Chapter One

Harry sat in his room at Grimmauld Palace, staring at the wall.

He was so, so tired.

Why the bloody hell did Dumblefuck have to be such a git? Why couldn't he be nice? Why did his Mum and Dad have to die? Why did Sirius have to be murdered? That curse had been sent by Moody, he was almost positive. Even Bellatrix had her limits. Sirius had been Head of House Black- her House.

Contrary to popular belief, Harry was not an idiot. He knew when he was being used.

Harry snorted. Dumbledore had been manipulating him since he was a foetus, for Merlin's sake! Why the hell hadn't anyone done anything? Why did his friends have to be spying on him for Dumbledore?"

Oh yeah, he knew about that. He'd heard them talking, and he'd had to restrain himself from hexing them all to oblivion. That and breaking down. The first people he'd trusted...

"Professor Dumbledore says we've got to keep extra close watch on Harry this term." Hermione informed the Weasleys seriously. "He says we were stupid to coax him into doing the DA last year. If Harry starts thinking for himself, it could mess up the Professor's plans for him. Ginny. You're to get closer to him. Can you do that?"

Ginny tossed her hair back. "If the Professor supplies some Love Potion." she sniffed. "Harry just doesn't seem interested in me! The Professor promised I would be Lady Potter, but I just can't get close enough to him."

"It's a pity the Twins aren't here." Ron said. "They'd be able to trick Harry into taking one of their potions in an instant. But they hate us for doing this. Can't see why, it's not like we care about Potter."

Harry laughed bitterly. He'd come straight here after he'd heard that. It may have once been Headquarters of the Order of the Phoenix, but he was Lord Black, and no one could get into here without his permission. He didn't think it safe enough to go to one of the Potter Estates, not when Dumbledore had them in his fist.

He'd taken a detour to Gringrotts, and taken control of his vaults and Heritage. He was now Lord Potter, Lord Black, and it turned out his Mother was the true heir of Slytherin- the Gaunt's had been an illegitimate line, so he was also Lord Slytherin as well.

It also turned out his name wasn't Harry James Potter, either. His parents had named him Hunter Charlus Potter. Why Dumblefuck had changed his name, he'd never know. He wasn't sure he cared. All he knew was that old bastard had fucked about with him for too long.

As for Ginny getting close to him...Hunter shuddered. He had seen Ginny, and all the Weasleys, and Hermione, as siblings or an aunt and uncle. At least he knew he could trust Fred and George.

Suddenly, a white light enveloped him, and with a startled yell, he disappeared.

Hunter found himself in a dark place, lit only by shafts of light. He was helped to his feet by a kind, slightly elderly looking man with reddish brown hair and grey eyes. He was wearing robes.

"They summoned you too?" he asked kindly.

"I have absolutely no idea what your talking about." Hunter snapped, gripping his wand tightly. "What I do know is that this is one of the worst days in my life- so far- and now I'm Merlin knows where. Hunter." he said suddenly, eyeing the man, who was watching him with a mixture of interest and trepidation. "My name's Hunter Charlus Potter. You?"

"Nicholas Flamel." The man inclined his head. Hunter's eyes widened.

"Impossible."

"Why?"

"You're dead. Kind of my fault, kind of Dumblefuck's fault."

"Really?" Flamel looked amused."What year are you from?"

"What?" Hunter looked at him incredulously. "1996. You?" he asked sarcastically.

"1975."

Hunter stopped looking around and stared at him. "Shit." he whispered.

"Mind your language, boy." a voice said, creaking with age. Hunter made to raise his wand, but Flamel stopped him.

"Peace." He soothed. "They mean us no harm."

"The boy has right to be wary, Nicholas." A kinder voice said, and three women came into view. One was stick thin and long, with insubstantial wisps of white hair, the other was short, plump, and had a full head of black hair, and the last was a mix of the two, with both white and black hair.

Nicholas bowed. "Clotho, Lachesis, Atropos." He kissed a hand in turn. "It does me honour to be in your presence again. May I ask why you have summoned me?"

"Lord Potter-Slytherin-Black here is in need of assistance." the plump one said. "Many wrongs have been done to him, and in the past. We wish to send him to Hogwarts in your time to right these wrongs."

"And you wish me to assist him in my time." Nicholas smiled. "Of course, Clotho. But only if the young Lord agrees."

All attention turned to Hunter.

"You want me to go to Hogwarts." He stated. "With my parents." he considered. "Ah, what the hell. Sure. It's better than moping round Grimmauld Palace for another two years."

"We will introduce you as the son of my old wayward apprentice, Nikolai." Nicholas decided. "I will say that I swore to provide for your father, and as you are the only person left in your family, I have taken you in, and sent you to Hogwarts."

"What will we call me?" Hunter asked.

"Hunter, of course. Hunter Nikolai Raime."

"Okay." Hunter nodded. "But we'll need a more detailed backstory. I don't really want to change much. How about we say that my mother was a muggle, and my father- Nikolai- left before I was born, not knowing about me. Mum married a muggle, he was a police officer. A terrorist he was working on getting came to the house and killed them both, but only marked me. I was placed with...abusive relatives, and two years ago you tracked me down and now I know enough to attend Hogwarts with those of my age and hold my own." He rubbed his scar. "It'll explain this goddamned thing, and I'd be uncomfortable saying my parents are alive, when in my time they're not."

"Of course dear." the plump one said comfortingly. "We understand."

Nicholas was staring at him. "Is that what happened to your parents?" he whispered.

"Yeah. Although, calling Voldemort a terrorist really doesn't do him justice. And he did try to kill me. The curse rebounded- my mum had sacrificed herself for me. The ultimate protection."

Hunter suddenly found himself in a Hogwarts uniform similar to the ones he had seen in the pensive memory, and there was a trunk at his feet. He flipped it open to see all that he would need, excluding a broom. There were no house colours as of yet. His House rings became invisible, and he sensed they would only be visible when he wished them to be.

"Hmm." the middle one tapped her chin. "We must make you look less like your father, or suspicion will arise. What did Nikolai look like? ah, I remember."

Hunter's hair changed to a reddish black and lengthened and went into a loose ponytail. He became more lithe, less gangly. His skin darkened a shade.

"Not the eyes." Hunter said quickly.

"Very well. However, you will no longer need glasses."

His transformation complete, the women bowed to him. "May you be blessed with happiness and the freedom you have a right to."

With a nod of thanks, he suddenly found himself disappearing in the same way he had came.

Hunter dropped down by the lake. As before, Nicholas helped him up.

"I assume they dropped us here for a reason." he smiled. "I will go and talk to Albus, and you...do what you have to do." Nicholas shrunk the trunk and handed it to Hunter, who put it into his pocket.

Nicholas marched off into the castle, and Hunter looked around. Suddenly he realised; 1975. His parents fifth year at Hogwarts. The pensive memory...

Hearing yelling, he looked up to see a crowd gathered. Whipping out his wand, he ran.

He didn't care that it was Snape, Hunter hated bullying. Years of running from Dudley, the fear and hatred of his attackers, rose up in him, and, pushing his way to the front of the crowd, he waved his wand and barked "Levicorpus!"

Instantly, and with shocked yells, the Marauders found themselves hanging upside down. Turning to where a stunned Snape hung, Hunter murmured "Liberacorpus" and as Snape fell, he added "Arresto Momentum", which slowed his descent. Moving forward, he helped a stunned Snape to his feet.

"Some people won't be happy until they've pushed you to the ground. What you have to do is have the courage to stand your ground and not give them the time of day. Hold on to your power and never give it away." Hunter said quietly. "that's a quote I read once."

He turned to the Marauders, who were staring at the newcomer in shock. He focused first on Lupin. "I have a quote for you. If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor. If an elephant has its foot on the tail of a mouse, and you say that you are neutral, the mouse will not appreciate your neutrality." Lupin flushed. "I know you." Hunter said bitterly, looking at each Marauder. "I have had people stand by whilst I was bullied. I have been bullied because the main bully" he looked at James "was bored, or his best friend" he looked at Sirius "was bored. I have had people turn a blind eye countless times. I will let you down, but try to bully anyone ever again, and you will find yourselves swimming with the Giant Squid."

Releasing them, he turned to Snape. "My name's Hunter." he said, extending a hand. "Hunter Nikolai Raime. My benefactor has decided that I am ready to attend this school. I will be in Fifth year."

"Severus Tobias Snape." Snape said quietly, shaking his hand. "Fifth year, Slytherin."

"A pleasure to meet you, Master Snape." Hunter grinned.

"Severus." Sna-Severus smiled in return.

"Hunter." he laughed.

"Sev!" someone screamed, and a mass of auburn hair slammed into the teen. "Oh Merlin, are you alright?"

Hunter stumbled back. This was too much...

"I'm fine, Lils." Severus smiled at the young Lily Evans. "Thanks to-" he turned to Hunter and stopped, frowning. "Are you alright?"

"Fine." Hunter choked. Taking a deep breath, he composed himself. "Sorry." he said, bowing slightly to Lily. "You reminded me of someone."

"Who?" Lily frowned.

"My Mother." Hunter said in a tone that begged for a subject change.

"Lily, this is Hunter Nikolai Raime." Severus said. "He stopped those idiots from de-trousering me."

"Thank you." Lily extended her hand. "Lily Evans, at your service."

On an impulse, Hunter took her hand and turned it, kissing her knuckles gently.

"Hunter!" a familiar voice called, laughing. "Stop charming all the beautiful young ladies!"

"Sorry, Master Flamel." Hunter grinned. "But could you resist her?" he waved a hand at Lily. "However, she is taken, and she's not my type. I apologise if I led you on in any way." He said quickly to Lily, who laughed.

"No, it's alright. I know you didn't mean it."

"Are you really Nicholas Flamel?" an eager Ravenclaw asked.

"Yes, I am." Nicholas smiled. "And Hunter, you have given me the privilege of calling you by your first name, so please, do the same with me. I am not your Master."

"Of course." Hunter said. "I will assume you spoke to the Headmaster?"

"I did. You will be sorted tonight."

"Joy." Hunter rolled his eyes. "I hate being the centre of attention."

Nicholas laughed. "I will inform Perenelle you have settled in, and will write to you tomorrow. I expect a letter in return."

Hunter laughed, but it felt forced to him. "Of course. I will not let you or the Mistress Perenelle down. You have done much for me."

"It is what is owed you." Nicholas pulled him into a hug. Hunter stiffened and then slowly relaxed into it.

"Look into my eyes, but show no emotion to what you see." Hunter whispered and pulled back, he looked into the old wizard's eyes, and concentrated on communicating his life story to his new friend. He was braced for an explosion of some kind, but fortunately (and to his everlasting surprise) the only reaction the man gave was to widen his eyes in shocked amazement, and then fill with a thunderous anger that Hunter really hoped wasn't directed at him.

"Thank you sir, for all you have done for me." Hunter said quietly.

"Hunter, you deserve this chance." Nicholas said quietly, ignoring the silent crowd. "I am so so sorry for everything." He gave him a little, gentle shake. "Don't you ever doubt that you deserve this."

With a smile, Nicholas released him, inclined his head to the crowd, and then disappeared with a nearly inaudible pop.

"That's impossible!" a Ravenclaw gasped. "No one can Apparate or Disapparate in or out of Hogwarts."

"Nicholas Flamel is a friend of Professor Dumbledore's." Severus pointed out dryly. "And he is extremely old- no offence intended-" he added to Hunter, who nodded "and is highly respected and powerful. There are exceptions to every rule, remember."

Hunter shifted uncomfortably. "I...what do I do until the Sorting?"

