Daphne shook her head, amusement lined her face, as she watched Rodrick gulp down another cup of Fire Whiskey.
"Rodrick, that's your third one already!" She remarked, barely keeping a straight face.
"Let him drink, it's a natural part of life!" The voice of Sirius Black echoed over the small room.
Daphne sighed as she watched Rodrick nod his head eagerly. Really the only reason she'd even agreed to join them was to stop Rodrick from drinking too much, however, whatever had happened in the drawing room seemed to haunt him. He'd been shaking non-stop ever since leaving the room, whether anyone else had noticed was another matter, the drinks at any case had helped calm him down and so she'd just left him to it. 'If only they'd drink faster... It's been hours...'
The four of them were in a secluded room, it'd been warded to stop any underage students from entering, of course, because Sirius was the current head, he had the power to turn such wards off. It had been the first thing the ex Azkaban prisoner had done.
Harry Potter was taking the drink with a lot less composure, having never experienced it before and without Occulumency for that matter.
The small peace and quiet had only been achieved after the Weasley family had left. That was a point Rodrick still hadn't managed to understand. Hermione had taken to randomly entering the room to question him on things related to the holiday work they'd been set, she would've simply stayed in the room... If they hadn't been breaking the law. The girl was far calmer compared to earlier on in the year, 'Occluemency's really helping her... Maybe it was a bad idea showing her the technique...' He thought to himself, worried, remembering the deal Snape had given him at the start of the year. When he turned towards the head of the house, Rodrick raised an eyebrow as he realized that his defence professor was missing.
"Wheres Professor Lupin?" Rodrick questioned.
"Hmm?" Sirius replied, his eyes had dazed look to them, which wasn't at all surprising, the man had drunk an entire bottle on his own. "Moony?" Sirius's mind had finally processed the question. "I think he's still talking with the headmaster," he answered, whilst he drained another cup.
Daphne couldn't believe this was the infamous Sirius Black.
Rodrick hummed to himself, he was about to ask another question before one Hermione Granger entered the room.
"Rodrick!" she called out, there was an ecstatic look on her face. She quickly made her way over, whilst of course shaking her head at her best friend's current state and his failed attempt at saying hello.
"Yes?" Rodrick calmly replied.
Hermione flashed the paper in her hand on the boy's face, smiling.
Rodrick blinked at the gestures before raising his gaze. "Is this supposed to mean something?"
The smile on the girl's face didn't change, "I finally finished it, all of the homework for the holidays!"
Daphne and Harry took a double take at that, "Really? We still have so much time," the girl questioned, surprised.
"Of course you have," Muttered the boy-who-lived. He knew he needed to get started on his.
"I didn't know students were given holiday homework," remarked Sirius as he stared at the piece of paper.
The student's quickly turned towards the head of the house disbelief writ over their faces, the man had been genuine when he'd spoken.
"That's because you always skipped the last lesson before the term ended," another voice joined the fray. The others quickly turned their heads towards the source, finding Remus Lupin.
"You can do that?" Rodrick questioned eagerly.
"Don't give him any ideas!" Daphne's voice ringed in their heads, causing the drunks to groan.
"Really Sirius? Fire Whiskey? And you wondered why the headmaster was reluctant to let you take care of Harry?" Remus added on, completely ignoring the two Slytherins, it was easier that way...
"Where is the old coot anyway?" Sirius questioned, his eyes focused on magically refilling his empty cup, causing the defence professor to sigh before he took a seat next to the fellow marauder.
Rodrick turned his attention back to the smiling Gryffindor, "Do you want to do easter's work as well? Professor McGonagall gave me the assignment,"
Hermione's eyes widened at that before she spluttered "No, t-that's fine, I think I'll just do it later," she nodded her head along as she moved away. Rodrick raised an eyebrow at the girl before he shrugged and got back to filling up his cup again.
"I'll see you later Harry," Hermione said just before leaving the room, earning a half-hearted agreement. She sighed again, wondering how on earth the boy was skimming through all of his assignments.
Sirius appraised the Slytherin, "I am surprised you do so much work, considering what you get up to,"
Rodrick grinned, "How do you think I get to have so much time to do it?"
"I am so telling professor McGonagall that!" Harry Potter grumbled, his eyes had a glint in them, 'Is that his secret?' The boy thought to himself somberly.
Rodrick let out a laugh at the boy, one the other's slowly joined.
"This wouldn't have been possible without your help," Remus added on, fondly. His gaze on Rodrick.
"I would have managed fine on my own," Sirius added on, while downing another cup.
The other's stared at Sirius for a few moments before Remus shuddered. The professor turned his attention back to Rodrick. "Thank Merlin, you were there..."
"Hey!" the protesting voice of Sirius Black fell under the laughter.
"What's Dumbledore up to now?" Rodrick questioned, earning chuckles at his casual tone.
