Here we are, once again! I'd like to thank everyone for their support, and encouragement!
Warnings still apply for chapter 5.
CHAPTER 5: Shadowed Doubt.
Edmund DeMitri was a bright new face around the Ministry. He was an eager worker, and a diligent man. If you asked anyone in the office, they would say they were happy to work with Edmund.
Edmund DeMitri had never been late for work, and he wasn't keen to start now. The young man sighed, and made sure that his robes were impeccable. He straightened any crinkle, and made sure his dark brown, almost black hair lay straight. His slate grey eyes bright with the prospect of a new day.
He gave a grin when everything was perfect, and begun to approach the elevators that would take him to his office, when someone called his name.
"Edmund!" came the hurried shouts of one of his co-workers. He turned, slightly annoyed at the person whom had called him.
Dante Hallow! He almost hissed. Why would this man never leave him alone?
Sure enough, the 6'7" form of a well built man glided through the crowd, as if they were the red sea, and he wielded the power of Moses. His warm honey brown eyes locked on Edmund's 5'11" form. His dark blond, hair never jarring from where it was tied at the nape of his neck.
A big, warm hand was soon clapped on Edmund's shoulder. "Thought I wouldn't catch you there for a moment." the baritone voice almost echoed through the hall. Edmund shrugged, not offering a greeting.
"We will be late if we dawdle." he did warn the man. Dante's eyes widened, and quickly pulled himself together. "Another day as the Minister's aide eh Edmund?" he joked playfully. Edmund rolled his eyes at the oaf's playful banter.
"I, at least, take my job seriously." he said with a short glare at this man. Dante shrugged, almost helplessly. "It's my nature." he offered weakly.
Secretly, Edmund didn't doubt that one bit.
. . .
Hadrian knew a lot of things that no normal seven year old should. He listened, and watched those around him with the ears and eyes of someone who had experienced far more than his age implied.
It was with those eyes, and those ears, that Hadrian picked up on his mother's undertones. Her subtle goodbyes. The silent promise of departure.
It was also with said appendages, that he caught on to the notion that the balance in his home had changed greatly.
Sirius had begun to pace more. Uncle Alcied had rarely been home, something that was not unusual for the man, but his absence was making Siri, and his mother worry more so than normal.
When his mother spoke his uncle's name, it was with less fondness, and more ire. When Siri looked at her, it was with a sadness that shouldn't be there.
Hadrian wasn't confused as to what was going on, but he let the adults explain it to him anyway.
Willow held her son close, humming his favorite lullaby softly. Hadrian nestled in close to her warmth, happiness apparent. Her fingers were gingerly combing his hair, a gesture she often would do when he was on the couch, and it was just family around.
Sirius watched this with a small smile. Family. Something he'd never thought he'd find again, after Azkaban. He'd almost given up hope of ever even finding love.
But Fate, it seemed, had not been done with him. When the dementor's hold on him had slipped, his thoughts had come through like the light piercing the darkness. He'd escaped. Of course he'd thought about finding the only marauder left, but Remus was known to travel around a lot now.
He looked to Willow. She'd had every right to turn him away, or to call the Ministry on him. She had decided to harbor a known criminal, without a moment of hesitation. Even if she knew he was innocent, he still couldn't figure out why. The falling out they had still fresh on his mind.
Alcied had been furious. Had told Willow that he'd forbid Sirius to live here. Willow had calmly told her brother that she'd take both Sirius and Hadrian back to France, and leave his miserable ass here. A threat she followed through on when Alcied had still denied, and she'd called the house elves to begin packing.
Alcied had never looked so pale, and slightly shaken. He'd called out to his sister, and told her that Sirius could stay. Willow had just given her brother a smile, and said. "See? Not that hard at all."
She had told him that Alcied planned treachery. She didn't tell him what, exactly, as she didn't know all of the details. She was preparing for something though. She'd already made him swear to teach Hadrian all he could. She had sent a letter out to someone, with a sad look in her eyes, as if saying a permanent farewell.
He'd watched as she coddled Hadrian far more than usual, while teaching him at a faster pace. She'd even placed something on his person that activated a powerful, yet untraceable magic. She'd told him that he was to take it off for no one, and to never lose it.
He'd noticed something else. Her eyes had changed again. They were now an aqua ice. They always changed after she had a vision. All true seers had a tell sign that they'd seen a vision. The former lord Croÿ's had been his hair. It would grow 6 inches whenever he'd had a vision.
