Fred and George could not sleep. The thought of having to go back to their family plagued their mind. They didn't want to go back there in a house full of backstabbing people, the only ones they still considered family were Bill and Charlie, but they both were abroad and could not take them in. They needed a guardian or something else to escape that situation.
Dumbledore would surely take advantage of their state, if declared minors, to have them tell him anything they knew about Aries.
Being used for the order or inventing things for them was out of question, they would never help them, and either way people considered them just idiotic pranksters.
Very few people could see the real work and genius behind their creations. It was not an easy thing to invent potions, spells and magical objects, not everybody could do it while the two of them started doing it at thirteen.
Feeling the need of the other comfort, they decided to sleep in the same bed. Or at least try to sleep. Aries did a good job during the day distracting them from their fears, but now in the dark of their room those demons were back to haunt them. There was no illusion that their parents would just leave them alone and the possibility of losing their freedom terrorized them.
Trying to calm themselves, they hugged each other. It was never a good thing if they lost control of their magic because of emotions, it could be dangerous, not only for others but for them too. It seemed to happen more than usual now as they grew older.
Fred and George knew what that meant, but could do nothing about it, they just had to wait and pray it would come soon.
During dinner Remus had noticed the overly pensive mood Severus was in and wanted to check if everything was alright. Knocking on the man's door he waited for permission to enter.
"Lupin. What are you doing here?" inquired Severus not expecting someone at such an hour, much less the wolf.
"You seemed troubled and I wanted to know if you were okay. Maybe I can help" suddenly Remus thought it was not a good idea coming. The man was looking at him in a way that made him feel intimidated. Of what he did not know, it was difficult for him feeling like that since his wolf was quite the dominating creature.
"Yes. Maybe you can help me" motioning for him to enter Severus went back to sit at his desk, books scattered all over the surface. He sat down himself, waiting for the black haired wizard to talk, knowing better than to insist.
"I'm trying to find a way to help the twins. I can't just take them in myself without compromising my position." Snape revealed with a tired sigh.
Now it was clear to Remus the reason for the strange behavior of the other. He could see how much the man was fond of the two boys, even if he wouldn't admit it for anything.
"You could take a page from Dumbledore's book" he suggested.
Of course he had been too vague, if the mix between confused and disgusted expression, at the mention of the man, was anything to go by.
"I mean, that you could blood adopt them and Lucius could help you creating new identities for them as well as documents of their past." he explained better.
Severus was now thinking he was an idiot. He was a potion master, how could he not think of using a potion like that? It would solve the problem, that is if the twins wanted to be adopted by someone like him. Either way, they could be adopted by anyone they choose. He would brew the potion for them and be sure that the ritual went well.
"I would do it myself, since I care very much for them. But the ministry could still take them away, because of my condition" admitted Remus smiling sadly.
"That is a really good idea Lupin. I don't how it didn't came to my mind. Now, we just need to ask them what they want to do." sighed Severus while closing all the books he was consulting moments before.
"You could call me Remus, you know. You did years ago" he said softly. He missed his tentative friendship with the dark man; but he could not blame him, he did after all nearly kill him during that damned full moon.
"Stop blaming yourself!" snapped Severus seeing the expression on his face "It was not your fault, but Potter's. You were not yourself and I don't blame you" continued more softly, not used to comforting people, not counting his little snakes that is.
Remus was shocked to hear that from the raven haired man, and happy too. It was rare for someone to see him as anything other than the mindless monster he became on the full moon.
The cloaked figures appeared at the border of a forest, just a little away from the wards that surrounded the place. Not knowing what to expect they prepared to fight, removing their cloaks and reading their weapons.
Their faces were now hidden by black masks, each one had different coloured lines forming the image of animals on one side.
Their leader for the mission for example had a white wolf on his mask. He made a gesture for one of them to came near him "What can you tell me of the wards, Eagle?" a petite female answered his command and after several wand movements and incantations she turned to him.
"They're old, nearly as much as the ones at the Academy. It is impossible to break them, but we'll be able to get inside using our technique."
