Alia: Sorry. I know I said I wouldn't take long but I did. I got lost in Xander fiction again. But don't worry I made it up to you...a little.After all this is 17 pages long. I kept typing and didn't realize how long I was going. It's mostly conversation though. Sorry. I'm starting on the next parts of Light and Dark Days and Second Chances. I'll start on WDCA as soon as I get my concentration back on track. Thanks for reviewing you guys. I really appreciate it. That last chapter was pure hell.
Reviews:
Syber Snake, Sarahamanda, Black Lion: Thanks for reviewing. I love the encouragement. It helps my ego.
Kyer: Yes, he is...although I was the one that wrote him that way so what does that say about me. I was writing and the evil ideas kept on coming. I'm sure my beta was quite proud of me.
Voland: I'm evil? (jumps up and squeals) I'M EVIL! Do you have any idea how hard I've been working to get that!
Audrey, tazthedevilman: No. Don't worry. I was barely able to hurt Severus, Julian is a NO NO. Besides, I came up with ANOTHER idea that's been summarized and placed on the back burner. More Severus hurt. Bad but good. Way too much Poirot and NCIS.
mydracomalfoy: Is that a trick question? Get help soon? (shakes head)
Eagle-Eyes: I have every intention of continuing...just don't expect it to go fast without any bumps in the road.
Kate: Of course. Raven's Gift and Second Chances are my babies. I can't let them go!
TITLE: Second Chances -Because of Sorrow and Determination
AUTHOR: Alia
STATUS/PART: 7
SEQUEL: Raven's Gift
RATING: R (just a heavy one)
PAIRING: Severus Snape/ Harry Potter
SPOILERS: All of the books except The Half Blood Prince
WARNINGS: language, angst, slash, violence, slightly dark (not really though)
DISCLAIMER: I do not in anyway or fashion own HP or anything else. I'm making no money from this.
SUMMARY: The characters of HP and Raven's Gift learn that some things won't stay buried.
AUTHOR'S NOTES: What is there to say. I'm not sure what I'm going to do with Julian but rest assured that you are going to get some shocking moments from here on. Amazing what some things could do to a child... Also I may have forgotten a few people in the Order but I don't care.
Second Chances - Because of Sorrow and Determination
Poppy stood crying silently in the doorway of her office after she heard Julian give as detailed an account as he could of what had happened to him and his father.
He'd been calm at first, talking about his father noticing the strange lights, how Lupin had been injured and what happened during the abduction of him and his father. Julian had shook his head afterward, the head injury had been enough to leave him disoriented. Even after he woke the first time by the sound of his father's voice, all he could really remember were two things. Dread at seeing a man with red eyes and a few muffled words.
Poppy had flinched at cold look the boy gave Potter as he told them the man knew who he was. /Poor Harry./ The poor man had looked away, unable to bear the look in his child's eyes.
It was then that Julian told them that a man, a man named Draco Malfoy, had taken him and his father to a cell. Julian had slowly started shaking at the name while Harry and Albus looked at each other stunned. Draco Malfoy and his father had both gone missing for years. No one had heard anything of them and most just supposed they'd met upon a fortunate accident.
It was then that they noticed that Julian was crying. Harry's eyes had darkened angrily as he tightened his embrace around his son. He rocked Julian slightly in his embrace. Poppy saw that Julian had not once let go of Potter even when he'd given the older man that cold look earlier.
Sobbing harshly, Julian told them of the beating the guards had given him and how Malfoy had prevented his father from being able to help. Albus was obviously livid when he'd heard that but when Julian didn't go further, Dumbledore asked, "Julian, what happened next?" Julian had suddenly become near hysterical, scaring the adults in the room. Dumbledore and Harry had tried to comfort the boy while Poppy looked around for another calming potion. Not that she'd used it. She stopped the moment Julian had screamed at them. "He raped PAPA!"
The room was still horribly silent now. Poppy didn't bother to wipe away the tears rolling down her cheeks. She looked up to see Dumbledore and Potter.
Albus Dumbledore was silent at Julian's revelation. The older man stared for a long moment at the wall opposite them. Outside he was sad yet calm, inside...it was a rather different story. Albus had rarely found himself this enraged. It wasn't good for wizards with his kind of power. However, it couldn't be changed.
He looked at Harry who had bowed his head and closed his eyes. Then he looked at Julian. He'd stopped crying but he looked awful. The boy's eyes were slightly opened but Albus could see a somewhat glazed look to the brown eyes. As if Julian wasn't really there.
