Alia: I'm going to apologize for a couple of things in this chapter ahead of time. Sorry. It's just that I took it out a bit on my characters since my life tried to go FUBAR (Fucked Up Beyond All Recognition) on me. Financial aid...so very cruel and unpredictable. Also I'm sorry for taking so long. This was going to come out on my birthday (same as Harry's but different year) but I got stuck a couple times. Sorry. Also since I have read HBP (hides a soft sob) one of my new story ideas will be adjusted accordingly. Also...JKR is evil. There I said it and everyone is thinking the same thing.

Reviews:

Linda: You do know you gave me a Ren and Stimpy moment right? Thank you for that. Sorry. I'm working on Darkness Comes Anew but it's taking time. (snickers) Poor Draco, but no one touches Sev without express permission. Oh then you'll love this chapter. And when I said NCIS I meant dectective work rather than the show. It might be an mpreg. And I don't like Gibss too much either.
Shadowcub: Well lets find out, shall we.
Sith Jesto: Thanks! Just read on and you'll find out.
Syber Snake: SOrry for the wait!
Trax: Oh don't worry, the relationship with Harry and Julian is...well you'll see. I didn't realize it until you saw it but that is what it looks like. It's a good thing that someone else reads this because I just write what I see in my head. And Molly hugs too damn much! Poor Raven? Ha! I haven't even begun to make Severus suffer!
Kyer: I live to serve! Oh they won't stay that way for much longer. Trust me. (smirks) Read on and you'll see. You think you're sick? Like I said, READ ON.
Princess-Fictoria: I don't have the patience for long and drawn out...at least that's what I tell myself when I start a story but you see how most of them have turned out.
Sarahamanda, Marie, SisterCSIs: Thanks for reviewing!

Thanks also to everyone else that read but didn't review.

TITLE: Second Chances -Because of Knowledge

AUTHOR: Alia

STATUS/PART: 8

SEQUEL: Raven's Gift

RATING: R (just a heavy one)

PAIRING: Severus Snape/ Harry Potter

SPOILERS: All but HBP

WARNINGS: language, angst, slash, violence, death of minor characters, light gore (maybe)

DISCLAIMER: JKR owns it. Whether she deserves it or not is not the point.

SUMMARY: The characters of HP and Raven's Gift learn that some things won't stay buried.

AUTHOR'S NOTES: Man this is getting a bit tough but I'm up to the challenge. I'm thinking about doing some things that some people may not be pleased with but try not to be too pissed at me. Oh and to anyone who read HBP, my condolences. Seriously.

With Julian again sleeping in the infirmary, the Order of the Phoenix resumed their talks.

"Perhaps," said Hermione, "We can do something to get an accurate description of Voldemort." A few members of the Order flinched. Hermione ignored them as she continued. "We can use a sketch if we can get some stronger details from Julian."

Albus was quiet himself. The idea definitely had merit but would it just be better do let someone else see? Perhaps Julian could use his pensieve. /The child may be a bit too young for that. We may have to try...something else./ "That is a very good idea Hermione. We'll definitely keep it in mind."

"Do you think that Voldemort may have possessed someone?" asked Tonks.

"Impossible," said Harry with a slight tone of annoyance in his voice, "The spell used at the last battle was created to destroy souls." He thought of that monstrous night where he used one of the darkest spells in existence. Harry flinched as he remembered the curse moving almost through him and toward Voldemort. It looked as if it had burned his soul to nothing but ashes.

"So he must have found a way around the spell, which I thought was impossible." Hermione frowned.

Albus spoke up. "In the morning, Harry and I will go to Julian and speak to him. We need a very accurate description." He spoke directly to Harry who had frowned again at bothering Julian about more information. The man sighed then nodded in agreement. Albus looked back at the others. "Until then, see what you can find. Check any contacts, reliable or not. We need anything we can get our hands on. I fear that Voldemort has us at a great disadvantage."

The next morning found Julian sitting on the edge of the hospital bed. He'd woken early in the morning and had promptly become bored out of his mind.

That however was not exactly true. It was more that he'd woken up after a nightmare and had thought relentlessly of his father before pushing it out of his mind by trying to occupy himself with something else. /Please be okay, Papa./

Julian leaned forward, his feet on the floor, elbows on his knees and hands under his chin. He had nothing to do and it was much to early for anyone to come around, even Madame Pomfrey. He jumped, when he heard the door to the infirmary crack open.

Julian stood slowly, his hand itching for his wand. /Who is up this early? It's not even seven yet/

"Jules?" someone whispered.

"Matt!" cried Julian softly. The door opened slowly. There stood his friends: Matthew, Xiaoming, Dillon, Clara, and Atticus. "Hey guys."

