Disclaimer: My name is not J. K. Rowling. I don't own Harry Potter and I never will. I don't own Naruto or Rebirth either.

"Parseltongue"

"Normal speech"

'Thought speech'

Flashback

"Parseltongue in Flashback"

AN: Hi everyone! Hope you like my newest chapter! Your reviews really helped me feel better and write much faster!

Chapter 9

All was quiet in an empty study. Silence broken only by the crackling of the flames in the fireplace. Abruptly the flames, formerly a bright cheery orange, turned a sinister green.

Floosh!

Out of the bottle green flames stepped a tall dark figure. Greasy shoulder-length ebony hair framed a shallow skinned face. Above a protruding hook-nose glared two unfathomable black eyes. The piercing dark eyes surveyed the room with a long sweeping look before striding to the left side of the room. There, a large cabinet sat. The dark mahogany wood gave off an intimidating feel to any would-be thieves.

It took only a few long steps to reach the foreboding cupboard. Once there, a thin spidery hand grasping an equally thin wand reached out from beneath voluminous black robed. It tapped the surface of the wood with three sound and precise raps.

Click.

The doors of the cabinet swung silently outward once the locking charm was disabled. Inside the wooden walls sat several shelves; all covered in various strange and bizarre objects and jars. The pale hand had pocketed the dark wand only to reach out deep into the depth of the third to last shelf. When it withdrew, it held a bottle of dark amber-red liquid.

Closing the cabinet, it clicked shut and automatically reactivated the locking charm. The intimidating figure then strode to the cushioned chair that sat overlooking the sizeable fireplace. Taking out his wand once more, he muttered a small incantation that caused a small glass goblet to come into existence on the oak writing table next to the chair.

Sinking into the comfort of the chair, the man know as Severus Snape contemplated his life and the many decisions to make. He poured a generous portion of the bottle into the goblet. The dark amber-red liquid smoked slightly as he took a swallow. He shuddered before relaxing as the alcohol took affect.

He took another smaller sip of the alcoholic drink. Nursing the goblet, he stared into the fire as if it held all the answers to life's questions. Unfortunately for him, it didn't even have the answer to the question that had been plaguing him since that afternoon. Since that encounter with his deceased master. 'Though he couldn't be considered deceased anymore now could he?' Snape thought wryly. Now he had to choose between giving his loyalty to the master that openly controls and lies or the master that manipulates and deceives secretly.

Both were distasteful to him and both were potentially deadly. By taking one side, the other would likely hunt him down to the ends of the earth to destroy him.

'Or you could play both sides like how your Lord suggested.' A little voice whispered to him in the back of his head. Growling, he shook his head.

'Why would he give me help? He knew I had betrayed him!' He argued back. He gave his goblet a swirl, causing the wisps of smoke to mist in a circular pattern, before taking a sip.

'Why indeed? Unless you had something of value to him.' The smug little voice replied. 'Then he would be willing to allow you to live.'

"Hmmm." Severus hmmed to himself, considering that tidbit of information. It was true that he was a valuable asset. He was an accomplished Potions Master. Not only that he was close to Dumbledore and had many connections.

However, he knew he was in no way, irreplaceable. If the Dark Lord got even the faintest hint of Severus betraying him again, death would come swiftly. If he was lucky. Most likely, in the event of another betrayal, his Lord's patience would run out and he would be faced with countless hours, if not days, of excruciating torture of both the body and mind.

He tried to ignore the voice by fiddling with his goblet. After all, hearing voices was never a good sign. He held the goblet up and looked at the fire through the liquid. The firelight turned the fluid a crimson red.

A blood red.

'But he wants you to teach someone.' The little voice whispered traitorously. 'That means he has some trust in you.'

'Yes. Trust that I will not suicidally kill the boy, thus bring his wrath on me.' He replied sarcastically.

'But that's still trust!' The voice stubbornly argued back. 'A willingness to give you another chance, however slight.'

Severus stayed silent. It was true. The Dark Lord did not forgive. He did not like mistake, much less betrayal. For him to offer him an chance to 'redeem' himself was unheard of.

'That boy...' Severus gave a start when the voice offered that thought.

'That's right! Why was there a boy with the Dark Lord? He had little tolerance toward the children of his followers last time so why...?' Severus froze as another chilling thought occurred to him. 'What if that boy was the Dark Lord's son?! Or his prodigy?! Of course! That's why he wanted me to teach him! I am the perfect candidate to teach that child the delicate art of potions.'

'Maybe the child is changing him.' the voice slyly whispered.

Severus scoffed. 'Changing him? Impossible. Nothing short of Memory charms or the Imperius Curse would change him!'

'But he was willing to allow you to live, now wasn't he. Even if it was in exchange for something, he was still willing.'

