AN: I didn't think I'd be able to upadate this week considering the type schedule I have. STILL, es cool. Special Thanks to Foxtrot1702 n' Naruhina1519, lovely peeps~ Happy Halloween. FAV/FOLLOW/REVIEW Thanks for reading.

"Give me…name…"

"No."

"Name."

"I said no."

"Name."

"For the last time I said no."

". . . Na…me. . ."

"You are not a pet, let alone mines. So stop talking!"

For the last hour he's been going at it, arguing with the annoying little worm.

Ignoring it made it unbearable to think in the room. It hissed and wriggled around for attention. It was dead set on believing that Mortimer was his master. Differing in opinion, he had no interest in taking care of the scaled elongated wiggler.

He was not up to leaving, in doing he risks running into his Aunt and Uncle, the people he's avoided for days.

Hurt and betrayed, he spends most of his time in his room. The elves has certainly proved to be useful. Bringing his meals, picking up his laundry, keeping the room neat, there was no need to leave when he had everything. Well, almost everything…

The book Severus had given him on occlumency had been a big help. He still refused to teach him, saying Mortimer's mind was far too weak to handle the intrusion attack against legilimency. Despite being insulted and belittled, it was progress. Closer to getting there, he needed to restraint himself a little more than anticipated.

Currently speaking, Mortimer finds himself in a predicament. In his sleep, someone was stopping him from further learning the skill. There was three to choose from and it was the very people who lived there.

His uncle came to mind, he seems like the sort to pry in matters that didn't concern him, he was nosy. If that were the case, surely his uncle would have confronted him about it by now. Then there was Aunt Cissy. Mortimer still has a hard time processing what she had done. He expected this from lucius, but his aunt? The pain burns in his chest, freshly sore by her actions.

It seems likely. She was cunning and subtle. Probably waiting for him to make the first move. Maybe make a mistake to confirm her suspicions. To catch him in the act to later accuse him.

Perhaps Draco would… Nah – He wouldn't risk it. He was too loud to be sneaky, more likely to wake him if anything.

Going back to his aunt, she was definite answer. What was left for him to do is find the book and hope they don't notice it missing. He can't do it alone. Not without a little help. Mulling over his options, Mortimer considers asking Draco.

Speaking of his cousin. He was currently sitting on Mortimer's bed. With his legs folded, draco was found reading. There was nothing better to do – hardly true.

Mortimer knew it was an excuse for his cousin to stay near him. Seeking refuge in his room, Draco had surprisingly sided with Mortimer. There was also the idea that draco supported him because he knew better than anyone else how much he went through. Keeping his word, no one has found out.

Remembering their little plot, and just knowing that they risked his safety, mortimer felt a pang of contempt. And for what? To find out whether he was worth keeping? To brag to the fact that he was the descended of on old dead wizard?

Well congratulations. They got their answer. In doing so, he's lost the trust he had. It hurts more to know that aunt cissy would agree instead of simply talking to him. He'd be upset, no doubt, but at least he wouldn't feel the treachery that's leeched itself onto him.

In their idiotic curiosity, mortimer was now left dealing with this intolerable serpent.

"Are you arguing with it again?" Draco asks. One brow was raised, his silver eyes bewildered.

Finding out his cousin could speak to the slippery creature, he was rather frightened, being that the last person who was able to speak the language happen to be the very same person who started a war. Was he afraid? Mortimer wasn't sure. The blonde was raised on the belief that he was far superior than everyone else. Mortimer wonders about Draco's feelings towards the dark lord. He never once spoke about him nor show any indication that he was aware just how close his father really was to him.

It didn't take him long to figure out just who Mortimer father was. And frankly, it made draco a little jumpy.

Setting aside the scared-stiff behavior, draco was nonetheless fascinated to witness the suppose 'arguments' that were occurring between the two.

There was small tension in the room. Deriving from Mortimer and Snake – For days the tedious reptile has been requesting it be given a name. Mortimer refuses its demands. In doing so would only mean he was accepting it, claiming it as a companion. He had no desire in accommodating it. Barely able to care for himself, mortimer didn't need any more burdens.

"The filthy thing wants a name." Sitting in front of Draco, Mortimer sat at the edge of his bed. He points at the snake, it moves on the floor, jerking around in discomfort.

