Chapter 14

Face it

"Harrison Black."

All eyes were on the trio of Aurors who earlier were seen coming down from the Headmaster's office. Many of the students were surprised to see them stopping directly behind a student; more so a first year student at that. Quickly enough gossip began to spread before Harrison Black himself even laid sights on the ministry officials. Said student turned a head over their shoulder meeting the sight of the three somewhat lined up behind him. Gray eyes tinted with curiosity while laughing behind the facade. Harrison of course had no idea what this was about but anything to spice up the school life was welcome. Having already been through all seven years of schooling and most if not nearly all of what being taught currently was already installed into him. So this was a nice change from the everyday mundane. And Riddle's being such an antisocial twat. The only times he's crossed paths with the brunette was during class, the few times he went to the library, and before bed. Harrison half wondered if Riddle would get a kick out of seeing him plucked from his seat by Auroras. Too bad he wasn't planning on being a noticeable ruckus yet. So under the full attention of every student and teacher within the Great Hall Harrison Black responded.

"I skipped class one time. Didn't think I'd get arrested for it."

Two officials looked utterly unamused while one's lips twitched in suppression. It was this Auror who motioned for the young raven to stand up. "Education is a very important matter, Mr. Black." The wizard's head turned in a visible manner momentarily over the countless students before returning attention to Harrison. Hands not remaining idle as they plucked up the boy's bag. "However we're taking you in only for questioning on a situation we believe you may have some information on."

"Are you allowed to say that?"

The wizard shrugged. Their unconcerned response caused a domino effect among the watching students. Attentions steadily began to return to their food and previously dropped conversations. More eyes moved away from the unusual scene until only a small percentage were left watching Harrison Black being escorted out of the Great Hall by the Auroras. The four were soon joined by a blabbering potions professor whose focus leaned more toward furthering connections than their young student's situation. Only asking about the matter when barely any attention was given to the portly man. Harrison remained his usual lofty self despite being flanked by the magical world's police and Slughorn's disapproving yet prying eyes. Soon enough they were on the rotating platform framed by the Headmaster's infamous stone gargoyle. Professor Dumbledore for once looked out of place within the spacious office despite being a future Headmaster. Clashing orange was a description needing no extra words. The current Headmaster welcomed the group upon seeing them enter. Eyes falling on each individual before returning to Slughorn.

"Thank you Horace for guiding them here."

"Not a problem at all, Headmaster. Not at all." Slughorn seemed to gain some minimal height when he straightened up from an inward sulk and puffed up his chest. "I was surprised to know these officials were here for one of my precious snakes. This child here is a calm boy. Always in the library studying or enjoying the quiet of the lawn. The Slytherin house team needs to upkeep their practices after all!" Slughorn remained blind to the eye roll of the very student he was speaking of. Of course those who have had interactions with Harrison Black knew the boy was not of the studious nature and those who did not were well aware of the boy not even being on the Slytherin quidditch team given their first year status. Albus Dumbledore was one of those present to know mildly more a bit about Harrison Black than other professors. The aged wizard began to keep an eye on the Slytherin boy hanging around one of his lions; not aware it was the other way around. Nevertheless, typical with Slughorn's extended sentences, no one paid much mind. Not even Harrison who was being confused for the mixing traits of at least three different students together. One of which he was sure was actually Riddle. Also there lay heavy doubt that Slughorn even knew his first name. "This young student of mine will be of the utmost cooperation to these fine gentlemen. If you need anything don't hesitate to ask, Headmaster. I'm sure this is no serious matter."

Headmaster Dippet motioned a hand in a way that was both respectful in thanks yet hinting to enough for the man to take their leave. Further extended when the office door opened once more; this time under the old man's magic. "I shall have Albus inform you of anything if required."

"Of course, of course!" Slughorn bowed respectfully and made sure to shake the hand of each Auror before heading back to wherever the man had popped up from when joining the quartet.

Harrison snorted at the professor's attempt to give a covert warning look. What a joke. Despite being the very reason for being in the Headmaster's office with both Headmaster, Deputy Headmaster, and Auroras he cast a small trip-up jinx. Lips remained motionless when an audible stumble and curse were heard. The Auror who took to his joke earlier coughed lightly. Their eyes met briefly before Headmaster Dippet addressed the raven. "Yes, sir?"

