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STANDARD DISCLAIMER: This story is based on characters and situations created and owned by JK Rowling, various publishers including but not limited to Bloomsbury Books, Scholastic Books and Raincoast Books, and Warner Bros., Inc. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended.

Comforts from the Unexpected
by Firestar

*~~~Chapter 1~~~*



Harry leaned against the wall of the cupboard, panting slightly. Using a piece of rag, he pressed it to his arm, trying to stop the dripping blood. This was the fifth time his uncle had beat him that week. He was now nusing a broken arm, leg, ankle, and more.

He sighed bitterly into the darkness. He didn't care anymore. Nothing mattered now that Sirius was gone. And without Sirius, his life was empty, meaningless. The fear had left him, and he had long given up. Given up hope. He felt the guilt eating away at him all the time. He loved Sirius more than he loved life itself. But now, his godfather was gone. Who cared? Everyone he knew would eventually draw away from him, leaving him alone.

Harry looked at the knife lying on the floor with a glint in his eyes. He flicked it, watching, as the blood rolled down his arm. He knew it was fatal if he lost too much blood, but what did it matter when everyone treated the precious liquid within him as if it was nothing more than water. He watched the thin trail of blood with satisfaction, almost as if he was watching someone else. He felt a stinging throb in his arm, but he welcomed and enjoyed the pain; it dulled the everlasting guilt and grief.

He was about to fall asleep when he suddenly heard someone scream, "FIRE!" Harry sat, dazed, as he heard the sounds of pounding feet around him.

He heard a crash and knew immediately that the rest of the house had come crashing down around him. Flames licked at the cupboard, the heat overwhelming, the smell of ash and smoke choking him, suffocating him...

Harry no longer cared. He was grateful, for he knew that he would die. Die, and all the pain and torture would be over. Emotions: hurt, anger, guilt, shame, love, sorrow; all that and more, swirling around inside him, threatening to spill over. He closed his eyes, waiting for the fire to slowly come and devour him.

It never came.

Snapping his eyes open, he found a blue light surrounding him. The light was spinning, fighting and lashing out at the fire. Slowly, ever so slowly, the flames died out, turning everything to a pile of grey, dreary ash.

'No,' Harry thought, his mind not registering what had happened. He had been so happy, so grateful that his miserable life would be over.... But now, all hopes were dashed, once again. Maybe Vernon had been right. He /was/ a freak. Couldn't even die properly.

Suddenly, there a swirling whirlwind appeared before him, spinning. The wind slowed and a women stepped out from amist the storm. She had rich, black hair and lavender eyes the colours of glowing amethysts.

"Harry," the women said. Her voice was soft, soothing, gentle.... for the first time since Sirius' death, Harry felt slightly comforted.

"I am Shiara," the women said. "Goddess of Love, Need, and Justice. You may call me Lady Shiara."

"Were you the one who stopped the fire?" Harry asked warily.

"Yes, it was I."

"Why?" His voice was soft and depressed. "Why did you have to do it? I wanted it to end."

"Look at me, child." Harry felt as if an invisible hand was lifting his chin. Raising his head, he forced himself to look into the goddess' eyes.

"Harry," the Lady looked straight at him, penetrating him with her gaze. "Child, remember, never lose hope. No matter what happen, you must NEVER lose hope."

"What am I to do now?"

"You are in danger. The fire today was set by Death Eaters. They have put strong Sealing Charms on the door and windows, preventing your relatives from escaping. I am sorry to day that Vernon, Petunia, and Dudley Dursley have perished in the fire." The Lady paused. "As for you, little one, you only have one chance. One chance and choice. In order to be safe, in order to survive, you must start over. Everyone will believe that you have died in the fire. I will send you to another guardian."

"But I don't want---" Harry began.

"Child," the Lady said firmly. "Do you think your godfather would have wanted you to be miserable? Do you think he would have wanted to feel like this? Harry, please, don't give up. For your godfather's sake."

"Where are you sending me?" Harry asked finally, giving in.

"I'm afraid that I can not tell you at the moment. You'll find out soon enough." Lady Shiara smiled. "This person, you dislike. Yet I trust that you will try your best to get along and tolerate each other. Remember, Harry, for Sirius' sake."

"What about my appearance?"

The Lady waved her hand in the air. Harry felt a windy breeze blow on his face. Slowly, he began to change. His hair grew longer and straighter while he grew about a few feet taller. His skin was as pale as ever from the lack of sunlight, but his eyes changed from emerald-green to a shade of cold, icy blue. He no longer needed his glasses and though his famous scar had completely disappeared, he could still feel it.

"This is spiritual magic," the goddess explained. "So no wizards will be able to detect any magic on you." She looked at the tall, determined boy in front of him.

Harry nodded, his eyes hardening with new resolve. "Will I ever see you again?"

"Yes, I will find a way to communicate with you." The Lady smiled. "Good luck."

Hary felt a gust of wind spinning around him, picking up speed. He squeezed his eyes shut as the world span around him. When the whirlwind stopped, he was gone.



*~~~End of Chapter 1~~~*



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*~~~Chapter 2~~~*



When Harry opened his eyes, he found himself in a large room. So this was probably where he was going to stay. He wanted to get up, investigate and see who was living here, but the world was spinning around him. His legs collapsed underneath him as the world went black.



*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*



Seveus Snape was sitting in his rooms, sortin through his papers when his ward-monitor went off. Something, or someone, had activated the wards of Snape Manor. Someone was here.

Thinking it was probably Death Eaters sent by Voldemort, he stood up, and sliding an emotionless mask onto his face, walked out o the room.

The Death Eaters usually met him in the living room. Crossing the kitchen, he stode over and yanked open the door. Quietly, he entered the room.

And gasped.

On the floor was a about the age of sixteen. And around the child was a pool of blood.

Severus lept up and ran over to the crumpled figure. Recieving no response, he levitated the boy onto a near-by couch.

This was not someone he recoginized. Definately not a student of Hogwarts.

The boy had, what he could tell, several broken bones including three bruised ribs. But that surprised him further was the many scars and bruises covering the boy's face and body. Definately a sign of abuse.

He was in the middle of healing the boy's arm when the child moved.

"Hello?" Severus called cautiously, feeling slightly foolish.

The boy opened his eyes and as Severus watched, he saw a flicker of surprise fly across the boy's features. A minute later, the surprise was masked by neutral coldness. Fascinating. Severus knew of very little others whom could cover their reality with such control.

What chilled Severus to the bone was the child's eyes. They were icy-blue, the colour of the deep, mysterious ocean. But instead of the usual innocence he was used to seeing, there was a hard, cold edge. They were not the eyes of a care-free child, but the eyes of an old man who had seen to much.

They stared at each other for what seemed like an eternity. Finally, Severus broke the silence. "May I ask who you are and what you are doing here?" He made his voice as sneering and sardonic as possible.

The child stared at him, his gaze piercing his soul, holding him to the wall. "I'm Sebastien."

"What are you doing here?"

The boy continued to examine him. Severus could feel a powerful, magical aura in the air.

"I don't know. I was Obliviated." The boy's voice was flat and emotionless.

Severus stared at the boy for a moment before saying in a slightly gentler tone, "What happened to you?"

"Nothing." The child's voice was firm and Severus shivered at the slight tone of menace. It was clear that Sebastien was going to tolerate no argument.

The Potions Master stared hard at him for a moment before saying, "All right. You'll have to stay here for now. I'll talk to Professor Dumbledore about this tomorrow. Come."

Severus watched as the child attempted to stand up. He seemed unsteady on his feet. Noticing this, the Potions Master reached out and grabbed Sebastien's shoulders.

"Thank you."

This was the first time the boy had seemed open rather than defensive. Severus, sensing the child's discomfort in having to rely on someone, did not reply.

Helping Sebastian to his room. Severus watched as the boy climbed unsteadily into bed and fell asleep almost immediately. Unconciously, he reached up and pulled up the covers, tucking it around the boy. Wouldn't do to catch a cold.

He physically shook himself. Why was he thinking such a thing? Must be lack of sleep. Walking out of the room, he went to his own bedroom, and changing, quickly fell asleep.



*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*



Severus was suddenly awakened from his sleep by a loud, piercing scream. What was going on? Sebastien.... in the living room.... The memories quickly came back to him. The screams seemed to be coming from the boy's room. What could have happened?

Leaping up, Severus pulled on his robes and raced down the hall, wand in hand. Pushing open the door, a hex on the tip of his lips, he stepped in to find...

... The child was thrashing around on the bed, kicking, screaming. "No, NO! It's not my fault... I didn't know..."

Severus sighed in relief. It was only a nightmare. "Sebastien!" he called loudly, hoping to wake up the child.

Sebastien didn't seem to hear him; his struggling grew more frantic and the screaming rised both in volume and intensity.

Severus gaped at the boy. The child was showing signs of the Cruciatus Curse: stuggling, twitching, withering in obvious pain... Fingers dug into the palms, teeth furiously biting onto his lips, causing himself to bleed... Yet, how could it be? The child was just in a nightmare... How could a nightmare cause so much pain?

