AN: Filler filler filler. This all just filler at the moment. Hehehe didn't have time and I at least wanted to post something this week. Thanks Foxtrot1702 for advise. I know I shouldn't worry so much, especially with the weird agenda I have, i'm happy to know you care (;A;) And yes! Book 2! I'm eager to see myself as well. I'm not sure whether to seperate it into a different story or keep it in the same. Anways... thanks eveyone for reading. Hope yous' enjoy. FOLLOW/FAV/REVIEW

Head throbbing, arms sore, legs burning, the lingering sensation of his burning body courses through every muscle. In a fetal position, his arms crossed protectively around his stomach. He coughs when he attempts to give air to his lungs.

Someone spits on him. Flinching when drool made contact on his ear; grossly sliding down to his neck.

"That's what you get for being Black." Another kick aiming at his lower back. "And that's for being Bellatrix's kid – You death eater's spawn." A final punch was given to his shoulder.

No remorse, not a hint of emotion. "Let's get outta here. He's not worth dirt." A garbled intone spews from the mouth of one of the older children.

Footsteps beginning to clear out, they laugh at him as they walk away – Insulting his existence. This gives room for him to breathe.

A curled up Mortimer shields his abdominal with his left hand, while the other, his head. There was a shuddering breath, frothing underneath, causing a small stream of dribble to seep from the corner of his lips. A sniff when his head is bury deeper into the floor,

His body may be in pain, but their words… their words hurt more – Because he was Bellatrix's kid… He deserves every punch, kick, slap – Every bad thing and more. How far were they willing to go? Until he was severely injured? Dead? It's probably more likely than anything at the moment.

He was a boy minding his own business when he was suddenly attacked. A mixture of both Gryffindor and Ravenclaw's all huddled together to pummel the small Slytherin boy. Defenseless, they took in the satisfaction of Mortimer's feared expression. Relishing in the fact that a Black, a once prominent respected family, was now but a side-splitting joke. A high tower that was cracked, torn, crumbling beyond repair.

Now, laid resting on the hard cold limestone floor, Mortimer's rugged body.

"Mortimer!" A distinguishable voice shoots up at him.

Theo runs towards him shaking him as he tries to get his attention. "Hey Theo…" Mortimer utters, meeting his eyes, Theo appears to be in more shock than him.

"What happened?" Theo's uneasy worried tone asks when Mortimer begins to move away from his arms.

Closing his dark eyes, mortimer lets out a soft breath before speaking. "Oh nothing. . . The usual crowd pummel. They wanted to play hunt the snake and, you can guess the rest."

A small bruise and a bloody nose, Mortimer could see the anger in Theo's face. "You have to tell someone!"

"I did… I told you." Mortimer said as he gets himself up from the floor, to then wiping off the shoeprints that were drummed into his clothes.

"Not me. Professor Snape! A teacher; someone." Theo insisted, his body tense for unknown reasons.

But his friend wouldn't listen. Simply, continuing to wipe off the muck across his shirt. "It's fine – I'll be fine."

"How can you be fine with any of this?" A questionable look, theo believes Mortimer had lost his mind. "You're a Black. They're suppose to be untouchable."

"Here's the thing Nott. Nobody cares." Fixing his thick hair, he tell him with a snort. "The only protection I have right now is Malfoy."

"I can tell…" Theo bit his lip, nervous to ask him a question now that the subject was being brought. "You were given the Black name, but not Lestrange…"

"He isn't my father if that's what you're wondering." He avoids eye contact and starts rubbing off the drool on his neck.

There was puzzling idea in his head. Theo suspected as much considering he was given his mother's name rather than the father's. His lifted gaze and theo considered how to best put forward. "About that – Do you know?"

Mortimer makes himself silent. The truth was a lot more complicated than Theo could comprehend. He knows a lot more than other people, but pretends ignorance through it all. It was safer this way.

"Mmm – No." Mortimer acts as if he knows nothing, he shrugs at the situation. "None of that matters either way. Because in the end, my mother's the monster everyone fears and that's enough for some."

"So you're just going to. . . l-let them keep…" It was near unbelievable that Theo had a hard time finishing his sentence. "hurting you?"

Unforthcoming with any response, mortimer wipes the small trickle of blood that ran down his nostrils. His hollow eyes shows nothing but an empty void of nothingness that it nearly becomes frightening. "Class is about to begin, we should go."

