I didn't expect all this new favorites and followers, thank you so much everyone! =)
I'm happy to see that so many people like my story, mostly because it's the first time I try to write something (not only in english) and .. Well.. I was kind of scared no one would read it or like it. It's really great to see I was wrong though XP
I appreciated your advices in the reviews and your support. They really make me wanna write more, so keep on leaving your thoughts on the story, cause more reviews means more chapters.
Sooo… here's the new chapter. It's quite longer than the others, hope you like it.
(answers to reviews are at the bottom of the page)
Kieran woke up finding Aries snuggled up to him. He looked so peaceful and beautiful. Caressing his cheek he wondered how he came to fall for this boy so hard and so fast.
He already knew Aries had the strange ability to melt anyone's heart, he witnessed it last night, but that was different.
He prided himself in being a cold hearted bastard after all. With his friends he was anything like that of course, but earning his trust and friendship was nearly impossible.
His aunt raised him to be the perfect pureblood lord, his cold mask was unbreakable. Years of training taught him to never show his true feelings in public, they could be your downfall; never show your thoughts, it will give you the upper hand and keep others on their toes; never show your true alliances and always have a backup plan; gather information on anyone you know, blackmail material could always come in hand and you can avoid untrustworthy people; spread your business as much as you can, etc..
These were the ground rules of his life, never he did otherwise. His friends too, as much as they were close to him, they did not know the real Kieran completely. He never let go of his mask all the way.
Then Aries came in is life and everything changed. Form the first moment. He was not able to keep his aloof exterior and stay away from the little wizard.
Maybe it was the pull of the soul bond, or maybe it was because of the breathtaking emerald eyes that dazzled him at first sight.
It was strange, not being able to keep his mask in front of someone but at the same time it was comforting, knowing there was someone who would know the real him, without restrictions and maybe, he hoped, get to love him for just him.
Not like those idiots at school who wanted to be the next lady Black or lord consort, those who wanted him for his good looks or powers.
No. Aries, if he ever would fall in love with him, would love him for the right reasons. Maybe he was running too much with his thoughts but it never happened to him. Thinking of the future with someone at his side, of being in love and being loved back.
He soon found himself fantasizing about courting Aries in a near future, proposing and then getting married, having children… His little Emerald would look so beautiful full with child, he thought, his silver eyes sparkling with warmth.
Feeling Aries start stirring next to him, he shook his head trying to get himself rid of this thoughts before they affected him in a more physical way. He didn't need to scare his boyfriend now.
"You're thinking too hard." mumbled Aries from the crook of his neck where he was hiding his face from the little light that got through the curtains.
"What?" he asked laughing. He loved the cute faces Aries made when asleep or half asleep.
"You woke me up." he readjusted himself so he was on laying on his side using Key's chest as a pillow "your strand, in my mind. It was .. glowing like crazy. What were you thinking about?" he asked looking at him with his huge green eyes.
"Some things." Aries pinched his side not happy with the answer "You. I was thinking about you." he admitted.
The young wizard could feel himself smiling. He pressed a kiss over his boyfriend heart feeling soon after the muscled arms tightening their hold on him.
Their cuddling session was stopped a little after by the abrupt entrance of the Dark Lord in the room. He looked ready to kill, given the slightest reason.
"What is the meaning of this?" he asked, voice eerily calm. Aires found himself wishing his father would shout and scream, it would be a lot less scary.
Really, the glowing blood red eyes were creepy, now he understood why his followers became such cowards if their lord was angry.
"F-father? W-what are .." he tried to ask, stuttering, scared he did something wrong to anger the man. Would he change his mind and send him away? He just found his family he didn't want to lose it so soon.
He was so immersed in his worrying thoughts that he nearly missed the man speaking.
"What do you think you're doing to my son? You piece of filth?" Tom nearly screamed, starting to lose his composure.
Aries blinked taken aback. Then blinked again. 'What?'
He tried to understand why his father would react that way. It's not like they were doing anything, just cuddling. Ok, they shared a bed and slept together but it was not that big deal. He slept with Kieran lots of times in the last days.
Then he got it. They were both wearing only the pants of their pyjamas, for Key it was normal and he ditched the shirt cause it was too hot last night. Though to someone else, namely Tom, it would seem like they were.. erm.. naked under the sheets.
He felt himself blushing at the mere thought of what his father believed was happening or happened.
Yup, definitely blushing.
"FATHER!" he yelped getting quickly out of bed, and throwing the covers on the floor on the process. Maybe if the man saw with his eyes that they were indeed clothed he would be more prone to listen instead of killing his boyfriend on sight.
