So…I'm going to stop with the disclaimers. I'm sure the point has been made.

Thank you to everyone who reviewed/commented/favorited/alerted.

Chapter Eight Birthday

Draco took the news of Raevyn's differences quite well. Only not quite demanding to see the boy's changes himself before proclaiming them to be rather brilliant, and cute. But only his mother knew he had thought that.

He was a bit stunned to learn his cousin was the boy-who-lived and even more stunned to realize that someone so important to the wizarding world had been left with muggles. Draco then pronounced then and there that now that he was a Velius, and related to the Malfoys at that, Raevyn would never again have to worry about anyone hurting him. Raevyn was family, and no one hurt family. Especially his.

This lead a teary eyed Raevyn to tackle the young blond and Lucius to smile down at his son with pride.

Draco had then submitted to the compulsion willingly, after his father had pointed out how dangerous anyone knowing of Raevyn's true nature could be for the boy himself.

They left shortly after, plans made for the boy's to meet again to play and to perhaps share potions lessons from Severus. Lucius and Nikodemus also made plans to meet so they could work out the kinks of their business arrangement.

Raevyn was shuffled right off to bed by Leila after the Malfoy's left. The panther mother insisting that he get enough rest as she had planned a full day for tomorrow. The little ring-tailed cat, Raevyn had decided to name him Felix, had been left in the conservatory with a large bowl of berries for the night.

As he was crawling under his covers and Nikodemus was casting the nightly magical scan on Raevyn's core that had become customary, Raevyn couldn't help but let out a sleepy grin.

"Today was really fun."

"Was it now?"

"Mmhmm. Did you know Draco has horses with wings? He said if I went to his manor we might get to fly on them! He called it an Abraxan, but aren't they pegasuses?"

"Pegasi. And an Abraxan is a specific breed."

"Oh." He replied before breaking out in a yawn. "It was nice playing with Draco. No one's ever played with me before. Well, unless you count Dudley's Harry-hunting."

Nikodemus paused for a moment at that, an unreadable expression on his face, before reaching down and scratching his little one behind the ear. "Sleep well my little Raevyn" and he made his way out of the room after dosing the lights with a wave of his wand.

Raevyn fidgeted on the stool, tail swishing and eyes darting about the kitchen in wonder. He hadn't been in here yet. And while he was used to the kitchen at the Dursley's, he had cooked all the meals for his relatives for as long as he could remember, this cooking space was brilliant. With plenty of counter space and large shiny appliances it looked like something a professional chef would want to work in. And if anyone counted as a professional chef then it would be Timmons, the head house elf and Linny's husband.

Right now the stainless steel countertop of the island was filled with small plates of every different type of cake imaginable in bite sized servings. Nikodemus had informed him earlier that day that they would be celebrating his birthday in a few days time with a party. When asked what type of cake he would like Raevyn had responded that he didn't really know, as he had never had any before. Upon hearing this Nikodemus had summoned Timmons and ordered the elf to educate Raevyn on 'the many wonders and delights that encompassed the world of cakery'.

And the elf had taken the order to heart.

So now Raevyn was sitting here, with dozens of sweet things to sample and to choose from for his birthday cake. Suffice to say he was very excited.

And Felix was picking up on up on this, as Raevyn could feel him start to shuffle around in the little 'nap' sack Linny had made for him. He had been accidentally scratched one too many times by the ring-tailed cat as he attempted to stay on Raevyn's shoulders and nap at the same time. The sack itself was like a shoulder bag and was made from soft tan leather. It was certainly large and cozy enough for the little menace, as Raevyn had taken to calling him as well after his room had been ransacked, to sleep peacefully curled inside.

Felix was nocturnal; something his father had said meant he was most active at night. So Raevyn would play with him for a bit in the evening s before letting him roam about in the conservatory on most nights. For the rest of the time, his pet generally liked to nap. Yet he inevitably got into trouble when out of Raevyn's sight. Hence the need for a 'nap' sack. Felix also seemed happier in Raevyn's company, seeking him out if he was left somewhere else.

