AN: Happy sunday? Monday? It's around 12 when I posted this. Thanks again for reading. Special thanks to Naruhina1519. And to answer your question, I choose Black instead of Riddle, mainly because I doubted Bellatrix knows Voldies real name. As for the power thing, I haven't fully thought it through... still working on it. Another thanks to Foxtrot1702 for the review, it's a delight. P.S. Any errors, I tried... Editing through phone is quite tricky for me. Fav/Follow/Review~
"Mortimer come on! Before everything gets full!" Draco howled over his shoulder.
Failing to notice the heavy lifting Mortimer was conducting, Draco had went on ahead to find the others.
Earlier Draco had refused to pull his own cart that resulted in having to call one of the elves to do it. Mortimer however, didn't see it imperative to call them over. Instead, he decided to move his own belongings. His chest was filled with personal essentials, along with his supplies, that it required the extra luggage. But Mortimer couldn't find anything remotely wrong about it.
Despite him struggling to maneuver his trunks a bit, he was simply too grateful to care whether he looked silly. He was moreover happy to be leaving.
More than that, he had finally convinced Aunt Narcissa to get him a piece of home. That home being a round blue ball. While everyone may have seen it as odd. For him, it was a relief. It was a habit he couldn't easily shake off. In turn, was made worse when he began clutching his hand together that his nails would tear into his skin.
Realising this, Narcissa had gave into his demands and brought him the ovid object. Since then the round sphere hasn't left his hand. Funny enough, Lucius began to suspect it had been glued to him.
"Mortimer are you sure you wouldn't prefer Levi to help you?" Asked Narcissa.
"No Aunt Cissy." He replied kindly before changing topics. "Has Draco said his goodbyes yet?"
"He has." His aunt replied. Even then, her facial expressions were visible. Mortimer could only sense that something was bothering her.
He frowned, wondering if her concerns laid with him. "Then, what's wrong Aunt Cissy? You seem worried.
For a small moment there was nothing but crowded noise.
"I am. But it's not draco that i'm worried about. It's you my dear."Narcissa spoke calmly. Reaching her hand, she pulled one his lose hairs on the side of his small face. "I've been meaning to ask."
Staring down, her eyes filled with concern. "Are you sure you want to go? I mean, you don't have to. If you really wanted, I could hire private tutors to teach you and you would never have to deal with the other children."
Mortimer titled his head. There was more than what she was telling. "Aunt Cissy, what's wrong really? I thought you wanted Draco to stay close."
"Of course I want him here. But as I mentioned, it's not him, it's you." She paused and brought a hand to his tender cheek. "I fear what the other children might do to you. I love your mother dearly. But we both know the kind of person she is... It worries me. You are still so new to our world that you probably don't understand – I do not want the other children hurting you." She finally confessed.
Mortimer stood there. Silently, he understood where her worries were coming from. Because his fears where aligned with Narcissa's, he knew perfectly well.
"Do the other children know?" Mortimer wondered.
"I have no doubt. Anyone who works in Gringotts will be made aware. Like a disease, they will spray it around." She takes a short break. "I'm sorry. It isn't something that could have been prevented."
In a way, mortimer felt heartened to see Narcissa worrying over his well-being. It was the first and quite honestly, he liked the feeling. It reminded him of something he's never had, a caring mother.
But regardless, mortimer wanted to go through with it. He didn't want to hide in the shadows, he wanted to be known as someone better. He had to prove himself worthy.
Mortimer couldn't achieve his goals if Narcissa continued to hold him back.
Nodding his head, mortimer held his chin up. "I understand Aunt Cissy. If it makes you feel better, I will write to you the moment I arrive. I promise."
"I expect nothing less." She smiled warmly. "Do me favor and watch over Draco, for me. I trust you to be more responsible but don't tell him that." Narcissa giggled with a wink.
"You have my word." Mortimer placed his hand over his chest and grinned.
"Good boy, now go on. We wouldn't want you to miss the train." Giving him a send off, Narcissa smiled and waved.
In any case, now that she was out of his visual sight, mortimer turned and went facing the train.
