Hell's Archangel

by Joji Sada

Harry sits alone on his birthday, battered and bruised. A horror of a twisted past and manipulated terrors that sent one young man to the brink of an unbelievable existence that was no more near reality than it was a peaceful death. Slash. Summary inside.

12. Tick Tock

Disclaimer: We own nothing that can be tied to J.K. Rowling or otherwise. We are two poor girls from the country…okay, city but we can dream. That which you don't recognize is ours.

A/N: Thank you for being so patient. I took all the reviews from every chapter on the sites this is posted and addressed every question. If something is not clear then feel free to ask in a review. Also, I understand that Ryider and Issac are not "in character" per se but that is because they are not the same people they were. Oh, and if you want the more in depth version (i.e some lovemaking) go to I am under the same name.

P.S. Corilithon was a wonderful help with betaing. As a favor, I urge you to read his new story "Say No To Slash." It has to be one of the best slash oneshots yet. Thanks

Also, my co-author has pulled herself from the story. She has helped me with chapters 9-11.

Ch. 12 (Tick Tock Goes The Traitor's Clock)

Ryider sat in front of the fire, waiting for Draco. Moony was sitting down in front of him; well, er, rolling around was closer to the truth. His tiny little paws were batting at the corner of his shirt, captivated by what Ryider assumed was the bright colors.

He thought it was hilarious that this harmless cub had once been a vicious werewolf spirit inside of his mate. Ryider chuckled at his thoughts. There was really no way to think about it without cracking up. Unfortunately, Ryider could not control the direction of his thoughts.

Slowly, they drifted; much like a rowboat on the sea. Gryffindors…they had been his world since he was eleven years old. There was nothing else to say. Ron; his first friend. He remembered that little boy with dirt on his face and hand me down robes that had helped him. He knew Ron had a fiery temper and a somewhat flakey attitude but he was a constant. Hermione; a know it all who tried to keep him out of trouble. She was bossy and dedicated, but she was loyal to a fault. Both had many faults, but they were his friends. And now, what had he done? He had kept them in the dark (not that he could do anything else) and forgot them. He had done as his mates had and it killed him. Neither of them deserved that. He would try…

His thoughts were shattered when the door opened to reveal his brother. Ryider forced a smile and asked the most obvious question. "Done already?"

Draco chuckled at the absurdity of the question. He really should have expected it. "Yea, Blaise was getting tired so we called it a night."

Ryider furrowed his brows in confusion. "So you're not with him why?"

"I told him I was going to visit you and then I would go to him later." Seamlessly, he changed the subject. "You looked deep in thought when I arrived. Should I worry?"

"No. It was just me being stupid."

"No argument here…" Ryider gave a weak glare at that. "but, do you want to talk it out so you don't rush into some trouble without at least a little bit of caution?"

"I don't…" At Draco's scowl he corrected his words. "Okay, but I stand by the truth that it finds me." He stuck his tongue out childishly. "I just realized I had no right to be mad at Remy or Sev because I have done the same thing." Ryider looked down to see his cub looking serious and nudging his head against his knee. 'He must understand me…' Ryider absentmindedly rubbed his fingers along Moony's coat of fur.

"What do you mean? I knew you were mad but you've been rather tight lipped about why. You have spent far too much time with Uncle Sev."

"I am--er, was-- mad at them because they had a tendency to forget that I exist sometimes and it hurts to see that. Sure, I'll live but I just can't handle it. Then, I realized, before you walked in, that I had done the same thing to Ron, Hermione, Seamus, and all the others in the Tower. It just isn't right."

"They haven't worried about you so why do you worry about them?"

"They think I'm dead." Ryider said slowly as though talking to a small child. "They were my first friends. I can't just forget that."

"It has been months so why now? What made you think of them now?" Draco inquired seriously. He may not like the idea but that didn't mean he wasn't curious.

"Mostly, it was everything with Remus and Severus that put some perspective on everything. Also, this year was about finding myself and killing Harry. Now, I want to make friends with them as a Malfoy."

"You know that is an oxymoron Ryider. Malfoys, Gryffindors, and friends do not belong in the same sentence."

"I don't care. I am going to make this work." Ryider's eyes flashed with determination.

Draco raised his hands in surrender. "Alright. Good luck but I reserve the right to say "I told you so."

Ryider just stuck his tongue out in response.

………………………………………

It was Issac who came to talk to Ryider later in the evening. He had some news that Ryider needed to hear but was not going to like.

"Hey Red." He smiled.

"Hey Izzie." Ryider retaliated. They were truly childish names but they were oddly unique. "What brings you to my rooms?"

"Well, Draco talked to me and I thought there was some things that needed to be set straight, or a straight as you'll ever get, before you made an arse of yourself."

"Things like…"

"Like how much the Gryffindors, minus Dean and Seamus, despise you and could care less about me."

"Look," Ryider sighed, not ready to hear this, "Draco would tell you anything because he doesn't like that I want to be their friends again. It would tarnish that Malfoy name." He sneered, his tone flippant and scathing.

"Your brother didn't say a damn thing. I told him." The normally reserved teen was angry. He didn't like being called a liar and he wouldn't hide behind "Neville" anymore. "You don't believe me then tough. This is the truth. Now, do you want to pull your head out of your arse and listen or are you going to be flippant. If you want the latter, you can talk to the stone because I will leave."

