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.
Your reviews are wonderful! Thank you.
"So Cissa," Nikodemus asked as the two boys were in the dressing room of Twilfit and Tatting's. "How do you feel about being a godmother?" The two adults were sitting on a plush settee, or rather Narcissa was sitting. Nikodemus was leaning rather precariously on the arm.
After their lunch at Delicia's, which had gone quite smoothly after the rather gloomy discussion of Raevyn's past, Nikodemus had suggested that Narcissa and Draco join them for their shopping trip. Both had readily agreed. Draco because he rather, secretly, enjoyed shopping and it meant he could spend more time with his new cousin. Narcissa, ostensibly because Draco needed some new additions to his wardrobe.
"If you mean for darling Raevyn I would be delighted." Narcissa said smirking behind the catalog she was leafing through. "Unless of course you have other children you've secreted away?"
"Of course not. I do believe that large button down robe would look splendid on my little one." He said pointing at the page. "In yellow? It's one of my favorite colors"
"Really Nik. Yellow would not suit the boy at all. He's far to pale. A deep red perhaps or a nice dusty blue."
"You know best my dear."
"Of course, which is exactly why you conned me into coming along with you this afternoon. Now all you have to do is sit back and watch your adorable son parade about in the lovely outfits I pick out. If I didn't enjoy this so much I'd most definitely charge a fee."
"I bought you lunch! And dessert!"
Narcissa simply smiled sweetly at him before saying. "Now I have absolutely no objection to becoming Raevyn's godmother, but you simply must tell me what you've done to the poor boy. You distracted me from the subject quite nicely back at the café."
"I suppose it is necessary. Draco should know as well, especially if the boy's will be spending a great deal of time together. They appear to be getting along splendidly. Wouldn't you say?"
"Yes. Draco seems to be intent on taking the boy under his wing. Now out with it Nik. No more diverting my attention elsewhere. Don't make me cross with you or I'll tell aunt Eirene you've been mean to me."
Nikodemus looked at his cousin, violet eyes widening in faint horror. "You wouldn't!"
Narcissa merely raised a single brow as her lips curved into a mischievous smile.
"Alright, alright. I must insist however that there be some sort of failsafe to prevent your son from sharing things he should not." At Narcissa's frown he hurried on.
"A mere compulsion web that will prevent him from speaking or alluding to anything about Raevyn's peculiarities. Both you and your husband can go over the details to make sure it's satisfactory. I would never ask a child that young to make a magical oath as I did Severus. And I trust you enough Narcissa, but I would most likely require one from your husband."
"I'm not sure Lucius will like that."
"Tell him I have a rather lucrative business deal I wish partner with him on. That should make it easier to swallow. And it would really be in his best interest to play a part in my little one's life."
"This has to do with his previous identity?"
Nik nodded. "Lucius will not regret forming ties with us. And you can also mention that I promise to play nice. I am far past the stage where alternate dimensions interested me."
Narcissa nodded although she was confused. She was about to ask why that would matter when Draco and Raevyn both emerged from the changing rooms. Mr. Tattings also made his way back over, carrying with him an armful of robes in various styles and colors that Narcissa had picked out.
"Oh but don't you both look wonderful!" she said enthusiastically. "Now both of you turn around so Nik and I can get a better look."
Nikodemus watched in amusement as Raevyn turned slightly pleading eyes to the other boy. To Raevyn's disappointment though, Draco merely smiled and nodded his head before turning around slowly for his mother. Raevyn let out a sigh and did the same.
A few days later the Malfoy's joined Nikodemus for dinner at his chateau. Lucius, as Narcissa had expected had been difficult to convince but the prospect of a lucrative business opportunity was too much for him to pass up. Nikodemus might be a man to be wary of, but he was a genius had corned the international market in magical and non magical breeding. So far the ministry's restrictions had led the man to mainly operate abroad, with only a few private transactions taking place in Britain. But if that could be overcome…
The potential profits would make putting up with the man worth it. As long as he kept his distance.
