Alia: Oh come on you knew it was going to take me longer than I said it would. I had completely lost my writing groove for a while but I did a little writing (Dying From A Broken Heart) and found myself with another chapter of Light and Dark Days. Then I slowly but surely started getting scenes together for this chapter. Half of it was done a week ago but...I had a test to study for and then I just didn't feel like writing so I finished it all last night. But it's here now so YAY! Oh and I'm going to start on the next chpt for WDCA.
Reviews:
Kyer: That's what you think! But you are right...why are we proud of that? Thanks for reviewing! mydracomalfoy: Yup, this is gonna go mpreg real soon. And since I have a feeling Draco might be your favorite character, you aren't upset with me about his character are you? Trio-Spade: Thanks for reviewing. Julie: Thanks for putting this here because I was paying no attention. It should be Forsan. Thanks. barbarataku: (smirks) You'll find out who it is soon. Don't worry. Thanks! Yup. Could change the Malfoy boys although I think a few of their fans may no be happy with me. Oh yeah. He was fucked up at birth, everything else just help along the process...but just to let you know...in this chapter, what Malphas says Voldemort did...doesn't involve this. As for Voldie Jr/ Raven baby...you'll see. Oya: That's great! I know after the last book my love of Harry keeps on falling. Thanks for reviewing. marie: Thank you! Kamp: Yes, I had to actually concentrate to make him evil. Even asked my parents what type of evil villains they would like to be. Thanks for reviewing.
Alia: Now to make up for the wait, I stuck a bit more than I intended to in here. There would have been more but I finished this at five in the morning when I had a class at 10. Enjoy!
TITLE: Second Chances -Because of Your Worst Nightmares
AUTHOR: Alia
STATUS/PART: 9
SEQUEL: Raven's Gift
RATING: R (just a heavy one)
PAIRING: Severus Snape/ Harry Potter
SPOILERS: All but HBP (It doesn't exist in this story)
WARNINGS: language, angst, slash, violence, a little gore, hints to mpreg
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: So that you know, the time between Raven's events and Julian and Harry's events are by a few hours. Raven's are happening before hand. And we're about to get a hint to why Malphas is keeping Raven around.
Second Chances - Because of Your Worst Nightmares
Leaping from the bed with a scream, Raven's eyes darted around frantically as he stood upon the cold stone floor. His heart was beating wildly, his lungs barely able to keep up.
Seeing that he was alone in the room, Severus closed his eyes for a moment, trying to calm enough to stop the shaking of his limbs. Shaking his head, he moved back toward the bed. "Damn you Malphas!"
After Malphas had thrown the child into the fire a few days ago, Raven had been having terrifying nightmares of the event as it was repeated again and again in his dreams. Unfortunately for the potions master, it was not the face of the young infant he had failed to protect. It was Julian's.
He could easily remember that plump little face grinning up at him from such a young age, but the pleasant feeling the image always brought was replaced by a horrified nausea as night after night, he would watch Baby Julian being thrown into the fire by Malphas.
Taking a deep breath, Raven moved back toward the large bed.
He was still trapped in Malphas's room, day and night for the last few days. Raven also found that Malphas was losing his patience with the former professor. Lately the Dark Lord had been throwing the worst tantrums lately, although he had yet to attack Severus physically or magically again.
The current Lord Voldemort was furious because Raven was slowly starving to death. Raven refused, time after time, to eat the drugged food. Severus did know that he was on borrowed time. Any day now, Malphas was going to do something drastic. Raven knew that the man didn't want him to die...yet.
For now, Severus tried to conserve his energy. He'd had every intention of trying to find a way to escape but with his health becoming more poor it would be impossible rather than just difficult.
The doorknob turned and a determined looking Lucius Malfoy entered the room. Following him were three unknown Death Eaters.
Raven sighed softly. He had rather hoped he would not have to face the bastard but it looked as if all his luck had finally run out.
"Hello, Mr. Esan. I am Lucius Malfoy." He smiled charmingly at Raven.
Severus gave him a long look, but nodded once. Ignoring Lucius Malfoy was not a good idea. Malfoy hated that and loved to show his victims just how much. Ignoring him would just make things...well he'd seen Lucius' work before and didn't wish to see it again.
