Harry Potter, the order of the Phoenix, and the DarkChilde

Author's note: Illyana at this point in her life was really only close friends with Kitty Pryde (best friend) and Dana (team leader of the New Mutants), plus Lockheed of course. Illyana, having been raised in a hell since the age of six, was not the best at sharing or trusting people, plus such a life left her lacking appropriate social skills for none hellish situations. In the comics she mostly mimicked Kitty's behaviors with others as a reference point. When forced to be herself with others, she had a tendency to do or say the wrong thing so she tends to be quiet and terse around others other than her friend Kitty. Which makes me wonder just what interactions she will end up having in this story as I write free form and I always try to write in character for all characters.

In addition, it is critical for you the reader to understand (for those who don't read the comics) that Illyana is not some kind of Marie Sue character. She has had roughly four mentor/apprenticeships when this story takes place. One year of life magic from Storm after she was sucked into Limbo after one fifth of her soul replaced by dark magics. Two years in the wilderness with Cat learning survival skills and physical combat skills (girl is very dangerous with sword and knife and yes she's killed people), at the end losing another fifth of her soul when Cat was enslaved and she commenced her apprenticeship under Belasco. Three years learning dark magic under Belasco before being banished to a frozen hell, and again losing another fifth of her soul. One year in a frozen wasteland living only off of the life essence of a massive oak tree before it finally died and she descended into madness, and power, as she forged her soul sword; which she then used to defeated Belasco and become Limbo's new ruler. And one year as Kitty's best friend, back in the real world, where she learned how be a teenager (at least in part, still very much a work in progress).

For more details I recommend you consult New Mutants under Wikipedia.

Part 7a: Congratulations, you're in Slytherin!

Before them was the Slytherin common room. It was a long, low underground room with rough stone walls and ceiling, from which round, greenish lamps were hanging on chains. A fire was crackling under an elaborately carved mantelpiece ahead of them. There was a few Slytherins about, all but one sitting in carved chairs with leather cushions, the one standing being Draco Malfoy. There were green windows in the common room that showed a watery landscape, just then a large fish swam by.

Draco had a casual demeanor, as if he just happened to be there, but his start at their entry and his nervous lick of his lips betrayed his uncertainty.

"The commons." Announced Snape with a dry bored tone. "All Slytherin students have access at all times. The staircase on the left leads to the boy's quarters, the right to the girls. The usual accommodations is four per room but you are to be quartered alone. I'm certain that the other students shall answer any questions you might have, is that right Draco?"

"Yes House master." Replied Draco with a reluctant tone.

Snape continued. "It is expected that the students confine themselves to their dormitories during curfew. A singular rule that is frequently disobeyed by both the arrogant and the foolish. I somehow believe that your… compliance will be in sync with the rest of the student body. The time is late. Ah… Miss Tuttle, kindly escort our latest student to her room and give her a brief tour of the dormitory."

A dark skinned girl, who had been ensconced in one of the chairs by a window, started at her name and rapidly stood up as she closed the book she had been reading and placed it on the chair. Her full name was Lix "Lizard" Tuttle and she looked quite nervous.

"Yes Professor." Was her hurried reply as she gave a small nod of her head and headed in the direction of the girls dormitory. As Illyana turned to follow, Snape whispered ever so softly. "Watch your back." He then turned and departed Slytherin.

The eyes of everybody in the commons wordlessly followed Illyana's back as she walked up the steps following the other student. The Tuttle girl was very shy and nervous as she quickly showed Illyana where the bathroom was, although in this case she called it the water closet, the showers, and finally Illyana's room.

"Um… is your pet really a dragon?" Was the first non tour giving statement from Lix as they stood in front of the door marked with the name Rasputin.

"Yes, and Lockheeds not a pet." Was Illyana's cool reply.

"Um… okay." Was the girl's reply as she hurried away, leaving Illyana alone in the hallway.

