The Other World
SUMMARY:
Sirius Black son of Orion Black falls through The Veil and is reborn as Sirius Black son of Regulus Black in the other world. And well, wherever Sirius goes, Sirius is Sirius.
Author's Note: Italics are thoughts of people when story is from their POV. English is not my native language.
I apologize for my pathetic English again.
And it wasn't my intention to creep anyone out ; but just show how different people reacted on seeing the reincarnation of Sirius Black.
I would like to thank the reviewer SiriuslyPink for pointing out my English mistakes. I will try in future to improve the already uploaded chapters as well as the new ones.
And I would like to dedicate this chapter to "nadasnape", one who always encourages me.
Thanks nadasnape. Hope you like this chapter.
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Chapter 4
After two years
Meaning Sirius is eight years old now.
TOM RIDDLE POV
Tom Riddle was roaming in his spirit form in the Albanian forest. He was extremely furious at his followers. None of them had bothered to find their Master.
I am the greatest wizard in the world. What could be more important than me?
Tom decided that he will punish his followers severely after he regains his power. He had tried multiple times to reach the wizarding society nearby so he can possess some wizard. It took him six years to recover from the state Sirius Black had left him in.
Six years of my life wasted. I will kill Sirius Black. And so much for the prophecy, I didn't even step foot in the village where the supposed Chosen One was living. I will kill that bitch Trelawney, too. And Severus, just wait what I will do with you. You will wish you were never born. Sending me, the epitome of power, on a wild goose chase.
First he had tried to possess the animals in the forest. Wild boar, he came across while roaming, was his first choice; but he walked into some muggle hunting contraption accidentally, just after one hour and that was the end of his time as a wild boar. After that, he vowed again to get rid of the muggles for making such a device. Soon, he found that due to his exemplary and magnificent magical powers, no animal could contain him for more than five or six hours. They exploded, literally exploded. He had possessed brown bear, wolf, red fox, deer and even a squirrel, but to no avail. His misadventures with the animals continued for one year after which all the animals in the forest avoided him like the plague.
Then, he moved on to the muggles. The muggle hunter who strayed from his group and didn't listen to the warnings given to him by his barking dogs, became his first victim. It took just few hours for him to discover that the muggles were even less useful than the animals; firstly they fought the possession and secondly due to the conflict in brain, they lasted even less than three hours. This was brought to light when he exploded in some muggle transportation device, that people were calling cheap or beep or jeep, in front of friends of the muggle hunter he was possessing. After that hunters stopped coming to the forest. The few muggles who came were as useless as the muggle hunter like the professor who came to observe the abnormal animal behavior, the teenage kid who ventured into the forest on a dare, the local priest who came to vanquish the evil and the list goes on. Uselessness of the muggles made him vow again to get rid of these vermin.
By trial and error, Tom realized that possessing someone directly won't work. He needed a wizard who could do blood ritual of revival, which will help him maintain some sort of solid body. That solid body could be merged with other human for some time. This way, nobody will explode due to his greatness.
His notoriety as the evil spirit eventually attracted the attention of wizarding community of Albania. And then came a British wizard by the name of Quirinus Quirrell, who unlike his useless followers, was actually searching for him. He observed this Quirrell fellow for a few days and found that this idiot had some grand notion of defeating the Voldemort. His spirit form laughed at the foolishness of this wizard. He could see that this wizard was seeking grandeur and fame. He knew this was the type he could work with.
Tom started talking to Quirrell without revealing his spirit form to avoid the scenario if Quirrell decided to show reckless bravery and did some minor damage to his recovering body or spirit. He could see people underestimated Quirrell because despite being timid, here he was searching for the greatest wizard ever born. Yes, Quirrell was brave; at least braver than that pathetic Pettigrew. He hoped Sirius Black had not killed the rat as he would personally like to torture him. Another thing people couldn't see was the vast knowledge of Dark Arts, this Ravenclaw possessed. Icing on the cake was the fact that Quirrell was a professor in Hogwarts even if he taught something nonsense like Muggle Studies.
Gradually, he was able to lure Quirrell into the trap and warp his mind. And after few weeks of careful cajoling, he had a new follower. He, internally laughed at Dumbledore who had failed to properly utilize this competent wizard. Yes, Quirrell's magic was not very powerful but his mind was brilliant. He realized that Dumbledore still had a one track mind, and despite all his brilliance he ignored or rather discarded the people who were not part of his big play, whatever that was. Tom gave Quirrell what he wanted. He gave him his approval, he gave him the praise, which Tom didn't want to admit, but Quirrell deserved.
Sorry Professor, as usual your arrogance will once again make me paragon of power.
Next day, they were going to perform the blood ritual. Quirrell was assembling the ingredients. They needed flesh and blood of a human. Quirrell offered his own but he needed Quirrell so he asked him to kidnap some hapless Albanian wizard, possibly a pureblood. Then, as full moon rose, the ritual started. Quirrell was able to follow the instructions perfectly and by sunrise, ta-da, Voldemort had a body. This body was weak, barely the size of a toddler, but at least now he was capable of using a wand which he recovered from the tree trunk where he hid it.
I shouldn't use muggle phrases like ta-da. Nobody can find out that I lived in a Muggle orphanage.
He was now making plans to return to the Great Britain with Quirrell. As per information provided by Quirrell, that fateful night the Chosen One had defeated him and his right-hand man. He was seething that people considered someone like Pettigrew, his right-hand man.
"So what is the Chosen One doing, right now?" asked Tom.
"He is working as an undersecretary to the Minister of Magic. He is on his way to become the next Minister of Magic," replied Quirrell.
Tom was astonished. Sirius Black never seemed like the type who would want to be Minister.
So he voiced his thoughts, "He never seemed like someone who would want to become Minister."
"Maybe, it's the influence of Dolores Umbridge, his wife," said Quirrell.
Tom was now more confused. He had met Umbridge once in the Hogs Head Inn. Sirius Black and Umbridge married, he just couldn't imagine that.
After all, Sirius Black might be most handsome wizard; after me, of course.
"Umbridge is that toad like woman who worked at the Magical Creature Department, right?" asked Tom.
Quirrell snickered," Yes, that's the one."
"I wonder if she used some love potion, " said Tom recalling his mother's idiotic and humiliating actions that made his blood impure.
Quirrell looked at him oddly and said "Why would anyone use a love potion on someone like Pettigrew? "
"Pettigrew?" asked Tom with warning bells ringing in his head.
"Yes, Peter Pettigrew, the Chosen One, "said Quirrell,poking stick in the camp fire.
Tom's anger exploded. It created a crater about forty meter in diameter. Quirrell was thrown backwards but he could feel that Quirrell was alive. His eyes were flashing red with anger.
That imbecile was able to defeat me even if it was largely by coincidence but couldn't get rid of one useless dirty rat.
He was panting.
So this is what I have been reduced to, some wishy-washy wizard who someone like Pettigrew can defeat. I need to go back and remind people who Voldemort is.
Then, he healed Quirrell and expressed his desire to return as soon as possible. He knew that it would take him years to regain his former power. He needed instant remedy, then it struck him. He needed the philosopher's stone.
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Peter Pettigrew POV
Peter had been floating on the clouds ever since he was declared the Chosen One. He was more popular than his friends now. People always asked him for his autographs and photographs. He received special attention wherever he went.
At first, he thought that Dumbledore was joking or somehow manipulating him. One thing that Sirius Black and he shared, unlike James and Remus, was not fully trusting Dumbledore. And that was one of the memory he had clearly shown Dumbledore where Sirius declared that he didn't understand what game Dumbledore was playing, when he asked Potters to move to Godric Hollow rather than stay in the Potter Manor. So he had spied on Dumbledore about this whole Chosen One nonsense. Well, it was nonsense because he knew he wasn't the Chosen One but who cares. Like everyone, Dumbledore had underestimated him thinking he couldn't use Occlumency. Well, he had learnt from one of the best, Sirius Black. But still as a precaution he had removed the memory of few hours of that night and his correspondence with the Dark Lord from his brain. So Dumbledore could search his mind all he want, he won't get caught. Well, spying on Dumbledore as a rat had been quite easy, one other thing he needed to thank Sirius Black for along with James. Anyway, the conversation between the Headmaster and his former Head of House had finally convinced him that Dumbledore really believed him to be the Chosen One from the prophecy. He didn't know the prophecy, but he didn't care because Voldemort was gone, and the state he had been in, when Sirius Black took care of him, it would take him years to regain power.
The day, he supposedly became the Chosen One, was now celebrated every year as Peter's day. On that day, every year he went to Hogwarts and gave speech to the students which was written by his secretary. Students, after feast, formed lines to get his autograph or get their picture taken with him. He loved the attention.
It's not like everything had been a smooth ride. He had faced the opposition of Blacks. He even had to slander Dorcas. Nevertheless, the support of Dumbledore and Ministry had prevented his fall. Even his friends had believed him and that was what he considered a true miracle. James Potter believing him instead of Sirius Black, that was to him, a crowning accomplishment. He knew Remus had remained skeptical but one can do so much as a werewolf.
Still, there were moments when he was forced to take the reality checks. Like after becoming the Chosen One, he came across Narcissa Malfoy in the Diagon Alley. He had always liked her so he decided to use his mantle of being the Chosen One to flirt with her. Narcissa had given him one look as if he was an insect and left. Thus, the first reality check. Second reality check had shook him to the core when he looked into the silver eyes of baby Black. Third was seeing son of Regulus Black at Ministry. Fourth was when James laughed like Prongs when he heard Neville telling about the pranks pulled by Black's son. Fifth reality check was when he tried to compete Regulus in a few business deals and was utterly defeated. This was his petty attempt to deal with Sirius Black, to inflict some sort of punishment for that prank. Then some of his followers advised him that there would be plenty of time for revenge when the kid gets into Hogwarts. Sixth Reality check came when he was beaten to pulp, despite being the Chosen One, by the husband of a witch, he was having one night stand with. That night instead of going home, he went to James' house and told him he was beaten by Black and his friends. He even shuddered voluntarily and mentioned that the Black's son had also kicked him. James, ever the Gryffindor, decided to exact revenge at once but Peter stopped him, asking him not to stoop to their level. Lily had also agreed with him.