Dinner proceeded amicably enough. Lucius was polite but distant and for the most part Nikodemus behaved. Well, if you overlook the incident with dessert and Narcissa had certainly scolded him enough for that. Even Raevyn had looked at his father disapprovingly, causing the man to pout until Linny brought him a serving of pineapple gelato.
After their meal the adult's headed off to Nik's study while Raevyn, with Leila watching from the shadows, took Draco to go play in the conservatory.
Nik led Lucius and Narcissa into the wood paneled room and politely offered the couple some tea before he began.
"You see Lucius. I have become rather bored of late. There is only so much splicing and swapping of magic and dna one can do before they feel the need to move on to other things."
"I'm sure." Lucius drawled as he sat rather stiffly next to his wife on the small couch.
"That was part of the reason I chose to begin working on an experiment I'd been mulling around in my head for a while, one that if done correctly would bring a dream to pass that I've had since I began my work. It is an undertaking that Raevyn is intimately involved in, although I initially intended to use a muggleborn. I knew this project would take a long time investment. Not only would I be monitoring a new combination of magic, but a child's emotional state and growth. And I promise I'll go more into the details shortly." Nikodemus said as it looked as though Cissa was about to interrupt.
"I thought that surely such a thing would provide me with an endless supply of entertainment. Especially if the child was intriguing enough. And I haven't been let down. Little Raevyn surely is."
"But it goes beyond his personality. His past identity will provide an unlimited amount of mischief that I can get my hands into. If things are handled properly. I have plenty of support abroad and quite a few contacts on the isles but to maintain even a little control over the situation I really need more standing with the British Ministry. More political oomph so to say. And that is where my new business venture comes in. Bringing my business to the British market with your backing will at least prop open the door to the most relevant of political circles."
"A good plan, although we'll have to work out the fine details I have absolutely no compunctions backing your venture. I am not unaware of the vital role you play in the international market. It's really been quite a shame that Britain hasn't managed to benefit from your success. I assume you don't really need funding, merely my name on the label so to speak? And some help circumventing the current policies? I don't suppose you're willing to tell me who the boy really is?"
"Correct, no funding is required. And surely Lucius, you and Narcissa can figure it out. There are few enough with magical blood that they are all accounted for, except for the muggleborns. Can you not think of any that would fit the boy's age? You knew his parents after all. Even if you weren't fond of them."
As Lucius and Narcissa shared a frown Nikodemus sighed and stood. "Very well. I'll give you another clue. Think of his eyes. Though they are a little different after the adoption they can be very telling in the right context. Now I believe an after dinner cordial is in order."
A few moments silenced passed. Interrupted only by the clink of glasses.
As Nik finished pouring the drinks and was about to hand the delicate blue cordial glass to Narcissa, Lucius let out a breath.
"You don't mean…Potter?" And Nik let out a slicing smile.
"I knew you could figure it out Lucius. If given enough time. And shame on you Cissa, for letting him get it first."
Nikodemus then spent the next half hour explaining all the particulars and convincing Lucius why it would be far more beneficial to help mold the boy, instead of killing him outright.
In the end Lucius had to agree. Nikodemus was very convincing. As was the fury of his wife when he had barely mentioned harming the boy. Apparently she had already become attached.
At least if Nikodemus raised the boy he would turn out neutral with a slight inclination towards the dark at worst. And with the proper influences…
Well then the returning Dark Lord (Nikodemus had confirmed his beliefs that his master would return) would have a powerful follower indeed.
All in all their little meeting had Lucius feeling quite pleased. Even if at the end he and his wife had to swear a magical oath of secrecy and his son had to be placed under a compulsion.
"Wow" Draco said as theymade their way through the lush foliage following the small creek instead of the cobblestone path. "We have an outdoor hedge maze and lots of gardens but nothing like this. It's brilliant."
