13 He is back, tell a friend

Friday's classes seemed to be going the same as last time, but there was a noticeable change in Potions. At least Atreus noticed it. He had come to learn that Snape never smiled and only had a sneer on his face. Some students even believed that was the natural face of the Professor, while others thought he didn't know how to change his expression.

Today, Snape looked even paler than usual; his skin that seemed to have never been touched by sunlight looked even worse. He still walked around the classroom while the students brewed their potions, but he didn't bother the Gryffindors. At times, Atreus even caught him just staring aimlessly at a wall with a frown. He leered or sneered, but Snape did not frown.

Everything was not going according to plan, not that there ever was one. Last night, Snape and the rest of the Death Eaters had all been summoned by Voldemort. The Dark Lord had returned! Snape didn't know how he had done it, but he was back. All of the Death Eaters had been surprised, but they all rejoiced their Master's return. None, however, dared to ask what had happened to him.

Voldemort's snake-like appearance was a bit different than what they remembered, but none questioned him about it. He did, however, look physically weak. Thankfully, there was a Master Potioneer in their group, who was now tasked with brewing potions that will help Voldemort restore back to his peak.

Snape could've refused, but that will expose his allegiance. He could also try to mix them with poison and end Voldemort, but they didn't know how he had returned. They already knew the Dark Lord could survive even without a body, so Voldemort will be able to return once more, and Snape's loyalty will be exposed. For the time being, he had no other option than to follow Voldemort's commands, and Dumbledore agreed with him. They needed to know what he was planning.

The Dark Lord had decided to bide his time for now. However, once he was restored to his peak, he will strike! Those who didn't answer his summons will die! Those who were in Azkaban will be broken out and awarded for their loyalty! And then... Voldemort will wage war once again, and this time failure wasn't an option.

They just weren't prepared for this! Dumbledore had become as pale as Snape when he learned that Voldemort was back. The old man kept muttering to himself that Harry wasn't ready, which Snape didn't fully understand.

The Potions Professor had heard the dreadful prophecy he hated so much: born to those who have thrice defied him, born as the seventh month dies... and the Dark Lord will mark him as his equal, but he will have power the Dark Lord knows not...

However, Snape couldn't understand why Harry was that important... unless there was more to the prophecy. Dumbledore had refused to confirm or deny if there was. The old man had, however, started making plans to jump-start Harry's magical training, and Snape was also part of it.

There was also one more variable on the field, Atreus Flamel. Dumbledore said that the young man could be a great ally... or possibly an even greater enemy.

"Atreus is even better with a wand than I was at his age."

Such were the words Dumbledore used to praise him. He was known to be humble despite the numerous achievements in his life, but the old man didn't sound like he was lying. There were also Atreus' parents, who Dumbledore spoke highly off. However, there was one problem. Atreus was sorted in Slytherin. What that meant, both of them didn't know, but it was a point of concern.

The Slytherins won't be informed that Voldemort had returned by their parents, but that will only last until the Dark Lord was back at his peak. It was only a matter of time before everything starts rolling. And no matter how they looked at it, they just weren't prepared!

Once class ended, and the students were preparing to leave, Snape spoke up, "Mr. Flamel, could I have a word with you?"

Snape voiced it as a question, but it was obviously a demand. Atreus didn't mind as he was interested to see what the Professor had to say. Maybe he will even learn what had happened.

Once everyone else left the room, Snape took out his wand. Atreus tensed up, but the Professor only cast a Silencing Charm before staring at him, and an awkward silence followed.

"I've actually been meaning to speak with you," Atreus was the one to break it.

"I was wondering if I can get permission to access the forbidden section in the library," Atreus said while putting his hand in his bag, "I even have a gift in exchange," he pulled out an Acromantula's venom sack.

Snape stared at the object with a keen eye. Judging by the size of the venom sack, it was from an adult Acromantula. He knew for a fact that those creatures hunted in groups, so Atreus more than likely had even more of them. It was a surprise to Snape, despite knowing that the young man regularly visited the Forbidden Forest. Killing a group of Acromantulas was not easy even for an experienced wizard. He was starting to understand what Dumbledore meant when talking about Atreus' talent.

"Are you trying to bribe me?" Snape asked with his monotone voice.

"No," Atreus shook his head and said with a smirk, "Merely offering it as a gift."

Snape nodded. That was a suitable answer. Apparently, Atreus had picked up a thing or two in the week he had stayed with the Slytherins.

"Is there anything that you need from the forbidden section?" Snape questioned.

"No, not really," Atreus shook his head. Luna had already confirmed that was he was looking for wasn't there, "But I am interested in what's there."

Snape thought for a moment. He needed a good distraction and also wanted to see what Atreus was capable of, so he took out his wand and said, "If you can prove yourself, I will provide you with a slip to access the forbidden section."

"Just that?" Atreus asked.

"Yes," Snape confirmed and flicked his wand, removing all the furniture and objects, leaving space for the two of them to duel.

"Well, that's fine with me," Atreus said and stood in place, making no movement to even take out his wand.

