Chapter 3
After eating breakfast at the inn, Melanthios and Kallisto decided to get his school supplies. Making sure he had his list and money pouch in his pocket, Kalli wrapped herself around his neck. They then joined the hustle and bustle of the alley for some shopping.
The first stop he made was a bookstore called Flourish and Blotts. The shelves were filled to the ceiling and they seemed to have books on everything. Some books were so huge he had trouble picking them up while others were small enough to fit in the palm of his hand. He was in complete awe as he walked around the store. They had a bundle of Hogwarts school books in the front sorted by year.
After speaking with a clerk he was able to pick out a few extra books as well. He needed some to help him fit into the wizarding world as well as some to help him find out about his parents. The extra books he picked out were:
- Hogwarts. A History
- Wizarding Holidays and Traditions
- A guide to wizard culture and etiquette
- Immortals. Fact or Fiction
- Legends, Myths, and Folklore
- Immortals, Wizards, and Muggles
He figured that should be enough extra reading for now.
Next he went to Scribbulus Writing Implements to buy parchment, quills and ink. Along with the standard school set he also bought some color changing ink and a quick notes quill.
After that he stopped at Slug & Jiggers Apothecary. Even though it smelled horrible inside, like rotten eggs, it was truly fascinating. There were all kinds of interesting things there. The walls were lined with different jars filled with herbs, dried roots and powders. There were claws were hanging from the ceiling and multiple barrels filled with slimy things
Making his way to the counter he asked the shop keeper for a potions set and a supply of basic ingredients. He then went across the street to Potage's Cauldron Shop to get his pewter cauldron, a pair of brass scales and some dragonhide gloves.
Outside the cauldron shop he checked his list again. “Where should we go next?” he asked Kalli, “looks like i just need my wand and trunk.”
“You are carrying a lot. We should get a trunk to put it all in” she told him.
Melanthios nodded and made his way towards the luggage shop. Now that he thought about it he probably should have gotten a trunk first.
As he was walking to the store he bumped into another boy and was almost knocked over if not for the boy's quick reflexes.
“Shoot, sorry! Are you alright? I wasn’t paying attention.” the boy apologized in a slight accent.
Looking up, Melanthios saw that the boy was slightly taller than him with smooth mocha skin and sharp cheekbones. He had an undercut with short tousled curls, stopping just above his ears. His slanted eyes were pretty unusual though. They were completely black with the only color coming from the iris which were purple.
“It’s fine. No harm done. I wasn’t paying attention either.” Melanthios replied as he righted himself. He was about to keep walking when the boy stopped him.
“Wait!” He called, holding out his hand. “I’m Blaise Zabini. What’s your name?” he asked with a shy smile.
“Melanthios Khthonios” he said, shaking his hand. “Oh and Kallisto” he introduced his familiar who was eyeing Blaise with interest.
“Nice to meet you. Would you like some help? You seem to be carrying a lot by yourself.” Blaise said as he looked at all the bags.
“Sure. I was actually heading to the store to pick out my school trunk when we collided” Melanthios gave a small smile as he rubbed the back of his neck.
“Oh me too! Are you also going to Hogwarts?” He asked as he picked up Melanthios’ bags for him and they began walking to the trunk shop.
“Yes, it'll be my first year.”
“Mine as well. I live in Italy so I don’t really know anyone here. Mamma was a bit apprehensive about me going but I was pretty excited when my letter came and in the end she couldn’t say no” Blaise told him as he held open the shop door.
Melanthios chuckled as he walked inside. Blaise seemed nice enough. Maybe they could be friends. He’d never had any of them before. And perhaps he’d be helpful later on in future. His books did mention the importance of making allies.
“Well if you want, maybe we can be friends?” He said. Trying to be as nonchalant as possible.
Blaise stared at him intensely before a rather charming smile lit his face. “I’d love nothing more” he said softly as he brought Melanthios’ hand up to his lips and kissed it.
Melanthios stood there stunned as he felt his face heat up. “Yeah I’d like that too” he mumbled.
Blaise chuckled as he called over a clerk to help them. The clerk recommended the standard model but Melanthios ended up getting a large black trunk with silver trim. It could hold 5,000 books and had multiple compartments. Including one that would keep his potion ingredients fresh.
