Judgment of Darkness

by Terion

[AU] There's a secret about Harry Potter that nobody knows. Except for one man. Unfortunately, that secret could get them both killed.

6. the news is out

Disclaimer: Don't own it! If I did, I would be making money. /opens wallet and moths fly out/ No money. No ownie.

Chapter 6: The News is Out

Weeks passed and Harry, Blaise, and Hermione became a very close-knit group. Hermione had begun to eat at the Slytherin table because Ron and his gang continually gave her the cold shoulder – as did more than half of Gryffindor House.

It had made Harry frightfully mad when he'd found out about the way they treated her.

"Its okay, Harry!" Hermione had insisted. "I don't mind, really!"

Harry had snorted in disbelief and had gone to Severus that night to ask if Hermione could be allowed to sit at the Slytherin for meals from now on. He had relented after a few moments and that had ended the matter.

The only other people they talked to were the Weasley twins and Neville Longbottom, who was a tad bit of an outcast among the Gryffindors. He studied with them in the library and Harry was helping him get over his irrational fear of Severus.

Before they knew it, it was Halloween and they were at the Feast. At least Harry and Blaise were.

"Where's Hermione?" hissed the girl, peering around the crowded Hall.

"No idea," said Harry, just as worried but not showing it. "Oi, Bramwell!"

A fourth year a few seats down from them turned his head and grinned.

"Somethin' up, 'Arry?" he chirped in his Cockney accent.

"Have you seen Hermione?"

"Tha' Gryff? Saw 'er run off cryin' after lunch. Looked a migh' distraugh'."

"Thanks, Bram."

"Na a probl'm, 'Arry."

Harry looked quizzically at Blaise and asked, "Where do you go to cry?"

"Dorm?"

"Hmm. No, don't think so."

"Uh…girl's generally run to the lavatory."

Harry snapped his fingers and exclaimed, "Yes! Let's go…"

The two of them leapt up and ran out of the Hall as Professor Quirrell rushed past them, his purple turban askew and his eyes wild. Harry felt a twinge in both his scar and in the back of his head. There was a sense of…Dark Magick? Dark Magick on Quirrell?

He paused, Blaise running on down the corridor, unmindful of his stopping. Hearing Quirrell shout something about a troll, his eyes widened and he took off in a sprint after Blaise. Catching up with her, he grabbed her shoulder and hauled her to a stop.

"Troll!" he hissed.

"What?"

"Troll, a troll. That's why Quirrell was in a hurry."

"Great," grumbled Blaise. "Just great. So now what?"

"We find Mione," replied Harry.

"And if we find her and she's been cornered by this troll?"

"Then we'll go to Plan B."

"Which would be…?"

Harry scowled and grumbled, "I'll tell you when I figure it out."

Blaise's dark eyes narrowed at him and she sighed.

"We're doomed."

"Shut up and come on."

Harry grabbed the girl's wrist and jerked her forward as he began to run. Their running feet echoed up and down the corridors they ran through as they rushed towards the closest lavatory.

When they were two corridors away from it, Harry's senses (upon which he had loosened a few of the constraints that Severus had taught him to put upon them) screamed at him. A dark, slimy energy slid across his skin and he shivered from it.

"Its ahead of us," he whispered aloud, not meaning to. Blaise looked at him then shrieked as there was a loud roar from ahead of them.

A roar that was echoed by a shrill scream.

"HERMIONE!" shouted both first years and rushed down the last two corridors.

The doors of the bathroom had been ripped from their hinges and the troll was inside, smashing sinks and stalls with its huge wooden club. Blaise squeaked and ducked away then her dark eyes fixed upon a pair of brown orbs staring goggle-eyed at her from underneath one of the still standing stalls.

Hermione crawled forward, bushy hair framing her tear-streaked face in an odd halo. She looked at Blaise then at Harry, who was eying the troll with a dark gleam in his eyes and a sneer twisting his lips. He then looked at her and motioned her forward.

