A.N. So, I've decided to put Hermione in Ravenclaw since I don't need her in Griffindore like J.K.R. did. I've also decided to put Dudley in Hufflepuff since I think that is the best House for him.

Chapter Four

Nervous and impatient, Cassian paced back and forth, Harry watching him over the pages of A History of Magic. He'd been looking through it, quizzing his brother. Sighing, he set the book down,knowing Cassian would continue to be edgy until he got a response back.

A few days ago they'd been sitting up in the tree in the backyard when an eagle owl had startled them. It had a letter to Cassian. It was from Draco Malfoy. The Malfoy heir had written to inform Cassian that he had told his parents he'd seen him in Flourish and Blotts. Mr. Malfoy with his connections and bribes to the Minister of Magic would soon know where Cassian was residing.

Not knowing what else to do or whom to write to, Cassian had written to Dumbledore. Harry and Cassian had feared that some people would seek retribution on Cassian because of Markale's deeds. That was why Harry decided it would be best to lie low among the Muggles.

Many things were going through Cassian's head and he didn't know how to calm himself. Stopping his pacing he asked, "Would you rather go back to the streets?"

"What?" Emerald eyes stared at him intently.

Shrugging, Cassian looked up at the ceiling avoiding Harry's eyes. Harry questioningly frowned at him. "Cass?"

"I don't know!" Cassian let out a breath not knowing how to communicate what or how he was feeling. "Sometimes, sometimes, I just wish we never went to the park that night."

The night that Cassian's nightmares started and they were found by Markale Ashwood. Sighing, Harry stared at him intently. "Do you want to leave?"

Cassian looked over to see Harry's eyes and face was serious. Knowing that if he said yes, Harry would follow him without hesitation. Looking away from his gaze, Cassian felt his insides squirming. Softly, "I don't know."

Cassian turned and quickly walked out of his room, down the stairs, and out the door. He began to run as far and fast as he could. When he couldn't breathe anymore, he slowed to a walk. Breathing heavily he stopped and held out his hand. It was shaking. He clenched it into a fist as the rage and fear he kept suppressed uncoiled. Not able to handle it, he yelled slamming his fist into the metal lamp post. Pain reverberated from his hand, Cassian smiled. He hit the post again, and again, repeatedly until his hand was bloody, fingers broken. All he could feel now was pain and Cassian welcomed it. Pain was better then what he'd been feeling. Pain he knew well and could deal with it.

Calm once more, he began to walk back toward the Jenkins' knowing Jake was probably awake by now. Harry would've done something to wake the older boy. Sure enough, the way to the roof was clear. The fourteen year old was lying on the tiles staring up at the sky. He didn't turn his head when Cassian dropped beside him.

Taking out a cigarette, Jake lit it then handed the half empty pack to him. Cassian shook his head, the older boy shrugged pocketing them.

"Where'd you get them?"

"Nicked them from Riley."

"He's going to thrash you."

"Probably." He was silent then sat up, still gazing at the stars. Voice serious he said, "Look, you've gotta stop baiting Ralph. He's dangerous."

Cassian arched a brow and the older boy sighed. Grinding the cigarette under the sole of his shoe, he looked his roommate in the eye. "I know you can be too when you're angry. With Ralph its different. Just- leave him alone."

"You're afraid of him."

"Of course I am! Any normal person would be. And you, you're as far from normal as you can get, my friend."

Cassian laughed since it was true. "Fine. I give you my word that I'll stop baiting him."

Nodding, Jake lay back down, the two not saying anything until Cassian began to drowse.

"Go to bed."

"Don't wanna."

"The dreams?"

Cassian had woken terrified and hadn't slept for two days straight before Jake realized what was going on.

Taking Cassian's silence as a confirmation, Jake reached over and handed a bottle of liquid to Cassian. The twelve year old took it, unscrewed the cap and sniffed. "Ugh!"

"Hey, I added honey and lemon this time. It shouldn't taste as bad."

Making a face, Cassian pinched his nose and downed the contents in the water bottle. He shuddered and gagged when he was done. Jake snorted. "C'mon, before you fall off the roof."

Cassian followed the older boy to their room. Yawning, Cassian slipped under the covers of his bed. Blinking sleepily he thought Valerium was better than nothing. Although, he really wished it was a dreamless sleep potion instead.

"Cass."

"Sleepy," he mumbled.

"Cassian," Harry tried again.

Cassian's response was to turn on his side then let out a yelp of pain. Harry sighed. "I tried to tell you."