For most, a simple glamor would fix the problem, for the Croÿ family, whom were experts in body manipulation, more so than an metamorphmagus, they would simply shift their bodies back to normal.
He shrugged, long ago accepting the oddities of his friend.
He once again looked upon the two on the couch. Hadrian's eyes were focused, as if in thought. He'd spent several days analyzing his best friend's son, and found him to be alike, and yet the farthest thing from James Potter.
Hadrian was calculating, cunning, and calm. James had been like that, but both had different varying degrees.
Where as James Potter would look only slightly underneath the surface, Hadrian looked to the core. James had used his cunning to get the things he wanted, and to pull off pranks. Hadrian used his to gather information, and to make sure that those around him were safe.
James had never been calm though. He'd always had a fury, buried deep within him. A fire of passion, some had called it. Sirius just rolled his eyes, but now, he'd begun to wonder. How long would it have taken James to explode, and destroy everything around him?
Sirius himself normally got angry. When whatever he was angry with either resolved itself, or he'd resolved it, he usually let it go. Not James. It settled in his soul, and gathered there, waiting for someone to trip the land mine, or so the saying went.
Lilly was the only one who could truly diffuse Jame's anger. It had been entertaining to watch as he'd start to get angry, but one look from the slip of a woman, and the lion would tuck his tail between his legs.
But Sirius was beginning to find himself in the same situation. Whenever Alcied would say something, he'd begin to get angry, but as soon as he'd feel her eyes on him, his inner padfoot would give a soft whine. After the first time, he'd swore that he'd never make fun of James again.
Not like Alcied got off easy anyway. She'd quickly turn a glare on the man, and demand to know why he was acting like a two year old.
But those times were slipping away from him. Now, it was with sadness that Willow looked upon her brother whenever Alcied would come home. Distrust replaced the respect in Hadrian's eyes. Alcied didn't seem to be the wiser of the change in his family.
It seemed that dark days were coming down upon them.
. . .
Willow stood before the gently roaring fire in the parlor of her home. Tomorrow, she and Siri would be taking Hadrian for a 'play date' at the Malfoy manor. Willow had to roll her eyes at Narcissia's attempts at strengthening bonds that had never been there.
Unity between the houses was not to be achieved in this generation. She didn't trust them, one bit. She sighed in a bit of sadness. It was truly Hadrian's choice if he wanted to associate himself with the young Draco Malfoy.
Sirius had been beside himself, demanding on coming as his animagus form. Willow had agreed, surprising him. She didn't mind. Sirius did promise to protect Hadrian by any means. At that is what she counted on.
She wasn't worried that Narcissa would discover her cousin. She'd prepared for that, knowing that she could never ask Sirius to stay inside. That thought was laughable. To keep the wild man inside would be a crime, in and of itself.
She shook her head, banishing the past from her current thoughts. Now was not the time for reflections. Now was the time to carefully plan the future, making sure that every step she took, would domino into the next.
Unlike Alcied, she knew what the Dark Lord had planned for the wizarding world. She wasn't as blind as most, and had actually read several of his reform plans.
He planned to teach muggleborns about their world before they went to Hogwarts. Yes, they would be taken from parents whom could not handle the magic that came with their children, and placed with magical families. Honestly, it was better than leaving the child to the uncaring hands of those who would make them suffer for something they couldn't control.
He planned major restructuring in the magical world, and Willow couldn't help but to agree with most of it. She almost laughed at herself. James would never even agree to half of what she would be doing...
She shook her head again, attempting to shake off James Potter, something she found hard to do as of late.
It was such a state that Sirius had caught her in, her aqua eyes watching the fire, her face pensive, and her nose scrunched.
Sirius felt his heart jump. The look on her face a familiar one to him. The emotions rolling through her not hard to read.
He was able to approach her without her notice. He'd even wrapped his arms around her stiff form, and it wasn't but a couple of heart beats later that she tensed, until he asked her what she was still doing up.
She blinked, turning her eyes to him. "To many things to think about." she offered softly, surprised at the contact.
She wasn't the only one. Sirius wondered what he was thinking, himself. To embrace this woman wasn't what he'd been intending on doing, but when he saw the look in her eyes as he'd approached, he couldn't help it. Magic only knew he'd needed a hug many of times at that look, and his friends had always given him one.