As she scrambled out from underneath the stall, the troll turned and let out a roar as it spotted her. Hermione shrieked as she saw the shadow of the club descending towards her back and leapt at Blaise, who caught her. Harry shoved both girls out of the way of the falling club then lifted his hands. He splayed his fingers wide and Called for the Darkness that lay dormant within the old castle's foundations. It gathered in his open palms as writhing shadows and he grinned evilly, emerald eyes glowing eerily.

"You just picked the wrong students to mess with!" he shouted as he shoved his hands forward, wrists pressed tight together with his fingers splayed wide. The Darkness in his hands massed together then, with a shouted word in a dead tongue, flew forth in a blaze of black energy. It struck the troll, which halted and groaned, a dumbstruck expression upon its hideous visage. Then its eyes rolled up into its head and it collapsed, the Darkness flickering over its body like odd flames before they vanished in puffs of smoke.

Harry stepped casually out of the path of its fall and walked calmly over to the two girls. Kneeling down by them, he gently touched Hermione's arm as his eyes locked with Blaise's.

"You two alright?"

Hermione just nodded, hugging Blaise's neck tightly. The dark-haired girl frowned at the emerald-eyed boy then hissed, "What are you?"

Harry smiled grimly, an expression that did not look at all accustomed to his eleven-year-old face.

"Something that probably shouldn't exist but does nonetheless."

"What?"

"HARRY POTTER!"

Harry winced, knowing exactly whose voice that was. How could he not? He had spent most of the summer with the man.

Rising to his feet and turning slowly, Harry lowered his head, ready to meet his fate. He heard Severus' robes swishing and then the man's dark shoes entered his vision. A long-fingered hand grasped his chin and pulled his face up to meet the dark eyes that were flecked liberally with blood red – a sign of the Potion Master's vampiric blood and his fierce anger.

"Would you care to explain?" hissed Severus in a cold voice, his eyes as icy as the North Wind himself.

"Not here in the corridor," replied Harry softly. He felt the wisp of Dumbledore's odd presence and said, "The Headmaster is coming…"

Severus scowled and released the boy's chin as Dumbledore and McGonagall rounded the corner. The Head of Gryffindor House's eyes widened at the sight of the downed troll (which was covered in black scorch marks from Harry's Dark Fire) and she looked at the three first years in shock.

"What… MISS GRANGER!"

Hermione jerked in shock but didn't turn to look at her Head of House. She just continued to cling to Blaise, who was staring suspiciously at Harry. The dark-haired boy was blatantly ignoring the twinge he was getting in between his shoulder blades because of her staring.

"Mister Potter," said Dumbledore slowly. "Would you care to explain?"

"Certainly, professor. Hermione missed the Feast and Blaise and I were worried about her. So we left to go find her just as Professor Quirrell ran into the Hall. I heard him shout about the troll and then we ran to find Hermione before it possibly found her. It was trashing the bathroom – which Mione had been in – and when she tried to get out, it turned and almost smashed us all with its club. I used a Stunning Spell to knock it out."

"A mighty powerful Stunning Spell for an eleven-year-old," said McGonagall, eying the young boy suspiciously.

Harry scowled at her as Severus shot, "Now, now, Minerva, we all know that Mister Potter is no ordinary boy."

McGonagall harrumphed then looked at Dumbledore.

"What shall we do with them, Albus?"

The old wizard looked thoughtful for a moment then said, "I believe ten points from their House's each should suffice. And five for Harry for his quick thinking."

Harry looked at Dumbledore and felt a chill when his eyes met the crystalline blue one's of the headmaster.

Severus' hand then came down on his shoulder and the dark wizard growled, "I shall escort you and Miss Zabini back to your common room, Mister Potter. If Granger will release her, that is."

"Come, Hermione," said McGonagall gently, glaring at Severus as she went to the girl. With gentle fingers she pulled her off of Blaise and began to march her down the corridor. The dark-haired girl frowned after her friend then took a few steps towards her Head of House, her chin tucked to her chest.

Severus laid his hand on her shoulder and led the two Slytherins down the corridor in the direction of the dungeons.

Dumbledore watched them as they went, his eyes focused on the back of Harry's head the entire time.