"Julian?" Brown eyes gained focus and looked to him. "Child...are you sure? How do you know Julian?"
"We were in the same cell the whole time." A small sob was heard from Poppy. "And...Papa had made me turn away but it got too loud and," Julian sniffled and buried his face back into Potter's chest, "I looked and-." Julian stopped talking, silent tears once again making their way.
Albus had to take a deep breath at that second in order to keep any resemblance of control. He glanced at Harry and seeing the look on the young man face, he didn't jump when Poppy's water pitcher broke behind him.
It was amazing sometimes. That sensation of going from chilling cold to blistering hot.
The words seemed to sink in rather slowly at what happened. When he'd heard of the man with red eyes, fear gripped him instantly; strangely it was followed by one frustrated thought/Damn it! Why won't he just DIE/
However, the doubt in his mind, small as it was, told him to withhold judgement just for a moment and to listen to Julian. Harry looked away when Julian told them the man told his father that Julian was Harry Potter's son. The cold look his son had given him reminded him of Severus.
He'd turned back to the boy in shock however when Julian told them that Draco Malfoy had escorted them to a cell. It had swiftly turned to anger as a sobbing Julian told them about his beating from the two guards. /Malfoy, you bastard, he's just a boy/ Harry then realized that had never stopped Lucius Malfoy either.
Then...Harry only remembered being that enraged once. Voldemort had captured Hermione during the final battle and had been seconds from killing one of his best friends. Harry had quickly engaged him into battle with a burst of almost unconscious wandless magic. The fact that Malfoy had beat his son and had actually raped Severus, no, RAVEN didn't sit well with him. Actually it sat very badly with him.
Albus had looked at him only to freeze in fear and worry. Harry didn't care. His thoughts were on something more important. Just how many different ways he could kill Draco Malfoy.
A sharp sound was heard in the background. It sounded like broken glass but Harry ignored it. He still held Julian close but one fist was fiercely clenched.
Julian blinked as he felt something drop on his hand. A silent sigh escaped the boy. He thought he had seen enough blood for one day, but apparently not. Potter's hand was clenched so tightly that his nails had broken through the flesh of his palm. A drop had fallen on Julian's hand.
A frown graced the boy's face. /Why is he so angry/ Of course his mind immediately answered the question. /Because of what happened to us.../
Harry jumped slightly as a hand was placed over his larger one. Julian had shifted and was looking up at him. "You'll get him back." It was as much of a statement as it was a question.
Harry nodded stiffly.
"Will you kill them?" Julian's voice sounded calm. Not bloodthirsty or angry as it should have.
The fact that his son had asked him something like that should have worried Harry. Dumbledore had gasped and Poppy was staring at Julian with shock. Harry...
"If I have to. Yes."
"Good." Julian leaned his head back against Harry's chest and fell asleep, ignoring the hissed argument between the three adults around him.
"I cannot believe you!" cried Hermione furiously later that night. It was well after midnight but both of his friends as well as the Order of the Phoenix were preparing to meet in the Headmaster's office. Although little was known to most of the Order, Harry had told his two best friends the minute they entered his quarters.
Hermione continued her pacing before Harry's fireplace, glaring at the wizard who sat on the couch watching the fire calmly. Ron stood near the portrait entrance trying not get involved.
Hermione stopped and yelled, "How can you say something like that to a child? Promising to kill someone!" She paused when she heard a noise near the door and stared at a cringing Ronald Weasley. Hermione cursed silently. /This isn't like me. Usually Ron is the one yelling./
Taking a few deep breaths, Hermione continued, "Harry," She sat down beside him on the couch, taking his right hand in hers. "Why did you promise Julian something like that? Nevermind one that you don't intend to-,"
"Who said that I didn't intend to keep my promise?" said Harry. He glanced cooly at Hermione's stunned face from the corner of his eyes.
She gasped softly. "Harry...you can't be serious."
"Why not? After all, if Julian was correct and I'm quite sure that he was, there may be another war."
Ron took a step forward. "Harry, you know what she means."
Harry sighed heavily, leaning forward and resting his head in his hands. "Ron, Hermione... I am serious. I think I'd kill Draco Malfoy in a heartbeat."
Ron nodded in approval. He could understand that type of rage. After all, most of his family was involved in the order and had been hurt many times. Hermione, however, was appalled.
"Harry!" exclaimed Hermione.