With a suppressed sigh Illyana opened the door, entered her room, closed the door and looked about the room. It was hexagonal in shape with a high ceiling and made mostly of stone. There was a single large four poster wooden bed with green and silver trimmed sheets. The floor had a large rug, again in silver and green, with the Slytherin house snake symbol. Opposite of the bed was a wooden desk with some books stacked upon it, along with a chair, plus two additional chairs for guests. An end table by the bed had a small pitcher of water and a glass. There was a wardrobe, that upon examination held several changes of clothing (school uniforms as well as some casual clothing, pajamas, plus several draws containing socks, undergarments, and other sundries). The remaining décor consisted of a book shelf with one solitary book on it. There was a full body mirror on one of the walls plus a wooden chest at the foot of the bed that contained additional bed sheets and pillows. Oh, and upon the bed was Lockheed curled up and taking a nap without a care in the world.

Illyana crossed the room to where the desk was and dumped her satchel upon it, before taking off her outer robe and putting it on the back of the chair. Then she picked up the single book from the book shelf. The front of the book had two Slytherin students on the cover, both smiling and clapping in silent animation as the title proudly declared Congratulation, you're in Slytherin!

Illyana opened the book and discovered that it was a publication of the Slytherin alumni association and that the book was cursed to not allow its removal from the Slytherin dormitory. She randomly selected a page and read part of it aloud.

…Don't expect those from other houses to be of much help. Because you strive to be the best they are naturally jealous of you and will distain…

Some additional page flipping, then…

"Slytherins are brave, yes, but not stupid. Given choice, one should always choose to save your own neck first. Don't forget that strategy is how the game is played, not mindless reaction or vain gallantry."

Then…

"Goals define purpose. To be the best one must have a plan. Purpose defines leadership. Remember, many will use others to attain their goals, don't forget your own. It's not wrong to be self-confident. It's not wrong to differ. It's not wrong to not agree with the opinions of others."

Finally…

"Idealism is noble, make use of it in others, but don't forget that idealists are the first to lose. Be not blind to the faults of others. Pragmatism is a key component to leadership, sacrifices must sometimes be made to achieve the higher goal. Remember, in the midst of chaos, there is also opportunity."

With that she closed the book with a snap and sighed as she looked about the room again. Looked with more then just normal vision, Dr. Strange had his third eye but Illyana had her own ways of seeing when she wished. And… there… three charms of observation, two skillfully cast and one that look somewhat crude in its workings. Illyana struck a dramatic poise and with a wave of her right hand, now holding her wand, shouted.

"Secretum nunc!"

While at the same time casting a spell with just her left hand using just finger gestures, resulting in that the observation spells were now blocked.

Then she spoke in a cold and dry tone that would have make Snape proud. It was a quote from Sun Tzu's classic work, The Art of War.

"All warfare is based on deception. Hence, when we are able to attack, we must seem unable; when using our forces, we must appear inactive; when we are near, we must make the enemy believe we are far away; when far away, we must make him believe we are near. If your enemy is secure at all points, be prepared for him. If he is in superior strength, evade him. If your opponent is temperamental, seek to irritate him. Pretend to be weak, that he may grow arrogant. If he is taking his ease, give him no rest. If his forces are united, separate them. If sovereign and subject are in accord, put division between them. Attack him where he is unprepared, appear where you are not expected."

"If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles. If you know yourself but not the enemy, for every victory gained you will also suffer a defeat. If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every battle."

Resulting in a big yawn from Lockheed as he stretched lazily and gave her a smoky "Humph…" as he took flight to loo[ about the room.

Illyana now had a playful tone in her voice. "Yeah, yeah, not sorry of waking you stinker." As he landed upon her shoulders and curled his long neck around hers. "But first I need to ward this place while nobody's looking."

First she put the wand on the desk before going to the center of the room. With that she closed her eyes while performing some gestures with both hands. A silver fire circle flared into existence on the floor. And within the circle was a pentagram likewise burning with silver fire. She was within the pentagram facing the base while mumbling in Latin.

Pallium

Secretum

Custodiae

Informare

Perpetuus

Thin silver flaming lines radiated from the circle to enwrap the floor, walls, door, and ceiling as strange glyphs and symbols flared and then faded.

With an umph of an exhale she commented. "There, that should keep out prying eyes, and let us know if nosy somebodys tries to intrude."

Lockheed leapt from her shoulder and with a flap landed atop the wardrobe so as to look down upon the room. Dragons always like to lurk and just like cats, felt that height bestowed enhanced social ranking as it allowed them to both look down and attack from above.

