Hello again everyone,
Here is the second installment of A shadowed life. I hope you all enjoy it and I look forward to your comments on it. Thanks again and hope to see you all again soon. Enjoy!
Also please remember that yes this may seem impossible, but all will be explained in due time :3
Insanely-Yours96: Thank you so much for reading, I am glad you gave me some pointers. Hopefully I can straighten them all out.
Things in the story you might want to know.
"Talking/ spells"
'Thinking/ sound affects/ Memories'
-Parseltongue-
.:Spells:.
Chapter Two- On the Run
Harry didn't know how long he'd been running, or where he was running too. He hadn't seen the bridge, or the many places he'd passed along the way. His inhuman capabilities probably having had something to do with it all. When he stopped he had no clue as to where he was. As far as he could see he was in a large town somewhere, which also looked vaguely familiar. He had the briefest thought that he'd been through here once before. Pulling his cloak tighter he started to walk slowly through the people on the sidewalk. His wings crunched up against his back as far as he could get them. He honestly didn't know what to think of his wings and tail, and he really hadn't had the time to examine them either. Something told him finding a place to be alone to do so would be hard to come by. At least in the muggle world he would be unable to do so, for they weren't supposed to know of magic let alone magical beings. In his case he looked more like a magical creature then anything he'd been in the past. Even as a wizard he was hard to spot, but now it was like he had a neon sign over his head pointing him out for all to see.
Harry kept his face hidden in the shadows of his cloaked hood, his green eyes peering out at the world around him nervously. Had he run over the bridge to bring him here? He shook the thought away as he came upon where he would be staying for the night. It was safer than the muggle world for the time being, but not enough to keep away from the magical one. The Leaky Cauldron was probably the last place he should go, but for now it would do. He would leave first thing in the morning if he had too. Swallowing thickly he walked over to over to the counter to pay for a room for the night. He dug briefly into the satchel, knowing his money bag had been in there before he'd stuffed everything else in it. Once the right amount was laid down he was given a key to his room. Thanking the man he turned and walked up the stairs that led to the rooms. Today would have been Harry's birthday, but that small comfort was no longer there for him. Slipping into his room he closed and locked the door, before turning to look at the room he had for the night. He'd never stayed here before, and it was all knew to him, but the set up was rather plane and gave an almost warm earthy feel with all the wood used in the room. Pealing his cloak off, he draped it over the back of one of the wood chairs in the room. The old worn wood looking worse for wear.
Sighing Harry let his new wings relax watching them in slight curiosity, until something caught his eye. He tugged his right wing around his body awkwardly. It didn't hurt but it was uncomfortable to say the least. His eyes narrowed slightly as he noted that the wings were in dead covered in feathers, but that wasn't what caught his attention. What had caught his attention was the fact that between every feather were black scales that held them tightly in place on the almost angelic wings. Even if one where to tug at the feathers they would literally have to try and rip the feathers out from between tightly pressed scale to get them out of the small wedges. They looked sharp to him, though he wasn't entirely sure if they were or not since running his own fingers over it didn't seem to bother his skin. Then again his skin still felt weird to him as though it itself was tight and hard as diamonds. Yet his skin still gave way under normal touch, maybe he was just over reacting to his senses now, either way Harry still felt odd. Releasing his winged appendage he grabbed for his tail. The almost serpentine quality, causing his curious eyes rake over it to the tip, where a spade like protrusion extended out from the narrow end. He didn't know what to think of this either, but it too was cover in the same obsidian colored scales that were pressing the feathers on his wings in place.
He then had another thought, 'If these new appendages are what I notice without looking in the mirror, what else is wrong with me?' Standing Harry hesitantly made his way over to the full sized mirror on the wall in one corner of the room. Taking the talking mirror charm off his eyes widened as he leaned forward to make sure what he was seeing was really there. His hair had grown out, causing the long strands to fall along his back between his wings, keeping the strands perfectly in place without causing discomfort. The strands curled lightly at the ends, framing his face, as his bangs hid the scare from view. But that wasn't what caught his attention, no it was the pointed ears fully peeking from his hair, and the intricate almost flame like tattoo that adorned the left side of his face, drawing attention to it and not his scar. Opening his mouth he found he also had sharp canines, which would extend a bit when his jaw flexed certain ways. He looked at the pale pallor to his skin that almost seemed to glow, yet didn't. Quickly stripping his shirt off he checked to make sure nothing else was different. His eyes widened as the same obsidian scales lined his shoulders and partially his upper arms. Spinning around he noted those same scales lined his spinal column and almost his entire upper back, making them appear almost in a perfect triangle shape as the tip extended in an upside down pyramid to the long column going down his spine. Blushing cherry red, he swiftly kicked his pants off and looked as the column stopped at the base of his spine. That was all he saw of the black scales. Turning back around, he inspected the rest of himself, noting the darkened fingernails that were also slightly pointed. He was also a bit taller than before as well, which he noticed didn't seem to lift his mood even the slightest.