"Cobra, how many people do you sense inside the place?" he had no intention to fail the mission. They had to get the second heir at all costs, but an open fight could be dangerous, they wanted him unharmed.
"Ten people, Wolf. All in the upper floors, second and third specifically" a deep voice reported from behind.
Wolf made a signal them and in a cloud of smoke they disappeared ready to complete the mission as soon as the prearranged time came.
Aries and Draco were engaging in a game of chess to pass the time, since it was still early for them to go to sleep and were bored. Tom, Lucius, Kieran and Sirius instead were discussing some politics.
The crack typical of an elf appearing stopped them. "Mippy is sorry to disturb, Master. But big birdie delivered letter for little Master." she said while going to Aries to give him the post "Mippy already checked for portkeys or dangerous things, little Master. Letter is safe to read."
"Um, thank you" he was really glad those elves were treated well and didn't burst into tears every time he thanked them.
The letter seemed to be on fine parchment, on the front of the envelope there was a peculiar crest showing a roaring gold dragon and a black silverish nundu. He was going to open it to see what it was about when some kind of alarm started ringing in the manor.
The men all got to their feet wands in hand, ready to defend themselves and the younger boys. The twins, along with Severus and Remus ran towards them, being separated would leave them vulnerable to the enemies.
All were on edge waiting for something to happen when smoke appeared from a corner of the room followed by masked people, who attacked right away, sending several stunning hexes and knives at them.
They were to stunned to react immediately. The wards were impenetrable, Tom made sure of that himself after what happened to Selena. Also attacking with weapons was not usual in Britain so most of them did not know how to react.
Kieran took matters in his hands. He casted a powerful shield in front of them stopping both hexes and knives before leaping forward. He dodged a blade and kicked a bulky man in the head, before punching in the stomach the one that tried to slice him sending him on the floor.
Other three were sent against the wall with a move of his hand and blocked there by stone manacles growing from it.
Aries watched everything in a mix of awe and fear. His Key looked deadly and unstoppable while he caught a couple of flying knives in his hands sending them back at the female, blocking her on the floor with her weapons impaling her clothes to the ground. He swiftly caught in a full body bind other two attackers, and broke one's knee incapacitating him with a well placed kick.
At the end only a man with a mask showing a wolf remained. Kieran went for him, grabbing that one from his neck and holding him up so that his feet didn't touch the ground.
What happened next shocked them more than the last two minutes of fighting.
"What the fuck is the meaning of that? You better answer me now, Wolf. Or I swear I'm gonna kick your arse so much that your grandkids are gonna feel it!" Kieran roared in fury. His eyes looked like swirling silver pools and his face was set on an impassible mask, magic crackled around him visible to the naked eye.
The man clawed at his hand, trying to breath before he could even think of replying.
Key let go of him, watching him taking big gulps of air on the ground. "I want an answer. NOW!" he pressed.
One of the females blocked against the wall, with a red fox on her mask replied to him, scared he would do more damage "We're on a mission, we have to take the second heir to her."
That seemed to anger Kieran further. "You what? She can't send you on missions without my approval, you should know better than that." he reprimanded the group.
"Alpha, I'm sorry. I didn't know you were there, and we could not contact you" Wolf said once being able to speak, it was a miracle his neck wasn't too hurt.
"You're right to be sorry" he snapped. With a wave of his hand the ones blocked were freed "heal the ones injured and then I want a full explanation" ordered them before turning to the other who were still watching him with shocked faces.
Aries run forward, hugging him for dear life. He was glad Kieran didn't have even a scratch on his person, but seeing him nearly sliced by blades more than once freaked him out.
"Shh, I'm fine. Don't worry, my Emerald" whispered Key while rubbing shooting circles on his boyfriend back. He could feel the masked people looking at him weirded out by his actions.
"What the fuck happened here?" asked Sirius "Cause I had the impression of being watching one of those cool martial arts muggle movies just now" he said scratching his head and pouting after Moony hit him for making stupid remarks.
