Easy Way Out

Review responses:

Thank you very much for your reviews. I love that you even sent them.

But…could possibly tell me what you think of my story in them as well as just saying "please update soon" or something just as short. Maybe even make guesses on what you think might happen. That way I can see what direction my story should lead. Like who should end up with who and such. Thanks very much.

Vi riddle Once again I get a review from you right after I put up my latest chapter. I'm glad that at least you know how easy it is to review. Much appreciation.

Also Amber-and-Ash I went back and checked how many times Salazar actually fainted (3) and thought about changing it, but all three seemed to work. Remember Salazar was feeling out of sorts during each of those times. Being overwhelmed by all this information, combined with being in someone else's body and then learning that you are a thousand years in the future…I'd like to see how you'd react if someone told you that. And anyways, the third time he didn't really faint, the potion was at fault for that one. But you will be happy to know that there will be no more fainting. Because you are right that from here on out Salazar needs to have more of a stronger appearance. Though I am in no way making him completely confidant and all powerful. He is just a kid and will have weaknesses.

Last Chapter: "Ah Draco, I was wondering if you were working today. How are you and your mother?" Severus asked Draco with kind eyes that Salazar doubted he showed often.

"I'm fine, great even, but mother…she isn't doing so well."

"I'm sorry to hear that my boy. Perhaps I should go visit her soon," Severus replied.

"I'm sure she'd like that very much Uncle. She's been so lonely without father, and I can't always be there for her I'm afraid."

"Well I'll see what I can do to help."

"Thanks Uncle Sev."

Chapter 15

Identity Confusion

"Oh Alec," Draco said suddenly remembering Harry, "This is my godfather Professor Snape. He teaches potions at Hogwarts. Uncle Sev, this is Alexander Mathews. He's decided to buy Gemini."

Severus looked strangely at Salazar, before deciding to follow along. "It is very nice to meet you Mr. Mathews."

"And you sir," Salazar replied nervously.

"I hope you know how to handle such a magnificent snake as Gemini. She is quite picky when it comes to trusting humans," Severus continued with a slight smirk, as he well knew that Salazar was a parselmouth.

"Oh I am sure I will do just fine sir. Snakes are somewhat of a specialty of mine," Salazar replied with a smirk of his own.

"Indeed," Severus replied.

"It's true Uncle Sev. Gemini just seemed to take an instant liking to him. It was really strange. It took me almost a month to get Gem to trust me. And no one else has even been able to get near her until now because of that fierce temper of hers. But Alec got along great with her straight off," Draco said excitedly to his godfather.

"Really. It seems you have a remarkable gift Mr. Mathews. One would wonder how you managed to tame one of the deadliest snakes in the world in under a minute," Severus replied darkly.

Salazar caught on quickly, and a slightly guilty look took hold of his face. He knew that from now on he would have to be even more careful not to make anyone suspicious of his abilities. Draco may just consider him lucky, but if others were to hear the story from Draco, they might think that it is more than that. Sighing, Salazar suggested to Draco that they get everything that Gemini is going to need. Draco quickly agreed.

After talking a bit more with Draco, one might easily mistake it for flirting; it was finally time to leave. Severus had left awhile ago, and now it was time for him to leave as well if he didn't want a seriously pissed off potions master on his case. Before he left he draped Gemini over his shoulders, and taking a very bold chance, he reached out and grasped Draco's hand to place a feather light kiss on the blonde's knuckles. This caused Draco to gasp softly and blush. Salazar smiled once more at him before leaving.

Once outside, bearing a satisfied look on his face, he headed over to meet Severus, who looked at him both amused and irritated. "Would you care to inform me on what that was all about Mr. Mathews?" he asked.

Wincing slightly at the name, Salazar explained to Severus how he just couldn't pretend to hate Draco, as he knew Harry did, so he decided to invent a new identity for himself. As Alec he got a chance to get to know the other boy.

"I feel I must tell that you were an idiot to come up with that scheme to seduce my godson," Severus said ignoring Salazar's protest. "Draco is a smart boy. You may have fooled him this time with that disguise, but pray tell, how exactly do plan to keep the truth from him at Hogwarts. He shall recognize you as Alec but learn that you are "Harry Potter." He shall feel betrayed, and think only that you made a fool of him. He will hate you. Will you be able to live with that?"

"I…I d-didn't th-think of that," Salazar said in distress. Biting his lip he asked, "Will he really hate me?"

Sighing, Severus said, "I'm afraid so. You might have had some luck if you had just said you were Potter in the first place and tried to get him to change his mind about hating you. But as it is…Draco doesn't like being made a fool of…he will most certainly hate you."

Salazar suddenly smiled bitterly, "This must be some sort of record," he said. "To lose someone before you even have them."

"I hope you mean 'have' as in going out with, instead of what it sounded like you meant. He is my godson after all," Severus said trying to lighten the mood.

Salazar managed a small smile, but then went back to sulking. "Why would Harry even hate him in the first place? He's too nice to hate."

"Well, believe it or not, Draco used to be quite the pompous spoiled brat. Recently his father was imprisoned for life for being a Death Eater, forcing Draco to rethink his life. Since then he has become the nice young man that he is today."

"Then surely he could forgive…"

"No," said Snape, "He may have changed for the better, but he does not yet know how to forgive someone for hurting him."

"Oh," Salazar said sadly. A minute later he brightened.

"Couldn't I go to Hogwarts as Alec then?"

TBC

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AN: Alright, now I need help. Should Salazar go to school as Alec, or as Harry? Please Review and Answer! This is reviewer's choice. So please tell me what direction you would like this to go in! Thanks.