Transfigurations was rather lonely today. Without a desk partner, Mortimer could feel the eyes of his peers as they observed the missing know-it-all gryffindor. It was hard not to notice. The lack of hand raising and an uninterrupted noises, the tension surrounding the classroom augmented with each passing day. Who was next? A question they often ask each other.
He tried not to let it bother him, acting as normal. It didn't last long however, being constantly reminded by the fear in everyone's eyes as they passed him throughout the corridors.
And while everyone now knew Potter was no longer responsible, their heads turned back towards the slytherins. The house of serpents were already under suspicion, but with rumors flying around Potter being parseltongue, the momentum of their hatred had died down. Granger's attack had changed the minds of many. Therefor, restoring the lynch mob against his house.
Thankfully though, Mortimer hasn't been totally spat on. Glares and only a few remarks, he'd call it an improvement.
The only problem now, with Granger gone, Lavender sought this as an invitation to sit next to him during Transfiguration.
"I know it can get pretty lonely, but don't worry, I'm here for you." Disgustingly sweet, she told him while forcing her way in.
Distracted and trapped in his own little world, Mortimer's silence was taken as acceptance.
For the duration of their time, Brown constantly fluttered her eyes at him, hoping to make a good impression. Though, it was annoyance than anything, brushing her off, tending to his own tasks, he avoided saying little.
It worked for the most part, but just barely. The girl could ramble on just about anything.
Picking up her quill. "Isn't it sad what happened to Granger. Don't you think?"
His attention was caught, frowning a bit.
"But not just her, every muggleborn here. I bet it wasn't even a slytherin that did it." She said coolly.
An interesting thought, but curious as to how she came to that conclusion. "What makes you say that?"
Taping her lip with her index finger, she opened her mouth to say. "Think about it. If there's anything slytherin's like to do, it's bragging about their achievements. And being able to petrify wizards, it's the greatest achievement of them all."
"Maybe they're not bragging about it to avoid being a suspect."
Nodding in agreement, she retorted with. "That may be true. But, I'd say a feat like this, no one will be able to keep quiet, not even Malfoy. And sure they can stay silent, but eventually, rumors do spiral out in the open. Most of which begin by the very person who's responsible. They can't confirm or deny – The idea still sticks either way. Potter could've been heir and all he had to do to let the world know is by starting gossip, letting the rest take care of itself."
Mortimer never thought about it that way. Lavender's insight had certainly had an impact on him, he wondered what else could she offer. "So tell me Brown, who do you think is the heir?"
Quiet for a good minute, her eyes darted to the side while she pursed her lips. "If anything has taught me about reading grand romance novel's, it's that there's always a twist when it comes to revealing the truth. Slytherin may not be the real villains. . . If I was writing this story, a real twist would be a Gryffindor."
The Black heir halts, perhaps she was on to something. Maybe he was looking at the wrong people. And while he didn't think a slytherin could have done it. A gryffindor? Sounding impossible, it was a start.
Quietly, he says. "Thanks for the insight Brown."
Lavender's face lit up like a bulb. "Oh! No problem. And maybe after class, you can walk me to charms."
Ruining the moment, Mortimer's brows lowered. "Don't push it."
Giggling, she turned back to her work as Mortimer's eyes wandered.
Potter was staring at him.
Mortimer in response made a face that got the boy-who-lived to look away almost immediately.
Yup, definitely a gryffindor.
Eating lunch with Luna, Mortimer was observing the Gryffindor table.
Searching for any hint of shadiness. So far nothing. However, Ginny Weasley's pale-like sickly state caught him of guard. She appeared to be in terrible condition, her head hung low, she was the definition of defeat.
"Is Ginny alright?" Hoping Luna might have an answer, Mortimer asks.
Putting her sandwich down, she eyed the redhead. "No, not really. I've tried talking to her. But she only scowls at me."
