilly Malfoy. Dealing with Malfoys often left people feeling cold but never quite this literally.
When the Prince settled down with the first years Draco snapped out of his daze and realized what he was doing and clamped down on his powers. His abilities with ice weren't like his abilities with magic, with magic he had to focus to do anything but his ice was like breathing. It was an automatic reflex he never knew he had.
Still even with his hormones racing Draco's mind was also racing. Draco had no illusions about the Headmaster sanity or lack of it but he'd underestimated Dumbledore's cunning. Now suddenly out of the blue a sidhe decides to take lessons at Hogwarts but not just any sidhe but a royal sidhe Prince. Dumbledore obviously has more cards up his sleeves than he'd ever imaged. Voldemort is going to shit in his pants when he realizes who's taken up residence in Hogwarts. There is no way in hell that Voldemort can attack Hogwarts as long as the Prince is here. It would be fucking genocide. No one and I mean no one wants to bring down the wraith of the whole Unseelie court. It's one thing to start a personal quarrel with one of the lords but you never ever mess with royalty unless you're prepared to die along with your family, friends, and any allies you have.
The Headmaster had managed in one stroke of genius, guaranteed the safety of Hogwarts for the entire school year or possibly longer depending on how long the Prince decided to stay. Still knowing Dumbledore there were still plenty of surprises left. For example where was Potter?
A question that was soon answered.
"Well today has been quite exciting has it not? Still the day is not over and I have quite a few announcements to make. The first has to do with young Harry Potter. As some of you have noticed he was not on the train today and he is not in this hall. Mr. Potter was offered a very special apprenticeship from a Mage's circle. I fear I can say no more but Mr. Potter will be continuing his magical education elsewhere. We are sad to loose his presence but we should be happy for the opprotunaties he is being offered."
The outcry from Dumbledore's words took almost ten minutes to settle down. Any actions involving Mages were almost as rare as meeting a sidhe. Everyone knows about or has heard of Mages but almost no one has ever met one. The agendas of Mages were also questionable and the Ministry of Magic had no authority over them. Although there had been some rumors that the Department of Mysteries was a government run Mage Circle but that was unlikely. Mages always worked in circles although no one really knew why or to what purpose.
With the rumor mill barely quieted Dumbledore continued on, "This school year will be very different from previous years. Nine new classes are being offered this year and a few of the old ones have been cancelled or altered. Among the cancelled classes is Divination. Professor Trelawney has found her visions to be too powerful to continue teaching this year and has taken a leave of absence. I know those who take her classes must be horribly disappointed but I'm sure you'll find one of the new classes being offered to be equally enjoyable."
The reaction to this news was either actually disappointment or mockery. Most students were going with mockery and even the Professors found it hard to believe Dumbledore was able to keep a straight face while saying this. For once the Heads of Slytherin and Gryffindor were in agreement and sneering at the "powerful visions and disappointment of the students".
"Both Ancient Runes and Ancient Rituals have been altered. Ancients Runes is now called Power Runes and has become a class on the actual use of Rune magic. Ancient Rituals has become Ritual Circles, this class will teach various circles of protection, methods of pooling magic, and other things. Professor Vector will be teaching Power Runes and Professor Sinestra will be teaching Ritual Circles. These are both elective classes."
"Besides her usual duties as the school nurse Madam Pomfrey has agreed to teach two classes this year. The first class is called Magical First Aid and will be required by all years to learn. It's a short but very important class. She will be teaching another class called the Healing Arts and this class is only available to those gifted with innate healing magic, a rare but amazing talent."
"Some of you may have noticed the return of Professor Lupin but this year he will not be teaching Defense Against the Dark Arts but one of our completely new classes. I'm proud to announce the addition of Elemental Manipulation. This will be a required class of the gifted but also open as an elective for others who wish to learn. It is a matter of learning to harness your innate element of elements or harnessing the elements around you."
A lot of interest among the students had been stirred by this class. Most wizarding children dream of holding fire in their hand or walking on water. A few do when they show their first signs of magic but its usually a one time thing.
"I would like to clarify a few rumors about Professor Lupin. Yes, as some of you know he is a Werewolf but with the exceptions of the nights of the full moon he is no more dangerous than any other wizard. Our Potions Master Professor Snape is quite capable of providing him with the Wolvesbane Potion which keeps him in control during the nights of the full moon. So you have nothing to worry about from him. Take this chance to ask him questions about being a Werewolf and let the rumors be replaced by facts." Said Dumbledore.
Lupin kept a straight face through this announcement as all the students stared at him in confusion, fear, interest, and a few in welcome.
