Mama Who Bore Me

Five days after the whole kidnapping and Malfoy affair, Toni was in the music room, absently drumming his fingers against his Cello when Emilia walked in. Toni and Emilia had always been close-closer than he was with Annalisa. Emilia had instantly welcomed him into the family, and started smothering him with affection, clothes and toys. She had been the one to encourage him to pursue theatre when he mentioned his interest, and supported every decision he made. Now, he was grateful that she was also supporting his choice to return to the U.K.

"Toni, could we talk for a few minutes?" Emilia asked, as she approached the young heir.

"What's on your mind, Em?"

"Are you sure you want to go to Hogwarts. I will support you either way, but I don't want you to go just because you feel like it's an obligation. Yes, they have found you, but you don't have to return." Toni stared at her earnest face before replying.

"Em, I know Father put them off my trail for a little bit, but you have heard all the information that he has gathered, about the state of affairs over there. Lord Voldy is back, terrorizing the wizarding world. If the rumours are true and I am the only one able to stop him, then I have to try. Not only for you, Lisa, and Father, but for my biological parents, and all the innocents who will get caught in this war." Seeing that his sister was taking in everything he said he continued.

"I know you worry about me, and I think that if this Dumbledore character is truly hell-bent on finding me, then I can easily arrange for him to set up special training classes. Since I won't have rehearsal or practice, than I can dedicate my free time to becoming stronger. Plus, with all the guards Papa is planning to send with me, I should be fine." Emilia took a deep breath and sighed, knowing that Toni would continue on this path.

"Okay Toni, I will try and visit you while you are there, and don't you slack on your instruments! I expect you to practice at least ten hours a week, and keep up your grades!" she demanded. Toni laughed and hugged his older sister, before returning his focus to his abandoned Cello.

Emilia sat beside her brother for twenty minutes, listening to him play, before she stood and swept out of the room to talk with their father once more. She knew no one could change Toni's mind, but that didn't mean he had to forget his life here. She would make sure that Toni was allowed all his musical instruments, and permission to practice them. She didn't know the rules regarding music at Hogwarts, but she was a Cortalioni and she would ensure that Toni be comfortable at school. After all, no-one said 'No' to a Cortalioni.

Albus Dumbledore was sitting in his office when the wards alerted him to a guests at the front gate. Noting eight people, he quickly firecalled Minerva and Severus to accompany him. The three met in the entrance hall, and proceeded to walk to the gates to greet the guests. Whomever Dumbledore had been expecting, the Cortalioni family was not them.

Dumbledore managed to stop himself from gaping, and greeted the family. He invited them to his office to discuss whatever business that had, while subtly trying to glimpse the young man that was hidden under the hood of his emerald cloak. Dumbledore led the group into his office, and conjured several chairs, and but still focussed most of his attention on the hooded boy.

"Well Mr. Cortalioni-"

"Lord." Cortalioni interrupted the headmaster.

"Excuse me?" Albus asked. He was surprised to be interrupted.

"I am Lord Cortalioni, and Head of all the Italian Magic Families. You will address me accordingly. Even though I am not in my own country, it does not mean I lose my title or the respect that goes with it." Cortalioni stated. Dumbledore corrected himself and continued.

"Lord Cortalioni, my apologies, but would you or any of your company like tea?"

"No, we are here on business, so shall skip right to that." Dumbledore thought that he heard a snicker from the hooded boy, but pushed it aside, to listen to the Italian Lord.

"Well, then… please begin." Dumbledore noticed Severus discretely glance at the hooded boy as well, but Minerva was too distracted by the aristocratic women sitting near her, fingering their wands.

"You called to my manor, the other day searching for Harry Potter. You stated that my son Toni was him, and that you had been searching for the missing boy for five years. I instantly denied your claim, because I do not trust you around my son. After discussing this further with my son, he has convinced my family to allow you the privilege of the truth." Cortalioni appeared to have a bitter taste in his mouth when he spoke the last sentence, but quickly resumed his blank mask.

"The truth?" Dumbledore prompted. Cortalioni shot him a glare for his actions, and took a few moments before speaking gain.

"Yes. My son Antonio Cortalioni was adopted. His former name was Harry Potter, but when he was five, I found him being abused in his Uncle's house, so I took him to Italy." A gasp was heard as Minerva covered his mouth with her hand. Severus maintained his blank mask, but Dumbledore lost some of his twinkle.