"Why's that?" It seems uncharacteristic of Ginny to do such a thing
"She thinks I've betrayed her by being with you." A sad smile, she takes a sip of her milk.
A pained look crossed his face. Guilt for causing strain amongst the two friends. "I'm sorry."
Wiping her mouth with the back of her hand, she scrunched up her face. "You keep saying sorry. But there's nothing to be sorry about. Ginny can't help the way she feels – It's sad, but hopefully in time, she'll learn that not everything that is told to her is necessarily true."
"Still can't help but feel bad. Ginny seems worse for wear – Looks' as though she hasn't slept in weeks." He observes.
"You're right. . . I've bothered her more than I probably should have, maybe when she's ready, she'll tell us what's bothering her." Grabbing a slice of mandarin, she ate it while staring sadly.
A mutual feeling, he too stares. At the same time, keeping an eye out.
"What is she doing here?" A near high pitch whiney voice asked.
Knowing better than to look, Mortimer could vision Draco's irritated expression.
"Eating." Mortimer responded in boldness. Luna stayed quiet, not wanting to escalate things.
Hissing at his idiotic cousin. "Are you trying to ruin your reputation by hanging around bloodtraitors?"
Resting his head on the palm of his hand, Mortimer continued to survey the gryffindor table. "You mean the one where everyone hates me for being related to you? Or the one that has people beating me because of her? You have to be specific with these things, otherwise I'll be left guessing."
Clenching his fists, Draco couldn't believe Mortimer's carelessness. "This isn't a joke."
"Who said I was joking?" Facing Draco, there was a hint of discontent crossing his face. "Maybe I don't want to follow in your family's footsteps – Ever thought of that?"
When Draco didn't respond, he scoffed. "Didn't think so."
Luna sighed deeply, studying the two boys. "Mortimer, you shouldn't be so harsh – Draco's simply trying to look out for you – "
Pointing angrily at the Ravenclaw, Draco warned. "No one asked you! Stay out of it filthy peasant."
A snap within himself tore. Revealing how much he wanted to beat Draco senseless, he notices his clenched up fist – Mortimer would later regret it, so instead he removes his hand from the tabletop.
Standing up the from the extended table, "I'm going for a walk, Luna." he leaves the great hall with Lovegood warily following him.
There was no point in sticking around when he's riled up, he's learned that it was best to walk away. Regardless of how much he wanted to hurt Draco, it'll only cause further separation.
His eyes darted around the outside of the castle grounds. Trying to understand Draco's views, how witches like Luna deserved to be treated as such. A small feeling of disgust trailed down his spine at the image of being mean to the loony ravenclaw. Maybe there was some merit to his harsh beliefs. If there was any, Mortimer couldn't see it.
Perhaps, he's bottled up all his anger, lining them up one by one, shooting them down as targets.
"Sorry about Draco." Kicking bundle of twigs, he told her quietly. "He shouldn't have acted that way."
Collected, she only stared at Mortimer, a sign that she herself was deeply saddened at their feud. "I've already forgotten. Beside, that isn't important right now. While I do appreciate the gesture, I don't think you should bump heads with Draco, you're family."
Angry, He couldn't believe it. Luna siding with Draco? "So you agree with him? You think I should start acting like every pureblood and start treating everyone like trash?"
"I'd be disappointed if you did." Shaking her head, she stares at his gripping hands. "I'm simply saying he needs more understanding – He aims to please his family. Anyone would do it for the ones they love."
There it was again, that word. Love.
Mortimer couldn't get mad, he had to reel it in before he could say anything he'd feel bad for later. The time to start a fight wasn't now, nor wasn't appropriate to tell her she was wrong.
"How would I know?" His voice was in a harsh whisper – angry. To say he hated the meaning, it was slowly starting become a bane of his existence.
Shaking his head, he wanted to leave before he could say anything revealing. "Doesn't matter. Draco will never change and I'm wasting my time trying to."