Raevyn found he really enjoyed the feeling of being wanted unconditionally.

His pet finally poked his head out, nose sniffing around, most likely entranced by the scent of the berries on top of several of the cake slices. Seeing this, Timmons snapped his fingers and a good sized bowl of blackberries, Felix's favorite, appeared on the counter. Raevyn thanked him, causing the elf to squeal in excitement, before grabbing a handful and feeding them to Felix who had crawled out of his bag and onto Raevyn's lap for better access to the tantalizing treats.

Timmons soon laid the last plate on the counter, and he bade Raevyn to begin with an excited smile. To say he had been pleased with the order to stuff the small boy full of sweets would be an understatement.

Nibbling his lip with a sharp canine Raevyn tried to decide which sample to start with. His eyes paused on a piece of gooey looking chocolate cake with raspberry sauce that would have sent Dudley into ecstatic convulsions. He pulled the piece closer and took a bite, nearly melting into his seat with a moan when the moist confection hit his tongue.

Raevyn spent the next twenty minutes in cake heaven; finally settling on a moist lemon cake with lemon butter cream frosting. Leila then came to collect him, planning on having him work off his sugar high by romping around the island. Raevyn had spent most of his afternoons the last week exploring the island in his Shadow Panther form. He really enjoyed playing 'tag' with the waves on the rather small section of actually sandy beach and hide and seek with Felix when he was up and active.

At first the ring-tailed cat had been wary of Raevyn's other form, refusing to go near but after another one of Raevyn's nightmares where he inadvertently changed, the sweet little menace had overcome his hesitation to offer whatever comfort he could. Now Felix had no qualms tackling the shadow panther cub that was twice his size. Even daring to pester Leila once he figured out she had no interest in making him a meal.

Today however, Raevyn left Felix nestled in his sack under the shade of a myrtle, dozing contentedly with a belly full of berries. This worked out for the best because his mum had decided it was time he learned some of the finer points of being a feline.

No more just jumping around like a spastic kitten after whatever caught his fancy. No, Leila decided it was high time her youngling would learn how to stalk, how to wait, and how to strike.

And Leila would be sure to include Nikodemus in these lessons. It would be a great test of Raevyn's skills if he could sneak up on the alert wizard. And besides, it was his fault her youngling could hardly sit still at the moment and had taken off again in the direction of some small flittering thing instead of paying attention.

She wasn't really upset though, watching the little black cub tumble paws over tail after a failed pounce was highly amusing.

On July 31st 1989 Raevyn Namir Velius celebrated his ninth birthday with his new, quirky family. It was small party, held in the Chateau's dining room that Linny and Timmons had decorated with twinkling hanging stars and shimmering green and blue streamers. The small group of guests, which included Severus and the Malfoy family, were seated at the long dining table preparing to enjoy the marvelous cake Timmons had made.

Raevyn could only stare in amazement at the cake. It was a multi-tiered confection of lemony goodness with 9 tiny little blue and green dragons scampering about the top puffing out small flames in place of candles. He tore his gaze away and noticed that everyone was watching him with smiles on their faces, even Lord Malfoy.

He bit his lip and looked down to hide the prickling in his eyes. He had never expected a party this nice. With people who seemed to want to celebrate him being there.

He was startled from his thoughts when Nikodemus let out a chuckle and said.

"Make a wish little one and blow out the candles. I think Timmons will have a nervous fit waiting to see if his cake passes muster."

Breaking his gaze away from his cake Raevyn caught sight of Timmons, who was indeed looking a tad nervous. The boy sent him a small, but bright smile before leaning forward and pondering what to wish for. He honestly couldn't think of what else he could want.

Perhaps you should wish for many more happy birthdays to come youngling. Leila whispered in his mind from her perch on one of the exposed beams. She had fled there to escape his father's attempts to decorate her tail with a shiny pink bow for the party and was currently keeping watch on a sleeping Felix to keep him out of trouble if for just a few moments.

Raevyn nodded slightly and smiled before letting out a breath to make his wish.