Minny rushed over with a soft squeal and hugged her friend tightly, Clara right behind her.

"Don't you ever scare me like that again!"she whispered harshly. The Slytherin girl held on a bit longer before stepping back to smooth out her robes and regain her cool demeanor. Atticus and Dillon laughed while Matthew rolled his eyes.

The boy moved around the girls then sat down beside his best friend. Atticus and Dillon came up to stand between the girls. Matthew smiled sadly at his friend. "Alright?"

Julian snorted then dropped his head. "Of course not. Those bastards have Papa."

"What happened?" asked Dillon curiously. Atticus cuffed him. "Ouch! What was that for?"

"Idiot! Haven't you thought that he might not want to talk about it?" Atticus growled.

Dillon's eyes widened then he grimaced. "Sorry Julian."

The other boy chuckled at his friend. "Don't worry about it. It's okay. Besides I would want to know what happened to my friends too."

"Well?" said Minny.

Sighing, Julian pulled his feet underneath him and told them most of what happened, though he left a great deal out. All of them looked at him after he'd finished. They looked with pride, sadness, anger, hatred, concern, and fear.

Matthew clenched his jaw. "You-Know-Who is back...and your dad." He gave Julian a stern look. "Jules...if you ever need any help..." /Specifically to get rid of those prats.../

"That's for all of us!" said Minny. She glanced at Atticus who immediately nodded.

"As long as it's not too outrageous. You are a Slytherin, you know."

Julian snorted at Clara. Dillon coughed to hide his laugher. The boy then turned a bit serious. "We'd be glad to help you Julian, but what are you going to do now?"

"I'm staying here at Hogwarts for the time being."

"As a ward of the school?" asked Atticus.

"No. I don't know the specifics but I do know that I'll be here for a while."

Matthew gave him a knowledgeable look. The boy nodded then looked him over. "Are you okay now? You looked terrible when Clara found you."

"I didn't find him. It was the other way around. And are you okay?"

Julian smiled. "Much better. The ribs are a bit sore and my ankle aches a little, but other than that and a slight headache, I'm fine."

"Good. So are you coming back to classes? There is still a week before break." Minny watched Julian curiously.

"I don't know," Julian answered honestly. "I'll have to ask the Headmaster."

"Speaking of the Headmaster, we should go before he finds us." Matthew stood. "You need anything you send Ignis after one of us." He nodded at the sleeping phoenix.

"Sure. I'll see you all later."

Dillon was the last one in the room. He stood before Julian nervously before hugging the older boy. "Be careful." With that he rushed out the door leaving a slightly confused Julian.

It was a minute later when Julian finally spoke. "What was that about?"

"What was what about?"

Julian's head snapped up and standing in Pomfrey's office was Harry Potter.

Harry smiled at Julian before walking toward his bed. "Sorry. I didn't mean to startle you."

"No. No, I'm fine."

After a moment, Harry asked, "So how are you feeling this morning?"

"Better." Julian fidgeted a little. "A little sore but fine otherwise."

"That's very good. Are you hungry? I can have one of the house elves bring something."

"No. I'm fine."

There was a short silence before Harry cleared his throat. "Um...I thought it would be best that we have a talk."

Julian immediately stiffened. "About what?"

Harry sighed silently at Julian's discomfort. "I wanted to speak with you about your arrangements while you are here at Hogwarts."

"I don't exactly understand."

"You'll need to makes a few decisions on your classes, for example. The Headmaster is alerting the teachers of your return. You may have to take tutoring to catch up."

Julian shook his head. "No I won't. Matt always sent me notice of the assignments that our teachers wanted and Papa would grade them. I'm actually ahead. Papa gave me a bit of extra work."

"That's very good," said Harry. "But the teachers may want to give you a test to see for themselves."

Julian made a soft noise of agreement.

"Another thing that needs to be decided is where you will be staying."

"Since I'll be back in classes, won't that mean I'll be put back into the dorms?" asked Julian as he looked at Harry strangely.

Harry swallowed hard, nodding. He was just stalling for the last bit. "There is one thing, however, that is very important. You'll need a temporary guardian while you are here or you'll become a ward of the Ministry."

Julian grimaced. He didn't like the Ministry all that much, especially after hearing some of the things his father had to say about them.

Harry continued. "There are two options. One is that the Headmaster take over your guardianship."

"He could. Papa has him as my godfather."

Harry's eyes widened. "Really? Does Albus know that?"

Shaking his head, Julian replied, "No. Neither of us thought to tell him."

"Oh. Then perhaps that would be best."

