Descend to Darkness

By: Kyuubi04

HARRY POTTER FANFICTION

Chapter 6: Celebrations and Confessions

Summary: Harry defeated Voldemort through some unknown magic and has been in a coma for months. Upon waking up, he had somehow changed, in both attitude and stance, and was confusing everybody. During a visit to the infamous Chamber of Secrets, he discovered the reason behind this change along with the confirmation of one Albus Dumbledore.

Warnings:There will be slash... Harry is Salazar Slytherin and will be calmer and colder than before. It will be a Dark Harry but he's not evil. There will be Ron and Ginny Bashing as I don't like the two of them and they will be the main antagonists along with Seamus Finnegan and Lavender Brown. Pairings would be HPDM, SSRL, LMSB, NLLL, DTPP, BZHG, and TNPP. This will probably be a short series and updates will probably range from twice to once a month.

Notes:"Fall Prey to the Eternal Darkness" – regular speech

-Fall Prey to the Eternal Darkness- parseltongue

+Fall Prey to the Eternal Darkness+ gobbledegook

-x-x-x-o-o-o-x-x-x-

Harry was anticipating today's events. He just hoped that his friends would think that his absence as Harry would be seen as proof that he hadn't awaken yet. He took out one of his casual robes and decided that the simple one would be appropriate for the occasion. He chose the shade of dark blue and returned the others on the multiple-compartment trunk that he bought in "Safety Trunks for Travellers" during his last visit to Triad Alley. He placed his new wand on his wand holster that he took from his Moonhaven Vault and kept his holly wand in his trunk.

He looked at himself in the mirror to see if there was anything wrong in his appearance. When he was satisfied, he went down into the pub and flooed to Neville's

-x-x-x-

Neville was frantic; this was the first time that he'd invited anybody for his birthday. He was even anxious that no one would attend because it's already been days since his actual birthday. He was only thankful that he already had the confirmation from Hermione, Luna, the Twins, and his new friend Gerald. At least, he knew now that someone would show up.

He was dressed in a light-brown robe designed with roses. He had decided not to wear the matching cloak since the celebration was to be done on the manor's dance hall. To tell the truth, the party was actually news to him since this was the first time that his grandmother went out of her way to prepare something frivolous. He only learned of it two days before the inheritance test that he took yesterday.

He took a deep breath and tried to calm his nerves. It wouldn't do after all for the celebrant to make a fool of himself in his own party. He was startled, however, when he heard someone flooing into the guest hall. He made his way towards the place and was pleasantly surprised to see his new friend. Somehow, for some unknown reason, he observed that the way the other teen stood reminded him a bit of Harry, only in a Slytherin fashion. He shook his head and made his way to greet his guest. "Good morning. I didn't think that you'd be here earlier than the time I specified." He remarked.

Harry turned to him and gave a wry grin, "I'd rather not join your other guests in the traffic that would probably occur a minute or so before the actual time you told me." He scanned the house and unconsciously said, "When was the last time you checked the wards on your manor?"

Neville looked at him funnily and asked a bit confused, "I don't really know. Why do you ask?"

The silver-haired teen, rather offhandedly, answered, "It seems to me that the wards protecting your manor have already lost its effectiveness for over a hundred years or so."

Neville was about to reply when he was interrupted by his grandmother's slightly shrill voice, "What do you mean lost its effectiveness? The wards of this manor are one of the best wards ever. My ancestors had made it so and the fact that Longbottom Manor still stands attests to that."

Hoping to calm the elderly woman, Harry turned to her and replied in a more serious yet soothing voice, "I do not mean to offend, madam. I have only made an observation. My family has been specializing with wards and I've noticed that the magical essence that was supposed to come off the pillars of the wards has already faded. I've also observed that this was not a current occurrence but rather one that goes back for almost a hundred years, if my calculations are correct." He lied about his family specializing in wards but he was quite truthful in relating his observations and logical derivations to the Longbottom Matriarch. He even theorized that the reason why Frank and Alice Longbottom were attacked because the wards were no longer functioning properly and were thusly penetrated through the use of dark magic. Unconsciously, he gave a rueful sigh signifying his thoughts on how present-day wizards abuse dark magic.

