14

Chapter 14: Draco's Curiosity

It was the beginning of December and it was cold enough now that Tracey had just pulled on a blue cloak, overtop her witches robes. She sat alone on the Slytherin couch, wondering where on earth everyone was these days.

Theo had been spending a suspicious amount of time in the library, while Pansy, Crabbe, and Goyle had taken to stalking Neville and confronting him at opportune moments.

Daphne and Millicent were in the common room, however, playing Exploding Snap in the corner, while Blaise Zabini and Draco engaged in a round of wizards chess.

But all of the older students were out on a Hogsmeade weekend, the ones without permission making themselves scarce around the school, and the younger snakes were too intimidated by the second years to hang out in the common room.

"Hey, Draco. Have you seen Hasan recently?" Tracey asked presently to the near empty room. The blonde's head snapped up in surprise and he gave a careless shrug.

"It's not like I keep track of him!" Draco defended himself. "But the last time I checked, his dorm room was still closed."

He jumped his knight and stole a pawn.

"Well, you do spend an awful lot of time with him." Blaise remarked. "Do you think he's writing letters?"

Letters to who? Hasan was particularly tight-lipped about his home life, and Lucius had been extremely unspecific. Watch out for Hasan, yeah, clear concise instructions...And while it was a possibility, Draco had the distinct feeling that Hasan was not indeed corresponding with anyone.

"Wouldn't he have brought Raven, though?" Daphne enquired. "I saw her this morning at the Owlery while sending a card to my aunt. Funny how last year we scarcely saw the little bird at all."

"Well, if he barely sent post last year and his owl was gone, then he's certainly not sending anything now with his owl here." Blaise said. "So..."

"So what could he be doing?" Tracey repeated. "But, I guess it doesn't matter. We all need privacy now and then. Hey, I'm going to the kitchens, anyone want to come with me?"

"Oh! I'll come!" Millie screamed, hopping up with joy. Daphne nodded too and repacked the game with a flick of her wand.

"Yeah, suppose we get to try more of those treacle tarts? They were lovely last night!"

The three girls exited the dungeons, leaving Blaise and Draco alone in the common room.

"Checkmate." Draco said in a bored tone of voice. His bishop had taken down his queen and was eagerly snarling at the frightened king.

Blaise sighed. "Yeah, alright. You win again, Draco." He glanced around the common room and shrugged. "I think I should drag Theo out of the library now. His brains are going to be fried before Monday."

Draco nodded dumbly. "Sure." He knew that Theo and Hermione often met to study in the safe vicinity of the library, but also knew that Blaise was still uneasy about the whole mudblood thing. Once Blaise was out of the room, Draco moved his bishop to take the king; the bishop smiled archly and beat the king to dust.

A wand wave later and the pieces were whole again, sitting neatly and inanimately in their box. Draco sighed and glanced towards the dorms. He might as well.

Draco lifted himself off the armchair and headed up the stairs, finally reaching the second level and staring at Hasan's closed door. What was he doing in there? Did his father have a basis to be suspicious? Or was Draco being unfair and a terrible friend?

Then again, Draco was lonely. Everyone had run out on him, and while Longbottom would probably welcome his company, he didn't have a whole lot of real friends to turn to.

He raised his arm and knocked thrice in quick succession, listening intently for a response.

"Hasan?" he called, knocking again.

"Oh, come in, Draco." Hasan's soft voice floated out, and the door opened slowly.

Draco peaked his head around inside and noticed Hasan sitting at his desk, quill in hand, and a book sitting in front of him. So, not a letter then.

"What are you doing?" Draco enquired, stalking closer to the boy.

"Nothing of importance." Hasan said. "Unless you can specify your question."

The boy seemed wholly absorbed by what was written on the page, but as Draco peered over his shoulder, he saw that the page was blank!

"Er-"

Hasan suddenly snapped the book shut and turned to face the Malfoy heir.

"May I help you?" he asked simply. Not accusingly and yet not politely.

"No, we were just concerned."

"There's no need to be." said Hasan, visibly relaxing. "Have Luna or Neville contacted you for the next Animagus meeting?"

Draco shook his head. "No, though I think we should have it next month, the day after the Dueling Club."

Hasan nodded slowly as if considering.

"That sounds delightful." Hasan said blankly. "Perhaps we can alert them with a charm in the future." He stared down at the book a moment before biting his lip. "Have you heard of the Protean charm? Is it dark?"

"Protean? How did you-" Draco asked before his eyes fell on the book. "Hey, isn't that Father's? I've only seen it once or twice, lying on his desk or something, but there aren't many Tom Marvolo Riddles, are there?" Draco observed.

"What is given as a gift no longer belongs to the original owner." Hasan smiled lightly. "Now the Protean charm?" he asked briskly.

