Chapter 12 The Curse Scar

Shadow woke with his head feeling like it was still stuffed with cotton wool and he needed a toilet. When he threw the coves back candles lit in the room so he could see what he was doing. Great, now he was naked. That man must be some sort of a pervert always taking off his clothes. Shadow snickered at the thought as he made his way to the bathroom where he took another shower after finishing his business. Strange, he never noticed last time he was in here but there wasn't a mirror in the bathroom. No windows either. As a matter of fact he didn't remember a window from when he ate before in the other room or in his bedroom. He opened the tooth brush left on the sink since he assumed it was for him and brushed his teeth. Well, he felt a little better now if only someone would bring his clothes back and this stuffed feeling in his head would go away he would be great.

Shadow went back to the bedroom and looked in the closet. The other robe that man had given him was hanging up in there. Well better that then letting everything show he thought as he pulled it on and buttoned it up. The stupid thing came almost to his knees. God he looked ridicules.

Shadow went into the other room and looked around. Nope, he wasn't mistaken. No windows here either. He went to the first door across the room and tried to grab the knob. What the hell? He couldn't put his hand on the door knob. Must be some type of wards to keep him in his cage. Fuck, this sucked.

He went to the second door expecting the same thing and wasn't disappointed. Couldn't touch that one either. Looking around the room he spotted the parchment on the table and walked over to see what it was. A note addressed to him he guessed since that man told him his real name was Harry instead of Henry.

Harry, My Boy.

I trust you slept well last night and awoke this morning feeling refreshed.

Breakfast will be served to you as soon as you call for the house elf named Bitty. Just let her know if you have any preferences in your food selections.

I wish I could be there with you when you awake but unfortunately I have business at Children's Services this morning and a school to run when I get back. I will return as soon as I may to let you know how things went with regards to you and if nothing else we will eat dinner together so I can bring you up to speed.

With Respect,

Albus Dumbledore

It was morning then that meant he had slept through the night so he had been missing for one day now. So much for making it home before they noticed he was missing. They were going to be frantic now.

"Bitty" Shadow called softly and with a pop the house elf was in the room.

"You be callin me Young Master? Is you wantin breakfast now?" She asked.

"Yeah Bitty, thanks." Shadow said with a grin. House elves always amused him with the way they talked to people. Especially when he knew they could talk as well as anyone else if they wanted to. Bad grammar was just a house elf thing.

"Master Dumbledore Sir says I is to be gettin you whatever you's is wantin to be eatin but you's is to let Bitty know what that is bein Young Master Sir." Bitty came back with.

"Anything would be fine Bitty, I'm not picky" Shadow sat down at the table and with a snap of her fingers a tray loaded with more eggs, bacon, fried potatoes, fruit slices, toast and cereal than he could ever eat at one meal appeared. A glass of pumpkin juice completed the meal.

After Shadow ate he explored the room he was in. Some books on the bookshelf, nothing much in the way of personal positions. A fireplace but no floo powder that he could find, a desk with some parchment, quills and a bottle of ink in one of the drawers. Nothing else.

Shadow grabbed a piece of parchment, a quill and a bottle of ink (has this man never heard of normal paper and ball point pens?) and moving to the table he started to make a list.

1. The woman who had shot him in the neck. Who the hell were those two and why did they shoot him like that. Why wasn't he dead or even injured from that?

2. Loo – bathroom? Where was he anyway? The man talked with a British accent so was he even in America now?

3. What happened to his staff?

4. Wait a minute; Dumbledore had said something last night about sleep spells that kept him out for over 20 hours? Who would do something like that to a kid? Also with 20 plus hours of sleep and this being morning had he been missing for two days?

5. Who brought him here in the first place? He said something about protective custody yesterday. Protective custody sounded like something the FBI would do or perhaps even the police. Was he in some sort of trouble with the law?

6. He said that dad had kidnapped him. Was dad in trouble with the law?

7. Why would a headmaster have custody of him? Also if he did why did he send him away before? If he thought he had good reason then he still should have checked on him sometime.

8. He said his parents were murdered. Who did it and why?

9. Stemma –atis. He made me drink some sort of potion to make my family tree. Could that have been what made him so confused when he woke up? Note to self, check into potion effects and side effects.

10. Twinkling eyes. A sign of a very powerful Occlumency shield or maybe something else I don't know about but for now I'll go with Occlumency unless I learn otherwise. Why would he shield like that with me?

11. Hogwarts…Wasn't that where Mr. Snape teaches? A friend here would be a great help.

Shadow growled in frustration. Too many questions and not enough answers. After pacing back and forth for about 30 minutes he once again called for Bitty. "Bitty, can you deliver a message to Mr. Snape for me please?"

