~ Chapter Seven ~
"How is the search for Harry going?" Dumbledore enquired as he surveyed the Order of the Phoenix members who had gathered for the meeting. Nearly everyone was present which was excellent. It meant that more people were becoming dependant on his advice and guidance. His influence was growing yet even further. At this rate many people would turn to the light and some may even defect from the dark like Severus has all those years ago. However that seemed of little importance when their saviour was missing.
The Order knew that their saviour was still within Voldemort's clutches yet hoped he was alright. There had been no sightings of the boy and that alone was cause for worry. It was as if the Dark Lord was keeping their saviour to himself. Not even his spy had any information which was frustrating. They could have raided the Dark Headquarters but no one had any idea where it was located. There only hope was Severus. If he could locate the boy inside the Dark Sect then he could break him out. Yet there hopes were dashed as Severus spoke up.
"I am afraid that gaining access to the boy will be nigh impossible. No one is allowed near him. He is being held near the Dark Lord's personal quarters and anyone seen near there is instantly tortured for a month. There is no way to rescue him as the security wards around that area are the strongest not even Bellatrix is allowed near that area." Severus merely forgot to mention that he was allowed since it was his son that lived in that area of the castle.
Many looked crestfallen at this news. They couldn't aid in anything and it was tearing them apart. Dumbledore lost the spark in his eye as he replied.
"Attempt to find out how to either gain access to the area to sneak him away or locate the coordinates for the Dark Sects headquarters so that the Order can send a rescue team. We need to get Harry back as soon as possible. This is our top priority."
Severus nodded though he had no intention of allowing them anywhere near his son anytime soon. They had already screwed up his life enough as it was so Dumbledore could be kept in the dark for a while longer… or forever either which way Dumbledore wouldn't be allowed near his son without someone else present.
"Does anyone else have any news?"
Mentions of failed alliances were the rest of the news that the Order members had gathered. Of course they were failed alliances since all magical creatures were either remaining neutral or joining the Dark Lord. They all wanted to join the winning side and to have their rights reinstated in the new British government. The Order couldn't promise them that so they turned towards other people. How did Dumbledore believe that the light could give the 'creatures' of the dark what they desired if they didn't even have it in the first place? He was being unreasonable and everyone from the dark knew it.
Of course then Hermione had to bring up their money issue and everyone went into a tizzy. Without the Potter vault, Granger and Weasley couldn't be paid. In fact the Order couldn't be financed what with Dumbledore not having any money left. Then there were the Weasleys who wouldn't have any money what with only Arthur working. The best part was no one had any idea on how this 'disaster' could possibly have occurred. Harry would never have done this to them though he was the only possible candidate. Truly it was terrible for the Order but not so for the Dark Lord.
Then there was a small piece of news that didn't need to be heard.
"Snape has a son." Ron shouted above the noise.
Everything went silent as the group turned to a scowling Severus. No one had known that Severus had a son let alone that he actually liked children. It was quite mind-boggling and probably the highlight of their evening.
"Severus, is there a reason why you haven't brought him to meet us yet?" Dumbledore asked in his grandfatherly tones.
It was obvious to Severus that Dumbledore desired to recruit yet another young student to watch over his precious Chosen One when he was eventually found. Little did they know that Potter wouldn't be found not until the Dark Lord was prepared and until then he would be right under their nose. Ciaran would never willingly return to that lifestyle. He was loved and cared for now and that was all that mattered in his mind.
"More importantly why wasn't he sorted at Hogwarts?" Minerva sniffed.
She despised that Severus had managed to do something she hadn't. Her entire life had been spent dedicated to her subject and by then she had received her position at Hogwarts. At that time she had realized that she had wasted half her life studying to be great yet didn't have anyone to share her achievements with. Once she had believed that Severus had been in the same boat as her. He had achieved his master degree in potions at a young age and never had time for others not even his colleagues but it appeared as if she were wrong. He actually had someone to share his life with, his achievements.
