~ Chapter Eight ~
Remus was definitely nervous. He twitched slightly. Alright nervous was an understatement, he was petrified. Today was the day he agreed to meet with the Dark Lord. At the time he had only been thinking of hi cub, Ciaran. The wolf had taken control and demanded that he make sure that his cub was alright in any way possible. That had only led to this situation and he was cursing his inner wolf.
As planned Severus was to meet him at the Leaky Cauldron and then proceed to the Dark Lord's headquarters and he had. However Remus hadn't expected the other two people that had followed him inside. Lucius Malfoy and Charlie Weasley had looked completely out of place side by side as they moved towards him.
The shock hadn't come from Malfoy arriving with Severus that he'd expected. Nor had his disbelief come from Charlie's presence. What truly stunned him was the fact that said person was standing beside a Weasley and not arguing to hell because of the Malfoy- Weasley feud. It was an amazing sight that had most people in the tavern completely speechless. Remus had to admit that it was an amazing occurrence. They would probably never see this again.
They three of them walked calmly up to Remus and took a seat. It was ten o'clock at night on the first of September. When most people who worked at Hogwarts were trying to relax before the inhaul of students the following day Severus and Charlie were sitting with them about to go and see the Dark Lord of all people. It wasn't what he had expected to do on today of all days that was for sure.
"Well if you are done staring into space and trying to locate your brain wolf we might just make it in time to not be subject to the Cruciatus Curse." Severus sneered.
He never enjoyed the idea of being near Remus Lupin ever since that incident at the end of fifth year when Black had lured him into almost dying or being turned. It hadn't been a pleasant experience and unlike most people he didn't see the wolf and the human as two separate people, Lupin would always be Lupin regardless of what form he took.
Also now with his son in the picture he didn't want anything to do with the wolf. In fact he didn't even want his son near the wolf. Though that would probably make Ciaran despise him. Ciaran cared for the wolf as one of the few connections he had to his mother and adoptive father not to mention that mangy dogfather of his, Black. Lupin obviously meant a lot to his son and so he would be forced to at least tolerate the man to save him from his son's ire.
"Very well let's go." Remus said. Not only was he ignoring the usual venom that Severus spat in his direction (honestly he was use to that) he was attempting to ignore Charlie's presence accompanying them.
Charlie had always seemed so light orientated. He was a Weasley so most assumed that he was going to be Light through and through. What had caused the man to change his allegiance towards the Light? There was nothing that could possibly affect him in this way or at least that was what Remus believed.
Now that he thought about it, Charlie had rarely attended an Order meeting always claiming that his dragons took too much time to be spent elsewhere. Was that a lie? Was there something that Charlie held in higher regard than his own life? Remus guessed he would at least get some of his answers tonight.
Once they were outside in a muggle alleyway, Charlie allowed Lucius to take his arm and apparate him away to the Dark Lord's location while Severus reluctantly took hold of Remus. When the familiar feeling of side-apparition was complete Remus looked around wearily. He didn't recognize the place from any pictures the Order had brought together in an attempt to figure out the new location of the Dark Order.
It was obvious the entire place was made of stone which led him to believe he was in a castle and deep in the forest somewhere if the trees outside were an indicator of something. Not a single portrait lined the halls as Lucius and Severus walked ahead leading the towards the throne room where Voldemort would be meeting them to discuss their loyalty towards the Light and why they were willing to swap sides and work for the Dark Lord himself.
Remus finally glanced at Charlie and noticed that the young man was actually relaxed and Remus had believed he was over the shocks for the day. Charlie Weasley– who belonged to one of the most Light orientated families around– was about to see the Dark Lord and was completely calm about it like he had done this many times before. Something had definitely occurred for Charlie to be this way.
Severus and Lucius knocked on a large deep red double door and upon hearing a soft command of "enter" opened the door to the Dark Lord's current throne room. The room was exactly how Remus expected it to be… entirely filled with Slytherin colours of green and silver. Sure the greatest Dark Lord in the past century was the heir to Slytherin. Everyone knew that, it didn't make it any more intimidating when meeting him.
Sitting majestically upon is throne was the Dark Lord though he definitely didn't look anything like the person Remus was use to searching and hunting for. Nor was he as intimidating as he'd first believed.