"SEBASTIEN!" Severus yelled as the boy suddenly leaped up from the bed, eyes rolling. Reaching out, the Potions Master caught the boy's shoulders, holding him down. Sebastien's eyes refocused slightly.

Severus shivered and felt the hair on the back of his neck rise. The boy's eyes were deep, shadowed pools... Raw agony and guilt blazed through the expressive sapphire orbs. Severus saw a flash of emotions: pain, despair, anger, regret, helplessness, sorrow, hurt, guilt, rejection... all that and more, too many feelings to describe. And there was something else. The Potions Master could not describe it... They were eyes of someone who had been forced and driven to the edge, of someone who had long creased to expect any act of kindness from the world. There was no hope for survival. The isolation and emptiness of those orbs scared the Potions Master to no end.

With a suddenly jerk, the boy's eyes focused once more. Severus saw that Sebastien's palms were bleeding where his nails had dug into them.

"Are you alright?" Severus asked slightly awkwardly after he'd given the boy a Calming Potion. He couldn't forget the hopeless look he had seen in the boy's eyes. He had often felt shameful and empty after the many tortures he had seen at the Death Eater meetings with Voldemort, but this... this was only a boy. A mere child. What had driven him to such a position?

"I'm fine." The answer was guarded, defensive. Those eyes were once again unreadable. "I'm sorry I woke you, sir."

"Do you have these dreams often?"

A nod.

"Are they usually this... violent?"

Sebastien looked at Severus, a piercing look. The eyes seemed to petrify the Potions Master... Looking deep into those orbs, he saw anger, terror, loneliness, and... was that a flash of pity? Severus shivered.... that knowing look, almost as if the boy knew his deepest fears and shame...

"Depends."

The Potions Master metally shook himself out of his thoughts. Feeling the boy's discomfort, he quickly exited the room. Coming back a moment later, he handed the child a Dreamless Sleeping Potion.

Sebastien's eyes lingered on Severus' face as he downed the potion in one gulp. Crawling into bed, the boy whispered. "Thank you. Good night, sir."

After a moment of hesitation, Severus replied softly, "Good night, Sebastien."



*~~~End of Chapter 2~~~*



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*~~~Chapter 3~~~*



Harry woke up with a groan. He felt strangely comfortable. Nope, he definately wasn't with the Dursleys. His eyes snapped open as he remembered the events of the day before: the fire, Lady Shiara, Snape...

Harry tried to sit up, but flinched as pain shot up his body. The bruises in which his uncle had hit him stood out as clearly as ever on his pale skin. Besides, he wasn't in the mood for food. Not after the dream...

He shuddered as he recalled the dream. He had relived both Cedric and Sirius' deaths; Both had accused him of killing them. He had felt awful, crying out blinding as his godfather once again fell over and floated across the room and under the veil, disappearing from sight, as Voldemort's chilling voice rang out:



Kill the spare.



Harry shuddered involuntarily. It was as if Cedric meant nothing, as if the Hufflepuff was nothing for than a spare, a mistake. His scar was burning again, prickling annoyingly from time to time. And worst of all was that Snape had seen him squirm in his dream, seen his weakness, heard him scream and cry.

The clock chimed for breakfast, but Harry pointedly ignored it. He didn't want to eat, didn't want to face Snape. Besides, it wasn't as if he could have gotten up without falling.

He was extremely bored. Fortunately, bookshelves and books lined the edge of his room. Peering at the covers, he saw one which read, "Potions: The Art of Brewing". 'Ha!' Harry thought sardonically. 'Imagine if Snape knew that Harry Potter was sitting in his library reading about Potions of all things.' Raising his voice, he called out, "Accio Potions book!"

A dozen different books flew across the room, landing in front of Harry. Picking out a specific book, he banished the rest of them back across the room without another thought.

He flipped open the book he had chosen and turning to page one, was about to read when he suddenly froze. Realization hit him with the force of a brick wall. He had managed to summon the book without a wand! Gathering his strength, he tried again. "Accio, parchment!"

The piece of spare parchment flew into his waiting hand. Harry stared at it, disbelievingly. 'Interesting,' he thought, amused. 'Maybe it works only for the Summoning and Banishing Charm.' To test his theory, he raise his hand and concentrating on the Potions book, said firmly, "Wingardium Leviosa!" To his surprise, the book flew up into the air.

After a bit more practise, Harry realized that he could do most of the spells had learned at school, although it took a lot of energy out of him. He sighed as he realized that some day, the wandless magic would become useful, After all, he knew in his heart that he would have to face and defeat Voldemort one day. And he woul dneed all the help he could get.

Sighing, he flipped open the book and began to read.



*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*



Severus waited patiently for Albus to arrive. He had owled the Headmaster about Sebastien, and Albus had agreed to meet him.

And Sebastien. Though he didn't want to admit it, he was worried for the boy. It was almost dinner time, and the boy hadn't come down for breakfast or lunch.

There was a bang in the fire and Albus Dumbledore stepped out of the fireplace, robes flowing magestically.

"Ah, good evening, Severus. How nice to see you."

"Good evening, Headmaster," Severus growled, annoyed by Dumbledore's optimism and cheerfulness.

"I recieved your owl about Sebastien," Albus continued. "May I see him?"

"Of course."

Ringing a bell, Severus sent a House Elf to retrieve Sebastien. He watched as the boy walked into the room a minute later. For a second, surprise flashed acrossed the child's features. Then, they were gone, as quickly as they had appeared.

"Sebastien," Severus said. "This is Albus Dumbledore, Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry."

"Good evening, Professor Dumbledore."

There was something about the voice, the tone, that sounded utterly familiar. Shaking his head, Severus concentrated on Albus' voice.

"... I will have to ask you a few questions. Answer them you if you can." Dumbledore was saying.

"Yes, sir." Sebastien nodded in comprehension, his eyes betraying none of his emotions. "What is your full name, and who are you parents?"

"My name is Sebastien," the boy replied. "I'm an orphan. I don't remember who I was raised by, therefore I don't know my last name."

Dumbledore nodded. "What age are you?"

"Sixteen, sir."

"I suppose that you have no idea how you ended up in Snape Manor?" The Headmaster's eyes twinkled merrily.

"That's correct."

"Very well. For now, you will stay with Severus. You will go to Hogwarts in a few weeks for schooling as a sixth year. You have until the beginning of term to think of a suitable last name for yourself. You are dismissed."

"Thank you, sir." The boy quickly left the room.

"Severus," Dumbledore said. "You must be careful of what you say and do around Sebastien. He is a very sensitive child; he had been through much, much more than you will ever imagine."

Severus looked curiously at the Headmaster; how did Albus know of this?

"You will have to question him about his scars and bruisings. But be gentle and encouraging; he is not a normal child. And you will have to teach him in the various subjects until the term starts." Albus took out a small, silver watch and glanced at it. "Oh dear, I really must run. Goodbye, Severus." Taking a handful of Floo Powder, the Headmaster stepped into the fire and disappeared.

Sighing, Severus went back to marking papers.



*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*



At seven p.m, Harry, feeling slightly hungery, went downstairs for food.

After dinner, he was about to go back to his room when Snape spoke. "Sebastien, I wish to talk to you."

"Yes, sir," he replied, his voice emotionless, not showing any of his curiosity. "What is it?"

"I know you don't want to talk about it, but how did you get those scars? Sebastien, I must know in order to help you."

Harry froze at the question, panic rising in his chest as images of Uncle Vernon came into mind: the sharp, kitchen knife, cutting into this shoulder, the look of cruel delight on Vernon's face, the swishing of the whip, beating him mercilessly, again and again...

"Answer me, boy!" Snape's voice was loud and obviously irritated.

Harry winced as the voice, so similar to his uncle's rang through the air. Out of habit, he raised his arms protectively in front of his face, ready to block the blow he knew would soon come. He began to tremble. 'No,' he thought, 'Not in front of Snape!' But he couldn't help it. He shuddered, remembering the pain and agony...

Suddenly, he couldnt' stand it anymore. Without hearing Snape callign his name, he raced out of the room, disappearing down the hall.



*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*



"I know you don't want to talk about it, but how did you get those scars? Sebastien, I must know in order to help you." Severus tried to keep his voice as calm as possible. He did not notice the way the boy stiffened.

After waiting for a few minutes, the Potions Master began to feel annoyed. What did the boy think he was doing, ignoring him? "Answer me, boy!" He barked out.

This time, the reaction was obvious. The boy visibly cowered, crouching as he threw his hands in front of his face. Severus cursed himself for his forgetfulness; hadn't Albus just told him to be careful of upsetting the other?

"Sebastien, Sebastien..." he called, keeping his voice soft and soothing, missing the usual note of menace.

The boy did not seem to hear him. Suddenly, the child bolted up and ran out of the room. Severus immediately followed.

He found the boy in the corner of the library, curled up into a ball, trembling visibly.

"Sebastien, it's okay, you're safe..." Severus reached up and put his hand uncertainly on the boy's shoulders.

Sebastien appeared terrified, flinching at his touch. Whimpering, he curled up even tighter, grabbing his knees and hugging it to his chest.