---

Severus dragged Blaise and Harry into his private quarters – which were warded, unlike his office. Shoving the door closed behind them, he whirled on Harry and grabbed the boy's shoulders, shaking him.

"What in Merlin's name were you thinking? I could have sensed that surge from anywhere in the damned castle!"

"I couldn't let it hurt them," hissed Harry, half in pain and half in anger. "They're my friends."

Severus growled between his bared teeth and spat, "Do you know what Dumbledore will do if he finds out what you are? Do you know what the Ministry will do?"

Harry nodded and ducked his head.

"They'll kill me."

"No!" exclaimed Blaise, taking a step forward. She turned wide, dark eyes on Severus and stammered, "They wouldn't really do something like that would they, cousin?"

Severus looked at her and nodded slowly.

"I'm afraid they would, little bird."

"Why?"

"Its hard to explain," said Harry softly.

"But explain we shall," said Severus. "Harry, pull the comfortable chairs over to the fire. I'll go fix us something to drink."

"Yes, Sev," murmured Harry, hurrying over to the two chairs by the fire. Dragging them back, he grabbed three chairs situated in the middle of the room and dragged them over. When Blaise offered her help, he declined and motioned her towards the most comfortable of the three chairs. She went and gingerly sat down, Harry taking the one across from her.

Severus returned a moment later with two cups of hot chocolate that he handed to them. When they frowned in confusion, he looked at Harry, and said, "To battle the aftereffects of the forces you unleashed."

He then went to the cabinet where Harry knew that he kept several bottles of Firewhiskey and a large collection of red wine. Returning a moment later with a glass of amber liquid, he sat in the chair between the two first years and looked at his young cousin.

"So, little bird, any opinions of our infamous wizard's powers?"

"They're powerful."

Severus scoffed and gave the dark-haired boy an amused look.

"Indeed they are. But dangerous. Harry, you remember all of my warnings of using your magic within these halls."

Harry nodded, feeling abashed.

"But," continued Severus, "I can understand you wanting to protect your friends. And you not knowing very many spells that could take down a full-grown mountain troll, I am not surprised that you relied upon your Sidhe magic."

"Sidhe?" gasped Blaise, very nearly dropping her cup. "The Fae Folk?"

"Yeah," said Harry softly, not looking at her. "My grandfather was one."

"A true Dark Lord," murmured Severus. "The very Darkness was at his call, as it is at Harry's, and all Dark creatures obeyed him. I fear for myself if you lose control, lad."

Harry managed to smile warmly at the man.

"You know I'd never do something like that, Severus."

"I am part vampire, Harry. I fear someone with power like yours with every breath I take."

"But your helping him," said Blaise.

Severus nodded, sipping at his drink.

"Yes, little bird. His mother knew what I was and could have turned me in for being even a partial vampire. But she didn't. I owe her my life for that and several other instances." He then leaned forward and continued, "But what I wish to know, is if you and Miss Granger can keep this secret. If not, I will brew a potion that will change your memory of tonight's events permanently. I will not risk Harry's safety, not while the debt between myself and his mother stands."

Blaise blinked, wide-eyed for a few moments, then nodded. She swore, "I can keep a secret. You'll have to ask Hermione yourself."

"I trust her," said Harry softly, looking at Severus.

The Potion's Master gave his ward a mild look and said, "It is not only a matter of trust, Harry. It is a matter of how much a person can stand before they tell all they know. There are ways to torture without harming the body, you know."

Blaise paled and Harry scowled, slammed his hand down on the table beside him. His cup, which he had sat there, rattled and threatened to tip but did not.

"Can I not tell anyone anything? Am I to keep what I am a secret until the day I die?"

Severus gave him a sad look now.

"You may very well have to…"

"No!" snapped Harry, eyes flashing. "No, no, and thrice no! I won't do it, Sev! I won't keep this a secret from everyone I know!"

"Even if it may mean your life? My life?" Severus stared hard at the eleven-year-old. "My own life would be void for my knowing what you are and keeping you hidden."

Harry paled but the defiance in his eyes held.

"I wouldn't let that happen."