"Well a charm's a charm. It isn't really light or dark, but it certainly isn't what people consider bad." Draco said slowly. "That's actually a good idea. Suppose we give Lovegood and Longbottom something with the charm?"

"Precisely." Hasan said. "So what do you suppose we can use? Something that everyone has and won't cause suspicion?"

"A piece of jewelry?" Malfoy suggestive hopefully.

Hasan sighed, leave it to a Malfoy to think that jewelry was inconspicuous. Then again, Luna was a girl, and Neville was bound to wear adornments (or have a few quirks) as the Boy-Who-Lived...Draco certainly wore enough shiny things, and that was only because he was pureblood! Neville could surely get away for being both.

"I believe that will be possible." Hasan concurred thoughtfully. "So will you please tell them?"

Draco nodded slightly, "Yeah I'll go right now." He knew a dismissal when he saw one, and Hasan was definitely tiring of his company. (Not that he was too enthusiastic to begin with.) Draco backed out the door and shut it softly behind him, before strolling down to the library. Hopefully Gryffindors and Ravenclaws liked to read...

.oOo.

Draco strode purposefully down the corridors, eyes open for the Lovegood-Longbottom duo. He knew that the Lovegood's were an old pureblood family, but somehow they had dropped from so called 'good' society when the Quibbler began to publish drivel about Voldemort being a woodland fairy...

"Oof!" He stepped back, blinking in surprise.

"Malfoy!" Ron snarled, scrambling to retrieve his wand. "Watch where you're going you spoiled prat!"

"I could say the same to you, Weasel." Draco drawled, brushing imaginary Weasley germs from his person. Ron's face, if possible, got even redder.

"Expel-!"

"What is going on here?" Black boomed, skidding into the hall. His eyes caught sight of Draco and he straightened up considerably. "Malfoy!"

Oh, this was not good.

"Malfoy was about to attack him, sir!" Lavender Brown piped up from the corner, cheeks cupped by her hands. "I saw the whole thing, Mr. Black! Malfoy nearly knocked him down!"

"Y-yeah!" Ron shouted, jutting his chin out. Draco fought not to roll his eyes.

"Just because you can do everything you want at home-!" Sirius started.

"-Hey! What's going on here?" Lupin entered the scene, looking around with mild interest. His eyes caught Draco on the receiving end of Sirius' rage and something akin to recognition flickered within those soft brown depths. "Siri?"

Sirius sighed and seemed to deflate. "Lavender saw the whole event play out-"

"-oh, not all of it." Lavender quickly amended, uncomfortable under Lupin's enquiring gaze.

"Then what did you see, Miss Brown?" Remus asked, efficiently cutting Sirius off.

"W-well, I." Lavender gulped. "I just saw Ron bump into something."

Lupin nodded kindly. "I see. And this thing would be Mr. Malfoy, correct?"

Draco stared at the professor, wondering if he was going to be believed against four Gryffindors. No one liked snakes, it was common knowledge.

"Siri, if Ron needs it, will you please escort him to the Hospital Wing to get his...injuries looked at? Mr. Malfoy, if you would come with me please."

"But Remus-!"

Lupin fixed him with a pointed look, and Sirius led Ron away with a sigh.

"You know I-" Draco tried, striding less than proudly behind the DADA professor.

Surprisingly, Remus turned and smiled. "Relax, Draco. Professor Snape just wishes to talk to you."

Draco was anything but relaxed.

.oOo.

Lupin led a stoic (panicking) Draco Malfoy down to the Potions master's office with a smug, almost laughing grin on his face. Draco, however, was stiff as a statue as the wolf knocked and Severus opened the door.

"What is it now, Lupin?" he snapped. Remus smiled and moved aside to reveal the blonde boy. Severus froze.

"I found Draco fighting with Ron in the corridor."

Draco didn't even try to protest. Sev would believe him, he always did.

"Indeed." Snape said, lips barely moving. "Well get in, Draco. If you'll excuse us?"

Lupin left obediently, though he had a rather distinct spring in his step.

"Sev?" Draco ventured, "Can you believe that the Weas-"

He stopped short as Snape raised a brow. "Draco, you're not here for that."

"...Oh..."

Severus broke into a smile that actually made him look human. "Why don't we sit in the sitting room?"

The two made themselves comfortable on opposite chairs, the fireplace dull and empty between them.

"Why am I here?" Draco asked. "And why does Lupin know?"

Severus sighed. "It's not important that the- that Lupin knows-" Goodness! He was really tired if he could slip in front of his godson! "-What's important is that there's something I need you to do for me."

Draco's silvery eyes bugged out of his head. Sure, this was his father's best friend, his own godfather, but right now things were looking pretty hazy.

"Like what?" Draco asked slowly. Snape was taken aback by how suspicious the boy sounded, when only last year he would practically have jumped at the chance to strut his authority and connections.