Now Severus was torn. On one hand, if he swore loyal to Dumbledore, he would be atoning for his past grievances. If he vowed loyalty to the Dark Lord he would be following the man he had been seduced with all the ideals, promises of knowledge and dreams of the utopia that could probably never occur.

'Some choice.' The little voice muttered sarcastically.

Severus snorted and took another swig of his still smoking drink, demolishing almost half of what he poured.

"I did not take you as one who enjoys Fire whiskey as their choice of beverage, Severus."

Severus nearly choked. Twisting in his seat, he turned to see Dumbledore standing in his living room doorway.

"Headmaster." He acknowledged. "I did not expect you."

'He doesn't need to know now of the Dark Lord's rise. I will speak to him later when I have made my decision.' Severus thought.

"I am sorry. It is just that there is a potion I need." Albus Dumbledore asked pleasantly. Inwardly he was curious as to why Severus was drinking. The only time he ever drank was when he was stressed, troubled, or both. 'Now why would-'

"May I inquire which potion you need? I may or may not have it in stock, seeing as some potion can last for a few days while other have lifetimes spanning decades." Severus' drawl broke Dumbledore's line of thought.

"Of course. Silly me, I forgot. What I need is a Locus Potion. Do you currently have any in stock?" Dumbledore pasted on a sheepish smile.

Severus frowned. 'Why on Earth does Dumbledore need a Locus Potion?'

"Unfortunately, the last of my Locus Potions expired two years ago. I did not see a great need for them and seeing that the ingredients needed are rather rare, I did not think to brew more." At those words, Dumbledore's face tightened almost unperceivably. But like how knew the Dark Lord's turbulent emotions, he had spent years around the headmaster and could see through most of his masks. The headmaster was either agitated or annoyed.

"Would it be possible to brew another batch now?" Dumbledore asked cheerily.

"Seeing as the overall process takes at least three months to brew, it would be quite impossible. Not only that, it need the light from three consecutive full moons. It there is cloud cover for even a minute on one of those three nights, the potion will be next to useless." Snape replied. Now he knew that Dumbledore was agitated. He was never that cheery after bad news unless he was nervous or panicking.

"I am willingly to wait for that long. Please bring a batch over by my office as soon as possible." Check that, make it extremely agitated and panicking.

Dumbledore gave a nod to express his goodbye and walked off. Very quickly, Severus noticed.

Now, Severus was curious. Why was Dumbledore so agitated and panicky tonight. 'It must have something to do with the Locating Potion.' He frowned in concentration as he pondered the reasons for why Dumbledore needed a Locating Potion.

The Locus Potion was obviously used to find people. Severus knew about the handy little device in Dumbledore's office so for the most part, Locating Potions were never needed. Unless the device couldn't get a reading because of the powerful Extorqueo Spell; that was the only thing that could interfere with readings. Locus Potions only need some of the essence of the person in question and they could find people, dead or alive. They were completely independent of anything else and couldn't be interfered with by any spell, no matter how powerful.

'Who is important enough for Dumbledore to keep a tab on? Not to mention send him into enough of a panic for him to come to me for a Locus Potion?' Then it hit him. Heart sinking, he started to shake his head in denial. He slammed the goblet down and rushed into his bedroom.

There, in an Glamour charm covered hollow in the wall, lay a small mahogany box. Spelled to open only to his magical signature, the lid popped open when he ran a shaking hand over the crack. Looking inside, there was a thick manila packet, some ancient jewelry, and a miniature clear globe.

Trembling hand gently picked up the tiny orb and he held his breath as it started to glow white. It was a globe he had purchased almost seven years ago. The salesman said its ability were keeping track of one person's status. It was meant for watching over one's love but Severus bought it for another purpose. To keep track of Harry Potter.

It glowed two different colors to indicate the person's status. It glowed red when the person was dead. It glowed green when the one in question was alive.

Severus gazed down at the little orb, praying that it wasn't going to turn red.

Abruptly, it flashed white before giving off a delicate shade of emerald green.

Severus nearly collapsed in relief. He held onto the fragile diminutive green orb as if it were a lifeline as he leaned against the wall. Harry was alive. Lily's precious son was still alive.

'But for how long.' The little voice was back. But now, it sounded a bit ominous.

'That's right. How long will he be safe?' Severus brooded before coming to another startling thought. 'How did anyone manage to take Lily's son away, much less cast a dislocation charm on him?!' Severus knew that Dumbledore was rarely that concerned so the only possible reason for that anxiety would be if his precious little "Boy-Who-Lived" was gone.