After that James had reverted to being ideal of Percy and that was where he wanted him. Because if the mind of Marauder started working again, instead of Blacks, James will kill him without even thinking of the consequences. James thought that nobody could see but it was evident to Peter that James still loved Sirius and no one could ever take his place. So he needed James to be the next Bartemius Crouch, no matter how boring that was.
In order to strengthen the friendship, he had decided to throw a big party in his mansion to celebrate the promotion of James, who was now next in line to be the Head of the Department of Magical Games and Sports. He went to the Diagon Alley to buy some expensive gift for James and his son, Albus had been badgering him to get him a wand.
He entered the Ollivander's shop with his son. Garrick Ollivander was sitting behind the counter. He happily greeted Ollivander.
Ollivander smiled and said, "I remember when you came to buy your wand, Mr. Pettigrew. 10 inches, yew with dragon heartstring."
Peter had always found the guy frightening as if he could see what others couldn't.
He replied, " Yes. And it is still serving me well. Today, I am here to buy a wand for my son."
Ollivander looked at him oddly but said,"Mr. Black, kindly bring the boxes 7, 8 and 4 on the last shelve from the right. "
"Mr. Black, " snorted Peter.
"Have they become so desperate that they had to resort to being shopkeeper 's assistant," continued Peter.
Ollivander smiled again and said," Not exactly shopkeeper, Mr. Pettigrew. Mr. Black has taken apprenticeship with me to learn the wandlore."
He found the Ollivander's smile unsettling. Then he saw, Regulus Black's son coming from the back of the shop with three boxes. Every time, he saw him, more and more he looked like Sirius. He knew Blacks were still the richest wizards in the world. So why was Black's son working as shopkeeper's errand boy was beyond him.
His son snorted mockingly at the Black's son.
Black ignored him and his son like they didn't exist at all and went to the back of shop again.
"Apprenticeship, really Mr. Ollivander? Aren't they offered after the wizard graduates from Hogwarts? " asked Peter.
"Unfortunately, most of the new generation are not interested in the art of wandlore. It requires certain skill set. However, few who are interested, lack that. Wandlore is complex and mysterious, even the most skillful do not fully comprehend it," replied Ollivander.
"That kid has the skill set you are looking for?" asked Peter.
Ollivander didn't reply but only smiled.
"Oh come on, Papa. We are here to buy my wand not talk about boring things like how to be shopkeepers," whined Albus.
"Yes, young Pettigrew. Try this one. 13 inch, Maplewood with unicorn hair," said Ollivander.
Albus picked it up but nothing happened.
"Never mind. Try this one. 9 and a quarter inches, chestnut wood with dragon heartstring, " said Ollivander.
Albus picked up the wand and this time few sparks flew from it.
"Looks like young Pettigrew has found his wand. You are certainly like your father, " said Ollivander.
Peter didn't know, whether he should be happy about it or not. He didn't know, whether it was a compliment or not. But he decided to think of it as a compliment.
"How much, Mr. Ollivander? " asked Peter happily.
"7 galleons, Mr. Pettigrew, " said Ollivander.
Peter handed money to Ollivander and said," Be careful. Blacks are dark wizards."
Ollivander smiled again instead of replying. Peter left the shop thinking of that creepy smile.
Then Peter bought an expensive formal robes for James. As he was exiting the Madam Malkin's Robes, he ran into Remus. Remus was looking younger and healthier than before. His robes were old but he, himself, looked fresh and quite handsome. Both looked at each other, clueless as to whether they should greet each other or not. That problem was, however, solved by Albus when he screamed and called Remus, a dark creature. He expected Remus' face reflect hurt and grief, but instead Remus just rolled his eyes and walked away. He heard some woman call Remus, he turned around and saw Remus greeting Mrs. Potter.
Today was turning out to be full of mysteries for him. Why was the Black's son working as a shopkeeper's assistant? Why was Remus in such a good condition? He decided to discuss it with James at party tonight. He also decided to give anonymous tip to Auror Department that Ollivander might be under Imperius curse.
Peter had invited everyone who worked at Ministry and well, believed him to be the Chosen One. His wife has been ecstatic explaining how this will increase their prestige in the wizarding society. His wife expressed it so many times that he decided to avoid her until the party.
The guests started pouring in. Peter was exchanging pleasantries with everyone. James had joined him and now they were talking to a group of Aurors
"I think Ollivander might be under the Imperius curse, " said Peter sipping champagne.
"What makes you think that?" asked Dawlish.
"I went to his shop today. My son wanted to buy a wand. Don't worry he won't be breaking underage magic law. Anyway, Black's son who is same age as my son, was working as his errand boy. I think the Blacks could be planning on stealing wands or something, " explained Peter.
"Stealing wands. Really, Pettigrew? " snorted Kingsley.
" Peter, why would they try to steal wands when they could easily buy the whole store? " said James.
Peter was feeling extremely embarrassed.
" Ollivander was behaving strangely," said Peter in a firm tone.
"Isn't Ollivander always like that?" said Gideon.
"He tried to explain the wandlore to me," said Peter.
Gideon laughed and clapped his back saying ,"Fine, now I really have to check him."
This made James and Kingsley laugh. Peter looked at them angrily.
"But still, someone should check as to why Black is working in the shop," said James.
Gideon, Kingsley and Dawlish nodded and left to get more drinks.
"James, have you heard from Remus? "asked Peter.
James replied in a strained voice," No, I haven't met him. It's been a few years."
He could see guilt in James' eyes.
"I saw him today at Diagon Alley, " said Peter.
James looked at him and asked, "How is he?"
"Oh, he is fine. I think he has come across some fortune. He looked healthy, "said Peter.
"That's good to hear, " said James.
He could hear relief in James' voice.
"Let's visit him tonight after dinner," said Peter. Peter wanted to know the reason behind the Remus' well-being.
"I don't mind but how will Remus react?. By the way won't Dolores be against it? I mean she has pretty strong beliefs about few things, " asked James.
"Despite what it looks like to you, I don't always follow my wife. And Remus should not mind," said Peter.
"You really think Remus won't mind. We… we abandoned him," said James in a miserable tone.
"We had to do this for our family. I am sure he will understand, " said Peter.
"I am ashamed, Peter. I don't think I can face him," said James.
" Do you want to go or not?" asked Peter.
"Fine. Let's not mention this to our wives," said James smiling.
After party, they apparated outside Remus' cottage. He could see that James was feeling nervous. He knocked on the door. Instead of Remus, the door was opened by Euphemia Potter.
"What are you doing here?" asked James.
Mrs. Potter frowned and said," Shouldn't I be asking you this?"
"Dinner is ready, Aunt Euphemia. Who is it?" they heard Remus ' voice.
"James and Peter," replied Euphemia Potter.
"Tell them, I am busy right now. Besides they should stay away from dark creatures," said Remus.
James' face was like someone has slapped him.
" You two heard him. Now go away. We are already having late dinner, " said Euphemia Potter and closed the door.
"Well, this explains everything," said Peter.
"What?" asked James.
"Why Remus was looking healthy. Your mother is a Healer, she must have been taking care of him," said Peter.
"She never told me," said James.
"Maybe she didn't want to endanger you and your family, "said Peter lamely.
James just rolled his eyes and disapparated.
For Peter that was one mystery solved but he couldn't negate the feeling that he was missing something. Remus only looked this fresh when he spent full moon with his friends. Maybe, Mrs. Potter was also an illegal animagus. He could imagine Mrs. Potter being a dragon. Because just having healer can't bring such a drastic change.
After few days, James and Peter were eating lunch in cafeteria when Kingsley joined them.
"Did you check Ollivander? "asked Peter.
"Yes, thanks Peter for sending me on wild goose chase, " said Kingsley, a bit disgruntled.
"What happened? " asked James.
"I had the pleasure of meeting Moody there. He gave me a long lecture about wasting time on pointless things. He thought I was shirking work and that got me the 'cane treatment'," said Kingsley looking angrily at Peter.
James laughed.
"Who cares about Moody. What about the Black? " asked Peter
"Everybody trained by Moody cares about him, " said Kingsley hotly.
Peter was confused.
"Calm down, Kingsley. Unlike us, Peter has never been an Auror " said James.
Kingsley replied, "Well about the Black, the kid accidentally burned half the wands in Ollivander's shop."
Peter said suspiciously, "Accidentally? "
Kingsley continued, " Yes, that's what Ollivander said. Anyway, Regulus Black offered to pay double for the wands that were destroyed. But instead Ollivander asked that his son help him make the wands that were destroyed. At first, Black was reluctant but Ollivander told him that his son might be one of few people who could grasp the wandlore. I mentioned to Ollivander about you calling him shopkeeper's assistant. Ollivander said that he told you that the kid was an apprentice which if I recall correctly, you failed to mention. "
"Isn't Black's son only a year younger than Harry? How could he grasp something complicated like the wandlore? " asked James.
Peter was unable to understand the conversation.
"Moody thinks that Ollivander has finally lost his marbles," said Kingsley.
"But still Ollivander's wand are the best, " said James.
Kingsley snorted, " It's just some sort of punishment for the kid, I am sure."
Peter just considered this another mystery solved because thinking about it was giving him headache. He went to his office and sent owl to his two loyal followers to meet him in Hogs Head Inn. Being the Chosen One and being under the tutelage of Dark Lord, had given him insight to always have few pawns ready, here and there. He acted friendly and threw some money, now Fenrir Greyback and Scabior were his right-hand men. It also helped that both of them really thought that he had defeated the Dark Lord. They met secretly and had code names, never revealing their identity in the public. Peter assigned them the code names; Fenrir was Moony, Scabior was Doe and he was Hound. Scabior had, at first, protested but after Peter skillfully explained how it would protect him, he had given up.
After two years
Sirius is now ten years old.
peter's POV is continuing
Today he was again meeting his associates. At night, he wore a long cloak and mask that covered his face and apparated to Hogsmeade. He saw his two accomplices waiting outside the pub, smoking weed.
"Moony, Doe, how have you been?" asked Peter.
"Fine, boss," said Scabior.