Several failed attempts passed and both he and Draco were reduced to giggles by the frantic maneuvering of the dragons as they avoided Raevyn's puffs of air. Soon enough though, with Draco's help they were all extinguished. Leaving nine now very grumpy dragons to huff and puff out smoke from where they lay sulking.

After enjoying some happy conversation and cake, Nikodemus saving it several times from the sneaky attacks of Felix who had been awakened by the sounds of laughter, it was time to open presents.

"Open this one first Raevyn!" Draco said excitedly as he picked up one of the brightly colored packages from the end of the table and held it in front of his cousin. Felix sniffing and chattering at it curiously from his spot on Raevyn's shoulder.

Raevyn accepted with a shy smile and carefully unwrapped the rather large bright green and silver covered present revealing a fancy decorated box with the words Magical Creature Expanded Collection. Raevyn removed the lid and his eyes widened when they took in the sight of contents.

Nestled in forest green velvet were a dozen different replicas of magical creatures. That moved.

There were three types of dragons, the nameplates below their slots revealing their species. A Welsh Green, Hebridean Black, and Chinese Fireball, all of whom blinked lazily and stretched as if they had just woken up. There was also a golden griffon that let a cawing roar and a flaming phoenix. Lying very still next to the phoenix was a coiled basilisk that flicked its tongue in and out. A beautiful unicorn neighed quietly from its spot between the regal Hippogriff and scrutinizing Centaur. The pretty little fairy that had been nestled in a blooming rose flittered lazily over to pet the anxious Abraxan and a Sphinx gazed up and around with a mysterious smile of razor sharp looking teeth.

"Aren't they fantastic? They're not real but they're the next best thing. My father bought me a set last June from the best toymaker in all of Europe. They go to sleep when placed in their box and the lid is closed and they listen to everything you say when out of it. If you want to stop the enchantment that lets them move all you have to do is turn this knob here." And Draco pointed to a shiny brass turn knob inside the case below the nameplates.

"Oh wow." Raevyn said before he set the box down and tackled his cousin with an ecstatic hug. "Thank you so much! It's brilliant!"

Draco blushed as he returned the hug as the adults looked on in amusement. Nikodemus leaned over and picked up the sphinx, examining it thoroughly, much to the figurines irritation if the scowl that replaced its smirk was anything to go by.

"Very accurate indeed. There are a few minor details amiss, but as a whole I'm very impressed. Are you sure you purchased these from a toymaker Lucius?"

"I did. The company, Etzel only produces a limited number of these sets each year and they undergo a complete redesign every five years. They pride themselves on the quality and craftsmanship of their products."

"Hmmm." Nikodemus murmured as he set the sphinx down only to pick up the Basilisk.

"Well," Narcissa said amused. "While your father plays with your new toys why don't you open your next gift."

Raevyn chuckled and went to open his next gift while Nik threw a pout in Narcissa's direction.

The present he chose was wrapped in the same silver and green paper and turned out to be from Lucius. It was a long slim box which upon opening revealed a practice wand.

According to the small parchment that came with it, the wand had several preset spells that will respond to certain phrases. Scintilla would produce a bright burst of multi colored sparks from the end, Fucu would change a person's hair or skin the color of the caster's choice and Canto would cause inanimate objects to break out into silly songs for a brief period.

"Thank you Uncle Lucius." Raevyn said shyly.

"You're very welcome." Lord Malfoy replied before leaning over slightly and whispering. "And if you make sure to use it to annoy your father you're doubly welcome." Raevyn grinned slightly and nodded, even though the thought of pranking his father was a bit daunting. Lucius then stood with a small smirk in the direction of the still preoccupied Nikodemus and Raevyn set the wand aside and went on to the next package.

This one was from Narcissa. She had gotten him a light weight forest green jacket because 'islands in the Mediterranean tend to get a bit nippy on occasion and you're not completely furry all of the time sweetling.' She had also gotten him a plush calico kneazel that was wonderfully squishy and a small green collar with a silver tag for Felix that matched his jacket.