Raevyn flashed him a smile. He was starting to feel more comfortable around the boy. He wasn't at all like his cousin and Dudley's group of friends and Draco seemed to actually want to be nice to him. While that wasn't something he was used to, he realized he would have to get used to a lot of things in this new life. Especially if what Nikodemus and Leila said about the Dursley's being 'completely repulsive examples of human stupidity and fear' was true. He hadn't quite understood that, but from the way they had said it Raevyn knew it wasn't anything good. And while he wouldn't put it past his new parent's to lie to him, he certainly knew better than to blindly trust in anyone, he also had a feeling they would only want what's best for him, if only because of what they both wanted from him. "It's my favorite place in the entire house. Well, out of everything I've seen. There are some places father won't let me see yet. Like his work rooms and the stable house out back."
"It's the same at our manor. But my favorite place is our stables where we keep our abraxans."
"Abraxans?"
"Winged horses. Celestine is mine. She's a creamy tan with white wings and frocks. My parents gave her to me for my last birthday."
"That's brilliant!"
"If you come over to the manor sometime maybe we can go riding. Oh, and maybe we can learn to ride a broom together! Not many know it but my mother is a natural on a broom. If it had been proper she would have made the best seeker Hogwarts had ever seen!"
Raevyn agreed that that would be fun, even if the thought of flying on a broom made him a little hesitant. And the thought of the Lady Malfoy, or aunt Cissa has she had said to call her, on a little broom buzzing about in the air in her skirts made him struggle to stifle his laughter. He didn't want to offend his first friend.
"Say, do you want to play hide and seek?" Draco asked looking at Raevyn with excitement in his eyes after they spent a while exploring. "This would be the perfect place for it."
"That sounds like fun. Who should be it?"
"I'll be it. I'll stay by that big tree and count to twenty." And Draco pointed to the large tree Leila liked to nap in.
"Okay." Raevyn said and went off to find a good spot.
He was just settling into the small space between a bush and one of the ornamental stones when he heard Draco screech.
"Get off of me!"
Raevyn leapt from his hiding place and ran over to the tree. There, standing by the trunk was Draco, blond hair sticking out every which way and his cheeks flushed in frustration. Harry was about to ask what the matter was when something small and furry ran over, crawled up his leg, and nestled around his shoulder's.
He turned his head slightly to get a look at whatever was currently nuzzling his neck and caught sight of short grayish tan fur and a long black and white striped fuzzy tail.
"I don't think its dangerous youngling." Leila said in his mind. "But I'll fetch Nikodemus. It's probably one of his anyway." This little perk was something they had discovered when he had been trapped in a nightmare two nights ago. He had been so scared that he had turned completely into a tiny shadow panther cub and only with the gentle mental coaxing of his mum and the soothing voice of Nikodemus had calmed him enough so that he could attempt to change back. The whole experience had been a bit traumatic and Nikodemus theorized that whenever he felt threatened, the same thing was likely to happen again. And not that he minded turning into a panther, that part was rather brilliant. But he'd rather be able to control it. So since then he had been spending a few hours in his panther form. Nikodemus believed the more he changed, the more he'd be able to decide when to change.
"Are you okay Draco?" he called as he slowly raised a hand to pet the affectionate creature on his shoulder.
"No! That little menace attacked me!"He said glaring at the offending party.
"Did it bite you? Are you hurt?" Raevyn asked worriedly.
Draco pouted. "No. But I know it's ruined my hair. How bad is it?"
At this Raevyn couldn't but help a giggle and while Draco at first turned a frown at him it was soon broken by a smile as well.
"So what is that thing?" Draco asked pointing to the creature.
"I don't know." Raevyn said truthfully. "Come here little fella." And he reached up and gently tugged it off his shoulder and then held it out at arm's length.
It certainly was a bit strange, looking like a cross between a fox and a raccoon with odd dark violet eyes. It also looked just a bit smaller than a normal housecat, with a bushy striped tail that was definitely longer than the rest of it.
The little thing, a boy Raevyn noticed, started to fidget and chatter a bit so Raevyn drew him against his chest only to have the creature wriggle free and hop on his shoulders again, sharp claws digging in a bit as he gained his purchase.
Just as Draco looked about ready to say something they heard the adults approaching. "Oh good." He said. "They can deal with the menace."
"He's not a menace. Look at how sweet he is!" and Draco raised a brow. "Sure he is." He replied sarcastically.