"We'll show you around!" James jumped in with a disarming grin. "Remus is a Prefect, he can tell you the rules. That is, if you want to follow them." he added with an even wilder grin. Severus frowned and began to move away. Hunter had saved him from the Gits, that was true, but he was unlikely to want to hang around with him. He was walking away, when Hunter's cool voice stopped him in his tracks.

"Lose that massive ego of yours, get rid of your prejudices and maybe we'll get on. Hey, Severus, will you show me around?"

Severus swung round to meet Hunter's pleading eyes. "S-sure." he stuttered. "But I can't show you the common room. I mean, you might not be in Slytherin."

Hunter nodded. "I understand. Hey, you never know though. But," he added as Severus, Lily and he walked away, leaving a stuttering, red faced James Potter behind "I mean, you're friends with Lily, right? So maybe..."

Severus felt a surge of kinship flow through him. "Sure." he said warmly.

Hours later, as the Sorting Hat was placed on his head, Hunter hoped that he could stay friends with Severus. He had found that the teen Snape had a sharp, dry wit, which perfectly matched his sarcasm. The two had sent Lily into hysterics, and she had spluttered out that they were like, to quote her 'twins, separated at birth', which had both amused and horrified him.

'Well well, Lord Potter-Slytherin-Black, it is a pleasure to sort you...again, first time for me, but second time for you? Oh, this is interesting.' The Sorting Hat murmured.

'Yes. Could you not tell Dumblefuck please? He-'

'I see all he has done in you, and personally, I have never liked the old goat much. Good nickname.' the Hat complimented. 'Now, do I see that you wish to be in the house of your Ancestors?'

'Yes, if you would be so kind.'

"SLYTHERIN!" the Hat roared, and Hunter took off the Hat, placed it gently on the stool, bowed to it, and then went to his house, which was cheering. Severus, sitting next to...Lucius Malfoy? was smiling.

As he sat down, Hunter snuck a glance at Dumbledore. The man looked normal, but Hunter- unfortunately- knew the old coot well enough to sense the annoyance he was feeling. Clearly, he had wanted to get the young protege of Nicholas Flamel in his grasp. Hunter snorted to himself. 'I vow, on my Potter heritage, Slytherin heritage, and responsibility as the head of House Black, that I will not allow that bastard to mess me about ever again.'

Almost in the distance, Hunter heard someone calling.

"-unter? Hunter!"

"Sorry, what?" he snapped back to himself to find Severus looking at him in a mixture of irritation and amusement.

"I've been calling you for at least a minute. Are you alright?"

"Yes." quickly, he thought of an excuse "I am sorry. This is the first time I have been in such a busy place in a while. It's...overwhelming."

"The first time you have been in a busy place for a while? Why?" Malfoy asked with a smile and an extended hand. "Lucius Malfoy, Prefect, at your service."

"Hunter Nikolai Raime." He shook the hand. "I've been recuperating for about a year, and then learning all I need to attend Hogwarts."

"Recuperating?" Severus asked, tucking into his food. "You'd better start eating."

"Yes. My relatives I lived with before Mas- Nicholas found me were...abusive."

Avoiding their gazes, Hunter began to eat. That was the first time he'd admitted it properly to anyone. There had been clues, hints that pointed there, but then, he reflected, they had probably been ignored.

"I see." Lucius said quietly. "Well, both I and Severus understand that."

Hunter's head shot up, and he stared at the two. "And you both still live with them." It wasn't a question. Lucius inclined his head, and Severus flushed.

"No one listens." he muttered. A bitter laugh escaped Hunter.

"They hear, but they do not listen." he sighed, aware of their eyes on him. "And when they let you down, shifting from where you've carefully placed them, it shakes your faith, right where you stand." Hunter debated whether or not to continue. "I...there was one I trusted implicitly, told everything to. He crushed me without a second thought. I think he knew from the beginning about the abuse." closing his eyes, he proceeded to explain his life, albeit the altered version.

"My mother was a muggle, and my father- Nikolai- left before I was born, not knowing about me. Mother married a muggle, he was a police officer. A terrorist he was working on getting came to the house and killed them both, but only marked me. I was just a year old." Absently, he rubbed his scar, and felt their eyes flick to it. "Yeah, that's where. Nicholas offered to heal it, but it's a reminder not to be a racist, and it's a mark of my Mother's love- she needn't have died, he would have spared her, but she refused to let him kill me. Nicholas found me two years ago, nearly killed my aunt and uncle."

"How badly were you hurt?" Lucius asked, noting how the boy was too small, and had a deep sadness in his eyes.

"Not very. Well," he amended, seeing his raised eyebrow "not very compared to when uncle was really mad. I could walk, and was well enough to do my chores."

"Details, Hunter." Lucius growled, and Severus nodded. For some reason, the two felt protective of the new student.

"He'd been at me with his fists, not his belt or whip, and I'd eaten in the last three days, at least." Hunter said shortly, moving onto desert. "Anyway, I'm free of my abusers. You two on the other hand, are not."

"There's nothing you can do Hunter." Severus said, putting an arm around the teen. "Don't exhaust yourself about it, Brother."

The term slipped out, and Severus froze. "Sorry."

"When's your birthday?" Hunter asked. "Both of you. Mine's 31 July, umm...1960."

Severus blinked at the change of subject, but obliged him. "9 January, 1960."

"8 Janurary 1960." Lucius said.

"Damn." Hunter grumped. At their looks, he elaborated. "Always wanted brothers. Don't like being the youngest though."

A grin spread across Severus's face. "So it does, little brother."

"Your not the oldest, Sev." Lucius grinned. "I am."

"Only by a day." Sev pouted, and the three laughed as they left the hall, drawing looks of confusion, except from Lily, who smiled at the trio.

When they reached the dorm (Password: Heritage) they found a new bed in the room Severus and Lucius shared. The room had been enlarged to fit in what was apparently customary for Slytherins: a desk, bed with a bookshelf in the headboard, bedside table with lamp, wardrobe, and drawers, all in green, silver, and dark ebony wood. This was much better than the Gryffindor lot, Hunter thought as he unshrunk his trunk, unpacked, and changed into his pyjamas, did his teeth, and slipped into the bed.

"Night." he mumbled sleepily, vaguely registering their replies as he sunk into a deep sleep.

AN:

Parseltongue

Thoughts

Chapter Two

Hunter tossed and turned in his sleep, the sheets tangled around him. He was having a nightmare. A flashback.

"Lily, take Hunter and go! It's Him! Go! Run! I'll hold him off'-"

The sounds of someone stumbling from a room- a door bursting open- a cackle of high pitched laughter- a flash of green light

... and then, a new voice, one Hunter knew well.

"Not Hunter, not Hunter, please not Hunter!"

"Stand aside, you silly girl...stand aside, now..."

"Not Hunter, please no, take me, kill me instead-"

"Not Hunter! Please...have mercy...have mercy."

"Avada Kedavra!"

"HUNTER!"

Hunter sat bolt upright with an explosive gasp, reaching for his wand instinctively. He found himself face to face with the worried faces of Severus and Lucius, who were standing a few paces from the bed.

"Shit." Hunter muttered, swiping at his face to get rid of the tears he felt there. "I feel like I've been attacked by a Dementor. Got any chocolate?"

"Here." Lucius said softly as the two joined him on the bed, pressing a small bar into his hand, which he ripped into and devoured, instantly feeling better.

"Thanks." Hunter leaned back. "And sorry. I'll put silencing charms on the curtains."

"No you won't." Severus refuted. "We have a right to know if your sleeping or not. Now." he pulled his little brother into a hug, "Want to talk about it? Was it your uncle?"

"My Mother." closing his eyes, Hunter leaned into the hug. "I-I remember what happened that night...really vividly. Stepfather told Mother to take me and run, that he'd hold him off. He wasn't armed. The terrorist was. He didn't stand a chance. Mother ran into my room, placed me in my cot, stood between me and the door, begged him not to kill me, to have mercy, to take her instead." His voice broke. "The police arrived just after he'd finished marking me- that was painful. They arrived too late."

"You remember all that?" Lucius breathed, horrified.

"Yeah." Hunter nodded. "I have an eidetic memory. Comes in useful sometimes, but others-" he grimaced.

"Merlin and Morgana." Severus muttered.

"Yeah." Hunter repeated. "What time is it?"

Lucius preformed a quick Tempus spell. "Four fifteen am."

"Sorry." Hunter muttered.

"Not. Your. Fault." Severus emphasized. "Think you can go back to sleep? It's best that you do."

Hunter nodded. "I normally only have one nightmare a night. I'll be okay now."

He snuggled down, his eyelids already drooping. "Good morning, guys." he mumbled as he fell into a dreamless sleep.

Hunter woke first in the morning thanks to his body clock which was set so he would wake up around five. Lucius and Severus were sleeping soundly.

Dressing quietly and packing his bag- he had the same timetable as his pseudo- brothers-, he made his way to the Slytherin common room, where he dropped down in front of the fire.

"So young, but so full of pain." a voice mused, and Hunter's head snapped up to look at the portrait above the fire. Instantly, he recognised the striking figure of Salazar Slytherin, who was staring at him in interest. Hunter bowed his head. "As you say, it is so." he admitted, and Salazar's eyes widened.

"Your name, Hatchling."he commanded.

"Which one, Lord?"Hunter asked bitterly. "The one I use in this time, my birth name, or my famed title from my time."

"All."

"My name in this time is Hunter Nikolai Raime. My name in my time- the one my parents gave me- is Hunter Charlus Potter-Slytherin-Black, Lord of Houses Potter, Slytherin, and Black. My title" he sneered "Is the Boy-Who-Lived, vanquisher of Voldemort."

"Explain yourself, Heir of mine."Salazar sat back as Hunter launched into his story, leaving nothing out. By the time he had finished, Hunter's throat was raw, and Salazar's eyes were blazing with unbridled fury.

"How dare he treat you so!"he snarled. "I would say that he was almost Slytherin, but even I would not be so cold hearted."

"It would be a slur on Slytherin if he shared our blood. It is however, unfortunate that he did not become a Slytherin- people would have not trusted him as much."

Salazar nodded. "True, Grandson. It is a pity your Mother was not in our house, though I do not hold it against her. I am not so prejudiced as many believe."

"I will strive to remove the slurs on the family name, Grandfather." Hunter vowed.

"The others are waking." he said, switching back to English. "It was a pleasure speaking with you, Lord." He added as Lucius and Severus came down the stairs. Lucius caught the tail end of the conversation, and his eyes widened.

"He- he spoke to you?"

Hunter nodded cautiously, and Severus's eyes widened to match Lucius's.

"He never speaks to anyone."

"Of course I don't." Salazar snorted, drawing yelps from the two. "I have no wish to spend the rest of eternity being pelted with questions by overeager fools. Hunter however, is my Heir, and so I shall speak to him as I chose."

"You're the Heir of Slytherin?" Lucius gasped, sinking into a chair. Hunter nodded, and shot a glare at his many times great Grandfather, who looked completely unrepentant.

"But the Dark Lord-" Severus began, only to be cut off by Salazar.

"That creature has my blood in his veins?"he hissed.

"An illegitimate line." Hunter informed him. "He is Tom Marvalo Riddle. His mother was a Gaunt and a Squib desperately in love with a stuck up noble, who she tricked into loving her."

"Parseltongue." Severus whispered.

"Yep." Hunter said. "Look, I don't mind you telling the other Slytherins, but make sure it doesn't go outside the house without informing me first. I have no wish to have Dumblefuck informed of my heritage before time."