Julian noticed the hint of disappointment in Harry's tone of voice. "What about the other option?"

Harry looked hesitant and Julian felt a bit of worry. "What is it?"

Harry bit his lower lip for a moment before responding. "I can be your guardian."

The look on Julian's face said it all.

Harry flinched. /Damn it./ Harry knew exactly what Julian was thinking. /Would I take advantage of the fact the situation/

Talking quickly to sooth Julian, Harry said, "It's only temporary Julian. When Raven is brought back, full custody will remain with him."

Julian gave him a long look. "You want to be my guardian," the boy said sternly. It was obviously not a question as much as it was a statement.

Harry shifted for a moment from foot to foot. He then gave a weary sigh. "Yes. Julian-," Harry paused for a moment then continued. "Yes, I wish to be your temporary guardian."

"Why?"

Harry watched Julian silently. The boy had dropped his eyes as he asked the question and was now looking despondently into his lap. "Julian...Before...everything happened, you and I were getting along rather well. I'm hoping we can still try."

Julian looked up at him angrily. "What do you want me to say? Do you expect me to get all excited and say 'Yes'? After what happened!"

"Julian!" He watched the boy drop his eyes again and mutter an apology for speaking to an adult with such a tone. Julian was not known for disrespecting his elders even when he was angry. Harry wondered if that had come from Severus.

Harry sighed. "Julian. I made one of the worst mistakes of my life that day. I can't take it back, it's too late for that but what I can do is apologize and try to do better."

"You want me to give you another chance?" Julian shivered.

Harry frowned at the shiver but he understood why. "I WILL NOT take your father's place, Julian. I could never do something like that." He looked to the side. "I want a chance to get to know my son. I want a chance to make up for the fact that I can be a complete prat."

Clearing his throat he managed to looked back at Julian. "If you want I can tell Albus about his status. He'll be more than happy to take you."

For a long moment, Julian was silent. The young boy found himself in a dilemma. He knew he could hurt Potter even just a fraction if he said he wanted Dumbledore to be his guardian but Julian found himself strangely hesitant to hurt Potter's feelings purposely.

He didn't trust Potter, especially after what happened a year earlier, but maybe he should give the man another chance. Wasn't life suppose to be full of second chances/Or something like that. Could be some Gryffindor crap they drilled into Matt's brain./

Julian looked at the sorry looking man that had once been the Boy Who Lived. "Okay. You can be my guardian."

Harry almost did a double take. "W-what!"

Julian almost rolled his eyes. "I want you to be my guardian." /Oh please don't make me regret this/

Harry smiled brightly. "Thank you."

Julian found himself blushing slightly at the man's excitement. "Yes, well...couldn't hurt to give it one more try." /Although if it does and Papa comes back, you're on your own/

Harry reached out with his hand and allowed it to hover over Julian's shoulder for a moment before laying it on Julian's shoulder. When Julian didn't jump, instead just looked at him, Harry felt that he might just have a chance to make up for his idiocy. Then he thought about someone else. /We have to get Se...Raven back./

A cough caught both unaware. Julian and Harry jumped, the latter pulling out his wand and facing the intruder.

Both sighed in relief as Dumbledore walked over to Julian's bed chuckling.

Julian glared at him. "Ha ha. Very funny." Harry glared at Albus silently although with a smile on his face. He was more startled than anything.

"I apologize Julian. I just wanted for you and Harry to finish your conversation before I interrupted."

Julian and Harry gave each other a quick glance before turning back to the Headmaster. "Did you need anything, Albus?" Harry asked.

Albus sat on the bed beside Julian's. "Actually, it is about what we discuss last night after young Julian went to bed."

Harry frowned but nodded hesitantly.

Julian looked at the uncomfortable expression on their faces and sighed. "Whatever it is can we just get it over with?"

Both men suddenly caught amused looks and smiled at Julian's exasperation with the situation. Albus chuckled. "Very well, my boy." The old wizard finally turned a bit more serious. "Julian, the Order believes that it would be a good idea if we got as accurate description of Voldemort as possible. In the pass we knew both his human and...his other face. We believe it would be a good idea to have it this time as well."

"I told you what he looked like."

"Yes but it would be good if we could get a completely accurate look instead of the description you gave us."

"It was slightly vague, Julian," Harry interrupted hesitantly. He didn't want to offend Julian in anyway. He did smile slightly when the boy paused in thought then nodded.

"So what do you want me to do?" he asked Albus.

Dumbledore smiled. "Thank you, Julian." He paused for a moment. "At first it was suggested that a sketch be done of Voldemort but that would take a bit of time and I thought we needed to be as detailed as possible."

