Disclaimer: This fanfiction is based on the Harry Potter universe created by
J.K. Rowling Not mine
The plot is based on the Severitus- challenge therefore is not mine either.
Rating: PG13 mild language
Spoilers: All five books (SS/PS; CoS; PoA; GoF; OotP)
A/N: Hello all, sorry for dropping of the face of the earth for so long. Thanks for all who found time to review they were most helpful especially as incentive to put my butt on a chair and start writing. I had some problems with this chapter and I still do not like how it turned out. This chapter will not contain any spoilers to HBP, which by the way I liked very much. In fact I do not plan to incorporate parts of it in this story as of now. I might decide to lend the one or the other idea later on whatever works. However, should this happen I will make sure to warn you.
Chapter 7: First classes and new mysteries
Hogwart's Dungeon
Potion Classroom
1st October
NEWT's potion class should be comprised of highly talented students at least receiving an Outstanding in their potion OWL.
Wistful Eric and Erin sat right in the back of the classroom almost wishing for the good old times when the students either knew what they were doing, to scared to actually mess around or like Eric than Harry being to distracted by the hatred of Professor Snape to actually attempt any mischief.
Unfortunately that wasn't the case. Usually NEWT potions wasn't taken by more than fifteen students half of them Slytherins, Snape's high standards making sure of that plus his bias towards Slytherin house souring the subject for anyone lacking the will or skill and a good portion of pure stubborness to continue.
However this year Mme Umbridge had decided that it would go against her sense of fairness to prevent new students from the opportunity of increasing their knowledge in one of the most important courses that were taught at Hogwarts.
Therefore she opened unwisely and without asking the resident potion master's opinion NEWTS potion courses for everyone in sixth year and up.
However what really enraged Snape though he didn't show it, damn appearances, was the fact that everyone of those additional twenty students had barely passed their OWL even Malfoy who benefited from the new rule had barely scraped an exceeds expectation, which made him the best of the worst. In other words the potion room was crowded with mostly dunderheads.
Snape asked himself for the millionth time what was that mentally challenged excuse of a headm… no ministry pet imbibing when she came up with that proposition.
Yes, right proposition order more like it. She didn't even allow dividing the big class in two smaller classes, proposing that one group worked on potion theory while the other was making the actual potion which he would oversee.
"Severus, I'm sure you will handle the challenge." She said laughing coquettishly.
Oh shit, the toad is hitting on me, Eurgh, he thought in disgust. Thankfully Snape had long years as spy to fall back on to repress the revulsion and contempt from showing in either his voice or face.
Only a minute twitch of his lips in his neutral face, not noticeably to the likes of Umbridge, betrayed his true feelings. "Of course Headmistress, as you wish. However please note that I will exclude any student incapable of holding up. I can't let the high standards of N.E.W.T's potion class drop because some students won't be able to brew the complicated potions which are a requirement NEWT's examinations. Afterall what will concerned parents say if their children won't scrape at least an A in their N.E.W.T.'s."
"Well Severus if you say though, but you are not allowed to evict anyone without good reason. That would be suspicious you see? I might think you wanted to evade my orders." Umbridge had crooned in a would-be conspiratorially voice.
Snape almost lost it then and there. With an internal sigh he decided to play along for now besides she never said anything from leaving of their on free will.
The smirk that spread behind Umbridge's back threatened to split his face in half. He knew just the potion to weed out the lazy and unprepared; a small revision should be in order for their first lesson he thought gleefully.
At least everyone he had taught over the last five years should be able to produce at least a halfway decent potion without detailed instruction on his part.
However he still couldn't help feeling slightly apprehensive about Eric being able to hold up.
Five years of scorn for his son's ability in the potion department had not yet been appeased. Before he entered his classroom he performed a charm which let him peek into the room.
Eric and Erin sat well into the back with Terry Boot, Lisa Turpin, Hannah Abbot, because of that damn muggle law Justin Finch Fletchley was not in attendance one of the more adapt potion students that had graced Hogwarts halls once in a while which he, Snape, had found especially surprising for a muggleborn and a Hufflepuff on top of it.
His tell tale sneer deepened as he apprised the rest of his class. With a bang he flung the classroom door open letting it hit the wall with a loud bang, quailing any ongoing conversations,wide eyes and gaping mouths a sign of deep shock.
Snape took his time in assessing his new students. Many of those wouldn't appear to the next potion class and all they had to brew was draught of peace.
Eric's eyebrow crept upwards as he watched a sadistic glint appear in his fathers eyes. He decided to lean back and enjoy the show providing that he wasn't caught up in his father's mad scheme to help his students decide that that they really didn't want to continue with advanced potion making.
In the ensuing silence as their professor stalked to his desk in measured steps, each echoing in the now very silent room, like a judge about to pass judgement. The newbies watched on in curiosity and mild unease.