The two nodded, clearly stunned by this new information.

The awkward silence was broken by Severus's stomach, which growled loudly, causing them all to laugh. With goodbyes to Salazar, the boys made their way to the Great Hall, where they ate with gusto (or as much gusto as Slytherins did). A letter arrived from the Flamel's, which Hunter put in his bag to read later.

Hunter and Severus had Runes, whilst Lucius had Arithmancy.

Runes wasn't that bad, Hunter found, much more interesting than Divination, he thought with a quiet snort.

Next they had Charms with Professor Flitwick. The three sat near the front after politely greeting Lily- much to the chargrin of James.

"Right, then." Professor Flitwick said with a smile once he had completed the register. "Today we're going to look at the theory- theory mind- of the Patronus Charm. Can anyone tell me the purpose of this spell?"

Lily raised her hand, and at a nod, explained "The Patronus Charm is a defence against Dementors, and needs a happy memory to cast it. It takes the form of whatever animal represents you."

"Very succinct Miss Evans. Now, can anyone tell me what exactly a Dementor does and why a Patronus is necessary? Yes, Mr Raime."

"A Patronus negates the effects of a Dementor. A Dementor's effects are to force you to live your worst memories." Hunter said, grimacing slightly as he remembered his past experiences.

"We will go around the class and tell what we believe we would remember. Of course you do not have to share your worst memory, but it is said to lessen its effects."

When it got to the Marauders, James said. "My Grandpa dying."

Sirius said "Mum and Dad" in a joking tone, but Hunter instantly saw the pain in his eyes. Wormtail muttered something about bullies back home. Remus shifted uncomfortably and quietly said that he would rather not say, thank you very much. Hunter gave him a small smile, shocking him. He knew exactly what Remus's worst memory would be.

Lily admitted that her sister had rejected her when she'd learnt of her magic, and that had caused a sympathetic murmur to sweep through the class.

Severus and Lucius both said their Fathers, which got them a look of shock from Sirius. Clearly he saw in their eyes what Hunter had seen in his.

"Hunter." Severus said quietly, and he snapped back to reality to find everyone in the room staring at him. It was his turn.

Hunter opened his mouth to speak, but he couldn't get words to fall from his mouth. In his mind he heard his Mum screaming. He shuddered and closed his eyes. "If it's all the same to you, Professor, I really don't want to say." he said quietly, and a murmur- this time of interest- ran through the class as both Severus and Lucius put comforting hands on his shoulders, guessing the memory. What was so bad about his memory? everyone wondered.

At break, the four friends went to the Library to do their homework.

Lily, writing her Charms essay on the Patronus Charm, kept glancing at him. Finally, with a sigh, Hunter set down his quill. "Just ask if you want to know, Lily." he said, a little harshly. Lily's head shot up and she stared at him.

"What's your worst memory?" she asked quietly.

Hunter quickly cast Muffilato. He really didn't want anyone else overhearing this.

"My parents were murdered when I was barely a year old. Well" he amended "my Mother and Stepfather. It's how I got the scar on my forehead. I have an eidetic memory, which really doesn't help things."

"Oh my God." Lily whispered, covering her mouth. Hunter nodded.

"Yeah. We had a Boggart at the Flamel house, and I faced it." he grimaced. "My Boggart's a Dementor. It- the memory was so strong I collapsed. Not fun, hearing your mother begging for your life."

"And there's another secret I want to share with you." Hunter added quickly, exchanging a glance with his brothers. "But you can't tell anyone." he stressed, and she nodded.

"I'm the Heir of Slytherin." He said, and her mouth dropped open in shock. "The true Heir of Slytherin. Voldemort comes from an illegitimate line."

Lily shrieked and knocked over her inkpot. Severus hissed, and Lucius flinched.

"It's just a name. As someone once said, Fear of a name only increases fear of the thing itself." Hunter said, slightly irritated. "Come on! I may not like- okay I despise- Dumbledore, but he's right not to fear the name. Fear of Voldemort, a little anyway, is perfectly natural, but jumping at his name? Ridiculous. And," he added "Slytherin was not evil, nor a prejudiced as everyone makes out. Grandfather- though I have only spoken to him once- is perfectly sane, and very clever."

"Why do you despise the Headmaster?" Lily asked as Hunter cancelled Muffilato.

"He has so much power, but what does he do? Sits back and twiddles his thumbs, that's what. If he defeated Grindewald- who by the way was a childhood friend of his- why in Salazar's name can't he get rid of Moldywart already!" realising they were staring at him, he calmed. "Sorry. But still, with all that goes on at Hogwarts as well- the House feud, which as we have proved by being friends- is immature, and the abused children" Lucius and Severus winced "which of course he knows about. The man is an accomplished Legimens!"

"How dare you insult Professor Dumbledore?" an outraged voice said, and Hunter turned to face the Marauders, three of whom looked furious, and one of whom looked like- well, a cornered rat.

"I dare insult him because it is the truth." Hunter said calmly, and James became more furious. Hunter held up a hand to stop him. "I understand that he has done good things in his time" he inclined his head to Remus, who paled "But honestly, the man is not infallible, nor correct about everything. He manipulates- and don't say he doesn't-" he added quickly to block Sirius "We're all like- like pawns on a bloody chessboard to him, for Merlin's sake!"

"Why did you look at me when you said he has done good things in his time?" Remus asked in a slightly strangled tone. James and Sirius stiffened, and Wormtail looked like he was about to wet himself. Hunter smiled at them kindly.

"It's okay, Moony. This Hunter doesn't hunt Wolves, Deer, or Grim dogs."

"You- you know." Remus looked like he was going to pass out, so Hunter gestured to the table. After glancing at each other, they sat, and Hunter cast Muffilato again.

"Like I said, I don't hunt Wolves, Deer or Grim dogs."

"What about rats?" Sirius asked, shifting closer to Wormtail.

"I've never liked rats." Hunter said with a bitter smile, and everyone got the impression he was talking of something only he knew. "But no, I will not hunt this one" he said, forcing the promise out. "At least, I will try to control myself. Keep him away and polite, and he may live."

"Why do you hate rats?" Lily asked timidly. Hunter looked at her.

"If it wasn't for a rat, my worst memory wouldn't have happened." he said grimly, and her eyes filled with understanding and tears.

"What's your worst memory?" Sirius asked.

"Why would he tell you Black." Severus sneered, going to the defensive.

"Why would he tell you?" Sirius shot back.

"Because he and Lucius are like brothers to me, and Lily a very good friend." Hunter snapped, his temper and magic spiking. "Besides, they know because I had a nightmare- flashback, whatever- about it last night."

"Are you going to tell anyone about-"

"About your furry little problem?" Hunter cut in, grinning- the Marauders looked suitably freaked out. "No. It is not mine to tell. However, I hold no prejudices against you- is it right to hold prejudices because of House?" he cancelled the spell and began to pack his bag. "Transfiguration in five." he informed his friends.

Transfiguration was understandably awkward, and the Marauders kept shooting them uneasy looks. After swearing Lily, Severus and Lucius to secrecy, he explained everything to them. Lily was suitably shocked, Lucius interested- "Very Slytherin how they've managed to keep this quiet"-, and Severus jubilant-

"I knew it!"-.

At dinner a tawny owl fluttered down to land in front of Hunter, and with a twist of his heart, he recognised Dumbledore's loopy handwriting.

"What in Nimue's name does that old goat want now?" he muttered, giving the owl a piece of ham and unrolling the letter.

I would be most grateful if you were to come to my office after dinner. The password is Acid Pops.

Yours sincerely, Albus Dumbledore.

Crumpling the letter in his fist and refusing to look at the High Table, Hunter turned to Severus and Lucius.

"Can you inform the Lord of Slytherin of my whereabouts if he asks? It appears I have an appointment to keep."

"Ah, Hunter." Dumbledore beamed from behind his desk as he entered. "Please, sit."

As Hunter did as he was bade, Dumbledore finished a letter, which he handed to an owl sitting slightly to the side.

"Now." Dumbledore turned his gaze on Hunter, who felt something press against his shields, but which gained no access. The twinkle in the Headmaster's eyes dimmed slightly. "I wish to talk to you."

"Obviously, Professor." Hunter said quietly. "I wouldn't be here otherwise."

Hunter watched as the implications of his otherwise polite and respectful comment sank in.

"Yes, well." Dumbledore sat back, looking for all the world like a benevolent grandfather. "Filius- that is to say, Professor Flitwick- was talking about his Charms lessons at dinner, and he mentioned that you did not present a memory. It worried me, my boy."

"I was not the only one who refused to share my worst memory, Professor." Hunter said. "And if it's all the same to you, I'd rather not talk about it with a stranger. I will tell you that I do not bandy anything about in the reckless way some people do."

"Of course, Hunter." Dumbledore smiled.

"If that's all?" Hunter asked, rising from his chair. He really didn't want to be in the same room as this man any longer than absolutely necessary.

"Just one question, Hunter." Dumbledore called as his hand touched the door handle. "How did Nicholas track you down after all these years?"

"No idea." Hunter called as he made his way down the stairs. "Goodnight Professor Dumbledore."

Hunter tumbled into the Common Room with a grunt. It had been an exhausting meeting, what with Dumblefuck trying to get past his mental defences. His head was pounding.

Blindly, he made his way to the fireplace where he dimly saw Lucius and Severus. All the chairs were empty, so he slumped on the ground in front of the fire.

"Hunter!" Instantly, the two were at his side, and every eye in the room went to them.

"Merlin, you look like hell." Severus whispered. Hunter grunted in acknowledgement.

"Anyone got a headache potion?" Lucius called, and after a few moments, a cool bottle was pressed to Hunter's lips, and he drank gratefully.

When he opened his eyes, he found his brothers staring at him. "You alright?" Lucius asked. Hunter nodded.

"What happened to you?" his Grandfather demanded. Hunter lifted his head to meet his eyes.

"Dumblefuck tried to get past my shields for the entire meeting. I can hold them for a while...aches like hell though."

"The headmaster tried to breach your privacy?" the female Slytherin Prefect- Morris, he thought- shrieked. "Why?"

"Wanted to know all about me. Wanted my worst memory."

"That- that I can't think of a word bad enough." Severus snarled disgustedly.

"What is your worst memory?"Salazar asked. Hunter considered telling, and thought 'What the hell.'

"My parents. Being murdered."

The Parseltongue caused a stir in the room.

"Y-you're a Parslemouth." Morris stuttered. "A-are you-"

"The Heir- the true Heir- of Slytherin?" Hunter cut in. "Yes. Now, if you don't mind, I need to sleep. No, wait. I need to write a reply to the letter from the Flamels first." Hunter rose to his feet and bowed his head to his Grandfather. "Goodnight, Grandfather."

"Goodnight, Grandson. Sleep well and soundly."Salazar called

Hunter slumped at his desk, pulled the letter out of his bag, and began to read.

Dear Hunter,

Well, you're at Hogwarts! As this is your first letter, I will not write overmuch, only say that Perenelle and I are so proud of you, and will be no matter what. As I write, my beloved leans over my shoulder to read! Perry! I haven't even finished yet!

Sorry. What house are you in- it matters not to us, just so long as you are happy. Have you made friends? If so, tell us about them, and anything you think we might have an interest in. Write soon, mind, or Perry might send a Howler.

All the best,

Nicholas and Perenelle.

Quickly, Hunter grabbed a piece of parchment and wrote a reply.

Dear Nicholas and Perenelle,

I'm in Slytherin, and I have made three great friends. They are Severus Snape, Lucius Malfoy, and Lilly Evans. Lily is a Gryff, and she's really nice, doesn't give a rat's- sorry, can't write that- she doesn't care for the House feud, and is great in Charms.