"Despite what Professor Slughorn said, the reason behind your presence being requested is indeed a serious one." Here the aged wizard pushed forward a newspaper. It was picked up by Dumbledore who then levitated it toward the young Slytherin. Both of their eyes held a serious gaze. The former coated with concern. "No one is accusing you of anything so do not fret. These Aurors will be taking you to the Ministry for questioning. Professor Dumbledore will join you unless you rather have your head of house do so?"

Accuse me? Harrison took the newspaper unhurriedly. It was easy to tell it was a muggle one. He glanced at the Auror closest to him noting their faint flicker of expression. An easy lip-sealed smile swiftly overtook it. He gave his own mocking expression of a tentative small smile to the man's fake one before actually laying eyes on the front page. Knew there was something up with your friendliness. Let's see what you got for me, hm? He cocked his head to the side not too sure of what the image's focus was beyond the grungy looking brick wall and weird lump thing on the floor. Harrison read the headline caption for some prompting hint. Oh? And looked back to the motionless grayscale photograph. Details previously missed from lack of genuine interest came into focus. It was an alleyway. With a body splayed out awkwardly on the floor. A small pole curved at one end into a ninety degrees angle not far from the human lump. The memory of the pedophile-alley incident with Riddle sprung up on fast forward. So he died? Does it count as murder if it's done in self defense by another party? He didn't think so but either way his brushed upon acting skills were going to come into use. "I..I didn't know he…He attacked my friend, sir. Was on top of him, hurting him, and I j-just- I didn't mean to kill him. I swear." Harrison handed back the paper shakily; physical reaction and thoughts well within the expected range of an eleven year old fearing slaughter conviction. At least he thought so. Maybe it was too much? Harrison felt the hidden attempts of Occlumency instantly. Dumbledore's grossly familiar magic and another belonging to one of the Aurors or Dippet. More likely an Auror than the foolishly overcaring Headmaster though. The raven made sure to only show and put forth what would ease them and assist himself. "I'll help any way I can, sir. I'm not a m-murder." Haha what a fuck'in lie! Harrison turned to Dumbledore, voice still uneven in childish distraught despite inwardly laughing. "I would feel more comfortable with my head of house, if that's o-okay?"

Albus was not given time to reply as the Headmaster spoke instead. Unknowingly interrupting any further mental prying. "Dear boy, no one has said you killed the man. Such a silly thought for a child." Dippet offered a calming candying drop to the young Slytherin. One not actually laced with anything prompting toward an unexpecting subconscious. "Worry not, these gentlemen will ask a few questions to help them better understand what happened as you are a witness. I thank you for being brave and giving your full cooperation to them."

After a few more words of reassurance and encouragement from the Headmaster and curt explanation from the leading Auror the four were back to walking the halls of Hogwarts toward the front entrance. Slughorn stood by one of the designated transportation ports. These areas were constructed for easy magical travel to and off school grounds; most limited to the expansion of Hogsmeade Village. Some ports were able to allow further travel, like the very one beside Professor Slughorn, yet such a distance was only accessible to students given permission alongside a travel trinket. However, once World War II started and hints toward a magical source assisting Hilter's progression were investigated these travel ports were removed. Harrison found it a bit disappointing the ports didn't exist during his Hogwarts years as Harry Potter since those would've come in handy so many times. Then again the Triwizard cup had been tampered with so not much of a leap for the travel ports to have been abused in the same way. The travel trinket Slughorn handed to Harrison was a rather big coin. One not easily to fit into a pants pocket but slipped into a rob pocket or pouch smoothly. The group left promptly only leaving behind a swirl of leaves and pulse of magic.

Whatever way of entering the famous Ministry of Magic was to be taken for once was not in a way Harrison could recall ever taking before. There was the phone booth, the toilet, floo network, and authorized port key. This time it was as if his body had been summoned. A rune circle glowing a purple hue surrounded him; its light dimming out now that magical energy no longer hummed through it for activation. Harrison looked around the space beyond the self-dubbed summoning circle to see there were others of the same like. The Aurors who picked him up already stepped off only for the empty space to glow brightly a moment later signaling the arrival of another. It was then Harrison felt the nudge behind him and realized he was sharing the rune circle with another. His eyes met the eyes of the suspiciously easygoing Auror. Now that's just too close for comfort. He stepped off himself and followed the man in unrushed steps when they walked around him to lead. Gray eyes taking in the spacious room in the limited time allowed before exiting the threshold. Despite not being able to get a good look there were more than enough things worth a covert trip back. Unfortunately plans for it would have to be put on the back burner as present circumstances took priority. Harrison was guided through a small walkway that ended, or started, with a stone archway engraved with more runes. After passing through he realized the reason behind the utter lack of concern the Aurors had taking him such a route. This archway was veil. One that removed any memory of what was seen, heard, or touched in the previous chamber. However, being the Master of Death nullified such magical effects. The next area beyond the archway seemed to be the main domain of the Auror Department from the wizards and witches in uniformed robes of ranks rushing about, floating criminal boards with wanted posters, howlers set to a non-shouting volume to deliver verbalized reports. Those were muffled allowing only the intended addressee to hear. Harrison thought it kind of cool as reading important letters were crucial but doing so did tend to be time consuming. He was brought from his observing thoughts thanks to nearly walking into the Auror.

