Chapter 7b: Order and Chaos
When he reached the classroom he knocked, but no one answered. Sticking his head in the door, Nalian called out, "Professor?" No response. 'Perhaps she's just late.' He thought, stepping into the room and heading for the door that had to lead to the teacher's office. "Professor Potter?"
"Mr. Morthen, please come in!" The professor's voice rang out from behind the door.
Nalian entered the welcoming office slowly. There was a large wooden desk straight across from the door. Two comfortable winged, golden brown chairs sat in front of the desk, the professor was occupying one of them instead of her desk chair, with a plate of sandwiches and two goblets next to her. The floor was littered with a few rugs in various shades of blue, and to the right a small fireplace was lit, several pictures sat crowded on the mantel.
"You wanted to see me?" He asked, looking confused. The room looked like it was set up to welcome a close friend.
The teacher smiled brightly at him. "First sit down and have something to eat. I know ritual magic takes a lot out of a person. And besides, Severus would kill me if he thought I wasn't taking proper care of one of his Slytherins."
Nalian sat reluctantly across from this unknown teacher and took a sandwich. He personally thought she was being too nice, which made him feel suspicious. His mind immediately jumped to drugged food, spying devices, and concern that he had been caught out.
'Or maybe you're just being paranoid.' A part of his mind told him. 'Sometimes paranoia is a good thing.' He thought back to that annoying voice.
"I asked you here to make an offer to you." She informed him. "I'm doing some research and there are certain books which I believe are written in Parseltongue. That's if it is even possible to write in Parseltongue. I would like you to verify my suspicions, and possibly translate the texts for me."
"It is possible to write in Parseltongue," Nalian admitted. "I tried it a few years ago." He felt Chaos move restlessly around under his shirt in response to his uneasiness. The snake had joined him on his way to the Ravenclaw tower. "May I ask what you're researching, Professor?"
"I'd rather not say unless it becomes completely necessary." Lily Potter frowned slightly.
"Most, not all, but most, wizards who could speak Parseltongue in the past were not nice people. I can't imagine anything productive being written in those books." Nalian said. "It makes me reluctant to translate them, even for one person. They could be dangerous, deadly even, and in English anyone could read them."
"Right now the only ones who can read them are yourself and Voldemort." She looked at him seriously.
"I, for one, don't want Voldemort to get his hands on them if they're as bad as you say, and if he does, I want to know what we're in for and possibly counteract the damage he does."
Nalian shook his head. "It is less likely that anyone will use them if only two can read the books and only one knows they exist."
The teacher sighed. "The information in those books might help us defeat that monster, Nalian. We can make a deal, you can tell me what the book is about as you translate it and write only the relevant parts of the text down. I can write a magically binding contract where you and I will never speak of the irrelevant parts of the book. While you're working on translating, it will be kept a complete secret barring the people who need to know, and if the texts are so awful and useless, we'll destroy them. If they're horrible and useful, we'll destroy them after we destroy Voldemort. Is that agreeable?"
Nalian studied her, "and that will all be written in a contract, magically binding with blood?"
Professor Potter didn't comment on Nalian's unspoken demand for a blood contract. Blood contracts were one of the most powerful kind. "Yes."
He was silent a few more minutes. "That's agreeable, but you said this was a deal. I don't see what's in it for me."
Lily grinned. "Ever the Slytherin, aren't you? You'll receive a stipend for your work. I've also taken into the consideration that this work might get in the way of schoolwork, and took the liberty of speaking with the Headmaster and your Head of House about getting you out of History of Magic and Astronomy."
"Nice. I didn't much like those classes," Nalian said. "When did you wish me to start, Professor?"
"I had hoped immediately." She smiled ruefully. "Now though, we'll start after the contract is written up and signed, in about a week."
Nalian nodded, "I'll be heading off to bed then. Goodnight, Professor."
She smiled at him, "you can call me Lily."
Nalian smiled slightly, "goodnight, Lily."
Nalian breathed a sigh of frustration when he was out of hearing distance. Things always got more complicated than they needed to be, in his opinion.
What is wrong, brother? Chaos moved up to wrap himself around Nalian's shoulders. You are troubled.
I am concerned. Is it truly a good idea to translate texts of Parseltongue? Those books should most likely be destroyed, with a few exceptions. Nalian hissed. And I have other work to be doing.
You did not have to agree to translate these books. Chaos pointed out. You can still change your mind.
I was afraid if I did not agree that they would think I truly am a Voldemort supporter. This would also give me the chance to explore Hogsmeade and perhaps even the Potters' possessions. The Potters are an old family, with a good chance of owning one or more of our objects. Nalian explained. Besides there may be something useful in those books... I hate to admit it, but I wish to help these humans.
Chaos hissed with chagrin, It would be good to search their nest, but helping them is not why you were sent here! They brought this upon themselves. Let the humans deal with the consequences of their actions.
I am human.
You are elven. Chaos snapped.
