Adult-FanFiction.org : Harry Potter

Carefully Tangled Webs of Darkness	By : Ladygreychaton Category: Harry Potter > Slash - Male/Male Views: 37442 -:- Recommendations : 1 -:- Currently Reading : 4
Disclaimer: Do not own Harry Potter, characters, rights to, any books, movies, songs, poems or references made. Harry Potter belongs to J.K Rowling, this is just for fun, with no intentions of profit.

Chapter List
- 14
- 15
- 16
[[Do not own Harry Potter, characters, rights to, any books, movies, songs, poems or references made. Several hints to Harry Potter books, but again belong to J.K. Rowling. Any further things belong to their original owners, aside from original characters. Used with no intention of profit!
Quotes from Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, Pottermore, Wikia, hints at other books, or other things I may have forgotten, none of them belong to me! ]]
(( Anything with a * next to it, is a direct quote. I may have forgotten a few, but I obviously do not own them. I just enjoy using the direct quotes when applicable. Canon is enjoyable as well as non. ))

The Hogwarts Express was pulling away from the station, and the shift in motion momentarily caused Hecate to shift her grip on Harry's shoulder. She squawked, only to be soothed lovingly by her wizard's hands. The green-eyed boy rubbed beneath her beak and down her neck, whispering softly as he tried to ignore the jolt of the train.
Zabini thought he was a vampire for reasons beyond his comprehension. He thought--- likely, from how he reacted to Draco--- that the blond was a... what had the term been? Dazzedly, he searched his memory from his Defense book for the correct word then sighed. He thought the Malfoy boy was his thrall, and thus was convinced that he was controlling him. Not realizing that it was a matter of Draco being a Black scion as well as a Malfoy. What had Zabini said? 'You reek of blood', and that he was 'Just like his mother' or something, similar to a woman who called herself the 'Black Widow Zabini'. She likely was a vampire. The only problem with this was that Harry was not.
Curiously, a thought entered his head, making the already chaotic gears in his mind whir and grind. Why did he smell like blood to Zabini? How could he tell? Sure his diet had changed since the birth of Ren's sack, but he didn't think that would be a cause. He was hardly normal. Deep down, the young wizard was acutely aware of his own differences. Meeting with Diaboli, the mad scholar had often assured him that no, his Kind did not communicate with spiders. They did not think the dark was their brethern. It was not their haven. They could not meld with their kin, and they did not change unless they had creature blood in them or underwent dark rituals. What he was, Diaboli often remarked, was an enigma. The ruby-eyed figure would laugh with glee, and announce that he would very much like to study him when he had a body to do so. Harry ignored him.
But how had Zabini spotted something... off about him? Did he give off a vibe? Cautiously, he sniffed the air, and found no scent around him other than his usual herbal remedies. A hint of patchouli and mint, rosemary, blended to be pleasing to the nose with some sage oil. He smelled faintly earthly, sweet, and clean, and spicy. The soaproot ensured that he frothed clean, and he bathed twice daily. Frankly, he wasn't certain how he could smell like blood at all. Yes, he was fond of eating rare meats, or bloodier meats. Sometimes, he'd often make gravies from them. Or he'd skipped a few and drank them as broth and ate a few thin-cut meats, mostly beef. But that wasn't too abnormal. Sure, he'd cut back on most other foods, aside from sugars and carbs like rice and potatoes... but he was a growing boy. Tastes changed.
Harry bit his lip, staring at Zabini, but could hardly ask him as Draco rambled on to the two others in their compartment. Apparently, their names were Vincent Crabbe and Gregory Goyle. He'd known the Crabbe child a long time, and some other boy by the name of Nott. Goyle was well-known to his family, but he'd had less time to get to know him personally. The Crabbe family often worked as a sort of Vassal to the House of Malfoy, he informed them, and the Goyle family was interested in the protection offered. In return for being a pair of walking 'goons', or friends, the two would be essentially bought and paid for, taken care of by a prestigious family. It wasn't a bad deal, but Harry couldn't help but find it odd.
Zabini yawned, the aloof boy rolling his eyes. Harry couldn't help but smile a little, agreeing slightly with the rambling of the blond as the two goons grunted in agreement with whatever Draco said.
"Are you going to talk all day? Merlin, I hope the trolley witch gets here soon, you're dull," Zabini cut the blond off as he went on another stream about how it was appropriate for them to follow at certain paces behind him, and to always find him amusing. Strangely, he always reminded the two that as he was beneath Harry, they were further beneath him as well.
Draco gaped like a fish for a moment, his mouth dangling open. Apparently, he didn't often get spoken to in such a manner. "How dare you! It is important to inform one of their duties! It keeps the channels of communication open, I am preforming a highly important task---"
