Posted originally on the Archive_of_Our_Own at https://archiveofourown.org/
works/11036181.
  Rating:
      Explicit
  Archive Warning:
      Underage
  Category:
      M/M, F/M
  Fandom:
      Harry_Potter_-_J._K._Rowling
  Relationship:
      Harry_Potter/Severus_Snape, Harry_Potter/Original_Female_Character(s)
  Character:
      Harry_Potter, Severus_Snape, Rabastan_Lestrange, Albus_Dumbledore,
      Hermione_Granger, Ron_Weasley, Ginny_Weasley, Neville_Longbottom, Draco
      Malfoy, Minerva_McGonagall, Bellatrix_Black_Lestrange, Sirius_Black,
      Remus_Lupin, Lily_Evans_Potter, James_Potter, Lucius_Malfoy, Luna
      Lovegood, Fred_Weasley, George_Weasley, Rodolphus_Lestrange, Salazar
      Slytherin, Rowena_Ravenclaw, Godric_Gryffindor, Helga_Hufflepuff,
      Original_Female_Character(s), Original_Male_Character(s)
  Additional Tags:
      Implied/Referenced_Underage_Sex, Eventual_Romance, Anal_Sex, Anal
      Fingering, Anal
  Stats:
      Published: 2017-05-29 Updated: 2017-08-07 Chapters: 12/? Words: 29241
****** And The House Fell Down ******
by Earth_Phoenix
Summary
     Harry Potter always survives. He survived the attack by Voldemort
     when he was just one. He survived Voldemort again at 11 and 12 and
     14. Harry Potter is a survivor and one that always makes the ultimate
     sacrifice when he must, when it is time. People have noticed. How
     will Harry's final years at Hogwarts change, now that someone knows
     his secret? Will he finally find peace and perhaps even love? Or will
     it all come crashing down around him?
Notes
See the end of the work for notes
***** Chapter One *****
Harry awoke, sweat dripping of his forehead. He was shaking. He gulped, forcing
air into his lungs and breathed slowly in and out. Once he felt calmer and his
heart had slowed down, he pushed back the bed covers and slipped out of bed. He
moved to stand next to the window, over looking Hogwarts grounds, taking care
not to wake his year mates. So, the dreams had started again. Harry's mouth
twisted in anger. This body would not last for much longer, though it would one
of his more remembered ones. He wounded how much time he had left to enjoy this
body. He was tired of death. Tired of opening his eyes to find people staring
down at him, cooing, talking about what a miracle he was. He wasn't sure what
he hated more, that he had to keep living or that every single time he was
reborn, he was reborn in the arms of doting mother cradling her new born child.
He had done his best to protect Lily Potter, but as baby, his power was
limited. The shield he had managed to throw out had stopped the house from
collapsing completely. The effort had left him with a nasty scar. Thankfully
though, Albus Dumbledore had decided Lily had saved her son through some
ancient 'love' magic, which was nonsense, but it kept people from suspecting
who he really was and that was the important thing.
Growing up with the Dursleys had been one the worst experiences ever and that
was saying something, he had lived through plagues, child poverty, crazy
monarchs, wars and general human stupidity.
And now, here he was. Hogwarts once more. Two things he found he was doomed to
repeat – the cycle of dying and being reborn and attending Hogwarts. He tried
as much as he could, stay in the background, to not draw attention to himself.
In this current body however that was impossible. He was part of history
(again), people cared where he went and what he did. He wouldn't be sad when
this life was over and he go back to being a nobody again. Life was easier when
you could just blend in.
Neville let out a particularly loud snore and Harry was jolted out his
thoughts. He would have to start making Dreamless Sleep potion, he foresaw a
necessary rise in his potions in his potions grade. He slipped back into bed
and punched the pillow. He was tired, of just about everything as a matter of
fact. He rested his head on the pillow and hoped the dreams would leave him be
for the rest of night. He did not need the dreams to remind of him of his
greatest mistake, his memory could do that for him. He closed his eyes and
tried to sleep.
***** Chapter Two *****
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
Potions Professor Severus Snape sat at his desk, thinking. On his desk was a
serious of potions essay's from Harry Potter dating back to when Harry first
started at school. Harry had never been particularly gifted when it came to
potions, unlike his mother before him, but Harry was competent enough, even if
he had to score Harry lower than he would a student of similar skill to keep up
appearances and his homework essay's reflected that. These newer ones however.
Harry's skill had taken a sharp step up. The students wouldn't notice, it was
surprisingly subtle. Severus doubted that even the know-it-all would be able to
spot this, but not he. Not for nothing was he a Potions Master.
Severus sat back and steepled his fingers, he wouldn't say anything to the
Headmaster yet, Albus would just sigh and give him that look that held pity and
also a sense of 'Harry isn't James', which Severus was well aware of, he wasn't
Black. He would however, keep an even closer high on Harry.
                                                                               
                                                   *
Harry was beginning to dread sleeping. The Dreamless Sleep had worked for the
first week, but it was designed for everyday use. The potion had stopped
working. He was going to need something stronger, but couldn't access the
potions books he needed. His current body was still only the body of a modern
day 5th year and the books he needed were locked in the Restricted Section and
he doubted any teacher would give him access. It was also too risky to take the
Invisibility Clock and sneak in, as soon as someone like Dumbledore or even
Snape found out which books had been taken, questions would be asked. Questions
he would rather avoid. This was assuming the books were still even there.
Before being reborn as Harry Potter The-Boy-Who-Lived, he had been nondescript
Hufflepuff student, watching a young Tom Riddle from afar. He had no doubt in
his mind that Riddle has taken books from the school without anyone knowing. He
may of even had help from staff members, Riddle could be utterly charming when
he needed to be, he wasn't the first and he would not be the last. Then there
were those pesky ten years where he wasn't at Hogwarts and who knew what the
students were doing to the library and books during that decade? No, he would
have to find another way to access the materials he needed.
                                                                               
                                                   *
“Potter, a moment please.” Harry had just shouldered his bag, when Snape,
imposing as ever had called out. Ron and Hermione paused in getting their bags
together, torn between staying and waiting for Harry, or carrying on to Charms
and not being late. Harry waved them on, there was no need for them to be late.
“Yes, Professor?” Harry asked politely, once the room had cleared out.
“Would you care to explain why you've been brewing the Dreamless Sleep potion?
I've noticed you've tried increasing the potency.” Snape folded his arms and
stared at Harry intensely. Harry mentally cursed. Of course Snape would have
set wards that would let him know just who was taking things from his personal
stores.
“I've been having trouble sleeping,” Harry shrugged, deciding to go with the
truth for now “Dreamless Sleep tends to wear of if you use it nightly, I'm
trying to counter that.” From memory. An old memory and it was slow going while
he tried to get it right.
A frown creased Snape's face “Can you just not sleep, or is it something else?”
“Something else,” Harry admitted and then hit upon a plausible excuse “It's not
everyday you see Voldemort murder a class mate.” A real fifteen year old would
be traumatised after witnessing the brutal murder of someone he was close to.
Harry had long since stopped being traumatised by such things. He had witnessed
more death than Voldemort himself. Death no longer bothered him, not even his
own.
“I see,” Snape said after a pause “I understand why that would be upsetting. If
nightmares are bothering you, I suggest that you stop raiding my private stores
and once you do, add a pinch of Ashwagandha, you look exhausted, it will help
with that. A trip to see Madam Pomfrey should also be in order." 
“Thank you.” Harry, why hadn't he thought of Ashwagandha? He was getting old
and forgetful. “I appreciate it and I will go see Madam Pomprey.” Maybe. 
“Good and perhaps once you've gotten some rest, you can explain what's really
going on with you.”
Harry tried to smile in a convincing way. “I'm just trying to cope with
Cedric's death is all.”
“An answer I'll accept, for now.” There was a note of warning in his voice.
Harry nodded and left the classroom. He needed to be more careful, Snape wasn't
an idiot. Snape watched Harry go with mounting concern. There was something up
with Harry and he was going to get to the bottom of it.
                                                                               
                                                        *
Voldemort picked out another dust covered leather book and added it to the
growing pile. He was taking advantage of having access to the Malfoy library.
There had to be a reason – other than 'love' that an ordinary child like Harry
Potter was able to escape him so often. Severus complained weekly that Harry
was just a run of the mill student, average in every way, so how could be so
damn lucky? He had a mother willing to die for him; friends smart enough to get
past tests designed by Hogwarts professors, and had a wand that shared the same
wand core as his. Harry Potter was not some protagonist in a fantasy novel,
that level of luck did not exist in the real world. There had to be more to it.
Voldemort placed the books carefully on the solid pine wood table that Malfoy
had placed in the corner of the library. What he really wanted to was to look
through Salazar's handwritten books locked away safely in the chamber, but
until he was able to gain access to the castle, in the chamber they would have
to stay for the time being. He had Severus working on a way to get him inside
the castle, without having to go down the 'major battle' route. He did not want
to destroy the castle he loved so much, or spill young magical blood.
He sat in the chair and pulled some fresh parchment and ink towards him. There
had to be logical explanation as to why Harry kept surviving and Voldemort was
going to find it. He waved his wand and the book at the top of the flipped open
and floated in mid air. After ten minutes, Voldemort knew he wasn't going to
find the answer in Magical Cures for Magical Problems. He closed the book and
moved on to the next one. He would stay up all night if he had to. There had to
be something useful in this library.
                                                                               
                                                             *
Albus Dumbledore carefully unwrapped a sherbet lemon, plopped it into his mouth
and sucked happily. He was re-reading a modern version of The Story of Adair,
Adair was supposed to a real person but all historic texts that may have proven
he once existed had been lost to time. Albus had first been introduced to the
Story of Adair through his mother and he had found it a charming story with a
simple message – obey your parents or they'll punish you! It wasn't until he
was much older then he came across the Cult of Adair, a group of people that
believed that Adair was a real person and that it had been Adair himself that
had written The Story of Adair. For a long time the Cult had claimed Adair had
written two more books The Curse of Adair and The Adair Codex. The Cult
believed the Codex to be the most important book, according to the Cult, the
Codex contained spells and potions that would improve the quality of life for
the magical community at large. At first Albus had been amused, believing them
to harmless fools, but no longer.
Albus had dedicated the last 50 years of his life to help in the search for the
original copy of The Story of Adair. It was whimsical and fascinating, what
secrets could the original story contain? How did it differ from the modern
retelling he held in his hands? Yesterday had been he closet anyone had gotten
to finding the text in over 200 years. The Historians at the Ministry of Magic
had talked excitedly about finding references to not only the Story of Adair
but theCodex as well in texts recovered from abandoned vaults in Gringotts. One
text even spoke of location one could find a copy of Story, - in a tomb, in a
trunk. Sadly it had been for naught as after three weeks of searching, the text
had not been found. While it was frustrating, it proved that people were
talking about and documenting the locations of Adair's work.
Albus wasn't satisfied, he wanted to know the truth. Had Adair been a real
person? The Cult claimed they knew who Adair's parents had been and they kept
it a closely guarded secret. What frustrated Albus the most was the fact there
was a source of information inside Hogwarts that would not yield to him. If
only they would, if only they would talk to him. He sighed and picked another
sherbet lemon. One day he would talk them into helping him. They couldn't hold
out forever.
Chapter End Notes
     Ashwagandha is part of the Nightshade family. It's good for stress
     relief and can help with tiredness, it's also known as a
     'rejuvenating' herb.
***** Chapter Three *****
Chapter Summary
     'Lufian' is an Old English word for 'love.' 'Sopor' is Latin for
     'Sleep.'
Voldemort listened intently to the report Wormtail was stuttering through. He
needed more Death Eaters badly. No, he didn't just need Death Eaters, he needed
time and children. Children he could teach, mould and train to be the perfect
little soldiers. He had missed his chance with the last lot, he had gone to the
Potters and well, he had gone to the Potters. Instead of watching over a whole
generation of children, Dumbledore had got to them first, preaching about
'love' and that they should show kindness to Muggles! He could tell by the way
the children acted around him that his followers and done a poor job in raising
them to follow his ideals. An idea blossomed in his mind. He need young people
to bear the children, his Death Easters couldn't go out and marry on their own,
half were mistrusted by the public and half were newly freed from Azkaban. He
knew the way.
                                                                               
                                                    *
Christmas was fast approaching and Harry tried his best to match his fellow
students cheer. He had managed to get some sleep as the nightmares were being
to ease, instead being replaced with something far worse. A message. Over and
over again Harry was haunted by a place he had spent lifetimes trying to
forget. He was not going to go back there, he had no reason to go back there
and more importantly, he had promised himself he would not go back there. He
had left that place behind when they had turned his back on him, he would not
go back now. How typical of them to even call him back, knowing that they had
refused to help him, when he was weak. When he cried and begged. He hadn't been
perfect in real life, he had proud and stupid and a pain in the butt. He knew
that, but he had learned. He had humbled himself and tried to better himself
and still they turned him away. Now here they were, trying to call him back. He
wouldn't do it. Sod them.
The Lufian however, were not used to being ignored and especially not from him.
If they called, Harry made the journey no matter what. Until now. He would deal
with The Lufian tomorrow tonight, during the third quarter moon, for now, he
had a promise to Severus Snape to keep.
Harry walked into the Hospital Wing with a fond smile, out of all the changes
to Hogwarts over the years, the Hospital Wing had stayed the same. It was
always staffed by an overbearing and deeply loving Healer who just wanted his
or her students to get better and stay the hell out of the Wing.
The latest Healer, Madam Pomfrey, had to be one his all time favourites. He
walked over to one of the beds and sat of the edge, swinging his feet
carelessly. He had only been in the Wing once, in his first life, after a sword
fight with another boy. He had walked away the victor, but with a nasty gash
across his back and a damaged right ankle. The Healer in his day Healer Oswald,
had sighed, shook his head and fixed him ten seconds flat, warning him cease
and desist fighting outright, but Harry had simply reminded him of his
bloodline (with a bloodline like his, who could blame him for having a passion
for fighting?) and the man had given up, throwing his hands in the air and
calling all fighters lunatics. Maybe they were. Of course, it was that visit to
the Hospital Wing that introduced him to her.
“Now what have you broken?” Madam Pomfrey demanded, dragging Harry into the
present.
“Not a single thing, I promise.” Harry crossed his heart for emphasis.
“Well, what then?” Madam Pomfrey asked, hands firmly on hips.
“I have two problems that I'd like you advise on.” 
“Merlin have mercy, a student who wants advise.” Pomfrey gasped in shock
playfully.
“Alright then Potter, what can I help with?”
“Well, since Cedric – y'know – I've been having nightmares. Dreamless Sleep
Potion has stopped working. Professor Snape suggested Ashwagandha, and that
worked for a while, but it's stopped and I don't want to keep asking Professor
Snape for help – you know how it gets after all.” Ha! Harry could still have a
conversation with the teaching staff at Hogwarts and not lie (mostly.)
“You added Ashwagandha and that still didn't help? Well, if the problem is that
persistent I'd advise not taking anything for week – sorry Harry – to clean out
your system and then try a Sopor Toxic, it'll knock anyone out but it is highly
addictive, so I shall have to monitor you closely.”
“Thank you. The other problem is, I've been having a dream that comes with the
added bonus of a side splitting headache.” More truth telling! He was on a
roll, here!
“A dream?” Madam Pomfrey said doubtfully, eyes narrowing.
“On the nights I don't have nightmares, which is admittedly rare right now, I
wake up from the same dream with a headache to end all headaches and it's
causing problems. Ron and Hermione, don't know, they just think I'm being emo
and snapping at them for no reason.”
“Well firstly, you need to confide in your friends more, Harry.” Madam Pomfrey
informed him sternly “And secondly, knowing you, you're going to need something
stronger than a typical Headache Cure, so,...” Pomfrey wondered over to her
supply cabinet, muttering softly to herself. Harry waited patiently, trusting
that somewhere in the miracle cabinet of hers, she would have something he
could use for another night.
“Here we go, knew I had some somewhere,” Madam Pomfrey walked back over to him,
holding a tiny bottle of deep blue liquid. “One drop, Potter. One.”
Harry took the bottle gently and held it up to the light, the blue changed
colour as the light hit it, first an ocean blue; then a dark early evening
blue; then rich royal blue – it was memorising.
“It might not look like much, but it's powerful.Do not give it to anyone else,
do not take more than a drop and for Merlin's sake,do not let it out of your
sight. Bring it straight back once you've had a decent night's sleep.”
“I will, Madam.” Harry promised, tucking the magical little bottle deep into
pocket in robes.
                                                                               
                                                                          *
Snape watched Harry carefully after their first chat a week ago. The boy had
perked up and then the bags under his eyes and reappeared once more. He was
snappy and moody. Shouting at his friends one moment and looking tearful and
upset the next. They did not have the skills required to deal with teenage
depression. There was no school consoler. No one the children could really
confide in. He tried, with his students to encourage them to unload onto him.
He was an adult, he could bare there burdens. Some did, but not nearly enough.
He had held many a young Slytherin as they cried over heartache, the stresses
of homework and exams, of coming of age and finding out who they were. He
helped where he could, but he was not a people person and he could only do so
much. He had spoken to Dumbledore often that they needed someone who could be
trusted by the students and he had been ignored. Teenage angst would pass, he'd
been told. Sometimes it went deeper than that. Maybe now the Golden Boy was
suffering, something would be done.
The more he watched, the more he became intrigued by the young man before him.
Harry did indeed go to see Madam Pomfrey. How long her cures would last were
anyone's guess. Harry's symptoms were rare. In most cases Dreamless Sleep would
help everyone who took it. A nightmare defeating it? Unheard of! He had
contacted the Board Of Potions Masters to see if anyone else had encountered
this before and the replies had come back thick and fast. No, they had never
heard of a case like this in living memory. No, they did not know how they
could help other than what Snape had already tried. How extraordinary.
Harry, from what Snape had seen, had spent most of the last week collecting to
what most people would see as utterly random. What possible use would someone
have for a piece of string that had once held a newspaper? Or some salt, that
had been spilled on stone floor? Water from a leaking window? A spiders web?
Dust from the 4th floor stairs? Severus knew of course. He had only heard about
it in theory and had never seen it in person, no one had, for the people that
needed it were considered long since dead.
Harry Potter was going to attempt to call the Lufian. Questions ran through
Snape's mind. In all the world he had never imagined that he would see anyone
make the attempt. Not only were the Lufian dust and myth, they were notoriously
hard to speak to. One could only speak to them if they had something to trade.
What did Harry Potter have that he was willing to trade with the ghosts of
magic's past and more importantly why?
                                                                               