Luna's strange gaze bore between Mortimer's own. "The weather is much warmer, perfect for the dabberblimps. Don't you agree?"
Peering away, he understood. Cracking his neck, there was a small quiet moment until Mortimer began to move. "I'll get the nets."
Sitting in Professor Snape's office, Mortimer was doing his to best to concentrate. The potion master's deep dark eyes penetrated against Mortimer's own. Holding his ground the young Black fought against Snape's Legilimency attacks. Raising his own occlumency shields, Mortimer attempts to push him out. This back and forth performance, by the two, go on for nearly half an hour before Snape was satisfied.
"Good, very good. You've improved greatly." Stepping back, he says. "You'll be able to block most of the attacks."
Rubbing his forehead, Mortimer asked. "Will it be enough to block him out?"
Without saying his name, he knew what Mortimer meant and instead, Snape stood there quietly, thinking as he lowered his gaze. "No. And you might never be able to. I admit, even I had difficulties blocking him. The only other person I can think of – Who can deflect him is Dumbledore."
"Of course, it's him." He grumped. "It's always him. What makes Dumbledore any better? Besides, being old?"
Angrily turning to face him, Snape began to scold. "Hold your tongue boy. There's a reason why he was appointed headmaster, why he was named the most powerful wizard of our time – The only chance we've got in possibly defeating him."
"And what of the great chosen one?" Sarcastically, he asked. "Surely, he'll be the one to defeat the big bad evil wizard and save the day as foretold, right?"
He scoffs. "Please, Potter is no capable of tying his own shoes, let alone defeat the dark lord. What happened with him was a mistake. And anyone who says otherwise clearly lacks brain cells."
Hopping of the stool, Mortimer mused over their little chat before saying. "You don't need to convince me. . ." He falters for a few seconds until he asked quietly. "The headmaster is concerned, somewhere down the lines, I'd turn into him. Do you agree? What do you think?"
Snape doesn't answers, or simply doesn't want to, and was now facing the other direction. Ignoring Mortimer's worried look. His focus fixated on the clutter of material laying on his desk, his mind evidently a million miles away.
When he offers none Mortimer asks a different question, hoping he'd answer this one. "Did you know m-my father?"
Surprisingly, he mouth opens to respond. "I was in his inner circle. . . So, yes, I knew him. On a personal level, no I did not. That was a side no one has ever seen, not even your mother."
"Dumbledore said he was charming – get anyone to do what he wanted." Fiddling with his fingers, the inquiry he was making felt personal.
Back turned, Snape nods. "Yes, he was real good at it. He managed to convince me into following his cause by offering power, wealth. . . respect. Told me what I wanted to hear, that I was worth something." Whirling to face the boy, he notices Mortimer's attentive demeanor. "I tell you this because Dumbledore has right to be concerned. You're young, and therefor, vulnerable to influence. It was one of the reasons why I debated the decision to send you off to the Malfoy's. I fear Lucius' intentions, he was too enthusiastic about your arrival. The last thing we need right now is another Dark Lord running a muck in the school."
An eyebrow rose to question. "Then why did I? Why did he think I'd be better with Malfoy?"
"I'm not sure." He admitted. "Perhaps, to protect you. Had you been placed with the other Black sister, you would've been labeled a bloodtraitor – Immediately casting you out among your own house, making your life harder than it already is. I'll be upfront about Draco, he'd only make it worse for you."
Professor Snape made it clear. Had Mortimer been raised by the Tonks', Draco would've seen him as an imediate enemy, a traitor to his own kind. Power over love, he wondered what it was like to live in a carefree home. Would they have treated him any better? Or would they see him as a burden to their family? To not be seen as a creation of someone vile. No sort of expectation that would add pressure towards him, none of the Black or Slytherin name to follow.
He wanted to be loved, but part of him believed it will never happen. "Y-Yeah. I can see that happening. Because if it's not Malfoy making my life a living hell, it has to be the rest of the world."