"Abused? Surely you were mistaken? I might also have to have Harry turned back over to his Aunt and Uncle. They miss him terribly." Dumbledore said. Instead of getting the reaction he was hoping for the Lord merely laughed.

"Yes, he was abused, and whatever you may claim, you cannot take him from me. When I returned to Italy, I had a lawyer draw and file papers that declared the former guardians of Mr. Potter void. Then I took over temporary guardianship, until the legal paperwork was signed for his adoption."

It seemed that Minerva had finally lost her patience and asked a question she had been holding in, and seeing the pause in conversation, presented a perfect opportunity. "Why were we not allowed to meet your son when we visited your home?"

"I was kidnapped and being held hostage when you were over." The hooded boy spoke. His voice was low and they barely heard him.

"This is why I don't trust you with my son." Cortalioni stated, while gesturing to the staff. The Lord stood while he spoke again. "You don't have sufficient staff to protect him. Come, I do not trust this man, and will not allow you to stay in his presence, Toni." Everyone watched as the hooded boy reached out a hand and stilled the Lord. The Hogwarts staff were surprised when a soft melodious voice that spoke, now that they could properly hear it.

"Papa, please." The Lord stopped and returned to his seat.

"Unfortunately, my son, wants to attend Hogwarts for his final year. However, we have several requests." Cortalioni motioned with his hand for his son to take over. The Hogwarts Staff instantly placed their focus on the hooded boy. They had been curious to his appearance since none of them had ever seen him. They could picture several different possibilities, but none seemed to fit the melodious voice they heard. They watched as the figure reached up and dropped his hood to reveal a boy with shaggy black hair, and large bright green eyes.

"If I am to come to this school, and help with your war, then I will need special training classes. Also, my Father will meet and question all Hogwarts staff. I will have a security team with me at the school, and one of my sisters will be making a bi-weekly check in. I am to be allowed to leave the grounds when I need to, and I will only take 4 classes. Finally, I will be bringing my instruments, and require a practice room."

The staff were shocked at the requests, and how the boy had such a commanding voice. He spoke and left no room for disagreement, and kept a blank mask. Most of the requests seemed reasonable, and semi expected, but the instruments threw them all off. Many pureblood children played at least one musical instrument, but they never needed nor cared for a practice room. Dumbledore took charge and spoke for the entire staff.

"My dear boy, what do you mean 'If'? And why do you need a practice room. Other students have never needed a practice room and they play music as well. One last thing- I don't believe I can grant your father permission to interrogate my staff!" Dumbledore needed this boy, but he would not allow him to run things. He needed the upper hand, and by denying certain desires, then he could ensure that remained the one in control of the entire situation.

"I play several instruments, and I do not intend to fall behind in my mastery because you cannot be bothered to make a practice room. My attendance at this school is still undecided, but if you deny my father from speaking with all members of your staff, than we will return to Italy, and you can fight this war without my help." Toni knew that he won, when the Headmaster paled at his words, but he also knew that he had a few more protests to hear from the aged wizard.

"I do not like giving special privileges to students. In my eyes, all students are equal. Also I do not see what benefit you father will gain from questioning my staff. I can vouch for each and every member, and trust them with the youth in my care." Dumbledore was searching for a chance to regain control. He was hoping that some of Harry's parents would come through, and the boy would agree with him to help the greater good.

"I am not an ordinary student of this school. You wish to use me as a weapon to help you fight, and therefore I demand my wishes be met. As for your staff… well, we disagree on them. I have reports that in what would have been my first year, the DADA professor was possessed by Lord Voldy, the year after, you had an incompetent fool who allowed a student to be killed in his care, the next you had a werewolf on staff and an escaped convict on the grounds. Finally, the years after that you have had under your employ, an ex-Auror that was dismissed from duty for several questionable offenses." Dumbledore watched as the boy placed several folders on his desk, each containing a photo of the past DADA professors.

"Also, since I know you are struggling to regain power in this conversation I will end with this warning. If you do not grant all the requests made today, I will return to Italy, and let the Daily Prophet know that the Leader of the Light lost the Saviour because he refused to allow him to play music at school. I will spin a tale that will destroy your image in the eyes of the public. They're simple requests really, you should just accept them and we can move on. Now we are done here, if you have changed you mind then you may owl my father. Good day." With that the entire Cortalioni family, and guards stood and left the room.