                                                                    *
It happened over night, as Hogwarts Castle slept. Students in their 5th, 6th
and 7th years, turned over in their warm beds and disappeared.
When morning came, there was mild confusion. So and so had not come down for
breakfast? They had probably overslept. As the morning continued confusion
began to give way to panic. Only a handful of the upper years remained. The
Head of Houses began counting their students and then making lists of the
missing. Castle Ghosts were called upon to make sure the students weren't
asleep in their beds, or other places students might be. The Ghosts returned
empty handed. The students weren't there, they weren't anywhere. Hysteria began
to break out and Dumbledore called for calm.
He sent the lower years back to their common rooms and slowly looked around the
students that remained. Slytherin House had been almost untouched. Two missing
from there. Gryffindor and Hufflepuff had been hit hardest, each losing over a
quarter of their fellow students. Ravenclaw had lost about a dozen. The
students (not counting the Slytherins) that had been left behind all fit the
same pattern; they had either been muggle-born or muggle raised. His eyes feel
on his favourite student, Harry Potter, who being Muggle raised, had been kept
behind. Harry held a weeping Hermione. With a start, Dumbledore realised that
both Ron and Ginny Weasley had been taken. 'Blood Traitors' had also been
taken. Interesting.
                                                                               
                                                                     *
Ginny Weasley yawned as she felt the sun's early morning rays on her face. She
must not have closed the curtains around her bed last night, how forgetful of
her. She sat up and slowly woke up, she wasn't really a morning person, only
being the first one up out of habit. When you had six older brothers, it
mattered who was first down to breakfast.
She looked left, one hand searching under her pillow, for her trusty lucky
quilt square. It was silly really, her mother had been croshering a blanket for
Bill, who been poorly when she had asked for a square, not a whole blanket –
she wasn't sick! But a cute little square. Her mother had smiled and quickly
made a beautiful pink square for her. It was a delicate pale pink, with a
golden star in the middle. The night her mother had given it to her, she had
held up to her nose and inhaled. It smelled of her mother and their home. She
had placed it under her pillow and slept better than ever. Taking it out every
morning had become a ritual. She would hold it close and remember home, it
helped her face the day ahead and always brought a smile to her face. It wasn't
there. She threw the pillow of the bed and stared at the empty space, where had
it gone? Wait – the bedsheets weren't the usual deep red colour she was used
to. Instead the sheet she was laying on was a soft mint green. She stood on the
bed and took a her first proper look at the room. Gone was the four poster bed,
instead she was standing on an ordinary double bed. A giant oak dressing table
took up the east wall, a three way mirror taking centre stage on it. So, she
wasn't at Hogwarts then. Where was she?
Crack!
A house Elf appeared in the room and carefully placed a serving tray, laden
with what looked like delicious breakfast foods on the dressing table.
“Erm, hey.” Ginny began, the Elf turned to face her “I was just wondering –
where am I?” She tried to sound casual, but her voice sounded shrill even to
her ears.
“Please, Miss, you are being at Malfoy Manor.” The Elf cocked it's head at her.
“Can you tell Mister Malfoy I'd like to go back to school please?” The Elf
shook it's head, making it's large ears flap.
“No, doing miss. Master You-Know-Who been tellin' us he'll stick ours head in
ovens if we be bothering Mister Malfoy  about you childrens wanting to go back
to school!” The Elf smiled “Yous are to stay here and be happy.”
The Elf 'cracked' away and Ginny dropped to her knees, shaking. She and
possibly others were being held at Malfoy Manor. You-Know-Who was here and most
likely the person behind her leaving Hogwarts. But how? He couldn't get into
Hogwarts could he? Distance mattered in magic, for Merlin's sake!
Ginny sat on her butt and pulled her knees up to her chest. She couldn't panic,
people would notice she was missing and the Order would come and save her. They
just had to. Her shoulders shook as she began to cry.
***** Chapter Four *****
Chapter Summary
     This is a late chapter - oops! But hopefully you'll like it. :-)
     Setogram - Faery Star - A Pagan seven pointed star.
Hogwarts went into lock down. Dumbledore could be seen reinforcing the wards
around the school and the teachers busied themselves with comforting the
students and doing their best to reassure the students left behind.
Hogwarts had never seen anything like it and hoped they never would again.
Students did not just disappear from their beds. There was no doubt in any of
the teachers minds who was behind this – who was always behind any
unpleasantness. He-Who-Was-A-Right-Royal-Pain was no doubt behind this and
Merlin only knew how he had pulled it off. Not even Dumbledore could say for
sure how it had happened, he could only say, unhelpfully that it had happened.
Word quickly got to worried parents who began once more to debate whether
Hogwarts was really all that safe and should their children return home? This
time, no one could blame them if they took students back home. It might not be
much safer, but it was reassuring to have them home at least who could rob
parents of that?
                                                                               
                                                  *
Dumbledore climbed the steps to the steepest part of the castle with a grunt.
He forgot just how old this part was. It had fallen to his shame, into
disrepair, teachers and students no longer walked these steps, instead
favouring to stay on the lower floors. He suspected that the higher parts of
the castle had begun to be abandoned with Mordicus Egg, a fine headmaster for
sure, but one who hated heights.
At last! He had reached the landing and quickly now, walked down to the door
simply marked with an 'F'. He knocked twice and then entered, hoping this time
for a better result. It rarely did, but this, they couldn't ignore this.
Students had been taken and they loved the students. He needed help, he needed
them, if only they would help him. 
                                                                               
                                                          *
Severus performed a Disillusionment Charm on himself as he followed Harry
through hallways and up to the top of the Astronomy Tower. Severus hung back,
he might still be Disillusioned, but Harry could still hear him if he made a
mistake or got too close.
Harry looked around, eyes narrowed. He was aware he was being followed, but
wasn't sure by who, he could make a couple of guesses however. He took out his
wand, if he was being watched he would have to act like Harry Potter schoolboy
for the most part. He charmed the chalk to draw the ancient Setogram symbol.
Once that was done, he wrote the seven runes at each point if the star that
would call The Lufian. In the centre of the star he placed a bowl of water he
had collected from the lake, and spelled it to boil. He carefully added each
ingredient and the precise right time and then stopped the water from boiling.
He leaned forward and spoke the words that time had long forgot, in the
language older than anyone remembered and then he waited.
From his vantage point, Severus was surprised. Lily had excelled at potions
just as he had, but Harry seemed to have missed his mother's gift. Lily's
talent had gone to waste in her son – but this – this was skill beyond Harry
had ever shown. Skill that would make his mother proud. This was potion master
at work. Had he overlooked Harry's skill all these years? No, of course not. If
Harry had shown one iota of skill, he would have encouraged the boy, for Lily's
sake, for Lily's memory. But this – this was foolish. The Lufian were dead, if
they ever even existed. Why was Harry so intent in trying to call the dead? He
couldn't figure it out.
A blaze of purple fire, ripped through the air, the chalk symbol turned silver
and Harry was bathed in the fire's glow. Severus shielded his eyes and blinked.
For a moment, just a moment, Harry had not sat there. Instead, a man in his mid
twenties had sat in Harry's place. A man with brown hair instead of Harry's jet
black, a man with soft brown eyes and scars on his face. A man who had clearly
seen battle in a way Harry most definitely had not. He blinked and Harry sat,
cross legged in front of the symbol. No trace of the man lingered. It must of
the side affect of the fire, Severus told himself. That and nothing more. Harry
Potter could not be two people.
Harry rolled his eyes at the dramatics, really, did they always have to make
such an entrance? He felt the wave of magic of the fire roll over his body,
exposing for the first time in centuries the echo of his original body. The
fire lit up the person following him and he frowned mentally, why was Severus
the one following him? He shrugged it off to focus on the figure emerging from
the fire.
Severus was open mouthed in astonishment, a very real head and shoulders of a
woman had appeared. She was facing Harry, she all he could see was long black
braided hair, in twined with gold. Her skin was skin kissed golden brown. She
appeared to be wearing some kind of crown. Severus put his mind to work, he had
to remember every single thing about this woman, she was the first living
Lufian anyone had seen since the time of Merlin himself.
Harry cooked an eyebrow at the woman, out of all the Lufian that could answer
his call, they sent her.
“Hello, Acca.” Harry acknowledged. Acca looked as beautiful as ever, her deep
hazel eyes showing compassion and love.
“Hello A-” Harry cut her off. No one had spoken his true name since his first
rebirth, he wasn't about to let Acca change that.
“It's Harry, now.” Harry switched from English to their language, knowing
Severus was still watching. She frowned at him.
“Harry, my apologises.” She didn't seem apologetic to Harry.
“So, let's skip over the 'my it's been such a long time' crap and cut straight
to meat of it. I am not coming.” Harry's voice was harsh and he couldn't help
it. The Lufian had betrayed him, why would he come to them like an obedient dog
just because they called?
“We need you,” Acca admitted. Harry laughed, they need him? How rich.
“What did you tell me when I asked for your help?” Harry asked nastily “Oh, I
remember 'This is how it needs to be', well Acca, this is how is needs to be.”
He spat the words that still haunted him back at her and she flinched.
“Please understand, we could not change your path, painful as it has been.”
Acca looked at the man she once knew, the man had been reborn more times than
even she could count. He had lived until old age; had had his life cut down at
a young age; been murdered; been the murderer; had been innocent and evil. He
had faced it all better than anyone could ever had dreamed off but she still
understood. It hadn't been easy and she wouldn't of wished his life on anyone.
“My path? This was never my path. My path was with her- to be hers and to die
for her. This is no one's path. This is hell.” Harry was incensed. The Lufian
were still banging on about 'paths' and 'destinies' to him of all people! They
did not tire from repeating the same lies?
“That was your path, but A-” A warning growl escaped Harry's lips. “Harry,
fates change, paths change. You were needed on this one.”
“Lies.” Harry narrowed his eyes at her, how dare she. How dare any of them tell
him fates changed, when they held to power to stop exactly that. How dare they
act so damn helpless.
“You are needed, come to us.” Acca pleased, must he still be so stubborn?
“No. You turned you back on me, do you remember? This is me returning the
favour.”
“We have never turned our back on you, we love you. We have watched every
moment. You are loved Harry. More than you could ever know.” Harry looked away.
What did the Lufian know of love?
“If this your idea of love, it's very twisted.”
“Love is twisted.” Acca allowed herself a smile. “Please come home. We need
you, we would not be so persistent if that weren't so.”
“If I come back-”
“We can make no promises. Your path is not of our doing. You know who did this
to you and why. Only he can revoke it.” Harry sighed angrily. He knew he had
lost this round.
“Alright, if you need me this badly.”
“We do. Magic is changing.” Acca informed him. This was new.
“How?” He was intrigued, magic was constantly changing and The Lufian had never
cared before. What made this time different?
“Events are moving, the players are shifting, growing in strength and
knowledge.”
“And that scares you?” Harry couldn't help but smirk a little, something that
scared The Lufian, who knew?
“Child, you know that is false. It does, though concern us as it should you.”
Acca rebuked him.
“You're talking about Hogwarts?” Of course they were, to some extent. Voldemort
had really out done himself this time.
“We admit, that did take us by surprise, how he even found the enchantment we
don't know.” Acca allowed the confusion to show.
“Because you're fools. He is of Salazar's line. He is a child of Hogwarts and
Hogwarts never denies anything that a child of hers truly desires.” Salazar and
the others had thought up that little bit of magic themselves, never imagining
that one of their bloodline could ever go quite so dark.
“We'll have to speak to them about that.” Acca frowned. Hogwarts would have to
stop doing that. It was terribly inconvenient.
“You do that,” Harry smirked “They are ignoring pretty much everyone, it's been
driving Albus Dumbledore crazy for years.”
“They won't ignore you.” Acca pointed out.
“Because I'm not stupid enough to bother them. You want to speak to them, do
it, I'll watch from the sidelines, eating popcorn.”
“When you come home, you must, as you are aware, bring forth a champion.” Acca
reminded him, ignoring the snide remarks.
“I have no champion. My current comrades are not powerful enough.” True enough.
Ron and Hermione were great friends, but lacked the power one needed to be a
champion.
“That charming man, hiding from you, is more than powerful enough.” Acca turned
and smiled at a still Disillusioned Severus.
“Severus?” Harry blinked. No, oh no, he wasn't going to allow them to play that
little game. “Not him, Acca he hates me.” Harry pleaded. He had been through
this dance enough times. He was done with it, it hurt. He was tired of the
pain, besides Severus really did hate Harry Potter.
“You said yourself you have no champion and you need one,” Acca said firmly
“I'm aware of the dislike that runs through him and the bloodline you embody.
That doesn't change the fact he is hiding because of you, that he is trying to
help you. He is your champion. We look forward to seeing you both.” Acca smiled
at him one last time, before sinking back into the fire.
Harry rubbed his face, why oh why could he never win against them? He hated,
hated The Lufian. He stood and with a wave of wand cleared the Tower with the
Vanishing Spell. He cleared his throat and switched back to English.
“You can come out now Severus.” He should have known. 
Severus ended the charm and stepped into view. Harry stood, wand held loosely
by his side, looking angry, beaten down and yet still defiant. 
“That was, - you really. Harry why?” Severus was in shock. The Lufian were
real, they spoke to Harry. Why? What could this all mean? His head hurt just
trying to put the pieces together.
“I suggest a double shot of Fire Whiskey.” Harry offered.
“I'd rather have an explanation.” And some Fire Whiskey, possibly some strong
Ale too.
“You first. You followed me, why?”
“You have were up to something. I knew of course, what the items you were
collecting did, but no one as ever managed to call them successfully...”
Severus trailed off, still marvelling over the fact that he seen one of The
Lufian with his very own eyes and watched as Harry spoke to them, well, that is
what he had guessed they were doing. They made a lot of low rumbling and
clicking sounds, which hardly sounded like a language at all, but at the same
time it did. It felt old and warm and familiar, like wrapping yourself in your
childhood blanket, one you had long forgotten about but still loved.
“That's because they are picky. The don't like being summoned, they prefer to
do the summoning.” You could do the whole ritual perfectly and still be ignored
by The Lufian. It was hardly surprising that people struggled with contacting
them.
“So, my turn, why – what – how – why?” Harry sighed. This was going to take
awhile.
“How about I explain, in a more private setting?” Severus folded his arms “With
actual seats?” Harry prompted and Severus relented.
If Harry was going to give him answers, they could at least be comfortable. He
beckoned Harry to follow him and headed for his office. He had a fine stash of
not just Fire Whiskey, but Oak Matured Mead and Ale. Severus had a feeling his
stash would not last the rest of the night.
                                                                               
                                                                   *
Acca turned to her fellow Lufian, and smiled. “He is returning home!” She cried
joyfully. The people cheered, it had been so long since they had seen him. “Let
us make haste, he is travelling from afar and has long been absent from our
isle, he should meet us with joy and with welcome.” She would have to teach
them to use his new name, because he made it clear he had stopped using his
birth name, which pained her. She couldn't help that. He had always been this
way, hurt him and he remembered the slight forever. Men could be so silly
sometimes.
The Lufian had called out to him more than once over his many lifetimes and he
had ignored each and every one of them, until now. It was different this time,
they were calling not just because they missed him and wanted to be make right
with him, but because they truly needed him. She stepped down from the Speaking
Stones and embraced her father, the leader of The Lufian.
Kenric, returned the embrace. “He has a champion?” He queried. Kenric had never
known the boy to befriend anyone who would be powerful enough to be a champion
– probably he mused, for that reason.
“He has indeed, I told you father, miracles do happen.” Acca smiled brightly at
her father, her endless optimism overflowing. “And perhaps, much more than just
a champion.”
Kenric roared with laughter. “Mercy help that boy, he's going to need it if you
start playing match maker.” Acca just shrugged and skipped of to organise the
preparations.
                                                                               
