A Dreadfully Convenient Crossover And the Prisoner of the Arctic Incident
By Spectra16
A/N: This was the most disappointing April Fool's Day ever! However, the only April Fool's prank that I received was from the Lemony Snicket mailing list. It was very funny. Let me share it with you.
All of us at HarperCollins Children's Books would like to extend our sincere apologies for yesterdays surprising public announcement by Lemony Snicket. We discourage our authors from disclosing the content of a book so far in advance of its publication -- especially a book as highly anticipated as Book the Thirteenth, The End, which will not be released until October 13, 2006.
As a courtesy to dedicated fans, we thought it only fair to share Mr. Snicket's revelations in an open forum. Below is the key information revealed by Mr. Snicket regarding the upcoming final installment of A Series of Unfortunate Events.
Yes, the Baudelaire siblings' difficult journey comes to a triumphant end.
Yes, their parents are very happy with their new home.
Yes, Klaus does skip a grade and win a spelling bee.
Yes, Count Olaf gives each of the children a pony.
Yes, Beatrice is actually a hook-handed man.
Yes, they all live happily ever after, a phrase which here means "plus eternity times infinity!"
Mr. Snicket also revealed that The Beatrice Letters, a collection of personal letters which will be published in September, is full of funny poems and doodles of unicorns.
We hope that none of this information will lessen your interest in Mr. Snicket's research. Just because everything turns out perfectly in The End certainly does not justify the terrible things that have befallen the Baudelaires over the course of the last twelve books.
Thank you for your support.
Happy April Fool's Day
-.-.-.-.-
Chapter Six: Mind-wipe for Malfoy
Artemis paid much care to the fact that he was deceiving Draco into meeting him in their room. The sooner he was to get Draco off his back, the better. He was tired of this little twit thinking he was intelligent enough to equal Artemis. Draco was living proof that pure bloods were not in any way superior.
Artemis sat on his bed, his hands folded together, waiting for Draco. Impatience was never something Artemis usually worried about, but he couldn't resist feeling it. Artemis jerked up when he heard a tiny tap on the window.
Holly, was his immediate though. But when he turned around, it was just Multice coming back from the Owl post. He opened the window, greeted by a pecking owl and the biting cold. Artemis was quick to shut the window again. The snap of the window shutting matched with the opening of the dormitory door. Artemis did not turn around, since he knew it was Draco. He had read his mind.
"What the hell did you want me for? Help on your homework? How pathetic, especially for a genius," Draco remarked snidely. Artemis rose his chin and grinned.
"You may enter, Commander," Artemis spoke softly. Draco quirked an eyebrow, but his cocky manner changed once the window snapped open again, releasing a chilly mood about the room. Draco did not see what was happening, considering Root and Holly and who ever else decided to tag along were shielded. Artemis turned around to look at Draco's horridly confused face. Artemis pulled out his dark wand and immobilized Draco with one flick. Draco fell to the floor, unable to talk or move. Holly unshielded, and soon after, Root and Chix did as well. Artemis knelt down next to Root.
"What a horribly ugly mudman," Root muttered. Artemis snickered. Draco's mind was filled with questions, and rather inappropriate cuss words. Artemis wanted to fill in Draco before he would remember no more.
"Yes, I've allied the very people that I stole from. Isn't it romantic?" Artemis smirked. Draco tried to frown.
Damn you, fucking Fowl! Just wait until my father hears about this! He'll rip out your heart, slag!
"Temper, Draco. And your father will not hear about this. Within the next twenty minutes, you won't remember a thing," Artemis smirked.
-.-.-.-.-.-
Harry starred out the window at the cool surrounding. A few owls dived in the air. Harry was watching the whereabouts of the teachers in Hogwarts on his Marauder's Map. Harry found something to be most curious.
"I wonder why Dumbledore is in the Slytherin house. He doesn't usually go into the houses," Harry spoke aloud. Ron shrugged, while scribbling messy notes.
-.-.-.-.-.-
"Your ape almost killed me!" Chix blurted out. Artemis starred at him with a most uninterested look. Root had almost finished with Foaly's instructions on how to mind wipe, when something most unexpected happened. The door of the dormitory swung open, revealing a most curious Dumbledore. Artemis looked back at Root, finding that all three of them had already disappeared. Malfoy was still on the floor, and the mind wipe equipment was no longer visible. His eyes starred up into space, and Artemis knew he was unconscious. He looked back up at Dumbledore, who didn't seem angry at all, but searching.