To say Ryider was shocked would be the understatement of the century. Seeing Issac this angry was as bad as if he saw Remus fly to the top of Hogwarts, naked, and dance the Hokie Pokie before claiming to be madly in love with Trelawney. Ryider shuddered at the imagery. 'Ehh.'

"Alright. You have my attention but I make no promises beyond that of listening."

Issac nodded. He walked over to the spare pensieve his father kept around for extreme circumstances. As he didn't have his own, and he would remove the memory anyway, this qualified. Or so he would claim if questioned.

"You ready?" Ryider nodded and they both took the familiar drop into the swirling liquid.

………………

The two teens landed in the familiar hallway leading to Gryffindor Tower. Both understood the need to pass by there occasionally, while staying hidden of course.

Memory Issac was doing just as they both knew he would. He was sitting in the little alcove on the opposite side of the portrait. It was an easy in and an easy out while still being undetected. He had just been about to leave when he heard people approaching. This was not good.

Sure enough, there stood Hermione Granger and Ronald Weasley. They seem to be in some heated discussion. So like any good Slytherin, memory Issac moved closer to listen.

"You know Snape's kid?" It was Ron who could be heard first. No surprise there.

"Yea, what of him?"

"He had the audacity to approach me and ask me about Potter. That Slimy Death Eater wannabe had the nerve to talk to me." Ron was seething.

"Why did he want to know about Harry?"

"Something about how it was a shame about his death. I stopped listening really. I wanted to tell him off but you know he would have run to Snape and I didn't need to deal with that greasy git."

"I know love. Yea, it is a shame Harry died. His fame could have taken me into the Ministry. It was working so nicely until he let those Muggles defeat him."

"Boy-Who-Lived my arse. He was nothing more than a glory hound and a damn near squib with luck." He spat scathingly, showing exactly how fickle Harry's friends truly were.

By now, Ryider was shaking with rage and anger. He couldn't handle anymore and pulled out of the memory abruptly. Not only had they insulted him, but his mate and his…step-son? Uh, friend.

Issac followed behind his friend. He wasn't sure how Ryider would react as it was a horrible thing to hear from people he once held in high regard.

"Those bastards. Those fucking bastards. Who the hell do they think they are? Tell me. What makes them so high and mighty that they can say that? After everything…" Ryider broke. The frustrated tears he had tried to hold back fell with a new fury.

Issac held the boy and he too cursed the deities who could do so much wrong to his friend.

"They're going down." Ryider swore and pushed himself up from the floor. It was time to plan. Without looking back, he locked himself in his room, positive Issac could take care of himself.

His whole life had been a lie. He already knew most of it but this was the final straw. What had he done to deserve all this? Ah, yes, been born. That explained it all. He chuckled a self-deprecating laugh.

May those who crossed him burn in the Seventh Hall of Hell; Purgatory. And so, with those depressing thoughts, he resigned himself to his fate and another night of nightmares.

………………………………

"Ryider, you are doing it again." Draco sighed, knowing drastic measures would need to be taken if his brother was going to survive himself and his stubbornness.

"Doing what, Dray?" Ryider stated innocently. He knew exactly what Draco was talking about.

"You need to go to them. It has been a week and you can barely move. You know better than to go two days without them. You are killing yourself."

"No, I'm not."

Draco stunned him in response. It was better to risk Ryider being pissed off at him later than die because he did nothing. He rummaged through his brother's trunk and found the invisibility cloak. He threw it over his younger brother and headed out of their rooms and towards Sev's. He would not let his brother hurt himself anymore.

They were lucky not to run into anyone, even though it was after classes. There was still a couple of hours before dinner so the halls were clear. Occasionally, Draco met the odd student here and there but it was nothing the Malfoy heir truly had to worry about.

Draco, with the invisible Ryider, reached his godfather's quarters and spoke the password. It had been given to him in case of an emergency. He entered, finding Severus and Remus reading, both looking tired and pale. "Are you two okay?" He asked, concerned.

"No." Sev started. "Ryider is upset with us and his moods are playing havoc with our bodies and our minds. It hurts." He admitted truthfully.

"Have you talked to him?"

"We've both tried and he will not let us near him. He only asks for space so we have no choice but to give it to him." Severus continued tiredly.

"You three have got to be the most stubborn people I have ever met. Work through this or I'll have your heads. And, here's your chance." Draco removed the cloak from Ryider and set the teen on the ground. "Do not let him leave until he has fed and rested." He moved to the portrait entrance before undoing the spell. He left quickly and used the most powerful locking spells he knew to keep the three of them in.

Ryider shook off the remnants of the spell and stood. He did not want to see them and hearing their blood rushing through their veins was not helping his resolve to stay away.

"Ryider…" Remus tried.

"No. I will not let you have this control over me."

"Ryider, you are a mess. Let us help you. We are your mates."

The teen snorted. "That didn't matter a week ago."

"Dammit, let us take care of you. Yes, we had a lapse of judgment but we are human. We need you as much as you need us. Now take what you need."

"No." He growled, his words weak in his resolve. He could see the veins pumping and pounding beneath the skin and it was driving him crazy.

Severus ignored the teen and walked up to him. He knew this was dangerous territory but he grabbed his mate into a tight hug. Ryider struggled slightly, the cinnamon scent of his mate overpowering his thought process. Finally, he snuggled into the warmth as his mind focused only on the arms holding him and the feeling of contentment that he felt for the first time in over a week.

"Will you feed for me Ryider?" Severus kept his voice low and compliant.

"Can't." The blonde's words were slurring. He needed to stay awake.