This was a teacher they didn't want to cross for sure, while small droplets of sweat appeared on the veterans foreheads knowing for sure that this didn't bode well for them .
Even the Slytherins were quite uneasy. With the sound of a whip Snape let his wand snap on the desk, making his class cringe.
Without a spoken word writing appeared on the blackboard; The draught of peace. As Eric watched he noticed that the instruction were slightly off.
Catching Erin's eye she nodded having noticed it also. Of course it was a well known fifth year potion for OWL. Something everyone should know the recipe by heart after being drilled by Snape.
But here was the catch. Eric really hoped he wouldn't make a fool out of himself though that was quite unlikely even if his father would deny him a helping hand Erin surely would help.
Telepathy had its uses sometimes. Slightly distracted he almost missed out on his father's speech. It was classic almost as impressive as his first year speech.
"Welcome to a new year of potion." He leered sinisterly giving every impression of the big dark dungeon bat. "However I find it quite shocking to find some of your names on my role call. However our dear Headmistress in her great wisdom has … convinced me to allow you to participate in this class."
At this point some grumbled which earned them one of Snape's death glares, "Silence! I will not tolerate any insolence from your part. I can teach you how to create your very own brand of potions how to combine every single component to get something completely unique, ways to mix various poisons and coming up with a poweful healing draught. That is if you study hard and keep in mind what failure can mean. Any one who thinks he will get away fooling around in this class should consider leaving now for I will not go easy on dunderheads. Coming unprepared to this class will loose your house ten points. Messing up your potion will cause a further deduction of fifty housepoints coupled with at least one week detention served with me. As our esteemed headmistress has decided that detentions are always to be served by the professor who assigned them. I really hate spending my time with dunderheads." The grim sneer that played around Snape's lips was positively frightening now. "However if any of your classmates is in danger because of your plunders at any time housepoints and detention are the least of your worries." The malicious smile that grazed his fathers lips surprised even Eric who had quite a few personal encounters with his fathers vindictiveness when he still had been known under the name of Harry Potter.
"These ground rules are effective now. As students of advanced potions you should be able to brew any potion of OWL curriculum in your sleep." If it was even possible his gleeful smirk deepened as half of his class cowered in fear while the rest watched with apprehension and disbelief clearly written on their faces.
With a flick of his wrist the instructions of the draught of peace appeared on the black board. However… "As you surely have noticed only the ingredients are written here. I hardly could leave you to your own devices with at least a modicum off help." He said in air as if offering his class a treat which sat gobsmacked on their stools watching in on in terror.
Surely that man couldn't mean what he just had said Surely they would be at least allowed to use their books. But before anyone could say anything their potion master from hell ploughed on. "Books away now start." Let the fun begin, he smirked as he prowled the narrow aisles between the workbenches which were dangerously close.
Damn and and that was the biggest room were potion lessons could be held.
What was Umbridge thinking he wondered for the umpteenth time. Wait since when is a brainless cross between a toad and a cockroach able to think.
As he made his rounds he was pleasantly surprised and quite relieved to find his son brewing competently while sending furtive glances his way catching his father's mood.
For a brief second he wondered if his son was cheating afterall he was a mindreader, wasn't he? Though he quashed that thought immediately considering that over thirty people were currently in very close proximity.
Reading the mind of his sister would be to much even though she was sitting right next to him. The onslaught of peoples minds would have send the poor boy in shock if he dared to even open his shields for a fraction.
Besides the competent way in which his son was preparing ingredients and the confidant way he stirred his brew couldn't be faked.
Smirking approvingly he noticed the powerfull shielding spells his son and daughter had conjured.
Guiltily he thought back on those occasions when Harry Potter still had graced Hogwarts but couldn't remember any occasion were the boy had acted so self assured in his skills.
It would be closer to the truth that he hadn't give a damn one way or the other. It had been Potter's son than and really all the reason he needed to act his nasty self towards the boy.
Besides the boy had been a Gryffindor even though he knew now that he almost had Harry Potter in Slytherin. God knows what would have happened than.
He didn't think that Potter being in Slytherin would have helped his uncalled animosity towards the boy any.
Snape was so caught up in his own little world, something that normally didn't happen when screaming erupted in several places at once.
It started with the cauldron of Merrissa Leonhardt one of the new Gryffindor's sending green goo all over the room.
Just as the same happened to about half of the remaining cauldrons.
While most of the otheres emitted an odd mustard coloured smoke which while not exactly harmful contributed to a rather interesting odour halfway between old socks and fresh dragon dung.
Only Eric, Erin and Draco seemed to have escaped the mayhem relatively unscathed, having cast protective shields over themselfs and their potions, if one discounted the attack on their sense off smell.
In the ensuing silence Snapes face slowly turned red in anger.
