Hello lovely Readers
Here is the next installment of A shadowed Life everyone.
Stardust of Orion: Thanks, yeah I liked the idea of them helping him instead of being against him. It is also a lot more fun to have them together rather than against each other. I can come up with all sorts of scenarios' that could cause some amusing events into play. Anyways I hope you enjoy this chapter as well. -chuckles- as for the resurrection, I thought it was amusing to do it that way. I got a kick out of creating the scene.
tdjs: Your welcome :3 -laughs- Yeah at first I wasn't so sure if I wanted a collar or not, but it just seemed to fit. In another story someone had used a fidelity ring on him and the mark, but I wanted something a bit different for Harry. It think it worked out in just the right way -chuckles- Yeah I also think Lucius would have strong ties to want to keep his family alive and well. I'm leaning more towards Harry being a literal family member in a sense, just without the families last name. Mostly to keep a name sake he feels safest with, like his godfathers family name. Also thanks, I try to leave as little to the imagination as possible, to keep people guessing :D
That's it for now folks. I look forward to things you have to say about it. Enjoy!
Things in the story you might want to know.
"Talking/ spells"
'Thinking/ sound affects/ Memories'
-Parseltongue-
.:Spells:.
Chapter Seven- Mischief Managed
It had been two months since he last had word from his pup. He was well hidden away from Aurors and anyone who would have him turned in. He had heard very little from Dumbledore on the whereabouts of his godson, and he was getting anxious with each passing day. He wanted to be out there searching for him, but was unable too. Instead he was stuck in one of the Black estate homes, one that he had given to Lupin for his furry little problem. The man was just as anxious has he was to find their pup. Sirius watched the clouds outside as the day grew dark with the threat of rain. His mood just as gloomy as his eyes trailed over the horizon. Something hadn't been right, since the first day the Dursleys' house had burned down and Sirius wanted nothing more than to find out what.
"Sirius, worrying about the situation isn't going to fix it," Moody said softly from behind him.
"I know Moony, I just can't help it. Harry is out there somewhere and Dumbledore hasn't said much of anything about him in two months," Sirius said as he glanced over his shoulder to the man.
Green eyes stared back at sorrowful grey ones, "I know Siri', but what can we do? If Dumbledore is unable to find him then I don't think even we can."
Sirius sighed, "But what if we could? We aren't like Dumbledore Moony, we could track Harry in a way that Dumbledore couldn't."
"How so?"
"You forget so easily Moony you are not normal, you have senses heightened beyond that of the norm. In my dog form I do as well, we could track him that way," Sirius turned to him with pleading eyes.
"You can't be serious…"
"Oh but I am Sirius," the man smirked in small humor, joking about his name sake, "Moony I know how dangerous that could be for you. I just can't sit here and hope that he turns up, I have to be moving and searching. If something happened to him I wouldn't be able to forgive myself. I already lost James and Lilly, I don't want to lose him too."
Remus sighed and pulled Sirius into a warm hug, "Okay you win. We'll search for him, I won't stop you and if you're going I'm going with you."
"Thanks Remy, I knew I could count on you to understand," Sirius said looking at the man.
"Of course, anyways let's get moving the next full moon is in a couple of weeks. Hopefully by then we would have made some progress.
Sirius nodded and they gathered a few things to take with them, before leaving the small cottage in the middle of nowhere to start their search for their little pup. They appeared before the house on Private Drive, or what remained of the once upon a time home Harry had been living in over the summer breaks. Sirius looked upon the charred remains with a critical eye before something caught his eye in what he assumed had been the back yard at one point. A white feathered owl sat in the tree staring at them with wide amber eyes at them. Hedwig was alive and well, seemingly having only been there for a few moments now looking rather daze and confused. She hooted at the two before Sirius approached her, lifting up his arm for her to perch herself on.
"Hedwig, you can't find Harry either can you girl?" She only hooted at him in a confirmation sort of way before nipping at his fingers lightly. "I know girl we'll find him I promise," He said as he stroked the top of her head.
She gave him a look that he thought was an approving one, before he sent her on her way to his and Remus's place. He watched her go before Sirius looked to Remus, who was already sifting through the burned remains of the house, trying to pick up a scent that was Harry's. It was quite difficult considering the tail would be two months old, let alone still covered by the burned smell of flesh and wood. It was thick in the air still even after two months. Fire always left a distinct scent that seemed to permeate the air. Remus seemed about to give up and move to the yard when a strange scent caught his nose. At first he had passed it of as the fire burned remains of the house, but that was quiet unlikely, since this burnt smell had a sweeter scent to it.
