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Corvus	By : LadyFreak Category: Harry Potter AU/AR > General Views: 23963 -:- Recommendations : 3 -:- Currently Reading : 7
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter, nor to I make any money from this story. These characters are JKR's, I just play with them.

Chapter List
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Disclaimer: I don't, and never will, own Harry Potter. All plots and characters belong to J.K. Rowling and company.

::Parseltongue::
/mind-to-mind with Huginn/
'thoughts'
"Normal Speech"

(24) Manipulations
::Master, Master! Please wake up Master!:: came Véurr’s hissing from beside him.
His head ached and he tried to remember where he was and what happened. He groaned low when he tried to sit up only to fall back again. He heard shouting in the background and listened in.
“This is the last straw Dumbledore. That boy has been antagonizing Corvus since school started and for no reason at that. All the other Professors have looked the other way, but I will not any longer. I am going to the board with my complaints.”
“Now Severus-”
“No! I don’t care if it’s your Golden Boy. My history is repeating before my eyes. A group of five, FIVE, attacked a lone Ravenclaw. They pushed him multiple times and then punched him when he wouldn’t give in. Then... THEN... they shoved him down the stairs! How is this alright?”
“And Mr. Lestrange got his retaliation. You know those boys will have those boils for the entire break. Not to mention you know what Charlie means to us...”
Corvus smirked to himself at the mention of the boils. So his aim was true? Good to know.
“No. I know what he means to you,” Severus continued, “and that is how he gets away with almost killing my godson! Twice!” he roared. “He’s a spoiled arrogant brat with not much more power than a squib, yet you stake all wizard kind on him?”
“Have you thought there may be history between the boys?”
“How can there be history? They never met before this past summer and even then it was a short meeting with Potter pushing Corvus down unprovoked in public. Ask Madam Malkin if you need another witness.” He took a deep breath, “Stop coddling the boy, it does nothing but enhance his arrogance and bullying. Then again, you have always supported bullies, haven’t you?”
“I-”
“I. Don’t. Care,” Severus hissed, cutting the old man off again. “I will not change my mind. I have already written to the board.” Corvus heard sharp footsteps walking towards his bed, and looked up to see his godfather approached. In a rare form of public affection, Severus grabbed Corvus in a hug.
“Oww,” Corvus rasped, but smiled at his godfather. “I’m so sorry, Severus,” he whispered, eyes burning. He blinked rapidly trying to keep the tears from flowing.
“You were right. I was not listening. The advice I gave was very poor and I apologize for not taking a stand sooner. This could have been avoided.”
“How did you know what happened? How long have I been here?”
“Just overnight,” the Headmaster replied, but Corvus ignored him and continued looking at his godfather.
“The Grey Lady and Nick were in the hallway and watched as you were pushed over the edge. You have been here for just under a day, Corvus. Today is Yule”
“Beautiful,” he drawled. “So I’ll miss Yule then.” Severus said nothing, but looked sympathetic. “When can I leave?”
“You will be staying here for the rest of break,” came the Headmaster’s voice again.
Corvus finally looked at the old man. He felt pressure on his shields and narrowed his eyes. “It is my understanding,” he started softly, coldly, “that attempting legilimency on someone, especially a minor, is considered illegal, Headmaster. I’d hate to see you go to Azkaban.” Severus looked furious and the old man looked surprised. The young wizard returned to speaking with his godfather. “Severus?”
“Madam Pomfrey-”
“Is no doubt influenced by the Headmaster. I’d like our family healer to come check me out. Does mother know? Has she been to visit?”
“She knows you were injured, but has not visited.”
Corvus’ brow rose. “Really?” he said. “That’s odd. I take it you had nothing to do with that fact, Headmaster.” He got no answer, but the blue eyes hardened. “I’ll be leaving now”
“I think not, Corvus,” the blue eyes started twinkling again.
“It is Mr. Lestrange, Headmaster. And it is not your decision, but the decision of a healer, which you are not,” he replied, putting his legs over the bed. He felt a bit dizzy but hid it well as he got to his feet. He made sure he had Véurr and mentally called to Huginn. When he got no answer, his eyes narrowed. “Where is Huginn?” he asked Severus.
The Potions Master looked surprised, “I figured he was resting in your room.”
“I cannot contact him. Where is my familiar?” When there was no answer he looked at Véurr and spoke to her. “Find Huginn,” he said in English. The snake nodded and dropped to the floor, slithering out of sight.
The three wizards stood and waited for the return of the snake. When she appeared she was hissing angrily. She slid up Corvus’ leg and wrapped loosely around his neck. She was now 18 inches long and fit comfortably. When his girl finally calmed down, Corvus glared at Dumbledore. “My familiar, if you please Headmaster”
The old man looked confused, but Severus saw through it. “You kidnapped a wizard’s familiar?” he asked with true surprise.