"What are you suggesting, Headmaster?" asked Harry. He didn't like the feeling of unease that was taking over. That and the fact that Dumbledore seemed to be avoiding his eyes.

"I thought perhaps, we could use a method of seeing Julian's memory."

Julian squirmed at the outraged looked on Harry's face. The man looked beyond pissed but he was holding it back. A small spark of fear went through him as his eyes shot back and forth from Dumbledore to Potter. /Uh Oh./

Harry glowered at Albus, green eyes glowing with fury. He practically growled at the Headmaster, "Please tell me that you do NOT mean what I think you mean?"

Albus kept his calm despite Harry's tone but Julian grimaced in sympathy. "Julian is too young to handle a pensieve just yet."

"Albus..."

Julian watched his angry paternal parent for a moment and thought/Julian, why are you sitting here when you should be running? Far, far away? Ah, that's why. Stupid Gryffindor blood./ He honestly found himself wanting to see how this played out, and why both men were reacting like this.

"Harry, my boy, Legimency is our best policy of finding something out like this." Albus tried to keep his voice in a soothing tone to calm Harry. It was not working.

"If you think for one moment, I'm going to let yo-,"

"Legimency!" cried Julian, causing both Harry and Albus to turn to him in surprise.

"Julian?" said Harry slightly confused at Julian's outburst.

Harry was ignored momentarily as Julian looked at Albus. "It that what you are going to do?"

Albus nodded, clearing his throat.

The boy blinked then shrugged. "Okay. When do you want to do it?"

It was time for the older wizards to blink. "Julian? Wh-,"

The boy rolled his eyes at the Headmaster. "I know about Legimency. Papa could do it and showed me what it was like once. It wasn't bad because he was careful and controlled the spell really well to see only a certain memory."

Harry and Albus glanced at each other. Harry opened his mouth, then sighed with defeat. Albus gave a small smile and turned to Julian.

"Now Julian, child, I only wish to see that particular memory. If it feels uncomfortable, please alert me?"

Julian nodded and stared at Albus who also did the same. After a moment, they both blinked and Harry found himself taking in the reactions of both.

Albus looked a bit disturbed and worried while Julian looked sad, angry, and was suddenly exhausted. The boy sighed wearily catching Dumbledore's attention. "Perhaps you should rest Julian. It seems that the memory took a great deal out of you."

"Are you alright?" He asked his son. Harry stood to help Julian lie down in the bed and under the blankets.

Julian sighed. "I don't like to remember." He felt as if the memory had sapped all his strength, not physically, but emotionally.

Harry closed his eyes for a moment before he finished tucking Julian in. "Go to sleep. We'll come and see you later."

Julian nodded before rolling over and slowly drifting off.

After making sure Julian was asleep, Harry turned to Albus. "Well?"

Albus stood and Harry did the same. "I did indeed find the information that I was looking for." The older wizard looked out into space for a moment. "I believe that I have found some rather disturbing news." He motioned for Harry to follow him as he headed toward the door.

Harry followed and when they were finally outside, he turned to Albus. "What did you find out?"

Dumbledore sighed. "Perhaps this should wait until the Order can be contacted for another meeting?"

"Albus, please..."

Dumbledore looked at Harry over his glasses for a moment then said, "The man Julian saw was not possessed by Voldemort nor was he Voldemort with a new body."

"Then who was he?"

"The man in Julian's memory was not Voldemort at all but he did look a great deal like him."

"Albus, I don't understand. What are you trying to tell me?" asked Harry with frustration clear in his voice.

Albus started down the hall saying, "The man Julian saw was Voldemort's son."

Julian stood before the door of Flitwick's class with both a bit of nervousness, excitement, and a lot of dread.

He was pleased to start classes again. He got a chance to hang out with his friends, he got a chance to learn a little more, and he got a chance to think of something other than his father, something he did too much.

He was nervous because of the reactions he would receive. Everyone knew he was back in Hogwarts, and Julian was intelligent enough to know that there would be plenty of questions asked.

He was feeling dread because...it was class. And to all children his age, class meant work.

/Work/ thought Julian as he stood before the door. /Truly an evil word./

Julian sighed as he was a few minutes late. After eating breakfast in the infirmary, Madam Pomfrey had examined him once more. Then she had given him a note but Julian didn't like being late for class. Some of the teachers eyed you for the rest of the period. /Hopefully, Flitwick won't do something like that today./

Opening the door, Julian drew the attention of all the students. He stood for a moment at the door waiting for Flitwick to come forward. The class of Slytherin and Hufflepuff students looked at him with mostly with curiosity. A few Hufflepuffs did smile at him though. Julian nodded politely in return.