"You would taken on the Ministry of Magic by yourself? Harry, you are powerful but you…"

"I'd stand by him," said Blaise softly, interrupting her cousin. Severus turned to eye her with a glimmer of pride in his eyes as Harry stared. "And I bet Mione would too. So'd Fred and George. They don't care that you're a Slyth and I'm positive they'd think you being Sidhe was wicked."

"I detest the addition of the Weasley twins to our little council," said Severus with dry humor. "They are pranksters by trade and I do not trust pranksters. Which would be the reason I never trusted your own father, Harry. He had their very look about him. That damned bedeviling mischievousness!"

"Okay," said Harry. "And Mione…?"

"Inform her. And beware of using Sidhe magic from now on. The Headmaster may already suspect something… I fear he does. And despite his faith in me, I know that he would not bat an eyelash at turning you and I both in…"

And indeed, Dumbledore sat in his oval office, looking contemplatively at the wall. He was thinking on the small sprite of the boy that was Harry Potter. A bright boy – a boy powerful beyond measure.

Perhaps too powerful…

Rising from his chair, the old wizard walked to the fire and took a pinch of powder from a bowl on the mantle. He tossed it into the flames and called, "Wolfhold Manor!"

The flames roared and a weary graying head appeared in the fireplace.

"Headmaster?" said Remus Lupin's head, blue-gray eyes glimmering with confusion. "What?"

"Tell me Remus…did Lily have Sidhe blood in her?"

The werewolf paled and stammered, "I-I-I don't know what you're talking about."

Dumbledore smiled a grim smile and nodded.

"Thank you, Remus."

"Wait! Headmas – "

The old wizard cut the werewolf off in mid-sentence, throwing another handful of powder into the flames.

"Ministry of Magic Offices – Department of Illegal Magical Breeding!"

The fire roared and a young man's head appeared, blonde and bearded with dull brown eyes.

"Department of Illegal Magical Breeding, Hamilton Winters speaking. What is it you need?" The dull look stayed in the man's eyes and his voice was even duller than that.

Dumbledore smiled evilly and said, "I'd like to report a Halfling Sidhe…"

---

"Now, go back to your dorms and get some sleep. Everything will…"

All of a sudden a blaring alarm rent through the building and Severus scowled.

"…not be alright."

"What is that?" shouted Harry, clamping his hands over his ears. "It hurts!"

"Sidhe hearing," explained Severus to Blaise's confused look. He then cursed and snarled, "Damn the old man, he's found out somehow! Little bird, to your dorm, now!"

"But…"

"NOW!" roared Severus, eyes flickering with scarlet. Blaise whimpered and took a step back then grabbed Harry and hugged him tight.

"Don't get killed," she whispered fiercely into his ear before she turned and fled. Severus looked after her then grabbed his cloak and ushered Harry down the corridor outside his office. The eleven-year-old still had his hands over his ears, eyes watering now as his head pounded with fierce pain.

"Focus," he heard Severus' muffled voice say. "Like when we worked on the magic. Focus around the sound."

"I can't!" moaned Harry. "Sev!" His eyes were wide and frightened, voice trembling with fear. He was no longer the confident boy of the past few months but the timid one Severus had first encountered.

Cursing Dumbledore and several of his ancestors under his breath, the Potion's Master swept the small eleven-year-old into his arms, wrapping his cloak about him and covering his ears as best he could. A small hand clamped over his as the other grabbed onto his collar, arm curled about his neck. Harry buried his face against Severus' shoulder, feeling just like he had during that first Floo ride.

He felt something slid down his neck and when he went to wipe it away, his fingers were smeared with scarlet. His ears were bleeding.

"Snape!"

Severus didn't turn as someone bellowed his name. He just clutched Harry close and ran as fast as he could – which was very fast considering that he, with his vampiric blood, was much faster than the average mortal.

"SNAPE!" shouted the voice again.

"Bugger off!" roared Severus. He suddenly saw Dumbledore ahead of him. They were in the entrance hall now and he skidded to a stop, finding himself surrounded by Aurors on each side. Around them the alarm still blared and he felt hot droplets of what could only be blood seeping through his shirt. Blood that was most likely coming from Harry's poor battered ears.