He couldn't see their expression as they, too were wearing masks. In Hogs Head Inn, they sat at the corner where they could get some privacy.
"So what's up, Hound? " asked Fenrir.
" You remember, I told you about that annoying kid," said Peter.
"Oh yes, the Black heir," said Scabior.
"You idiot. Don't take his name," said Peter angrily and looked around. They were safe for now.
Scabior apologized and they drank few rounds of firewhisky. Now there were other people in the vicinity.
Peter whispered quietly and said," Stick to the codenames."
Fenrir and Scabior nodded.
"We told you not to be impatient about the Grim. We will take care of him when he enters Hogwarts, " said Fenrir.
"He is too protected right now, " said Scabior.
"We tailed him last time when you were worried about something ridiculous like the wandlore," said Fenrir.
"The ex-Auror is really annoying, " said Scabior.
"Why are you so worried about him? It's not like he is the Chosen One," said Fenrir.
Peter could hear amusement in his voice.
Peter said in a serious tone, "I can feel that kid would be trouble."
"So what did he do this time?" asked Scabior downing another glass of Firewhisky.
"He was working at the Borgin and Burkes, " said Peter.
Peter could see that their shoulders became stiff.
"Why would he be working there?" asked Scabior. Peter could note a little panic in his voice.
" l asked my Auror friends to investigate. The Borgin and Burkes outright refused that there was some kid working in their shop, " said Peter.
"It's only a year now. You have waited long enough. By the way, that kid would be going to Hogwarts at the same time as your kid," said Scabior.
Fenrir laughed and said," Maybe you can teach your kid a few tricks to deal with the Grim. "
"That's actually not a bad idea, " said Peter with a sinister smile on his face.
"Anyway, at Hogwarts there will be no parents, no grandparents, no Ex-Auror, just us and him and the Chosen One. He will be dead before you know it," said Scabior.
They all clicked their glasses and drank.
Peter got up," I have to go now. My wife must be waiting for me."
"Is she good in bed?" Scabior asked shamelessly.
Peter replied, "One of the best, I have ever had."
Then he threw a pouch of galleons at the table and said, "Why don't you two go and have some fun, too?"
They all laughed and left the Inn.
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Multiple POVs
Potter Mansion
James Potter was looking at night sky with a glass of firewhisky in his hands from the balcony of his bedroom. He was looking intently at the Canis Major 's brightest star. Lily joined him but he didn't notice.
"Harry will be going to Hogwarts in a few months, "said Lily.
James was a bit startled at hearing Lily's voice but recovered quickly and replied, "It would be lonely without him."
Lily replied with 'hmmm' and put her head on his shoulder. James smiled and pulled her into a hug. Hug lead to snogging but they were interrupted by Dumbledore 's patronus asking James to meet him urgently at the Hogwarts.
They both looked at each other with confused expression. James groaned at being interrupted but started to get ready to meet the Headmaster.
PETTIGREW MANSION
Peter had just removed Dolores' robes when Dumbledore 's patronus asked him to come to Hogwarts immediately.
Dolores and Peter, both were extremely displeased at being interfered during their pleasurable activities. Peter cursed the Headmaster and started getting dressed.
Hogwarts
Headmaster's Office
Albus Dumbledore was worried. Hagrid heard a very peculiar conversation last night in Hogs Head Inn. Even though Hagrid made it clear that he didn't hear the whole conversation since he was drunk; which also made his memory very hazy and well, useless. From the snippets that he could recall, Hagrid was sure that kid or kids related to the Chosen One and some Ex-Auror were in danger.
The only kids who satisfied these conditions were Harry Potter and Albus Pettigrew. Thus Dumbledore had called their fathers to discuss this predicament.
Now, he was sitting with Minerva, Filius and Severus. Minerva looked worried, Filius, however, had a blank face and Severus was sitting with a scowl on his face. Severus has changed or rather returned to his usual sneering, cynical self around two years ago. It was like he was competing with Argus on being the most hated member of the staff in Hogwarts.
Fire place turned green and James entered the office.
"What happened?" ask James
"Nothing has happened, yet. Let's wait for Peter, " said Dumbledore.
James sat down on the empty chair. Snape was sneering at him. James first ignored him but then decided to ask," Snive…Snape.. Is there something on my face?"
Snape eyes flashed anger but then he sneered," Yes, there is lipstick on your face."
James saw that now everybody was looking at his face. He, urgently, tried to wipe his face but was distracted as Peter stepped out of fire.
Peter said in a crisp tone, "This better be important, Headmaster because I was kind of busy."
Snape laughed. Everybody looked towards him.
Snape said, "We are here worrying that there kids might be in danger while they are angry they couldn't get the shag, they wanted. One has lipstick smeared on his face while the other looks like Acromantula bit him on the neck."
Ok, Snape had changed a lot, both James and Peter thought.
"That's enough, Snape, " said Dumbledore.
"What does he mean our kids are in danger?" asked James.
Dumbledore relayed the whole story to them.
Peter was thanking Merlin and all other wizards that these people didn't know it was him. He was glad that Hagrid was kind of thick.
"Harry is starting Hogwarts this year, Dumbledore. And you said that Harry was no longer in danger," said James in a panicked voice.
"I know what I said and I am thinking of some solution, " said Dumbledore.
"Why not ask Aurors? If there are rogue Death Eaters hunting our kids, shouldn't they be involved? " said James angrily.
"I cannot have the Aurors run around Hogwarts. It will disrupt the routine of students and instill unnecessary fear, " said Dumbledore.
"I don't care what you think. My son is in danger," said James furiously.
Peter couldn't tell James that there were no Death Eaters and their children were in no danger. It was actually him planning the demise of another kid named Sirius Black. Having Aurors could become troublesome to his plans.
"I agree with Headmaster, James. I want my kid to have a normal childhood. I want him to enjoy Hogwarts like us not in constant state of worry that someone might kill him," said Peter.
Peter saw that Dumbledore looked at him appreciatively. Peter smiled at the Headmaster.
James ran his hand through his hair, took a deep breath and said, "Fine, no Aurors. But I want extra protection for my son."
Dumbledore nodded.
Minerva suggested ," You were thinking of hiring Burbage as professor for Muggle Studies. Why not hire someone who could be handy in combat and protect the kids?"
Snape scoffed, "Yeah, it would be good to have someone who knows the right end of wand unlike your esteemed Chosen One, here."
Peter replied acidly, "Snape, you are forgetting who kept you out of Azkaban and who got you that Order of Merlin. "
Snape rolled his eyes and sneered, "You can have that useless Order of Merlin back."
"Can we get back to the real issue at hand? Are you two done?" said James in a loud voice.
Filius Flitwick was observing the wizards before him. He decided to share his suggestion," Hire Remus Lupin to teach Muggle Studies. He is half-blood. I met him at Leaky Cauldron and he was looking for a job."
Flitwick saw that his suggestion met with mixed response. Severus and Peter, who were at each other's throat a minute ago, now sported similar expression of disdain. James beamed at him. Minerva and Albus looked thoughtful.
"That's an excellent suggestion. Remus can effectively deal with Death Eater wannabes, "said James happily.
"But he is a dark creature. Will our children be safe with werewolf as a teacher, "said Peter darkly.
Minerva looked at him disapprovingly and said," That certainly wasn't a problem for you when you were friends with one. I think Filius is right. We should hire Remus Lupin. "
Before Peter could protest, Filius added," A new potion has been developed for werewolves which makes their transformation painless and allows them to keep their mind in wolf form. Severus told me about it, last week when he returned from the international potions conference. "
"Well, that is good and all, but if I recall correctly, Remus is horrible at Potions and this new potion must be complex," said Peter.
"We have a qualified Potions Master among our staff who is highly capable of making the complex potions, "said Dumbledore.
"But will he make it for Remus? "asked Peter.
Severus seeing that the Chosen One didn't want Remus on staff, gave a sinister smile to Peter and said," Yes, I will make it. Let's hire the werewolf. "
James was unable to understand the constant opposition by Peter and blurted out," Are you afraid that your wife won't like it?"
Snape laughed again.
Peter looked at James angrily who was now looking a bit sheepish.
"Fine. Do whatever you want, " said Peter like a petulant child and made his exit via Floo.
James was looking at his back for a minute or two when Snape's laugh brought him back.
"What is wrong with you? " asked James .
"Never had any backbone, that one," Snape said but before he could continue James had raised his wand at him.
Now, both James and Snape had their wands pointing at each other, glaring at each other.
"Stop it," ordered Minerva.
James saw that Snape yawned and excused himself after telling Dumbledore not to waste his time on such trivial matters again. He didn't care what happened to scions of Potter and Pettigrew family.
"What is wrong with him?" asked James.
"He has changed, "was the only reply he got.
"Anyway, I trust Moony, I mean Remus Lupin. I am sure he will keep my son safe," said James and left.
"Filius, contact Remus tomorrow, " said Albus Dumbledore.
Filius Flitwick nodded and left.
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SIRIUS BLACK POV
As far as Sirius could remember, he had always been a curious child. This curiosity in his past life resulted in being 'Crucio'ed or hexed by his mother and sometimes even by his Uncle Cygnus. Even, Kreacher had taken pleasure in serving him poisoned or hexed food. People in his past life never really understood his suffering but were quick to judge him. They never understood that many of those walls were marred by his blood during his childhood. They never understood that he could hear his screams from when he was a child in most of the rooms. They considered him a hypocrite for treating Kreacher with disdain without even knowing, how much he had suffered at the hands of that elf in his past life. He was kind towards house-elves, in general, but he couldn't be like that with Kreacher. People called him reckless, a loose canon yet they failed to see the circumstances that made him react like that. How could anyone not go after traitor who took away his entire world from them? How could they expect him to behave like a reasonable human when everything was so unreasonable? What if Harry had died at Ministry while he was sitting safely in that house where he never wanted to be? How could he have said that he loved Harry more than anyone in the past life, when he wouldn't even go and defend him just because he was concerned about his own safety? People never understood and yet, they judged him. People who shuddered in the presence of one Dementor can never fully grasp being surrounded by countless Dementors for twelve years. They didn't understand the constant needles that poked his entire body. They didn't understand how people can change in Azkaban. They were quick to judge but there was nobody to help him, really help him. Dumbledore, Molly Weasley, Snape, everybody was quick to criticize since it made them feel good; but truth was, he was alone. The biggest irony is that even someone like Bellatrix got a trial, yet he was thrown there just because he was a Black. He could see how people never suspected Pettigrew because he had made the same mistake. But nobody saw that He and James started suspecting Remus because he changed after running with packs. Nobody saw that Dumbledore was the one who made them doubt Remus in the first place by making Remus hide his 'assignment' from them.