Remus blinked a few times and motioned Sirius over to where he was standing. Sirius looked at him curiously before the man spoke, "I need you to scent this area and tell you what you smell."
Sirius had already cast a notice me not spell on them before they'd gotten there, so it was safe for him to change into his animagus. His body changed to that of a dog, leaving behind his clothes as he sniffed out the area. Upon finishing up sniffing at the area, Sirius seemed to become just as puzzled as Remus had, and without much warning Sirius started to follow said trail to the back of the housing area. Remus scooped up Sirius's clothes figuring the man wasn't going to stop following the trail. It trailed across the back yard and through other people's back yards before diverting to the road side. Whatever the cent was it was still strong and had that same flame smell, but it wasn't the smoky scent normal fires had. This scent was warm and thriving, with a sweet scent of spring in it mixed with the scent of Lilies' that Remus and Sirius associated with Harry's scent. They didn't know where the tail would lead them, but they were bound and determined to follow it none the less.
{A Shadowed Life}
The oft gentle feeling of fingers brushing against his bangs slowly roused him from his slumber. His body felt heavy with sleepy, as he slowly came too. Vivid green eyes peeked from between pull lashes, as the color was lightly dulled with the haze of sleep. His senses seemed a bit muffled to him, and his thought foggy with the signed of sleep. Most times it never took him this long to be fully awake and alert, why was he not so now? It was at this point memories of the other day started to flit behind his eyes. His fogged mind quickly cleared, and his sleep dulled eyes brightened as his whole body seem to jerk to life. His eyes snapped wide open as he looked up at the one who had been languidly stroking his hair.
Crimson blood colored eyes stared into his Avada Kedavra green orbs. A smirk was on the man's lips as though he found the situation quite amusing. Here Harry was, sleeping soundly in the dark lord's lap. Voldemort had at some point carried him to some room in the manor and had layed him down on the bed, only to place a couple of pillows in his lap for Harry to lay comfortably on as said man watched him sleep. He blinked a few times before he decided to speak to the dark lord.
"I'm starting to think you have a fetish in watching others sleep," he said hoarsely, his voice still heavy with sleep.
Voldemort chuckled, "I'm afraid not, for it is only with you that I do as such."
"Yay me," He grimaced, but didn't try to move away from the man.
It felt soothing to be where he was, almost as though he had no care in the world and he felt undoubtedly safe. Voldemort didn't seem to mind either, though Harry wasn't all that sure as to why the man was even treating him the way he was, but it felt pleasant none the less. Harry felt those fingers combing through his hair slowly, yet languidly as he layed there, and it felt as though those fingers would send him back into the sweet embrace of sleep once more. Though it seemed as though Voldemort had other plans and the silence that had settled between them get broken once more.
"You haven't figured out what you are, have you?" Harry's eyes snapped back open after having fallen closed at one point during their silence.
"No, I couldn't find anything that described what I am," Harry stated with a puzzled look on his face.
Voldemort seemed to think for only a brief moment before he flicked his wrist and summoned the same book he'd read the first day he'd been informed of the boy's appearance. He flipped to the page he needed and shoved the book into Harry's hands, once he'd sat up. Harry was about to start reading, until Voldemort pulled him onto his lap, on top of the pillows and wrapping his arms languidly around his form before resting his chin on his shoulder. All of this made Harry blush a bright crimson color, and he knew he couldn't hide it from the other has he'd wanted too. He heard the soft chuckle before he lifted his head pressed Harry back against him so he could start reading. The man's right hand coming up to stroke long fingers through silky locks of hair.
Voldemort ordered him to read, and Harry expressed his annoyance at the man's demanding tone. Once Harry started to relax did he really start to read the words on the pages before him. He was silent for a long time as he read over descriptions of the race he was related to, as his mind started ticking off other things the passages also mentioned about his physical capabilities, possible character traits he would inherit, as well as some impossible probabilities. Harry couldn't believe what he was reading, and from a few things Voldemort had said during his time reading these things that this book was possibly the only remaining book of its kind. When Voldemort had found it, it was practically falling apart, and he'd taken great care in restoring it to its former glory.
He firmly believed in knowledge being the key to power as much as being strongly magical. Mental strength was something most people lacked, and having such knowledge made a person powerful. Harry had simply rolled his eyes at that notion, and he knew for a fact there was a lot you could learn that wasn't found in books. Books could only give you so much, before your given a situation you know nothing about. Once Harry was finished with the passages before him, he sat and thought about them and Voldemort stayed quiet to allow him to think them over.