But this felt different. It felt darker.
He could feel her strong heart beating quickly against his abdomen. It kind of tickled, and sent butterflies into his stomach. She was so small, so fragile. It made his toes tingle and curl.
She placed her hand on his arm, and heat seemed to spring up into his body. "Willow... What has your mind in dark places these days?" he asked, trying to distract himself.
She opened her mouth, trying to formulate what to say, but ended up shrugging helplessly, a feat with his arms around her as they were.
Was she blushing?
Sirius blinked. That dash of pink across her nose, and on her neck. She was! Willow Croÿ, Queen Mab's go to girl, was blushing.
He almost laughed. What happened to that famous Croÿ ice? Then again, he'd speculated that maybe Willow wasn't full Croÿ.
A thought to be left for a later time.
He grinned down at the small woman in his arms. That's what she was tonight. A woman. Not a mother, or a sister, nor a powerful dark witch. She was a woman, and he was a man.
A fact that sent heat through them both.
"Sirius." she whispered as his storm grey eyes flicked with blue seemed to pin her to the spot.
"Hmm?" he asked, the rumble going through his chest, and making her face heat up even more, the blush now covering her face. It was an attractive sight.
"Kiss me?" she requested softly.
A fire lit his spine, and he did just that.
. . .
Midnight eyes burned in fury. He wasn't able to hear the two in the parlor, but he saw Sirius embrace, and kiss his sister.
It was this fury that had him back in his father's old office, pacing the length of it. He didn't want to see what happened next. Strangely, the thought to stop them, hadn't even entered his mind.
"Why is it you pace so, son?" his father's voice seemed to echo through them.
Alcied turned to him, his body trembling with hatred. "You!" he said, barely able to contain himself. "I want a straight answer out of you. Is Willow the daughter of the Potter woman you slept with?" he demanded straight forward.
Roland Croÿ could only laugh at his son. "She wasn't always a Potter, son. She was a Black before hand. We've always held ties with the Black family." he correct Alcied, and this information only made Alcied seethe in utter fury. "And no, she's not the daughter of Dorea."
"So she was a traitor, just like you. How fitting." he sneered. His father's smile had not faltered. "You've many things to learn, Alcied. The paths we've weaved have been for your generation, as it is your generation's turn to weave the path for the future." he scolded his son.
"You talk of the true seer's gift. I never received the blood, remember. Willow was your only student on those matters." he hissed, a slight jealousy that he'd never been able to get over.
Roland just shook his head. "I hope you see it in time, my son." he whispered.
. . .
The laughter of two boys, and the barking of the dog they were chasing could be heard on the grounds of the Malfoy manor. Narcissa couldn't truly complain about the noise. She didn't remember the last time she'd seen Draco so happy.
He was running amok, as most young boys do, but this time it wasn't to gain someone's trust, not that he knew of, at least. It was just to have fun, and enjoy his time. Draco's eighth birthday was quickly approaching, and Narcissa was quickly making plans to include Hadrian.
Willow secretly watched the woman with calculating eyes. The way she was eying Hadrian and Draco did not sit will with Willow. As if she were trying to make wedding arrangements. Willow rolled her eyes. Some purebloods would never learn, nor would they give up.
One would think this a bloodsport to sharks.
Willow softly scoffed, feigning cough. She was faking that her health was slowly failing her. She only had 3 days before the Dark Lord would recall her, and kill her, or make everyone believe so.
She was weaving the future for Hadrian, and Sirius. Doing her best to leave them the most information, and comfort that she could offer. Her father had often told her, "What we leave behind, is more important than what we look forward to."
She shook her head, and looked to Narcissa again. Maybe, if this was the path that Hadrian chose, she should let the woman plot. Oh, she'd plan contingencies in case this wasn't what Hadrian wanted, and Narcissa tried to push the issue in the most unbecoming of ways, but for now, she'd let the woman dream.
. . .
Severus Snape had to hide the glee in his eyes as he handed Alcied the false report over to Alcied in the man's personal study. Willow had made sure that Alcied couldn't break his occlumency shields, but he didn't dare show over confidence in this matter. It could ruin everything.
It was, however, a true surprise when Yaxley, Lucius Malfoy, and Igor Karkaroff soon joined them from a side room he had not noticed before.
"You've truly done a service, Snape." Alcied said with one of his disarming smiles. Yaxley rolled his eyes at the man.