"Oh he is a menace." Nikodemus agreed as he came into view and scowled slightly at the creature. "How else could that little trickster manage to escape my wards?"
"Your wards?" Raevyn asked.
"Yes. That little fellow is one of the breeds I engineered and would normally be locked away in its caged habitat in the stables until sold. I wonder how the devil it managed to get out."
"What is it?" Narcissa queried as she ran her slender finger down its striped tail.
"It was bred from muggle ring-tailed cats. It is actually a member of the raccoon family and often used to get rid of pests by miners in the past. Giving it the alternative name, Miner's cat. After my tinkering, my own personal breed can now turn invisible for extended periods of time and are quite good at getting rid of doxy infestations and the like. They are also much more intelligent and have longer life spans. However, this particular one I have been unable to sell as its mischievous personality is detrimental to its intended purpose. I had resigned myself to using it for potions ingredients. With the right pretreatment the fur can be used as a substitute for demiguise hair in several different brews.
"Potions ingredients?" Harry echoed as he raised his hand to clutch the Ring-tailed cat to his shoulder. Even Draco seemed a little put off by the idea.
"Indeed." Nikodemus said before softening his eyes at his little one. Really. He thought. It should be a crime for anyone to have eyes that plead so sweetly. "However, seeing as how you two are already so attached, I wouldn't object if you wanted to keep him as pet. I hate to scrap any of my experiments after all. And your birthday is quite close. Consider him an early present."
Raevyn looked up at his father with disbelieving eyes and said in a whisper. "You'll let me keep him? Really?"
"Yes. Although you will have to make sure to take proper care of him."
"I will." Raevyn promised firmly and he hurriedly brushed his sleeves against his eyes. "Thank you father."
"Thank me after you've experienced more than ten minutes with the little devil." And both Raevyn and Draco giggled.
"Now boys, let's go sit. We have a few serious matters to discuss and it's getting late."
If anyone wants to know more about ring-tailed cats you can follow the link below or you can just google it. Remember to remove the spaces!
http: / www. lib. az. us /museum /
Possible Spoilers Ahead!
So far it seems the majority want Raevyn to be a Ravenclaw. I'll leave the poll up for the next chapter or two so make sure to vote if you haven't!
Tom Riddle III:
You are simply fantastic.
With an image like that I'm surprised you took anything from the chapter, and I wouldn't blame you if you hadn't.
Yeah, Draco's going to be like an older brother figure for Raevyn. He might act a bit spoiled sometimes but on the whole he'll be a lot different from canon Draco.
And Narcissa will be like an aunt to Raevyn. The more people around to spoil him the better I say!
I had actually planned to keep the twins in Gryffindor, but putting them in Slytherin might not be a bad idea. I'll have to mull that around. I'll be doing an interlude, probably after the next chapter focusing on the twins and we'll see how their personalities turn out. As for their relationship, I'm picturing the three of them using the secret chambers and passageway they've found to meet and have their fun.
Darkserpentcat:
Why would I be offended at such wonderful suggestions? Thank you for sharing them with me.
I love the idea of Lily being descended from a squib of the Slytherin line and if I can fit it into my plot, what I have of one anyway, I hope you don't mind if I use it. It would work well with the vague theory I have and give more validation to Raevyn's parseltongue than just the metamorphagus genes.
As for the animagus form, since Raevyn can change into shadow panther I didn't feel he'd need one. Also, until he reaches his magical majority I think I have him stay away from any magic altering magic so his unique magical core can mature correctly. It's still fragile.
One-sided romances? Yup. And I'll take suggestions for them too. The same for any side pairing people might want.
And Raevyn will get Hedwig before he goes to school.
Adele365:
I love Pretty Kitty! It's one of my favorite HP fics and the one that introduced me to this pairing. Kitty Harry was so adorable.
Sneak preview
Next chapter we see Draco's reaction and Nik's aunt Eirene crashes Raevyn's birthday party. She has a snake as a familiar. I bet you can guess what happens ^.^
See you next chapter!