Turning his attention to Remus, Severus added, "Remus, you need to get him to feed from you. You are his Vampire mate and it is your blood he craves right now."

"How? He hates me."

"He doesn't but you need to think of something fast."

And he did. Remus pulled off his cotton top and dropped it on the floor. "Keep a hold of him." Remus summoned a knife from the kitchen and proceeded to slice a small line on his palm. He moved to the teen and let him see the blood until the canines began to grow. When the Veela Vamp began to fight, Remus moved to the couch and slid the knife down his collar bone. He laid back, submissively. "Let him go."

Severus let go and Ryider moved onto his mate, straddling the man's lap. He licked up the bloodied trail, healing the wound, before puncturing the neck to get more of the sweet taste he craved. When the blood loss grew too much, Ryider was comfortably transferred to Severus so he could drink his fill. The teen healed the wounds and drifted off contentedly in the place he knew he belonged, his mates' arms.

………………………………………

Meanwhile, on the other side of the castle, a lone Snape was giving himself away to destiny.

………………………………………

It was Friday and Issac, for like the fifteenth time this week, was sneaking out of his Ravenclaw dorms and heading up to the Room of Requirement. He had told Rylie to meet him there. He knew she was only three months along now but he worried for her. Anything could happen so he stayed with her often.

As their friendship grew, he had asked his father for two journals that he and another person could talk through when they weren't together. Careful enough the skirt the name of his friend, Remus had bought him two of the enchanted journals and told him not to get them confiscated. They would be hell to get back.

As he carefully made his way to the Seventh floor, Issac kept thinking about the black haired Italian that he was falling for. She was so charismatic and yet still reserved at the same time. He found that though she was a Slytherin, he really didn't mind. 'Then again,' he snorted at his thoughts, 'look at his family.'

Issac managed to make it to the Room of Requirement without getting caught by either Filch or McGonagall. Not two minutes after he arrived, Rylie followed through the door he had created. He greeted her with a hug before he sat down on the couch and she took the nearest arm chair. They were comfortable and by the fire the room had provided.

"You wanted to meet me?" She smiled at him. Issac just patted the spot next to him on the sofa. She moved tiredly to his side and laid her head on his lap, much like she had been doing in the past weeks.

"I know it's late but I wanted to ask you a few things. You don't have to answer anything you don't want to, okay?" He felt her nod and decided it was now or never.

"Rylie, how did you end up pregnant? I know it was over Winter Hols but you wouldn't tell me anymore than that." She tensed but didn't pull away.

"You'll hate me. It is not some love story out of a fairy tale and it is quite twisted."

"I won't hate you. You are too kind to hate. Do you trust me enough to tell me?"

She sighed. "Yes, but it's a long story."

"We have time. I'll take you to my rooms if I have to. I'll always take care of you."

"Here goes nothing." And so the story began.

…………..Flashback to Winter Holidays…………..

Rylie found herself taken back to the beginning of the holidays. It was always a hectic time of year. Her parents would throw the annual Christmas party and scores of people, from work or old classmates, would arrive and proceed to get very drunk. Every year she hated the parties and every year she was forced to go.

This year, though, she didn't mind so much. Since September she had been in correspondence with someone who was her mother's old acquaintance. She had run in to him back when she went to Diagon Alley for her supplies and he had recognized her.

"You look just like your mother." The stranger had said.

Stopping, she turned to see who had talked to her. "Who are you?"

"An old family friend. You mother was Casandera Zabini, no?"

"She is. Yet, you still have not said who you are."

"I'm sorry." He extended his hand. "I am James Avery. I went to school with your mother."

She shook his hand casually. "It is nice to meet you sir. Would you like to come say hello to my mother?"

"I am in a hurry actually but please give her my regards."

After that day, she had kept in touch with him. Or, at least, him with her. Over the coming months, she had developed a crush on him. She was sixteen yet few took notice of her. It was nice to be the center of attention, especially to an older man.

By October, he would meet her in Hogsmeade and they would go on 'dates.' However, Rylie decided to look him up and it turned out that he was his mother's ex-boyfriend. The last of her exes before she married her dad.

So finally, by about mid-November, she stopped writing to him and told him she could not see him anymore. From then on, she forgot about him. It was difficult but she knew that if her parents found out then she would be in trouble.

Her birthday came and went on the 2nd of December. So this was where she found herself now. She was at the same dreaded holiday party but this year, she had someone to avoid. Being a Slytherin, she almost knew for a fact that Avery being at the party was not mere coincidence. Something was about to go down and she did not feel safe in her own home.

…………..END of Flashback…………

Rylie was crying freely when Issac pulled her into an embrace. He let her work through her demons as she continued her story. "He waited until I had excused myself from the party and all the adults had either gone home or were too drunk to care. I…I, he caught me off guard. Then… Please, I can't say anymore. You know what happened from there."

"Shh, it's alright. You don't need to say anymore."

"I'm sorry." Her sobs slowly diminished but he kept his arms around the other teen.

"Thank you for telling me. Actually, that is one of the reasons why I asked you here." Issac kissed the top of her head before continuing. "I wanted to ask you if you would let me take care of you. I have liked you for a long time and I wanted to make sure you knew someone was here for you through it all."

Rylie pulled away from him. "I don't want your pity."

Issac didn't let Rylie get away. "Look at me. I am not giving you pity. I am telling you what I feel. This is nothing more than the truth." Rylie looked into his eyes and couldn't find a trace of dishonesty. "Do your parents or brother even know you are pregnant?"

