Disclaimer: I don't own anything you can legally tie to J.K. Rowling. However, I felt like pulling them out of the closet to play with.

A/N: I know you all hate me for taking so long but my muse has deserted me and I had to scour the lands for a new one. May Jack the Leprechaun rest in peace. Also, I would like to announce that I have a new co-author, Desereigh James. She has been a big help and actually help me with my writers block. So from now on, you will see her ideas and mine, mixing for what I believe will be a great story. Forgive the time it took us to post and enjoy. Holidays are always hectic. Also, Ryider will face a lot of problems and demons in this chapter, as well as the upcoming ones so if you do NOT LIKE ANGST, DO NOT READ. Thanks. Please R/R…We all love to see feedback.

Chapter 5 (Mirrored Pain)

Ryider's body was losing the war against his vision. A new onslaught of terror and pain ripped into him. This was different from the past--this was real. He wasn't just feeling the curses--he was living them. His face was marred with bruises and cuts, his arms more brutalized than the tales residing there, and his legs were protected from nothing. He would soon need blood to survive. His cuts bled fiercely, but one stood above the rest. If his eyes had not been glued shut with pain, it may have been prevented. A deep, angry red cut slashed diagonally from the left side of his forehead to his right cheek, slashing the eye beneath. Damaged from a likely enemy yet coming thru an unlikely source.

Draco walked the grounds slowly, his thoughts consumed his quiet demeanor and shadowed it unwillingly. He was curious about the boy who had been his father's first son, his rightful heir. The beliefs he had prided himself in had become false with his arrival. The defenses he pushed against other people were gone. Everything he had grown up with was now in his brother's hands. Though, if Draco was honest with himself, the burden lifted was not missed as much as when he first realized the truth. As the hours drifted past and his mind caught up with each realization it became a relief. But all truths aside, he did like the boy. It troubled his protective nature that the boy was so fragile; however, he observed that while the boy was shy and quiet, he seemed set in his beliefs when it truly mattered. His attitude was near the sophistication of his father but his eyes remained haunted like a man condemned to Azkaban. Hence, Draco's greatest problem, he was intrigued and brimming with questions. A boy who was so fragile yet guarded, shy yet determined was difficult to approach on subjects as sensitive as he assumed them to be. However, he was determined to find an answer to it all.

Spending his walk sifting through solutions found him in the gardens, surrounded by a hair-raising scream. This was no scream as though a snake was in the room. This was a scream of pure terror and excruciating amounts of pain.

It took a couple of minutes for his mind to catch up with his actions as he ran towards the disruption, searching frantically for a way to make it stop. Coming to the center of the gardens, he worried his bottom lip to stop from screaming himself as he found the boy responsible. Ryider lay curled in on himself in a mass of blood, dirt, and tears.

"Ryider, what happened?" His plea received no response as Ryider's breathing was getting shallower. It perplexed him how he could have been attacked. The only way to get on the grounds was with blatant permission and in accompaniment of a Malfoy. With his father at a meeting and himself in the gardens, it was not conceivable. "Ryider," He reached inside himself and calmed down, thinking rational in midst of everything. He needed to keep the boy awake and get some potions down him until father and Severus returned. He reached out slowly, allowing his presence to be known, before picking up the slight boy and running towards the house. His mind went into overtime as more and more cuts appeared on Ryider's body from a phantom enemy. His first thought, however, was on the right eye. Sliced right across, it would be a miracle if it was not damaged beyond repair.

He reached the sitting room in about ten minutes, transfigured the couch into a bed, and called for Tizzy, his personal house elf.

A soft 'crack' was heard as the creature appeared. "Master called?"

"Tizzy, I need a damp cloth, and a basin of water."

"Yes, sir." With another pop, the small creature was gone and then back in record time. Draco dismissed her and heated the basin to room temp. His brother was lying pliant on the bed, his phantom enemy no longer attacking him. He cleaned his brother with a spell and washed his face gently before calling Tizzy back.