"We weren't doing anything. Now please stop pointing your wand at Key!" he added a puppy look for good measure. Maybe it worked with him too and it was worth a try.
Tom blinked, surprised that he was wrong having jumped to conclusions and at the force of the pleading eyes of his son. He lowered his wand. Not because he didn't want to punish the insolent Black, even if it was for only sharing a bed with his child.
No, it was because he was a sucker for big emerald doe eyes, something he would deny vehemently. His son was so much like his mother.. he shook his head.
"Get dressed, I'll see you at breakfast" he told his child, while ruffling his black hair and sending a glare to the other young man, who remained silent the whole time, probably understanding it was better if they dealt with the situation between father and son.
He would have to have a serious talk with him, soon. Very soon, he thought while leaving the bedroom.
Aries went to his usual run with Key, adding some push ups and sit ups after. Then he exercised with his spell casting, it was coming along quite well now he was pleased to see.
He didn't make everything explode anymore because of too much power and silent casting was getting easier once he understood that magic was not in the words or in the wand movements but in the intention of the caster. He still needed wand movements, but they were less noticeable than normal.
Dragging himself to his room he went to take a warm shower to help soothe his aching muscles. Even if he was his boyfriend, Kieran was strict and merciless. He pushed him to his limits, encouraging him to get better, not letting him stop until he did it well.
And "well" meant perfection for Kieran, he did not accept anything less. It was not only for him, Key set the same standards for himself if not worse.
He admired such dedication in the man, that unwavering strength of mind and confidence in his abilities. He envied it a little too.
While washing himself he noticed he was filling out a bit. He was not skin and bones like before, good eating habits and the nutrient potions given by the goblins helped much in that along with the daily workout. While he did have some muscles, mainly from quidditch and chores at the Dursleys, it was nothing like Key.
His boyfriend seemed one of those perfect carved statues, a real Adonis, with his lean physique and those hard muscles. He pictured in his mind how he looked just moments before, with little drops of sweat that run along his six pack, the muscles of his back flexing at every movement and he felt arousal run through him. "Damn this teenage hormones" he cursed while quickly taking care of his problem.
While dressing his eyes fell on the books in his library, it took all the wall and was quite full already. He really felt happy that so many people were available to help him with his studies but he still felt a bit guilty of taking their free time from them. Maybe he could study ahead when he was not training with someone.
"Dibby!" he called and soon the little elf was there waiting for instructions "I have an important task for you. I need you, and all the elves that you need, to copy all of the books in my possession. Start with the ones in the vaults, a goblin at Gringotts will tell which ones then have them give you a list of my properties and copy the libraries in there too." the creature looked ecstatic at the thought of doing such great work for his little master.
"Dibby will do it right away, little master. Where Dibby place books after?" asked eager to get to work.
"In the library compartment of my trunk. I will leave it open for you. Could you please divide the books for argument, and insert them in the master book I have there?"
"Yes, little master. Dibby will do a good job. Does master need anything else?" Aries shook his head dismissing the elf.
He was sure that he could learn a lot more that way. He already noticed that he could read faster and understand things better since he removed the bindings, meditating helped his concentration and with his eidetic memory he would remember everything without problem. Once his occlumency was good enough he could also store the knowledge in his mind . He knew he would need it soon.
Dumbledore and his chickens would not leave him alone, and he would need to be able to defend himself from everything. He did not understand why the old man was so obsessed with him.
Sure he was a Lord of many houses, two of them were of the founders, and another was the Le Fay, but he doubted Dumbledore knew of the last one.
What could he gain from his two lordships? Control over Hogwarts? Not likely.. he could not take his titles from him in case of death even if he were to leave it in a will, the founders lordships could be claimed only by blood descendants.
And the school control and property could not be transferred to anyone, the headmaster was just that, he could not make changes even if he had the felling Dumbledore did it anyway, while the heir instead could administer the school as he liked with the ministry unable to interfere.
Was his money he wanted? He thought he should leave it alone for now or he would get a headache from all the possibilities his mind could come up with.
He knew Dumbledore was manipulative, dangerous and obsessed with him; it was enough for now.
Heading for breakfast Aries was nearly sent face first to the ground by the running twins.
"We're sorry!" "Gotta run!" they said while looking behind their shoulders scared of something.
He wondered what did they do this time and to whom. He hoped it was not his father, he doubted the man would take a prank with a good laugh. More like a well aimed cruciatus. But sure the twins knew better than try something so dangerous. Right?
"Get back here! You devil twins! I swear I'm gonna kill you!"