Voldemort had regained some of his youth and his humanity that was for sure. His hair was short and was similar in style to Harry's, except deep auburn brown. The red snake eyes were still prominent on his face but his nose was at least present if not small. His skin was pale, but with Remus' werewolf sight he could see slight scale like markings upon his arms that shone in the torch light.
The Dark Lord looked like a hybrid, a hybrid that had a pet snake– a dangerous, venomous pet snake– draped around him regally.
Remus had to believe that it was an improvement from the true snake vision he had once been but it still unnerved him entirely too much. As soon as they were before the man both Severus and Lucius bowed deeply showing their respect. Voldemort however had his eyes focused solely on Charlie and himself. Well at least they hadn't received a Crucio for their trouble.
"I can see my faithful have brought you here today because you are interested in changing your allegiance with the Light. Forgive me but I need to know why you are so insistent about this. Be warned that I do not appreciate liars and will know the instant you decided to tell me one of your so called 'truths'. I do not accept anything but honesty from my devoted followers." Voldemort said while petting Nagini calmly.
Charlie immediately stepped forward. Remus noticed that Voldemort narrowed his eyes at this bold move but what else had he expected from an ex-Gryffindor? Did he expect them all to act like Wormtail? Speaking of the rat, where was he? There was major payback to be dealt there. However before he could think further Charlie began.
"There are several reasons I desire to change my alliance. Firstly there is my bond with eh… Harry… I want to be closer to him so I can take care of him now that his ability has been discovered by others. Then there is my relationship with Lucius which I would like to explore further. Thirdly there is Dumbledore. I no longer see how what he is planning shall bring about change in the wizarding world. He is old and that is addling his grasp on concepts that hold the wizarding world together such as keeping us a secret from muggles."
Charlie spoke with such conviction that Remus knew that this wasn't there second meeting. He was confident that Voldemort wouldn't harm him in anyway. Why he wasn't sure. But he knew that they shared a secret. Perhaps it had something to do with the pause before Harry's name?
That was it! Charlie knew that Ciaran was Harry. Remus wasn't sure how only that he knew. Of course that didn't explain his relationship with Lucius. Everyone in the Order believed he was seeing someone on the Dragon Reserve in Romania. Had that been all a farce as well?
"Yes I already know about your loyalties and thoughts towards Harry. That is no concern of mine nor is your relationship with one of my trusted followers. What does intrigue me though is your view on Dumbledore. Explain to me why you believe he is no longer capable of running his beloved Light side."
Charlie was silent for minute to gather his thoughts.
"I have only been to a few meetings with the Order since my job as a Dragon Handler keeps me occupied, thank Merlin, but I had noticed that whenever he plans something he won't tell anyone all the facts he keeps them locked away within his own mind. It is almost as if he doesn't trust anyone regardless of what he preaches. Also when some of your attacks occur he accepts some of them too swiftly as if he already knew it was going to occur and allowed it to happen anyway."
Marvolo nodded his head. He already knew that from what Severus had told him. The old fool had allowed the attacks to occur trying in vain hope to catch him unaware. It hadn't worked yet and it wouldn't ever. Through the years the old man had gotten more predictable.
"Yes I can confirm that with what I have heard as well. What of you Remus Lupin? What do you think of the great Albus Dumbledore?"
Remus shifted nervously in his place. He was normally calm but thinking about what that old coot had put Harry through made his inner werewolf stir and he knew that would do nothing but upset Severus. He needed to remain on his good side for Harry. So he took a deep breath before speaking hoping that Moony would calm down.
"There is only one thing that I care about in this world now that Siri– well you get the point– and that is Harry. I have heard what the old man has put Harry through when he left my cub with his relatives through conversations the Order members have had in the past few months. If I ever have to see the old coot again my werewolf would more than likely tear him to pieces without a second thought. I would have no control over what I did to him as a human as well though it probably would be more painful and long-lasting than what Moony can do."
Towards the end Remus had begun to lose control and his eyes had turned amber as well as his limbs beginning to shake. It wasn't a pleasant experience since the full moon was only days away but he would deal with anything to be with his cub again. Severus looked like he wanted to be anywhere but near the werewolf. Not that he could blame the man. Facing your inner fears was something that no one would do lightly.
