AN: Short chapter - Thought I would post a lil' something since it is the holidays... Anyways, Merry Christmas everyone! Happy Holidays and Have a Happy New Year.

"You've really done it now, Sirius. . ."

"I was not about to let the opportunity to pass!"

"But we don't even know if it's true -"

"I know it is! You saw it, I saw it, it was on the bloody map! Their names were together, what more proof do you need?"

"That doesn't mean anything! Stop and think for a second -"

"I've seen him myself! Using magic outside the school grounds, throwing spells left and right. He was planning on doing it, I know."

Faint and unclear, there were fleeting flashes of pain, most of it behind his head. Was he dead? Am I dead? No, that couldn't be it, he could feel pain... Do the dead feel pain? He was coming and going between sleeping and waking and it was easier to just let go and forget the rest. Logically though, he told himself he needed to get a grip, something was not right, he's not where he's supposed to be. Opening one of his eyes, he notices he was in a dark room. that much he knew for sure. It took some time for him, dizzy as his thoughts were, he awoke. He could hear two people talking. Well... it sounded more like arguing really. What were they arguing about? They need to just. . .

"Shut up..." He was still hurt. Talking made his injury throb in pain. A steady ache in his body he couldn't seem to move. Something broke in his mind when suddenly he starts fighting so he could get out whatever it is that was restraining him.

What happened? His breathe came in short pant as he tries to move again, no success. Cutting into a whine when it turned out that he was tied to a chair. Observing the binds that immobilized him, he remembers flashes of what happened to him. Draco... where is he? Was he safe?

There was an unsettling half of movements as it was slowly coming to him. Distantly, he could feel his heart beating faster and then it clicked.

Him - the attacker - he'd done this to him. The same way he had tried doing it the first time, nearly succeeding too if it weren't for. . . Tobey! Where was he? Seeing as he was alone in the dark room, it was safe to assume that Tobey had listened to his order and had not intervene, he just hoped he wasn't hurt. His nails clenched underneath his skin, he growled. Unable to do more than stay here. He was shaky and felt awfully weak and it was all his fault.

Sirius Black was a dead man.

Following a long pause, "He's waking up." Breathed out the other voice.

A distance away, the stranger's is face concealed behind the shadows, Mortimer could hardly make him out. "Sirius. . ." A final plea, he hears Black scowling.

So, Sirius wasn't acting alone. . . He had help. But who? Who'd be willing to help someone as crazy as Black? They'd probably had to be crazy themselves, if that's the case. No matter, he'd deal with the other one once he finishes Black.

"If you're not going to help, then leave." Listening to Black as he sneers, his back turned away.

There was another pause. What in the world were they talking about? Was it him? They were talking about him, weren't they?

The other figure would take a deep breath. "Ask what you need to know and then let him go..."

There was a tone of satisfaction when Black finally approaches Mortimer. "Hey, you - Wake up you little brat." He grunts out loud.

Blinking deeply, his face wrinkled, and his hands flexed behind the binds. Tensing his body more when the dirty looking man took many steps closer, revealing his filthy smudged face. Sirius flicked the side of his temple with the back of his fingernail, making Mortimer flinch back. "There we go... rise and shine you plot scheming little git."

Every muscle in his body wanted to break free from these restraints and choke the air out of his lungs. All Mortimer could do was stare angrily at the scumbag who dare smile at him, enjoying the very sight of him being held down. He'd curse him if he could - My wand... Where's my wand?

"Looking for this?" His dirt covered fingers, dangling Mortimer's wand from his fingertips. He teases him, knowing very well he wouldn't be able to do anything but sit there helplessly. Mortimer's anger for him only grew.

Growling, Mortimer stays calm. "Real manly of you to target a defenseless student. Your family would be proud."

"Shut up." Sirius grouses as he puts his wand away, tucking it behind the ragged pants he wore. "Now you are going to tell me what I want to know... and if you refuse, you're going to deeply regret it."

"Sirius!"

Ignoring the third person in the room, Mortimer continues to glare. Appearing to be fearless and determined, inwardly, his bones were trembling in deep fear. The only reason he wasn't pleading for his life now was because the well built-up shields he had placed. They were weak, but we're keeping him together. "Where. Is. He?" Black grits out, grabbing his chin in a strong grip, Mortimer's head was strained.

