When Merrows Scream

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
February 23,1996: Day before Second Task

Hadrian looked up when his dad strode into the room. He was sitting at the kitchen table with Remus going over his homework so that he didn’t have to worry about it tomorrow.

“Hello, my Loves,” Severus greeted and kissed them each on the head before sitting down.

“Hey Dad,” Hadrian greeted back.

“What did Albus want?” Remus asked. Severus had been called to the Headmaster’s office after dinner along with Flitwick.

“It has to do with the Task tomorrow. Apparently, the riddle from the egg refers to a person,” Severus said and pinched his nose.

“What do you mean?” Hadrian asked confused.

“We’ve taken what you’ll sorely miss,” Severus repeated the clue from the egg. “They are taking someone not something. Chang from Ravenclaw is being taken for Diggory, the Beauxbatons’ Champion’s little sister is being taken, and for Viktor they are taking Hadrian.”

“Can they do that? What are they going to do with them?” Remus demanded.

Hadrian was just sitting quietly. He would wait to see what his parents decided. His dad looked calm and unbothered.

“They can do it. They are going to place each person under a sleeping spell and then the Merpeople in the Black Lake will place them under a spell that will keep them from drowning or waking while they are still in the water. They will be perfectly safe and returned to the surface whether they are rescued by their Champion or not,” Severus explained.

“Who is going to watch over him while he is in the water? Who is going to guarantee that he is safe while he is down there?” Remus asked him.

“My Love,” Severus said with a soft smile. “He is Aqua-kine. Drowning is not something that we will ever have to worry about. Besides, his Merrow guards will be with him at all times. He will never be alone and never be at risk.”

“Right,” Remus said with a blush. “I just worry about him. He has been through so many horrible things, and I don’t want to risk him.”

“I know, Remy. I would never risk our son. If you don’t want him to do this, then he will not,” Severus insisted.

“And how do you feel about it, Pup?” Remus asked Hadrian.

“I trust Dad. If he says that it is safe and that I won’t be in any danger, then I believe him. Plus, like he said, I can’t drown. Also, Ronan and the others will be with me at all times,” Hadrian answered honestly. “But like Dad said, if you don’t want me to do it, then I won’t.”

Remus looked between the two of them and sighed. They were right. Hadrian wouldn’t be in any real danger. He was being guarded by the fiercest warriors of Aqua-kine. He would be fine.

“Ok,” Remus said reluctantly. “He can do this. But I want all of the Merrow in the water with him. He is never alone with Albus or anyone else. I mean it. And I want him brought back to the room immediately so that I can check him over.”

“Papa, you can use my cloak,” Hadrian pointed out. “That way you can be there to see how things are going for yourself. You don’t have to wait in here.”

“Right. I will do that then,” Remus agreed. “Do the Champion’s know that people are being taken?”

“No,” Severus answered with a frown. “They want the Champion’s to be completely in the dark about it. We are sworn to tell them nothing.”

“Ok,” Hadrian said with a smile. “What’s the plan?”

“You will report to the Headmaster’s office before breakfast in the morning. They will place the spells, and you will be taken into the lake by the Merpeople,” Severus informed him.

“Ok, so up before everyone else,” Hadrian said, and Severus nodded. The Hadrian grinned at his fathers. “Who is going to tell the Gheyo?”

“Tell the Gheyo what?” Malakai asked as he walked into the room with Tempest and Sage.

Sage had been with the Suite that had found Remus and brought him to the goblins. That suite was staying with them now as well. Hadrian now had twice as many people looking after him as before. All of them were really nice.

The Ace sat down next to Hadrian and Tempest sat down in his lap. Hadrian was pretty sure Tempest never just sat down anywhere that he didn’t drape himself across someone. The other Gheyo just let him do it without complaint.

Severus explained to them what was going on and the Ace didn’t look like he was very happy about it.

“I don’t think Ronan or Viktor are going to be very happy with this,” Malakia pointed out.

“Viktor cannot know what is going on before the task and Ronan is just going to have to accept the decision of my Beta and I. We would never place our son in danger. We have every confidence that all of you will be able to protect him should he need it,” Severus answered.

“I trust you to keep me safe,” Hadrian added. “I always feel so safe with all of you around and I know whether I am in the water or on land, I am protected.”

“Of course, you are,” Tempest said and grasped his hand. He winked at Hadrian and kissed his hand. “We would never let anything happen to you, Little Merrow.”