Facing the boy, his expression remained neutral while asking. "What's wrong with Draco?"
Shaking his head, Mortimer revealed. "Nothing serious. We're just not getting along, that's all."
"And why's that?"
Hearing the question, Mortimer felt his breath shortening in nervousness. Unsure whether Snape was the right person to be discussing this topic, he was Draco's Godfather, so perhaps he was biased? "I-I'm not really sure…"
Rolling his eyes, Snape went to the side of the classroom to retrieve an empty vile. "If you're worried I'll run to young Malfoy and spill your precious secrets, then by all means, keep them to yourself. But, if you're so inclined, I can offer only advise to your little squabble."
Mortimer mulled over his proposition while the Professor watched. After a few silent seconds, he spoke rather nervously. "Draco doesn't like it when I hang around those who aren't in our house."
"You mean muggleborns?"
Bopping his head, he proceeded. "Not just them, he gets annoyed that I hang around Luna. He hates it that I'm friendly with everyone. Hates it that I have in no interest in any of this pureblood nonsense."
"I see." Snape said, his voice deep in thought, "And you haven't talked to him about it?"
Frowning, the times he had discussed this with Draco, he's lost count. "I have. More than I probably should. . . But nothing ever seems to change. When I think he finally gets it, he says something that completely throws me off. I thought maybe if I were more open to him, he'd understand. Clearly, I was wrong."
There was short pause coming from the potion master, his expression dull, it was hard to read his thoughts. "You seem to forget, this is a belief that was instilled into him, by his father no less… You can't expect him to forget it just like that." He snaps his fingers. "It will take more than a couple of words to sway him. Patience is required, and in the right environment, right crowd, he might not think them any less. But Dumbledore is right, you may be the only hope we have in changing young Malfoy's mind. He's trying to play a dangerous game he has no experience in. Thinks himself to highly to realize what's at stake. You can better him."
"Why does it have to be me?"
"Because, foolish boy, he cares for you, cares deeply about his family, as anyone would."
"Do you have anyone like that?"
It became uncomfortably quiet before Snape said. "You should leave now, it's getting late."
Mortimer said nothing further. Knowing better than to go any further. He was curious, yes, but not stupid. So with that, he says goodnight to the professor as he leaves the office.
He still had an hour before curfew. A thought crosses his mind, a visit to the hospital wing was in order.
Walking the long corridor of the dungeons, he takes the stairs up to the first-floor.
As he strolled to the hospital tower, Mortimer couldn't decide how long it would be before another attack was made, who'd be next? These last few weeks, he's been observing every student that passed by him. Any sign that could potentially lead him to the culprit. But so far, there was nothing.
He had sent Tobey away to follow Potter again; it was best option right now. Sad to say with his snake companion gone, Mortimer was left playing the waiting game. Only time will tell when they'll act. He was confident that it'd soon. It was obvious they were up to something, since the moment he had to go and save them from being eaten by a bunch of spiders. Also, this was Granger they were talking about, she was part of their little crew, someone who meant a lot to those two idiots. Mortimer didn't see the appeal, but coming to know her, Hermione would probably do the same for them.
Entering the hospital wing, Mortimer was yelled at the spot by Madam Pomfrey. "Young man! You shouldn't be here, visiting hours are strictly prohibited after curfew."
Thinking he could convince her, he began to say. "I still have an hour left."
A stern nurse, she shook her head no. "Regardless, Miss Granger is no position to be accepting visitors."
Mortimer looked up at the nurse, his eyes seemed almost pleading. "I was the one who found her in the library. I wanted to make sure she was ok. It's taken me quite a while to muster up the courage to come here… I was scared the other kids would kick me out."
"And why's that?"
"Because I'm in slytherin. You know what they're saying about us, don't you? We're responsible for everything that's been going on. We can't be trusted."