This was his chance to get the answers he's wanted. Focusing, Mortimer tries getting out of his tight hold, but unable to, forcing him to mumble out. "Who?"

"You know very damn well who!" Shouting in his face Mortimer winces back, but he wouldn't let him, bring them closer. "Peter Pettigrew!"

"Who the fuck is Peter Pettigrew?" Mortimer yelled in return. Seriously, this crook is absolutely insane! Never in his life has he heard such nonsense spewing from a deranged man, such as him before.

If it were any more possible, the hold he had on his face only increased in pressure. "Don't play dumb with me! I've seen both of you in the same room. Conspiring... plotting to. . ." Shaking his head, he was starting to lose his cool. "hurt him."

"Sirius let him go." Implored the voice behind them. "It's clear that he doesn't know anything!"

"Back of Remus! I know what i'm doing." Shouting over his shoulders, he was finally able to let go of him. "And this little chit..." Motioning at Mortimer, continues. "... is going to tell me what I want to know."

Remus? Searching and waving his head around as it comes to him. Professor Lupin? Professor Lupin was working with Black?!

Son of a Bitch. . .

Mortimer's eyes widen, his mouth hung open, but no sound comes out. Shocked, he couldn't believe it and yet here he is, Remus Lupin, coming out from his hiding spot to reveal his no-good lying face.

He was right to assume Lupin couldn't be trusted, it was no wonder why Mortimer was always nervous around him. It made sense to him now, Lupin was working with the enemy, the man who wanted to kill him. They are so dead! He screams inside.

Sirius moves his attention back towards Mortimer, gritting to show his exposed yellow teeth. Losing patience, he grabs the boy's shoulders, shaking him as he interrogates "Where is he? Tell me where he is, and I'll consider letting you go."

"Fuck you!" Mortimer screamed. He wasn't sure what came over him. He didn't normally swear, almost never at adults, but somewhere in his subconscious splintered in half as Sirius continued to probe him with questions. He had no idea who Peter was or why he would think they're somehow working together. The only other person he's been with were that of his own friends and none of them were called Peter.

Unwilling to play his sick twisted game, he too was getting heated by this fool's questions. "I don't know who Peter is! I don't know anything! Why am I here? Why did you bring me here? Huh? What do you want?"

"I want to know where that fat little rat is."

"And I already told you I don't know a damn thing!"

"Mortimer, do you honestly not know who Pettigrew is?" Remus tossing a question, appeared confused as if what Mortimer had said was a revelation of sorts.

But Mortimer wasn't having any of it. "You!" Darting his head towards Lupin. "don't get to talk to me, lying sleazebag."

"Shut your trap filthy snake!"

"Go to hell!" Breathing heavily, he tries jumping out of his seat, only to be hindered by these straps.

Sirius looked like he was about to strike him as he raises one hand. In return, makes Mortimer braces himself for the burning sensation to emerge. Had it not been for Remus, he probably would've. Holding the crook back, Sirius and Remus start arguing and talking over each other.

Giving Mortimer the opportunity to fiddle around with the rope. Hoping to loosen a tie or two, he closes his eyes trying concentrate and feel the rough and itchy cable.

"...just let me try..."

"No, we've wasted enough time, we have to deal with this now."

"Five minutes that's all I ask."

They share a glance, challenging each other. Sirius was reluctant to leave them alone but with Lupin's calming cast, he swerves his body, giving Mortimer the foulest of stares, a warning.

Leaving Mortimer alone with Remus, he remains aggressive in nature. Lupin was stupid to think Mortimer would ever say anything to him. The good cop, bad cop approach was weak, and Mortimer knows better.

Clearing his throat, Remus was awkward in his posture, rubbing the back of his neck and avoiding eye contact, he speaks. "I'm sorry about him." he said warmly. "He's been through a lot and all this running; it's starting to get to him."

Refusing to answer, he continued working on the shackles of his drawn hands.

"Please, Mortimer," He asks, a sheepish frown that appeared to show guilt. "Is there anything you can tell me about Pettigrew?"

"For the last time - You dolt! I don't know who you're talking about! I haven't been meeting up with anyone with that name! You're crazy. All of you. . ." Shaking his head - Can't be trusted, no one can be trusted, they we all here to hurt him. To put an end to the dark lord's plan, rid the world of evil by taking him.