Draco sets his book down, laying back he hears the annoyance in Mortimer's voice. "Give him a name and be done with it."

He turns to face Draco, expression filled with annoyance. "I don't see why I should. I hate snakes."

The blond was flabbergasted at how his dislike for the small creature. "You do know the house you were sorted in right?"

Grumbling under his breath as gets out of bed. He goes near his desk to retrieve his ball. "Don't remind me."

"I don't see why you're so resentful towards it. Mother and Father brought – It didn't ask to be chosen." He treads carefully, not wanting to upset him.

"Yeah well, It's free to go…"

"And?"

"It doesn't want to go anywhere!"

The no-name creature starts making loud noises that draco perks up to see the fuss. Mortimer shrugs it off and walks near his window. It was snowing again and tomorrow, he'll be going back to Hogwarts.

He doesn't know which was worse. The constant bulling he faced in school, or dealing with two-faced guardians who were only interested in benefiting off him rather than actually caring for him.

Funny thing really.

To think, they were only playing him, stringing him on like some sort of puppet. Stupid boy, he was, for letting them fool him. Allowing aunt cissy to trick him into thinking she cared for him, going as far as to say love. Who was he kidding? Love was an emotion that was always excluded to him. For some unknown reason, the world deems him ill fit to receive any kind of happiness, any resemblance to love. A challenge, he's forced to find his own, as of now though, he has little luck.

Dusky gloom eyes searched out the window, the wintry sleets descend onto the woods. It was quiet, except for the hard wind as it hits the glass in balmy force. Mortimer's shoeless feet were made warm by the small fireplace in his room.

Mortimer watched the slippery serpent.

It wasn't that he hated the animal specifically, only that he wasn't use to seeing them. If he had to choose a pet, he definitely wouldn't have picked a snake. Truth be told, he always wanted a dog.

Through Nana's home, he would often peep out her windows. Seeing the big canine run around the neighbor's backyard, he always wondered what it felt to pet one. That dream had came true when Nana had send him to throw out the garbage on that day.

It was afternoon when the golden retriever had ran towards the worn-down fence. As a very young child, his curiosity got the better of him. A five year old Mortimer walks in its direction. He was giddy and overjoyed when the tail-wagger allowed himself to be pet. It must of sense his spiritless emotion at the time.

Part of mortimer wants to believe that was the case since not a moment later the golden haired hound started nipping his small hand, whining in a low tone as it uses its head to rub against his arm.

That was the first and last time he would ever see an animal up close.

The rest of days were spent shacked up in her home.

Mortimer stops the memory before it can go any further. A derailed train of thoughts was risking any unwanted assaults of the mind.

"What's it saying?" Draco was still on the bed, his head leaning down to see the dark critter.

He turns his back away from the window, staring once again. "It's throwing a tantrum. Ignore it."

The on going minutes turn excruciating, the unwanted snake hisses 'Name' non-stop. In company with violent rapid movements, the reptile commitments to annoy him further had brought it victory.

"Shut up already!" Mortimer's reaction to convey what little patience he has could be sensed that his own cousin had to take a step back.

"I want a name." The nameless living thing repeats what has already been said.

Mortimer is tempted to throw it out the window and save himself the trouble. "You don't get one. I am not your master. You are not my pet. You are a pest, and if you don't quiet down I'll show you what I do with flaky beasts."

Stopping its movements, the creature doesn't respond. It stares up, eyeing the person that is suppose to be caring for it. One could even say it was hurt at his rejection.

It hasn't been alive long enough to understand why it wasn't being accepted. Did it do something wrong? Had it been offensive to warrant his master's cruel behavior? It's never served anyone before, so what does a rejected familiar do?

It was confused.

Skimming for an answer, it settles near the fireplace. This seems to satisfy mortimer when he momentarily studies the sudden action. He moves to sit next to draco.

A long string of silence commences. Neither boy moves, allowing room for pondering thoughts to happen.

It's hard to tell what Draco is thinking, there was mixed emotions parading in his face. Tense and nervous, excitement and fascination were ones he could identify.

This was just another added part that mortimer will have to keep hidden. A risky move, perturb by his aunt and uncle, they threaten his identity, his very existence. It was a matter of time before everyone else becomes aware. He toys his ball around – thinking of what was to come. It was asinine, he was only a child, he's not suppose to hassle over these types of problems.