"Tizzy." He said into the empty air.

"What can Tizzy do for Master Draco?"

"I need Ryider to be placed in his night shirt and the sheets changed. He is to be watched until I return. If anything happens, take all measures to save him and I will be back in about twenty minutes. Is that clear?"

"Yes, sir."

Draco moved to the fireplace and flooed himself into Severus' quarters. He bypassed everything and practically ran for the door connecting to the office. He raided the personal stores for several labeled potions that he knew would not interfere with anything discovered later. Simply, they would just keep him alive until the others could attend to him.

He flooed back quickly and moved back to Ryider and coaxed the potions down his throat. He cast a stasis charm over the wound on his eye, unsure of how to fix it but not wanting it to become worse. Everything else he fixed through the mild healing charms he knew from helping out his father after some particularly nasty meetings.

When all he could do was done, he sat anxiously as he waited for the tell tale apparition form the two men. He spoke quietly to his younger brother and loathed his helplessness.

'I should be able to help him but I can't. He was left here with me and yet he lays in front of me in pain. A phantom attacks and I am helpless.' Draco thought. "Forgive me." Unaware he spoke aloud until a familiar voice broke his thoughts.

"Forgive what, my son?" Lucius had returned. It took him only a second for his eyes to flicker between the suffering Ryider and the frightened Draco, who had lowered his head as his attention was diverted.

"He needs help Uncle Sev." Effectively changing the subject and avoiding the gaze Lucius was pinning him with. The quiet sentence sent Severus to work as he used every healing ability he possessed. A worried Lucius was not far behind though he had his hand full with a tearful Draco. Severus could hear the boy murmuring how much it was his fault and that he didn't protect his brother, but he also heard Lucius shush him and whisper that everything would be okay. Severus was desperately praying that was true. It was nearly an hour before Ryider was stable, and the stasis charm was reinforced on his eye, knowing nothing could be done before everything else was healed.

Ryider awoke late into the night. The flashbacks hit him hard as the Death Eater Meeting flashed violently through his head.

Remembered Vision

Voldemort sat high on his thrown. His red eyes the only recognizable thing about this new Dark Lord. His youthful appearance had once more been restored and it was more frightening to here this "normal" looking young man hiss out Parseltongue and the Dark Arts than it had been when he represented the core of imagined evil.

His Death Eaters gathered before him and he smiled grimly, keenly aware of the chills he sent through his followers. He knew each of them and where they stood as though the masks were made of glass. As he knew them, they knew him and their own name in Parseltongue. Hearing it had come to silently mean punishment. It was a dreaded meeting when a name was hissed.

"Rockwell, Nott, Lestrange; report now." Each of the men stepped forward and in turn completed the ritual of bowing and kissing the hem of their master's robe.

Rudolphus Lestrange spoke first. "It has been confirmed through our contacts that Harry Potter is dead. However, Dumbledore is trying to keep it hushed up. The boy was killed by his relatives though no Muggle Police or Auroras have been notified."

"This pleases me. Have you helped to spread the word?" He asked, almost lazily.

"Yes, milord. It has been leaked to the Prophet and a few of Dumbledore's followers."

"You please me. Now, step back in line and should anything change you will inform me immediately."

"Of course, My Lord."

"Severus, Lucius, step forward." They, too, followed the example before them to show servitude.

"I have heard some interesting tales about yourselves. Do you wish to know what they are?" Voldemort almost taunted, but the two remained silent. The punishment for silence was always less painful than speaking out. "You, Lucius, are said to have a new son. One that you have neglected to mention. You, Severus, are said to have known of this new development and I was not informed but Dumbledore was. Is this true?" His eyes narrowed dangerously but his voice remained almost calm.

"No, milord." Severus began. "It is true that Lucius does have a new son. He has only been known for two days. Both Lucius and myself had been obliviated so we were unable to inform you. Alas, Dumbledore has no idea of the boy. His only knowledge is a transfer student by that name. I am loyal to you and you alone." Both bowed themselves lower, in hopes of placating any anger.

