The Peverell Triplets & the Chamber of Secrets
A/N: Here is the first chapter of year 2. I hope everyone's been doing well and I hope you can enjoy this chapter. I do apologize for the long wait, I've been hit so badly with writer's block that I haven't been able to touch any of my stories in months. This is all that I can offer as I've gone blank for the next part. I have a bullet point list of the main plans for the year, but I'm stuck with the finer details. So I probably won't be heard from for some time. I was just hoping to put this chapter up as an apology. I hope you enjoy and leave your thoughts. If you have any questions, I'll try to answer them with an A.N in the next chapter or with the story.
Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter or the magical world.
Summary: It's time for the triplets' second year at Hogwarts, and they still aren't getting any more of a break than they did last year. Quidditch has begun, leading to the usual extreme competition between the four houses- but with Ignotus, Draco, and Matthew all on their house teams, well it's a bit more competitive than normal. There's a horcrux going through the school petrifying students, and Antioch is desperate to remember anything he can to keep any students from dying. Then there's the Defense Professor that doesn't know what he's doing. Albus is practically useless. Lily is keeping a closer eye on her child and the ones around him. And it isn't helping the triplets or their guardians when her eyes keep straying towards them. It'll be a stress filled year as they try to protect the students from a horcrux and an incompetent defense professor, keep themselves off of Albus and Lily's radars, and protect themselves once more from Ronald Weasley and Matthew Potter's sabotage.
Chapter One: Getting Ready for Hogwarts
Diagon Alley was busier than it normally was, despite it only being a couple weeks before the new school year. The triplets had deigned to go with the Malfoys and Longbottoms to do their supplies shopping for the new school year. As well as get new robes for Draco and Neville who had both shot up a couple inches over the past year. As they were leaving the robe shop, they all noticed the large crowd of mostly witches in front of Flourish and Blotts. "What's going on?" Lucius wondered, curious.
"Gilderoy Lockhart will be signing copies of his autobiography: Magical Me, today12:30PM to 4:30PM." Draco read out loud.
"Wait, isn't that the author of all the books for your defense classes?" Narcissa asked. The triplets sneered.
"Those books are full of lies. None of the time lines make sense. They're all over the area and when he's supposedly dealing with the werewolf in one village, he was across the globe dealing with a banshee at the same time." Antioch replied. "Looks like we'll be doing self study this year for defense. Again." He sighed heavily.
"That bad?" Frank asked the oldest of the triplets. The other two nodded.
"Ignotus got sick just trying to make sense of the time lines." Cadmus grumbled.
"I wasn't the only one. The two of you went off and tried doing research in the library for several hours and you came out just as bad." Ignotus reminded the duo before shrugging. "Anyways, we had gotten a couple of books to see what they were like before the lists came out. I can't guarantee that we'll get the rest of them... Unless..." Ignotus trailed off.
"We use them to point out all the contradictions and post them in our own book to reveal the man as a fraud. We'll even leave indexes and sources so that people can find them." Antioch said.
"Or just make the list of contradictions and hand them over to Rita Skeeter and let her tear him to pieces." Cadmus added.
"She is talented with a quill, I'll admit." Antioch conceded. Ignotus shook his head.
"Though, if these things really happened and they're not figments of his imagination, then we'd need to find the people who really did those things. Maybe they don't know someone is out there claiming their feats as his own." He added.
"As amusing as this conversation is, and as much as I would like to continuing hearing how you plan to take a fraud down..." Alice began, smiling. "We need to get in there to get your books, whether you decide to get Lockhart's books or not." she told them. Sighing, the group was able to push their way into the store and immediately separated so they wouldn't be trapped in the main area where all of the people were currently gathered and waiting. The triplets made their way to the second year section for the other classes they had. They would get one set of the books to split between them, and that was all.
As they collected the books they would need, they found themselves near the Weasleys, who apparently had Matthew Potter with them. And they had found Draco. They watched as Draco taunted Matthew and Ronald- as was customary for them by this point. Only for a red headed girl to turn on him. "Leave him alone Malfoy." She said with a glare. Draco smirked.