"Now, Mr. Esan," Lucius ran cold calculating eyes over Raven. "It seems as if our hospitality is not meeting your standards."
Raven grimaced at the image the word hospitality would always bring him.
Lucius continued, "However, our Lord simply believes that you are somewhat ill." He ignored Raven's snort. "So we are here to help you regain your appetite."
Weary to the bone, Severus merely closed his eyes at Lucius's malicious smirk. "And dare I ask, Malfoy, how you intend to do that?"
"Well, we can discuss this like gentlemen, preferably over the breakfast that is being brought, or we can do this by force." The purr in his voice at the latter choice let Raven know which choice the man preferred.
Lucius smiled though. "Do not fear, however. All that is in the food is something to rebuild your health. Being a potions expert, I'm sure you will see."
Raven gave his a look with his sharp blue eyes. "That is all?"
Lucius looked thoughtful for a moment then shook his head. "No, unfortunately. You will also have to take this." He removed a vial of silver liquid that had a red tint to it. "I do believe that our master told you about it. It is now ready to ingest."
Gasping silently, Raven took a step back. "No. Never."
Lucius raised an eyebrow. "But I believe that you agreed to do so."
"NO." He growled at the blond before him.
Lucius nodded calmly. "Very well." He looked at the Death Eaters over his shoulder. "Gentlemen?"
Harry groaned as he rolled over in his bed that morning. Night after night he suffered from one of the worst nightmares he'd ever had, and having lived through the visions Voldemort had sent him in his youth, that was saying something.
Rising from the bed, Harry settled on the side, his legs hanging, his elbows on his knees and his face buried in his hands. He didn't know how much more he could take. Harry found that he could only be grateful for the fact that since break was just days away, he wouldn't have to worry about teaching soon.
Standing, the Hogwarts professor headed to the bathroom. It was rather early in the morning but Harry honestly found himself afraid to get any more sleep.
He stood over the sink and looked into the mirror. Harry flinched at the exhausted look on his face and thought briefly about stopping by for a vial of Pepper Up. /Merlin, help me. That dream.../
Even thinking about it disgusted and frightened Harry. Raven was holding a wailing infant tightly in his arms when a man with red eyes, Voldemort, ripped the child from him and threw him into the fire. The horrified look on Raven's face as well as the desperate cry of Julian's name, woke Harry every night.
The nightmares were only made worse by the fact that he could practically feel everything Raven felt during the entirety of the dream. Harry had no difficulty feeling the man's fear, anxiety, pain and heartbreak. He was worried about how it was possible. /It only happened with Voldemort before, when I could feel his emotions during the visions. But Severus and I aren't connected like that...right/
Shaking his head furiously, Harry began dressing for the day. He would think of the rest tomorrow.
Minutes later, Harry was again standing before his mirror, performing the daily, yet useless, attempt to tame his hair. /Thank Merlin, Julian didn't inherit this mess./ He paused thinking of the boy, his son.
Julian was taking his father's absence as best he could. He concentrated on his schoolwork, played with his friends, and tried to be a good well rounded boy. However, it was the immense sadness Harry could see sometimes when he looked at Julian that broke his heart. The boy wanted his father...and Harry couldn't blame him in the slightest.
The Order was doing all it could to gather information on Voldemort and were slowly coming up with some information. The problem was that they had to be so very careful about it. If the knowledge that Voldemort was still around got out, things could become disastrous. The members of the Order themselves had trouble accepting that Voldemort, well his son, had risen. The rest of the Wizarding World would not take it quite that well.
Giving up on his hair, Potter left his quarters and headed to the Great Hall. On his way, he paused by a window to look out. Apparently some of the students had decided to enjoy the snow before class.
One boy in particular had caught his attention. Harry narrowed his eyes before blinking in surprise and breaking out in a smile. Julian and his friends were having a snowball fight.
"UNBEATABLE!" crowed Matt as he ducked and dodged a few snowballs, sending a few back at Dillon and Julian. "Argh!" he cried stumbling forward. He turned around to stare at a very smug looking Clara. The others paused in battle to laugh at the stunned Gryffindor.
Clara raised an eyebrow. "I'm sorry. Did you say something, Matthew?"
