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ReaperOfBalance: There is in this fic at least.

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Chapter 10 -

"Master Hydrus," Kreacher's voice pulled Hydrus out of his sleep, the young man blinked his eyes repeatedly before raising a hand and rubbing at his eyes.

"Come in," He called out sleepily, not bothering to get out of bed since he was far too comfortable. A second later the door to his room opened and in walked Kreacher.

"Good morning, Master Hydrus," Kreacher greeted him.

"Morning Kreacher," Hydrus yawned from under his bed covers.

"Mistress Bellatrix wishes for young Master to get ready and come downstairs." Kreacher informed him. "Kreacher also wanted to wish Master Hydrus a happy birthday,"

"Thank you," Hydrus smiled, remembering that today was indeed his birthday. Not that had mattered much in the Dursley household, his last birthday he had simply been allowed to go to his cupboard earlier than usual. Though, he couldn't help but feel like things would be different this year. He wondered if his birthday would be anything like Draco's birthday.

"Master is most kind to thank Kreacher," Kreacher said, bowing his head and treating Hydrus with the same sort of respect one would often reserve for the ruler of England. "Kreacher shall be leaving kind master to get ready." Kreacher added before turning and walking out of the room, closing it behind him.

"Hmm," Hydrus snuggled deeper into his bed for several long moments before he forced himself to get out and get ready.

Ten minutes later he was walking down into the kitchen where Bellatrix was waiting for him.

"There's my birthday boy!" She grinned widely before pulling him into a hug, not even three seconds later he was pushed into a seat at the table just before Kreacher levitated some food onto the table. "I made your favourite breakfast for you!" Bellatrix said in a proud voice.

"Thank you, but I...I thought Kreacher made the breakfast," Hydrus said in a questioning tone.

"I made him make it," Bellatrix told him without missing a beat. "Now, eat up, we have a big day planned for you."

"Really?" Hydrus asked in an excited tone. "Am I going to get a computer?" He asked with a grin.

"A what?" Bellatrix blinked.

"A computer," Hydrus repeated. "Dudley got one for his last birthday," He added.

"I'm going to get you something better than a computer," Bellatrix stated confidently, not wanting to admit that she didn't know what a computer was. "Anyway," She quickly spoke up when she saw Hydrus open his mouth. "Eat up quickly if you want to enjoy your birthday." She told him as she affectionately ran a hand through his hair. Hydrus's eyes widened before he quickly began consuming his food as fast as he could, something that didn't really go well since he ended up choking on his food in record time. "Hydrus, you're not supposed to eat like that." Bellatrix sighed as she waved her wand and Hydrus's food popped back out of his mouth and onto his plate.

"But you said I had to eat quickly," Hydrus protested.

"Not that quickly," Bellatrix replied, rolling her eyes.

"Oi Dumbledore, you old sod, you there or what?" A female voice asked impatiently.

Needless to say, the headmaster of Hogwarts was not used to being addressed like that. Dumbledore looked up from his desk and towards his fireplace where green flames had lit up and he was able to make out the shape of someone's head in the flames. He stood up and walked over to it, upon closer inspection he realised that the person that was floo calling him was none other than Bellatrix Black, AKA the current guardian of one Harry James Potter, the boy-who-lived.

"Mrs Lestrange?" Dumbledore spoke in a curious voice. "I most certainly was not expecting to have you call me today."

"My name is Bellatrix Black," She said through gritted teeth, Dumbledore was able to make out her glare even through the flames.

"Of course, I apologize," Dumbledore said, not sounding very apologetic. "How may I help you?"

"Hydrus's birthday is today," Bellatrix began.

"Hydrus?" Dumbledore asked.

"Don't pretend that you don't know," Bellatrix huffed, having no doubt that by now the old man had likely heard the rumour of her changing Harry's name to Hydrus.

"I might have heard some rumours but I do believe in confirming facts," Dumbledore replied. "And I would like to offer my sincere congratulations to young Mr Potter,"

"Black!" Bellatrix shrieked at him. "His name is Hydrus Black!"

"Forgive me, it was a slip of my..."

"It wasn't! And don't pretend otherwise!" Bellatrix snapped. "Are you going to listen to me or do you merely intend to enrage me further?!"

"What is it that you want, Miss Black?" Dumbledore asked calmly, smiling down at her.

"Hydrus's birthday is today and I want to get him a present, specifically I want to get him the Potter family cloak." She said and Dumbledore immediately stiffened. "I know that you have it, Dumbledore, the grubby little midgets at Gringotts told me that you do. I want that cloak, and I want it sent now."

"You wish for me to come and deliver it?" Dumbledore asked, his voice devoid of any tone.

"No," Bellatrix said instantly, not wanting the man in her house or anywhere closer to her son than necessary. "You will open up your fireplace and allow me to enter and then I will take the cloak and then we shall not interact ever again any more than strictly necessary."

"I'm afraid that I do not have the cloak with me at the moment," Dumbledore said, lying his ass off.

"Well, that's a shame," Bellatrix said, her eyes narrowing. "I wanted to give it to Hydrus for his birthday, but it appears I must settle on just giving him his other presents. However, I do want that cloak returned within a day, any longer and I go to the authorities."