"He never attended Hogwarts, Minerva. He attended Durmstrang on his mother's wishes."
They had created this cover story last week. It was simple and they knew that Dumbledore would believe it since they had forged all the necessary paperwork especially since the headmaster of Durmstrang (Karkaroff was discovered as a traitor and killed) was more than willing to aid them. Nothing was left unaccounted for.
"Then why wasn't he brought here during the summer holidays he could have made friends with my sons?" Molly said disapprovingly.
Of course she wanted a pureblood closer to her sons as if the Boy-Who-Lived wasn't enough, Severus sneered silently. It couldn't possibly be enough to have the fame of the Chosen One on their side they had to try and bring dark pureblood families into the mix as well. As if he would allow his son to be manipulated by those pathetic blood traitor children. Ciaran would know only the best and finest.
"He has been close to my godson since they were young and often stays with them during the holidays if he isn't with his grandfather."
"I didn't realize that your father was still alive Severus." Minerva said in clipped tones.
"He isn't but his mother's father is."
The silence in the room was deafening. Severus hadn't stated that his wife's father was alive. He had said his son's mother's father was alive. Did that meant that Severus hadn't married the woman? It was quite obviously a topic he disliked speaking of regardless of how curious they were.
Severus hid his smirk at their unease. Marvolo had told him that by disassociating himself with Lily he wouldn't be asked as many questions about the woman as his son. That would be good. As much as he had loved Lily if the fact was discovered that she was Ciaran's mother there would be the instant connection to Harry Potter and their secret might be discovered.
He still wasn't over the fact that his son had once been Harry Potter but the fact that Ciaran was a product of Severus and Lily's love brushed that fact away rather quickly. Ciaran was his son. There was nothing tying him to James Potter at all except the money but that didn't matter at all to him. Money was simply something anyone could inherit should the deceased choose. It meant nothing not when he had managed something that James had not. He had received Lily's love.
This twist of words he spoke would at least keep them off his case until they no longer felt uncomfortable with discussing it. Yet it didn't stop them from asking numerous others.
"Why haven't we heard of your son sooner then?"
"Who is your godson?"
"Why haven't we ever heard of him?"
"You should bring him here to allow him to make more friends in England."
"Better yet bring them both down!"
Severus glared at them all. They were trying to force him into bringing his son and godson closer to the Light. That wasn't likely to happen ever especially if the Dark Lord or Lucius had anything to say about it. If that occurred, Ciaran would be removed and kept locked safely away until they ceased badgering him. Then he would hardly get to speak to his son and that would only make him more snappish than usual. No it was better to cut this now rather than later when it was too late.
"I do not mix private life with work unlike most of you meaning you wouldn't have heard of him any sooner. If it wasn't for the brainless nitwit you call a son you would not have heard of his existence until he was sorted this coming year. My godson falls into the same category. As for bringing him here I've already said I don't mix private life with work. I also doubt whether his grandfather would allow it considering his view on the war."
That was all the information they needed. The Order now knew that his father-in-law was allied with the Dark Sect and wouldn't be allowed anywhere near them if it could be helped. Of course Dumbledore would suggest that he could be aided and brought to the Light with the correct influence but Severus scoffed. Then he would try to turn Ciaran into a spy like his father. Ciaran would not be going anywhere near that line of work.
"Well if this meeting is over I must leave and spend some time with my son while I still can."
Severus strode out with his robes billowing as usual. It was an amazing feat that not many could claim to pull off. Many were envious of this though never dared to voice it aloud. Everyone was still lost in thought when Tonks piped up.
"Did anyone realize we weren't told his son's name?"
Everyone groaned. Some interrogators they made.
x-x-x-x-x
Without even realizing it Remus had crept away from the Order meeting to find Severus waiting at the door as if he knew his intentions. Clearing his throat he looked into cold obsidian eyes. Severus was impatient. He had a lot to do today and this was only causing him to get behind schedule. Remus shifted nervously. It was obvious that Severus didn't truly care for what he had to say and was only there because he was ordered to by someone if he approached.