"Hello, Mr. Fowl," Dumbledore spoke with a bit of wonder in his voice. Artemis nodded.
"Hello Headmaster," Artemis said respectively. Dumbledore inspected Draco again.
"What are you boys doing?" He asked, as if this were just a game.
"Um. . . Dueling," Artemis replied. Dumbledore obvious didn't believe him.
"Interesting answer. But I know different," Dumbledore came into the room and looked around. He flicked his wand, and Holly and Root appeared, still standing in the room. Foaly's voice was heard in their helmets.
"The mind wipe has been completed. Pack it up and come home," Foaly spoke. Root and Holly obviously thought there were still invisible, and proceeded to take the device off of Malfoy. Dumbledore did nothing to stop this, as if he knew what had already happened. Holly and Root did not bother to say goodbye, obviously, thinking Artemis would not see them. Artemis did not look back, anyways. Dumbledore waited for them to leave and started talking to Artemis.
"I already know why they were here, why they altered the memories of Draco," Dumbledore spoke softly. Artemis closed his eyes, wishing this had not happen. He didn't see a way out of this one. He was caught red handed. No doubt, Dumbledore had been watching him all along and knew about the aura enhancements. Artemis waited for Dumbledore to ream him out, but it never came.
"I must admit, you are the first to come up with such a solution. It's nearly fool proof, you know. I might've never guessed if you had started when you were eleven, because magic doesn't just come to you at any time, Artemis," Dumbledore didn't seem angry in the least. He actually seemed intrigued.
"Have you known about the People, underground?" Artemis asked. Dumbledore nodded.
"I'm the only wizard who knows. The People want to remain in peace. So I refuse to speak about them. Unfortunately, Artemis Fowl is too intelligent to leave them in peace," Dumbledore said with a hint. Artemis looked down at his shoes. Draco was still on the floor.
"I had reason for stealing from them. And I'm obviously helping them out, in return for the gold I took," Artemis said guiltily. Dumbledore nodded.
"Spying for them, I suppose," He said, more as a statement than a question.
"Our magic is much more practiced, more advanced than theirs. Perhaps they will learn to harness it, and put it to good use," Dumbledore turned around.
"Wait, why are you still allowing me to remain here?" Artemis asked. Dumbledore did not turn his body around to face him, instead, he just turned his head.
"As far as I'm concerned, you're not doing any damage," Dumbledore smiled at Artemis and looked at Draco again, nearly laughing. He walked out and Artemis stood, almost shaking. He realized that Draco needed to be loosened again.
Draco sat up in his bed, wondering if he had fallen asleep. Maybe I'm sick, he reasoned, and felt his forehead. He did not have a fever, but he did feel tired. There was no one in the room with him, so he decided to find Goyle or Crabbe, and order them around a bit.
-.-.-.-.-.-
Another Hogsmead trip brought Artemis, Ron, and an invisible Harry to explore the Shrieking Shack. The four of them starred at it, almost afraid to speak. The sky appeared more gray over the Shack than in Hogsmead itself. Artemis felt chilled by the scenery, for it was foreboding and eerie.
The shack was boarded up and nearly falling over. It was familiar scene, one of which Artemis felt accustomed to now. Perhaps memories of his mother's and father's lurked in his mind still. Had they been here?
"Even the Hogwarts ghosts avoid it," said Ron as they leaned on the fence, looking up at it. "I asked Nearly Headless Nick . . . he says he's heard a very rough crowd lives here. No one can get in. Fred and George tried, obviously, but all the entrances are sealed shut . . ."
This made Artemis feel more curious. He had not believed in haunted places until he came to Hogwarts and met the ghosts of the houses and Professor Binns. For a few moments, the four of them kept starring at the shack from the fence. But then footsteps came, and revealed to be Malfoy, Crabbe, and Goyle. Artemis rolled his eyes at the fact that no matter what, whenever Draco wanted to make a scene, he was not make it in front of him and Harry.
"What are you doing, Weasley?" Malfoy spoke snidely. The arrogant, blonde haired boy looked up at the crumbling house behind Ron.
"Suppose You'd love to live here, wouldn't you, Weasley? Dreaming about
having your own bedroom? I heard your family all sleep in one room -- is that true?" Draco asked, not really caring if it was true or not. Artemis chose not to look at Draco. It was too bad that Root and Holly couldn't make his mind so blank that he couldn't remember his nature as an arse.