Julian snorted with laughter as Matt glared at her then turned to Julian. The boy tossed his arms up in defense.
"Aren't you suppose to be on my side oh best friend of mine?" muttered Matt as he brushed off leftover snow from his cloak.
"No way! I know what she's capable of." He continued to laugh until a snowball clocked him in the back of the head. That caused both Matt and Clara to burst into laughter.
Julian turned and glared at his friends. Minny, Dillon and Atticus all wore innocent looks. Unfortunately for Dillon, he could not hide the smirk on his face.
"Dillon?" said Julian as he knelt down to gather snow.
The blond boy gulped and looked for help in his laughing friends. Seeing none he turned back to a now armed Julian. "Yes?"
"Run."
The blond took off like a shot with Julian running behind him. Atticus and Minny were laughing heartily at the antics of their friends.
Matt had paused and was just watching the smile on Julian's face with a smaller one on his own. Clara, noticing his suddenly quiet mood came to stand beside him. "You're worried?"
"No," said Matt, shaking his head. "Not as much as I was. Julian's trying to have fun, but he's always worried about his dad. It's hurting him. We need to try and keep his mind off of it as much as we can. He has enough problems just being Harry Potter's son."
Clara nodded, especially at the last statement. People from all over were clamoring to get Julian's attention, while reporters were still coming around trying to get an exclusive. No to mention some of the stupid rumors going around concerning Julian's birth and conception.
"ATTICUS!" Both students looked in the direction of an outraged Minny. The girl was bouncing around trying to get the snow that went down her back. Atticus was on the ground with Julian and Dillon rolling in laughter. Matt chuckled while Clara rolled her eyes, a smirk on her face.
"Maybe we should head to breakfast?"
Raven on the bed in Malphas's bedroom sick to his stomach. /I haven't felt this miserable since I was pregnant./ Of course, now that Malfoy and his henchmen had shoved both food and the potion down his throat, he was more than capable of becoming pregnant.
As thorough as the potion was, sex was, unfortunately, needed for conception. Severus, who had been given a little to read on the subject, knew that he had to wait out Malphas for a week before the potion was no longer effective. Raven, however, was not stupid enough to think Malphas would let him.
The door opened behind him then footsteps. "My poor little Raven. You are not well are you?" Raven did not answer, merely pretended to sleep.
"Is he asleep, my Lord?" The voice belonged to Draco Malfoy. Somehow, Raven managed not to respond but continued to feign sleep.
"Indeed he is. At the moment anyway. Uncle Lucius was successful, was he not?"
"He had to force the issue but yes, my Lord. Esan is ready to give you what you need."
"Good. This can wait no longer."
"Do not become impatient, my Lord." If Severus was right, then Lucius had just entered the room.
"You cannot blame me, Uncle. I refuse to live with this...defect...any longer than necessary." Malphas growled low in his throat. "I loved my father but damn him and Potter both!"
"My Lord!" exclaimed both Malfoys.
"It's true and you know it!" hissed Malphas. "My father was nothing but a fool. Look what he has done to me!" For a moment there was silence but for a soft displacement of air. "His foolish plan to defeat Potter has in turn almost destroyed me as well! I cared for my father, but damn that BASTARD!"
There were a few deep breaths from Malphas before he calmly said, "You have the spells ready."
"Yes, my Lord," said Draco. "Seven days after the child is born, you can perform the ceremony."
Raven knew that Voldemort was nodding in approval. "Excellent." It was quiet for less than a moment when Malphas whispered, "Tell me Uncle, how long before the potion wears off?"
"Seven days, my Lord, but the sooner the better." There was amusement in Lucius's voice. Raven silently cursed him.
"Draco, go and make sure preparations are finished. I do not think my Raven will be very cooperative, but we can help him with his choice."
A dark laugh sounded from Malfoy. "Yes, my Lord." Footsteps lead to the door, then closed.
Severus only just managed not to flinch as he felt the bed dip. He felt Malphas lie down, much too close, behind him. A strong arm wrapped around his waist.
"Wake up, Raven."
Minutes later found the room almost destroyed. Clothes, furniture, and books were all over room but mostly between the two men it contained. Raven stood against the wall, fearful but determined. Malphas, whose amusement had dropped greatly since this began, was furious for being denied what he wanted. "You will give in to me!"