Augusta Longbottom was, for the first time, floored by the young man in front of her. She was walking to the guest hall to see who flooed in and was surprised to see a relatively unknown teen with her grandson. At first, she thought him an intruder but she immediately dismissed the idea when Neville greeted him in such a familiar manner. She was about to leave them alone when she heard their guest remark about the manor's ward. She was filled with indignation when she heard the boy say that the wards effects had already faded. So, in her indignant state, she betrayed her presence and questioned the boy. She was even shocked to hear the explanation. Who was this boy who knew so much about things that not even the most ancient wizard today, maybe barring Dumbledore, could fully comprehend. She also wondered how the boy managed to fully scan the place when some of the most venerable ward-masters found it hard to even sense half of the actual parameter. And add to that the fact that he even managed to reason out how long since the wards had been checked and strengthened. Finally, cooling herself down, she looked at the boy and realized that even when he was explaining, it seemed that he was observing his surroundings magically.

She caught the boy's attention and apologized, "Forgive me, as well. I have overreacted a bit. But I'm curious as to how a boy your age managed to fully scan the manor when older and more experienced wizards fail to even cover half of its parameters."

Harry cursed his inattention for that comment. He should have realized that most wizards of the present rely more on their wands and therefore, unable to hone their magic sense and expand their core to the extreme. He searched his head for a plausible explanation for his blunder and finally answered with a half-truth, "I am a soul-mage, ma'am. And since magical wards are tethered on the place that they protect, I am able to sense their flow and recognize the resonance that they give off. It is quite similar to sensing a person's magical aura for location spells."

Seeing the reluctance in the boy, Augusta realized that the topic was either a family secret or something that he didn't intend to open. When she heard the response, however, she was yet again surprised. She knew that mages of any kind were rare nowadays and to have one as a guest was an honour for every pureblood family. Deciding to learn the boy's identity, she asked, "Is that so? Then, may I ask the pleasure of knowing your name?"

Harry was flustered and he realized that he had been rude for not even introducing himself albeit using a false name. He guessed that he was still slightly off-balanced by the fusion of his memories and decided to take the time to organize them as soon as he returned to his room at the pub. He gave a polite bow and said courteously, shocking the old witch once again, "Forgive my rudeness, Madam Longbottom. My name is Gerald Gabriel Moonhaven and I am pleased to meet your acquaintance and that of your grandson's."

Shock was written on her face. She didn't know whether to faint or not. She knew the importance of his name and to tell the truth, the boy was giving her far too many surprises than she'd be able to handle at the present. She was left speechless and would have been embarrassed if Neville hadn't taken over, much to her bemusement.

Neville was confused. Not only had he discovered that his new friend was a very powerful wizard, he also learned something troubling. Somehow, during the interaction between Gerald and his grandmother, he had concluded that perhaps, the reason that his parents were easily attacked was because of the fluctuations in the manor's wards that he supposed should have been updated before. He even wondered why the previous heads of the family hadn't done so in the past. When he noticed his grandmother's state, he decided to intercede and prevent her from embarrassing herself.

He caught Harry's attention and said, "I do believe that we should take this discussion somewhere else, Grandmother, Gerald. Let's head to the tea room, shall we."

Harry forced himself not to give the other boy a grateful smile; instead he gave a nod of assent and waited for Augusta to respond. When she agreed, Neville led the two towards the tea room and there he directed their discussion into something along the lines of finding someone to strengthen the wards.

Much to Neville's delight, his friend, Gerald, not only gave him some names of the most prominent establishments specializing in warding homes, he also received some instructions how to connect himself to the wards themselves. He was even more delighted by his grandmother when she didn't disprove of his intentions. The only things that he didn't learn were the silent thoughts of his present companions.