Dumbledore sat in a state of shock at the boy's words. He looked innocent and angelic sitting in that chair, but when he spoke he was just like his father. Albus regarded his two trusted teachers and waited for them to make their opinion known. Severus spoke first.

"Well Minerva, I don't think he will be a Gryffindor." Albus watched as his Potions Master laughed to himself. "Well, I say grant the boy everything, and be done with it." Severus then walked out and left the other two to their musings.

" I agree with Severus. We can't afford to lose Potter, and if it means his father talks to the staff and he gets a practice room, then so be it." Dumbledore watched as his headmistress left as well to attend to the students.

He sighed to himself and contemplated how he had lost so much control in the entire situation. He had lost Harry when he was little, and now he was going to lose him again if he didn't adhere to Lord Cortalioni and his heir. In addition, he couldn't afford the scandal that Harry would cause if he did go to the papers. No, he needed to let the Cortalioni family win this round. After all, it was merely a small battle, but Albus would win the war by gaining full control of Harry Potter.

Three months later, when July rolled around, Toni was entering Diagon Alley. He had barely made it to the front gate of Hogwarts before he received an owl from Dumbledore granting his wishes. Now he was in London, to buy his school supplies and he was bored. He had never been to Diagon Alley before but it was nothing like the marketplace in Florence. Florence was much classier, and exciting.

Beto had arranged for his nephew Blaise, to escort Toni and his father around, but even with all the enthusiasm the boy was forcing, nothing could excite Toni. The Alley was literally a wide Alley, with shops on either side. The streets were overcrowded and the shops bursting with people. Toni silently wondered how anyone got any shopping done.

Blaise led them to get school robes first. When they entered they were greeted by a Middle aged, woman. She quickly positioned the boys on stools, and began measuring.

"Which house dear?" she asked Toni.

"House?"

"Yes dear, which house are you in. I need to know for your robes." She explained. Toni looked towards Blaise for an answer.

"Hogwarts has four different houses. Once you get sorted, then the house crest will be on your robe, so everyone knows which one you belong to." Toni had listened to Blaise's explanation but he didn't know how he felt about being categorized. At Lombardi's, the first four years, you had to live in residence with the other students, but after you were free to move home as long as you had a way to class every day. The females had one building, while the males had a separate apartment building.

"What if I don't want to be sorted into a house?" he asked.

Instead of Blaise answering, the seamstress piped up instead. "Oh honey, everyone is sorted! I will leave your robes blank since clearly you are a transfer student, and your head of house can magic the crest and colours on later." Toni raised an eyebrow at Blaise.

"Everyone is sorted. You will have to try on a hat and it will announce which house you best fit in. There is Slytherin who are cunning and ambitious, Gryffindor who are brave and irrational, Ravenclaw that studious and anti-social, and Hufflepuff the loyal and slow house." Toni knew which house Blaise belonged to, but still didn't want to be sorted and labelled. In his own mind he was still a Lombardi student, that was merely visiting Hogwarts.

"Papa." He called. When his Father appeared around the curtain, Toni turned towards him. "Students are sorted into one of four houses. I think it's time we sent our mid-summer request to the Headmaster, and tell him that I won't be sorted and I require my own apartment within the castle. You could also suggest that it would be more beneficial since he can add the practice room right on."

Toni didn't like acting all arrogant aristocratic prodigy, but he needed to send a message to Dumbledore that he was not under his control and that he would not be pushed around. His father explained that by acting this way towards the Headmaster, than he projected an independent and calculating mind. His demands were merely tests for the Headmaster, and that it was understood where Toni stood in the chain of command. He could not show weakness to the Headmaster or his enemies, so if he had to act demanding , he would.

He watched as his father smirked at the suggestion, and readily approved of the idea. Yes he needed to send a message to Dumbledore, but another reason Toni didn't want to be sorted, was because that sharing a dorm with others would increase his likelihood of being attacked again. So he roomed alone, and away from potential threats.

Finishing the robe fitting, the group went and bough the rest of their school supplies, before they ran into Draco Malfoy. The boys had just left the Apothecary, while Lord Cortalioni was talking to the shopkeeper, when they heard someone say 'Blaise'. Turning they saw Draco waiting beside the store, and staring intently at Toni.