"Moving on another new class this year is called Beast Magic. This is not Care of Magical Creatures which Professor Charlie Weasley has agreed to teach this year in Hagrid's absence due to family business. Beast Magic can also be called Summoning Magic and will go over the summoning of true Familiars and other creatures. The key to Summoning Magic is not bringing forth what you summon but controlling it once it has arrived. Madam Hooch has graciously agreed to teach this along with her Flight classes. She is quite gifted in this subject so I'm sure you will be learning quite a lot from her. Still Beast Magic is an elective class."
"An interesting new class called Magical Amulets is offered this year. Our new American Professor Ruby Goldstrike will be teaching this subject. It will go over the magic of crystals, gems, stones, metals, and crafting them into amulets. This is in some ways a forgotten art. A lot of people have forgotten or don't realize what's involved in creating magical objects and not just enchanting them."
"Another new class this year is Guardian Magic and I will be teaching this class. Guardian Magic is a unique form of defense magic but it not a personal defense but the defense of others or objects. It is not an easy subject. You make yourself into a shield for those who have entrusted their safety to you. It does have an offensive side but it is mainly a defensive art. This is also an elective"
The Headmaster had managed to interest the students about his new class. It questionable about how many were actually interested in the class but he got their attention.
"The next new class I'm about to announce is rather interesting. Hogwarts now teaches Sorcery."
There was a bit of an uproar from the students but he finally managed to get the attention of the Slytherin table.
"Sorcery is not the Dark Arts. Sorcery is a type of wandless magic that draws magic from outside sources. In some areas it is like Elemental Manipulation but it depends from what you are drawing magic from. It is a very powerful art but a very difficult one to master. It will be an elective class. The teacher for this class also comes from the states so let me introduce Professor Damien Darkholme."
The Great Hall doors opened and in he came. He looked like a vampire with ivory pale skin and raven black hair. He was dressed in black pants and a dark red shirt. A pair of dragon hide boots with ruby buckles. He took his seat at the head table without a word.
"Now for the final new class. DADA has been altered a little. DADA has become more of a physical class than a magical one. To balance this Dueling has become a class of its own and our resident Dueling Master Professor Flitwick will be teaching this new class along with his usual Charms classes. This is a required class."
"After all these announcements you probably have noticed the lack of a DADA teacher. The reason for this is he was delayed in arrival. He should be here by tomorrow and I will introduce him then. You have been given a lot to ponder and I will try to finish quickly so you can retire for the night. The elective classes have been opened to all years and you may choose to take as many as you like. Special arrangements have been made for this although please do not overburden yourself. Tomorrow all the elective and new classes will be demonstrated so you have a real idea what you can choose to learn. Now let us sing the school song and settle in for the night."
The song was quickly sung and prefects led their charges away. The older years didn't linger and headed directly for their rooms. Draco had the honor of being a Prefect this year and was leading his own group of first years to the Slytherin dorm along with the Prince and his entourage. After all the announcements most of the students had actually managed to forget about their new guest at least for a little while.
Zeaphur soon found himself and every other Slytherin assembled and waiting in the Slytherin common room. It was strange to see all the Slytherins assembled in a relatively small room. It seemed small with the Great Wolf and the two giant dogs at his side. Although truthfully Thor and Loki seemed to be taking up more space than Blackfang. The Echo seemed gifted at becoming part of the background so he could witness events.
When every last Slytherin was assembled the Head of House finally stepped forward to speak. "Throw out any preconceived notions you may have about Slytherin. Everything you've heard or have been told is either a lie or not the full truth. McGonagall has probably told you that your house is your family. She is both right and wrong."
Snape paused for minute before continuing. "Before you came here you were all equal but that is no longer true. The Sorting Hat has decided your fate by dividing and labeling you by your most dominate personality trait. If you were resorted a year from now, a week from now, or even a day from now you would very likely be placed in another house. Since today you were Slytherin then Slytherin you will remain for the rest of your life."
"What is a Slytherin some of you wonder, while others think you know. You're all wrong because there is no clear cut answer. Slytherins are never what we appear to be. We are masters of illusion and seeing through the illusion of lies. We are cunning, we are ambitious, and we always have hidden motives. This doesn't make us "Evil" and this doesn't make us "Good" either. Quite simply we are always looking out for our own interest even if they carry over to other people or causes."
"Some of you have probably heard of the Slytherin Code of Conduct. Again this is a lie that only applies to outsiders. There is no Code but feel free to make up rules to mess with the minds of outsiders. As of right now everyone not in this room at this moment is an outsider. That includes your parents or any other former Slytherin, they are outsiders. Slytherins are a family but more than that we are an army. When together we are united in battle, when separated we're part of a different army and a different war."