"So this book says that I'm a descendant of a dragon race of some kind, but since they have no recordings of successful magic bonding then I have no clue as to which dragon it could have been?" Harry stated softly, "It kind of reminds me of human stories of Drakes, though I used to think that such things were impossible."
"Nothing is ever impossible Harry as long as there is magic out there that can make it possible," Voldemort said to him.
"So this passage," Harry said as he ran his fingers over the page, "Is this passage here possible then?"
"Do you mean the passage about you being able to conceive a child of your own?" Harry blushed and nodded his head, "Then yes, Harry, it is possible."
"Is that why you want me on your side then?"
Voldemort thought on that, "At first it had been the reason, because it would ensure you were bound to me. Your kind mates for life Harry… and me taking you in such a way would have made you mine."
Harry felt saddened by these words, of course the dark lord didn't think of him as anything else other than an object. He should have known better, but he couldn't help but hope that the man just wanted him out of another reason. Other than the fact the Harry was powerful now, and that he was able to bare his child. It was at that moment that the meaning of the collar sunk into his mind and his thoughts ran away with it. Depression set in even more as he thought of its implications. The collar was a way of claiming him he was a pet, a possible whore to the man, or even a slave to said man. Harry was locked so tight in his depressing thoughts that he didn't notice the hand that was now lifting his jaw, effectively snapping him out of said thoughts.
"If you are thinking that I only wanted you to be my whore then stop that thought right where it is. I admit you are a powerful creature in your own right, I admit that I had thought about using this gift of yours to ensure you stay by my side, but do not think of you as a whore or a slave. A pet maybe, because I am fond of you, and thanks to my ability to see through Nagini's eyes I was able to watch you as you lived with the Malfoys' before I ever knew you were The-Boy-Who-Lived. I may be a cold hearted bastard at times, but I do know when to be remorseful. Especially to my enemy who has suffered so much more than even he himself is willing to admit." Voldemort trailed a finger over the metal band as he spoke, causing Harry's Adams apple to bob lightly as he swallowed thickly, "Harry… I am quiet fond of you now, and I have grown quite attached to the timid boy I have seen in the eyes of another for the past two months. You are a precious gem worth seeking out and knowing."
Harry's eyes stared up at him, a fine blush running across his feathers as he looked away, "Why?"
"Harry, no one needs a reason as to why they do or say things all the time. I pursue you because I want too because, I am unsure of the sensations you stir within this cold dark heart of mine. I even believe that, that fool of a man probably even has you thinking I am incapable of feeling emotions. I can assure you that I can in fact feel emotions they are just infinitely harder for me to understand. As it is possibly for you as well," He said stroking the side of his face.
Harry felt deflated at that, "Yeah, you may be right about that."
Harry didn't know what love was, and neither did Voldemort and both, knew of affection. They knew of hate, hunger, loneliness, sorrow, darkness, and pain. Love, was one thing neither knew of and had only found variations that was not love. Harry closed the book and put it aside before shifting in Voldemort's lap, making him sit side ways to where he could bury his face into the older man's chest. He could feel the man's cooler body temperature, then again to Harry everything felt cooler. Being part dragon, made him even warmer than what he was used to so getting cold didn't happen often for him anymore. Harry closed his eyes and just let the man continue to hold him and stroke his fingers through hair that slipped like a water fall between his long fingers. The slightly curled ends of the strands, lapped at his fingers as the slipped across them.
"Harry… My little dragon… My young Orion Black, it is about time that you return to the Malfoys'," He said softly to him, "I would like you to start going back to Hogwarts as well."
Panic laced Harry's whole being, "But-"
Voldemort placed his fingers under Harry's chin, "You will be going back there, just not as Harry Potter or Orion Black. It is why I made this as well," He tapped at the collar. "Remember what I told you about the glamours? They are to be full body glamours that will hide who you are from anyone. No one but you and I can remove your collar, and only those trusted with the secret will be keyed into your collar to who you truly are. Narcissa and Lucius because, they will be your family now from here on out, and if things go right with Draco this winter then I suspect that you will also have him keyed in as well. Now… you will be studying for the few months you have missed school. I have told Lucius that he is to find you proper instructors, and I don't care if you have passed your owls already." He smirked when the protest that was on Harry's tongue died out, "Lucius will also come up with a proper story to your life for the glamour you choose to be your Hogwarts glamour. You will memorize it so as to not mix up the stories you already have out there for your Orion Black name. Your name for your Hogwarts glamour must not be something others can identify. Think wisely on this name, it was luck that made your Orion Black name to be so well cemented as it was."
Harry sighed, "You make it sound like I can't handle myself."
Voldemort chuckled, "I am just stating facts Harry."