"Well, let's see this supposed report." Lucius demanded, and was handed the report after Alcied glanced over it.
It did indeed confirm that the Dark Lord wasn't as powerful as he'd been playing off. Alcied now knew he had the strength of the three men, and their contacts, now looking over said report. Now was their time.
Alcied had to hide his smile. He could protect those he loved from Voldemort now. He could save Hadrian the pain of having to face this man one day, in a duel that would result in one, or both of their deaths. He would save his sister the pain of watching her son, the light of her world, die. She wouldn't be lost to him. Nor would Hadrian. He'd keep the only two family members he had left.
After all, the only thing Alcied feared was abandonment.
When Snape left, sneer still on his face, he began to make plans to storm the Dark Lord. They would have to move soon, as he was sure Snape would tip Voldemort off, in some shape or form. He had plans for Severus Snape. Dark, sinister, and devious plans.
Lucius Malfoy frowned at the report, his heart in this matter wavering. The Dark Lord had been acting strange recently. He'd ordered his Death Eaters not to make any public moves, on threat of death, or worse. Anyone caught going after the Potter boy would be subjected to worse torture than Frank, and Alice Longbottom had received.
Why?
That was the question Lucius had been trying to puzzle out, and here now, sat his answer. Or the most obvious one.
Why hadn't they stormed the Ministry right after the Dark Lord had risen to power? Why hadn't they made the reforms by now? Why did Lucius feel like a caged animal, waiting for freedom?
So many questions, but this slip of parchment seemed to tell him the answer... Why didn't he believe it?
He knew Yaxley felt the same way he did. That was why the man was also staring at that piece of parchment with slight doubt.
Igor, on the other hand, was jumping at the chance to be free from the man he'd betrayed, once and for all. Never having to keep an eye over his shoulder, no. Now, he'd be able to sleep with both eyes shut, and no nightmares to disturb him.
Igor would be able to keep his son safe!
What true parent wouldn't jump at the chance to save the life of their child?
Lucius eyed Alcied. He didn't know why Alcied was doing his best to take down the Dark Lord. The man held no love for the light. In fact, he planned to take Albus Dumbledore down as well. This stumped Lucius.
Lucius had asked Alcied if he wanted to rule the wizarding world. Alcied had scoffed, and told Lucius that he preferred to rule one man, and that was himself. From the look in those midnight eyes, Lucius was inclined to believe that. Those were the eyes of a wild panther, who craved freedom, not power.
This, in certain ways, scared Lucius. Any wild animal was dangerous, but even more so when pushed into a corner. And it seemed like Alcied was putting himself into a corner.
Lucius believed this would turn into an explosion if he did not prevent it. He had to protect his important people.
He had to tell the Dark Lord.
. . .
"So Lucius... This is what you have to report to me?"
"Yes my lord." Lucius replied from his bowed place on the cold floor.
"I see. And you were part of this plot?" the Dark Lord hissed out.
Lucius winced. He would accept any punishment with pride. He was a dark wizard, after all.
"Yes, my Lord." he said, not daring to lift his eyes from the floor.
He heard a hissing laughter, and blinked.
"Unfortunately for you, Lucius, my seer has already foreseen this event. They have warned me already, and I am planning Alcied's punishment. The only true information you have brought me is Igor, and Yaxley's involvement. I will punish them as well. As a reward for the slight light you've shed on his allies, your punishment won't be as bad."
Lucius must have shown his relief.
"Crucio!"
Today just wasn't his day.
. . .
When the day came for Willow to meet the Dark Lord, she did so with only one worry. That worry was only for Hadrian and Sirius.
She frowned, and forced her body to move into the room the Dark Lord had told her to enter, a vial of her blood in her hand.
She tried her hardest not to shake, but the sheer power of the man seated in the middle of the large room made her tremble.
She didn't know what would happen from here on out, but she knew he wouldn't hurt Hadrian, unless her son made a move at him first.
She looked to the young man, seated upon the throne. She bowed low, her eyes lowering to the floor. "My Lord. I've come as you asked me to." she whispered.
His eyes narrowed. "You state the obvious." he hissed, already in a foul mood because of dreams he'd rather not discuss.
She said nothing. No words would really help her now. She could only wait for his words in peace.
"Hand me the blood." he demanded.