"Sebastien," Severus said again. "It's okay, no one will harm you..."

The words had absolutely no effect. If possible, the boy just seemed to curl up tighter.

Severus went and brought back a bottle of Calming Draught. He walked up to the boy but was suddenly stopped. Looking carefully, Severus saw hat the boy had created a shield. Pulling out his wand, he whispered the counter charm and the curse disappeared.

When he tried to approach the child, however, the boy screamed. A blue light appeared from nowhere and hitting the Potions Master in the chest, threw him at the wall.

The blue beam of light circled around and around the crying boy, picking up speed, spinning faster and faster...

By the time Severus looked up, the blue light had faded and there was nothing in the spot the boy had been sitting. Sebastien was gone.



*~~~End of Chapter 3~~~*



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*~~~Chapter 4~~~*



When Harry opened his eyes, he found himself in a bed in a small, white room.

Looking up, he saw a man with long, maroon robes with golden hems. The man was preparing some kind of Potion; he was expertantly cutting up what Harry realized was willowbark.

"Hello?" He called out uncertainly.

The man turned around when when he saw that Harry was awake, a smile graced his lips. "Salazar! Rowena! Helga!" He called. "He's awake!"

A second later, three others burst into the room. First came a man with dark black hair; he was wearing green robes which flashed in the light. Next ran in a woman with hazel eyes. Her hair was a rich shade of dark red and her robes sapphire blue. Finally, a tall woman entered, her lush, green eyes flashing; straight, honey-coloured hair flying behind her. Her robes were pale yellow.

"Thank goodness you're awake!" The woman with the blue robes said with a smile. Walking over, she put a hand on one of his scars. A blue light radiated from her hand and the scar disappeared. She continued doing this until his body was scar-free.

After getting dressed and downing many potions, Harry finally asked timidly, "Um... could you tell me where I am and who you are?"

The man with maroon robes laughed. "Oh, yes, the introductions must be made," he laughed. "I am Godric Gryffindor, and that," he pointed at the man with green robes. "Is Salazar Slytherin. If you've heard any evil rumors about him, rest assured, they are not true. The lady with red hair is Rowena Ravenclaw, and finally, that is Helga Hufflepuff."

"You are in an alternate dimension," Salazar interrupted here. "Young one, you're destiny is to help the Light overcome the Dark which threatens to overtake the world. You are the only one with the strength and ability to do so. Which is why you are here today to learn."

"But," Harry began, confused. "Um... not to be rude or anything, but, why me? I'm not special.. I meant, I'm just the Boy-Who-Lived. Why was I brought here to learn? Aren't I supposed to go to Hogwarts?"

"You were sorted into Gryffindor, yet the Sorting Hat wished you to be put in Slytherin, is it not?" Rowena cut in as Harry nodded. "Have you not wondered why? It is because you, my child, are the heirs of both Gryffindor and Slytherin."

"What?" Harry gasped, shocked beyond belief. *I must be dreaming,* he thought, dazed. "How can that be?"

"Our heirs have each decided to pick another name in order to avoid attention. Godric's heir chose Potter, while Salazar's heir chose Frostpine. Henry Frostpine's only daughter, Maria Frostpine, married Nobilius Potter's only son, Harold Potter. They were your great-great-great grandparents. Therefore, you are the only heir of both Salazar and Godric."

"You have been brought here," Helga said. "In order to be trained for to reasons: one, because you are the heir of Gryffindor and Slytherin, and two, you must defeat Voldemort."

"Voldemort is no heir of Slytherin," Salazar said with distaste, a sneer on his face. He grew serious again as he turned to Harry. "Child, despite all the tales you may have heard, I assure you that I am not evil, like everyone says. You are to be trained in every aspect imaginable, which will take at least three years. When three years is gone, you will return to your dimension. But don't worry, only three days will have passed in your time. Then, you shall be trained to fight and help the Light."

"I-" Harry was at a loss for words. "But what does Helga and Rowena have to do with anything?"

"Young one," Rowena said. "Though you are the heir of Godric and Salazar, and despite the fact that you have been sorted into Gryffindor, you still have out traits in you. You have the traits of all four houses: You are brave and courages, yet you are sly and cunning. You use your wits and are top of most of your classes. And most of all, you stay loyal to the Light side. And intellegence and loyalty are traits of Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff."

"I see," Harry said, dazed. "I--"

"No need," Salazar said. "I know you must be in shock at the moment, but I can't help it. If you want to return to your dimension in three years, you will have to start training as soon as possible. I will train you in Potions, the several different Languages, and the Dark Arts." When he saw Harry flinch, he added, "You must know about the Dark Arts in order to succeed, child. Godric will train you in Defense, Healing, Quidditch, and Transfiguration. Rowena takes over Charms, Animagus Transformation, Apparation and Ancient Runes. Helga will teach you Care of Magical Creatures, Herbiology, Divination, Arithmacy. You will also get trained in your speed, swiftness, ability, and etc. We start lessons tomorrow. Now, get a good night's sleep and we will start tomorrow."

"All right," Harry replied, still dazed. He closed his eyes and the last thing he said was, "Good night, everyone."



*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*



"What happened, Severus?"

Severus Snape sat in his chair, telling Dumbledore about what had happened to Sebastien. "... and when I looked up, he was gone."

Dumbledore looked old and tired and the twinkle had disappeared from his eyes. "And I have very bad news, Severus. Harry Potter is dead."

"What?" Severus jumped up. True, he didn't like Potter, but that didn't mean he wanted the boy dead. "How did it happen?"

"Death Eaters set the house on fire and sealed the doors and windows. Everything inside have turned to ash."

The Potions Master sat down, stunned. "Does the rest of the Wizarding World know yet?"

"Harry's friends know already, and the article will be appearing in the Daily Prophet in exactly 4 hours. And now," Dumbledore continued, "Sebastien has mysteriously disappeared. We can't just go and search for him; he could be in North America, for all we know. We will just have to wait." The Headmaster stood up and put a hand on the younger man's shoulder. "I must leave now, Severus. Take care. I'll see you soon." With that, he was gone, leaving the Potions Master to brood over what had happened.



*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*







"Child," Salazar said. "Three years have swiftly past since you have first appeared in this dimension. Today, you shall leave and go back to your world."

Harry Potter stood infront of Salazar, Godric, Rowena, and Helga, looking at his mentors who had helped him through everything for the last few years. His eyes stung as he tried to supress the tears of sorrow. "I know, Salazar," he said sadly, his voice full of sorrow. "I'll miss all of you. What would I have done without you?"

"Before you go, little one," Godric said. "We have a gift for you." He took out a large box and handed it to Harry.

Harry took the box and carefully opened it. Placed inside was a glittering sword, beautiful, yet deadly. Carved on it were the initials of Godric, Salazar, Rowena, and Helga. Set on the handle was a large jewel, divided into four quarters. One quarter was crimson red, another, lush green. The final two were sapphire blue and shining yellow. The colours fit together beautifully, the pieces coming together to form a whole.

"Thank you," he whispered, his eyes filling with tears.

"Only together, united, will we be able to defeat the Dark," Godric said. "And now, we each have a piece of advice for you. My advice is, little one, to open up and accept the help of those whom loves you. Not everyone is what they seem."

"My advice," Salazar said. "Is to never show your true emotions. Be happy or sad, yes, but never show them on your face, for the enemy will use those weakness to harm you."

"Oh, stop being such a git, Salazar," Godric laughed. "Must you be so... sly?"

"Oh, just shut up," Salazar grumbled.

Harry laughed. Wise as the four founders were, they still behaved like children at times.

"Stop it, you guys," Rowena scolded as she turned to Harry. "My advice is this: Remember, use your intellegence and wisdom, and whatever happens, you are not alone. We will always be here for you."

"And finally, Harry," Helga added. "Be loyal to the Light, and have faith in yourself. Believe, and you shall succeed."

"Thank you so much," Harry whispered. A smile graced his lips. "The last three years have been the happiest of my life."

"Our pleasure, dear,' Rowena said.

"It is time to go," Salazar said seriously. "Are you ready?"

"As ready as I'll ever be," Harry said, squeezing his eyes shut.

There was a whirl of light, and the Boy-Who-Lived was gone.



*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*



Harry opened his eyes and found himself in the Library, exactly where he had disappeared three years ago. *Only in this world, it's only been three days,* he reminded himself.

Going to his room, he hid the sword in his trunk. Then, he headed into the living room in search of Severus.

The Potions Master was found on the couch, intently reading a book.

"Professor Snape?" Harry asked.

The teacher looked up and Harry saw many emotions flash in those obsidian eyes. Surprise, relief, joy, and finally, anger.

"Where have you been?" Snape asked, towering over him. "Do you realize how worried Professor Dumbledore and I have been?"

"Yes, sir," Harry replied, but he was no longer afraid. All those years ago, if this had happened, he would have been cowering on the ground, but not after what had happened. Not after what Salazar and the others had taught him. "I'm sorry, sir, but I can't tell you."