“Of course not, Severus! He was causing a ruckus and I simply sent a petrificus at him to keep him out of the way.”
Corvus was seething. “So you petrified and then kidnapped my familiar. If it wasn’t so, he would be in the infirmary with me,” he said matter of factly. “My familiar. If. You. Please,” he repeated through clenched teeth.
The old man left the infirmary and Corvus stepped to the fireplace. He threw in a fist full of floo powder and called his mother. He had her call the family healer to also come.
“Oh my gods, Corvus,” she said as she rushed from the fireplace and pulled him into her arms. After a moment, she stepped back and looked him over. “Are you okay? All I heard was that you fell and were healing!”
Severus looked surprised at that. “I thought Lucius got in touch with you!”
“We must have missed each other,” she replied, disappointed. “The Headmaster called by the floo but I wouldn’t let him through. He told me Corvus took a tumble down the stairs and had a broken arm that needed mending. He then told me I couldn’t even come see you!” She directed the last bit to her son. “After he shut off the call, I contacted our solicitors and Healer Jones in case he was needed. I couldn’t do anything until the floo opened again.” She held her son in her arms rightly.
“I didn’t fall. I was pushed. Down a flight of stairs,” Corvus replied in a cold voice.
Bellatrix’s face showed cold fury at this information. She looked to her old friend for confirmation, “Severus?” she asked
The Potions Master nodded. “The Ravenclaw and Gryffindor ghosts saw the whole thing.”
“Let me guess,” she started, “Potter?” the two wizards nodded and Bellatrix’s fury magnified. “And of course no punishment.” she spat out.
“They lost points and got three months of detention. No suspending or expelling for the Gryffindors of course.”
The fireplace flared again and an older gentleman stepped through. Healer Jones was the Lestrange healer and had watched over Corvus whenever Severus could not. He was a head shorter than the potions master and twice as wide. His tanned skin made the fuzz of white hair on the top of his head stand out sharply. He stepped towards Corvus and shook his hand. “My dear boy,” the old healer said in greeting, a hint of anger in his voice. “Let me check you over.”
The doors of the infirmary opened then and the Headmaster handed Corvus his still unconscious familiar.
Holding Huginn gently, he asked the healer to wake him up. A wave of a wand later and the bird was cawing a racket through the room. He went to fly at the Headmaster, but Corvus’ command stopped him.
“Huginn!” The Raven paused and flew to his outstretched arm.
/Young Master! I tried to get to you, I did. And then I tried to get to Severus, but the old man petrified me./
/It’s alright, dear Huginn. I know. He is abusing his privileges. From now on you stay with me./
“Apparently, he was going to get Severus when he was attacked... oh I’m sorry... petrified by the Headmaster. He was then left in the Headmaster’s office.” Corvus said when he saw the adults watching him. He turned to Healer Jones. “Could you please scan Huginn for anything out of the ordinary?”
After a quick wave of his wand, the Healer said the Huginn was fine, just hungry. After a second wave, he chanted a bit of Latin and a blue glow enveloped the bird, followed by a bright yellow glow. Tracking charms and failed loyalty charms then. Corvus narrowed his eyes at the Headmaster, who once again attempted to breach his defenses. He looked down quickly and ground out. “That is the second time, Dumbledore, and your last free pass. Next time I contact the board or the Ministry. And I think you will be in enough trouble as it is.”
While both Severus and Bellatrix narrowed eyes at the Headmaster, Healer Jones continued as if nothing happened. He waved his wand over Corvus and tsked under his breath.
“Your left arm was broken and is healing now, but it will still need rest. I’m surprised it’s not healed already, and even more that it is not wrapped.” Healer Jones waved his wand over Corvus and watched as bandaged wrapped around his arm and neck to stabilize it. Véurr hissed in annoyance, but returned to her spot once the wrap was on. “You had a concussion as well, but that seems to have healed up fine. As I said, you are healing, though it is very slowly.” He looked to Severus, “This happened last night? Your potions usually work in a couple of hours, especially for such a small break.” All the adults looked at the Headmaster who just looked on with no expression. The healer returned his attention to Corvus. “You are well enough to return home, but no flying or excessive activity. You will need to take Severus’ potions for the next few days to make sure your bones have healed and strength has returned.”
The younger wizard nodded and thanked the Healer. He turned his attention to his mother and Severus. “I’d like to go home now. Severus, my things are packed, but my trunk has a sticking charm placed on it to stick it to the floor. It has an emergency set password so you can pick it up,” Severus nodded and left the infirmary.
“I really do insist he remain at the school.” The Headmaster tried again.