"I've decided I want to join the Dark Lord." Remus said firmly.
"What made you choose this?" It was obvious that Severus was highly sceptical.
"Yesterday I saw you with your son and the Malfoy's while I was watching for danger as Ron and Hermione were in Diagon Alley. I knew at once who his mother was without even having to see his eyes. He is someone I will never forget regardless of appearance. Ciaran is the only connection I have left to Lily so I want to be closer to him. I don't care whether you are his father. He is still the same person I met three years ago. He may be a little darker but he is still the same person I have grown to care for."
Severus could tell through Legillemency that he wasn't lying. To Remus, Ciaran was special, almost family and a werewolf wouldn't ever abandon his family or pack regardless of what they chose.
"Very well I shall set up a meeting between you and the Dark Lord after that you should be able to see Ciaran all you desire."
"Thank you Severus."
He was entirely grateful that Severus had believed him. If he hadn't then he didn't know what he would have done to get to Ciaran. Remus would probably have even tried to get closer to his sire if it meant seeing Ciaran even briefly.
Severus merely nodded his head and apparated back to Slytherin Citadel and his son.
x-x-x-x-x
"Are you positive that this is what you want to do Ciaran?"
Ciaran rolled his eyes. Marvolo had asked this question many times since the incident at Diagon Alley. He was convinced that once at Hogwarts Ciaran would be discovered and then either be driven from the school or imprisoned, neither of which was acceptable for the Slytherin heir. Nothing would be allowed to happen to his beloved heir not if he could prevent it. However as he was already enrolled there really wasn't much he could currently do. Ciaran was expected to attend this year and so he would.
"Yes grandfather I'm positive I want to attend Hogwarts this year. It is imperative this year afterwards though we shall see."
It was a wonder that the worry didn't just explode out of the man or that the Death Eaters noticed. It was rather obvious after all. But he guessed that everyone worried about their families and Marvolo wasn't an exception to that rule regardless of what nonsense he spouted. The worry he felt made him human and Ciaran could relate to that after all. It made him feel wanted beyond a simple heir status.
Severus arrived then with his robes billowing as usual. Sometimes his father's flair for dramatics was overdone but he loved it nonetheless.
"Come Ciaran otherwise you shall miss the train and I don't particularly desire to have you early at Hogwarts where the headmaster can speak with you alone. The Order meeting was bad enough to endure."
Marvolo narrowed his eyes at this. He didn't need to hear the unspoken: 'The Order knows about Ciaran' it was clear Ciaran's identity was out. However there was little he could do about that now. Ciaran nodded and checked that his trunk was shrunken in his pockets still before nodding calmly towards his grandfather. They weren't that sentimental as to show affection whenever they left nor were they yet that close.
"I shall see you during the holidays." Marvolo said. It wasn't a request it was an order, one which they would have to obey.
Severus bowed stiffly before sweeping out. He had been hoping that his son could spend his holidays at his ancestral home, Prince Manor but that didn't look possible at all now. When the Dark Lord demanded something there was no other choice but to agree.
In the hall they were met with Lucius and Draco who had been waiting for them patiently. They hadn't been requested to be seen so they had remained away to keep the peace. With a simple nod of the head a portkey was produced and they were whisked off to King's Cross station.
It was quite difficult to avoid sneering at the muggles most of who were all acting better than their obvious station. It wasn't that Ciaran despised muggles in general. He just couldn't stand the ones that abused anyone smaller or younger than them. It didn't matter to him what age they were only that they were bullies. The simple fact was that they were abusers and something had to be done about them whether that tied in with is grandfather's plans or not. However that would have to wait till later when they had control.
"Lucius I've been meaning to ask you something…" Ciaran wondered as they began to make their way to Platform 9 ¾ through all the muggles.
"What is it?"
"Why aren't you in Azkaban? You know since… you were…" Ciaran trailed off uncomfortably.