"Sebastien," Snape said, his tone dangerous. "I will be forced to cast spells on you if you do not reply willingly."

"Then do so," Harry replied calmly. *After all, I'll probably be able to fight what he tries to do." Helga's voice suddenly echoed in his mind. *Have faith in yourself. Believe, and you shall succeed.*

Snape looked unnerved for a second before he pulled out his wand and pointing it at Harry, said, "Legilimens!"

Harry quickly cleared his mind before mumbling, "Protegro!"

The Shield Charm absorbed Snape's spell. The Potions Master looked stunned, and if the situation hadn't so serious, Harry would have found it amusing.

"How did you do that?" Snape finally asked. "There's no way you can /block/ that spell!"

Harry didn't answer.

"So you still won't tell me?" The Potions Master finally growled.

"I'm sorry, sir," Harry replied. "But I can't."

"Fine," Snape grumbled. "By the way, Professor Dumbledore has asked me to tudor you in all of your subjects before school starts in order for you to catch up."

"Um... I don't think that's necessary, sir," Harry replied. He knew that all the training with Godric and the others would allow him to achieve excellent marks.

"Dumbledore insists, so you will do as he says." Snape looked possibly fuming. Harry inwardly smiled as he replied.

"As you say, sir."

"We will begin as soon as possible," Snape said. "Tell me, what are you favourite subjects?"

"Defense Against the Dark Arts and Potions, sir," Harry replied, smiling fondly as he remembered the long hours he had spent with Godric and Salazar, studying.

"We will start with Defense right now, since Dumbledore whats you trained as soon as possible," Snape said. "Go get your wand."

Harry ran upstairs to his trunk and unwrapped a handkerchief. Wrapped inside, were two wands. One was the one he had bought when he was a first year; the other, was a long, black wand, given to him by Godric and Salazar. Taking the black wand, he closed his trunk and ran back downstairs.

"I assume you know all the basic spells, so I will not waste any time teaching those to you. We will start with dueling." With a flick of his wand, Snape cleared away all the furniture in the room, leaving a wide space. "Do you know the basics?"

"Yes, sir," Harry replied. "The duelers shake hands and bow as they slowly back away till they are across from each other. Since dueling is usually done on a platform of some kind, if a person falls down and doesn't stand up in the next five seconds, or loses their wand, then the other wins."

"Correct," Snape barked. "Today, I just want to see how much dueling you know. Throw any kind of spell or curses on me, as long as its not against the law. I will, of course, fight back, so you will also have to work on blocking or dodging the spells I throw at you. I will be using more advanced curses, so you may not know all of them. Understand?"

Harry nodded.

"Let's begin."

After bowing and shaking hands, Harry backed away onto the end of the platform. Snape immeditely began throwing curses that Harry didn't know of. But it was strange, as if he could sense the curses Snape was going to throw. He easily dodged, blocked, or deflected the curses. He could see that Snape was surprised. After a while, the professor started calling out the curses more and more quickly until the flying spells were but a blur. Still, they didn't effect Harry's skills.

"Petrificus Totalus!" Snape yelled, firing the curse at Harry's side.

Harry pointed his wand at Snape's right side and opened his mouth. Snape, noticing, jumped to the right, which was exactly what Harry hoped he would do. Changing the direction of his wand at the last minute, he said, "Expelliarmus!"

Snape's wand flew threw the air and Harry easily caught it.

"Here's your wand, Professor," Harry said, blushing, feeling unnerved by the way Snape was looking at him.

"I must say, that was amazing, Sebastien," Snape said, and Harry felt shocked. Did /Severus Snape/ just compliment /Harry Potter/? Compliments from the Potions Master was rare, and Harry flushed as he replied quietly.

"Thank you, sir."

"I will see you again for lessons tomorrow. You may leave."

Harry quickly left the room, leaving a stunned Snape behind him.



*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*



"I must say, that sounded stunning indeed," Dumbledore said as he looked at his friend.

"It is," Severus agreed. He was telling the Headmaster about Sebastien ?He managed to ward off my invasion of him mind, and beat me in a duel.?

?He has a powerful aura for one so young,? Dumbledore agreed. ?It would be highly beneficial if he fights for the Light.?

?Yes, but who knows? He may be a spy for the Dark Lord.?

"No, that is not so. Although his aura is strong, it is pure and clean; the child is obviously innocent, for I can detect no hint of Dark Magic." After a few moments of silence, Dumbledore asked, ?Severus, may I question him about a few things??

?Of course, Albus, that is, if he is willing to answer.? Raising his voice, Severus called for the boy. A minute later, Sebastien entered the room. Albus immediately sensed something different about the aura; there was something.... stronger, more confident than before.

"Sebastien," Dumbledore began. "I heard from Severus that you managed to beat him in dueling yesterday?"

The boy blushed and immediately replied, "Headmaster, I'm sure Professor Snape was going easy on me.... There's no way I can beat him, he's professor after all..."

Severus was surprised at the amount of modesty the child showed; according to his own experience, children this age were usually annoying brats, refusing to believe that they were wrong. Especially that Potter brat. His lips curled at the thought.

"True, I think that Severus was going easy on you, which is why today, you are going to duel again. And this time, Severus, do everything you can; every trick you've ever learned. I believe Sebastien has quite a lot of potential." His eyes twinkled merrily.

"But---" Severus stuttered. "Most of the tricks in dueling includes the Unforgivables... Of course, not the Killing Curse," he added hastily.

"Do not use the Unforgivables--" Dumbledore began, but he was abruptly cut off.

"Headmaster," Sebastien interrupted. "If it is possible, I would like Professor Snape to include Unforgivables in his dueling."

"Sebastien, be reasonable..." Dumbledore began once he recovered from his shock, but the boy would have none of it.

"Professor," Sebastien insisted. "I believe that I can handle this; I've been put under Unforgivables before. It's not that much of a big deal."

Severus raised an eyebrow at this. "Headmaster, that's impossible! Using Unforgivables are highly---"

"Please, Professor," the boy said, a pleading tone in his voice.

"Very well," Dumbledore agreed finally. "But because of this, I insist that you duel now. I will watch you, in case anything drastic happens. And if anything, ANYTHING goes beyond control, then Unforgivables will be taken away from your dueling lessons."

Sebastien gave a faint smile. "Thank you, sir."

They spread out in the room and prepared to duel.



*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*







I stood before Sebastien, wand clutched tightly in my hand. I looked into the boy's eyes; determination flashed in those icy blue orbs.

After bowing and shaking hands, I backed away until we were on opposite sides of the room. I immediately began the duel with various advanced curses.

Sebastien easily dodged the curses I shot at him. A few minutes into the duel, I decided to start with the Unforgivables. Raising my wand, I yelled, "Imperio!"

*Lower your wand,* I ordered firmly through my mind. *Lower your wand.*

I was shocked at the immense determination and rebellion flowing in the boy's mind. "NO!" I heard him shout out. "I will NOT do such a thing!"

It took oen thing to disobey and rebel the Imperius Curse: will. The boy's determination was amazing; I've never felt such rebellion from someone so young. I guess Albus was right; this boy IS special.

"Stupefy!" I called, pointing my wand to Sebastien's right side. The boy saw me and dived towards the left. Exactly what I wanted. I immediately changed the direction of my wand and screamed out, "CRUCIO!" And immediately regretted it.

I flinched as the curse shot towards the boy. What was I thinking, using such a painful curse? Hadn't I tortured enough people already? The child would surely wither and start screaming any minute now... I watched, almost paralized, as the curse moved closer and closer to the boy...

The curse hit and the boy winced for a second before stepping back and turning to me, his wand raised. I was stunned, no forget it, that's an underestimation: I was BEYOND stunned. I had just shot the Cruciatus Curse, one of the most painful curses of this century at a sixteen year old boy, and it barely seemed to affect him! Not to mention the fact that I'm STILL holding the curse. And now, Sebastien's turning towards me as if he doesn't have a care in the world!

I just manage to dodge as the boy throws a Body-Bind at me. Then, my heart almost stops as I heard him say quietly, "Imperio."

I watched, frozen, as the curse hit my shoulder. I feel my control slipping from me as the boy commands me to lower my wand. Slowly, I do as he tells me.

"Bravo!" Dumbledore claps as Sebastien finally ends the Imperius Curse.

"I'm sorry, Professor," Sebastien apologizes to me. For what reason, I can't fanthom.

I don't react; I'm still in shock. Sebastien, a child, a mere boy, had managed to cast the Imperius Curse on me, a former Death Eater. Not even Lucius Malfoy can do that, and he's considered to be one of the most powerful Death Eaters!

I finally recover and I look at the boy with new-found respect. "Indeed, well done," I said as the boy blushes from my praise.

"Um... it was nothing, sir," Sebastien mumbled, his face red in embarassment. I never knew a child could be so modest; judging by my experience from those Hogwarts kids, all children were ignorant idiots who refused to believe they were wrong. Especially that Potter brat. My lips curled at the thought.

"You have been subjected to the Unforgivables before?"

I felt irritation at the question; Didn't Albus realize that the boy didn't want to talk about this?