Blaise had picked the same model except in green. They also picked out brown leather messenger bags for class. Once they paid, the clerk was kind enough to help Melanthios pack away his supplies before shrinking both their trunks for them.
“Do you have anywhere else to go?” Blaise asked him as they exited the store.
“I need to get my wand and pick up my uniform and new wardrobe.” He told him.
Blaise nodded “I already have my wand but I will accompany you since I also need to get my uniform.”
Together they made their way to Ollivander’s. It was a narrow and shabby shop with peeling gold letters over the door.
“I’ll wait for you out here” Blaise told him as he sat on a bench by the window.
Melanthios nodded and walked inside. It was a tiny place. Empty except for the thousands of narrow boxes piled to the ceiling. Kallisto wiggled from under his shirt and poked her head out. “This place is full of magic” she said, her tongue flicking the air.
He could feel it too and was about to respond when a soft voice made him jump. “Good afternoon” An old man with white wild hair and wide pale eyes appeared behind him.
“Hello,” said Melanthios awkwardly “I’m here to get a wand”
“Ah yes. I was wondering when I’d be seeing you Mr Potter…” he said as he came closer, his silvery eyes unblinking. “Or should I call you Mr Khthonios?” He reached out a long white finger and traced the scar on Melanthios’ forehead with a frown.
Melanthios felt a shiver run down his spine at the touch before Ollivander pulled away and walked over to the boxes. “Now let’s see what we have here for you” he said as pulled down a few for him.
Melanthios tried wand after wand but none of them seemed to work for him. The pile of tried wands was growing higher and higher and Mr Ollivander seemed to get happier with each wand added to the pile.
“Tricky customer eh? Not to worry! Follow me!” He led Melanthios downstairs and into a back room. The room was empty but on the floor there was a giant triangle with a circle in each angle.
“This way. Stand here” Ollivander said as he led Melanthios to sit in the circle at the head of the triangle. In the bottom left there were different types of wood. In the bottom right were a bunch of things he couldn’t identify.
“Focus on your magic. Let it flow freely through you and out to the woods and cores. It will call to the ones that best fits it.” Ollivander told him.
Slightly bewildered but highly interested, Melanthios closed his eyes and did as told. He felt a warmth as his magic surrounded him before reaching outward. He heard Ollivander gasp and pulled his magic back.
“Interesting… very interesting…” Ollivander whispered in awe.
As the warmth left him, he opened his eyes. Cocking his head, he stared at the older man. “What’s interesting?” He asked.
Unbeknown to him was that while he had been focusing on his magic, the warmth he felt was from being engulfed in blue flames. The fire quickly spread down the lines to the other two circles, engulfing a wood and core in its flame. The fire didn’t burn them however and extinguished itself as soon as Melanthios opened his eyes.
“Oh yes… this is very interesting indeed.” Ollivander nodded sagely. “You’ll be quite a powerful young man” said with a chuckle as he led them back to the front of the store.
When they got back upstairs Blaise was anxiously pacing around inside. When he saw Melanthios he visibly relaxed. Taking his hand, he pulled him closer and seemingly checked him over for injuries. “Is everything ok?” He asked lowly, gripping his hand tightly.
Melanthios looked down at their hands and smiled. Blaise had been worried about him. Nobody in this world had ever done that. It was sweet. He squeezed his hand back and nodded. “Sorry. I was a tricky customer” he grinned “Mr Ollivander has to make me a whole new wand” he told him excitedly.
“Yew and Thestral hair… a tricky yet powerful combination indeed. This wand will do great things.” Ollivander hummed. “If you’d like to come back in about an hour it should be ready for you” he told them.
Melanthios thanked him before Blaise pulled him out of the shop. As they headed to Madam Malkin’s, he looked over at his friend and frowned. He had spent a long time at the wand shop and he didn’t want to keep him if he had other plans.
“I’m sorry I kept you” he told him as they walked to get their uniforms. “You didn’t have to wait for me. You could have just left.”
Blaise shot him a confused smile over his shoulder. “I’d never just leave you, Bello. I said I’d wait.” He squeezed his hand once more before letting go, “I just got worried when I looked in the window and you were no longer there.” He said as he held open the door for him.
