***Important Author Note: ***
Right! Update. So I have a new bio up and a poll. PLEASE take the time to vote in the poll. I'd like the input to know what my readers tend to enjoy.
As for the story: I, personally, don't believe this is one of my more humorous chapters. But then again sometimes when I gear more towards the serious side, comedic relief maneuvers itself in anyways. My next couple of chapters are going to have some comedy in it though, so you can look forward for that. (Hints: Snape running around like crazy, cute little girls, the bribery of one Rita Skeeter, embarrassing memories of a Dark Lord, and PRANKS GALORE!)
Any confusion, feel free to ask and I'll do my best to clear it all up.
Chapter Six
"Severus, I wasn't expecting you." Lucius Malfoy stated not showing a hint of surprise. Pouring two glasses of alcohol and gesturing for the Potions Master to sit down, Lucius made his way over to his friend and fellow Death Eater.
"If you're busy…" Severus started only to be cut off by a wave of his friend's hand and a glass of firewhisky being handed to him.
"Nonsense. You obviously want to discuss something with me."
"Too true." The Potions Professor muttered. Suppressing a snort, he continued. "I bet you couldn't guess who I want to discuss."
"It's Potter, isn't it?"
"However did you deduce such a thing?" Snape asked sarcastically.
"I'm a Malfoy of course." Lucius stated arrogantly. "Besides it's Potter, when isn't Potter not driving you insane?"
"Point taken."
"I imagine it's something important. I'm going to take a guess and go with the Prophet." Lucius stated knowingly.
"He was compared with you."
"Don't remind me." The elder Malfoy demanded as he tilted his head back to suppress his groan of displeasure.
Chuckling slightly, Severus continued to tease his friend. "Maybe next time he'll get Fudge to fall in love with him."
"Cornelius is not–" Stopping himself and taking a calming breath, Lucius composed himself. "Is it even possible for you not to go there?"
"Probably not." Snape responded with sadistic glee.
"The Prophet, Severus." Lucius reminded his friend dryly.
"You've read it? There's this part that I find absolutely fascinating. Apparently Potter was compared–"
"Severus." Lucius growled out in annoyance.
"Have it your way. I do hope you realize that I'm never going to let you live this down." Severus stated cheerfully, or as cheerfully as the snarky bastard could get.
Suppressing the urge to curse his companion, the elder Malfoy once again tried to redirect his friend to the more important information in the Prophet. "Perhaps we should discuss something else Severus?" Lucius commented dangerously.
"What do you believe and what do you think is nonsense?" Snape asked, turning serious.
"I should ask you the same question. With Dumbledore I would think that you would have more information."
"Dumbledore is furious. The part where he chased Potter through the Ministry yelling and screaming seems to be true."
"So the old fool has finally lost it, has he?" Lucius asked arrogantly with a smirk.
"Apparently. Potter appears to have completely slipped from his control."
"Not entirely sure how I feel about that."
"You're not the only one." Severus sighed out. "The other thing I know for sure is that Potter did get those Masteries."
"You can't be serious." The elder Malfoy stated in disbelief.
"Unfortunately." Severus groaned out as he rubbed his face. "The Ministry gave Hogwarts the proof so that Potter would be able to be exempt from those classes."
"Merlin. The implications. Am I to assume that Dumbledore is completely in the dark about how Potter got those Masteries as well?"
"I imagine it's one of the reasons why he's so furious."
"Severus you do realize that Potter could have been playing everyone for years; the Light, the Dark, the Ministry and Hogwarts, everyone. That's not Gryffindor behavior."
"I know. That's one of the main things about this whole situation that's actually disturbing me. Potter's acting like a Slytherin and might have been for years."
"Severus, you should read this." Lucius said as he handed a copy of the letter sent to the Board of Governors.
After taking some time to read through the paper, the Potions Professor looked up his friend. "What's the Board's decision?"
"They're still discussing it, though the majority are leaning towards a resort. If a good number of students go to a different house then they plan to investigate Dumbledore and the Sorting Ceremony."
"Do you think that letter is Potter's doing?" Severus asked almost dreading the response he knew was coming.
"If you asked me that months ago, I'd say despite the suspicious nature of the letter and all the examples being people who Potter is familiar with, it would be no. The craftsmanship practically screams Slytherin."
"And now?"
"…I wouldn't rule it out." Lucius hesitantly responded with honesty. After which the two Dark wizards fell into a silent debate with themselves, trying to figure out what everything around them means.