It was time for Severus' gift next. He handed Raevyn a set of three packages, all wrapped in the same starry midnight blue wrapping paper. The first one contained a leather bound photo album with pictures of his mother, and a few of his father and some of Lily's other friends. Raevyn set this aside reverently, planning on going through it when he had some privacy. The next was revealed to be some of his mother's school books from her first three years.

"There were only a few things left. And since Petunia wanted nothing to do with them they were sent to me and I have no use for such school books any longer. I'm sure you will find your mother's notations in margins a helpful aid." Was Severus' explanation.

The third package turned out to be a set of simple, good quality potions scales and equipment. Perfect for beginners.

"I fully expect that you will be able to start brewing a few simple draughts within the year. You seem to be retaining the reading material I've given you well enough." Severus drawled and then grunted softly as his legs were tackled by his furry little godson.

"Thank you uncle Sev." The boy mumbled into his pant leg as the dour man patted him awkwardly on the head.

Nikodemus, who had long since finished examining the figurines and leaving them for Draco to fiddle with, had been plotting ways to get Lucius back for trying to incite his little one to prank him when he noticed Severus' plight. With a chuckle he reached up from the spot he had been lounging on the floor and pulled Raevyn down in his lap while summoning his present from the table with a small flick of his wand.

"Here you go little one. My present's next. You don't want to hurt my feelings by neglecting me now do you?"

Raevyn giggled and shook his head no. opening the present with the same care he had shown the others.

"Really. We must teach you the proper way to open gifts." Nik then pointed his wand at the package and the paper exploded into confetti with a pop, sending Felix chasing after the swirling bits.

Raevyn and Draco both laughed delightedly, though the adults sent small huffs of irritation his way as they removed pieces of paper from hair and clothes.

Raevyn's attention was soon drawn back to the gift in his hands. It was a small wooden chest with an antiqued silver clasp and lock that fit comfortably in his lap. On the lid, held in place by a sticking charm was a small key. Upon opening the chest he saw there were several compartments and drawers. The topmost ones holding a journal, sheaves of high quality parchment and a raven feather quill. A small compartment towards the back held a set of four beautifully designed glass ink pots containing black, dark green, and purple inks. The fourth holding a strange clear liquid.

"Every child needs a place to hold their treasure and odds and ends. The space is magically expanded and can fit far more than even a normal travel trunk and thanks to a few charms will still only weigh as much as it does now. The journal is spelled to resist tearing or staining and the clear ink, once you add a drop of your blood, can only be read by you."

Raevyn set the chest aside before twisting in Nik's lap to wrap his arms around his neck in a tight hug and placing a quick kiss on the man's cheek.

"Thank you father."

"You're more than welcome little one." Nikodemus replied as he scratched Raevyn fondly behind his ears. The tender moment was broken however when Nikodemus felt the wards contract, signally the arrival of a visitor in the foyer.

"Leila, why don't you come down and entertain the boys. It seems we have a guest. Lucius, Narcissa pardon me for a moment." He the nudged his little one off his lap and stood, brushing off his pant legs before striding from the room.

Raevyn looked hesitantly from Draco to his mum who had gracefully leapt down from her perch. "Is everything alright?"

"Yes youngling. If someone had arrived it means Nikodemus had given them permission to be here. They couldn't get though the wards otherwise. Now why don't you and the little dragon show me your new toys? I didn't get a very good look from the ceiling.

Nikodemus strode into the foyer, only to hastily dodge to the side when several pieces of luggage hurled themselves in his direction.

"Bollocks!" Came a cultured feminine voice. "I'm sorry Nikky love. I was trying to levitate them up the stairs. I do hope I didn't damage anything."

"I'm quite alright Aunt Eirene." Nikodemus replied with a smile as sent the luggage flying up the stairs and into Eirene's rooms.

"I was talking about the statuettes and pottery I brought back." The dainty witch before him said, hands on hips. "They're irreplaceable."

"Yes, well I'm sure they're fine. My nerves however…"

"Oh quiet you and give me a hug."