'But the only charm that can outfox Dumbledore's little device is a complex and little-known dislocation charm. Few have even heard of the dark charm, much less have enough power to cast even a portion of the intensely complicated ritual. I only know of it because I once read it in a tome in- in the Dark Lord's library!' Now Severus felt sick. If anyone had the power to cast the spell, it would be the Dark Lord. Not only that, he had an incentive to kidnap young Harry.

Normally, the very thought of Lily's son chained in a dungeon and tortured made Severus want to panic and run to Dumbledore and spill his guts. Luckily, the inhibiting effects of the Fire whiskey managed to calm him and actually think things through.

'Why would the Dark Lord kidnap Lily's son but keep him alive? Normally he would have killed him on the spot; not taking any chances. Unless...'

'Unless he wanted to keep him. To raise him in his own image. Raise him until he is nothing but loyal to the murderer of his parents. The murderer of sweet innocent Lily.' Severus nearly snarled at the voice before pausing. It was true; the Dark Lord would do something like that. Once Harry was nothing but a cold-blooded murderer loyal only to him, he would announce the fact to the world. Thus shattering all hope for the wizarding world. He was cruel like that.

'But where is Harry? Surely he wasn't living in the Slytherin Manor. It was potentially dangerous to many older and experienced Death Eaters, much less young little boys.' Severus slowly made his way back to the table with the bottle of Fire whiskey. Pouring another gobletful, he began pacing while taking sips intermediately.

'That boy...' Severus stopped midstep. That little boy with the Dark Lord. The little boy that Dark Lord had "requested" he teach. The little boy with a head full of ebony black hair. The little boy with hauntingly beautiful emerald eyes.

'Lily's eyes.' Severus realized. He slowly backed into his chair and collapsed onto it. 'Lily's son. That was Lily's son. The Dark Lord has Lily's son and want me to teach him!' Suddenly the hilarity of the situation reached him and he began to laugh helplessly.

It was too good to be true. He swore to protect Lily's son with his life and now he was practically presented with him on a silver platter.

'I could try and kidnap him during the Potions lesson.' Severus realized. 'I would be as good as dead afterwards but if I portkey him to someone whom I know will keep him safe...'

'Dumbledore.' He mused. 'Dumbledore would be able to keep him safe. But who would keep him safe from Dumbledore. Who would keep Lily's son safe from his "savior" if I die?'

Severus finally decided to try during the lesson. 'The sooner, the better. Who knew how much corruption the Dark Lord would have inflicted on Lily's son by then. I will wait until I get the chance. Then I will take him to the Prince Manor. No one who doesn't have Prince blood can enter unless the Heir allowed it. Since I am the last one alive with Prince blood, I am the Heir. Therefore, Lily's son will be safe there.'

With that decided, Severus resolved to get totally smashed.

Meanwhile in the Headmaster's Office

Dumbledore was starting to wear a hole in the carpet with all his pacing.

His frustration was that he had absolutely no way of locating Harry Potter. No way of finding one little boy.

He already had his suspicions of who had likely taken the child. Through logic and motives, he had narrowed the list to one single possible person. However, it was impossible that that person was also since he was supposedly dead.

That led him back to square one.

"Damn it!" he cursed. He was frustrated beyond belief. Every lead he had pursued led to a dead end. He was supposed to be the best. Nothing was beyond his reach. But he couldn't find one little boy!

Kreee!

He gave a start when the gentle trill sounded from behind him. Turning, he came face to beak with his beautiful phoenix, Fawkes.

He still remembered the day he had captured the lovely phoenix and altered his memories with a powerful memory charm. Now, the deadly yet gorgeous bird was his and not some old lady's. But she wouldn't miss him in any event.

It wasn't like she was still alive to mind.

He sighed. 'I need some intelligent conversation that isn't in the form of a painting.' Walking to the fireplace, he reached for his bowl of Floo powder.

It was an unusual bowl. It had cost him several galleons to commission a sock-shaped bowl. The knobby looking puke-green and hot-pink bowl brought a smile to his face every time he say it. Sadly, not many appreciated the wonders of such colors or socks.

Taking a pinch of Floo powder, he threw it into the fire, turning it a blazing green. Sticking his head into it, he called for Mr. Ollivander.

"Ollivander! It is me, Dumbledore. Are you busy at the moment?" Dumbledore's head appeared in the fire at Ollivander's.

From behind a doorway, Ollivander's head popped up. "Dumbledore! I did not expect to see you! Please, come visit! The shop is quite empty at the moment." Ollivander graciously said.

Dumbledore nodded before his head disappeared. A second later, he was stepping out of the fireplace; brushing soot from his robes.

"Ahh, I am in great need of mental stimulation. I feel like I am surrounded by incompetent fools." Dumbledore paused. "O second thought, I am surrounded by incompetent fools."