"Do you think Potter could actually be a Lord?" Severus spoke up after the long moment of silence.
"It's impossible, he doesn't have the criteria." Lucius stated somewhat lacking in his normal arrogance.
"Let's pick it apart. What is the main thing needed to become a Lord?"
"Bloodlines. You need to be a descendent of one or more of the Six Great Bloodlines. On top of that you need to be related to at least two Ancient Houses."
"The Six Great Bloodlines being Slytherin, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, Gryffindor, the Merlinian line and the Le Fey line."
"Yes, while Potter is a blood descent of Gryffindor, to be a Lord you need the ring and the claimed inheritance of that bloodline. The Dumbledores, also direct descendents of Gryffindor claimed that centuries ago. That's why Potter can't be a Lord. He doesn't have bloodlines."
"But the Gryffindor line could be used as one of the Ancient Houses' requirements, correct?"
"I suppose, but he would still be missing the claim to one of the Six as well as another relation to an Ancient House."
"Black made Potter his heir; he became the Head of the Ancient and Most Noble House of Black, when the mutt died."
"He what?" Lucius raised his voice in disbelief. "Unbelievable…"
"Hm." Severus murmured in agreement though seemingly lost in thought. "What if…and Lucius, this is purely hypothetical, but what if Lily Potter was in fact not a muggleborn but a descendent of a squib."
"Severus, do you know what you're saying?"
"Is it possible?" Severus asked strongly.
"It's…possible." Lucius started, after thinking about it some more his eyes widened. "Merlin. It's possible." He said as he stood up and started pacing.
"All the criteria?" Severus asked in surprise.
"Yes. If Lily Potter was a squib descendent of one of the Six it's actually possible. He'd have the bloodlines; he already has the magical and political power of being the Boy-Who-Lived. He has followers and money through that as well." Lucius explained widely. "Severus. All he needs is an affiliation and he'd be a Lord."
"Merlin." The Potions Master breathed out.
"Indeed." Lucius responded as he plopped back into his chair in an undignified manner.
Let's see, I should probably get my vault guardian now that I've cleared my list a bit. Harry thought to himself as he strolled through one of his halls in his house. He had just come from a workout and was in desperate need for a shower. Even with working out and being a master in quiet a few defensive disciplines, my body has always been small, no matter what time period I'm in! Stupid Dursleys…He thought as he stripped down and got in the shower. Maybe I should pay them a visit…
After getting ready, the Boy-Who-Lived decided to debate where he should go to find a powerful creature to guard his vault. Romania, Siberia, Egypt, Ecuador, India…All good ideas…Walking out of his new home and outside the anti-Apparation wards he had set up he eventually decided to start his search in Romania. Lots of nasties there.
After a good many hours of searching, the wizard from the future had seen a great many creatures that would surely scare off intruders. Unfortunately for him, he wasn't satisfied yet. Seeing an old library, Harry decided to do some reading up on the area. After all legends and myths usually have an actual magical creature behind them.
As the sun set high in the sky, Harry noticed it was past lunch and he had not eaten. Getting a snack from one of the local markets, the wizard started back towards the library.
"Ye are interested in the ancient legends, no?" A scratchy voice called out and drew the magical being's attention.
"Yes…why?" Harry replied suspiciously.
"I am a historian of sorts. The scholars at the library don't like my beliefs but I believe ye might find my scrolls interesting." The ragged old man rasped as he gestured to his cart.
"Oh?" Harry replied. "And what makes you think I would be?"
"Ye have been researching the ancient legends. I must admit I have been watching yeh." Taking out a scroll from the cart, he tried to hand it to the young man.
"Why are you sure I want this?"
"An ability of mine, child. Most think I'm a crazy old man. But I trust ye know not everything is so black and white. I know ye wants this scroll. It is a feeling." The old man explained, gaining the curiosity of the wizard in front of him.
"Very well, I shall look at this scroll." Harry said as he took the parchment from the old man after subtly checking for curses. Unraveling it, his eyes widened.
Looking up to confront the old man, Harry found that was gone and that he was alone on the street. Glancing back down, a smile crept on his face at the illustration of Medusa and other half-human half-snake creatures. He must have been a low level seer…Lamia huh? Sounds interesting.
Slithering through the outskirts of Knockturn Alley, Nagini focused on her newest task: Finding Harry Potter. My Tom might not think Harry Potter was at that book shop, but Nagini knows better. Mummy always knows best!