For his part Tom was irritated that not only someone was able to pass Slytherin wards but because no one was explaining what happened in his living room minutes ago. He was pleased too, his son boyfriend was not only magically powerful, but also able to protect him with any means from any kind of situation. Those masked people seemed to be his followers or something like that, too. But why had they attacked them? Now, if they just would talk and end his wait.
"That was" "so cool!" "Say, Kieran" "are you some" "kind of" "dark lord wannabe?" the twins were excited and started bouncing all round the young man.
"Oooh, seems ol'Voldie has some competition" chuckled Sirius, gaining another swat on the head from Moony and a deadly glare from said dark lord who didn't like to be called in such a way, much less being defined old.
Ignoring both the twins and the mutt Severus asked "What is that Aries?" pointing to the crumpled piece of parchment still in his hand. All turned to look at it, remembering about the letter delivered only seconds before the attack.
"You should open it, son. Since Kieran seems to have everything under control" suggested Tom, directing a look at the young man that screamed 'I want answers'.
"Um, ok" he let go of his boyfriend, still remaining within the comfort of the other arms and opened the letter.
It was written in a fine calligraphy, on top there was the same crest of the wax seal with the name of a place under it. Seeing all the curious faces he decided to read it aloud.
AVALON ACADEMY OF MAGIC
Headmistress Madam Lamia
Dear Mr. Riddle,
You are officially invited to attend our prestigious Avalon Academy of Magic. Please confirm your acceptance by pressing your wand on the red seal in the bottom. If it is not your wish to join us press on the black seal and your memory of this will be removed.
Upon acceptance a member of our staff will come to you to answer any question and guide you.
Enclosed you will find a list of subjects and one with all the necessary books and equipment, follow the instruction to select your chosen classes.
Term begins on September 1, we await your decision no later than 48 hours from the opening of this letter.
Yours sincerely,
Madam Lamia
Lucius was on the verge of fainting "The legendary Avalon Academy really exist?".
The others didn't seem faring better than him, at least the ones that knew what they were talking about.
Aries and the twins did not understand what the matter was. It was just a simple letter from a school.
"What's the deal? It's just a school? Right?" he asked looking from his father, who looked both immensely proud of him for some reason and shocked, to Kieran who seemed almost calm.
"It's not just a school pup!" exclaimed Sirius "It's legendary that school! It is rumored that it was founded by Merlin and Morgana!" he was waving his arms wildly now and nearly hitting Severus who glared making him cower behind the werewolf.
"It is thought legendary because no one can apply to the school, and there are no known students from there." continued Remus awed at the notion that his cub had been invited. "It is a great opportunity for you"
"Really? But why such an important school would invite me? And why now that I'm going to be a fifth year?" Aries did not understand, as much as he wanted to go there if only to be far away from Dumbledore, he was still confused. It was an important school that.
"Emerald, maybe I can explain more about it." interfered Kieran. They all looked at him as if asking why should he know more than them about it. "I am a student of Avalon." he revealed. "and having been a prefect I'm used to dealing with new students." he motioned for everybody to seat since it could take some time, depending on how many questions they had. He made the masked people sit too, he would deal with them later.
"Avalon Academy of Magic is located, as the name suggest, on the isle of Avalon. No one can find it apart from the teaching stuff and students, both old and new. It was founded, way before your Hogwarts, by Merlin Ambrosius and Morgana Le Fay. Their wish was to teach magic and other arts to all that manifested the gift, human and creatures alike, without distinctions.
Among her students the Academy can count Salazar Slytherin, Godric Gryffindor, Rowena Ravenclaw and Helga Hufflepuff. They took their idea of school from there, but decided to make it for humans only, mostly because even if great wizards they weren't able to make the Britain magical community fully understand magical creatures and their cultures, also wizards usually don't like being showed upon by other creatures.
Anyway, all the students and staff are made swear an oath to not reveal the existence nor the secrets of the Academy." he stopped waiting for any questions.
"So, if Hogwarts is inspired from your academy, is it divided in houses too?" asked Lucius.
