For Reader's of Return from Insanity
I know I said when I started this story that it wouldn't affect 'Return from Insanity' but this little nuisance had grabbed my attention and run away with it. That said, I'll try to be better about updating both stories in a timely fashion but to be honest I'll most likely write for the story I feel like writing and I hope this doesn't upset anyone. I know we're just getting into the 'meat and potatoes' in Insanity and I've certainly not lost interest in it. Just right now, this one comes out easier. So basically there will be no set schedule for chapters for either story. Not like I was following one anyway :P
There is a poll set up on my profile for which house Raevyn should end up in. Please vote and review!
Special thanks to Tom Riddle III for giving me all sorts of naughty ideas. :D
Disclaimer: All rights to the Harry Potter universe belong to Jk, not me. :(
Warnings: slash FWxHPxGW, OCCness, only loosely adheres to canon, some facts changed/ Fred and George are in their second year when Harry first goes to Hogwarts. Creature fic! And other stuff that might happen in M-rated fanfiction.
A soft sigh left Nikodemus' lips as he leaned back in the plush armchair he had conjured next to Raevyn's bedside. He had been sitting there half the night to watch over his little one in case there was indeed some negative reaction to the potion. Leila was standing watch too, or rather lying watch as she was on the bed nestled against her youngling.
So far the process seemed to be going as it should. His monitoring spell hadn't picked up any unusual fluctuations in the boys vitals beyond what was expected and Severus' additions to the potions seemed to be working as Raevyn gave no signs of feeling any pain or discomfort.
With a casual flick of his wrist Nik vanished the quill he had conjured before folding up the bit of parchment in his hand. He had decided a short while ago to take this opportunity to pen a letter to his dear aunt Eirene. She would be most displeased if he neglected to inform her of this new addition to the family. Hopefully she could break away from her excavation, some remote magical site in Peru he believed, to help a bit with Raevyn. Despite her aloof nature and desire to spend more time with old relics she was a very empathic person and would be helpful in dealing with any emotional trauma his little one might have from his time with the muggles. Such things would most definitely have a negative impact on his magical development if not dealt with.
Not to mention she always make those delicious chocolate chip cream cheese cookies whenever she returned from her travels…
Nik smiled pleasantly to himself before turning his attention to his little one. It seemed the most immediate changes were complete, no longer was the boy's outline shifting and shimmering. He cast a silent lumos, eager to examine Raevyn's new features, before leaning forward slightly in his chair.
Raevyn's body was much the same, though perhaps a bit thinner. It seemed more than likely his little one would inherit his own lithe frame, but that would only tell as the boy matured.
His eyes were then drawn to the boy's head and he ran a long, slender finger through ebony hair. It had tamed a bit, which pleased Leila as the messy nest on top of her youngling's head had irritated her to no end. It did gain a few curls however, especially around his face and the ears that were drooped in slumber. He absentmindedly let his fingers continue along until they came against the small, deceptively soft feathers at the nape of the boy's neck. He smirked as he remembered how they had caused his little one's hair to fluff up amusingly after he had been startled by the creeping vines in the conservatory. Even Severus hadn't been able to resist a chuckle at the sight.
He next let his gaze wander to examine Raevyn's face. It was now more distinctly heart-shaped, a trait from his mother Katrin, with a narrow jaw and wide cheekbones. His eye shape had changed, from Lily's almond shape to his close set ones. Raevyn's nose was still Lily's though, small and pert. With a slight frown Nik very gently peeled back one of his little one's eyelids to see if he had lost his emerald eyes. It would be a shame if he did. They were such a lovely shade.
With a smile Nik noted that the boy's eyes had changed, but in a most pleasant, though unexpected manner. The vibrant green color had not been replaced; instead his orbs had gained violet specks concentrated mainly around his slitted pupils. They look a bit like aunt Eirene's eyes, though hers are a bit darker and they have no slits. How fortuitous. It would establish Raevyn more firmly as his actual son as such characteristics were dreadfully hard to achieve through blood adoptions.