The dark boy glanced at the ceiling of the compartment, as though questioning the deities that made him put up with the blond pureblood. "I hardly think they're listening, let alone have the brain power to comprehend your speech, Malfoy. So why don't you shut your bloody mouth and save the headache for the rest of us, yeah?" Blaise offered with a sweet smile.
Draco was about to respond when he heard Harry choke on a laugh, politely trying to hide it behind a gloved hand and a cough. Blaise, who knew what it was, smirked at him behind half-lidded eyes, looking like a pleased cat.
Harry coughed again, smothering what was left of the sound and clearing his throat. "I think what Blaise is trying to say is that perhaps there are other more interesting topics, and perhaps we should find one we could all mutually find interesting?" It was a diplomatic question, and something he'd been carefully working on with Diaboli. Cultivating friendships was important, he was often reminded. Especially with 'the right people', and making sure he didn't draw attention from 'the wrong sort'. Always appear civil and polite, the mad scholar often remarked.
Blaise's golden eyes practically glowed with amusement, and the young Potter-Black knew that he was aware of what he was attempting. Oh yes, he would have to be careful around this one, he was far too alert. Draco, however, puffed and shook his head, starting a rant again. Harry however, was more interested in the glint of amber in his ear, the droplet of lemon amber dangling that matched his own. Strangely, he would've been certain that Malfoy would've been looking, just as Zabini was, so then why was he---?
His mouth opened of it's own accord, deciding to voice the question. "You're not out?" The green-eyed wizard voiced curiously, motioning to Draco's left ear. Harry's head tilted and he blushed, murmuring quietly, "Sorry it's just, as a Malfoy I had expected you to be promised or looking."
Malfoy's rant cut off, somewhere between how what he had been discussing with Crabbe and Goyle had been interesting to the whole compartment and his father with a clack. Gray eyes blinked widely at him in confusion then he glanced at Zabini and arched a brow as though to say, 'Is he for real?'
To which Zabini shrugged, shaking his head, apparently catching the message and understanding. Poor Harry was terribly confused, wondering what he had missed. Draco sighed, leaning his head back dramatically. "You really don't know, do you, Potter-Black?" He muttered quietly, almost as though he didn't expect an answer.
"Know what?" Harry asked, looking between the two, since he certainly didn't expect an answer from Crabbe or Goyle. He highly doubted they'd offer anything other than dim replies. Most likely not anything worth knowing, from what he'd seen.
Zabini folded his hands across his lap, scooting down lazily. "He can't be promised, or be looking, Harry," the darker boy looked smug, practically cooing. Blaise seemed terribly pleased by this, and took great pride in being the one to tell him, he could see. The way he said his first name made Sobek jump beneath his skin, his front four legs extended. "He doesn't have permission, you see? As one of your's, you have to tell him who to date, who to see. Or at least, approve of it. You have to tell him if he's out. If you say so, the line of Malfoy will die with him..."
Harry sat in stunned silence, glancing hesitantly over at Draco for confirmation. But from how quiet and still he was, he could guess that it was true. The blond was still, pale with lips drawn and staring at his shoes.
"I won't do it," He said slowly, trying to reassure someone, anyone. Himself, maybe. "I wouldn't do that to someone. Make them date someone they don't like. Or... let a family just die off. I suppose... when you want to be out, let me know. We'll discuss potential matches, set it up with your family. All in due time, maybe when we're older. I plan on being out when I'm in my third or fourth year, perhaps we'll discuss it then. You have my word."
He'd began too... emotionally. Mustn't be a pushover, mustn't let them see his weakness. Diaboli's warnings rang hotly in his ears. 'Don't rule with your heart, or they'll eat you alive. Be patient, be practical. Be political. Even if you're going to cling to that sense of justice, or your nobility, do it with careful social manipulation. Think boy, think. Always think before you speak.'
Draco seemed a bit relieved, and he smiled slightly. Blaise was watching him with an expression that he couldn't read, but something told him he'd just made life harder for himself, for he felt very much like a large cat had claimed him. The image of the Zabini boy as a panther amused him slightly, and Harry's lips twitched upwards, just as the compartment door opened revealing two harried looking students.
"Have you seen a toad? A boy named Neville's lost his," a girl haughtily pronounced, not bothering to introduce herself. She seemed rather assertive, and Hecate flared in disapproval, giving a small shriek.
