Hey again everyone,

Sorry I took so long to update. It's a new semester now, and I've got a ton more work and classes. But I'm powering through!!! So here's the next chapter. This chapter has the first appearance of Dumbledore since quite a while ago, and gives better explanation to what Voldie's been up to. It's hard to get a good idea of how Dumbledore would act with Alec; in the books he loved him, but here they've never really met. So tell me what you think.

Oh, and Rogue's in this chapter.

To my reviewers:

Jade- I'm alive!! Gika Black- Thanks, and here's the update. XcrimsonroseX- Alec and Rogue meeting might be three-four chapters away. MistyMossFlower- Thanks! bandgsecurtiyaw- Thanks! A Bilbiophile- yeah, it was pretty harsh of Alec but he's trying to fit in this chapter. SkyRogue- Cool! I'm glad that you're psyched about a magical Rogue. Yeah, she's not okay, and yes, you'll get to see her in action. Whylime- Sorry, no Ella Enchanted, though it's cool you thought that! And I'm glad you thought his reaction made sense. Harry sort of had a smilar reaction when first introduced in the books; the difference was that he was so starved for love and affection that he took anything he could get. Really, do you think it was safe to go off with some weird, magic umbrella wielding loony into a dark, stormy night?! In my story, Alec's happy where he is and doesn't want to leave.

Part I- Life in England, Chapter 10 –

Blue eyes twinkled merrily. Alec stared back in confounded annoyance. This was the leader of the forces of light??!!

"Sherbert lemon, Alec?"

Alec looked at him strangely. "I-I beg your pardon?"

Dumbledore took out a bowl full of candy from his desk, holding towards the younger wizard. "Would you like a sherbert lemon?" He asked.

"Um, no. Thank you." Alec responded, watching the ancient wizard pop two of the said candies into his mouth.

"Suit yourself. Well, I suppose we should get down to business." The old man twiddled with his beard, looking Alec over. "You were once known as Harry Potter."

Alec refrained from rolling his eyes. "Right."

" Good, good!" Dumbledore praised, as if Alec had made some achievement. "Now what do you know about yourself as Harry Potter?"

Alec gave him a irked glance. " I apparently survived 'avada kedavra', sent your Dark Lord into hiding, and as of recent need to go into hiding now that he's back." Alec listed glibly.

"Indeed, very good." Dumbledore continued. "You read up on yourself well, then? Know most everything you need to know about your old self?"

Alec ignored the bizarreness of the question, and nodded.

"Good. Then this discussion will be a little easier for you." The aging headmaster finished his last sherbert lemon, his demeanor becoming more serious. "While you know most everything, there are some well hidden secrets involving yourself and Voldemort which you must swear not to talk about." The Professor continued gravely.

Alec was uncomfortable. "Secrets? About me? But what… I'm not hiding anything."

Dumbledore watched him sympathetically. "Ahh, but these are not truly your secrets, but secrets involving you."

"Oh," Alec responded, lost. "Well… I promise not to talk about it." Alec felt a tickling sensation for a moment.

"Good. Now make yourself comfortable; this will take a while."

The pair talked for some time, first about the man who was once named Riddle and his strange, sorry life. Next, he explained the full story about Alec's parents' deaths, and how Dumbledore had a theory that Alec had been protected from his mothers sacrafice.

Alec was particulary boggled by how his mother's sacrifice protected him from Voldemort. "So my mother's death… It blocked Avada Kedavra?" Alec questioned, stunned.

"That is my theory." Dumbledore explained quietly.

"Does that have to do with my ability to not be noticed, as well?" Alec questioned.

"What do you mean, Alec?" Dumbledore asked, his curiosity piqued.

"Well, when I was younger I just wanted to be left alone and all, and…People would stop noticing me, I guess." Alec looked at Dumbledore. "Does that make any sense?"

"Not a whit," Dumbledore responded briskly. "But not everything has to make sense to be true."

Alec gave a watery smile. "I guess so."

Dumbledore mulled the new tidbit of information over for a time. "Hmm. That fits in well…"

"What?" Alec asked distractedly, caught up in his own world as well.

"We searched for you for years and years, using every and any tracking spell to find you. We collected every garment to burn for divining circles, and took every hair or skin sample we could to do body traces. Yet nothing worked. It was as if something was interfering with the spells. Perhaps it was this ability that made you impossible to trace?"

Alec ran a hand through his hair, abashed. "Maybe. But I stopped feeling like that about three years ago."