"Yes. Imperius and Cruciatus." Sebastien didn't even flinch at the mention of those feared curses. What was the boy made of?

I felt a burning anger; who would want to do such a thing to /a child/? And Sebastien, no less? Much as I hate to admit it, this boy did not cause trouble like /some/ people. Again, my mind traveled to Potter. Speaking of the brat...

"Headmaster, what has happened with Potter?" Was it my imagination, or did Sebastien suddenly stiffen? I shrugged off my feelings and looked expectantly at the headmaster.

"His funeral is tomorrow, and it will take place in Hogwarts, the Great Hall. I trust you will be coming?"

I nodded curtly. Much as I disliked the Potter boy, it didn't mean that I wanted him dead. Especially not killed by Death Eaters. "How are the Wizarding World reacting?"

"Everyone is in panic," Albus replied gravely, the twinkle gone from his eyes. "Everyone is scared now that the Boy-Who-Lived is gone."

I nodded in understanding. I knew what the Headmaster was talking about; Weak as Potter had been, he had been a sign of hope, he acted like a hero; he was someone who had managed to defy the Dark Lord. Now that the proof and hope was gone, everyone was frantic.

"I must go now," Dumbledore checked his watch. "I'll see you tomorrow then, Severus, Sebastien." With a swirl of his robes, he left.

Sebastien left the room as I began to do some paperwork.



*~~~End of Chapter 4~~~*



*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*



*~~~Chapter 5~~~*







The day of my so-called 'funeral' quickly arrived. I woke up early in the morning and quickly changed into robes. Severus and .... I meant /Snape/ ---Must be spending too much time listening to Dumbledore refer to Snape as 'Severus'--- and I Floo'd to Hogwarts. The Weasleys were already there, and so were the Headmaster, Hermione, Sirius, Remus, and many other families. I felt a twinge of guilt as Hermione started crying. Wanting to comfort her, I walked over.

"Sebastien Frostpine," I said, saying the new name I had come up with for myself. "I'm sorry about your friend."

Hermione looked up, obviously surprised. Furiously wiping away her tears, she said, "I'm Hermione Granger. I don't believe I've seen you before..."

"I'm new," I quickly explained. "Staying with Professor Snape for the summer."

A flash of shock crossed Hermione's features as she gaped at me. I managed to bite back my laughter. This is one of the only times I've seen Hermione at a loss for words.

"I'm sorry," she said once she had regained her posture. "Professor Snape ..er... well, he doesn't usually allow students to stay with him during the holidays. Will you be going to Hogwarts?"

I nodded. "Sixth years. Hope to see you them." With that, I retreated to Sev--Snape's side.

I listened as Dumbledore made the speech. "... brave and thoughtful, Harry Potter will be remembered. May he rest in peace."

By then, Hermione was crying again, and Mrs. Weasley was hugging Ron. My heart clenched painfully as I saw the sorrow on Remus' face. I can't but help feel guilty; Here I am, perfectly fine, while my friends are mourning over me.




Later, everyone went outside. I was shocked at the magnificent sight I saw when I looked at the lake: The letters of my name were charmed to float in the sky, creating a sort of rainbow while candles were sent floating into the lake with floating spells cast on them. Hermione and each of the Weasley clan sent candles out. So did the teachers. Soon, the lake was glittering as the flickering light of the candles lit up the night sky. After a while, most of the guests left. The only ones left were Dumbledore, Severus, (Forget Snape, I'm tired of correcting myself. Anyways, I'm fine as long as I don't call him that face-to-face.) Professor McGonagal, and Professor Flitwick.

"We must leave," Dumbledore said. "It's late. Come on, Severus, Sebastien." Together, Severus, Dumbledore, and I Floo'd back to Snape Manor.

It was seven o' clock when we arrived back at the manor. The funeral had taken up most of the day. I was about to go to my room when Severus stopped me.

"We have time to do our first potions lesson," he informed me. "Go to the library and get my copy of the Potions Textbook."

I smiled; Severus was in for a surprise: Salazar was an excellent Potions Master, and he taught me many complicated potions. I ran upstairs to get the book.



*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*







"We have time to do our first potions lesson. Go to the library and get my copy of the Potions Textbook," I told Sebastien as he was about to leave the room. I watched in surprise as a smile graced the child's lips: Sebastien hardly ever showed his emotions.

A minute later, the boy came back in with my potions book clutched in his hands. "What will we be brewing today?"

"I want to see what level you're at in Potions," I told him. "I'll first ask you some basic questions."

The boy nodded.

"Where is gillyweed found?"

"The Atlantic Ocean, sir."

"When would you pick fluxweed?"

"During a full moon."

"What potions require the use of phoenix tears?"

"Various types of truth serums, sir."

"What is the most dangerous snake alive?"

"The basilisk."

"Why are the Mandrakes harmful?"

"The scream of the Mandrakes are fateful to the one who hears it. If a Mandrake is newly born, then it may petrify the person, but in more serious cases in which the Mandrakes are full-grown, the person may suffer death."

"What ingrediants are required in the Polyjuice Potion?"

"Knotgrass, powdered unicorn horn, shredded boomsland skin, fluxweed, leeches, lacewing flies, and a piece of whoever you wish to look like."

At this, I froze, startled, while I gazed at the boy. How the child knew the ingrediants for a Polyjuice Potion, I've no idea. I really hadn't expected him to know. These kind of potions were normally ordered by the Dark Lord.

"Do you know the ingrediants of the... Knife Potion?" I asked quietly.

A curt nod. "Scarab shells, moonstone petals, nutmeg, wormwood, leeches, and acanthus. Depending on the pain level, asarum can be added." All this was said in a monotone, betraying none of Sebastien's thoughts or emotions.

Merlin, who had previously taught this boy potions? This child actually know the ingrediants of a /Knife Potion/??? It was considered as one of the Dark potions with its power to create cuts and inflict pain.

"You seem to have mastered a high level of Potions," I told Sebastien. "Who previously taught you?"

The boy mumbled something about not being able to remember. I immediately stopped my questioning of the child's past; I can imagine the boy's shame in not being able to remember his own past.

"We'll begin with the Fire-Rose Potion used to heal cuts and internal bleeding. I won't be helping you with anything today since as I've said before, I'm just testing your abilities and potentials. You may start. Ingrediants are kept in the supply room." I left the room as I said this, planning to start brewing a few batches of Healing Potion to keep Poppy happy.

Four hours later, I finished my potions brewing and came downstairs. To my surprise, I found Sebastien cleaning up. I had expected him to go to bed a two hours ago; after all, why would a sixteen year old bother to stay up late to finish brewing a potion? In their opinions, potions weren't worth being deprived of two hours of sleep.

"Evening, Professor," the boy said when he saw me. "Here's the potion." He handed me a bottle filled with a fiery-red substance.

"You should go to bed, Sebastien," I said. "Tomorrow will be a long day."

The child looked surprised for a second before nodding. "Night, Professor."

After a moment, I replied, "Good night, Sebastien."



*~~~End of Chapter 5~~~*



*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*



*~~~Chapter 6~~~*



Note:

//...// Telepathic speech between Harry and Lady Lyra
<...> Telepathic speech between Harry and Familiar (Phoenix)
{...} Telepathic speech between Harry and Snakes
*...* thoughts
"..." Normal speech
~...~ Parseltongue
¤...¤ Phoenixus




Harry was sitting in a misty courtyard; the sun shone brightly, lighting up the whole place. The sunlight danced in the air, reflecting and causing various rainbows to sparkle. Far off, a phoenix sang its morning song, the beautiful trilling echoing though the air.

Suddenly, a woman with lavender eyes appeared before him. "Harry," she acknowledged.

"Lady Shiara!" Harry cried out, happy to see the person who had once saved him. "What are you doing here?"

"This is my way to communicate with you, little one," she smile. "Through your dreams. Today, I'm going to introduce you to my sisters so we can get the bonding done."

"Bonding?"

"I'll explain once the introductions are done. For the basics, we are all goddesses, members of the spiritual world. We each rule one or two elements. Here," at this, the mist cleared away, revealing several other women. "These are my sisters. This," the Lady gestured towards a woman with dark hair tinged with blue. "Is Lady Skya, Goddess of the Ocean and Night. Her ruling elements are water and darkness."

Lady Skya gave Harry a small smile. "Welcome, child."

A woman with lush green hair stepped up next. "This is Lady Trisana, Goddess of Nature and Animal. Her element is Earth."

"Pleased to meet you, Lady," Harry said politely.

"This is Lady Elsa, Goddess of Sun, Moon, and Stars. Her element is Light." This was indicated to a woman with creamy-blonde hair and pale eyes.

"And finally, this is Lady Lyra, Goddess of Pain, Darkness, and Hope. She rules the elements of Wind and Ice."

There was something about this Lady that seemed to hold Harrys' attention. Lady Lyra had long, silvery-black hair which reached her waist. The curtain of hair danced around her and her eyes were a mysterious grey, with a tinge of icy-blue. Those eyes were piercing and penetrating, and Harry felt as if she could hear his thoughts. There also seemed to be an air of mystery about her.