He was in awe of his new form, but what caused it? Why now? Harry had many questions and not enough answers. At this point though his mind was bugging him, as though he'd over looked one minor detail. It took him a while to figure it out. Harry wasn't wearing any glasses, and on top of that his pupil had an odd slit to it. At each end of the slit was a small spade shape, which tightened as he scrutinized it silently. Silently he walked over to his bed and let his mind sink deep into his thoughts.
"What am I?" he whispered out to the empty room around him, as it grew dark signaling the night was approaching and fast.
Harry just sat there, not twitching a muscle as he leaned over his knees and let his head hang limply upon his shoulders. None of this made sense, and it scared him that something he didn't know was now presenting itself to him. His hands came up and laced into his bangs to grab at them harshly. He didn't know what to do anymore, everything had been so simple before. Live with the Dursley's abuse, go to Hogwarts, and defeat another version of the dark lord again… So why know was this happening? Harry felt frustrated as hot tears of despair rolled down his cheeks. The sound of his voice giving into his inner turmoil and pain cried out his sorrow as he lay down to curl up into a tight ball. His wings lying at an awkward angle behind him. Sleep found him eventually as the shadows of the room cradle him in its embrace. Though, even in his dreams he was still unable to escape the problems and stress he always seems to carry around. Jolting awake every few hours, only to slip back into blissful nightmares again.
When the sun came the next morning Harry was waking up as the first rays flitted into the room. His tired and puffy features seemingly showing the depression he was feeling. He laid there for a while longer before groggily pushing himself up. He glanced back at his wings deciding that it was probably best to head to Diagon Alley and stop by Flourish & Blotts for something that would help hide his wings, tail, and ears. Possibly even something on what he is, and the probability that he was either part serpent or dragon was highly probable. Slowly he moved to his satchel where he'd dropped all his clothes the other day. Since he went to bed in his boxers he didn't have to worry about slipping out of his pajamas. He pulled a clean robe, pants, and shirt out before pulling out another bag that was in the satchel and stuffing his dirty clothes into it. Once he was finished getting dressed he tended to his now long hair. Even after having slept unpleasantly his hair seemed to slip like fine silk between his fingers. The usually unruly strands still tried their attempt at doing so, but the shorter strands curling out and away from the rest of his hair at the tips, it almost gave it a layered look to it. He was grateful though that the strands hadn't knotted and wondered if it ever could get knotted. Shrugging it off he moved to grab his cloak after tying his satchel to his waist again.
Walking down the stairs to the main corridor and dining area, he handed the key back to Tom, the owner, and sat down at one of the tables to eat breakfast. He was in deep thought when a flash of red caught his attention. There at the counter talking to the owner was none other the Arthur Weasley and his Family. Alongside them was Hermione Granger, her frizzy hair as chaotic as it always was. She was holding Crookshanks in her arms stroking the thick fur of the feline in almost a self-comforting gesture. Hermione looked worried, and if Molly's and the rest of her family was anything to go by, so where they. Harry paled and looked at the table top before him as a bartender came over and asked him what he would like to eat.
"Just some soup and water," He said softly before getting a nod and the person walked away.
Harry's eyes glanced up from under his bangs to watch the family silently, before they wandered over to a table near him. Harry kept his face turned down, and his ears listening for anything words they had to say. He wondered just how much they all knew, but regardless of that he knew they would never get the full true story about all that had happened. For only he knew exactly what happened, and in his mind he thought what had happened was his entire fault. That he could never return and go back to the way things used to be. He was positive that what happened at the house, due to the fire, and been on the news. Tragic incidents where people died where always a hit new catcher for many of the muggles and judging by Hermione's face and the way she held Crookshanks spoke loudly.
"Dear please you must eat something," Arthur said to Molly softly.
"I can't… not while Harry's out there alone….scared…. even possibly hurt. Oh, Arthur there must be something we can do," Molly said softly.
"I know Molly, but there isn't much we can do. Dumbledore is doing all he can to find the boy. It was tragic what happened at that house," He sighed softly.