Rasing a brow, he leans down an eye level, puzzling over his words. "Then explain to me, why your name has appeared next to his?"

"Name? What name?" He scoffs, grousing at the sheer confusion. None of their questions were making any sense. "What are you on about - What name?"

Backing off, Remus stood in the middle of the room, pacing around trying to come up with a proper thought. "What were you doing alone all those times?"

"None of your bloody business!"

"Please... I understand you must be livid by this... revelation. . . and you're probably feeling betrayed... But I assure you," Attempting get brush off Mortimer's murdering stare. "When I say, I wouldn't be helping him if I knew he wasn't innocent - We need to stop him before he gets to him."

Tired of all this him nonsense, as Lupin babbled Mortimer managed to calm himself. Accordingly, he had felt one of the threads loosen. He couldn't let them know. With this in mind, he shifts his attention by finally asking. "Who?"

In a moment of progress, Lupin, nods and answers. His pitch was that of worry and guilt. "Harry."

This was all about the boy-who-lived. Mortimer had his speculations of course, but what did a teacher and murderer have anything to do with Potter? There was a keen interest in hearing more. And perhaps if he was able to shut his mouth for a few minutes, Lupin might reveal something not known by the rest, useful information about Potter or even himself. Deciding not to get riled up and forgetting about Sirius, Mortimer puzzles over his answer. "Harry? What does he have anything to do with it?"

There was a small hint of sadness as he starts recalling. Almost like a flashback where he relives the pain, that night, over again. "I'm sure you are aware about the first war, right?"

Nodding, Mortimer listens. At the same time, trifles against the rope behind his back.

"Then you must know about Harry's. . ." He hesitates, but only for a second before carrying on. "Parents, yes?"

Another nod, Mortimer doesn't waste any time toying with his restraints.

"The night they were murdered by the..." Eyeing Mortimer carefully, he tells him. "Dark lord, was the night they were betrayed from one of their close personal friends, Peter Pettigrew."

What? Becoming motionless, he tilts his head a little. Genuinely confused, thinking he heard wrong, Mortimer wasn't sure what to think, he had to be lying. It wasn't how the story goes... It was Sirius Black who sold them out. "What? What are you talking about? Of course, it was Black."

"Ah~ Yes. The world would have you believe it as well. But no - You see, the Potters went into hiding once they were aware they were being hunted down. To better protect them, the family was put under the Fidelius Charm -"

"The what charm?" Mortimer blurts out. Cursing himself once he starts questioning.

"A spell, a very powerful spell - I won't divulge too much, considering Sirius' lack of patience. What I will say, the spell was meant to hide Harry and his parents. The only way the dark lord could've found them was if their secret keeper had chosen to reveal it. Anyone who knew James Potter will know of Sirius Black, they were like brothers, glued to the hip." A small laugh escapes his lips, looking back at their shenanigans. "Because of this, everyone expected Black to be their Secret Keeper. But to throw everyone off, Black suggested they pick someone else; someone they wouldn't expect. Peter Pettigrew was chosen. It was a smart move, unfortunately they trusted the wrong person..."

Sullen in grieve, Mortimer was raising his brow, a million questions brewing. "So... this Peter fellow," Swallowing down his throat, he puts the pieces together. "he was the one to betray his parents. Which means Black's innocent, right?"

"Yes."

Pursing his lips, he glances away for a moment before returning them towards Lupin. "Doesn't change the fact he murdered a bunch of civilians..."

"Normally, you'd be correct." Bopping his head, Remus rubs his hands together, trying to get rid of the tenseness surrounding his body. "However, this time, you're wrong." A sigh, Lupin came across as disappointed when he says. "As good as he was, Sirius was always hot-tempered. Acting before thinking. Once he found out about Pettigrew's betrayal, Black went after him. Just before he could do anything, Peter had blasted the whole street and everyone in it. To make sure he wasn't found, he cut off his own finger, assuming he was dead."

Another untying, Mortimer was getting closer to freedom. Keeping his eyes glued to him, he made sure to appear as engaged as possible. "What you're telling me, is that Sirius Black is innocent? And some guy named Pettigrew, framed him? Is that what you're saying?"

A sad smile appears, looking around with eyes, calmy says. "Hard to believe, I know. Even I'm not quite entirely convinced. I'll admit, when I saw the two of you together, I thought the worse had happened."