I was born human, and still am part human. Nalian said. You know it. Is it so wrong to want to help them? Can I not both help them and do what Darian asks of me?
I do not believe you merely wish to help them.
This Voldemort man does atrocious things. I would not wish any society to suffer under him. Nalian paused. Except perhaps for the Saevus.
There is something else. Chaos pressed.
Nalian sighed. Darian's never lied to me about my origin, but he's extremely vague. A part of me wishes to know what my birth family is like. Chaos, I think my parents may be here.
If they are alive. Chaos said.
If they are alive. Nalian agreed.
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Hermione shifted quietly in front of the door, unsure whether she should knock or go away. There were voices behind the slightly ajar door, obviously discussing something they didn't want heard, but were too careless to close the door properly. One of the voices was Professor Malfoy, and it wasn't like him to be careless. The other voice was Professor Snape and he was most definitely never careless. For that reason, Hermione was somewhat concerned and more than curious.
What decided her was the distinct name "Nalian Morthen" being spoken. She quietly inched closer to the door, wanting to use an eavesdropping spell, and knowing they would certainly notice if she did. They weren't that careless.
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"I went down to Nalian Morthen's supposed hometown yesterday." Severus said casually, clearing the fourth year brats' mess away. He apparently hadn't instilled enough fear in them yet if they thought they could leave messes in his classroom and not pay for it later.
"Did you find anything?" Lucius asked. It was about ten minutes after the last student had left and he was leaning casually on Severus' desk.
"Nothing."
"Meaning?" Lucius asked, irritated.
"Meaning," Snape drawled, "I found nothing on him. No one knew who he was, or knew his family. The Morthens never lived in Isanti, Minnesota, if they even ever existed. I haven't asked around the Salem school populace yet; it's more risky if Morthen has connections there, we don't want to be noticed.."
"I suspect we won't find anything at the school anyway." Lucius frowned, "useful information, but it leads us to a dead end. We still don't know who or what he is and where he comes from."
"And why he's lying." Snape agreed.
"We could look into Slytherin's bloodlines." Lucius suggested.
Severus paused in his work, "that would be difficult. There's no birth record or genealogy chart for most wizarding families from that time period. It's not like we can start with Morthen and work our way back."
Lucius nodded. "So we'll start with all the known Parselmouths and their family ancestors and descendants. First on the list, Tom Marvolo Riddle."
"Alberic Grunnion, Baron Evander Hassforth, Caleb Potter." Severus added.
"I have to return to the manor this weekend, while I'm there I'll pick up any needed books." Lucius said.
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Hermione slowly pulled away from the door. Nalian wasn't really Nalian? An impostor. But the professors didn't seem to think he was a serious enough threat to act immediately and get answers later.
She silently made her way back to her dorm, chewing her lip thoughtfully.
The headmaster must trust Nalian, for whatever reason. The headmaster would never take in a student or teacher he suspected of foul play. Unless Nalian managed to trick Dumbledore. Certainly the man wasn't infallible.
Should she confront Nalian? Hermione wondered. He could be dangerous, or it could just be a perfectly innocent mistake, or Dumbledore could know Nalian wasn't who he said he was, it could be for protection. But if she did confront him, she could put the professors' investigation at risk.
Well, there wasn't much choice on what she should do. She would have to do some research. Try to find some solid evidence of who Nalian was. Discreetly.
Hermione didn't want to believe Nalian was anything as bad as a Death Eater, but they were in the middle of a war. She couldn't just go along and pretend she didn't hear anything when Nalian Morthen could be a threat. For now, she wouldn't mention anything to anyone and would remain friends with him. She may not be able to sit by and wait for the other shoe to drop, but she could hope her new fears were unfounded.
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Nalian stepped into the house that had looked small on the outside, but was practically the size of a manor on the inside. Lily grinned at his surprise. "It took forever to magic the place, but it was worth it. We really needed the space. Still, it's not half the size as Godric's Hollow was. Come on. The contract is in my office. We'll look it over and sign it. My husband, James, and our friend Sirius will sign as witnesses."
Lily's home office was completely different from her school office, but no less welcoming, with a theme of green and burgundy and a lighter colored wood. One of the two men waiting, however, didn't look all that welcoming.
"Auror Black," Nalian greeted uncertainly. "Mr. Potter?"
James Potter smiled slightly and brushed back his messy black hair. "Auror Potter, actually, but you may call me James if you like. May I call you Nalian?"
Nalian was taken aback by the man's friendliness, especially considering his friend's dislike of him. He nodded at the man's request. There was something disturbingly familiar about James Potter, and Nalian couldn't help remembering he thought the same thing when he first met Lily. "Um, the contract then?"
Lily smiled, discreetly hitting Sirius for being rude before grabbing a piece of paper off her desk, "all business, are we?"
He smiled sheepishly before reading the contract carefully. "It looks alright to me."
Lily took the paper back and signed her name before she made a small cut on her finger, letting three drops of blood fall to the paper. Nalian followed her actions when she finished. James and Sirius quickly signed the parchment as well.