"If I do allow you to join me I would have to forbid you from taking the Wolfsbane potion. You will return to Greyback and request that he aid you in the return of your true wolf and not that mangy thing that the potion has been suppressing. I want you to learn control if you are to go anywhere near Harry, who we will have to speak of at another time. Do I make myself understood?"
Remus nodded. The way in which Voldemort spoke of Harry was possessive and protective which meant that his cub was safe around the man and he wasn't in some dungeon beneath wherever they were located. He would do anything to keep his cub in this safe and nurturing environment… well as nurturing as the Dark could get. It was still better than what Dumbledore had provided.
"Very well, now I could mark you but your loyalty Remus Lupin is towards Harry and Fenrir not me so you will follow his command. Charlie Weasley however you can be marked so come forward."
Remus watched as Charlie was marked by the famous incantation "Morsmordore". He had never witnessed it before or heard it spoken and it was unimaginable. Charlie showed remarkable restraint as he was branded though the power that flowed through the room was strong and far greater than he had ever witnessed Dumbledore use. Deep in his mind he was glad that he had changed sides. It was a lost cause trying to take down this power alongside Harry's own.
"Now Charlie, Severus, you must leave and return to Hogwarts lest that senile coot discovers your absence and demands your presence. You, Remus, will go with Lucius who shall escort you to Fenrir and his pack. You will be given permission to see Harry at Yule."
They all nodded before bowing deeply. Voldemort had dismissed them so they were going to leave before they did something to upset their new master. It would be hell to pay if they did considering they had given Voldemort a lot of things to question.
Remus didn't feel anything though all he knew was that come Christmas he would be able to see his cub again.
x-x-x-x-x
Ciaran had spent his first night in Slytherin and he was enjoying it much more than he ever thought was possible. Not only had he been surrounded by true friends he was in a place where he felt relaxed and didn't have to have a mask up to hide his cunning and sly side since this was the house where those specific traits bore fruit. It was a relief that he held dear now. Never had he felt more at home. Never had he felt more like himself.
Since the dungeons stretched out beneath Hogwarts and the Lake there was always plenty of room. Unlike Gryffindor Tower not every year level shared a room. Ciaran now shared a room with Draco which was challenging since Draco did everything at a specific time of the day. It had initially been very annoying when he stayed at Slytherin Citadel and they had rooms near each other but he had eventually gotten use to the early morning wake up calls and now was set in a similar routine.
So on the first morning of the school year, Ciaran was up at six in the morning preparing for the long day ahead with Draco by his side though never did he expect such a heavy conversation would proceed.
"You do realise that my father is awfully protective and possessive of you, do you not?" Draco asked breaking the silence in the room as they prepared for their first day back.
Ciaran looked up at Draco who was trying to attempting to look apathetic. He hadn't expected to speak of something this personal on the first morning of school. It was nice but a little forward and something that he definitely wasn't used to hearing. However Ciaran guessed that this was something that Draco wasn't sure about how to approach, which only bought more questions about where this was leading.
"Yes I have realized that on occasion he shows some emotions towards me, what of it? Many other people are similar in their emotions towards me such as grandfather and father. Even Charlie and Remus act that way. Why are you only questioning the emotions of your father?"
Draco knew that when it came to his own feelings Ciaran didn't have clue what to think and since his father's mind was shielded from him Ciaran wouldn't know what type of feelings his father truly held deep within his soul. As it was his father was a difficult man to interpret even by his own family.
"Ciaran, he wants you in the family." Draco said bluntly.
Ciaran blinked. Well that had been unexpected. He knew that Lucius thought of him very fondly but he really hadn't expected to be family, more like a close friend though with his age it was kind of dubious. Why would he need more family? He already had a father in Severus and a grandfather in Marvolo. There was no way that he desired another uncle regardless of how that person acted. Vernon had scared him for life now.
"Why would he want me as family and wouldn't Narcissa disagree with the idea of adopting me? What about my father?"