"He's scanning the house, to make sure it's safe." Remus replied, "Something you really should've done Sirius"
"Hey give him a break," Rodrick decided to interject, earning an amused look from Black. "He's only a Gryffindor, there's only so much he could do," he finished, barely holding his laughter.
Daphne had the decency to look abashed. "Rodrick, they're all Gryffindors,"
Rodrick turned towards Daphne, "Exactly."
Remus wasn't sure if he was insulted or not, but considering he was the boy's professor he figured he wouldn't do that, simply out of respect.
Harry Potter knew for certain that the boy had indeed insulted all of them, however, he wasn't in any position to actually argue it, it was technically correct.
Sirius Black on the other hand...
"See Moony! he get's me!" he cheerfully exclaimed.
Daphne almost facepalmed herself, she had to keep reminding herself that the man had been in Azkaban for 13 years and so wasn't in the best state of mind... At the rate things were going, she was starting to believe it was his actual personality.
"What happened to the Weasleys?" Rodrick questioned his professor, he doubted Black even realized the family had left.
"Oh," Remus started somewhat uncertain, "Their uncle wanted to leave apparently."
Rodrick turned towards Daphne at that confused.
"I think it was the forlorn looking one..." Daphne answered.
Remus nodded to that, "Fabian Prewett, he's not really one for conventions. Not ever since his brother died in any case."
Rodrick wasn't sure how to respond to the comment, "I don't see why all of them had to leave though," he settled on instead.
"Oh, no the rest willingly followed, except the two graduates, in any case, they seemed to be trying to keep their uncle entertained."
"Really..." Daphne sarcastically started, "I wonder why?" she rolled her eyes as she turned towards Rodrick. The boy didn't even react to her, he settled to filling up another cup to annoy her.
"You've really finished up all the work up to Easter?" Remus asked Rodrick, a surprised and rather happy look on his face, it was always a good thing to be diligent...
Rodrick nodded on to his professor mid-gulp causing Sirius Black and Harry Potter to start laughing. "Aside from Transfiguration anyway, I believe we'll be starting Animagus Theory when we return."
The two marauder's eyes lit up at the subject.
"Really!?" Sirius Black asked eagerly. "We could probably help you with that," he added on.
"You two are Animagus?" Daphne asked, surprised. The subject wasn't easy, there was a reason they only attempted theory at Hogwarts.
Remus nodded his head civilly. Sirius just grinned.
"No need," Rodrick remarked, causing Black to frown somewhat. "I already got the gist of it," he finished, earning surprised looks.
"I had no idea you were attempting it," Daphne remarked.
Rodrick shook his head, "I read a couple pages on it,"
Remus was trying to process the words properly. "A couple pages? and you think you've got the gist of what to do?"
Rodrick nodded on, "It doesn't look as hard as Human Transfiguration and I've managed that rather well so far,"
The surprised look on the girl's face quickly disappeared, remembering his talent regarding the area of magic.
"You can do Human Transfiguration?" Sirius asked, his voice slurred more and more.
Remus turned towards his friend, "Yes, I believe there was an incident that ended up with him attending a NEWT class and doing and in McGonagall's own words, Extraordinarily,"
"Let's see it!" Sirius asked, causing Remus to shake his head.
"It's not that sim-" Remus started before, to his surprise, Rodrick removed the Transfiguration on his face"
The others, minus Daphne, openly gawked at the sudden change.
"You just removed it... That wasn't applying it," Remus pointed out. Sirius's head had quickly swapped between Professor and Student.
Quickly applying the Transfiguration back on his face, Rodrick confirmed the professor's words.
"Why?" Remus had to ask, in the corner of his eye, however, he could see understanding dawn on Harry's face.
"I believe that is a story for another day" The voice of Albus Dumbledore quickly seeped into the room. The other's turned towards the headmaster as he entered the room. "I believe it is getting quite late, your parents and guardians must be worried," His words were meant to be taken by all parties, including Harry.
"Harry's spending the holiday here," Sirius quickly defended his godson, he knew for certain that the Dursleys were a hellhole for him.
Dumbledore held back the sigh that threatened to escape, realistically, it was possible that the Black home would probably be the safer location. Now that the house elf wasn't trying to harm anyone. While the blood wards were indeed powerful, it simply couldn't compare to the ancient house's wards... continuously built upon over the centuries. There was always the backup charm he'd placed on the house in the case of emergencies at any rate. Should anyone attempt to break through the ward, all current parties in the house would immediately be apparated to Hogwarts.
"We as it so happens aren't," Rodrick quipped, he attempted to get up, failing quite badly as he felt himself fall back into the chair, to the amusement of others. With a helping hand from Daphne, Rodrick managed to get onto his two feet.
"Are you sure you two will be fine?" Remus asked worriedly.