"What exactly happened? I know on the news here they said the house had caught fire and three bodies had been found, but they never said much else on the matter," Hermione asked Mr. Weasley silently.
"Well from what I've heard from Dumbledore is that it was all caused by magic. The Dursley's had been long dead before their house burned down, There was nothing left of anything there, and judging by the fact that Harry's owl wasn't there along with a few other personal items, we can only assume the boy escaped the disaster that occurred there," Mr. Weasley informed them. "He might have even been taken, but we can't be sure."
Harry wanted to speak out, and desperately wanted them to know he was okay. That he was fine and unharmed. To say he was sorry for worrying them, sorry that he had caused the house fire, sorry that he was the cause of the Dursley's deaths. Yet, fear held him back and that to them all he would be was a monster disguised as their friend. He bit his lip harshly piercing the skin as he did so to keep silent as the family lapsed into explanations that could have possibly happened. He barely noticed when the bartender came over and placed his bowl of soup and glass of water before him. He numbly at his meal, it was when he was half way finished with his meal that he felt eyes on him. Turning his head slightly he took note that Ron was looking at him intently a frown on his face. Harry just gave him a soft smile, which only caused the red head's frown to deepen. Sighing Harry found, himself no longer hungry, before placing a few coins down as a tip.
He could still feel the other eyes on his back as he made his way into the area where Diagon Alley connected to the Muggle world. Harry moved to the wall and tapped at the Bricks as Hagrid had once showed him before his first year in Hogwarts. The bricks stacked apart and Harry slipped into the Wizarding world. Unaware of the company he had currently following him.
{A Shadowed Life}
Ron watched the male who'd been silently sitting in his chair, possibly listening in on their discussion of Harry. He looked and acted suspicious to him. Cloaked In black and hiding in shadows like a spy would. Though the person kept their head down and their features hidden, something about the man's poster shouted at him to be cautious. Was this man a Death Eater? If so and Harry is on the run, then he was now in danger. As he looked at the man he turned his head slightly in his direction, and Ron was taken aback by the unearthly glow to them. Almost like the way Crookshanks eyes glowed at a certain angle, making it impossible for him to distinguish eye color. The male gave a smiled that he thought was a way to deceive him, that he was harmless and Ron though he clearly was not. When the other pushed aside his bowl and placed some coins down before getting up, he watched intently as the male vanished in the direction the gate way for Diagon Alley would be. Leaning over to Hermione he quickly coaxed her into helping him tail the man. Silently they followed at a distance, as the man entered into Diagon alley, before going straight for Flourish & Blotts. Staying outside the watched him through the windows to the shop. Tracking his movements as he went.
Hermione was getting annoyed with Ron's paranoia that only seemed to get worse when Harry wasn't around. Though, she had to agree the guy was strange and even though he didn't seem to want to draw attention he did so anyways. They watched as the man purchased a healthy amount of books, the honesty got Hermione giving the guy respect for his thirst for knowledge like he had. Before leaving after paying for the books the male opened the satchel beneath his robs and slipped the books inside. Letting Ron and Hermione both know that the bag had an expansion charm on it. He left the building and walked to a few more stores, buying food that also vanished into his satchel, as well as new clothes from Madam Malkin's and other odds and ends at other shops. At one point the man walked into Slug and Jiggers Apothecary for a wide variety of potions and ingredients. Hermione glanced over at Ron who had gone pale, possibly thinking that it was all for Harry or something.
They kept following him from there as the man walked into Gringott's to make a withdrawal. They stayed outside and waited for the man to reappear again. Once he did they walked silently behind him in the busy streets of Diagon Alley. The man slipped into the shop Magical Menagrerie, for a new pet. It was obvious that Ron thought the male would buy something deadly or even snake like. Which, judging by the way he moved to the cages in the back that at least part of that was true. Realizing almost too late that the man was walking to the door after purchasing his pet they dove down behind a stall unnoticed by the bustling crowed around them. The man paused outside the shop mumbling under his breath as he looked around. Hermione's eyes, as well as Ron's took in the man's slightly shadowed features. The man's bangs were long, and his features smooth and almost elven or angelic like. When his face turned more their direction to look back up the lane, not noticing them as they stayed hidden from view. They took in the tattoo that seemed to curve to his features like living flames, though what was more eye catching were his eyes. Strangely slitted eyes of vividly bright green color startled them both as they watched the man. Hermione's mind wandered at many questions that flitted through her frazzled mind, while Ron grew angry thinking that they couldn't possibly be the man's eye color. If it was a death eater then there was no doubt about it. With all the man had bought that day he was certain he knew something they did not. There was no doubt about it, and Ron decided then that they needed to corner the man and soon. Little did he know that Harry was the one he was looking at and he sure as hell knew more than either of the two could ever fathom.