She shook her head 'no.'

"That's what I am saying. You need someone who can support you in every way needed and I will be here for you, regardless of anything else." Issac smiled.

"What about your father? I can't say he will be too pleased and I do not wish to tell him unless I must."

"He will need to find out eventually but not for some time to come. For now, only those you wish to tell will know." She yawned in reply.

"Let's get you to bed. You can come to my room tonight. There is a spare room in my father's quarters."

Rylie eyed his cautiously but nodded her ascent.

Issac made sure her glamour was sealed tightly with both her magic and his before they made the slow trek to the dungeons. When they arrived, without getting caught (thank Merlin), Issac spoke the password and quietly lead her to his room. He tucked her into his bed and transformed a chair into a couch for the night. Those extra lessons with his dad really had helped his abilities. 'Though, I don't think that was what he had in mind.' Issac yawned.

"Good night love. I'll wake you early in the morning alright." He kissed her on the cheek before undressing and laying down on the couch. He figured he needed to get some sleep, even though it was Hogsmeade weekend. He didn't plan to go but he didn't want to waste the day doing nothing. He just hoped he could make it out of the room before his parents awoke.

He wouldn't be so lucky.

……………The Following Morning; Saturday……………………

Through his sleep, Issac could feel someone shaking him. He vaguely heard the voice telling him to wake up. Blearily he rubbed the sleep from his eyes. Shocked, he found his dad staring at him.

"Time to wake up." Severus said quietly. He was well aware of the guest his son had but he wanted the facts before he woke the young girl up. He recognized her as one of his Slytherins but he couldn't place the name. She was definitely one who hid in the shadows almost as well as he did if he couldn't recall her name easily.

Issac sat up quickly, looking from his father's concerned face to the still sleeping girl in his bed. Sheepishly, he whispered, "Morning, dad."

"Yes and you have some explaining to do." Severus moved away from the couch and out into the sitting room. Not soon after, his son followed.

"Dad." Issac was at a loss for words at how to begin explaining.

"Why do you have a girl in your bed?"

"Because I'm straight." He smiled cheekily, earning an amused chuckle and a raised eyebrow from the professor. "No, she was tired and I knew she wasn't awake enough to make it back to her room so I offered for her to stay here."

"And?"

"And nothing. She slept in the bed and I slept in the couch. Would you like me to go wake her?"

"Yes. Draco and Blaise will be here soon to use the floo."

"Alright. By the way, where's Ryider? Draco mentioned something about him being here last night."

"He went back to his dorm."

Issac nodded and moved to do as he was asked and sure enough, the girl walked out with Issac. He introduced her. "It's alright. Rylie, this is my dad, Professor Snape. But you know that. Dad, this is Rylie."

"Hello sir. I'm sorry for imposing on your hospitality." She looked down, embarrassed at being in her Head of House's quarters.

"It is nothing. These are my son's rooms as well when he needs them. You are welcome as his friend. You are a sixth year Slytherin, are you not?"

"I am."

Professor Snape did the one thing his students had never seen. He smiled. "I'm sorry. Your last name eludes me."

"Zabini. Rylie Zabini." She stuttered out. This was unnerving to say the least.

"Are you the daughter of Casandera and Chrystophe Zabini?"

"Yes. My twin brother also attends here. A sixth year named…"

"Blaise. Yes, I know him well. He and my godson are well acquainted. How did you meet my son?"

She chuckled. Feeling more at home, she got a little cheeky. "We just stumbled upon each other and became friends. You should be so proud…" She over exaggerated, "Last night, he got the courage to ask me out." Severus laughed with her. It was something she would never forget.

"Are you two heading to Hogsmeade?" Severus directed the question at Issac.

"I wasn't planning on it but I was going to leave the decision up to Rylie." Said person shook her head. "Guess not."

"Well, why don't you two head on out. Be back before curfew."

Issac turned around and rolled his eyes. "Yes, father."

"I saw that. Now go." Sure enough, the two teens left. Five minutes later, Draco and Blaise arrived.

Both Slytherins had their bags packed but Blaise was looking worse for wear. His skin was pale, much like a vampire, and he had bags under his eyes. There were fresh looking scratches on his hands and he resembled someone sick with high fever. Overall, he looked horrible.

"Is he…" Severus started.

"He needs more time with father." Draco answered. "Is the floo ready?"

"You may leave at any time."

"Very well. We will be back tomorrow evening before curfew. Thank you for letting us use your floo."

"Of course. Now have fun and see to it that if he gets any worse I am called."

"Alright, Uncle Sev." He took a hold of Blaise, having already shrunk their luggage, and tossed the floo powder in. "Malfoy Manor, Drawing Room." And they were gone.

Severus turned off his floo and went back to the bedroom. He needed to talk to Remus about why Ryider was still avoiding them, outside of feeding.

……………Malfoy Manor………………

Lucius was there to greet them as they arrived, quite surprised and alarmed when Blaise collapsed as he came through. "Blaise? Draco, is he okay?"

"No, father. He won't tell me. All I know is he can't keep control of his magic and it keeps fluctuating. On Tuesday, he accidentally set fire to the rug in my room. I don't know why."

Lucius pulled Blaise into his arms, happy when the Italian teen snuggled into the embrace. He looked down, pretty sure what the problem was. "Do we need to complete the bond, love?"

He felt the boy nod, and was almost sure his cheeks were red with embarrassment. The older blonde looked up to see his son making a very undignified 'O' face.