Dumbledore stared at him with a frosty gaze and the ex-Death Eater took a slight step back, tucking Harry closer to his chest. He glared at the old wizard, black eyes slowly being taken over by scarlet.

"You can't have him!" he shouted.

"He's Sidhe, Severus," whispered Dumbledore. "You know how dangerous they are."

Severus sneered. Dumbledore had something besides wizard blood flowing through his veins. He'd always sensed it, even when he was a pitiful little eleven-year-old who'd known next to nothing about his own vampiric blood.

And that something was something that Harry had sensed. Meaning it was Dark – perhaps even Sidhe. Or worse…

"Danger?" spat Severus, ignoring the Aurors who surrounded him. All his attention was set upon the wizard he had thought he could trust. "Harry is no more dangerous than Hagrid!"

"I disagree. Now…give him up."

"Never," snarled Severus. "Not while I breathe will you or these damned Aurors get your hands on Harry!"

"Then we'll see you don't breathe," spat an Auror, stepping forward.

"NO!" shouted Harry. A stream of Darkness shot up from the floor and curled about the Auror's legs, tripping him. It then curled about Severus' feet like a snake, lashing out at those who came near.

"See," said Dumbledore as the winded Auror rose unharmed. "A danger."

"Am I a danger as well?" asked Severus, fully aware of the fact that his eyes were now completely scarlet. His rage fueled his vampiric blood and when it rose, that blood became stronger, lending him powers and abilities he did not usually have. It also caused him to gain more of the vampiric weaknesses but for Harry – for Harry he'd risk it. "I am, after all, part vampire."

Dumbledore frowned then said, "You are a danger now. And since you will not surrender the Halfling, you both will die. Here, in this hall."

"No," hissed Severus, letting go of every single control and ward he'd placed long ago upon his vampiric blood. With them gone, that blood, enlivened by his rage, burned through his veins with a fury not unlike a raging fire. He felt his canines lengthen and was suddenly, immediately, aware of every rush of blood pumped by the hearts in the room. His own slowed as Harry's beat out a staccato against his chest – even though the eleven-year-old had since lost consciousness.

He was also suddenly aware of everything within the hall, vampiric senses heightening everything to a fever pitch. Strength, speed, and agility increased but there was one final change that only the type of vampire Severus was had.

Pain struck him suddenly and he staggered, hissing as the Aurors stepped towards him. Rising to his feet, he glared balefully at Dumbledore, Harry clutched close to his chest as wings - huge, voluminous darkly feathered wings - exploded from his shoulders. He curled them about himself and Harry, shielding them from view, before he spread them wide.

"Goodbye, Albus," he hissed, words slightly garbled by the fangs in his mouth. "But be warned: we will return one day. And woe to anyone who tries to find us before then!"

Severus sprang into the air as he shouted, shoving downward with his wings. Spells from the Aurors followed him and he laughed. His kind were not affected by their menial conjurings! He was a Morselus! One of the Death Angel's, the vampires who had been angels before they were cursed and had passed down that curse through blood and bite!

A stained glass window with the Hogwarts crest upon the glass was above the main doors and he flew up to the height of the fourth staircase, finding two sixth years there who looked at him in awe, not recognizing the feared Potion's Master. Severus smirked at them, whirled in midair, and then dove.

Ten feet from the window, he pulled his wings tight about Harry and himself, shielding them both. The window exploded in a crash of glass and they rushed through, a dark mass hurtling towards the ground below.

Severus opened his wings, flipping in midair and continuing to fall. Dumbledore and an Auror got the main doors open as he landed briefly on the stairs leading from the doors onto the grounds before launching himself into the air again. Looking back, he saw their angry faces and felt Dumbledore's rage.

And he laughed.

The moon, shining in only half her glory, illuminated him as he soared away, escaping from the wards Dumbledore called to life by only moments. Laughing at his triumph, Severus hovered, a silhouette of wings and small boy clutched close to a lean figure.

Then he sobered as he turned and flew on, the flap of his wings the only sound now except for the surprisingly warm wind. He looked down at the unconscious boy in his arms and sighed.

They were both outcasts now.