"My bad."

"It's better you stay close, Mr. Black." The easygoing Auror stated simply before returning attention to their two coworkers.

Apparently a conversation had been struck up sometime during Harrison's visual exploration of the Auror Department. Stepping aside the wizard he noted the other two Aurors stood just outside another hallway; this one lit enough to see all the way to the end of the hall unlike the previous one they had come before passing through the archway. It looked like a bunch of rooms lined up on either side. Harrison figured it must be where criminals and suspects were taken for interrogations and interviews. His eyes returned to the guiding Auror when the other two apparently went off in a different direction. "Uh…so, where are they going?"

"They are going to set up for your interview, Mr. Black." The older male began to walk once more. Not down the hallway the raven expected to be headed toward but another way. It seemed his conduction showed as the man explained. "As that is the case you shall be waiting in another room."

"Alright."

There wasn't much to say on the matter after all. Too many knowledgeable questions would be odd coming from an eleven year old and yet Harrison felt none whatsoever would be just as. So he kept it that he genuinely cared to stay tuned to the current situation. Soon enough the duo were entering the rickety lift. Somehow the same voice from years into the future announced each floor's summarized title upon passing. Harrison couldn't help but inwardly shake his head at the magical world's reluctance to evolve. However as a time traveler from decades in the future this choice in lacking change assisted him greatly. He recognized the black brick marbling of the walls. Its sleek shine was no less gleaming when compared to the two other times he's seen it; one in a vision sent from Voldemort and another time in person. Least this time there's no ambush by Death Eaters. The Auror got off the lift. Harrison followed the man past the small entrance area down another hallway not ever taken, even in the future, to where personal offices seemed to be. Along the squeaky clean walls hung up elegant framed moving photos and tasteful decor not similarly seen anywhere else thus far. Each office door they passed looked rather embellished. Hinting toward the owner's higher status within the Ministry network. Some even had a grand title of importance carved in elegant curls. Two examples Harrison was currently walking past read the Auror Department Head and another the International Communications and Relations Head. The others passed by he wasn't sure of nor cared to glance toward when it became apparent all these doors were styled the exact same. However the one they came to a stop in front of did stir up some curiosity.

"This way Mr. Black." Gestured the Auror via opening the private office door. "You can wait with your guardian until we are ready to begin your interview."

Guardian, huh? From any simple sweep background check it would be utterly clear Harrison Black came from a muggle orphanage. So this comment was filled with so much bullshit that whatever small amount of truth within was leaked out as insignificant dribble. Harrison stepped into the office not caring one way or another. His interest piqued. A privacy ward instantly went up the second the door shut behind the Auror. Oh there's definitely something fishy going on in this lil tank. Whatever it may be, the raven decided to allow it to happen. So when the Auror suddenly hit him with a stunner followed by a knockout jinx of some kind he didn't block it. Harrison's eyesight blurred along the edges transitioning into a dark fade. Mobility functions swiftly became sluggish as the urge to slumber consumed him entirely. The last thing gray eyes saw was the high back of the leather desk chair turning its facing direction. Yet blackout hit before the man sitting behind it could be fuzzily outlined. …How lame.

A strong scent caused a sudden sneeze.

Followed by a disgusted noise and a shout of, "Elf!"