He hated incompetence especially in potions. This potion had only partly been a test for his students wanting to know where he stood with them.
What he had seen surpassed his wildest expectations. He had expected counted even on three or four exploded cauldrons in this class. However the result was three times worse than he could have imagined.
Never in his whole career as a potion master did he have seen such incompetence at even preparing their ingredients right.
Anger gripped him as he thought what could have happened if they had actually brewed a more dangerous potion.
Fuming he started handing out the antidote to the various evidences of the misbrewed potion.
The effects were quite diverse and ranging from an inflated head over Dumbo ears to discoloured skin and hair.
Quite impressive actually what diverse effects one could get from one single failed potion.
In the ensuing silence one could only hear the moans of those effected by the potion and the laboured breath off their potion professor who was eerily resembling a overripe tomato.
Uneasily Eric remembered the last time he had seen his father like this back when Erin, Ron and himself had helped Sirius Black escape the supposed ministry justice, when he still had been Harry Potter and Erin had been known as Hermione Granger.
This didn't bode well for those poor sods who had dared to destroy the lab.
Even Neville never had been able to destroy their classroom so thoroughly.
"Enough with your whimpering! I will make a roll call with everyone who had so foolishly destroyed my classroom and put their classmates in danger. Congratulation children you just earned yourself a month worth of detention. Though don't worry I can't make you clean the filthiest cauldrons. The headmistress has established a new form of detention form every Hogwarts professor has to follow."
Baring his teeth in an anticipatory way the effected students shuddered. "Cale Cardarovic, Perry Darson, Abigail Mason, Case Whatson," . On and on went his list until he had singled out about halve of his class.
" If you decide to take up a complaint to our headmistress please rest assured that I will inform her myself at the earliest that halve of my N.E.W.T class was unable to do a simple fifth year potion. I don't think she will be impressed. "
The addressed students didn't even think to protest however their professor wasn't through with them yet. " A shame that five of my own house are involved in this show of incompetence. Maybe the resulting loss of house points will teach you something for the future. By the way that would be fifty points from every student I named. You are in luck that we are just at the start of the new term and its impossible for the house points to drop into the negative. Fancy if this happens more than once. I daresay you would be the most sought after people of Hogwarts. Now leave!"
As one the students stood up packing their books and ingredients in a hurry before scrambling for the exit.
Erin and Eric looked at each pity and amusement warring in their eyes. Way to go, dad! Eric send his father mind-to-mind who had calmed down watching the fleeing students with a smirk of his own.
"Well one does what he must. I can't have these idiots keeping you back, can I?"
"Suppose not. You strive for the best, don't you. I'm just glad that my performance seemed to have found your approval." Swirling the potion sample Eric had handed over and eying it beadily Snape casually said "Passable, you even might scrap an A on this one."
His face carefully blank. Speechless Eric spluttered indignantly "What…but…you…you know that my sample is at least E material." At this his father cracked laughing heartily "Good to know that I still can get a raise out of you."
Bringing a slight smirk to Eric's face. "Very funny indeed. On another note how many do you think will continue this class?" Eric tried to change the topic not so subtly.
"Oh, my guess is that we won't have to put up with those fools who earned the detention. I daresay once they realise what the headmistress idea is for a proper detention is they will reconsider their choice of career."
A shadow crossed Snapes face as he mentioned the detention. "Lets guess she ordered the use of the blood quill for detention again." Eric stated calmly. "Yes Eric, she has. Its absolutely mandatory though."
"I'm glad that I wasn't caught in your sheme." Eric mused "That would surely have given my intention off becoming an auror serious setback." Smiling wryly Snape replied "I'm glad too, I couldn't stand the shame if you would have proved to be your usual rash self."
"People change, I can't effort to be the rash thoughtless boy I used to be." Eric said darkly. "Erin we have to go to Defence. I don't want to be late for our first lesson." Thus Eric and Erin rushed out off the Dungeon leaving a pensieve Snape pondering his son's words.
Defence against the Dark Arts; could any class be worse Eric thought sarcastically. After a N.E.W.T's potion class with what his father had termed Dunderheads-even-worse-than-Longbottom Eric's day didn't get any better.
Last year he would have been glad for the respite his father had granted him. This time however the danger was coming from his fellow potion students.
Three quarters of those students who had gotten themselves detention on the first day stared at the twins balefully as if it was their fault.
Especially two sets of eyes. Two Gryffindors Christopher Guzzle and Nadir Pamir weren't too pleased with the Snape siblings after their fathers performance in the potions classroom.
Gilbert Mallory rushed in just as Erin And Eric had found the only remaining seats right in the back of the classroom his cold grey eyes sweeping the students before him.
In reality it didn't come close to Snape's famous I-hate-every-student-at-Hogwarts-glare found Eric.