The two purebloods sharing his compartment seemed to share the raven's opinion, Blaise's eyes narrowing and his good humour vanishing. Whereas before he had been slightly sarcastic and teasing, now he was cold and arranged himself stiffly. Draco sat smoothly, his pointed features becoming a sneer that made him look unattractive, despite how his fine bone structure from long lines of aristocracy, it made him look pinched. The two 'goons' seemed to recognize the drop in mood and glanced up from their discussion on the finer points of mutton through the ages, and rumbled at the witch who was near a huddled figure.
Harry sighed, and Kali chuckled. 'You're going to rescue her, aren't you, Darling?' The False Widow teased, her hiss and clatter sounding like the fond taunt that a family member could only assume with a loved one. He wanted to chide her, but was once again left unable to verbally voice his complaints. And damnit if she didn't know it.
"Are you a muggleborn?" He asked curiously, cutting in before Blaise and Draco could interfere.
The girl bristled, her bushy hair making her look rather like a cat with hair standing on end. She looked down her nose at him, and spat out proudly, "Yes, I'm the first witch in my family. We were rather excited to receive a Hogwarts letter. What does it matter?"
Harry wanted to feel sympathy for her, but she was being a bit obtuse. Here she was entering a culture and rather ignorant, though he would give her some lee-way, the rest was up to her. Smiling, he shook his head. "Mostly? It doesn't. Except, like most foreign countries, you are entering into a new culture. Witches and wizards have existed without subsiding for centuries and have their own belief system. You've actually offended two in this compartment by your entrance by being uninformed, though I do not believe you intended to do so. Perhaps when you enter next, you should research more than just spells and castles, you should study the social life and civilization as well, for they are an integral part of the whole." The green-eyed boy paused, and then took a calming breath, aware that she was gaping, revealing slightly larger than average front teeth. "As for your question, no we have not seen a toad. If we see it, we will be sure to let you know. Perhaps you should ask one of the upper years to summon it for you?"
The girl appeared to stutter, wanting to say something in her defense, but a chubby blond boy peeked in and cast his eyes down, politely nodding with a mumbled, "Th-thank you, Neville Longbottom, it was my t-toad, so... s-so thank you."
He then proceeded to drag her away, all the while listening to her rattle on and attempt to chew his ear off about how 'rude' they had been until the compartment door closed and the two were out of earshot.
Blaise burst into startled laughter, which was surprisingly joined by Draco, the two glancing at an awkward Harry who sheepishly grinned.
"Boy, you really are something else, aren't you?" Blaise laughed, smirking in a delighted manner. Draco nodded, agreeing with the darker boy for once.
Harry laughed, realizing he must have passed further into the waters of uncharted territory, the young wizard relaxing in a way that he didn't unless he was surrounded by the dark, by his companions. The group of children chatted, idly comparing things they got from the trolley witch when she came by with refreshments.
Blaise recommended that the black-haired boy try something called 'bloodpops' to which Harry grudgingly agreed, only to immediately fall in love with. Draco had wrinkled his nose, pronouncing them both mad and biting the head off a chocolate frog. Harry liked sweets in general, but found that too many made him ill. The refreshing taste of bloodpops was amazing, rather like treacle tart and roast dinner all in one. He'd bought the whole load, under Blaise's watchful gaze.
Over time the train seemed to be slowing down, and as it had been dark for some time, the boys decided to shift into their robes. Crabbe and Goyle moved out first, finding the lavatory more spacious with their bulky forms, leaving the other three alone for the moment. Draco, Harry, and Blaise quickly pulled off jumpers or overcoats, or fog coats. Even dressed to look simple or 'muggle-friendly' for the train, the young boys looked quite posh and obviously wealthy, Harry included.
The black robes were rather plain over the silken white shirts, pressed and formal on each boy. Their plain ties waiting for the affiliation of house that would soon follow. Although it was all very bare, it was obvious that the dark garments were made from good cloth, and stood out with colorful spells to Harry's eyes.
"So Slytherin, eh?" Draco murmured to Blaise in conversation, adjusting his tie into a proper windsor knot.
"Naturally," the caramel toned boy remarked, smoothing his collar to lie flat over his robes and making sure his amber droplet hung just right. "I doubt I'd qualify for another house, though Ravenclaw wouldn't be half-bad, I suppose. Intelligence, and all that."
Draco nodded, appearing to agree on the topic. "Better than Hufflepuff, or worse, Gryffindor," He shuddered in mock-horror. "Puffs aren't so bad, I suppose, they have their uses. But Gryffindors? Mental, the lot of 'em. I'd write to father for a re-sort."
Blaise laughed, and Harry frowned in confusion. When he'd passed a car earlier he'd heard the exact opposite mumbled by others, about how if they were put in Hufflepuff it was were all the 'leftovers' went, or that all Slytherins were 'bad'. What a scewed perception some people had, really.