Theo was dumbfounded. He watches Mortimer adjusting his shirt before walking away. Acting as if nothing had happened, he was bewildered into thinking his friend had lost his mind in the process of being tackled by those jerks. It made no sense as to why anyone would stand there and let it happen without hitting back. Theo should tell Draco about this. Maybe he can knock some sense into Black, or at least, talk to him about doing something.

He worries that Mortimer might be going through some personal issues. Unfortunately Mortimer doesn't seem keen on sharing those issues with anyone, perhaps not with Theo. He doubts Draco would know anything, considering the lack of time. Black was a walking mystery, since his first appearance. He was quite reserved – still is in fact – that Theo had realised that he knew nothing about Mortimer besides being related to Draco. Everything else was left for speculation.

It was a strange situation that left everyone speechless when Draco began to brag to Theo, and the rest of the group, that his Aunt had given birth to his cousin. No one believed him of course, that is until Mortimer had shown himself to be real.

What more was he hiding? Theo puzzles over for a few minutes. He forgets Mortimer has now disappeared from his view that theo begins to run just to catch up.

" – learning the Incendio charm is quite crucial and very dangerous but it's uses are very convenient to anyone who masters it." Professor Flitwick explains the fire-making spell to the class. "Now I want each of you to form a line. We're going to attempt the fire-making charm."

One by one each child make their way towards the middle of the class. Flitwick had already set up training dummies for the class to practice on. Some run to the front, others, not so confident.

Hannah Abbott was the first to go. She was whole heartily nervous, her hands practically shaking. "It's alright Miss Abbott, nothing to be afraid of. Remember the incantation in-SEN-dee-o."

Still, very much hesitant, Professor Flitwick scratches his head before calling out. "Mortimer why don't you come show the class."

At the back end of the line, Mortimer's head tilts to the side. Heads turn back watching as he shakes his head. The teacher was more than surprised. "Come now Mortimer. No need to be shy."

He eyes the professor and the children before making his way up to the front. There, he walks past Draco who was near the front by Wayne Hopkins – His cousin snickers at Black's fail attempt to hide. Mortimer replies by sticking his tongue out.

Fidgeting, his lips form a thin line when he stands besides the Abbott girl. "Good! Now remember what I said about incantation and wand movement?

A nervous nod, Mortimer pulls his wand out. Staring at the dummy for a good minute, he tries focusing the movement, steadying hand before striking.

"Incendio!" Mortimer shouts. A collection of gasps and awes could be heard from behind as bolts of fire shoot from his wand and straight into the practice dummy. It was knocked back into the wall.

Professor Flitwick claps proudly. "Very good Mr. Black! Very good – Yes, very fine wand work. I must say, it takes true talent to be able to succeed on the first try."

Mortimer becomes visibly uncomfortable. The ears on his head turn red, a blush on each cheek and his neck turns hot. The class continue to watch him when mortimer lowers his head and walks back towards the end of the line. Draco too seemed astonished.

"As you all observed, by Mr. Black here, that the fire-making charm is simple to use under the right circumstances. We will proceed as followed – "

After Hannah had gone, a little weak but still successful, Crabbe nearly set himself on fire; stuttering on the last part. Justin Finch-Fletchley went third. Fairly confident in his own ability, he too was able to pull off the charm. A few other students had parted before Susan Bones had a go. Unlike Mortimer, she had far less luck. It took her a couple tries until she was finally able to create a spark of flames.

Not later than Bones went, Draco had his turn at the dummy. He reveled in his superiority, quickly becoming haughty when ejections of fire knocked it a few paces back.

Generally the class had done well for their first time. A few exceptions, Professor Flitwick would say. "Practice makes perfect children. The final exam will reflect on how much you practice."

"Yes, Professor." The masses of children say when lessons were dismissed. Having been a productive day, the class left feeling satisfied.

Draco and his group walk near Mortimer, who was staring blankly at the practice dummy. "You alright?"

Mortimer's forms a half-smile, it was artificial from what Draco could tell. "Never better." He says before heading out at the class.

At Potions, Mortimer had opted to sitting alone. Granted the population of children was particularly large, but with the wide-open space, alongside the lengthy tables, gave just the right amount of latitude that Mortimer needed to be solus.

Working on the sleeping draught, Mortimer had begun adding the valerian sprigs into his cauldron. While everyone else was busy juicing their flobberworms, Black proceeded to stir his potion. He was much more focused with his own work, he doesn't notice the worried looks of his classmates. More specifically, his fellow slytherins.