Snarling, Lupin could see the anger rising from Mortimer as he caught a glimpse of his clamped teeth. Regardless, Lupin says. "He said things... showed me something to clear his name and. . ." Shaking his head Lupin decides not to dwell on it. "Things have changed, I believe -" Stopping he corrects his response. "We believe he's still alive. I can't tell you how, but we have reason to assume it to be true."

Unknotting another layer - Mortimer almost gasps out loud. Wiggling his hands, he did it... He's able to remove the ropes off completely. No wait! The story was getting interesting. Rather than jump off and start running, he remains neutral, holding the binds in his hands, pretending to still be tied. "The way you talk about everyone... I'm going to take a guess and say, you were friends with them as well?"

"Very perceptive." He applauds lightly in jest. "I was. We shared the same house."

"Right..." He said dully, not very keen to know about their days in the school. However, there was something he was dying to know. Seeing as how he probably wouldn't get a proper answer from Black, now that they've demonstrated the eternal hate they have for another, he thought maybe Lupin could answer for him. "I can see the need to avenge your friends and clear Black's name - BBuuttt..." a small cough, he buzzes over. "What does this have to do with me, again?" Titling his head, he raises his brow. "You ask me if I ever heard him, and I've already told you I don't. Now what?"

Peering away, a difficult question, Mortimer assumes. Seeing as how they went this far to bring him here, only to turn up short as he had no knowledge of Pettigrew prior to being kidnapped. "You guys thought I was working with him to somehow hurt Harry?"

A shameful nod, he didn't think he could use his voice right now. "I'm afraid so..."

"To be honest, I wasn't even sure Black knew I existed, or you, really. Isn't Azkaban supposed to be locked from the outside world? How did he know I was here? How did he even escape?"

"While I won't answer the last one. I will tell you -"

"Times up!" Busting up the door inside, it harsh slam was made, causing Mortimer to shy away. "Did he talk? Or do I have to make him?"

"Sirius," He calls firmly, putting a distance between him and the boy. "I've spoken to him, and he doesn't know anything. Truly, he hasn't shown any signs of deceive."

"And you believe him?!" He barks out, clenching his hands into a tight fist. "He's a snake, when have they ever been known for their honesty?" Point at Mortimer, he grimaces at Lupin's lack of belief. "she told me herself! The bloody bint -"

"Just because you fell for her trap, doesn't mean everyone else will." Lupin growing relentless as he makes a bid to calm him. "I've been watching him throughout the year. There was never a sign, nor an interest in Harry. If anything, he's been avoiding him all year long -"

"Exactly! He wants to seem less conspicuous, just like the rest of them. . ."

"Will you stop it already!" Remus said furiously. As their argument never ends, Mortimer times himself and was progressively starting to plan his escape. But first, he needed his wand... and Black. "He was raised by muggles! He wouldn't have known anything before coming here."

"Ha!" Laughing sarcastically, Black seemed to be in disbelief. "I know my cousin. . . and she'd hang herself first -" He sneered, wishing she actually did "before ever sending her spawn." Sounding it out with vile venom, he spits in the process. "to live with a bunch of muggles."

"And that's not to mention the fact that he's been out into the forest tossing spells as if expecting to do battle." Louring over to Mortimer, he asks. "What are you training for spawn? Huh? Trying to finish what your father started?"

If it were any possible, Mortimer would've strangled him right here and there. Tempted to send him into a hurt of curses and hexes - Do anything that will shut him up before revealing. His eyes broaden in panic. Even if he wanted to get out this chair, he wouldn't, his body would let him as his body froze in dread.

Sirius must've taken notice because the corner of his lips soon rose to form a wide spreading smug of a smile that Mortimer wanted to rip off immediately.

Did Professor Lupin know?

"That's enough Sirius. I'm aware..." He confesses, an uncomfortable pause before gazing over to Mortimer's tightened body. "I was curious... and asked Dumbledore. I don't blame you for wanting to keep a low profile, Mortimer. I was shocked... I still am. Though it doesn't change the fact that Pettigrew is out there. Help us capture him."

"Pfft, don't bother with this one... He'll bring you to your death" said Sirius, his eyes were dark and filled with hatred. "I can see it in his eyes."