"Welcome back, Mr. Esan," said the small wizard that smiled brightly at him.

"Professor." He smiled weakly.

"I assume that the Headmaster told you of what you will be doing today."

"Yes, sir, but I've been keeping up with my studies." Julian managed to see the curiosity strengthen in his classmates but ignored them for the moment.

"So, I have been told but it is necessary for me to see what progress you have been making. Just head toward the back of the class."

As Julian moved toward the back, he passed Atticus and Clara. With Atticus being closest to the aisle, he purposely bumped his friend. Atticus shot a look toward Flitwick, who was instructing the rest of the class on their current assignment, before pushing Julian roughly in the back, forcing him to stumble a bit.

Clara rolled her eyes at the grinning boys. /Could they get any stupider/

A short time later, Julian found himself under Flitwick's watchful eye performing various charms or explaining certain theories. When they finished, it was obvious that Flitwick was pleased. "Excellent, Julian. You've done a very good job and you are slightly ahead of the other students. I'll be sure to tell the Headmaster. Why don't you head to your next class?"

Atticus and Clara were waiting for him as well as a couple other students. Julian smiled at his friends. "What's next?"

"Herbology," muttered Clara. She didn't have a lot of luck when it came to some of the plants in that class.

Atticus sighed. "If you'd pay close attention-,"

"Shut up, Atticus."

The boy frowned and was about to respond but a look from Julian and a sharp shake of his head caused his to ignore her. It was obvious that Julian didn't have the patience for their arguing at the moment, and Atticus was not about to goad Julian's nasty temper.

A Slytherin in Julian's year walked up to him. "I see you're back, Esan."

Julian glanced at him. "Indeed, I am. Is that a problem?" The last was said with a cool tone.

"Of course not!" The boy said soothingly, but Julian didn't miss the tone he said it in. "I was curious on how you are doing. The Headmaster told us all about what happened to you at breakfast today." Before Atticus or Clara could deny what he said, he continued, "I wanted to know what your side of the story was."

Julian snorted at his with disgust. "That was the most PATHETIC attempt to be sly that I have ever seen. And you are in Slytherin! Salazar must be rolling in his grave after such a sickening display." With a malicious smirk on his face, Julian continued, "I've seen Hufflepuffs do twice as well as you, you worthless, idiotic-,"

"Fuck off, Esan!" cried the Slytherin.

"Why should I do that?" Julian's eyes narrowed. He took a step toward the boy. "Despite the fact that I missed breakfast, I'm quite sure the Headmaster did no such thing." He glanced out of the corner of his eye at the nodding Clara and Atticus.

He looked back at the glaring boy then rolled his eyes. "Why do I bother? You aren't worth my aggravation nor the setting off of my temper." With that he walked off, Clara and Atticus behind him.

A Hufflepuff nearby gained courage and yelled, "Why were you gone so long?"

"None of your bleedin' business." Atticus continued walking with his smirking friends.

"Why Atticus, you are such a gentlemen. How sweet of you to defend Julian's honor." Clara said sweetly.

Julian burst into laugher as Atticus glowered at the smirking girl. He calmed his mirth when she managed to catch his attention.

Clara placed a hand gently on his arm. "Julian, a lot of people are going to be trying to ask what happened to you."

Atticus nodded in agreement, "She's right. And there was a small article on your return in the Daily Prophet."

Julian shook his head. "I'll just ignore them, and be careful of any tricks to get the truth out. Come on, or we'll be late."

Unfortunately for Julian, he had to run the rest of the way to Herbology and he was not in a good mood.

(Flashback)

As the three second years made their way to Greenhouse Three, a clearing throat that seemed to boom just a bit, caught their attention. Hagrid stood to their left.

"Hello, there!" he said with a smile.

The three Slytherins were silent but all gave polite smiles and nods of acknowledgment.

"Mr. Esan, I was wonderin' if I could speak to ya for a moment."

Julian exchanged a glance with his friends then motioned then to continue. They did so slowly, wanting to keep an eye on their friend and the half-giant.

Hagrid then moved closer to the castle wall with Julian following him. The grounds keeper cleared his throat. "Um...Julian, I jus' though' I'd, ya know, check up on ya to see how ya were doin'?"

Julian blinked. He rarely saw Hagrid except around the grounds and the Great Hall because Julian didn't take his class yet. /This is...weird.../ "Um...thanks Hagrid."

"I mean, your da was really worried about ya when ya disappeared."

Julian froze and stared hard at Hagrid. "My da?"

"Ya know. Harry Potter!"

Julian blinked for a moment. "Excuse me?" He was in a bit of shock. He didn't think anyone else knew.