Theo elbows Draco, careful not to get caught by Snape. He gives him specific stare, telling him to turn his attention towards Mortimer. There was something concerning about the way he dipped his knife into the sopophorous bean. In forced aggression, Black coolly minced his ingredient.

What bothered Draco was the mere fact that Mortimer felt like he had to keep everything bottled inside. Refusing to confide in him when he had already proven to be trusted, it was as though as it was not enough. There were still things he did not know about his cousin, about what life might have been before the wizarding world. Draco knows about the filthy muggle that took him in, but knows nothing about what happened afterwards since Mortimer had told him she had died years prior.

No one else knows, and thankfully no one will. As long as Mortimer keeps his cool and Draco doesn't say a word. Black can rest easy.

Mortimer had no enthusiasm, no drive. Appearing to be dead inside, Draco was unsure whether to talk to him or not. He had an idea as to what might of have triggered said behavior, but couldn't do anything without bringing in the attention, so draco would have to wait till the end. For now, he will leave Mortimer to his own virtues.

"Black." Professor Snape calls out.

Raising his head, there was a faint bruise on his cheekbone. He must have not noticed or else he would known to cover it. "Yes?" Replying in a low, but loud enough, tone.

"Do you need see Madam Pomfrey?" Staring straight ahead, Severus observed the careless boy.

"No… Why?"

Snape nearly does what everyone else has done. He points towards his nose.

There was a pause, feeling both embarrassed and irritated, Mortimer uses one finger and places it under nose. A short sigh and having no energy, he takes out his already stained handkerchief and places it once more.

"Are you ok?" Lavender suddenly asks from her seat, she was sitting a few chairs up. Her voice turning concerned when she spotted his marked skin.

Choosing to ignore her, Mortimer quietly plucks his nostril before returning to his potion.

"What's wrong with Mortimer?" Theo faintly speaks, lowering the temperature on his cauldron.

Draco, staring into the textbook, only his gives a spare glance. "Not now."

Theo knits his brows, but was confident that the conversation was not yet over. He wasn't trying to be nosy, but only concerned for him. It wasn't the first time he's seen Mortimer getting picked on.

There were many occasions where he'd watched as the gryffindors, ravenclaws, and sometimes even a hufflepuff, would push Mortimer aside. And just when he thinks Black will fight back, he goes and does the opposite. Cowering, letting them walk all over him.

But what more could Theo do? Mortimer practically threatened him into silence. Despite his wimpish-like behavior against the bullies, Mortimer was a capable person when he really wanted to be. It confuses him that Mortimer lets them get away.

Adding a sprinkle of powdered asphodel petals, Mortimer was nearly done with his potion. What remained now was a dash of essence, from the nettles. Mortimer seemed quite proud with his work, one could even see a beaming glow coming from his lips.

Searching left and right, there was something missing; a plant. Unable to find the nettles he turns away from his workspace and runs towards the storage cabinets. Rummaging around, he frantically hunts down the last ingredient.

Theo thought that was the end of it and there wasn't much left to see. That is until he spots Finnigan larking within Mortimer's abandoned potion. A quick glance, theo sees Professor Snape. Too occupied with grading papers, he doesn't notice the idiot as he tosses something into the draught.

Patting Malfoy on the arm, he tries to warn him. "Draco look."

Draco lifts his head up from stirring his potion. Appearing annoyed he replies. "I told you to leave it Nott."

"No. Just look." Theo hisses. Flicking his eyes from behind, Draco goes to view what Nott was talking fretting about.

There was a gasp coming from Draco. "Oh no-"

Before Professor Snape could catch Seamus in the act. The boy runs back to his own desk, pretending all was normal.

Having found the nettles, Mortimer runs back to his potion, it was near time. Excited, he eagerly pinches a bit of the nettles into the cauldron and after a few seconds his face twists into a mixture of confusion and troubled.

The sleeping draught should have turned into a dark purple colour by now. Instead, it became lighter, near hot pink.

He panics.

There wasn't a lot Mortimer could do except watch as his potion starts bubbling violently.

Professor Snape stands abruptly, only to yell at him " Black! What is the meaning of this?"

Hustling, the Professor heads for Mortimer. The children's heads quickly turn back at the alarmed boy.

"It wasn't me!" He responds, trying to control his boiling potion.