They followed him once he started walking again and Ron turned to Hermione, "We have to corner him. I'm sure more now than ever that he knows where Harry is."
"Ron you can't be serious? How do, you even know that this person even knows where he is let alone if he's involved in what happened at his house," Hermione said in a hushed tone.
"I don't Hermione I just have a feeling okay. Besides can you overlook what he's gotten today? You can't honestly think that he isn't, right?" Ron pleaded with her.
Hermione looked over to the man as they walked at a distance behind him. She had to agree with him to a point. He did buy a lot of books and ingredients let alone a sloe of other things. The only question she didn't understand was who this possibly could be. He did look important a bit, but nothing in her mind could place who he could possibly be. Something wasn't right and usually she would follow her instincts, but if Harry was in trouble she would do anything to try and help the best she could.
"'Mione you know that has to mean something," He said softly his eyes hard yet pleading towards her.
"Alright Ron as long as it's for Harry I'll do it," She said whispered.
"Thanks 'Mione, I knew I could count on you," He smiled to her.
{A Shadowed Life}
Harry was having a good day so far, besides what he heard back at the Leaky Cauldron. He'd found some decent books he could read about what may or may not have happened to him. Plus some new spell books with spells that looked promising. May as well start up on reading since there was nothing better to do anymore. He was basically on the run and had nowhere to go, with a Dark Lord out for his blood, and the fact that the Order and the Auras were probably out to get him now to, he just couldn't take chances anymore. He'd gotten himself some new clothes to wear and some more food, other than what he already had, plus a new pet. Hedwig had gone missing during his black out, and he hoped his dear friend was okay. He hadn't seen her in her cage upon looking about his room when his safe haven had exploded, and she wasn't in her cage under the stairs. A shiver had raced down his spine at the thought that Vernon may have killed her to spite Harry for something he couldn't control and really he wouldn't put it past the man to do just that.
He tugged at his cloak to look at the young Tiger Snake nestled safely against his neck. The snake hadn't had a name when he'd gone in, and even asking the young creature had turned up nothing. He was happy the Tiger Snake wanted to come with him, and really he couldn't blame him. The place was horrible and smelled of something awful. Though, it wasn't the entire reason the creature had wanted to come with him. Harry was interesting to the snake, and powerful. Somehow, hearing that from the young snake made Harry think of Nagini, Voldemort's Viper. He'd wandered around before deciding on the snake, when nothing else seemed to call to him like the Jet Black, with lighter colors between the bands, Tiger Snake had. He named him Osiris and it seemed like a good name for him, considering he was a very venomous snake with very potent venom. He remembered what the shop owner had told him about the species. It was a snake that was indigenous to Australia, and was considered tolerant of colder climates. Osiris's species could also grow to be up to two point nine meters in length, which was approximately ten feet. Osiris's venom possessed potent neurotoxins, coagulants, haemolysins, and myotoxins, which Harry hoped would never come to be used. The snake seemed obedient and ready to follow orders from him. Its other distant cousins like the Chappell island tiger snake, were considered docile. He had no doubt in his mind if Osiris felt threatened he would dispatch his aggressor swiftly.
From what he could tell of the symptoms, the person would only feel localized pain, usually in the foot and neck regions. On top of that there would be tingling, numbness, and sweating followed by difficulty breathing and paralysis. To Harry the venom was a good sense of protection, and Osiris wouldn't bite him, or at least he hoped so. He was fairly confident that the snake couldn't disobey him, though he would have to look through the book on snakes he bought to find out if there were any spells he could use for obedience from the creature. For now however Osiris was content to nap around his neck, loving the warmth of Harry's body.
He slipped into another store, one that mostly did spells on bags and such for expansions or security measures and such. He reached into his satchel, for one of the odds and ends he'd picked up that day. Pulling out a messenger bag that had different compartments in it and asked the man to make expansions on each one and to place a security spell on one compartment in the bag that he could put a password for. The expansions would be completed with lightening spells so no matter how much he put in it and would feel light to him or anything else. As the man worked on his request Harry walked around the shop to look at trunks that where there as well. He didn't think he would need a new one, considering her would have his messenger bag to hold his things in for now, but he looked anyways as he waited. When he the shop owner was finished Harry thanked him and paid him the money he owed, before slipping out of the shop with his new bag slung over his shoulder. It rubbed irritatingly over his wings under his cloak. Hopefully he would find something he could use to make his wings vanish, in the books he bought, for now however, he ignored the irritating feeling.