Draco shook his head in exasperation. It was terrible trying to explain emotions to Ciaran. Perhaps he would be able to spend more time and introduce him into the numerous emotions he could feel, joy, love, lust…
"Narcissa was planning a divorce years ago. She left father last summer after the Triwizard Tournament knowing that our Lord had returned. I believe that she is somewhere on a tropical island trying to gain the attention of some poor rich sod who will take a liking to her. Father currently likes Charlie and I'm pretty sure that Charlie is switching sides to be closer to both father and you. There was something about his previous relationship not working out. Charlie treats you like a brother after all however they wouldn't adopt you per say. They want it to be more like son-in-law." Draco said his cheeks tinging slightly.
Ciaran spluttered as he picked up his book bag. He wasn't blinded by his lack of emotions. Draco did care for him even to the point of possessive but Ciaran couldn't tell whether it was genuine or if he was just lusting after something that he had been long denied. He would have to take things slowly if that was even possible with the Slytherin Ice Prince.
"You don't have to say anything now. In fact I'd rather you simply thought on it for a while. My feelings aren't about to change. You have plenty of time to decide whether or not you want to have a relationship with me at all Ciaran." Draco said noticing his reluctance.
Ciaran nodded his acceptance. At least he wouldn't have to rush into anything. He could take things as slowly as he wanted but he'd have to let Draco know first whether he decided to even begin a relationship with him. There was after all five years of animosity to work through before they even thought about something more. It wouldn't be an easy relationship but it had the possibility ofworking well. With that said they left their bedroom.
Ciaran, Draco, Blaise and Theodore were on their way to the Great Hall for breakfast, having sorted that out. Crabbe and Goyle were already there feasting on as much as they could before class began. It was entirely disgusting to watch but surprisingly better than Ron. They both reminded him of Dudley but they were much kinder than his cousin ever was.
They reached the table making good time and noticed immediately that all eyes were on them. It was unnerving but he was used to it since he had attracted more attention as Harry Potter. Draco didn't seem to mind. In fact he was practically lapping it up for fun knowing that it annoyed Ciaran. For now Ciaran would humour his friend. Draco would soon learn which lines to push and which to leave well enough alone.
Once breakfast had begun the owls swooped into the room to deliver mail. With his father at Hogwarts and his grandfather trying not to capture anyone's attention to the fact they were related, Ciaran hadn't expected any mail. He should have learnt by now to expect the unexpected no matter who he was.
His grandfather's eagle owl swooped down with what appeared to be a stable box with holes in it. The fact that it had breathing holes was worrying and every Slytherin was discreetly moving away afraid of what was inside. The other houses also looked slightly unnerved as did several of the teachers. Draco just raised an eyebrow at him and motioned towards the box. There was no use in putting off the inevitable and since his father wasn't here to help him he decided to just open the box.
Inside he found Citren who was happily purring at the fact that he was now allowed out of the box. The Slytherins relaxed seeing it was simply a cat but Draco and Ciaran shared a look. There was obviously a reason that his grandfather had sent his cat here to him especially with people who were familiar with him at Hogwarts. Whatever it was, it wasn't good for them.
-x-
Ciaran,
I have heard through your father that you were placed in Slytherin last night. Even though it came as a shock considering your past, I must say that I am incredibly proud of you to manage to hide this side of you even from us. You my child are a true Slytherin. Salazar would be proud.
Remember that you are there for two reasons: to learn and to aid Draco. If anything happens concerning that old coot then I will pull you out of there before you can say snake. He will not destroy the only thing that I hold dear to me! I will have other students reporting to me about you as well so don't think that I will not find out if anything occurs during your time at Hogwarts. You will let me know and I will decide whether it is sever or not.
As you may have noticed, I have sent that hellish beast you call a pet with the first mail that I could possibly obtain. You are to never leave that fiend behind again. I'm not sure that Nagini can handle it. I do not care what your father informed you to do with it, it remains with you at all times!
You're beloved pet has been in more trouble than you have your entire life and I say that lightly. In the past night he has knocked books from shelves in both the library and my personal study, left dirt tracks in the corridors, pulled plants out of the garden when he escaped outside (no one is sure how he managed that), chased the house elves and Nagini batting at them as if they were toys and summoned all of the citrus fruit in the house followed by hiding them in the walls.