The Hogwarts Express pulled to a stop in some place called Hogsmeade Station that Harry had read about, where they were instructed to leave their trunks and luggage. It would be brought to the castle and be placed in their assigned rooms, as soon as they were sorted, or as always.
Older years were rushing off while a ginormous man, both in width and height was calling out, "Firs' years, Firs' years, over here!"
The hulking figure was holding a lantern, with a great bushy beard, and Draco gasped beside him whispering to Blaise, "Great Merlin, there's no way that man can be a wizard! I hope he's not a teacher!"
Blaise snorted, lightly elbowing the blond who innocently asked 'what?!' and elbowed the other back while Crabbe and Goyle shuffled nervously behind them all. Harry shook his head, wondering at his strange friends before they all headed towards the giant man.
"Firs' years are ta' cross the lake, no more than four a boat!" The man called, sounding like he had a very thick accent. Curiously the green-eyed boy glanced at the two beside him and found them nudging closer to him. He'd never had... friends his own age, honestly, so he wasn't sure what to make of this. He supposed it was... nice.
Blaise, Draco and himself claimed a boat, walking across the pebbled beach and climbing in. They didn't have long to wait, either, before they were joined by another making their party the assumed number four. It was a girl, of Asian descent who appeared to be rather quiet.
After a moment, Harry glanced around and decided to break the silence with a dip of his head. "Harry Potter-Black, a pleasure," he offered, not making eye contact until her name was given.
Draco sighed, but deciding to be polite did the same. "Draco, Draco Malfoy, scion of the House of Black," he offered proudly, keeping his eyes averted as well.
“Blaise Zabini, just Blaise thanks,” Blaise finally offered, his slanted eyes looking lazily down at his nails for flaws.
Hesitantly, the silence was filled with the voice of the single female in the boat. “Sue Li, a pleasure to make your acquaintance, thank you,” came her soft voice.
Eyes lifted to meet, now that social protocol had been met and shy smiles were exchanged.
“Li, hm? I’ve heard of you,” Draco began conversationally. “Doesn’t your family do trade in the Far East with stock and certain exotic breeds of Occamy? My father has been known to buy feathers made from Occamy down, and it’s the most gorgeous and soft creature... you can even get scales for items or transmutation.” He sounded fairly excited at the prospect, and Blaise perked a little.
Sue blushed prettily, but nodded. “Yes, my family has a wealth of knowledge in raising the Occamy. We’ve made an art of it, and are said to be the world’s leading supply, guide and nursery when it comes to the breed. It has lead to quite the following,” she admitted, sounding humble, despite how honest she was being. If what she said was true, then she was not bragging in the slightest, and could have gone on. She had not mentioned monetary wealth, after all, nor her part in it.
Before they could reply, however, the hulk of a man called for the boats to move forward across the lake and they were startled at the sudden movement. Harry held quite still, making sure that Hecate was settled. She flustered and flared beside him, and after a small exchange with her, Blaise decided to pipe up.
“Why don’t you just tell your familiar to go to the owlery? She’ll be able to visit you when she likes, but I don’t imagine she’ll be comfortable here... or allowed at night, Harry,” He offered, trying to negotiate with the boy who was fiddling with the leather jesses as the boat sped across the lake towards the lit castle.
“Yeah,” Harry sighed. Nuzzling his face against her feathered breast. “You hear that, ‘Cate?” he whispered. “You can see me in the morning, alright? Maybe bring me the paper, or a letter, we’ll need to write, after all... but go find the owlery, but no trouble,” the green-eyed boy chastised, to which he was met with a nip. Hecate seemed to huff and puff up as though personally offended, but as soon as she was released from her ties, she took wing with hardly a look back at her boy.
Harry watched her go with fond eyes, only to hear the boat’s occupants chuckle. “What?” he mumbled awkwardly, patting at his hair gently, remembering the spiders lodged within.
“You are fond of her,” Sue replied gently.
“She’s got you wrapped around her talon,” Blaise teased.
“Sucker,” Draco mocked.
Harry thought about shoving them overboard, but decided against it, instead splashing them to gales of laughter and offense. Their boat rocked and Draco’s high-pitched squeal’s out-matched even the sole girl of their group. Thankfully, they didn’t fall into the lake, though they later found out another student had.
When they reached the shore, their boats pulling up and settling against the opposing side against castle beach, Harry and the other’s took turns helping each other out. Surprisingly, very few bothered to help their own members out of the boat, and a few tripped or stumbled on their robes. Those that did seemed to be carefully documented by the purebloods among the children. They would be remembered, and they would be tallied. First impressions were very important, after all.