"Blaise, you did not tell me you would be babysitting today." Draco said. Toni honestly did not understand what he had done to so overly offend the boy.

"Draco, I wasn't expecting to see you today. Uncle Beto asked me to help the Cortalionis around Diagon Alley, while Toni here got his school supplies. He is transferring to Hogwarts." Toni could tell that Blaise, was trying to use a calming tone, to avoid any arguments.

"Thrilling. Tell me, Cortalioni, why the switch?" Draco asked while never taking his eyes off him.

"Change of scenery." Toni said in a neutral voice.

"Did your fan club lose interest? Or did Daddy fail to buy you lead role this year?" Draco sneered at him.

Toni was slowly getting angry at this boy. He had no right to say that his father paid for Toni to get the lead. He didn't know anything about his former life. He really just wanted the boy to accept whatever happened and move on, has he never heard of forgive and forget.

"Mr. Malfoy, I do not know what I did to offend you so much that you continue to act rude and condescending around me. I have apologized, and hoped that we could move on, but from your childish behaviour, I can see that you are not mature enough to talk to. If you will excuse me, I will be on way and will attempt to avoid your presence for the rest of the day." With that said, Toni turned and walked back in the shop.

"Draco what is your problem? Shit, man, but you're always such an arse around Toni." Blaise said.

"I honestly don't know. I see him and my head gets all jumbled and next thing I know insults are flying out of my mouth, and I can't stop them." Draco looked slightly mortified at his actions, and made a quick exit.

Toni stood by his father, while he watched Draco leave. Knowing that in six weeks he would have to see the blonde again, he sighed, and tried to prepare himself for a year of insults from the boy.

September first rolled around faster than he thought it would. He had passed with straight O's on his A.A.W.T's for Acting, Improvisation, Cello, Violin, Piano, and singing. Now he was sitting in a compartment by himself, and waiting for the train to finally leave. He watched the families say good-bye to their children, and as said children loaded trunks and animals on board. His own father had dropped him off early, and had the entire train scouted before he allowed him to board. They had a pep talk and then his father left.

Toni was pulled out of his thoughts from a whistle, and felt the train jerk and then moving forward. Thinking about Lombardi, he realized that they would probably be in the middle of try outs for the Christmas concert. Looking down as his violin case, he pulled it towards him and opened it to reveal his all black violin.

Toni quickly tuned the violin and stood while he decided what to play. Recalling Vivaldi's Concerto in A minor RV356, he played a few scales, before closing his eyes and playing from memory. He swayed and moved with the music while he played. Vivaldi was his favourite, and he had spent the summer when he was ten trying desperately to play this piece perfectly from memory. The piece wasn't hard to play, but he wanted Vivaldi's work to sound perfect.

He imagined a second violin being added, and then pictured himself on stage, with an entire orchestra behind him. He saw ribbons of different colour light, floating around, and how they changed depending on the emotions in the piece. He continued to play and move, in his own world, and failed to notice the blonde staring at him through the compartment window. Playing the last note, Toni took a deep breath before starting to play another song, while the blonde stood transfixed outside his door.

As with theatre, whenever Toni played he projected the light ribbons outwards, and they danced around him, for everyone to see, while he played. He was so focussed on his music, that when he started Paganini Caprice No.24 in A minor; the ribbons instantly became thicker, and floated closer to the floor, before rising and falling, in the appropriate parts.

Toni furrowed his brow, and he had to try a little harder at remembering the piece, but soon was moving, the same as he had the Vivaldi. He didn't know why he chose to play this after the Vivaldi, but he sensed he should try something harder, and show off a bit. Finishing the piece, he slowly opened his eyes and met the silver ones outside his compartment.

Toni was surprised that he had an audience, but was more shocked that it was Draco Malfoy who was standing outside listening to him. Without a word, he opened the door and gestured for the other boy to enter. He watched as the blonde entered and closed the door before speaking.

"That was beautiful. I haven't heard Paganini in a while. You truly are talented." Toni noticed that the boy seemed to have struggled a bit admitting that. Taking pity, and deciding to ignore all previous insults from the boy he smiled.

"Thank you. Do you like Paganini? I think I have the sheet music for La Campanella, in my violin case." He offered. Toni watched as the surprised shone in the other boy's eyes before he covered it.