"I probably can't kill a Basilisk right now but I am sure we'll manage," Rodrick remarked smiling.
Daphne shook her head before she started leading him away.
"I'd take them up to the door but I am not even sure if I can get up right now." Sirius's slurred voice seemed to echo over the room.
Remus had been about to get up, to make sure the kids were safe before to everyone's amusement, Rodrick put up a Disillusionment charm.
Dumbledore made to take a seat before he heard a distinct "Bye!" come from the front door.
"Man where do you even get wizards like that," Sirius asked nobody in particular.
"Apparently Slytherin," answered a frowning Harry Potter, briefly wondering what it would've been like had the boy been in Gryffindor.
"Talented though... I am not sure I've seen anyone learn magic that fast," Remus remarked, slowly filling up half a cup of Fire Whiskey.
"Headmaster, what do you think?" Sirius turned his attention towards Dumbledore.
"Think?" Dumbledore remarked amused, "About what?"
"Your opinion I meant" Sirius shrugged.
"Rodrick is a rather curious person, he knows when to play his cards and when not to, and the cards he usually does play are quite remarkable,"
"What do you mean?" Remus questioned, curiosity peaked.
"I mean, he is the kind of student Salazar Slytherin expected of his house"
"I agree, the boy's a menace when he's acting like a Slytherin," Added on Harry Potter, remembering his second year, still completely lost on how everything had spiralled out of control.
"Indeed. And that's not even taking his talent into question." Dumbledore accidentally spoke out.
"Talent?" Sirius questioned.
Dumbledore's gaze stayed touched to the open door, the same door that the two Slytherins had left through. "The boy could very well be Salazar Slytherin come again,"
The room quickly fell into a small silence as they contemplated what that could mean. Everyone but one. Sirius decided to break the silence by filling up another cup.
"That bodes well for the house cup..." Harry Potter remarked still wondering how they were going to win it, even if they won the Quidditch cup it was still no guarantee.
Dumbledore's face almost lost its composure at the comment. 'Dear boy, you have no idea..'. He felt quite bad that he'd sold the house cup, he didn't have the heart to admit it, which he knew he definitely should've. It was a bad idea to break your word with a Slytherin and considering the circumstances, he'd be breaking it with the entire house. It was far too risky not to keep it.
"He said he was an orphan right?" Sirius questioned, "Did you know his parents?" he asked the headmaster.
Harry Potter had almost let out on the fact that he was a Grindelwald before realizing that even Remus most likely didn't know.
Dumbledore's face, however, sent a chill down Sirius Black, he had that same unnerving smile he'd usually had when he'd caught them in a prank. "I believe the two of you should know who his mother was,"
Remus raised an eyebrow at that, "Really? I don't really recall."
Sirius on the other hand was slowly going pale, "No..." his mind slowly remembering two other sets of golden sphere's he'd seen at his time in Hogwarts.
"Indeed, his mother was none other than your Divination Professor at Hogwarts, Lenora Grace,"
Harry Potter had no idea who that was, the only divination Professor he knew off was Trelawny, 'Grace? I thought it was Grindelwald?' It took a moment before he'd realized they'd most likely used a fake name... 'But Rodrick said she was targeted... Did they find out?'
Sirius Black buried his face on the table.
Remus had his first laughing fit in years.
"Does he know?" Harry decided to ask referring to Rodrick.
Dumbledore blinked at that, realizing that he'd never told the boy anything besides his parent's house.
"Who was his father?" Remus asked, barely able to stop his laughter. Sirius' face seemed to pop up for a split second.
"Perhaps I should tell the boy first..." Dumbledore remarked to the other's disappointment although they looked like they understood, Sirius, in any case, looked like he didn't want to know.
...
Rodrick slowly staggered through the fireplace, it had to his surprise been quite dark out, he felt the tension slowly ease up as Daphne walked out of the Greengrass Manor fireplace and pulled his cursed arm over her shoulder. Slowly helping him into the sofa before sighing. Putting her hands on her hips, she stared down at the sitting drunk wizard.
"This is why you don't drink, you can barely function on you'er own," she chastised.
Rodrick grinned at the girl, "It's a good thing then isn't it?"
Daphne raised an eyebrow at that, "What is?"
Rodrick started patting the spot next to him.
Daphne rolled her eyes before taking a seat by him, "What is?" she repeated her question.
Wrapping an arm around the girl's shoulder, "That I have you," Rodrick answered.
Daphne could feel the tinge growing on her face, Rodrick's was inches away however at the last second she pulled her head back. "You need to brush your mouth," she remarked to the boy's annoyance. She chuckled at his expression.
The two sat there in silence for a while before Daphne's voice broke it.
"What did you see?" she questioned, her hands slowly tracing the mark on his cursed arm.
Rodrick sighed before he pulled away his arm. He stared at his arm, recalling the event. "I suppose I saw what I assumed Death looked like? I don't imagine he looks like that with everyone he meets,"
"What makes you say that?"