"No!" Severus narrowed his eyes. "I will never give you a child, Malphas! Never!"
"You seem to think you have a choice." The Dark Lord straightened, red eyes piercing into Raven. "But there is one way to convince you. Come!" he shouted at the door.
Five Death Eaters rushed into the room and grabbed Raven before dragging him from the room. Malphas followed.
In History of Magic, Julian doodled on his parchment: a picture of Binns in a floral dress while dancing in the Great Hall. Matthew, who sat beside him and was slowly dozing off, blinked his eyes sleepily and glanced at the pictured. A soft snicker slipped from the boy but Binns' continuous droning covered it well. Matthew lay his head back down, using his book for a pillow.
Julian gave a long silent yawn. He would have loved to doze off, but he had never been able to sleep in public. He'd never been comfortable, or trusting, enough to do it. He stretched when Binns' back was turned then flinched a little.
Raising a hand from the desk, he rubbed a little at his forehead. A worried look overcame his features although no one really noticed since most of the class was asleep or in their own little worlds. When ever Julian's forehead started to ache, especially in a certain spot, something bad was going to happen. Matt had always jokingly called it his personal security alarm, but it was always helpful for letting them know something really bad was happening.
/But what could it be/ He grimaced slightly as his headache grew. A sudden thought struck his suddenly. Julian's head snapped up and he stared unseeingly toward the front of the classroom. /Papa/
He turned his head toward his best friend and shook Matt's shoulder roughly.
The boy pull away from his friend. Matt frowned at the distressed look on Julian's face. He leaned close. "What's wrong?" he whispered.
"My alarm just went off." At Matt's confused look, he purposely rubbed at his forehead.
Matt grimaced. "Great. That's a good sign," growled Matt sarcastically. His brow furrowed. "What do we do?" he said, glancing around the room at their classmates.
"I..." Julian looked at Binns. "We need to see the Headmaster."
Raven didn't bother struggling as they brought him to his destination. The Death Eaters would have just attacked him and dragged him there anyway.
Voldemort was storming behind him as they led him further and further from Malphas's room. Though his head was drooped slightly, Severus's eyes darted back and forth, trying to spot any type of marker to remember the path that they were taking. Unfortunately, he was left to count the number of doors and turns that they took.
It was a couple minutes later when Malphas's minions jerked him to a stop. One of them opened the door and Raven was roughly tossed inside. Ignoring the room, he quickly stood and turned to face Malphas and his men, not trusting his back to any of them.
Malphas entered with a cold smile. "One last try my Raven. I would prefer not to do this to you."
Severus couldn't prevent the snort that came from him. Malphas' eyes narrowed.
"Very well. Draco?" He was looking behind Raven.
Severus jumped in fear and turned to see a smirking Draco Malfoy emerge from the totally dark room. "My Lord?"
"Show Raven just why it is imperative that he agree with me."
Raven flinched and began to retreat from Malfoy only to have Lord Voldemort come up from behind and grab him. Malphas leaned into his ear and whispered, "Oh no, Raven, you aren't that lucky."
Severus's eyes widened as Malfoy raised his wand. /Lucky/
With a swish of his wand, torches that lined the wall of the room lit. The room seemed for a moment like a short, wide hallway but the various devices that lined the wall gave away its purpose. /They're going to.../
Unfortunately, for Raven it was at that moment that he realized, he was not the one going to be tortured. Malphas had been right. He wasn't that lucky.
"JULIAN!"
(Alia: I'm evil right? You ain't seen nothing yet!)
Julian and Matthew still stood before the gargoyle yelling.
Matthew continued yelling out stupid passwords since the good ones had been used, and Julian had gone to the point of threatening the gargoyle. The threats were working better than the passwords.
Julian stomped his foot. "Merlin! Why does he always have to change the bloody password!" he growled.
"Perhaps he does not want to be disturbed, Mr. P-Esan." Both boys jumped, turning to face McGonagal. "And just this once I will not remove points for language."
Julian ignored her last comment. Since being known as Harry Potter's son, he was starting to get away with a little more. "We need to speak to Professor Dumbledore! It's an emergency!"