She quickly handed it over, careful not to make eye contact with him, but she was unprepared when he wrenched her face up to his with his fingers.
She felt his magic pierce her mind instantly, and she tried not to pull up her defenses, or close her eyes. She almost cried at the intrusion. Her most private thoughts bared to him, and she could do nothing to fight him. Fate was a cruel thing, but for now, she would endure. Hadrian's smile driving her onwards.
The Dark Lord was satisfied with what he found, and the fact that she had not fought him off. He had felt her instinctual pull for her shields, but had never felt them form. She had forcefully pushed them down. This ensured loyalty from her. The fact that her son was his soul mate, ensured even more.
As soon as he released her face, she stumbled back, nearly falling on her bum, but managing to catch herself, even if just barely.
She kept her head bowed, the man in front of her expecting this, allowed the slight grimace to come over his face, thinking she had not caught it. She had though.
She was fighting with herself. Should she help this man. She knew what was troubling him. There was a spell on his shoulder. One she could easily remove. It was a laughable thing, but something you wouldn't notice yourself, it was that subtle.
Her mind made up, she decided to help the man before her. She pointed to his shoulder. "My Lord. Something, just there." she pointed out.
The Dark Lord almost snarled at this woman's boldness, but then he noticed the small compulsion spell. He knew the caster's signature as well. Dante Hallow.
Looks like he'd have to make another cut from the ministry office. Good help, and all that rubbish.
He knew that if he wanted something done right, he'd have to do it himself.
Thus the Edmund DeMitri personality.
It had been so much easier to infiltrate the ministry under a presumed name. It had been the name that Tom Riddle had traveled under for quite some time, even had documents proclaiming him a real person.
No one had known the wiser. Anyone whom had known what 'Tom Riddle' looked like had long since passed from the Ministry's offices, and had either died, or had retired.
DeMitri being a pureblood name, one not heard often, was a plus. It earned him more respect around the Ministry than that of a muggle name. One of the many reasons he was so close to the current minister. To many muggleborns, and half bloods in the office as of late.
It also helped that Minister Bagnold was a sucker for cute young men. As she was getting ready to retire, his position in her offices would be more than useful, especially against that of Crouch, who was also hoping to gain the title of Minister.
He made quick work of the weak charm, and almost laughed when he felt what the charm had been trying to do to him. 'Give up on becoming the Minister.' Those were the subtle thoughts it was trying to implant on him.
Seems like he's got more competition than just Crouch.
He'd make Dante Hallow pay, but for now, he had to deal with the younger Croÿ sibling.
His eyes narrowed at her as she watched him unravel the spell. Her blue eyes never left from where his magic was working, even following it's movements as if she could see it.
He'd exploit that later. He summoned one of his more useless followers to the chamber with them, and in walked a smaller woman.
She only stood 5'0" to Willow's 5'3" and was far smaller than her height should have allowed. Willow winced at how much makeup this witch was wearing, and it almost seemed an affront to the pureblood woman. She decided not to comment on this woman, looking only to the Dark Lord for his instructions.
"Myra Sonfield will take your place when you are 'killed'." he said. "The vial of blood will be used in a permanent ritual to make her look like you." he said.
Willow almost reeled back as she finally got a better look at this woman, and then blinked. The woman's eyes were glassy, and blank. This woman was under the imperious curse.
Willow had to do her best not to flinch at what this meant. This woman would be killed, in her stead. This was Willow's punishment or warning not to betray the Dark Lord.
She nodded, letting him know that she understood the deeper meaning of his offering earlier in the week. She, once again, cursed her brother's foolishness, and blindness. She soon shook the anger off, and was able to accept her fate with grace.
"I understand, my Lord." she voiced, careful not to let her tone come out to shaky, or squeaky. She didn't want him thinking that his message hadn't truly been received.
He nodded. "You are to leave for the cottage now. Regulus Black will be going with you, of course. He will report to me if you have any visions. After all, who better to look after you than a Black?" he chuckled to himself, knowing that the Black family and the Croÿ family had been at odds for quite some time.
Willow had to hide her balled fists in her sleeves as she bowed to the man in front of her. "Yes, my Lord." she said, careful to keep her voice respectful. After all, this man could have killed her a week ago.
. . .
Regulus Black frowned. He was being ordered to watch over the Dark Lord's new seer. An order, he didn't quite understand.
