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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"

(28) Payback & Visions

Unfortunately the holidays passed quickly and soon it was time to prepare for the return to the castle.

The day before he was to return to school, Corvus packed and repacked his trunk to make sure he had everything. He felt around his neck and felt his pendant from Ravenclaw, the one from Draco (which his mother turned into a portkey), and his mirror. He looked over at his gift from Rabastan for the tenth time, knowing that he would not have the time to translate it with all of his courses. "Ah, Screw it." It said to himself as he placed it on top of everything already packed. He knew it would be hard to keep the willpower to not read them, but as usual, his desire to learn took over and he grabbed them anyway.

On top of the package, he placed his school robes so they were easier to reach when he was on the train.

Corvus ran over his mental packing list again, and nodded to himself. He knew if anything was forgotten he could send Hedwig to his mother, but it would be easier if he had everything to start with.

/I believe you are packed, young Master/ Huginn said, amusement lacing his voice.

Véurr stretched from her position on his bed and hissed ::Are we leaving for the castle again, Master?::

::Tomorrow:: he hissed back to her, running his hands along her cool scales. ::I will miss speaking in this tongue::

::I as well, but I would rather you avoid more trouble and keep from the hospital wing::

::I will try:: he said smirking. ::At least this time you, Huginn, and Hedwig are protected from spells::

/Which we are grateful for/ said Huginn, flying to land on an outstretched arm, hopping quickly to his shoulder.

Corvus walked to the Manor's owlery where Hedwig was having a nap. "Hedwig" Her head immediately popped up and golden eyes appraised him, questioning. She flew down to a window ledge and waited.

Running his fingers over her soft feathers, he spoke to her "We return to the castle tomorrow, Hedwig. I figure you would rather not travel by floo or by train." The owl bobbed her head in agreement, making Corvus smile. Though not a bonded familiar, she was an intelligent owl. "Head out sometime today and I will meet you there. Hogwarts, Ravenclaw Tower. Though we won't be there until tomorrow night." The bird again bobbed her head and then took off from the ledge, soaring through the skies.

/Do you expect me to go through the green fire again, young Master?/ Huginn asked annoyed

Corvus let out a laugh. "Oh, dear Huginn." The bird's feathers ruffled in annoyance. "I'm sorry" he say placating. "You may fly tomorrow, but meet me on the train."

/That is agreeable/

The wizard and his familiars headed towards the dining room for breakfast where they met with Rabastan and Bellatrix. They had an appointment with the family solicitor in an hour.

()

Breakfast was quiet and the family, plus Véurr, floo'd to the office in Knockturn alley.

The walls were a soft gray color with dark wood chairs and green upholstery. It was Slytherin through and through. Corvus did not hide the smirk that graced his face.

Lord Reus was a tall wizard who probably played as a beater in his school days. He was easily six feet tall with wide shoulders and thick arms. The brown hair on top of his head was little more than fuzz. The overall appearance reminded Corvus of pictures of the 'muggle military' that he had seen when he was younger.

"Lady Lestrange" he greeted Bellatrix with a low formal bow. She returned the greeting with a nod of her head. He greeted Rabastan less formally with a shake of the hand and a clap on the back. It was obvious that the two were friends while at Hogwarts.

A voice brought him out of his musings "And this is my nephew, Corvus Cygnus Lestrange." his uncle said, proudly. They were now standing in a large room with a long table and six chairs. The color scheme matched the waiting room.

Lord Reus repeated the bow he gave Bellatrix, only not as low. Corvus returned it "A pleasure, Lord Reus"

The man let out a barking laugh. "Casus, please. May I call you Corvus?" the younger wizard nodded. "Good! Let's sit down and get to work. Now I've gone over the written papers..."

It was a long day of discussing the issues. Corvus provided a briefing of the term that was interrupted sparingly with questions by Lord Reus. After a couple of hours they had lunch and moved on to Pensieve memories.

Lord Reus seemed especially interested in the meetings with Dumbledore. "Never trusted the man as far as I could throw him," the man said. Corvus gave him a look that clearly said he could throw the old wizard far. "Okay, as far as I could throw Hogwarts," he said, smirking.

They had a good laugh at that before returning to the problem at hand.

"Well," said the solicitor once they looked everything over a few times. "I believe it is in your right to contact the Daily Prophet as promised. You also have right to contact Dumbledore and the Potters for an apology.

"After seeing the Penseive memories, I don't think that a trial would work in your favor. Although the first would have resulted in involuntary manslaughter, it did not end that way. Since it was accidental magic, the boy will get off. Far as the most recent event, I could see your wand Corvus."