“I know,” Hadrian stated with a small blush. Remus chuckled and Severus rolled his eyes.

“Alright, get out you four. Hadrian still has a bit of homework to get done,” Remus said and made shooing motions at the others.

“Of course,” Malakai agreed. “I need to speak with Ronan and Xander about the plan for tomorrow anyway. We are taking no risks with his safety.”

The Merrow Ace tugged on a loose strand of Hadrian’s hair affectionately before leading Tempest and Sage out of the room. Severus kissed Remus and nuzzled Hadrian before he too followed them out.

“Everything is going to be fine, Papa,” Hadrian said once it was just him and Remus again.

“I know, Pup. I just worry,” Remus responded with a small smile.

“And you have no idea how happy that makes me,” Hadrian told him honestly. “To know that there are people out there who love me enough to worry. It isn’t something I have ever had before.”

“I have always worried, Hadrian. Even when I didn’t know that you were my son. I always worried,” Remus assured him. “I am sorry that I didn’t show that enough.”

“Thanks, Papa,” Hadrian responded happily. Remus tapped the book between them and grinned.

“Now, let’s get back to it,” Remus insisted. “Tell me about this rune and all of the ways you can use it.”

“Right,” Hadrian agreed.

The two of them worked on Runes for another hour before they called it quits. Blaise was sitting in the main room when Hadrian walked in. He held up a book.

“I thought you might like to read with me for a bit before curfew,” Blaise offered.

“Absolutely,” Hadrian agreed quickly.

“The two of you may go to your room so that it is quiet while he reads to you,” Severus offered them. Then he glared at Blaise. “You will behave, or it will be the last time you are allowed to be alone with my son.”

“Yes, Professor,” Blaise said with a smile and held his hand out for Hadrian who happily took it. “Come on, Cara Mia. I have a new book I think you are going to love.”

“Italian or English?” Hadrian asked as they headed down the hallway.

“Does he speak Italian?” Remus asked as he sat down next to Severus.

“Zabini has been teaching him. He is actually picking it up incredibly fast. French and Bulgarian as well. He has a talent for languages,” Severus answered.

“What is his secondary element?” Remus asked.

“Nameless,” Severus responded. “Kili and I believe that his Nameless gift may have to do with languages. And not just human languages. He can also speak to snakes and Dragons.”

“Well, that could be useful,” Remus said with a smile.

“Absolutely,” Severus agreed. “But our boy doesn’t see it that way. He is having a blast learning.”

“Who is teaching him French?” Remus asked.

“Draco,” Severus said with a smile. “Regulus will be so happy when he is back home with us.”

“Of course he will,” Remus agreed. “He tried so hard to get the two of us interested in learning French, but it was hopeless. Has there been any word about him?”

“Yes, I heard from Jascha this afternoon between classes. The Cunninghams do not believe Regulus is on Earth. They think Albus is keeping him in a pocket realm of some sort. They need to get into his private quarters,” Severus informed him.

“Ok, so what are we doing to get them that?” Remus asked. He knew his Alpha already had a plan.

“I have told them that tomorrow is going to be their best bet. Albus will leave his office first thing in the morning to prepare for the task. He will be gone for breakfast as well as the task and lunch. He will be out of his office and quarters for hours,” Severus revealed.

“Perfect,” Remus responded. “I hope they find what they need. I want Reggie back with us. I hate all of this. I wish we could just take Albus and force him to tell us what we want to know.”

“I know, Love. I do too,” Severus said with a sigh and held Remus tighter.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“What book did you bring?” Hadrian asked as he and Blaise got comfortable on his bed.

Blaise was sitting with his back to the headboard and Hadrian laid down with his head in the Joker’s lap.

“The Lightning Thief,” Blaise responded and opened the book to the first chapter.

“Oh, the one I told you that Dean was talking about right?” Hadrian asked.

“That’s the one,” Blaise agreed. “Now, sit quietly, Cara Mia and let me read to you.”

“Va bene, leggimi,” Hadrian responded.

“Perfetto,” Blaise praised. “Il tuo Italiano sta migliorando.”

“Grazie,” Hadrian preened under the praise.

Then Hadrian lay there and let Blaise read to him. It was always just so relaxing. Hadrian loved spending time like this with Blaise. It was always so nice. Especially, when Blaise ran his fingers absently through Hadrian’s hair while he read.

Hadrian looked up when there was a knock on his door jam.