Mortimer nearly leaps out of the chair, he wanted to do horrible things to him. Unspeakable things, shred him until there wasn't a piece left of him. Taking joy in tormenting him just as Black appeared to be in. Watch his final breaths, knowing he screwed up, that he was condemned to a life of pain when he decided to target Mortimer.

He was a dead man.

They both were.

Both of them will know what the Dark Lord's son is truly capable of, too bad no one will know, they could've warned them.

Cat, Rat, Dog and Snake...?

Gone. His master was gone. He shouldn't have listened to him. He should've attacked right there and then. But no, he had foolishly obeyed his command. Now, forced to watch helplessly as his master was taken away by the fraudulent dog.

What was he supposed to do now? Where was he going to go? What was the next move? Smacking his tail against the floor, he was silent.

For the first time, in a long time, he was completely lost.

Coming out from his hiding spot, he crawls right out from the left side of the trophy cabinet.

His master was hurt and in danger. And it was all his fault.

He failed.

He failed to protect his master.

No.

He was not going to dwell. He was going to correct his mistake.

But first, slithering around the dungeon. He slowed maybe halfway down the corridor, the muffled sounds coming closer. There - There he was, there he laid. . . Master's blood clan, tied to from head to toe.

Master would want his sib to be safe. Master cares too much for him, which meant he had too as well.

Approaching the pale boy, he recoils back. He should have figured that he'd come to finally creep up on him and release him from the bounded shackles. Though, he must've not seen him.

The human is shouting, wriggling and trying to get out from the hold. "Hold still sib. I will release you."

But of course, the human boy does not listen. They never do. He was no speaker. Cutting through the rope, using his teeth, the human boy was able to tear through the rest and break free.

"About time!" Hearing the clan member say, massaging iis wrists, he wastes no time getting up. "We have to find Mortimer."

Tobey hears him. But does not listen. Master doesn't want him hurt. Bringing him will cause the hurt.

"You will stay here sib. I will find Master."

Slithering back, he ignores the boy's calls. He was shouting at him, telling him to come back. But he can't - won't - master needs him. He will not waste any more time.

He will do what needs to be done.

He will bring Master back.

Out of breath and bewildered to an extent, too many things were going on simultaneously. First with Hagrid and then Buckbeak -

Poor Buckbeak...

Now, Harry finds himself in the middle of the forest chasing Ron's pet rat, Scabbers. Surprised, to find the rat in one piece. He was alive! Guess that meant Crookshanks hadn't really eaten the rodent.

But that could all change in a matter of seconds as Crookshanks had appeared out of nowhere. Ignoring Hermione's calls, it began chasing the rat all over the grounds.

"Scabbers, come back!" Yelled Ron. "Get away from him!"

Stretching her arms, Hermione tries grabbing the cat, but the slippery little thing was dodging her left and right. "Crookshanks!"

Even now he wasn't sure what brought him here. All he'd really know was that today's events had brought him here as he ran with the adrenaline and panic, needing to get away before anyone finds them. Panting, Harry had to catch his breath. Pushing his glasses up to his nose. Something didn't feel right. None of this seemed normal, then again, stranger things have happened to him over the years.

"Pretender!" A voice calling out in the air.

His muscles tensed as the voice tries summoning him. Looking around, Harry quickly takes out his wand and searches for the source.

"Pretender!" It repeats.

"Show yourself!" Harry challenges, his wand at hand he prepares to attack.

Behind small clamped up bushes, there was momentarily trembling when a sudden surprise appears causing Harry to put his arm down.

It was a snake. . .

Not just a snake - Black's pet snake. Trying to remember its name, he couldn't be bothered with it. The important thing now was, what's it doing out here and where was Mortimer?

"It's you..." Unintentionally, Harry stats speaking in parseltongue. "What are you doing out here? Where's Black?"

The dark snake wiggles out from the bushes. It began to walk in a slow pace, just... watching him. Like it was getting a better look at him. Almost like it was analyzing his worth, trying to size him up, not necessarily looking for fight, but to see if he was deserving of its presence. It then comes out fully, exposing its whole body, it stood high on its spine. "Pretender!" It recites once more. "You will help me."

Taking a step back, Harry seemed stunned at the order. It was the first time he's encountered a creature so demanding. "Excuse me?"

"You will help me save my Master." Bluntly, the snake orders him.