"To outsiders we are united in everything but that is just another illusion. Like all family we will have disagreements and internal battles but they will be resolved by us amongst ourselves. Have your little mind games and prank wars with other houses all you like but trouble between Slytherins is either resolved by words or by the Arena. When words aren't enough then combat in the Arena is the deciding factor. The Arena can't be spoken of outside of Slytherin because outside the dungeons the Arena doesn't exist. There are enchantments from the founding of Hogwarts that protect the secrets of the dungeons."
"Now that you have a small idea of what being a Slytherin means let me explain about the dungeons we call home. The dungeon is a labyrinth. Like the stairs and other parts of the castle the dungeons are an ever changing maze of secret passages, hidden rooms, and forgotten treasures. Unlike the other houses we don't have assigned dorms. There are seven corridors for the seven years each more difficult and dangerous than the last. Depending on your year you walk down the corridor and you have find your room to claim it. You can do it individually or in groups but I will warn you the better rooms are those best hidden. Once you've found a room you like to claim it simply pull down the sheets on the bed the house elves will deliver your luggage to your chosen room. You have all night to locate a room and I assure there is more than enough rooms for all of you. Now I suggest you start searching."
"An interesting scenario." Said Davan.
"I'm starting to feel right at home. This is just like Underhill." Said Aris.
"Underhill isn't a labyrinth." Said Zeaphur.
"It felt like one." Muttered Solis.
**Fascinating.** was all Blackfang had to say.
Snape paused and turned back around towards the Prince and his entourage. "You have no specific year as far as I know so I will leave it up to your own assessment to decide which corridor to choose." Said Snape before retiring to his own rooms for the night. He had a report to send to Voldemort. Not reporting the appearance of the Fey would earn him some serious Cruio time.
Loki(Sirius) was quiet. Two years of relative peace had changed him both physically and mentally but Sirius was still Sirius. Snape's words hit him hard. He still hated the git but this had been an unwanted insight into the world of Slytherins. He had grudgingly accepted Snape as an ally but he hadn't expected to actually get to know him. It was enlightening and horrifying at the same time.
"Let's find a room tomorrow will be quite a day. Davan if you wanted to hide a luxurious room where would you hide it?" Asked Zeaphur.
"Plain sight it always the best place." Replied Davan.
"What do you say Aris?" asked Zeaphur.
"I agree with Davan but sight is not always the key to hiding something. The corridors are a test. A maze the students willingly enter but Professor Snape said the Dungeon is a labyrinth not just those corridors. That means this room is part of the maze and probably concealing rooms as well." Said Aris.
"What do you think Solis?" asked Zeaphur.
"I'm not the best with puzzles but my instincts say Aris is right." Said Solis a little surprised to be asked at all. He wasn't usually one wanted advice from except on cute butts and the flammability of an object. Still both foxes and Kitsune are thieves by nature, although not as bad as ferrets(or bouncing ferrets).
"Now the question is what do you think my Prince?" asked Davan.
"I think we should leave this to an expert. Loki see what you can find." Said Zeaphur.
Sirius was glad to take his mind off contemplating Snape. Although he had never mentioned it, when they had originally created the Marauder's Map he'd been the one to find most of the Secret passages. He had experience with castles since his family home was one. Of course Castle Black wasn't as friendly and harmless as Hogwarts. Still when it came to hidden passage ways and secret rooms he was the master. Having enhanced senses of hearing and smell were a real bonus to his skills.
With all the students gone in search of their own rooms Sirius finally had a chance to examine the Slytherin common room. He started walking around and examining every corner of the room. Already he found at least three hidden doorways but none of them felt quite right. Then the faintest sound of water caught his attention. At first he ignored it as the sound of pipes but as he thought about it he'd never been able to hear any of the pipes in Hogwarts. The pipes were enchanted to be silent. Well if it wasn't pipes where was the sound of flowing water coming from? Sirius decided it was worth investigating.
Seeing Loki's interest in one wall they decided to come over and help if they could. They didn't have Loki's ears but they had other senses to search with. Like magic for example.
"Well there's something here but I'm not sure how to open it." Said Aris.
"Did you try knocking?" asked Solis. It was a joke but Zeaphur took it seriously. He moved to stand in front of the stone wall and as it was a regular wooden door he knocked on the stone and waited.
"Who's there?" asked the wall.
"My name is Prince Zeaphur."
"What do you seek?"
"I seek lodging for myself and my companions for the school year."
"Very well you and your companion my enter." Said the wall and the stone opened up like the entrance to Diagon Alley.
Davan took one look inside and said, "I believe we've found our room."
Aris snorted and they entered their new room for the year.