Sirius. Whatever it was he was sure that the prank was hilarious. His dogfather usually took everything quite good, ready to give back as much as he received.
"Shut up Remus! I'm not gonna get out of my room like that! I refuse!" maybe he should go and take a look. Calming his godfather would also be a good thing, all that shouting was sure to irritate someone. Not knowing where exactly the room was he followed Sirius voice.
Peeking inside the bedroom by the small gap in the door, he could not help but fall in a fit of laughter. The man was ridiculous!
"Not you too! Don't laugh!" whined the dog animagus who now sported bright blond ringlets on his head kept in place by a big neon orange bonnet hat and was followed around a fluffy cuddly pink sheep.
"I.. I'm sorry Paddy.. but.. you.." he was laughing so much he couldn't even talk. He fell to the ground clutching his stomach that was beginning to hurt.
"What is happening here?" Draco heard the commotion from his room and went to see. He did not expect to find a nearly suffocating Aries on the floor and his uncle looking like a shepherdess. He lacked only the outfit.
"You will find Draco that getting bored is almost impossible when you live with pranksters. Or Sirius in general." smiled Lupin looking at the boys. Draco was now helping Aries back to his feet with an amused grin on his face. He doubted he could keep his mask on for much if they got like that.
"Thanks Draco." Aries smiled "Come on Siri. You can't stay in your room till the prank finish."
"I can and I will" he huffed. He had a reputation to uphold. Going around resembling the idiot Lockhart was not something he wanted.
"Fine. You asked for it." the boy sighed then took out his wand as fast as a flash "Pietrificus totalus!" Sirius found himself unable to move before even realizing he had gone for his wand. Thank Merlin he was past the explosion phase.
"Nice spell casting, cub." complimented Remus, then took upon himself to levitate the unmoving Sirius to the dining room where the other were likely waiting for them, the little sheep following behind.
Breakfast was a quiet affair after the twins had been convinced to return Sirius to normal. And make the sheep disappear before Vidar or Nagini came to feast on it.
That of course was not to last. Suddenly Aries was attacked by a while missile of feathers.
"Hedwig! Stop, I'm sorry girl, please?!" she continued pecking at his head and hands "I'll give you tons of letters to deliver!" at that she stopped her assault, perching on the back of his chair pleased with him.
"I take your owl did not take very kindly being left behind." chuckled Tom seeing his son so scared of the little thing. It was an amusing sight.
"Hey look!" "she has today's" "daily prophet!" the twins said pointing to her leg where the newspaper was tied.
"I wonder why. I don't read the thing since second year" complained Aries while taking it.
Written on the front page in capital letters was the reason. They must have sent him a copy as peace offering for all the shit they had written about him over the years.
ALBUS DUMBLEDORE: LORD OF THE LIGHT OR CLOSET DARK LORD?
Dear readers, this reported is utterly shocked at the information found on our esteemed headmaster of Hogwarts, Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot, Order of Merlin first class, etc.
After much digging for information about our young savior, trying to understand who exactly this boy is and if he ever did anything to deserve the malice showed to him several times, I came upon something unexpected.
First of all, the will of the Potters has never been read. So, based on what direction the headmaster decided where to leave Harry? And with what authority?
He named himself magical guardian of the young hero, that's how, regardless of his parents' wishes. His rightful guardian should have been Sirius Orion Black, auror extraordinaire accused of betraying the Potters. But is that true?
Mr. Black was named Harry's godfather by James Potter, with whom he was brothers in all but blood, as many defined them. How could Sirius betray his brother and godson? And for what?
That is not known, dear readers, because Sirius Black was never put on trial.
Yes, you read exactly that.
A pureblood heir of an old family was shipped to Azkaban only based on assumptions. It's not so strange that the man decided after twelve years of possible wrong incarceration to escape that horrible place.
Everybody knew how the Lord James Potter was near Dumbledore, working side by side in their supposed secret vigilante organization. Is it possible that Dumbledore knew something about the fact but stayed silent for his own purposes?
Back to young Harry, he was hid behind blood wards, illegal if I may add, by the headmaster himself. I still don't know where or with whom exactly but I promise I will get to the end of this story.
There is much manipulations and wrongdoings in the life of Albus Dumbledore, and that is only the beginning.
Christiane Havery
"And I thought all the reporters of the Prophet were imbeciles, like Skeeter" commented Aries with a very slytherin smirk on his lips.
"Havery was a slytherin, she graduated two years ago if I'm not mistaken" mused Severus "she was one of the few snakes who supported you during the Chamber happenings."