He glowered at her with glowing green eyes. "Don't you dare pull that on me Hermione!" He jumped to his feet and began walking back and forth angrily. Harry stopped before her. "How dare you give me that tone!" he shouted loudly. "That son of a bitch had MY SON beaten and then he raped his father right in front of him! That is unforgivable!"
"Harry, listen to me." Hermione rose with her hands held out in a placating manner. "I'm not saying that..." She paused trying to gather her thoughts. "What I'm saying is that Julian is just a child. He's very impressionable."
Harry rolled his eyes and Ron snorted. The red head said, "Hermione, did you forget that Julian ASKED Harry?"
She glared at him. Ron sighed and raised his hands in defensive manner. He looked at Harry's clock. "We should head to Dumbledore's office."
Harry walked out immediately. /I want this over with./
"Are you sure?"
Remus Lupin chuckled at Harry as the man continued checking up on him. "I'm fine now, Harry. Honest."
The green eyed man relaxed slightly. "Good." He glanced around.
Everyone sat in the available chairs that Dumbledore had bid the house elves bring to his office. The Order of The Phoenix all sat with wary looks upon their faces. All of them realized that Dumbledore would call the Order only if something terrible happened.
Harry turned back to Remus. "Julian told Albus and I what happened. I was worried about you." He paused for a moment then looked at the werewolf with complete sincerity. "Thank you. For helping Raven and Julian."
Remus noticed how Harry said 'Raven' rather than 'Severus'. "You don't have to thank me Harry." /I hope he doesn't ask why I was there./ He placed a hand on Harry's shoulder and squeezed. A clearing throat captured the attention of both men.
Dumbledore smiled wearily as the Order of the Phoenix met again. "I'm sorry that this had to come about. I had hoped that we would never have to meet under such terrible circumstances, unfortunately that was not to be."
Tonks got his attention. "Um, just what is going on here?"
Albus glanced at Harry, who looked back nervously. "Would you like me to explain, Harry?"
Harry dropped his eyes to his lap for a moment. /They would probably handle the information better from Albus, but I don't think that the Headmaster knows exactly what I want to keep quiet./ Taking a deep breath, Harry nodded at Dumbledore. "It would be best if I told them Headmaster."
Albus motioned with his hand for Harry to stand and explain to the Order what was going on. Harry did so. For a moment, his hands shook before he took a deep breath, strengthening his resolve. He looked at the members of the Order. This was going to be a rather large shock for them.
"There are really two major issues here today. One is more important to the safety of the wizarding world and the other...is more personal." He grew quiet for a moment, trying to get the words in his head straight.
Molly spoke up. "Now, Harry dear, take your time."
Harry glanced at her and barely hid a wince. Molly was going to be furious when she found out. /She's going to kill me. They all are actually./
"We've found out, and from a very reliable source, that," his chest suddenly heavy he took another deep breath, "Lord Voldemort is about to rise again."
The silence spoke of horrified shock from all, including Remus. Suddenly the room filled with shocked yells, screamed denials, and stifled sobs of terror.
Kingsley Shacklebolt turned to Albus after the Headmaster regained order in his office. "This can't be true. Voldemort is dead. We all saw it. We made sure of it. He must be dead."
"And he is," said Harry, regaining the attention of the frightened group.
"But Harry, you just said-," began Arthur Weasley.
"I know. Believe me, I know. However, this does not exempt the fact that from our information, Voldemort has risen again."
Alastor Moody narrowed his eyes at them. "Oh? And where did this information come from? It's probably some fool on the street that's lost his mind telling such tales and you believe him!"
Not keeping his temper properly in check, Harry snapped at him rudely, "Our source is totally reliable! He would not lie about something of this magnitude." /My son did NOT lie/
"Oh and how are you so sure, boy!" yelled Moody. He didn't want to believe that Voldemort had returned. Not after so many years.
"Alastor, control yourself!" shouted the Headmaster as he leapt to his feet. "Both of you will keep your tempers until we have told you all that we know."
Both Order members eyed each other before Moody retook his seat. Albus sighed heavily as he sat back in his own. "Harry, my boy, perhaps you should start at the beginning."
"How far back?" Harry whispered. There was something almost bitter in his tone.
"All the way my boy. I believe that it will make things easier if you told of things as they happened. They must know what happened...and who our source really is. It will make things a great deal easier."
Harry grimaced but nodded. He slowly started to pace in the room that was left in the room. "The beginning," he whispered to himself. Closing his eyes, he stopped and started to speak.