The sudden commotion helped push away the grogginess from Harrison's awakening head. First to come into sight were the glossy wooden floorboards. Then shoeless sock clad feet right next to what looked like legs of a chair. Drops of blood stained the area of floor between his spread thighs. It was then he started to feel the achy in a multitude of places; most annoying from being in a slumped over position while seated. Raising his upper half allowed the raven to see who spoke a second ago and the likely culprit behind that Auror's actions. Dignified and handsome came to mind even as the middle aged wizard tossed a just used handkerchief to a trembling elf. Classy. The man's eyes landed upon him. For once he found himself taken aback upon meeting eyes the same shade of gray as his own. He cast his gaze over the room. Definitely not the same office. That was instantly made clear by the style and amount of Dark Artifacts on the owner's desk and shelved on the display case behind them. However the most telling was the giant self portrait. Harrison quickly realized the importance of this abrupt turn in events. "Fuck."

"Curb your tongue." The man's voice was gruff adding to the visual of sternness. They looked similar to an adult Sirius Black if with some differences here and there amongst being thicker in build. Padfoot had been almost as boney as a prison cell bar after escaping prison and honestly hadn't gained enough weight to be seen as a healthy grown man at a glance. In fact this wizard shared a build reminiscent of Kingsley Shcklebolt's. "Now you will do well to listen closely, boy. I have-"

"It's Harrison actually. I upgraded a few years ago" Harrison cut in smoothly while attempting to brush back their bangs only to realize the immobility of his limbs. He slumped back when the most he could do was wiggle fingers. Regardless of his current position he met the older wizard's gaze without a hint of caution to be seen. Unknowingly irking the man behind the desk. "So who are you?" He asked without a hint of decorum in return to the man's ghastly meet and greet. Who just kidnaps people so rudely? Completely ignoring the number of muggles he himself had taken to his home in Godric Hollow. Of course comparing the two was void before attempt since the raven had charmingly yet slyly lured these people who then followed him of their own free will.

"That is my question to you, thief." The man set down their glass of dark liquor while leaning forward in the armchair. Lights from the flames of a nearby fireplace flickered across the man's features. Adding an air of menace that did not seep into the boy as intended. There was no fear coming off of the young wizard that the man could detect; their dislike for the other grew. "Regardless of the boy's shared squib status to their shameful father, imagine my surprise when informed of the contrary. Furthermore layered over the report of those stains on the family line perishing in a fire and yet here is one of them before me. Animated via theft by someone who dares claim the noble name of Black as their own."

Guess that's outta the bag. Harrison didn't bother wasting time in denying it. "Is it really stealing if it's already dead though?"

"Watch your tongue, boy."

"Harrison." Said teen ignored the shattered glass and sudden sting of a blooming cut to his brow. Taking a moment to actually check over his own body it was easy to spot where the previously seen drops of blood came from. Oh, someone was busy. He shook off the spilled remnants of the drink. Tongue swiping a drop near his lips. Blood and booze, what a flavor. There was no way he was going to be swayed by the man's scare tactic. Or any tactic the older wizard may come up with. Having lost any mood to humor Harrison simply stated the facts knowing the other wizard already knew everything to be seen on the surface. "The kid and his daddy were banished then died. I just took what wasn't in use anymore. No harm or foul."

"You have incurred a soul debt, boy."

"I call bullshit."

Pain shot through the raven's nervous system. Teeth clenched shut in reflex to silence the body's response to scream. This would be the first time it was put under such a spell. An infamous illegal spell tagged with a ticket for a one way boat ride to Azkaban. While Harrison could mute the noises there was no hiding the tremors. At least his limbs weren't jerking about like an air deprived fish. He spat out a wad of blood to the side once the Cruciatus curse was lifted. Upon shifting his head to face forward once more his eyes caught sight of Death leaning against the connecting walls of a dark corner a little way behind the man. It definitely had not been there before. The entity's phantom appearance struck quite the visual but all Harrison felt was the urge to aim a wad of blood at the being for letting its master become in this state. Yet the throbs of pain in the young body's limbs served as a reminder to Harrison that he and Death were not the only two beings present. Along with the man's voice filtering back in.

"-son of property. Trespassing. Line theft. And use of the most unspeakable darkest magic banned by the Wizarding League of Nations..." The man's eyes seemed to glint in a slipup of revealed emotion. "Necromancy."

"That must've been a mouthful for you." Came the snarky reply brought forth from spite after being put under one of the infamous three curses.

"Shut your fil-".

"You said a lot but I still don't get what that has to do with me?" Harrison tilted his head faintly in a show of mock thought. The action clearly scraped against the older man's nerves as intended. A further taunting appeared by way of the raven's lazy smile. "Blackmail, is it? How fitting."

A/N:

[slew of explicit words here]

Hope this chapter was worth the wait...

if not, fuck it - get a papercut.