Noticing no more changes, Nik cast a spell that would alert him when Harry awoke before saying goodnight to Leila and heading off to get some rest.
A large black beetle skittered along the cobblestones unaware of the bright focused eyes that followed its every move. Thin shoulders tensed in anticipation, tail flicking in excitement when suddenly…
He pounced! But unfortunately the young boy missed his prey as the beetle spread its wings and flew off to hide in the foliage.
Raevyn sat up and pouted as Leila snickered from her lounging spot on one of the lower branches of the largest tree in the conservatory. With a huff he stood up and turned away from his mum to hide the blush dusting his cheeks.
It wasn't his fault! It seemed that along with some of Leila's physical traits he'd also inherited some of the instincts of his adopted feline mum. Over the past week he'd been completely humiliated by some of the things he was now doing without realizing. The worst was when he was caught purring as he lounged reading in a spot of sunlight by Nikodemus. The man had watched him with laughter in his eyes all day! At least Nikodemus hadn't been there this time to see him.
A week had passed since he had taken the adoption potion, though it seemed like much less. Time went by so much quicker when he was doing things that he enjoyed. When he wasn't always hungry and tired. A week at the Dursley's would have seemed like a month!
He had been happy with the changes that came from his adoption. It felt almost like the scrawny, sad little boy with no parents had never existed. He certainly hadn't recognized himself at first!
He had been very happy to discover he was an inch and a half taller. His eyes were pretty cool and his hair was a lot more manageable when his feathers weren't acting up.
He had had a bit of trouble for a few days after though. His body had felt so awkward! His father (and it still felt strange calling Nikodemus that but the odd wizard had insisted.) had told him that even though an inch and a half may not seem that much it would still take time for his body to regain the coordination it had before.
Raevyn made his way down the path back to the table that held his book. He was starting an introductory book on potions that his godfather had brought him yesterday. It was brilliant, filled with full colored moving pictures and descriptions of potions ingredients and the basic steps for brewing.
Severus Snape had come by twice since the adoption. The first time to check on him and visit a bit more and the second to start his lessons.
The wizard was strict and impatient but he seemed to be surprised at how quickly his new student caught on. Raevyn wasn't stupid, far from it. The only reason he had done poorly in his lessons in primary school was because the Dursley's had became very upset when their freak of a nephew outperformed their own perfect son. So Raevyn had learned that applying himself to his schoolwork wasn't worth the effort, or the pain.
A few days after the adoption Nikodemus had tested him on various subjects, including maths, grammar and spelling. When Raevyn had tried to play stupid out of habit the man had bopped him on the head with a rather heavy book and informed him that if he didn't use the intelligence the man knew he had, Raevyn would not like the consequences. He had no need or want for a stupid child.
The man had looked at him so coldly when he had said this that Raevyn had promptly and with great fervor applied himself to answering Nikodemus' questions to the best of his ability. He had no wish to anger the man that even his godfather, so stern and imposing, seemed afraid of.
Raevyn was just starting the third chapter of his book when Nikodemus popped out of nowhere, causing him to jump out of his seat and his tail and feathers to puff up. Once Raevyn saw who it was he scowled but was inwardly thankful when the man made no comment, although his eyes were filled with mirth.
"Little one," he began after a moment. "We're heading out to Diagon Alley to do some shopping. Head on up to your room and put on the robes Linny has laid out for you."
"Yes sir. But what about…" and he gestured at his ears and tail.
"Not to worry. I'll place a temporary glamour to hide them today, though I'm in the middle of making a more reliable option."
"A glamour will change my appearance right? Like what you suggested Severus should use to attract 'a nice filly with enough curves and bendiness to make the hassle all worthwhile.'?" Harry asked. "By the way, why would Severus need a filly? And why would it make him less sour? Can they be used as potion ingredients?"
Nik's eyes widened before a grin formed on his face. "Not quite. And yes a glamour will temporarily change your appearance, but only your appearance, not your actual shape and size. Therefore if you touched your head, you would still feel your ears but you wouldn't see them. And it would probably be best if you didn't mention to Severus that you overheard that little conversation. Though his reaction I'm sure would be quite priceless."