"A short time before the end of the war, things were...terrible. Sirius was dead, Fred and George had gone missing," he paused to smile at the smug looking twins that stood behind their mother, "Ron had been injured and Dumbledore was falling ill. The Order was almost coming apart at the seems and things with Voldemort...
"They just got worse. The murders and tortures were weighing to heavily on me. Everything was. It was just so hard to take anymore. I couldn't even think. Not that I had time for it with training then my bodyguards." A few members of the Order looked embarrassed.
"It was just too much. So one night, I got tired of all of it and left." Suddenly Harry's cheeks flushed. "I went to Knockturn Alley," at Molly's gasp he shook his head for silence. "I decided to get drunk. As far as I was concerned and the way that things were going at that time, I figured that I was going to die sooner or later, so why waste time and not have any fun?"
He swallowed. "I put on a glamour I learned from one of Hermione's books and went inside a rather large club." He glanced around the room, his face becoming redder. Charlie Weasley saw it instantly.
"So, Harry," he smirked, "Which club did you go to?"
The Man Who Lived blushed. "I don't see how that's relevant to what's going on."
Fred and George looked at each other and nodded. Simultaneously they said, "Dionysia."
A few gasps and a couple of chuckles were heard before an even more embarrassed Harry cleared his throat. "May I continue?"
Bill smirked at one of his 'brothers'. "Oh please do Harry. This is getting interesting." Rubbing his forehead and shooting a short glare at George and Bill,Harry went on.
"I..." He suddenly found the floor very interesting. "I met a man there that night." At a whistle, Harry glowered at everyone in the room. "Can you please be serious!" he cried.
Throwing himself into his seat and keeping his eyes to the floor, Harry continued. "We spent the night together, he and I, then we both parted ways. Afterward I threw myself into ending the war and forgot about that night. At least until a year ago."
His hand shook for a moment as memories almost overwhelmed him. Ron moved until he could rest strong hand on the back of Harry's neck for support. Harry said, "There was a potions accident down in the dungeons. The students were making a potion and something went wrong with one of the pairs. The Headmaster discovered what had happened and after another incident in his office spoke to me about it."
Harry glanced at the Headmaster who had an apologetic look on his face. "Don't worry Albus. All of us had a role in this."
Tonks shifted nervously in her seat. "Harry-," she began.
Looking up at her for a moment, Harry said, "Please Tonks, let me finish this." He gave a weary sigh.
"I was-," he snorted, "understandably upset at the information the Headmaster gave me and totally in denial. At least until it was decided that the boy's father come to Hogwarts." Harry lifted his head to see a few people had made a good guess. Their surprised looks certainly said so, yet he continued.
"The moment he walked through that door," Harry shook his head with an almost wondrous tone to his voice. "I knew. I can't believe that I didn't realize the moment the boy's name was called at sorting but it was so long ago. Of course it wasn't long enough to forget your first lover." He knew he was rambling slightly but he couldn't help himself.
"I remember liking his name the first time he told it to me that night. Raven Genesis Esan. Imagine my surprise when Raven walks through the door to hear about his son, Julian. His first year son who's paternity potion revealed me to be his father!" Gasps and small cries of shock sounded. "Oh yes. Julian Triton Esan is my son. Mine and Raven's." He stood from his seat and began pacing. It felt so good to just talk about all that happened.
"When Raven was told of the potion he, like me, believed that Julian had fouled up the potion, but it wasn't true! I knew it. All you had to do was think back in time and Julian's conception was roughly around that time. He denied it and told us who the child's father was." Harry laughed coldly. "Xanthus, my name for that night. An auror that would be killed with the rest of the aurors in the second range. Raven was so sure. At least until I showed him the glamour. Afterward, Minerva confirmed it with a charm."
Harry slowed his pacing and stared at the floor. His breath was weak. His chest felt so heavy, yet he kept talking. "Both of them were furious about what happened, but then I realized that I had a son. Julian was a good child. Smart, playful, friendly, but strong willed and powerful for his age. I didn't want to lose him a chance at knowing him. So the three of us spoke and it was decided that Julian and I would get the chance to know each other." With that he stopped speaking.
"Harry?" asked Molly with a tone of anger and sadness. "Why didn't you tell us? You've known for a year and you haven't told us!"
"It didn't matter at the time. In the beginning, only Ron, Hermione, Remus, Albus, Minerva, Raven, Julian, his friend, and I knew. No one else. Julian and I wanted to know each other without any more added complications. But then...I did something incredibly stupid. Utterly. And I paid the price for it."
"What do you mean?" asked Arabella Figg. She could see the grimace on Harry's face.