Harry wasn't sure how to respond. Whilst, looking behind him as Hermione and Ron can be seen trying to take hold of their own pets. "What is going on?" Frustrated, he runs a hand through his shaggy hair. "Where is Black and why are you here?" Harry's hands felt over his wand, hardly noticing Ron's signals. "Go away, I don't have time for you or your master."

With that, he turns around and starts running back towards Ron and Hermione, fearing they could be caught by Dumbledore or Fudge.

What stopped him from leaving all together was the snake's assertion. "He has my Master!" It cried out loudly.

Part of Harry could sense it's panic, almost as if it was hurt and in pain. "What?"

The snake wasted no time trying to reveal. "The older, dirty - disguised as -" Irritated it rattles it tails violently. "It isn't real. He isn't real. The human. . . He hurts my master... He took my master! I must save him."

Hearing Hermione yelling for assistance, Harry couldn't seem find himself to listening as his attention was solely focus on the creature standing before him. "I don't understand..." Having troubles, he asks. "You have to tell me who? Who took him?"

"The tall filthy being." It hisses at him. "The man that hides behind the shadows. He wears a different a shape. Human at times. It disguises itself as a mutt!"

The grim!

It had to be it. The dark covered fur dog he's been seeing all year. The one who seemingly began following him from time to time. But what does it mean? How was Mortimer connected? It wasn't making any sense. The snake said it was all a disguise, it wasn't real, it said. He needed to find out more. "Where? Do you know where Mortimer was taken?"

"His scent, I smell it. It is growing weaker. I must hurry before the scent is gone. I have to save him. Help me, pretender."

Frowning, he didn't like being called phony. It's not like he chose to talk to snakes. Regardless, the urgency and fear in the snake's tone, Harry nods.

Offering his arm. The long dark reptile wastes no time wrapping itself around his arm. "Where to?"

A moment of thought, the snake starts flicking it tongue. "Follow the feline."

Baffled, Harry was slightly confused. "What?"

"The feline... It has the stench, it's foul, rotten stench, it knows." Pausing, the companion snaps its head once it realizes. "The rat! It carries my master's scent."

Sticking its tongue out, was it using this as some kind of sensor? As impossible as that sounded, it was the first thing that came to mind. He knew the snake needed to use this for some kind of advantage. It was staggering that the snake had allowed Harry to touch him. Given the fact it had essentially tighten its hold around its arm in comfort. Harry had known theses lengthened creatures to be cunning, to be able to track a person down further than most. But this was something unexpecting as Black's pet informed him about the scents. Crookshanks knew? Knew about what? And what does Scabbers have to do with any of this? Why was it carrying Mortimer's smell? What could any of these animals possibly want with one another.

It was all too confusing for him. "You know, you could try and explain to me what is happening." Harry grumbled. The snake that wrapped around him, fidgeted with its tail. baring its teeth at the rat. A pretty clear indication that Scabbers was an enemy, for what reason? Harry wouldn't know.

"They know." It answers plainly. "They all know.. . "

"Harry! Will you please come and help me get Crookshanks!" Hermione accompanied this with a dramatic gesture in the cat's direction.

This seemed to accomplish something, at the least. The snake shifted from its arms up to Harry's shoulders, staring Hermione down to discard her pleads.

Once Hermione notices the snake, she jumps back and yells, pointing at it. "Harry!" Maybe Harry hadn't felt a thing. "There's a snake around your shoulders!" The closer she looked it, familiar it became, causing her eyes to widen further. "That doesn't belong to who I think it does... right?"

Harry threw out his arms, just to show he was very much aware. As he was ready to speak, there was hesitance he quickly looked between her and the darkened critter. "Look - I don't have time to explain but we have to follow Crookshanks! I think he's trying to lead us somewhere."

"But what about Scabbers?" Hermione said in a fit of panic.

Shaking his head, Harry was going back and forth between the two voice that were talking to him. The snake telling him Crookshanks was only taking prisoners - Hermione worried that her half-kneazle was out for a hunt.

"He must capture the rat!" It scowled frustratingly. Its patients wearing thin, they've were only wasting time. "It will take us to master."

"Let's just go! Come on before we lose them both."

A short distance away, Harry and Hermione could see Ron chasing the cat, trying to stop him from prancing and getting a hold of his rat. "Leave him alone you ugly cat!"