The Hogwarts express was already pact by the time he arrived. Draco was still nowhere to be found. Mortimer's guess, he had found his friends and simply stayed.
Boarding the train, the whistle had been blown and soon, the engines had started move.
Making the hasty decision, he supposed he would find him once they arrived at the station. With his trunks by his side he went to go look for a spot to settle.
Each carriage was presently filled with first years, well-adjusted students and eager children who couldn't wait.
Passing by a few crammed conveyances, he managed to find an empty space nearly towards the end of the train. But it was enough for him. Diverging from behind, he carefully placed his trunks away, quietly shifting from range to range until he was satisfied.
By the end, Mortimer slumped down and rested near the window that had a nice view of the outside lands. Digging in his pocket, he took out the rubber ball that was planted there.
Moments pass by as he fiddled with the toy, squeezing it from time to time. His mind idle for the first time. It made it easier to relax now that he was alone. With a heavy sigh, he was aware that it will take hours before the train stops. The only thing that was left to do was rest.
He closes his eyes.
Years after escaping nana's home, he has never dreamt. Mortimer didn't count his nightmares as a dream simply because they were more like reoccuring memories rather than an actual figment. But ever since his arrival, he's been having the strangest visuals that he couldn't quite explain.
Most of which revolved a strange dark figure that showed him things. Weird things.
It first started out with a snake, of monstrous proportion that had dark green scales. Then a book - more like a journal or diary, that had a black cover. An odd looking ring; ugly thing really, made of gold and in center was a large black stone.
Other images were shown, they were all but unidentifiable and held no significance to him so he didn't think too hard on them.
The only thing he was able to determine was a rather old pendant, which was also made of gold, small green stones, and a large 'S' in the front. His ancestral artefact, one he knew well when researching. Unfortunately, the ornament was lost in time, never to be seen again.
Beyond that, no other images had occurred since then. Without any explanation as to what he was seeing, he was left feeling rather strange; he couldn't describe it nor find the proper words.
None of it made sense to him. It might have been a manifestation caused by his entrance into the wizarding world. Or perhaps it was through all that research, it had finally cracked him into insanity. It was annoying. It was exactly why he had began reading and studying occlumency. He had hoped to be able to use it to block the unusual visions.
But no matter how much he looked into it, it wasn't compared to the physicality, to be able to do it in the flesh. If he were honest, it was a lot more complicated than he realised. There, he would need help from a skilled expert. Sadly, there none that would ever consider him.
He could try asking Dumbledore. Although, part of him had sensed that the headmaster would refuse him. Mainly out of concern for mortimer's own motives. Probably thinks I want to be like Tom - That I want to follow in his foot-steps and become the-all-so-powerful Dark lord. Mortimer scoffed at that.
None of which were true. Mortimer wanted nothing to do with the Blacks, Malfoys, and Guants, especially with Slytherin. Then again, who would believe him?
He's had the same thought for weeks and each time he was left feeling worse. The feeling of emptiness, a distinction that was often too common with him.
"Excuse me, do you mind if we sit here?" Said a feminine voice.
Opening his eyes, he was greeted by three girls, two of which were twins. The other one was a small blonde girl who seemed rather nervous. Mortimer hesistated, slightly embarrassed at his own social skills.
"Uhm - Sure." He murmured. In response the girls simply giggled leaving Mortimer to scratch his head in confusion.
"I'm Lavender Brown." She began to gush for no reason when she sat next to him.
Mortimer made no effort to be friendly, instead gave a nod and returned his gaze at the window.
The other two introduced themselves as Parvati and Padma Patil. Both taking a seat right across him.
Actively, the girls began babbling away on which house they would be sorted, only to then later digress into girlier topics that made him feel uneasy; made known by his flush face.
And for the most part, Mortimer attempted to mute them. It was nearly impossible given Lavender's loud shrilly voice and hard-to-forget repellent laughter. Playing the ball with his finger tips, there were moments where Lavender would brush against him, making mortimer feel unpleasant.
Mortimer had no experience, proper experience, with children his age, especially girls. Most of his childhood was spent accompanied by an old woman he thought was his relative, his only relative. After leaving her custody, there wasn't much room for interactions seeing as how he was later hospitalised.