Lowering the flame, Mortimer thought it would stop it from increasing. He was wrong. The minute the flame bowed was when the cauldron had exploded. A gushing sound of burnt goo sprawls out of control. The back end of the class was now infested with a hot mess of his failed potion.

Mortimer was covered in slime. With the potion freshly hot, there was no doubt he suffering first-degree burns on his skin.

But no one seemed to care in the slightest. They all begin to laugh. Seamus bawling in hilarity, Weasley soon joined in while some of the slytherins chuckle. Contagious as it was, it succeeded in getting Potter to giggle just a little bit. Granger bit her lip, trying not to laugh.

Draco and Theo appeared to be the one's less amused. And shockingly, Brown seemed more alarmed than entertained as Mortimer begins to laugh.

Howling at his own misery, Mortimer's hysterical tittering became the only noise in the room. It suddenly stopped being funny the second he joined in.

The laughing ceased then. It became frightening once the guffawing continues. It was there that Mortimer realises he was the only one laughing.

Covering his mouth, his eyes widen. Staring into a blank of unknown faces and figures, tears leaked down, blurring his vision.

He was lost.

What does one do when lost? There was no map, no compass, instructions on what to do next. He was simply disorientated. Frozen, not sure what to do. Watching him like some sort of clown sidewalk show, pink sludge slurps down his hands.

Mortimer takes their silence as a sign to leave. And that's what he does. Darting out the door, he runs out into the dungeons, leaving a bunch confused classmates trying to process what was going through the loony boy.

Draco at the moment didn't care whether he loses points or not – Decides to sprint out to look for Mortimer.

Watching his Malfoy leave, Theo glares at Finnigan. "You're vile." He grits angrily.

Seamus only scowls, not taking it as serious as he should. "Oi' come of it. It was only a joke."

"He's a snake, who cares?" Chimed Weasley, rolling his eyes.

Theo wanted to say more but was interrupted by Snape's loud commanding voice. "Enough!" Treading towards the board. "Seeing as how you little varmints aren't taking this serious. All of you are expected double the parchment assignments."

"What!"

"No way!"

"C'mon…"

"Thanks a lot mate-"

There was loud groaning, murmurs, and various eye rolling's coming from the children before Snape puts a stop to it. "I said enough! One more sound and I'll make it a triple."

No one dared to say anything then. Not a complaint, nor sound, not even as much as a breath was attempted out fear for the potion master.

Theo pauses his sight on the opened door. He didn't know why he felt compelled to go along with Draco. Since Mortimer probably was every bit as lost as he appeared, there was no telling where he might have run to. Though sadly, with Snape's foul mood, theo will need to wait till the end.

Nott must have been waiting for an hour, two at best. Dinner had already been served. Both him and Draco had skipped, instead they had spent the whole day searching around the school for Mortimer. In end, Theo decided to stay behind in case mortimer returns whilst Draco continues his search.

Theo hasn't told anyone, but surely, the Gryffindors would have already spread word about what has happened. It was too good of a story not tell everyone.

Pacing back and forth, Theo was debating whether to find Draco or tell someone about Mortimer. Though, he felt like he had no right. He was close to prying into businesses that weren't his own and he didn't want to upset Mortimer more than he's probably feeling.

It came to little to no surprise when Draco appears in the common room, empty handed. "Well?" Theo asked.

Shaking his head, Draco responded. "I couldn't find him."

"I checked the bathrooms, classrooms, closets – I didn't find anything."

"Did you check the grounds?"

"Yeah. No one's seen him since then." Rubbing his neck, draco lets out a tiring sigh. "I was going to go check the forest but Snape caught me – Told me to keep out of it."

He was quiet.

With the constant public eyes watching them, Theo tries keeping his voice down. "Do you think they'll find him?"

"They probably already have." Turning his head, Draco spot his circle of friends. With Pansy waiting for him, he suppressed a dramatic eye roll. "I'm more worried about his injuries… Did you see his hands?"

Theo didn't need a reminder to know the severity of his burns. But another question begged to be asked. "Do you know Mortimer is getting picked on?"

Draco doesn't respond at first. Glancing cautiously, there was odd way theo felt draco had suddenly brought him closer to him. To avoid any kind of eavesdropping, he only whispers. "I know people say stuff about him."

"It's more than that. They beat him nearly everyday." Eyeing their little group. He sees Davis trying listen in on their conversation. "I thought he would fight back… But he never does, he let's them do whatever they want."