Harry, still wearing the cloak, seized the back of Ron's robes to stop him from leaping on Malfoy.
"Leave him to me," he hissed in Ron's ear.
Artemis wished he had turned around at that moment.
"We were just discussing your friend Hagrid," Malfoy said to Ron. "Just
trying to imagine what he's saying to the Committee for the Disposal of Dangerous Creatures. D'you think he'll cry when they cut off his hippogriff's-"
All Artemis caught was the disgusting "splat" that was a clump of mud hitting Draco's face. He immediately turned around, almost knowing what he had missed, and Draco was clearly panicking. Ron broke out into a fit of laughter, and propped himself up against the fence. Draco looked horrified by the instance.
"Who was that? Who did that!" Draco yelled nervously. Crabbe and Goyle looked equally as nervous. Artemis actually saw Goyle and Crabbe get hit this time. They looked quite disbelieving. Goyle and Crabbe stumbled to find who was throwing the mud, and Artemis read Harry's mind, knowing that he had been snatched. Part of the cloak came off, revealing Harry's head. He quickly put it back on.
Draco, Goyle, and Crabbe slipped and slid to get away, and this would've been quite hilarious, if not for the fact that they were going to tell on him. Once they were gone, Ron spoke.
"Harry! You'd better get back to Hogwarts quick!" Ron shouted. Harry did have to be told twice, so he kept the cloak over him while he ran for Honeydukes. Once Harry was out of sight, Artemis turned around to look at the Shrieking Shack. Artemis wanted to go there and . . . Possibly meet someone, whoever resided there, if anyone. Ron tugged on Artemis' sleeve.
"We should head back too, in case Harry does get in trouble. We have to be there for 'im," Ron said. Artemis nodded and they jogged back to the station.
-.-.-.-.-.-
After checking the Gryffindor common, room, and not finding Harry, their best bet was to check in Snape's office. The two boys, quite winded, ran there and found exactly that. Artemis bore into Snape's mind, finding that he was grilling Harry about the map, and that Professor Lupin was speaking to him. Snape was in a bit of disbelief of what Lupin was telling him, but Artemis didn't know what that was yet. Ron and Artemis stood in the door way, breathing heavily, with red faces.
"I . . . Gave . . . That stuff . . . To Harry. . . Ages ago," Ron wheezed. Lupin clapped his hands together.
"See, Severus? I'll take this back, shall I?" Lupin snatched the map cheerfully. Artemis was finally able to set in stone that Lupin was Moony.
That was close. It's a good thing Snivellus didn't take this away. I haven't seen this map in ages. I can't wait to see if it still is up to par.
Lupin's thoughts were quick and sharp, unlike his appearance. It was the first time that Artemis had looked into Lupin's mind. Hopefully, Snape wouldn't also be picking this up. Lupin rushed past Artemis, and Artemis then looked up into Snape's eyes. He glared at Artemis, greasy hair falling on his face. Harry also left quickly, not turning around to look at Snape. Artemis walked behind Harry, but Snape tugged him behind.
Remain, Artemis. Snape's voice was cold and low. Artemis stopped, and Ron and Harry hadn't noticed. Artemis wished they had, so that he wouldn't have to stay here. Artemis spun around and looked at Snape in a rather sardonic manner, biting his lip.
"I expect better from you, from a Slytherin. How could you stand up for that arrogant boy?" Snape asked, almost sounding like Draco now. Artemis looked down at his feet, not sure if he should speak, not sure if he should think. Thinking would give away everything. Artemis had already practiced not thinking before. This must be how Foaly feels.
Snape sighed and looked at the door. He seemed impatient and nervous.
"Artemis, there's something I must tell you," Snape spoke. Artemis looked up, but not at Snape's face. Was this about his father? Was Snape going to admit it now? This is so sudden. If he didn't want me to know, why would he tell me now? Calm down, Artemis. He'll know. . .
"Artemis!" Snape spoke loudly, trying to bring Artemis back down to earth. Artemis looked at him now.
"Yes, sir?" Artemis asked. Snape tilted his head.
"There seems to be something that plaguing you. There aren't councilors here in the school, so you have little choice but to speak with me about it," Snape almost sounded concerned. Artemis furrowed his eye brows.
"I don't need a "councilor", Professor," Artemis retorted. Snape glanced at him, as if to say the contrary.