Illyana took the books from the desk and dumped them on the bed before flopped down upon the bed and then just stared at the ceiling. This prompted Lockheed, after a few minutes of her just lying there, to fly over and land behind her head, his long flexible neck slithered over the pillow her head was resting upon and nibbled at her left ear, causing her to giggle and ineffectually push at his head.

"Stop it."

More nibbling and more giggling.

"I mean it stinker!"

Nibble. Giggle. "One more bite and I swear I'll…"

Nibble. Giggle. "That's it I'm going to…"

Nibble. Giggle. "Kitty can always get a new…"

Nibble, nibble, nibble. Giggle, giggle, giggle.

Illyana groused, not that it was much of a grouse as giggling really subtracts from one's attempt to glower and brood. "Fine, you win" as she sat up and propped herself up against the bed's headboard.

Lockheed, victorious in having pulled her from her frump, settled down in her lap as she gave his chin a scratch. Ahh… just have to keep these younglings in line was his contented thought. Oh… and keep the scratches a coming, can't get too many scratches.

Illyana started going through the text books. She picked each up one by one and read the title as she showed Lockheed.

"Let's see, there's Defense Against the Dark Arts (A return to basic principles), which Belasco, curse his soul, would find hilarious before torturing any individual to death who might be dumb enough to follow this book's suggestions. Likely something involving being flayed alive and fire. Hmm… or… he might have just made the person eat the book as anybody would promptly choke to death having to consume this tripe.

Illyana tossed it aside and grabbed another. "Ahh, Magical Potions and Drafts, now this may actually be useful as the instructor really knows his stuff, and I'd point out, let you stay in his classroom." A definite point in his favor, and he played the part of the brooding dark wizard oh so well. There are people who don't like cats, and cats instinctually seek out the laps of such individuals. The same can be said for dragons and Snap was already on Lockheed's list of future snoozing localities regardless of Snape's thoughts upon that topic.

Illyana flipped through another book. "Then there's One Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi, looks useful. Likewise the Monster Book of Monsters." She stopped on a page of a most ferocious looking creature, a Chimera to be specific, and disclaimed. "Isn't he cute" as she showed the illustration to Lockheed, before moving on to Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. "Hmmm, good to know where critters are I guess."

A long look at Intermediate Transfiguration. "Hmm, bit weak. Got to remember to not show off." She did wonder if the vanishing spell was just disintegration or something else.

Then… "Ohhh, this History of Magic looks interesting. Good info on the locals and historical situation. Although that ghost of an instructor does not appear to like my last name." Ugg… history. Lockheed was not much of a fan as he gave a sniff of disinterest. The fantastical beasts book looked more fun to him, and tastier. Why you ask? Because there's not much a dragon can't, or won't, eat.

Finally… "The Standard Book of Spells. Let's see… growth charm, slowing charm, levitation charm, silencing charm… um... bit low level as Kitty would say. Nothing here at all involving heavy hitting magic. Now a good fireball, wall of magic, or necropsy spell get's the job done as Kitty likes to say". Kitty loved D&D, Illyana less so as what was fantasy for most was reality for her. "But… no limit as such on the spells so perhaps more powerful then I think." Illyana closed the book as Lockheed gave her a look of disapproval.

Illyana sounded defensive. "Whuchya looking at dragon?"

Just a smoky humph… from Lockheed.

A resigned shrug from Illyana. "Okay… okay… no summoning the fires of hell to destroy my enemies in class."

Resulting in a contented cooo from Lockheed as she scratched oh so correctly where his wings met his body as she gave him a hug.

A sigh from her as she mused. "I mean, I did promises grumpy Gandalf that I'd try not to destroy the place." Gandalf being her nickname for Dumbledore, she did wonder if anybody here had read the books, Tolkien that is. She did have a nickname for Lord Voldermort as well, he was Morty. Her stomach gave a sudden gurgle of discontent as she has not eaten anything since lunch. Oh well, not like she wasn't used to not eating. She dug her class schedule out of a pocket.

"Let's see… Thursday… Herbology, Transfiguration, Astronomy at night and… broom riding basics in the morning?" So… those really had been people riding brooms last night, things had gotten… chaotic so she wasn't sure. Friday was quite sparse, just Defense against the dark arts sixth period so she assumed she could work on homework most of the day. The weekend looked free as well.