Sev and Luc are Snakes like me. I only met them yesterday, but already we are so close! We call each other Brothers- I'm the youngest, damn it.

There's a problem though. They come from homes like my old one- do you think you can do something about it? Luc says his aunt on his Father's side's great, and Sev says his Mother's controlled by his Father, who hates magic.

I don't mean to pile my problems on you, I'm sorry.

Hope this finds you in good health and better spirits,

Hunter.

Hunter rolled the parchment and tied it tightly closed, before heading to the Owlery, where he found a reliable looking tawny owl.

As soon as his head hit the pillow, he was asleep.

AN:

Parseltongue

Thoughts

Chapter Three

"He knows about us." Peter whimpered that morning at breakfast. "He-he might tell."

"I don't think he will."

All the Marauders turned to stare in shock at Sirius- the last person they expected to defend a Slytherin.

"Look, Slytherins are all about Honour, and they do stick together. If a Slytherin gives their word on something, it's usually good. I'm not saying we should just take his word for it though."

"I think he told his friends." James muttered. "Did you see them in Transfiguration?"

"Yes." Remus nodded. "But I think Padfoot's right."

"You're saying you trust Snivellus?" James spat.

"No." Remus shook his head. "But I do trust Sirius's judgement- mostly."

The snide ending changed the subject completely.

"Oi!" Sirius yelped indignantly. "That was only one time!"

"Siri, it was stupid enough to last us a lifetime." James chuckled.

Hunter turned his attention from the conversation across the hall as the tawny owl he had delivered his letter by landed in front of him, a tightly furled scroll in its beak.

After giving the owl some bacon and taking the scroll, which he put in his bag, he turned his attention back to Luc and Sev, who were immersed in an argument about Quidditch.

"Marc would be best!" Sev argued. Luc shook his head.

"Marc's fast, but he doesn't have the eye for the Snitch. There has to be someone better."

"You're talking about Seekers, right?" Hunter asked, inserting himself into the conversation with a smile tugging at his lips.

Luc nodded, and then his eyes widened. "Hey..."

"Do you play?" Sev asked eagerly. Hunter grinned.

"We have a free period next. Get me a broom and find out."

Hunter shot through the air, weaving between the posts. A wild laugh escaped him. After a few more laps and tricks, he landed in front of his brothers and the Captain of the Slytherin team, all of whom had their mouths wide open.

After a moment of stunned silence, the Captain, Lance Jones, stepped forward with a grin and clapped him on the back. "Welcome to the team, Seeker."

"Yes!" Luc grinned, and high fived Sev, who was likewise beaming.

'They're so different.' Hunter mused, studying the pair. 'This is how they should be.'

"Little Brothers, I do belive we're going to kick Gryff butt." Luc declared, laying an arm over their shoulders.

"Course we are." Sev retorted. "With all of us on the team, how could we not?" He looked at Hunter. "Me and Luc are Chasers. The Captain's a Beater."

"We should keep me secret." Hunter said. "I mean, we don't want to give them any warning, do we?"

"From the way you fly, warning won't do any good." Lance snorted. "But the idea does have merit. And I can't wait to see the look on Potter's face- He's the Gryff Captain and a Chaser. Black's also a Chaser- they're a force to be reckoned with, unfortunately."

"So are we." Sev, Luc and Hunter said together, and then burst out laughing.

At break (which had been preceded by History of Magic and Herbology) Hunter read his letter after he'd done his homework. The four friends sat at the same table in the library they had the day before.

Dear Hunter.

I'm sorry, but Nicholas raced off the moment he finished your letter. He was furious- you know if there's one thing he hates, it's abuse.

I shudder to think of what he's doing to those cruel men. But don't worry, your friends will be safe now.

So you're in Slytherin? Of course you would be, it's in your blood, isn't it? Although your Mother, God bless her, had the courage of a Gryffindor.

As Nicholas said, it matters not to us where you are placed, and we love you no matter what- and don't you dare think I wouldn't write that unless I was serious, childe of mine.

I also enclose a note giving you permission to go to Hogsmede.

Oh yes, and Nicholas has something he's going to send to you, though I don't know when he'll get around to it.

All the best,

Perry.

"Everything alright?" Lily asked.

"Yeah." Hunter nodded, and then set the letter on fire. "I have no desire to give anyone the chance to read my correspondence." he explained to Lily, who looked shocked.

"No one in Slytherin would dare." Sev pointed out, not looking up from the potions book he was scribbling in.

"I know that." Hunter said. "But there are others. And even if there weren't, I don't take risks."

"Very Slytherin." James sneered as he came around a bookcase followed by the other Marauders.

"Thank you." Hunter said, and pulled out his Charms notebook- he had a notebook for each class- and began to make notes. "Lily, what's the incantation for a Cheering Charm again?"

"Laetifico."

"'Cheer Up?'" Hunter asked in an amused tone. "Well that's obvious."

"You decided on a Seeker yet, Snivellus?" Sirius asked, smirking as the boy stiffened. In an instant, he was pinned against a wall, Hunter's wand at his throat. Hunter's eyes were blazing in fury.

"What did I tell you about bullying, Sirius Black?" Hunter growled. "Don't. That's what I said. Now I will keep the promise I made. You remember what I said would happen if I heard about any more bullying from any Marauder?"

Quickly, he placed all the Marauders under full body binds, shrank them, put them in his pocket, grabbed his stuff, and marched out to the lake.

Taking them out of his pocket, Hunter made them full size, and then muttered "Confoundo."

"You will walk into the lake. You will stay in the lake for as long as you can bear without freezing, getting attacked, or drowning. You will swim to stay afloat." Taking of the body binds, he snapped "Go!"

Later that evening, Hunter was reading in front of the fire in the Common Room when the wall slid apart to admit Horace Slughorn, the Potions Master, and Head of Slytherin House.

Slughorn had seen the way, after only a day, the Slytherins all treated Hunter with respect, and some even deferred to him a little. He had tried to get Hunter to join his Slug Club, him being the Protege of Nicholas Flamel, but Hunter had managed to avoid him so far.

"Ah, Hunter, there you are." Slughorn said, obviously relived, and mopping his brow with a handkerchief. "You are needed in the Hospital Wing."

"Of course, Sir." Hunter packed his things away, and with a quick spell, banished them to his room, tucking his wand into its holster on his wrist as he followed his Head of House out the hole in the wall.

When they reached the Hospital Wing, Hunter found the Marauders lying in beds being given hot chocolate by Madame Proudfoot- who Hunter found was the Matron before Madame Pomfrey- whilst Professor McGonagall- Still head of Gryffindor House- and Professor Dumbledore looked on seriously.

"Ah, Horace." Dumbledore greeted, first twinkling at him, and then, with a slightly dampened twinkle, at Hunter. "And Hunter. My boy, would you care to tell me why these young Gryffindors say that you forced them to swim in the Black Lake?"

"Not really." Hunter smiled at Dumbledore innocently, and then bowed to Professor McGonagall. "Ma'am."

"Hunter, my boy-"

"I am not your boy, Headmaster." Hunter cut him off, his calm mood slipping. "And kindly stop trying to impose on my mind!"

"Now Hunter, I'm sure the Headmaster wouldn't-" Slughorn began, trying to defuse the situation.

"Then ask the other Slytherins why, after a meeting I had with the good Headmaster, I was nearly in a state of collapse from keeping him out of my mind." Hunter snapped, rubbing his scar. It wasn't hurting him, but it was a natural motion he did when he was upset or angry.

"Oh Merlin, what on earth happened to you?" Madame Proudfoot exclaimed, moving away from her patients, who were now recovering, and steering the protesting Hunter to a bed, where she sat him down and proceeded to push his fringe aside to examine his scar.

Hunter pushed her away gently. "Madame Proudfoot, whilst I am pleased that you care, this scar really is none of your business, and I will not allow it to be healed." 'Not that it can be.' his mind supplied glumly. "Please, if it was harmful, I assure you, I would ask you to heal it."

"It means something to you?" Madame Proudfoot supplied narrowly, placing her hands on her hips and frowning at him "You are proud of it?"

Hunter nodded, and surprised himself with how true the statements were.

"Can we please get back to why four of my students are currently in the Hospital Wing?" Professor McGonagall asked in a furious tone, turning to Hunter. Hunter still had respect for her, and so he decided to tell her what had happened.

"If you please, Professor McGonagall, I and my friends- Lily Evans of Gryffindor, and Severus Snape and Lucius Malfoy of Slytherin- were having a private conversation at break, when the Marauders here decided to impose on us. Black called Severus by the name Snivellus- the name they used to use when making fun of him- and I had made a promise to the Marauders when I first met them and stopped them from de-trousering Sev, that if they ever bullied anyone again, they would find themselves swimming with the Giant Squid. By all means, punish me for keeping a promise and defending someone who is like a brother to me. But please, punish Black too."

Professor McGonagall blinked. She could see the boy was sincere.

"Petey!" Someone screamed, and Wormtail winced as a frail looking woman wearing a pale pink robe dashed through the door and flung herself at him. "Oh, are you alright? Are you hurt? Oh, Petey!"

As the woman was fussing over Wormtail- clearly his mother- two couples walked through the door.

One couple looked like Remus, the man having the same thinning hair and pinched face, the woman his green eyes.

The man of the other couple had black Potter hair flecked with grey, and humourus brown eyes. The woman had blonde hair and blue eyes.

Remus's parents went to him, and the Potter's split, the woman going to Sirius, the man to James.

Wormtail's mother turned to look at Hunter, her weak blue eyes full of unshed tears.

"How could you do that to my baby?"

All the parents turned to look at him, and Hunter fought down the urge to yell 'How could he betray my family!?'

"I warned them what would happen if they ever bullied again." Hunter fought to keep his voice level. His grandparents...

"Bullied again?" Mr Potter rose from James's side to face Hunter, frowning.

"Have any of you heard your children use the name Snivellus?" Hunter asked.

"Once..." Mrs Potter said, looking between Sirius and James. "Boys." she said, frowning. "What does he mean?"

"I mean, Mrs Potter, that after I stopped the Marauders from de-trousering my friend on my first day here, two days ago, I warned them that if they ever bullied again, they would find themselves swimming with the Giant Squid. At break today, Black called Sev Snivellus, and so, here we are."

"Petey didn't do anything!" Mrs Pettigrew said, defending her son.

"Exactly." Hunter snapped, rubbing his scar again. "He did nothing. So did Remus. James...James is the ringleader of the bullying. For Merlin's sake, he was going to de-trouser Sev because he and Sirius were bored!"

A glass jug shattered, and Hunter fought to regain control, pushing his hair away from his face.

"And you wonder why Lily abhors you." he said in a scathing tone. James flushed.

"I've admitted what I did. Fine, punish me. Just let me go. I'll probably destroy something important next."

"Hunter, my boy-"

"DON'T CALL ME THAT!" Hunter yelled, shocking them all. "I am not your boy, nor will I ever be, Albus Dumbledore." His voice had taken on a hissing edge, and he emanated danger.

"Mr and Mrs Lupin, Mr and Mrs Potter, Professor McGonagall, Professor Slughorn. If you want me, I'll be in my quarters." Hunter bowed, and then turned on his heel, his robe billowing behind him, and disappeared from the Hospital Wing.

Chapter Four

Hunter was given a detention with Professor McGonagall and ten points were taken from Slytherin. The Marauders were likewise punished, which irked James and Sirius to no end, though they didn't dare complain about the laxness of the punishment given to Hunter, for they knew it would also increase the one they were given.