“It is time for you to return to your room, Zabini,” Severus instructed. “Hadrian needs to get his rest.”

“Right,” Blaise agreed. “See you in the morning, Cara Mia. It was wonderful as always.”

“Buona notte, Blaise,” Hadrian bid him goodnight. Blaise left the room and left Hadrian staring up at his dad.

“Take a shower, Little Star and then come for a cuddle with your Papa and me,” Severus instructed.

“Ok, Dad,” Hadrian agreed and did as he was told.

He showered and changed into his pajamas and then spent a little while cuddling with his parents in the sitting room before retiring to bed for the night.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Second Task

“Where is Hadrian?” Draco asked Theo. “He missed breakfast, and the Merrow are missing.”

The two of them were standing with the others on the platforms in the Black Lake. The Champions were down on the bottom level getting ready to go.

“I don’t know, Treasure, but Severus doesn’t look worried, so I am sure everything is fine,” Theo soothed.

“I don’t like this, Theodore. He wouldn’t miss the task. Look at Viktor,” Draco said and pointed to where the Bulgarian Champion was looking around him and frowning hard.

“Nikolaus has Viktor well in hand,” Theo insisted.

They watched as the other Beta spoke low and sternly to his friend. They looked like they had come to some sort of understanding when Viktor turned sharply to look at Severus. The Alpha looked proud for a moment before nodding his head.

“What’s happening?” Draco demanded. Theo hugged him close and rubbed his finger across his mark on Draco’s neck.

“Calm down, Draco,” Theo insisted and pushed calm through their bond. Draco relaxed but not by much.

“I don’t like this,” Draco mumbled before he crossed his arms and leaned into Theo.

“Have either of you seen or heard from Hadrian this morning?” Blaise asked as he strode up to them. Draco gave Theo a look and then shook his head.

“No, but I don’t think there is anything to worry about. Severus doesn’t look worried. I am sure everything is fine,” Theo insisted again. Blaise nodded but didn’t relax.

They watched as the announcements were made and then the canon blew to signal the start of the task. Viktor slipped something into his mouth and then waited only a moment before diving in.

“This task wasn’t very well thought out was it,” Draco pointed out. “Bit boring from a spectators view point.”

“That’s for sure. Who comes up with this stuff?” Blaise added.

“What do you think they have to do down there?” Someone near them asked their friend.

“Oh, Cedric says that something important was taken and they have an hour to get it back,” came the response.

“I wonder where Cho is, Cedric was looking for her earlier,” the first person spoke again.

Draco turned around and looked at Blaise and Theo with dawning horror.

“Merlin,” Draco breathed out. “You don’t think they took people, do you?”

“That would explain Viktor’s sudden determination,” Theo responded.

“If he is harmed in any way, I will burn this school to the ground with the officials inside,” Blaise promised with a dark look in his eyes. “I am going to the bottom to wait for them.”

“I would help him,” Draco insisted as he turned back around in Theo’s arms to watch.

“I know, Treasure. So would I,” Theo assured him. “Though I believe we would have to get in line behind his fathers.”

The two of them were quiet while they waited for something to happen.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Viktor burst through the water and held Hadrian to him as he waited for the Submissive to take a deep breath and orient himself.

“Are you ok?” Viktor asked him as he tread water. Hadrian smiled brightly at him.

“Of course, I am. We are in the water Vik. Are we first?” Hadrian asked excitedly.

“We are,” Viktor answered.

“Then, let’s go. I believe you have a task to win for me,” Hadrian teased. Viktor chuckled and kissed him hard. Hadrian grinned at him when he pulled away.

“I was worried, Little Seeker,” Viktor told him seriously.

“I’m sorry,” Hadrian responded and nuzzled him. “Come on. Let’s get to the finish line before someone catches up.”

“Yeah, let’s go,” Viktor agreed. He released Hadrian so that the two of them could make their way to the platform. Hadrian didn’t need his help in the water. He was born to be in the water.

Severus reached down and pulled Hadrian from the water as Viktor lifted himself out. The Alpha wrapped his son in a blanket. He made sure there were no warming charms on it because it would dry Hadrian out too much.

“Are you ok, Cara Mia?” Blaise asked after Severus stepped back.

“I’m fine, Blaise. I swear,” Hadrian assured him. Viktor wrapped an arm around him and nuzzled his cheek before pressing a light kiss on it.