Snape was annoyed at what he believed to be arrogance. He did not appreciate it and decided to teach Atreus a lesson.

"Begin," Snape said and pointed his wand, already prepared to stun Atreus. However, the young man more than surprised him.

Atreus moved quickly, closing the short distance between them in a split second. The red light that flew out off Snape's wand was slapped away as if it was nothing more than a nuisance.

Atreus then reached him, and he didn't have the time to cast another spell. The duel ended right there and then. Snape was a wizard and not a brute that fought with his fists, so he had no way to attack back. Before he knew it, the young man grabbed his wand hand and spun him around. A shart tip found itself next to Snape's neck as Atreus immobilized him, holding Snape's hand in a vice grip behind his back.

"So... do I get access to the forbidden section now?" Atreus asked him joyfully.

Snape, however, was peeking at the knife out of the corner of his eye in shock. The weapon was small, but it was just big enough to pierce his neck and leave him to die. Just how two Death Eaters had meat their end during the events after the Quidditch World Cup.

Only Snape's extensive training and expertise in Occlumency prevented him from freaking out. Many have wondered who it was that not only fought off the Death Eaters but also killed a dozen of them back then. Those that knew the actual story speculated that it was a foreign wizard that had come to watch the World Cup. None, however, even considered that it might've been done by a teenager.

After Snape got to know Atreus a bit, he got slightly worried that the Slytherins might take advantage and manipulate the young man. Snape couldn't deny that he appreciated him for his decisions. Atreus was obviously very talented, but Atreus did not abuse the fame of his family and wished to be seen as his own man. However, he was obviously not taught how to be sneaky and manipulative like the rest of his housemates.

Now... Snape realized that it wasn't a gullible but likable young man that had been sorted into Slytherin. No, no, no. It was a monster in the guise of a young man that had entered his house. The only saving grace was that the monster might be on their side.

"Yes," Snape replied, and Atreus released him. He tried to avoid looking at the young man, pretending to be embarrassed at his loss.

However, it was because Snape didn't wish to show Atreus the fear in his eyes. He couldn't even comprehend how the Flamels had created this monster. Atreus was at least as strong and fast as a werewolf while also having unparalleled magical talent. That just didn't make any sense!

After being released, Snape quickly gave him a slit of paper that allowed Atreus access to the forbidden section in the library. The young man joyfully pocketed in his bag.

"Follow me. The Headmaster should be waiting for you," Snape then said and quickly walked out.

Today wasn't a good day. Voldemort had returned earlier than anyone had anticipated. He found out an absolute monster was lurking in the Slytherin House. At least... Atreus might be on their side, judging by how he had killed a dozen Death Eaters.

Their walk to Dumbledore's office was spent in silence, something which Snape appreciated. When they reached the gargoyle on the third floor, he uttered, "Toffee Eclairs," before turning around and leaving. The statue moved aside and revealed the Headmaster's office.

Atreus stepped inside and looked around. It was a large and circular room filled with several curious silver instruments that stood on spindle-legged tables. Dumbledore was behind an enormous, claw-footed desk, and sitting on a shelf behind it was the Sorting Hat.

"Welcome, Atreus," Dumbledore said with a joyful smile... a fake one.

"Hi," Atreus said and sat down on the chair in front of the desk, "You wanted to speak with me?"

"Yes, yes..." Dumbledore nodded, but there was obviously something bothering him, "I was wondering how has your time in Hogwarts been?"

"Hmm, it's not exactly what I expected, but I got to make a few friends, so I'm happy with that," Atreus answered.

"Friends? Tell me about them," Dumbledore asked. One way to judge his character was to see with whom he surrounded himself.

"Well, from my house, there is Daphne... she is very driven and interested in both Arithmancy and Ancient Runes. As long as she isn't acting all stiff, she's nice to be around. Tracey is a bubbly person and fun to be around. She likes talking about everything and anything, but she tends to disappear with Blaise from time to time. He acts aloof, but he is cool."

Dumbledore nodded. From what he knew, neither of the three's parents were Death Eaters, which was good.

"Then there's Luna, she is... the most fun to be around. If you ever need to talk with someone, just take a stroll around the castle at night. Luna tends to sleepwalk, and she WILL find you if you need her," Atreus said, trying his best to prevent a smirk from forming on his face. He really hoped Dumbledore actually goes and talks with her. Atreus just wished to be there to see it.

"And finally, Hermione. Honestly, she is what I expected from someone studying magic. Hard-working and studious, Hermione wishes to know everything there is about magic. That's a dream I share with her, to be honest."

"That's good, that's good," Dumbledore was happy to hear that. Making friends from other Houses was not something the other Slytherin would do. Also, one of them was Hermione, who was a Muggleborn. The doubt of Atreus joining the other side that had trickled into his mind was somewhat extinguished.

"So... what's bothering you, old man?" Atreus asked bluntly.

"Ah, nothing for you to worry about. Just past memories that have been haunting me," Dumbledore said, again trying to act joyful.