"I've read reports on you, Fowl. You've driven several of your councilors out of their jobs. And your current councilor, Mr. Po, seems to think he can break you, find out what you're about. His work is much more impressive than your previous councilors," Snape spoke. Artemis had nothing to say. "I knew Mr. Po, in fact."
Snape glanced down at Artemis, not facing him really. Artemis found it interesting that Po would know Snape.
"Is Mr. Po a wizard too?" Artemis asked, barely amused. Snape shook his head.
"Far from it, in fact. Just . . . Gifted. Right place at the right time, I suppose," Snape spoke more like a human now. Artemis ignored it, concentrating on leaving his mind blank.
"I was hoping to speak with you about your family heritage. I mean, having to do with the telekinesis. Sit," Snape demanded, more than a sign of hospitality. Artemis did sit in the chair that Harry previous sat in. Snape half sat on his desk, and rested his hands next to his sides. Artemis sighed, hoping that maybe Snape would shed some light on the mystery of who his father really was. Snape looked at him with searching eyes.
"Do you know your mother's maiden name?" Snape asked. Artemis shook his head.
"No," Artemis gripped his knees nervously. Snape smirked.
"I hope you won't mind if I tell you who your mother really is. I met her . . . Once," Snape said 'met' with an emphasis. Artemis shook a little at this.
"I haven't been able to ask her about anything. Whatever you know would like to say is welcome," Artemis was truthfully afraid of what he was about to say. Snape seemed to bask in the anticipation that he was building up. Artemis clenched his jaw and looked up into Snape's eyes, not wanting to read his mind. He wanted Snape to say it, make it definite.
"Your mother's maiden name is Malfoy. She's the sister of Draco's father. Which means, Draco is your cousin," Snape sneered. Artemis felt like throwing up, or crying, or breaking down. Snape had said it so bluntly, so unemotionally. It was too soon. He felt like he didn't want to know this now. Artemis slouched over, gripping his hair wildly.
"Why wouldn't you tell me this before?" Artemis asked, still facing his lap. Snape crossed his arms.
"I was hoping your mother would've told you, but when I found out she . . . Is ill, I assumed it was my duty, since I knew her," Snape's lips were trembling a bit, but Artemis did not see this. He could hear it in Snape's voice, in his head. Snape was still holding something back. Artemis knew that he didn't want to hear anymore. He violently pulled himself from the wooden chair and took a few strides for the door, when Snape grabbed his arm. Artemis didn't fight Snape, but he chose not to look at him still. There was a short, dead silence. Artemis winced, allowing a few tears to fall down his face. Snape had little sympathy in his voice, but much pain.
"I loved your mother-" Snape wasn't allowed to finish, because Artemis ripped away from his grip and ran from the room.
-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-
"Professor Lupin confiscated the map. He also told Ron and I that he knew the creators of the map," Harry said enthusiastically. Artemis sulked, not seeming to care.
" 'Course he did," Artemis said apathetically. Ron grimaced.
"Artemis, stop acting so dramatic. Things can't possibly be so dreadful! What? Did Hermione dump you?" Ron joked, hoping to get a rise out of Artemis. Anything was better than his silence.
"Snape just informed me that I'm related to Draco," Artemis muttered. Harry's jaw dropped, and Ron grabbed Artemis' shoulder.
"Say that again. I could've just sworn you said-"
"Draco is my cousin," Artemis sulked. Harry and Ron were both stunned.
"That can't be right," Ron spoke in utter disbelief. Artemis nodded, as if to confirm it. Harry scratched his head.
"I'm so sorry, Artemis," Harry spoke with complete, genuine sadness. Artemis nodded.
"And with more bad news, Hagrid lost his case with the Ministry. Buckbeak's going to be executed," Ron said sadly. Artemis looked up at the two of them. Harry nodded. Artemis felt like this day was just getting worse. Harry looked at Ron.
"We should probably go see him. Make sure he knows we'll be there for him," Harry mentioned. Ron nodded.
After shortly comforting Hagrid about the matter, the four of them were teased by Draco, which ended in Hermione slapping him.
"You'd better beat him in the Quidditch final!" Hermione shot Harry a determined look. Artemis smiled, grateful that her and Ron finally made up.