"Miss Black," Dumbledore frowned. "Is that really necessary?" He asked. He truly did not want to give up the cloak, especially to such a dark witch.

"Very," Bellatrix said simply. "Give my son his property back, or else." She threatened before cutting the call and pulling her head out of the fireplace and removing her silencing charm just in time to hear Hydrus coming down the stairs, he walked into the room and she smiled at him. "Ready to go?" She asked.

"Yes, Mum," Hydrus nodded before noticing her kneeling in front of the fireplace. "Who were you talking to?" He asked curiously.

"An annoying old man."

"That was great!" Hydrus grinned as his trip to Diagon Alley came to an end.

He had enjoyed his day a lot so far, they had left around noon and headed to the bank to collect some more money before they went on their trip. First they had stopped at the book store where Bellatrix had gotten him a couple of new books on duelling and spells, then they had headed to get some delicious chocolate ice cream. Shortly after that they had gone to a clothes shop and Bellatrix had gotten him some lovely new clothes, something Hydrus couldn't help but appreciate. And since Kreacher could keep popping in and out to take their stuff for them, they didn't have to carry their shopping everywhere.

It was after that when things had nearly gone bad when a reporter had found out that the famous boy-who-lived had come to the alley, and had tried to get an interview. Bellatrix had threatened to hex him if he didn't go away, but the man had been persistent, it was at that point that Bellatrix had simply grabbed him by his jacket and pulled him in closer before whispering something into his ear. Hydrus wasn't sure what Bellatrix had said but it was probably something very scary since the man had turned quite pale before he rushed away, keeping his legs as closed as possible.

After a bit more shopping, Bellatrix had taken him to a store that sold broomsticks and she had gotten him his very own broom! It was a training one, but Hydrus was still pretty excited and couldn't wait to fly it. Though Bellatrix had told him that he had to wait till tomorrow to use it.

"I'm glad you enjoyed yourself," Bellatrix said in a pleased voice as they headed back towards the apparition point, "And luckily for you, we're not even done yet."

"Really?!" Hydrus gasped, sounding both delighted and excited.

"Yep, I've got some more surprises for you at home," Bellatrix grinned. "Now grab my hand." She told him, holding out her hand. Hydrus didn't hesitate and simply put his hand in Bellatrix's before she apparated them both away and they landed inside the entrance hall of their house. "Hey, you're getting used to that." Bellatrix noted.

"A bit," Hydrus agreed, still feeling uncomfortable but not like he was going to vomit.

"Now, come with me and close your eyes." Bellatrix said. "I've got one more surprise for you."

"Okay Mum," Hydrus smiled before obediently closing his eyes and allowing her to lead him to one of the houses many rooms.

"You can open your eyes now," Bellatrix said a few moments later.

Hydrus opened his eyes and froze at the sight in front of him, on the wall in front of him was a silver banner with the words 'HAPPY BIRTHDAY' written in green. In the corners there was also several multicoloured balloons. But what really caught his attention were the people in front of him. He saw his Aunt Andy and Aunt Narcissa, they had brought Mr Tonks along with their children.

"Happy birthday, Hydrus." Andromeda spoke up first.

"This is...all for me?" Hydrus blinked before staring questioningly at Bellatrix.

"All for you, my little prince," Bellatrix cooed before kissing him on his forehead.

"He looks like he's enjoying himself," Narcissa commented to her sisters as the three watched the kids sitting together in a corner of the room, they weren't quite sure what the trio were discussing but they looked fairly happy so they decided to butt out of it.

"Yes, I'm glad that they're getting along," Andromeda smiled.

"I think we should break up their little conversation," Ted spoke up, standing a respectable distance away from the three sisters.

"And why's that?" Bellatrix asked sharply.

"Because it looks like Nymphadora might end up punching Draco," He said casually before gesturing to Tonks who was looking quite annoyed with Draco, who had apparently done something to irritate her in the the few seconds that the sisters weren't looking.

"She will not!" Narcissa said quickly, looking ready to hex someone.

"Kids, how about we open Hydrus's presents now?" Andromeda quickly suggested.

"Presents?" Hydrus blurted out with a big grin.

"Yes, shall we start?" She asked.

"I shall go first," Narcissa sniffed before waving her wand and summoning two wrapped presents into the room. "Here you go, Hydrus." She said, levitating them down into Hydrus's lap.

"Thank you, Aunt Narcissa!" Hydrus smiled brightly before quickly trying to open his presents. He opened the first one and found a collection of wizarding chocolates and sweets, he placed them down before opening the second and discovering a black notebook and a fancy golden quill.

"The book is charmed to produce more pages when it runs out," Narcissa explained with a smirk. "You'll be able to write and draw in it for years and years before the enchantments wear out."

"That's so cool," Hydrus stared it with amazement.

"It is fairly cool," Narcissa agreed, looking pleased with herself.

"It's alright, I suppose," Andromeda said casually.

"Well, what have you got that is so much better?" Narcissa glared.

"Well, first of all, I've got him this," Andromeda said, pulling out a small wrapped present and handing it to Hydrus. He opened it and saw what looked to be a golden ball. "It's called a golden snitch," Andromeda explained. "It's part of a game called quidditch."