Not wanting to stand behind the other houses, Madam Pomfrey's expression turned sympathetic. "Alright. . . I will allow it this one time – One time only! I don't want the others to think they can come flourishing right through here. Understand young man?"
Shaking his head rapidly, he ran pass the nurse and made his way to curtain covered bed. He slightly moves it aside as he enters.
Her body still frozen to the core, pale and cold to the touch, he let out a sigh, guilt. "H-Hey. . ."
Oh boy, where to begin? "I'm sure Potter and Weasley has keept you company, bringing your homework and what not – If you must know, I've been pretty distracted myself." Staring at her detached eyes. "I have an idea as to why… can't really say though. I guess I'm just scared of rejection. Funny thing, you don't annoy me as much as the others, and it also helps that you don't despise me."
Met with only silence, he continues to stare as the guilt ate away at his skin. "This all my fault. . ." A long breath. "I should have… I don't know – something, I guess. If anyone can control this wild creature, it should be me. I-I should be able to." He words seem more and more faint. "After all, I'm the heir." Finally whispering out.
Nothing but dead wind and a voiceless girl, Mortimer was stuck in the void of self-inflicting shame. What more could he say that would fix this mess? What was there to do, aside from standing? Unanswered questions irritated him the more time was spent sitting while everyone else lived with the fear that they'd be next.
"I-I'm going to find the person that did it." Telling Granger's petrified body. "When I do, everything will go back to normal. I promise."
A pledge to both Hermione and himself. With his foot down, enough was enough, no one else was going to get hurt by the fraud carrying his name. Pureblood or not, no one deserves this kind of treatment. They were innocent, blameless to the whole cause.
And with that promise, Mortimer could feel his mood rising. It was determination and desperation that permeated all over, driving himself to hopefulness.
He wondered how long it'll last.
Watching Theo, Daphne, and Tracey studying to their wits end. Mortimer was off reading on the far right side of the common room. After leaving Snape's office he was immediately caught by his prefect – Ordering him to retreat to his dorm.
It was apparent that another attack had been made.
With the children all locked inside, they wondered how long it'll take for them to close the school. Many attacks, why did the teachers deemed fit to pretend as if nothing was wrong?
Majority of his housemates felt immune to the danger, but people like Davis where still iffy about the whole thing. Who's to say half-bloods weren't also a target? If there was any truth to that, than Mortimer was in deeper trouble than he'd ever thought.
Turning the book on his page, he feels a pair of eyes gazing at him. Lifting his head, he notices Draco watching him from a distance, with Pansy babbling away, Crabbe and Goyle, their brains turned off; if they were ever on to begin with.
Providing no reaction, he goes back to his book. Eyes glued to the page, it was more thinking than actual reading. For he was finding it difficult to distract himself when there was an attack going on. Who was it this time? They'd find out tomorrow.
"Master! Master! Master!" A voice coming from the ground, Mortimer looks around before lowering his head.
Flailing on the marble floor, it was Tobey, his snake companion.
Slumping his forehead on top the desk, he wraps his arms over, making it seemed like he fell asleep. "What is it?" he whispered.
"I believe the human boy has found the creature." Urgent and panicky, Tobey lifts his head.
Being quiet as possible he tried to make sure no one could hear him. "Where?"
Tobey continues to inform him. "I saw the boy and his friend running to one of the lavatories. They brought with them a tall male who reeks of perfume and shrieks of women."
Lockhart!
Head underneath his arms, Mortimer quietly spoke. "Stay here. I'm going to go after them."
"No!" A loud hiss ranged out into the quiet slytherin room.
Heads were turned to his direction. Mortimer had to diverge their attention away, and fast. "Uh – I hit my leg. . . that's all."
Deeming him unimportant, his excuse was overlooked when the they went back to their own business.
He was saved, but that didn't justify tobey's behavior. His secret could've have been exposed. "They're going to hear you if you keep on shouting like that. Keep your voice down –"
"But Master, it's dangerous! I need to protect you. I can not let you go." The snake pleaded.