"Come on! We're due in Charms," Ron ran up towards the school, Harry, Artemis and Hermione trailing. Once Harry, Ron, and Artemis reached the class, Flitwick quickly reprimanded them. They sat down next to each other, but Artemis felt like someone was missing.
"Where's Hermione?" Artemis asked. Ron and Harry searched the classroom for her, but found nothing. They waited for her to arrive, but she did not, at all.
"She could've used a Cheering Charm too," Ron smiled broadly. Artemis was feeling better, since the charm had been preformed on him as well, but it was an empty, foolish cheery nature. Like he knew it wasn't real, and that the events would sooner of later present themselves again. Artemis truly hoped Draco did not know that they were related. Snape's words stuck to Artemis' mind. Every time he tried not to think of it, he'd hear "I loved your mother." Artemis hated it, and didn't want Snape to be his father. But it made sense, definitely. Artemis knew he would have to admit it someday. He suddenly decided to face the facts, and apologize to Snape, his father. Artemis grimaced at the thought, the Cheering Charm allowing it.
Divinations proved to be quite interesting. The class was introduced early to crystal balls (Artemis and Hermione rolled their eyes together and laughed) and Hermione stormed out of the class, upon Trelawney insulting her. Artemis picked up and left with Hermione, just to make a statement. Hermione seemed to angry to appreciate Artemis.
"Please, Hermione, don't take this hard! Divinations is the most pointless class ever! Everyone thinks so! No one blames you for leaving," Artemis spoke truthfully, trying to get Hermione to speak with him.
"I have so many classes to attend. I don't need that," She muttered. Artemis wasn't sure if she was talking to him or not, but he didn't care.
"Maybe you should go to the hospital wing and take the rest of the day off. A lot of stressful things have been happening to you today," Artemis suggested. Hermione stopped striding down the halls. She sighed and looked at Artemis in his eyes. She smiled softly at him, making Artemis' near broken heart melt. She nervously kissed him on the cheek.
"I have to attend my classes. I appreciate that you care. Thank you, Artemis. Go back to class," Hermione turned and walked, and Artemis knew not to follow. After Buckbeak, then Draco, then leaving Divinations, Hermione certainly had a full day. Artemis felt his burning cheek and threw his arm to his side.
-.-.-.-.-.-
The final Quidditch match was a big deal for all in the Slytherin and Gryffindor houses. Artemis had spent his day with Hermione, doing their homework together. Fred and George busted in.
"No offense Artemis, but we're gonna kick your ass tomorrow!" Fred and George laughed simultaneously, and joking at the same time. Artemis smiled.
"None taken," Artemis said truthfully, and the both of them knew it. Hermione closed her books and sat back in her chair.
"I can't work, I can't concentrate," She said dramatically. Artemis smiled at her.
"I don't blame you," Artemis replied, not having done his homework either. Hermione held her Arithmancy book close to her chest and looked into the fire place. She watched the flames flicker and twist in the draft of air above them. Artemis was still feeling a bit taken back from the kiss she had given him early. He wondered if she had just kissed him as a thanks, and he wondered if she even had feelings for him after all. Artemis hesitated to ask her, wondering if this was the best time.
"What are you going to do?" Hermione asked, knowing he wouldn't know what she was asking about.
"About what?" Artemis replied, not turning to look at her.
"About your father," Hermione replied monotonously. Artemis inhaled shakily.
"I still don't know why he left my family to be here. I probably should ask him why. But . . . I just need some time to think it through. I'm . . . afraid of speaking with him," Artemis said quietly. Hermione put her hand on his. Artemis resisted the need to shake. He had never been so nervous, so confused in his life.
"Is he anything like you imagined?" Hermione asked quickly. Artemis pressed his lips together.
"I thought so, you know, when I first met Snape. I imagined my father to be cold, dark . . . But not unfair, or vindictive," Artemis wished he had never come here now. He would've been happier knowing that his father died doing business. Now he had to deal with the fact that his father was deceiving his family, and he was a coward.
"I'm sorry, Artemis," Hermione said quietly. He nodded and smiled at her.
"I should probably go to bed," Artemis stood up and quickly left the Gryffindor hall. He walked slowly through the hallways, still thinking everything through. So many emotions filled Artemis at once, and the only way he knew how to deal with them was to try to figure out what to do about it. Artemis was certain that he didn't want to be with Hermione, but . . . What if he did have feelings for her? And Snape . . . What was he going to do about Potions class if he didn't ever want to see his father again? But wait . . . Maybe I should at least talk to him about why he left us. That can't hurt anything, could it? Artemis turned the corner, and found that mysterious black dog, in the middle of the hallway.