"Look at that Potter, you found yourself a girlfriend." Draco grinned. Deciding to step in before a fight could break out, Cadmus and his brothers approached.
"Draco, did you get any books?" Cadmus asked. Draco rolled his eyes.
"Of course I did, Cadmus. I got my books for everything but herbology and defense so far." Draco said, ignoring the Potter and Weasley trio now. Much to Ronald's disgruntlement. "I'm not daft." he said.
"Sometimes I wonder." Cadmus drawled, eerily reminiscent of his last life. Draco shook his head in bemusement before joining them so they could go find Neville and the adults. Before they could though, cheers sounded, causing them to all turn towards the source. Apparently Gilderoy Lockhart had made his appearance. He was all dazzlingly white teeth and wearing a robe of forget-me-not blue that matched his eyes.
"Ugh... He's blinding to look at." Draco muttered to the triplets, who could only nod. At some point, they were able to separate enough that it didn't look like they were apart of the Weasley/Potter group. Which was a relief when Matthew Potter had gained the attention of Lockhart- by accident- and had gotten dragged to the front of the room. And that was when the news was revealed.
"I'm proud to announce that for this up coming year at Hogwarts, I will be teaching in the Defense Against the Dark Arts position." Lockhart announced, being met with cheers and shouts. Draco groaned before looking at his three friends and startling. All three wore the blankest look on their faces that he had ever seen. It gave away nothing and it legitimately scared him. And Neville, when he and the adults finally found the four of them.
"We need to talk to Filius about not stepping foot in that classroom." Ignotus said, voice betraying nothing, even if his statement did. His brothers nodded before they looked at Neville and Draco.
"We apologize for the suffering you'll endure during your school year." The triplets gave their condolences to the two boys who didn't have the advantage of a guardian on staff. This caused said boys to scowl at their friends.
"Teach us some of the useful stuff you learn, and we'll give you all the juiciest gossip from the classroom." Neville replied. "After all, one of us is going to have class with Potter, and I'm sure you'd love to hear about everything he and his groupies get up too." The triplets and Draco looked at him with surprised grins.
"Maybe you should've been in Slytherin, Nev. You would have fit right in." Draco said.
"I'm honored, but let's face it. Your house couldn't handle me anyways." Neville replied, making the oldest of the kids grin. They quickly escaped the store after getting the last of their supplies before separating. With promises to keep in touch, of course.
-TPT&TCOS-
He seethed, furious at such an extreme failure. It had taken years to get things ready for his master's return. Rumors being spread at just the right time, certain trips that had been worth the risk, and making sure the right people were in the right place. It was five years of this and finally, a chance had arisen. After the failing at the bank, the stone had been moved to Hogwarts. This had been a part of his plans, especially since Quirrell was already in place as the defense professor that year and he himself was there to break some of Albus's defenses- who else could possibly place such defenses on the entrance to the Gauntlet? Which meant the stuttering man had ample opportunity to retrieve the stone for their master. After the whole ordeal with Severus Snape being a traitor and then dying in Albania- it was discovered that he had been the god father of a very important set of triplets. If the stone had failed- which it did thanks to Quirrell's incompetence and some back water history professor's interference- surely something could be figured out involving the Peverells. There were plenty of legends around them that they could have spent the past decade looking into and experimenting with. Now, he had to do something different, to bring his master back.
It was a riskier plan than he wanted to enact, but all of the others required more planning. And while he hadn't wanted to tip off the obnoxious, insufferable blonde about the single, tiny hole in his security, he had been left with no choice but to do so. Which is how he wound up in the beautiful manor, summoning the elf he had in place for this purpose. He'd have to be quick. "Bring me the diary." He ordered. The elf was gone, returning a few moments later, magic coursing over it that indicated it was going to near it's end soon enough. 'Well, at least he took the task of protecting our lord's things seriously.' he sneered, killing the elf and apparating out. He would never be able to get in like that again, but oh well, he had what he needed.