"Because that's what I imagined death would look like," Rodrick shrugged.
Daphne nodded slowly, "What happened?"
Rodrick wasn't sure where to even start, "I found another Horcrux," he whispered, earning a gasp from the girl. "And then that Horcrux showed me..." he found himself unable to finish, instead he could feel his hands slowly start shaking again.
Putting a hand on the shaking arm, Daphne locked eyes with the boy. "You don't have to tell me if you don't want to," she spoke, her voice seemed like a melody to him.
The words somehow had the opposite effect as it seemed to make everything spill out.
"I saw Voldemort," Rodrick remarked, looking down.
Daphne's expression slowly changed into a confused one, "Yea... I think you've told us about that time-" she was about to add more before she saw Rodrick quickly shake his head.
"It was nothing like that... I saw him in the future"
"You mean... After he comes back?" Daphne asked, her voice uncertain.
Rodrick looked towards the ground, "He saw me..."
Daphne's world froze as she took in the words, "What do you mean?" she found it hard to even make the words.
"I honestly have no idea... The only explanation I can even think of is that all of it was a vision guaranteed to happen? Almost like a Prophecy? Voldemort interacted with me... Harry interacted with me... It was surreal."
"Guaranteed? You mean it's guaranteed you'll meet him?"
Rodrick simply stared out at the ground. "If it is... Harry Potter will probably die again,"
The words seemed to confirm what she'd already guessed, Harry did indeed die in that vision. "That's why you made a deal with death then?"
Rodrick nodded.
"Maybe now it'll be different, your visions aren't always completely accurate."
Rodrick shook his head, "That's not the problem..." he barely whispered.
"No?" Daphne questioned, she'd never seen the boy like this, he looked so... vulnerable. Even the Dementor incident wasn't this bad.
"I met him... I saw what the dark lord really was... and I am... Terrified..." Rodrick admitted.
Daphne could only stare, she had no idea how to deal with this. "It's natural to be scared. I don't think anyone could hold up to him,"
"You don't get it... It's not that I am scared for my sake... I am scared for the rest... For my friends... For your family... I can't... I just can't lose another one... The idea of him coming after you and everyone else..." Rodrick Whimpered, "I just can't do that... And I know I wouldn't be able to stop him..." his words seemed to have died, Daphne felt a chill as she stared at his eyes, she'd never seen him tear up before.
"If I fight him... He'll go for everything else... I can't let things go back to what they used to be like..." he spoke before burying his face in his hands.
Daphne quickly pulled him into a hug, "They won't,"
"You don't know that," His head tilted slightly. "Things could very easily go back... If Lost yo-"
"I do know," she tried to reassure him, "I have you remember," she tried to cheer him up.
"I can't stop him... The level of magic-"
"Then get better and make sure you can," she spoke, pulling his head away and locking eyes.
"It's impossible,"
Daphne shook her head, "You survived and killed a Basilisk in your second year. Used an unforgivable to stop a mountain troll in your first year. You've even managed to do Magic Extraction, something no one alive has ever managed to do. Not even Dumbledore."
Rodrick could only stare at the girl as she continued on, "How does that help?"
"Rodrick, you've been doing impossible things since I first met you, what's one more?" she joked, a broad smile on her face.
Rodrick could only stare at her before nodding slowly, "It's worth a shot,"
'Worth a shot...' Rodrick felt like snorting at the thought... Everything he'd ever done practically started with that thought.
He sighed, calming himself down. He could feel the effects of alcohol slowly leave as his Occulemency took control once again.
'Maybe it's my curse,' Maybe it worked on alcohol. He shook his head and turned back to Daphne. He thanked her. She was right. No matter how impossible it looked, it was still worth shot.
Daphne beamed at him.
Rodrick huffed at the girl before a grin took over his face, "I have an idea for what to do this year... now that extraction and all is complete, really it's a waiting game at this point." he seemed to drift off before shaking his head to the girl's wasn't a recent idea, he'd been considering it ever since he'd bought the house cup.
It was time to take over Slytherin completely.
"What are you planning this time?" she questioned amused.
Rodrick grinned, "Seeing as we already have the house cup guaranteed, I figured it would be fun to..." he stopped himself causing the girl to roll her eyes.
"Do what exactly?" she asked amused, glad to see the shaking had stopped.
"Really, it's quite obvious" he teased, enjoying the small look of irritation.
"Just tell me already!" the girl demanded.
"So childish," Rodrick remarked earning a glare. "Alright alright, it's simple"
Daphne ignored his antics, "What's simple?"
"Nothing much really," he remarked grinning, "Seeing as we've already won the house cup, I am just going to start a war with Gryffindor"
Daphne stared at the boy before inwardly cursing her curiosity, "What have you got planned?"