Augusta was beyond shocked. This was the first time that Neville acted with confidence that she couldn't even disprove of anything that he said during the conversation. To her, it was as if her grandson transformed from a pathetically obedient boy into a powerfully confident young man. She knew that Neville finally possessed a backbone that he even countered his Uncle Algie when the old man taunted him about finally proving that he's his father's son. But this change was far beyond that. Today, Neville presented himself in front of their guest as a proper head of the family and she didn't know whether to be ecstatic or saddened by it.

Harry, on the other hand, was smirking to himself when he reviewed the scene in front of him. He knew since first year that Neville was only shy and obedient because he didn't want to disappoint his grandmother. But now, he had proven that the change and improvement that he underwent last year was fruitful. He thought that now, with Neville getting his act together in front of his family, the other boy would finally show his true potential and probably surpass that of Helga's. Thinking about it, he supposed that his old friend probably possessed an affinity towards the earth and that maybe, it was the reason for the late development of his neutral magic.

After their conversation about wards, Augusta left the two boys to themselves and headed to her favourite haunt in the manor. With her gone, the two conversed about lighter topics and enjoyed each other's company while waiting for Neville's other guests.

-o-o-o-

Luna Lovegood, along with her father Xenophilius, was first to arrive in the manor. When introduced to Harry's disguised self, she looked at him curiously and silently communicated that she knew who he truly was. The wizard was actually surprised by this but he supposed that being a seer gave the girl the ability to sense a person's true nature even with glamour. The only thing that confused him was as to why she was willing to keep his secret from Neville and he supposed to the others as well.

Hermione followed soon afterwards. She gave Neville and Luna a warm hug while she greeted Harry with a smile. After learning of their discussion, the older girl went into a lecture about what she had learned regarding wards and how they function. The three didn't stop her but instead, they gave indulgent smiles that urged her to continue.

Hannah Abbott and Susan Bones came together when they were brought by Susan's aunt, Amelia Bones of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement.

Dean Thomas and Seamus Finnegan came without their parents but it wasn't a surprise for the celebrant. What surprised Neville was their presence since he didn't think that the two would actually show up.

Remus Lupin came along with the Weasley family. His former professor greeted him warmly and asked about his grandmother's wardrobe, reminding him of his experience with a boggart during his third year. Neville gave a light chuckle and responded in a conspiratorial manner that his grandmother kept it hidden so as not to give him any more ideas with it.

Bill and Charlie greeted him genially and captivated him with stories about their jobs.

The twins were still the same and asked him if they could prank his guests to which he disagreed with the thought that some of the older ones would not appreciate a prank being directed at them.

Ron was a little indifferent with him but he could care less. He was wary of the redhead because he believed that Ron was the type to hold petty jealousies. He was actually apprehensive that the other boy would make a big deal about the manor in the same way that he made a big fuss about Harry being a champion in the tri-wizard tournament.

Ginny was somehow cool with him. But he guessed that it was because Harry wasn't there to watch. He didn't care about it either way. To him, Ginny was still in the phase of hero-worshipping towards his friend and that it only worsened with the defeat of Voldemort in front of several witnesses.

Percy was nowhere to be seen but it was with little wonder.

He wondered whether the scarred boy and his godfather would show up but after an hour or so, he supposed that the two were still recovering from the ordeal.

With his friends there, he only waited for the people that his grandmother invited and upon their arrival, he led them towards the dance hall for the party.

-x-x-x-

Neville searched the hall for Gerald and introduced him to his other friends. His presence was generally accepted with only some minor problems. For one, Ron made a big fuss about Gerald being another pureblood pig who could probably care less about them if not for Neville's name. The plant-lover thought it better not to tell the importance of the Moonhaven name to the redhead. Ginny, when she guessed that Harry wouldn't be there, tried to flirt with the handsome youth only to be turned down. This further incensed the girl's ranting brother.