"I'm sorry I eavesdropped. I didn't really mean too. I had a question but you seemed busy so…" Raevyn said nervously, afraid he was in trouble now.
"You aren't in trouble little one. If I had a conversation you were definitely not supposed to hear I would take the appropriate precautions. Eaves-dropping can be an invaluable tool. Just remember that not all the knowledge you gain this way will leave you happier for the learning."
Raevyn nodded. He understood what Nikodemus meant. How many times had he heard his neighbors talking about him when they didn't think he was listening? It had been hard to hear the lies his relatives had spread about him.
Raevyn, Leila said to interrupt her youngling's sudden morose mood. To answer your questions a filly is another name for a human female. As for why it would make him less sour…
"It will make sense when you're older little one." Nikodemus interjected with some amusement as he watched Raevyn's face scrunch up in confusion. "Now hurry along. I've made a fitting appointment at Twilfit and Tatting at one and I'd like for us to have enough time stop for some lunch before then."
Raevyn nodded again and hurried off leaving his very strange parents behind.
I will be following. Leila said matter-of-factly as she leaped down from her tree branch.
"Of course." Nik said smiling at the shadows the large cat had disappeared into.
An hour later found the pair at the Leaky Cauldron. Raevyn's glamour wasn't very elaborate, merely concealing his ears, tail, and slitted eyes. His lightning bolt scar had been fully healed with a simple spell the day after the adoption so there was no worry about him being connected to the Potter's or the boy-who-lived.
They had taken the floo, which Raevyn decidedly did not like. He had stumbled out a complete mess and had sneezed for almost three minutes afterwards. It had caused a dreadful fuss. Tom the barkeep had given him a glass of water and patted him on the back sympathetically as the patrons eyed him either with pity or irritation.
After his episode subsided Nikodemus placed a firm hand on his shoulder and led him to a brick wall.
"Little one." he said quiet enough that only Raevyn's sensitive ears could pick it up. "I apologize for not taking into account you new sense of smell. We'll try to avoid floo in the future."
Raevyn could only nod, not accustomed to having people make concessions for him.
Nikodemus then took out his wand and tapped a few different bricks causing the wall the shift open revealing a bright and bustling street lined with shops.
"Woah." Raevyn said as he gazed around the alley with bright green and violet eyes. He had never seen so many different kinds of people and places! Strange men and women hustled about in even stranger clothing. Shops and street vendors of all shapes and sizes sold everything from cauldrons to animals and more. He felt a bit over whelmed. All the foreign scents and sounds clamored for his attention and the onslaught of the crowds left him feeling nervous and out of place.
He was therefore most relieved when he noticed his mother's glinting black eyes watching them from the shadow of one of the stalls lining the street. And as his father led him down the alley he noted that while it was a bit strange for him, it was really a wonderful feeling to know that someone cared and was looking after him.
"Mother do you think we can go to Quality Quidditch after we're done with the rest of our business?" Draco Malfoy asked as they walked past the shop's window display of the newest model broom.
"I suppose so." His mother Narcissa replied. "But only if you've completed the assignments your tutor gave you before he left for his holiday."
"I finished yesterday evening mother. Father helped me with the last bit."
"Wonderful Draco." She said as she smiled down at him. "Since you've been so well-behaved lately and now that you have more free time perhaps we'll see about getting you a training broom. I was about your age when I first started flying."
Draco's eyes lit with joy. "Really?"
She gave a soft smile in response. "Really."
Struggling a bit to maintain the Malfoy demeanor his parents had instilled, Draco happily walked by his mother's side. A broom! His own broom. Sure it was just a training broom, but it was better than having to fly with his mother or father and he couldn't wait.
Well actually he could. He was a Malfoy after all and Malfoy's don't giggle and prance around their mother's feet in excitement. At least not in public.