What a pisser... Cracking his neck without even realising, the startled girls shrieked.
"What!?" Mortimer recoiled hearing their girly screams. He was instantly alarmed.
"Sorry! You scared us that's all." Parvati explained by waving her hands in front of him.
"Yeah. Normally when someone does that, I think we're about to be clobbered." Spoke Padma.
"Right..." Mortimer wasn't sure whether or not to be offended. Offended because they thought he was deranged or because they thought he was capable of hurting anyone, much less a bunch of girls.
Lavender noticed the stern look he was casting. "I don't think you would hurt anyone. You're too nice." She smiled glowingly.
"You barely know me." Mortimer scowled, turning away.
Lavender pointed out. "I don't need to. Anyways, if you were a meanie, you wouldn't have let us sit here with you. You could have driven us out."
Both Patil girls nodded their heads in consensus. "It's true."
Dismissing her, Lavender delievered a fake cough before asking. "So, what was your name again?"
Mortimer's eyes never left his side view. "I never said it." He muttered.
"Then tell us." Said Padma.
"We're very curious." Parvati agreed with her sister and nodded.
A clipped halt, he tettered without showing them. "It's Mortimer..." He stopped himself. Still hesistant to let anyone know he was a Black.
Fortunately for him, Lavender was too impatient and keen to let him. "Oh! What an interesting name. It sounds so mysterious - deep, It's no wonder why we barely know anyone with such meaningful names. You're the first Mortimer I've ever met - "
"Didn't father say that it means death?" Parvati quizzed, tilting her head slightly.
"No no no, he said dead sea - dead pond? Or something dead along those lines." Padma shrugged, even she wasn't so sure.
"Oh but who could tell!" Lavender rolled her eyes. "It still doesn't take away the mystery behind it. If you ask me, I think it suits you. Your very secretive, almost like your hiding something. Ooh - don't worry though. I won't pry. Your secrets safe with me." Crossing her heart, Lavender gave him a gleaming smile that irked him to the very core.
"Anything from the trolley?" Announced an elderly woman.
Mortimer quickly declined while the other girls happily grabbed their desired treats.
No later than a few seconds, Lavender gathered. She suddenly slapped her forehead. "Oh shoot! I forgot - I must have left my sack at home." Beginning to blubber.
Embarrassed she covered her face with her hands. "Oh I can't believe it. How will survive! How can I be so careless. What if my parent's can't find it? What am I going to do? What if it was stolen! I don't think - "
Mortimer loudly groaned that caught everyone's attention. "Will you please quit your yammering. If you can't afford it then why grab it in the first place?"
"I'm not poor!" She choaked, fighting of the blooming zeal appearing.
"Could have fooled me." Mortimer reeled his head back, his dark glance watching coldly.
Lavender snorted, narrowing her nettled eyes. "I'll have you know my parent's are well situated with their finances."
"If that were true, you wouldn't be in this position. Besides, what are you fussing on about? It's just candy." He said starkly.
"That's easy for you to say. You're not the one who wants pumpkin pasties." Crossing her arms she huffed forcefully.
Remitting herself, an idea popped secretly within as she began fluttering her eyes at him. "Would you care enough to buy me one... Morty..."
Parvati let out a short gasp and Padma covered her mouth with one hand.
However, Mortimer's dark eyes quickly enlarged as if he were promptly smack upside the head. He became very still, his face, paler than before. " Wha - did you call me?"
"Oh don't be like that Morty. It's a lot less serious and better. Personally I think it's adorable!" Lavender began to squeal in delight.
Mortimer had yet to move. His lip twitched, suppressing the darkness that flared in his eyes. "Don't call me that." He snarled, clutching his hands into a tight fist.
"I won't. Only if you agree to get me some pastries from the trolley." She clasped her hands from behing, negotiating the terms.
He growled, tightening his grip further. Lavender not realising he was resisting the dark urges whirling deeply within. "Fine."
"One." He fumed. Getting up from his seat, mortimer aggressively retrieved his pouch and paid the trolley witch, nearly shoving the sickles at her palms.