As she moved into the alleyway, she purposely hissed at someone every so often. She was thoroughly amused at the fear created by her presence. Slithering some more she came across the Dark Arts bookstore, she grinned much as a snake could as she went in and hissed amusingly as a wizard tripped over himself to get away.
After going into the bookstore, which caused the owner to cower behind some shelves, Nagini tried to concentrate on the smells of individuals. Thinking back on the time the Potter boy had connected to her mind, she attempted to match the scent given off then to one in the room.
After a while, she had finally picked out the right scent. Odd, he smells similar to my Tom. She thought perplexed. I'll bring it up to my snakeling once I've gotten them to mate.
Following the scent out of the bookstore and out of Knockturn Alley, Nagini hesitated before going into Diagon alley. Luckily for her, it was getting closer to the evening; staying in the shadows, she slowly followed the scent.
As Nagini passed the shops she concluded that Potter was obliviously shopping when she followed the scent all the way to the Leaky Cauldron. Despite the waning of the sun, it would not be wise to go in there…No doubt he either flooed, Apparated, or went into muggle London; none of which I could follow anyways.
Making her way back to Knockturn Alley, she knew that the Death Eaters she had followed were no doubt in a frantic. I always love to play with my snakeling's minions. They are probably searching the entire alley for me, afraid of their Master and what he would do to them for 'losing' me.
Giggling in her head, Nagini started looking for the scents that would lead her back to Tom. Silly Tom, locking himself in his room. He's not going to prove that he's still a Dark Lord if he's showing teenage angst, especially since I've seen him go through it once before. His minions will become out of control if he doesn't come out soon…they've been restless lately and keep taking about the Ministry.
I wonder what went on there… She contemplated as she slithered up to one of the Dark Lord's Death Eaters and hissed. Smirking at the wizard when he visibly jumped, she hoped her snakeling had finally come out of his room when she got back.
Walking through the Atrium, Severus Snape practically growled in annoyance. He had come to the Ministry in search of Harry Potter and what the fiasco with the Ministry was all about. So far he had determined that almost everyone in the Department of Magical Education were morons.
He had arrived in hopes that the Prophet had highly exaggerated Potter's time in the Ministry. Unfortunately he had found out that practically none of what Skeeter wrote was fabricated. Disturbingly, he had to admit that a good portion of the Department of Magical Education was thoroughly charmed by Potter; something that he was sure would drive Lucius crazy if he could only get over his own queasiness of the concept.
What disturbed him even more was exactly how well Potter had done on his exams. He knew from Dumbledore of course that Potter had actually gotten his Masteries, he just had no idea that Potter scored so high. It had crossed his mind that the Potter that went to the Ministry was an imposter, until he reminded himself that the Ministry checks both blood and magical signatures before giving a Mastery exam.
He had asked the Department to verify the blood and magical signature again to see if it was even remotely possible that it wasn't Potter. Frustratingly, the Department Head had informed him that they had already checked it three times themselves and that it was later checked by two other professionals outside the Department of Magical Education. Even more annoyingly, they had informed him that they even got Gringotts to verify. Everything had checked out; Potter wasn't an imposter.
After his highly frustrating time at the Department of Magical Education, Severus had the idea to check if Potter had bought or rented any locations lately. His day was made worse when he had to deal with the flaky secretary who barely knew how to check if Potter was occupying any new home or any of his ancestral properties. After several long hours of trying to the pry information out of the bubblegum popping blonde idiot, he had come away with a headache and no answers to his questions.
The only good thing that came out of the whole trip was the fact that he had narrowed the possibilities of where Potter was. However, both remaining situations didn't look good. He was either living in the muggle world and was knowledgeable enough to create his own powerful wards or he was living with someone who was capable of creating their own powerful wards. Neither situation was beneficial to him; no doubt both of the masters he served would be highly displeased that he didn't really have any new information.
Slowly down from his frustrated pace, Severus train of thought circled back to his so-called masters. Albus is ready to blow in his anger and the Dark Lord has locked himself up in his private chambers. Neither of them are acting normal…Perhaps…no. Best to just concentrate on Potter. That's what everything seems to be circling around. Pushing his thoughts to the back of his mind for later contemplation, Severus grabbed a handful of powder and flooed to his private suite at Hogwarts.