He slipped into the- house, if it could be called that- that he had been keeping an eye on. He internally laughed at how lacking the security around this place was. You would think they would better protect their home considering how much they claimed to love their children. Oh well, it worked out in his favor. No use criticizing an advantage. He slipped the diary into the worn trunk. It would be discovered, but his faith in the magic on the diary to draw in it's victim was strong. It would be discovered, but not revealed. This time, the plan would work. But even if it didn't, it would give him time to plan out backups... just in case.
-TPT&TCOS-
Lily Potter watched as her son and his friends were playing a game of quidditch in the yard. Sirius and James had both said that Matthew was going to make his house's quidditch team and she had to agree. His flying was almost as good as his father's. Another year or two and he'd probably surpass him. Of course, James had been a chaser. She felt as though Matthew would be a seeker. If only because of his ability to make abrupt turns so quickly and his ability to stay on a broom. She had, of course, informed her son that if he wanted to play, he'd need to keep his scores up. He hadn't even breached the top 10 at all the year before and he needed to be on top of his studies. His exam results had also come in the week before. All A's except for Transfiguration which was an EE. And while his History Exam had an A, it had been barely. He had been a single point from receiving a Poor on that one. Matthew needed to be in at least the top 10 this upcoming year if he wanted to keep his freedoms. He had been trained for nearly seven years, and that needed to be shown.
She also considered the accusations that Matthew was a bully, and decided to keep an eye on him that year. She refused to have her son be what his father had been during their time in school. She had hated Jame's and his friends' bullying. And she would need to consider the rivalry her son had with Filius's wards- more accurately the youngest. The other two though were very reactive to anything that would go the youngest boy's way. Obviously they were quite protective and she accepted that Matthew wouldn't be able to face them. They were prodigies, much like Severus had been, but hadn't been acknowledged for. The thought made her chest twinge- in guilt and sorrow. Severus had been like a little brother to her before he had gone and joined You-Know-Who and gotten involved with Dark Magic. But after he had rejoined their side and begun spying for them, they had been able to salvage that bond. Until she began neglecting Harry in favor of Matthew. And while she understood there could have been a better way, she still stood firmly by the decision she had done what was best... For Matthew, who had a scary and heavy destiny ahead of him. Who would face You-Know-Who once more. The only one who could. And she trusted Albus- who was the most powerful and wisest wizard alive- to have her and her family's best interest at heart. However, she could possibly do well to keep a closer eye on her son and those around him this upcoming year.
-TPT&TCOS-
Malfoy Manor was a beautiful place. Trimmed hedges, a beautiful manicured lawn, white peacocks roaming the fields. Ignotus and Neville couldn't help but be impressed. And despite their knowledge of the manor and it's layout from their last lives, Cadmus and Antioch were good at expressing their approval of the home of such an ancient and noble family. They were led by a house elf to the casual sitting room. This one meant for close friends and family members. They had been invited to stay for the last couple days before the school year began. However, as they and Draco conversed under the watchful eyes of the Malfoys, Longbottoms, and Filius who were visiting, the five children could feel the tension that sparked between them. Antioch's eyes narrowed as he glanced at Draco and asked too quietly for the adults- minus Filius- to hear. "Draco, are your parents okay? I can feel the anxiety and tension."
Draco sighed. "I don't know too much, just that something happened with the wards and one of our elves were found dead a few days ago." he replied just as softly.
"Someone broke in? How?" Cadmus asked in genuine surprise. He knew how detailed the wards around Malfoy Manor was. It was near impenetrable.
"Apparently there was one tiny, singular hole, that someone was able to use to their advantage." Lucius's voice sounded, causing all of the children to jump in alarm and three wands to be drawn. But thankfully not pointed at anyone. Antioch and Cadmus cursed as they stowed their wands away. Apparently they would need to work on their situational awareness again. The adults looked concerned while Filius actually smirked at them.
"That looked... instinctive." Frank commented in concern.
"Err... we trained with Uncle Severus, a lot before he left to Albania. And then we continued to practice after that." Cadmus answered.
"Until the point drawing our wand was instinct." Antioch added, relying on the story they had used before.
"I see." Narcissa's eyes were narrowed dangerously in concern and contemplation. None of the brothers wanted to dwell on the reason.