"Bastard," He mumbled softly.
Voldemort chuckled in amusement, "For now my thoughts on the war are to lie low until I can gather my forces once more. It will not do for Dumbledore knowing that I am truly back."
"Well… If Snape is one of your death eaters then I should suggest keeping him out of anything until you wish to reveal yourself."
"Severus? Why should I?"
"I dun know, he's just so shifty. I wouldn't put it past him to let it slip to Dumbledore that your back. He's a greasy little git that thrives off making me miserable during school, just because I look like my dad," Harry said to him, which Voldemort hummed in thought over.
"I will keep him out of it then, if you feel certain about his loyalties having been easily swayed," He said to him. "We will have to find some way to see if his loyalties have changed. I will see what I can find to get such information from him. In the mean time I will make preparations, now go Harry Narcissa is probably worried and anxious to see how you are doing."
Harry sighed and nodded before slipping from the man's lap. He waited for the man to stand and they walked to the fire place where Harry knew he would be using the floo. He didn't like the floo system because he always seemed to have troubles with the stupid things. Heck he even messed up on his first time using one, having slid across the floor because he'd miss pronounced his destination. He hoped he wouldn't have an issue with that again. It was during these weary thoughts that Voldemort did something unexpected, as he placed a gentle kiss upon to top of his head.
"See you later, Harry."
Harry turned slightly and looked up at said man with wide green eyes. The slits no longer distinguishable as he stared up at him, his cheeks warmed to a nice light colored blush. He ducked his head after a moment, his bangs hiding his face as he backed up towards the fireplace and absentmindedly grabbed some floo powder before murmuring good bye to him. Then with a louder voice he called out the Malfoy Manor before throwing the powder down, and vanishing in a wild flame of green smoke.
Upon his arrival at the manor he was instantly set upon by a worried Narcissa who was ordering him to take of his shirt and show her his hands, to make sure the knife he'd carved runes into his skin with, hadn't left any scars. It was during this that she said he was lucky that the dark lord had been kind enough to think ahead of time, for the wounds to heal without scaring once his part of the ritual had been completed. His thoughts wandered back to that particular day, when he'd done that and realized he'd been so distracted by other thoughts that he'd completely forgotten to ask the man what the other items in the runes had been for. Sighing he let it go and decided he would ask some other time, but right now he was getting lectured about healing and being so careless.
He had to admit though, that he liked that fact that someone cared enough to lecture him like this. It was very heart warming, not to mention both Narcissa and Lucius had been ready to throw away their loyalty to the dark lord just for him. He sheepishly smiled at Narcissa as she huffed and enveloped him in another comforting hug, before telling him that she was glad he was okay. Lucius walked in not shortly after all this had taken place. Lucius told him that he'd teach him the basics he'd missed so far for the classes that the school had open for his year, but would have a teacher in dueling when he wasn't at school. This person would likely be around during the holidays as well as during the summer to teach him dueling. Harry had to admit he wasn't good at dueling, but he was a bit decent if his battle against Draco had been anything to go by during the chamber of secrets incident.
This brought along the thoughts about Draco he'd been avoiding for quite some time. He didn't know how this would go or if he would succeed in making the boy understand his reasons, but he knew he just had to try. Even if it meant he would only cause his old enemy to stay as an enemy. He looked to Narcissa when she snapped him out of his thoughts about her son. She told him she would teach him about healing. Even though he probably didn't need it because of his healing affinity, but it was still good to know when you had comrades that needed to be healed too, if they were ever hurt. Thus started his lessons and they predicted that before the month ended he would be able to go back to Hogwarts.
{A Shadowed Life}
Sirius just didn't understand it at all, he'd followed the trail all the way to the busy streets of London, to the Leaky Cauldron, where the scent led up to a room and then back down stairs. The scent should have faded over time, unless the scent belonged to that of a creature. Creature scents lasted much longer than a wizards or witches scent, because it was a duller scent out of many. No this one was strong and led them all the way from Harry's burned to the ground safe house, to the Leaky Cauldron, and straight into Dagon Alley. They had spent most of the day trying to get past people and not to draw suspicion to Sirius himself as. Remus seemed a bit on edge, remembering back on something that had been said upon the day Harry had disappeared. Sirius kept following the trail with Lupin hot on his tail, as eventually his trail led him to Knockturn Alley. He sniffed the area and picked up faint traces of Ron and Hermione. Remus had frozen, because he too had smelled it.