The young wizard didn't care and simply shrugged his shoulders. He did speak up though, "What can we do? I'm tired of being pushed around at this school. The Headmaster is not going anywhere and neither are the Potters."

Here Casus smirked. "I did say a trial wouldn't work. But I never said anything about not mentioning the possibility. I doubt that the Potters would want anything in the papers regarding their son, our 'Savior', as an attempted murderer with violent tendencies. As it is Skeeter will have a field day with what we can provide."

Bellatrix clapped her hands excitedly. She just loved causing mayhem.

Corvus smirked as the man continued, "So how about we write something out for Ms. Skeeter?"

The group hashed out a hastily written summary of the events and left their contact information.

With that, they separated and headed back to the Manor. The rest of the day was spent quietly together, reading or discussing class subjects.

The paper was published as a special edition that went out the first night back at the school.

*How Light is Our Savior?*

It has come to this reporter's attention that the first term at Hogwarts is not all positive as we have been led to believe. Our very own Charlie Potter has been seen acting the bully and setting out to possibly murder- yes murder!- a fellow student, Ravenclaw Corvus Lestrange.

"Mr. Lestrange is a pleasure to have in class," says his Head of House, Filius Flitwick. "I don't understand where the animosity has originated, but it has only increased in severity as time has passed."

Aside from the bullying, Lestrange himself has been accused of being a bully by Potter Sr and was expected to apologize publicly, to which he replied, simply 'No'. Through Pensieve memories, it has been revealed that the Headmaster along with the minister attempted to blackmail the young Ravenclaw into apologizing for something he never did.

"They only wanted to befoul my family name" says the young Lestrange. "I don't understand why they hated me so much, and it started on the first day of classes."

Further inquiries have revealed that the Headmaster was also responsible for blocking certain information from leaving the castle. But this reporter was able to find the truth.

Anything written home about the preferential treatment and bullying of Potter and his cohorts, was somehow wiped from the letters, or at least forgotten once read.

"Lestrange has never been a bully" says housemate Morag MacDougal. "He is one of the few who doesn't see the lines that houses form and crosses them all the time. He even saved a Gryffindor girl from a Troll in October! He has never been seen bullying others, while Potter and Weasley are constantly on the hunt for a new victim."

"And yet Corvus was the one forbidden from protecting himself!" Mandy Bracklehurst, another Ravenclaw added. When asked to clarify, she continued saying that the young Lestrange was not permitted to have his wand out in the halls at all. If it was found out, even if he wasn't using it, he would be expelled. "But those Gryffindors almost kill him, twice, and all they get is point deduction and detention. I don't know about you, but I refuse to follow a savior who seems to be more like the next dark lord."

When his teachers were asked, most had nothing but good things to say. Severus Snape praised the young wizard's knowledge and talent in Potions while others praised his grades and even willingness to help his classmates, no matter what House.

So what is truly going on behind Hogwart's walls? Is our savior turning dark? Why is he being allowed to harm others without consequence? Is this something supported by Dumbledore and the Minister? And what is this about a Troll? This reporter would like to know...

()

Corvus watched as the Daily Prophet was delivered to the surprised students and staff all around the hall. He took his own copy after paying the owl and unfurled it. He read it and gave a true smile. He gave each of his friends a bright smile in thanks, which they returned.

Turning to the head table, Corvus almost laughed out loud at the reactions. Dumbledore was turning a shade of red usually meant for Muggle Firetrucks while McGonagall seemed to be turning pale while glaring at the Headmaster. He had a feeling her actions towards him may have been influenced by the crazy old man.

He nearly cracked when he saw his Godfather fighting not to laugh. As it was, he let out a snort.

Just like the Headmaster, Charlie and Weasley were getting redder and redder with each word they read. The hall was becoming louder as people whispered. Many students looked over at Corvus and smiled a thank you at him. The normally solitary Ravenclaw smiled back and nodded his head in acknowledgement.

Suddenly the hall hushed and Corvus looked up to see the Headmaster standing behind him. "Mr Lestrange, a word in my office."

"Headmaster, I'm sure you've received the notice from our Solicitor. I am not to be in your presence without him or my mother."

"Then we shall call her when we get to my office."

Corvus snorted. How stupid did the old man think he was? "I don't think so." He looked back at the Head table. "Professors Snape, Flitwick, Sprout, and McGonagall, could you please accompany me? I have instructions from my mother to not attend meetings with the Headmaster."

All four nodded their heads and followed the two to the Gargoyle. Upon entry, Corvus was surprised that it was McGonagall who called his mother. A look of rage momentarily passed over Dumbledore's face as the witch spoke to the Lady Lestrange.