With her arms no longer crossed, she made a small noise with her foot and whined. "Aw, but I want three."
Why you little - "One." Mortimer spoke in a low voice.
"Five!" She shouted.
"One." He repeated.
Lavender challenged him. "Four." She whispered carefully, examining close.
"Two." He said in a serious tone that was not up for debate.
"Three! That's final!" She said with determination.
At the same time both the Patil twins watched back and forth as the scene unfolded. The elderly witch knew she should stop the two from further arguing but was ashamed to admit, she too was invested.
"Fine!" Mortimer yelled, high-coloured spreading across. A rare feeling, this was the first time he's ever wanted to pull his hairs out.
The air became clear right after Lavender's face brightened intensely. "Hurray!" She made a little hop of celebration.
Her victory became mortimer's defeat as he conceeded. Mortimer couldn't believe the sort he had to deal with. What was more shocking is that she dared to speak to him in way that no one ever has. She acted as if they were already friends. They were nothing but strangers. What right did she have to approach him in that manner.
It made his stomach turn.
Straight off, he went back to his resting place. In a foul mood, mortimer collapsed on the padding. The girls shortly retreated back as well. This time though, the atmosphere had quickly morphed into something undescribable.
He couldn't quite place his finger on it. All he knew now was that the girls couldn't stop staring at him. Parvati kept smiling at him, exposing her perfect teeth. Padma shared the same expression, only hers was more discreet. And whereas the twins remained quite, Lavender couldn't hold it anymore.
Giggling, she began giggling at him.
Completely confused, and feeling a slight urge to choke the air out of her lungs, mortimer clenched his jaw tightly. Cracking his neck, he held the ball tightly inside his pocket.
"Mortimer there you are!" The carriage door abruptly opens.
Staring up, he was met by his savior, Draco. "I've been looking everywhere for you - Say, what are you doing here with a bunch of girls?"
"Hey!" Shouted Lavender. Parvati also made a noise to show her distaste for draco's tone.
A sigh of relief, mortimer immediately rises and dusts of his robes. "Oh thank you!"
"Let's go." Draco rolled his eyes and commanded his goons to retrieve mortimer's trunks. "You're better off with us than in here."
"Wait - You're leaving?" Lavender spoke. The detectable tone of sadness in her voice was known.
"To get away from you? Yes." Mortimer chaffted rather harshly. Precisely when Draco and his croonies laughed.
Mortimer didn't bother to look at the hurt expression lavender had. Walking out of the compartment, he along with draco moved towards the front of the carriage that was crowded with familiar faces.
Theodore watched and greeted him. "Mortimer." He said simply.
Clearing his throat. "Theodore." He offered a nod.
"I saved you a seat mortimer." Pansy voiced delicately.
His spot being near her, he frowned and conversely traded with his cousin. "Draco, Pansy saved you a seat."
"I brought you toffees." A nervous Goyle offered him candy in hopes of getting his praises.
"Not in the mood for sweets." Looking away, mortimer silently leaned back.
Crabbe catered mortimer his own beverage. "Pumkin juice?" He stuttered.
"I'm not thirsty." Mortimer said quietly before closing his eyes.
"What wrong with you lot? Am I missing something?" Prest an unknown boy. He blinked a few times as he felt the sudden shift in his friends movements.
Mortimer didn't bother to answer. Instead, kept his eyes closed. There wasn't a care for the lad. To mortimer, the boy was probably another wealthy pure-blood. If anything has taught him about their society, the boy perhaps shares the same characteristics as his cousin, stuck-up.
Taking the initiative, introductions were made by Draco as he announced. "Blaise this is Mortimer Black. He's my cousin." Looking over at mortimer, he said. "Mortimer this is Blaise Zabini. A friend."
For the sake of his cover, Mortimer had to supress a sigh. Opening one eye, he spoke softly. "Nice to meet you. I've read all about your 'family'. Quite honestly, I didn't think I would see you attending here. Beauxbatons seems rather fitting."
"I thought so too. But mother refused." Blaise expressed his disappointment.