"You sure? I might be able to help," Atreus said. He knew a thing or two about haunting memories, not that Dumbledore was aware of that.

"Or, you can try talking with Luna," Atreus continued, really pushing Dumbledore towards that encounter.

"Yes, do not worry about me, but I might take you up on your offer in the future," Dumbledore said before changing the subject, "And what about the Forbidden Forest? Have you found anything interesting there?"

"Oh, yes!" Atreus confirmed excitedly. "Last night, I found this weird creature that has the head of a bear and the body of an insect. I found it sucking the blood of a Clabbert. It ran away when it saw me, though."

"And a few nights ago, I played with a bunch of Doxies. They were very excited to meet a human that can speak with them and wished to play hide and seek with me. A few Erklings attacked us, but I scared them away. Then... "

Atreus retold a bit of his adventure in the Forbidden Forest, and Dumbledore was happy to listen to the young man's interactions with the magical creatures there. It was a good distraction, and Merlin knew how much he needed it.

When Atreus left, however, everything returned back with full force. So many things plagued Dumbledore's mind, but it seemed that wasn't the end. Snape walked into his office with a grave face shortly after.

"We need to talk," Snape said with a low and serious tone.

When it rains, it pours. That was a fitting expression for what was happening to Dumbledore.

ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ

Later that night, Dumbledore found himself taking a stroll in the castle. There was so much on his mind, and this year was becoming more worse by the minute. The Triwizard Tournament that no young witch or wizard should ever be forced to participate. Voldemort's unexpected return, which worried him to no ends.

And then Atreus... the young man was anything but simple. Dumbledore had his suspicions about the World Cup event, but after Snape shared his opinion, he was almost sure of it. Atreus was probably the one that fought off and killed the Death Eaters.

Killing... Dumbledore was not a fan of that. He had blood on his hands; after all, he's participated in two wars. He couldn't just stroll through them without a fair share of blood on his hands. That didn't mean he enjoyed or was for killing others, be they wizards or Muggles.

Dumbledore was aware there were Death Eaters that were free and had escaped being imprisoned in Azkaban after the last war. He could probably go after them and end their lives, but... that was something he wished to avoid. Wizardkind was a dying race, and any more deaths could very well be the end of them.

During Dumbledore's time as a student, there had been over a thousand attending Hogwarts. After becoming Headmaster, he learned that number was a low point, considering how there had been thousands of students in the past. And now... there were only a few hundred students. Never in wizardkind's history had there ever been such a low number of students in Hogwarts. One more fight, one more war, and even that number will decrease. Wizardkind was a dying race, and there was nothing he could do to prevent it.

Tap, tap, Dumbledore heard a pair of footsteps walking towards him. Atreus' words seemed to be correct, he thought as a girl with dirty blonde hair stopped in front of him. Luna's eyes were closed, yet she was still looking right at him.

"Ohhh, you are between two big mountains," Luna said sorrowfully.

"That's one way to put it," Dumbledore muttered. He was stuck between a rock and a hard place, but it was one giant rock and one very hard place.

"The past is there for us to learn and to help us plan for the future. You shouldn't forget it, but you have to let it go," Luna said, nodding to herself.

That was easier said than done, especially for someone as old as Dumbledore. Still, he was surprised at how perceptive Luna was. There was more to her than what he believed.

"And even still, you are not worrying about the right thing. There is something even bigger on the horizon," Luna spread her arms wide to show exactly how big, "But my Lord! He will step up and protect us!"

Dumbledore perked at that. Lord? Was she referring to Atreus? Or maybe someone else? Either way, that was good to know.

"Thunder and lightning will strike, signaling the beginning of a new dawn," Luna said with a smile before she frowned, "But even more hardships will follow after. Many, many will die."

Dumbledore stared in aghast. Was he being a witness to another prophecy? Not again. He hated this. Nothing good came out of the last one he heard. And this one specifically said that many will die.

Luna walked away, leaving the old man to his thoughts, but she suddenly stopped and turned around, "She doesn't blame you, you know? She wishes you finally let her go. It's time to move on. She only wants to see you happy with your family."

Dumbledore's eyes widened. There could only be one person Luna was talking about, and there should be no way for her to know about that incident. He didn't dare to turn and look at her, nor did he even utter a word. His eyes had watered, and he was sure his voice would be nothing more than a stutter.

"He feels he failed you, you know? Nothing he ever did was ever near what you achieved. He wished to be like you, but he stumbled down the road. He forgave you a long time ago, but he doesn't know how to express it. He just wishes you visited more."

Luna continued on her way, happily humming to herself and leaving a trembling old man in the middle of the hallway. It took Dumbledore a long time to recover, and when he did, he apparated away from Hogwarts. The wards around the castle did not prevent the Headmaster from doing so.

Dumbledore appeared in a small and dirty room. It smelled disgusting like it usually did, but he paid no attention to that. His focus was on the old man that was behind a bar, wiping a glass with a dirty rag. While being glared at, Dumbledore walked over and sat down on a stool in front of the barman.