"Lucius, do you agree with Severus?"

"Yes, My Lord."

"Very Well." Both men knew the next words to form on his lips before they were ever spoken but the result was not the same. "Crucio."

Then, the unthinkable happened. Severus and Lucius remained untouched, as well as Voldemort, but every other Death Eater was on the floor writhing in pain. The curse had somehow magnified but avoided the two intended for the curse. None of the could explain it.

END of Flashback

Ryider woke once more. The memory had ended so abruptly but that was where his vision had stopped when he was thrown from it. He knew how the curse had defected. He had deflected it and taken the pain from both men and cast it upon himself. There was no avoidance from it. Two excruciating minutes under that curse and that had only been the beginning. Ryider didn't doubt for one second that he was, or had been, in bad shape. He decided sleep would evade him so he showered and dressed before heading to the Library, completely unconcerned with the clock reading 4:23 AM.

It was later that day when things really got interesting. Ryider was sitting in one of the overstuffed armchairs that served as seating for the library while Severus stood about six feet away from the blonde haired boy. Ryider didn't take his eyes off the raven haired man for a second as he began to move closer. Setting the vials on the table next to the chair, Severus stood up straight and surveyed the boy.

"Remove your shirt please Ryider…" He said speaking in a soft but dominating voice. Ryider didn't move. Severus' black eyes caught Harry's silver ones in a cold stare.

"Do as I requested Ryider." He said in the same soft voice as before. Ryider unbuttoned his shirt showing his marred chest. The older man grabbed one of the vials and poured some of the contents into his hand.

Motioning towards the boy he said, "come here Ryider." Ryider cautiously stood up; but, when Severus reached out to put some of the gelled salve on, Ryider jumped back toppling over the chair and knocking off some of the vials on the table. Severus, startled, leaped back about a foot.

"RYIDER!" Severus said angrily, "This is healing salve it will make all the pain and the scars go away please calm down or I may have reason to sedate you; I really don't want to do that." He picked up his vials and walked over to Ryider again. Ryider gasped as the older man's hand came in contact with his skin. Severus smeared the salve across the boy's chest. Ryider Cringed and gasped as the older man's hand slid over scars that still hurt. When Severus went towards his back Ryider jumped away,

"No! Don't touch my back, Thank you Severus I must be off now." With that Ryider walked out the door buttoning his shirt backup.

Severus stared numbly at the door. There was something suspicious with that boy and he still wondered how it managed to keep surprising him. On of these days he would figure out what made Ryider so skittish.

When Ryider came out of the Library Draco grabbed his attention. "Ryider we got book lists and owl results… Here is yours." Draco handed him a letter. Ryider ripped it open and looked at his owl results.

Ryider Malfoy-Black

Potions: E
Transfiguration: O
Care of Magical Creatures: O
Charms: O
Divination: D
Herbology: O
Defense Against The Dark Arts: O
History of Magic: D

Ryider looked up from his letter and asked "how did you do Draco?" Draco swapped his letter with Ryider and both were impressed with the other.

Draco Malfoy

Potions: O
Transfiguration: O
Care of Magical Creatures: E
Charms: O
Arithmancy: O
Herbology: E
Defense Against the Dark Arts: E
History of Magic: E

"Draco, only you would score an E in History of Magic." He smiled slightly.

"Where did you go to school?"

"I was home schooled in all these subjects and then took my owls." He lied smoothly.

"Oh. You are definitely strong in certain areas."

Lucius looked between the two and smiled proudly. Though he did believe the both could do better. "Ryider, I would like to talk to you. Draco, I would like you to send your reply on which classes you are taking."

"Yes, father." They chorused.

After Draco was out of hearing range, Ryider asked his questions. "Father, why did it appear as Ryider when I am not? No one knows the truth so how did it register right?"