Still, nobody bothered to look, how many years he had struggled against the beliefs of Voldemort? Nobody bothered to look that he had been fighting since his childhood. Nobody cared about him except James and Lily Potter. Uncle Alphard and Mr. And Mrs. Potter were already gone. Yes, that was what he was in his past life, truly alone and he had wanted to die. The War and Azkaban took away all his dreams. He never wanted to be an Auror but was forced to be one because of war. Then, he was wrongly imprisoned for twelve years. So, he never had any chance to pursue his dreams. When he got out of prison, it was always about Harry. People called him selfish but he never once thought about himself. He didn't ask Dumbledore why being Chief Warlock, he couldn't even get him a trial for a whole year, he was on the run. People around him moved forward but there he was, with twelve years of nothingness.
People did remind him that he was bully at school and no, he wasn't proud of some of the things he had done. Even his godson had been very critical about that. But did he thought that Snape was always innocent? Snape had always had fascination for Dark Arts. Few of the spells that they have used on Snape, were the ones that Snape used on them before. Nobody joins Death Eaters just because of bullying. Oh, so Snape had a change of heart and Dumbledore vouched for him. What did they think Snape was doing when he was a Death Eater, certainly not spreading love in the world? Did they really think he was so innocent? Yet, here he was judged for bullying him but Snape was never judged for his time as Death Eater. His past mistakes will always be there while everybody else's stopped existing.
He knew Voldemort will be back but Regulus and Marlene had no intention of joining either side. Regulus had clearly stated to his grandparents that his only priority will be his family, no matter which side attacked them, and made sure they understood that. Lord and Lady Black agreed that there was no need to participate in a war where one side had killed their son while other side believed them to be Death Eaters. Even Dorcas who was practically family now, was of the same mind. She recalled that the very people who she had protected multiple times were the ones who cast her aside without even hearing her side. Sirius had asked his father what he would do if Voldemort insists that the Blacks join him. His father had given him a vague answer. But he couldn't help the feeling like his father had something that he was sure would give him upper hand if it comes to bargaining.
In his new life, he had a chance to sate his curiosity. He could do whatever he wanted, as long as it didn't put his life in danger. One such opportunity came to him when his prank in the Diagon Alley went wrong and burned half of the Ollivander's stock. In his past life, he was very interested in the wandlore. But there were hardly any books on the subject as each wandmaker protected their secrets with life. Only way to gain the proper knowledge was through the apprenticeship with the wandmaker. When his modified fireworks burned Ollivander 's wands, his father apologized to him and tried to pay for the damages done, even offering to pay twice the amount for the distress caused by his son. Ollivander, however, refused to take money and instead asked that Sirius help him make the wands he had accidentally burned. His father had been reluctant at first but after Sirius insisted that he wanted to learn the wandlore, his father gave up. He recalled the conversation his father had with Ollivander.
Regulus said," I heard that you rejected all the apprenticeship requests, even when few were willing to pay for it."
Ollivander replied, " Not everyone can learn it, Mr. Black. Only those who have certain skills can even learn the art."
Regulus replied, " And you think my son has these 'certain skills' even when he is only eight years old."
Ollivander replied, "Age has nothing to do with it, Mr. Black." Then, he gave them a creepy smile.
Regulus still placed the pouch of galleons on the table. As they were about to leave, Ollivander said," I will expect you tomorrow morning at seven, young Black."
He protested that seven was too early and well, Ollivander agreed at nine.
Since his father wasn't very happy with this arrangement, leaving his son alone in Diagon Alley for unknown number of weeks, Regulus told his mother that it was about time she utilized her potions skills in something other than brewing tea at tea parties. Thus, next day, Regulus had bought an Apothecary shop near Ollivander's and after some rearrangement, Walburgha was running ' The Potion Stop'. Walburgha Black took Sirius daily to and fro from the Ollivander's shop. Moody often visited him much to the chagrin of Ollivander. He got acquainted with many people, some who liked him and some who hated him like Chosen One's son, Andromeda, Nymphadora, etc. He didn't care much about Chosen One's son who had tried to mock him, thinking he will take care of him in Hogwarts. Andromeda believed that he was a future Death Eater. His apprenticeship lasted almost a year. Mr. Ollivander 's praised him a lot and even put the wands made by him on sale. On the last day, he gave him a book as a present. It was book regarding Runes which can be placed on the wands. He thanked Mr. Ollivander profusely.
The book was extremely interesting and now his whole immediate family had Runes on their wands. This book became another Black secret and Regulus, worried about his son, made everybody that was his wife, his mother and father take vow of secrecy.
Walburgha's business was a big success and was still booming. Walburgha even hired Horace Slughorn to prepare potions. Slughorn, like always, was happy as this venture expanded his social circle.
Few months after the end of his apprenticeship, he became interested in Goblins. He expressed his desire to learn Gobbledegook, the language of goblins as well as their skills as metalsmiths. His parents looked at him like he was crazy but finally Marlene agreed to talk to few goblins who were friendly, well friendly on the scale any usual goblin was to wizards. A young goblin by name of Urgok, who was recently employed at Gringotts agreed to teach the language but flatly refused when it came to their metalsmith skills as they were a highly guarded secret. Since, Sirius was banned to come with his mother to work, Urgok taught him the language in the office of The Potion Stop. During last days of his language lessons, he successfully coaxed Urgok to, at least, let him see the process once. Urgok agreed but warned him that it was a one time deal only. Regulus was not happy about his son going to the goblin mines alone. Marlene tried to convinced Urgok to let her or her husband accompany but Urgok refused. Regulus made an emergency portkey for him that would work against ninety percent wards. Twinky was asked to stay alert to rescue Sirius if Sirius calls for her. He kept trying to dissuade Sirius but to no avail. At last, he made Urgok vow that he will keep his son safe. How he made Urgok vow, nobody knows.
On the day of his trip to the underground mine, his father spent two hours placing different security spells and wards on him. They had then, apparated to Gringotts. Urgok and he took Portkey to the entrance of mine. Sirius was expecting some boring and barren mine but what he saw literally took his breath away. He was in a heavy wooded valley with series of short waterfalls surrounding a round lake. He was observing the natural beauty and saw Urgok smirking at his awestruck expression. Urgok led him to the secret entrance behind the waterfalls. Sirius was now realizing, how much loss his trip to Azkaban had really caused him.
As they entered the mine, there were huge halls with large black pillars and green archs, bigger than Great Hall of Hogwarts. Hundreds of goblins were going about their usual business but they all stopped when their eyes fell on him.
"What is this manling doing here?" asked one goblin with clear hatred in voice.
"He is here with the permission of Head Goblin to see the process of minting," said Urgok in a raised voice so everybody could hear him.
"Fine, but only one hour and then I want this wizard gone from the mine," said the person who seemed to be in charge of mine.
"Thanks, Sir Fundok, " said Urgok.
"Emm, er, Thanks, I guess," said Sirius in an unsure tone.
Fundok looked at him like Snape looked at the bottle of shampoo and ordered others to resume their work. Sirius excitedly spent the next hour moving from one hallway to another observing the different processes. Each hallway was like a different department. In first hallway mining was done, second hallway was responsible for extraction of metals, and so on. Goblins were highly organized. His excited nature apparently aggravated the goblins a lot and after he tried to share his snacks with the few goblins in hallway seven, they threw him out of there. At the end of tour, he decided to cheer goblins up by lighting around dozens of fireworks in the mine. The fireworks wrote 'Thank you' on the ceiling which Sirius saw was very very high. Few of the fireworks changed into dragon which roared ;well the roar made the goblins from few other halls panic a bit, but no harm was done. Few of the fireworks changed into pixies and chased few goblins around for few seconds before disappearing. Anyhow, his desire to remove the grumpiness of goblins made Fundok throw him out of the mine. Urgok was reprimanding him, when Fundok came out of mine and gave him a small box which contained silver chain with a coin as pendant. Sirius looked at him with the question 'why' clearly written in his eyes.
Fundok glared at him and said," You are first and last manling to step in this mine. So it is my duty as Head Miner to give you something to remind you to never come here again. "
Sirius smiled. His smile was so wide that he could feel his face muscles stretching.
Then he said brightly, " Thank you. Thanks a lot."
He moved his hand forward to shake hands with Fundok but he glowered at him and turned away asking Urgok to get rid of him.
When he returned to Gringotts, he saw that his father and mother were waiting for him the whole time. He ran to them and they hugged him like they have seen him not after few hours but after few months. He thanked Urgok a lot.
Urgok waved his hand dismissively and told him, " That coin on the chain is the from the first batch of coins ever minted in that mine. So it's invaluable, it's yours to keep for now."
Then Urgok turned to Regulus and Marlene and said," Your son is nothing but trouble. "
Regulus and Marlene smiled sheepishly at Urgok
He showed his father and mother, the chain and coin that goblins gave him.
Regulus stopped Urgok and asked," What kind of magic does this coin contain?"
Sirius looked at it again, trying to discern as to why his father was so quick to notice.
"That depends on the wizard who keeps it," said Urgok cryptically and went away.
He saw his father smile and asked him about the magic in coin. His father ignored him and went to the Head Goblin 's office. Sirius decided to wear the chain and asked his mother to help him which she did after checking it for curses and what-not for half an hour. Sirius smiled at the over-protective nature of his parents. When his father came back, he told him that the Blacks will organize a large feast for the goblins as they helped their son and to compensate for the trouble caused by Sirius. Sirius protested that he wasn't causing trouble but trying to cheer up the goblins but his father only patted his head. The feast was held in the Gringotts as many goblins refused to enter a Wizard's home. Even Fundok was there but when Sirius smiled at him, he only glared back.