He was contemplating how to convince his mother to show him how to do that steep dive that turns into a roll when he was distracted by an unusual pair walking towards them. He mother was gazing at the jewelers display and didn't notice.
They walked quickly and the younger one, who appeared to be Draco's own age or so, seemed to cling to the tall man beside him. He was very slim and pale, dressed in simple robes and trousers. The boy also had slightly curly black hair and the most striking emerald and violet eyes Draco had ever seen.
Turning his attention to the older man Draco noticed he had the same color hair, though with a lot more curl to it and he guessed the two must be related. Perhaps father and son? He was dressed very fashionably, if a little bit on the eccentric side, with modern cut robes and a slanted top hat. He also had deep violet eyes that seemed to light with excitement as they fell upon his mother.
Draco clutched his mother's hand tightly. Not liking the attention this strange man was paying to her. His action caught her notice and after looking at her son in confusion she followed his gaze until they fell upon the oncoming pair. Narcissa's grew a bright smile, rubbed her thumb against her son's small hand in comfort, and walked briskly over to meet them, pulling her son along.
"Cissa!" the tall man cried in a cultured voice. "How delightful to see you. It's been far too long. You are looking as lovely as ever." And he bent over to place a kiss on her soft, white hand. The boy behind him moving until he was slightly hidden behind his tall companion.
"I agree Nikodemus. We haven't seen each other since that little get together in Barcelona. And don't think petty compliments will excuse you." She chastised mildly although with a wry small on her lips. "You are far too much of a recluse."
The man, Nikodemus, grinned sheepishly. "You know me Cissa. I rarely venture from my little projects."
"Yes I do know. So it is surprising to see you out and about in the alley. What are you up too?"
Nikodemus winked at her. "So suspicious. But the middle of a crowded alley is no place to hold a respectable conversation. Why don't you join my son Raevyn and me for lunch? Unless you have previous engagements? I must admit there is something I wanted to ask you."
"Raevyn?" Narcissa queried and then she finally caught sight of the small boy hiding a bit behind Nik. Her eyes widened fractionally.
"Raevyn say hello to my lovely cousin lady Narcissa Malfoy."
"Hello Lady Malfoy. It's nice to meet you." Raevyn greeted softly.
"It's nice to meet you as well Raevyn." Narcissa said a bit dumbly before returning her attention to Nikodemus. "Lunch is a wonderful idea. It will provide you plenty of time to explain things." She then looked down at her son. "Nik, Raevyn, this is my son Draco. Draco dear, this is Nikodemus Velius. You don't mind joining him for lunch do you? I'm sure Raevyn would love the company."
"Hello Mr. Velius, Raevyn. And no mother, I don't mind." Draco said, considerably more relaxed now that he knew Nikodemus didn't mean to harm his mother. The boy, Raevyn looked interesting too and Draco sent a small smile in his direction which was hesitantly returned.
"Excellent." Nikodemus exclaimed giving the pale blonde haired boy a slight nod. "I know a lovely little place towards the end of the alley."
"Do you mean Delicia's? They have the most wonderful strawberry savarin."
"Yes. There really is no better place for a fine meal and a little privacy. Although I would have to say my favorite would have to be their Apricot-Almond Clafouti."
"That is heavenly."
As the adults continued their discussion of the merits of various desserts Draco sidled over to walk by Raevyn. Taking in Raevyn's appearance in more detail he also noticed that he seemed to be very shy. The dark-haired boy watched him from the corner of his eyes but never looking at Draco directly. Raevyn seemed almost wary (his father had taught him that word!) of him and Draco found himself frowning. He wasn't used to seeing someone his age acting this way. Of course his father often had people acting nervously around him but why would Raevyn feel that way around him?
He was a very nice boy. His parents told him so all the time. Normally the other children were rushing to be his friends and he'd always gotten along brilliantly with them. Well, there were a few occasions. Like that one time where Pansy had thought it would be a good idea to use his model dragons as baby dolls. Dressing them in frilly things even putting her mother's make-up on one. He'd thrown a bit of a tantrum then, turning her skin orange with what his mother had explained was accidental magic. But he had never done anything to make someone afraid of him!