"So, a tiny hole?" Ignotus turned his eyes onto the Malfoy patriarch who seemed just as concerned as the others.
"It was so minuscule that we hadn't spotted it for years. However, despite this being how the person got in, the actual wards picked up on them fairly quickly before they could do much except kill one of our elves." Lucius sighed. He had decided to tell them, with their guardians' permissions due to the fact that keeping it hidden wasn't actually going to help. The children, all five of them, were powerful and intelligent after all. They were bound to have figured it out eventually anyways. Best to tell them, rather than have them try and figure it out on their own.
"And nothing was stolen?" Neville asked in surprise.
"An old book, but that was all." Lucius replied nonchalantly, hiding his concern. But the children were also perceptive. And they noticed.
"It was an important old book, I take?" Ignotus noted. The adults flinched a little. Filius just sipped at his tea, already knowing where the boys' thoughts were turning. He himself already knew it, even if Lucius hadn't told him directly, like he and his wife had told the Longbottoms.
"Perhaps." Narcissa replied. The Longbottoms had already known of their allegiances in the last war, and their reasoning. And the two Gryffindors had accepted them anyways, and the Malfoys were more than relieved and thankful to call them friends.
'Antioch, do you think it might have been a horcrux?' Ignotus wondered, glancing at the oldest.
'I'm positive. We did say that one of my most trusted might have been given something to protect.'
'But then, who could possibly know that Lucius had one? Even I didn't know and I was your right hand.' Cadmus replied with concern and confusion. 'Who would you have turned too when you were insane?'
'I don't know! Who could I have possibly trusted more than you?' Antioch growled. His most trusted had been Abraxas, Lucius, Severus, and Nott Sr. 'Maybe we should find a way to hold a conversation with Nott Sr. Not Theodore's father, but his grandfather. His namesake.' He rubbed his temples as a headache built, a normal result of trying to remember things he wasn't quite ready to yet.
'Don't push yourself Anti. We'll figure things out. But if we're right, there's a very strong chance a horcrux will be finding its way to Hogwarts.' Ignotus tried to soothe.
'That isn't reassuring at all Iggy! Knowing where it is going to be, but not who it's going to be possessing terrifies me.' he grumbled at the whole thing. Ignotus giggled a little at that.
'Don't rush, we'll figure things out as they come.' Cadmus told his brother. Antioch just gave a resigned sigh.
"They keep doing it!" Draco's voice pulled the triplets out of their conversation as they looked at the blonde. He was speaking to the adults, but pointing a finger at them.
"You do know it's not polite to point at people, don't you Draco?" Cadmus drawled, and for a split second, the Malfoy's could have sworn that Severus was the one who had done the speaking.
"I- I know that! But don't you know it's not polite to ignore others that are in your presence?" He asked with a sniff. Ignotus chuckled while Narcissa looked scandalized.
"Draco! It's not polite to demand your friends reveal their deep thoughts to you or point out when they're in conversation with their twins."
"It's alright Lady Malfoy." Filius replied, also chuckling. "Those three could use a reminder that there are others present every now and then. It's an issue."
"I bet your home is normally quiet." Frank chuckled. "Especially if you three fall into the mental discussions so often you don't realize you're even doing it."
"Ah, every parent's greatest desire: A quiet home." Alice said.
"Or their greatest fear: Silent children." Lucius added.
"It's so not fair that all of you are bullying us." Antioch sniffed.
"But if you're willing, what does have you in such thought?" Lucius asked kindly. The trio shared another look.
'Alright, how to explain that we were thinking about the possibility of a horcrux in the halls of Hogwarts this year?' Antioch asked his brothers.
'Oh! I got it!' Ignotus replied before turning to their audience. "That possibility of Voldemort in Hogwarts again like we heard he was last year!" Ignotus chirped, causing flinches and a yelp all over the room while Filius, Cadmus, and Antioch face palmed at the youngest brother's decision and the cheerfulness he had added into the sentence.
'Really Ignotus? That was your decision?' Cadmus gave a putout sigh.