“Firs’ years wit’ me!” The ginormous man called, herding them together with his lantern once more. And as one, they filed together and marched up to the school. Almost immediately Crabbe and Goyle fell in step behind them, and Harry smiled reassuringly at Sue when she jumped.
Blaise and Draco kept up a surprisingly amusing commentary about the castle all the way to the front gates, whispered mockery about the landscape and how they would likely hire decorators that had the young Li girl in stitches. She gasped and tried to cover her mouth behind her hand, biting a knuckle in an effort to desperately appear calm and composed. Harry’s eyes were bright, feeling content in his choice to befriend the two. Maybe they were doing it for him, if their darted looks at him were anything to go by, but he enjoyed it just the same.
‘It’s a start,’ Pheobe agreed, mandibles shifting to breathe out happily, her chatter content over his left pectoral. Her voice was a soothing beat, like his heart, and he wanted to place his hand over her in agreement. His lips slid upwards into a smile.
At the door the man knocked three times, a booming sound that echoed. Sue jumped a little when the giant front doors opened, only to reveal a familar face to Harry. A stern witch with a tightly pinned bun underneath a pointed hat and green dress robes, her mouth drawn into a serious line.
“The firs’ years, Professor McGonagall,” the man greeted, gesturing behind him as though she couldn’t tell what they were doing here.
“Thank you, Hagrid, I will take them from here,” The woman nodded and flicked her hand behind her, dismissing him. The man entered, leaving the children alone with the woman, who lead them into the hall and to another set of doors. Dumbly they followed her, though she hadn’t spoken again, aware that she was an authority figure. Like ducklings they followed after the woman, then waited till she began to speak, trailing nervously, silently.
* “Welcome to Hogwarts,” said Professor McGonagall. “The start-of-term banquet will begin shortly, but before you take your seats in the Great Hall, you will be sorted into your houses. The Sorting is a very important ceremony because, while you are here, your house will be something like your family within Hogwarts. You will have classes with the rest of your house, sleep in your house dormitory and spend free time in your house common room.
“The four houses are called Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw and Slytherin. Each house has its own noble history and each has produced outstanding witches and wizards. While you are at Hogwarts, your triumphs will earn your house points, while any rule-breaking will lose house points. At the end of the year, the house with the most points is awarded the House Cup, a great honour. I hope each of you will be a credit to whichever house becomes yours.
“The Sorting Ceremony will take place in a few minutes in front of the rest of the school. I suggest you all smarted yourselves up as much as you can while you are waiting.” * Her eyes lingered on a few of the boys who appeared less than tidy, such as a redhead with a smudged nose. Harry did his best not to fidget, and straightened his posture.
* “I will return when we are ready for you,” said Professor McGonagall. “Please wait quietly.” *
Harry sighed, releasing a breath and glanced at Draco who immediately laughed. “Prat,” he muttered, shoving him into Blaise who made an an affronted noise and immediately went about fixing and smoothing his clothing, scowling at Harry.
There was dull whispering around them, and panicked muttering from down the way that they all tried to ignore. Sue giggled when she heard a redhead mutter something about a troll, gesturing widely so much so that he knocked into the other children.
“Well, we can rule out Ravenclaw for him,” She whispered lowly, and Harry nearly choked, surprised at the comment from the quiet and giggling girl. Nevertheless, he couldn’t help but agree, biting his lip as his shoulders shook with laughter.
“The Sorting Ceremony’s about to start,” Professor McGonagall announced, returning.
The doors opened and they followed after her, trailing two-by-two after the serious woman. Inside the room was an enormous Hall, which Harry had read was appropriately called ‘The Great Hall’, with four long tables filled with students sitting on benches. At the front of them was a slightly raised dias and another long table around which teachers sat, at the head sat a larger chair a man with a long white beard. From the books he’d read, Harry could correctly assume this was Headmaster Albus Dumbledore.
Candles floated above them for light, and there were large window panes high above the rafters when they craned their necks up to look. A glance also revealed the enchanted ceiling, made to reflect the night sky. It was lovely, and Harry smiled.
Coming to a stop in front of the long tables, beneath the watchful eye of the dais, Professor McGonagall brought out a stool and an old hat.
“When I call your name, you will put on the hat sit on the stool, and be sorted into your House,” she pronounced with finality.
Several students glanced dubiously at the Hat, wondering how on earth it would sort them at all, just as it’s bill seemed to rip open at the seams and it began to sing.
Oh you may not think I'm pretty,