Growling, he was going to get up but was finding it difficult. Flopping onto his back, Cassian was soon asleep. Harry shook his head. Jake came padding softly in with a first aide kit.

"Stupid git," Jake muttered shaking his own head. Opening the kit which he placed on Cassian's stomach he began to see to his hand.

0o0o0o0o0o0o0

Surreptitiously studying the twelve year old sitting beside him awaiting the decision of Madam Bones and the court about living arrangements, Dumbledore wondered how the boy was feeling and what his thoughts were. Cassian seemed to have regressed to when he was the boy after the death of his grandmother. Cassian gave off the feeling of apathy which was disheartening after he'd been doing so well.

"Cassian Ashwood."

"Yes, ma'am?" Even his voice was flat and emotionless.

"We've come to a decision. We have decided that it would be in your best interest to be placed in the care of your family."

Cassian's eye twitched slightly. Turning his head for the first time, he was the blond haired man sitting by the Minister of Magic and Professor Snape. Returning his gaze to Madam Bones he swallowed.

"Mr. Malfoy has agreed to become your guardian until you become of age. He will make sure that all your needs are being provided for. Do you have any objection to this arrangement?"

Everyone watched Cassian intently including Harry. Cassian cast a glance at Harry who was of no help then blinked before replying, "No, ma'am."

"Good. Court is dismissed."

The courtroom began to empty out but Lucius strode forward regarding the boy with a critical eye. The boy was dressed entirely in black from suede shoes to turtleneck sweater. Because of all the black it made his eyes stand out. His sunglasses were in a trouser pocket.

"Cassian," he greeted neutrally. He had not seen the boy in a few years and was not at all pleased with the changes. "Dumbledore."

"Lucius," Dumbledore nodded.

"Mr. Malfoy."

"Why not call me Uncle Lucius like you used to?"

"Yes, sir. Uncle Lucius."

Dumbledore gave Cassian a smile that did not reach his eyes. Lucius put a hand on the boy's shoulder. "Come along, Cassian."

As they walked to the floo network, Lucius began reciting rules he expected to be followed. Cassian nodded occasionally to let him know he was paying attention and parroting back what he'd been told when questioned if he was listening. Stepping into the fireplace they flooed to Ashwood Manor where Lucius gave the boy a half hour to pack what he wanted.

It only took him ten minutes. Seeing that Lucius was occupied with the house elves, Cassian went to his father's room and stood in the doorway. It looked exactly the same but felt completely different. Stepping inside he looked to Harry who nodded and kept watch.

Striding to the corner of the room he pushed the cloak which had been laying atop the trunk off. Opening the trunk he just stared for a moment. Inside lay his father's Death Eater robes and mask. The fingers of his right hand, (his left was splinted) lightly traced down the skull like mask. It was still cold to the touch. Picking it up, he gazed at it recalling the very first time he saw it. It was one of his more vivid memmories, mainly from the way his father and grandmother reacted upon catching him with it. He could also never forget what he was told either.

It had been just after Cassian's eighth birthday. He had gone looking for his father but couldn't find him. Going to his father's room he'd knocked and entered but no one was there. He had turned to leave but spotted part of a cloak hanging out of a half open trunk. Being a tidy child and Harry's curiosity, he'd gone over to the trunk.

Removing the cloak to fold it neatly, something weighty fell to the floor. Bending down, Cassian picked it up and after looking at it, put it on. He didn't know why other than it was compelling him to. After all, after he got over the initial shock of the skull like features, he was drawn in by the intricate designs on it. He actually found it quite interesting.

Going over to the mirror he stared at his reflection. The only part of his face visible was his eyes, which stood out vividly. Somehow his golden-green eyes seemed more gold and he swallowed. An unusual feeling began to twist around inside of him, confusing him. He also felt comfortable which surprised him.

A movement at the door had his eyes snap to that section of mirror before turning to face his father. Markale had stopped stock still, eyes locked on Cassian, face ghost white. His grandmother was right behind his father who had paled. Unlike Markale however, she'd smiled then began to laugh. That caused his father to become angry and grabbing Cassian roughly tore the mask from him.

"Wouldn't his grandfather be so proud of him!" Cackled the woman. "The irony of it all!"

"Shut up, you old bat!" Markale growled and waved his wand at the door. It slammed shut and locked but they could still hear her laughing outside the door.

Composing himself, Markale sat on his bed and sat Cassian down beside him. He pulled up his sleeve and showed Cassian the Dark Mark. He explained about it, the Dark Lord, a boy named Harry Potter, and the lies that were spread of him vanquishing the Dark Lord.

