A/N thanks for your reviews and support.

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...

Albus watched as the Slytherins entered the Great Hall. He had known when Evans or Potter as he was known now would be trouble when he entered that House. It took every part of his skill in acting to be surprised when it was announced that Evans was one of the missing Potter children.

Oh yes, he knew that the brat was a Potter. It had been his actions that ensured the brat was raised away from his family. They had hoped that having him raised away from his family would mean that he wouldn't manifest any particular powers.

The problem was they didn't know which child was the youngest. Which one was the actual seventh son of a seventh son. So they scattered the children so that they could watch them. Harrison's magic had been nothing special so after a few years, he ignored the boy. Until he ended up at Hogwarts where he kept a cursory eye on him. Even though he was still nothing special.

When he disappeared Albus honestly thought the child had simply run away. Hogwarts wasn't for everyone and being a Slytherin there was no need to put real effort into hunting the boy. Now he was back and the brat had to be the seventh of a seventh.

Albus a part of the Shadows as they called themselves. He considered himself to be a Lord in a way that his blood status would never allow. They went against the Old Ones who Albus could not help but feel jealously towards. They were born immortal chosen by unknown criteria. It was said their library would make the Great Library of Alexandra pale in comparison. Despite his "friendship" with Merriman, he was not allowed access to their knowledge. So he searched elsewhere for the knowledge he sought.

This was how he met Rider. In exchange for knowledge, he did little favors for the man. That had been the start of it. Then had come the war with Gellert. Alone Albus could not have defeated him. With magic borrowed from Rider, he was able to defeat and imprison his once lover. Gellert had known too much of their plans. In Numenguard he couldn't be questioned by nosy aurors. Or suspicious Old Ones.

In exchange, a favor would be called upon at a given time. That time had been the night two of the three Potter triplets had disappeared. Rider had taken Alexander with him. While Albus left Harrison at an orphanage.

Now everything they had tried to do was for naught. The seventh son had not only been discovered but started towards his destiny. Rider did not want Albus to interfere any longer. He would make contact with Harrison himself. When and how he didn't know. Albus hated not knowing.

...

Christmas was fast approaching and honestly, Harrison was excited. His father had come around weekly to help him learn to control his magic. In doing so they had started to get to know each other. Harrison learned that the man was a skilled auror and due for a promotion to Head Auror soon. He honestly loved his job despite the difficulties it posed sometimes.

Another thing he found out was that he had cousins in the Black Family. Regulus he got along with but Sirius was just as bad as he had been in his first year. He would have to be careful if they visited his cousins.

With the preparation for end-of-term exams, he had forgotten about his approaching birthday. He wasn't reminded until the day of when Severus woke him up and handed him a present. They hadn't really celebrated birthdays unless they were with the Founders. It was simply too dangerous and they were trying to survive.

Cautiously he opened the small box having no idea what was in it. In it, he found a Goblin-made silver necklace. It held the fractal symbol that they had learned meant they were about to travel through time. Under his shirt, Severus wore a similar one.

Without an ounce of hesitation, Harrison put it on. Then he said gratefully, "Thank you, Severus. I'll never take it off."

There was a small smile in return. Then they changed and headed to the Great Hall for breakfast. It was the last day before Christmas break and most students would be enjoying an easy day. In the Great Hall, he saw students dressed in casual wear. Only a few wore robes most being Slytherins and a few Ravenclaws. The Gryffindors including his brother sneered at him.

Ignoring them Harrison went to his usual seat at the Slytherin table and began to fill his plate. Severus took his usual spot and glared at anyone who tried to get too close. Ever since Lucius had sworn loyalty to him many tried to get close to him. The two knew that it was only so they could get a leg up.

Only Barty and Lucius had been allowed to sit with them. It had been a surprise when both boys pushed presents across the table to him. Subtly he checked both presents for any traps and was happy to find them free of any.

Barty's present was a rare ancient runes book and a book on defense written in German. Both of which he had expressed interest in finding. This in turn had him giving the boy a heartfelt thank you causing him to blush deeply. Barty tried to brush it off but he didn't do a very good job.

Lucius's gift was another rare book on Ancient Runes. Like the two that Barty had gotten him it was one that he had wanted. Lucius was given a smile and a real thank you. The Malfoy Heir dipped his chin in acceptance.

He didn't get the chance to eat any of the food on his plate. A shadow came over them and he saw Lucius's mercury eyes widened then narrowed with mistrust. His head leaned back to see that Merriman stood behind him.

Darkly he asked, "What can I do for you, Professor Merriman?"

"I need you to come with me."

Silently he cursed the man before he asked, "Can it wait professor? I intend to celebrate my birthday with my friends."

"Unfortunately it cannot."

Of course not.

"Severus let's go. Lead the way professor."