After thoroughly reviewing the scroll several times over, Harry could say he was quite confident that he was knowledgeable enough to go in search for some lamia. Apparating to the portion of Greece that the scroll talked about, Harry arrived in a dense forest of fog. The fog was so thick in the forest that it clouded the light of day and shrouded the forest in a hazy darkness. Harry smiled wistfully as he found that the forest reminded him of the Dark Forest at Hogwarts, he then closed his eyes and concentrated on the magical signatures throughout the trees.
Finding a signature that reminded him of serpents, Harry cast a particularly powerful charm on his eyes and started towards the magical signature. I do hope I don't run into a basilisk here…luckily the charm I just cast to prevent me from turning to stone is powerful enough for me to be temporarily immune to eyes of a basilisk. Still…I really don't like basilisks…Thinking back with a shiver the reason he had invented this particular spell, Harry decided then and there, that he would never be comfortable around basilisks.
After walking a good half hour through dense forest, the Boy Wonder came up upon a cave that seemed to stem from the ground. Casting a charm to enhance his vision for extreme darkness, Harry started down the cave. The further down he went, the warmer the cave seemed to get. This is distinctively reminding me of the Medusa myth…the lamia in these parts probably created that legend long ago. If I run into a volcano… Groaning, Harry cut of his train of thought as he walked into a large cavern with several lava flows running through it. Great. Just great.
Needless to say he wasn't very pleased that he had to jump onto different land segments to cross the lava flows. A little known fact that he had the misfortune of finding out the hard way was simple spells seem to be effected by some type of interference around volcanoes. He had spent quite a few weeks at St. Mungos due to using a spell in such a way. It wasn't something he wanted to experience again. As he proceeded across, he applied a powerful and complex cooling charm on himself and decided he was going to be in large need of a shower after all this. Walking through another entrance way on the opposite side of the lava flows, Harry eventually came across an even larger cavern.
Walking to the center of the cavern, Harry looked around. The new cavern was filled with lava flows, overturned rocks and pillars. There were the ruins of what looked like an ancient Greek temple and statues of people made out of stone. Somehow…I think I'm in the right place…Tensing as he sensed movement around him, Harry stopped on a rather large platform of land and watched for any signs of hostile movement.
/Fresh meat./
/Too skinny, not enough meat./
/Pretty boy, pretty boy turn to pretty stone./
/Yess, stone. He shall become stone./
/Hush! He senses us. This is no ordinary two-legger./ Was the hissed command silenced all other hissing in the cavern.
/May I request an audience to the lovely lady in charge?/ Harry hissed out in respect and mild amusement.
/Speaker!/
/He's a Speaker!/
Hundreds of soft and surprised hissing sounds came from the darkness only to be cut off once more from the commanding hiss of 'silence.'
/It has been centuries since I've have encountered a Serpent Charmer. You may have your audience./ The soft but deadly voice sounded out through the darkness as a large and beautiful lamia slithered out of the blackness to greet the young wizard. /What do you wish of us, Speaker?/
/A favor./ Harry replied honestly. He was well aware that all species with serpent backgrounds honor truth and despise liars.
/You would dare come into our nest and demand something from us?/ The lamia hissed out in silent anger.
/I do not wish to demand anything from you or your beautiful companions./
/Then what is it that you wish of my children and I?/ The lamia asked in suspicion.
/I have in my possession a great deal of riches and treasures-/ Harry started only to cut off by excited hissing from the darkness.
/Gold…he has gold…/
/Pretty gems…pretty, pretty jewels./
/Silence!/ The mother lamia hissed in annoyance at her children's excitement. /Go on Speaker./
/These riches of mine are being kept in a secure place. However, due to recent political unrest in my homeland, I have found the need to search for a guardian of sorts./
/You wish one of us to be your pet guard?/ The Queen snarled out in anger.
/Creatures such of yourselves would never become a pet. I would never dream of dishonoring you so by even contemplating it./ Harry reassured.
The lamia Queen signaled for him to continue.
/I came here to ask if I could have the honor of having one from such a great and beautiful species to keep my treasures safe./
/And if we say no?/ The Queen asked with narrowed eyes.
/Then I will leave graciously and wish you well./
/Very well. Kali will act as your guard, she enjoys precious items and desires to leave our nest./ The lamia stated elegantly. /However, I have a condition./
/Yes?/ Harry asked politely.