"Mr. Esan, whatever it is I'm sure it can wait. The Headmaster is having a meeting with the Minister of Magic. Whatever is happening must wait."
"But-,"
"No. Both of you have class in a few minutes. Might I suggest that you continue to your destination." With that she walked away.
Matt glowered at the back of his Head of House, throwing rather rude hand signs at the woman's back. He turned to Julian who was staring down the gargoyle.
Julian's eyes narrowed. Then he grinned. Tilting his head to the side innocently, he whispered, "Would you like to see the Astronomy Tower window?"
The gargoyle moved aside.
Severus tried to run to the bloody figure hanging from the hook in the middle of the room but Malphas caught him, dragging the struggling man back into his arms and holding him captive.
"Let me, go! Julian!"
Malphas laughed. "Look how fired up you are, my Raven!" He buried his hand in Severus's hair and pulled his head back.
"What did you do to him?" Other questions ran though his mind but that was foremost.
"Can't you tell my Raven? Uncle Lucius played with him," said Voldemort, nodding his head toward the unconscious boy.
Raven just could not believe it. This couldn't be Julian. His son was safely at Hogwarts and he believed that there was no way in hell Albus was going to let the Death Eaters take Julian from Hogwarts. And despite his feelings toward the man, Potter would kill all of them before letting them have his son.
"Wake him." Malphas released his hair and wrapped both arms around Raven to keep him in place.
Lucius appeared from behind him and toward the unconscious Julian. "Eneverate!"
A low groan was heard from the body as it began to come to life.
Severus watched the boy warily. "Julian?" he called toward the boy.
"Dad? What's happening?" whispered the hoarse voice.
While his heart ached at the weary tone, something felt off almost immediately.
"Julian-,"
"Be silent." Malphas grabbed on of his wrists and squeezed it tightly. "Do you like what I have done Raven? Do you see what I can do with just a few words."
"You are a bastard, Malphas."
Voldemort let out a hearty laugh. "Indeed I am, my Raven but that is no fault of mine." Putting more pressure on Severus's wrist he spoke to Lucius. "Do me a favor, Uncle."
"Anything, my Lord," said Malfoy.
"I believe that Julian needs to be a little lighter. Do you see how heavy he hangs? Take some of the weight off of him please."
Raven's eyes widened with horror just as Lucius's turned gleefully sadistic. The elder Malfoy removed a long blade from his robes. "With pleasure."
"NO!"
Julian grimaced as he paused on the staircase to rub on his forehead. He then continued on with Matt behind him. He burst through the door, causing both of the older men in the office as well as the two aurors to jump to their feet.
"Mr. Esan! Mr. Lyrin!" Dumbledore was surprised that either of the boys would burst into the room in such a way.
"Headmaster, we need to talk to you!" they cried. They rushed over to his desk only to be haulted.
One of the aurors stepped forward. "Perhaps, you lads should wait outside."
Julian paused and glared at him. He opened his mouth, remembered his father's sayings about respecting his elders, and turned back to Albus, mentally dismissing the auror. "Something is wrong with my father! I know it."
Albus stood and walked around his desk to stand before the boys. "Is something wrong with Harry, my boy?"
"No! No, he's fine it's-,"
"So this is Harry Potter's son?" asked Fudge as he stood. He walked over to Julian and shook his hand. "It's a pleasure meeting you my boy!"
Although annoyed, Julian tried to be polite to someone who might be a future connection. "The pleasure is all mine, Minister Fudge. Headmaster, I-,"
"My if you don't look exactly like Mr. Potter! Please have a seat and tell me about yourself. Ever since I heard of your existence, I've been raging with curiosity."
Julian had gone past annoyed to furious but seeing that Matt was speaking to Dumbledore quietly, he allowed the Minister to continue to distract himself.
Severus tried to stop his sobs as he watched Malfoy saw slab after slab of bloody flesh from his son's body to the floor. Julian was repeated sliding in and out of consciousness, brown hazy eyes searching as he cried out for his Dad to help him.
Malphas held him, offering a cold comfort. "Do you see my Raven? Don't you want your son to live?"
Raven, with tears rolling down his face as he watched his only child's mutilation, nodded.