******************end chapter seven************************
Author's Notes- Well I'm finally updating this fic. I admit I've been beyond lazy in getting this chapter out but I was lacking in the inspiration area. Funny thing was I've gotten more reviews for this fic in this last month than when I originally released it. Most of which asking or begging for me to update. Wonderful prod for a lazy writer. This chapter is a bit low on action and more focused on speeches and some background information. Still I hope you all like it. I also hope it's long enough to make up for how long it took to be posted.
Big thanks go to those who prodded this lazy writer into getting this written.
Eaiva le Fay - Well here is the update. The secrets of the two years in Faire will be revealed over time. Neither Snape or Dumbledore know who Zeaphur really is.
tobytdk - Here it is. Thank you.
LunaBard - Thank you.
sarah (Ladyhawk_676@msn.com) - Thank you very much for the compliment and yes I do plan on finishing this story.
lrs - Thank you and more is here. ^_^
Elizara - The continuation is here and thank you for caring.
caliadragon - I hope the fascination continues and thank you.
Kashke (kashke_tea@hotmail.com) - I hope this is soon enough for you. Thank you very much for the compliment and Harry's identity probably won't be revealed for awhile yet. ^_^
Susie - I hope I gave you enough of a Slytherin reaction but Slytherins don't make snap decisions like Gryffindorks oh! Sorry Gryffindors. ^_^
Setsunasgirl - I will continue this and Snape's role will become quite obvious in a later chapter. Harry is going to remain a mystery for awhile. Thank you.
dannie (devil_tiger_4@hotmail.com) - Thank you for the compliment and as ordered I will keep writing.
Beth (catnamedcuddles@yahoo.om) - I like to share. Love the compliments and hope you like the newest chapter.
Ss'zra - Well I hope you liked Draco's reaction. As for Snape's. ^_^ The realization between Snape and Zeaphur will be quite interesting. ^_^
Harmoni - Please continue to be intrigued. ^_~
Ghost (ket134@insightbb.com) - I'm glad you liked the action and I hope you like the new chapter even if it isn't as active as the last.
Renae - Your commits make me blush so by all means do continue. Enjoy the next chapter and thank you.
Gusha - 1) I'll reveal more about the sprites later along with the Snape heritage. 2) The sword was sealed up so he couldn't use it besides he was angry and not really thinking straight. 3) The story might feel like two different ones but I was trying to show transitions between what Harry had been and what he was becoming with a little humor thrown in for flavor. 4) As for your challenge I'd like to hear it. Over all thank you very much for your commits and opinions. It is always good to hear what other people think.
Loupa (fanofdci@hotmail.com) - Well it wasn't exactly soon but its updated now. ^_^ Thank you.
koashura - Glad someone got the YYH reference and Harry disappearance has been explained in the chapter. The question is if Dumbledore doesn't know about Zeaphur why did he say what he did about Harry and getting Mage training? ^_^
devilish-angel6-9 - Thank you very much!
Jiltanith - As for how Harry became sidhe, it's simple.He was always sidhe in the first place he just didn't know it but more about that will be revealed later. As for spelling I admit I suck and a spellchecker isn't always the most helpful program but I try. I've tried a beta-reader before but once I finish a chapter I don't like waiting to release it. Thank you very much for the compliments and the criticisms.
Chosentwo4381 - As for the new Gryffindor Seeker? I honestly have no idea at this point. I agree that what happens with Draco should be very interesting. ^_^
- To blank I hate to say it but I like the goth look but it is becoming more of a dark elf look so I hope you don't find it too painful.
Skysong - Thank you for the compliments and I hope you like this chapter as much as the last although it has a lot less action.
glimmer - Well I hope I've kept your interest with this chapter and I hope I can keep the dialogue up to standard.
MercS - Before I say anything else I must say I always look forward to your commits and please continue with them. ^_______^ I'm glad you caught on that no one else realizes that Zeaphur is Harry. Keeping Dumbledore in the dark is always fun. ^_^
Myrddin Ambrosius (myrddin_ambrosius@netzero.com) - I'm a favorite? I'm honored. I do try to be original since I get bored with how people all seem intent on doing the same thing in the same way. As I mentioned to Jiltanith a spellcheck isn't perfect and sometimes when you're writing, what you're thinking what you end up typing aren't always the same thing. You heard about what happened to Draco in this chapter but for the rest I'm still undecided.
jliles - Thank you.
Next Chapter - I have no idea. _
More on the new classes & teachers?
Voldemort's reaction?
A giant bunny?
More Snape?
More Draco?
More Callisto?
More...?
Who knows we'll just have to wait and see. @_@
Sincerely & Insane
Nyghthawk28
P.S.- REVIEW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
P.P.S.- Pretty Pleaseeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!