Shards she was tired, which made sense since she'd been awake for about two days now. She quickly tidied up the room, to a few squawks of discontentment from Lockheed as this had interrupted his lap time, changed into her pajamas, figured out how to dim the lights, and slipped under the covers. At which point Lockheed curled up with her. He gave her a snort of inquiry.

"No… my mutant talent is still not working, otherwise I'd teleport us away from this mess and let Dr. Strange help us figure out how to fix this. No such luck though."

Then she gave him a stern look and tone. "No eating creatures on campus. They might be a familiar of one of the students. Owls, rats, cats, and toads I think."

A smoky snarls of disagreement from Lockheed.

"I mean it dragon."

A smoky sigh of resigned compliance from Lockheed at the sacrifice being demanded of him. Oh the injustice of it all. Which reminded him of…

Lockheed suddenly took wing to land at the desk, his head rummaged around in her satchel before retrieving the prize that he brought back to Illyana in his mouth. It was the chocolate frog package from the potion class.

"I am not eating a frog, chocolate or otherwise." Sniffed Illyana as he dropped the package in her hands

Lockheed was not particular about the confectionary details as he found ordinary frogs to be quite tasty. He nudged her with his head until she relented and opened the package. Out popped the frog and snap went Lockheed's jaws as the tasty confectionary was consumed on one gulp.

"Happy you little glutton?"

A smoky yeah yeah yeah… was her answer as he snuggled down in her arms. That's when she noticed that there was a card in the box, like a baseball sporting card. She took it out and gave an irritated snort at the card as she hugged Lockheed. "Got to wonder what grandpa would say about having a demon sorceress in the family. Bet he'd reject me just like everybody else does."

Then she placed it on the end table by her bed and turned out the lights. With that, both quickly faded off to sleep, perhaps to dream.

As they slumbered we zoom in on the card. It shows a tall and regal dark haired man with a long beard dressed in elegant Russian robes. It was Grigori Rasputin, greatest and last wizard of the house of Rasputin.

If this was a movie one might then suppose a sound track would play as we panned away from the card. Perhaps River of Dreams by Billy Joel might be playing.

…

In the middle of the night

I go walking in my sleep

Through the valley of fear

To a river so deep

I've been searching for something

Taken out of my soul

Something I'd never lose

Something somebody stole

I don't know why I go walking at night

But now I'm tired and I don't want to walk anymore

I hope it doesn't take the rest of my life

Until I find what it is that I've been looking for

…

We pan back and raise in elevation, which shows us that Slytherin dorm is under the lake next to Hogwarts. As we drift higher we turn in the direction of the Forbidden Forest.

…

In the middle of the night

I go walking in my sleep

Through the jungle of doubt

To a river so deep

I know I'm searching for something

Something so undefined

That it can only be seen

By the eyes of the blind

In the middle of the night

…

We fly high above the trees, and end up deep within the woods. There we see an immense dark presence walking away from us upon a trail. The creature appears to have horns, a devils tail, cloven hoofed, very broad shoulders, and roughly fifteen feet tall.

…

I'm not sure about a life after this

God knows I've never been a spiritual man

Baptized by the fire, I wade into the river

That runs to the promised land

In the middle of the night

I go walking in my sleep

Through the desert of truth

To the river so deep

We all end in the ocean

We all start in the streams

We're all carried along

By the river of dreams

…

As we get closer the creature turns, showing yellow glowing eyes, it gestures at us as power flares from its left hand and… all goes black.

…

In the middle of the night

Part 7c: Meanwhile in Russia

We see the one we know of as Dimitri smoking a hand rolled cigarette. He now looks disheveled and there is small red droplets on his face. He takes a long pull on the cigarette and then slowly exhales.

"Apologies Makail, but you never would have accepted this."

The scene expands and we see that we are still in the office where Dimitri had started reading the book. The older man, whom we can suppose is named Makail, is still sitting in his chair, but now there is a hole in the center of his forehead.

"A Rasputin has been found and with her blood we shall unlock that which was bound all these years. Assuming… she really is a Rasputin. If not…"

A shrug as he gets to his feet, assuming the girl really was a Rasputin that is, if not… well… eggs and omelets was his conclusion. After all, how hard could it be? She was still just a child.