"No. That was all their idea. At Avalon we believe that houses divide and antagonize students. We are divided by years, seeing also that the biggest number of student per year is around twelve. Each year is given the name of a magical creature to represent them and it stays with them until they graduate. We have competitions inside the academy but, be it quidditch or dueling, the rivalry never goes above certain limits." he really did not understand the purpose of dividing students and put one against another just because of a silly house membership.
"I always wanted to remove the division at Hogwarts, one of the reasons the old coot accused me of being a dark lord when I wanted to be just a politician." commented Tom.
"I see. Anyway, the students are divided by year as I said. They all have a wide dormitories, it includes a common room, a study room and a small library. Each student has his own room and bathroom, and they can personalize it in any way they wish. It is encouraged that they create a place where they can be most comfortable and happy, as a matter of fact.
All the students are required to eat in the great hall with the rest of the school. One can choose what he prefers to eat from a daily menu provided by the kitchens, it is always healthy food to help the body regain energy faster and favor a better physical form. It will just appear on the student plate a few minutes after ." he continued.
"Good, greasy Hogwarts food is anything but healthy and they can't expect little children to be able to eat right portions on their own" Severus only ate a little during the meals, he hated those foods and preferred eating in the comfort of his rooms what his personal elf cooked for him.
"What about classes?" inquired Tom.
"The day begins at five in the morning for physical exercise. The younger years are followed by trainers while the senior students can be on their own, since they know better what is needed for their bodies. After that is breakfast at six thirty and lessons begin at half past seven. All the classrooms have a special time charm so that two hours on the inside are only one on the outside. It's a bit confusing at first but it helps with the big number of subjects. Lunch is at twelve and students have an hour to rest a little before the lessons start again at one. Dinner is at seven and sometimes there are classes from nine till eleven too.
This kind of schedule is very tiring on the body, mostly when there are physical subjects, so it is advised to have snacks through the day, as long as you are quiet and follow the lessons the teachers have no problem with you eating in class."
The hard program of the academy shocked all of them. They really expected eleven year old kids to follow with it? Aries as stunned as he was, found it interesting too. He was used to full days of work at the Dursleys, and as much as a little time to rest was welcomed, the hours of nothing to do at Hogwarts were a pain for him.
"As for your question, Emerald. The Academy starts at fifteen. Seeing the advanced level and the nature of certain subjects, along with the hard routine, younger students would not be able to keep up with it. So don't worry, you won't be so much behind your peers. I'll tell you what you need to know." Kieran smiled, lightly kissing his little mate's neck.
"As for the different subjects, there is a list with the letter." he said motioning for it.
Again it was Aries who read it for everybody.
AVALON ACADEMY OF MAGIC
List of subjects
Please tap your chosen subjects with your wand and a list of books and equipment will appear.
Transfiguration
Charms
Herbology
Potions
Magical Defence
Arithmancy
Ancient Runes
Divination (for seers only)
Care of Magical Creatures
Dark Arts
History (Magical and Muggle)
Healing
Warding
Spell Crafting
Enchanting
Summoning
Necromancy
Elemental Magic (for elementals only)
Blood Magic
Alchemy
Martial Arts
Weapon Combat
Dueling
Languages
Law and Politics
Finance and Management
Magical Culture and Traditions
Aries was awed at the number of classes offered, mostly because he wanted to attend all of them. He couldn't decide what leave behind. They seemed all so interesting and his newly found thirst for knowledge demanded him to study everything. Maybe he could learn alone from the library what he didn't take for classes.
Kieran chucked seeing Aries face, he seemed so concentrated like he couldn't make up his mind.
"The list is just for show mostly, you know" he said. "the Academy students usually take all the classes, the list is just to give people the chance to not take some subjects for specific reasons." he could already see relieve on his boyfriend face, before a happy smile graced his face.
"They really" "take all those" "classes?" asked the twins in disbelief. It was cool for them but the sheer amount of work and study that came with it was above their level of understanding.