Draco's expression made Theo realise he had no idea. How he knew so little. "Maybe he's just embarrassed to tell anyone."

"You should tell your parents." Theo suggested. If the teachers couldn't do it, maybe the Malfoy's could. They had the connections and it would make Mortimer's life easier.

"I can't." Shaking his head. He remembers the promise he made to his cousin. Telling his parents will make them dig deeper and inevitably, they'll find the skeletons in Mortimer's closet. Draco couldn't very much tell without having anyone finding out.

Theo quickly becomes agitated at his unwillingness to help that it causes him to nearly yell. "Why not?"

Shushing Nott, you could see the slight fear in his eyes, there was arguing. "It's better if no one knows."

Shocked at his word, Theo had a right mind to punch Malfoy's stupidity. Was Draco choosing to ignore the problem? Giving up in helping his cousin? It seemed odd of him to come to this conclusion so quickly.

"How can you say that?" He said standing there.

"There are things you don't know, things you don't understand." A dark expression casting his pale face, Draco didn't feel right telling Nott. "It's not my secret to tell. If he wants to, he'll tell you. For now, we have to keep it to ourselves, the less people know the better."

"So what?" Theo was surprised, but more upset than anything. "We're just going to keep letting them pound him to bits? Sit and watch as they bully him around. You might as well join them! You're suppose to help him."

Draco was about to reply up until Davis raced to their direction putting their discussion at a halt. "I heard what happened." Breathlessly she talked her way, hoping to get any information. "Is he ok?"

"Back off Davis, it's none of your business."

"He's my friend too." Clenching her fists, she whispered in low voice, one that didn't need to be pushed.

"Like he would hang out with a half-blood." Draco snarled, the more time he spent in the common room the more frustrated he got.

"What did you say?" The three turned their heads to find Daphne's cold threatening stature, ready to defend to her friend against the Malfoy brat.

Malfoy wasn't about to back off. Standing his ground, he was marching himself to Greengrass.

But before things could get out of hand, Theo stepped in, putting himself in the middle. "Guys, were suppose to be helping Mortimer. What good are we if we just start killing each other?"

"Might as well, since Malfoy couldn't find him." Daphne scoffed, crossing her arms, she ignores the angry cast Draco was giving her.

"I think he went off to the forest…" Silently, Tracey could only guess at the moment. It made sense. No one dares to go there, nor would they consider staying there till nightfall. With the many dangerous creatures that roamed, Mortimer could easily find himself killed. But what could she do?

There was doubt.

It was evident that Mortimer didn't want to be found. If it were her, she'd probably want the same. Theo and Daphne seemed to agree while Draco appeared to be annoyed, more so than usual. "Even if he was there – How are we suppose to get to him? It's pass curfew. We'll get in trouble for sure."

Draco was right. They couldn't very well just walk out and not expect consequences. They weren't gryffindors. It be foolish to risk such a task.

Theo was disappointed, his eyes lowering. Daphne was unresponsive, to be honest, it was hard to tell what she thought of any of this. She never showed an ounce of care, when she did, it came at the unexpected moments. Draco was iffy and uncertain. The last thing he wanted was to involve more people. He knew Mortimer well enough to know he'd dislike the idea.

"Adventure." Softly whispering. Tracey's eyes brighten in excitement, speedily clapping at the prospect. It gives her a jolt of adrenalin.

"Then it's settled." Daphne speaks, grabbing her robe. As she covers herself, Tracey too follows her lead, her exposed teeth smiling in thrill. "We'll go in pairs. Tracey and I will check the forest lake. You two can check the grounds."

"Who put you in charge Greengrass?" Draco's nostrils flared as his silver eyes daggered against her blue ones.

"I don't see you coming up with a better idea Malfoy." She points a sharp finger at him. "You're the one who's suppose to be out there. Instead, you're here worrying about nothing. We won't get caught as long as we're careful."

Ignoring Malfoy's severe sour look, the girls turn to leave, not caring if they tagged along. The boy share a look before Theo shrugs it off and runs to get his robes.

Draco didn't like the idea of going out this late. Recalling the monster he saw back in detention, he feared the creature still remained there. If it was, then Mortimer was in more danger than he imagined, not to mention the dangerous creatures that lurked around.

Setting the scary thought aside, Draco decides to suck it up and go. He wasn't willing to let Greengrass tell him what to do, he would find his own way. Though, the inner voice said now was not the time for protesting so he drifts out the doors before he can regret his decision.