Melanthios nodded and went to the counter to pick up his order. After paying he sat down to wait for Blaise, who had to be fitted. As he watched he noticed that the seamstress was acting a bit weird but chose to ask about it later. Once Blaise finished he paid and requested that his uniform be owled to him when ready.
“Do you have anything else you need to do?” Melanthios asked as they left the store.
“No, but I’m meeting mamma for an early dinner. I’d be more than happy if you joined” he said.
Melanthios nodded. Dinner with a friend was something he never expected he’d have. “I just have to get my new wardrobe from Twilfitt and pick up my wand but I’d love to meet your mom.”
“Wonderful! Mamma will just adore you” Blaise grinned brightly as he grabbed his hand “come let’s get the rest of your things”.
When they arrived at Twilfitt and Tattings, Melanthios went to the counter and saw that the same witch from last night was there. “Hi, I'm here to pick up my new wardrobe,” he told her.
“Ah yes I remember you!” She walked from behind the counter and led him to the fitting rooms. “Using the colors you gave I picked out some simple yet elegant things for you that I’m sure you’ll like” she flicked her wand and a large rack of clothes rolled over to her. “I chose silk, linen and cotton for the material. I also threw in some leather and cashmere for special occasions. Your outer robes and jackets also come with heating charms”
Melanthios nodded as he looked through all the clothes. He probably had enough here to last 2 whole years. There were slacks, jeans, collared shirts, button downs, sweaters, jackets, and outer robes. She had also picked him out some loungewear, suits and dress robes. For shoes he had 2 pairs of dress shoes, 3 pairs of boots, and 3 pairs of everyday shoes. There were even a pair of slippers!
“These are all perfect!” He said after he had tried on a few things. “Thank you so much!” He smiled. “Could you help me pack it into my truck?” He took out his shrunken trunk and set it on the floor, pressing a button on the side to resize it.
Once everything was packed away and his trunk was re-shrunken he went back upfront to pay. Blaise was browsing through the different accessories and smiled when he came over. “Ready to finally get your wand?”
Melanthios nodded and they headed back to Ollivander’s. While there Blaise recommended he get a wand holder to attach to his wrist for easy access. He suggested black or gray, so Melanthios got both. After paying for everything they walked outside and Blaise took his hand, eagerly leading him towards the restaurant.
“We are meeting Mamma at Mancini’s. It’s the only authentic Italian restaurant in the alley,” he explained as they walked. “So it’s her favorite place to go to anytime she has business here.”
They reached the restaurant and Blaise gave his surname to the hostess. She startled slightly at seeing him but quickly showed them to a table in the back where a woman was already seated.
Blaise’s face lit up upon seeing her, “Mamma!” The woman looked up and smiled. As he walked to the table she stood up to embrace him. “Cuore mio” she whispered softly as she cupped his cheeks.
Melanthios stood watching the encounter with envy. He wanted that for himself more than anything. He wanted to be held in his mother’s arms as she stroked his hair and kissed his forehead. He wanted it and he’d do anything to get it.
Blaise spoke to his mother in rapid Italian before pulling him over. “Melanthios I’d like to introduce you to my mother. Lady Carmen Zabini. Mamma this is Melanthios Khthonios” he introduced them.
Lady Zabini smiled at him as she shook his hand. She was a tall slender woman with a slightly darker complexion than Blaise. She wore a midnight blue dress and had her hair pinned up into an elegant bun. Her full lips were painted red and she had the same dark eyes as her son.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Melanthios. I’m glad my Blaise was able to find you so quickly” she said as they all sat down.
“I’m glad I met him too” he told her as he smiled at Blaise.
“And you had no misgivings on forming a partnership with him” She asked as she watched him intently
“No. Should I have?” He asked worriedly. He really liked Blaise. Being around him made him happy. Did she not want them to be friends?
She hummed softly before smiling. “Don’t worry. I approve of you. I just worry for him. You have noticed our eyes I’m sure”
He nodded and let out a slight gasp as her eyes began to change. The black of her sclera seemed to recede into her now darkened iris. He shivered as she stared at him. While she now looked normal it didn’t feel right to him, yet he couldn’t help but stare back at her.