A plea that was brushed aside. "That's an order." He said darkly. "You will stay here and you will be silent."
"No."
"What did yo-"
"I am coming with you. I will not fail my duty in keeping you safe. If you go after the creature, you will die but I would rather die with you." The reptile stood defiant against his owner. "I follow all of your orders, but this one, I will not."
For only a moment, Mortimer sat there in silence. The internalized darkness that hid behind him felt the need to shove the snake aside, to punish him for his disobedience.
"I've wasted enough time sitting here." He gritted through his teeth, black flickering in the reflection of his eyes. "Do what you want. Get in my way, and you might as well find a new owner."
Tobey could live with that. Mortimer's harshness was noted by the snake. His master was angry but right now, it mattered not. The child will thank him in the future, he'll forgive him once the danger is dealt with.
Sliding the chair out, Mortimer closes his book and shakes off what ever emotions were lingering. Not looking behind him, he starts making his way towards an exit.
"Mortimer? What are you doing?" Asked Theo, standing beside him was Daphne and Tracey, holding the same expression.
How was he going to explain this to them? Pressing his lips together, he casually told them. "Bathroom?"
Skeptical, Theo folded his arms. "But Professor Snape said we're on lockdown."
Mortimer shrugs. "So? Hasn't stopped anyone before. I'll only be gone for a second."
"It's too dangerous to be going out there." Whimpering Tracey, she wrapped her arms around herself. "The chamber. . ."
"It's after muggles. Last time I checked, I'm not."
Daphne, wasn't convinced at the slightest. "What are you really up to?"
"You can tell us, you know? We're your friends." Mortimer can hear the worry in Theo's voice.
An exasperated sigh, Mortimer had to think quickly if he wanted to catch up with Potter. "I'm looking for Tobey. Alright? He's been missing for a while, and I've been searching… If any of the teachers find him, they're going to make me get rid of him."
Davis spoke up, tilting her head "But why now?"
"It's night, normally this is the time he goes out and look for food. I'm hoping I'd find him wandering the dungeons."
Theo appears to buy into it. "Do you need any help?"
A small grossed out noise coming from Daphne, she soon walks away. "Ew – No offense but I think I'll pass on finding a slimy worm."
Tracey wanted to help, but was reluctant to join. She too must've felt Daphne's sickened behavior. "I think I'll go join her. Hope you find him Mortimer."
Two down one to go. "I'll be fine Theo. Besides, wouldn't want to get you in trouble. If your father finds out, he'll flip."
"I guess you're right. . ." He mutters. Scratching his head, he was taken aback. "And what about you? Won't your uncle have a fit as well?"
"No doubt. But my Aunt will make things right." Mortimer jests as he starts walking to the opening doors.
No one to stop him, Draco suddenly appears in front of him. Dragging Mortimer to the side of the room, leaving Theo confused.
"You're going after the chamber, aren't you?" Draco probed.
What's with everyone questioning him? Did they not know, he had far more important manner to attend to? "Back off Draco. It doesn't concern you."
"I want to go." He requested firmly.
"No."
"Why not?" Draco nearly shouts out.
Moving pass him, Mortimer shook his head. "This isn't a game Draco. Lives are in danger – innocent ones. I'm not hear to spread pureblood beliefs. I'm here to do the right thing. Hate me later but right now, I have to go. I'm the only one who can stop it."
Before Draco could get a word in, Mortimer runs out of the slytherin common room.
Once out of ear shot, Mortimer, out loud, asked. "Where did they go?" Knowing better than to think he'd stay, Mortimer assumed the snake had followed.
"The second-floor." The slippery little reptile answered, trailing his master.
Grabbing Tobey, he hid him underneath his shirt, where the snake crawls up to his neck. "Stay hidden." He says.