It was still a sore subject for him. The Department of Mysteries fiasco had cost him the only adult at the time that cared for him instead of the Boy-Who-Lived. For that he would never forgive Bella even if they were on speaking terms which surprised many of the Death Eaters, his father and grandfather included. He just couldn't bring himself to hate her when she also had numerous stories of Sirius to tell him.
Lucius smirked at his tense nature.
"I convinced the Minister that I was there for work when I happen to notice a scuffle. I of course being the good pureblood citizen that I am went to break it up but found myself amongst the Death Eaters instead. He released me after that following a small amount of galleons into his personal account that went unnoticed by the Wizenmagot or the other Ministry members."
Severus muttered something under his breath that had Lucius grinning at him.
"What about everyone else?"
"They will be out of Azkaban in no time at all. Though considering there aren't any Dementers to keep people trapped in misery it shouldn't be that bad for them. Only Aurors are ever present now and there aren't that many of them to cover the entire complex. The Dark Lord isn't truly worried about that." Severus answered as they walked through the gateway.
It wasn't as busy with twenty minutes to spare before the train departed. They all knew it wouldn't be easy trying to locate a compartment with only five minutes to spare like the Weasley's normally did. It would just be hectic then and no upstanding pureblood wanted to put attempt that. Severus and Lucius walked directly towards the train in all the pureblood grace they had. Draco and Ciaran walked calmly behind them drawing attention.
They were used to Lucius and Draco but having their potions professor walking on the platform sent shivers down their spines. When they caught sight of Ciaran they gaped knowing immediately whose son he was. It was hard not to realize. He did after all have his father's hair and skin. The height he would never have because of the mistreatment at the Dursley's but he would grow a few more inches at least.
"I shall see you both at school. Ciaran you will be sorted before the first years even have a chance to enter the building. Remember it doesn't matter what house you shall go in. I will be there for you as shall Draco."
Severus might have tried to say that but Ciaran knew that his father would be disappointed to see him go back into Gryffindor or worse Hufflepuff. Sure he agreed that when in Gryffindor he'd played the part of Golden Boy incredibly well if he managed to fool even Dumbledore. However he was ambitious and sneaky, a true Slytherin beneath all of his masks and no one could convince him otherwise.
As much as Severus was loathed admitting it, his son had been best in Gryffindor. There was little possibility of him being sorted into his house. Ravenclaw was a long shot since Harry had never taken study seriously. That left Gryffindor and Hufflepuff the two houses he desperately wanted his son to remain far from. As much as he wanted to what he said to be true he couldn't help the lie. The thoughts were at the forefront of his mind making it hard to mask from Ciaran's ability. However his son didn't comment on the thoughts at all.
Lucius turned towards them as Severus finished.
"I won't be able to see you till the holidays unfortunately so behave and if anything happens go to Severus immediately, disregard all other Professors if you must but get to Severus."
Both Draco and Ciaran nodded their heads as they walked onto the train. Both understood why it was so important for them to be cautious this year. One slip up and their plans were gone. Everything that they were working towards was based on this year. Sure it was a possibility that it wouldn't go according to plan but then at least they would have their back up plans to activate. This plan however was something that would simply make everything easier for the Dark in the future so they couldn't just give up when it got tough. They couldn't just give up and allow the Light to win. That was definitely something they could have.
Their father's didn't need to remain and watch them leave the station it had been done before and it would happen again though this was the first time Ciaran went as Severus' son and not Harry Potter. There was just no reason to remain since they weren't as clingy as other students with their parents.
Swiftly they located an empty compartment near the front of the train, away from the usual Gryffindors who insisted upon sitting at the back and entered before warding the door for privacy. There were only a select few who could now enter their compartment. Shortly afterwards they were joined by Theo, Blaise and Pansy. He had met them a few times he had stayed with Lucius and Draco over the holidays and felt at ease with them though not as much as Draco. Crabbe and Goyle weren't needed so they had chosen a compartment next to their own for the journey.