“It’s because we are not human… And because of this most wizards are wary or outright unaccepting of our kind” she told him ruefully. As she spoke, he noticed that her voice seemed to change too. It sounded like soft tinkling bells.
Melanthios scowled. That explained the seamstress and the hostess, he thought. He looked over at Blaise and saw that he was frowning down at the table. At the sight he felt a righteous sense of anger fill him. How dare they!
“I was uncertain about sending Blaise to Hogwarts as he is unable to change his appearance until after his maturity at 13” she sighed “but I just couldn’t say no to him in the end.”
Melanthios was beyond glad for that. “Just because you’re different is no reason for them to be rude. That’s unfair!” he told her. He had a strong urge to go find everyone who had ever made Blaise feel sad and make them regret it. “I think your eyes are cool just the way they are!” He looked at Blaise “and if anyone tells you differently they’re wrong!”
Blaise stared at him in shock and awe as his mother’s soft laughter seemed to fill the room, her sclera changing back to black.
“Thank you” she smiled as she opened her menu “now what would you boys like to eat? My treat”
As they ate, Melanthios told them how he was staying at an inn in the alley. When Lady Zabini asked why he explained how the Dursleys treated him and how his magical guardian had neglected him. She and Blaise were both enraged that he had gone through so much and she offered to have him come stay with them anytime. He introduced her to Kallisto and told them how he could speak parseltongue. They both found it interesting but saw nothing wrong with it, Blaise actually being a bit jealous.
At the end of dinner Blaise made him promise to write to him and they made plans to sit together on the train. Just before he left he hugged him tightly. “Take care Bello” he whispered before lightly stroking Kalli and following after his mother.
Melanthios waved goodbye until they turned the corner and he could no longer see them. He couldn’t stop smiling as he headed back to the inn. He’d made his first friend. He still couldn’t believe it.
“I like him,” Kalli said as they got back to the room. “He will make a good partner”
He hummed in agreement as he placed her on the bed and unpacked a pair of pajamas. “I’m glad you approve”
After his shower he laid in bed and decided to make some study and research plans. Looking over everything, they decided he should read at least one chapter a night from the extra books he bought. That way by the time school started he would at least have a basic understanding of the wizarding world and hopefully be closer to pinning down who his parents might be.
He hoped the 6 books he brought would be helpful. If he needed more he could always go back. Once he had everything planned he went to bed.
***
Melanthios had been staying in the alley for two weeks when it happened. He was at the owl post sending Blaise a letter when he felt a warm tugging sensation spread through his chest. He wasn’t sure what it was but it kinda felt like his magic was reaching out for something. When he told Kallisto she said it was probably his bond reaching out trying to reform. So he quickly sent the letter off and followed the pull towards the Magical Menagerie.
The closer he got the stronger the sensation. Walking inside the store he looked around. It was very cramped with every inch of wall hidden by cages or tanks. Because of all the animals it was smelly and very noisy. Slowly he walked up and down the aisles until he came to where the owls were and stopped in his tracks.
In front of him a boy with dark brown hair stood talking softly to one of the owlets. When he turned around their eyes locked and Melanthios just knew that this was his brother.
“Chrysanthos…?” He whispered as he walked closer. The boy stood there frozen. A look of confused shock on his face. “Chrys…is that you?” He tried again.
The boy slowly shook his head and Melanthios let out a hopeless sigh. He had been so sure. His magic had even led him here. “Sorry” he whispered “I thought you were someone else.” As he turned to leave when the boy reached out and stopped him.
“H-How do you know that name?” He asked, looking at him intensely.
***POV CHANGE***
Dowager Longbottom had finally agreed to take her grandson to Diagon alley to get a familiar. His great uncle Algie had offered to get him a pet toad but she was adamant that the animal also pick him. As they got closer to the store Neville began to feel a slight pulling sensation. Thinking it was from a possible familiar reaching out, his grandmother encouraged him to follow it.
The pull led him to the owl section. He had begun bonding with one of the owlets when he sensed someone come up behind him. Thinking it was his grandmother, he turned around to tell her he had found his familiar. Instead he came face to face with another boy who looked to be around his age.