“Insist all you want, but it is not your place,” Bellatrix replied. “I’d like to know why the boys who nearly killed my son were not expelled, or at least suspended. And why I was not told of the severity of my son’s injuries.” When no answer was forthcoming, she bared her teeth. “I told you to tell me the truth old man! Typical Hogwarts attitudes towards anyone who is not a Gryffindor. Shame on you Albus Dumbledore.”
The silence was deafening when Severus returned with the trunk. He went through the floo, followed by Corvus who held Huginn tight and had Véurr wrapped around his neck. He nearly fell on the other side, but had Severus to catch him. He nodded his thanks as his godfather set him on a chair. He released Huginn who took off for a fly, stiff after a day of being immobile. A few moments later Bellatrix stepped through with grace.
She stepped over to Corvus and cupped his face. “I hate that you have to go there, Cor,” he went to speak but she shushed him. She stepped away and began to walk, calling over her shoulder, “I’m writing a letter to the board, I expect the same from you. Severus, you as well.”
“Already done, Bella. I believe they are meeting in a few days,” Severus said softly. “If you write your letter we may be able to bring it to them while they are still meeting. I’ll send Thanatos to Lucius and see what he says.”
Bellatrix nodded and went into her study to write her letter.
“Severus,” Corvus started. “I hate to be a burden, but could you assist me to my room, please?”
“Of course,” the older wizard said, without pause, and picked him up easily.
Minutes later, he was laid on his bed with a writing tray and parchment with a never-out quill on his lap.
He wrote a letter to the Board of Governors, describing his semester in detail. His constant attacks by the Gryffindors, the attack in the dungeons, and the final push off the ledge. He included the Headmaster’s disrespect of his familiar and Huginn’s description of what had happened to him.
He explained how he never retaliated for fear of teachers and others playing favorites, as was the case when he simply brandished his wand. He even explained how he was now scared of attending school, including Dumbledore’s manipulations to keep him at the school over break.
Who knows what would have happened if the old man succeeded in keeping him there.
Once the letter was written, he duplicated it twice. He would keep one copy and send one to the Board and the other personally to Lucius. He addressed the letters with a shaky hand and finally laid back to rest, allowing tears to fall down his face.
Corvus didn’t lie in his letters. He was well and truly scared.
Severus came in ten minutes later to check on Corvus. He found him writing a letter to Draco, explaining what happened. Without lifting his eyes from his letter, Corvus spoke up. “Severus, I need a favor. I have some memories I need copied. Also, could you send this letter for me? I’ll send Draco and Uncle Luc’s with Huginn,” he said and whistled for his familiar.
Severus told him, “I will be heading to Malfoy Manor this evening to explain the events of the past couple of days. I can give your letter to Draco and I usually send my Board Letters to Lucius. I believe the board is meeting in a couple of days, so it is good to send these letters now so that they can all have the information beforehand and save time.”
Corvus thought about having to see the Board again, but then thought of what his godfather said. “Am I not going to the meeting?” he asked surprised.
“It will be in a couple of days, so if you feel up to it, I believe you can. But I suggest not showing all of your cards yet. You have had a lot of contact with the Board so far and they seem to like you. Let’s keep your political abilities hidden a bit more.”
The younger wizard thought that over and nodded. “If they give you any problems, have Mopsy come back to get me.”
Severus nodded and took the letters from Corvus and watched as Huginn flew in easily and landed on Corvus’ arm. “Hello dear Huginn. Sorry for calling you for no reason, I had thought I had a mission for you.”
/Not a problem, young Master/ the bird replied and nodded it’s head. /Do you wish me to remain?/ the young bird asked.
Corvus stroked the Raven’s feathers softly. “No, you have been holed up for too long. Go. Stretch your wings.” He got a nod before wings expanded and Huginn was taking off out of the door again.
Severus turned to leave but was called back again. “One more thing.” Corvus said with a plea in his voice. Severus turned around with a confused look on his face. “I’m sorry for being such a burden...” he trailed off.
Severus took two quick steps forward and wrapped his godson up in his arms. “You are never a burden, Corvus, you understand me? I will do anything I can to help you. You know I want to know if you need me for anything. I’m sorry I screwed up so bad last term.”
“I was not at my best either. I don’t know why I was so angry after our last discussion. It’s not like you said anything that bad...”
The Potions Master smiled as he released the younger wizard. “Being around a bunch of other teenagers will do that to you.” Corvus quirked an eyebrow. “The magic of being around so many other wizards and witches can take an emotional toll. Though... you’ve been shielding most of the time... so....” Severus looked confused for a moment before he waved his wand in an intricate pattern before pointing it at his godson. He pulled a parchment from Corvus’ pile and pointed his wand at it and watched for the list of potions administered in the past week.
