Wind That Shakes the Seas and Stars

by Lightning on the Wave

AU of OoTP, Slytherin!Harry, HPDM slash. Snape begins the year with a mistake that sets his ward against him. Now Harry is using all his own considerable cunning to ride out the multiple storms, even as the Second War goes into motion. COMPLETE

31. Interlude: Wax Wings and Missing Muggles

Thank you for the reviews on the last chapters!

I'm posting this Interlude and an Intermission (which should be as long as a regular chapter) today, but then I need to sit down and revise the outline, so Chapter 25 will likely come along tomorrow.

Interlude: Wax Wings and Missing Muggles

September 22nd, 1995

Dear Harry:

Really, you disappoint me again. You had soared so close to perfection, too, so close to the sun. Of course, the sun melts wax wings, and your wings are nothing but wax, as you have shown in this latest silly escapade. Are you burned? I hope so. One hopes for a burn when a child has done a silly thing. Were I there, I would hold your hand in the fire myself until you learned.

Did I contact you about this attack? No. Did you listen to the warning that I did issue, about my Lord feeding on Muggleborn children? No.

When will you overcome your pride and listen to your elders and betters, Harry? Had you done so, then you would have listened to my silence and known this was a trap—and not bothered going. As it is, my Lord managed to capture several dozen Muggles with his sirens, luring them into the water and the clutch of the pretty creatures. The Obliviators are hard at work, trying to contain knowledge of the magical world and come up with a cover story for that many missing Muggles.

Many missing Muggles. I can use alliteration when I want to, do you see? One day I may hope to rank myself with the greatest poets.

What does he want the Muggles for? Well, at one time I might have told you, but now I won't. You need to fly on your own again for a time, and learn to read the silence. What can a Dark Lord gain from Muggles? Ask yourself that, Harry, and you will have the answer.

You have been luckier than you deserve, escaping with your life like that. And my Lord has been unluckier than he deserves. I can say that my life is quite interesting, with this contest between the two of you, but it does remain ultimately disappointing that you will not listen to good advice.

Do not fly so close to the sun, or I will come and hold your hand in the fire myself, to teach you a lesson. Children must learn their place.

In the game,

Evan Rosier.