"I tried to take Julian away from Raven. Permanently."
Silence before Shacklebolt asked, "Harry, how could you do that? Why?"
"I found out information about Raven that I didn't like and used it as an excuse."
"What was the information?" asked Molly.
Harry frowned deeply. "It'd rather not say. I...I was going to get the ministry to help me get full custody of Julian, but he and his friend found out and quickly contacted Raven. Raven and Julian disappeared. I didn't see them for sometime."
"Harry," asked Arthur, "Just why are you telling us this?"
Harry straightened and looked at him. "You wanted to know who our source was?"
Arthur nodded.
"It's Julian. He and Raven were taken from their home two days ago. It was Voldemort. Someone found out about them and alerted him."
Albus continued as the information sunk in. "Julian, with his father's help, managed to escape. He came here to Hogwarts for safety. Unfortunately, we have no idea where Raven is."
The room was quiet for a long moment before Remus whispered, "Julian is alright?"
Harry sighed. "Those bastards beat him, Remus." He ignored a small noise of distress from Molly. "Thankfully, Pomfrey says that he'll make a full recovery. I am, however, worried about Raven. Julian told us what happened to him." The look on his face told them that he wasn't willing to share what had happened.
"The boy is totally sure that it is Voldemort?" asked Moody.
"From the information he gave us, we are rather certain." Albus closed his dry eyes before opening them again.
Moody straightened in his chair. "Have you questioned the boy thoroughly?"
Harry's eyes darkened at that. "Julian has just been through a rather trying time. I don't think questioning him would be the best idea. He's still recovering from both mental and physical injuries."
"We need to start to prepare, Harry. We'll need as much information as possible in order to prepare for the possibility that Voldemort has risen," said Hermione. "We'll only remain on the information of Voldemort. We won't ask Julian anything else about his time there." This she said with a stern look at the other Order members who nodded in agreement.
Harry nodded his head. "Alright. But only if Julian decides." He stood and headed toward the door. He paused. "Albus, you may want to tell them about the...other man Julian told us about."
The Headmaster gave a weak chuckle. "That does sound like a good idea my boy."
With that said, Harry went to the fireplace and flooed to the infirmary.
He stood in the doorway of Pomfrey's office for a long moment. Harry clutched the black robe in his hands as he watched Ignis guard Julian in his sleep, the bird sitting on the headboard.
Julian was sleeping deeply and Harry was loath to wake him. At least until he focused on Julian's tense body. The boy wore a grimace on his face as well. /He's having a nightmare./
A hitch of breath from Julian put Harry in motion. He moved over to his son's beside and sat down beside him. Placing a hand on Julian's shoulder, Harry shook the boy awake gently. "Julian? Julian, wake up."
The boy's eyes shot open and Julian instinctively grabbed at the hand that was holding him. His eyes trailed up to see the hand's owner and relaxed when he saw that it was Harry. The man smiled. Harry was pleased that Julian could relax around him.
"Are you alright?" he asked Julian. When the boy moved to sit up, Harry lent him a hand.
"Better. Madam Pomfrey says I should be just fine. My ankle and ribs are still healing though." Julian had kept his eyes down and in his lap since he'd sat up. Harry tried not to notice.
It was a bit awkward being in the same room alone with each other after so much time. Especially with no one there to act as a buffer. "Julian, is your ankle strong enough for you to stand?"
The boy looked up at him suspiciously. "It should be. Why?"
"Do you know what the Order of the Phoenix is?"
Julian nodded. "Yes. Papa told me all about them. You are in it, too."
"I am." Harry paused for a moment, then said, "They are all here now. Meeting to discuss the situation with your father and Voldemort."
Julian opened his mouth then stopped whatever he was going to say and frowned. He said, "Voldemort. He's dead."
"Julian, don't you remember what you said to Albus and I? About the man with red eyes."
"Yes," he said. Julian shook his head, "but what does that have to do with anything?"
"Voldemort was very well known to have red eyes. If...if you and your father were taken because of your relation to me then he would be the most likely candidate."
"But he's dead isn't he! You killed him." Julian was slowly going into hysterics. /Papa's with Voldemort! He could be in trouble. What if they find out who he really is/
"I know that. I swear Julian, I thought he was dead. The Order made sure of it but apparently if you are right then he is still alive." Harry's voice had fallen to a whisper. He was wishing more than anything that it wasn't true. Apparently it was.
"B-but Papa's with him. What if they find out who he really is?" asked Julian. The boy's voice quivered slightly.
