A/N: Hello there my beloved readers! Due to some very kind reviewers, I've decided to update sooner than I expected to. I made this chapter a bit longer than usual, so I hope that's okay. Responses to my reviews will be at the end of this chapter. Anyways, I hope you enjoy!
Disclaimer: Any characters you recognize belong to the amazing J.K Rowling.
Even after Harry left and Damon continued into the front of the manor, Damon pondered Harry's whereabouts.
Every year he figured Harry did just feel sad for himself and that usually made Damon a bit sad every year on their birthday. He never once thought maybe that Harry had plans, and maybe even friends Damon didn't know!
As Damon approached his mother and father, they turned and smiled at him. Seeing the look of unhappiness on their beloved son's face, Lily turned a frown of concern onto him.
"Damon, honey, what's the matter?"
In return, Damon narrowed his eyes and says in an angry voice,"The way we treat Harry. He deserves to be with us as much as I do."
James' face turned a shade of red and said in a venomous tone,"I told you, Lily! That..monster is poisoning Damon's mind! He needs to be stopped!"
Lily listened to James' claims while nodding in agreement.
Damon was stuck in between anger and panic. His slightly rounder face was turning a small tint of pink.
"Mum, Dad, please just forget what I said. Harry doesn't need to be here."
James and Lily glanced at each other and exchanged a look. James smiled a false smile and clapped Damon on the back. "There you go, son. Now, let's continue on with our plans. You'll love it."
Harry watched Damon close the door. He listened to the sound of Damon's steps retreating towards the front of the house where James and Lily was no doubt waiting. He let a grin spread across his face.
Looking down at the Floo powder in his hand and ensuring he still had his bag on his slender shoulder, he stated,"Nott Manor!"
He arrived promptly inside the well-known manor. He was greeted by the sight of Theo's grinning face.
"Harry. I was almost convinced you weren't coming!"
Harry brushed off his robes and smiled easily back. He stepped out of the fireplace and embraced his old friend of four years.
"I wouldn't of stood you up for the world."
Theodore Nott grinned and dragged Harry out of the Floo room, and into the dining room where his parents were seated.
"Harry! Great to see you again."
Harry bowed slightly and received a hug from both.
"Thank you for allowing me here, Lady and Lord Nott."
Theo hit Harry lightly on the arm. "Enough with the formalities, Harry. You're practically family to us already!"
Anabelle Nott smiled and said in her lovely voice,"Theodore is right, Harry. Happy birthday."
Alexander Nott agreed as well and said,"Happy birthday, Harry! Enjoy today."
"Come on, Harry, let's go fly for a bit."
Harry thanked both Alexander and Anabelle before following Theodore out onto their breathtaking grounds.
"I find it appalling that your parents let you spend your birthday with us once again! Even though you and your family have some problems, I wouldn't let my child spend his birthday at someone else's place."
Harry smiled slightly, his eyes trained on the ground as they walked. If only he could tell Theo the extent of their dislike to him, all of the disheartening words and disregards towards his presence that he has learned to brush off. If only he could without the pity he knew was inevitable.
"Yeah, but I didn't really feel like going along with their plans. They weren't really exciting."
If only he had the choice.
Theo nodded in understanding and headed towards the small storing area where the broom sticks were held.
"Mum and Dad are planning a birthday dinner for you tonight. Apparently they are having the elves cook a feast after seeing your figure," Theo said, poking Harry's side suddenly.
Harry inspected his robes for any wrinkles Theo caused as they finally reached the enchanted storage shed.
"That is thoughtful, though the feast part is a bit unnecessary."
Theo gave him a pointed look. "Have you seen yourself? You're practically skin and bones!"
Harry rolled his eyes and smacked Theo on the arm.
In response, Theo just grinned and threw Harry a broomstick. Harry was stunned to find it a Nimbus 2000.
"A Nimbus 2000? Your family is amazing."
Theo shrugged as he got one for himself before shutting the shed and heading up the steep hill.
"I guess so. My parents just like to please all of my other friends who like Quidditch whenever they come over."
Harry nodded and bitterly thought back to the Nimbus 2000 Damon received the day the model came out. He offered to share it with Harry of course, though Harry declined politely.
As they neared the very top of the hill, Harry widened his eyes. Even though he's seen this area multiple times, it still did not fail to amaze Harry. It was whimsically gorgeous.
A large, open area stretched across the grounds, cutting off at the tall trees signalling the start of the large span of forest. Hoops, the size of the one at Hogwarts Harry saw a picture of a while ago in a book, was laid in the grass laden ground. There was a large snake carved into each pole that stretched into the sky, the snake coiling around the base and all the way up in a very Slytherin and a very pureblood show of pride. The hoops glinted in the early sunlight.
Theodore and Harry took off on the very top of the hill, heading towards a small storage unit. Inside, Theo took out the only thing that could fit and closed the compartment.
Harry undid the many fastens and opened the chest, revealing the Quiddich materials. However, they only took the Snitch out and closed the lid. Theo released the Snitch.
"Five..four..three..two..one!"
Each boy took off, going different ways. Harry shot automatically upward in a perfectly vertical climb, craving the ecstasy-like feeling of flying.