It was undeniable that the torturing will only get worse as the years go by. And there was nothing he could do about it.

Mortimer can virtually hear Draco's thoughts. The way he was chewing hips lips, his hands closed shut. "What?"

Clearing his throat, he was feeling rather awkward. Now that his reaction was caught, draco's strangely overexposed effect was coming in to question. "Does it bother you?"

The question alone, irritation was slowly making its way. He was aware of the truth behind his interest. "Does what bother me?"

"You father – you know who. Does it bother you to know that he is your father? I never asked about Aunt bella." It couldn't be helped, his prying restless words began to unopen.

There was little solace when it came to the topic of said parents. Truthfully, he dislikes them – refusing to hate them, a hatred that was reserved for the old woman burning in hell, he dislikes the kind of people they've become. Dislikes that they never thought about him. That they didn't stop to think, for even a second, that he would be condemned for their inexcusable deeds?

The consequences of leaving a child out into the world without the proper care, the guidance, the love…

I had to kill my own grandmother just be happy… To feel something - anything besides the empty hollowness that filled his every pores.

They caused a lot of suffering, and in return it was he who was at a constant misery. Left to deal with the mess, never to be heard, to be trusted, to be free.

Selfish, they were nothing but selfish people…

"Let me ask you something Draco." Mortimer puzzled over a scenario. "What would happen if you found out that, you know who, murdered your parents? What if they had a son? Would you still be here to treat me with a warm welcome? Have civilized conversations? Offer me your full support?"

These questions had Draco on edge, he almost regretted asking his. Convincing himself that Mortimer was simply being childish. He was angry at the wrong people. Because parents are suppose to do what's best for their children, they don't make mistakes. Right?

When Draco doesn't answer but only stares at him. He gets a sense of satisfaction and continues. "Nothing?" Rubbing his chin, Mortimer delays before coming up with a new situation. "Fine – What if, you know who, were to rise back from dead… What do you think is going to happen when he finds out that all his followers have moved on with their lives? That no one has bothered to look for him."

Again, mortimer is met with silence.

"He-He wouldn't do anything… We're purebloods…" Draco's answer seems to fail him, even he wasn't convinced in his own thoughts.

Mortimer finds it amusing. "True – What about blood traitors? Don't they deserve the same treatment? I mean how do you plan on ruling when there is no one to rule over? If you go around murdering every wizard or witch you come across, how do you expect to over come mugglesborns? There's more of them than us."

"If I was him, I'd be upset – furious even – that someone would stupidly think I could be defeated by mere baby, one who has never picked up a wand. I would punish those who doubted me. I'll go far as to murder one of my own, just to make an example."

Blankly, Draco didn't know what to say to that, he can only look away, settling down in the quietly room. Listening to Mortimer's made up plot that somehow made sense. But he was still his cousin, still to be supported through the good and bad.

Shaking his head, Draco was in denial. "You shouldn't think like that. Father says he's dead, so there's no point in saying things that will never happen."

"How can you be sure? They never found his body… Not even a finger. For all you know, he could just be greatly injured. He could be recovering, gathering strength, waiting for the right moment. And when the day comes, know he isn't going to show any kindness. Not you, not to your father, no one – You know who isn't one to show mercy to his victims."

There was someone knocking on wood. It took both boys several moments to realise they were hiding from the adults. Occupied in the conversation, they were feeling out of sorts from troubling cases, it took some time to gather themselves.

The scaly worm was still laying near the fireplace. It hasn't said anything, only stared at the fire. Draco was still sitting besides Mortimer on the bed when the knocking began again, only more rapidly. Staring at cousin, all but dead to the world as Mortimer dozes off, Draco decides to answer the call.

He gets out from the bed and walks straight towards the door. "Yes mother?"

Draco opens the door and peers through the slit, he sticks his head through it and blinks. Narcissa's beautiful face was met, standing there, her nervousness to try and approach Mortimer was rejected when he refused to answer the door. Instead was met with her own son.

Her head was laid low as she replies. "Where is your cousin?"

Making a face, Draco answers, nearly somber-like. "He's sleeping."