After few weeks, Sirius was again bored. He had spent six months on his 'goblin adventure'. He recalled his father's ability to immediately detect the magic on the goblin coin. He, at once, decided that it's time he also learned that. He asked his father to teach him to which his father readily agreed . He spent next few months learning from his father and playing Quidditch. They monthly had Quidditch matches with Regulus and Sirius in one team while Marlene and Dorcas on another. Once or twice they were joined by Alice and Neville or Moody and Amelia.
The most boring part of his life right now was etiquette lessons that he was forced to take. Lord and Lady Black refused to hear any excuse. Well, since he had already taken them before, he tried to quickly show his tutors that he had mastered whatever they were trying to teach him. His father often laughed at his misery when he was doing the Quickstep or some waltz with the tutor. This often earned his father half-hearted glares from him.
On his tenth birthday, which was as usual a grand event , Dorcas surprised everyone by bringing her new boyfriend, Gilderoy Lockhart. He and his father spent the dinner suppressing their laughter and getting glares from Marlene and Dorcas. Ladies of every age, flocked to Lockhart like bees to honey to get his autograph, get their picture taken with him or to dance with him. Dorcas wasn't insecure because of the attention Lockhart was getting and Lockhart seemed to appreciate this. Lockhart, by the end of party had danced with every woman in the party except Walburgha and Marlene. Even Amelia danced with him which made Moody scowl. Lockhart gave him the signed copies of all his books and his portrait, in which he adorned blue robes and was flashing his teeth, with his autograph. Most females were envious of him on getting these special gifts from Lockhart. When Narcissa squealed like an excited school girl, he tried to give her the books and autographed photo, but one look from Dorcas told him that if he valued his life, he should value the gifts bestowed on him by her boyfriend. As enthralled as ladies were on seeing Lockhart, the gentlemen present had completely opposite expressions. Some were aloof, some were vexed. Only males laughing or expressing any sort of amusement were Sirius and Regulus. After that, he again had the privilege of meeting a fraud like Lockhart, quite a few times. Once, he had asked Dorcas as to why she was dating an idiot like him which earned him a smack on the back of head and a simple reply, 'he is the only one who doesn't care about anything. '
Dorcas was a beautiful woman but because of that ridiculous scandal she did not date for quite a few years. But when she started, she found most of them still believed the scandal but dated her because of her Gringotts account. Her restaurant now had two branches, one in Diagon Alley and one in Hogsmeade. She could have opened more but quality over quantity was her motto. Sirius saw how alone she was. Her family like Marlene had been killed by the Death Eaters and both met these Death Eaters at parties. He had noted that they only mingled with the ones who weren't Death Eaters. Marlene had Regulus and Sirius while Dorcas was only surviving by the friendship of Marlene and Regulus. Sirius decided to make her part of the family, there was a simple way. He asked his parents to name Dorcas, his godmother. At first Regulus outright refused but after Sirius explained his reasoning, his father reluctantly agreed. Though, he did spend few days getting drunk. Regulus and Marlene consulted Lord and Lady Black, they agreed that Dorcas was a good choice. When they asked Dorcas, she sat there stunned for ten minutes and then cried for over an hour. Sirius told her he was offended that she was crying when it was the greatest honor in the world to be the godmother of The Great Sirius Black. And for once, she didn't quip any smart comments but hugged him like her life depended on it. The peaceful and happy expression on Dorcas' face had appeased his father a little bit. Marlene, knowing her husband, got the document to list Sirius Black as his godfather and Dorcas Meadows as his godmother. Finally, his father let the issue slide.
After scouring through the libraries of many pureblood families, he came to the conclusion that teenage Voldemort's diary was not just some teenager pouring angst, or writing about some school crushes, but actually a horcrux. He had always known about them, this was the first time he had encountered one. He wondered if Voldemort had more than one horcrux as this one was made when he was a teenager. In his past life, Harry had destroyed the diary using Gryffindor sword that had absorbed the basilisk's poison. Since, basilisk were extinct and he wasn't very enthusiastic about releasing one on the students, for now his only choice was Fiendfyre. In his past life, he was quite efficient in casting it but he had not tried it in this life. He wanted to get rid of the diary because sometimes it became too enticing to ignore. He decided to cast the Fiendfyre in the middle of lake next to Moody's Lake house. So, next day after his father left, he apparated to Moody's lake house which was empty as the couple were now living in Amelia 's house as it was near Ministry. He removed the wards so Moody couldn't detect what was going on in his Lake house. There was a boat on the shore which he used to get in the middle of Lake. When he reached the middle, he placed the diary on the boat and casted Fiendfyre on it after which he quickly apparated to shore. There was a blast in the middle of lake. He was thrown backwards. He got up rubbing his head and saw small fountain of ink in the middle. He saw that the dead fish were now floating on the surface of lake, while atmosphere was thick with stench of Dark Arts.
Oh great! Moody will kill me now.
He needed to purify the lake as soon as possible. The instant remedies included Phoenix tears or asking unicorn to purify it. How does one ask unicorn to purify something, he didn't know. Well, sadly the unicorns weren't dark creatures, so many pureblood families weren't interested in them. For now, he warded the lake so that no dark aura leaks from it. Instead of going to Grimmauld Place, he went to the Black Manor. His grandfather was in his study.
Sirius knocked the door and greeted his grandfather. Lord Black looked pleasantly surprised.
"Granddad, I want a phoenix, " said Sirius.
Orion Black looked surprised but by now most of the people around him were used to his eccentricity.
Orion Black replied, " I will see what I can do about it. Perhaps, my connections in Africa would be useful."
This was another good thing about his new life. Usually, he never asked for anything but when he rarely did, his parents and grandparents always got him what he wanted without any questions. Meanwhile, he went to the lake few times to check the wards. He, once, met muggles on the opposite bank of lake who explained to him how something called the Global Warming was responsible for the dead fish.
It took Orion a month to finally get him a phoenix after some hefty bribery and illegal trading. As always when Orion acquired something, it was guaranteed to be of the best quality. It was the most beautiful bird that he had ever seen. Unlike, other Phoenixes, this one was not colorful but black and silver. Orion's contact in Africa had gloated that this was the last Phoenix of this kind, thus extremely valuable. Even his parents and grandparents were wonderstruck when they saw the bird. He learned that the Phoenixes were highly intelligent. After few days, he took Silver, his phoenix, to the lake. He didn't have to say anything as Silver knew what to do. After few minutes, lake was glistening with pure water and there was no trace of the dead fish. He was sitting on the edge of lake wondering what happened to dead fish, when Moody arrived. Moody, at once, became suspicious and started interrogating him.
"Mr. Moody, the muggles told me that lake had been poisoned because of something called Global Warming, so I decided to help them. Though, it was Silver who did all the work," said Sirius.
"Silver? " asked Moody.
As on cue, Silver flew to Sirius and sat on his shoulder. Moody was astonished when he saw his phoenix and asked lots of questions.
One night, he and his parents were dining at Dorcas' restaurant with Dorcas and of course, Lockhart, they were discussing dark artefacts. When the topic came to as to who was best at dealing with them, Lockhart and Regulus had different opinions. Well, Lockhart 's opinion didn't matter much to him, but his father's opinion decided for him, what he wanted to do next. In the morning, during breakfast, he told his parents that he wanted to work at Borgin and Burkes to learn how to deal with Dark artefacts. Regulus had told Lockhart that most knowledgeable people when it came to dark artefacts were the ones who efficiently stored and sold them like the Borgin and Burkes. Marlene was against it but Regulus thought it was a good idea and it might help him in the future. His only condition was that Silver accompany him, when he was working at the Borgin and Burkes. Mr. Borgin and Mr. Burkes were reluctant at first, but when Bellatrix discovered her nephew's interest in dark artefacts, she easily convinced them. The conversation went like this; though it wasn't much of a conversation, more like threatening them.
"Regulus and oh, my little nephew Sirius, what are you doing here?" asked Bellatrix when she entered the Borgin and Burkes. She instantly came to him, planting a kiss on his forehead.
Regulus smirked before turning to Bellatrix and Sirius, realized that his father was, indeed, a true Slytherin.
" Lovely to see you here, Bella. Well, you see my son is interested in the dark artefacts. He wanted to learn about them from Mr. Borgin and Mr. Burkes, but unfortunately they refused to help him," said Regulus.
"They refused? Burkes, let's talk in your store. And why don't you join us, Borgin? Regulus, you wait here, " said Bellatrix in an amused tone.
Just then Rodolphus Lestrange entered the store and loudly greeted the Blacks there.
There was a frown on Bellatrix's face which Sirius knew she was faking, " They aren't letting my nephew learn about dark artefacts, here."
"Really? And why is that Burkes?" asked Rodolphus.
The two shop owners were now pale. Anybody will be when the two most cruel Death Eaters were standing in from of them.
"We didn't want the young Mr. Black to get hurt, " said Burkes.
"He is a Black. He can deal with it, " said Bellatrix.
Before Borgin or Burkes could protest, Sirius moved towards Bellatrix and hugged her saying,"Thank you, Aunt Bella and Uncle Rodolphus."
That sealed the deal.
And I was calling my father a true Slytherin when I am exactly like him.
"If people in the Knockturn Alley give you any trouble, just let us know, "said Rodolphus meaningfully.
"Thanks Bella, thanks Rodolphus, " said Regulus and then invited them to have lunch with them.
After that Mr. Borgin and Mr. Burkes were extremely helpful and taught him all they knew about the Dark artefacts they had and how they contained them. Regulus, often, joined them and had lengthy discussions with Burkes which Burkes seemed to enjoy. Once, he had a run in with Pettigrew in the shop. What Chosen One wanted to buy at the Borgin and Burkes remained a mystery as he ran away when he saw Sirius. However, he did send a few Aurors there, after a week who left the shop disappointed after unsuccessfully trying to question Mr. Borgin and Mr. Burkes.