Remus was shaking his head as he remembered the words Dumbledore had relayed to them about a young male that Harry's friends had run into not even two months ago, on the exact day after Harry, had gone missing. Mumbling something along the lines of 'It's not possible' before, telling Sirius they needed to follow the trail somehow. Though, following a trail that was air born was going to be a hard feat considering the wind could carry the scent over miles of land now that to many days had gone by. When they were unable to follow the scent through the sky they looked for a trace in Knockturn Alley that may have come later. They didn't have to search long, for a trail was found that lead to a place called Reece Creaks, which they soon found out sold wands.
This bit of information told them that the scent they followed either lost their wand or was trying to hide, and bought a new wand that would not easily identify them. This frustrated Lupin because wand makers were touchy about wand information, and would not tell anyone unless they were Aurors or ministry personnel. Giving up the task of prying information from the man alone in the shop they left and followed the trail to Borgin's shop. They didn't dare go in, mostly because the place was creepy and they didn't want to deal with Borgin in the least. By the time the found the end of the trail they realized with dawning horror that several other scents had been detected along the way. One in particular was more worrisome then the other three. For it was the scent of Lucius Malfoy, and the scent they'd followed had also left with the man.
Sirius looked to Remus who looked as pale as a sheet, their pup could already be dead somewhere. It was that or… to Remus's dawning horror… the one that had been accused of murder, was none other than, Harry Potter, himself. Remus didn't know what was going on, but he wanted to find out so their pup could be safe again once more. The two hurried back to the Leaky Cauldron and Remus bought them a room for the night. Once inside Sirius shifted back into his human form, pulling clothes out of the bag once Remus had set it down.
"This can't be happening Sirius," Remus said to him, "Either another unknown creature got a hold of Harry or Harry himself is no a creature."
"I know Remy," Sirius said to the frustrated were-wolf.
Remus turned to him, "The scent of the one who we were following has to be living with the Malfoys' or is staying there. If it is Harry than he has probably fallen into their hands and we need to help him."
"How do you suggest we do that Moony? He's in the enemy's home. Merlin knows what happens behind those walls."
"I know…"
"We need some form of plan."
"Should we tell Dumbledore?"
"And risk him blowing our chances in seeing Harry again? No… he doesn't need to know."
"But Siri'-"
"No… I lost him once and I will not lose him again. Moony I don't think I trust Dumbledore anymore," Sirius admitted, "This whole thing has been feeling off to me. For once I have been asking myself if I'm even on the right side anymore. Dumbledore has been keeping things from us and now that Harry is involved I just have this bad feeling that something bad is going to happen and I won't be able to protect Harry when that time comes."
"Siri'… Okay we won't tell him, but we will come up with a plan together to save him," He smirked, "We can do it the Marauders way okay?"
Sirius laughed heavily at that, "You got that right Remy, and we have to go and find the youngest Marauder and bring him back to safety."
{A Shadowed Life}
Draco sat in the common room waiting for the day to be over, when Crabbe came in with a letter in hand. He handed it to Draco and said male took it. His eyes flitting over the hand writing seeing that it was his father's. He read over the letter a few times before smirking slightly at the words.
Draco,
You will be seeing a new face at Hogwarts soon, I expect you to look after him he will be your new brother. He is older than you, but will be entering into your year with the rest of the others in your year as well. It is of importance that you watch over him and keep him safe, for that plans that involve him are of great importance. He also has been told to answer any questions you have truthfully, but he can withhold information if he thinks it to personal. The headmaster has been told he was an orphan until recently and had been going through homeschooling for the past three years. He was also informed that there are some touchy subjects that the boy may be extremely emotional about and has been warned not to push him too far. I hope to hear from you soon, when you get to meet him.
Good luck my son,
Lucius Malfoy
Draco set the letter down in his lap, as he wondered if this new person. This new 'brother' of his was possibly Orion in disguise. As far as he could tell the man was a genius and if their lord was indeed back, then he was having no doubts that the dark lord would want someone powerful enough on the inside of Hogwarts to aid him when the time came. Crabbe looked at him with a questioning look.
"It seems that we'll be having a new student at Hogwarts soon," Draco said to the others in the room.
Pansy and Blaise had bee, over in the corner talking to each other when he'd spoken their heads snapping up to look at him at the same time Theodore, Goyle, and Bulstrode did.
"Who?" Pansy asked.
"Father said that only that it was a new student. He didn't tell me his name or anything on what he looked like, but I have a feeling on who it could be," Draco said to them.
"Who do you think it is?" Theo asked.
"I think it may be Orion," Pansy gasped at those words.
"Orion? Isn't he the bloke your parents speak about often?" Goyle asked.
"Yes Goyle the very same one."
"Why would he come here? Didn't your dad say he passed his owls?" Crabbe asked next.