Well! This just wouldn't do. They were second cousins, family for Merlin's sake! So Draco put on his most pleasant expression, the one he used to impress the guests his father often brought home, and turned to Raevyn and said.
"Hello. Isn't coming to Diagon Alley the best?"
Raevyn nibbled his lip before smiling. "Uh-huh. It's my first time and everything seems awfully brilliant."
Draco's eyes widened. "Your first time? Then we'll have to make sure we get to visit all the best shops. My favorite is Quality Quidditch. My mother even said we were going there today and I might even get a training broom! So maybe you could come with us."
Raevyn nodded, seeming to relax a bit. "I'd like that but…What's Quidditch?"
After spluttering in a completely unMalfoy-like way Draco spent the remainder of their short journey to the café telling his cousin about Quidditch while the adults watched amused out of the corners of their eyes.
Delicia's was a cozy little blue and white cottage nestled between larger buildings on either side. In the front there was a small patio area with wrought iron bistro tables and chairs filled with customers.
The group of four entered the front door and they were greeted immediately by a pleasant young witch with a strawberry blonde bob and doe-like hazel eyes.
Nikodemus requested an out of the way table and the hostess led them to an isolated corner in front of a window which to Raevyn's surprise overlooked a rocky beach with high cliffs. Before he could ask, the hostess who had introduced herself as Felicity noticed his bemusement and explained. "There are special charms on the glass to give the customers a better view than that of a concrete wall. Each window is different. This one is of the Glamorgan Coast in Wales."
Raevyn gave her a smile and nodded his appreciation before he took the seat next to his father's. They were sitting across from the Malfoy's, both of which were admiring the view as well.
They were each given menus before Felicity took their drink orders and left. As soon as she was gone Narcissa wasted no time waving her wand to cast a privacy spell before she asked.
"My dearest cousin. When were you going to inform me you had a child?"
"I assure you Cissa, I was going to inform you very soon. I was merely waiting for things to settle down a bit. You see, Raevyn is not my birth son. I have very recently blood adopted him using the Sanguis Ascio potion."
"Really? And what prompted you to do so? Not that Raevyn isn't a lovely child I'm sure." She said casting a warm smile in Raevyn's direction.
"We both gained something from the deal and no, I don't believe I'll go into the specifics. Let's just say he has and will contribute a great deal to my research and that Raevyn is far better off in my care than in the care of the muggles he was left with."
"Muggles?" Narcissa gasped and Draco glanced at him with shocked eyes. "He was born to wizards yes? Then why was he living with muggles? And who is he really if I may ask?"
"You may ask but I believe I will leave it to you to figure out. I'm sure finding out the truth will not be so difficult for such a brilliant mind as yours."
Narcissa narrowed her eyes and pouted, causing Nik to grin and Raevyn to snicker. Draco was still watching the other boy with shock and a little bit of horror in his eyes.
"You lived with muggles?" He whispered a bit horrified.
Raevyn bit his lip and nodded.
"How was it? One of my friends Theo says they sleep in giant moldy socks. Is that true?"
Raevyn scrunched up his nose. "No. My relatives slept in beds."
"Oh." Draco said sounding a little disappointed before perking up. "So what were they like?"
"Umm, normal I guess. They didn't like me much though."
"Little one." Nikodemus said as the adults had been listening in on their conversation. "The way those muggles behaved was anything but normal. Don't forget that."
Raevyn merely nodded and went back to studying his menu, leaving Draco a little confused and Narcissa concerned.
"So he was…" and the look in her eyes showed what she wanted to say.
"Yes." Nikodemus said simply and the table went quiet as the group picked out their meals.
Answers to questions –Possible Spoilers!
Socdel asked: i was just wondering if i could perhaps use the whole lily wanted to make wizarding children's toys
I appreciate you asking, you really didn't need to. Go ahead and use it if you want. The only thing I'm possessive ofare my OC's like Nikodemus.
equestrianngirl asked if I would like a beta.