"Yes, of course. The Academy invites to attend only the best the magical world had to offer. Before it accepted everyone with the gift of magic, but in the last centuries with the opening of schools all over the world, it became an elite institute. We have only the more powerful, the ones with rare and extraordinary gifts and the ones ready to work hard to learn and better themselves." he told them with pride in his voice.
For Aries to be invited, they realized, he really had to be incredibly powerful. They were all so happy for him.
Aries looked at his father since he was being too silent, and what he saw surprised him. Even if he looked composed and impassible, his eyes showed all the pride and love he felt for his son. He felt warm at the thought, and promised himself to do his best to never disappoint the man. Never, Aries had someone feeling proud of him, it felt good and only encouraged him to do his best at the new school. If his father let him go, that is.
"There is something I don't understand" started Severus with a pensive expression on his face "If the Academy needs to stay secret, what do the children invited tell the schools they were attending before? A transfer on fifth year is quite unusual after all" the others nodded, the question was legitimate one.
"That. I do not know" admitted Kieran. "The headmistress and professors take care of that. My headmaster at Salem's Institute of Magic was an alumni at Avalon, so there was no problem for me" he just never asked, but maybe he should. He didn't like not knowing something.
And he still had to find why these morons tried to attack and take Aries away, he remembered sending a glare to the masked people who sat straighter at that, praying he would not kill them.
Meanwhile at the Burrow Mr. and Mrs. Weasley were arguing. He could not understand how his wife always thought the best of Dumbledore, even if the man stole from Harry. It was like for her he was always right, without discussion.
"Arthur, be reasonable. The boy had no need for the money, and the headmaster used it for the greater good" insisted Molly while waving her hands around trying to make him see her point of view.
"That is beside the point. You cannot steal for someone and just be forgiven because it was used for good. Stealing is still stealing" he was tired of that. Since they married it was always what Molly wanted.
He tried to make her happy, giving in when she wanted more kids even if they could not afford it for example. He loved all of them, but hated the thought of not being able to give them the best and anything they wished for. Now Molly was obsessed with what Dumbledore thought, and it often involved young Harry.
"Don't talk like that. It's only thank to him if we could.." she stopped realizing she almost gave herself away.
"We what? Molly tell me immediately what you did or I swear you'll regret it!" he was shouting now. If there was something he did not stand, it was lies. At her guilty look he knew that she had done something behind his back.
"We.. I mean. It was for the kids.. and.." she stuttered. When Arthur pressed further she confessed of taking money from Dumbledore, Harry's money, since the Potters died. Part of it was, later, for Ron to spy on the Potter boy and for Ginevra who had to make him fall for her.
He felt disgusted. How could his wife do something like that? He gave her too much leeway over the years, limiting himself to nodding when she started to ramble about things. It wouldn't happen anymore.
"How could you do something like that? And behind by back!" he shouted. He could not forgive the woman for stealing from a child he thought like one of his own sons. "I swear Molly if you try to do anything else I will disown you. You can consider yourself under house arrest from this moment on" he ordered using the power he had as head of the family "Now get out of my sight".
He would think of a punishment for Ronald and Ginny in the morning and he would make it unforgettable. He did not raise his children to spy, steal and betray their friends.
So.. yeah.. seems it was kinda obvious that Kieran was Dragon eh? I should have known you would figure it out so quickly.. anyway.. what did you think of this chapter? The fight wasn't anything special I know, but it was the first time I tried to write it and I think it was acceptable right? Big duels like Voldie vs Dumbles will be much more epic, I assure you..
Anyway.. thank you all for following my story and for leaving a review.
AngelicReaper0012 : don't worry, there's nothing to destroy! XD I think the bosom hug of death will go nicely with the vision I have of a character I'll introduce later in the story ..
The Founder: Voldemort will duel Dumbledore, but not now. He doesn't want the wizarding world to think of Dumbles as a martyr if he were to kill him too early
Siriusblackkay: thank you. I agree with you, I mean who is like "hi, nice to meet you""nice to meet you too" "yeah, let's fuck" ? It's a bit too much to be real, even for a ff.
Slashluver1984: thank you so much! I'm glad you like my story =)