“Working backwards, basic bone-mending potion, pain relief, dreamless sleep” He paused. “Ah, here. Mood altering... magic suppressing... and a recent single of eidetic memory blocker,” he trailed off shocked and disgusted.
“What?!” Corvus screamed out. “That stupid barmy son of a bitch. How the hell? How dare he!” He then let out a string of expletives, but Severus let him. This anger was warranted.
Corvus took a couple of breaths and took in the meaning of everything. He stood from the bed, pushing his godfathers hands of support and ended up in his bathroom over the toilet. He emptied his stomach contents for ten minutes before yelling out “FUCK!” He raged some more. Then he cried.
He didn’t notice his mother come into his room and talk to Severus about what had happened. She ran out only to return moments later with a vial of pearlescent liquid.
She walked into the bathroom and knelt beside Corvus and wiped his face with a cold rag. He looked up at the first person to truly love him unconditionally with pain in his eyes. “Why me?” he rasped out.
Bellatrix ran her hand through her son’s hair. “I don’t know love, but now we know we need to be more careful.” She held up the vial for him to see. “This is a cleansing potion. It will clear all those odd potions out. It will put you to sleep and work while you are out.”
Corvus nodded his thanks and held the vial in his hand. “I still don’t understand why I am such a target.”
“How are your Ravenclaw Magics going?”
“They are advancing, but not in such a way that I can’t handle it.”
“Good. The sooner you can get a handle the better. I want you out of that school soon as possible.” She held up her hand to keep him from interrupting. “I want you to start practicing your wandless magic, and always keep your second wand on you in an anti-summoning holster.” Corvus nodded. “Severus and I will teach you all the spells you need to check your food and keep from being slipped potions. If you are ever hurt again, you will be taken care of by Severus, sent home or healed by Healer Jones. I will have our Solicitors draw up paperwork. I forbid Hogwarts from giving you potions. Only Severus will have permission.” Severus nodded from his place at the door.
Corvus laid his head on his mothers shoulder as the days finally caught up with him. “I kept my head down, I avoided everyone, I aced my classes. Why do they need to bother me? I didn’t do anything!”
“I know, love. I know,” she said softly, running her hand through his hair, “but now you can look back and see how you reacted to different situations, versus your normal reactions.”
She watched as his face became pensive. “I was short tempered often. I was tired. I often forgot to speak with Huginn and Véurr, and they’re my familiars.” Hearing her name, the small basilisk wrapped around his neck gently, reassuring. He pet her scales absentmindedly and looked up at his mother.
Bellatrix nodded with his assessments. “I think he was testing you, testing your loyalty to your family. He probably won’t try anything else with you this year, but still keep your eyes open,” Corvus nodded his agreement. “How about you get a couple of hours of rest? Hmm? Mopsy will wake us all up and we can spend the last hours of the night together and greet the sun.”
He sighed and the nodded. They got up slowly and headed over to the bed where Bellatrix tucked in her son. He downed the cleansing potion quickly before his mom kissed his forehead. “Love you, Mum,” he said softly
“I love you too, Corvus.”
Then teal eyes closed and he was quickly sleeping.
()
Severus placed two vials on his end table opposite the side Corvus was sitting on. He looked over at Bellatrix and was still amazed at the love she held for the boy. Then again, he was shocked at his own as well.
He cleared his throat quietly to get her attention, and when she looked at him, he pointed at the potions. “When he wakes, I want him to take this general strengthening potion and bone strengthening to make sure his arm is healed fully.” Bellatrix thanked her friend and smiled gratefully when the wizard leaned forward and kissed her temple.
“I’m surprised he didn’t notice the magic suppression,” she said before he could leave.
“I’m not,” he stated truthfully. At her raised brow, he continued. “He has not been dueling as we have in the past few years. His spellwork has always been well beyond his age and to suppress some of it would hardly be noticed while performing the first year spells. I believe if he was doing the practical work for his correspondence courses, it would have been more noticeable. Actually, it may have been the magic suppression in addition to the mood altering that caused our altercation. He usually uses more logic than that.”
Bellatrix nodded. “That does make sense.” The two got up to leave and Bellatrix led Severus to the floo. “Will you be joining us for the greeting of the sun?”
Severus smirked. “Of course. Have Mopsy come and get me when it’s time. I need to speak with Lucius and get maybe an hour of rest.”
She nodded and lifted a hand in farewell as he threw the powder into the fireplace.
{edited 9-25-15}

A/N: I'm sorry I'm not replying as much to reviews anymore, but a lot contain questions that will give the story away. Thank you to everyone who is still commenting and enjoying my tale. Please keep reading and reviewing. Updates will return to Wednesdays :)
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Corvus