"Firstly, you are Ryider. You always have been and always will be. Secondly, you are registered as a transfer student and you need the scores to get into school. Those scores are sent with spells to key into your magical signature. The name switches to suit any situation needed. It is the same with Muggleborns. If their parents do not know, it will often show up as a bank statement or such with their name on it. It alters later when it is needed. You are Ryider, so it shows itself as the scores of Ryider Malfoy-Black."

"Thank you." Draco walked back into the room in time to hear the murmured thank you and waited to be acknowledged.

Without turning around, Lucius asked, "What classes will you be taking Draco?"

Not pausing, he replied "I have selected my courses though I am unsatisfied with a recent notification that was applied to my list."

"What do you mean?"

"This year, it has become a requirement for all pureblooded students to enroll in an 'arts course', to be chosen randomly."

"Which 'arts' will you be taking?"

"…" Draco mumbled incoherently.

"Draco," Lucius warned.

"Ballet. I was put in ballet." Draco fumed. He was far from happy in light of this new development. He turned and patented his brother with a glare when he heard the snickering.

"I wouldn't be laughing at his misfortune, Ryider. From the sound of it, you shall be enrolled in an 'art' class as well." Lucius smiled smugly at both his sons though he really wished to know who would have the misfortune of teaching those classes. "Now, what other classes will you be taking?"

"Newt level Potions, Newt level Transfiguration, Arithmancy, Ancient Runes, Muggle Studies, Defense Against the Dark Arts, and Ballet." He spat the last word with disgust.

"I see."

"Ryider, do you have an idea of what you will be taking?"

"I think so. I am interested in Newt level Potions, Newt Level Transfiguration, History of Magic, Newt level Herbology, Defense Against the Dark Arts, Arithmancy, and whatever else I am pushed into." Ryider finished and blinked down at his scores. There had been a spare piece of parchment and it had recorded his classes as he spoke. Another class had appeared. It seemed that his 'art' class was a thing called Swing Dancing. He had briefly heard of it but it just surprised him. He had suspected ballet. "It seems they have place me in swing dancing. I wonder who the teacher is?" He wondered idly, unconsciously voicing everyone else's thoughts.

The next day Lucius received the supply list for both Draco and Ryider. There was also a third piece of parchment to inform Ryider that he would go directly to Professor McGonagall when they arrived. He was to be sorted after the first years.

"Jojo." He commanded.

"Yes, Lord Malfoy?" A small house elf asked in a squeaky voice.

"Please inform Ryider and Draco they need to meet me in the foyer and be dressed to go out."

"Yes, Sir."

Not ten minutes later, the three Malfoys stood in the main room. "We are going to Diagon Alley," was all Lucius said before they left. The boys keeping quiet and letting their masks fall into place, this would be one hell of a show for the public as they introduced the third Malfoy for the first time.

After getting all their books and supplies, and sneering at all those unlucky to encounter them, Lucius took the two boys to the Leaky Cauldron for something to drink. While Draco was chatting idly with his father Ryider sat not really paying attention to what was going on around him. He turned a ghostly white color and fell onto the tile floor.

When Ryider woke up he didn't know where he was. There was some one standing over him, he finally concluded that it was Lucius. Lucius looked at his son and whispered some thing to someone behind him before saying,

"Ryider are you alright?"

"What happened father?"

"You went rigid and began to seize. There is a man here who has some questions for you that need to be answered truthfully." Lucius murmured while helping his son into a sitting position.

"May I call you Ryider?" The stranger asked in an equally quiet voice.

"First tell me who you are, what you want, and why I have a killer headache and we will see." He said clearly and not without a touch of sarcasm.

"Ryider." Lucius admonished. "Be respectful. He stopped you from completely breaking that skull of yours."

"Sorry Father and sorry to you, Mister…"

"James, Christopher James." He smiled and offered his hand to Ryider. "I was walking past you and your family when you began shaking and proceeded to fall. I caught you but I need to know a few facts. I am a trained doctor so this should give me an idea. Have you ever experienced seizures before?"

"Occasionally," was the short reply.