"The ministry ran out of all objects used for tracing but one four years ago." Dumbledore elucidated. "And I'm afraid to say that that single hair is the cause of all your troubles today."

"Are you kidding me?" Alec asked, feeling nettled. One tiny hair that he shed eight years ago was currently ruining his life? "How?!"

"When the search for you first began I had our Potions Professor make a particularly challenging brew,Vivendi Nunc. With any single piece of a cell, such as a bit of skin or the root of a hair, the user could cast a spell and be able to tell whether or not the owner of the cell was alive or dead. It was the only spell that worked."

Alec sat numbly, thinking of what it must have been for Professor Dumbledore and the others to know he was alive, and nothing more. Alec's mind flickered to the beautifully broken young girl which he'd never seen or heard from for four years, Anna. Alec had bouts of irrational paranoia that the sweet girl was in trouble somehow, despite the fact that she had her whole family to take care of her. He imagined what it would feel like to worry about her, yet only be able to know she was alive and nothing more. It was almost worse than knowing nothing at all.

Alec looked back up to find Professor Dumbledore watching him with sorrowful, sympathetic eyes. "That must have been terrible," Alec said quietly.

"It was," Dumbledore responded. "Although you didn't know me, I knew quite a lot about you. I watched over you, so to speak."

Which made sense, Alec realized. Oddly dressed people often came to his rescue in his younger years. Alec thought nothing of it then, but now realized it must have been friendly wizards. "So I was watched?"

"Yes. But that is besides the point. The single remaining hair is what you need to know about." Dumbledore mumbled a quiet spell, and all the portraits in his room fell into deep slumber. "It is of absolute importance that these secrets, above all the rest, are kept quiet."

Alec nodded seriously.

"The last remaining hair had been in my custody up until a few months ago," The Professor began. "I claimed it for use early into the search. However, the Ministry felt that it was being wasted in a Vivendi Nunc potion. They wanted to try a tracing spell one more time."

"That doesn't make much sense," Alec commented. "Why did they think a new tracing spell would work if all the other spells failed?"

"Their claim was that it worked differently than the other tracing spells, though they wouldn't say what was made it unique. I am of the belief that there were other forces at work with that decision." Dumbledore pulled out a scroll. Here are the contributors for the bill to retrieve the hair from Hogwarts. Notice anything?"

Alec went through the list of contributors quickly, flipping from page to page. "Certain people keep on showing up. I've noticed the name Mulciber and Nott a few times. Mr. Malfoy appears on every single petition."

"Each one of them were alleged Deatheaters," Dumbledore explained darkly. "They escaped sentence by claiming they were under the influence of the imperius curse. Although I fought the act to the best of my power, the court ruled agianst me. I was forced to hand the hair over, and almost as soon as it left my custody it was stolen from the Department of Evidence."

Alec's breath caught. "So it got into the hands of Voldemort?" Alec asked, terror lacing his words.

"Certain sources have verified this as fact." Dumbledore explained gravely. "What is more, he used it for the most foul of purposes."

Suddenly, the Headmaster leaned back and relaxed for a moment. "Tell me Alec, have you heard of cloning?"

"Yeah. But that's muggle technology, Professor," He explained, confused.

"Indeed, this is true. However there are spells that have a similar nature," Alec felt the fine hairs on the nape of his neck rise, " to reproduce life, though in a much more twisted fashion."

"He cloned me," Alec stated, stunned.

"He did." Dumbledore agreed somberly. "And he went a step further. He used one of your clones-"

"-One of my clones? As in more than one?!" Alec asked, nearly hysterical.

"-He used one of your clones in an ancient ritual to make himself a long lasting body. Previously he had lived as a host in a number of living creatures, all of which would eventually die within a few months."

Alec felt sick.

"By using your cloned blood, I'm afraid that he may have circumvented the protection that your mother endowed you with. I also worry that the two of you may be connected more intimately in other ways."

Dumbledore took a moment to look at the poor boy in front of him. Alec was pale, and his hands slightly shaking. He looked like he was a step away from vomiting.

"How about we continue this discussion at a later time?" Dumbledore asked kindly.

"No. No, I want to know." Was the adamant reply.

Dumbledore scrutinized the boy carefully for a time. Finally, he seemed to have passed some test, and the old man continued. " I'm afraid he is now capable of tracing as easily as anyone else. I also fear that he might be able to reach you on an unconcious level. Further, I am worried that he may develop your gift for becoming untraceable. And in the worst case scenario, I fear that he may be able to control you in some way."