But don't judge on what you see,

I'll eat myself if you can find

A smarter hat than me.
You can keep your bowlers black,

Your top hats sleek and tall,

For I'm the Hogwarts Sorting Hat

And I can cap them all.
There's nothing hidden in your head

The Sorting Hat can't see,

So try me on and I will tell you

Where you ought to be.
You might belong in Gryffindor,

Where dwell the brave at heart,

Their daring, nerve, and chivalry

Set Gryffindors apart;
You might belong in Hufflepuff,

Where they are just and loyal,

Those patient Hufflepuffs are true

And unafraid of toil;
Or yet in wise old Ravenclaw,

if you've a ready mind,

Where those of wit and learning,

Will always find their kind;
Or perhaps in Slytherin

You'll make your real friends,

Those cunning folks use any means

To achieve their ends.
So put me on! Don't be afraid!

And don't get in a flap!

You're in safe hands (though I have none)

For I'm a Thinking Cap!
Kali tensed, and began to move about his mindscape, scattering webs about as she could, while several others went to join her. A hat that could read minds? This did not bode well for Harry, no. They knew exactly what it was to get inside someone’s mind--- after all, they did it all the time. No, they would have to dampen all corners, hide all secrets, and pray to whatever deity listening that it worked. Harry paled, and Blaise looked at him in sympathy.

CDGaymer : Thank you kindly, I'm working on getting better, slowly. Yes, I liked how they were set up. Hopefully this chapter answers some of your questions, hm?
Tesgura : Yes and no? I think he's... a child. He's afraid of the power Harry's title wields, especially because of his parents. But he's a young boy who likely forgets easily and can't control himself just yet. He's heard a lot of Harry as a child, but he also wants to fit in and make friends...
starr : So it does! Things are going to only get more interesting from here, I hope. Next time the sorting!
Calixandria_420 : Details are important, as is a good plot. I'm trying to be very very careful in pacing it and making sure it turns out well so that everyone can enjoy it as much as I enjoy writing it (because I'm having loadssss of fun!). So I'm glad you like it!
rebekahalana : Thank you kindly, slowly working on getting better as well as trying to stay positive. I've got two stories I try and focus on when I have time to myself to keep myself busy... just so I don't dwell.
I like unique things, and though I've openly admitted to being terrified of spiders, I have a bit of a horrified fascination with them. I imagine his integration will take some time, and have future ideas for it to go further actually. Drawbacks and advantages, actually. But it's all about pacing yourself, so I can't implement it for some time... I imagine this story will continue for at least 50 chapters...
Stick with it and enjoy if you like!
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Carefully Tangled Webs of Darkness