“Is that Fleur? I thought we were first,” Hadrian said and pointed to where the Beauxbatons Champion was nearly frantic pacing the edge of the platform.

“You were first,” Nikolaus said as he joined them. “Fleur was attacked by the Grindylow. She never made it past the kelp forest.”

“What happens to her person?” Blaise asked as they waited for Cedric to appear. The hour timer was almost up.

“Nothing,” Hadrian answered. “The Merfolk will bring her to the surface once the task is complete.”

The timer went off to signal the end of the hour and still they waited. Finally, about five minutes past, Cedric broke through the surface of the water with Cho clinging to him. Hadrian stepped back between Severus and Blaise as Viktor was congratulated by his Headmaster and friends.

Blaise slipped his hand into Hadrian’s while they waited for the announcements to be made and for them all to be dismissed. It felt so nice to feel the warmth of the Joker’s hand in his own.

“Hadrian!”

He turned just in time to wrap his arms around Draco when the blonde nearly barreled into him. He felt a hand steady him and looked up to see Ronan standing there smiling down at him.

Ronan had been with him every step of the way. From the moment he had woken up and scarfed down a quick breakfast and headed to Dumbledore’s office to the moment he was retrieved by Viktor.

“Hey Drake,” Hadrian said quietly.

“I was worried. Did you know they were going to take you?” Draco demanded when he finally pulled back.

“I am sorry you were worried. They didn’t tell Dad about it until after dinner last night and it was late when he told me about it,” Hadrian apologized.

“Did you know when I came down to read with you?” Blaise asked him with a pointed stare.

“Yes,” Hadrian said and looked down. “I’m sorry, Blaise. Dad said I couldn’t tell anyone.”

“I’m not mad, Cara Mia. I was worried when I couldn’t find you,” Blaise told him and lifted his chin.

“We all were,” Draco insisted. “But it’s fine. We will keep you company tonight since your Beta will be busy celebrating with his friends.”

“Thanks,” Hadrian said with a smile as they watched Viktor stand proudly as he was announced as the winner for the second task as well.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“I hope we found enough to get us somewhere,” Mariana called out.

“Why?” Jascha asked as he walked up to her and wrapped his arms around her. She nodded toward the lake.

“They are done,” Mariana verbalized.

“Severus insisted that we would still have an hour or two after the task before the Headmaster returned to his office or quarters,” Jascha stated.

“I think we found what we need,” a Dragel in a plumed mask stated as he held out a file and a little dragon trinket with a compass on it.

“What is it?” Jascha asked as Mariana took the file.

“It looks like detailed reports of how the Submissive is doing. The dates indicate that he receives a report once a month,” Mariana answered as she flipped through the file.

“Copy it all,” Mariana commanded as she handed the file to one of her Gheyo. “It looks like he receives the report on the fourteenth of every month like clockwork. I want the headmaster followed so that I know exactly how he receives it.”

“It will be done,” Hadrian answered with a slight bow.

“What is the Dragon for?” Jascha asked. Hadrian held it out.

“I don’t know, but it has the Submissives name across the base,” Hadrian answered and passed it over.

“Take it with us,” Mariana stated. Jascha nodded and placed it in his pocket. “Did we find anything else?”

“Yes,” One of their Aces stepped forward with a letter in his hand. “The Headmaster is a half-breed Torvak.”

“Perfect,” Mariana said with a sigh. “I need to make a side trip. Scout and Hadrian will come with me.”

“You are going to pay your little spy a visit,” Jascha said with a smile.

“I am,” Mariana agreed. “Behave, Love. Be back soon.”

Mariana, Scout, and Hadrian disappeared in a Shadow portal. Jascha looked out the window for a moment before turning back to his other bonded.

“I am leaving a few Shadows behind to keep an ear out. Set everything back the way it was and let’s go before we are caught,” Jascha instructed. “I am going to wait for the Alpha to let him know what is going on.”

His bonded did as they were told, and he trusted them to get the job done. They were experienced in this kind of work. They would leave no trace behind. He stepped through the shadows and into the personal quarters of the Alpha just as the little Submissive and his friends stepped into the room as well.

“Jascha,” Ronan greeted. “Is there news?”

“Yes, when will the Alpha return?” Jascha asked.

“I believe he will not return until after lunch,” Ronan answered. “His Beta is here. You could leave the message with him.”

“Alright,” Jascha agreed.

Remus stepped forward and ruffled Hadrian’s hair.