"Ah - Is she seeing anyone these days?" Both eyes fully oppened, he wondered.
Blaise waited a moment to observe Mortimer's curiousity stare. "Since you know so much, you can already guess."
Coughing, they both looked at Theodore. He faced Draco and asked. "Did you find Potter?"
Pausing, Draco had immediately turned tense. His eyes filled with hatred. It was not complex to figure out that things had gone sour.
Telling by his voice, Draco must have found his new rival. "Potter..." He said with venom in his voice. "What I expected him to be. Arrogant and self-absorbed. He thinks he's better than us because he defeated You-Know-Who. But just he wait. I'll show him whose the superior one."
Watching Draco the sinister grin that was forming, along with his friends agreement, Mortimer glared. Lifting his hand towards his cheek, mortimer felt regid and broiling on his skin. Even so decided to stay silent.
"What's in your pocket?" Questioned Blaise all of a sudden.
Mortimer's hand tightened, debating on whether to show them. Assuming they would tease him for having the trinket, he was aware of their dissapproval towards muggle objects.Time to pull out my 'Dark Lord's son' card.
Rather than give Blaise the satisfaction, he casually extracted the blue ball that was unsheltered by his hand.
He began to chuckle to himself. It was obvious that he hadn't expected to find him with a basic possession. "I thought only primitives, notably muggles, would play with something as simple as a ball." Blaise mocked.
"Is that so?" Mortimer questioned darkly. "I guess that makes me a muggle, huh?" He waited for Blaise to contest him of his words. But it never came.
Studying how everything became quiet with fretful affection. Draco on the other hand merely smirked. "Don't be absurd mortimer. I doubt Aunt Bella would approve you saying senseless things."
He tsk. "I don't know Draco, your friend seems to think otherwise." Eyeing the boy sitting across from him, mortimer dared him to counter. "Right... Zabini?"
The italian slowly straightened his shoulders and cleared his throat. "I-I only meant - tha-that, um - "
"What Blaise means, as a Pure-Blood, you - we are expected to appear in a certain way that doesn't tarnish the name. He didn't mean to offend you. He was simply looking out for your best interests." Theodore came to dig Blaise out of the hole he created.
"We all are!" Pansy shuffled before they murmered in settlement, nodding their heads ardently.
Mortimer found it fascinating how one name could instill fear. A drop of his mother's name and poof! The atmosphere in the compartment changed into an eerie and tense area that you could easily cut with a knife.
Everyone, except Draco, felt like they had to walk on egg shells. Cautious around him as to not offend the young heir. Attempting to only appease him. Out of the terror they had for his mother, Mortimer sighed heavily.
"I suppose that makes sense..." Playing the part, Mortimer smoothly pursed his lips. "I guess I should be thanking you Blaise."
Instantly his eyes widened, shaking his head, Blaise replied with. "No, no that's ok - Think nothing of it."
Nothing else was said after that.
Most of the train ride was spent on Quidditch and thankfully, had forgotten he was even in the compartment.
He detested the vain high-and-mighty personas that surrounded him and in spite of that, it was the only thing keeping mortimer from being a target within the circle.
Through each single hardship he has experienced, he managed to contain most of his sanity. Had it not been for nana's demise, who knows where he might find himself in.
Since then, mortimer has accepted the fact that he's childhood was nonexsistent. The terms of being a Black, among the other families, was an enforcement in maturity. It was the price he was willing to pay if it meant opening doors to better prospects; preferably far from these sorts.
How long would it take? Considering he's barely started the year, it most likely take six, five more years before he could be on his own. I'm only eleven and already feel fifty...
Abandoning the thought, he sat back and watched the others before closing his eyes once more.
"Mortimer? Wake up, we're nearly there." Talking to a sleepy mortimer. Pansy gently shook the boy.
His eyes lit up before looking around. Sitting in a start, mortimer must have dozed off while listening to the endless twattling they were buzzing.
Rubbing his face, he was recuperating from his drowsy state.
Forcusing, his vision was met by Pansy. Her small frame standing there gave him the indication of being anxious. Remembering the nerves he was known to cause, mortimer grunted mentally. He was annoyed but didn't show it.