/I have been in this cavern for far too long as of late. I wish to see the world of yours, young Serpent Charmer. Kali will be your guard if I may live with you for a few seasons./
/While I would be honored by your presence, I'm afraid that my world may be harmful towards your presence. They have become fearful of the dark and the wondrous creatures that thrive in it. You would have to follow my rules, but even then I'm afraid due to your deadly ability with sight that you would most likely be miserable. I would not desire to set such a fate on you./ Harry explained, thinking that it was a shame that lamia couldn't control their gazes.
/My blood and myself are the only ones of our species that can control our deadly sight. You have nothing to fear young Speaker. Come let us negotiate./ The lamia hissed out in amusement and pride.
Surprised, Harry agreed and after an hour or so, he and the lamia Queen came to an agreement. Kali, the young lamia from the Queen's most recent brood would guard his vault at Gringotts. The Queen would live with him and follow the rules they had agreed upon. As long as she caused no harm and remained mostly hidden, Harry would basically allow her free rein.
The Queen questioned how he was not affected by their gaze and questioned if it was another ability of a Serpent Charmer. Harry of course explained that it was a spell and then went on to explain the difference in the two-leggers as the lamia referred to them as. The queen seemed quite fascinated between the difference of muggles and magical beings and Harry became more at ease with the thought of sharing a home with her…However that did last long.
He had been surprised to learn that the Queen's name was in fact Medusa, and highly unnerved when she had grinned and stated that the Greeks had many legends about her. Needless to say, Harry was unsure as to be honored or paranoid that the Medusa from Greek mythology was going to be living with him. Shrugging it off that his life was weird and he should be used to it by now, Harry Apparated them to the special Apparation room at Gringotts.
After settling Kali in and mentally laughing at the shocked and somewhat fearful glances the goblins had made, Harry had asked Medusa if she was ready to go.
/I wish to see more of this alleyway./ She hissed out in curiosity.
/Alright. It's the evening by now so there won't be that many people about. We should stick to the shadows./ Harry responded, debating the best course of action.
/No…I will go alone. You need not worry young Speaker, I will stick to your rules and stay in the shadows./ The Queen insisted as she started towards the front of the bank. /I will follow your scent to your nest./
/Very well. Enjoy yourself./ The wizard replied, hoping that the lamia wouldn't be seen in muggle London. /Just be careful when you leave the alley. Remember what I told you, there are two different worlds now./
/Yesss…I will be careful, Speaker. Go now, I wish to explore./ With that, the lamia left the bank altogether, leaving the Boy-Who-Lived exasperated but highly amused as well.
Sooo...someone posted an interesting review, and I later decided that some of the topics would be something that others would be interested in reading about. So here are my answers:
Here's my version of why I am doing some of the things I am:
The resort. I could really care less what house he's a member of, I actually read fics where he's in one of any of the four. (I find that they all work out well.) The reason why I'm doing the resort is because of the political allies he will gain in Slytherin. Also, if he's resorted in Slytherin he can slowly manipulate/convince the future Death Eaters not to join Voldemort but to join him instead. Thus gaining more of a power base while taking away Voldemort's next generation. (Of course he doesn't know that he'll eventually get together with Voldie anyways.)
Nagini. Nagini is a Horcux, thus her mentality is a bit...off. It's why she's acting like she has a 'childish' mind. Her insanity adds comedy as well as shows signs that messing with soul magic is VERY BAD for one's mental state.
Hope this clears some stuff up for you. ^^
Thanks…
samster1819, bart4nat, Googleyum, ImmoralVirtues, koryssa-kory-, Sweet-single, Exiled Rain, hanakisa, sometimes love isn't enough, Soulcaster, tetee77515, Rylia, Penneay, ramenlover1050, Willa1317, Chakahlah, YamiNoTomoyo, Iriomote Yamaneko Nokomis, Hikaru H.K, Stormshadow13, VoraciousReader99, Basill, Sayomi Mayako, T-TrainOrTurkeyT, JameseMalfoy, TJeanetteT, Flame150, WynterRavenheart, VMLynn400488, kitsunkuruoshii, Aelirenn, Kanberry, itachisgurl93, ImploringIdeal, Sev'slittlesecret, Hanajima Sasuke, Girouette, Dreamers0rule0the0earth, Gemini Peverell, Lily887787, LittleMrsAdams, peruser, Fox Loves Shinigami, ConCrit, RoseThorn333, xkayxvenx
…for your reviews! If you're in there more than once, than more love to you!