We are still trying to calm down the house elves enough so they can locate the missing fruit before they go rotten in the walls. If they do not find them all, prepare to be punished or have that animal punished when you return for the holidays.
I shall see you during the holidays and under no circumstances are you to accept going elsewhere. You shall spend your free time with me as well as you're father and our mutual friends.
Hoping you are well.
Your grandfather,
Marvolo
-x-
Draco and Ciaran looked up identically from the letter to see Citren purring calmly while eating from a bowl of oranges that no one would touch any longer. Who would believe that this adorable cat could pull off some much mayhem in the short time Ciaran was away? It was quite honestly astonishing.
Ciaran had left Citren at home for two main reasons. One was that the cat was recognizable by two of his past friends, Luna and Neville. If he was seen around Citren, then they would know who he was immediately. Then there was reason two. Citren followed him everywhere which also meant that Citren would follow him to class like a lost lamb. That wouldn't be good since Citren enjoyed mischief and mayhem above all else (except perhaps protecting his owner).
Oh well he would deal with the problems when they arose. No sense in worrying about them now so he relaxed and allowed Citren to frolic around the table while he ate and talked with the other Slytherins. It was definitely an odd sight for the rest of the hall. No one expected the son of their snarky potions professor to have such little regard to his house's traits. They had all been expecting a mini-Snape.
"Come on we have class." Draco said.
Citren immediately perked up as Ciaran stood to leave. There was no way that he would be left behind again. With an almighty leap he curled himself around his master's shoulders content with flicking his tail as they walked into the dungeons.
Ciaran didn't bother to fight Citren's decision knowing that somehow he would appear in the classroom anyway. Citren's gifts must hve begun to manifest this past month or so without anyone realizing it. He just prayed that his father would be able to understand why he had his cat with him when he was told specifically to leave it at home. Severus didn't enjoy having any animal in his lab unless they were in ingredient form.
"What is that, Mr Snape?"
Ciaran cringed as his father's voice floated to them from the front of the room as they entered with the Gryffindors slowly behind them. This was not going to be a pleasant conversation.
"Ah this is a transfigurati-"
"I do not tolerate lying even from you." That glare could scare the mightiest of warriors.
The Gryffindors sniggered as they witnessed the potions master's son in trouble by his own father. They thought it was a humorous sight, little did they know this was all just blow back from Severus confusing him with Harry yet again.
"Grandfather sent Citren to me this morning. I still have the note if you'd prefer to read that."
The cat was literally a menace and whoever had bought the thing for his son would pay, Severus thought. Luckily he only had a few candidates for who it could be and each he could terrorize at an appropriate time like, oh… now.
"Very well but if that thing disrupts the lesson I shall skin it and use it as potions ingredients. Do I make myself clear?"
"Yes Professor."
Severus turned to see the entire class outside watching the situation as it unravelled.
"What are you all gawking at? Fifty points from Gryffindor, get started on your potion already!"
With a wave of his wand Severus left only the page number on the board to make everything more difficult his NEWT students. In previous years he usually left the instructions on the board however as the years progressed he'd begun to change things ever so slightly. This was to make his students think for themselves not that it had worked in the Gryffindor's or Hufflepuff's cases.
Ciaran knew that his father was deadly serious about his threat as well. He loved his cat but sometimes he could be real trouble as they would all eventually discover. He doubted whether Citren would be stupid enough to get caught by his father or the headmaster but that didn't matter. No Citren was sneaky when he desired to be.
With a sigh, he set up the cauldron as Draco went to gather their ingredients. Somehow when everyone wasn't paying attention Ron and Hermione had managed to claim the seats in front of them on the Slytherin side of the classroom. Ciaran blinked and glanced up at his father's face. Knowing that his father would punish them in the only way he knew, he cringed inwardly. This lesson was going to be brutal and nasty but full of entertainment for the snakes.
'Ha I wonder how that bumbling fool Weasel got accepted into Snape's NEWT class… probably through Dumbledork. Who would have thought that he was that needy or that stupid to rely on the old coot to get him into this class.'
'How did I get into this class? My NEWTS couldn't have been that good especially since I failed in most of Snape's classes. Merlin I'm always so nervous around him, what do I do now? I'll end up screwing up potions for sure. It was only due to Harry that I even wanted to take this class anyway.'