"Thank you Pansy." He flashing her a charming smile. It didn't take much effort for his words to effect her.
Gaining his assurance, Pansy smiled and was delighted to hear his gratitude. "You're very welcome! I-I should go get dressed now..." Casting a flush expression she pratically ran out of the room.
It was strange and other-wordly to be regaled as if he were royal. Their behaviors derive from the continuous frightful emotion caused by a Death Eater behind bars. While mortimer has heard the tales and read from sources, to have actually know them, was a different story all together.
Narcissa always spoke in means of respect towards Bellatrix. Though it was never enough, if anything, it left mortimer feeling rather empty, vague from the ambiguity that surrounded his mother. His Aunt at times would pretend that everything is normal, times where she would forget his mother even exsisted. Pondering, it might have been a way to cope with the unpending damage her family had caused.
Which included, Lucius himself. Mortimer was aware of his uncle's loyalities so it was no surprise that a man with money and power could escape imprisonment. It was funny to witness how ignorant the Malfoy family could be.
Lucius truly believed that the Dark Lord was gone, and there was no way he could return. Mortimer was aware that it wasn't necessarily true, Dumbledore believes this as well. A man with unlimited power and excentrical gifts wouldn't have fallen so easily. It is why Mortimer refused to believe that a dribbling baby was able to defeat him just by staring at him.
Toying the ball at hand, Mortimer glimpsed through the window, notcing that it was getting dark and as the evening drew near, the boys had seperately changed into their uniform robes.
"Are we in agreement that we'll be sorted into Slytherin?" Adjusting his tie, Draco opened the door and stated factually.
Their low voices confirmed, mortimer wholly rolled his eyes.
Glancing privately across the conveyance, he could feel the train decelerating. Having to sit for hours, the other children stretched and wiggled their bodies in alleviation.
Mortimer paused shortly, listening to Draco's developing footsteps. Approaching through the train, draco had this haughty posture that made mortimer knit his brows in vex. "Do try and make friends mortimer."
Grabbing his own luggage, his mouth set in a hard line, resisting the urge to make any witty comments. "I don't want friends." He said quietly. Least not your friends...
"And that's why you'll never get anywhere if you continue to shut people off. You're a Black. What reason do you have to mope about?" Draco spat as he cocked his head.
Mortimer didn't bother to respond. Doing so would open up a can of worms he wasn't willing to indulge on. The bitter old memories of his youth were one's he had erased from his subconcious the minute Dumbledore had taken him away. The reoccuring nightmare that often refused to leave speared right through him in a flash.
He has yet to share this with anyone and he planned on keeping it this way. "Let's go, half of the train is already empty and I don't want to get left behind."
"I agree. Time to show everyone what it means to be a real wizard."
Obtaining most of his possessions, he trailed behind Draco. "Leave the luggage, the elves will take it from here." He informed.
Taking a small breath, mortimer strightened his shoulders and walked outside the train where he found the rest of the students. He could spot Theodore and Blaise speaking to each other, Pansy was near listening in on them and Crabbe and Goyle seemed to be staring off into space.
Mortimer was much too relieved that it was over, needless to say his solace expression was soon replaced by a perturbed reaction when he caught sight of Lavender watching him.
Her face virtually lit up when she caught him staring back at her. Mortimer clearly did not know how to respond to her beaming smile. Contrary, his face turned grim and turned away. His attention settled on the vaguely familiar giant that was yelling for first-years.
"- this way! Follow along!" Instructed the giant holding on a single lament.
"Oh great... they placed the big oaf in charge of escorting us safetly towards the school grounds. We'll never make it." Draco criticized before letting out a scoff.
"No use in complaing now, is there?" Mortimer said coolly while wiggling the ball around.
"Wait till father hears about this." Draco threatned.
Brushing off his whiney cousin, mortimer walked ahead with the other children. The aggregate of students that were excited became substantial when they got a glimpse at the boats parking on the side lake.