Hunter pulled on his Quidditch robes with a grin. He couldn't wait to fly and thrash James and Sirius. He was, unfortunately, losing all respect for the pair, and his respect for Lupin had waned a little, as the man just…let James and Sirius bully.

Hunter grabbed his broom- a Starstreaker, the best broom out there. Nicholas had bought it for him, and he couldn't help but laugh out loud when he remembered the look on James and Sirius's faces when it had arrived at breakfast a week ago. Hunter had thanked Zaquar, the Flamel owl profusely for delivering the broom, but when he had enquired to him whether or not he would be able to make the journey back after such a delivery, Zaquar had given him an annoyed hoot and a reproachful look, which had made the Quartet laugh. Hunter had apologised for the slight, explaining that he was only making sure that such a majestic owl as he didn't suffer from his diligent fulfilling of his duty.

The team positioned themselves opposite the Gryffindors, and Hunter couldn't help but wince when he heard a crack from James's hand as he and Lance shook.
'Must be a tradition for Slytherin Captains to try and break the hand of the opposition.' He mused, sharing an evil look with his Brothers. 'Mind you, it is a good strategy. Injuring their Captain and one of their players before the game even has a chance to start. And in a way that cannot possibly be counted as cheating. Nice.'

The game, unfortunately, was uneventful. Slytherin won, and Hunter had been bitterly amused when the Gryffindor Seeker, Myers, had almost fallen from his broom when Hunter had greeted him in the air with a nod. He had found the Snitch a few moments in, hovering next to Luc's ear, reminding him of a match against Draco.

The team burst into their common room amidst cheers, elated and barely even tired. With a grin to his brothers, who were pulled into the celebrations, Hunter made his way to his chair by the fire. He said his chair because the chair closest to the fire and in the best position to view the common room and talk to Salazar Slytherin was the most comfortable chair and was now known among the Slytherins as 'The Heir's Throne', much to Hunter's embarrassment and Sev and Luc's amusement.

Hunter thought for a moment. "Grandfather, I have decided to go to the Chamber of Secrets. Your Basilisk will not kill me, will it?"
Salazar chuckled. "No. As my Heir, you will be able to withstand Isela's stare, as she will not- cannot kill anyone of my blood, unless they are disowned- she must have been being controlled in your time. Speaking of which, you ought to disown Riddle."
"I'm planning on it. I don't think simply writing a letter to Gringrotts to state his disownment will sit well with me. I want to personally rip his worthless excuse for a name out of our family." Hunter snarled, ignoring the apprehensive looks he was getting from some.
After conversing with his Grandfather a little more, Hunter slipped out of the common room and began to make his way to his destination.

The trip was somewhat uneventful, though he was the first in many years to be brave enough to send Mrs Norris flying down the hallway yowling. He could swear he heard the Castle chuckling at that. He added it to his mental list of things to ask his Grandfather about.

It turned out Moaning Myrtle was very defensive of her bathroom these days. It had taken him showing his ring of status as Lord of Slytherin to calm her and stop her from alerting all the teachers in the Castle, something Hunter simply could not allow. He had sworn her to secrecy.

Hunter opened the entrance with a hissed order, and after a moment's hesitation, he wondered aloud about how to get down there as befits the Lord of Slytherin.
At his title, a stone slid out of the passage, clearly for him to stand on, and flames burst into life in little alcoves in the tunnel.

Hunter got the surprise of his life as he got to the bottom of the tunnel to be confronted with the Basilisk. His first instinct was to close his eyes, but then he remembered what his Grandfather had said, and his Slytherin pride rose up in him.
"Greetings Isela." Hunter bowed. "It is an honour to meet you. I am Hunter Charlus Potter, Lord Slytherin on my Mother's side, Lord Potter on my Father's, and Lord Black thanks to my Godfather, who left his title and all it pertains to me. I am from many years in the future. But my story is a long one. Perhaps we may go elsewhere to discuss it?"
"It sounds a rather painful story, Lord Slytherin." Isela hissed, lowering her head to his level. "Would you care to ride? It will be far quicker."

Hunter's mouth dropped open, and with a choked laugh, he hauled himself astride the great neck and they were off.
It was better than riding a broom, better than anything Hunter had ever experienced.

When they arrived in the main Chamber, Hunter tumbled off giddily only to find himself being tripped so he fell into Isela's coils.
"You truly are Grandfathers." He grumbled causing Isela to give a hissy snake laugh. He then proceeded to tell his story, saying first "You cannot kill Dumbledore Isela, that is my right."

By the end of the tale, Hunter could feel Isela trembling in anger. She lifted her head and roared. The Castle shook with her rage.
"I will kill him!" She screamed "I will beat him to within an inch of his life, wait for him to heal, petrify him and plague him whilst his minions scurry about making the antidote, and then, when he thinks he is safe, I will bite him! Oh, how I will bite him…"
"Isela." Hunter interrupted, trying to calm the great snake. "Not that that does not sound like what he deserves, but I told you, he is mine to end, as is Tom Riddle. I too have plans on how to make him suffer. Fear not, I will not keep you or Grandfather out of my plans."

"Good." Isela nodded. Then she became still. "Hunter, it appears that all students have been called to the Great Hall as per the emergency drill set by the Founders for any danger. Your Mother is hysterical with worry, and your Brothers are set to kill to find you."
"Oh, Merlin!" Hunter cried, leaping from Isela's coils and running a harried hand through his hair- a gesture he had inherited from his Father, though he only did it when he was worried- rubbing his scar was for when he was annoyed or angry. "I've got to go, I've got to-"
"Take this." Isela hissed, and Hunter turned to see a beautiful snake amulet made of tiny emeralds of different shades. The teeth were crystal, the chain was silver. It was looped over Isela's teeth, and yet Hunter had no fear when he reached into her mouth to take it, fastening it around his neck.
"This was made by Salazar." Isela informed him. "It will take you to anywhere you wish within the Hogwarts grounds. As I recall, all you have to do is hold the amulet, and focus on your destination. Perhaps closing your eyes might help."
"Thanks." Hunter hissed, relieved beyond measure. He did as advised and disappeared without a sound.

"Where is he?" Sev hissed as Madame Proudfoot tried to console a hysterical Lily. "He wasn't in our room, he wasn't on his Throne, and we're not allowed to go looking for him! He could be in trouble!"
"You think I don't know that?" Luc snapped, running a hand through his immaculate hair, startling those watching them (Malfoy rule- the hair is never to be messy). "I'm as worried as you. Hogwarts shook, and that noise…it was the noise of a furious creature. I hate to think…" He trailed off with a shudder of horror.

"Yeah. Safe to say, you do not ever want to get on Isela's shit list."
Sev and Luc spun around in shock, their eyes widening as they beheld their brother.
"HUNTER!" Lily screamed, leaping into his arms, berating him nineteen to the dozen. "WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN! YOU WERE NOWHERE! THERE WAS NO NOTE!"
"I'm sorry, Mo-Lily!" Hunter cringed away from her, his instincts taking over. "I-I didn't mean-"
"Lily!" Sev shouted, recognising what was happening. "Stop!"

Lily's hand went to her mouth, which was trembling as the two boys pulled Hunter into a hug, which he tried to flinch away from. "Hunter, you're safe." Luc said lowly and calmly. "Lily was just worried for you, okay? You're not with them anymore."
"No one will ever harm you, not anymore." Sev promised.
Hunter gave a nod and a shaky sigh. "Sorry."
"It's my fault, not yours." Lily asserted, joining the hug.
"Not yours." Hunter said firmly, coming back to himself. "Aunt and Uncle's, not yours. Kay?"

"Aunt and Uncle? And now the Flamels?" Sirius sneered. "What Raime, did your parents not want you- did nobody want you? A mini Death Eater?"
Hunter stiffened and his head snapped back as though he had been struck. The murderous looks on the faces of his three friends sent shivers down Sirius's spine, and he and James instinctively moved ever so slightly closer together. Wormtail actually whimpered, and Remus felt coldness growing in the pit of his stomach. 'Sirius, you moron, what have you done?'

Hunter pushed his way out of the hug he had been entangled in and rolled up his left sleeve, baring his forearm for the Marauders to see. His eyes were blazing with green fire.
"I will never serve Voldemort." Hunter spat furiously. "He is a racist, murdering bigot, and I've had more than enough shit from his kind in my life. I've never known my Parents; they were murdered in front of me when I was eighteen months old. And you, Black, should know better than to stick your nose into people's pasts when your own is better than mine ever was!"

Sirius paled. His past was horrible. He opened his mouth to say something, but Hunter beat him to it. "I know about your Parents, how they treated you, and I repeat my earlier statement. They treated you better than my family ever treated me, so don't you dare say I'm over exaggerating. Do you think Nicholas and Perenelle would have removed me from my family if they were good people? Idiot."

Ignoring the stares, Hunter turned to the Slytherin side of the room and dropped down onto the farthest bench from the Marauders. Who were now faced with his furious friends.
Lily moved faster than she had ever moved before. A crack rang through the Hall as she slapped Sirius strongly about the face.
"How dare you?" Lily hissed, flanked by Luc and Sev "Apologise. Now."
"Don't bother asking the mutt to work his pathetic excuse of a brain enough to do that Lils. Too much hard work for him." Sev spat.
"Besides, we're Slytherins." Luc said bitterly. "We're used to it. But he does merit punishment."

At this point, as Hunter had bitterly predicted to himself, Dumbledore moved to stop his friends.
"Now, you three, there will be no hexing, if you don't mind."
"Then take points. Give detentions. His actions cannot go unpunished." Lucius's voice was icy, dangerous- what Hunter remembered from his old days. This was Lucius Malfoy, and he was angry. Severus was giving a preview of his Ultimate Death Glare that had Adults trembling. Lily, well…she was terrifying, giving McGonagall in Mother Lion mode a definite run for her money and surpassing her without even trying.

"Fifty points from Gryffindor!" Flitwick squeaked furiously. "And you will have detention with me for the entirety of next week Mr Black, and no, Minerva, I will not allow you to show your blatant favouritism on this matter!"

Professor McGonagall shut her mouth with a quiet click as the diminutive professor proceeded to give the cowed and now thoroughly ashamed renegade Black the most thorough tongue lashing he had ever received.

Once he was done, all three of Hunter's friends thanked their favourite Professor, and Hunter gave him a slight nod and a tiny smile. Dumbledore clapped his hands to gain everyone's attention and smiled reassuringly, particularly at the Firsties.

"Well now that's over, I think it best we all head to bed. It appears that the danger that set off the old drill has passed."
Behind Hunter's Slytherin mask, he was smirking amusedly as he thought 'Nope, just thinking of ways to help me in my revenge of you. Violent, Slytherin ways.'

Hunter was bombarded with questions and admonishments from his brothers when they entered their room, and quickly told them where he had been and what he had been doing. He fell asleep almost immediately.

The next morning, the Quartet (that was what people called Hunter and his friends) talked in private, eating in the kitchens, whilst the three boys explained to Lily what had happened last evening. It had gained Hunter a thwack to the back of the head from Lily- "Idiot! Yes, she's your Grandfather's Familiar and serves your Family, but warn us next time, yeah?"- Hunter had nodded sheepishly.

First lesson was Defence Against the Dark Arts. It didn't go well.
Professor Nox was a sharp teacher who despised incompetence and fools. As such, out of the Marauders, only Remus did well in his class as James and Sirius seemed to be under the impression they knew everything there was to know about DADA and Wormtail followed their lead. The Quartet excelled- a deadly combination of Luc and Hunter's utter ruthlessness in battle, and Lily and Sev's strategic minds-, and Professor Nox had noted that in a fight, pitted against them, even the most seasoned fighter might have trouble. This had caused Hunter to give a feral grin.