"Yes, but if he is part of a plan for our cause then his reasons for coming here are to be kept secret is that clear?" He heard a bunch of yeses' pass around the room, "Good, father says he will be attending under the guise as my brother, though he is older than me he will be entering into our year. Judging by what he's said about Orion in the past, I suspect he will be placed in Slytherin. You will treat him with the respect he deserves. The man has practically carved a name for himself with his bare hands. If our lord has returned then there is no doubt that he has taken him into our fold and might be of the few he will considered privileged in his group, and has possibly become one of the inner circle already."
They all nodded, having already started hearing whispers of the man's name and his accomplishments. Draco couldn't wait to see just what his parents had been seeing when they were around the young man. He knew the man would be interesting, maybe he could liven this pathetic and boring school up a bit.
Days went by show of the one his father had told him about, he was wondering if the month was going to be other by the time that this guy showed the heck up. It was on the beginning of the third week that he finally did show up. The robes he wore were the brilliant green of the Slytherin house. His hair color had been changed to a silver blond color, long strands braided into a need braid, possibly done by his mother. Draco always remembered the way she had gushed in her letters over the boy's hair. Draco felt sorry for him because, he knew mom had always wanted to have a girl, but could never have one after Draco was born.
As Draco let his eyes trail over the other, he realized the others face was angular and sharp. Not showing any of the Black traits, the glamour that was in place obviously covered anything that could identify him for who he was. His eyes were a pale blue color, almost making them look white in color. His height had been shortened to make him fit into the height range of the year he was to be in. He remembered his mother had said that he was rather tale, even so it seemed that the other male tried to make himself a bit on the tall side, obviously a residual effect to not wanting to be short again which, meant that at some point, Orion, had been a very short person growing up.
Draco sneered as he watched the old man lead him into the great hall. Orion on his part stayed out of touching range. That alone was peculiar, because most people didn't mind being touched. While Orion seemed to avoid being touched, even it was just the headmaster. Most would just put up with it, but Orion didn't seem to want too. Once up front Dumbledore raised his hands up and the hall quieted.
"We have a new student with us, and I would like to introduce him to you all. He has been home schooled and his adoptive family has asked that he come to our school to finish his curriculum of learning. His name is Evan Spring and he has been adopted into the Malfoy family, but had insisted that he keep the name his parents had given him. I expect you all to give him a warm welcome and make him feel at home," Dumbledore looked to 'Evan' with a grandfatherly smile, and he gave a smile in return, before looking back at the others. "Now there is caution to be had. Evan here has had a traumatic past and it has come to my attention that you all keep personal questions to a healthy level."
He went to touch Evan's shoulder, but he jerked away from the touch before it even landed on him. The boy mumbled a sorry, but did not look up at the headmaster who only smiled gently in a comforting way. Draco couldn't help but marvel at the boy's talent at acting. He seemed to convincing in his act that not anyone could dispute it if they didn't have an inkling as to who he was. Evan bowed slightly in respect and turned to head over to the Slytherin table, where Draco waved him over. Evan didn't hesitate and sat down next to him, the other Slytherins instantly launching into questions. They were silly things that normal dorm mates would ask, like favorite Quidditch team or what he liked doing in his spare time.
{A Shadowed Life}
Harry was starting to feel as nervous as a jack rabbit as he followed the headmaster to the great hall. Everyone would be having breakfast there that morning and he could practically feel his nerves fraying away as they walked. Of course he was staying convincing to the roll Lucius had put for him, which wasn't all that far away from the truth. He was already as jumpy as it was. Being introduced to the whole school the way Dumbledore had done, was definitely not something he had planned on. He kept his eyes down most of the time but glanced over at Draco's table every now and again as well as the Gryffindor table and to the Ravenclaw table where Luna Lovegood sat with a dreamy smile on her face. He looked over to the headmaster when he noticed the man smiling at him and being a reaction he usually gave people when they smiled at him he ended up smiling back. He'd felt a light nudge on his mind and pried his eyes away. He had gotten good at Legilimens and Occlumency, after finding out that not only Dumbledore was a Legilimens, but also Snape as well.
The old man wouldn't get past the shields he's created, yes the collar kept certain things from being found out, but there were other things he wished to keep private as well. Learning these mind spells was enough to help him protect just that. When he was able to go to the Slytherin table he flinched away from the contact that Dumbledore seemed determined on getting from him. Harry wasn't going to allow it. He would be fine around other children, but when it came to adults he wouldn't allow the contact. The only ones who touched him or were allowed to where people he trusted or knew well enough that it wouldn't bother him. Dumbledore was a mystery, behind facades and thus did not trust him. When he sat down with the other Slytherins Harry just smiled politely and answered what he could, laughing at some jokes here and there before things settled down.