"What element do you rule?" Harry asked, turning back to Lady Shiara.

"I rule fire, sometimes referred to as heat."

For the first time, Harry noticed that Shiara's hair was not pure black; the bottom fringe was dark, rich red, occasionally flaring up.

"Now that the introductions are done, we will move onto the binding. Binding will bind you to a certain goddess. You will be able to perform mental telepathy with that particular goddess so that she can help you with emergencies, and more importantly, give you mental training on dealing with things."

"What?" Harry was at a loss for words. "Why me? I mean.... Not that I'm unhappy to be bonded, by why do things always happen to me?"

"One of your mentors, Salazar, has taught you the basics. You can not possibly learn everything in only three years, and in order to defeat the Dark Lord, you must learn everything you need to know. You are special, Harry. You can not ignore that. You will be the one to bring down the Dark, which is why you must learn all of this. Now, for the bonding." She handed Harry a small crystal.

"This is what you must focus your power through. The light and power will be directed to the one you will be bonded to and then we can perform the rituals."

"Alright," Harry replied uncertainly. Taking the small crystal, he concentrated. He could feel the energy and power pulsing within him, pushing, trying to force its way out. Focusing all of the energy into the small crystal, he concentrated.

Slowly, a pure white beam erupted from the crystal. The beam stretched longer and longer until it suddenly split into many beams. The beams began to swirl and rushed through the air, faster and faster. Suddenly, it wrapped itself around Lady Lyra, twisting around her, spinning forcefully.

For how long he stood there, Harry did not know. The next thing he knew, the light and air slowly calmed as the beam vanished.

"Very good."

He looked up to see that it was Lady Shiara who had spoken.

"You have been bonded to Lady Lyra."

"I--" Harry was stunned. He had expected to be bonded to Shiara or Skya. Certainly not Lady Lyra. But though this Lady was not warm like the others, she had a charm of her own.

"Harry."

Lady Lyra's voice rang through the air, and Harry froze momentarily. The voice was soft and silvery, warm yet icy at the same time.

"You have been bonded to me. I would like to present you with one gift."

At that, the Lady raised her hand and a golden beam erupted from her fingers, hitting Harry. A warms spread through the boy's body.

"I grant you the gift of speaking Phoenixus, the language of the Phoenix."

Lady Lyra backed away as Lady Shiara stepped up again. She smiled at his look of utter amazement. "Young one," she said. "I would also like to grant you a gift." At this, she waved her hands, her silver robes flying in the air.

A minute later, the flutter of wings reached the ears of Harry. There was a swirl of air, and a phoenix flew into sight. Her wings were golden around the tips and reddish-orange around the middle. Her tailfeathers were a fiery red, long and elegant.

"I grant you your familiar."

"Familiar?" Harry asked, puzzled.

//Familiars are animals that are mentally attached with you. They're also able to perform mental telephathy,// Lady Lyra's voice said in his head, making him jump.

"Lady Lyra?" he asked out loud, confused.

//Speak in you mind, child,// the lady's voice once again echoed in his mind. //Remember, now that we're bonded, metal telephathy is also possible between us.//

Meanwhile, the phoenix was fluttering around, suddenly, it burst into a trilling song. The melody was beautiful and full of hope. To Harrys' surprise, he realized that he could understand its words. He suddenly remembered Lady Lyra's gift. So this was what she had been talking about.

Harry realized why this song seemed so familiar; it was the phoenix music he had heard when he had been battling Voldemort at the end of his fourth year. He smiled as he heard the song which had given him hope at the last possible minute, the tune which had silently cheered him on. Opening his mouth, he slowly joined in the singing, Phoenixus easily rolling over his tongue as if he had known it all his life. Their singing was the same, yet exactly the opposite at the same time. Together, they sang in harmony, Day and Night, Moon and Sun, Light and Dark, coming together to form a whole. Their trilling was soft yet with such intensity that Harry found himself shivering.

¤Greetings, young master,¤ the phoenix said after it stopped its graceful singing.

¤Greetings, elegant phoenix,¤ Harry replied in the same tongue. ¤Honoured to meet you.¤

¤Name me, please, young master. I would like to have a name.¤

Harry smiled. ¤Hmm...¤ he said thoughtfully. ¤You are a female, are you not?¤

¤That is so, child.¤

¤Will Flame do?¤ he asked after a while of pondering. ¤For you are the colour of fire.¤

¤Flame is fine,¤ was the reply. After a moment...



Harry let out a startled gasp; he had completely forgotten that his familiar had telepathic abilities when speaking with him. he said finally.

"One last gift."

Harry looked up and saw that this time, it was Lady Elsa who had spoken.

"This gift is from all of us." There was a flash of white light, and suddenly, two snakes appeared on the ground.

Harry gasped; the snakes were beautiful, unlike any other he had seen before. One was midnight black with a thin, white pattern down its back. The other was exactly the same, except its body was ice-white while the band of pattern was black.

~Good morning, young master,~ the black snake hissed in Parseltongue.

~Good morning,~ Harry replied, starting to feel a bit dazed. After all, he had just found out in the last ten minutes that he A) Now had a bond with Lady Lyra, allowing telepathic speech, B) had a new familiar named Flame and C) recieved two pet snakes whom he could communicate with.

~You are a speaker,~ The white snake stated.

~Yes.~

~Pleasure, young master. We are your's to do as you wish.~ This time, it the black snake who had spoken.

~Do you have names?~ Harry asked curiously. He was getting tired to referring to the snakes as white snake and black snake.

~Yes.~ The white snake spoke. ~I am Ice, and my sister here is Shadow.~

~Where do you come from?~ Harry asked, curious. ~And what species of snake are you? I don't think I've seen any of your kind before.~

~We are from Northern America,~ Shadow replied. ~We are from a species of snake called Serpentirus, but most people believe that we are extinct. In reality, we have just gone into hiding to avoid humans whom believe us to be evil.~

~Can we communicate with telepathic speech?~ Harry asked uncertainly. He felt as if anything was possible at the moment after the amazing events that had unfolded in front of him.

{I believe we can.} Ice's voice rang in his mind. The snake seemed amused as Harry jumped.

{You better stop scaring me like that or I might have a heart attack after this is over,} Harry scolded, but his tone was joking, not reprimanding.

//We must finish with this now.// Lady Lyra's firm voice interrupted. //Harry, you must go back you your world. Ice, Shadow, and Flame will be coming with you; You will have to make up an excuse as to how you got them. Do not be afraid; if you need me, just speak into your mind. I'll always be there now that we're bonded.//

//Thank you, Lady. I'm ready to go back.// Harry said confidently.

//Very well. See you soon, child.//

There was flash of light, and Harry was gone.



*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*



Harry opened his eyes to find himself back in his room in Snape Manor. Stretching, he found Flame perched on the side of his bed. Ice and Shadow were curled up on his arms.

¤You're awake, young master,¤ Flame said, trilling in greeting. With a poke, she woke up the two snakes.

After dealing with grumbling snakes and exchanging greetings, Harry got up and got changed.

Okay, now for the next problem. How was he going to tel Snape about his new pets? Harry finally decided to take it one step at a time: today, he would go to lessons with Ice and SHadow; Flame would be introduced when the opportunity presented itself.

At promptly nine o'clock, Harry started down the stairs with Ice and Shadow curled arond his left arm. In his right hand, he held his black wand.

~Remember,~ he hissed to the snakes. ~When we are down there, I can't talk in Parseltongue. I don't want Snape to know. We'll have to use telepathic speech.~

~Yes, young master,~ came the reply.

Harry took a deep breath and walked into the room.



*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*



Severus Snape was sitting in a chair, book in hand, waiting for Sebastien to come down for lessons.

He had waited for ten minutes when the door flew open. He couldn't help but stare: his student had drawn himself to his whole height (which was almost as tall as Severus himself). The boy wore a pair of long, silver robes, and with his long, black hair swishing, Severus had to admit that the child would soon be chased by many girls.

But most stunning of all were the two snakes curled around the boy's arm.

"Um... Sebastien?" he asked. "Are those Serpentirus snakes, by any chance?"

"Yes, sir," th child smiled. "This is Ice, and that's Shadow." He gestured towards the animals.

"You DO know that Serpentirus snakes are poisonous?" Severus sat frozen, not moving an inch, watching the snake hiss.

Sebastien shrugged. "No big deal," he replied, reaching down to stroke the white snake.

Severus recovered from his shock and began his lecture on transfiguration. He kept a tight watch on the two snakes.



After transfiguration, Severus moved onto Potions. "Today," he began. "I'll allow you to choose which potion you want to make, as long as it's not illegal, harmful, or dangerous. Take your pick."

Sebastien pondered for a moment before repling promptly, "Windlight Potion."

Severus looked thoughtful. "Windlight Potion is one of the most powerful healing potions in the world," he said. "And the procedures are extremely difficult, although it can be brewed in a single day. The only problem is that it requires the healing properties of phoenix tears and phoenix tailfeathers, both which we lack."

"Not a problem," Sebastien said carefully. "Let's start brewing. Tell me when you need the phoenix ingrediants, and I'll get them."