                                                                  *
Adair rode into the grounds to what he supposed was Hogwarts, four people stood
on the castle steps with a long table in front of them. Adair had put off
coming here, instead choosing to learn the more practical kinds of magic and
non magic at home. His mother had finally convinced him he should attend, and
learn about magic from the very best. He had ridden hard for almost three
months to make it here in time for the new school year, while he would be
behind some of the students, he would be in front of them in other areas. Adair
rode over to the witches and wizards, a hand on his sword, just in case.
The people waited patiently for him, one of them, a plump witch smiled at him.
“Greetings friend, are you hoping to be a student here?” A tall man, with a
beard asked him.
“I am,” Adair confirmed “I am Adair, son of Maida.” He never used his father's
name if he could help it, people seemed to expect things of him when he did.
His mother was just as respected though.
“You're Maida's boy? How delightful!” The plump witch clapped her hands
joyfully “How is Maida?” She asked
“The Lady is fine,” Adair replied “I take it, you are the Lady Hufflepuff?
Mother speaks very fondly of you and wishes you health and happiness.” His
mother had been taught by Hufflepuff and swore the lady was the best teacher of
the four. “
I am, child and you clearly have your mother's charm.”She winked at him and he
laughed, he could grow to like these wizards.
He finally dismounted and bowed to the four wizards in front of him. “I wish to
be taught by the finest wizards in Europe.”
“I hear you father has greatly surpassed us.” The shorter man spoke now, and
there seemed to be a hint of bitterness to his voice. Slytherin, his father's
teacher. Adair stiffened, so they knew. Of course they did, everyone always
knew.
“No student can ever surpass his teacher.” Adair replied, no matter how
arrogant he became, he added silently.
“Well, child, you have come to the right place." The taller man said, beaming.
"So tell us, is it knowledge you seek? Or perhaps a lesson in cunning and
slyness?” At this he playfully poked Salazar in the ribs “Or perhaps, you're
keen to show of your bravery – which would suit me just fine, or perhaps you
will follow your mother and join the ranks of Lady Hufflepuff's honoured
students?”
Truth be told, Adair wanted all of those options. However, he had spent years
learning the sword and longbow and could fight as well as any adult he knew, so
he had no real mind to show off or prove his bravery. Lord Gryffindor was out.
And as much as he respected and adored his mother, he knew from her tales that
Lady Hufflepuff wouldn't suit his needs, which left the Lady Ravenclaw or his
father's old teacher – Lord Slytherin. He thought carefully. A part of him
wanted to choose Slytherin and do better than his father, just to prove he
could and as much as that appealed to him, the yearning for leaning new things
appealed to him more, for how did one become the greatest if you knew nothing
very much at all?
“I pray thee Lady Ravenclaw accepts my humble request to be her student.”
Rowena smiled at him.
“Why of course, those that wish to learn are more than welcome in my house.
Welcome to Hogwarts and Ravenclaw then,” Adair bowed to her and she pointed to
the massive doors behind her. “Go and meet with your classmates in the Great
Hall, our Grounds Keeper will see to your stead.”
Adair slipped past them, as Lady Hufflepuff bent over the table and added his
name to the parchment. He did not miss the comment she made as she did so:
“Imagine, we've taught long enough for our students to leave, find love and
have children of their very own! And now Merlin and Maida's son has come here
to learn. I expect fine things from him, fine things indeed.”
***** Chapter Five *****
Severus sipped his whiskey, like a dying man sipping water to live. They were
now in his office, Severus had locked and warded the door as Harry's behest
Severus had opened the whiskey an hour ago. He licked his lips and tried again
to speak and failed. The story Harry just told him was fantastical. Harry
Potter was not really Harry Potter but some old dead guy living in Harry
Potter's body? His head hurt. He would have said, ordinarily, that Harry should
get himself checked into St. Mungo's, but – he had seen the girl – Acca, Harry
had called her with his own eyes and if Harry was insane, so was he and Severus
was very sure he was not insane though he could no longer be sure, what with
this being his third triple whiskey. Harry was watching him carefully from
behind his desk.
“So, it boils down to this – The Lufian are real people,” Severus said slowly,
trying to get used to the idea. “And they don't much like talking to people,
which is why no one has spoken to them in an age, but you can talk to them. And
they want you see them. And they want me to tag along as some kind of
'Champion'?”
“It's a bit more than 'tagging along' but yes, that's about it in a nutshell.”
“This is insane.” With that Severus down the whiskey glass and moved into the
mead.
“I don't think the drink is helping anymore.” Harry said, leaning forward and
taking the glass from Severus' hand.
“On the contrary, it's helping enormously.” Severus took back the glass and
poured himself a generous helping of his favourite Oak Matured Meade. “I'm
still confused however. For a moment it looked like you were two people.”
Bugger. Harry had hoped Severus hadn't seen that. “The Lufian believe in truth.
When you speak to them, they want to see the real you, something most people
want to hide,” Harry shifted in his seat uncomfortably. “The Lufian and I have
a long history, I can't hide anything from them it seems. What you saw was me.
The real me, the me before I died, the first time.”
“Oh. You were hot.” Harry grinned, Severus realising what he just said, put the
glass down. “I didn't mean that.” He really should stop mixing drinks like
this.
“I didn't hear a word.” Harry winked. There was a pause as both men lost
themselves to their own thoughts. “Severus,” Harry said much more seriously
“You have to promise to keep this to yourself.”
“I understand your concerns, but Harry, you are walking history, you could -”
Severus began.
“Open my mouth and tell people what actually happened? Sure, I could do that.
The last time I did that, people weren't so keen to hear to the truth from
someone that was actually there,” Harry paused “People died. Good people died
and I have seen far too much death. People like to believe their version of
history, not the actual truth.”
“But Historians-”
“-Are the only one that would understand. The public are a different beast
however.”
Severus slumped defeated. He tried to imagine would it feel like, asking about
a historical figure he liked – only to find from someone who was there that the
person he liked was in fact, not a nice person and not worthy to be liked. It
would hurt, he admitted to himself. It would be a serious mental adjustment and
not just because how his view of the person would change, but because the
history and facts around that person would also change. It wasn't surprising
that people would be resistant to learning the actual truth, it was though a
little be disappointing.
“Alright, I promise.” Severus didn't miss the relieved look that passed on
Harry's face, or the tension that seemed to lift from his shoulders.
“Thank you.” Harry replied earnestly. One problem down...
                                                                               
                                                                    *
Dumbledore stared at the life sized portraits of the four Founders angrily.
Once again, they were pretending to be asleep in his presence and he knew they
talked and sniggered behind his back. For whatever reason, the founders had
never taken him seriously and it drove him mad. The things he could have
learned from them! The mistakes he could have avoided, if they'd just talk to
him.
“Voldemort just took a whole bunch of students from the school,” Albus told
them. Silence. “He was hundreds of miles away at the time.”
The portraits opened their eyes and looked at the Dumbledore. Now, they were
listening to him.
“Some random wizard managed to take students from the school? Pretty sure it's
your job tostop that from happening.” Godric Gryffindor folded his arms across
his chest.
“Lord Voldemort is the most power Dark Wizard in a century -” Albus began. He
had told this before, why did they never believe him?
“So? Get Adair to deal with the miscreant.” Salazar Slytherin suggested,
eyebrow raised.
“Adair?” Albus blinked at the founders “Adair is dead, he's been dead for
hundreds of years.” He knew that Adair had lived at roughly at the same time as
the founders, but to hear his name from their own lips! Adair was real! He had
once lived. He could have jumped with joy. Adair was once a living breathing
person. He imagined Adair, an old man, sitting down to write the three great
books of his life. Oh, the books. They would be real too! No longer was finding
the books an historical wild goose chase. They were real. They were out there
somewhere. He was going to find them.
“Don't be stupid,” Salazar said scathingly, bringing Albus crashing back down
to earth with was nasty bump.
“Are you seriously standing there, the headmaster of our school claiming not to
know about Adair?” Slytherin scoffed, exactly what kind of fool was running
Hogwarts?
“But, Adair is just a man, he lived and died, how could he possibly be around
today? Even his books have been lost to time.” Albus was stunned. Not even The
Cult believed Adair was still alive today. Sure, The Story of Adair had talked
about a curse, but kind of curse could make a human live forever? It was
impossible.
“Adair is alive as you are Albus.” Ravenclaw informed the shocked headmaster.
“And if Adair wrote books, well, those won't be lost either. Adair will know
exactly where they are.” Hufflepuff added.
“So, I highly suggest you stop bothering us with your problems and go and find
Adair.” Gryffindor told Albus and with that, the portraits closed their eyes
and fell silent.
Albus stood, silently, not moving, trying to comprehend what he had just be
told. He had to find someone the world believed to be dead, though the founders
believed him to be alive. How did you go about finding a not dead person? Was
he supposed to start with the oldest living wizards? No one even knew how old
Adair had been when he died – which if was still alive made sense, because then
he had never died. But if he never died, where was he now? What was he doing?
Why wasn't he already helping to get rid of Voldemort? The task before him was
enormous. Albus opened his mouth to ask the founders about where he should
start looking and then thought better off it. He was lucky they were talking to
him at all, he wasn't going to push his luck and make them think he was even
more of fool then they already thought he was.
He left the room and started back down the stairs, his mind whirling. Where to
start? Where to start? At the beginning he decided. He would once more, pick of
the Story of Adair only this time he would comb it for clues as to where Adair
could possibly be.
                                                                               
                                                                     *
“Well, Albus is clearly in over his head. 'Adair is dead', good grief.” Rowena
rolled her eyes.
When Albus Dumbledore had first stepped into their little room as a
Transfiguration Professor, they hadn't been overly impressed. They had been
told for years, by Dippet and Dumbledore's headmaster that the man was a
genius, a Merlin in the making. They had looked the man over and saw that while
he was very obviously highly intelligent and quite possibly the best wizard of
his age, a young Merlin he was not. It was very easy for people to be impressed
with talent and Dumbledore's was undeniable, it took more than talent to be a
great however and there was more to Merlin than just talent alone. There was a
reason he was remembered as the wizard. The standard that all wizards and
witches watched to match. Beloved by the magic and muggle communities alike,
for more than a thousand years.
“Voldemort is going to have to be dealt with, he can't just take students from
the school.” Salazar said, damn it, why did his bloodline have to be so damn
difficult?
“And how do we do that, with a so called genius running around empty headed?”
Godric asked sarcastically.
“Adair,” Rowena said as if it was obvious. “He knows we are here, we just have
to get his attention.” Without fail, Adair made a point to come up and visit
them during his first year and his last. By now, Adair would be in his fifth
year. How could the current Headmaster not know this?
“Oh, fine. Let's go harass -” Salazar begun.
“Salazar” Helga hissed warningly.
“I mean, talk to, the other portraits.” Salazar finished.
                                                                               
                                                                        *
Harry crept silently into common room, it was now past 5am and he really wanted
to get some sleep before he was expected to be down in the Great Hall for
breakfast, however fate had other ideas.
“Harry!” He winced. What was Hermione doing awake at this hour?
“Herm,” He smiled at his best friend “I was just heading to bed.” Hermione put
her hands on her hips.
“Where have you been?” She asked quietly. Harry had been acting oddly since the
start of the year and now with these disappearances, she could really do with
her best friend being around, not sneaking off to who knew where until the
early hours of the morning.
“I'm sorry Hermione,” and he was. “I've been talking to Dumbledore – trying to
work out how and why Voldemort took our friends, trying to get them back.” He
really hated lying, but what other choice did he have? For the first time in
four hundred years he had told someone who is really was and he was not keen to
start telling more people if he didn't have to.
“Oh.” Hermione said, looking down. Harry walked over to her and hugged her.
They stayed like that for awhile, Hermione arms' wrapped tightly around him. He
needed to be there more for his friend, especially right now.
“Come on Herm,” Harry said gently “I need sleep and you need a cuddle.” She
smiled shyly up at him and nodded.
With her hand in his, Harry gently led her upstairs to his room. While he got
ready for bed, Hermione snuggled down under the covers and waited for Harry to
join her. When he finally slipped into bed, Hermione cuddled up to him, her
head on his chest, listening to the steady thump, thump of his heart and
allowing herself to be reassured by that. Harry and Dumbledore would figure out
a way to get everyone back safe and sound, she knew they would. With that, she
drifted of to sleep.
Harry stayed awake long after Hermione had started gently snoring, trying to
make his lie slightly true. He had to speak to Dumbledore and find a way to get
everyone back – without any bloodshed if possible. He sighed, why for once,
could things just be easy?
                                                                               
                                                            *
Adair first met Alodia during the first week of classes, she had joined
Gryffindor's House, and she took Adair's breath away. He had been seated
outside by the lake, reading a book Ravenclaw had suggested, when she had
walked by, with a group of her friends, heading towards the forest for what
Adair could only assume, was Care of Magical Creatures class. Her perfume had
lingered long after she had swept past and Adair found himself moving closer to
her.
She had reddish blonde hair down to her waist, the best butt he had ever seen
on a woman and legs that never seemed to end. Adair followed, five steps behind
her, until she reached the edge of the forest and he had to dive behind a bush
so she wouldn't see him. It turned out that he had assumed right and sure
enough the Care Of Magical Creatures professor, a witch in her late forties,
with sharp eyes and a wicked tongue came out of the forest, holding something
close to her chest. Alodia and her classmates 'awwed' at the thing.
Adair was so focused on watching Alodia, that he missed all the warning signs
at the end of the lesson that she had spotted him. It was until she standing in
front of his bush, that he jumped up and with no idea how to play it cool or
even attempt to be smooth with her, all did what his teenage brain told him to
do. He stammered out a 'hi' and then legged it. Alodia watched him flee with a
bemused smile. Boys.
Adair had spent the following week doing what logically, seemed the best thing
to do – he learned all he could about her. He learned what classes she took,
what house she studied in (Gryffindor), and what she liked do outside class.
Which was all well and good, but there was still one problem Adair knew he
would have to overcome – he had to learn to open his mouth and say more than
'Hi', or 'hello' (they had met in the library – she was looking for an
Arithmancy book and he was searching for something on Runes.) If he ever wanted
to prove he wasn't a idiot, he would have do better than he had been doing.
He walked down to Salazar Slytherin's office, which was located close to the
Slytherin Common Rooms, and knocked on the door. The door opened and Adair
stepped through. Salazar was sitting behind his desk, grading papers.
“Hello, Lord Slytherin.” Adair said respectfully. Slytherin waved distractedly
to the chair in front of bis desk and Adair sat down and waited patiently.
“So, what brings you down here?” Slytherin finally put his quill down and
looked at Adair. Students often came and went from his office and Adair had
already spent time here, asking questions, determined to figure out reasons
behind everything. He was truly, his father's son.
“I met a girl.” Adair said in a rush and Slytherin smiled at him.
“How wonderful! What's her name?” Silence. Adair gaped at him like a fish that
has stupidly flopped into land.
“I don't actually know.” Adair admitted after a long pause. He had learned
everything about her! How could he not know her name? He hit his head on the
desk and groaned. What a fool he was.
“Well, you might want to find out. Also, stop banging your head on my desk.”
“I'll find out, I've been researching her and -”
“Adair, my son, you can treat a woman like homework project. Have you talked to
her? Or did you just follow her around puppy eyed making lists of what she does
and where she goes?” Adair said nothing, instead choosing to look at his shoes.
Slytherin sighed.
“I can't talk to her,” Adair whined “I never what to say, I can just about say
'hello' and that's it.”
“Well, that's a start at least.” Slytherin said, relaxing into his chair. If he
had a sickle for every love struck boy that had wondered into his office
seeking advice he'd be rich.
“She's just so – I want to prove that I'm not an idiot, that I'm worthy of
her.”
“Then do it. Use your strengths and play into hers. Find something you both
have interest in and use that to your advantage.” Right, well, he could do that
Adair thought thinking quickly. They had things in common, he just had to wait
for a chance to present itself.
“Thank you, Lord Slytherin.” Adair stood and bowed respectfully to the Hogwarts
founder and left.
Salazar threw his hands into the air and shook his head fondly, it never ceased
to amaze him that the brightest students were usually the ones that needed the
most advice and reassurance when it came to love. He pulled more homework
assignments to him and went back to grading, awaiting the next knock on the
door from a lovelorn student.
For Adair, the chance to prove himself came just after winter break, when
Alodia, who was standing in the entrance hall, wrapped up in a burgundy cloak,
was talking to another student, one Adair only knew by sight. Alodia did not
look happy. He approached, sword firmly in his left hand, wand his right and
stepped up beside her, silent and brooding. Alodia glanced his way and gave him
a quick nod. As one, they raised their wands. “Go now.” She commanded in a
fierce voice. The student fled. She turned to him, then, teal eyes flashing
with annoyance still and smirked at him.
Alodia, it transpired, was Gryffindor's niece and was deadly with a wand and
sword. She challenged him to a duel. Adair accepted on the spot. They had
fought later that night in the middle of the Great Hall, a great crowd of
students and teachers encircled them. She drew first blood, much to her uncle's
delight and Rowena shouted advice to him. He swung his sword in hand, he hadn't
been worried. The fight lasted well over two hours and Adair ended up the
victor, beating Alodia with time. While she was heavily skilled, she wasn't up
to his skill level and couldn't match his unforgiving pace for long. His skill
had impressed her. The two became inseparable.
                                                                               
                                                                *
Ron was not having a great week. He and Hermione had spent most of the week
fighting, Harry had pretend not hear them when they did and now, now he wasn't
sure what the hell was going on. He was stuck in Lucius Malfoy's home. Lucius
had stepped into his room the day before, with a bunch of his Death Eater
friends (sadly, all masked Ron had noted glumly – how was he supposed to tell
the Order their names if they kept wearing those stupid masks?!) and Lord
Voldemort himself. Voldemort had circled him, muttering spells and Merlin only
knew what and then they had left. He had no idea who else was stuck in Malfoy
Manor with him, they wouldn't answer his questions. Well, if they wanted to
torture him, let them try. He was a Weasley and he wasn't going down without a
fight.
                                                                               