Draco spoke up, "So how are, mother and father doing?"
"They're doing fine mom's been setting up for the upcoming parties this years. Christmas is going to be spectacular this year," He grinned.
"Yeah, mum always makes a rather amazing party for Christmas every year," Draco said to him.
"I'm sure she does, I must admit though, this will be the first Christmas party I have ever been too."
"You've never been to a Christmas party before Evan?" Pansy asked.
"No I haven't. Christmas in the past I had always spent alone. Matter of fact any part was something I never was privy to in the past," He admitted with a shrug.
"Well then you'll absolutely love the on mother makes Evan," Draco said with a smirk on his features.
Harry saw people watching them out of the corner of his eye. His head slid up and over to those staring at him. His eyes narrowing and his features turned into a slight frown. Ronald Weasley was giving him the most powerful glare he'd seen on the boy. He was slightly hurt that, that stare was turned on him. What had he done know that would cause that? He didn't look like his creature form anymore, let alone Orion Black. So what the heck was his problem?
"Don't mind him Evan," Pansy said to him, "Him and his little gang have been picking fights with anyone who is in Slytherin. Ever since Potter vanished it's like the kid has to try and be like him. I swear even Potter wasn't as annoying as this kid is. I don't even see what he saw in the boy, I mean every year the boy practically turned on him. Like he was jealous or something, now that he's gone and he has his chance to be in the spotlight, he whines about stupid things and point's fingers everywhere he turns."
Harry's face deepened hardened a bit. If that was how Ron was going to be then he didn't need him. He wasn't going to give Weasley any signs that he was Harry, since he seemed to assume just like everyone else that all Slytherins were evil. His eyes went over to Hermione who was frowning at Ron for his rude staring. When she noticed Harry was staring she gave him a soft smile and he smiled back. Ginny who was next to her ignored him, but the twins seemed to share a mischievous smirk with each other. He wasn't so sure he like those smirks in the least, but he smirked back at them anyways and that brightened their smirks even more, before the laughed to each other. Harry continued his gaze down the line to Neville was tentatively looking over at their table slightly interested in the newest addition to their school, before giving a soft smile and looking away again. Harry mentally sighed before he looked to Blaise who'd started talking.
"Wonder what Potter would say if he saw Weasley, acting that way."
"I'd think he would say he was acting like a blood ponce if you ask me," Harry hissed out causing those closest to him to laugh. Blinking a few times he realized that yes those words just flew from his mouth like his filter had been shut off. 'I seem to be doing that a lot as of late,' He'd read that dragons were prideful creatures, and often spoke what was on their mind, whether through actions or words itself, either way they got their point across in the end. Oh hell this year was going to only get more interesting if new issues like this kept popping up. He would have to be extremely careful from here on out. He really didn't want to have issues with people because his ability to think before he acted had literally disconnected from his rational thoughts. Harry finished up eating along with the others and they went to their first classes, which surprisingly enough had at least one or two of the Slytherins currently with him taking the same classes with him, except for one. His first class was runes though, and it was the one he was to be taking on his own.
Harry wandered to the class room and sat in a desk towards the back of the classroom. No one else was there yet, so he waited patiently. He pulled a book out of his bag and started to read the script within. He was deep in his thoughts on the subject the book presented when a chair next to him moved. Looking up from his book he was Luna sitting down next to him, followed by Hermione who was sneaking glances at him. 'Heck why not…' He thought to himself as he put on a smile.
"Hi I'm Evan Spring," He said reaching his hand out to Luna who shook it as well as Hermione to follow suite afterwards.
"I'm Hermione Granger, and this is Luna Lovegood."
"It is very nice to meet you both."
"So is this your first time in runes?"
"In a runes classroom yes, being taught runes no," he said truthfully, "I was taught most of what I know about runes from Mr. Black."
"Black?"
"Oh Orion Black… He just moved here from Japan about a month or so ago. I don't remember which, but anyways he's like a prodigy or something. He's also planning on becoming a ward maker, which I think is exciting you know?"
"Really?" Hermione seemed to perk tight up at the information.
"Yeah, he's a really amazing person, and a good teacher too, because he explains things so well that they are easy to understand."
"I wish I could meet him, he sounds like a pretty amazing guys."
"I don't know if he would agree with you there. He's not the kind of person who thinks of himself as anything more than average," Which was true, since Harry never ever held himself in high regards.
"Really? People like him should feel accomplished for such a feat at least."