Theo veered towards the left, circling the pitch while keeping a keen eye on his best friend. He looked sharply in every direction that he saw thought looked like even a bit shiny, to no avail. Harry, however, hovered at a higher altitude, his emerald eyes searching for the golden ball. As he caught sight of said object, Harry flew with a rapid pace in that direction.
Theo, realizing Harry had spotted the Snitch, chased after Harry in hopes of gaining advantage.
The Snitch darted downwards, its wings fluttering at an impossible speed. Harry and Theo angled their brooms in a steep dive, chasing the flying object.
After a long, exhausting chase, Harry finally caught the Snitch by tricking Theo into a dive but pulling up sharply and abruptly catching the Snitch.
A smug Harry and a panting Theo headed towards the broom shed after locking up the chest. As they put their brooms away and locked the shed, Theo clapped Harry lightly on the back.
"Good game, Harry."
Harry gave a genuine smile.
"Yes, it was rather close to a tie, wasn't it?"
Theo made a noise of agreement as they entered the manor once again.
Damon Potter stared at his beaming parents in what looked to them as utter shock. Are they serious? This isn't some kind of practical joke?
In front of him, basking in all of its glory, was a Nimbus. Not any Nimbus though. A Nimbus 2001. As in the newest model that was released a week prior.
Damon's face broke out in the largest grin he could muster and he threw his arms around his parents.
"Thank you! Thank you!"
James and Lily's smiles got even brighter as they hugged their precious son back.
"Of course, bud. It's your day!"
Damon beamed once again and let go of his parents, looking around at the bustling Diagon Alley.
If only Harry was here to share his happiness with. Thinking about Harry again, Damon was plagued with a sneaking curiosity and overpowering sadness.
Damon pushed the subject of his brother out of his head and grabbed his mother's hand, all three Apparating. As soon as Damon, Lily, and James arrived at a very crowded-looking stadium, Damon's mouth dropped open with awe.
Harry Potter and Theo Nott elegantly entered the coolly colored kitchen. Spotting a note on the rich marble of the counter, Harry read the perfectly elegant script out loud,"Dear Theodore, your mother and I went to run a few errands. We will be back soon. Theo," Harry chuckled quietly,"make sure Harry eats something after you boys come in from flying. He needs some meat on his bones! Sincerely, Alexander Merlin Nott, Lord of the Nott manor."
Theo snickered and summoned a house elf, waiting as patiently as Theo could. Which, coincidentally, wasn't that patient.
Before Theo could start muttering about time, a house elf popped up in front of the two eleven-year-olds.
After requesting a snack be sent to Theo's quarters, the elf popped out of view and the boys continued up the elegant flight of stairs.
Harry saw it was barely noon.
Theo cocked his head at Harry, a question in his eyes,"So, it's your special day, what do you feel like doing?"
Harry shrugged and then smirked, a mischievous glint entering his usually calm emerald orbs.
"I brought something with me. Would you like to see it? You'd be quite interested."
Theo's eyes held hidden curiosity. Harry had practice in reading his best friend's emotions. Theo nodded composedly and led the way to his rooms.
They entered Theo's extravagant room colored in silver and emerald.
As soon as Theo shut the door, Harry dug into his bag he brought with him.
"Don't mention a word to anyone."
Theo smirked and said,"Of course. It's not like we've been friends since we were seven or anything!"
Harry rolled his eyes at his friend's sarcastic tone and brought out a large tomb, the title in a language involving a lot of loops.
Snacks popped in on Theo's desk. Both Harry and Theo grabbed something small.
"Harry, what is that? I know quite a few different languages yet I still can't read that."
Harry caught his eye and undid all of the leather bindings, opening the thick book.
"Of course you cannot read it. It's in Parseltongue. "
Theo's eyes grew wide and his mouth opened in a small "o".
"The title reads, The Dark Arts: The Art of Parselmagic."
Theo whined,"Harry! Why can't you teach me a bit of Dark Arts? I already know a little from my parents, but they claim I'm too young to know more. Please?"
Harry narrowed his eyes at his very uncharacteristic whining and shook his head.
"Once you delve into the Dark Arts Theo, you lose many things. Innocence, emotion, and any Light you have in your magical core. I am not a complete Master, as I still have emotion and about half of Light magic within me. Once you lose all innocence and Light magic, you cannot retrieve them again. But with emotion, however, there is a way to become a Master, but then get your emotions back later. It is an extremely difficult process, but it can be done."
Theo was interested to say the least.
"Are you planning on becoming a fully Dark wizard, Harry?"
Harry nodded. "Light magic that most learn today is weaker than Dark magic because almost all of it has been filtered and filtered by the Ministry throughout previous years. Some Dark Magic has been filtered as well, taking the Dark magic you can learn at Durmstrang in account. But if you delve deeper into the Dark Arts, you can discover Dark magic that has remained pure, such as Necromancy and Parselmagic."
Theo was amazed. "How do you know all of this?"
Harry shrugged.
"I just do. I picked it up over the years of all of the books I've read."
Theo figured as much.