Sirius had maintained his routine of delivering Wolfsbane potion to Remus every month. He, often, found the notes or letters of gratitude by Remus but never replied to any or even took them with him. After few months, Remus forbade him to buy his groceries via note, clearly stating to let him maintain the little self-respect that is left in him. Sirius obliged. On his latest trip to cottage, he found a rather lengthy note from Remus.
Dear Stranger,
I don't know who you are and at the same time I don't have words to express my gratitude. You saved me. You helped me when nobody else was willing to. I was abandoned by my own friends but that was a punishment, I deserved. You helped a sinful man. I used to think that I was able to judge right and wrong, better than most people ; while I was busy passing such judgements, I forgot to look at myself. And when I looked at the mirror, I found a coward staring back at me. You helped a coward. But I promise here and now that I won't be a coward when it comes to repaying you. You could ask for anything and I will never let you down. I have already let down the most important person to me. I let down my best friend, Sirius Black. I don't know who you are but I want you to know that Sirius Black is innocent.
This might be the last correspondence between us since I will be moving to Hogwarts next month. I have been appointed to teach Muggle Studies.
Forever in your debt,
Remus Lupin
After reading the note, Sirius smiled. He was smiling yet tears fell from his eyes. Sirius never took any notes or letters left by Remus before, but he took this one.
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James Potter PoV
James Potter was beaming with pride. His son was going to Hogwarts. Today, they were going to the Diagon Alley to shop for the supplies, books and robes. Lily had already taught the basic spells and potions to Harry. Lily was a bit angry as before leaving the Manor, she read the reply from Severus. She had asked Severus to take care of Harry in Hogwarts. Severus had stated in his reply that he would, if her son was not like the usual dunderheads, he gets to deal with. James did not mention but he found the reply of Severus, quite, humorous. Because Harry, unlike his mother and grandparents, inherited his potions skills from his father or more like Remus, if that was possible. He and Remus were a disaster in Potions class. His saving grace was that he was partnered with Sirius, who was one of the best in potions. Remus had the misfortune of being Peter's partner and there was hardly any lesson when their Cauldron didn't melt or explode. Sirius thought that they were genius because how they strayed from the simple instructions to the exploding Cauldron without even trying, was a mystery to him. James, however, knew there was no mystery; If Sirius had not helped him, he wouldn't have been able to take N.E.W.T in the potions which he needed to become Auror.
They flooed to the Leaky Cauldron and greeted Tom. Gideon was also there sitting alone. James invited him to join them which he did. Gideon Prewett was one of the best Aurors in the department. After death of Fabian, he was truly devastated but Dorcas Meadows helped him and they fell in love. The way their eyes shone when they looked at each other, people could see that they truly loved each other. But everything changed when it became the public knowledge that Dorcas, behind his back, had been providing sexual favors to none other than Sirius Black. Gideon was, one again, left devastated and this time there was no Dorcas to help him. He became a playwizard, spending every night with new witch. Irony was that Molly referred to Dorcas as whore but if someone pointed out her brother's behavior, she just sadly said, "He is healing." The whore, Dorcas, as far as he knew, did not even date anybody for few years.
He still found Molly Weasley irritating but they have mended their relation since that night few years ago. They hardly spoke in each other's presence which suited James fine. His interaction with other Weasleys was very friendly. Twins had declared him their ideal that night, but it didn't last long when much to his dismay, he retreated back to being Percy's ideal. Arthur, and Peter were his best friends now.
Dumbledore had informed him that Remus had joined the staff as Professor of Muggle Studies so he was at peace that Harry would be safe now.
James and Harry went to Ollivander's wand shop while Lily and Gideon went to Flourish and Blotts. Like every wizard going to Hogwarts, Harry had been looking forward to his wand the most. Harry had tried to persuade him multiple times to get him wand early like Albus, while he didn't mind, Lily was against the idea.
Ollivander was as usual his mysterious self and was catering to other customers who weren't very happy with Ollivander's puzzling statements.
Mrs. Malfoy was getting wand for his son Draco who was starting school at the same time as Harry.
James whispered to Harry that he should stay away from Malfoys and Lestranges at school. He didn't need to tell him about Blacks because he changed his family motto to 'Never trust a Black'. After few minutes, Draco found the wand on which Ollivander commented," Curious that this wand selected you, Mr. Malfoy. You might be destined to play a role, a significant role in the plans of it's maker."
Before Draco could ask what Ollivander meant, Bellatrix entered with her son. James shoulders stiffened on seeing her. Apparently, her son, too was entering Hogwarts this year. Bellatrix ignored them like they didn't exist and asked Narcissa if she was done. Then the sisters left with their sons.
James was still looking at door when Ollivander said "Ah, Mr. Potter. It feels just like few years when you were buying your first wand here. It was eleven inch, Mahogany, pliable. Excellent for transfiguration. "
James smiled at Mr. Ollivander and introduced his son.
"I see many young ones from prominent families starting Hogwarts this year; but the real pandemonium will not begin until next year, " said Ollivander and went to the back shelves to pick some wands.
James was thinking that next year both Peter's and Regulus' son will be starting Hogwarts. Was Ollivander referring to them? What will begin next year? He was pulled away from his thoughts when Ollivander came back and started showing the wands to Harry. Finally, a wand selected him. James could see the joy on the face of his boy.
"11 inches, Mahogany with Unicorn hair. Looks like you have traits of both your mother and father unlike many of the Sacred 28, I catered today," said Ollivander and then smiled mysteriously.
James was about to ask what he meant when another customer walked in. James decided to ignore Ollivander's words as they hardly ever made any sense, paid for the wand and left.
They met Lily and Gideon outside the shop. Harry was happily waving his wand and all three adults were laughing at him. They sat down in Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlor. Gideon asked what they wanted and went to get ice cream. When Gideon returned with a tray carrying ice creams, there was some commotion in the vicinity. They all looked towards it. Gilderoy Lockhart was carrying Dorcas Meadows bridal style and she was half-heartedly smacking him in the chest. Gideon dropped the tray and his expressions hardened.
He heard Dorcas say," Roy, put me down, else I will hex you."
"Only if you agree to go with me on the tour of Costa Brava, darling, " said Lockhart.
All of them knew about Lockhart and Dorcas dating, thanks to the Daily Prophet and the Witch Weekly, but seeing it, was what it made real.
" I can't. Who will take care of restaurants? " replied Dorcas.
"Oh come on. Ask Marlene or Regulus, " said Lockhart. Then he put her down and kissed her quite passionately pressing Dorcas closer and closer to him.
Dorcas, after few minutes broke the kiss and replied, " I don't want my restaurants blown up."
One could hear in her voice that she was out of breath. Lockhart, then pressed her closer and whispered something in Dorcas' ear after nibbling it. Dorcas laughed at him. While James was watching the scene, he completely forgot about Gideon. Then Gideon entered the scene he was watching and punched Lockhart. Lockhart and Dorcas were so surprised that they didn't respond for few seconds. Lockhart's nose was broken and it was a bloody mess. Dorcas, however, recovered her senses and glared at Gideon and well, then she acted like Dorcas and broke Gideon's nose. Gideon got up again to beat Lockhart but this times James had reached him and was trying to stop him.
"You bitch. How could you?" asked Gideon.
Dorcas, meanwhile, was healing Lockhart 's nose. James, also notice that this altercation has been recorded by quite a few photographers from different newspapers and magazines.
Dorcas shouted at Gideon, "How could I what, Mr. Prewett? Walk in Diagon Alley with my boyfriend? "
Just then James noticed Regulus emerging from the Knockturn Alley and thought 'how typical ' in his mind. Dorcas and Gideon were still shouting. Lockhart was looking at them, flabbergasted.
Gideon grabbed Dorcas' upper arm and pulled her towards him. Then he forcefully tried to kiss her. Dorcas stamped on his foot and slapped him. By this time, Regulus had reached the commotion and saw Dorcas slapping Prewett.
Regulus reached Dorcas and asked her, "What's going on here? Dorcas, Roy, are you two fine?"
Regulus was picking up Lockhart making him sit on the chair . Dorcas' and Regulus' eyes met and he enveloped Dorcas in a hug. Dorcas sobbed clutching Regulus' robes.
"Let's go home. Come on Dorcas, Roy. Let's go home," said Regulus. Dorcas and Lockhart nodded.
Gideon shouted at Dorcas again," Does Marlene know you are screwing her husband? Come to think of it, he does resemble his brother. "
Regulus glared at Gideon. James knew that glare. The glare that made even the bravest stumble upon their words. He had seen it multiple times. He saw Gideon flinch a little. Regulus took out his wand and threw a spell on Gideon. Gideon flew back and crashed on the stall selling frog spawn and liver of some kind.
Regulus' anger radiated from his body. James could feel his magic.
"Never mention my brother again from that filthy mouth of yours, " said Regulus quietly and firmly. James knew even if his voice wasn't loud, everybody had heard it.
Gideon got up brandishing his wand but a cane hit him in the hand and his wand dropped.
"What the.. "Gideon started but stopped after seeing Moody glaring at him.
"What are you doing, lad?" asked Moody.
Gideon didn't say anything.
Moody looked towards Regulus, but Regulus just replied, "We are leaving. "
Regulus, Dorcas and Lockhart apparated after walking away from crowd.
Moody was admonishing Gideon.
Lily came up to him, "That was certainly eventful. Molly might disagree with me but that was all Gideon's fault. "
James smiled at Lily.
Harry asked," Why was Uncle Gideon beating the wizard you like mom?"
Lily flushed and James looked at her, amused.
"Really son. I didn't know that your mom liked him," said James.
"Yes, mom stood for three hours with Aunt Molly to get his autograph," replied Harry.
"Lily, don't you remember him from Hogwarts? He was and still is an idiot, "said James.
"James, haven't you read his books? He has changed," said Lily.
"Nobody changes that much," snorted James.
They were sitting in Leaky Cauldron enjoying lunch when Gideon came back and apologized.
Lily gave him a long lecture and at end she said, "You shouldn't have accused her of that with the Black when it was clear that he was just comforting her as a brother."
"Lily, I already got a long lecture from Moody. How can you tell he was comforting her as brother? " said Gideon.
" I know, " said Lily. James saw that Lily had some distant emotion in her eyes.