Harry was shocked by his best friend's reaction and with Ginny's as well. He didn't know what to think of it. He was on the verge of saying something snide so he focused himself on the others' reaction to his presence. The older wizards, he rationalized, seemed to know the importance of his name but decided not to make it public knowledge. For one, he was half-afraid that Remus would discover his deception but to his relief, the werewolf only made a comment about his scent being somewhat familiar and yet not. The twins even took the chance to embroil him into convincing Neville to allow them to perform some pranks to which he only chuckled that he didn't want to be the reason in the havoc that would ensue if he did. The twins pouted but they brightened when Harry subtly hinted that he would be willing to help them develop some new line of product if they gave up for today. The other teens besides Luna and Hermione greeted him cordially and were a little bit friendly with him aside from Seamus who seemed to be of the same opinion as Ron. The only thing different was that he had the grace not to make spectacle out of himself.

The party went on normally and with little trouble apart from the earlier debacle. Harry gravitated around some of the prominent figures in society who were invited in the party and ensured himself with some sort of tentative alliance when they learned of his name. He decided not to stay too much with the others so as to prevent Ron from creating another scene.

As soon as the party ended, Harry allowed himself to be the last to leave. When he was alone with Neville, he tapped the other boy and gave him an amulet as his gift. It was a silver buckle made to look like a rose with a single jade teardrop at the opening of the petals which were covered with small rubies. He explained to the Gryffindor that it the ornament would help its bearer enhance his or her magical sensing capability and if found worthy, allow him or her to communicate with all sorts of earth-type magical beings like goblins, elves, and centaurs.

Neville was so grateful that he hugged the surprised boy while giving his thanks. Harry only patted him on the back and said that he only gifted it to him because it suited him. The disguised boy decided not to mention the fact that it was one of the artefacts hidden on one of his vaults and its powers were probably more potent that the ones being sold by present-day makers.

After giving his gift, he then left the manor and returned to his room in The Leaky Cauldron.

-o-o-o-

The rest of Harry's two-week vacation went on without any problems. He decided to pretend to be exploring the shops and entered the Weasley twin's shop. The two recognized him as Neville's pureblood friend who promised to give them some prank ideas. As soon as they did so, the two pulled him into their office and asked him about it. He gladly gave them some tips, recalling the schemes that he had managed to drag his peers during his training as Salazar. Of course, he didn't inform them of how the ideas came to be. He noted that the twins were still continuing in creating their line of products specified for defence so he gave them some ideas about it as well.

The ideas he gave involved producing an "Anything About Me" card set that contains 20 cards that showed someone's most: loved person, hated person, read book, favourite teacher, hated teacher, embarrassing moment, remarkable achievement, favourite subject, hated subject, important place; the first ten was supposed to tell its holder about what it was about while the other ten was made to reveal these very same things about the holder of the former to the holder of the latter ten.

Another was called "Traffic Jam". It was made to magically turn the victim's face into red, green and yellow whenever someone said the words "stop", "go", and "wait" respectively. The effects of the jam were to last for an hour.

For their defence line, Harry thought to give them the idea of producing some sort of warning device. He was of the idea of having the twins produce a set of gold bracelets and rings that could be linked to its owners. The bracelet was to be worn by the owner while the ring was to be worn by someone that the owner trusts the most. The ring would then glow blue if someone was casting harmless magic on the bracelet's wearer, brown if they're mildly dangerous but not life-threatening, green if the danger was detrimental to the wearer's physical health, yellow if its effect was on the wearer's mental health, red if the wearer was bordering life and death, and white if the wearer was relatively safe.

After his encounter with the twins, who looked very satisfied at his suggestions, he continued to roam all three alleys and exhausted himself in acquiring new knowledge about the present-day discoveries of wizards. So as soon as his hiatus ended, Harry's book compartment in his trunk was almost bursting with several tomes of information and pamphlets of all sorts of masteries that one could acquire and guilds that one could join.

After ensuring the safety of his belongings, Harry left the pub through the floo and headed towards the headmaster's office.