He sighed. "Come here Draco." His son did as was asked and Lucius wrapped his arms around his son as well. "Do you want to do this now?"

"I don't know how but I need to." Came the quiet voice. It ripped the Malfoy's hearts out to hear the shame and self loathing in those words.

"Shh, it's natural. Let's take a bath and then we will take care of your needs. Draco, go on upstairs and start the bath. I'll help Blaise up there and we will join you shortly."

Draco nodded and swiftly made his way up the staircase with Lucius and Blaise following at a slower pace.

The bath was relaxing and slow. Lucius, as the oldest of the three, sensually washed both his son and his mate. It was when Lucius could feel his mate start losing complete control that he pulled them both out of the bath and manually dried them.

He led them to the Master bedroom. The room was everything Lucius was…intense, powerful, and yet still comforting. Not that anyone really paid much attention. There would be time for that later. Now was about bonding and cementing their love.

Naked as the day he was born, Lucius submissively laid on the bed; pulling Draco with him while he explored his son's mouth. Blaise, his eyes darkened with lust, watched the display as he moved forward. He was in control.

Blaise growled possessively at the two and pulled Draco back, pushing him next to Lucius. He kept his hand firm on Draco's chest as he began his exploration of the older Adonis beneath him. He peppered kisses down the jaw line until he reached the conjunction between shoulder and neck; he bit, drawing small droplets of blood. Lucius let out a deep moan and Blaise licked it unapologetically, continuing his path.

Both the blonde's chests were covered in angry red bite marks, but both of them were high with pleasure. It was time to make his claim. Quickly, he used the energy he was feeding off of to create a blue fireball in his palm. Noting the small amount of fear in Draco's eyes, and the acceptance in Lucius', he managed, "Trust me." Letting none of the energy die, he turned his palms down and pressed the conjured fire into their thighs. Knowing it wouldn't hurt, he etched out the mark in his mind. As each line became apparent in his head, he could feel the fire drawing it expertly beneath his hands.

The mark itself was unlike anything and unique to himself. His clan mark inspired it but this was his. The right side of it was a royal blue crescent moon. It was only a ¼ inch thick in the middle. On the open, or left, side of the crescent was a completion of the circle with a sliver of the same blue, drawn with the thickness of a needle point. Inside the circle was an array of green and silver fire. The final touch, a personal favorite of the Dracubus, was a tiny silver jewel in the green portion of the fire (for Draco) and the same size green jewel in the silver flames (for Lucius). With the final detail, his mates were claimed and Blaise finally lost his self-control.

…………….Sunday……………….

The boys had come back, with Blaise looking much better. Draco was happy to see Ryider at least sitting in the same room as Sev and Remus when they got there. Then, the two Slytherins headed off to Draco's room for a little bit of 'relaxation.'

However, it was a week later that everything turned interesting.

………………………………………

Ryider sat in front of the fire, listening to the swift marking of Severus' quill and Remus' steady breaths. His school books were scattered about haphazardly but he merely stared into the fire, unable to concentrate. It was only February and the air in the dungeons remained cold and unyielding.

He was still very insecure about his place with his mates but they had gone out of there way to assure him and he needed to try until he could truly show them how he felt. In fact, he'd been back in their rooms since last Saturday and he had yet to see them alone together. One of them was always with him. While his mind told him that wasn't right, both the creatures in him were possessive about what was theirs and ultimately drove his actions.

All except this one.

"Would you take me to Voldemort?" Ryider asked quietly, turning his body so both his mates could see him.

Remus and Severus looked up, the scratching of the quill stopping instantly. Both of them had looks of betrayal on their face that he could even think that.

"No." They both said together.

"I'm not asking."

"We can't." Severus said firmly. "We won't." Remus completed.

"I see." Ryider nodded before turning his attention back to the fire and his schoolwork. He still had another essay to go but it was no use now. He gathered his books and put them away. "I'm tired. I'm going to take a nap. Please wake me for dinner." He headed to the bedroom.

"Why would he ask that Sev?"

"With him, I've found that everything will be answered eventually. I would not even try to understand him at the moment. I saddens me to think he truly believes we would do that but I cannot say for a fact that he doesn't."

"I know." Remus sighed. Slowly, they both managed not to lose themselves in depressing thoughts and continue with their previous tasks.

…………Bedroom………….

Ryider drifted off to sleep slowly. He kept his mind blank, not for the purpose of Occluding (not that he was good enough anyway) but so it would be easier to direct his dreams. He let his mind feel the link he had with Voldemort and when he found the "doorway" he drifted into sleep, guiding himself down that path.

'Tom.' Ryider called out casually.

A young looking Tom came into view in response to his question. Ryider let his mind conjure up a sitting room across his mind so it was almost as though they were meeting in person.

'Potter.'

'Malfoy. You may call me Ryider.'

'As you wish.' It was surprising to hear the Dark Lord talking so civilly but Ryider was sure it had to do with his new looks.

'Have you thought on my proposition?' Ryider inquired, his Slytherin side coming out in preparation for battle, if needed.

'I have. It seems in my interest to hear you out but I cannot say I believe your far fetched story. How did Harry Potter die? As I see it, he sits in front of me. Answer my questions and I will give you my answer.' Tom smiled a sweet smile, almost as though in triumph.

'Swear to a Wizard's Oath and I will tell you everything.' The young Slytherin smirked.

'Why?'

'I did not tell my own family the truth without such a bond. I will not tell you without one as well.'