                                                               *
Harry and Hermione were descending the stairs down to the Great Hall for
breakfast when a dapple grey pony cantered into view in a painting of a drunk
monk, minus it's rider, a smile broke out on Hermione's face when she noticed
and elbowed Harry in the ribs to point out the painting.
Sir Cadogan ran into view and collapsed, panting, beside his pony. He raised
his visor and cried with great joy: “At last my quest is done! For after
searching for many hours I have found you!” He tried to pull his sword out to
look impressive but failed. The sword remain stubbornly in it's scabbard and
after several attempts Sir Cadogan gave it up as a lost cause.
“What can we do for you?” Harry asked politely.
“The noble four request an audience with you, young knight! They await in the
usual place.” Sir Cadogan puffed out his chest, happy indeed that he passed on
this message without error. Harry blinked, what could they want with him?
“Thank you, Sir, please tell them I'll do my best to see them straight away.”
Harry tried to think of a plausible reason as to why he understood anything
that Cadogan had just said. Maybe it would just be easier if he hit Hermione
with a memory spell and made her forget?
“What was that all about?” Hermione looked at him quizzically.
“No idea,” Harry shrugged “He probably got the wrong student, you know what
he's like. It seemed rude to tell him that though.” Really, he could give
lessons in how to lie he did it so often.
Hermione looked content with that answer, if a little bit suspicious, she
tugged on his hand however and pulled him onwards to breakfast.
***** Chapter Six *****
Chapter Summary
     Albion is the ancient name of England. When Adair talks about 'moving
     stars' he means comets, before 'comets' were called that. :-)
Voldemort paced his office, hands clasped behind his back. Thinking. During his
research on how to take down Harry Potter once and for all, he had been given a
book, one that apparently the whole wizarding world had read. Lucius had handed
himThe Story of Adair. It was an old copy, the Malfoy patriarch had proudly
claimed that this copy had been in his family for three generations, citing
that many of the newer versions edited parts out or changed things so much they
may as been taken out. At first, Voldemort had just flicked through it and then
on page 64, a chapter titled enticingly called Survival, Voldemort had finally
sat down and begun to read. And read. Eventually he came to passage that him
stop and rethink everything.
Perception is a dangerous thing; what you perceive and what the person next to
you perceives are not always the same. One can get you killed, one can mean you
live. Just like truth, perception is tool of great power to be used with great
care.
His perception was that Harry, with great luck had been able to escape him. Was
it really luck, however? Or something else? How did Dumbledore perceive Harry's
miraculous escapes?
He paused mid stride, he currently had in his possession, students that were
close to both Harry and Dumbledore. He hadn't intended to use them this way,
but it might be worth having a little chat with them.
                                       *
It wasn't until the day before the students were due to leave Hogwarts for
Christmas break, that Harry was able to slip away and pay a visit to some old
friends. Harry checked the corridor before knocking on the door, he knew no one
would be around, but he always liked to make sure. He opened the door and poked
his head in.
“Hello.” He smiled.
“Harry, come in properly and let us have a look at you.” Hufflepuff called,
remembering to use his new name. Harry grinned and stepped completely into the
room and twirled for the founders.
“I'm fine, honestly.” And he was, while he was still having the nightmares, the
headaches had gone now that The Lufian knew he was going to make time to see
them.
“We have a bone to pick with you.” Helga teased, wagging a finger at him.
“Oh, just one?” He winked. He loved seeing the founders, he really see them
move often.
“Why doesn't Albus know who you are?” Oh. Harry thought. That.
“Albus is part of a Cult that has grown up in my name. He's decent fellow, but
he's determined to find my books and I really don't want them found – at least
not by someone dumb enough to be part of a Cult. Add to that he can be
incredibly manipulative – he is therefore someone I could never trust with this
secret.”
“Manipulative how?” Ravenclaw inquired.
“The first year I was here, when this body was just eleven, he allowed to me
find just enough clues to work out where a dangerous magical object was hiding
and where it was located and allowed me to go looking for it, knowing a
dangerous wizard was also after it to test me.” Harry still felt annoyed at
Albus over that and Albus had allowed two actual eleven years to help him!
“I knew I didn't like him,” Ravenclaw muttered “Why was he testing you?”
“Because of old blood magic. You've heard of Lord Voldemort correct? He tried
to kill Harry Potter, when Harry Potter was just a year old. He failed, because
the child's mother died to save her son, it was an act of selflessness that
woke some old blood magic. I am protected from him in this body as long as I
stay with her living relatives. Dumbledore thinks I am some kind of special
'Chosen One' destined to kill Voldemort. It's nonsense of course, but you can't
tell him that.”
“So he tested you to make sure you are the Chosen One he hopes you are, was he
one of mine?” Salazar asked. Because really, that sounded like something he
would do.
“No, he's one of Godric's.” Harry told them, Salazar cheered.
“Fantastic.” The Founder muttered darkly.
“Makes a change.” Salazar said cheerfully, Godric just scowled.
“While you're here,” Rowena said “Two things – we sent Albus looking for you,
wellAdair. That should keep him out of your hair for awhile.”
“That was cruel. He's going to end up St. Mungo's.” Harry was always surprised
at just how mean Rowena could be to people she didn't like.
“Yes, well, he was annoying us. The other is Voldemort. Tell us everything you
know.”
                                       *
Adair was about to start climbing the wall of the castle when a hand on his
shoulder stopped him. He smiled, he should of known he wouldn't get away with
climbing a wall without Alodia having something to say about it.
“There are other ways of getting to the roof of the castle you know.” She felt
the need to point this out, Adair had seemed to have forgotten, or maybe he
just thought he would have a go at being stupid.
“Sure there are,” Adair agreed “But I like climbing.” Stupid it was then.
“Why are you risking your life climbing the castle wall to get to the roof
anyway?”
“Because I have Astronomy work to complete.” At Alodia's unimpressed look he
continued “There's going to be some rare actively tonight and I thought the
most enjoyable way to view it, would be to lie down on the roof and watch.”
“Why did I expect anything less from you?” Alodia asked, kissing him on the
check. Adair may now be able to talk to Alodia, but every single time she
kissed him, however innocently, he was reduced to blubbering, blushing child.
“I- Well, erm. You could always join me.” Adair managed to get out, heart
somewhere in his throat. They had never been alone together. They were always
surrounded by friends or other students.
“I'd love to, but if you don't mind, I'll do it the easy way.” So saying she
turned her wand on herself, muttered the levitation spell and rose gently into
the air.
“Race you to the top?” Adair teased.
“You're on.” Alodia smiled, her hand blowing softly in the wind. Adair paused,
taking in just how beautiful she was and then turned and began to climb.
Naturally, Alodia won, but neither seemed to mind. They laid down, side by
side, hands next to each other, almost touching.
“So, what is supposed to be happening?” Alodia asked. Adair pointed to the left
of them
“Those stars, they're called Cassiopeia, now if I did the work right, another
star is supposed to be passing through them tonight.”
“Stars move?” Alodia turned her head to look at him. When Adair was invested in
something, his eyes shone brighter. She had heard a lot of about Adair, before
they had met. Half of Albion knew who he was, because of his parents. He was
nothing like she had expected, the best way possible.
“Well, we think so. There is movement in the darkness, we just don't have names
for them yet.” Adair smiled at her.
“That's actually interesting, I hope you're right.” They both looked up at the
stairs and tried not to notice that they were holding each other's hands.
                                       *
A knock came at her door and Ginny looked up from the bed. She had lost all
sense of time, how long had she been here? No one had touched her so far,
though she had been made to feel like an object when Malfoy, Voldemort and a
bunch of masked Death Eaters had entered to the room to 'look' at her. They had
spelled her clothes off and took measurements of everything. They had asked
about sex, questioning her virginity. How could she have not slept with Harry
yet? Weren't they supposed to be dating? What was so wrong with her that even
Harry Potter hadn't wanted to touch her? She had never felt so humiliated. They
had left her alone after that. Until now. The door opened and Lucius Malfoy
walked in.
“Good news, my dear.” So bad news then, because nothing a Malfoy considered
good, could actually be that.
“You've been approved for auction.” Ginny stared helplessly at him? Auction?
Auction? They were going to sell her? Who too? Why? No! No, if they moved her,
Harry and the Order wouldn't be able to find her, she had to stay here, because
they would, they would find her. It was the only hope she to cling to.
“You can't. Please don't.” She hated sounding so weak. Lucius just smirked at
her.
“Cheer up, girl. It's almost Christmas.” He leered at her then, before leaving,
slamming the door closed.
                                       *
Harry walked with Hermione to Entrance Hall. She would be spending Christmas
with her family and he would be spending Christmas at Hogwarts - with Severus,
but Hermione didn't need to know that.
“Be good.” Hermione joked hugging Harry tightly.
“Hey, I'm always good, trouble just happens to find me.”
“I believe you, millions wouldn't.”
“You're all I need.” He kissed her fondly on the check and then shooed her,
laughing, into a carriage.
Harry waved as he watched her go, at least now he could move around more
freely.
                                       *
Dumbledore paced around his office, he had been talking aloud to himself for a
quarter of an hour, the portraits remained silent, there eyes following him as
he tried to figure out who to go about finding Adair.
“Phineas,” He spoke to the former Headmaster “Where would you start looking?”
Phineas sighed, but spoke.
“If I was looking for someone who does not want to be found, I would stop
looking.” The portrait snapped bluntly.
“That isn't helpful.” Albus was getting cross.
“What do you expect, Albus? We are dead and you keep trying to fish for
information. You might want to talk to people who are still breathing.”
“But -”
“- Yes, yes, the Founders, who are also dead, told you Adair was alive and you
believed them. Do you even know what you're looking for? An old man, someone in
his 20's or 30's? You don't know anything about Adair and you want to do what?
Find him. I hope you enjoy your wild goose chase.” With that Phineas left,
leaving Albus to stare disgruntled at an empty portrait.
                                       *
Harry walked into the Room of Requirement, feeling – well, he wasn't quite
sure. The room had transformed into the 'Room of Hidden Things' and Harry
walked the halls, looking at generations of heirlooms, remembering all the
times he had to dive into this place. Remembering when he had to come here as
Adair. Twenty three rows in, nineteen rows to the west. Harry's feet stopped. A
huge oak wardrobe stood before him. He had carved their names in to the doors
and crossed them out after. He never thought he would need them again, never
thought he would go back to Isle to speak to The Lufian. He took a deep breath
and threw open the doors. There they were, just were he left them. His and
Alodia broad swords. He stood and looked at them for a while. Both handles made
of the finest silver money could buy. The blades were made of charmed steel.
Alodia had a Sapphire laid into the handle, his hand an Amethyst. They're just
swords, he told himself firmly. There was no reason to get emotional over them.
They weren't just swords though – they were the only physical objects he had
that Alodia had once owned or touched. The swords were Alodia's gift to
celebrate their first wedding anniversary. Alodia had been the one to bring him
his sword the night he left their home, heading off to stupid, pointless battle
and he should have stayed. He should have been there when she needed him. He
didn't try to stop the tears that fell. Alodia would've understood. He didn't
know how long he stayed there, looking at what was left of his past. He picked
up her sword. It was just as heavy as his. He had loved watching her practise
with it. Night and day, rain or shine, she would practise. She needed to keep
up with him, she said, she wanted to be as good as him. He shook himself. This
wasn't doing him any good. She was gone. He slid her sword gently into the bag
he had brought with him and then placed his sword next to hers. He stood,
shouldered the bag and closed the doors.
***** Chapter Seven *****
Dumbledore breathed in the fresh salt water air of Cornwall with a smile. He
rarely travelled this far south and he thought absent mindlessly, he should.
Cornwall was beautiful this time of year, it was like walking back in time in
old postcard. It was picturesque, crisp white snow everywhere, rosy checked
children running about playing. Tired looking men, sitting outside, clutching
beers, even in this weather – astonishing. But he wasn't here to just enjoy the
views and people. He here to begin his search for Adair.
The Cult was based here, where he wasn't actually sure, the Cult liked to keep
things secret. He had however, successfully managed to procure a meeting with
the Cult. In a few hours, he would be able to talk to them and maybe, just
maybe, learn where to look next. The best way to look for anything that had
been missing for long time was to start from the beginning. The beginning with
Adair meant finding out who his parents were and going from there. The Cult
claimed to know who Adair's parents were, Dumbledore hoped they were in sharing
mood.
                                       *
Harry stepped into Severus' personal quarters and was surprised at how cosy it
was. Severus had wonderful taste. The fireplace was exposed stone, which Harry
approved off, a roaring fire in the fire place. Bookcases dominated the room.
Two soft looking grey sofa were placed in front of the fireplace. Harry had
expected to see silver and green everywhere, but Severus seemed to prefer soft,
almost pale greys and only hints of green. The shaggy rug on the floor was grey
with pale green mixed in.
He walked over to one of the bookcases and smiled. Potions texts. Some of the
them written by the man himself.
“I expect you've read all of them,” Severus walked into his living room,
dressed more comfortably in a blue V-neck t-shirt and black pair of trousers.
“I haven't read everything that would be-” Harry turned away from the books and
turned to look at his host and lost his train of thought. Oh. Oh my. Severus
out his professor robes was attractive. The man was slim, but not skinny. He
had muscles. Something in Harry stirred. He had stopped having romantic
partners for decades. He had shut love out his life because it hurt. It hurt
feeling something for someone to then have them die on you. Being the one that
lived and kept on living was a pain like no other, so he had stopped. No. He
could not think of Snape this way. He was not going back to that world of hurt.
“-be possible. For instance, I had no idea you published your own work.” Harry
managed to catch himself, hopefully he hadn't stared too long.
“Well, if you were ever bored enough one night, you could read one of them.”
Severus was looking at him oddly, he had been caught after all. Oops.
“I might just do that.” Harry tried to smile, but he still felt unbalanced,
when did Professor Snape become so attractive? Severus walked over to the one
of the sofa's and sat down. Harry, trying to stop this from being any more
awkward, left the room. He slipped into the spare room Severus was letting him
sleep in and collect his bag – and also pull himself together.
By the time Harry made it back to the living area, Severus had rolled up his
sleeves to the elbow, exposing creamy white skin. He had a book open his lap.
Harry mentally cursed, he hated being a teenager, sodding hormones. His eyes
were drawn to Severus' lap and he prayed it looked like he was interested in
the book.
“Severus, erm,” Severus had looked up, black eyes focused on him and Harry had
to look away. “I have something for you, to help with being my Champion.” He
pulled Alodia's sword from the bag and held it out to Severus, who looked
shocked.
“Thank you,” He stood and took the sword gently from Harry. “It's beautiful.”
The sword felt heavy in his hand, it had to be forty inches or more in length.
It must have been around 5 pounds.
“It belonged to someone special, take good care of it.” Harry had debated about
this for hours, but if Severus was really going to need be his Champion, he
needed a good sword and Alodia's was the best.
“I'll take great care of it,” Severus said, turning the weapon over in his
hands, it was beautifully made. “The thing is Harry, you're going to have to
teach me how to use it, I only know how duel with a wand.” Harry mentally
groaned, why didn't modern day pure bloods know how to fight anymore? When did
the practise of knowing to how to protect not only yourself, but the ones you
love die out? He had agreed to teach Severus about The Lufian, that was after
all, why he was staying with Severus this Christmas.
“Alright, I'll play Professor.” Harry said, Oh no, what was he getting himself
into?
                                       *
Ginny walked around her room for what felt like the millionth time. Narcissa
had been earlier, forcing her to wash (again – because aside from worrying,
what else was there to do to pass the time?) and then she had styled Ginny's
hair, forced make up on the her and then dressed her in robes that her parents
would never be able to afford. She was now wearing a deeply blue, beautifully
cut robe. It was probably the best she would ever look and it was for the
benefit of Death Eaters. Narcissa had refused to talk to her, only speaking
when she needed to boss Ginny around.
Before she left, she pinned the number 'Nine' on her. Ginny didn't want to
think about what that meant. She had comforted herself, by telling herself she
was only one her, she was the one in love with Harry Potter. It was her they
were after – but, but maybe not, maybe something much, much worse was going on.
*
Ron breathed a sigh of relief when he saw Ginny being brought into – he wasn't
sure where they were truthfully, but Ginny was alive and looked like she hadn't
been hurt. She was forced to line up with a group of other girls from Hogwarts,
just how many of them had been brought there? The boys had been lined up
against one wall, chained by the wrists and ankles, Death Eaters guarding them,
stopping them from talking to each other.
“Ginny!” He was immediately hit with the cruciatus curse, but it worth it.
Ginny had looked up and spotted him.
“Speak again and I'll rip your tongue out.” A Death Eater spat on him, but he
didn't care. Ginny was OK, for now. She was alive, he just had to find a way to
save her and the others. No one was coming to save them, he was going to have
to get the girls out himself.
                                       *
The Cult gathered on cliff edge, the backs to the waves crashing onto the
cliff. Dumbledore stood in font of them, nervous. A cold wind blew through
them. Albus hoped it wasn't a sign of things to come.
“Hello, Albus. You are welcomed by the Cult and Adair himself.” A man dressed
in a deep red robe stepped forward.
“Hello, I'm pleased to be welcomed.” Dumbledore bowed respectfully to them.
“We're told you have questions for us regarding Adair. You understand that we
must protect him, so we may be unable to tell you want you want.”
“I understand, I may though, be able to offer you information in return.”
Dumbledore crossed his fingers, please let him have information that the Cult
didn't already know.
“Curious. Let us here your information first.” The leader crossed his arms in
front of him.
