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Corvus	By : LadyFreak Category: Harry Potter AU/AR > General Views: 23965 -:- 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::

:/:Telapathic Parseltongue:/:

/mind-to-mind with Huginn/

'thoughts'

"Normal Speech"

(33) Samhain Snakes

It wasn't until mid-October that Corvus realized just how easy his Parseltongue getting out could be.

He followed his fellow Ravenclaws from the Great Hall after dinner one night. He was exhausted after taking two tests that afternoon with Professor Flitwick, who was proctoring his Stregonaria tests.

A sudden scream in front of his group brought his head snapping up.

Corvus froze at the sight before him. A large 3 headed snake was coming down the hall towards the group of Ravenclaws. The serpent - serpents? - were so large their heads nearly scratched the ceiling of the corridor.

Corvus was cursing in his mind at his luck. He heard the snake hissing to itself about promises of food and wanting to get out of the stone prison.

He glanced around at his dorm-mates and resigned himself to the upcoming ostracizing. He stepped forward and cast muffliato around himself and the runespoor. He released Véurr after giving a quick overview of his plan. She slid down his arm which he raised towards the larger serpent before hissing commandingly ::Stop!::

::A ssspeaker!:: All three heads hissed in return

::I cannot be seen as being a speaker. The wizards are prejudice about us. I will speak to my familiar, Véurr, and she will speak for me. Agreed?::Corvus dropped the muffling spell and Véurr lifted her head up.

They glanced at her, recognizing another serpent before replying ::We agree to your terms::

"Why are you here?" he asked them, and listened as Véurr repeated his words in parseltongue.

::We woke in the castle! Then another speaker promised us food, but all we find are these wizard fledglings!::

::Hungry:: another head hissed, almost whining

"Do not eat the fledglings. I will lead you from the castle to the forest where there is plenty of food." Corvus told them

::You lie!:: came a hiss from another head.

Véurr hissed angrily. ::Massster doesss not lie!::

The three heads finally focused on the snake hanging on the wizard's arm.

::A Basilisk bonded?:: one head said to another. ::You are an honored one. We will obey.::

"I thank you, great serpent. I will lead you to the Forest"

::Thank you::

Corvus nodded and turned to see his house staring at him. One girl had a dreamy sort of look on her face as she watched the Runespoor undulating near the ceiling. She had light blonde hair and icy blue eyes that did not blink at all.

The young speaker shook his head and let out a heavy sigh before addressing the group "You're all idiots for just standing there, you know. They could have killed me and moved onto you next. Instead you stand there staring at them. I suggest you move against the walls and let them through. I will lead them back to the forest."

"Right! You probably let it in!" One voice yelled from the back of the group.

Corvus rolled his eyes but was inwardly seething at the accusation. "If not for my familiar, we would all be dead. You are a fool to believe I would endanger myself and my cousin who is in this school as well." He took a step forward, but still no one moved. "Are you damn Gryffindors? Move!" he shouted, and they finally did. He led the runespoor through the halls and out of the castle and watched as the large snake darted into the trees.

He turned to see a crowd gathered at the bottom of the main staircase, Dumbledore in the lead, face pale and eyes not twinkling. He was twenty feet past the group before the explosion on conversation started and he heard Dumbledore's request to go to his office. "Mr. Lestrange, please come to my office."

"Only if my Head of House and Professor Snape can come along," he stated.

The old man nodded and led the young wizard through the halls.

When they entered the office, Corvus refused all food and drink, untrusting of the old man. "Now, Corvus-" he started in a grandfatherly tone.

"Mr. Lestrange, if you please Headmaster," Corvus interrupted. "After all we've been through, I would hope you remembered that you should not be speaking to me so informally."

"Mr. Lestrange. Can you tell me what happened this evening? Your absence was noted during the beginning of dinner. Not to mention your entire house watched as you spoke to the snake."

"I want my mother and uncle here as well if I'm to be interrogated and accused."

"I'm not..."