Harry was stunned silent. He never once thought of what would happen if they found out who Raven really was. He swallowed. "We'll talk to Dumbledore about it. I'm sure we'll think of something."
Julian nodded his head slowly, a despondent expression over his face. "Are we going now?"
"Yes." He stood as Julian moved his legs to the side then Harry helped the boy to his feet. "The Order is in the Headmaster's office. They need to talk to you about Voldemort."
Julian looked up at Harry warily after that statement. At the hint of fear in Julian's head, Harry shook his head. "They won't be talking to you about everything just about the man Raven spoke to." Julian nodded, becoming less tense. "We're going to floo back. Do you want me to go first? To have someone to land on in case your ankle gives out."
"Um...I guess so." Personally he just didn't want to be alone with a room full of people staring at him. At times he had no issues about being shy but he felt rather...off at the moment.
Harry smiled. "Okay. Follow me."
The silent Order of the Phoenix all waited impatiently for Harry to return with Julian. After Albus alerted them of the fact that Draco Malfoy was not only alive, but was active in the Esans' kidnaping, it started to force the belief in their minds that Voldemort was indeed about to rise.
Albus glanced at Molly. It was apparent that everyone was doing their best not to think to hard on Voldemort. Most of the Order, Molly especially, glanced at the door or fireplace. They were obviously wondering what the son of Harry Potter would be like.
He glanced again at Molly. He could see that the silence was getting to her. Most of the Order were either in heavy thought or glancing at the door and fireplace.
Molly cleared her throat. "So, Headmaster, how long have you known Julian?"
Albus smiled at her while mentally he did not want to be having any type of conversation. "When he started Hogwarts. I began to know him shortly after. Julian, like myself, has a phoenix as a familiar. Ignis."
"How is Ignis, Albus? I heard Hagrid was taking care of him," said Remus.
"Very well," said Albus. "Phoenixes heal quickly. He should be around and about by now."
"He has a phoenix?" asked Moody. "Interesting."
"Is he at all like Harry, Headmaster?" asked Tonks.
"Actually," replied Albus, "Julian is a rather good flier. Probably better than Harry but he isn't much for Quidditch. He loves chess, however."
"Even beat me a few times, which is surprising because Harry was never good at it." Ron shook his head. The look on the Gryffindor Trio's faces had been priceless. Julian had just smirked. "He'll be quite the strategist when he gets older."
"I still don't believe he plays fair," muttered Albus.
"I heard that he's beaten you quite a few times." Hermione tried not to giggle.
"He's just a boy. I decided to let him win. It would do him wonders for his ego." Albus, Hermione, and Ron shared a look. They all knew that Albus's comment was a complete joke.
"How is he at school? Where did he live? What house is he in?" The fact that Molly had an adopted grandson now appealed to her. Bill and Charlie glanced at each other nervously. They knew how much their mother wanted grandchildren.
Remus answered her questions. "Julian is an excellent student. He excels at potions, charms, and DADA. He's good with his other subjects too. He once lived in a town called Shirevale but has moved. And Julian is a Slytherin."
There was a small gasp at that. Hermione rolled her eyes. "Oh really! Just because the boy is a Slytherin is no reason to lose control of yourselves! Julian is a sweet child."
"Sneaky though." Hermione glared at Ron. "Oh come on, Mione. Don't forget that prank he played on that small group of Gryffindors." She smirked in remembrance then blushed when everyone looked at her. /Well they deserved it.../
Fred and George looked at each other with excitement. "I always knew we'd find a good apprentice in the family. And look what happens!" exclaimed Fred.
George nodded. "Yes, this is rather interesting. We'll lay out some plans for the lad later. See what he's like, he's methods and so forth. Although we may have to do something about his Gryffindor pranking," he muttered.
Fred shrugged. "Nothing to worry about. I'm quite sure we can break him of it." Both nodded excitedly.
Albus chuckled. "Yes, Julian is an interesting child."
"Yes but no one would have expected Harry's child to be a Slytherin," said Tonks.
"You can't look at children to reflect their parents all the time," said Shacklebolt. Tonks nodded.
"Does he look like Harry?" asked Molly Weasley.
Remus shook his head. "Only a little. He has a rather good blend of both parents. His hair is a lot more tamed than Harry's, and he's taller than Harry was at that age. He has brown eyes instead of green."
"What about the boy's father, Albus?" asked Arthur. Molly was literally bouncing in her seat in excitement as he looked at the fireplace and door.