Staring straight into Cassian's eyes, face completely serious, Markale told him, "The Dark Lord still lives, this mark is proof. He will reappear and try to finish what he started. One day, you'll have to stand before him like I and many others. When that happens you'll have to make a decision. You'll have to choose which side you'll be on. If you choose to join him, or stand against him and fight for the Light."

"Cassian!" Harry's voice snapped him back to the present just before Lucius' shocked voice asked/demanded, "Where did you get that?"

Cassian turned his head blinking once, seeing Lucius standing in the doorway. The twelve year old had slipped the mask on feeling as he had when he was eight, forgetting for a moment all about everything else. He stared quietly at his new guardian who had paled just as Markale had. Lucius' eyes narrowed and a calculating look came into those silver-gray eyes.

"Was that your father's?"

"Yes."

"Do you plan on keeping it?"

"Yes."

"As a memento?"

Silence as Cassian stood, removed the mask, then stated, "I'm ready to go now."

The two didn't say anything else and neither mentioned the mask still clutched in Cassian's hand. Lucius was surprised at the weight of the boy's trunk. He had expected the boy to try and pack his entire bedroom into it. Instead, it felt like he'd hardly packed anything at all. This just reinforced that he did not know the boy as well as he used to.

When he'd heard about the death of Markale and his mother, Lucius had immediately went to Fudge to get custody of the boy. He'd been surprised and suspicious of Dumbledore's motive when he too petitioned for custody. Before it could be resolved, the boy had run off. Then a few days ago he'd heard from Fudge that the boy had been found by Severus and living with of all things, Muggles under Dumbledore's protection. Of coarse, Lucius had put a stop to it and convinced Fudge and Madam Bones that a child deserved to be with his family.

Stepping through the fireplace and casting a cleansing charm, Mr. Malfoy showed Cassian his room. Left alone, Cassian and Harry took their time looking around the room. Nearly everything in the room looked old fashioned. The furniture would be antique to a Muggle's standard but was the norm for most rich Purebloods. The bed was a giant four poster with silk hangings and sheets. The writing desk was one used during the civil war era. The chair had a feather stuffed green cushion.

The fireplace was cold and empty but there was a full basket of chopped wood ready for use. Paintings of both Muggle and Wizarding type adorned the walls depicting landscapes he didn't know. The rugs were all thick and probably made a century ago. A claw footed wardrobe of dark walnut wood was set against one wall.

Going over to it he opened it not surprised to see that his things he'd left here since he was six was now placed inside. Cassian added what he'd retrieved from his home and it was still half empty. That was also including all his school things that he'd gotten as well.

A shuffling noise by the doorway let him know he was being observed. Turning he saw a boy his age but a few inches taller leaned against the door jamb. He looked like a younger more innocent Lucius Malfoy. The boy's face was softer and his eyes lacked the dangerousness of the elder Malfoy. The way he held himself also showed his lack of confidence, basically he was still the naive child he knew when he used to visit during the holidays.

Draco sauntered into the room gray eyes studying the other boy before him. He had been happy last year when his father and mother told him his cousin was coming to live with them. Draco hadn't many he could truly call friend; minions and associates he had plenty. True friends were few and he had considered Cassian among them.

The Malfoy heir imagined how great it would be to go to Hogwarts with his friend. He wanted to introduce him to Greg, Vince, and Daphne. He'd been waiting but then his father informed him and his mother that Cassian had disappeared.

Hearing that had caused him disappointment and worry recalling how Cassian had first been like when they met at just six years of age. Cassian had been odd but he also trusted Draco and followed his lead. Cassian had been a contradiction even then being both shy and confident at the same time.

Before Cassian had come over the first time, Narcissa had taken him aside telling him that Cassian had grown up isolated and alone. That Cassian might not have any idea of the wizarding world, the world in general, or people. So, he was to be kind to him and help him adjust. For his mother, Draco had agreed, then later because he truly became friends with him.

The Cassian in front of him bore no resemblance to the one he had known. Unable to meet the other boy's gaze, Draco turned to leave throwing over his shoulder, "Mother says dinner's ready."

Nodding, Cassian went to the adjoining bathroom to wash up. Harry was gazing around in awe. He commented, "It looks like old meets new, here."

Cassian said nothing as he headed down for dinner. Throughout the meal he ignored Draco eyeing him. When asked a question he kept his answers short, not volenteering anymore information than was nessasary. Draco's eyes narrowed and wondered how his cousin could've changed so much in two years. Cassian was now an unknown equation and Draco didn't like it.

As soon as it was polite to, Cassian asked to be excused and returned to his room. Sitting on the be he looked over to Harry who was spread out enjoying the large bed.