Bitty got a distressed look on her face and began wringing her hands together. "Young Master Sir, Bitty is being told by Master Dumbledore Sir that she is bein only to bring yous food and nothin else Young Master Sir." Bitty smacked herself on the head before Shadow could grab her arms "I is sorry Sir. Bitty is a bad elf."

"Don't you ever punish yourself because of something I want again Bitty. I don't like it." Shadow said with authority causing Bitty to look up at him in surprise. "Go on back to your duties. It's not your fault that you can't help me." With a grateful smile Bitty popped out of the room.

"Double damn. I know, watch your mouth young man." Great, now he was talking to himself and in Tracy's voice no less. Shadow went over to the book case and looked over the selection. Not much of interest but the best I can do he thought as he grabbed a book and flopped down on the love seat to begin reading.

After what seemed like hours Bitty popped in with lunch. Thanking her he sat down at the table and ate. At least that was more interesting than the reading selections available to him here. If it was just now lunch time and the old man wouldn't be back before dinner then the afternoon was gonna be one long boring stretch of time.

Shadow made lunch last as long as he could and when he was finished he went back to the love seat and curled up with the book again. Before to long boredom made him drift off to sleep.

He wasn't sure how long he slept but the old man shaking him gently woke him up. "I have your clothes here Harry" he said as he handed them to the boy. Why don't you go and get dressed then I have a surprise for you.

"Surprise?" Shadow yawned "What sort of surprise?" he asked as he grabbed his clothes.

"I'll tell you after you dress my boy." Was the response.

Shadow went to his room and dressed then returned to the living room. "Am I going home now?"

"Unfortunately not yet. This morning at the meeting with Children's Services I was told that the investigators would be contacting your family and explaining where you were and why you were here and that after they had any information for you they would contact me and let me know. I just got a floo message a short time ago and was told that your adoptive father is cooperating fully with the investigation and that he agreed that you should continue your studies here for the duration of the investigation and so I am taking you on a trip to Diagon Alley. After we get your school supplies and a few new clothes I plan on taking you to the best ice cream parlor in the world. Would you like that Harry?"

Shadow was crouched down putting on his shoes so Dumbledore couldn't see his face as he rolled his eyes. "Sounds great. So my father is cooperating with the investigation? Any idea how long that will take? I really do want to go home as soon as possible."

Albus sighed, "No I don't but I will continue to keep you informed of any developments as soon as I learn of them. Harry, before we go I need to explain something to you about yourself. Come sit down so we can talk please." Shadow took his usual spot on the love seat and looked at the headmaster expectantly. "What do you know of the one called Voldermort?"

"Ummm, it's a stupid name? Sorry sir, I'll be serious." Shadow answered.

Albus chuckled, "I have heard him called Voldy, Moldy and Moldyshorts myself." His face became serious and he said. "He is a very powerful dark, evil wizard. He is also the one who murdered your parents when you were little more than a baby. He wanted to kill you but your parents died trying to protect you from him. After they were dead he tried to kill you but the curse he used rebounded back to him. He was not killed but he was cast out of his body and until recently was relatively harmless. I say recently because he managed to make another body to inhabit and he is once again back. Unfortunately his first goal is to finish what he started and kill you. He seems to think you are a grave danger to himself. You're very famous here in the wizarding community and that is ultimately why you were placed under my protection and why your father agreed to leave things the way they were till the investigation is finished. He know I can protect you, keep you safe."

Shadow looked shocked at this information. "How would he even find me? My official name is Henry James Kane, not Harry Putter." Sighing he said "I'm guessing we're in England? I live in America. I just don't see him being much of a danger to me sir."

Albus couldn't help it, he laughed. "Harry my boy, your last name is Potter not Putter." His face became serious again. "He would find you. You have a scar on your forehead shaped like a lightning bolt that identifies you beyond any doubt. It was hidden with a very clever glammor but if I could detect it then he could."

"Huhh? I don't have a scar like that." Albus pulled his wand from a pocket on his robes and conjured a small hand mirror which he handed to the boy. After looking at the scar in the mirror Shadow said "You canceled the glammor then? I don't understand how this scar survived. When I was three I was badly burned with some hot oil on my face. I was almost blinded from it but my uncle Martin developed a potion that healed up all the scars on my body including the ones on my face, he also developed a potion that corrected my eyes." He handed the mirror back. "How did this one survive?"

"It's caused by a curse cast by a very powerful wizard. Things like that always resist healing, even magical healing. I'm guessing that after your face was healed of all except this scar the glammor was cast. I am sorry that it was removed by the people who collected you from your home. I myself would have left it in place to make you a little less easy to identify." Albus explained. "Well, enough of that. Lets go get our shopping done." That said he stood up and motioned for Shadow to stand also. "I need to hold onto you to get you through the wards on this apartment. We'll floo out of my office. Please remember, when we get to Diagon Alley you are to stay close to me at all times."