Corvus stood and leaned over the Headmaster's floo and threw in a bit of powder before yelling for Lestrange Manor. After having Mopsey get his mother and uncle, he had them come through.

"What's going on Corvus?" his mother asked after pulling him into a hug. He told them what the Headmaster had said word for word, the accusations clear.

"You cannot blame me for wanting to question the boy. A snake speaker after all." The old man said, twinkle in his eye.

"I spoke with the snake through my familiar, who can understand English due to our bond." Corvus said omitting the part of the conversation that he did speak with the snake. After all it was only a few sentences in Parseltongue, the rest was English.

"Why don't you tell us what happened tonight, Cor?" His mother asked.

Corvus sighed and began the tale. "I was late to dinner because I was completing written exams for my correspondence courses. Professor Flitwick was proctoring in place of Professor Snape, who was busy brewing."

"That he was," said Professor Flitwick. "He had two tests to complete for Stregonaria"

Corvus nodded his thanks before continuing. "After dinner, I followed my housemates when someone screamed. I looked up to see the Runespoor making it's way down the hallway." He looked straight at Dumbledore, but kept his mental shields up. "Since I am bonded with a snake I took a chance of trying to communicate. I spoke with Véurr and had her speak to the larger snake for me. I knew what the students would believe they saw. They would say I was speaking to the snake. I risked being labeled dark and a freak to save your students. I risked my life by talking to that huge snake. It told that it woke up in the castle and another speaker promised it food. It said it was not happy that there were only wizard fledgelings around. I told it not to eat the wizards and led it to the forbidden forest to find food in there."

"Parseltongues are very rare, Corvus." Dumbledore started his eyes twinkling.

The Lestrange family bristled in annoyance and Corvus knew where he was going with that one line. If Parseltongues were rare, what were the chances of two being born in the same year? "Again, it's Mr. Lestrange, Headmaster. I do not appreciate the informality with which you address me." He said. Out of the corner of his eye, he could see his mother's lips twitch. "And must I repeat myself? Véurr spoke to the three headed snake. As my bonded familiar, I can understand her and she can understand me when I speak English."

"I didn't know the Lestrange family had ties to Slytherin," he stated again, still fishing.

"My gods, man, are you deaf?" Bella yelled, "Or do you just insist on ignoring what my son is telling you? Just what are you trying to imply, Dumbledore?" asked Bella, her voice taking a cold, dangerous tone.

"Nothing, nothing at all."

His mother let out a very unlady-like snort. She turned to Corvus. "Cor, as usual, you are not to be in the presence of the Headmaster alone. Should you be requested, take someone with you, every time."

Corvus nodded and hugged his mother again. Rabastan spoke up next. "I believe I will be sending a message to our solicitor to ensure that is still followed by all parties present. I will also contact your brother in law, Bella."

"Is there anything else, Headmaster?" Bella asked.

"No, good evening all. Mr. Lestrange, if I could get a copy of the night's events in writing from you, I would appreciate it. I need to file a report with the Ministry about tonight's events."

"That's fine Headmaster. I will get it sent to you." Corvus replied, making sure the Headmaster caught his emphasis on 'sent'.

The old wizard nodded and everyone separated. Corvus said good-bye to his mother and uncle and was then accompanied to the Ravenclaw common room by Professor Flitwick while Severus returned to his potion.

"Don't let them get you down, Mr. Lestrange" said the Charms Professor. "If anyone gives you problems, remember you can come to me straight away."

"Thank you Professor" Corvus said honestly before entering the rooms. It was good to know he had an adult other than Severus for support.

()

It was deja-vu for Corvus when he entered his common room. Just as when the Troll situation had come up, not a sound was made from person, castle or animal. He could see there were some who seemed to be getting up their Gryffindor courage to ask him questions, so he made a quick decision to leave.

Corvus nodded to his two friends before passing everyone and heading up to his room. He sat up in his bed and pulled out his theoretical Necromancy book for his most recent Stregonaria class. It was by far the hardest class he ever had to take, and had a feeling this time around there would be no practical. Just like the Blood Magic course though, the LeFay vaults were packed with books on the subject.