As an apology, Gideon bought Harry an owl. The Potters thanked him on seeing the delight on their son's face. When they were walking back towards Leaky Cauldron, someone called out to Lily.
They turned around to see Horace Slughorn walking towards them. James and Gideon groaned while Lily beamed to see her favorite professor from Hogwarts.
"Professor Slughorn, how have you been? " asked Lily brightly.
"Lily, James, Gideon, good to see so many talented students together. And who might this young man be?" asked Slughorn good-naturedly. James and Gideon nodded towards the professor.
"It's our son, Harry Potter. He is starting Hogwarts this year," replied Lily.
"Young Harry must be a dab hands at Potions, like his mother," said Slughorn.
Harry didn't reply but smiled at Slughorn. James tried to hide his smile by biting his cheek. Gideon hid his laugh in a cough. Lily glowered at them.
"Lily, what are you doing these days? Why don't you join me and make potions? I am Head Potineer at the The Potion Stop. We have even opened one branch in Hogsmeade and one in Godric Hollow. There aren't many who could make exceptional potions, "said Slughorn.
"But isn't that shop owned by Blacks?" asked Lily.
Slughorn looked at her strangely and said, "Why does that matter? Anyway, Severus had already accepted my offer. Very few are truly talented in potions. It was Severus, Sirius and you in your year. Regulus is really talented but he refused. Anyway, if you decide, send me an owl. You can work from home," said Slughorn.
James always felt a twinge whenever someone mentioned Sirius.
"Thanks, Professor. I will think about it, " said Lily.
Slughorn, then shook everybody's hand and left.
Next morning, Daily Prophet was all over the Lockhart -Dorcas-Gideon scandal. Molly, as Lily had predicted blamed Dorcas. Rita Skeeter 's article showed picture of Dorcas sobbing in Regulus' arms, supporting Gideon's comments about their relationship. Molly used that article as proof that Dorcas was, indeed, a whore.
After few days, Rita Skeeter was in newspapers again not as author but primary subject. It turned out that she was an illegal animagus and was sentenced to spend a year in Azkaban. Apparently, Auror office had received an anonymous tip. James and Peter registered as animagus after few months when the war ended. They didn't receive any punishment because Peter was the Chosen One and James was a War Hero.
Finally, the day of departure of their son to Hogwarts arrived. When they reached the King's Cross Station, James was hit with a wave of nostalgia and all memories included one Sirius Black. James could see him laughing. James blinked away his tears and focused on his son.
They met the Weasleys. He saw Alice and Augusta along with Neville helping some muggle family with a bushy -haired kid. He waved to Alice which Alice returned happily.
As they left the station, Lily tugged at his sleeve and stopped him. He looked at Lily.
"James, I have decided to accept Professor Slughorn 's offer," said Lily.
James said,"Ok."
Lily said, "Ok? You don't mind?"
James replied, "No, Lily, I don't if that's what you want to do."
Lily's face brightened up. She then told him all the details of how she will turn one of the room in Manor to her potions' lab.
+#-_-_-#()/+/(#_;((_;) /+++++++
Severus Snape POV
Severus Snape was happy. He was the most notorious and feared teacher at Hogwarts. He had even developed a whiplash move with his hair to look intimidating, which he even practiced in front of the mirror everyday before classes. Students didn't dare cross him. He liked himself like this. He didn't have to pretend for anyone. He just did what he liked. He was no longer a pawn of the Order or a follower of the Dark Lord. It was fun tormenting the kids and other teachers. He was sure Quirrell was afraid of him. Taunting Remus was also a fun activity. He was wearing his trademark black robes, billowing behind him as he headed towards the Great Hall. He had a menacing smile on his face thinking about new targets that will be sorted today.
He kept a sneer on his face as he sat down on his chair next to Remus.
"Severus, you will scare the kids if you keep, eh,.. smiling at them like that, " said Remus.
"That's the idea, werewolf. Mind your own business, " replied Severus.
Remus just shook his head and started minding his own business.
He started glaring at the first years. He saw Remus glance at his direction multiple times. He rolled his eyes and continued his favorite activity of scaring the kids. When Longbottom 's name was called, he looked at the kid with more interest. As soon as his eyes met with the kid's, his glare faltered. Those were the exact same eyes that had bewitched him all those years ago.
Damn you, Augusta Longbottom.
He noticed that Remus was observing this sudden change in his behavior so he went back to glaring everyone. Longbottom kid was sorted into Gryffindor. So was Potter and Weasley.
Typical. But now I have opportunity to exact revenge on Potter look-alike
He noticed Slytherin had some promising kids this year, Lestrange, Malfoy and Zabini.
Maybe Sirius Black will join them next year but again his name is Sirius Black. I need to torment him, too. But if he is in Slytherin, it would be fun to unleash him on the other houses.
Snape laughed evilly. Remus cleared his throat and Snape noted that he had laughed during the Headmaster 's speech and now everybody was looking at him. Headmaster continued his speech declaring the corridor with philosopher's stone and forbidden forest, forbidden. Then, finally the feast started.
Today, he had potions class with first year Gryffindors and Slytherins. He was standing in front of the mirror practicing his 'intimidating hair whiplash move'.
"Eh..," said Quirrell.
He, at once, panicked.
"Has nobody taught you how to knock, Quirrell? " said Severus darkly.
"I actually knocked se…several times, Sev.. Severus, " said Quirrell.
"And you decided that it would be OK to enter if I didn't respond to your knocks," scoffed Snape.
"The do.. door was…. Oop.. Open…. I didn't know… that… that… you….you will be.. ,setting…styling… your hair," said Quirrell.
Snape felt his cheeks warm a bit.
"Quirrell, one word about my hair to anybody and I will make sure you never speak again, " glowered Snape.
Quirrell stumbled out of his room apologizing.
He was eating the breakfast when Remus joined him.
"What did you say to Quirrell this time? He refused to come to the breakfast saying that you will be there, " said Remus.
He replied in an irritated tone," You really can't mind your own business. You are like a school girl who likes to gossip."
Remus looked a bit flushed at his comment which made him sneer.
"Well, I went to discuss with him if he could take my classes around the full moon but he was in no state to talk. He was rumbling something about hair and you," said Remus.
Severus suddenly became very interested in his eggs, after he gained full control of his emotions, he said," I asked Quirrell if he had hair under his turban, he didn't respond so I threatened to burn his turban to check."
He didn't expect Remus to laugh at his stupid reason.
After Remus recovered from his laughing mode, "You and Quirrell are the only ones who can cover for me."
"Why would I want to teach something like Muggle Studies? "said Snape.
"Yeah, well..", Remus was about to respond but Snape cut him off, "Oh! I will teach in your place."
Remus looked him and said, "Don't worry. It's ok."
He could see Remus was worried about his students.
"Don't worry," said Snape and left.
Now, he was standing outside the class thinking of best way to make entrance. He decided it would be cool, if his robes were flowing a bit. He moved into the class, his wand hidden in his robes while he non-verbally casted the breeze spell. Everybody looked at him, he liked the expressions he saw in turn. Yes, the students were intimidated.
"There would be no foolish wand-waving in this class. The art of brewing potions is precise and delicate. Anybody, who does not pay attention could die or be stuck at some hospital wing for the rest of their lives," said Snape in a menacing tone.
He took roll call.
"So Mr. Potter, your mother wrote to me that you aren't like other dunderheads that I usually get to teach. So tell me what is bezoar used for?" asked Snape.
"Umm.. Uncle Severus . I don't know," replied Harry sheepishly.
"You will address me as Professor Snape. I am not your uncle at Hogwarts, Mr. Potter, " said Snape menacingly.
He saw that one bushy -haired girl was dying to answer. He smiled inwardly that he won't ask her.
"Mr. Longbottom, how about you tell me ingredients of Amortentia? " asked Snape avoiding eye contact with him.
"Sir, I don't know,"said Longbottom and looked down.
"So you fools thought that you will come to lecture with ever opening the book. Mr. Weasley, you look bored, so how about you tell us what does Polyjuice Potion do?" asked Snape.
He again ignored the bushy haired girl.
"Did you expect us to learn the whole book before even coming to first class," said Weasley confidently.
He saw that patience of bushy haired girl had run out.
"Sir..," the girl started but Snape cut her off.
" 5 points from Gryffindor, Miss Granger for speaking without permission, " the Gryffindors tried to protest but he silenced them with a look and continued, "10 points from Gryffindor for Mr. Weasley 's behavior. 5 points from Mr. Potter and Mr. Longbottom each for not being to answer simple questions. And I will be taking fifty points from the next person who tries to protest. "
He could see the looks of revulsion on the faces of Gryffindors. He sneered and asked the class to open page six and make the potion. He could see that Lestrange was best in potions in this class followed by Malfoy and Granger. Harry was ok not as skilled as his mother, but still ok. The rest were really buffoons.
Few days after the class, he got a very angry letter from Lily. Well, this continued for the whole first year. Nothing interesting happened except the centaurs' revolting against Hagrid which made front page news and also made Augusta Longbottom come to Hogwarts. Severus thanked Merlin that she was wearing sunglasses. And he literally ran away as soon as possible from the Great Hall.
-_-_#)++)#_;;#(/(#_;_#)/-_#-()/-_-_-_-_-
Tom Riddle POV
Tom and Quirrell were sitting in the Forbidden Forest after unsuccessfully trying to track the herd of unicorns. Tom had spent the last two years tracking down the philosopher's stone. When they finally located Nicolas Flamel and his wife, they escaped with the stone after a short duel. Then, they tracked the stone to Gringotts, but the stone was removed before they could successfully rob it. Even after break-in, since the vault was empty, goblins thought it was just a prank.
We bloody succeeded in successfully infiltrating Gringotts even if we didn't steal anything. And those goblins thought we were pranking them. Our misadventure didn't even make it to the last page of newspaper. Really, people have forgotten the magnificence of Voldemort.
The adventure to Gringotts, however, gave them a very valuable piece of information. The vault belonged to Albus Dumbledore and so the stone was now in Hogwarts. Quirrell had already joined the staff as Defense against the Dark Arts Professor declaring end of his sabbatical. So now they were in no hurry and were being cautious as to not raise suspicion of Dumbledore. But Tom still needed to raise his power, so they were hunting unicorns so he could drink their blood.