"Today we will be studying a very interesting creature, and finding out something very important- your worst fears." Nox said as he surveyed the classroom, glaring at any rowdy or daydreaming students.
Hunter stiffened. "Boggart." He muttered. Unfortunately for him, Nox had the hearing of a bat.
"And how would you know that, Hunter?"

Everyone's attention was on the young Slytherin now.
"There was a Boggart at the Flamel's house." Hunter said shortly. "I came up against it. Not pleasant- my Boggart is a Dementor."
Lily, Sev and Luc grimaced almost as one. Clearly this was a bad thing, and Nox asked why. Hunter shifted in his seat a moment before looking the Professor square in the eyes. "I won't say why, but the memory- the main one- the Dementors force me to relive makes me collapse. Nicholas had to teach me the Patronus Charm, which, no, I will not preform. It is very personal to me."

"The main one?" Lily said in a horrified voice. Hunter shot her a look that clearly said 'Later.'

"What's the memory?" Sirius asked, and winced as the Quartet, not to mention the other Slytherins, glared at him.
"None of your business." Hunter's voice was level and he looked to his teacher. "Sir, it would not be a good thing for me to participate in this lesson, or any that involve Dementors or Boggarts. Believe me, if I thought I could handle it, I would take part, but I will not be able to handle it."

"Scared, Raime?" James sneered.
"We have established what I am afraid of, and I have explained why I cannot participate. If you cannot wrap your mind around so simple facts as those, then you will fail as an Auror." Hunter replied in a bored tone, though inside he was hurting. His father was a git.

James flushed an unpleasant shade of red at the jibe- everyone knew he planned to be an Auror. "Well at least I have a career plan!" he snapped defensively. "What about you, Raime?"
"I plan to clear some smears on my Family name, and then travel and expand my knowledge and help those who need it." He threw a friendly grin at his friends. "And of course spoil any Godchildren I may end up with."

Sev and Lily blushed, incensing James. Luc smirked at them. "Don't you mean Nieces or Nephews, Little Brother?" he reprimanded jokingly. Hunter shrugged, earning himself a glare from his Pureblood brother for this lack of decorum.
"Same thing to me. Godkids would be valued as Nieces and Nephews- as family."

"You're acting very un-Slytherin." Remus noted quietly. Hunter looked at him, a sad sort of amusement in his eyes. "Not all of us are Purebloods, you know. And we're Slytherins- we act how people expect us to act."
"How the hell are you in Slytherin then?" Sirius blurted, though with caution- he knew he was on very thin ice with the Quartet for the Hall incident. In fact, he now realised that his words might have made the ice crack. For some reason, he didn't want to know what would happen when it broke.
"Does the Hat say anything about Bloodlines having anything to do with sorting?" Hunter asked sharply.
"No, but-"
"Then I fail to see how my Blood Status pertains to my House." Hunter cut him off.

"Must be hard, being in a House with blood fanatics. Have any of them hexed you too badly?" James asked sympathetically. The Slytherins stiffened in anger. How dare he say they would attack the Heir- no, the Lord of Slytherin! An honourable Pureblood who hid his lineage to avoid the persecution that would no doubt be heaped upon him if he revealed his title!
"No." Hunter's voice was icy. "The only students who have done anything to harm me in any way go by the nicknames Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot, and Prongs."

Remus flinched as the well-aimed barb hit home. He glanced at his friends to see Peter trembling, James flushing, and Sirius looking uncomfortable.
"We didn't…" Remus trailed off as Raime stood up and stowed away his wand- today was a practical lesson, so no books were out- and gave him a long slow look that was filled with an unreadable sadness.
"I'm sorry to say, Moony, I've heard too many apologies, false or no, in my life for that one to make a difference. I would have thought with your furry little problem, you wouldn't be so hasty to stick people in categories. We don't all follow Voldemort you know- that doesn't affect where you're sorted to. Trust me on that one."

Remus bowed his head, shame flooding through him. Hunter was right. He had no right to judge people as Dark for something they couldn't control.
Before anyone could say anything else, Hunter surveyed Lily and the Slytherins. "Stay and learn to combat your fears." He ordered. "I will be fine on my own- I have some business to conduct."

With a bow to the Professor, Hunter spun on his heel and marched out of the room.

Hunter sat at his desk with a sigh, pinching the bridge of his nose and looking older than his years as he mentally drafted his letter to Gringrotts in his head. Finally, he pulled a piece of parchment with the Slytherin crest on it towards him, selected his best quill and ink, and began to write.

To whomever it may concern,

I, Hunter Charlus, Lord of Slytherin duly notify the Manager of my Family Accounts of the return of the Slytherin Line. I also would like to give you notice that I will come to Gringrotts at the earliest opportunity to sort some problems I have with my Family's state.

I ask that no monies or anything pertaining to House Slytherin be released to one Tom Marvolo Riddle, otherwise known as Lord Voldemort. His line is illegitimate.

I myself will prove my claim when I arrive.

May your gold flow.
Hunter Charlus, Lord of Slytherin.

Hunter walked to the Owlery with his scroll. Once there, he selected a sturdy but imposing owl, gave it the letter, and sent it off.

Walking back to the dormitory, he found himself in a disused hallway filled with unrecognisable, illegible paintings. This didn't bother him, as he knew Hogwarts would make sure he got to the dorm safely. And anyway, he could just use the pendant.

As he walked past, one of the largest paintings exclaimed "Merlin, Sal, that kid looks like you- the eyes!"
Instantly, Hunter's wand was pointed at the portrait, many spells ready on his lips.
"Of course he looks like me." A familiar voice snapped. "Don't you see his ring, Godric, you fool?" his voice softened and changed to a hiss. "Easy, Childe of mine. We mean you no harm."
"I'm not in the mood for annoying portraits or people, Grandfather, regardless of whether or not you're in them." Hunter snapped, casting a cleaning spell on the portrait and stowing away his wand. "My Father is a bullying imbecile who hates me purely on the basis that I'm a Slytherin, I had to step out of one of my favourite classes so I wouldn't pass out to the sound of my Mother screaming to my sociopath of a cousin for mercy before he kills her as she sacrifices herself for me, and to top it all off, I'm from the Future and have a manipulative bastard of a Headmaster trying to make me into his pawn! Then I have a voice yelling about me from an unknown portrait, a yell that, if anyone else had been around, could have blown the fact that I am Lord Slytherin wide open!"

There was a silence as his Grandfather digested this tirade, and Hunter took the chance to study the others in the portrait, who were staring at the clearly annoyed young man in front of them with interest.
There were three other people in the portrait, in thrones of Bronze, Silver and Gold respectively. Two were women- one a short round woman with red hair and brown eyes in buttery yellow robes with an old face marked with smile lines, the other an elegant brown haired brown eyed figure in robes of dark blue. The other man had blond hair streaked with grey and pale blue eyes. He was well built, wearing robes of deep red. His grandfather struck an imposing figure- as always- on his silver throne with black hair streaked with silver and the Family's emerald eyes that matched his robes.

Without thinking, Hunter dropped to one knee in front of the portrait, bowing his head. "Greetings, Noble Founders of Hogwarts."
"Get up." Salazar ordered the young man with slight annoyance in his voice, but it was tinged with fondness. "You are the Lord of Slytherin. You do not kneel, and never to Kin. Now, what exactly do you mean by your sociopath cousin killing your Mother? And how, by Lady Magic, are you from the future?"
The other Founders gaped in shock. "Hate Parseltongue." Godric muttered. "You miss so much."
Salazar shot him a glare, and he subsided as the young Lord launched into the story of his life.

By the end, the Founders were furious.
"Were I alive, he would be upon of my sword before he could think of so much as manipulating a fly!" Godric growled, his hand on the hilt of his sword.
"You would have to wait until I had finished with him, my friend." Salazar hissed, barely making it into English as his eyes flashed. "Oh how I wish to have him meet Isela."
"Where is his loyalty to Hogwarts!" Helga cried, distressed. "He has no right to be Headmaster!"

"He uses knowledge to his own ends!" Rowena screeched, looking every bit the bird of her House. "Knowledge should not be used like that! It is a gift for the benefit of all!"

"When he next comes in to gain our wisdom, I say we refuse the meddling goat." Godric said gleefully.
"There are four portraits of us in a room in the Headmaster's chambers, there to guide those who are given the honour of leading the school. It is connected to this portrait so that we have somewhere to go other than that tiny room. We do not, however, have any connection to the Portrait in your Common Room, which is why your Grandfather did not recognise you or know your story." Helga explained to Hunter, who looked interested at the Lion Founder's words. "We would much prefer it if we were hung somewhere more public, so we could guide the younglings and explain to our houses that Salazar is not a Mundane hater, and nor did he betray us all. In case you do not know, your Grandfather died protecting young Mage-children from Mundanes who meant them harm. The Mundanes in question were the children's Parents and Teachers. How the lies spread we do not know. Perhaps from Godric and Salazar's rivalry in tricking each other."

Hunter stared at his Grandfather incredulously. "You, you used to prank? Godric, I can see him doing something as nutty as being the Prankster Founder-"
"Hey!"
"-but you! Seriously!?"
"Oh, he was." Rowena giggled, putting a hand to her delicate mouth. "The only trick I didn't like him doing was painting my entire library green."
"What about the time he and Godric worked together on their tricks for once?" Helga reminded her friend, smiling at their flushing male counterparts. "The students thought of that as the best week they had ever experienced, though that might have something to do with the fact that their plans went a little wrong, and no one could leave the Great Hall for the entire week, which meant no classes."

"I will have to introduce you to some of the products of the Firebrand Twins- that's the Gryffindor Nickname for the Weasley Twins from my old time." Hunter choked, leaning against the wall to hold himself upright. "The Marauders…Moony's the only decent one at the moment, I'm sorry to say."

"Your Father must have become a decent man in the end to produce you, Cub." Godric said with a smile, but at the use of that name, Hunter's amusement faded, and he looked tired.
"Don't call me that. Please. Only Uncle Moony called me his Cub. I am only his Cub, no one else's. I am Prongslet, I am Pup, I am Bud. Please, don't, it hurts too much."

"Forgive me." Godric apologised. "I meant no offense."
"It's alright, I know you didn't." Hunter waved off the apology. "But anyway, as to my Mother and Father getting together, her and Sev are pretty much destined for a relationship so unless something like-"

Hunter choked, the blood draining from his face. His magic began to fill the air around him, crackling furiously, causing his robes to whip about him wildly. His hands balled into fists, and he punched the wall, his magic making it so a crack appeared where his fist hit. The young Slytherin began to swear, violently and viciously in Parseltongue, causing his Grandfather to gasp at the language pouring from his Heir.
"Hunter, my Snakeling!" Salazar cried, worriedly. "Speak to me! Explain what angers you so!"

"Dumbledore." Hunter snarled, his eyes blazing. "Grandfather, my parents are not even close, and then Mother suddenly changes and they become devoted to each other? Mother hates his guts, and from what I can see, that will never change. Unless someone used Love Potion on her, and Father would not- he's an arsehole, but he would never force his bedmates in any way."
"THAT MEDDLING OLD COOT!" Salazar shrieked, his eyes blazing as furiously as his descendant's. "HOW DARE HE CONTROL MY GRANDDAUGHTER SO! That is- is as close to allowing her to be Imperiused and raped as anything can get!"