His speech however was up to par silencing the class in seconds. "Silence, I will not have any foolishness in my class. Whoever messes up can take his leave immediately and not come back again. Oh and I will be able to find out if you are lying."
This brought an intense look off disappointment to the eyes of Christopher Guzzle and Nadir Pamir who had taken an immediate dislike towards Eric.
Well they were Griffyndor's making Eric wonder if he had been as bigoted as those two twits. He liked to think not. On the other hand the hat really had fun sorting people in houses they might not quite belong to.
Before he could wonder anymore he was rudely brought out of his reference by the grating voice of Professor Mallory.
"Mr Snape, since you do not seem to need my lecture would you please explain to the class what the Sanguis Calidad curse does and how to defend against it."
Taking aback Eric needed two seconds to recover before his brain latched on to the information needed.
"Pity really, I expected more from Severus Snapes son." The class, Especially Nadir and Guzzle, laughed maliciously seeing as their declared enemy was apparently put down two pegs.
"That will be ten points from Sly..." He didn't get any further however as Eric finally found his voice.
"The Sanguis Calidad curse is one of the three major blood curses. It heats the victims blood up to the boiling point while keeping it alive and sane until death. The only reason why it is not considered an unforgivable is that one can block it rather easily with a simple protego shield. It also is countered by a simple finite. In the dark ages it was the hallmark of any Dark Wizard. However it had been discarded in favour of the Killing curse, the unblockable Avada Kedavra."
A brief flash of disappointment flitted over Mallory's face as he slowly mockingly clapped his hands causing Eric to flush in anger.
"Bravo," Mallory crooned, "I couldn't have explained better. I imagine with a father like yours it was only to be expected even though you only acquainted yourself with him quite recently, have you not? That will be two points for Slytherin for answering a question correctly." Slowly Mallory went on as he paced the row up and down. "However I am still going to take ten points from Slytherin for inattentiveness and a detention at eight sharp."
Anger boiling, Eric turned to an Occlumency exercise to calm down, clear as water, ignoring the jeers from Griffyndor and the smug smiles from Hufflepuff and most Ravenclaws, though Guzzle's and Pamir's smile was quickly wiped from their faces as those two earned themselves a detention too.
Wryly Eric thought, trust Hogwarts to provide another nemesis when Snape and he had come to an understanding, not that this would have happened if he had remained Potter's son.
Eric was glad when the bell sounded and they could finally left the torture chamber. Eric, Pamir and Guzzle weren't the only once given a detention. Malfoy and Lisa Turpin would join them too. On top of that Mallory had given them a two feet essay on the subjects of blood spells.
He had also informed them that the end of term test would be a duel to determine their prowess of spell casting. Ravenously Eric and Erin went to lunch what a morning that had been.
He was just glad that his spelled out a double period of independent study.
At least he would be able to do some of his homework before his detention with Mr cold-eyes Mallory, Eric mused. Every student taking N.E.W.T. classes had two to three double periods of independent study a week.
However this didn't necessarily equal a free period. The students could choose from a multitude of topics to write a two feet essay unless they were falling behind in one subject than the respective teacher would set the assignments.
Eric who only took five N.E.W.T classes and two normal classes, Ancient runes and a Healing course which was mandatory for every sixth year and above who was taking NEWT's potion, had three of these in his timetable.
It still managed to look frightening full.
Monday (Double Potions) (Double DADA) (Lunch) (Double Independent Study)
Tuesday (Ancient Runes) (free period) (Double Transfig.) (Lunch) (Double Charms)
Wednesday (Double Transfig.) (Potion) (freee period) (Lunch) (double Independent study)
(Dinner) (Astrology)
Thursday (Double DADA) (Ancient Runes) (free period) (Lunch) (Double Herbology)
Friday (Double potion) (Double charms) (Lunch) (double Independent study)
Saturday (Double Herbology) (Lunch) (Healing)
However Erin's looked worse. Instead of the free period and independent study on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday she took NEWT Double History of magic with the esteemed ghost Binns, NEWT Arithmancy and NEWT Care of magical creatures. Eric had decided early in the summer that he should take at least one course Harry Potter never had taken. It was decided on Ancient Runes and after much tutoring by Hermione and Luna he felt confident enough to take the course.
Studying his cramped time table Eric idly wondered when Quidditch trials would be held if all time tables looked anything like his.
Jumping slightly as his sister answered silently, "Its either after Healing or not at all."
"Right. I wish I could participate though. I miss flying."
"If you miss flying that much just transform, Mr animagus." came the rather tetchy answer.
Sighing theatrically Eric looked at his sister in mock seriousness before replying still mind to mind not noticing the odd stares they received from their peers until... "you want to…"
"Hey Snape, how in the world did your father procreate." A voice cut rudely in their silent conversation to the snickers of a group of Griffindors and sure enough as he looked in the direction of the voice he saw Guzzle and Pamir blocking their way to the great Hall.