Mortimer had been told by Lucius beforehand about the senseless tradition Hogwarts had for its first-years. So it was no surprise that he would be taking a boat ride towards the school. What irked him now was getting huddled from behind by the two large boys, Crabbe and Goyle. Draco sat in the front to avoid being squashed, leaving mortimer to his discomforting fate.
The ride was slow and uneventful. Except for when the other children began talking loudly of a supposed giant squid that lived in the lake but found no indication. He even dared to stick his hand into water, hoping to provoke the made-up creature.
Stepping out of the boat, the children were ushered over the pathway. Then, were met by one of the staff members that stood upright near the entrance doors. A witch who introduced herself as Professor McGonagall. She would later explain to them in detail about what is to come once they step inside the Great Hall.
The representation of each house and it's founding memebers. Along with house points to win the House Cup at the end of the year. Most of children listened intently on what the professor was telling them. But mortimer was focusing more on the talking-floaty ghosts that were passing by.
Many of the things he was told as a child were thought to be make believe, or simply didn't exsist. Yet, here he was watching a group of apparitions coversing in a casual manner that seemed normal to them. If he were to tell nana this, mortimer was fairly certain he'd spend the rest of his life in the attic.
"Oi, mortimer you're falling behind." Hissed Draco. Gazing at his cousin he became aware that the other students were being lead into the Great Hall. Uncloaking the rest of the older students that were waiting to see which child would be sorted at.
The interior commodious hall truly was a sight to be hold. The books in comparision made it seem more of a fanasty than a actuality. But this was his reality, this was a new world; his world. What mortimer had to worry about now was passing his classes; it also wouldn't hurt if he made top.
Mortimer's attention was grabbed once he spotted Dumbledore. He was sitting behind with the others Professors. Also recognizing Professor Snape, he had the same expression he had the first time mortimer had met him, annoyed and uninterested.
Dumbledore caught sight of him and shot him a quick smile before looking away.
Finally managing to gather the rest of the students, their young faces wandered around the hall until everyone's attention was caught on by a single hat.
At first glance, it struck out as a simple old-worn out hat that had rough patches and various wrinkles across. Mortimer, along with the others, mouth's had suddenly dropped when the inanimate headpiece began talking.
Brushing off the questions that were floating in his head once the old jagged-craggy hat commenced singing, mortimer decided to stop questioning everything. Knowing it'll only confuse him more, he was growing tired of finding answers and explainations for everything magic-like.
Fortunately, the song did not stretch as far. Nonetheless, clapped out of politeness and soon, was called on by the older witch.
"When I call your name please approach the stool." Professor McGonagall instructed.
If he guessed right, the order at which it was going, he was well aware that his name would be announced very shortly. His hands tightened into a fists once it came true.
"Black, Mortimer." His name made public, he rapidly loosen his grip and approached the stool.
Several gasps and murmurs surrounded the hall as they witnessed the child walking with his head high. A mixture of fearful eyes and hatred glares were attentive.
The expression's among the other houses were less than welcoming. Among the crowd, a chubby boy who had a hurtful yet horrified expression that he had to lower his head to fully avoid looking at him.
Somehow mortimer was able to hear the bush-haired girl console the podgy boy as she padded his back. "It's ok Neville..."
Lavender was also having a hard time processing how someone as sweet as Morty could come from such a family.
No doubt some might believe him to be Sirius' child, mortimer did not know. But when the appropriate opportunity comes, he will correct that fact. Sure, it might make his situation worse if were more truthful. A woman who tortured and murdered with pride against a man who was loved by other's only to turn traitor. Mortimer couldn't decided which out weighs the other. Murderer or Traitor? It would take time until he could fully find the response.
The old worn-out hat was placed on his head and not long after, heard a voice appear inside his own very mind.
"Another Black. Hmm... and here I thought to have sorted the last of your memebers. It would seem I was mistaken. Ah~ What's this? A mind so filled with drive and determination. Yes - I have sorted a mind similar to this before... You are your father's son."
"I am not him..." Mortimer almost growled at that outrageous statement.
"No no no, of course not. Nor are you anything like your mother." The hat reassured him.
"Then get on with it." Quickly losing his patience, he squeezed the ball inside of his pocket.