"He will NOT get away with it this time, this I swear." Hunter hissed. "No one harms my Kin. Mother sacrificed herself for me, no way will I allow her to be violated so."

Switching to English, Hunter scanned the portraits in the hall, the occupants of which were staring at the two Slytherins in a mixture of fear, confusion, and interest.
"As Lord Slytherin, I command you." He hissed, barely making it into English in his fury- something he absently noted he would have to work on, it would not do to get pissed and start speaking Parseltongue in front of others. "Spread the word. The Headmaster is to be debilitated in small ways. Access to certain areas denied, things like that. Use your imaginations. Make his life hell."

"What did he do?" Godric asked.
"Used a Love Potion on my Mother- or at least he will try to." Hunter said grimly to the shocked gasps and oaths as he cleaned himself up and calmed himself down. "I will devise a way to get you four away from the Old Goat as quickly as possible and hung in the Great Hall. I will visit you when I can."
Hunter took hold of his pendant and disappeared.

It was dinner when Zaquar flew into the Hall. He did not, however, have a letter for Hunter. Instead, he bore two letters, one for Sev, and one for Luc.

Hunter swallowed, finished his food and then excused himself quickly, much to the concern of the Quartet and the Slytherins, who had come to understand what being part of Slytherin House meant, and were unswervingly loyal to him- not that he knew of their loyalty, but still. None of them had any interest or connection with Tom anymore- they all refused to call him Voldemort.

He ran because he knew what the letters contained.

"Where is he?" Sev hissed as he skidded to a halt in the hallway, his Brother at his side.
"I have as little an idea as you, Sev." Luc replied with a sigh. "He probably thinks we're going to be furious with him."
"Bloody bastardic uncle." Sev snarled, and Luc nodded grimly.

"Enough, Sev, we need to think." Luc pointed out. "We need to think like Hunter. Where would he go?"
"Somewhere no one would be able to find him, somewhere he felt safe." Sev said immediately. Out of all of them, he was closest to their youngest, and that was saying something, as the four were practically joined at the hip.
"The Chamber." Luc realised, lowering his voice- now tinged with awe- as he spoke of the Legendary place.

"Where's the entrance though?" Sev said, annoyed. "He won't tell anyone- something about our minds not being safe."
"Legilimency, I'd wager he means." Luc said grimly. "But…Hunter did grumble once about 'That dammed girl who haunts that bloody farce of an entrance. I mean, it's Slytherin cunning, but horrifyingly mortifying."

"Let's think." Sev said slowly. "The only Ghost that comes to my mind is…Moaning Myrtle. She- That's it!" he yelled suddenly, attracting the attention of passing students. He winced and quieted himself. "Moaning Myrtle was killed by Isela. What if…what if the entrance is in her bathroom?"
"It would make sense. 'Slytherin cunning, but horrifyingly mortifying', remember?" Luc agreed, and the two quickly made their way to the bathroom and simultaneously cast Notice Me Not Charms on the door just as Myrtle realised that her bathroom had been breached at a time when Lord Slytherin had ordered her to not let anyone in, and to top it off, they were boys.

"OUT!" she shrieked, zooming up and towards the two, who backed up.
"Miss Myrtle, please!" the blond one shouted. "We need to speak with Hunter- Lord Slytherin!"
Myrtle screeched to a halt in shock. Not only had this boy addressed her politely- obviously a Pureblood, she mused- but he knew about Lord Slytherin and where the entrance was hidden.

She also noted they were Slytherins. So. Under the Lord's protection then.

"What do you want with Lord Slytherin?" she asked suspiciously.

"Miss Myrtle, please, If it's no trouble, could you please go into the Chamber and tell Hunter- Lord Slytherin, I mean, that his Brothers are here and that we aren't angry with him, and we swear we won't hex him or harm him in any way?" The other boy begged, worry clear in his eyes. "We want to thank him. No one else had the leverage…" he trailed off.

Myrtle nodded decisively. Clearly these two meant no harm to her Lord, and though clearly not related, called him Brother, indicating a close bond. And clearly something important had happened.

"Very well. I will inform him of your message. But if he will not speak with you, you will leave, understood?"

"Yes Ma'am." The two nodded quickly.

Myrtle gave them one last look and then dived through the floor.

A few minutes later, she came back up, and almost instantly afterwards, the sinks drew apart, making the two boys gasp in awe as Hunter appeared, looking apprehensive.

"Hunter." The two breathed in relief, but knew not to approach him just yet. "Thank you. Lord Flamel did it, we're free! Because of you."

"I-I couldn't just leave it." Hunter sheepishly rubbed the back of his neck. "I'm sorry-"

"Haven't you been listening to a word we said, silly little Brother?" Luc asked softly, pulling the too-tiny teen into a gentle hug. "We're thanking you. We're not mad."

"Oh." Hunter relaxed, smiling shyly. "That's good."

The three made their way to their spot on the grounds at the base of a thick oak near a small brook and were met by Lily, who looked excited.

"What's got you all hyped up?" Sev asked as they conjured a blanket and sat back in their customary tumble- Sev and Luc against the tree with Hunter and Lily leaning against them, Lily against Sev and Hunter against Luc.

"There's been an announcement posted in all the Common Rooms." Lily replied. "All fifth years and above doing CoMC are going on a three day trip."

"Fuck." Hunter swore, his head spinning with the implications. "That bloody Old Goat has something planned."

"Explain." Luc ordered, frowning. They all knew- all Slytherins and now Lily- that the Headmaster was not as Light as he made out. Hunter had coined a name that suited him perfectly- Old Goat.

"I am never without any of you. What would be the best way to get me alone?"

"Remove us somehow." Lily replied and her eyes widened.

"I doubt he plans to remove you permanently, but I am not doing CoMC. You three are- I doubt it's a coincidence."

"But why?" Lily asked.

"Lil, he's Nicholas Flamel's Ward, and has the complete and unswerving loyalty of the entirety of Slytherin House. If the Old Goat got control of Hunt…well." Sev scowled

"My point exact- Wait, what? I have the loyalty of the entire House? When did that happen?" Hunter asked, completely stunned. Luc smirked and didn't answer.

"Well we just won't go then." Sev said firmly.

"It's compulsory." Lily sighed. "I did wonder why."

"Watch your food and drink and keep your wand on you at all times." Hunter advised. "Sev, you know a spell to check for potions and charms right? Do it before each meal or before you eat anything. It'll be best if we take no chances."

Hunter stood on the platform and waved as the train carried his friends away on their trip. The only good thing he could honestly see from all of this was that James and Sirius were on the trip, leaving only Remus and Wormtail to be the typical Gryffindors and be cruel and bullying to the Slytherins. However, Wormtail was too spineless to do anything without backup, and Remus was slowly but surely pulling his head out of the sand.

As Hunter was walking back, someone bumped into him and he flinched, but shot out a hand to stop the student from falling over. The student looked up, and Hunter removed his hand as though he had been burned- the student was Remus Lupin.

Remus looked up to both thank and apologise to whoever he had collided with, but it froze on his lips as he looked into the wary green eyes of Hunter Raime.

"I- Thanks Raime." He managed nervously. "And sorry. I wasn't concentrating."

"Ah." Raime nodded and continued to walk, eyeing him as he fell into step beside him. "I nearly forgot about that. Full moon tonight, and the strongest of the Pack gone, right?"

"Y-yes." Remus eyed the Slytherin. "How do you know so much about Werewolves?"

Raime shrugged, a sad smile appearing on his face. "You meet your first Were, you do research."

"I've never seen you smile before." Remus blurted without thinking. The smile disappeared.

"One doesn't tend to smile at bullies."

Remus winced, but Raime acted like it had never happened, looking at him with a softer emotion in his eyes.

"No one ever bothered to help you before the Marauders, did they?" he asked softly. "Not even your Parents."

"They were scared." Remus protested, automatically rising to his parents defence. "They didn't know what to do- Dad blames himself."

"As he should, as it was partially his fault. But now three teens have put a hell of a lot on the line for you, and don't care what anyone who knows thinks of your friendship with them. I get it, Lupin. It's like that- sort of- for me and the Quartet."

"I- they sort of took place of my Family supporting me. No one really cared how I dealt with it before, just that I did." Remus replied slowly. "Why would the Quartet take the place of your Family?"

"My Parents were murdered when I was eighteen months old." Raime replied, staring into the distance. "My Aunt and Uncle weren't too pleased when I was, quite literally, left on their doorstep. They never showed me any kindness, but kept me out of fear of what would happen if they did not. Still, they got a slave and punchbag out of it, so it evened out for them."

Suddenly Raime's eyes widened, and he stared at Remus in shock. Before he could say anything, Raime was gone, lost in the crowd.

Remus stared after the teen, trying to recall where he'd seen that reaction before. Then it hit him. Sirius, before he'd moved in with the Potters, when he'd thought he'd said too much about his home life. Quickly, Remus compiled all he had on Raime. It all led to one conclusion- Raime had been abused.

Hunter sat down at dinner that night, absently waving his wand over his plate due to habit. He honestly wasn't that surprised when he found potions lacing his meal.

Gathering his anger, he pushed back the bench with a screech that silenced the Hall and strode towards the door. He was halfway there when Slughorn called "Hunter? What's wrong?"

Hunter turned at the door, his eyes blazing the colour of an AK. "What's wrong? Someone's laced my food with Loyalty and Compulsion Potions!"

The hall burst into uproar, everyone shouting. Many Slytherins and Ravenclaws checked their food. Some yielded results. Slughorn hurried over to his House and quickly checked Hunter's food, his normally kindly and happy face creasing into a frown as he found the Potions just as Hunter said.

Hunter sighed, summoned his wand and sent up a loud bang. The entire hall went quiet and many turned to stare at him.

"I am going to the Owlery. Nicholas and Perenelle will hear about this. I would advise anyone with contaminated food send word to their Families at once."

Hunter sat quietly in the Headmaster's office as the Professors talked, Fawkes upon his knee, the bird crooning happily as he rubbed his head gently- the Phoenix was not Dumbledore's like most thought, but had been Godric Gryffindor's Familiar, who, after his Master's death, had tied himself to the school so that he could watch over it for the rest of his life.

Suddenly the fire in the grate blazed green, and Nicholas's voice came from it, clearly worried and upset. "Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore, open the way this instant, or I'll hang you from the Astronomy Tower by your beard!"

At that, Hunter had to stifle a smile. He'd pay to see Nicholas- or anyone really- do that to the Old Goat.

Dumbledore hid his annoyance and opened the network, smiling genially but with worry lined in his features. This slipped as Nicholas strode past him, followed by a stately looking woman who could only be Perenelle, both ignoring him completely, and pulling Hunter into a warm hug.

Hunter flinched and went stiff, the contact taking him by surprise. Slowly he relaxed and hugged back. He was then pulled into Perenelle's arms and hugged before he was allowed to sit down, both of them hovering behind his chair, a hand on each shoulder.

"What exactly happened, and why are there not Wards around the School protecting against such things as this?" Perenelle said in a deathly calm voice filled with a quiet danger.

Babbling at the shock at being in the presence of the Flamels, Slughorn blurted out his account of events.

"What interests me" Professor Nox said "is that Hunter checked his food for contamination."

Hunter shrugged. "My instincts told me something was wrong, I trusted them and checked- lo and behold, I find my food contaminated."

"Good instincts." Nox said approvingly. Hunter shrugged.

"I've always had good instincts, they're almost never wrong."

"Mipsy will bring you food from now on until Wards are constructed to combat drugging and the like by an unbiased professional, and said wards are checked by another unbiased professional." Nicholas declared. Hunter opened his mouth, but Nicholas foresaw his question. "She will also bring food for your close friends, the Quartet. Fear not for them."