"Her words were and I quote: you're all a bunch of idiots if you think someone as gentle and cute as Harry could go around petrifying students like some kind of psycho. Get your heads out of your arses!" supplied Draco, imitating the girls voice too.
They all laughed at that, even Aries, he would have never thought a snake could take his side like that. Maybe he could thank the girl in some way.
"I know that look, you're plotting something pup. Share!" Sirius was too attentive when he wanted.
"Nope, you'll know soon enough and I promise it will be good" he smirked again sending chills on the spines of those who never saw that look on his face. It meant trouble. Great humiliating trouble.
"There's another article too on the front page." noticed Remus "On Dumbledore."
DUMBLEDORE STEALING FROM SAVIOR!
A press release from the goblin of Gringotts arrived in our offices yesterday informing us of horrible conduct of Albus Dumbledore in the last fifteen years.
The self appointed magical guardian of Harry Potter abused of his role and powers!
He did in fact withdrawn large sums of galleons from the Potter vaults several times each year, for his own use, for the founding of the vigilante group called Order of the Phoenix and for paying someone to look after the savior for him.
This reporter cannot understand how one could steal from an orphan child, let alone from the savior of the wizarding world!
The king of goblins prohibited Dumbledore any kind of business with their bank, a too light punishment according to some. The goblin as you probably know hate any kind of theft so it is not a surprise they refuse to serve Dumbledore as a customer.
What is shocking is that they didn't go for worse measures. The Most Noble and Most Ancient House of Potter is after all considered a goblin friend since Charlus Potter I gifted them with the land to build their bank. Is it possible that young Harry Potter asked them to refrain from a more radical and bloody sentence?
Christiane Havery
"The old man is in for a really unpleasant surprise this morning!" laughed Sirius. That would surely help in discrediting the haughty and mighty Dumbledore.
"I would give anything to see his face while reading the articles" commented Lucius with barely suppressed glee.
"You may be satisfied my friend. I have to see him for breakfast with the other order members at the burrow. I'll be sure to bring pensieve memories when I get back" smirked Severus from his seat.
"So now they meet at the burrow. I nearly pity them, the thing could fall on their heads at any moment" stated George, or was it Fred, surprising everyone. "What?"
"We may have" "lived there for" "all our lives" "but that doesn't mean that" "we liked it" they explained together.
"What are you two planning to do now exactly?" his question was met by twin blank stares."I mean that even if you are of age, you have another year of school before you can be fully recognized as adults so your parents still have a say in what you do or don't do. As a matter of fact, they could even petition the ministry to declare you unable to look after yourselves or to be a danger to the others with the help of Dumbledore and then you would be as good as normal minors." Tom explained calmly.
The twins were shocked to find that. They thought that once seventeen they would be free, instead now they were met with a huge problem.
"You could ask someone you trust to be your guardian for the next year" supplied Lucius, he was starting to like the red heads and wanted to help them.
"There are not many people we can trust at the moment" started one of them.
"Right. We would ask professor Snape, but we don't want to give away his position as a spy in the order." continued the other surprising the potion master with his revelation.
He knew that the twins respected his talent as a master but from there to trust him to be their guardian.. he was touched. A hint of a smile appeared on his lips, only the twins and Aries noted it.
"Professor Lupin would be another option. But the ministry would never agree since he is a werewolf." the first continued with the options, his twin could be heard muttering about "imbeciles" referring to the ministry.
"Sirius is not an option, he is still a convicted escapee from Azkaban. But it would be hilarious seeing their faces if we applied for that"
"And no offence Mr Malfoy but we don't know you enough yet to ask you something like that." concluded together. "So we're back at the beginning of the problem"
Severus could see how they were really feeling, even behind their smiling exterior. They were angry at the ministry, irritated at not being free of their ties with the family, sad at the thought of possibly leaving Aries' side, afraid of what their parents and Dumbledore would do to them.
He really felt bad, he would have loved to be their guardian, they were bright and smart lads, but he could not give away his position. He still was the only spy in the order ranks, seeing that Sirius and Remus were unable to do it, they would try to kill the man at first sight.
What he never understood was how could Molly treat the two like they were little more than trash in comparison to the other children, how could she not see the intelligence in their eyes and the will to succeed and be the best in what they liked. Just because they were pranksters didn't mean they should be underestimated.
There was a time when Severus dreamed of a family of his own, a dream nearly impossible now with his dangerous life as a spy and not very friendly behavior, he doubted there was someone crazy enough to want to be with him. Still, if he had children he would have liked someone like the twins.