Here goes nothing Albus thought, “Inside Hogwarts is a portrait of every
Headmaster or Headmistress of the school, including the Founders. I spoke to
them recently, there has been trouble at Hogwarts and wanted their advice. They
told me to find Adair, that he was alive.”
A murmur went through the cult like a shiver down a spine.
“Adair is dead.” The leader said in a gentle voice.
“Which is what I thought. The Founders are certain that isn't the case, that
somehow he still walks amongst us.” The leader, lowered his hood and looked at
Dumbledore. Silence hung in the air between them as the Cult tried to make
sense of what Albus just told them.
“Why do you come here?” The leader asked, confused.
“I need to know more about Adair. The Cult claims to know who his parents are,
that would be great starting point to finding him, if you could tell me
anything, that would be swell.”
“Wait there, we must discuss this.” With that, the Cult apparated away, leaving
Albus alone of a cliff top wondering if they were ever going to come back.
                                       *
Harry had not wasted any time, if Severus needed to learn how to fight with a
sword, he was damn well going to.
They had spent forty-five minutes going over the correct way to hold the sword
and stand while using it. Harry had stamped on Severus' foot every time he made
a mistake, it pissed him off but he soon learnt. Harry had learnt just the same
way, if you wanted to protect your feet, you quickly learnt where to place
them.
Then came the hard part, learning how to use a broadsword. It had taken Harry
years to learn how to master it, and now he had to somehow how to teach Severus
in a limited about of time. They would soon be meeting The Lufian. Harry had no
choice, he was going to have to make Severus work. There was no softly into
this.
                                       *
Harry flopped onto a sofa, he hadn't trained that hard for longer than he'd
like to admit. He was dripping in sweat. Severus had dropped into the other
sofa, in much the same condition as Harry. Harry sat up, he needed a shower. He
glanced over at Severus and stopped. Severus, had removed his top, relieving a
hard, well defined chest. Thin lines that were once scars ran across his chest.
Harry stood awkwardly, mentally cursing himself. He was the oldest person in
the room, he had loved and lost more than Severus would ever understand. He
needed to get a hold of himself, be the adult. Without saying a word, he left
the living room. He didn't get far, Severus caught up to him pretty fast.
“Hey,” Severus placed a hand on Harry's shoulder and Harry shrugged it off. “I
didn't mean to make you comfortable.” Severus had replaced his shirt and Harry
was somewhat disappointed.
“It's not you, it's me, as cliché as that sounds.” Harry backed up at hit the
corridor wall.
“I know the dynamic has changed, but you can still talk to me.” Severus made to
touch Harry's arm and then thought better of it.
“I know and that's why I can't.” Harry could see the train coming of the tracks
and had no idea how to stop it.
“I – things between is have changed, I know. You're not the person I thought
you were and I like the young man I'm finally starting to see.”
“That's just it – I'm not a young man, I'm old Severus. Older than you, I'm
just stuck in a the body of a teenager.”
“I'm OK with that.” Severus told him truthfully.
“How can you be? You -”
Severus silenced Harry's warnings with a kiss. Harry's lips were soft and full
and Severus wanted more. Harry pulled back in shock, his eyes dilated. Severus
wasn't about to let Harry feel guilty or regret it, He pulled Harry close and
kissed him again. He gently bit on Harry's lower lip, he felt Harry smile and
open his mouth, allowing Severus entrance.
Severus mapped out every inch of Harry's mouth with is tongue, he felt Harry
wrap his arms around him and without pausing or breaking the kiss, he lifted
Harry up and carried him into his bedroom.
***** Chapter Eight *****
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
Harry stood at the edge of Lake Bassenthwaite, Severus standing beside him and
wished he was anywhere else, doing anything else. Harry looked up, the moon was
almost in place. Another five or some minutes would do it. Harry had only used
this entrance once before and it was as beautiful then as it was now. The water
was still, reflecting the stars above. The landscape was just beautiful. The
moon found it's place in the sky and the water stilled. In the centre of the
lake, a door rose up. Gold and shining, it was the brightest thing for miles
around. Harry tugged on Severus on and lead him slowly, across the surface of
the lake. When they made it to the door, they stopped and Harry spoke:
“Qui veritatem, lucem venerem quaeso te licuerit intrare sum servus tuus.”
Acca appeared in the doorway and smiled at him, “Welcome home, little brother.”
She stepped aside and Harry walked through the doorway, Severus right behind
him.
                                       *
The owl swooped in through the open window. Albus had been staying in a
charming wizard owned Bed and Breakfast waiting for the Cult to get back to
him, thank goodness he had Minerva to watch over the students. He hadn't
expected the Cult to take this long. What if they decided against helping him?
Albus took the message from the owl, feeding it a treat and shook the message
open. He smiled. 
Tonight.
                                       *
Harry felt the magic roll over him and huffed, of course. Of course, couldn't
they leave damn well alone? Just like before, when he had spoken to them on the
Astronomy Tower, he know looked like his original self.
Harry heard Severus' low gasp and ignored it. He had been ignoring Severus a
lot in the last few days. The Isle of the Lufian stretched out before them,
more than a thousand acres of land, the Isle was an untouched beauty. The Isle
was lush with plant life and Harry felt annoyed with just how much he missed
the Isle.
“Come on, let's go meet The Lufian.” The Lufian lived in huts scattered
throughout the Isle. The Speaking Stones were located on the East of the Isle
and that was were Acca and Kenric had their own huts. They had taken less than
ten steps when The Lufian began pouring out of nowhere, singing and dancing,
celebrating Harry's return. Harry fought down a smile, he was not found of
these people. He would not allow himself to be. Acca emerged at the front of
the crowd and beamed at Harry.
“The Isle has missed you brother, you are very warmly welcomed back,” Acca ran
over had hugged Harry before he could stop her, she then turned to startled
Severus and bowed deeply “We welcome Adair's Champion.”
Hands reached out and pulled them towards what unofficially was the the hub of
The Lufian. The Lufian's sense of space and time worked differently than
humans. While the Isle was a thousand acres, it never seemed to take very much
time to get to where you wanted to go. It was startling if you weren't used to
it.
Adair's return was met with celebrations that ran into the early hours of the
morning, food and drink were pressed upon them, music older and more wonderful
than any human living had heard played all night. Children sang. People danced.
Kenric, leader of the Lufian seemed to be at the heart of every dance, offered
them the most drinks.
Severus looked at Harry, who looked more like Adair now. Up close, Severus
could now make out Adair's features more clearly, Adair's hair was more of a
chestnut colour, his eyes were a warm chocolate brown. A thin scar ran down
from his left eye to the middle of his check, another thin scar ran from his
nose across the right side of his face. Now that he was standing, Adair was
just shy of 6ft and well built. Adair was built for battle, that much was
clear. Adair had a small smile on his face and seemed to Severus at least, to
be enjoying himself, no matter how much he would later deny it.
                                       *
Voldemort entered the ball room they were using for the auction. He had allowed
Lucuis and his wife to organise everything and they had really out done
themselves. The ballroom looked spectacular, not that the kids would appreciate
it. This was exactly what his Death Eaters needed, it was a moral and numbers
boost. He wasn't going to take part himself, Dark Lords didn't have families.
The occasional lover perhaps, but never anything serious, besides he just
wasn't the type to handle anything long term.
Narcissa stepped out into the stage area they had erected for tonight's actives
and welcomed everyone to the auction. Cheers echoed around the room and
Voldemort smirked, knowing the sound would terrify the students more than
anything else they had been through since they arrived.
He hadn't planned on participating in the auction until he spotted the Weasley
girl. What had Narcissa done to her? The ugly duckling had become a swan. Maybe
he would take part. Ironically. For fun.
                                       *
Adair lost track of Severus during the night, no doubt some helpful Lufian had
offered to let Severus stay with them and Adair was OK with that. Adair was
halfway to the Reflection Pool when Acca tracked him down, much to his
annoyance.
“Why can't I ever get rid of you?” Adair muttered, not looking at her as she
fell into step with him.
“Because I'm your sister -” Acca sighed when he cut her off.
“Acca, we may share the same mother, but you are not my sister.” Adair turned
to her, his face full of anger and Acca wished things could go back to how they
used to be.
“Adair and I will call you by your name, so you can stop pulling that face -
you can deny us all you want, but you are my brother and you are one of The
Lufian.” Acca placed her hands on her hips
“The Lufian are heartless, cruel and uncaring. I am not one of you.” Adair
stormed off leaving Acca grinning widely. So Adair was admitting to still being
everything he used to be? That was progress!
                                       *
The next morning dawned bright and sunny and held a warmth that was unnatural
to the season. Severus recalled Adair telling him that The Lufian thought
winter was 'silly' and so the Isle was always bathed in summertime sunshine.
Severus had indeed spent the night in a hut of one of The Lufian. The Lufian
seemed curious about him for some reason and he had been surrounded by them for
most of the evening before. The party atmosphere continued on much to Severus
amazement during a communal breakfast, music still played and people and
children still danced. Adair was nowhere to be seen.
“Adair is probably still at the Reflection Pool,” Acca said, dropping into the
seat next to Severus
“I know you're looking for him, it's obvious.”
“He is the only person, I know here,” Severus pointed out. “You're his sister?”
“Sure, Maida is our mother. Kenric,” She pointed at their leader who was
sitting some distance away “Is my father. Adair's father is -” She paused and
shook her head. “Adair is annoyed with me already.”
“No, no. It's fine,” Severus tried to be reassuring “What is the Reflection
Pool?”
“The Reflection Pool is – oh, how to explain it. You're a member of Hogwarts
staff right? Do you remember the Mirror of Erised? The water that made the
glass came from the Reflection Pool a very long time ago.” “
The Mirror showed people what their heart's deepest desire is – but it's
dangerous.”
“The Pool is more powerful than the mirror, come, see for yourself.” Severus
felt that was a very bad idea. He had stood in front of the mirror himself and
it had shown him – he had never been sure and he had never spoken about to
anyone. Adair was indeed at the Reflection Pool, but it was who was with him
that caused Severus to stop dead in his tracks. Children were playing on the
pool and a woman sat on the water, speaking quietly with Adair.
“We'll stop here,” Acca agreed, sounding sad. Severus looked at her for an
explanation. “The Pool reflects your deepest desires and unlike the mirror can
grant you them in a limited way. Adair's deepest desire is be with his family
again. His wife Alodia, and their children. But, do you see? Their feet remain
in the pool. They are reflections of his wife and children, the Pool can not
actually give them back.”
“I had no idea that Adair was ever married.”
“Adair can no longer bare to speak their names, he blames himself too much,” At
Severus questioning look she sighed. “Adair was called away to war and while he
was gone his family were killed.” Severus looked over to where Adair sat and
his heart broke for him.
He had blamed himself for Lily's death, spending years replaying the events
leading up to her death over and over in his mind. If only he had never
overheard that damn prophecy, if only he had kept his mouth shut, if only.
Severus couldn't imagine how much worse Lily's loss would have been had they
actually been married, if they had had children too. It would've been
unbearable and Adair had lived with that guilt. Lived with it for longer than
any man should have to. It was no wonder then, why Adair acted so angry and
bitter.
“The mirror only shows you you desires, because the water was turned into
glass. The surface is hard, so are the reflections held within it,” Acca turned
to Severus and looked him in the eye “A first love does not mean 'only love',
you can love as powerful and deep with another - “ Her eyes flicked to Adair's
direction “No matter how damaged you may think you both are.”
Severus looked over at Adair, “I don't think Adair could ever – he can't even
bear to touch me.”
“Why, what's happened between you?”
Severus was at a loss of how to explain “Er, well erm, kissed and I we almost -
but Adair couldn't or wouldn't. He walked away and hasn't really talked to be
since.” The memory of Adair stopping, of him placing his hands on Severus'
chest and then pushing him away, played in his minds eye. He had never felt so
utterly rejected before.
“Give him time Severus, he's never really grieved or forgiven himself for what
happened. Maybe you can help each other with that.” Acca knew that the pair had
a very long round ahead of them, but was confident they could pull each other
through it. “Now, we should go and walk you through the Trials, they're going
to start tonight and you need to be prepared. Have you a sword?”
“Oh yes. Adair gave me one,” They turned and began to walk away from the pool.
“It's still packed away, but it's beautiful. The hilt is silver with a sapphire
-”
“ Wait a moment,” Acca stopped mid stride, her mouth open in astonishment
“Adair gave you Alodia's sword.”
“He just said it belonged to 'someone special' and told me to look after it.”
Severus was beginning to slightly uncomfortable.
“He gave you Alodia's sword.” Acca repeated in wonder, she glanced back to look
at her brother and laughed. “Oh, but this is a good thing! They had the best
swords ever made and you can actually wield it? Oh, this is – “ Acca began
dancing on the spot with joy. “There's hope for him after all, come on Severus,
we have work to do!” With that she grabbed a startled Severus' hand and raced
off, skipping and jumping the whole way.
                                       *
Albus apparated into Hogsmeade and made his was slowly up to the school, deep
in thought. The Cult had given him information. Information that had shocked
and surprised him. Adair was half Lufian. Well, that was news indeed. He knew,
like most people, that The Lufian were an ancient race of people, living in an
Isle that most records indicated operated on it's own unique magic. He was
unaware however that The Lufian had ever had children outside of their own
race. That in itself was intriguing. The Cult had refused to name Adair's
parents though, stating that it wouldn't help in his quest. Albus snorted, he
was starting to doubt The Cult even knew at this point.
They had been useful on aspect. They had given him a starting point.“Where the
is water you will find Adair.” So, he just had to look near rivers, lakes and
loaches, which was not as daunting as searching the the whole of Britain had
been. He could near cross whole areas of the map and focus his search. It was
still a tall order, but at least it was something. He would start at Hogwarts.
The Merpeople in Hogwarts' lake would be able to spread the word of who he was
looking for within their community and who knew, maybe the one of Merpeople
would know where Adair was now. It was a long shot, but one worth taking and
one that made him feel like he was doing something.
                                       *
Adair stood in this old hut, amused that it was still the same as he left it.
He had assumed that after all this time, The Lufian would have reclaimed it and
given it to someone else, but no – The Lufian, ever hopeful that he would one
day return and stay no doubt, had left his hut as is.
He walked around the hut: his old boots still had mud on them; a book laid open
on the kitchen table, Alodia must have been reading it; children's toys were
scattered around the floor, Adair bent down and picked up a doll, brushing the
dust of it. His daughter had once played with it, he remembered the day he gave
to her like it was yesterday; the beds were still made – Alodia always insisted
on that.
They had stayed in the hut sometimes, back in the days when Adair could come
and go from the Isle as he pleased without the need for a Champion. They last
time were here, Alodia had just accepted a teaching job at Hogwarts. He was
going to retire for active duty and move the family to Hogsmeade to support her
and then his world went to hell.
Adair sighed, he should really clean house. He couldn't let Severus keep
staying at random huts when he was supposed to be playing host. He clicked his
fingers and broom appeared in his hands. He might as well start by sweeping and
dusting, that would at least clear the floors and make the hut at least appear
livable.
                                       *
The bidding had been horrific. Ginny had never felt so...objectified. Like she
was nothing. Like she did not matter at all. The men in the room and cheered
and leered at her, Malfoy himself had placed a bid for her! She felt disgusted.
She did not want to think about what came next, what would happen after all
these men had calmed down and the cold light of day dawned. They hadn't been
bidding using money at least. No, the Death Eater's had bid with things like
“I'll take the Curcio next time Rockwell messes up!” and so on, at least they
had found a currency they could use, that didn't need them to first have actual
jobs.
Bellatrix was the master of ceremonies for the action, picking the funniest
(the offer that got the most laughter from the crowd.) To her utter horror and
disbelief, she had been 'brought' by The Dark Lord himself. He hadn't even
offered anything, he had coughed from the back of the room and even had sort of
paused and Bellatrix had began a tirade of swearing that would've made a sailor
blush and that had been that.
She was destined to be – what? What use could the Dark Lord possibly have for
her? No, no she was not going to go there. Where was Harry when she needed him?
                                       *
Adair had just finished putting the hut into some semblance of order when
Kenric walked in. Fabulous, just what he needed.
“Why do I get the feeling you're avoiding me?”He teased, semi-serious. 
“Maybe because you always assume that the world revolves around you?” Adair
shrugged “I am not avoiding you, as it happens, I have simply been busy doing
other things, none of which involved you.” Which was true, he had been the
Pool, he had just finished cleaning his hut – was there some rule he had missed
that he had to involve Kenric in either of those actives?
“You missed breakfast, you've missed most of lunch – although I can see you
might have an actual reason for that – are you planning on missing dinner too?”
Kenric folded his arms and looked at the man he considered a son.
“I can't have missed lunch, lunch with you lot takes half the afternoon and
it's not even evening yet.” Unless something drastic had happened, lunch for
The Lufian began at noon and went onto to dinner. Ron would have loved it.
Kenric reluctantly smiled.
“Look, let me clean up and I'll come to lunch, sit next to you so you can grill
me about my life and be a good boy for the rest of the afternoon.”
“That's the spirit!” Kenric smiled. He left the hut and Adair threw his hands
in the air in exasperation. He could be a good boy, he could. Easy. Oh hell.
Chapter End Notes
     Qui veritatem, lucem venerem quaeso te licuerit intrare sum servus tu
     = Those who follow truth, light and love, I beg thee, allow me enter,
     for I am your humble servant.
***** Chapter Nine *****
Adair sat, half lounging in between Acca and Tolan- a boyhood friend and one of
the only bearable Lufian Adair knew. Kenric stood in the centre of them all,