'What a fool look at Granger always with her puffy hair. It's a wonder no one mistook her for a horse.'
Ciaran winced. Without Draco near he couldn't block the thoughts of those around him efficiently enough on his own. They all just flooded around him like it had in past years.
'Potions, oh how I hate potions! Stupid greasy git always snubbing my attempts, I wonder if he realizes the only reason I got in was because of Dumbledore? Ha the look on his face would be priceless!'
'How do I introduce myself without sounding like a complete moron or even sounding to forward? Come on Hermione pull yourself together and get on with it! Are you a Gryffindor or not!'
"Hi! You must be Ciaran Snape. My name is Hermione Granger and this is Ron Weasley, we're in Gryffindor."
Ciaran gave them a look that screamed, 'No really?' The Slytherins surrounding them were glaring at the pathetic attempt to befriend one of their own. They all knew it was due to the headmaster influence that they were even willing to speak to a slimy snake. No they would do everything to prevent this pair from getting too close to Ciaran.
"It's a… pleasure to meet you." He said before going back to setting up.
He really didn't want to have to put up with whatever they were trying to pull. Luckily enough Draco returned so he no longer had to listen to them or their thoughts.
After that, Potions was relatively quiet. Many people, including most of the Slytherins, desired to see whether Ciaran had developed his father's love and gift for potions. While working with Draco it was easy to see who were the best in the class and their professor showed blatant favouritism towards them and the Slytherins ignoring Granger completely. Even Citren who normally loved everyone hated most of the Gryffindors and hissed at any who attempted to near him. It would have been quite amusing if they had been paying any attention away from their cauldrons.
Potions finished with, as predicted, Draco and Ciaran on top followed by Granger who actually looked miffed that they had beaten her at something she usually excelled at. Jealously licked off of her in waves and if Draco hadn't been standing beside him, Ciaran would have dreaded listening to her thoughts. However that didn't stop her from trying to speak with him again after class.
"Hey, Snape, wait up!"
Ciaran sighed they would never learn. He didn't even speak he just waited for her to catch up to the sneering Slytherins, none of who were remotely impressed by her decidedly Gryffindor attempt to approach a snake. Ron trailed behind her arrogantly as if knowing he would rather spend time with them than with his own friends.
'Can't believe the audacity that mudblood has!'
'Thinks she's so much better than us, ha! I can't wait to put her in her proper place when the Light loses.'
'A joke that's what she is, she can't do anything special except study.'
His friends' thoughts were terribly amusing. None of them had one good thing in their minds. All were terribly happy that Ciaran was now on their side. They couldn't lose with that boost to moral.
"Would you like to come and visit the Gryffindor tower? I'm sure your father would allow you to follow us around for a bit. Or perhaps I could show you the library? If you aren't interested in that maybe you would like to see -"
Merlin, she never shut up. How did he put up with this for years?
"Listen Granger, I don't know what gave you the impression that I actually cared about you or that we were friends but whatever it was, I apologize, for I have no intent on being anything more than neutral towards you and your redheaded friend. Even then that is slightly pushing it. I am currently surrounded by my friends, why don't you go bother yours, if you even have any?"
Ciaran turned away and kept walking. He wouldn't stay and listen to what that traitor had to say at all. The only friends he needed were walking by his side, Pansy, Blaise, Theo, Vince, Greg and of course Draco. He didn't need anyone else especially people who were so fake in their attention towards the point of sickeningly obvious. Had they no tact?
He just hoped that his mood would improve as the day wore on.
x-x-x-x-x
Ciaran's mood definitely wasn't in any better by the end of the day. Everything had been fine until he had been dragged away from his afternoon off to have 'tea' with the headmaster. This wasn't a common occurrence at Hogwarts and only happened to either the Golden Trio or someone in dire trouble that meant their expulsion. Since he hadn't been in any trouble so far today he could only assume that he was there to have a subtle question and answer session.
'Ah good finally I might be able to discover some answers.'
That confirmed his beliefs. Now he'd actually have to concentrate on Dumbles' thoughts. Darn. To make matters worse Citren had jumped off his shoulders and was intent on searching the room. Ciaran just hoped that Dumbledore would be entirely focused on him and not on the cat otherwise Citren was likely to get into tons of trouble.