The boy seemed oddly familiar but for some reason he couldn’t remember why. Had they met somewhere before? The boy had a look of hopeful desperation as he walked closer. Then he whispered a name Neville had only ever heard in his dreams: Chrysanthos.
Neville froze when he heard the boy call him that. How did this boy know that name?! Nobody, not even his grandmother knew about his weird dreams. So how could this boy who he couldn’t remember ever meeting know? Narrowing his eyes he looked at him more closely. He did look oddly familiar. Maybe… He shook his head, no it couldn’t be. But then again he did look a bit like an older version of the boy from the dream…
While Neville was trying to process what this might mean, the boy had started to walk away. Quickly he reached out to stop him from leaving. He had to know what was going on. Why had he called him by that name and why had it felt so right when he did.
***POV CHANGE***
Melanthios turned back around. The boy seemed scared and somewhat unsure. It was understandable. He figured he was probably the same way when he first met Kallisto.
“Because I had the dreams too,” he explained. “Only they weren’t dreams. They were memories. OUR memories” he smiled reassuringly. “I’m Melanthios. The other boy you saw in the dream, it was me... I’m your brother” he told him.
Neville stared at him and slowly nodded. “Ok… that kinda makes an odd amount of sense…” he said as he looked around the shop. He spotted his grandmother at the counter and looked back to Melanthios. “My gran will never believe this though” he said.
Melanthios frowned. It was one thing to convince his brother since they shared the dreams but for anyone else he’d sound crazy. The only way to prove it would be to have him take an Aura test.
“We need an Aura test. It will show everything,” he told his brother. Neville nodded and called over his grandmother.
“Have you found a familiar yet Neville?” She asked as she came over to them.
“Yes Gran, I have,” he held up the little owlet. “Her name is Ligeria. But I also bumped into Melanthios here and after talking to him I think I need to take a trip to Gringotts” he told her.
She raised an eyebrow as she looked at Melanthios, “is that so? And why would that be?”
Taking a deep breath Melanthios explained everything he could to her. How because of a ritual he was a bound immortal. How Neville was actually his brother Chrysanthos. How he used to be known as Harry Potter and how he’d done an aura test and it showed how there were blocks and compulsions placed on him by who he now believes to be Albus Dumbledore.
At first she seemed skeptical but once he mentioned that he used to be known as Harry Potter and that he believed Dumbledore was behind it her face tightened and she cursed under her breath. “Neville, give the shopkeeper your familiar. We will come back to pick her up. We need to go to Gringotts immediately” she said as she turned and headed out of the store.
This trip to Gringotts was just as eventful as his first. Dowager Augusta Longbottom walked in and requested an emergency meeting with their accountant manager. When they were all seated she asked that Neville be given a Magical Aura test. Unsurprisingly it went much the same as Melanthios’. When the green glow died down the four of them read the parchment.
Magical Aura Test for C.D.K
Name: Chrysanthos Demetrius Khthonios
Status: Bound Immortal
Magical Core: Neural
Bonds
- Twin bond to Melanthios
- Familiar bond to Ligeia (incomplete)
Abilities
- Accelerated Healing
- Magical Sensitivity
- Animancy
- Chlorokinesis
- Shadow Walking
Binds and Blocks
- Ritualistic Soul Binding (Permanent)
- Memory Block (15% Broken)
- Intelligence Block (10% Broken)
- Personality Block (20% Broken)
- Magical binding (5% broken)
- Glamour (0% Broken)
Compulsions and Manipulations
- Core manipulation (10% Broken)
- Hero Complex (50% Broken)
- Distrust of Slytherin House (10% broken)
- Loyalty to Albus Dumbledore (30% Broken)
They all sat there in silence as they read over the results before the goblin, Sharptooth, broke it with a cough. “Well I believe a cleanse is in order?” He looked to Dowager Longbottom who nodded in agreement. “Very well. Follow me” he said and led Neville out of the room.
Knowing that the cleanse would take awhile, Melanthios turned to Augusta and did his best to explain everything to her. He told her about his dreams, how he found Kallisto and got his Hogwarts letter. He explained how the Dursleys treated him and how he had used his powers to escape. How he found out that Dumbledore was his magical guardian and that he had been staying in the alley hoping to run into his brother.