“Come on, we can talk in the potion lab,” Remus told him. Jascha nodded and followed Remus out of the room. He told him everything that they learned and what they were planning on doing next.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
February 25, 1996: Viktor, Ronan, and Hadrian

“Viktor!” Hadrian called happily as he spotted the Bulgarian at the edge of the Black Lake.

“Zdrasti, Little Star,” Viktor greeted him. “Ronan,” Viktor greeted the Alpha as well.

“Hello, Viktor,” Ronan said with a smile. “You did good yesterday.”

“He did, didn’t he,” Hadrian said with a bright smile. Viktor held out a small box.

“A trinket from the task. As promised,” Viktor told him.

Hadrian took the box with a happy chir and opened to find a tiny trident inside. He pulled it out and quickly attached it to his necklace. There were quite a few things dangling from it now.

He had gotten small gifts from Viktor, Ronan, Blaise, Malakai, and Tempest. They seemed determined to constantly offer him small shiny things. He loved all of them. He noticed that most of the Merrow had a lot of jewelry or hair pieces. He had never been one to like jewelry, but he found he really liked it now.

“I love it, Viktor. Thank you,” Hadrian said happily.

“Did you take that off one of the Merfolk?” Ronan asked with a smirk.

“I didn’t take it,” Viktor said with a chuckle. “I asked for it. Told them that I wanted to gift it to my Submissive. They were more than happy to let me have one.”

“They are really nice. I love swimming with them,” Hadrian stated. “They help me find a lot of pretty things that students have dropped in the Lake over the years.”

“I guess that explains the chest of trinkets that your father asked about a few weeks ago,” Ronan responded with a laugh. Hadrian blushed and waved them off.

“I can’t seem to help it. It’s like a dragon hoarding treasure,” Hadrian said quietly.

“It is normal, Little Seeker,” Viktor insisted.

Ronan nodded in agreement and reached out for Hadrian’s hand. The Submissive shyly placed his hand in the Alpha’s. Ronan looked between the two of them seriously.

“I have something I want to discuss with the two of you,” Ronan stated.

“Of course,” Hadrian said with a nod.

“I know the two of you are courting. I would like to let the two of you know that I am interested. I would like to court the two of you and want to know how you both feel about it,” Ronan revealed.

Hadrian looked at Viktor and opened his mouth to say something, but Ronan gently squeezed his hand.

“Don’t answer right now. In fact, don’t answer any time soon. Take some time to discuss it together. Really think about this and how you feel about it. When you have decided, come to me and we can talk about it together,” Ronan insisted.

“We will take the time to talk about it,” Viktor agreed and placed a hand around Hadrian’s shoulder. “Though, it probably won’t take as long as you think it will. I know what you have been doing Alpha.”

“Well, at least one of you noticed,” Ronan said with a chuckle.

He reached up and tugged on Harry’s braid that sported the first gift Ronan had given him. It was a beautiful braid cuff that had a small depiction of his family crest on it.

“Noticed what?” Hadrian asked them.

“I will explain it to you later, Little Seeker,” Viktor told him and kissed his cheek.

“Alright,” Hadrian agreed.

He looked between Viktor and Ronan. He blushed. It would be really nice to have both of them as his. He was absolutely head over heels in love with Viktor and had grown more and more fond of Ronan the longer he was around him.

“Well, let’s get you inside for lunch before your fire twins come searching for you,” Ronan said with a chuckle.

“They aren’t mine,” Hadrian said with a laugh. “I actually think they might be really fond of Draco. They are spending more time together. Draco acts like it annoys him but I know he actually likes them.”

“I think you are right, Starfish,” Ronan agreed. “I have noticed it as well.”

“As have I,” Viktor added. “Let’s get to lunch.”

Hadrian walked happily between Viktor and Ronan as they headed back inside and to the Great Hall. Hadrian waved at Fred and George and sat down next to Draco with Viktor on his other side.

“I see you have a new charm,” Draco said and tapped the trident. Hadrian grinned and nodded.

“Yep, my token of my Beta’s victory,” Hadrian responded.

“So, did you understand the assignment in Runes?” Theo asked him.

Hadrian nodded and then the two of them were off talking about their school work. Aside from Hadrian, Theo was the most studious. The two of them often studied together. Hadrian loved being with people who wanted to help each other succeed. He also loved that he was placing higher than Hermione in the class line up and she hated him for it.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
March 14, 1996: The Cunningham Circle

Jascha and Mariana stood together in the shadows with their circle and watched the scene playing out in front of them.