Five minutes before their departure as Ciaran had predicted, the Weasleys and Granger walked through the gateway and hustled as they attempted to board the train before it left. Draco was laughing at their ruffled appearance while watching as they were marched by the Order members, who were there for protection, onto the train. Everyone from either side of the war knew the Order members were there in case Harry Potter turned up. It was a pity they would never see him again.
The train pulled out of the station on time as usual and without one sighting of their beloved hero much to the Order's distress. They had been hoping that Severus was wrong and Harry had simply run away. At least then their saviour could have been disciplined and sent back to do his job. As it appeared their spy had been correct and their saviour was lost to them.
"I can't believe your grandfather allowed you to come to Hogwarts this year!" Pansy exclaimed leaning into Blaise.
"Honestly he didn't think that it was an excellent idea at all and only agreed to it because father would be there as well. If anything goes wrong however I won't be there for long. He is very protective."
"What are you going to do if you get sorted into Gryffindor again or Hufflepuff?"
Ciaran smirked at them but otherwise remained silent. He wasn't about to tell them about the sorting of his first year it would just ruin the surprise they would feel later especially his grandfather and father. The shock would be excellent and well worth the wait.
'Dumbledore said he would be on the train so where is he? Snape's son should be on the train and once I locate him then I can coercer him into being my friend like Potter.'
With Draco nearby it was easier to ignore the numerous thoughts running through people's heads constantly however even some managed to make it through especially if you were attuned to their thoughts. As it was there were only a few select few that had spent that much time around Harry or Ciaran.
'Where is he? I need to get more money from Dumbledore for my education. If I don't my parents will never allow me to get a job I the ministry! Damn it where is Potter?'
'My beloved shall be on this train. Where is he? I need to seduce him the moment I see him. In a few months we shall be married after all, mum said so.'
Ciaran shuddered at that thought. He knew it was Ginny Weasley but that didn't make it any better at all. Even when she had been dating other guys all she ever thought about was Harry Potter. It was disturbing to hear that constantly. Suddenly he was glad that the marriage contract had been void when he reached sixteen. The thought of living with her for the rest of his life made him nauseous.
"What's the matter Ciaran?"
Ciaran turned his head and looked out of the compartment door as Ron and Hermione walked past the compartment after looking through the window, Ginny following like a lost puppy with stars in her eyes at the thought of seducing the famous Chosen One. It was truly sickening. The group sneered as Ciaran winced. Only Draco was able to understand that it wasn't the mere sight of Ciaran's former friends that caused this reaction but the thoughts they were giving off. If it weren't for Draco things would have been a lot worse for him.
"Relax Ciaran you won't have to go anywhere near them if you don't want to." Theo said reassuringly.
"Even if you are a Gryffindor all you have to do is sneer and that should remind them of who you're related to! That'll make them think twice before doing anything they would regret. Snape would tear them apart before they harmed you." Blaise suggested.
Ciaran hummed trying to forget about them. It wouldn't be easy to avoid them in school but it would be well worth it in the end to see the looks on their faces when his past identity was revealed to everyone. Yes that would be the day his revenge would come to fruition.
"Let's just enjoy the journey shall we?" he suggested lightening the mood.
x-x-x-x-x
Ciaran stood before the Great Hall which was rapidly filling with students. The rest of the journey to Hogwarts had been undisturbed however Ron and Hermione had insisted on marching back and forth along the train to find him. They hadn't entered the compartment after realizing it held Slytherins but their thoughts had disturbed him greatly.
He didn't need to know what Ron and Hermione had planned for him as both Harry and Ciaran nor what they did together in their spare time (which Ron had been thinking about at the time) as well as what Ginny was planning to do once Harry returned. He was fairly sure that Love potions were illegal but decided not to comment on it. After all he wasn't supposed to know any of that.