Thank you very much for your offer and I really appreciate that you like my story enough that you want it to be as good as it can be but I think I'll keep beta-ing my own stuff for now. If I ever do decide to use a beta, you can be sure I'll contact you. For now anyone can feel free to point out any mistakes or suggestions by messaging me or in a review and I'll fix it if I think it needs to be.
RogueNya asked: I gather that the twins are going to be like his Mates?
I wasn't planning on it. My idea was just to have them fall in love But it could change. We'll see.
Katie the Insane Giggler asked: Will he still be in Gryff. and/or friends w/ R+H?
I'm pretty sure he won't be in Gryffindor but nothing is certain yet. I'm trying to decide between Slytherin and Ravenclaw. I think I'll set up a poll on my profile, or try to anyway. As for Ron and Hermione, maybe but I've tentatively decided on his close circle of friends and they aren't in it. Like everything at this stage though, it could change.
Alaison asked: are you going to have Tom be a bad guy?
He will definitely still be an evil dark lord but I'm not thinking he and Raevyn will be enemies.
BIG SPOILERS!
Zana20:…Where to start? You certainly got me thinking
Wizard magic and Elemental/wild magic are completely different things.
Okay so here's the gist of it. A wizard's magical core is tied to the soul, which either has its own magic or not. But the capacity for a human body to be able to house a core is passed down genetically. So Squibs have a body capable of having a core but their soul doesn't carry the magic to create one. Also you can have muggles with magical souls without the ability to form a core because their body can't house one.
Muggleborns either have a genetic anomaly giving them the ability to house a core or they have some wizard blood back in their family trees.
For some reason people with wizard blood are more likely to be born with a soul that can create a core.
Elemental or 'Wild Magic' is tied to the physical body/DNA. Making a magical creature's body their magical core of sorts. Nik needed to fuse Leila's core, which was really just a super-condensed form of her magic, to Raevyn's own core so that it wouldn't reject the foreign type of magic. The DNA he fused with Raevyn's allows his body to generate his own wild magic, use it and also to ground the wild magic so it wouldn't become unstable and corrupt Raevyn's core.
Blood traits like parseltongue and metamorphagi are different. They are a domesticated form of wild magic inherited through DNA. This was thrown into the wizarding gene pool when wizards and magical creatures like Veela, Naga, Elves, and dwarfs decided to intermix. This is also where muggle psychics and such come from.
Raevyn inherited a weak strain of metamorphagi from the Blacks (This will all be explained in one of the next few chapters) which left his body naturally more malleable so when Voldemort was destroyed that night not only his horcrux was left in Raevyn, but a few of his left over bits, tweaking his DNA and giving him the ability to do parselmagic among other things. This peculiar trait of Raevyn's is also part of the reason the experiment was actually successful.
Does that make any sense at all? I know it makes my head hurt a little. :P If you have any suggestions or problems with this explanation please let me know. There is some wiggle room to change it.
As for muggles and magical creatures inter-breeding I'd say it's a possibility but very unlikely as magical creature would be more drawn to someone with magic than without. But I don't know. I'll be going into a lot of theory in this story because of Nikodemus we'll clear that point up further down the line.
So male pregnancy. Most likely not in the usual sense but I do want the twins and Harry to have children so I have an idea knocking around in my head.
And if Raevyn was ever to have a paternity test done only Nikodemus would show as the father since the potion supersedes completely the other parents. Sorry if I didn't make this clear when I introduced the potion. Leila might show up though. It's a pretty fool proof potion but that doesn't mean people like Dumbledore won't find out.
And the goblins can find out Raevyn's true identity. Who they share that with is up to them though.
I think I caught all of your questions but if I didn't let me know.
END OF BIG SPOILERS
A big thanks to everyone who gave me suggestions about Raevyn's wand. Most people seem to be leaning towards a custom one and I think I've come up with one I'm happy with. Your ideas about cores were very helpful.