"Raven Genesis Esan. A good man from what I have seen. Dark hair and blue eyes. Reminds me of someone although I'm not really sure who." Remus, Hermione, and Ron all gave him a look for that one. Albus laughed mentally.
Suddenly the fireplace came alive and Harry stumbled through, only just managing to stay on his feet. He smiled at them all then turned to the fireplace. "Alright Julian. I'm ready."
The fireplace again blazed as a young boy fell through the floo and into Harry's arms. None of the Order could really see the boy for Harry stood between them. All that could be see were the child's sooty robe and pajamas.
Harry immediately began checking on the boy. "Julian, are you alright?" Pulling out his wand, he cast a cleaning charm over the two of them.
Julian coughed a little. "I'm fine," he replied softly.
"Ready?" whispered Harry as he leaned closer to the boy and lay an arm over Julian's shoulders. He was relieved when Julian didn't pull away.
"Guess so," whispered Julian nervously.
Harry nodded and straightened himself. He kept his arm around Julian and turn, moving until he was standing side by side with the boy. "Everyone, this is Julian Triton Esan. Julian, meet the Order of the Phoenix."
"Hello," Julian said softly, a wary expression on his face. He received an echoed hello. Most of the Order nodded at him and continued to stare at him. They all wanted a moment to take in the son of the Man Who Lived.
Albus smiled as his godson. "Are you better, my boy?" asked Dumbledore.
Julian gave Albus a genuine smile. "I'm fine, Albus. Just a little tired."
"Then we'll keep this as short as possible for you."
"Thanks," said Julian, his smile a little sad but still genuine. He looked around at all the faces and grinned when he saw Lupin. "Are you okay, Professor Lupin?"
Remus laughed. "I'm quite fine Julian, and please call me Remus." Julian nodded.
Molly, who'd had a hand clenched in Arthur's hand in order to keep calm, stood suddenly and moved forward to hug Julian. Julian, who was a bit wary at receiving hugs from anyone but his father, stepped back quickly and move slightly behind Harry. Molly was surprised then smiled. "I'm sorry, Julian. I didn't mean to startle you. I just wanted to welcome you to the family."
Julian looked at her like she'd gone insane until he spotted Ron and the other red heads in the room. "Weasleys?"
Harry nodded. "Yes. This is Molly Weasley. Ron's mother."
Julian nodded in understanding and smiled weakly at Mrs. Weasley, but he didn't move from his position.
Molly looked a bit disappointed but to sooth her, Albus said, "Julian has been through a bit of a trying time, Molly," he looked at Julian surprised when the boy snorted, then continued. "Give him some time."
Molly accepted the answer then sat down. /That poor dear./
Hermione cleared her throat. "Julian. We want to ask you a few questions about what happened when you were abducted."
Julian's eyes shot to Harry, who said, "But only those about your kidnaping and about the man Raven was speaking to."
Julian relaxed a little. He whispered a soft thanks when Harry had Julian sit in his earlier occupied chair. "What do you want to know?"
"Just tell us what you can up until you and your father were placed in the cell," said Dumbledore. He didn't want Julian to have to say more.
Julian nodded the proceeded to tell the entire tell: of how his father had seen strange lights and had gone to investigate, of how the Death Eaters stormed the house, injuring Lupin and capturing his father, how Julian himself had been captured.
A few of the Order members were angry at what they heard but some became impressed with Julian and his father. Julian continued with his tale. "Everything gets a bit fuzzy afterward but I could see and hear the man talking to Papa. Although I could see him more."
"You couldn't hear much?" asked Moody.
"Just muttering. It did start to clear up when my vision started to weakened. I remember Papa holding me when I looked over at him. He was sitting on this throne. It was his eyes that struck me the most. They were red. I've never seen anyone with red eyes before."
Moody sighed. "So the snake faced bastard is still alive, eh?"
Julian with a confused look on his face and looked at Harry and Albus. Harry cleared his throat. "You saw Voldemort Julian. He isn't exactly human anymore."
"What do you mean 'isn't exactly human'? He looks just like us except for the eyes." Suddenly every eye in the room was on him.
"Julian," said Albus hesitantly, "What did the man you saw look like? Give us the best description you can." Albus cursed himself that he hadn't pressed Julian a bit more but the child had been rather distraught at the time.
"Okay. Um, he was a bit tall, with sandy brown hair, and the red eyes. He wasn't what most would call plain looking. Regular looking I guess you could say. Nothing that you would notice if you saw him in the crowd."