Severus was starting to get slightly suspicious. The boy knew where he could get one of the most rarest ingrediatns in the world? Perhaps the child /did/ work for the Dark Lord after all. Voldemort was the only one he knew of that had every ingrediant in the world at his disposal. When the Dark Lord required Severus to brew a potion which required rare ingrediants, those materials were handed out exactly so that none was left over.

Oh well. He pulled out a cauldron adn several ingrediants as he watched Sebastien begin to brew.



*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*



Harry knew the second he had walked into the room that something was different. It took him a moment to realize what it was.

He could physically /see/ Sev-- Snape's aura. It was a shade of midnight blue.

//Lady Lyra?// he asked silently. //What's happening?//

//You are now an elemental, and because of it, you have new powers. One of the powers is that you are now albe to see auras.// came the reply.

//What's an elemental?// Harry asked, confused.

//I'll explain later,// The Lady replied. //Pay attention, your professor is speaking.//

After listening to Snape talk about transfigureing various objects (Harry had to hide his smirk at the way his teacher carefully watched the snakes' every move), they moved onto Potions.

Harry grinned; how ironic that Potions was now one of his favourite subjects.

He was thrilled when Severus--'Snape,' he reminded himself-- allowed him to pick whatever potion he wished. He chose the Windlight Potion which he had heard a lot about, but never made.

He felt a wave of saddness and hurt when he saw the cloud of suspicion in the Potions Master's aura when he mentioned having free access to phoenix tears and tailfeathers. He shrugged away the feeling as he began brewing.

After Snape added the jasmine petals, the Potions Master said, "We have to add teh phoenix ingrediants now in order for this potion to work."

Harry gave a curt nod as he let out a shrill trill in Phoenixus. he called silently.

He could see that Snape was shocked when he had cllaed out in the language of the Phoenix. He didn't care at the moment; Snape would find out sooner or later.

Harry asked.

¤Of course, young master,¤ the phoenix trilled. Leaning forward, three drops of pearly tears dripped into the bubbling cauldron.

¤Thank you, Flame,¤ Harry replied, not bothering to use telepathic speech. Snape knew already anyways, and it took more energy to use telepathic speech. He knew he would get used to it after a while, but for now, he just spoke in Phoenixus.

He heard Snape gasp again as he reached out. He delicately took the fragile phoenix feather Flame handed him. Dropping it into the potion, he stirred three times counter-clockwise.



"Okay," Severus said when the potion started to simmer. "What was that about?" He had been stunned when Sebastien spoke Phoenixus; it was a rare gift that only Merlin himself had had.

"This is Flame," Sebastien said, pointing to the phoenix. "He's my familiar. He just turned up this morning."

It was strange as Severus considered the situation; Phoenix only associated with the most innocent aura and purest magic. This

boy was clearly more than he seemed. He decided to let it go for now. "Fine," he replied, scowling, as he returned to the potion.



*~~~End of Chapter 6~~~*



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*~~~Chapter 7~~~*







//So, what's an elemental?//

That was the first question I asked when I walked back to my room.

//An elemental,// the Lady explained, //is a person who has the abilit to control one or two elements. When we were bonded, most of my elemental magic was transfered to you. So you are now an elemental of wind and ice.//

//What about the auras?// I asked curiously.

//Ah, yes. The elemental magic allowed you to /see/ the auras, showing you how powerful, or weak, a person is. You can also sense the person's emotions. The auras rate from most powerful to least powerful, starting from white, then blue, yellow, purple, green, and orange. White is the most powerful; I believe Merlin was one of the few whom had it. The darker a colour, the more powerful that person is.//

//Well, Sev-- I meant Snape had a icy grey-blue aura, and it was pretty dark, so that means he's considered powerful?// I asked, blushing over my little slip.

//First of all, child,// the Lady said, sounding amused. //Do not be afraid to call him Severus. If you feel that you know him well enough to do so, then do it. You realize that he is much like you, little one.//

//Like me?//

//He had an awful childhood; his parents encouraged him to join Voldemort. But you realize that their parents were nothing like the Weasleys. They are cold, hard people, displaying no love or warmth.//

//But... what happened?//

//That, child, is not for me to say. You will have to ask him some day. You must realize that he needs you, just as you need him.// Lady Lyra was smiling, I could tell, as if she could see my stunned expression. //You may not realize it, little one, but its true.// She sighed. //Now, back to the point. Yes, Severus is considered powerful, but have you noticed the silver lining on his aura?//

I shook my head. //Nope. What does it mean?//

//A silver lining represents Dark magic. If a person interacts with Dark magic too often, their auras will automatically have a silver lining. Since Severus has the Dark Mark, but loathes the thought of being a Death Eater, his line is barely visible. On the other hand,// Here, the Lady paused slightly. //The opposite, is a golden lining. It's a sign of Light magic. For example, if you see Albus Dumbledore, you'll see a well-defined golden lining outside his aura.//

//Um... I'm just curious,// I asked uncertainly. //But... what colour is my aura?//

The Lady laughed, a beautiful, melodic sound. //Do not worry, little one. Your aura is of the purest white, and you will be able to defeat the Dark with no problems as long as you train and practise.//

//Train?// I asked, confused.

//Training is necessary for you to explore your powers and control you elements. We will begin practical training lessons as soon as possible. First though, you must read about the theory and meditation skills. When you have mastered the meditation, then we can move on. Also, you will have to learn Shape-Shifting. It allows you to change your appearance. That's what Shiara did you your appearance. Shape-Shifting it a part of elemental and spiritual magic which you will learn.//

//What book do I have to get?// I asked, eager to begin.

//No need. There, take these two.//

I was shocked as three books flew towards me and onto the table. One read, 'Elemental Magic: The Ancient Elements by Rowena Ravenclaw' while the other was called 'Meditation Skills: A Complete Guide by Godric Gryffindor'. The last one was called 'The Art of Shape-Shifting by Salazar Slytherin.' //Rowena, Godric, and Salazar wrote these?// I asked, completely stunned.

//Yes, they wanted their future generations to be able to learn the ancient skills. Now, read these two books as soon as possible, and practise the meditation skills. Inform me when you are done. You have one week at the longest.//

I groaned. Reading, reading, reading. I opened one of the books to the first page and began to read.



*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*



The days passed quickly. Harry had soon finished reading his required books, and was now mastering the art of elementals and meditation. His control over his elements has improved greatly. He was now able to call the wind and ice to him when he wished. His Shape-Shifting techniques were also improving. He was now able to shift his appearance at will. Each morning, he woke at four a.m. in order to practise.

Now, he had a second problem. Nightmares. The daily visions were depriving him of sleep. Each night, he dreamed of Voldemort with his reptilian eyes, torturing Muggles mercilessly. And Cedric, Sirius, his parents.... they all came to haunt him during the frightening shadows of the night. Sometimes, it was the Dursleys again, usually beating him whil he had no way of defending himself. He was constantly tired and messing up his work.






"I'm sorry, sir," Sebastien replied, yawning. Looking at him, Severus felt concern. It was only eight in the evening, and Sebastein seemed unbelievably tired. The child had been messing everything up for the last few days. Something was wrong, though what, he did not know.

"Wait here," he ordered. "I'll go get a new supply of ingrediants from the storage room so you can start over. With that, he left the room.




For a few moments, Severus watched Sebastien sleep, looking so peaceful. He reached out a hand and unconsciously brushed away a strand of hair. He caught himself in the middle of the action. What was he doing?

He was about to leave when the boy started mumbling, looking uneasy. "No, no... not me, not again... I didn't do it, it was Dudley..."

Dudley? Who was that? The name sounded slightly familiar.

The child continued to mumble. "Please... don't, leave me alone..." His voice was rising both in volume and intensity, making a crescendo. "PLEASE, NO~!" The child leaned backwards, cowering. Severus watched, shocked, as blood started leaking out of the boy's mouth.

Severus wondered for a moment what would cause such a violent reaction before turning to the matter at hand. What could he do to calm the child? He reached out uncertainly and placed a hand on the boy's shoulder, but Sebastien winced, flinching away from him.

He had to show Sebastien that he was safe, and there was only one thing he could think of to do. Taking a deep breath, he grabbed the child and pulled him into an embrace.

At first, the boy stiffened, but slowly relaxed. After a few minutes, Severus moved to put Sebastien back onto the sofa, but the child grabbed onto his robes, snuggling against him. Severus froze. This was the first time someone willingly sought out comfort from him, and he wasn't used to the human contact.

The boy slowing fell into relaxed sleep, but Severus could not move without waking up the child. Using a spell, he quickly got rid of all traces of blood. He held the boy for the rest of the night.



*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*



The first thing Harry was aware of was warmth. Such unbelievable comfort and love. He felt someone pull a strand of hair from his face. He snuggled towards the warmth as he felt whoever was holding him freeze. A second later, the person relaxed again.

He could not ever remember being held this way. Yes, Mrs. Weasley had held him a few times while he cried, but this was... different. There was a feeling of protectiveness that he hadn't noticed before.