"Will you give into me now?"
Raven was silent.
"I want a wizarding promise so you can't back out again. I'll have him healed and may even leave him in your care, but answer me. Will you do what I want?"
Severus's eyes stayed on the boy. Julian lifted his head weakly. Raven flinched as he watched the blood from his son's skinless cheek slide down his face and neck. "Dad, please."
Raven's eyes closed in pain...then something clicked. /Dad.../ Julian hadn't called him dad since he was two, then the child had switched to Papa.
He looked at him closely then at the others in the room. Nothing but a bunch of evil bastards...but something didn't feel right.
Turning back to the boy, Severus closed his eyes and just knew. He'd always had a feeling of connection when Julian was near. It wasn't there.
It wasn't Julian.
He looked at Malphas out of the corner of his eyes. "No."
The son of Voldemort was shocked. "What!" he growled angrily, shaking Raven slightly.
"That is not my son."
Both Malfoys' eyes widened in shock then Malphas snarled. Raven suddenly found himself tossed across the room into the stone wall.
"You little bitch!" He turned to one of the Death Eaters. "I thought you said the Polyjuice would work!" Malphas raged.
The man dropped to his knees. "It should have, my Lord. Honestly! Perhaps because Esan is a potions master."
"Avada Kedavra!"
The man screamed as the death curse struck him.
Voldemort stormed over to the body on the hook. "What a waste of a Death Eater. Avada Kedavra!"
After killing both, Malphas glowered at Raven, who now stood against the wall radiating with defiance.
"Take that body to Hogwarts and deliver it to Hogwarts. Make sure, Esan's son sees it. Now get out!" The Malfoys were first out the door with the Death Eaters carrying the faux Julian's body.
He moved closer to Severus. "As for you my lovely Raven," his voice darkened, "you have just lost any say in the matter."
An hour later, Julian and Matt followed the Headmaster toward the Great Hall for lunch.
"I know I shouldn't worry too much Headmaster, but I can't help it."
Albus paused, causing both boys to do the same. "Julian, I assure you that everything will be alright." He was quiet for a moment. "Why don't you speak to your father about this?"
Julian raised an eyebrow while Matt grinned at him.
Dumbledore sighed. "Seriously Julian. Harry has dealt with something like this. Perhaps he can provide you a bit of insight about handling your emotions."
Frowning Julian nodded. "I'll think about it."
Down the corridor from the Great Hall, a series of screams echoed from the Great Hall, causing the three to hurry their pace.
The scene they came upon drove Julian to his knees. Matt had to find purchase against the stunned Headmaster.
"Dear Merlin," whispered Albus.
Lying on the floor of the Great Hall just before the doors, was a dead, mutilated body...that held the face of Julian Esan.
Atticus was holding a sobbing Minny, Clara was sitting nearby with her eyes closed tight, and Dillon was crying silently with a few other students.
Kneeling down beside the body, was a completely distraught Harry Potter. The man looked like he was in complete agony at the sight of his son's body. McGonagal and Hagrid were beside him trying to offer comfort.
"What the bloody hell is going on!" Julian cried loudly enough for everyone to hear him.
Clara was the first to notice the confused, and more importantly alive, Julian Esan. She released a sob before burying her head in her hands. Minny almost fainted in a relieved Atticus's arms. Dillon cried out Julian's name, before rushing over and giving the boy a quick hug.
Screams and cries of 'He's alive!' rang from all over the Great Hall, except for one person.
So lost in his grief, Harry Potter had yet to notice that the lifeless body before him was not his son.
Julian walked over to the man as Dumbledore and Matt interrogated Dillon and McGonagal. He stared down at the corpse that so much resembled him. Kneeling, though careful of the pool of drying blood, Julian felt a wide variety of emotions run through him. He reached out a hand and touched the body's forehead. A shiver ran through him before he shook his head. /Not now/
He turned to see his father's destroyed face. Julian reached out and touched the older man's shoulder. Nothing.
"Harry?" he called. Most of the Great Hall was empty but for some professors, the Headmaster, and Julian's friends. "Harry, snap out of it!" Still no response came from the man.
Julian bit his lip. He touched Harry's cheek gently then added pressure. "Dad. Dad, wake up! DAD!"