"Good. Now that that's done, why don't I show you the books?" Lily said. "I keep them elsewhere, in a more secure part of the house." She led the entourage to a door that opened to a staircase to the basement. "There are six books. James and Sirius have known about the books ever since I suspected what they were. They'll be two of the very few who know about your work."
"May I ask who else will be informed of my work?" Nalian asked.
"Albus Dumbledore knows, and two other people we trust." Lily said. "I'll give you their names if it becomes necessary, but for now I don't think it's that important."
Nalian nodded. "I was thinking about the best times for me to work. I'll need all the time I can get without interruptions. Translating Parseltongue is a painstaking business."
"Have you thought of good times then?" Black asked, partly curious and partly planning on being around when Nalian was, to keep an eye on the boy.
"Every day of the week I have some class or another." Nalian said. "The best times would be after dinner on Friday and working late, possibly staying all night, and continuing working in the morning, but I'd have to be back at Hogwarts by ten o'clock for classes. Then come back after dinner on Saturday. I'd, again, have to be back at Hogwarts by ten, but I can come back after two o'clock and continue until dinner."
"That's fine." James said. "We can set up a room if you want to stay the night."
"Thanks." Nalian shot a smile at him before joining Lily at a locked glass bookcase. "That doesn't seem a very safe place." He commented.
"It has strong magical protection. It even has spells on it to make it seem like there are no spells on it; like it's just another ordinary bookcase." Lily said. "You seem to have come quite prepared, with a schedule worked out."
"Well, I did have a few days to think about it." He picked up one of the books Lily had removed while the two aurors watched on. How to Recreate the World in Seven Days? Nalian hissed. Where in Merlin's name did this author get his title? It sounded like some twelve step program of rehabilitation. The three other occupants of the room were staring at him. "What?"
"You were speaking Parseltongue." James said.
"Oh, was I? Er- I suppose I should try to explain something. When we, Parselmouths, speak to snakes or read the Parseltongue language our minds seem to unconsciously start comprehending things in that language. For example, when I hear a snake say something my mind switches to Parseltongue and that is the language that I speak. A Parselmouth can learn control, but it is very difficult, and learning control with the written form of the language is even more difficult. That's why I need no interruptions when I'm working, it is very taxing work to read something in Parseltongue and write or explain it in English." Nalian took a deep breath. "One of the reasons for this is that the 'language' is as much images and ideas as it is words. It even shows in the written texts; the writing is more squiggles and little hieroglyphic symbols than actual letters." He winded down, pushing the book under their noses, before realizing he made a rather long speech. "Oh, um, I didn't mean to go on like that."
"No, it's interesting!" Lily responded. "I can't really see the hieroglyphs, but it's fascinating to hear it explained from a Parselmouth's point of view."
"I know you said it was hard and you need a lot of concentration," Sirius said, "but could you tell us the titles, and maybe we can help narrow down a couple books for you to start reading?"
Nalian, looking surprised at Black's polite tone, nodded his agreement. "It'll take me about ten minutes, I'd guess."
The titles, in English, ended up being:
How to Recreate the World in Seven Days
My Very Secret Thoughts (I refuse to call this a diary!)
Strategy for the Small Army
Work Journals 1-3
Once a Man, Always a Pig (Nalian wasn't sure the title had been written properly, but that's what it translated to.)
Devices for the Fun and Boring: A Book About Good Minion Management and Torturing Enemies Efficiently
"You've got to be kidding me." Sirius snorted. "Those titles are ridiculous."
"You have to remember most of these men were insane, Padfoot." James said.
"Besides, they sound much more serious in Parseltongue." Nalian added. "So which should I start with?"
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A/N: Of the people I said spoke Parseltongue (Alberic Grunnion, Baron Evander Hassforth, Caleb Potter) , only Alberic Grunnion is an actual canon character, and I don't know if he really is a Parselmouth, but I find it highly unlikely. The other two names are of my own creation.
Thanks to: Robbly, shy3wolf, Jenn, KC (Thanks for the story rec!), linky2, Fiery Pheonix, bobbi, Pure Black, sunny smiles, The angelic vampire, SilverKnight7
MidiMalfoy - Harry doesn't know he's a Potter.
Nabiki - No, I'm not going for Morgan La Fey. Eaiva le Fay is just a username I created.
A Watcher - What makes you think Lucius is still married? I don't believe I ever said anything about that... (I could've forgotten, I suppose, but I'm pretty sure I've never mentioned Lucius still being married.)
Stahchild - Well, that's good, because I'm not 15. grin My plot was also a long time in developing before it even saw the light of the computer screen. Flitwick is no longer among the living; died courageously in battle. I doubt Flitwick will ever come up in the story.
rayvern - --why are elves attracted to ice demons anyway?-- They're just naturally attracted to each other and often make good pairings (whether in not just romantic relationships, but platonic ones as well). I'll most likely go more into that later in the story.