Bellatrix stepped through and walked to her son. "You haven't even been back one day. What happened?"

"Nothing that I know of Mother" he replied. "The Daily Prophet came in as a special night edition and then I was called here. Since I knew you would not be waiting for me I requested for all heads of house to accompany me."

Bellatrix looked around and greeted all the Professors before turning to Dumbedore with a look of indifference. "Why have you called this meeting, Headmaster?"

"It is not right for your son to spread lies through the media like he has this morning. He must retract his statements."

"Lies?" asked Professor Sprout. "Headmaster, I read the same article and there were no lies printed in there. I actually agree with what was said. You need to get a hold on that boy instead of letting him bully the students in this school. Things will only get worse if you don't."

"Professor, I told you what I would do if the attacks continued. I held to my word. I will not be penalized for telling the truth. I believe the Potters are the ones who will be apologizing if I'm not mistaken?" He looked at his mother with the question and she nodded her head in agreement. "Then there is nothing else to say here." He looked at the Heads of Houses in the office and gave a genuine smile. "Thank you very much for coming with me, Professors, and for standing for what is right." He gave a formal bow and gave his mother a hug before heading out of the office.

He met Mandy and Morag in front of the gargoyle. "That was brilliant" said Mandy before gasping and hugging him. "And thanks for the gifts- absolutely the best gifts ever."

Corvus smiled awkwardly and patted her back before Morag copied the gesture. "It was nothing. You are my friends, right?"

Both girls looked shocked at the question and the unease on their friend's face. "Of course!"

"Well, I wanted to do something nice. I'm glad you liked the gifts." He said, scratching the back of his neck nervously. "Other than Draco I haven't had any friends my age."

The girls nodded and each took one of his arms and lead him to their common room.

()

The first night back, Corvus woke from a dead sleep and jumped into his library, grabbing his book, quill and ink. Before he even knew what he was doing, he had pierced his finger with the nib of his quill and swiped it along the spine of the journal which opened immediately.

He cleaned the nib of his blood with his wand and then dipped it into the azure ink. He closed his eyes and took a breath before opening them again and writing.

Short red hair, long brown curly hair

Red/Gold Tie, Lion

Gilded Mirror

Black fire, potions

It wasn't much, but the dream was just flashes. He thought a moment and pulled out Ravenclaw's journals. He saw a few that had a crude sketch of an eye on the spine and pulled them out. He quickly opened each to the first page and organized them by date.

Opening the first, he saw that what he wrote was normal. Since Rowena had written just a few words herself.

He closed the founder's journal and returned to his desk. He looked at the list and pulled out a different quill and red ink. He made observations based on what he wrote and could remember, writing them on the side of his notes.

Short red hair, long brown curly hair- Granger?

Red/Gold Tie, Lion- Gryffindor

Gilded Mirror- Mirror of Erised

Black fire, potions- ?

'What does this mean? Why would I have visions of a Gryffindor? And there is Granger again. No one else has that bushy hair...'

He cast a quick drying charm on the ink and closed his book. When he felt the ward snap back into place, he placed the journal, Pegasus quills and azure ink inside a drawer that he locked. He glanced around and saw Ravenclaw's diaries spread around. He quickly lifted them onto the bookshelf and cast a notice-me-not charm before climbing out of the trunk and back into bed.

As soon as he was under the covers, Corvus felt Véurr wrap around his arm. ::Are you well master?:: came the light hiss

"Yes, Véurr" he replied in English. "Just a dream"

/Not just a dream though. Correct?/ Huginn said in his mind.

/I'm unsure but I believe you are correct/ he replied. /But until I know more, I will not be one hundred percent sure/

/Understood. Have you figured out the connection to Granger?/

/No, but I believe it will be revealed soon. Good Night Huginn./

()

The following morning a new article had appeared in the papers. The one from the night before was also in the morning issue, this time on the second page.

*Potters Publicly Apologize*

After last night's shocking article (see reprint on pg 2), the Daily Prophet was contacted by the Potters and their solicitor, leaving this to say.

"We truly apologize for our son's abysmal behavior in his first term at Hogwarts. We had no idea the bullying had gone that far and he has been reprimanded for his actions. Also, in an agreement from the Board of Governors, Charlie has been banned from playing Quidditch until no earlier than his fourth year. We especially apologize to the Lestrange heir, Corvus. We hope that this term and all others improve."

We at the Daily Prophet hope for a Hogwarts spring term that is much more comfortable than the fall.

Corvus snorted into his tea. At Mandy's look, he read the article out loud. "They publicly announced that they knew their son was bullying others. Listen to this: 'We had no idea the bullying had gone that far'. They're either too stupid to hire a publicist or the one they have is a moron."