Curious students from Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff stayed to watch the show. There was no love left between the Head of Slytherin and the students of the other houses especially after the stunt he had pulled in todays NEWT potion course.
As long as they couldn't be incriminated by just stopping in the hall they would watch and enjoy the show.
"Yeah, really I mean what kind of woman…" Guzzle sneered.
He never finished the sentence as Eric's angry glare fixed both boys freezing them in place.
Maybe some wandless and wordless magic was involved too. They however didn't make a move to obstruct the Snape siblings way to the Great Hall anymore, their eyes bulging and throats working furiously trying to make a sound; to no avail.
Though this wasn't all; on the backs of their robes began words to flash in purple and gold spelling out "Kiss me Dolores, my eternal love!".
Confused the onlookers watched out for those who actually had done the spellwork for Snape Junior couldn't have done it.
No, no his wand had stuck in a wand holster at his hip he would never have the time to curse the Gryffindor boys without anyone noticing.
The few Slytherin's in attendance were smirking maliciously especially since the Headmistress had just appeared looking even uglier as her usual self as her eyebrows were scrunched together in an angry frown.
Before the two miserable boys could flee she had each boy on the scruff of his neck shaking them; never mind using magic.
Screeching at the top of her lungs causing some armors to rattle in disgust mind you not in fear. "Disgrace … Detention …for a month every night…in my office …after dinner …starting today... move…now!" Every word was emphasized with a shake of the Gryffindor's. "But we already have detention with Professor Mallory this evening." Guzzle valiantly brought up while his friend gave him explicit handsigns to shut up. "Is this true? Well I will be lenient for this once, after all you are new and don't know the rules yet and cancel his detention just this once ."
"Thank you Headmistress." Came the simultaneous reply their faces showing their relieve…only to be squashed immediately as Umbridge ploughed on. "For the cancelled detention of Professor Mallory today, your detention with myself will be prolongued for one week." With a malicious grin Umbridge released them of her hold sweeping through the doorway leaving two very stunned would-be-bully's in her wake.
Just before she fully entered the hall she turned back. "I'm sorry I forgot. If you dare showing up in the great Hall with this abomination on your back you will receive another month worth of detention. I will expect you at eight a clock sharp in my office. Don't be late." She finished jovially leaving two gobsmacked sixth years in her wake.
"Well Eric I think you exceeded all expectations as pranckmaster however I advice you to be cautious. It wouldn't do if you were caught, would it?" A half amused half annoyed Snape whispered under his breath while passing his son on his way to the headtable, causing a lazy grin to spread on Eric's face.
London
Ten leagues below sea level
Deep in the bowels of Gringotts, leagues below the lowest levels of vaults a city had been built over the last ten years in preparation of what was coming.
The storm was nearly upon them now once more. Fearing an attack by either Voldemort or the ministry of magic trying to seize control over Goblin people for good they decided to hide were no wizard or witch may set foot without their permission.
The greatest masons of goblins had built it and contrary to what one might imagine, the city was breathtaking; its slim marble turrets rising a hundred feet in the air.
Each building had finely chiselled frescoes depicting oddly enough leaves and vines running along the row of houses making up for the lack of real bushes and trees. If an observer would take a closer look he or she would notice odd movements of the vines and leaves as if subjected to an imaginary faint breeze.
The city was built in a huge cave an enchanted ceiling spanning overhead at least a league overhead. The size of the cave itself could be roughly estimated to the size of greater London being magically extended.
The very own brand of goblin magic keeping it stable. Every pebble, rock and stalactites acting as support columns was infused with goblin magic. Stone magic; the peculiar magic to mould bedrock to once will.
Hogwarts ceiling wouldn't have been possible if not for goblins. Contrary to popular belief the enchantment had been done by goblins. The relationship to wizards than was easier. The city itself could be compared to inner London in size and able to accommodate at least three times the recent goblin population on the British Isles.
Today was a special day for the goblin people for the seventh Great Congregation had been called by Yara Oneye, seer and queen in all but name, the highest member of the Read the ruling body of the seven goblins clans. She who is the eldest and wisest of all goblins; referred and feared by all for her voice is the ultimate law, uncrowned ruler of the lost clan, the seventh one.
The goblin clans congregated on a wide open space which was usually used as the market place. A podest was rising in the sea of goblins. Yara was sitting on a throne like chair with her six co-rulers.
On her right side sat Galen Goldhand a regal goblin shrewd and never crossed twice (for his adversaries found themselves quickly on the unhealthy business end of Goldhands pickax) he headed the clan of miners and was additionally the manager of Gringotts bank, followed by Garenia Lackhand Bloodax and Thoram Grim Mallet unchallenged leaders of the two warrior clans Blood fist and war mallet. To Yara's left were seated Gristles Keeneye GIinthook head of the masons' clan, Kima Softhand head of the clan of healers which was traditionally always a female goblin and lastly Gnomen Earthhand who headed the clan of growers.