"Now what do we do? This will make it harder if we want to run away."

Harry nodded as he replied, "I don't know."

Cassian dressed for bed but didn't go to sleep. He never could fall asleep unless he exhausted physically or mentally. Which was fine with him since it kept the nightmares at bay.

Getting up, he went to the wardrobe and took out his father's Death Eater mask. His fingers traced over the cool surface and once again felt some unknown emotion. He didn't know how to describe it. Harry was no help since he didn't like the thing at all.

Climbing back in bed he slipped the mask under his pillow. Keeping one hand touching it, his eyes drifted shut as he yawned. For once, he was able to fall asleep without exhausting or drugging himself.

0o0o0o0o0o0o0

Cassian and Harry spent most of the remaining week re-familiarizing themselves with the Malfoy grounds. They tried to stay away from Draco which wasn't all that hard. Especially since Cassian knew Narcissa probably told Draco to leave him alone and give him his space. Cassian knew how much of a mother's boy Draco was which would explain why he decided not to go against her wishes until the day that Cassian and Harry had decided to climb onto the roof.

Sketch pad out, a portable drawing desk/storage box on his lap, Cassian was drawing the landscape from his vantage point. Until he got bored, then sat there lost in thought. He heard Draco before he saw him.

"Ever wonder what it'd be like to fly?" There was nothing in his voice or manner to indicate that it was anything but a serious question. A smile spread across his face seeing Draco's reaction.

Draco backed up when he was the look on Cassian's face. IT was times like these that Draco thought his cousin was mad.

"Thinking of jumping?" It was laced with sarcasm and boredom, but really, Draco was afraid of the answer. He paled and stared as the unanswered question's silence grew. That was definitely not a good sign. Desperately looking around he saw an owl winging toward th manor. Squinting he saw what could be an envelope in the bird's talons.

"Wonder who that's from?" he murmured loud enough for Cassian to hear. Glancing over he saw that Cassian was now squinting at the bird as well.

"There's only one way to find out." With a devilish smile, Cassian stood and asked Harry, 'Ready?'

Harry nodded and standing, jumped from the roof. They heard Draco's shout and both Harry and Cassian had to concentrate to slow themselves down. When they landed it was into a roll then standing shading their eyes, they looked up to see Draco's extremely pale horror drawn face looking down at them. Laughing, they went inside.

Going to Lucius' study Cassian knocked on the open door. Lucius looked up with a frown. "Come in."

Cassian went and sat in one of the chairs. He watched the pale haired man wondering what the letter contained that the owl brought.

"Dumbledore wants to know how you're getting along here."

Cassian blinked.

"He asked that you send him a reply." Lucius gave him the letter and quickly scanning it realized something. It was subtle, but Cassian saw that what Dumbledore really wanted to know was if Cassian was safe and unharmed.

"May I borrow a quill?"

At Lucius' consent, Cassian composed his reply and handed both it an the quill back to the man. "I'll go get ready for dinner."

Cassian stood and left knowing without looking back that Lucius was reading his note. Cassian had simply wrote back, 'I'm fine. The Malfoys are treating me well. It's like when I used to come over and ply with Draco during the holidays when I was younger.'

On the way to their room Cassian snickered. "I can't wait to see Draco's face at dinner."

At the dinner table, Draco was glaring at Cassian inbetween looks of awe. It was probably because he didn't know Cassian would never have survived that fall if it hadn't been for Harry. Oh, well, it would be his and Harry's secret. Let Draco think he could do stuff like that on his own. It might give Draco pause if the blond ever thought to try and harm him in any way.

Draco left the table when he did and as they walked he informed Cassian, "I should have left your desk on the roof after what you pulled."

"So what'd you do with it?"

"Dobby took it to your room." Stopping Cassian in the corridor he asked, "How'd you do it? How are you still alive?"

Cassian smiled. "Magic."

Leaving Draco fuming, Cassian went to his room and lay in bed staring at the ceiling. He stayed awake long after Harry fell asleep. Cassian turned his face to watch his brother's peacefully sleeping face. Draco's question bothered him more than he knew. The answer he gave was true. He was alive because of magic. Magic and Harry. If it hadn't been for Harry, he'd have been dead a long time ago.

A.N. So, some of you might have noticed that I decided to use the Death Eater masks from the OoTP movie. I like those masks better than the ones described in the books. I'll probably continue to do that depending on what it is. Either I'll take something from the movie or by the book, or just my own thing.

Anyways, if you don't have an account and want to vote just send it via the review button. I only got 4 votes : (