He turned and headed for Knockturn Alley, to see if there were shops down there he could venture into, to take a look around in. However, this wasn't going to happen since something slammed into him and pressed him up against the bricks, forcing him to turn his head side ways to try and glance back at the one holding him there. Unfortunately for him his hood was in the way and was unable to see his assailant. The voice her heard next made him freeze and Harry's mind started to reel inn fear and panic.
"Let's move some place more private shall we?" the all too familiar voice said through his cloak to his ear.
He was yanked harshly backwards and forcefully shoved into an alley way, cut off from the more inhabited area. Harry swallowed thickly as he was roughly spun around and slammed into the wall. He forced himself not to wince at the painful feeling coming from his wings, force being slammed against the wall the way he'd been. What greeted his eyes was his best mate, Ronald Weasley. Hermione was only a step behind him as he stared at the two. Harry gritted his teeth at the hand pressing into his shoulder harshly, and prayed that Osiris kept silent and out of sight.
"Who are you and what, have you done with Harry? Are you a death eater? Do you work with? V-You-Know-Who?" The red head hissed through gritted teeth.
"I haven't done anything," As soon as those words left his mouth Ron pulled then pushed him hard into the wall again.
"Liar!" Ron growled out, "Then why were you listening in on our conversation earlier?"
"I was curious that is all," He hissed back at Ron.
"Yeah right and I'm to believe that?" Ron's eyes narrowed at him.
"I'll ask again, who are you and do you work for him?"
Harry knew who the 'him' entailed too so he answered that first, "No, I don't work for him. Are you happy now?"
Ron bared his teeth obviously he didn't believe him and wasn't at all happy. Hermione looked about to say something when Ron reached forward and ripped the hood to his cloak right of his head. It caught the edge of his pointed ears painfully. His reaction was instantaneous, he froze and his eyes went wide before shoving Ron away from him with force he didn't know he had. A shiver raced down his spine as he stayed pressed up against the wall, almost seeming to wish that he could fade into it. Ron and Hermione stared at him with wide surprised eyes as they took in the very obvious pointed ears that pointed out and away from his skull, like an elf's would.
"You're a, blimey elf?!" Ron choked out shocked at what he was seeing. To most of the wizarding world elves were no longer around and to see one wasn't ever going to happen.
"N-not quite," Harry said nervously.
"Then what the hell are you?" Ron asked.
"To be honest I'm not too sure myself," Harry muttered.
"Like hell you don't only an idiot wouldn't know what they are," Ron growled out.
Before Harry could fully think through what he was doing, he allowed his black wings to come out from behind him. The powerful appendages pushing his cloak behind him and the messenger bag down to his side. This also exposed his long tail that practically dragged the ground, if he hadn't wrapped it around his leg to keep people from stepping on it let alone being seen by anyone. Ron paled and Hermione looked intrigued yet fearful, but not as much as Ron.
"You're a d-d-d-d-demon!" He stuttered out pointing an accusing finger at Harry. "You're a, m-m-m-monster, and you p-probably killed Harry's family. You must be working with him, and you probably hurt H-harry too."
Those words hit Harry like a ton of bricks. Even if Ron didn't know it was him, it still hurt a lot to be called those things. They were the same verbal wounds that Vernon and the rest of the Dursley's had used when yelling at him. Harry visibly flinched at the words, and it gave Ron pause as his features twisted into confusion.
"I'm not a monster," Harry whispered as his face turned down and away.
Ron came back with full force once again, barreling on as though he was right in what he was saying, "Yeah right… I bet you're a murderer, a monster is a murderer and they are remorseless."
Harry kept his head down and away knowing that it was true in a way. He had killed, even if it wasn't his fault he felt as though it was. His mind slipped away from his current situation and thought about the scene he'd left behind at the house he could never call his home. He was unaware of someone approaching him, but Ron's voice rang out and snapped him out of his thoughts.
"'Mione don't, he's not worth it."
Harry glanced over at the bushy haired girl, who was now closer then she'd been a moment ago, having had jumped back when he'd shoved Ron to the opposite side of the Alley. She reached out and touched the side of his face, causing Harry to freeze as though he expected to be struck by that very same hand.
"Have you killed someone?" she asked softly.