First, they'd been ordered into a stagnate stasis. Then, he'd found out that his Lord had been using the blackest magic possible to rend his soul to pieces after the Dark Lord had given him a locket to protect.
Regulus frowned. Now, it would seem, he was being ordered to also protect the true seer, who's name he hadn't been told.
From the body structure, he knew it was a woman, but her hood of her standard black robes was pulled up.
Her posture screamed nobility, but that really only told him that she was a pureblood. He didn't know her station, or her name. This left him at a loss.
He didn't like this feeling. Not one bit.
He'd find out who she was soon enough, as they were to leave now.
The seer stepped towards the Dark Lord, and handed him a locket with a big 'C' on the front.
This still told him nothing, and it was frustrating.
He was still frustrated when the portkey took them both to the sea side cottage they would be sharing for a while.
. . .
Alcied decided that tonight would be the night they stormed the Dark Lord's manor, and killed the beast.
He quickly hugged Hadrian goodbye, after tucking the boy into bed. He grinned and told him to dream of world domination. Hadrian had laughed, and rolled his eyes at his uncle.
"Only fools dream of total domination." he told his uncle with a grin.
Alcied nodded at the truth in such words. "Don't let your mother hear that. She'd string us both up by our toes." he playfully chided.
Hadrian hugged him again.
Alcied knew he'd do anything to protect those he loved. Even killing the man that stood for everything Alcied believed in.
Now if only he knew where his sister was so he could lock her in her room for the night. After he'd strung Sirius up in the dungeon, of course.
He smiled and patted his soon to be 8 year old nephew.
"Off to bed with you, Hadri. Your mum would be cross to know I've kept you up so long." he laughed.
Hadrian nodded, and slipped back under the covers of his large four poster bed with all of it's green and aqua hangings.
Alcied quickly moved for the door, waving to Hadrian as he went, silently hoping that after tonight, he'd see his nephew and sister again.
He thought to look for her, as she had been quiet most the afternoon, and even throughout dinner. She'd quickly disappeared into her room after kissing Hadrian goodnight, and even giving Sirius a quick kiss which had annoyed both Alcied, and Hadrian.
Hadrian was a bit cross with Sirius after he'd found out that Sirius was going after his mum, but had moved on quickly after Willow had assured him that Sirius wouldn't steal her away from him.
Alcied had been stubborn, and had refused to accept the relationship. As far as he was concerned, since he was Lord Croÿ, he could deny Sirius' right to court her, or to marry her.
He hadn't voiced such thoughts on that matter, wisely. But the threat had hung over Sirius' mind.
Unfortunately, the spell to keep suitors from touching the unwed women of the Croÿ house had been a forbidden spell, as it would castrate the male.
Not good for pureblood men trying to reproduce.
Alcied shook his thoughts from him. Now he had a job to do.
. . .
Yaxley, Lucius, and Igor were waiting for him, along with their contacts, and those they were able to sway.
80 wizards and witches stood ready to do battle with their fellow 'Death Eaters'.
They would make a good shield for someone to go in, and finish off the Dark Lord.
Alcied had heard the prophecy, and didn't quite believe in it. He knew the Dark Lord had used soul magic, and from what he gathered, he'd broken his soul into several pieces.
One, in which, Alcied had stashed in his Gringots account. The diadem of Ravenclaw was safely tucked away, but no longer useful as the Dark Lord had gathered most of his soul pieces back.
He knew this wouldn't permanently kill the Dark Lord. Only delay him, until he and Willow could take Hadrian and run to a place where even the light couldn't reach.
He knew how to remove the dark mark from himself. And as Willow had never been forced to take the mark, he was the only one to worry about.
Now, he would begin the revolution. Now began the inner war. Now began the rest of Alcied's life.
May magic be with him.
END CHAPTER 5
Ello all! Here we are again, and I find myself having to apologize for several misconceptions.
This is not the entire story. In fact this is only the beginning. This just sets the scene for how Hadrian is growing up.
I know a lot of you are beginning to hate Alcied. The guy is easily someone to hate, but those of you who don't, you probably see why Alcied is determined to go against everything he's ever known for those he loves. And cudos to you guys!
Another apology as this is more a filler chapter, and a bit of a cliffy, at that. I know it's short, but the next chapter will be a bit longer to make up for this fact.
That being said, thank you for reading, and the continued (amazing) support!
CHAPTER QUESTION:
Favorite Professor?