He did so with a grin, smiling into the long curly hair that just barely tickled his chin when he stooped over. They drew apart and Eirene gave her nephew a brief peck on the cheek.

"Now, where is my new great grand-nephew?"

"We were just in the dining hall celebrating his ninth birthday if you'd like to see him. Lucius and Narcissa are there. Cissa would be delighted to see you. Severus Snape is also in attendance. Although I don't believe you've had the pleasure of meeting him."

"No, I haven't. Though his reputation precedes him. Raevyn wouldn't mind if I interrupted his little get together? I am exhausted but I'd like to meet him before I head off to bed."

"Yes that would probably be a good idea." Nikodemus said with faint mirth in his eyes. "Last time you came for a visit you went straight to bed and slept for nearly two days."

"Well, that was when my only assistants were a group of incompetents that would have made working with primary school children preferable. My current group is much easier to deal with. Thankfully so. Otherwise it would have taken me much longer to hand things over to my colleague and his team."

"Well, I'm glad such was the case. I don't think I could stand waiting for you delicious baking any longer."

Raevyn and Draco were just in the middle of staging a battle between two sets of six of the figurines when Nikodemus walked in with an unfamiliar face.

After Narcissa greeted her rather ecstatically and the rest of the adults were introduced, the witch, Eirene, let her gaze fall to Raevyn.

Raevyn himself found himself leaning a bit closer to Draco than was really necessary under the scrutiny. He nibbled on his lip nervously as sharp olive eyes, with violet specks like his, examined him.

The witch was short and slim and all in all rather plain looking. With a nose too pointy and a bit longer than standard beauty called for and a thin face. The only extraordinary features she possessed were her unique eyes and a head of curly black hair down past her shoulders.

What truly caught Raevyn's attention though, was the bright green snake curled about her neck.

After a few moments the woman smiled at him and came near, bending down to his level.

"Hello Raevyn. It's a pleasure to meet you. Nikodemus explained everything in his letter to me and I am most pleased that you are now a member of our family."

"Thank you Ma'am." And then the witch greeted Draco, but Raevyn missed what they said because he was staring at the snake that seemed to be muttering.

"Ssss. Sstrange boy. Ssmells like sshadowss. I wonder if that little tree rat by the table would taste good. It hass been a few dayss ssince I've eaten"

"Oh please don't eat my friend! I can get you something else."

The bright emerald snake lifted it head to stare at Raevyn.

"You speak!"

Raevyn furrowed his brows in confusion, unaware of the people now watching him with varying degrees of shock and bewilderment.

"Of course I sspeak. But how can you?"

"Ssilly ssnake boy. You are sspeaking the tongue of the sserpentss. Mosst humans cannot do this, though I ssmell you are not quite human."

At this Raevyn eyes widened and he finally noticed the stares he was receiving. Noting the slightly horrified looks from everyone but his father and Eirene he felt afraid. And panicked.

The last though he had before he changed forms abruptly and fled the room was that his relatives had been right. He was a freak. And now his new family wouldn't want him anymore.

Please comment/review. I love hearing your suggestions and comments.

Possible Spoilers!

The voting for Raevyn's house will be up until I post the next chapter.

About Fred and George: They'll be coming up –hopefully-after the next chapter or even in the next chapter. Depending on what wants to be written.

Dark Serpent Cat:

I really like your suggestions for possible one-sided romantic interests for Raevyn. Especially Ron. That'd be fun.

As for slut Harry that's not going to happen in this story, though I do enjoy a good dose of smut myself. Sorry. (Raevyn will be frisky with the twins, if that's any consolation.)

And I read a few of your stories and I really enjoyed them. Especially 'a succubus in love' and 'the wizard half-blood'. Keep up the awesome work.

Aliengirlguy:

After reading your review I was soooo tempted to use Nagini. Unfortunately I didn't feel she would fit right at the moment.

Sneak preview

A little bit of payback is planned. Death-eater style. And the wizarding world learns of the disappearance of their savior.