Ignoring Hermione's question, Harry began to move his feet, following Ron. Though he was mainly focusing on where the damn cat was going. He must've not seen it then. Coming out from the blue, Harry found himself knocked back with such force, the snake slithered off. A cry of worry, Hermione runs towards him.

Groaning, he took out his wand. In a hush whisper he casted. "Lumos."

Immediately, his wand lit up the area and it was there that he saw what had whipped him back. An old, violent, angry tree, the Womping Willow, tossing its branches across all different directions. He was almost amazed at Ron's agility as he avoids getting hit. The determination here had for his pet rat was almost impressive. Before Harry could catch his breath, he instantly rolls away as it attempts another attack.

Ron, keeping his sights on the blasted cat, swerves his body left and then bends down. Evading another branch as it tries to smash him, he witnesses the cat disappearing from a crept hole, just beneath its roots.

"Guys! They went inside the Womping Willow! I'm going after them!" Shouted Ron. Hoping they heard, he went ahead of them. Carelessly, chasing after Crookshanks. It was becoming harder to move around when he could hardly see. Tossing himself down on to the ground, he roughly drags himself on the muddy wet grass and slides right into the opening of the tree.

"Ron! Wait -" Harry shouts, stumbling on his feet the tree nearly hits him by a few centimeters. "We have to stick together."

"Ron!" Hermione cries out. Failing to get his attention, Weasley was simply too fast, too distant for him to hear the both of them.

"Gah! Time is being wasted!" The snake whined longingly. Since the womping willow wasn't targeting the creature, it managed to slip by with ease.

"You try avoid getting hit!" Harry hissed without thinking. Running from a large hit attack, Harry instructs Hermione. "There's a gap near its roots!" We have to get in!"

Before the bushy haired girl could respond, she yelps out in pain. Holding her shoulder, the Womping willow had managed to cut her on the shoulder. "We need to go get help -"

"No!" Harry said, dodging the Willow as it shook violently, raising one of its larger branches and snapped and whipped over him. "We haven't got the time and the snake said it'll take us where need to go."

Wincing at the burning sensation of her fresh cut, she slides her body to the right as the Willow tree struck its twig, aiming for head. "We'll never make it through!"

Getting relentless, Harry found himself panting. He was tired and with the endless attacks coming from the demonic tree, Harry never felt more determined. "If Ron can get in, so can we. Let's move."

Running, Harry repeats Ron's strategic move and scrabbles down the ground. Finally able to get in, Hermione follows suite, worming their bodies,they nearly feel face plant.

They were in some strange tunnel. Looking around, Harry spotted a couple of shadows running further into the distance. "This way..." He whispered, but with the hollowing echo, it made any small noise seem louder. "Keep your wand out, in case."

Nodding nervously, Hermione lights up her wand, preforming a Lumos.

While she gazes around, Harry spoke. "Are you still here?"

"I am.," said the snake. "Pick me up, pretender, their scents are growing stronger."

Bending down, Harry collects the eager snake and presses forward. "Where does this tunnel come out? Where does it lead?" She breathed heavily.

Recalling the map, he wasn't entirely sure. "It was marked on the map... but I don't know... It goes off on the edge, I thought it might lead to Hogsmeade."

Practically running, Harry wasn't sure how far the tunnel goes. But they were somehow still able to spot the shifting silhouettes of Ron and the speedy cat. He was only half listening to Granger as Mortimer's pet snake whispered in excitement. "You are drawing near, pretender."

"Can you smell him?"

"Yes! I can almost feel my Master..."

"Harry..." Hermione spoke quietly, there was worry in the pitch of her voice. "I don't think you should be talking to it... It might be trying to trick you."

His mind plagued with a hundred different questions. Mainly consisted with Mortimer's connection in all this. He never suspected him, and part of him thought this was trap. What if Mortimer really was the master mind behind the behavior of animals that were acting strange. What if he was helping Sirius Black. . . What if the snake was sent by the slytherin in order to lure them in some kind of trap. It's been a while since he thought of the eldest Black, his mind concerned with helping Hagrid and winning the quidditch cup, he nearly forgot about him. But going back to the idea that Mortimer was part of it somehow, a shiver ran down his spine.