"I know about quidditch!" Draco said quickly. "I can teach him to play," He added, puffing out his chest.

"It's moving!" Hydrus gasped as a pair of small, thin wings grew out of the ball. The wings began flapping up and down so fast that they were barely visible, Hydrus let the ball go and soon it ended up flying all around the room, moving so fast that it was barely visible.

"In quidditch, there's a player called a seeker," Ted began explaining. "It's his job to catch the snitch."

"Hey, I'll tell him how to play!" Draco glared at Ted just before Hydrus's right arm snapped out and he caught the snitch.

"Got it!" Hydrus cheered.

"My son's already a talented quidditch player," Bellatrix laughed loudly.

"I got him a present as well!" Tonks said quickly.

"What?" Andromeda blinked. "You didn't tell us about it," She said before sharing a confused look with Ted.

"It can't be a surprise if other people know about it," Tonks huffed, as if her mother was being unbelievably ridiculous.

"What is it?" Hydrus asked, placing the snitch in the box that it had come in.

"This!" Tonks grinned before reaching into her pocket. "Ow!" She yelped, pulling her hand back out quickly before she scowled. "You can come out now!" She growled before reaching in and pulling out Hydrus's present.

"What is that?!" Hydrus's eyes went wide as he took a step forward to look at the thing in Tonks's hand. It was small, green, humanoid creature that looked to be made of twigs and bark. It had three differently sized legs, along with two arms that had different sized fingers. It had two small leaves growing out of the top of its head, and Hydrus was just about able to see the small eyes and mouth it had.

"Is that a bowtruckle?" Andromeda asked, unable to hide the surprise in her voice.

"Got him from Hogwarts," Tonks grinned. "Thought Hydrus would like him."

"And which teacher let you take it?" Ted asked.

"Well, none of them had stopped me from taking it," Tonks pointed out, choosing not to mention that she hadn't exactly told them.

"He looks amazing," Hydrus whispered as he walked closer. "Hello," He greeted the creature. "My name's Hydrus, can we be friends?" He asked hopefully, holding his hand out. The bowtruckle stared at him for several moments before walking across Tonks's hand and into his, causing Hydrus to to smile brighter than he had all day. "What's his name?" He asked Tonks.

"I call him 'Bowie'." Tonks shrugged.

"Hi Bowie," Hydrus smiled at the bowtruckle, he watched as 'Bowie' waved back at him.

"That's cute and all but I am not about to be showed up by your little pink monster," Bellatrix whispered to Andromeda before she walked forwards and put a hand on Hydrus's shoulder. "That's a lovely little present, maybe you'd like to have mine now."

"But...but you already got me the broom and the books." Hydrus pointed out, sounding somewhat confused.

"Hydrus, this is your first birthday with me, it's going to be your best," Bellatrix told him confidently. "Kreacher, bring Hydrus's present." A second later something appeared on a nearby table, covered in a black cloth while Kreacher stood next to it. "Reveal it." She ordered.

"As Mistress wishes," Kreacher nodded before pulling the cloth off to reveal a glass tank, inside the tank was a small wooden log, a little pond, some small plants and the most noticeable thing which was a young black snake.

"Did you bring him a snake?!" Andromeda and Narcissa blurted out.

"I thought he'd like it," Bellatrix said defensively.

"That's awesome!" Hydrus yelled before rushing closer to the tank.

"Told you," Bellatrix said, clearly Hydrus's approval was all she really needed.

"He looks awesome!" Hydrus breathed as he looked at the snake in the cage. He heard a small squeak and looked down to see Bowie was looking quite frightened. "Don't worry, I'll make sure he doesn't hurt you." Hydrus told him before looking at the snake. "Hi." He greeted the snake, he watched as it raised its hooded head.

"You speak?" The snake asked.

"My name is Hydrus," Hydrus told the snake. "What's your name?"

"I don't have a name," The snake replied.

"I can give you one if you want," Hydrus offered.

"I don't care either way," The snake hissed, sounding indifferent.

"Bellatrix! Did you really just get him a snake?!" Andromeda stared at Bellatrix with wide eyes.

"Yep," Bellatrix said proudly. "A 'King Cobra'."

"You mean to say that you got him a snake that's capable of growing up to eighteen feet long and has enough venom in it to kill an elephant?!" Narcissa exclaimed, somewhat surprised that she hadn't yet gotten used to her sister's craziness.

"I did," Bellatrix confirmed with a pleased smile.

"Mum," Hydrus spoke up. "Can I give him a name?" He asked hopefully.

"Of course," Bellatrix immediately nodded. "What name are you planning to give him? Onyx? Coal? Titan?"

"Rocky," Hydrus grinned.

"I cannot believe that you got your son a snake," Narcissa said, shaking her head.

"He can speak to them, of course I was going to get him one!" Bellatrix said in an exasperated voice.

"Mum, can I have a snake?" Tonks asked hopefully to her mother.

"Absolutely not," Andromeda said, speaking faster than anyone had ever heard her speak.

"Not even fair," Tonks muttered.