Artemis choked and starred into the dog's dark eyes. What was he supposed to do? Was this a stray dog? Did it belong to someone? Artemis cautiously watched the dog as he passed it. The dog, equally as paranoid, watched his pass as well. Artemis ran off, wondering why on earth there was a dog roaming the school. In the distance, he heard padded feet trot against the floor down the corridor. Padfoot. . . Artemis thought subconsciously.
-.-.-.-.-.-
The Quidditch game was filled with rivalry penalties, which was no surprise, considering the cup was at stake. The heads in the crowd quickly moved when Marcus Flint rode by, barely five feet above everyone. Madam Hooch was quick to call penalties, thanks for that. But Hermione was still worried about Harry being injured. Harry spun around violently, searching determinedly for the Snitch.
Harry took off, and most people thought he was chasing the Snitch, but Artemis read his mind, to find that he was drawing some of them away from the Snitch, letting his team members buy time to score. The Snitch jerked in the sky, almost as if it was wondering why it wasn't being chased. Malfoy quickly raced after Harry, and Artemis smirked, staring into the sky. The smirk was wiped off when Artemis realized two Bludgers were chasing Harry. One skid past Harry head, leaving the stands in a massive "woah". Artemis had a deep intake of breath, and Hermione noticed how involved Artemis was in this now.
Harry missed the second one. Artemis nearly did a dance. He felt like maybe this sport was worth trying, or at least flying. He still hadn't learned it yet, since it was a first year class.
The Bludger hit two Slytherin boys, and Lee Jordan, especially excited, with his wand to his neck, he yelled "HA HAAA!" Gryffindors outburst and excitement. Then Flint scored on the Gryffindors, leaving the crowd a bit stunned, and brought down the climax of the game. Slytherins screamed and wooped. Artemis felt sick. After the clappin and hollering settled down, they all started hissing like snakes.
Then Harry spotted the Snitch again, when it was alright to grab it. He raced after it, the Gryffindors screaming themselves hoarsely, when Draco grabbed hold of Harry's broom. He panted, tired from how fast he was going. Artemis gripped his wand in his pocket and starred Draco down.
Release him or I'll shoot you out of the sky. Artemis threatened. Draco obeyed, wondering where that voice had come from. Madam Hooch hurried to stop them, but it was useless. The Snitch was already gone. Harry felt furious and resulted in flicking Malfoy off. Artemis was too shocked to catch the game, before Angeline scored for Gryffindor. The stands erupted was joy. Artemis and Hermione hugged and went back to watching the game.
The last part was a mad dash for the Snitch, Harry vs. Draco. Amazingly, Harry just barely caught it in time. The Gryffindors had finally won the Cup. Artemis, Hermione, and Ron ran to Harry and group hugged him in excitement. George and Fred tackled the four of them, and they all fell down. Oliver grabbed Harry up and hugged him as well.
"We've won! We've won the Cup!" Oliver raised his index finger to the sky. He was very literally near crying. George and Fred pulled away from the crowd.
"Party at our house! Everyone welcome except for Slytherins and the exception of Artemis!" Fred grabbed Harry's ankles and George grabbed his under arms, and they hauled Harry back to the common room. Hermione, Ron, and Artemis followed quickly.
"Hey! Put me down!" Harry laughed.
-.-.-.-.-.-
Summer was nearing, and Artemis felt a great pain in his heart for it. For one, summer meant much more sun, which he did not delight in. Two, school would be letting out during the summer, and he would have to return home. Artemis did look forward to going home (for the sole purpose of devising another way to keep himself busy), but he wondered if he'd be allowed to come back next year. Surely, as long as he continued to take the injection.
All of the older students were in a bustle about their O.W.L.S. and their N.E.W.T.S. which Artemis assumed were like standardized tests for moving onto college or ranks for better job positions. Hermione was also slaving over her studies, which was a more reasonable thing than he was doing. Artemis hadn't attended one Potions class in two months. When he saw his father in the hallways, he did not bother to stop and talk. Snape, also, did not try to speak with Artemis, and he understood why he wasn't attending class anymore.