Now they were all seated in the Great Hall while he stood before the hat. Whispers were surrounding him but he didn't turn around. He had no need for them to see his face yet and he didn't like rumours. Since McGonagall was patiently waiting for the first years and Hagrid it was Dumbledore who called his name silencing the entire hall.
"Snape, Ciaran"
Ciaran walked up towards the stool with the same amount of nerves he had the first year. The entire school couldn't deny that he was the potions master son with the close resemblance between the two. Everyone was whispering about him except now it was because he was the dreaded potions master's son and not the Boy-Who-Lived. Honestly he didn't know which one he preferred yet. The hat fell easily over his eyes like it had in first year causing him to wonder whether it was simply the same for everyone. He was silent though as the hat began to speak.
'Back again are we?'
'I suppose so but I don't want Gryffindor anymore. It was a foolish choice- so utterly Gryffindor that it was sickening- that I shouldn't have made based on one friendship that was set up for me. At least now I know why you desired to place me into Slytherin in the beginning. It is the house where I truly belong.'
'The heir always belongs in the correct house. I am glad that you have finally seen the error of your way. Very well young Snape, better be…'
"Slytherin!"
Ciaran chanced a glance at his father who although had his Slytherin mask in place had joy and surprise alight in his eyes. His ex-friends weren't as surprised or joyful. Instead they looked down right furious. They didn't matter though. He knew that they were planning to corrupt him into joining the 'Light'. That would be difficult now and Ciaran wondered how they were going to attempt to pull that off.
Disregarding these thoughts, Ciaran moved towards Draco. Everyone who knew him was surprised which was exactly what he had desired. How had the once Golden Boy been sorted into Slytherin? It was a question they all desired an answer to but weren't going to get. He was a Slytherin and he had just proven it beyond a shadow of a doubt.
"Full of surprises aren't you." Draco drawled as he approached.
"Of course I am how do you suppose I survived living with father and grandfather so long?"
The Slytherins around him laughed while the other houses simply looked on at the odd display of emotion on the normally stoic faces. Usually the Slytherin house refused to show emotion of any sort apart from contempt and hatred so it was a surprise to see them act so human.
Once they had settled Professor McGonagall led the first years in to be sorted as usual, only taking a glance to see where Ciaran had been placed. Ciaran noticed that there were more Slytherins this year for some reason. The sorting ended with Slytherin gaining a total of fifteen first years while Ravenclaw received the average of ten. Gryffindor had six first years and Hufflepuff only had five.
"Welcome back to another year of Hogwarts. As many of the Gryffindors have noticed Harry Potter is not in attendance this year. He is currently undergoing special training in a secure facility and will be updated as to what happens during this year."
The Slytherins scoffed as the other three houses applauded. Harry Potter would never return and anyone who believed that would be stupid. Ciaran couldn't believe the old coot was attempting to hide away his disappearance like that but what else did he expect? Dumbledore always lived by his own rules no matter whose life he destroyed in the meantime. It would be even more shocking for the students when they discovered that Harry Potter would be dead long before he 'returned' to them.
He smirked. It was time to begin the 'rumours' and he would allow Pansy, the gossip Queen of Slytherin, the honour of beginning them.
"This year we would like to welcome Charlie Weasley who has kindly taken the post of Defence Against the Dark Arts."
Whispers immediately erupted around the hall as Charlie remained seated instead of standing and acknowledging his position. Ciaran wanted to speak to Charlie however it would look suspicious if he suddenly walked up to one of the Order members and talked to them as if he had known him for his entire life. If he did that would just bring suspicion on him and he didn't need that at the moment. However Charlie was already acting suspicious as he was sitting beside Severus and not one of the more Light inclined representatives at the staff table such as Minerva.
After eating dinner and ignoring the usual rendition of the Hogwarts song, Ciaran followed Draco and his fellow Slytherins down to the dungeons where they could relax for the rest of the night before classes began in the morning. There was one thing that he knew for sure. This year would be the best year he had ever had.
Sorry if it's short than you would have liked. Thanks for all of the wonderful reviews.
~MidnighEmber