They all sat in a half-moon circle in front of a mysteriously black monolith, facing their people. For the moment the traditional fierce rivalry between the clans seemed to have died down.
The dry air was filled with hushed expectant whispers from the people below which died down immediately as Yara rose painstakingly slow gripping her pale white staff with arthritis bend fingers as she shuffled to the edge.
For short moment it seemed as if she would simply stand there observing the crowd. Every goblin waited with baited breath what the seer would say.
The clan leaders looked stonily ahead not betraying what they were thinking aware of what Yara would announce to the common goblins. For all purposes they themselves could have been crafted out of marble or onyx like the monolith behind them.
Suddenly, tap, tap, tap…tap,tap,tap…tap Yara's staff was hitting the floor seven times, the emerald on its end flashing brightly which was immediately answered by the monolith in her back, warm emerald light washing over the congregation.
Awe filled the goblin faces watching her most had raised there hands to shield their eyes from the harsh light.
A clear musical voice rang out, belying Yara's obvious age and physical weakness.
Raven child, child of light and child of darkness,
Stolen away in jealousy
Darkness' hunter paid the price in agony
Marked in anger, marked in fear
green light beckoned here
flight off dead a spirit was, thought dead, yet not.
Hiding, biding servant came to set the Darkness free.
The marked one was the key, blood was taken forcibly
Beware though darkness your fall is near
When the ravens power grow
As the snow begins to melt
The future lies in marked ones hand
Help he'll find in talking stone
Leagues of leagues below
Were Unyielding stone dwellers bow to he who rises above them all.
And lead to glory them as unjust laws will fall.
Magics children shall be free even you and even me.
But beware Oh marked one heed me here,
One, beware of the darklings call
Two, Sister's charm will be the key
And finally as love seems lost and despair so near
Lunaris your salvation will be.
Silence followed her words as the goblins contemplated what this might be.
Then low excited murmurs and whispers started wondering what this might mean.
Flight of death and darkness could be easily associated with Ekans'a-ekil's-klatohw-eh as goblins had dubbed the recent Dark Lord. He who talks like a snake.
But who was the marked one. The only one that description would remotely fit to was a member of the despised human race and a fugitive of sorts, Harry Potter.
So what had that strange prophecy to do with them? Yara's staff silenced the crowd immediately, her six co-rulers didn't betray their feelings in any way.
They knew who that child was.
They were not pleased. However almost anything was better than to serve the dark lord and maybe end up like the lost clan, forced into slavery and bound by ancient magic, crippling and bending the mind.
That was what the goblin race would be looking forwards too if the boy didn't succeed.
The last appraisal had cost goblins dearly three hundred years after the population is still not as large as it had once been.
They had stood on the brink off annihilation. Suddenly all eyes went back to Yara as the stone behind her flared showing images of black haired boy wearing this ridiculous things some humans used to wear.
They called them classes or something like that. The image spun from the small scrawny boy arrival at Hogwarts to the fight in the ministry's Department of mysteries.
By now most goblins held a grudging respect for the boy.
If anything the goblins could relate to was a fighter, a warrior.
The last image seemed slightly anticlimactic as the boy was lying on his bed drawing strange patterns in the air.
The congregated goblins watched in surprise as the boy started to writhe in agony turning shortly afterwards into a raven.
However the transformations were not over than. Shortly after the animagus transformation another occurred.
When it finished a different face stared down at them. Once more Yara spoke to the congregation, "The snake child has shed its skin, remember him. Find him and bring him to me."
The goblins were not happy campers making there disapproval known however they were almost instantly silenced as the six fellow rulers stood up menacingly calling upon themselves the peculiar crown of fire.
Suddenly every member of the raed was encased in a halo of flames and seemed to grow several feet taller.
Only a fool would raise his voice now as the Raed pronounced their decision. A decision made law.
Hogwarts
Snapes private rooms
Saturday
A week into term, Eric and Erin sat in companionable silence in front of a crackling fire on the couch in their father's private rooms sipping on their butterbeer.
It had been a long and exhausting week which left Snape in a particular foul mood correcting potion essays and watching over the detentions he had assigned.
And since Snape had gotten slightly carried away on their first week of class about thirty essays had been handed in from his NEWTS class alone even though halve of the class had dropped out reducing the amount of essays tremendously.
Eric who had in past school years taken the brunt of the potion masters ire felt quite relieved that it was unleashed on his classmates, which were mostly jerks.
Not looking like James Potter helped quite a bit and the fact that he apparently had inherited his father's gift for potions which begun to flourish now that he actually had a chance to concentrate on what he was doing.
He lacked some of his sister's ease and elegance with potion ingredients but he was going to be a competent enough potion master if he were to choose that carrier instead of becoming an auror.