"I heard he had a rough past or something. His mother died at his birth, and his father passed away before he was eleven when they lived in Japan. He was placed in an orphanage for a long time with muggles who abused him," That got Hermione gasping.
"That can't be right…"
Luna cut in before Harry could say anything, "The Nargles are right nasty creatures aren't they Even?"
"Yes they are Luna, but not all are so."
"Indeed Evan, probably because, the Wrackspurts are keeping them preoccupied."
"What?" Hermione asked looking at them both confused. Luna only gave a dreamy smile and Harry laughed.
"She was just stating the truth Hermione, Orion's been through a lot. If you do meet him say hi okay, he likes having a friendly face to speak to every once in a while," Harry said before turning to the teacher as the class started up, effectively cutting off anymore conversation in the class room.
The rest of the class went rather smoothly and Harry found himself enjoying this year. Yes there were a few stares, nothing he couldn't handle. These stares were nothing like the ones he'd gotten when he was The-Boy-Who-Lived. Besides just that most of Harry's day had gone quiet okay… that was until Ron cornered him a Draco in the hall. Pansy and the others weren't going to be done this hall at this time, so they were pretty much on their own. He had Neville and some other kid Harry didn't know, but it looked like his face had been used as a football at one point.
"Hey faggot," Harry quirked a brow at this and looked around before pointing at himself, "Yes you, you stupid ponce."
"if anyone is a ponce here is you little weasel," Harry said, once again his filter shut off. His face was slack from and friendly emotions. He'd tried really he had, but it seemed the red head was just one of those people who you would never be able to please.
"What did you say?"
"You heard me. Besides only an idiot such as yourself would spout words from their mouth when they don't know the meaning behind them."
"I know exactly what I meant."
"Oh really? Then I am sure you were calling me a cigarette then."
"What no! I was calling you a faggot."
"Okay it seems a literacy lesson is needed here. Faggot was intended to be a word for cigarette. Homophobic people with the intelligence of a mushroom turned it into slang for gay people or homosexuals. So I am sticking with the original wording for it."
Ron's face was slack, his mouth hung open and Harry wondered what would happen if he just picked something up and threw it in his mouth just to see if he would notice. It took a few moments before his jaw snapped shut and he ground his teeth in anger. He got up in Harry's face, and Draco stepped up to defend him, but Ron turned to him and told him to sod off.
"Damn it you knew what I meant, Spring" Ron roughly grabbed the front of his robs, and Harry's eyes flashed dangerously.
"Maybe I did, but you lack of intelligence obviously called for a well needed lesson."
"Why you…" Ron hauled off a punch to Harry's face, making it snap to the side.
Harry blinked wide eyed for a moment, at first the emotion in his eyes was pure fear. Almost as though the boy's mind had been taken out on memory lane, however, those emotions started to die away as it slowly turned hostile. His dragon side did not like being challenged, not by a lowly human at least. When those eyes looked at Ron, from the corner of his eyes he noted that Ron was becoming weary of him as time drew on. Harry had taken the punch, and with his head still turned to the side was staring at him with hostile narrowed eyes. Suddenly there was a yelp as Ron let go of him, and Harry straightened out his stance to look at Ron. A bruise was already starting to form when Harry waved a hand over his face, and said a minor healing spell, to which the bruise vanished quickly.
"Be lucky that little shock was all you got Ronald! Next time you won't be so lucky," He growled out.
He didn't look at any of the group that was there as he walked past them, Draco hot on his heals as they walked away from the trio. Draco was quiet for a long time before he spoke, "Not sure that was a good Idea Evan."
"With Weasley, nothing is ever a good idea."
"Can't argue with that and I think your reaction was what puzzled him into silence."
"What do you mean?"
"Your eyes got all distant and fearful, like you were remembering something and then all of the sudden you were cold… well not really it was more like a blazing inferno of rage."
"It seems I don't react well to violence I guess," He was obviously wanting the boy to drop it and he did, but he knew it wouldn't last for long.
Harry knew this year was going to be a long one, and that next time Ron will come back with even more aggression. Harry wasn't looking forward to it he was having enough issues has it was. He lifted his hand to the metallic collar, that couldn't be disguised while in any of his glamours. It didn't bother him everyone could see it, instead of it being annoying or hindering he found it quite comforting in a way. Draco eyes it but said nothing, as the continued their trek. Oh yes… things her at Hogwarts would cause Harry to either lost his mind, or cause him more trouble then it was worth.
Next Chapter- Winter Soul
Well everyone that is it for this chapter. Looking forward to your R&R's. See you all soon!