It was obvious her son was covering for Mortimer. She doesn't believe him of course, but confronting him about it wouldn't do any good. Neither was forcing herself into mortimer's room, demanding her nephew talk to her.

She just wanted everything back to normal. "I see… Well then I guess you should be heading back to your own room."

"I will." He eyes peer back for a second, to see mortimer tossing his ball back and forth. "I just need to… gather my stuff before I leave."

Mortimer can hear his aunts ached voice. "I – Alright… be quick about it. Tomorrow you'll be leaving and I don't want any of you to miss the train."

"Of course." Draco nods before closing the door quietly.

He turns to Mortimer, still sitting on the bed. "She's gone." Nearly whispering, it brings little comfort having to stand there and lie in front of his own mother.

Mortimer doesn't care, an important matter needs tending before leaving for the train. He needs Draco. "I need your help."

"With?"

Hopping off the bed, mortimer throws his ball against the wall. "I'll answer some of your questions after we leave. For now, I need you to not say anything. Will you help me?"

He shouldn't do it. 'Bad idea' was written all over it. Draco should say no and then go to his room. "Yes." Stupid stupid stupid… He wanted to smack himself.

All too grateful, this causes mortimer to smile. "Thank you."

Proceeding to a game plan, he informs draco. "I need help breaking into your father's office."

"Are you insane!" Shaking his head roughly. He refuses to die at such a young age. "You're crazy!"

"Will you quiet down!" Mortimer hisses, covering Draco's mouth with his hand, he whispers, close to pleading. "My occlumency book is missing. I believe your parents are behind it and I also think if I were to take something, the last place I'd look is in an office, where all the important stuff is kept."

Draco huffed at him, managing to some-what collet himself. "Occlumency? What are you thinking? Where did you –"

Draco found his mouth concealed once more. "I said I would answer after we left. Please Draco… you're the only one I can trust."

Mortimer's imploring dark eyes gave way to how desperate he was. Trust. He was trusting draco enough to include him in this insane, nutty, dangerous plot.

He lowers his hands, they rest on Draco's chin, allowing him to speak.

Like an idiot, draco finds himself nodding his head. "Ok… How do you plan on getting it back? And what if father finds us."

"He won't. I have a plan." He removes his hands and looks around the room.

Pleased, Mortimer let's go of him. He wrapped his arms around himself, thinking. There was something he was missing. But what? Mortimer's eyes move towards the fireside grate where the silent snake rested.

Reluctant to use the animal, mortimer needed security, a full-proof plan. Taking a chance he quietly paces near the creature. "No name."

No name is surprised to be acknowledge, despite not having one. It raises its head just a bit, enough to meet his eyes.

The boy carries on. " If you wish to serve me. You must first prove you are able to."

"What do you ask of me…"

"You are to follow my – " He glances at the other human. "assistant. When he gives you the signal, you are to come and find me."

"Who is the prey?"

"The man that took you."

"The taller human?" Ah – yes, the long-haired human. It remembers the look he gave. He was rather disgusted to be bringing it home. Yet – still decided to. It hates him.

"Yes." He pauses for a second before he lowers himself down, leveling with the snake. " Do this and your reward will be what you've wanted – A name."

"Will you accept me?" The reptile perks up with hope, it wanted him. It knows that its sole purpose in life was to serve him, it was born for him. Created and shaped just for him. It wanted to be recognised as his familiar and it will not fail, fail him.

"I will – I will accept you." He whispers.

The snakes determination was made clear when it slithers away near Draco. "What did you do?" He asks, rather perplexed.

"Later." Mortimer sighs. Time was not to be wasted. "Just know it has agreed to help."

Draco wiped a hand across his face. He wanted to ask before he regretted helping him. "What do you need me to do."

Getting up from his position, he paces in a circle. He claps when the light bulb appears. "You'll go find a hiding spot, outside the halls. I'll go inside his office, look for the book. If your father shows up, let no name know and he'll come and warn me."

"No name?" He repeats.

"Until I give it one, of course…" Mortimer didn't explain further, he couldn't, not when they were limited in time.

"Let's go."

The Malfoy Manor halls, generation's of housing Malfoy men, the two boys launched forwards. It was dark but the little lighting that the enchanted candles had provided them was enough to see the floors. It also helped the window's were letting the moonlight create patterns of the seemingly light.