Making it out of the dungeon, he runs across the first-floor and finds to the moving stair case.
No time to waste, he swiftly climbs each step, skipping a few along the way.
When he makes to the second-floor corridors, he passes various empty classrooms.
"Here!" Signaled Tobey.
Stopping in tracks, Mortimer comes face with the girls washroom sign. Not a moment sooner that he busts through, thinking he'd run into Potter. He was surprised to see it empty, and even more surprised to find a gaping hole in the middle of the girls sink, it was a pipe, a really bid one.
"Ooh~ Another boy, who also might die tonight." A high-pitched girls voice rang in his ears.
Turning his head on one of the stalls a ghostly figure emerges. Her round spectacled face and pigtailed hair came out. "Who are you?"
The ghost giggled. "Normally I would begin to cry. But seeing as how none of you are going to make it out here alive. . . I think I'll save my tears for another time."
In a hurry, he questioned. "Did another group went through here?"
Her head shaking eagerly, the ghostly apparition floats towards the sink. "They did. They've gone right down there." She points at the giant hole.
"Right. Thanks. . .who ever you are."
The girl seemed quite upset at the lack of recognition. "It's Myrtle!"
Flinching, he apologized. "Thanks, Myrtle. If I do end up dying today, don't let Lavender Brown in."
Instantly, Myrtle's expression turns joyous in humor when she frolics back into her stall.
Holding his breath, Mortimer enters the pipe. He lets out a a short scream when he finds himself sliding downwards through the elongated pipe.
The never-ending ride came to a close when he lands on the wet stone of the big tunnel.
Collecting his cool, Mortimer followed the dark single road. Wet and sloppy footsteps going across, he stopped at the sound of a voice.
"Hey! Who's there?" A young muffled voice, behind a wall of oppressed rocks. "Harry? Is it you? Did you find Ginny?"
Ginny? Mortimer thought. Oh no. . . It couldn't have been her that was attacked, could it? Than that could only mean that it was Weasley that was behind the jammed boulders.
I'll come back to him later… Mortimer said before commencing his run again.
Mortimer was getting closer. He could feel it. The blood in his veins pumping every second aligned with his heartbeat. From this point it was all adrenalin keeping him going, the excitement and anticipation. A life long mystery among the wizarding world was now being answered and he was one of the few who will ever get to see it.
Seeing is believing. Remembering the times he doubted the existence of the chamber, he didn't think it was possible until now.
His hands shaking when he reached an already opened wall that had two intertwined snakes, both having green emerald stones for eyes.
However, that was far from important.
For as he quietly went inside, he could faintly see poor Ginny on the floor, unconscious. Potter standing tensely as he conversed with a third member. This third person was unknown to him. He wore the syltherin uniform, but Mortimer could honestly say he's never seen him before.
Unnoticed to them all, he drew near. Slowly, he could hear more and more of what they were saying.
"You think I was going to use my filthy muggle father's name forever? Salazar Slytherin's blood flows through my veins, on my mother's side. Why keep such a foul common name when I can be so much more! Someone respected, someone whose soon to become the greatest sorcerer in the world!"
The more he talked, the more it was starting to dawn to Mortimer that this was no random student.
Parading his future victory, he spoke about his own greatness while Potter retorted, opposing and mocking him at every turn.
Eventually, the slytherin boy had finished his speech long enough to grab Mortimer's attention again. "Let's match the powers of Lord Voldemort, Heir of Slytherin, against famous Harry Potter, the boy-who-lived but will soon die, by my hand."
Each step bringing him closer to them, his breathing lost its rhythm. Hearing it all and replaying it back, Mortimer's feet stopped working. Blinded by the slytherin's appearance, features, Mortimer felt on edge. So many emotions spilling out of his head. From nervous, to scared, to eager and dread, happy, rage...
He wanted to simply run from the scene.
Realizing that once he made his presence known to them, to him, that Mortimer would be facing Tom.
His father.