Artemis had finished his Divinations exam and was hurrying to find Hermione, hoping to wish her good luck on her Arithmancy exam, since they did not have it at the same time. He was alone in the hall, since most of the exams were still taking place. Even Harry and Ron were still working on their Divinations exam. But all of a sudden, a loud, demented voice spoke in his head. It was too loud, like when you really hear someone yelling in your ear. Artemis covered his ears and gasped.
THE DARK LORD LIES ALONE AND FRIENDLESS, ABANDONED BY HIS FOLLOWERS. HIS SERVANT HAS BEEN CHAINED THESE TWELVE YEARS. TONIGHT, BEFORE MIDNIGHT... THE SERVANT WILL BREAK FREE AND SET OUT TO REJOIN HIS MASTER. THE DARK LORD WILL RISE AGAIN WITH HIS SERVANTS AID, GREATER AND MORE TERRIBLE THAN EVER HE WAS. TONIGHT... BEFORE MIDNIGHT... THE SERVANT... WILL SET OUT... TO REJOIN... HIS MASTER...
The voice suddenly stopped. Artemis opened his eyes and cautiously uncovered his ears. He looked up, finding Snape tapping his foot in front of him. He looked up into his eyes. Disregarding the loving father figure, Snape grabbed Artemis' collar and shook him.
"I know you heard something! Now what was it!" Snape spat. Artemis winced, not understand what it was that just happened. Artemis teared up, wishing he had never met his father now.
"What?" Artemis asked pathetically.
"Did you hear who! WHO! Is it Sirius Black! Is Sirius rejoining the Dark Lord!" Snape shouted at Artemis, knowing that no one was around.
"I don't know! It didn't say who!" Artemis winced. Snape glared at him, and Artemis grabbed his wrist, hoping he'd let go. Instead, a rather adverse effect took place.
"ARRH!" Snape moaned and let go of Artemis, holding his wrist in his hand. Snape's eyes watered, not having felt that pain in quite a few years. Artemis wondered what he had done. He hadn't grabbed his father hard, just held him, trying to get Snape to let him go.
"What-what's wrong?" Artemis asked nervously. Instead of answering, Snape grabbed his son's hand and touched it to his wrist, which was covered in his black sleeve. Snape winced again and threw Artemis' hand away, nursing his wrist once again. Artemis felt so confused.
"What?" Artemis asked, afraid of the answer. Snape regained composure and pulled out his wand violently.
"Who are you? Answer me now!" Snape pointed his wand on Artemis' heart. Artemis nearly buckled at the knees. His voice trembled and became very quiet.
"I'm your son," Artemis replied.
"That's a lie!" Severus spoke quickly. "You're a follower of the Dark Lord! If you aren't the Dark Lord himself!" Artemis gasped.
"Can't you read my thoughts! I'm not! I swear I'm not!" Artemis retorted. Snape did not move.
"You could easily deceive me," Snape said shortly, ready to attack Artemis. Artemis shook with fear, and it was quite visible to Snape. Snape lowered his wand, upon seeing this. He seemed shocked, and hoped this was not a trap. He took a feeble step forward, and then leapt to hold his only son. Artemis couldn't help but cry now. His father . . . He was finally in his arms. Things could gripped Snape's robes and thought of how awkward this really was.
"I tried to tell you," Snape confessed in a deep voice. Artemis nodded, but said nothing for the moment. Snape let Artemis go, and the two stood face to face, almost for the first time.
"Why did you leave?" Artemis asked. Snape sighed.
"It's very complicated, something you are too young to know. It had nothing to do with your or your mother," Snape said sharply. Artemis nodded.
"I am not too young. I know that you don't really know me as your son, but I'm . . . quite mature for my age," Artemis did not want to haughtily call himself a genius quite yet. He'd SHOW his father, instead of just telling him. Snape crossed his eye brows.
"Well then, we'll just see about that. Do you know what a Death Eater is?" Snape asked.
"Yes. They are followers of Lord Voldemort," Artemis replied swiftly. Snape continued.
"I had to seek refuge here, in Hogwarts, with Dumbledore. If the Dark Lord were to find me, walking on the streets as a free man, he'd kill me," Snape replied, tearing his sleeve up to his elbow. Artemis found a rather peculiar tattoo on his father's arm. It was a skull, with a snake coming out of it's mouth.
"I was suspicious of you because when you touched it, it started to burn. That burning feeling is a sign of the Dark Lord's return. It burns when he is calling his servants back. We are unfortunately, connect to him," Snape covered up the tattoo.