"How is the minister of magic being elected?" Eric asked out of the blue startling his sister for she hadn't picked up on the turmoil in her brothers mind.
Both had finally learned to completely shield their minds from each other and which was more important to shield their minds from the thoughts running rampant in their peers; which wouldn't be healthy for their sanity in the long run.
Erin even fainted once because of an overload.
"Well the Wizengamot and the head of department do so." Eric was surprised "I thought the British wizarding public was a democracy."
Sadly Erin shook her head. "You rather could say we are ruled by an oligarchy, meaning only certain families can be elected and in this case only people holding certain positions are allowed to vote."
"That partly explains why Fudge is still holding the reigns of power nowadays. Though not for long I imagine."
"Well I agree, I don't think he will hold the office that much longer. You have to understand that most of the wizengamot is comprised of old money, like the Malfoy's for example. Though Lucius Malfoy is not a member per se his grandfather still is. There are the Parkinson's the Nott's and other purebloods. Most are not Voldemort minions however some are sympathetic to his cause. Ordinary people like you and me and the Weasley rarely get voted into this close knit group. Only if they had done something extraordinary like defeating Grindelwald for example. That and his immense power landed Dumbledore as supreme mugwamp even though he hadn't quite the right upringing so to speak."
"So are the Snapes too in the wizengamot? Father was rather tight lipped about his family." A brief picture of a man and a woman rowing while a little boy was crying in the corner of the room flashed in front of his inner eye. "I don't think I am too fond of the prospect of meeting my grandparents."
"Why, did Severus mention something?" A strange look crossed Eric's face when he heard his sister use his father first name bringing the surreal situation back in his mind. "What," Erin asked slightly puzzled at his reaction, feeling something recoil in his brother. "Severus offered to use his first name. Honestly its much better than Professor Snape or sir all the time."
"Why not father?" Eric asked gently. A stubborn look crossed Erin's face. "I'm not ready yet Eric and I probably never will. Even though I proposed the adoption in the first place and I'm eternally gratefull I can't see him him replacing mum and dad."
Changing the subject quickly, Eric mused "I wonder, if the wizengammot is filled to the brim with people abhorring everything to do with muggles, muggleborns and to some extend halfbloods why were we even allowed to study at Hogwarts? Shouldn't have Voldemort's and the pureblood beliefs of the perfect wizarding world come to pass years ago?"
"Said faction for all its tenacity was rather small for about five hundred years. History books mention vaguely some devastating event which killed more than half of the witchs and wizards population than. We were never a large community therefore it had been agreed on to fully introduce muggleborns into society for the survival of the race. Their view of magical beings and what is termed as Halfbreeds however remained as it always had been."
"Rather cold blooded, if you ask me."
"Well yes, sometimes I really wonder if I made the right choice joining this society." A sad far away look crossed her face, as she thought of her parents which quickly turned to anger which too was quickly suppressed again.
Ignoring Erics concerned looks she continued "However Grindelwald changed this. Suddenly there were hundreds of purebloods prepared to purify, as they called it, the wizarding world. They were called the knights of Walpurgis. After Grindelwald's defeat these fanatics were believed to be almost extinct until Voldemort made his move for the first time. Than suddenly the old purebloods came crawling out off whatever hole they had hidden away nursing their wounds."
"So Grindelwald had the same idea's as Voldemort."
"Yes, but not many books tell that story there were even less followers caught or killed than after Voldemorts first fall."
"Which than flocked right around good old Voldy." Erin giggled in exasperation. Voldy indeed she thought a true grin tugging at the corner of her mouth for once; the first since her parents had died.
"Yes you could say that but only the British faction. Never had there been word that he operated on the continent."
"I have a feeling that it will change soon enough. While the ministry is doing a great deal of his dirty work for him he doesn't need to work so hard on getting his point across." Eric mused "The silence is what bothers me most. Father is totally tongue tied about anything that is going on. Not that I would expect him to blab, but he does not even give hints."
"He is worried, Eric."
"I know its almost as if everything is slowly catching up with him. However his Occlumency walls are thicker than ever. Sure it's a good thing." Eric replied pensieve a worried scowl marring his features at Erins disapproving look he forestalled any comment she might want to add, "I do not want to pry Erin honestly. You know how hard it is to keep other peoples thoughts out. Its rather refreshing not to be able to hear other thoughts than your own. On the other hand I think father is stretched much too thin between Umbridge, Voldemort and Slytherin house." Just than their father stepped entered his rooms looking in a particular foul mood.
Grunting noncommittally, obviously tired he let himself fall into an armchair in front of the fireplace however only after pouring a shot of firewhiskey from the cabinet.
His dark onyx eyes tiredly swept over Eric and Erin.
"How are you doing father. You look rather knackered." Eric asked concerned.