Harry stared at her for a long time before he answered, "It wouldn't matter if I told you or not."
"Maybe, but something tells me you're not the kind of person who murderers people out of cold blood," She stated softly to him.
His eyes searched hers before he spoke again answering her prior question, "Yes." The words came out almost quietly chocked, yet still loud enough for Ron to hear.
Ron's face went as pale as a sheet, "Hermione step away from him. You heard it he killed someone."
Hermione didn't do as told and just stood there, her fingers still laying upon his cheek gently, "I believe you." She stated softly to him, and Harry looked at her with softened eyes.
"You're the only one who does," He said taking her hand and pulling it away as his eyes averted hers.
"Come with us, if Dumbledore knew what happened I'm sure he could help you," She said in a pleading voice, "You can make up for what you did, by trying another route. He can protect you and help you out."
Harry's eyes hardened and the slits narrowed, "No! Dumbledore can't help me, he already tried and even then he was manipulative enough to destroy me."
He shouldn't have said those words, and he was surprised enough that he was unaware he harbored anger towards the grandfatherly type man. He'd always thought the man had saved him from his horrible life with the Dursley's. So what changed his way of thinking? It was possible that a part of him knew all along the answer to his questions that he had starting with his first year at Hogwarts. His questions as to why the headmaster never saved him during the summer time, and kept forcing him back under the Dursley's roof under the guise that he was safer there. Dumbledore had only been using him, manipulating him into a weapon of war and crafting him to obey everything he said or suggested. Harry bit his lip harshly as his form started to take on small tremors as he stood there. He couldn't believe what his thoughts were telling him. How could he doubt Dumbledore, and better yet why would he?
"W-what do you mean?" Hermione said to him eyes wide at his verbal outburst, the harsh words taking her aback.
Ron had his wand out and trained on Harry in case he did anything to hurt Hermione. Harry just shook his head and let go of her hand, as his own shaking ones fell back to his sides. He didn't look at either of them, as his wings pulled close to him almost in a safe haven like cocoon.
"Answer her demon!" Ron yelled at him.
Harry's head snapped up and bared his teeth, "I'm not a demon so stop saying that!" Before anything else could be said Harry's magic lashed out in his anger, causing Hermione to fly back and into Ron.
With a powerful push of his wings he took to the sky, and quickly vanished from their sight, not even looking back to see if Hermione was alright from slamming into Ron by the push of his magic. He didn't hear the shouting of Ron's voice, didn't see the buildings as they raced away from him, and didn't see the eyes of a few wizards that had caught sight of him as he made his escape. He was running, and that's all he ever seemed to do when things got too tough for him or when he got to scared. What he didn't understand was how he could face off with Voldemort the way he did in each encounter with the man. Harry's eyes stung and his hands trembled balled up in tight fists at his side, as the wind rushed past him.
{A Shadowed Life}
Hermione stared wide eyed at the boy before her he was just that, a boy. She couldn't tell how old he was but he was young, possibly even around her age judging by his appearance. But there was pain in those eyes, pain that hadn't been there moments ago. Among that pain was confusion, hurt, betrayal, and a darkness that she couldn't put a name on. This person looked as though he was drowning, and there was no one there to pull him out. She didn't know what her mind was telling her, she didn't know why she even wanted to help this person, but it was a strong urge to do so. She never got the chance though because Ron's mouth ran off with him and insulted the very emotional boy. She was surprised by the force of magic that knocked her off her feet when it lashed out. It was powerful all on its own without the boy's help and he took advantage of the reprieve of a wand being pointed at him. She watched as he vanished over the roof tops and vaguely answered Ron when he asked if she was okay, before turning to yell at the boy who was no longer there.
She had felt sorry for him, and wondered what kind of life he lived to be filled with the darkness she had seen in his eyes. She lost herself in her own thoughts as she was pulled along by Ron's hand on hers. Her mind not taking notice of the stores she passed, the wizards and witches that looked at them when Ron shoved past them, or the warmth she felt on her skin when she was brought back to the Leaky Cauldron to his panicked family that thought something had happened to them. Molly chewed them out and Hermione had the decency to look sheepish when she'd been pulled out of her thoughts. In a flurry of words Ron started to tell them of what they had been doing when Mr. Weasley asked them too. The looks on their faces went from intrigued, to pale, to horror in a span of less than a few minutes. Hermione gave bits and pieces Ron had left out, possibly on purpose, and molly's face showed disappointment with him. In turn Ron glowered at Hermione, but otherwise said nothing.