"Nicholas, really-"

"Albus, the Elves would have only slipped potions into Hunter's meal if they were ordered to by someone in authority- a Professor. I will not allow the chance for tampering with Wards that will protect innocent children, particularly when my Ward is on the receiving end! Anyone could be being drugged right now, and we have no way to tell who is doing the drugging."

"Nicholas." Hunter said suddenly, leaning forward. "I-I think there's a something hidden on that wall." He pointed to a wall covered with bookshelves crammed with books.

Ignoring Dumbledore's protests, Nicholas pulled out his wand, pointing it where his Ward directed, and muttered a complex- sounding incantation. With a bang, the shelves were replaced with a door that burst open to reveal a room with four portraits of familiar people. Hunter quickly walked in, followed by everyone else, and bowed to his Grandfather. Fawkes flew over to Godric's Portrait and crooned happily at the man.

"My Lord Salazar." He bowed deeply, ignoring the gasps from the Professors who hadn't seen the portrait in the Common Room, and continued "Might I be correct in assuming your companions are the other Founders?"

"Greetings, my Snakeling." Salazar smiled, in turn ignoring the murmurs at his friendly epithet for the young man. "Yes, you would be quite correct. What in Merlin's name are you doing in here though?"

"I felt the magic hiding this room, My Lord, and thought it best to ask Nicholas to check it. It felt…almost like whatever was in this room wanted out."

"An astute young man." Rowena mused, causing Professor Flitwick to squeak in excitement- he had realised who she was, mainly by the Diadem on her brow- "Yes, you would be correct in thinking that, young Slytherin. We are here to give advice and wisdom to continue in the running of our school. However, we would much prefer to be hung in a more used area, so we may see the students of our Houses. The Great Hall is our favoured option."

"Then it shall be done, Lady Ravenclaw." Nicholas declared, bowing to the Founders. "I think such a simple wish of such great people can be granted, don't you Albus?"

Hunter nearly ruined everything by dancing a jig and hugging Nicholas. Now Dumbledore couldn't refuse- It would ruin his Grandfatherly but Senile image.

"Of course!" Dumbledore gave a fake smile and upped his twinkle. "Libby, Noddy, Candy, Freda!" he called, and four House Elves popped into the room. "Yes Headmaster Sir?" the lead one squeaked as they all bowed.

"Could you hang these portraits in the Great Hall for me?"

"Yes Headmaster Sir." With a pop, the portraits were taken by the House Elves. Fawkes followed with a flash, to guard the Portraits so that Dumbledore could not tamper with them.

Nicholas stopped any questions being fired at Hunter by turning and pulling the boy out of the small room, guiding him towards the door of the office. "Perenelle and I shall escort you to your Dormitory, Hunter, and then we shall leave."

Without waiting for an argument, the three swept out of the room.

Hunter started up and put the book he was reading to one side as a mournful and desperate howl rang through the grounds. As soon as the Flamels had left, he had made his way to the Chamber, where he and Isela had laughed about how easily he had sidestepped the Great Chessmaster's rather pathetic and predictable move and knocked a vital piece of his control- it was very likely that he potioned others to put them under his control- off the board.

Hunter raced through the labyrinthine passages of the Chamber, heading to the way out into the grounds. He recognised that howl- Moony. It was a full moon tonight, and with James and Sirius gone, he wouldn't put it past the Rat to either not go, or do something to Moony. Besides, even if the Rat was with Moony, he was to small and too low down in the Pack to have any control over the young Wolf.

Skidding to a halt at the entrance, Hunter grabbed his pendant and disappeared.

Moony howled as the silver chains burnt him. How could his Packmate betray him so?

Suddenly, the door to his Den flew open, and a figure stood in the entrance, staring at him. The intruder smelt of his Packmate that was Alpha, and the Female his Alpha wanted as Mate- almost as if he was their Cub, so by extension, a Cub of the Pack, and not to be harmed. He also smelt of wind, and feathers, and horse.

"That damn Rat!" Alpha's Cub snarled, and darted forward to kneel by him, staring at the chains that bound him, shaking the thing that kept them on him. Making annoyed and furious sounds, the Cub reached into one of his back paw coverings and pulled out a set of small sticks the same colour as what bound him. Moony whined and tried to pull away as Alpha's Cub bought the sticks closer. The Cub stopped and huffed out a breath.

"They're not silver, Uncle Moony." He said. "They won't hurt you, okay?"

Quickly, the Cub used the sticks to free him, and he staggered upright, only to fall as the places the chains touched had burnt him. He yelped as Alpha's Cub pulled him onto his back and made his way out of the Den, freezing the angry tree.

"We're not staying there." Cub growled as he tried to protest, to order the Cub back to the Den. "The Rat will be back in the morning, and he probably plans to wipe this from your memories. We're going to My Den, okay?"

Moony subsided, grumbling. The Cub was right. The Betrayer would return when he became Human again, and would probably have a way to stop him from remembering the Betrayal.

The Cub stalked across the ground and into the Forest, going in until he came to a grille in the ground. He hissed, making Moony whine- Humans weren't supposed to make Snake sounds- and the grille disappeared. The Cub carried him through smelly tunnels and finally stopped in a large cave. Instantly Moony was on alert- the Den smelled of Snake and Danger. However, he lay down when he saw the Cub was relaxed and unafraid. He was just dozing off when the smell of Snake and Danger got closer. Instantly, following instinct, he bolted to his feet, completely disregarding his injuries, and stationed himself between the Cub and the Snake.

"No, Moony, shut your eyes, now!" the Cub yelled, and for some reason, he obeyed. Sibilant hissing filled the room, and he recognised one as the Cub.

"Uncle Moony, it's okay now." The Cub said after a while. Opening his eyes and seeing the Snake coiled up a few feet from them set Moony growling.

"For Salazar's sake!" the Cub said exasperatedly. "She won't harm me, and she won't harm you as I have ordered her not to. Calm down, before you hurt yourself."

The Cub seemed to be comfortable and safe here, even with the Snake, so he relaxed cautiously, curling into a ball in the soft bed near his Cub- it had appeared out of thin air- and fell asleep to the feel of a human paw running through his fur.

AN:

Parseltongue

Thoughts

Chapter Five

Remus was cold when he awoke. Shivering, he curled into the dog bed, the memories of last night flooding his mind. He started when a pile of his clothes entered his vision, and he nodded his thanks to Hunter, who turned as he dressed.

"Wh-where's the Basilisk?" he asked nervously.

"Isela went into her Den earlier when I left to get you your clothes." Hunter replied, grabbing his book and taking a firm hold of the teen's arm and guiding him out down the passages to the grate. He wasn't going to trust Remus with the whereabouts of the main entrance- they weren't friends in this time after all.

"Are you the Heir of Slytherin?" Remus blurted without thinking as the two slowly made their way across the grounds, Remus leaning on Hunter. He flushed, but Hunter tipped back his head and laughed heartily.

"I will not answer that question, only say that the line of the Gaunts- Voldemort's line- is illegitemate. And my Mother may or may not have been from a Squib line that lost all connection with the Magical world. I would also ask you to keep such a suggestion to yourself."

Remus nodded in understanding at Hunters guardedness.

"You recognised me for what I was." Remus said quietly. Hunter stiffened slightly. "You knew what I was from the moment you set eyes on me. How? No book gives you the knowledge to tell a- my kind when they're in human form."

Hunter was silent as they made their way across the grounds.

"When I was little, there was a boy, Nathaniel." he said finally, surprising Remus, who had thought he wasn't going to get an answer. "His family moved about a lot, but he was one of the only people to ever be nice to me. One full moon, my Aunt and Uncle locked me out as punishment. I...ran into Nathaniel. He was a Muggle, and so didn't have any Wolfsbane. I was completely terrified, as any five year old would be, but Nat somehow fought the Wolf and ran away. God only knows how. But when he was fighting the Wolf, his eyes changed to his human ones- I recognised him immediately."

"What happened to him?" Remus asked.

"Every full moon, he had to hunt." the teen sighed. "We lived in a suburban area, so he ate pets. My Uncle blamed me at first, but he watched me on full moons and soon realised it wasn't me- even he wasn't that stupid. His sister bred dogs, and she stayed with us for a while with her favourite one- on a full moon. Nat, he-" Hunter choked and took a steadying breath. "He came to out house that night, and decided Ripper would make a good meal. My Uncle had somehow gotten hold of silver bullets." Hunter grimaced and nodded grimly as horrified comprehension dawned on Remus's face.

Somehow, without either of them realising it, they had ended up in the Hospital Wing, and attracted the attention of Madame Proudfoot, who was in harried conversation with several Professors and Remus's parents. Wormtail was hovering in the shadows, looking terrified.

Seeing the two Proudfoot shrieked and barrelled over. Remus felt Hunter tense, but was then ripped away from him and steered to a bed where the Mediwitch set about cataloguing and Healing his injuries.

"Hunter, how exactly did you get involved in this situation?" Slughorn asked, frowning.

Hunter gave a lopsided shrug. "If one sees a fellow in need, one ought to help, ought they not?"

"Well,yes." Slughorn sputtered. "But I was under the impression you don't like the Marauders."

"I have no dislike of them, only an exasperation and an annoyance that so much potential is wasted in bullying people purely because of house or who they're friends with. Besides, as a friend once said, I have a saving people thing, much to my annoyance."

"Nathaniel?" Remus asked tentatively, much to the confusion of everyone else. Hunter turned to look at him and nodded shortly.

"We both knew there was nothing I could do, but...lets just say bullets hurt, and then trying to stop the silver from killing him...last time he cracked a joke."

"Could the two of you please elaborate for the rest of us?" Dumbledore asked, with the annoying twinkle in his eyes as always.

"Not a rats chance in hell, Headmaster." Hunter said in a tone devoid of emotion.

"Mr Raime-"

"Professor McGonagall, it is my decision as to who knows what I want known about me, and I say no."

"Please, Professors, don't force it out of him." Remus pleaded, shocking everyone. "Not this."

"Very well Mr. Lupin." The Lioness nodded, unwilling to push something that caused one of her Lions to protect a Snake.

"Right now though..." Hunter gave Wormtail quivering in the corner an evil look. He pushed past the adults and stood in front of the pathetic, and, somehow, a Gryffindor, and spoke lowly, raising a Parseltongue spell around them to keep his words private and the others away.

"Wormtail." He stated, allowing the sibilant hiss of Parseltongue into his voice, and had the satisfaction of seeing the rat quake where he stood.

"Remus John Lupin trusted you with his secret, and you repay him with burning chains and cowardice. He has protected you from the day you arrived here, as have the other Marauders, and I think we can both agree that you will not have their trust or protection once Remus tells them of this- and don't think he won't, I'll make sure of it." He paused, "On to...other matters. Give Voldemort this memory so that he may hear this message."

"Tom Marvalo Riddle of the illegitemate Line of Gaunt. Your claim to the Slytherin line is absolved, and you may no longer bear the Family's noble name. Clear out of Slytherin Manor, and take your slaves and prisoners with you. You have until Halloween to do this, and if you do not...you will feel the power of the wards Grandfather put in place. Now, I imagine you are having a tantrum, torturing everyone in sight, and plotting to destroy me, the Lord of Slytherin. Such petty and childish antics will not amuse me, and will bring my full wrath on you- not that you will not feel it, you will only feel it sooner than I planned.

Also, don't come anywhere near Isela, or any picture of Grandfather. You will sorely regret it if you do."