Alec shuddered.

"It was pure luck that your school doctor took note of that odd cut you obtained during your quidditch match. He knew there was no way you could have gotten the cut from the fall, nor from the bludger."

Alec's eyes widened, and he cried, "My dorm at the Academy! It must have traces of me everywhere!"

"All incinerated," The Professor explained quietly.

"… What about my friends? My Professors?" Alec asked.

"They're all hidden under the protection of the US Magical Administration." Dumbledore explained slowly.

"…They are?" Alec felt terrible; he didn't want to drag anyone else into this mess. "When will they be able to live as usual again?"

""I am not sure," The Headmaster apologized. For a moment, they sat in heavy silence."That's all we should talk about for now, then." Dumbledore finished.

"No. There's still more I need to know. I want to know it." Despite his clammy palms and sweaty brow, he had an almost sick desire to know more, to know everything.

"I'll tell you the rest at a later time. For now, I suggest you rest. Your brother will be coming soon."

"I don't want to rest," Alec said, almost desperately. "I want to know."

"All in good time," Dumbledore answered.

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"Alec!" Scott ran up the stairs of the decrepit house and gave his younger brother a quick hug. It had been a little over two weeks that the two had last seen each other, but to Alec it felt like months. He hugged the older boy back tightly.

"What's up bro? This place seems pretty… odd." Scott conferred quietly. "I expected better."

"I held the same sentiments when I first got here. Still do, but no one's killed me yet so it can't be that bad," Alec cynically half joked. Scott looked at Alec, concerned.

"You doing okay, Alec?"

"Fine, fine." A lie.

Scott looked at him, uncertain as to whether he should persue the incedent. But before Scott could make up his mind, the two were whisked indoors by the portly Weasley woman.

"Oh, you've arrived!" The woman said cheerily as Scott's escort dragged his bags up the stairs, grumbling. "come inside dears, and I'll make some tea."

The two followed behind the witch as she idly chattered. "it's so nice to finally meet one of…Alec's family from America," Mrs. Weasley still had a hard time not referring to him as 'Harry'. " I'm Molly Weasley by the way, pleasure to meet you."

"Scott Summers," Scott replied, shaking her hand.

"You're not Mr. Xavier's son?" She asked, surprised.

"Uh, no. I was also adopted by the Professor as well," Scott replied uncomfortably.

"Well bless his soul! How kind he must be to take you all in," She said as she set the kettle over the fire.

Alec and Scott nodded mutely.

Mrs. Weasley busied herself with the settings."We're inside dear, there's no need to wear sunglasses."

Seeing that Scott was at a loss of what to say without seeming rude, Alec explained, "He actually needs to wear them, Mrs. Weasley."

"Oh." There was a moment of uncomfortable silence. "So what's the weather like in America right now?" Mrs. Weasley asked stiffly.

The kitchen door flew open. "East wing's clear now, mum," Ron and Hermoine tromped in, looking a bit worse for wear. "The bloody pixies wouldn't leave us be, though. Oh, hey Alec,"

"Hey," Alec returned.

"Ronald, language!" Mrs. Weasley scolded mildly before taking out some cups. "Do you two want tea as well?"

"Yes please Mrs. Weasley," Hermoine piped in, taking a seat at the table.

"Hermoine, Ron, I'd like you to meet my brother Scott," Alec introduced.

"Nice to meet you," Hermoine politely greeted.

" Good to meet you, bloke. Is it really true that you flooded a floor of your house?" Ron asked, chuckling.

"Alec," Scott growled.

"Whaaat?" Alec returned, laughing. "They wanted to know more about you, so I told them a few stories." Scott sighed in exasperation as the trio laughed.

"Okay I did that, but it happened ages ago," Scott returned. "I've got jobs and resopsonsibilities nowadays, and don't fool around as much as I used to."

Alec rolled his eyes. "Or at all. Jean's got you housebroken and whipped."

Mrs. Weasley set the tea on the table, and they all poured themselves cups. Mrs. Weasley left, saying something about chores.

"What jobs do you have back at the Xavier Mansion?" Hermoine asked, interested.

"Oh, you know…"Scott said, stalling. "Watching after the other students and stuff."

"Hm," was Hermoine's response. Alec knew she was sharp, and could tell that he hadn't told the full truth.

"So what can you do, mate?" Ron asked.

"What, do you mean my powers?" Scott asked.