"I would love to hear you play." Toni nodded before taking out his wand and conjuring a music stand, and retrieving the sheet music. He re-tuned his violin and placed a folder of Paganini's compositions on the seat beside Draco. Once he was set up, he looked ever the music quickly, and then raised his violin. One deep breath later, he began, but kept his eyes open and ignored the ribbons of light dancing around him.

When he finished, he looked at Draco, to see him watching him with a strange expression on his face. Feeling anxious, Toni randomly grabbed another piece and set up to play concerto No.6 in E minor. Some quick adjustments and he was set. He loved playing and rarely had a captive audience, so he decided until Draco was fed up, he would just keep going. Moreover, Paganini was his second favourite composer after Vivaldi.

Toni only played two more songs before he set down his violin. While gathering all the scattered sheet music, and organizing he jumped when he heard Draco speak.

"What is its name?" he asked.

"Whose name?" Toni looked at him curiously

"I heard musicians name their instruments. So what did you name your violin?" he asked.

"Dionysus. His divine mission was to mingle the music of the aulos and to bring an end to worry, but I decided that the violin would work just as well as a reed instrument." Toni sent Draco a small smile, before he finished cleaning up. He didn't know where he stood with the boy, so he didn't want to push the conversation.

"You're really talented on the violin. At least that's something daddy didn't have to buy you." Toni turned around to see Draco leaving the compartment. He was confused on how to react to his words. Deciding to forget the entire incident, he pulled down his robes and changed.

When he arrived at the school, after riding in one of the boats, he couldn't want to eat. He was starving and tired. He waited in the ante-chamber, while the first years were sorted, and then McGonagall returned to lead him in the hall.

"Attention students. We have a new addition to our student body. Harry Potter has recently decided to attend Hogwarts and forego the private tutors this year." Toni raised an eyebrow at the statement. Apparently in a bid to regain control, Dumbledore decided to use his former name and the rumour that he wasn't missing, just training. Knowing he should put a stop to this, he stepped into the hall and interrupted the Headmaster.

"Actually Headmaster Dumbledore, My name is Antonio Cortalioni, and I attended Lombardi School of Music and Magic. I would like to be addressed by my legal name." Toni raised a challenging eyebrow at the Headmaster as he waited for Dumbledore's next move.

"Ah, Mr. Cortalioni, my apologies. I thought that perhaps while back in your motherland, that you would like to be addressed by your birth name. However, we must sort young Toni." Dumbledore clapped his hands together and gestured towards a stool, with a raggedy hat.

"It's alright, Headmaster, but for future reference I would prefer to be addressed as Master Cortalioni by all members of the staff and student body." Toni sent a challenging look to all members at the head table before returning his focus to Dumbledore. "Oh, and Headmaster, I believe that I specified that I do not wish to be sorted, and I require my own apartment with appropriate additions." Toni watched as the smile on the Headmasters face fell into a frown.

"Ah, but my boy, all students must be sorted." He tried again.

"But, my dear old man, I have your written consent and the consent of the school governors to reside in my own apartment and not be sorted." Toni watched the flash of anger appear in the Headmasters eyes, and internally laughed. Toni did not want to act like this but the Headmaster was still trying to play his ridiculous games and win.

"Right my boy, right, I forgot I allowed you special permission." Toni had to struggle to hold in his laughter as the Headmaster tried to save face. He nodded to Dumbledore and scanned the hall for a place to sit.

Toni ignored the various looks sent his way as he scanned the tables. He spotted Blaise, but the boy was seated beside Draco, and he didn't know how he felt about seeing the boy so soon. He noticed a fairly open space at a table with a blue crest and walked over to sit by himself. He gently placed his violin, which he had carried into the hall, under the table and sat down, waiting for the meal.

The students around him gave him various calculating looks, which he ignored and turned his focus back to Dumbledore. Toni half listened as the Headmaster said the start of term announcements. When the food appeared, Toni gracefully filled his plate with the appropriate amounts of food from each food group, and began to eat.

When he finished desert he watched as McGonagall approached his table to escort him to his new rooms. He followed the woman out of the hall and decided he would play Danse Macabre, tonight, since it fit his imagination of the year to come.

Thanks to PeruvianDarkness

and many thanks to all my loyal fans and reviewers

You are all truly amazing

Genießen!