Albus opened the door and placing his hands on Shadow's shoulders he guided him from the room. Shadow shivered when he passed through the wards and found himself in a hall way facing a statue of a gargoyle. Ugh, ugly looking thing. The headmaster approached the statue and it jumped aside revealing a set of spiral steps that moved like an escalator. Riding their way to the top another door was open and Shadow found himself guided into a round room with the walls covered in portraits. Albus went to the fireplace and grabbed a pot of floo powder which he held out to Shadow. Dipping his hand in he took some then faced the fireplace. The headmaster cast an Incendio then told Shadow. "Diagon Alley only my boy. Anything else will just not work."

Shadow briefly thought of defying him but decided to cooperate for the time being. After all the man was trying to help him although he was misguided and misinformed. Stepping into the fireplace he threw down the powder shouting Diagon Alley and spun out of sight. At the other end the fireplace spat him out. He stumbled forward into what looked like a bar. Weird. Hearing the rushing sound he looked back to see the fireplace spit out the headmaster.

"This way" and Albus directed him out the back door to a wall of bricks one of which Albus tapped with his wand. Shadow watched with wide eyes as the bricks rearranged themselves into an open arch that led directly into the alley. Albus put his hand on the boy's back and once again told him to stay close then gently pushed him through the arch. The two made their way to a shop called Ollivander's where Shadow got his first ever wand. It felt weak to him and he couldn't access his powers very well with it but at least he would be able to do some magic with it. The two of them also shopped for clothes, robes, potion ingredients, school books and many other supplies he was told he would need for his classes. After they were finished with what Albus said were the necessities they went to a shop called Quality Quidditch Supplies where Albus insisted on buying Shadow a broom. It was of good quality but wasn't as good as the one he had at home.

Thanking the man for the things that had been purchased for him the two made their way back to the bar and floo'ed back to the headmaster's office. After his purchases had been dropped off in his bedroom Albus told Shadow that he would be back for him after dinner was finished in the great hall. He was to be introduced to the student body and sorted so that he could start his classes the following day. "One thing Harry, despite the fact that you will be sorted you will still be staying here at night. You will; however be eating lunch with your classmates. I will arrange tutoring for you to bring you up to speed in any class you are behind in. I'll send Bitty with a tray for you. Please put on one of your robes for the sorting." With that Albus left Shadow alone again.

Shadow grabbed one of the black robes and shrugged into it. He sat at the table and waited for Bitty and dinner. After eating Albus came back into the room and said. "Are you ready?"

Shadow actually thought about it for a few seconds then asked, "If I said no would it matter?" Albus shook his head no. "Then I guess I'm ready." With a hand on his shoulder Albus once again guided Shadow through the wards on the doorway of the room. The two walked side by side into the great hall which was full of students who were in the process of finishing their dinner. Shadow looked around noticing that there were four long tables full of children and one shorter one at the other end of the room that had adults seated at it. He guessed that was the staff table. Looking at each teacher he finally spotted Mr. Snape who was staring directly at him with an expressionless face. Albus led him over to the staff table and stopped in front of a stern faced older woman.

"Minerva would you be so good as to get me the sorting hat and stool. We have a new student." Albus said.

With a slightly shocked look on her face she nodded and ducked out of the door behind the staff table.

Shadow was definitely uncomfortable. All of the teachers were staring at him now and he could feel the students doing the same. One of the teachers even went so far as to half stand and stretch his hand out toward Shadow. Albus gently turned him so he was facing the student body once again. Clearing his throat he said, "Ladies and Gentlemen, I have a very special and long over due announcement to make. We have a new student who will be sorted in just a few moments. After his sorting he will be joining the fourth year class. Please welcome to our school…Harry Potter!"

Dead silence for a few seconds and then the sound of glass shattering as someone from behind him dropped a cup on the floor. A few scattered claps that quickly grew as students and staff rose to their feet in excitement applauding. Cheers joined in with the applause to create a deafening wave of noise.

Shadow wanted nothing more than to run and hide. He thought the British were supposed to be quiet and stuffy. Man, if they got this excited over a new student what would they do if they got a good tax refund…….Jump for joy and scream bloody murder?

The woman that Albus had sent from the room returned with a stool and a dirty pointed hat. She set the stool down in front of him and directed him to sit which he did. The noise died out and everybody leaned forward to watch what was going on. When it was quiet the woman put the hat on his head. It promptly slid down over his eyes. He hoped the last person that had worn this thing had washed his hair before he had put it on. "ahhh"

What was that? It was in his head. "Harry Potter, my word, I had quite given up hope of having you here." Shadow reached up and yanked the hat off his head and stared at it. It talked to him, he was sure of it.