He had barely finished one page when a knock came on the door. He called enter without looking up and finished up the last sentence of the page.

Corvus looked up to find the same idiots who had approached him last year standing with Morag and Mandy. The girls walked straight to him and sat on the edge of the bed, making him quirk a brow and have to hold back a chuckle. Goldstein and Corner stood just inside the door. "What do you want now?" He asked tiredly.

"Just trying to see up close what a dark wizard in training looks like" Goldstein smirked, his brown eyes bright. "After all, every known parselmouth has been a dark wizard."

Corner kept his mouth shut and stood to the side with a sneer that he tried to hide.

Corvus snorted, then stood up and smirked at the boy in front of him. "Really now? Have you studied the history so much." Goldstein stayed still, preferring not to answer. "You have read every book on the subject and learned about every wizard or witch who ever held the talent?"

The smirk faded slowly, while Corvus' grew. "Should I take that as a no? And just so we're clear, being bonded to a snake means we understand one another. Véurr spoke to the Runespoor." Véurr hissed in agreement from her tattoo'd state.

"We wouldn't tell anyone." Corner snapped back. Véurr hissed ::he lies::

Corvus looked at the other boy and asked him if he agreed with Corner. In the end, both Corner and Goldstein were lying. He told them straight to their faces.

"You two" he said, with a malicious grin, "are lying to me. I do not trust easily and forgiveness is rare, if not impossible," the two boys paled, but held firm. Corvus released Véurr and she reared up and hissed at them before they fled.

Corvus and his friends broke down laughing.

()

The next couple of weeks were stressful. The old man was watching him constantly, as if waiting for him to cast an Unforgivable at someone. The only good thing was that he made what he hoped to be a new friend.

Luna, the dreamy eyed girl, was an odd sort. She spoke of nargles, crumpled horn snorkacks and other creatures he had never heard of. But there was just something about her...

FLASHBACK

Corvus walked into the common room to see a group of first year girls harassing another. She was fairly thin with light blonde hair that fell to the middle of her back.

Once he understood what was going on, he took the younger students to task for treating someone that should be family to them in such a way. When the girls walked away, he had turned to say something, but she beat him to it.

"You are not who you seem to be, Corvus Lestrange." She said in a dreamy voice, head slightly tilted to the side. "First light, then dark, but now gray."

"Are you alright?" He asked her worried. He knew she always had that odd look on her face, but they had never really spoken.

"Oh, I am fine, Corvus Lestrange. Thank you for helping me, no one has before."

Corvus bowed at his waist, "Please call me Corvus and you are very welcome. It really was no problem."

"You can call me Luna. Even though I can See, sometimes I miss what is in front of me. Do you have the same problems, Corvus? Remember not to let the anger, fester. And if you're cold, eat some chocolate." With that she winked and left Corvus to think about all that she had said.

END FLASHBACK

It didn't take Corvus very long to understand that the girl was a seer of a sort. It was different from his own visions as his currently remained in his dreams. Luna just seemed to know things. It scared the wits out of him, until she began spending most of her time with them and he got to know her.

"Samhain will be hard this year," her dreamy voice said from beside him. The 3 second years and the sole first year were completing essays together.

Morag and Mandy exchanged glances and smirked, but said nothing at Corvus' glare. They knew he was protective of the girl, but they hadn't quite gotten used to her eccentricity yet.

"Really?" has asked her, waiting for elaboration. When it didn't come, he prompted her to give more information. "Why? What will happen?"

The blonde haired girl lifted her head from her homework and tilted her head to the side. "You already know," she stated, making sure to keep eye contact. He nodded his head so she knew he understood and then returned to her work.

He understood what she meant. He already knew because he already SAW.

()

Samhain. Halloween. Hallow's Eve.