The girls agreed and as all three continued reading the paper, they began to smile widely.

*Dumbledore Fined and Given Warning*

In another shocking development, Albus Dumbledore, Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry has been fined 20,000 Galleons and given a warning.

"It is not only due to his favoritism of Charlie Potter, but his illegal activities due to that favoritism" was the statement we received from Lucius Malfoy a governor of the board. When asked what the illegalities were, he clarified "The Potter heir was not punished upon nearly killing a fellow classmate, he purposely blocked the information of the boy's bullying on the letters sent home from all the students, and he also lied to Lady Lestrange about the severity of her son's injuries. Along with that, he also blocked her from visiting until a day later. These things combined are unforgivable and I can hope the fine and warning are enough to keep the Headmaster from doing anything similar in the future, lest we begin the search for his replacement."

Dumbledore refused comment only leaving more questions such as why the esteemed Headmaster did these things. Does he want the boy to turn Dark? I just can't see the great defeater of Grindelwald being okay with another Dark Lord rising.

The question on this reporter's mind is why are Dumbledore and Potter causing the young Lestrange- a promising young man who has been seen as a prodigy by many in his year- so many problems?

()

All in all, second term at Hogwarts was much easier than the first. Potter still tried to antagonize Corvus, but the Ravenclaw would just smile and say 'Quidditch' and the boy would clamp his jaws tight.

It gave Corvus a feeling of elation that he had something over the boy that had tormented his year... and his earlier years as well.

The dreams continued, giving flashes of information. Corvus did notice that Granger was spending time with the idiot duo again, which annoyed him to no end. He wondered how much she was being paid for that...

The following days, he overheard much of what the Gryffindor trio talked about. Granger always trying to keep the boys from doing something stupid.

Corvus finally decided to approach the young Gryffindor and figure out what had changed. Turns out the Headmaster ordered her to continue her 'tutoring'. According to him, it would look good on her record and add to her chances of being Head Girl.

He didn't know why exactly he was surprised to find the Headmaster bribing a smart girl to pass the Boy-Who-Lived's courses for him.

After he finished questioning her, she walked away thinking again of why she was helping the idiots who so clearly did not appreciate her help.

Unfortunately she went for a walk on the grounds and ended up with a bad cold.

That night's vision was different and much more clear.

Shadows creeped along a hallway, a three headed beast sat above a door. They dropped down into a hole... Scene changed and the shadows flickered on a giant chess board... another change and the black fire, glass vial rolling on the floor. Glassy hazel eyes stared back...

Corvus shot up in his bed and climbed into the library again. He wrote what he saw and compared it to before.

Previously there were three shadows... and no death.

What changed?

Corvus paced in his library thinking over all of his visions. His head shot up as he thought of that damned Gryffindor girl again.

Thats it.

"There were three... but when I decided to approach the girl, she went for a walk and got herself sick. Now there are two. Damn it."

Corvus fell into his chair and put his head in his hands.

So what do I have to look for? He asked himself.

()

"Dumbledore's gone. It's going to happen tonight. Snape is going for the stone tonight," he heard Potter say the next afternoon.

Corvus ran to his godfather then.

"Corvus, what's the matter?"

"The idiot trio...duo... ah I don't know! They said something about the stone and how you are going for it tonight."

The young Ravenclaw heard his godfather cuss under his breath. "How do you know this?"

Corvus told him about everything he had heard. Then he looked sheepish "I think I screwed up though. Someone needs to go or they are going to die" At Severus' raised brow, he explained his visions. He told him about his overheard conversation of the trio last term, then approaching the girl the day before, confused about why she would just let them use her like that. "-and that night's vision changed. Whatever that room is, whatever they have to do. They need her to get through. If she's not there. If only two of them go together, they are going to die."

Severus stood and put a hand on his godson's shoulder. "Do not blame yourself. Something else could have happened that kept her from going. This may just be fates way of reminding you of the 'butterfly effect'. Every change, not matter how little, will have an effect on the future." The potions master then turned around and grabbed a handful of potions vials. "Corvus grab some bezoars."

He complied, and they headed up to the third floor corridor.

A/N: Someone questioned why Corvus didn't get back at Potter after his threat when they first arrived at Hogwarts. All I can say is he didn't realize just how bad the favoritism would be. He was a smart kid, and did well in all classes, he didn't expect to be singled out not only by Potter, but also by Dumbledore and some of the other teachers as well.

I hope you all enjoyed this latest chapter and the payback was enough.

Thanks for the continued reviews and support!
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Corvus