"Yes, let's - We both already know where you belong, don't we?"
Cracking his neck, he let out a sigh while averting his eyes from the public. "If my bloodline says so otherwise, than yes, I know very well where I'll be going."
"Do not fret child. You are looking for a challenge to prove yourself. Correct? This is the only way to do it. With your ancestry, you could change things for the better. Prove to all what it means to be a true Slytherin..."
Lowering his shoulders. "I get it - I don't like it, but I get it." His voice quiet.
"I knew you would understand. Off with you to - "
"SLYTHERIN!" The hat yelled.
Shutting out the hard cold glares he was recieving from the other students. Mortimer hopped off the stool and made his way towards the Slytherin table.
Lowering his gaze, he witnessed his tie turning into a green-silvery colour, with the his house crest appearing shortly. The older students welcomed him and patted him on the shoulder.
Not long after, one of the children was placed into Ravenclaw. Mortimer got a glimpse of Lavender, who was then sorted into Gryffindor. A girl by the name of Millicent Bulstrode joined Slytherin after.
Unsurprisingly Draco and the rest of his croonies ended up in Slytherin as well. The hat barley touching his head, the smug expression Draco wore walking at the table, Mortimer did not let it bother him. A few students in, they reached towards the end.
But once the name Harry Potter was called, everyone's attention was hooked on the boy. Mortimer has heard a lot about him, mostly through Draco's rants.
He expected to see the image of a confident-heroic, courageous figure, oozing in self-righteousness.
Mortimer was mistaken.
The boy sitting on the stool was the complete opposite.
Weak, lanky, timid and feeble. This was the suppose Boy-Who-Lived? The boy that defeated his father? The one who presumably ended the war? It had to be an error. He was sure of it.
Loud screams of victory emerged from the Gryffindor table when the sorting hat announced Potter.
Draco rolled his eyes and scoffed. "Look at him, he relishes the attention. Nothing good ever comes from being a Gryffindor."
Tuning out most of the noise, dinner was fine. Dessert, mortimer was never one for sweets. Draco did most of the talking and whining, which he had ignored. Until finally it was time for bed.
Guided by the Slytherin Prefects, they were escorted down the staircase towards the Dungeons. When they eventually arrived, they walked into a hidden room and were welcomed by stone walls and a spitting fire that warmed the place.
The windows showed only the Great Lake where one of the prefects described to have occasionally seen the Giant Squid. It felt cold, distant, but mortimer pressumed this is what it means to be sorted into a house that holds a serpent as their symbol.
"Your personal items should be settled in your rooms. The password can be found on our bulletin board. So please make sure you check it every few days for the new password, otherwise you will be unable to gain access. Professor Snape is our Head of House. Any concerns, direct your attention to him or your prefects. The boys dorm is right, Girls, left." The prefect, Gemma Farley informed the children before Professor Snape arrived.
"Thank you Miss Farley." Severus paused, gandering at the first years. "Welcome. For the duration of your school days, this will be your home. The witches and wizards around you are to be treated as your own. You are not only representing me, but you represent everything it means to be in Slytherin. Let your cunning, determination, and ambition show. Despite what the other houses may think, we are far more united than they will ever be. Do not disappoint your housemates by besmirching our reputation. Is that clear?"
The first-years, along with Mortimer, agreed vocally, nodding their heads as they grasped onto his words.
"Good. As Miss Farley previously stated. I am your Head of House. Any worries or concerns you have should be addressed directly to me or your prefects. Questions?" Professor Snape asked.
None of the children responded.
"To bed then, all of you."
With that, the first-year children dispersed into their own little groups. Mortimer along with the other boys went into their respected dorms.
The beds here were no different than the one's at the Manor, only the mattress was a lot softer than the one here. That and his initials were written on top of the four poster bed.
"Told you we'd be here." Said Draco, settling his bed. Obviously pleased with the results.
Closing his bed curtains, Mortimer laid back and closed his eyes. "Hey, Draco?"
"Yeah?"
Smiling to himself, he spoke. "Shut up."
Both Blaise and Theodore laughed while Draco fought off the blush that was creeping on his cheeks.