"Have you talked to a physician?"

"No."

"Has the seizures ever hurt you, beyond the shaking and incoherence?"

"Yes, it caused me to go blind in my right eye. Now, if you do not mind, I would like to go home and get some rest."

"As you wish but there is medication you might need to help you control the seizing."

"I thank you for your time and help sir but I do have this as far under control as it will ever be. I bid you good day." Ryider said pleasantly and struggled to his feet. He began walking away, his eyes cast downward. He didn't need to see when Draco caught up to him. He felt the silent support he was given while he knew his father was obliviating some witnesses.

The month had past faster than any of them had wanted but it was September first and time for a new school year. The boys had bid farewell to their father at home where it was safe to show emotion.

"Goodbye Father, see you at Christmas!" Draco called back as he pulled Ryider towards the car so they could be taken to the station.

The boys pushed through the throng of people and found a compartment to themselves.

The train ride ran rather smoothly and they pulled into the station as dusk fell.

All of the students piled off and the familiar voice of the Hogwarts grounds keeper rang out through the crowd, "Firs' years firs' years!"

Ryider was allowed to ride the carriage with his brother but was pulled away by Snape in order to be sorted. "Sir," he spoke up, "I am supposed to see a Professor McGonagall."

"I know Ryider but I was told to take over as she has her hands full with the first years."

It was nearly forty-five minutes before Ryider heard his name called.

"Take a seat on the stool and place the hat on your head." Professor McGonagall stated.

'Ah, Mr. Potter. It is nice to see you have discovered your heritage.' The hat spoke in his head.

'Nice of you to inform me.' Harry shot back.

'I am an old hat. Learning is your job. I just sort.'

'Then sort me already.' Ryider sent mentally.

'Will I get an argument this time?' The hat said with much amusement.

'Just sort me.'

'I could always say Hufflepuff.'

'Are you sure that is a bad thing?'

'Very Well.' The hat paused. "SLYTHERIN!"

Ryider took the hat off to see everyone staring at him. He assumed it was because his sorting had taken a full five minutes and everyone expected a Malfoy to be a shoe-in for Slytherin, without problems.

Ryider walked calmly to the Slytherin table with a smirk plastered on his face. He listened, or pretended to, as Dumbledore droned on, and expertly avoided question about himself for nearly the entire dinner. It was just before the end that everything turned for the worse.

Draco felt his brother's hand start shivering against the side of his leg. He felt the boy rise quickly, uncaring of the audience, and burst out of the Great Hall. He knew Ryider could handle what was coming but his classmates would be hell in the dorm.

Slytherin Common Room

As predicted, Ryider was sitting on the couch when the rest of Slytherin house came in. It wasn't a full two minutes before an idiot decided to speak up.

"Hey, Malfoy. What the fuck was that girly little escape from the Great Hall all about?" He snarled.

"None of you fucking bussiness, Rockwell." He met the glare with one of his own and his tone remained lazy.

"You do not deserve this house. I am not surprised your father hid you from the world. You must be such a disappointment." Rockwell and a couple of other sixth years snickered.

It was a flash before the reaction was noticed. Ryider was out of his seat and had Rockwell pinned to the wall. The latter was raised nearly a foot off the ground.

"Mess with me all you want you piece of scum, but do not mess with my family. If you truly believe you can best a 'disappointment' like me, then I bid you to try. Let us see who will be shamed." He hissed in Parseltongue, mostly for affect, and let out a string of curses. 'Try me, David. I will make sure the right person will hear all about you. There is no mistake that if you cross me I will act. You will believe yourself safe but I will strike. Never doubt my word." With that said, he dropped the boy and strolled to his bedroom without looking back. Tomorrow would be a long day.

A/N: Once again, sorry it took so long, but it was not abandoned. This has become our baby. Many of the upcoming chapters just drove away by themselves and left us in the desert. We hope everyone enjoyed it. Feedback and constructive critisim are welcome as well. The time of knowing everything can never be reached.