"Well Ciaran-"
"It's Mr Snape, if you would headmaster. I don't know you even if you do know my father and I'd appreciate it."
'Darn this brat is as snarky as his father.'
Dumbledore didn't appear to be too pleased with his opinion. More points for him.
"Very well then Mr Snape. Would you care for a lemon drop? No? Very well then, how was your first day here at Hogwarts?"
'Good try and get him relaxed enough to talk about his life.'
"It was very good, thank you." Ciaran really didn't want to give the old coot something to complain about.
It was bad enough that his grandfather would probably already know of this meeting and desire to make sure that he was alright. Marvolo was probably already flooing into his father's private quarters as they spoke. Darn overprotective relatives. What would happen next? A crash symbolized Citren's beginning of destruction throughout the room. Ciaran was hard pressed not to sigh.
"I hear that you have made several friends including Miss Granger and Mr Weasley."
Oh, so that was what this was about. Obviously Granger and Weasley played tattletale and spoke with the headmaster. Well let's see how much trouble I can get them into, he thought.
"I'm sorry who?"
Ciaran played dumb. Technically they weren't friends they had just been introduced and he didn't even like them that much considering he had told Granger to practically disappear. They never could take a hint.
"Ah never mind then-"
'I thought Granger told me that they were good friends now. Damn lying girl she'll have to be punished for that.'
Ciaran was beginning to tire from all the questions. Not only that but he could feel his grandfather in his father's rooms pacing and waiting as patiently as a Dark Lord could until he finally returned back into the safety of the dungeons. Then there was the fact that Citren had decided Fawkes would make a good chew toy.
He decided to wrap this up.
"Forgive me headmaster for I'm sure you mean well but this isn't what you brought me up here to speak to me about."
"Your mother died recently correct? That is why your guardianship transferred to Severus, your father."
Ciaran looked at him with a blank face. Dumbledore didn't need to know that at all.
"You obviously haven't spent much time with him so far. Is that because of your grandfather? Does he approve of your father's alliances?"
"My grandfather knows of father's alliances and who he is truly loyal to and sees no problem with it. It doesn't affect his raising of me at all."
"Oh what are your father's alliances?"
"If you don't already know than I won't tell you besides that really isn't your business to know."
Ciaran decided to dodge the questions. There wasn't anything Dumbledore could give him to suddenly change sides not after everything that stupid prick had put him through. No the Dark was where he rightfully belonged and now he would show Dumbledore what he was all about. Then when it was revealed who he was it would all be too late.
Citren thankfully had let go of Fawkes who was nursing a chewed on wing and was now attacking the back of Dumbledore's chair as if it were a scratching post. Dumbledore was too focused on him to even notice.
"Well why don't you spend this Christmas with some of your other friends? I'm sure your grandfather would enjoy the quiet. After all old men can get awfully sentimental at this time of the year."
'Come on tell me about your grandfather.'
"Headmaster the last thing I was told before I came here was that I would attend the annual Yule gathering my grandfather holds each year. No one from my family will be exempt from attending not even father this year. In fact, many of my friends attend each year to pay their respect to him."
Or out of fear, Ciaran thought with a smirk.
"But not Miss Granger or Mr Weasley." Dumbledore commented, frowning.
"I'm afraid I have no idea why you keep mentioning them. Miss Granger spoke one, possibly two sentences, to me all day and was incredibly nosy in doing so. The only friends I currently have in this school are within my own house. My other friends don't attend school any longer."
Which was entirely truthful, Fred and George didn't go to Hogwarts any longer. Ciaran paused as the old man absorbed that information.
"Now if you have nothing left to speak to me about I must leave to see my father. If you desire any other information I'm sure he would be more than willing to tell you what needs to be told. Good day headmaster."
Ciaran stood and walked out the door with his head held high and Citren curled around his shoulders (he had done an excellent job of ruining the headmaster's office and terrorizing Fawkes in the short time they were there). Now all he had to do was go down to the dungeons and face both his worried father and furious grandfather and pray that he survived to see the second day of Hogwarts school year.
Thanks for all of the support and the reviews. I love reading them all!
~MidnightEmber