"Yer da was in a righ' bad place after ya left, so I gave 'im a bit of drink and we talked for a bit. He told me wha' 'appened between him and yer da. I jus' wanted ya to know tha' if ya needed anythin'-,"

"Wait a minute," snapped Julian angrily. "You got him drunk!"

"NO! Jus' a little somethin' to loosen him up. He was so sad and all."

Julian glared at Hagrid. He opened his mouth to say something and found himself speechless. Julian just glared once more and stomped off for class.

Hagrid was left shaking his head. "Not a thing like Harry."

(End Flashback)

As Julian opened the door to the Greenhouse, his witless classmate from earlier rushed by him. "Watch it, Forsan!"

The boy paused to smirk at Julian sending a powerful feeling of unease down Julian's back. /Could it get any worse/

Julian flinched. /It doesn't count if I don't say it out loud...right/

The next morning at breakfast, Julian glared at Forsan. The idiot kept smirking at him during most of the meal and Julian was about to hex the idiot. He was sneaky enough not to get caught and if he did...it would be well worth it. /Now what spell to use? Should it be something painful, embarrassing, or a combination? Isn't there something that works like a laxative/ Julian's concentration was broken as the owls flew in with the morning mail. A few owls reached the Head Table first.

Julian watched as Clara's subscription of the Daily Prophet dropped beside her plate. He took another bite of food, glancing around the Great Hall as Clara opened the paper. Whatever it was in the paper must have been startling. Some students jumped in their seats staring at the paper. Others were whispering but more were...staring at him.

/...oh no...oh please no.../ Julian's eyes shot up at the Head Table. The teachers were talking furiously in whispers, looking between Julian and Harry. Potter looked furious as he read the paper. Dumbledore and McGonagall didn't look much better.

A suddenly tight, and rather painful, grip on his arm had caught his attention. Turning his head, he flinched when he came face to face with Clara's glare.

"Julian," she said with a false sweetness. "Would you like to tell me what this is all about?"

She shoved the paper in his face and Julian whimpered pathetically as he read the headline.

Formerly Missing Student, Son of Boy Who Lived!

On the front page was a picture of Harry Potter and beside it was a photo of Julian smiling lazily at the camera.

"Very interesting don't you think, Potter?" someone called down the Slytherin table. Julian looked up with a glare to see a smirking Folsan. "You and your father are rather photogenic I must say."

"Folsan, you had better watch your arse," growled Julian before Atticus drew his attention.

The boy was staring at his plate but would glance at Julian every few moments.

Julian looked around for his other friends. Clara was finishing her meal while reading the paper at the same time. Julian could tell that she wasn't sure whether to believe it or not.

Matthew was being bombarded by the other Gryffindors with questions and it seemed that Minny and Dillon were in the same situation except they kept looking at him strangely.

Julian groaned and dropped his head into his hands trying to ignore the whispering and pointing. /Is this not just perfect/ he thought sarcastically.

"Julian," said Atticus.

"Yes," mutter Julian. He didn't lift his head once.

"Is it true?"

"Would you believe if I said no?"

"I wouldn't," snipped Clara. She tossed the paper down in front of Julian so they could all look at it. "Somehow they managed to legally get you and Potter's blood results. They match."

"I am so screwed. No one was suppose to find out about this."

Clara bit her lip then leaned over and whispered, "This is why you and your dad got taken? They already knew about you and Potter."

Julian nodded then shot to look at the snickering Atticus. "What's wrong with you?"

"This is funny." Atticus pointed at the paper. Julian and Clara stared at him as if he'd lost his mind.

"Have you gone mad!" growled Julian. "How could this possibly be funny!" He said it low enough that no one but Atticus and Clara would hear.

"Did you know Potter was the heir of Gryffindor?"

Julian blinked. "I...I didn't really know that. Was?" He thought about it. "Then...doesn't that make me the heir of Gryffindor?"

"Yes. Now see it from my view. The heir of Gryffindor...is a Slytherin."

Julian blinked again then a slow laugh started to build. /Oh...Oh that is just too funny./ It was difficult but he managed to contain his laughter. He and Clara laughed softly and giggled.

"Poor Salazar. He's either rolling in his grave or laughing his arse off."

That brought a few snorts of laughter from the boys. The laughing was quickly reigned in when Harry and Albus came forward. "Julian," said Harry. "Please come with us."

Nodding, Julian followed with a short wave of goodbye.

"Goodbye, Potter."

Julian stopped and smoothly turned to glare at Folsan. He walked to stand before the sitting boy. "You think this is funny, Folsan? Well remember one thing. I can hold a grudge for a LONG time. Thankfully, so do my friends." He said it softly enough that only those nearby could hear. Straightening and leaving the slightly nervous boy behind, Julian followed Potter and Dumbledore.