-x-x-x-

Albus Dumbledore was calmly sitting in his office while looking over two worried faces seated in front of him.

Sirius Black, who was finally able to get out of #12 Grimmauld Place after months of recuperation, and Remus Lupin, whose line on his face showed how tired and worried he was, went to Hogwarts in hopes of seeing their godson, who they believed was still in a comatose state. They were almost to the point of talking the headmaster's head off when they realized that the wizened man allowed Harry out of the safety of the school two weeks prior to their visit. Sirius was getting hysterical with worry and was anxious about his godson's state that it was only through Remus' effort that he hadn't done anything detrimental to his health yet. The werewolf, though calm on the outside, was anxious as well. He forestalled informing the animagus that he hadn't seen the boy during Neville's birthday for fear that Sirius would do something that could worsen his condition. But now, he didn't know what to do. He thought that Harry was only recuperating and thus, was still in Hogwarts under Poppy's care. He hadn't imagined that Dumbledore would be foolish enough to allow a boy to go out with himself just like that. He would have said something about it if it weren't for look in Albus' eyes that stated that he knew something they didn't and that something was somehow connected to Harry. The only saving grace for Sirius, however, was the thought that Harry would soon come out of the fireplace and reassure them of his relative safety.

The three were jolted out of their thoughts when the fireplace flared to life and out came a silver-haired teen with blue eyes who carried himself with such finesse that one would assume that he was of the fairer sex. Dumbledore smile and motioned him to seat in front of Sirius and Remus. The former was fretful when he saw a stranger come out while the latter recognized the boy as the one that Neville introduced in his party. The two was confused as to the presence of the other boy and Remus voiced it out, "Mr. Moonhaven, I can't help but wonder as to why you are here."

Sirius froze at the name. He knew from his parents' teachings that the Moonhaven name was legendary and to find someone bearing that name was near impossible. He was about to express his wonder when the boy answered with a chuckle, "Come now, Remus. Don't tell me that you haven't recognized me yet."

When the werewolf scrunched his forehead in confusion, Harry removed the glamour much to the surprise of the two. Both his godfathers' mouthed at him, "How?"

And with that, Harry retold his story and with help from the headmaster clarified all of the points necessary.

When questioned as whether anybody else knew of his glamour, Harry only replied, "Draco Malfoy does not seem to be one to gossip, so no, but I guess you could count Luna Lovegood to the handful few that knows. And before you tell me that it's not right to keep it from the others, I will say now that I'm still looking as to whether the others are trustworthy enough to know."

The four argued as to the importance of informing others with the headmaster on Harry's side, stating that it would only incite confusion and general chaos if the others were to know of it unless their loyalty and trustworthiness were ensured. So, through logical reasoning, the four agreed that the facts about Hogwarts' true history were not to be released and Gerald's identity would remain separate from Harry unless it was inevitable to reveal the truth.

As for Draco's knowledge about the boy's dual identity, there was a consensus that he won't be obliviated unless he proved to have a loose tongue.

With everything settled, Harry joined his godfathers back to the Black ancestral home and left Dumbledore to his lemon drops.

-x-x-x-o-o-o-x-x-x-

Finally, this chapter's done...

I hope that you'd like it....

So far, I've made it through until two weeks before start of next term...

I've yet to decide whether to relate Harry's settlement to Grimmauld or to start the school year already in the next chapter...

I'm writing both chapters now, so kindly tell me which scene you want to see next...

If you're wondering about the story title, I'd say that it indicates the fall-out with Ron and Ginny and not Harry becoming a true Dark Wizard because I've already indicated that he's a soul-mage. If you think that he's becoming so powerful just remember that he had an adult's worth of knowledge and experience and with it come some major changes in his core. And if he seems to be know-it-all, I hope not, just know that he still hadn't had the time to properly organize his two sets of memories so he's bound to let something slip for a while.

I hope that this note clarifies most things and if ever I'd forget anything, just pm me and I'd gladly reply...

Kyuubi04.