with Severus standing nervously beside him. Adair wished Severus would
straighten his back a little, some of the old swagger wouldn't hurt him right
about now.
“Friends, brothers, sisters, children,” He said looking fondly at both Acca and
Adair “For the first time in many years, the Trials shall be performed.” Adair
rolled his eyes, yes, they knew that already get on with it.
“The Trials, for those who aren't aware – Adair I can see you rolling your eyes
at me,” Kenric sighed, could he not? Just once? “The Trials are unique to the
Champion and are decided by the person in need of the Champion – in this case,
Adair.” Wait, what? Adair sat up in disbelief when that did become a rule?
Adair half stood, mouth opening and closing in silent anger. Kenric was doing
this on purpose.
“If the Champion is successful, both the Champion and Adair will be able to
come and go from our freely, having proved themselves worthy, if they fail,
this will be their last time on the Isle.”
Well, fine. Adair could live with not returning when they pulled nonsense like
this on him. Hell, he had planned on never returning and then this pulled the
'we need you' bull and he was like a lemon. As if they would ban him from the
Isle, they couldn't even do that. OK, so he had bad mouthed them. OK, he may
have gone on a slight temper tantrum and well, destroyed quite a lot of homes
and sacred spaces, but what they did expect when they betrayed him? For him to
be understanding? To forgive?
Kenric turned to face Adair, a serious expression on his face. He knew why
Adair thought they'd betrayed him and maybe if he was in Adair's place he would
think the same, but now was the time for the boy's redemption. It was time
frankly, that Adair stopped acting like a suckling child and grew up. Bad
things happened to good people, yelling at the world wasn't going to change
that. Besides they needed each other right now. Once the Trials were over they
could begin sharing information.
“Adair, you know the Trials better than most, having been a Champion more than
once and as a student of the Professor, you should have a good idea of the kind
of man he is. So, choose the first Trial.”
“I choose Trial by Mind.” The answer came easily as if he had known he would do
this all along. Severus looked half relieved They had practised this and it
didn't require the sword, it was a test of intellect. Adair was more than
confident that Severus could pass a little intellect test, he had been the only
Professor to use logic to try and stop people from reaching the Stone.
                                       *
Ron was angry. Ginny had been led out of the room, how was he supposed to save
her when he had no idea where she was? He couldn't focus on that – there were
other girls here, girls that hadn't yet been taken away.
If he didn't do something soon, they'd all be killed or worse. He tried to run
after his sister, forgetting that his feet were also encased in chains.
Laughter erupted as he fell. Two Death Eater's appeared glaring at him for
disturbing the event. Ron glared back just as fiercely. The two picked up and
removed him from the room. Ron could feel the Dark Lord's eyes on him. Was he
going to be killed for trying to protect his sister? He didn't care, at least
he had tried in the limited way he'd been able. He had tried to go after his
sister, to try and protect her. More than could be said for his best friend.
What was taking Harry so long? What was the point of the Order if they couldn't
rescue them?
                                       *
Albus paced around his office. The Merpeople of Hogwarts had been shocked he
asked for Adair, blinking at him slowly but agreeing to pass on the message
that he was looking for the man. Why did he get the feeling that everyone at
Hogwarts knew more than he did? How was that even possible?
                                       *
Severus panted as he dodged yet another blow from The Lufian's chosen
swordsman. This was the final trial and one that Adair had grudgingly picked.
Whatever Adair's concerns might have been, when the young looking blonde he was
now fighting against stood, Adair had burst into a fit of giggles and had
managed to get out “Him? He can't even tell the blade from the hilt!” That had
lifted Severus' spirits if Adair wasn't concerned...
Adair found it very hard to keep his mouth shut and not bark out orders.
Severus could do this, without his help, but it was hard. The urge to reach for
his own sword and step into the fight was unbearable. He hadn't held a sword
for generations. Not since Wizard's had stopped duelling with wand and swords,
in 1315. Adair found the practice of not using swords along with wands
profoundly stupid. Wizards became lazy in duels, often standing still for long
periods of time, or running and casting spells, not looking where they were
casting and often, not caring either. It made the whole thing messy and
disorganised, two things Adair couldn't stand. Swords were precise, you had to
get up close to your enemy, it was so much moresatisfying.
Kenric called time after an hour and declared Severus the winner. The man
sagged to his knees as cheers erupted around him. Kenric called for quiet
before The Lufian could really get going.
“Severus, Adair's Champion has proven himself worthy,” He began “And in honour
of this, Severus Snape is now a welcomed friend of the Isle. Adair, my son,
your Champion has done you proud. Welcome home.”
Great, Adair thought, now all the pomp and ceremony was out of the way, maybe
they could get down to business and he could get off this Isle and back to the
life of Harry Potter.
Kenric approached Adair and hugged him. “You do know you could have done this
anytime and -”
“- And I didn't want to,” Adair said waving the comments away. “Can we now get
to why you need me? Acca said there was something wrong with magic – not much I
can do about that, I can't even break a stupid curse.”
“Alright, let's get down to business then,” Kenric sighed, he wasn't going to
start arguing with the man as soon as he was officially welcomed back. “Do you
want Severus to be present?”
Adair ran a hand through his hair. “I suppose, he has just gone a the Trials
for me – and Kenric, that was low even you the Lufian – no one picks the
Trials, you just made that up because Acca thinks we make a cute couple.”
“Well, she's not wrong.” Kenric shrugged.
“I tried,” Adair bit out “I did the whole 'find love again', 'have a family
thing'. Do you know what happened? I outlived them. I was kicked out of parts
of the country because people didn't trust me. I was burned during the Witch
Trials. I lived through plagues, fires, wars. It all ended the same Kenric, I
lived, they died. Do you have any idea how much it hurts, to be born again and
grow up with children you made? To have your own blood, think you're a new
friend they have not their father? To have to watch them grow up without you?
That hurts Kenric. I don't see why Acca is so keen for me to repeat that kind
of pain.”
Kenric had no reply to that. Honestly, he had never thought of Adair's curse in
that way. Sure, Adair would always be reborn, but truthfully, many of The
Lufian thought of that as well, fun. The Lufian were born with a natural
ability to live to a very old age, even if they didn't look it. Adair, being
half Lufian, also had that ability – at least, he did. Kenric had no idea what
would happen to Adair once the curse was lifted. For all he knew, the boy would
just – die.
Kenric shook himself, there was no point in wondering about what could happen.
Kenric walked over to where Acca was sitting and tapped her on the shoulder.
“Darling, its time to talk to Adair, candidly.”
“We should probably get over with,” Acca agreed, dusting herself off “Adair
always liked to get things sorted as quickly as possible. His mind is almost
too organised.” She mused. Kenric silently agreed with his daughter.
                                       *
“So, what's wrong with magic?” Adair asked, strolling around Kenric's hut.
Kenric was sitting on the floor, Acca next to him. Severus leant against the
hut wall, watching the three Lufian.
“In a word – you,” Kenric replied honestly. Adair flopped down onto one the
chintz armchairs Kenric had strewn around.
“Me? What I have done, I have made a career out of not doing anything.” He had
spent lifetimes fading into the background, letting history take it's course.
“Precisely,” Kenric steepled his fingers together and looked seriously at Adair
“You are, the single most powerful wizard alive today. No, you are.” Kenric
raised a hand to stop Adair from disagreeing. “Which is why we think you've
been placed inside the body of Harry Potter, the boy destined to defeat
Voldemort. Alone, an ordinary young man could not hope do what needs to be
done, even with the help of Albus Dumbledore – you, on the other hand, can
defeat him.”
“Well, of course, he's an idiot.” Adair had watched the schoolboy Tom Riddle
and was less than impressed. Doing dangerous magic didn't make you 'brilliant'
it made you dead, or disfigured, or worse. Riddle had chosen the 'worse'
option. Horcruxes, indeed.
“He was one of Hogwarts most brilliant students-” Severus objected. He disliked
the man as much as anyone else did but an to call him an idiot?
“Oh please. Voldemort isn't even the top 50. He might be one of the best in
last 100 years or so, but one of the best since the school opened? Not even
close.” Adair snorted dismissively.
“That is beside the point – the point, Adair, is that magic needs to be in
balance. You have disrupted that balance by not using your power. Magic is
annoyed. Hogwarts is annoyed. You have magic, use it. Take part in the world
once more.”
“I was keeping my head down to stay out of the world. Being famous is nice for
all five minutes. Whole lifetimes being famous is tiresome.”
“You don't have to be famous, but living like a hermit after you leave school
has to stop. Did you know the River has stopped following?”
“What? How is that possible?” Kenric looked pointedly at Adair “Me?” He
squeaked.
“Yes, Adair. You. You are more important to magic than you realise. It's why
you've lived so long-”
“-Wait, hold up. You're telling me Magic, cursed me? Bull, we both know who was
behind it, Mr I'm So High and Mighty and Everyone Worships Me.”
“Merlin was trying to save you. He is your father.” Kenric reminded the boy
calmly.
“Merlin is an arrogant, self important -”
“This is a lovely conversation, we're covering all sorts of important topics.
Hey, I know, why don't we argue and yell some more?” Acca said sarcastically.
Kenric and Adair looked at her like naughty school boys. Both backed down and
resettled themselves.
“Ahem, the spell Merlin used was designed to stop you from committing suicide.
You had just lost Alodia and the children. He was worried about you, everyone
was worried you wouldn't be able to cope, that grief would drive you insane.”
Adair bowed his head, he had contemplated suicide.
“Merlin should have been able to lift the spell once you were back on track, I
thought he would still be able to.”
“I thought so too. I told Adair as much, Merlin placed the spell on him, Merlin
would have to be one to take it off.” Acca chimed in, sounding surprised.
"And that should have been true. However,” Kenric said, drawing a breath “Magic
had other ideas. Magic is keeping you alive. Magic needs you.”
Adair sighed, he closed his eyes and rubbed his face over his hands. “Alright.
OK. I give in. What do I need to do, aside from just being more active
magically?”
“You could speak to Albus Dumbledore for a start,” Kenric suggested.
“I don't think Albus wants to talk to Harry -”
“No, talk to him as you, Adair.”
“I'd love to, but I can't. As soon as I'm reborn I can't conjure my old body.
I've tried.” Adair had spent years trying to glamour himself as Adair but had
failed at every attempt.
“Ye-es. You tried. After you threw a tantrum and left the Isle.” Kenric pointed
out. Did Adair really expect Lufian magic to work, when he was acting like a
child?
“So, you're saying I can now glamour myself to actually look like myself – away
from the Isle?”
“Yes, Adair,” Kenric smiled.
“Oh, goodie,” Adair smirked. “I'm going to have sooo much fun.” He would start
with Albus and then have a little chat with the Cult. He hadn't been so excited
in years. Kenric laughed, he hoped Albus liked having the real Adair around.
What was it the humans said? Be careful what you wish for?
“What about the students?” Severus inquired. Adair looked over at him, he had
almost forgotten the students. Ah.
“Kenric, can I use the Stones to talk to Hogwarts?” Adair asked, suddenly,
feeling inspired.
“Certainly.”
“Come on, Severus, we have a lady to talk to!” Adair jumped to his feet and
bounced around
                                       *
Lord Voldemort stood in front of Ron Weasley's cell door, the spelled the door
open and walked into the room. The other young boys were gathering around the
male Weasley and he could not allow that, nor could he afford to spill the
blood of an actual pure blood. No, he would simply change the Weasley's mind,
after all, he had the boy's sister at his mercy. If the boy wanted to keep his
sister safe, he would have to fall in line.
                                       *
“My Lady,” Adair bowed as the Spirit of Hogwarts appeared on the Stones,
Severus would like to think he wasn't shocked and that after spending this
amount of time with Adair he was used to just about anything, but this had him
open mouthed in shock.
“Dear, Adair,” She greeted him, looking around she smiled at Severus “And
Severus too! How lovely.”
“My Lady, I need a word and one I don't think you are going to like,” Adair
informed her, regaining her attention.
“Oh?” She raised an eyebrow, very rarely did conversations begin this way. How
novel!
“Lord Voldemort, the heir of Slytherin recently had a real desire - one you
granted him.”
“I remember, he hasn't had one in so long.” The Spirit smiled dreamily and
Adair tried very hard not throttle her or roll his eyes. She and Luna Lovegood
could have been twins!
“Quite, the problem is, the desire was students – students that are at risk if
they are kept in his care.”
“Nonsense, he wants to start families.” Oh, to be so innocent, Adair thought.
“Yes, My Lady,” Adair agreed “For his supporters – you are aware of what
they've done?”
“I am the Spirit of Hogwarts, I don't take sides.” Nooo, because that would be
too easy. Thank goodness he had Severus around – at least Severus was able to
have an opinion.
“True enough. Lord Voldemort murdered the Potters – you remember Lily and
James? He also planned of killing their son, Harry – me. My Lady, as much as I
would like to think otherwise, I do believe that the students, once they have
fulfilled the task of producing children would stay alive for very much
longer.”
“Adair -” The Spirit recoiled in disbelief.
“Surely the safety of the students is the most important thing? What would the
Founders say?” That was a low blow and he knew it. 'What would the Founders
say' were 5 words he used carefully, but he was losing her and she needed to
retrieve the students.
“Alright, alright Adair. I will reverse Lord Voldemort's desire.”
“Thank you.” Adair bowed, one problem solved, now to speak to Albus because
really, he couldn't have Albus running around, looking for his books or
anything else that the old man had no business knowing.
“May I make a request?” He asked the Spirit, eye's twinkling with mischief, as
long as The Spirit was finally listening to him...
“Go on.”
Adair beamed, he loved having the Spirit of Hogwarts on his side, it made life
so much more fun.
***** Chapter Ten *****
Adair sat in silence, waiting for his guest to arrive. The Portraits around him
were trying to stifle giggles. He had just fully relaxed into the chair and
placed his feet on the table when the lights flickered on, and Albus Dumbledore
strode into the room. Adair waved.
“Who are you? How did you get into my school?” Albus stood by the door, looking
confused as a twenty something man sat in his chair.
“Your school? How grandiose of you,” Adair said mockingly “I believe you'll
find that this school belongs to the Founders, not the latest Headmaster.”
“I, yes, we'll-” Albus stepped further into his office. The young man seemed
completely at ease. Hands folded on his lap, a smug smile on his face.
“You failed to answer my questions.” Albus was already irritated by this man.
“I got into your school because Hogwarts likes me,” Adair shrugged “As for who
I am if it's not obvious then I've been misinformed of your intelligence.” A
loud snort escaped Phineas Nigellus, and Adair winked at him. He rather liked
Phineas.
Albus for the first time in a long time had no idea what to say. A young man
was sitting in his chair, with feet on his desk and was questioning his
intelligence while making friends with the portraits! Who was this man? Albus
had absolutely no idea.
“Tell you what,” Adair said sitting up “While you work that little brain box of
yours, I have a few questions for you.”
“I don't think-”
“Yes, I quite agree, you don't seem to think, do you?” Adair shrugged “Why are
the Founders, not sharing wall space this office? Why are they stuck up in what
amounts to a broom closet?”
“I didn't put them up there!” Albus cried, outraged at the suggestion. 
“No, but you haven't brought them back out have you? Surely, if anyone has a
right to be on the wall of the Headmasters office, it is the people that
created the school? I mean, you could at least place their portraits in their
common rooms so they can speak to their students.”
“I'll consider it,” Albus said slowly.
“When did it become common place for Headmaster's to wander around the country,
leaving the students in the hands of their professors?”
“I do not have to justify my actions to you!”
“Then you don't need my help,” Adair stood “Goodbye Albus.”
“Help? Why would I need your help?”
“Because you have been running around the country looking for me? I mean,”
Adair chuckled “I don't think there is anyone who doesn't know you're searching
for me.”
“Addy,” Elizabeth Burke, a Headmistress from the Tudor era giggled “Play nice.”
“I am,” Adair said, “I came when I was called, what more can I do?” He sighed
dramatically.
“Addy?” Dumbledore repeated, his eyes wide in revelation.
“Dawn breaks!” Adair turned to the portraits “Look, he's finally figuring it
out.” Adair flopped into the chair opposite the headmaster's “Took him long
enough; I thought he was smarter than this?”
“You are Adair?” Albus chuckled in disbelief – this young man looked like he
had recently left school, how could this be Adair?
“Shall I prove myself?” Adair asked in the most innocent voice he could muster.
Without waiting for a response, he clicked his fingers, and Albus Dumbledore
turned into a bright pink balloon. The Portraits roared with laughter. “Now
that I have your full attention, I am Adair, and I am happy to provide any help
you think you need from me – within reason.” Adair stretched out his legs and
folded his hands behind his head.
Albus popped back into his normal form and raced behind his desk. He looked at
Adair in disbelief; not even he could perform a non verbal transfigured spell
like that on a living person, it was unheard of. He looked at the portraits,
and they were all offering Adair smiles and waves. This had to be Adair then,
he looked nothing like Albus had expected him to look. Adair had scars across
his face, a look in his eye's that said quite clearly he had seen more than
Albus could ever imagine and wasn't about to suffer stupidity.
“My apologies, I just wasn't expecting someone so – young,” Albus admitted.
“Appearances can be deceiving Albus,” Adair reminded the man. “Let's get down
the why I'm here. You seem to think I have the ability to find Voldemort's
secret hideout, get inside, find a bunch of students, get them out and return
them to Hogwarts.”
“Shouldn't be too much of a problem, Adair,” Phineas smirked, “You've always
been able to do the impossible.”
“I understand it's a tall order, but you won't be doing it by yourself. I will
help you, the Order of the Phoenix will also help you.”
“Albus, don't take this the wrong way, but how helpful do you think you and the
Order can be if this is something you can't do yourselves?” Albus blinked at
him “Look, I am not trying to be difficult, I just need you to appreciate the
scale of the task.”
“I understand, Adair.”
“Do you though? I have spent more years than you have lived fighting Albus,”
Adair laced his fingers together and looked very seriously at the old
Headmaster. “Please do not be offended, but you are a general. Generals ask the
fighters to the impossible without having any idea of what they are asking; all
the see the 'bigger picture', they see the end goal and how they think it
should be achieved.” Adair paused “And there is nothing wrong with that, but it