Many different names, many different traditions. Corvus performed the same ritual as he did the year before, this time dragging Morag and Mandy along with Draco. Luna had begged off with a slightly sad smile. Corvus assumed it was memories of her mother creeping up on the night of lost souls.

"No 'dumb supper' Corvus?" Draco asked as the group of four headed out of the castle to bury their apples.

"I haven't had the time to set it up. I need time to plan. Remind me for next year."

Together the group kneeled in the dirt on the edge of the forest and buried their apples. Corvus spoke first with his friends and cousin echoing the words. "May the souls that roam the earth this Samhain night find nourishment on their journey between the worlds."

The girls gasped at the wind that tickled their faces, but smiled serenely as they all walked up to the castle.

Corvus froze as he heard the hissing voice in the walls again. He felt Véurr's fear echoing his own. The girls looked confused to why he froze, but Draco looked concerned.

They walked as a group to the dungeons where they dropped off Draco, before turning to go to Ravenclaw Tower.

Suddenly, Corvus felt a tug on his sleeve. He looked up to see Morag staring at the wall of the corridor they were in.

What he saw sent terror shooting through him. Luna's voice echoing in his mind, "Samhain will be hard this year."

Before they had the chance to move, Filch came into the hallway.

"What are you lot doin..." he started, before looking at the wall as if in pain. "My cat! You... you killed my cat!" He charged into Corvus and held the young wizard by the throat. "I'll kill you."

Corvus was frozen in fear. He didn't hear anyone coming up and pulling the squib off of him. He fell to the ground hard. When someone put a hand out to help, he pushed himself back into a corner, hands covering his head, his breathing erratic.

"No, no, no, no..." he was repeating like a mantra.

He felt someone pressing his arms down and began to panic more. Blackness began pressing in on his vision. He could hear footsteps going away, but someone was trying to get to him.

:/:Massster? You are okay. You are in the wizard school. Your dark wizard is trying to help you. Your Severus.:/:

A vial pressed to his lips and he still tried to fight, but swallowed anyway. He heard Severus' silky voice echoing in his mind. "Corvus. You are fine. You are in Hogwarts."

He nodded slowly.

"Can you tell me where you are?"

"H-Hogw-warts" he rasped, said trying to get his breath back.

"What is your name?"

"C-Corvus Les-strange"

"Alright. Can you follow my breaths? In... out... very good." They went on for a couple of minutes.

Finally Corvus was back in the present and being supported by his godfather. A loud shout from the corridor echoed to their place. Severus had apparently dragged him into a spare classroom away from the crowd.

"Sorry" he rasped again, wincing as he touched his throat.

"Don't be sorry. Are you okay now? Where is Vé?"

"I've been better. Vé is in her merged state."

"Good. There will be questions."

Suddenly the door opened and in walked the minister and a guard of aurors, including James Potter and Sirius Black.

"He's coming with us!" Black stated.

"Under who's order?" Severus said angrily.

"Mine" said the Minister pompously. "It's no secret the boy has a basilisk as a familiar. Now an animal is found attacked in the hall."

"Vé has been with me all night. I reported another Basilisk in the school over a month ago! I was nowhere near that corridor until moments before I was attacked by that squib." Corvus hissed. "Ask Draco. Ask Mandy and Morag."

"It still looks bad, Mr. Lestrange. I'm afraid I will need to take you and your snake away."

"Take me? Where?" He looked up at Severus who had a fire burning in his eyes. "Don't I get questioned? Don't I get a solicitor?"

It took four Aurors and two red stunners to get Corvus away from Severus.

()

On the other side of the castle, a blonde Ravenclaw smiled sadly to herself. She just knew things sometimes. Most of the time she wished she didn't. Her only hope at the moment was that her friend would be okay when all was done

()

When the stun on Corvus faded, he finally understood the visions he had been having.

He, a 12 year old wizard, was going to Azkaban.

A/N: I'm glad I'm still loved! Was this predictable? I hope not. This story will move pretty quickly. What did you think about this chapter? I had to let it happen, I'm sorry!
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Corvus