"I thought Severus might help us but he has gone crazy. What the hell was he even doing, moving his hair again and again in front of the mirror, " said Quirrell.
"Are you sure he is not suffering from some magical malady. The way he was moving his neck, it looked like 'cuckoo curse', " said Tom.
"Cuckoo Curse, oh the curse where one unintentionally moves his neck stiffly in difficult poses like a rooster. It's very old and who will cast it at him. It more looked like what he was doing was intentional. Such a brilliant wizard reduced to performing cuckoo curse on himself, " said Quirrell with pity in his voice.
"We all have our own addictions. Severus really was an excellent Death Eater, one of the best among my followers and now he non-verbally casts spells to make his robes flow. Such a shame to lose one, as exceptional as him," said Tom.
"This means we are on our own. While tracking unicorns, we also need to find a way to deal with that monstrous three -headed dog," said Quirrell.
"Oh that would be easy. Since I know what Hagrid wants more than anything, " said Tom.
"And how do you know that, Dark Lord? " asked Quirrell.
"Let's just say we have a history. You need to acquire a dragon's egg," said Tom.
"I should have guessed that half-giant just keeps filling the forbidden forest with the forbidden things," said Quirrell.
"Well, that was why he was expelled but it looks like he didn't learn his lesson. Seriously, the Acromantula nest we ran into was nothing but trouble, " said Tom.
"While we are acquiring Dragon's egg, can we open Chamber of Secrets? I really want to see it, Dark Lord ," said Quirrell.
"Oh, you will see it next year. I am saving it for the Chosen One 's son," smiled Tom maliciously.
"Don't remind me, Dark Lord. I even stood in line for an hour to get his autograph. Instead of his son, let's release the basilisk on that rat. It's a good thing we weren't in Hogwarts for the Peter's Day as I might have accidentally killed him," said Quirrell.
"Let me get my hands on the philosopher's stone. After I rise to power, I will give that rat to you to torture as you wish, " said Tom.
"You are really generous, my lord," said Quirrell.
Just then, there was rustling of leaves behind them and a centaur appeared.
"You bring great darkness to this forest, foolish one," said the centaur.
"Should we kill him, Dark Lord? " asked Quirrell completely ignoring the centaur.
"Yeah, go ahead. I actually have a great idea as to what to do with his corpse," said Tom smiling vengefully.
Quirrell killed the centaur and as per Tom's instructions left the corpse near Acromantula's nest. They saw the spiders consuming corpse of the centaur and smiled evilly.
Next day, Quirrell was having breakfast in the Great Hall while Tom was hidden in turban. Tom could access Quirrell 's brain, he could see and feel, what Quirrell was seeing and feeling. They could communicate with each other telepathically. He was sitting next to Filius. Severus moved his neck like cuckoo curse and sat down next to the werewolf. He could see Hagrid, nonchalantly, eating bacon. Suddenly, multiple sounds of the hoofs were heard outside the Great Hall. The door opened and three centaurs entered. Dumbledore, at once, stood up.
"We need to talk, Albus " said the centaur in the center in a no nonsense tone.
There was a small unrest among students which was quelled when Dumbledore asked them to calm down. Dumbledore along with Minerva and Hagrid moved to the grounds.
Let's follow Dumbledore.
Quirrell got up and followed. Other teachers followed his example.
"Last night, one of our own was killed and eaten by the Acromantula that this half – giant is breeding in the forest," said the centaur.
"Aragog will never do that," said Hagrid angrily.
"Ara…Aragog…. You….. You…have named..the spiders…. That…that… eat people," quipped Quirrell in a slightly alarmed tone.
Oh, I have a great idea. Let's send this whole conversation to Malfoy anonymously. He would make the shenanigans more entertaining.
"Calm down, Quirrell, " said Dumbledore.
"You can make your employees calm down but not us. We have been living in this forest for centuries. It is our forest. Either you do something about it or we will. We will be back tomorrow morning for your answer," said the centaur.
" Do you have any proof? " said Hagrid angrily.
" We do not disrespect our dead but this once we will make an exception for the preservation of our future generations, " said the centaur and signaled the centaurs at the back.
The two centaurs at the back brought a half-eaten corpse of centaur that Quirrell had killed last night. Quirrell fainted, well acted like he had fainted. Everybody except Hagrid, Dumbledore, Severus and Werewolf averted their eyes from the corpse.
Hagrid was stunned, so Dumbledore walked him to his cottage after asking Severus and werewolf to take care of Quirrell. Werewolf revived him and helped him up while Severus ignored him.
Then, Quirrell wrote a detailed letter to Malfoy who apparently made copies of the letter and sent it to everyone who was on the Hogwarts Board of Governors.
Next morning, again door of Great Hall opened during the breakfast but instead of centaurs, it was fourteen wizards. The whole Hogwarts Board of Governors has arrived along with a journalist and a photographer.
I told you Malfoy will make it fun.
There was a look of slight panic on the face of Dumbledore but he hid it well. The twelve wizards moved towards the teachers' table. Tom could see some of his followers among the twelve wizards. Regulus Black wearing expensive robes and looking elegant and beautiful as always, Lucius Malfoy with his cane sneering at Dumbledore, Rabastan Lestrange with bulging muscles, Thomas Travers still uptight as ever and Marius Flint looking well-fed.
Dumbledore tried to play coy," What brings you gentlemen to Hogwarts so early in the morning? "
Lucius Malfoy, chairman of the Board of Governors, said,' Really, Dumbledore. Are you going to play games right now when the lives of children are in danger."
"Acromantula have never harmed a student, " said Hagrid.
Dumbledore raised his hand to silence Hagrid. Photographer was taking pictures continuously.
"And we should trust you, why?" said Rabastan Lestrange.
Hagrid clenched his jaws. The students and teachers were watching the scene, ignoring the fact that it was times for the classes to begin.
Meanwhile, unbeknownst to the board of Governors, the centaurs had arrived and were watching the scene.
"Gentlemen, let's sit down and discuss this," said Dumbledore.
"There is nothing to discuss. You send students to do detentions in the forbidden forest while you are keeping the Acromantula as pet there," said Regulus in a firm tone.
Tom could see that out of all his followers present, Regulus was the real gem. His demeanor commanded respect and when he talked he could make people listen without raising his voice.
"There was a half-eaten corpse of a centaur. Do you need a half-eaten corpse of a student to take some action, " said Lucius Malfoy.
"We want the Acromantula removed from our forest, " came a voice of centaur from behind.
Everybody turned around and looked at the centaur.
Regulus ignored the centaur and said," My son will be attending Hogwarts next year. So I will give you three choices either relocate the Acromantula nest or relocate the school, if you can't do either I will wipe out that Acromantula nest from the forest myself."
Oh! Regulus has a son. And he will be joining at the same time as Rat's son.
"Regulus, be reasonable..," started Dumbledore but was cut off by Regulus.
"It's Mr. Black for you, Mr. Dumbledore, " said Regulus in a firm tone.
Tom felt like clapping while Quirrell was trying to fight down the smile.
"You Death Eaters can't come here and make demands, "said Hagrid but them he toppled over table fell stunned.
Regulus had stunned the half-giant in such a swift wave of wand that hardly anybody noticed. He threw a single stunner that was powerful enough to stun a half-giant in one go. Tom was truly impressed by Regulus.
"Mr. Black, there was no need for that," said Dumbledore.
"There was, since he kept interrupting a serious conversation with his ridiculous comments. I have given you three choices, choose now or we will choose for you," said Regulus.
Dumbledore didn't say anything.
"Lucius as chairman of the Board of Governors, call the ministry. Tell them they can do whatever they want but I want those Acromantula gone from the Forbidden forest and I am sure every governor wants this," said Regulus.
"Very well, Regulus. Thanks for making the Headmaster understand. I am sending urgent message to the ministry. We will stay here until the ministry representatives arrive, " said Lucius. Regulus nodded. Tom could see that many girls were ogling Regulus.
Then Augusta Longbottom wearing a strange vulture hat and sunglasses came from behind. Apparently she was talking to her grandson rather than listening to the discussion. Now all board of Governors were talking to their children.
Tom observed that Severus at once, stiffened on seeing Augusta Longbottom.
Wonder what he did to earn ire of the old coot.
Augusta Longbottom was talking to Regulus Black. Severus sat still for a few minutes. He got up suddenly and left the Great Hall. He didn't even use the 'cuckoo curse' to move his neck or made his robes flow.
Dumbledore was now being reprimanded by Augusta Longbottom. Minerva asked all the teachers and students to go attend their classes.
Daily Prophet had a field day. Dumbledore was criticized severely. Ministry officials gave choice to the Acromantula to either relocate to the forest in Croatia or well, be killed. It wasn't much of a choice but now the Forbidden Forest was Acromantula -free. Hagrid cried for days and spent his days getting drunk.
Tom and Quirrell found a few unicorns and Tom drank their blood.
Quirrell, finally acquired Norwegian Ridgeback 's egg.
They easily fooled the drunk Hagrid. Hagrid, now, had a dragon egg and they knew how to get past Fluffy.
That dog is anything but fluffy.
Rest of the traps were easy but they got stuck at Mirror of Erised. They went to mirror multiple times but with no success. They spent their time researching the mirror but to no avail.
"Is DADA position really cursed?" asked Quirrell one day.
"Yes, it is," said Tom.
"The year is ending and we need to stay at Hogwarts. Why did you even place the curse? You don't seem like teacher material, " said Quirrell.
"Let's kill one of the teachers and you can take their place. Since, killing could arouse suspicion, Imperius one of the teachers and send them on sabbatical. And teacher is a great position to get followers," said Tom.
"Which one do you think is the best target for Imperius? " asked Quirrell.
"The Astronomy Professor, "said Tom.
"My Lord, where should we go for summer Vacation? " asked Quirrell.
"The lost library of Alexandria," said Tom.
Quirrell nodded.
-_-())/+/)#;:;#)/++++/(-_;;-#)/+
Next Chapter: Our guy, Sirius, goes to Hogwarts.