does distance you from what your soldiers actually have to go through.”
“I don't have soldiers, dear boy.” Albus smiled. Adair's words were piercing.
Albus had only been in one battle, and he had been unable to kill anybody. He
had disarmed people and threw up shields whenever possible.
He had refused to hurt anyone and when he had finally came face to face with
Grindelwald, he had chickened out. He had not been able to kill his former
lover. Instead, he had disarmed him and locked him away. He had been well aware
of the whispers of his comrades, coward, they had called him. He didn't blame
them; he saw the hollow, empty eyes of those that had killed, those who had no
other choice but to kill and wished. Wished he could remove their pain, wished
that things could have been different, that the whole messy battle could have
been avoided. It had changed him; it had changed all of them.
“You are fighting a war, you asking people to lay down their lives for you and
what you believe to be the right path. You have soldiers.” Adair informed Albus
calmly.
“Perhaps you're right.”
“I am.” Adair allowed a beat of silence to pass before bringing up another
subject “I've also heard you've been looking for my books.”
“Yes,” Albus' eyes lit up “If I could just-”
“Hmm,” Adair mused cutting Albus off. “You're not the only one looking either.
I think we should pay a visit to the cult, don't you?”
Before Albus had a chance to disagree, Adair had apparated them both out of
Hogwarts.
                                       *
Albus blinked, he was standing on the cliff where he had met up with the cult.
Adair was nowhere to be seen. He had never seen magic like it. Adair had
apparated them at will, without needing to be in close contact, and on top that
Adair had apparated somewhere else. Albus was at a loss of how to explain it.
Not even he could do that.
Dumbledore cast a warming charm on himself, the snow was still quite deep, and
he hadn't been given time to grab a warm cloak. Several minutes later, Adair
appeared.
“I've sent a message the cult. They should be here shortly.” Adair bounced on
his toes, arms clasped behind his back. Albus eyed him suspiciously but said
nothing.
The cult began to appear, a slight air of irritation rippling among them. Once
the cult had all gathered, the leader stormed to the front, pushing his cloak
from his face.
“What is the meaning of this, Dumbledore? The Cult of Adair does not exist to
come whenever you demand it!”
“I didn't demand it,” Albus said truthfully, shocked at the anger pouring off
the man in front of him. What had Adair done?
“Oh, and who did then?”
“I did it, after all, my cult.” The cult leader looked at Adair for the first
time.
“Why are you and this child wasting my time?”
“You've just called Adair, a child,” Albus said, amusement colouring his tone.
The man paled and looked again at Adair.
“Albus,” The man said as if he was speaking to an exceptionally dumb child.
“Adair is dead.”
“Pretty sure I am standing right here,” Adair said, growing annoyed “Allow me
to prove myself.” He turned the cult leader into a pumpkin. Albus had to choke
down a laugh.
The man turned back into himself a minute later and crawled over to Adair. “My
lord! You have returned to us! We are honoured to serve you and your word. Hail
to thee Adair, Lord of -”
“- Are you done? I'm bored.” The cult leader slammed his mouth shut, eyes wide.
“Excellent. Now, I called you here because I wanted to talk to you lot and
Albus about the same subjects – more and less, and I thought it would be easier
for us to all have a little chat together.”
“How wise of you Lord Adair.”
“Oh do stop calling me that.” Adair snapped “And get up of your knees, do I
look like Voldemort to you?” The man rose to his feet and retreated to stand in
between his other cult members.
“Right. So, let's get some things cleared away right now. Do you or do you not
know my heritage, because I will not allow anyone to use my name to mislead
people. I am not a God, Demi-God, or whatever else you may think I am.”
“Adair, may I introduce myself properly? I am Charles Pettigrew, I inherited
the leadership from my father -” At Adair's bored look he hastily continued
“Our family has been guarding your secret for a very long time, and I think I
can say truthfully, that we do know and have never knowingly misled anyone.”
“Codswallop,” Adair frowned “If you know, who are they?”
“Well, of course, Adair. Your mother is the legendary witch Queen Maeve, and
your father is Gregory the Smarmy. Naturally, we kept this a secret from the
public to protect you.”
Adair lasted all of three seconds before he bent over laughing. Charles looked
put out.
“Oh no, no. What tosh.” Adair wiped tears of laughter from his eyes as he
straightened up. “In the first place, Gregory was born after I was, which
should have been your first clue, Sherlock – he's famous having the ear of King
Richard I, a man who didn't become king until the 12th century.” Charles
blushed, embarrassed
“And quite another thing, Queen Maeve was teaching young people magic before
the Founders of Hogwarts were even born – you've managed to somehow pair two
people who were born hundreds of years apart, well done.” Adair sighed heavily,
amazed at the stupidity of modern wizards.
“My mother was called Maida, one of the very first students to attend Hogwarts
and the daughter of Odon, the then leader of The Lufian. My father, you may
know of him, he's become quite famous was called Merlin. Merlin was also one of
the first students Hogwarts ever had.”
Albus stumbled back, as did many of the cult. This explained Adair's power
then. The son of Merlin! Half Lufian! It was incredible. The cult fell to their
knees; heads bowed in respect. No wonder Adair had lived so long.
Adair rolled his eyes “Stop, kneeling,” Adair threw his hands in the air. “The
cult needs to come to an end. If you don't know the basic facts about someone
you're supposed to dedicate your life to, can you really call yourself a cult?”
“I had a feeling they didn't know; they were reluctant to say anything.”
“Oh, yes, Albus,” Adair said turning to face the Headmaster “I can help you
with the student problem – if you can promise me two things and Albus, I will
know if you fail to keep the promises and you really do not want to see me when
I'm upset.”
“Well, of course, Adair – what is it that you'd like done?”
“First, I'd like the Founder's portraits removed from the broom cupboard they
are currently in. they are the Founder's of the school; some respect should be
shown to them.” Adair paused, letting his words soak in “After all if you want
them to respect you, you need to respect them first.”
“I told you already I would consider it,” Albus reminded Adair.
“Yes, now, I'm making you promise to do it,” Adair smirked, “I have eyes and
ears everywhere in Hogwarts, and if you don't believe me about my temper, you
should have a little chat with Godric Gryffindor.” Albus paled.
“Secondly, you need to promise to use the Sorting Hat correctly.”
“I do!” Albus spluttered “Every year it sorts the first years.”
“Therein lies the problem, itonly sorts the first years,” At Albus' blank look
Adair explained “The Founders stood all day on the steps of Hogwarts, greeting
each student personally. Each student, from the first years upwards, was
allowed to speak to the founders and decide which house they study under that
year. You could even swap out classes. If you studied Defensive for a year and
then the following year wanted to study a class that clashed with Defensive,
you would drop it for that year and pick it up the following year if that was
something you wished to do.”
“Students could change houses? Every year?”
“Yes, Albus. That's why Godric came up with the idea of putting the Founder's
brains into the hat in the first place.”
“I couldn't allow the students to pick their own classes; it would be chaos.”
“It worked well enough until the 19th century, and the idea of 'mandatory'
classes got into some idiots head.” Adair snorted dismissively “For now Albus,
I'll settle for students choosing their houses. Think of it this way – you
would be reducing inter house rivalry,”
“I have often thought that we sort too soon, I think this will go a long way to
help with that.”
“Fabulous,” Adair smiled and apparated away. He was back half a second later
“Oh, and if all if you could stop looking for my books, that would be lovely. I
would hate to have to start throwing hexes around.” He disappeared again.
In the silence he left, Albus was left to think about how well that went. He
had been outclassed at every turn, and made to promise things he had never
planned on doing and would be forced to keep those promises. If Adair could
transfigure him into a balloon, he did not want to know what kind of hexes
Adair could casually throw around.
                                       *
Adair reappeared on the Isle of the Lufian and winked at the Spirit of
Hogwarts. “Now, dear Lady.” Adair bowed with a flourish, and The Spirit
laughed, a light tinkling sound that continued even after she had left.
Adair turned to Severus arms spread wide “Ta da!” He bounced down the steps to
stand level with Severus.
“So, the Cult are morons and should be disbanding soon; Albus has promised to
do as the Founders wish and the students should be back in Hogwarts in the next
thirty seconds.” Adair paused “Do you know; I don't think I've ever been so
productive.”
Severus gave Adair a slow cap. “You out played Albus, I'm not only impressed,
but I want to hear all about in detail.”
“I shall replay everything that happened for you and everyone else. I feel a
celebration coming on. It is Yule time -” Adair trailed off, lost in thought.
“Happy Yule, Severus.”
“Happy Yule, Adair,” Severus said, smiling at the man before him. To Severus
surprise and delight Adair jumped into his arms and hugged him before skipping
off, trusting that Severus would follow.
                                       *
Lord Voldemort's scream of anger sent his followers running for the hills. The
students they had stolen from Hogwarts, simply disappeared and no one could
explain why and no one dared tell Voldemort that they couldn't explain why
either. No, it safer to hide until Voldemort had calmed down and that might
take days or even weeks.
                                       *
Albus sighed in relief as students began appearing back into the school. The
cheers that went up as siblings were reunited and friends found one another
again was music to his ears. He had already sent a letter to Daily Prophet, and
hopefully, parents who had taken their children out in fear would allow them to
come back, and the panic would soon be over.
Now all he had to worry about was Adair.
***** Chapter Eleven *****
Severus and Harry returned to Hogwarts shortly after Harry's little chat with
Dumbledore and managed to remain out of sight. Dumbledore was still ignoring
Harry Potter, for reasons best kept to himself and Severus had made it known he
would be working on restocking potions for the Hospital Wing over the holidays.
“So, what are you planning on doing?” Severus asked Harry, who was sitting on
the floor, a book in his lap.
“Nothing, the ball is in Albus' court, he can keep his promise, or he'll break
it and if he breaks it -” Harry shrugged and returned to his book.
“What about your books?”
Harry looked up at Severus, who was busy marking homework and setting up makeup
classes for the missing students – by order of Albus, naturally. “If Albus or
the cult insist on trying to find them, I'll just have to stop them, and I
really don't want to do that.”
“What are in those books?” Curiosity gnawed at Severus.
“Trouble though had I known that I would never have written the bloody things,”
Harry admitted. “I might just move them anyway.”
                                       *
Albus stood once more in front of the Founders and once again, it wasn't just
to chat.
“Why didn't you warn me?” He asked, go find Adair they said, it'll be fun they
said. Some warning of what the man was like would've been nice.
“About what?” Rowena asked
“About Adair!”
“Oh, that. Adair needs to be experienced first hand.” Godric smiled, fighting
down a laugh.
“Is he always like that?” The four founders looked at each other for a moment
and then answered as one “Yup!”, Albus scowled.
“Did you find Adair, or did Adair find you?” Salazar asked sweetly, Albus chose
to ignore him.
“He's impossible,” Albus complained, he was aware he sounded slightly whiny but
decided it couldn't be helped.
“Of course.” Rowena shrugged,as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.
“He was babbling on about some none sense about students being able to change
houses...”
“True, when Adair first came to Hogwarts he started in my house,” Rowena smiled
“and then he moved into Helga's house and then he spent a year with Godric and
Salazar respectively.”
“It was the same with classes,” Salazar continued “As long as you could well
reason why you wanted to swap classes, we'd allow it.”
Oh. Albus wasn't sure how he felt about that. It seemed like a bad idea, but
the founder's hadn't had a problem with it, who was he to say they had been
wrong? “Adair also wants me to move you four to somewhere more suitable, he
suggested the Headmaster's office or the house common rooms, what would you
prefer?”
The founders looked at Albus in surprise. “Well,” Godric said thoughtfully “I
for one would prefer being in Headmaster's office.” There were murmurs of
agreement.
“That's settled then, oh and Godric, Adair said something about asking you
about his temper -”
The founder laughed heartily “Did he now? Well, I am telling you, Albus, going
against Adair is a very, very bad idea – if you plan on staying alive.” Albus'
smile dropped “It's up to you, of course, we did have a disagreement, we blew
up the east side of the school accidentally.”
“Well, if you hadn't been throwing hexes at each other -” Helga sighed, shaking
her head.
“When did this happen?” Salazar asked shocked.
“After you left,” Rowena informed her friend.
“Because you left,” Helga added.
“Oh.” Salazar blinked, he and Adair had formed a close friendship over the
years, but he had never expected Adair to fight the other founders over his
leaving. “I'm honoured.” The founder decided. Godric laughed.
“Is really all that powerful?” Albus asked in a small voice.
“Adair is more powerful than you think, thanhe even thinks. He could blow you
apart with the flick of his wrist if he so desired. Think very carefully before
you go against his wishes.” Rowena studied the man in front of her.
“You can not out scheme Adair; you can not out fight him, and you can not win
if you decide to make him an enemy. Adair is friendly to Hogwarts, but that can
change. Do you want to be reason Adair walks over to this Voldemort you're so
concerned about and offer to help him instead of you?”
It had never occurred to Albus that Adair might side with Voldemort if he
pushed the man too much. That was something to think about; he did not want
Adair to fight for Voldemort. Not if could help it anyway.
“Let's get you four moved, hmm?” Albus would push his worry over Adair to the
back of his mind for now and consecrate on other, more manageable things.
                                       *
Ron sat stiffly in one of the comfortable chairs by the fire, Ginny leaning
against his legs. Both were silent. Dumbledore had ordered everyone who had
returned to not speak about what happened, the press and the magical community
still did not know that the children were back, Dumbledore wanted to wait for
the sake of the students before he announced their return.
Harry had been waiting in the common room when they returned, full of questions
and speaking apologies for not being able to help them sooner. Ginny had fallen
into Harry's arms, relieved to finally, be back with the man she loved. Ron had
spoken only to reassure Harry that they were fine and ask where Hermione was.
So, Hermione had fled home for Christmas, Ron didn't blame her. He smirked, if
she knew what was good for her, she and her kind would stay away from Hogwarts.
They didn't need trash like her dirtying up the place.
                                       *
The day before the students returned to Hogwarts the news broke. Harry sat in
the Great Hall munching on some toast, as he read the paper. Neither Ron or
Ginny had made it down to breakfast just yet.
              Albus Dumbledore Rescues Missing Hogwarts Students
 Albus Dumbledore, 113, rescued the missing pure blood students from the hands
                            of You-Who-Who himself!
 The Headmaster, who defeated Grindelwald, in the 1940's, bravely walked into
    You-Who-Who's base and walked out with the students – all miraculously
  unharmed. This impressive feet was helped along by the Boy-Who-Lived, Harry
                                  Potter, 15.
  For more details on how this was achieved and what the students have to say
                             read pages 2,3 and 4.
               For Dumbledore's statement on the matter, page 5.
                     For Harry Potter's statement page 6.
Harry opened the paper to see what he had supposedly said.
I'm relieved that my friends and school mates have returned. Working tirelessly
 to help the headmaster was hard work but ultimately rewarding. Of course, it
wasn't just us, - Prime Minister Cornelius Fudge and his team of Auror's helped
                       more than anyone will ever know -
Harry closed the paper in disgust. His so called statement was practically a
love letter to the Ministry and Dumbledore. He shouldn't have expected anything
else really, but still, it irked him. He looked up at the Teacher's table, and
many were reading the paper, some were congratulating Dumbledore. Harry's eyes
found Severus, who looked most annoyed. Severus was the only teacher who knew
the truth and Harry had to wonder what the man would make off such blatant
lies.
Ginny sat down next to him, and he threw an arm over her shoulder.
“You doing better today?” he asked, the girl nodded
“I'll be glad when Hermione gets back, and everything goes back to normal.” She
smiled, she was finally back with Harry and could forget about Voldemort, or
try to anyway. “Is that the Prophet?”
“Yes, but it has a very altered version of what happened, it even has a
statement from me – one I never gave them.” Ginny giggled and stole the
remainder of Harry's toast.
“I still don't get how we got back, or how we got there,” Ginny said utterly
confused.
“Old magic,” Harry said promptly and was it kind of the truth. “Dumbledore and
I had to make sure Voldemort couldn't get around it again, sorry.”
Ginny shook her head “Don't be sorry, I'd rather you be careful then go back to
him.”
“You won't ever have to, I promise.” The hard look in Harry's eyes convinced
her he was telling the truth, if Harry had a way of stopping it Voldemort would
never take the students away again.
                                       *
Lord Voldemort read the report in front of him with a huff. He glanced up from
the report to look at Lucius with cold eyes.
He was back in his office, a pile of unread reports on his desk. This one,
however, had been personally handed to him by Lucius Malfoy. Reports were for
lesser Death Eater's; it was rare one of his Inner Circle would present him
with one. Lucius stood behind his desk looking straight ahead, scared to even
twitch in his presence. It amused him.
“You're sure of this?” He asked.
“As sure as I can be my Lord,” Lucius replied stiffly. The Dark Lord was still
angry and was firing curses at anyone who dared make a sound he didn't like it.
The Death Eater's were walking on egg shells around their Lord.
“This changes things then,” The Dark Lord sat back in his chair “Can we get a
message out?”
Lucius weighed up the possibilities “If we use our contact, perhaps.”
“Then do it,” Voldemort ordered. Lucius bowed deeply and left his Lord's office
quickly, hoping to not incur his wrath as he left. Maybe if they could get a
message through, his Lord's temper would abate.
                                       *
“Can you give Ron a couple of detentions?” Harry asked Severus, walking back
into the man's private rooms. Severus was seated in his favourite chair, robes
off; shirt sleeves rolled up to his elbow's. A fire was roaring merrily in the
gate.
“Shouldn't you be worrying over Miss Weasley?” Severus asked, without looking
up from his book. Harry almost didn't answer; he once again found himself
distracted by the sight of Severus looking relaxed.
“Ginny and Ron are being checked over, again, by Madam Pomfrey,” Harry frowned
at Severus, he took a step further into the room “What crawled up your ass and
died?”
Severus looked up from his book and sneered at him. “Yes, I can give your
friend a detention or two – I'm sure he'll do something to deserve it.”
“Seriously, what's wrong?” Harry asked, arms folded across his chest.