"That is seriously wicked," Theo said, a smile twisting at his lips.
Before Harry could respond, a voice that belonged to Alexander that was magnified about 10 times than regular floated from downstairs,"Harry, Theo! Come down here please."
The boys looked at each other and then shrugged. Harry stuffed the book back into his bag, performing a locking charm on the bag.
Both boys emerged to find both Anabelle and Alexander waiting.
"Ah, Harry, Theo. Grab both of our hands."
The boys looked puzzled before doing as asked. Knowing they were Apparating, Harry steeled himself for the dizzying sensation.
Soon enough, they left with a sudden 'pop'.
The group of four arrived at a crowded location, filled with excited chatter and bustling wizards.
It took Harry a second to actually identify the place.
"We're at the World Cup stadium?" He asked with disbelief to a beaming Anabelle and Alexander.
"Yes, Harry! Ever since we were notified you were spending your birthday with us, we started planning out things you'd like to do. Theo mentioned that you like Quidditch and we both thought this would be perfect! We didn't tell Theo because we figured he'd tell you. Sorry, son." Anabelle smiled.
Theo and Harry looked at eachother, then gave a yell of joy. Theo gave both of his parents a hug, despite pureblood customs. Harry looked a little uncomfortable, but received a hug from both anyway.
Anabelle and Alexander led the way inside the overly-packed arena.
"It's the first time in who-knows-how-long that the Quiddich World Cup was held in England. Since we heard it was this year on your birthday, we decided that both you and Theo would enjoy going." Anabelle said.
Alexander gave a proud smile. "We are seated exclusively below the commentator's box along with the the Malfoys."
The boys followed the two adults up the stairs, ignoring the jealous stares.
As they continued climbing the stairs, both had their pureblood masks in place. They talked in low tones, their eyes not even betraying their excitement.
Harry spied an overly large cluster of red heads seated in the halfway point, reserved only for those with little wealth.
Next to them, sat the Potter family.
Harry abruptly stopped. Nott first shot him a confused look, then looked in the direction of where Harry was staring.
"Oi Harry, isn't that your family?"
Anabelle and Alexander climbed back down the stairs to see what was holding the two boys.
"Boys, what's taking so long?" Alexander asked jokingly.
Anabelle caught sight of where the two boys were looking.
"Harry! They are your family, correct?"
Harry nodded and smiled easily.
"Let's keep going."
Anabelle and Alexander looked questionably at Harry, but continued on nevertheless.
Damien caught sight of his brother as he started walking.
"Brother?"
Ron Weasley looked up from scarfing down his lunch, his eyes looking at Damon questionably.
"What, Damon?"
Damon pointed to the retreating form of his twin.
"That's Harry!"
Ron stared at him, then looked at Harry.
"Bloody hell, it is! What is he doing here?"
Damon's eyes followed Harry.
"I don't know. Do you know who is with him?"
Ron turned his red head to look at where they were heading. He suddenly got pale.
Damon looked at him questionably.
"What is it, Ron? Are you okay?"
Ron stared, wide eyed, at Damon.
"Your twin.. is sitting in the most expensive seats you can buy."
Damon's eyes grew wider than even Ron's. Ron wasn't finished yet.
"With the Notts and Malfoys!"
Ron's father, whom Ron was seated next to, looked at his son, a question in his eyes.
"What are you talking about, Ron?"
Before Damon could tell Ron to not tell him, Ron said,"We just saw Harry! He's sitting in the most expensive seats with the other Slytherin families!"
Ron's dad frowned and turned around, scanning the seats below the box.
He was surprised to find Harry sitting between Draco Malfoy and Theodore Nott, along with their families, talking animatedly with the two. He blended in eerily perfectly.
Arthur turned to James, who was seated one seat away, and called,"Hey, James! We've spotted your other son! He's sitting with the Slytherin families."
James' face slowly flushed a scarlet as he looked all the way up to the commentator's box to spot Harry.
James stood up from his seat angrily and climbed through the row, rushing up the stairs to confront his disgrace of a son, his brown eyes narrowed in anger.
A/N: I hope you enjoyed the chapter. Since Theo's parents' names were never mentioned, I picked them. Sorry if you didn't like the names! As always, reviews are always appreciated. (They also help me update faster). Thanks again, everyone.
Review Responses: I'd like to thank all who has reviewed: Kairan1979, 917brat, Lucy, Kendra Dhyanna, The String, Han Cini, TheBlackWerewolf282, guest, and Alice.
917brat, Kendra Dhyanna, The String, TheBlackWerewolf282, and guest thank you for your extremely kind reviews!
Kairan1979: I agree completely with you. Thanks for the advice!
Lucy: I hope I haven't disappointed you with both Harry's and Damon's friendly relationship, though that might change as they go off to Hogwarts...
Han Cini: Thank you. Don't worry, there is a reason why they are so cruel! You'll just have to wait and see!
Alice: I appreciate your input greatly. If they merely didn't care for Harry, I do say they would tolerate him if Damon asked. But since there is a very big reason to why they despise Harry, he can't just be merely disregarded. As for your second question, you'll just have to wait to find out! I won't make you wait too long, I promise!