"Well then, once we are done here we will have to tell the Headmaster. He'll hopefully have some insight on what to do from here," Molly said as she ushered their large group into Diagon Alley.
Fred and George went off on their own, as Molly and Arthur accompanied her and Ron around Diagon Alley for the new school year supplies they needed for Hogwarts. Hermione's mind kept wandering back to the scene from the alley way. She'd been surprised by the whole ordeal and at first she'd also thought that he was an elf, just like Ron had. When the boy showed the rest of himself however, she didn't know what to think about him. She'd been afraid that was for sure, but not as much as Ron seemed to have been. She was intrigued by him and couldn't place where his appearance seemed familiar to her. He was definitely neither elf nor demon, but then what was he? That question was going to bother her quiet a lot. When she got back to the Burrow she got back to Hogwarts she was going to do a bit of light reading to find out just why he seemed familiar to her. When the day ended and they were done with their shopping, they progressed back to the Burrow, where Arthur Weasley immediately fire-called Dumbledore.
He explained in short detail what he heard when Ron and Hermione had told them about their little adventure. It didn't take long for Dumbledore to tell him that he would come over to chat with them all face to face. Upon his arrival Molly ushered her family to the chairs around the table as Dumbledore asked Hermione what had happened. Obviously hoping to get more information from her rather than Ron.
"Hermione, please tell me what you and Mister Ronald Weasley got your selves into while out shopping today?" He asked her as he peered over his glasses at her.
Hermione nodded slightly, "Well you see sir, Ron, got my attention after we had all discussed what could have possibly happened at Harry's house. He told me he suspected the guy who'd left had been listening in on us and was suspicious looking. He also mentioned that he might have been a death eater…"
"If he was a death eater do you think he wouldn't be able to handle two children such as yourselves?" He asked and Hermione ducked her head and mumbled a small no, "Well then ate least you know it was a mistake, please tell me what else happened."
"Well we followed him from store to store and the more we followed the more we started to believe that he actually knew something, but I thought that than again he might just be a studious person and possibly a potions master. But Ron was insistent that it had to do with Harry, so we followed him some more to other various shops, as he picked up things ranging from food, to cloths, and then into a pet shop, Gringott's, and a shop that helped with expansions on items other than trunks. It was when he was heading to Knockturn Alley that Ron made the move on cornering him as we had planned after the pet shop. At first Ron spoke to the other person with his hood still drawn over his face. Ron asked him some questions before he got frustrated with him and pulled the hood off his head."
"What questions did he ask?" Dumbledore cut her off again.
"What his name was, what had he done with Harry was and if he had anything to do with You-Know-who."
"Did he answer them?"
"Yes and No."
"What do you mean?" He asked clear confusion on his face.
"Well he never answered if he knew where Harry was, and never told us his name, but he did say he wasn't a part of the death eaters."
"Which I still think he was lying," Ron said as he growled, "He was way to shifty not to be."
Dumbledore looked at him over his glasses, "Was he lying? How could you know that?"
Ron stammered in his hast to redeem his words, "I dun know he just gave off an odd vibe. I didn't trust him and he was suspicious."
Dumbledore didn't look impressed with his lame excuse, before turning away as Ron slumped in his seat with a pout. "Now Miss Granger, please tell me what else happened," He asked her politely, the fatherly twinkle in his eyes as he spoke.
"Well Ron accused him of being a liar when after slamming him into the wall he'd had him pressed up against and asked him why he was eavesdropping on the conversation. The other said that he was curious and Ron didn't believe the answer so, like I said earlier he pulled his hood off of him."
She paused hesitantly as though she wasn't sure she was supposed to tell. As though it was a secret she had to keep, but didn't know why, "Go on." Dumbledore said soothingly to her as he peered down at her.
"After Ron pulled his hood off we were surprised that he had pointed ears."
"Pointed ears?" He questioned his face showing surprise.
"Yes, they protruded from his hair and stuck out like those of an elf's, but when Ron stated what he thought, the boy just replied 'not quite' he asked him than what was he… The boy said he didn't know and Ron got mad at him and basically called him and idiot for not knowing what he was. It upset the boy and he shoved Ron away and before we knew what was going on his cloak was pushed aside and we discovered he had wings and a tail."
Dumbledore looked baffled by this now, "A demon... and you said he was a boy?"
"I don't believe he was, he even denied many times that he wasn't one when Ron accused him multiple times for being one. He didn't take kindly to monster either," She said putting a pointed look in Ron's direction which caused the boy to speak up again, "as for him being a boy I assume so, for he looked like one but I couldn't be too sure."