'You intrigue me. Very Well. I swear on my magic that no one but me shall hear what is said here.'

'No one will be told in any way.'

'None in any way, I do hereby swear.'

'I accept your oath, Tom.'

Ryider gave a quick synopsis of what had happened, glossing over the more intimate moments.

'I have a question Ryider.' Tom said.

'Alright.'

'Why have my followers not turned you over to me?'

'Because they cannot without breaking the oath. When I told you I would not tell my own family without the oath, I was not exaggerating.'

'And how has Dumbledore not been able to expose your scheme when he was the one who separated you from your family.'

'He couldn't since I have answered him under Veritaserum.'

'Alright. Now, about your third demand. Bellatrix and Wormtail may not be my best servants but they are determined. I cannot kill them without reason.'

Ryider's dream-self smirked and provided all the "reason" he would need. 'Now, I need you to call a meeting tomorrow. Since my mates cannot take me, I will come of my own free will. Also, there are two others I would like to be marked with my mark.'

'As you will. I will send a portkey tomorrow morning that will bring you here to Riddle Manor at 7:00 PM sharp. That, I believe, is after dinner so there should be no problem. Now, who are the others you wish marked?'

'They are…'

……………The Next Day………………

The Portkey arrived at breakfast with a small note giving the activation code; Uoi'notan Kult'ressin. Ryider snorted at the translation. He had done some studying on the language Severus loved so much and it amused him how Voldemort had picked this particular phrase. In short, it meant Hell's Ruler.

At 6:30 PM, Ryider grabbed a black, unmarked robe. He cast a glamour on himself. He looked himself over in the mirror. His auburn blonde hair was now a deep raven with blue tips. His eyes were now a pale pink and his skin was darkened with a tan. Overall, he looked good.

When 7:00 rolled around, he spoke the password and felt sickening pull of the portkey behind his navel. Still, he hated it. He landed in an ungraceful heap on a beautifully wooden floor, his robe still covering his alter identity.

He stood and dusted himself off, keeping his hood up and his eyes open to observe the surroundings. He was greeted by a lone Death Eater, the white mask mocking him with its blank stare.

"Who are you?" Ryider asked, his voice low and to the point.

"I do not answer to you." The figure replied evenly.

"No, you answer to me. Do not insult my guests." Tom stated from the corner, his "Voldemort" persona visible to all.

"Forgive me, My Lord." He turned from Voldemort after a quick bow. "I am Rudolphus Lestrange."

"Ah, a favorite I have heard much about." Ryider's voice held a realm of importance. "Remove your mask so I may see your face."

Hesitantly, but efficiently, Rudolphus removed his mask and lowered his hood. Ryider stepped forward and ran a finger down the older man's face. Visibly, the Death Eater flinched but made no move to back away. Rudolphus had been in service for nearly twenty years, he knew better.

Ignoring the flinch, Ryider backed away again. "Right yourself." Turning to Voldemort, he spoke. "He will do nicely."

Voldemort nodded and beckoned Ryider to follow him. "This way. My servants will arrive soon enough and we may get this underway."

Voldemort led Ryider down to the Throne Room. Discreetly, Rudolphus followed them but kept his distance. The room was dank, not at all like the rest of the manor. The walls were stone, same as Hogwarts, but each wall was cracked with time. Tom's throne was at the head of the room, a single step leading up to it. It was clear that the step was to represent his importance and lordship over the others.

Snakes were engraved into the stone work, more frequented on the floor. Much like a snake pit. It was intriguing to say the least.

Ryider stood off to the side. His hood was up as he talked to Voldemort.

"Do you accept my terms, Tom?" Ryider's voice was low.

"I will. Would you like the pleasure of killing the two traitors?"

"I would. We'll just give them a taste of my power. Also, I have a mark in mind." Ryider described the mark he would be placing on those he wished stripped of Mosmordre. The main focus was a Devil's Fork. The outline of the design was a bitter coal black and the tips looked as though they had been dripped in blood. Wrapped around the Devil's Fork was a scaled version of a basilisk, the head resting next to the middle blade on the left hand side, baring its fangs to the world. At the bottom of the Fork were two lines parallel to each other. The first was ½'' up from the bottom of the Fork, which was covered by the tail of the Basilisk. About an 1/8'' below the first mark was a shorter line. Finally, below the tail was three blood red indents, as though the Devil's Fork had pierced the skin before its completion. "I will glamour it to look like the Dark Mark to those who do not possess either your mark or mine, for safety reasons."

Tom inclined his head and called for his followers.

……………In the Dungeons of Hogwarts…………………………

Severus' mark burned harshly as his master called. He cursed as the potion he was working on was now ruined. He had dropped too many dragon scales into it. The supposed to be blue potion was not a smoky colour.

He moved quickly from his work room to his bedroom, to grab his cloak. It was there that he found Remus hunched over in agony. "Remus?"

"He calls."

"I know. Take my spare robe. Do not say anything and call upon your memories for protocol. Let us leave."

Remus followed the instructions as though he learned them yesterday. It had been years and yet he knew what he had to do. They moved quickly to the outside of the wards and Severus duel apparated them towards the call. Luckily, they arrived amidst the other Death Eaters. Not first, but not last.

……………………Back at Riddle Manor………………………..

Ryider watched with detached fascination as hundreds of followers flooed in.

"What is your name?" Tom asked beside him.

"Uoi'notan Mirshann. They will address me as Master Mirshann. I take kindly to nothing else."