"And what I'll be able to add to my case book against Albus." he added with a shrug.
"Your what?" Lucius asked, voice strained.
"Oh! I've been keeping a book about all the things Albus Dumbledore has done that places the students in danger. Did you know we got attacked by a troll that Quirrell had let into the castle on Samhain?" Ignotus asked innocently.
"I'm sorry, you were what?" Alice's sharp voice asked as she turned towards her son. "Why did I not hear about this sooner? And what do you mean the Dark Lord was at Hogwarts last year?"
"I thought all of the heads of houses sent out notices to the parents?" Neville asked in confusion.
"I know I did... From Gringotts after informing the King what had happened to our charges. And I got replies from all of their parents." Filius sighed, feeling a headache coming on. "Bloody hell, I bet Albus kept those notices from going out to preserve either the school's reputation or his own." Filius let out a goblin growl that had everyone but his charges flinch at the guttural and terrifying sound. "I said it once, I'll say it again. That man is more of a threat than Voldemort ever was if only because of the danger he places our children in."
"So he was at the school and within arms reach of all of our children?" Frank sounded incensed.
"More like he was a shadow of himself that was possessing Quirrell for the year. While trying to steal the Sorcerer's Stone that Albus had willingly and purposefully put in the bowels of the school and in doing so, endangered every student in said school. Not to mention that three first years got through the gauntlet that had been put up to dissuade thieves, but only after Albus also altered the protection Filius had left- and most likely every other teachers' protection as well. All in a test for Matthew Potter and the Dark Lord who Albus knew was in the castle." Antioch labeled off in a monotone as he ticked his fingers. The majority of that was from the rumor mill of Hogwarts. Only they knew how close to the truth the rumors had gotten.
"The board had gotten notices of things, and we have been discussing it... Though the Dark Lord had never been mentioned. It was believed to just be a dark being." He sighed. "If I can have your memories, I'll be showing them off to the School Board and Amelia Bones as solid proof in order push forward with things." Lucius sounded like he was one thing away from casting Avada Kedavra at someone.
"Me, Potter, Granger, and Weasley also almost got eaten by a Cerberus that was in an unlocked room. If it hadn't been for these three, we would have been." Neville added.
"That's it. The board was already trying to build a case against Albus to have him removed. This could solidify it all. We are already discussing on who to have in Hogwarts to keep an eye on all of the teachers. We'll also be informing the public about Albus keeping such important things involving our children from us, so help me Merlin." Lucius growled. However, when a smooth blue book was handed to him, he calmed down to look through it.
"Actually, we feel that would be moving sooner than anticipated." Antioch replied.
"Sooner than anticipated?" Alice asked.
"Well..." the triplets shared a look and decided that 'this' was something they could reveal. "The three of us are heirs to ¾ of Hogwarts, but we can't take up our titles until we're 15 years old." Cadmus answered. "We were going to build our case until then, when our titles as heirs would hold more sway over his title as Headmaster."
"Removing Albus Dumbledore as Headmaster is going to be our first act as Peverell-Slytherin, Peverell-Ravenclaw, and Peverell-Gryffindor." Antioch added.
"However, if we could find the fourth heir, the one to Hufflepuff, and get them on board with us it would be a unanimous decision that no one could counter." Ignotus added. "Not even Albus Dumbledore due to the charter when it comes to the heirs."
"Which, by the way, Ragnok thinks he may have found. However, he will need to speak to their family first and foremost before asking if they'd like to meet up with you." Filius told them. "The family should be receiving their letter within the week, and a meeting would probably be made for Yule Holiday." He informed them.
"That would be a big help." Cadmus sighed.
"Then I'll wait on that front. As much as it pains me to say it, with all the power and support Albus Dumbledore has- especially with the Potters as his backers- even the proof in here." That was absolute fury and disgust in Lucius Malfoy's voice as he got permission to pass the notes over to the other parents in the room. "We may still be unable to have him removed. Investigated for sure, but not removed. It would also show a hand that I don't think Albus knows is out there. Though I would like for parents to be informed of the troll at the very least. As parents, we have a right to know about this. And Albus can deal with several angry parents and guardians as a distraction for part of this upcoming year. Hopefully, it'll keep him from making anymore tests or plans for a while. Allow Rita to get her hands on it and rip him to pieces." Lucius suggested.