The headmaster, Albus, had cloaked himself and headed deep into the Forbidden Forest around the school. When he got to a clearing, he waited. Barely ten minutes later a portal opened, and a tall man stepped out with a file on him.

Hadrian had immediately attached one of his Shadows to the man and they waited.

“How is the baby progressing?” Albus asked.

“So far everything is good. There have been no complications as long as we keep the Ace near him,” the man answered.

“Troublesome, but it won’t make a difference,” Albus said with a sigh. “Even if they manage to get out of the tower, they will never make it past the Torvak that are guarding them.”

“The Ace is growing more restless and troublesome the further along the Submissive gets,” the man insisted. “I think our best course of action is just to get rid of him.”

“I will not risk losing the baby because the Submissive is distressed about losing him,” Albus countered. “Once the baby is born, we can get rid of the Ace and no sooner. Do you understand me?”

“Yes, I understand. I just think you aren’t being smart about this,” the man stated with a sigh. “You are risking too much.”

“That is for me to worry over. You are simply there to make sure that baby is born without issue,” Albus insisted.

“Of course,” the man said and bowed slightly. “Do you need anything else from me?”

“No, I will see you again in a month. Unless there is an emergency and then you are to contact me immediately,” Albus instructed.

“Yes, sir,” the man said and watched as Albus strode away.

He did not notice the Shadow Dragel that slipped into his shadow at her Submissive’s command. Finally, they were getting somewhere. Scout would ride to this other realm in the man’s shadow and then stay hidden until the others could track her signature and follow her.

This was the break they needed. Hopefully, the Submissive was on the other end. It sounded like they would be bringing home quite a few surprises when they rescued the Submissive. Like a new baby and possibly a new bonded. But that was a problem for their circle to handle.

For now, they were finally going to get to Hunt.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
April 1996: Sirius and Albus

Sirius stood in Albus’ office and looked out the window while the old man continued to try and sooth him about his missing child. He wasn’t listening though. He was watching the new transfer student sitting on the lawn with some of the other students including the Weasley twins.

There was something about the boy that was familiar, and Sirius just couldn’t figure out why. Then he watched Snivelus stride up to them and the boy looked up at the potion master with the brightest smile and suddenly it hit him.

He knew that smile.

“Albus, what is the new transfer student’s name?” Sirius demanded. Albus stopped talking and looked at the man curiously.

“Hadrian Black. A distant relative of yours actually,” Albus answered. Sirius watched the boy a moment more and then turned disbelieving eyes toward the Headmaster.

“Are you blind? Or just stupid?” Sirius spat out. “That is Harry, Albus. He is sitting right there staring up at Snivelus as if he hung the stars in the sky. They have figured it all out somehow. They know the truth and they have been flaunting it right under your nose.”

“That is impossible,” Albus said and stood from his desk.

He joined Sirius at the window and looked down at the newest student. Merlin, that boy was the spitting image of his fathers. How had he missed this? How had he allowed them to get so out of his control.

“You know I am right,” Sirius stated and shook his head. “He knows now. Snivelus has turned him against me the same way he turned my brother and boyfriend from me. We have to fix this.”

“At least we know the boy is alive and fine,” Albus said and sat back down at his desk. “We need to get back control of him. This is going to be complicated though. There is no way of knowing exactly how many people know the truth or who they have talked to about this. We must be very careful.”

“We need to get in touch with Remus and make sure that he is still unaware,” Sirius insisted.

“Perhaps you are right. If we still have him under our control, it will be easier to control Severus and Harry,” Albus agreed. “Go and get him.”

“Right,” Sirius agreed. “Keep an eye on my nephew and don’t lose him again while I am gone. Figure out how we are going to get him back to being Harry Potter.”

“I will handle it, My Boy,” Albus insisted.

Sirius flooed out of the office and Albus sat back in his chair. How had this happened? How long had it been going on? He sat quietly to try and figure it out.

He never noticed that his door was cracked, and someone had been watching them from the shadows. A sinister smile graced the lips of the man as his tongue darted out across his mouth and he took a sip from the flask on his pouch.

The man retreated from the headmaster’s office and out of the castle into the forbidden forest unseen. He quickly transformed into his Animagus form and flew off towards his master.

He had wonderful news. His Master would be so pleased.