Professor Trelawney... Recalling how her body went rigid as her eyes started to roll in the back of head, speaking in multiple voices, his body goes cold in pure panic and fear. He could almost recite her words by memory. She said it will happen tonight... A servant that will reunite with the dark lord - that he'd be the one to set him free. Was it Mortimer Harry had to be weary of?

It was hard to continue to deny the coincidences, the connection Mortimer had with him. They were supposed to be enemies. Hate each other, wanting to murder one another. And why? Well, the simple answer, his father had killed his parents and Harry had ended up killing him in return. But somehow, he couldn't seem to find himself hating him. Dislike? Yes, Mortimer can certainly be a berk at times and yes, he was always callous around others. Yet, there were many opportunities for Mortimer to get rid of him.

The chamber of secrets... He could've sent the Basilisk after him. However, he didn't. Instead had targeted his own father, his memory

It almost made sense when he remembers they were linked through blood. There were family, right? More than Harry could say about himself. Setting aside that a serial murderer was his Godfather, both Blacks were similar in their own right. Hermione was right to be concerned.

Making a noise that seemed to resemble that of disgust, it tightens around his arms. "Human girl does not understand. Leave her."

"I am not leaving her." Harry said in parseltongue. "And she's right... What if this all a trap? How do I know Mortimer isn't trying to hurt us? How do I know I can trust your Master?"

"Fool!" The dark snake hisses hotly that Granger lets out a squeak. "My Master never raises his hand! He only seeks to protect!' He defends him, refusing to put up with the slander.

"Protect who?"

"Those he cherishes. He cares too much. He will protect them with his life." The snake's voice almost sounded hurt. "But no one will protect him - I must protect him; I must save my master."

Harry switches back so that Hermione could understand him when he says. "Don't worry, it's only after one thing."

"And that is?" She skeptical asked, her brow rising. The cut on her shoulder no longer burning.

"It's Master."

The tunnel rising, they could spot a faint light coming from an opening. Holding their wands, they appeared in a dusty old room that was almost never used. They were able to catch up to Ron, who had stopped and froze in the middle of the room. "Harry look! I've finally caught scabbers."

"Where's crookshanks?" Stepping forwards, Hermione questioned him urgently. "Ron! Where is crookshanks?" She repeats.

"How should I know?" Looking down at scabbers, he tries calming his squirming body as it attempts to jump. "Serves em' right for trying to eat scabbers - Look at him - he's traumatized."

Realization suddenly hits him as he peers over at the boarded-up windows. "Where do you suppose we're at?" Ron asks, turning his head, the floorboards creak with each movement.

Observing the smudge covered walls and teared down paper walls, Harry wasn't too sure.

The horror in Hermione's expression, she answers for him. "I think we're in the Shrieking Shack." Whispering fiercely, she covered her mouth with one of her dirt covered hands.

"What?!" Ron shouts before Harry and Hermione rush at him, covering his mouth, Ron could hardly breathe.

"We have to be quiet!" Harry shushed as he lets go a moment later. "Did you see which way he went?"

Disappointed in himself Ron shook his head. "It went off before I could get a good look. At least scabbers is doing alright."

'All right' isn't the words Harry would use to describe the over-sized rat. It was practically twisting and jerking his body, trying to get out of Ron's tight hold.

Harry, looking at the furniture that was utterly destroyed. "We have to search the house." There were sharp teeth marks on some of the chairs. Impossible... only someone with strong gigantic chompers could've possibly made them. "I don't think a ghost was able to do this." Said Hermione, her voice was getting shaky, trembling at the sight, her hair was getting uncontrollably frizzy.

Creeping around, Ron found a staircase. "Guys, I heard something upstairs."

Remaining calm, Harry starts to move. As he does, Hermione grips his arm for support. But really, all she was doing was stopping the blood from flowing in his arm, his fingers becoming instantly numb.

"Ron," Hermione muttered quickly, clenching her hands into a fist, she covers her chin. "Ron! Don't -"

He refuses her calls. Rather, takes lead and makes his way upstairs, Harry following soon after. With each grating step, the rat begins squeaking, violently thrashing its body.

"They're here! Master! Master! Master!" The snake repeats. "I'm here, Master!"

Stopping, in front of the door, they heard a faint noise, movement. Exchanging one final look, the three of them brace themselves. They were unaware of the sight they will soon face when they opened the door.