"Hell's Angel. It suits you. Very Well. What does your mark represent?"

"It was said long ago that witches and wizards were followers of the Muggle version of Lucifer. I figured if they wanted a Devil, I would give them one."

Tom smirked at the irony before inclining his head. Suddenly, he heard Ryider speak up again.

"I have one more request."

"What is that?" Voldemort smiled, very amused at how his followers flinched. Though he knew they could not hear the conversation and their masks covered them, their reactions were easily read.

"I would like to talk to you about my father and brother. There are some things I need settled before this night is finished."

"After the meeting you may have my time."

"As you wish, Master Tom." He smirked and gave a mock bow, which was very obvious to those watching.

"Do not call me that." Voldemort hissed.

"I will call you as I please. Now get this meeting started." Ryider turned from him, and watched the Death Eaters. He listened intently for his introduction.

"My followers, we have a new member with us and much business to attend to." The Death Eaters shifted nervously, business was not always a good thing. "He," Voldemort gestured to the glamour covered Ryider, who had yet to drop his hood. "is my equal and you will give him the respect he deserves. I introduce to you, Uoi'notan Mirshann."

Unable to stop themselves, both Severus and Remus coughed, completely understanding the meaning of the name. "Severus, step forward." Severus did as he was told, Remus remaining where he was. The Potions Master knelt and kissed his master's robes before rolling back onto his heels, his head staying bowed. "What do you find so humorous, Severus?" His Lord hissed.

"I'm sorry Milord. I meant no disrespect. The name is of the old language and it was a shock is all." Voldemort looked pleased at the answer but as he went to cast, what Severus presumed, Crucio, Master Mirshann stopped him.

"I will take care of him." The thought alone was frightening to all as they did not know who this person was. "Severus, drop your mask and stand." Severus did as asked. Ryider placed a hand up to cup his face, very aware when Rudolphus flinched in the ranks. "You will do nicely as well. Now put the mask back on and retreat to your place. You may not be so safe next time." The raven haired man wasted no time in doing as he was bid. He did not wish to push his luck.

"Wormtail. Bellatrix. Step forward." They both followed the same routine Severus had moments before. Each believing to be rewarded. His next words determined a far different fate. "It seems we have two traitors in our midst. I do not take kindly to being double crossed." Ryider could feel the changes in his mates, knowing they thought they were doomed with each word Voldemort spoke and believing they were to be handed to Peter and Bella. He knew it was widely thought that they were his favorites. "Master Mirshann, please do the honor and show everyone what we do to those who make themselves our enemy."

Ryider dropped his hood so they could see his merciless eyes as he extracted his long awaited revenge. Even under glamour, there was no hiding the hate in his now pink eyes. Never pulling his wand, he proved why he was the Dark Lord's equal.

Waving his hand, without his lips ever moving, he knocked the two servants from their positions, their faces covered in cuts. It resembled the cutting curse greatly with the exception of the active singing of the wounds' edges. Without waiting, and reveling in their screams, he turned his attention onto Wormtail first. He conjured a hot poker, and with great ease, traced the thing down the center of the wizard's robes. Slowly, he headed south until he castrated the poor excuse of a man. Next, he used Crucio a few times before turning to Voldemort. "Put him in the dungeon. The blood loss and burns will kill him soon enough. He is not worth my time to cast the killing curse." With a wave of their Lord's hand, Bellatrix was the only one left.

She lay there, her screams succeeded by only whimpers and shameless begging. "Ramoth." He growled. The curse was one of his own making. It was meant to resemble the Dementors but amplify the effect nearly ten times. No one sane could last thirty seconds and those already insane would become catatonic in mere minutes. He stopped the curse shy of three minutes and listened to her begging.

"Please, master. I am here to serve. I would betray neither."

"No, you murder brethren and family. You are lucky you have lived this long." He continued the onslaught, alternating between the Dementor curse and Crucio. Then he bound her magic. "You will die as a Squib. I will keep you alive for now. I need a toy to play with." His voice was damn near hissing and it sent chills down everyone's back. She, too, was sent to the dungeons.

No one would cross either Master. Lord Voldemort had been frightening enough. Master Mirshann gave a whole new meaning to fear.

"Next, Master Mirshann has decided to mark a few of you. You may call who you will."

In his head, Ryider contacted Tom quickly. 'Do you wish me to compromise Remus? You know your orders to remain secret as I have given you back your memories in my peace offering.'

'No. We need him.'

'Alright.' He cut the link. "Rudolphus Lestrange, Severus Snape as well as your companion, and Theodore Nott. The rest of you are dismissed." As one, those not called disappeared.

They moved forward and bowed.

"Do not fear me. If you play nice, I will not harm you." He mocked. For as caring as he had been as Harry Potter, it felt good to let the darkness out every once and a while. Especially if one was pissed off at his mates.

"Severus, Rudolphus, and Theodore, show me your marks." They pulled up their robe sleeves and revealed them. Ryider tapped each one of them and formed a link as he chanted his spell.