As she listened to his story she got more and more upset on his behalf. She was appalled that he had been forced to live with such a horrible muggle family. And that Dumbledore had neglected his duties so greatly.
“Well it’s settled! You’ll come live with us!” She told him. “I’m sure Nev- I mean Chrysanthos would love to spend time with you before school starts.”
Melanthios was speechless. He hadn’t expected her to offer that he stay with them. He just expected to send letters and see each other once school started. “Oh! You really don’t have to. I’m ok” he told her.
“Of course I do! You’re an 11 year old child. You have no business living alone!” She told him with a shake of her head.
“I’m perfectly capable of taking care of myself. And I’m not alone. I told you I have Kalli” he said indignantly
She looked at him for a long moment and smiled. “I apologize. You’re right. You are more than capable of taking care of yourself. Anyone can clearly see that. What I mean is that you shouldn’t have to. You should be with us.”
The look of confusion on his face explained a lot. “You took an inheritance test, correct?” At his nod she continued. “Do you remember who it had listed as your godmother?” She asked.
He thought back and a look of understanding crossed his face as he remembered the name Alice Longbottom.
“You’re related to her? Where is she?” He asked eagerly.
“Yes she’s my daughter in law. Neville’s mother. Unfortunately she was tortured into insanity the same night the Potters and my son were killed” she pulled out a handkerchief and dabbed her eyes.
“I’m sorry for your loss,” Melanthios told her. She shook her head and smiled softly at him. “Thank you dear. But the point I was trying to make is that you should have been given to me to raise along with Neville instead of being placed with muggles”
Melanthios closed his eyes and took a deep breath before asking the question he was sure he already knew the answer to “who brought Chrys to you?” He asked
“It was Albus. He dropped him off to me the morning afterwards and explained what happened” she told him
It was starting to make sense now. The memory block was already weakening, if they had been raised together for the last 8 years… That was it. He was gonna do everything in his power to make sure whatever Albus Dumbledore had planned for them failed miserably.
“Can you help make sure Albus doesn’t meddle in my life too much going forward?” He asked.
She chuckled at his seriousness but agreed. Albus Dumbledore had taken everything from her in his damned war. She had lost her only son and her daughter in law only to find out now that she had also lost her grandson and hadn’t even known it.
He smiled and shook her hand. “Ok, I accept your offer. I will live with you until I find a way to return home” he told her.
***
A few hours later they were having tea when Chrysanthos walked into the room. His eyes immediately zeroed in on Melanthios, who had stood up. “Chrys?” he called tentatively
“Melly!” Chrysanthos yelled before running and tackling his twin to the ground.
“I’m so sorry!” Melanthios cried as he held onto his brother tightly, afraid to let go. “I shouldn’t have gone so far!”
Chrysanthos slowly rocked them as he rubbed his back. “Shhh it’s okay” he whispered. “It’s not your fault. If anything it’s mine. I’m older. I should have protected you better”
Melanthios shook his head. “You’re only a few hours older. Plus we were young so it’s neither of our faults. The only person to blame here is Dumbledore.”
Augusta watched as the two boys on the floor comforted each other. When he first walked in she had hardly recognized the boy she had been raising the last 8 years.
His skin was an olive tan and he had slimed down to a lean build. His hair was now a wheat blonde and reached his chin in loose curls. His face was a bit more thin and his eyes had lightened to a cornflower blue. Like his twin he also bore a scar that resembled lightning. However his was above his right eye.
“Gran? Is everything okay?” He asked as he walked over. They had gotten off the floor. “You’re crying” he said in concern, as he wiped a tear from her eye.
“I’m fine dear don’t worry” she smiled. She stood up and was almost knocked back down as he hugged her tightly.
“Even though I’m not really your grandson, I hope you know that I’ll always see you as my gran.” he whispered.
She hugged him back even tighter as she choked back more tears “I know dear. And you’ll always be just as important to me.” She said, placing a kiss on his head before letting go and dabbing her eyes dry. “Are you boys ready? We still need to go back to the Menagerie for your familiar as well as pickup Melanthios’ stuff from the inn before we can head home.”
The two boys looked at each other excitedly and nodded. Holding hands they left Gringotts together and followed her back into the alley.