Harry stared at the wall. /I know what Voldemort looks like and that is definitely not him./ He glanced down at Julian.
"Julian, when your hearing cleared, what happened? You told me you knew why he took you right?"
"Yes."
"Then what else did he say?"
Julian frowned then shook his head sadly. "Nothing else really, just that..." Julian glanced at them before dropping his eyes. "He want to know...what you would do if you knew he had us both. I...I think he touched Papa too." Julian glared at the floor. Mentally, he thought about cutting off the Dark Lord's hand. "Then he sent us away with Malfoy."
Members of the Order looked at each other. Arthur said, "So...what does this tell us, other than Voldemort has definitely returned."
Albus was quiet. "It means that we should prepare. Gather all the information that you can from the Ministry. It would not do us well to be caught off guard and it is very likely that Voldemort will be looking for Julian again."
The young boy flinched which caused the Order to become rather protective of him instantly. Harry's jaw tightened but he said nothing. He looked at the dejected looking child beside him. /We'll get him back Julian. And you and your father will be safe, I swear./
Another scream pierced through the dungeon walls.
A soft chuckle. "Now, now. You brought this on yourself," said the man in a scolding tone. "I do not believe that I gave you permission to do such a thing, now did I?"
A sob, then a rasping, shaking voice whispered, "No, my Lord."
"I applaud what you did in the beginning but touching Raven Esan in such a way was NOT what I had in mind." Malphas shook his head and slowly began walking around the near corpse that weakly form the ceiling.
"Honestly, Brother," he continued, "At your age, I would have thought that you would be able to control your hormones." Malphas suddenly lashed out, running his nails down the almost skinless, bloody back.
An agonizing scream echoed through the room and reached to where Lucius Malfoy sat reading in his quarters. The blond wizard smiled proudly before turning back to his book.
Malphas hissed into the blond man's ear. "Esan is MINE. Just as you are. You aren't allowed to wipe your ass without my permission, Draco." He stepped away and moved to the front of the Malfoy heir. He looked at Draco like a stern parent. "Now you will AGAIN explain to me the significance of raping Esan."
"I-I thought that it would mess with his mind. Him and the boy."
"Oh? So it had nothing to do with your stupid problems with Potter?"
"NO, my Lord! It was mostly for the emotional torture to work."
"And did it?"
An almost smug tone was heard in Draco's voice despite the circumstances he was in. "Yes, my Lord."
"Well, while that is all fine and dandy, you did well in the beginning but took it too far." Malphas tilted his head slightly to the side. "For all these years, we've grown up together. We can practically read each other's minds. You KNEW what I planned for Esan!" he struck Draco. He calmed again and rolled his eyes.
Malphas gave a dramatic sigh. "It doesn't matter. I'll still do what I wish, but in the mean time it is time for your punishment."
Draco's eyes widened suddenly. "M-my Lord-,"
"Oh hush, Draco. Take your medicine like a man." He walked out as three of his men walked in. He paused for only a moment to say, "You know what to do." Malphas soon left toward his chambers listening to Malfoy's screams the whole way.
He shook his head with disappointment. "Honestly, you thought he would have known better." He closed his door and leaned back against it, a soft smile on his lips. His eyes, however, would have sent anyone screaming. Dark plans were being created behind those insane eyes.
On the large bed of Malphas's rooms lie an unconscious Raven Esan. He was fully healed from the earlier rape and any other pains he'd suffered. Malphas walked forward as he observed the sprawled form. He frowned at the large bruise on Raven's face. He'd lost his temper with the disappearance of Julian Esan and had brutally thrown Esan into the wall before the man could defend himself.
Malphas was impressed at Raven however. /An accomplished potions master, a good duelist, a powerful wizard...very good./
Malphas lie down beside Raven. He stroked a soft cheek and whispered, "I have such plans for you." The hand moved upward toward Raven's short hair. "In order for this battle to occur, Potter and I must be on equal fitting." He smiled darkly. "Although, I believe I will still have the edge. Besides, can you imagine how happy Mother will be soon?"
Malphas moved to lie on top of the unconscious potions master. He gave a small but slow lick to Severus's neck. "Oh yes, Mother will be very happy."
TBC
Alia: I hope that last bit wasn't too...you know. Review and tell me what you think. By the way, are my naughty boys psycho enough or should I work more on that? Also give me an answer to our little poll. If you don't know what I'm talking about check out the last two chapters of WDCA and Light and Dark Days. I need you guys to pick one so that I can get the summary done.