"Temerarius meus vindicatum , validus quod temerarus
Nostrum iunctio links quoque decades vetus
Link cruor of vinco duos
Quod audite dico pro utriusque es verus

Take vestigium super vestri armo
Per mos iam tied ut vestri
veneficus redimio vestri animus ut mei
Capio of nusquam magis

Link animus ut mihi quod mei
Adveho ut Ego sic mos
Renuo vires of vinco
Quod vestri vita vadum forfeit exaro"

The Latin rolled off his tongue easily and the mark he had described to Tom appeared in place of the Dark Marks. When he finished, he addressed them. "You are mine, first and foremost. You obey both your Lord and your Master. You cannot hide from him nor me and I am not a merciful as your Lord is. Dismissed." They left and Remus remained bowed before him. "Remove your mask Remus." Ryider repeated the procedure and gave him his orders. "You are to remain secret, as you were when you were marked before. Do not fail and watch Dumbledore. The traitors tonight were warnings. Next time will be worse. Leave us." With a nod, Remus apparated to Hogwarts, leaving only Lord Voldemort and Master Mirshann.

In the empty room, they both changed back into there respective selves. Lord Voldemort became Tom (his younger self that Ryider met) and Ryider dropped his glamour.

They adjourned to a sitting room in the manor, Tom changing back to his youthful self and pouring them both a liberal amount of scotch. "You wanted to speak of your family."

"Yes. As I'm sure you know, Lucius and Draco are mates to the Zabini heir, Blaise. He, I have no doubt, has marked them and is probably fighting the same battle I was. He does not want them marked by another. I wish to have Blaise do the same ritual I have. They would bare only his mark but it would be tied into yours so they could answer the call."

"I see your point. If you know for certain it will keep them tied to me and under the same spell work Mosmordre provides, I will allow it. Do you wish to inform them?"

"I can."

"Go to it. I will contact you with the next meeting time. It is getting late. You should head back before you are missed."

"Goodnight Tom."

"Goodnight and do not call me that." His words met only silence and the crack of apparition.

…………………………………

The following day, Ryider decided to have a little fun with his mates. Okay, so it was cruel but he would make it up to them…eventually.

He was sitting on the couch reading and he waited until he had a clear view of Remus' arm before making his move. Before the amber eyed man could blink, Ryider was in front of him, holding his arm…with the sleeve up. Clear as day, was his mark. Well, the Dark Mark but he could see through the glamour so yeah. Silently he broke the glamour, knowing the other two wouldn't be able to tell the difference.

"Who marked you?" He growled angrily. Man, he should have been an actor.

Both Remus' and Severus' eyes grew large as they stumbled for an explanation.

"I can smell him on you. You didn't tell me. Why?" He growled again, silently enjoying as they stumbled for words when they usually had such an extensive vocabulary.

"Ryider, you know we work for the Dark Lord. We had no choice." Severus tried to placate him.

"This is not the Dark Lord's signature. This is someone new. You were marked after I claimed you."

"I--we. Dammit, we had no choice. I'm sorry and so is Remus. I don't know what to say." Severus sighed in defeat.

"I know." At his statement, both men turned to him in wide eyes.

"You …knew. And you scared the hell out of us with your rampage." Remus shuddered.

"Eh, figured I had to tell you anyway and you deserved it for not telling me outright." He smiled and tapped his forehead three times before waving his hand in front of himself. There, in Hogwarts, stood Master Mirshann.

"You…" Severus couldn't even find the words. "That was you? You were the one who scared the hell out of all of us and tortured Bellatrix and Wormtail?"

"They deserved it." He shrugged. "Those are two animals I will never feel remorse for. Though, it was amusing to see you outright snicker at my name. I chose it because I knew you understood it…Okay, for other reasons too. Enjoy the show?" He gave a mock bow.

"Are you losing yourself Ryider?" Remus asked gently.

"Yes and no. I will do what I must to take down the Order and such. However, I will not become Tom and torture people without good reason. Beyond that, only time will tell. Are you mad at me?" Suddenly, he wasn't so sure of himself.

"I wish you would have told us but we understand; or, at least, we're trying to."

"Alright, now I want you two to meet me in the bedroom in five minutes. I have a surprise for you." Ryider glided from the room to prepare their surprise. He just hoped he could handle it as well.

………………

Ryider had undressed down to his boxers as soon as the door had shut and now he sat on the edge of the bed. Patiently, he waited for his mates to come in. Ryider knew that he had been an ass lately and he was ready, or so he hoped, to make it up to them and give them what they deserve.

Sighing, he moved up to the top of the bed and laid propped up against the pillows. Now he just had to wait. He closed his eyes in anticipation and fell into a light sleep.

When Remus and Severus finally opened the door some twenty minutes later, they found a tense, and almost naked Ryider spread out across the duvet.

"He was waiting for us wasn't he? Do you think he is ready?" The ex werewolf whispered to his mate so Ryider wouldn't over hear. Damn the Headmaster for keeping them.

"I think he was, and is." Severus replied.

Ryider stirred as he felt Remus' arms slip around his shoulders. Waking quickly, with a smirk playing on his lips, he pressed them against the older man's mouth.

Together, they made sweet love.

Casting a cleansing charm, Severus tiredly pulled Ryider close to him while Remus wrapped his arms around him from the front. Safe and entwined in each other's arms, the three fell drifted off into dreams of contentment.

………………………………………

A/N: Rudolphus and Theodore Nott will be explained…when we get to it… As usual, the Ritual and its poem is property of Joji and Corilithon. It is in Drow, from DnD, which we don't own. Here is the translation.

Heed my claim, strong and bold
Our connection links to decades old
Link the bloods of Masters two
And hear the calls for both are true

Take the mark upon your arm
My will now tied to yours
The magiks bind your soul to mine
I take of nothing more

Link the souls to me and mine
Come when I so will
Refuse the might of masters
And your life shall forfeit till