"Oh dear. It seems that I'm not the only one who knows the truth anymore, my little Raven."

Severus shot a short glare at Malphas as he picked up the paper handed to him. There is was printed neatly on the Daily Prophet. The Wizarding World now knew who Julian's father was. /Fantastic/ he thought angrily.

Voldemort smiled at him as he sat in the other chair of the small round table that occupied his room. Raven sat before him in a plain black robe. He tilted his head. "How are the robes, my little Raven?"

Raven tried to ignore him but winced when Voldemort said his name again, in a much less friendly tone. "Fine."

"Yes. I thought you would like them better than the others." Malphas said casually.

"Apparently I will have to since you ripped them to shreds." Severus tried to keep the growl out of his voice.

"Well, if you'd simply been more cooperative, I wouldn't have had to," Malphas said in an exasperated tone. "Your robes were filthy and had you simply handed them over I wouldn't have had to rip them off you." He smiled again. "Although, it wasn't such a terrible task now was it?"

Raven hoped the question was rhetorical because he refused to answer. Since he'd been locked in Malphas's room, the wizard had taken any and every opportunity to molest Raven, no matter the potions master's opinion. He hadn't resorted to rape, but Severus honestly wondered how much longer until he did. He still had nightmares about Malfoy.

A knock at the door caused the Dark Lord to stand and open it. "Ah. It seems that breakfast has arrived." A Death Eater rushed in, carefully sitting the tray of food on the table before Severus before bowing to his lord and rushing back toward the door.

Just before he closed it, Malphas removed his wand and said, "Crucio."

Raven flinched at the screams then sagged slightly in relief when they ended. He stared at Voldemort as he entered the room.

Malphas looked at him. "What?" he said curiously.

Severus replied cautiously, "Was that really necessary?"

Malphas nodded. "Of course. Didn't you see how hurried he was? People should slow down and enjoy life. That was just a quick way of making him do it." Looking over the tray, Malphas smiled, "Thank Merlin! I was worried they wouldn't send the cranberries this time. It's really a hassle when you have to torture the cook."

Raven grimaced. Malphas worried him greatly. Even Voldemort Sr. didn't worry him as much as Junior did. Malphas was too...unpredictable and just as sadistic as his father, if not more so.

Malphas sat down and simply stared at Raven after he finished eating. "Aren't you hungry?"

Raven just managed not to glare at him again. "It's drugged."

Malphas looked at him like he'd just said the moon was pink with purple stripes. "Of course it is."

Severus's eyes shot up as he gawked at what Malphas had said. "What!"

Frowning, Malphas opened his mouth to say something then paused. He closed his eyes and sighed. "It seems I forgot to tell you of my plans. Rather silly since you are involved."

Raven's hands tightened on the arms of his chair. "What plans?" Perhaps he would be able to sabotage something if he got the chance.

"Do you think that I'm getting on in my years?" asked Malphas. "I'm about a month older than Potter is. I thought I should be worried that he has a son and yet I have no Slytherin heir such as he."

/Why do I have such a terrible feeling? And an even worse idea/ "You must be joking!" Raven stared at him.

"Why would I be joking? Is it bad for one to wish for a child? I mean even Draco was going to have one for a while there...at least until that little incident with the mother, but I think it time I have a child also."

With the bad feeling still there, Severus asked, "What do your plans have to do with me?"

Malphas gave a small smile. "Do you even have to ask, my little Raven?" Raven glowered at the nickname. "You are going to give me a child."

Severus couldn't stop the smirk on his face. "Oh? I am?" He laughed cruelly at Malphas. "I am not sorry to say that that will be impossible."

"Oh?"

"I'm sterile." It was the first time that he was happy for it.

Malphas smiled softly at him. "But my Raven, I know that."

Raven's eyes widened.

"When my healer cared for you earlier he scanned you for it."

"T-then how do you expect ME to give you a child?" he yelled.

"Why the old fashioned way of course."

Severus grimaced as Malphas nearly leered at him. "How could I possible carry a child when I'm sterile. You can't want me to impregnate you!"

"No. It will be you with the child."

"THEN HOW!" He screamed.

Malphas stood, a hungry look on his face. "There is a potion from Egypt that is slowly beginning to circulate. It's practically ancient but should still work. You'll only be somewhat sterile and you will be able to carry a child of my blood and yours. The child will be created with magic and blood."

Raven could remember a potion like that. It was considered Dark magic because it wasn't as natural as other forms of conception.

"The potion will be swallowed and the child will grow inside of you."