"Yeah! Alec told me you've got something with your eyes, a lazy beam or something."

"Lazer beam," Scott corrected.

"What is it?" Ron asked.

"Ron!" Hermoine hissed, not so subtly kicking him under the table. "This is not the time."

"No, it's fine," Scott responded. "My eyes have the ability of emitting a high frequency wavelength of light, which has the capability of shearing or burning through objects."

"Don't undertand the first bit mate, but I got the shearing or burning part. Sounds bloody brilliant!"

Scott made a face between a smile and a wince. "It's alright. Sometimes it's not so fun, though."

Ron wisely picked up on the cues and changed subject. "So, how about a tour of the house, hm?"

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Mystique's mouth was set in a firm line as she watched the wizard look over her daughter.

" What family did you say she was from, Severus?" The blonde wizard asked, raising an arched eyebrow at the girl sitting in the hallway.

"She isn't a pureblood; she has no line." Mystique fired back. She had taken the form of another deatheater to set Rogue in place. Mystique didn't trust these wizards despite their allegiance.

"Oh," The single word spoke volumes about the man's opinion of her. "I find it hard to believe our great lord would allow such a…low breed to work amongst his ranks. She is not even halfblooded?"

Mystique's eyes flashed. "No, Lucius. And she is no wizard, as well. It would be best if you treat our new allies with respect, as our great Lord wishes."

"But of course," the blond simpered. "It is most important to show respect to those who deserve it." It was implied that the girl wasn't deserved.

Mystique smirked at this. What he didn't know. "I'll send her in now. Our Lord wishes for your son to help aquaint her to the school."

Mystique made a hand gesture, and Anna walked into the room. "Anna, I'd like to you meet Lucius Malfoy. You will be staying with him until you go to Hogwarts."

"Nice to meet you Mr. Malfoy," Anna said, holding out her hand. Lucius didn't shake it.

"I have errands now, I must go," Mystique went over to the fireplace. "I'll see the two of you later. And please, don't kill the new ally," The imbecile Lucius thought the warning was directed at him, but her daughter knew better. Anna nodded slightly.

Mystique left, leaving the other two alone. "So…Anna," Lucius began, "If you'd follow me to the hous elves' quarters we can get you settled right in."

"No," Anna returned simply. "I think I'd like to stay in your best guest room, thank you."

Lucius's eyes grew sharp. "Youinsolent mudblood. You will do as you are told, or you'll live to regret it."The man said sharply.

Anna looked like she thought about it. Finally she said, "mmm… No." She shook her head, smirking.

That was more than enough to send Lucius into a rage. The man pulled out his wand and hissed out a nasty curse. The curse hit Rogue, who just stood stood there.

"Owch," she said lightly, looking at the small scratch that had formed on her skin. "That hurt." A foreboding look washed over her features as she looked at the stunned wizard, who was now backing away.

Anna drew out her wand. Quicker than humanly possible, she had twisted his wand arm and nearly broke his wrist. Unbidden tears sprang to Malfoy's eyes as a wand tip was pressed to his neck.

"Claudo Carotidum" Rogue whispered. Lucius stood for a moment, before feeling his whole body tremble. The girl let go of him.

He tried to turn around, but found his limbs unresponsive. The wizard fell in a graceless heap on the floor. Next thing he knew he was waking up. The girl stood by, watching him.

The girl was sitting in his chaise, sipping on the firewhiskey he had just recently decanted. "The spell's still on you, but I've let it loosen." She murmured, as Lucius got up. His hands were still shaking from the ordeal, and while the spell hadn't hurt, it was the closest thing he'd ever felt to death. This girl would kill him without a thought, if necessary.

Now if only he could find a way to kill her first.

" My guest room?" The girl asked briskly.

"Of course," he returned coldly, politely. "Tilly!" A house elf appeared. "Show this girl to the estate suite. And Anna, aren't you too young to drink?" He said as he tried to grab the drink out out of Anna's hands. The glass broke explosively, cutting the man's hands. Anna was mysteriously unharmed.

"Oh, I'm terribly sorry" she fake apologized. Anna left, following the shaking house elf.

Once she left, Malfoy had a hard time from not taking the room to pieces. The girl was evil…unnatural. Nobody should be able to do what she did. She had to pay.

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translates to I close the carotid artery, the major artery on your neck that brings your brain oxygen-filled blood. If the carotid is blocked (like in a proper sleeper hold), you can knock someone out. They person can still breath, the blood just can't make it to their head.