Harry's haunted green eyes snapped up to lock with Julian's. They then widened in absolute surprise.
Julian spoke. "It's not me...I was with the Headmaster and Matt. It's not me."
Harry placed both of his bloody hands on the sides of Julian's face before pulling the boy into a strong embrace. He held Julian close, breathing in the boy's scent. Whispering softly, he tightened his hug. "I thought I'd lost you. I thought I'd lost everything."
Julian wrapped arms around Harry, returning the embrace. He did, however, turn his head slightly when an exhausted Professor Sprout rushed into the room. "Albus! You won't believe it!"
He turned from the scene of Julian and Harry. "What is it? What's happened?"
"Albus there is a Death Eater on the grounds!" she cried. "He's running for the gate now."
"He must have left the body here!" said Minerva.
Julian didn't know how it happened, but something snapped. That body had been mutilated before hand...Probably wherever they were holding his father. /Look what it did to D-Harry...No...They couldn't have let Papa.../ It would have destroyed his father. Perhaps even more so than Potter. /DAMN THEM/
Pulling away from Potter, Julian ran from the Great Hall.
Albus knew what was happening immediately. "He's going after the Death Eater!"
Harry jumped to his feet and ran after his son. "JULIAN!"
The young wizard ran with all his strength and finally caught a glimpse of the Death Eater.
By the time Harry and the others had made it to the front of the school, Julian and the unknown Death Eater were in a heated duel.
Julian cursed mentally as he dodged the Cruciatus. "Expelliarmus!"
The man dodged the spell the screamed, "The Dark Lord will prevail! AVADA KEDAVRA!"
Harry ran forward, Albus right at his side. "Julian!" Both wizards threw curses at the Death Eater but it was too late.
Julian gasped as the Killing curse came toward him, the eery green light coming to claim his life. Knowing he would never make it by jumping to the side, Julian began falling backward to the ground, managing to avoid the curse completely. He grimaced as he hit his head hard on a rock.
Harry and Albus stopped, struck with fear. The curse seemed to have hit Julian.
"Oh God, Albus!"
"Julian!"
Suddenly both men rejoiced as Julian stood slowly, wand in hand. The Death Eater, who was shocked, was quickly bound and without his wand.
That night, Julian was still receiving congratulations on defeating the Death Eater.
Atticus sat on his bed, shaking his head. "That was bloody brilliant! I've never seen anyone go against a grown wizard like that Julian!" He shook his head. "Although that is something that a Gryffindor would do."
Julian smirked at his friend as he pulled his pajama top over his head. "Can't be helped. It's in the blood. Now get out. The star needs his rest."
Snorting Atticus left with a soft good night.
Julian yawned loudly. Although he liked some of the attention, it was starting to get real annoying, real fast. Harry Potter's son had defeated a grown wizard,a Death Eater. If it wasn't in the Daily Prophet tomorrow morning, he'd be shocked. Julian climbed into his bed, giving a silent prayer to any higher entity that his father would be safe.
Furious banging on his door had Harry Potter throwing his robe over his night clothes. Growling with annoyance, Harry swung open his portrait. Minerva stood before him looking completely out of sorts. "Oh Harry. Come with me quickly!"
"Accio shoes!" He cried. As he slipped into them, he said, "What's happening Minerva!"
"It's Julian!" Harry froze. "He's lying in his bed screaming bloody murder!"
Harry ran out his door passed Minerva and toward the dungeons with only one goal in mind. Getting to his son. It was frightening how many times it had happened in the last 24 hours.
The Slytherin dorms were open and Harry nearly flew through the door toward the screaming that could be heard down the corridor. He ran into Julian's room, pausing for a moment at the scene.
Atticus stood helplessly near the end of the bed as Albus and Poppy tried to treat the screaming child.
"Julian?" Harry ran up beside Dumbledore.
"Harry, wait!"
"Albus, what is..." His voice trailed off in horror.
Julian was still lying in the bed screaming his throat bloody, while he kicked his legs violently and tried to scratch at his forehead.
A slightly bloody forehead that could not hide the bright red lightning bolt that looked just like his.
TBC
Alia: (smirks) So...Review?...