Severus's eyes widened. "And when it's born?" He whispered.

"I'll do like my father did and activate my blood inside of it. So as it ages, it will have my knowledge, my power, and my darkness. It will of course age faster than normal. We'll find something for that." He smirked at Severus. "My child will be the opposite of his half-brother. And I shall be totally even with Harry Potter. He'll pay for what he did to my father."

Raven was speechless. He quickly thought of everything that Malphas planned to do to an innocent child, planned to do to Julian... "Never."

Malphas's face lost it's pleasant demeanor and darkened. "What do you mean?"

"Do you honestly think that I'm going to just have a child and hand it over so you could do...Merlin knows what to it! It's a child!"

"My child and it is my right to do whatever I see fit to do with my child."

"I'll kill it myself first!"

Malphas had a cold look on his face then he smiled. "Alright, Raven. Have it your way." He walked out.

A few hours later, Severus rose from the bed as the door opened. A young woman with a baby wailing in her arms was pushed roughly into the room by a Death Eater.

Raven jumped to his feet and had moved to help the woman when Malphas entered. "Stay right where you are, Raven. This is for your benefit after all."

"Malphas, what is this?" he asked, pointing to the woman and her crying child.

"A demonstration." He turned to the girl. "Give me child, dear." Malphas stretched out his hands.

The woman held the baby closer. "Please," she sobbed pitifully. "Please just let us go!"

Malphas sighed. "We'll never get this done if you act like this." He simply walked over and ripped the child roughly from her arms. The woman screamed and tried to attack him only to be brought to her knees by the Cruciatus. Malphas walked away from her with the wailing baby. He stood before Severus.

"He's cute isn't he?" asked Malphas. He glanced from the worried Raven to the baby. "You said that you would rather kill the child than have it grow up under my influence?" He handed the baby to Raven. "Prove it. Throw the baby in the fire." He pointed at the fireplace against the wall.

Raven stared at him in shock, his jaw dropping open. "You...you can' t serious." He unconsciously rocked the crying baby in his arms.

"No. I'm very serious. Either you agree to do this...or you throw the baby in the fire."

"I can't!" he cried clutching the child to him. The baby seemed no more than four months old and Malphas wanted Severus to kill it.

"Then you agree?"

"NEVER!"

"Then kill the child."

"How can you expect me to do something like this?"

"You say you can do it to your own then you can do it to someone else's. Prove it. Now kill the child."

Severus looked down at the little plump face wet with tears. "And if I agree."

"They will be released."

Severus looked at him. "I have your word."

"Yes." Voldemort's red eyes looked at him seriously.

"I'll do it."

Malphas smiled. "Excellent. Now for my part of the deal."

Dread instantly took over Raven's being as he realized he just made a deal with the devil.

Malphas walked over the woman and helped her stand. "Madam, I do believe that it is time for you and your child to go home." The woman smiled weakly then walked unsteadily toward Raven and the baby. She never saw it coming.

"Avada Kedavra!" She fell to the ground.

"NO!" screamed Raven. "You said you would release them!"

"Right into the arms of Death! Expelliarmus!" Raven went flying one way, the child another. Right into to Malphas' arms.

Severus quickly stood and faced Malphas. The man smiled at Severus as they stood before the fireplace. "I'm glad you see it my way." With that, he tossed the infant into the fire.

Raven dropped to his knees screaming, his eyes closed and his hands over his ears as the baby was burned alive. Malphas looked at him calmly before placing a charm around the fireplace to remove any strange odors. He then walked out the door.

Nodding at the doorman, Malphas walked into the padded cell and toward the thin pale figure in the corner. "Hello, Mother."

The scarred figure obviously identified his voice as it tried desperately to crawl into the wall.

"Now, Mother, be careful or you'll hurt yourself." Malphas placed a hand on the figure's head causing it to freeze in terror. Malphas stood leaning against the wall.

He smiled brightly down at the figure. "You are looking much better, Mother. I was worried about you for a while."

The figure began whimpering. Malphas ran a hand through it's hair. "Yes, you are doing much better." He sighed. "I am sorry, Mother, but you had to be punished. You didn't help Father, so you had to be punished."

Malphas sat down beside the person. "But I do have good news for you. You'll be a grandparent soon. Isn't that good?"

Someone knocked at the door. "My Lord, Malfoy has something he must discuss with you."

Malphas called back, "Just a moment." He smiled down at his parent. "Take care, Mother. I'll tell you the rest tomorrow."

Vacant eyes watched the white padded walls as the door closed behind the new Lord Voldemort.

TBC

Alia: Yeah, I'm sorry about the baby thing. I didn't mean for things to go down like that but it happens. Review.