A grim look crossed his father's face. "I don't think you would believe me if I told you I'm fine." A statement uttered slightly surprised that the teenagers seemed to actually care. "I wonder if it was a good idea to return to this place."
"But wouldn't have Voldemort become suspicious?" Erin asked tentatively.
"Sure he would," Eric replied in their fathers stead, "but this is not the only reason why we returned is it?" He asked.
"No, Eric. There is more but I cannot tell you it's too dangerous for you to know. I implore you not to use your extraordinary mind gift now. I will tell you but not yet. " Eric made a move to object but Snape ploughed on. "Listen, I know what the prophecy says. But you are not ready yet. Believe me when you finally meet the monster for the final time you have to be prepared as best as you can. You are however not ready yet. Remember as long as you life there is still hope that you can beat him but if you die in some foolish reckless adventure all is lost."
"I know father," Eric replied heatedly, "But people die! I .. I know I should have said something … I still get visions but…let me speak…" Eric said as his father was about to interrupt. Erin remained silent knowing the problem already. "Occlumency is not the problem this time. Voldemort is no natural Legilemense or else you would be dead long ago. Cause no matter how good your shields are a serious probe would shatter them instantly. No… my problem is the other way round he can't keep up his Occlumency shields when he feels particular vindictive, drawing me in." he sneered waving vaguely towards his hidden scar which they had concealed with plain muggle make-up. The beauty of it was no revealing charm could detect it. Neither would the wards pick up on something so completely mundane. Like dirt. They also had altered the shape of his scar by adding some more as precaution, the resistance of it for any healing charms were to high. Instead of a lightning bolt it now looked like a net of crisscrossing scars.
Pity that the make-up had to be reapplied every twelve hours. However No one would be the wiser. Everyone finding out would think Eric was simply indulging his vanity.
"I can't stop reading his mind. The connection between us is growing stronger. Actually I think soon I will be able to know his plans before they actually happen. At the moment its mostly when he is punishing someone or if he is participating in an attack. I can't help it."
"I see." His father drawled pensively tapping a finger against his chin in deep thought. "Why didn't you tell me before? I guess that started a while ago, didn't it?"
"Well around the beginning of September. Imagine my shock when I again was seeing these hideous visions. In the beginning I thought it was purely my over imaginative mind. They were hazy at best but now they are almost as they had been last year. The occasional pain in my scar when Vol..Tom" he changed defiantly as his father threw him a disapproving look. "Well when he runs on high emotion anger, hate or on occasion being happy or more accurately pleased. However hard I try I didn't seem to be able to stop myself seeing it. "
His father looked resigned. He had not expected for the boy to trust him readily, to forget the last five years of animosity in this very school they had shared. Occasions like these were what made him fear that his son would probably never trust him fully. Even though he felt a pang of hurt.
"I thought you knew anyway. After all you were supposed to teach me the high art of Occlumency last year," an undertone of bitterness resonating in his voice.
With a heavy sigh he continued. "Last year I felt strange bouts of emotions which weren't my own. Though I didn't make the connection at first. These were rather frequent until two weeks into the summer hols. That is when I finally mastered Occlumency."
His eyes narrowed slightly. Logically he knew that his failure were as much his own fault as his fathers but sometimes he still felt anger welling up whenever he reflected upon those lessons afterwards the guilt would hit again as his mind turned back to that fateful night in June, when his godfather died.
Erics expression turned from almost content to unreadable in a heartbeat he jumped up from his seat making a show of reading the grandfatherly clock in the corner to the right hand side of the fireplace, the large digit almost on curfew – happy student hunting.
Really that clock should be made illegal. "Its almost curfew, I think its best I'm going. Good night."
With this he grabbed some floo powder and shouting Slytherin Common Room he left before anyone could say anything. The silenece he left in his wake could almost be cut with a knife.
Uncomfortable.
"I think I'm going too, sir. Would you mind taking me back to my common room. Just in case some one else is trying to catch hapless students after curfew." Distracted her adoptive father looked up.
"What…? Oh…Of course." groaning he got up and led her to the Ravenclaw tower.
They walked in silence until they reached their destination.
A statue depicting a regal woman holding a book in one hand Ravenclaws motto "ad multi secreta" on its binder. On the other hand sat a raven. It always reminded her of Eric's animagus form soon she too would find out what her animagus form is. Before Erin could say anything the professor muttered two words "scientia potentia est" startling her as the statue slid sideward revealing the Ravenclaw common room.
Thanking her adoptive father she wished him a good night and turning around walked through the hole behind the statue letting the entrance close behind her leaving a thoughtful Professor standing lost in the corridor.
AN: "ad multi secreta" should mean something along the lines like "too many secrets" (I hope)
"scienta potentia est" means Knowledge is power
"sanguis calidad" blood warming / heating