"I like how you think Lord Malfoy." Antioch smirked. "We'll need to leak some information to Rita after the parents and guardians present decide to send letters to their acquaintances with the news."
"It'll be easier to pass a leak off after enough parents know about it and Rita starts hearing the rumors." He agreed.
"And maybe, we could release the information here bit by bit. Build up his case in a way that won't have parents as angry at the school board as Albus." Ignotus decided. The others nodded.
"Slowly building up the public's distrust of him and his running of the school." Alice agreed.
"Well, we have some plans for the upcoming school year it seems." Filius said with a chirp.
"So, are any of you planning on joining your house quidditch team?" Frank asked, deciding they needed normal conversation.
"Absolutely not. I refuse to get on a broom again if I have any say." Neville vehemently denied, making his friends and parents laugh.
"I knew you took after your mother." Frank chuckled, getting swatted in the arm by a semi-glaring wife.
"That's right. You were adamantly against broomsticks." Filius murmured, more to himself though they all heard it.
"Not because I was afraid of heights, mind you. I just felt more comfortable on the ground." Alice countered.
"Well, I can't speak for those three, but I plan on trying out." Draco said.
"No." Cadmus and Antioch answered simply.
"What about you, Ignotus?" Lucius asked. Ignotus looked deep in thought before a rather concerning look appeared on his face.
"Err, Iggy?" Cadmus asked, concerned by the mischievousness that radiated off his baby brother.
"You know, last year my lovely Weasley twins confided something to me." He began, making his brothers scowl at his claiming of the fiery haired twins. "Apparently, Oliver Wood plans on petitioning to get Matthew Potter on his team in the place of seeker." The others followed along with his train of thought and smirked. "On an unrelated note, I'm thinking that potentially getting onto my house's team as seeker would be a nice extra-curricular activity." He said with an innocent look that none of them bought.
"The only reason we're going to allow this-" Antioch began.
"Is because we know you're better than Matthew Potter and we really, really want to see you wipe the metaphorical floor with him at what he and his father are most proud of." Cadmus finished.
"However, if your grades drop below an O, we will reign you in and keep you from quidditch. Is that clear?" Antioch asked. Ignotus nodded.
"Also if you get hurt, we'll also be pulling you out." Cadmus added.
"Oh Cad, that isn't fair. You know the idiot's going to target me." Ignotus whined.
"Then make sure you don't get hurt." the middle brother replied with a smirk. Ignotus pouted.
"This is an attack on quidditch because you don't like it." he sighed. Cadmus only let his smirk grow in response.
"So, what are your plans involving DADA?" Draco asked the triplets.
"Oh yeah. Filius, we won't be taking DADA with our fellow second years this year." Antioch said nonchalantly.
"Very well, I'll put in a form that declares you being privately tutored by myself and Professor Athanasius this year. If anyone asks, I'll inform them that you three are allergic to the type of hair gel the pompous windbag uses." he replied not the slightest bit phased as he sipped his tea.
"Will that even work?" Alice asked in disbelief.
"My wards are also wards of the Goblin Nation. They have privileges." Filius smirked.
"Nepotism!" Neville and Draco accused making everyone laugh.
"In actuality, I'll merely explain that the nation has no faith in a man that doesn't have the proper requirements to teach DADA, or hold a teaching position in general. And so, the nation has contracted myself and one that I know has said requirements to help assist in the learning of our wards for this necessary subject." Filius explained.
"More to add to the notebook." Ignotus said while the parents looked outraged at the situation.
"Unfortunately, I don't get a say in what Albus decides to do staff wise. He can hire or fire who ever he wants- except for me and Prof. Athanasius that is. Due to my emissary title and Damien's well... him." Filius shrugged and the triplets laughed at the confused looks on everyone else faces.
"His... what?" Narcissa asked.
"That is a story for a time that isn't now." Cadmus smirked.