His order medallion vibrated in his pocket meaning it was time of the meeting. He would think of a solution for the boys later. Getting up he excused himself preparing his mind and ears for an hour at least of yelling and idiocy.
Aries accosted the twins after breakfast seeing they were feeling down. He wanted to help but did not know how to do it. His father and the others would find a solution for sure, he did not doubt that.
"Hey. I wondered if maybe you were up to go to Diagon Alley and see this place for the shop together." he inquired smiling slightly trying to get their minds away from unpleasant thoughts.
"Sure!" "we'd like that" "very much" "little brother" they looked already a little better at the idea of realizing their dream, while they sandwiched him in a double hug like usual.
"I'm not sure if I like the idea of you three going there alone" worry could be heard in Tom's voice. He just found his son and didn't want to risk losing him again to Dumbledore.
"I'm going with them. If it is of any reassurance for you" interjected Kieran. "And maybe Remus and his dog Padfoot could come with us. The old mutt needs a bit of fresh air after all" he added with a smirk to his uncle.
"Who are you calling old, little brat?" he asked taking an offended pose. What he received was a wandless stinging hex from Kieran and a glare for calling him brat.
Of course no one noticed the lack of a wand in his hand, apart from the dark lord who was finding himself liking the boy more and more. Kieran Black was proving to be a very good match for his son. Maybe he could let Selena fantasize a bit more of wedding and children for their son, the young man was definitely a keeper.
Since they agreed to go to Diagon Alley around 10 to talk with the owner of the place, Aries decided to go to his room and do a bit of reading.
He choose a book about healing for beginners, he already knew his fair share of things on the subject since he found himself in the infirmary at school more than humanly possible. Maybe only Remus surpassed his record of stays with Madam Pomfrey.
The woman developed over the years a certain affection for him and often she would tell him about healing to help him pass the time, also letting him borrow some of her books to read.
He never had the chance to practice healing spells, mostly because he was not able to remember incantations and wand movements before because of the bindings that affected his memory and concentration. On a good side he remembered all the anatomy books he read at the public library in Surrey during the summer when he took refuge there from his cousin and his gang.
The book proved to be really interesting and before he knew it he was finished, never before he was able to read a book in two hours only and remember it word for word. It was a really good feeling. Also it was time to go to the Alley with the others.
He took Yoru in his arms, deciding to take her with him and went downstairs. Kieran joined him halfway down and kissed him sweetly unable to resist seeing his Emerald so proud of himself for reading and remembering such a difficult book.
They were interrupted by the sudden bark of a dog. Of course Sirius could not let them snog happily while he was alone like a.. well like a dog.
LadyDebbs: Mi fa molto piacere che ti piaccia la mia storia =) devo ammettere che sono stata sorpresa di trovare una recensione lasciata da una connazionale, ma forse è perché tutte le persone che conosco riescono a malapena a chiedere l'ora in inglese, tanto meno leggere una ff scritta in lingua XP Anche io amo un Harry Serpeverde e intelligente, l'ingenuità è ok per i primi anni ma poi dovrebbe darsi una svegliata secondo me. Spero che il nuovo capitolo ti sia piaciuto ^-^
(I'm really glad you like my story =) I have to admit I was surprised to find a review from a fellow Italian, but maybe it's because every person I know is barely able to ask the time in english, let alone read a ff in here XD I love a Slytherin and smart Harry too, naivety is good for the first years but then he ought to wake up a bit I think. Hope you liked the new chapter )
Mizzrazz72: You're right, Dumbles is in big trouble. And bribing a goblin is not going to get him brownie points with the bank.
Goldpen: I know I shouldn't worry about crazy reviewers, but it's my first story and I'm still unsure about it (let's not mention that it took me hours to find the courage to send the first chapters *cough*) reading that so many people like it helps a lot though, thank you =) About possible conflicts between Aries and Snape/Malfoys.. Not everything will be just perfect between them, don't worry. But consider the fact that Severus thought about Aries' mother as a little sister and he's "friends" with Tom; without the Potter factor and his wish to be close to the boy, he will count to ten every time before even thinking of speaking for fear of ruining his chances (and being crucioed by Tom). Addiction, additions.. Oops XD maybe you can take it as a little spoiler. Who knows maybe some death eater will end up addicted to one of our marauders! *winks*
Kingstonavery: Thank you so much, or better, Grazie mille =)
Siriusblackkay: I didn't think of that, so I followed you're advice and added it. It's just a little scene but I couldn't resist even if the chapter was already quite long. =)
Vladimir Mithrander: thank you for the kind review, hope you liked the new chapter.