It was well late into the night, well passed dinner, the only occupants that should be good asleep weren't. Their shadows danced around the empty area, pacing silently at a slow pace.

"We're nearly there. It shouldn't take long." Mortimer's voice was small, hushed and cautious. It was hardly normal for the boys to act in this manner. Known for their obedience, they were practically drenched in their own sweat.

Draco's hand went to his neck, the darkened creature rested around him. Fingers closed around it, the snake lifts its head, encouraging the blonde to keep moving. It did not want to fail.

They walk around the around, just end of the hallway, and nearly four rooms down, it was there that they had found it. A heavy wooded dark door, on the sides it delivered small glass windows that you were able to peep inside. It was completely dark that you weren't able to see much other than the furniture's outline of silhouettes. With no light, he knew it was empty. This gave Mortimer the confidence to go in.

Now was a good time as any. He looks straightens himself and stares at Draco, giving him the signal. "Alright, coast clear. You go find a spot, ill head inside."

"What happens if father shows up?" A worry tone, Draco was having second thoughts.

"If all goes bad just run back to your room. Leave me."

"Where do we meet?"

Great another question… Mortimer shakes his head. "Your mother expects you in your room. Once I get the book, we go our separate ways. I'll explain everything until then."

"Be careful."

A single nod and Draco runs off and vanishes around the end of corner. Mortimer quickly rotates, and raises his hand, reaching for the doorknob.

Here's hoping it isn't locked…

Click!

Yes! It was unlocked, a glimmer inside, Mortimer doesn't waste time. When he is fully inside, his rapid mini footsteps echo around the marbled floor. Immediately, his eyes darted at his uncle's untouched desk. There was nothing but a quill set and a desk mat. Once he reaches the fine dark desk, small hands go through every cabinet drawers.

Nothing but random and unimportant parchments laid. Flipping and turning each single thing his fingers could lift. There was little evidence that indicated that the book was ever there and with that, Mortimer quickly became frustrated. If it wasn't here, maybe it was in another part of the room. And if that weren't true, and he was wrong, mortimer was screwed. Professor Snape had trusted him enough to go behind Dumbledore's back, to give him some kind of knowledge that could potentially save him from other unknown forces.

Where else could that damn book be. It was useless to continue on here. Closing the cases, he looks around elsewhere. There were a couple of bookshelves in the back walls. There was at least four that occupied the whole hedge. He doesn't have time to go through every book, and doubted Lucius would be too stupid to consider it. But then again, the man was a fool to begin with, so maybe it wasn't out of character.

Running at the first book shelves, he skims over the columns. Despite the shelve towering over him, Mortimer could see from the great height. Noticing it was alphabetical, he was going about this the wrong way. He should be looking for the letter 'G'. Taking a step back, the search for the book commence. Sweeping and darting every spine, he finger crawled down the backbones on each tome.

Guide To Artifact Identification…

Guide To Advanced Charms…

Guide to Advanced Magical Creatures…

Guide to Advanced Occlumency…

"Guide To Advanced Occlumency! Yes!" Mortimer nearly sputters out loud, he covers his own mouth. Thank God his uncle's an idiot.

Close to tearing the book out of the shelve, he unapologetically shoves it underneath his sweater. There was no need for him to stick around any further than he already has. He should leave...

And yet, Mortimer find himself walking towards the first shelve again. There was a strange inch in his brain. Telling him to pick up an oddly specific, but basic, print.

There was nothing special about it. Not a title, nor author to be seen. Besides having a rough, old-aged blackened cover, it was unimportant that it didn't belong here, except maybe the dumpster. It was boring, dull, stiff, old and vapid. No distinct features that would garner any attention.

Mortimer doesn't know why, he seemed rather fixated on grabbing it. Like a calling…

When he does, he turns it over before opening the cover. There was a faint inscription on the first page, but the lack of illumination, mortimer was unable to read it.

The pages suddenly turn on its own. Flipping over every page, it created a small wind that blew small parts of Mortimer's hair.

Then it stops. Right in the middle, he squints his eyes to see what was being written. The closer he got the more lettering he could see. He was about the read the first word that popped.

"Ouch." His undertone voice let's out a sound from a sharp pain. It was coming from his ankle. Staring down, it was no-name, the snake. It's small cone-shaped teeth digging into his leg, though not enough to tear any skin, he tries shaking it off.