"I hate how you've just dropped a mystery bomb on us about one of our favorite teachers, and you won't even explain it." Neville sniffed.
"Really, we couldn't explain it now anyways, even if we wanted too." Ignotus said softly. "It comes with a really long story, that if the wrong people found out, the three of us could be placed in danger."
"Way to just drop even more of a mystery bomb onto our friends and their families Ignotus." Cadmus sighed.
"I guess we'll just have to trust that you'll tell us the story when you can." Lucius was the first to say something and everyone seemed- well, surprised- by his decision.
"Lucius really?" Narcissa asked in disbelief. They just found out that three children they were fond of were in potential danger. And he was just going to let it go?
"They have proven to be intelligent and resourceful Cissa." Lucius shrugged. "They are very mature and while we don't know the full story, we do know that they've been through things no children their age should have gone through. It is because of this that I'll trust them and their guardians to do what's best for them. Besides. We'll get the story at some point. We can become as over protective and coddling as we want when we hear the full extent of things." The three brothers flushed heavily in embarrassment while their friends, Narcissa, and the Longbottoms all nodded agreement.
"You can trust me and their other guardians to do our best to support them and keep them from getting into too much trouble." Filius assured. "Though I'll admit that these three have an uncanny knack for finding it." The others were reassured enough and trusted the trio to let it go for now. But it left a lot for the triplets to consider that night as they got themselves ready for bed.
They all truly cared, and it might be a good idea to let the Malfoys and Longbottoms in on some of their situation, if not all of it. Considering the Malfoys had the same thoughts on Voldemort before and after he lost his sanity as Severus had, it might be easier for them to accept. And they knew about Tom Riddle's past as much as they did Severus's. And it hadn't been a very well kept secret that Lucius and Narcissa had wished that they could have given Tom and Severus a childhood that hadn't been so full of pain and rejection. And the Longbottoms were rational and kind. They would probably have the same thoughts. And they did understand the Malfoys reasoning for joining Voldemort, even agreeing with some of his ideas before insanity turned him into a blood spilling maniac. 'Not now... But maybe one day, we can tell them everything.' Ignotus assured his brothers, knowing how important the Malfoys had been to them in their last lives.
'We'll see.' was the last word either of the older brothers had to say on the subject for now. It would be a big decision that affected their baby brother as well, and he would always be their top priority. It was just that simple.
-TPT&TCOS-
Antioch Peverell woke up in a cold sweat, heart and head both hammering as he tried to keep a grasp on the images in his mind. He tried, because he knew this information was imperative to him and his brothers. He barely noticed his brothers at his side. "Anti?" Iggy's voice was worried, and it was finally enough to draw him from his panic. Though Cadmus did force a calming drought down his throat for good measure.
"You good, Anti?" Cadmus asked after several minutes of allowing the oldest to sort himself out. Antioch took a deep breath before nodding. "What happened? What did you see?"
"I- I don't remember." Antioch whispered, accepting Ignotus into his arms. "It was dark. And it was damp. I remember water... Yellow eyes. Nothing but that." He took a shaky breath. He tried to force himself to remember, knowing it was probably really important for him and his brothers. But... the customary headache stopped him. Proved to be a blockade. "Something big is going down at Hogwarts this year, and I just know it's going to have to do with the horcrux." he hissed, falling into parseltongue on instinct. The brothers' comfort language.
"Don't worry Anti. We'll figure this out together. You aren't alone in this." Ignotus comforted. Antioch nodded as his lids began to droop and a wave of calming warmth washed over him.
"It wasn't just a calming drought, was it?" Anti accused his younger brother. Said brother neither confirmed or denied it. "Sneaky Snake." Antioch huffed in resigned amusement.
"Rational Ravenclaw." Cadmus returned. Antioch rolled his eyes, already sinking back into the large pillow behind him, Ignotus curling up on one side of him while his other brother curled up on the other side. "Don't push yourself Anti. Now get back to sleep. We return to Hogwarts tomorrow, after all." Cadmus told the boy. Antioch grumbled but was soon asleep, his brothers following suit.