"He is a monster he even killed someone before," He yelled.
"Did he? Did he say he did?" Dumbledore asked Hermione which seemed to annoy Ron as though the headmaster didn't believe his words.
She hesitated again before speaking, "Yes he did… But you didn't see the look on his face. He looked lost, scared, hurt, and sad I don't think what ever happened was entirely his fault. That it had possibly been a mistake and was eating at him because of it."
The room fell silent as Dumbledore thought this over, "He could have been lying, Miss Granger, if he was a death eater or murderer then it is possible for him to fool you with fake emotions." Somehow Hermione wasn't sure about that explanation, but it still made sense to her so she didn't push it.
"I understand sir," She said softly as he nodded at her answer.
"Please go on."
"When I stepped in and asked him about if he'd killed someone and answered in kind to it, I told him that I believed him in hopes he wound confide in me. I then proceeded to ask him to come with us. That you could help him, that he didn't have to do what he did, and you could steer him away from his path. I guess it was the wrong question to ask, because his words became harsh."
"And what did he say?"
"Well his exact word where, 'No! Dumbledore can't help me, he already tried and even then he was manipulative enough to destroy me'…" A puzzled and confused look came upon his features again before smoothing out as Hermione continued. "I asked him what he meant and he was silent for a long time before Ron called him a demon again while demanding he answer my question. Needless to say it had the negative affect I explained before, and he lashed out verbally at Ron before his magic did. I got knocked back into Ron, causing him to drop his wand so he could escape and he did just that. He vanished before either of us could do anything."
"How did he escape?"
"He flew away sir," she mumbled softly.
Dumbledore hummed a bit at that as he sat back in his chair to think. Hermione looked over at him waiting to see what he had to say. When he spoke she wasn't so sure she was happy with the explanation or not. "I will have someone look into it and find out who he is by the descriptions you can give me, by the way what did he look like?"
"When his hair spilled from his cloak I could tell it was long by the few strands that escaped past his cloaks front. The few strands looked to be long enough to reach his hips, and his bangs covered his forehead and the tops of his eyes. On the left side of his face was a black tattoo that looked almost like living fire. His skin was pale white, and his nails were black I assume they are sharp judging by the looks of them. His wings where mostly jet black except for the tips which where a bright white in color. His tail was just as black and if it wasn't for the fact he was wearing blue jeans I probably wouldn't have noticed. On the tip of his tail was a spade shape, but it wasn't thin like a demons, it was a lot fuller and thicker like a snake's, or dragon's tail," she finished as she looked at him when he nodded.
"Very good… I will see what I can find," he said as he rose from the table, "Be sure to keep out of trouble again Mr. Weasley, Miss Granger. We don't want Harry coming back to know his friends may have gotten hurt."
Ron and Hermione nodded and looked as ashamed as they felt for the words. Knowing Harry would have been greatly upset if they had gotten hurt or even died. One thing was for sure, she didn't plan on getting into trouble again until Harry was with them once more. When Harry came back she planned on staying by his side as often as she could. Dumbledore left shortly after taking to Mister and Misses Weasley a bit longer. She wasn't sure what the future held for them all, but a foreboding feeling seemed to creep into her mind and she pushed it away thinking it nothing less than paranoia. She looked at the window realizing that the sun was already setting, and most of the sky was starting to turn black. She made her way to her and Ginny's room to sleep for the night.
{A Shadowed Life}
Harry had flown hard and fast, till the city behind him was long gone, and until his wings ached so much that he could no longer fly. He landed in the branches of a thick tree that was able to support him as he sat amongst its branches. He curled up into a fetal position on the branch, his eyes staring unseeingly ahead of him as his thoughts reeled in a chaotic mess. He hadn't meant for any of this to happen, and his good day had been darkened by the angry face of his best mate and the frightened look of his friend Hermione. He buried his head into his arms and forced himself to sleep, and sleep he did. He slipped into peaceful slumber for one, and his pet Osiris lay around his neck in a comforting weight as said snake snaked his way up the back of Harry's head to prop his head upon his own. He didn't stop to think about what would happen now that they knew about his new appearance. Of course they didn't know it was him, but now he was a threat. A threat Dumbledore didn't want to have in the way, he already had Voldemort in the way, but having another was not acceptable.
Next Chapter- The Seeker
Well here is the second chapter, I hope you all liked it. Please R&R I would greatly appreciate it.