"He comes!" The snake says.

Mortimer shuts the book down. Placing back inside the shelf, he picks up no-name and runs for the doors. Closing them as calmly as possible, he sees the corner and finds a lone tall shadow figure as it comes closer.

Running to the other direction, he remembers a small route of the manor that would take him into the path that led to his room. He doesn't waste time as he begins running faster and faster. Beating heart and body filled with adrenaline, there was no way he was getting caught now.

As he gets closer to his room, he sees another shadow presence. This one was more feminine, more refined, more slender shaped. Knowing it was probably his aunt, he finally reaches his own door.

Opening it, he shuts it with mute strength. He begins to take off his sweater off and pants, almost tripping as he hops out of his clothes. Opting to sleep in his boxers, mortimer jumps on the bed but not before shoving the book underneath his pillow. The rush builds up when hearing the door being opened.

At this point, mortimer simply plops his head and lays on his sides, closing his eyes he pretends to sleep. He can still hear everything, so it came to no surprise both his aunt and uncle's voices emerged on the other side, who were checking up on him

No-name was able to climb in time. It slithers on top of the boy, it guards him.

Hissing at the intruders.

"I should have never bought the damn creature." The male voice said, knowing it belonged to Lucius. Mortimer keeps his position.

"Blame no one but yourself." Her soft tone he associated it with his aunt. "Besides, it's only doing its job."

"Job?" Skepticism was made obvious.

"It's only trying to protect Mortimer." Mortimer could hear her aunt trying to pull Lucius back.

No name hisses again, only this time, it was louder.

"Come, it's obvious that thing doesn't want us here."

Unbeknownst to them, Mortimer understood the snake's sizzled words.

"Leave!"

"Be gone humans! My master rests!"

"I just wanted to see mortimer one last time…" The sadness in her voice, Mortimer feels an ache in his chest. "He leaves tomorrow and I know he doesn't want me to see him off. He's rightfully mad but I need to know he's alright."

Mortimer listens closely. Lucius let's out a sigh. "Draco will be with him. As you said, he needs his space, time – To adjust himself and in time he'll forget why he is even mad to begin with."

Narcissa doesn't respond. Mortimer tenses up when it get's a quiet. They were standing outside his room, the door was still open and the dark outlines of their bodies showed.

He thought they would never leave until he hears his door closing. The following silence was a welcome comfort, and with time he was able to relax once more.

Mortimer lets out a heavy breath, able to get air inside his lungs. The mission had been successful, hopefully draco had made it safe back into his own room.

Sitting up, the snake crawls down and settles between his thighs. He can honestly say he was impressed. Had it not been for the worm, mortimer would probably have been caught.

"Did I please you?" It asks.

"Yes."

Watching stoically but also rather eager, it speaks again to question. "Am I to be rewarded?"

While Mortimer threw his gaze to the blackened snake, he says in a quiet voice. "As promised – A name…"

What to name it indeed. There was nothing distinct about it, a normal ordinary king snake. It was black and had white rings around it. He could simply start calling it checker, but it would probably feel offended. Its attitude came across as serious, near child-like. A no-nonsense zone, the snake was very much invested in its task and seemed the sort to go out of its way to serve him

"Tobey." In a hush tone, Mortimer had came to a conclusion. It was simple. He liked simplicity. It world where everything was not so simple, mortimer was glad he could at least have this one thing.

Though, as a reminder, snakes were not common pets. Nor were they prone to talk or speak in manner that made owners want to tear their hairs off.

In giving a name, that also meant Mortimer had accepted the creature as his own and proclaimed it as his familiar.

"That is . . . " It pauses and blinks. "…acceptable."

Tobey the snake remained silent. An enclosure wasn't provided on 'his' arrival. So for now, tobey will have to take shelter where sever he can find it. The snake slides down from the bed. Snuggling down, he takes cover where he previously was, near the fire place.

The warm temperature comforts him. This was also a good way to protect his master. Asleep, he will still be able to sense the vibrations of any incoming intruders.

"Night Tobey…" He hears his master.

"Rest…" He replies.

Seconds of shuffling and turning around the blankets, Mortimer was able to drift into his much needed slumber.