“Nothing is wrong Potter,” Severus spat. Severus stood from his chair, not
caring that his book fell to the floor, losing his place.
“Since when do you call me 'Potter'? You haven't done that in weeks -” Harry
stared at Severus, mind whirling. “Are you – can you be jealous?” Harry asked
in disbelief, when Severus just continued to glare at him, he found himself,
well shocked. “You are, you're jealous.”
“You are the one hugging Miss Weasley” Severus snapped.
“Of course! Severus, Harry Potter, is supposed to be dating the bint, should I
perhaps not touch her at all? Do you not think that would raise a few
eyebrows?”
“What about you, Adair?” Severus asked, using his real name “What do you feel?”
Harry, stared angrily at Severus “What I want doesn't really matter, does it? I
am, Harry Potter, that is the role I have to play. I can not just leave the
Weasley girl for you. It doesn't work that way.”
“So you do want me then?” There was hope in Severus' voice, and Harry balled
his hands into fists, did Severus not know what he was asking, or did he simply
not care?
“That's not what I said.” Harry eventually said, forcing the words out. He
valued his new found friendship with Severus, trying to change that was
pointless. They had fixed roles; they couldn't change their paths. It didn't
matter.
“You didn't disagree.”
“Severus, even if I wanted you over her, I couldn't. I couldn't be with you.
What I may want as Adair – it doesn't matter, I have to live Harry Potter's
life now.”
The two men stared at each other for a long moment.
“You do have a choice; this is your life too,” Severus said softly.
“No, it's not,” Harry looked down at his feet. “I can't have it both ways, I
tried before, and it didn't end well.” He looked up at Severus, eyes begging
the man to understand “This is the way it has to be.”
Harry walked away, and Severus cursed him, did he always have to play the hero?
Would it kill him just once, to be selfish?
Severus sat heavily in his chair. Harry could be so damn stubborn. How was he
going to convince Harry he could have his own life? It had to be possible, and
anything was possible if you wanted it enough.
                                       *
Harry headed towards the Owlery; he hadn't seen Hedwig in a while he was
feeling like a bad owner. Maybe he should give her message to send to someone,
just as an excuse to spread her wings. Maybe he could write a strongly worded
letter to the Prophet, warning them against inventing statements from him. Yes,
that sounded like a fun idea. Harry had just reached the entrance hall when he
spotted Dumbledore. Hmm, to ignore the Headmaster or try to confront him about
this new 'ignoring Harry Potter' policy? Dumbledore spotted him and made the
choice for him.
“Harry, where are you headed to on this fine afternoon?” Dumbledore asked
cheerfully.
“Eh, I'm going to write a letter to the Prophet about that made up statement,
Headmaster.”
“I wrote that statement.” Dumbledore's had a light tone of reproach to it.
“You, Headmaster? Why?”
“Because, my child, we need to appear united against the forces of the dark.”
Dumbledore smiled warmly at him, as though he had just imparted some great
wisdom onto him. Harry could only stare blankly back.
“Right,” he said after a moment. “I'm still going to visit Hedwig I think,”
Harry said, walking very fast away from Dumbledore. That man had to be sniffing
glue or something. 'appear united', what a load of tosh.
If this was the witty, insightful commentary he had missing from Dumbledore –
the man could go on ignoring him. Harry glanced back, just what was Dumbledore
up to anyway? Harry paused, torn, wanting to nose around and see what
Dumbledore was doing, but no, he'd find out anyway sooner or later.
***** Chapter Twelve *****
Harry sat crossed legged on his bed in Gryffindor Tower, the curtains closed
tightly. He rested his head in his hands, feeling his age. Lying on the bed in
front of him was a letter from a member of the now defunct cult.
It was always surprising to him how many people were excited by the idea of
war. He had received several letters from different members of the Cult, asking
him for help. Some sided with Voldemort, the rest followed Dumbledore's path.
Personally, Adair didn't see much difference. He had lived through both
ideologies. When he had passed 100, a Dark Lord had risen to power and taken
over. While the light grumbled, for many life went on a usual. When the Dark
Lord died, the light regained control. Adair had sided with the Dark Lord on
that occasion, often it was Dark that pointed out flaws and hypocrisy in the
Wizarding World. The light had good intentions but often let themselves drift
into a fantasy land where everything was perfect and no one had any problems. A
balance of light and dark was needed, something both sides failed to
understand.
Sooner, rather than later this war would come and as Harry Potter was a light
wizard, the light would have to win. That didn't mean he couldn't meet
Voldemort.
“Harry?” Neville's worried voice broke Harry's train of thought and he poked
his head out of the curtained bed.
“Yeah?” “Professor Snape is looking for you, he looks right mad.”
“I better go see what he wants, wish me luck!” Harry slipped from the bed,
folded away the letter, placing it in his back pocket.
“Rather you than me,” Neville assured him. Harry smiled and winked,
disappearing out the dorm. What could Severus possibly want that required him
to scare other students in the quest to find him?
                                       *
Ron watched as Harry left the common room without so much as backward glance at
his friends. Hermione and Ginny looked up from their homework and shrugged at
each other.
Harry had been acting oddly for a while. He wouldn't mind finding out just what
his friend was up to.
                                       *
Harry knocked on the door of the Potion's classroom, nothing. He pulled out the
Marauder's Map and tapped it. "I solemnly swear that I am to no good." The map
came alive and after a moment, Harry located Severus – in the Headmaster's
office. Poor Severus. Albus was becoming a nightmare, popping in and out of the
school for no reason (or none that he was sharing) and Harry had a nasty
suspicion of what the old man was up to.
Harry shrugged and slipped into the office anyway, turning off the wards as he
did so. Severus could be so paranoid.
Harry snooped around the man's room for several moments, before hopping into
the man's chair and closing his eyes. A short cat nap never hurt anyone.
                                       *
Severus stepped into his classroom and immediately noticed Harry lying slumped
in his chair. Eyes closed and his breathing even. Severus approached quietly,
not wanting to disturb the tired man. Was Adair even sleeping properly now? He
had stopped asking for sleeping potions, but that could just be because the
potions were highly addictive. Severus hadn't seen Adair sleep much while they
had been on the Isle either – maybe he was just avoiding going to sleep at all.
Not that was any healthier.
Severus spelled the chair into in a makeshift bed and conjured a blanket. He
might as well encourage sleep instead if worrying if Adair was getting any.
He conjured a chair for himself and then settled down to watch over the
powerful, troubled man.
                                       *
Harry woke with a shout, his cheek stung and sweat was dripping down his face
and back. He was panting as if he had ran a mile. Where was he? Why did his
face hurt? For that matter, why was he lying down? Because he was. He didn't
remember lying down. He rubbed sleep out of his eyes and blinked. Severus was
kneeling over him, paler than usual. Ha, Sev looks cute worried, Harry thought.
“Wha -?”
“You were shouting, I tried to wake you but -” Severus trailed off. Oh, damn
it. That explained why his cheek stung then. Severus must have slapped him
awake. 
“I'm sorry,” Harry apologised. “Why am I lying down?”
“I found you asleep in my chair, I figured you needed the sleep, so I
transfigured it into a bed.” Oh.
“Thanks, I should have put up a silencing spell.”
“No, I mean – If you're having nightmares, I'd like to know. Maybe I can help.”
Harry smiled, “You couldn't help with these, they usually mean my impending
death.”
Severus eyes went wide and he grabbed at Harry's arms. “No.”
“It's fine, it's not like I haven't died before.”
“I'm not losing you.”
“Sev -”
Before Harry could say anything else, Severus leaned down and kissed him. Harry
moaned, leaning into the kiss, forgetting about nightmares and what they meant
for a moment. Severus seized on the moment, biting Harry's bottom lip and
tugging, getting the other male to open to him. Harry opened his mouth, letting
Severus slide his tongue in. Severus revealed in the feeling of kissing the man
beneath him. Harry pulled away, breathing hard.
“You can't do this, Harry is fifteen, remember?” Harry tried to input some
logic into this situation.
“Harry might be, but you aren't, Adair.” Severus was kissing his neck. It was
very hard to think of an argument to that when he could feel Severus' hot
breath on his skin, the feel of his hands gripping his arms tightly.
Harry felt dizzy, he hadn't given into this temptation in so long and Severus
was so tempting. Something niggled in Harry's mind.
“Why did you want to see me anyway? Other than to grope me?” Severus pulled
away with a smirk playing on his lips.
“Oh, I haven't even begun to grope you yet,” Harry licked his lips
unconsciously. “But, to answer your question – it was to do with Ron.”
Ah, he had asked Severus to give Ron some extra detentions, hadn't he? He
looked at Severus, they could discuss Ron – but this new path that was opening
up. Severus had tried to walk him down it before, but he hadn't been ready. The
guilt he felt over Alodia had been like a vice around his heart. Alodia
wouldn't want him to be unhappy, she would understand. He wasn't betraying her
if he fell in lo-. No, not that. Maybe he was overthinking this. Maybe he
should go for what he wanted for a change, worry about the consequences later.
He made up his mind, he wiggled, Severus really was gripping his arms quite
hard and blinked. Severus look of surprise convinced him he was doing the right
thing. Live in the moment, just this once, he told himself.
“Well, hello Adair,” Adair's brown eyes looked up at Severus and his heart
skipped a beat. After their last fight, Severus had thought he had lost Adair
for good; he was so caught up in pretending to be Harry Potter. Severus got why
he just didn't like it.
“Shut up and kiss me,” Adair ordered, Severus could take a hint.
Adair gasped as Severus attacked his Adam's apple, biting gently, before moving
his head further down. The grip on his arms lessened. Severus worked his way
down Adair's body, removing robes and kissing the pale skin underneath. He had
never seen Adair so exposed. So willing to be vulnerable. He rather liked this
side of him.
Severus ran his hands over Adair's pale chest, twisting the man's duty pink
nipples. Adair whimpered. Severus smirked and moved his hands lower, finally
coming to rest at the top of Adair's boxers. Adair was already hard, the tip of
his cock peeking out over the pale blue fabric.
Adair moved his arms above his head, flexing them. For someone so slight,
Severus had one hell of a grip. He lightly ran his hands over Severus' arms,
his face. Severus turned and placed a kiss to his palm, before pulling down his
boxers. Adair raised his hips, allowing Severus to pull them down easier.
Severus ran a warm tongue along his underside of his cock and Adair shuddered.
Severus sucked on Adair's heavy balls, rolling them around in his mouth, before
moving back up to lick Adair's cock. He swirled his tongue around the head and
then slipped his mouth over the hard cock.
“Sev!” Adair bucked wildly into the other man's mouth. Severus pinned Adair's
hips down, and sucked him further into his mouth, surprised at how much he
loved hearing Adair shout his name and wanting to hear his name shouted again.
Adair reached down and tangled his hands into Severus' hair, encouraging the
man's exploration of his cock. Severus smirked, removing one his hands from
Adair's slim hips and brought to rest in-between the Adair's spread legs. His
thumb traced around the tight brown circle that was Adair's puckered hole.
Adair whimpered, head thrown back, eyes closed.
“Severus, more. I need more,” The older man panted, his bare chest rising and
falling harshly. Severus pulled Adair's cock.
He leaned over Adair, his body easily covering the older man's. Severus was an
inch or so taller than the other man, but he used that extra inch to his full
advantage now they were on a more equal footing. He captured Adair's lips once
more, fully revealing the fact that this time he wasn't being pushed away.
Adair ran his hands down Severus' back, feeling the muscles ripple under his
touch. Why had he waited so long to do this? Damn his stubborn streak. They
broke apart.
“You'd better be planning to do more than just kissing me, mister.” Adair
teased, hands resting on Severus' arse and squeezing gently.
“Oh, I have lots of plans for you,” Severus smirked. He sat back and cast a non
verbal spell, slicking up Adair's hole and inserting a finger. “Better?” He
asked eyebrow raised.
“Not until you fuck me.” Came the response. Severus laughed, a deep sound that
came from his chest.
He slipped another finger into Adair, watching as the man's breathing changed,
his eyes squeezing shut, the lines around them tightening for a brief second.
The deep red bottom lip that kept being bitten. Severus slipped two more
fingers in, wiggling the digits around; searching, exploring, stretching.
Severus removed his fingers gently, once he was sure Adair was plenty stretched
enough to accommodate him.
Severus lubed up his dick and finally, finally he was entering Adair. The man
was tight, even with being fingered. Severus hissed, Adair was hot and slick
and tight and if he didn't get a grip on himself, he would be undone before he
had really started. He wanted to this to last. Adair was moody and
unpredictable, who knew if they would ever do this again?
He moved slowly, using the full length of his dick of to thrust in and out of
the man underneath him.
“I'm not fragile, I won't break,” Adair said, a challenge in his eyes.
“I'm enjoying myself,” Severus smirked even as he increased his pace.
Adair arched his back and moaned as Severus found his prostate. Yes, this is
what he had been waiting for, what he needed. Severus was above him, kissing
and biting every inch of his skin and it was incredible. He shouldn't have
waited, he should have let Severus do this the time they had made it the other
man's bedroom over Christmas.
Severus gripped Adair's hips as he fucked the man harder. Adair began swearing
in that old language The Lufian used and wasn't that just the sexiest thing? He
made Adair swear in another language. He drove deeper into Adair, fucking him
hard.
Adair wrapped his legs around Severus, locking the man into place. Needing him
to go even deeper. Needing more of the man. Adair wrapped a hand around his
weeping dick and stroked himself to Severus' desperate thrusts. He kissed
Severus hungrily, sloppy, with too probably too much teeth.
“Severus!” Adair came, cum coating his and Severus' chest. Severus continued to
pump into him, riding out his orgasm.
Severus laced their fingers together. Severus came, filling Harry with his hot
seed. He stilled and then collapsed onto Adair, who ran his fingers through his
hair. It was sweet, no one had ever done that before.
“Oh shit,” Adair pulled Severus' head up and kissed him again “That was so
good.” He kissed Severus again. Severus wore a proud smirk.
They shifted positions, so Adair was being spooned by Severus. “We can make
this work, y'know,” Severus said after a while. Adair closed his eyes and said
nothing “I'm not saying it would be easy, but -” He let the sentence hang.
“This felt amazing. I don't want to give this up.” Adair admitted quietly.
“Then don't,” Severus said simply, pressing his lips to back of Adair's neck.
“Hmm,” Adair said noncommittally, already half asleep. Severus
                                       *
Dumbledore rubbed his eyes tiredly. He had been reading the latest report
borrowed from one his Historian friends in the Ministry. Now that he knew Adair
was real, he was more determined than ever to find the books.
“You're playing a dangerous game,” Slytherin informed the Headmaster flatly.
“One you are not going to win. Go after those books and Adair will rain hell
upon your head. You've seen how powerful he is – imagine that power turned
towards you in anger.” Ravenclaw added.
Dumbledore glared at the Founders. They had been nothing but a headache,
offering opinions on everything – including how to discipline students that had
ended up in his office.
By now, of course, the whole school knew that the Founder's Portraits were in
the Headmaster's office and more than one student had been caught trying to
sneak into his office to talk to one or more of the Founders. Even the
Professor's had been dropping by for a chat with them. Dumbledore was feeling
distinctly put out. Did no one what to drop by to talk to him anymore?
“Adair isn't a concern.” He hadn't seen Adair since Christmas and really, what
could he do? Some parlour tricks? Please.
“You're a fool, Albus,” Slytherin said, “I'm going to enjoy watching Adair
knock you down a few pegs.”
                                       *
Adair woke suddenly, in that bizarre fully awake thing that human sometimes
did. He could feel something poking the bottom of his spine, he rolled over and
smiled. Severus. They were lying spooned together, but during their nap, they
had shifted and Severus had managed to trap an arm between them. Adair took
that as he cue to get up and dressed.
He had just about finished dressing when Severus yawned awake.
“Hey,” Adair smiled, walking around to where Severus was still laying down and
kissing him.
“Hey, yourself.” Severus sat up and frowned at him. “Going somewhere?”
“Yeah, back to the Tower, I've checked, it's almost midnight.” And he didn't
have the cloak.
“Damn,” Severus sighed and stood, reaching out and grabbing Adair for another
kiss. Adair smiled and deepened this kiss. Reluctantly they had to come up for
air.
“So, before I have to go, you wanted to discuss Ron,” Adair said, bringing them
both crashing back down to earth.
“Oh yes. You friend has been behaving – oddly. He's quiet, less argumentative.
He doesn't have the look of someone under the Imperius Curse though.”
“There is more than one way to mind control someone,” Adair muttered darkly
“Some I created.”
“If there is more than just Impero out there, why aren't they counted as an
unforgivable?” Severus asked as he redressed.
“Because they're rare and hard to use. Impero is easy to cast and leaves
obvious signs of control,” Adair explained, “Odds are, if someone tries to use
one of the rarer ones on you, you'll be dead before it gets lifted safely and
the caster is someone too powerful to be caught.”
“Like a Dark Lord,” Severus observed dryly.
“Yup.”
“You created other ways to control people?” Severus asked the corners of his
mouth turned up in a smile. That was just his style. “It was a phase,”Adair
shrugged. “And another good reason why no one should have access to the Codex.”
“The Codex?” Adair's Codex? No wonder people like Dumbledore wanted to get
their hands on it so badly. The only saving grace they had was that the Dark
Lord was unaware of Adair and the Codex.
“This stays between us,” Adair said sternly and Severus nodded. “The Codex is
full of powerful spells and hexes. It could end the war in a day if someone got
the hands on it.”
“Then end the war. Adair if you can save lives -”
“ - And who should have the power, hm? Shall we let Voldemort read the Codex?
How long before he gets bored of ruling Britain and moves onto Europe? To
America, to the East? When will it be enough for him? Dumbledore is not the
better option, either.” Adair said with disappoint coating his voice. “The
Light has a terrible, selfish leader who himself would admit that having access
to a lot of power would be a very bad idea.”
“You're right of course. Neither the leaders should have access to the Codex,
there is a third option, however.” Severus pointed out gently.
“I'm listening.”
“Someone that isn't the Dark Lord or Dumbledore. That can be a leader and won't
let power go to his or her head.”
Adair stared at Severus for a long minute, before breaking into a grin.
“Severus, you genius.” The answer came to him in a flash. He knew exactly who
he wanted to speak to.
End Notes
     This was a plot bunny that popped into my head and wouldn't go away
     until I gave it life. Not sure how often I'll update this. If you
     want more, please let me know! :)
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