Opening his eyes, he found himself looking into a pair of obsidian black eyes. With a gulp, he realized that it was Sev-- no, Snape... no, Severus. (WHATEVER!) He cheeks flushed as he jumped up and immediately apologized. "Um... Sorry, sir."

"No need. How are you feeling?" was the reply. Harry slowly looked up. There was a softness in Severus' voice that he had never heard before. A slight understanding. And was that concern he saw in the man's usually emotionless eyes? No, he had to be imagining it. Why would Severus Snape care about Harry Potter? He could almost laugh at the very idea. He suddenly realized that he was being asked a question.

"Um... fine, sir," he replied, blushing again. He got up and hesitantly added, "Thank you, sir," as he walked out of the room. He didn't see the sad expression on the Potions Master's face.



*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*



Severus saw Sebastien open his eyes. The boy looked shocked for a second before immediately putting on a blank mask. He felt surprised at how sorrowful he felt. This boy was concealing his emotions and hiding away from the rest of the world. A child shouldn't have to do that, to go through that. Whatever the child had been dreaming about, it wasn't pleasent.

He watched as Sebastien left the room. He sighed, getting up. He was about to go eat breakfast when his left arm suddenly burned. Damn it, why now? Well, not that he had a choice. Sighing once again, he went to Sebastien's rooms.

"I'll be gone for a while, I don't know when I'll be back," he said, quickly leaving, clutching his left forearm. He didn't notice the icy-blue eyes looking at him with concern.

Severus walked out of the house until he was out of the Anti-Appartion wards. With a pop, he was gone, leaving thin air where he was standing a minute ago.



*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*



Harry was worried. Yes, he admitted it. He was worried about Severus. After all, his professor had comforted him earlier with his nightmares.

He had to admit that Severus wasn't bad when he wasn't around other students. He was almost... nice when he didn't constantly where that smirk of his on his face.

Harry paced the rooms, tapping his foot impatiently. Beside him, he had several different bottles of healing potion ready. He knew that when Severus came back, he wouldn't be in a good condition and would definately need the potions. He checked his watch. The Potions Master had been gone for two hours already. He began pacing again.



*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*



Severus found himself in front of a looming house. This was Riddle Manor, though where it was located, he was unsure. Voldemort never told his followers any of this information, just in case there as a spy among them.

With a swish of his robes, he walked into the now familiar Manor. The Dark Lord often held meetings here. Walking through the grand entrance hall, he walked down the hallway to where Voldemort usually held his meetings.

Walking into the dimly lit room, he found Voldemort sitting in an armchair. Gathered around him were a group of Death Eaters, each cloaked in black.

"My Lord," he said, kneeling, as he kissed the hem of the Dark Lord's robes, feeling sick all the while.

Voldemort turned around and smiled, a cold smile of anticipation, sending a chill down Severus' back.

"Finally, you have come, Severus."

"Of course, My Lord, I am always at your service."

"Are you sure you are loyal, my dear Severus?"

"My loyalty shall never waver, my Lord," Severus replied, his voice showing none of the disgust he felt.

"Then why have you not notified me about you new charge? Sebastien is his name, is it not?"

Severus swallowed. How had the Dark Lord found out about Sebastien? "My Lord," he said, still kneeling. "I did not wish to bother you and thought I would notify you next when you call us. I did not know you knew already."

"I will take that excuse for today, Severus, but next time, I expect better of you."

"Of course, my Lord."

"Today," Voldemort said, a smile plastered on his face. "I will test your loyalties. Each of you will be put under tests and those of you who are not loyal, will die in pain."

Severus' stomach clenched painfully. He knew exactly what the Dark Lord meant by 'tests'. Voldemort occasionally tested people's loyalty by putting them under various curses and torture devises. He thought that anyone not loyal would end up confessing. Severus had seem many times when a Death Eater confessed to passing information to Dumbledore when Severus knew for a fact that the follower had done nothing of the sort. Most just confessed so that they could be killed, so that the pain would be over.

Severus bit back a scream as Voldemort pointed his wand at him and said, "Culter." It felt as though a billion knives were ripping into his skin. Cuts opened on his pale skin as he started bleeding. Soon, he was lying in a pool of his own blood. Many others were in the same condition.

Three hours later, the torture finally ended. The only thing which kept Severus going was the fact that he was disloyal, and that he had to survive so he could continue spying for Dumbledore.

He staggered from the house and with a loud 'pop', Apparated.



*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*



Harry had been waiting for almost four hours when finally, there was a pop. Severus appeared out of thin air, but his condition was terrible. Various cuts lined his pale skin, making him bleed. Judging from his aura, he was in great pain. He had been put under the prolonged Cruciatus curse, looking at the way the man was shaking.

"Professor!" Harry cried as he rushed over and helped the Potions Master onto the sofa. Taking out a bottle of healing potion he had brewed a few days ago, he gave it to his professor. "Drink this, sir."

The professor lifted the cup to his face, but his hands were shaking too much. Finally, Harry just took the cup and helped his teacher down the contents by holding it up to the Potions Masters' mouth.

He took out a potion for dealing with the after-effects of the Cruciatus Curse. Helping Severus drink the blue potion, he sat down and sighed.

He had done all he could with potions. Now, for the spells. Pulling out his wand, he whispered, "Communis Healius!"

The cuts and wounds, both internal and external, began to heal. Harry sighed. Severus looked much better than when he had first walked in. Casting a sleeping spell on the man, he decided to notify Dumbledore.

Going to Severus' fireplace, he threw a handful of Floo Powder into the fireplace. Instead of stepping in though, he called out, "Albus Dumbledore!" With that, he stuck his head into the fire.

He found himself in Dumbledore's office. The Headmaster was sitting at his desk. Dumbledore looked surprised when he saw him. "Sebastien," he said. "What are you doing here?"

"Professor Snape just came back from a Death Eater meeting, sir," Harry gasped out, not caring if he wasnt' supposed to know this information. "He's hurt."

"Go back," Dumbledore ordered. "I'll be there in a second."

Hary obeyed, and sure enough, Dumbledore stepped through the fireplace a minute later. "Where is he?"

Leading the Headmaster to the sofa in which Severus was lying in, he explained, "I gave him several healing potions and healing spells."

"Thank you, that's all we can do at the moment." Dumbledore's eyes twinkled again before he became serious. "Although Sebastien, you must tell me, how did you know that Severus was going to a Death Eater meeting? How did you know all those healing spells? They are advanced beyond your level, and I doubt you have made /that/ much progress these weeks."

"I--" Harry opened his mouth to tell Dumbledore that he couldn't tell him when Lady Lyra interrupted.

//Tell him, Harry. He will help you.//

//Excuse me?// Harry asked, stunned.

//Tell him who you are. He will understand and help you. I promise.//

//If your sure.// Harry sighed, admitting defeat. Turning to the curious Headmaster, he said, "Professor, I doubt you will believe this..."

"Do not be so quick to judge me, Sebastien," Dumbledore said, his eyes twinkling.

"Fine. I'm not really Sebastien Frostpine. I AM an orphan, but I was not Obliviated. I know exactly what happened and how I got here."

"And how, is that, my dear boy?"

Harry raised his hand and as he shifted into his true form, said, "Headmaster, I am Harry Potter."

He smirked slightly at the look on the headmaster's face. So Dumbledore wasn't 'all-knowing' after all.

"I'm sorry," Dumbledore said after a moment. "But I must ask you to prove this."

"No problem." Harry raised his head and hissed in Parseltongue. ~Come to me, Ice and Shadow.~ A minute later, the two snakes slithered onto his arm.

He looked up and saw that the Headmaster's look was guarded. "Professor?"

"I must ask you to do something else," Dumbledore replied, his wand in hand. "For Harry Potter is not the only one who knows how to speak Parseltongue. Tom Marvelo Riddle also knows how. I must be sure that you are not Voldemort in disguise."

Harry could have laughed at the silliness of the sentence. Dumbledore thought HE was Voldemort? Ha!"Of course, Headmaster," he said as he raised his voice. This time, he called out in Phoenixus, ¤Come, Flame!¤

A minute later, there was a loud trill in reply. Flame flew into the room and perched himself on Harry's shoulder.

"Is this proof enough?"

This time, the Headmaster smiled, his eyes twinkling. "It is good to have you back, Mr. Potter. Can you tell me how this happened?"

So Harry spent the next hour telling the Headmaster of what had happened: The fire, Lady Shiara, the Dimension travel, meeting the Founders, bonding with Lady Lyra, the gifts, Severus' Death Eater meeting... all that and more. The only things he left out were the trainign he was going through.

"... So I came to the fire to notify you, and here you are." Harry finished.

"Excellent, excellent." Dumbledore's eyes were amused. He checked his watch. "You realize that we must keep this between us, and tell no one, not even the Weasleys or Severus." Seeing Harry's nod of comprehension, he added, "It's been a long morning, Harry. Go get yourself some food. I'll watch over Severus."

Harry left the room. He didn't hear the Headmaster say to himself, "Looks like it will be another exciting year."



*~~~End of Chapter 7~~~*



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