Ollivander snorted and shook his head. "Just because they do not possess as much magical talent as you do, doesn't mean they are fools. I, myself, definitely do not have as much as you do and yet you consider me as an equal in intelligence."

"You don't count. You have been my companion since I received my wand from you." Dumbledore said obstinately.

"Very well. Ignore my advice." Ollivander gave a derisive sigh. "Now, what brings you here to my shop. Don't say it is just for mental stimulation. While I know you like our conversations, I can tell when you are stressed. What seems to be the problem?"

Dumbledore decided to just get to the point. "You wouldn't happen to still have the Adversus wand still with you?"

"Lost the Potter boy, have you?" Ollivander said with great amusement.

"I certainty have not! I just wish to-" Dumbledore hotly answered.

"I know you Dumbledore. You don't need the Adversus wand for anything but a spell that you absolutely can't break. After all, that's what the Adversus wand was made for. It is the opposite of a wand; incapable of casting spells, only breaking them. There are only so many spells that can't be broken by normal means and would leave you in such a panic. However, I know there aren't many current things that could have you needing the Adversus wand. There is only one that I know of. Thus, I automatically assume there is an Extorqueo Spell cast upon someone whom you are monitoring. And who is the most important person you would monitor? Why Harry Potter of course." Ollivander smugly interrupted the now scowling Dumbledore. "Not only that, your reaction proved it."

"Very well. You are correct in your assumption. Now will you help me?" Dumbledore was annoyed. He had forgotten the feeling of being out-though and now was experiencing it.

"No." Ollivander answered resolutely.

"You don't need to do anything-" Dumbledore started to argue.

"Anything but give you the Adversus wand to break the Extorqueo Spell. Which would cause you to find the Young Potter boy and then allow you to drag him back into whatever miserable hole you've been hiding him." At the look of astonishment on Dumbledore's face, Ollivander continued. "Don't look so surprised. I have known you since you held your first wand. I know exactly how you think. You would be cruel enough to get want you want no matter what was in your way. Therefore, I want no part in this."

Dumbledore scowled fiercely. "You may be my friend but I will not tolerate such disrespect! Now give me that wand!"

Ollivander just laughed softly. "Ahh, Dumbledore. I don't think you understand. I refuse to help you in this. Even if I had the Adversus wand, I wouldn't give it to you." Dumbledore froze at those words.

"You mean you don't have it anymore?!" He growled out thunderously.

"It left my possession long ago." Ollivander replied quietly. As if he had heard something, he turned around started to leave. "I would love to continue our chat but someone is headed toward the shop. Perhaps we may continue our conversation sometime in the future. You are welcome to visit."

"Perhaps." Dumbledore rumbled. He left in a flurry of green flames. Ollivander sighed inaudibly and disappeared around the corner. The sounds of explosions, pops, and other effects of rejected wands soon followed.

A short time later a slightly dusty Ollivander returned.

"I suppose you heard everything." Inquired the cheerful Ollivander. "I don't think he ever realized that I wasn't the true owner of the Adversus wand. Nor did he think that there was a sister wand; the Verus wand. Capable of reestablishing any spell or charm that was countered or un-done, it is the perfect match for the Adversus wand. Not only that, it can function as any normal wand can. Its appearance is, for the most part, similar to any ordinary wand." Ollivander paused as if waiting for a response. When none came forth. He continued.

"Both wands are perfect opposites yet compliment the other in every way. In the hands of a single being, they could beat almost any wand. In your hands." This time Ollivander paused longer but still met only silence.

"Now, the three heirs are together and the hands of fate have been set in motion. What are you going to do now?"

A hair raising hiss echoed through the room. Ollivander only raised an eyebrow as the darkness shrouded figure emerged from the gloom.

"I intend on bringing a little chaos." Glowing eyes looked menacing from behind the hood as a devilishly malicious smirk spread on pale lips.

To be continued...

Latin translations

Extorqueo – dislocating

Locus – locating

Adversus – opposite

Verus – true, real

AN: Hi! I managed to update on Wednesday, July 2, 2008. (Very late at night but still on time!)

ATTENTION!!

I bring to you... ANOTHER CONTEST!

Whoever can guess who this latest mystery character is will get to choose the death of one person! The closest one wins!

Rules and Hints

1. I will kill the person of the winner's choice if and only if he/she will not be important to my plot or storyline. Sorry, I might need some people. I will PM the winner if the character chosen is one I need and can't kill.

2. It is not an Harry Potter canon character!

Credits

I got the idea of the little orb from a manga called Rebirth. In it, they used rings. Though I'm not sure if I got the colors right.

Mr. Bunny wishes you all good luck on Aki's contest! And Happy 4th of July!

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