Albus smiled. "Harry put the hat back on so it can sort you please."

Shadow jerked his eyes to the headmaster "It talks"

"Yes, I know it talks. It needs to talk so it can sort you. It looks for character traits in each student so the student can be sorted into the proper house. Please put the hat back on and let it do its job if you don't mind." Albus explained.

Shadow replaced the hat on his head and stiffened up as he heard it say "Now that you understand what my function is perhaps we can begin. Hmmm you would do well in any of the houses although your shining qualities are intelligence and a very fierce loyalty to your family. Those two qualities are so strong that they cannot be separated one from the other. So a first for Hogwarts." With that the hat shouted out loud "Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff!"

Dead silence greeted those words. The Boy Who Lived was sorted into two houses and neither of them was Gryffindor.

Slowly the clapping started with two of the tables till almost everyone had joined in once again. Shadow once again removed the hat from his head and then stood up. Handing the hat to the woman who had first placed it on his head he turned to the headmaster once again and asked. "What happens now sir?"

"Now I introduce you to your heads of house and the rest of your teachers then you receive your schedule of classes then you go to bed so you will be well rested for class in the morning my boy." He turned to Minerva and asked her to have the staff meet him in the staff room in 10 minutes then guided Shadow from the hall.

Shadow and Albus made their way to the staff room and sat down to wait for the other teachers to come. After about two minutes one of the teachers slammed the door open, glanced around the room quickly then rushed over and hauled the startled boy to his feet. Before he could do anything else he found himself flat on his back on the floor with a foot on his neck. The teacher started to move when he heard the boy quietly say "I wouldn't if I were you." And the boy applied more pressure on his neck almost cutting off his breath. Serius stilled imminently.

Albus looked shocked as he reached out his hand and placed it slowly on the boy's shoulder. "Harry, let your godfather up please. He wasn't trying to hurt you. He was just excited about you being here safe and sound."

Clapping started from the door way. Shadow looked up and saw four other teachers and Mr. Snape. Snape was the one clapping. He had a funny little half smile on his face as he looked down at the man under Shadow's foot. "Now that you've properly greeted your godson Black perhaps we can get this meeting over so I can get back to my work."

Shadow smiled at Snape, "Hi Mr. Snape, are you doing ok?"

Snape looked at Shadow, "I see that your hair is no longer hot pink Shadow. Welcome to Hogwarts."

Shadow moved his foot from the neck of his godfather and held out a hand to help him up. "Sorry about that sir. I didn't understand what you were doing."

Blacks face bloomed red and he grinned at his godson. "Can I hug you now Harry?"

Shadow nodded uncomfortably and allowed his godfather to finish the hug that he had so rudely interrupted.

Albus took a few minutes and introduced Shadow to his two heads of house and then continued the introductions to the rest of the teachers. He then handed the boy a list of subjects he would be taking. He explained to his heads of house about the unusual arrangements in place for Harry's safety and he explained that Harry would be staying in his guest bedroom for the time being only joining his house mates for lunch every day except the weekends. He asked the teachers to spend time with Harry over the next couple of days to asses his level in the classes he would be sitting in and then explained that Harry would be tutored to bring him up to speed if he was behind in any subject.

After the explanations, introductions and plans were all talked over Albus escorted Shadow back to his room and told him to get some sleep. He had a busy day tomorrow.

(Riddle Manor)

Snape apperated in with a soft pop late that night. Kissing his masters robe hem he waited to be recognized.

"Why are you here Severus?" Voldermort asked.

"I have news that I thought you would want to hear right away Master." Voldermort nodded for him to continue. "The old man introduced a boy to the school tonight after dinner calling him Harry Potter." Voldermort hissed in displeasure. Snape smirked. "It is not. I have met this boy before. He looks a lot like James Potter but he is not the Potter brat. The boy had a lightning bolt scar but I know for a fact that it is fake."

"Explain yourself Severus." Voldermort demanded.

"The boy is one of the children I had checked on and he is not Potter. He is an American. That Dumbledore would try to pass off a fake makes me think he has found out that the Potter boy is dead or else he would not be trying this deception." Snape explained. "I know he is fake because the whole world knows that the famous scar is on his forehead on the RIGHT side above his eyebrow. This boy has a scar on the LEFT side of his forehead. The old fool forgot which side had the scar. Of course those sheep that call themselves the wizarding community will just dismiss it as a mistake on the part of history but I know different. I saw the boy after he was taken from Godric's Hollow and before he was hidden."

Voldermort began to laugh. "He must be dead then. Good work Severus. I am proud of you."