"Your friend Hasan Castell-"

"Yes what about Hasan?" Draco asked a bit too quickly.

"If you could let me finish, you'd know." Snape said as kindly as he could, whereas if he was dealing with Longbottom, the boy's head would be on a platter right now. Draco was about to apologize but shut his mouth, instead watching Severus with curiosity. "Has Hasan ever mentioned a series of muggle books known as The Lord of the Rings?"

Draco licked his lips. "Yeah, he got the whole series for Christmas last year. From his father."

Now it was Snape's turn to be interested.

"Indeed...do you know where he keeps them?"

"Yes, but why do you need them?"

Ah! So the boy did inherit a brain after all.

"Hasan is particularly quiet about his family isn't he?"

Draco nodded. It was just one of the things he always wondered about. Hasan was practically included in his family, so why was Hasan always so snobbish about not sharing anything about his?

"Yes." Draco admitted bitterly.

"I need you to bring me those books."

"What?" Draco exclaimed. "Why? Some people like their privacy, you know..." He didn't know why he was defending Hasan on a point that he himself would like to yell about, but this was different. Severus was an outsider. This was between him and Hasan.

"Privacy means nothing when it comes to safety." Snape said lightly. "I cannot tell you why I need those books, but that I do. Draco, look at me."

Reluctant silver met obsidian and Draco relented. He was a little bit upset at Severus' prying, but even more upset by the fact that Hasan was keeping things from him. "Alright, Sev. But this is the last time."

He nodded curtly. "Have them on my desk before dinner. And thank you Draco."

"Of course," Draco answered slowly, before walking from the room.

The request was odd, Snape had to admit it, but it was necessary. It was not just the books that Snape needed, but possible clues scattered about it. When Severus was in Hogwarts, he had inscribed millions of little hints in his Potions text, improvements, inventions, spells...but if one read carefully enough, one would be able to piece together a small diary of his life. Who his enemies were, what had happened to him, what had happened to them. He was sure the book was around here somewhere, and he knew he could just summon it, but some part of him actually wanted someone to find it...someone to read what he had written, someone to share in his discoveries, and someone to understand him. But this was all wishful thinking. He hadn't even tried summoning it yet, and hadn't the faintest idea where it could have gone...perhaps it was best.

But now wasn't really the time to get nostalgic. He had papers to grade, essays to mark, and oh! Dear Salazar, another Dueling Club to prepare for.

.oOo.

Hasan tucked the diary beside his Lord of the Rings books, inside of his drawer. He thought a minute, wondering if the Protean charm would really be worth trying, and what it would be worth trying on. And then it struck him, what better piece of jewelry to add the charm on but rings?

The idea was so perfectly brilliant that Hasan actually jumped for joy. He could transfigure rings easily. He grabbed four tissues from his trunk and tapped them each with his wand, "Creanulo! Proteanus!"

The tissues shriveled into rings, hardening and gaining that silver gleam before glowing red with the Protean charm. Tom had said to push magical intent into the object in order for it to work. It made sense, but Hasan was wary about giving something to anything. Then again, he used to wand on a daily basis and there were innumerable curses one could place on a wand. Hello, this is Hasan, he thought, and gasped as the words engraved themselves on the metal rings. They burned softly, enough to alert the wearer of a message, yet not enough to actually harm someone, before the message dimmed and faded.

"Fascinating." Hasan hadn't imagined it would work so easily! He tucked three in his robe pocket, sliding one onto his right hand ring finger with ease. As a last thought, he cast an adjustment spell on them to fit the wearer, before heading out in search of Luna, Neville, and Draco.

He passed an irritated Ron with a furious Lavender by his side.

"Damn Lupin." Lavender was muttering, all the while attempting to hold hands with the boy. The twins were further down the corridor, waving to Cedric Diggory and his girlfriend, Cho Chang.

"Aww, poor Ronald!" Fred cooed, messing up Ron's hair fondly.

"Don't make fun of him!" Lavender screeched, hugging Ron in a headlock.

George looked to his twin and grinned.

"Fine, we've got much more interesting stuff to do anyway, isn't that right, oh brother of mine?"

"Yes, indeed it is George! Hogsmeade is awaiting!"

"But mum didn't sign your forms!" Ron yelled. "Oh, forget it!"

The twins skipped jovially past the couple before stopping in front of a blank faced Hasan.

"Hey, what are you doing out here? Aren't you little snakeys in your common room all the time?" Fred teased.

"Aren't you forbidden to go to Hogsmeade without a form?" Hasan countered. "I'm looking for Luna and Neville, if you must know. Have you seen them?"

"Oh!" George exclaimed. "We can answer both questions at once, can't we, Fred?"

"Or rather, this can!"

Hasan was staring at them questioningly, until they backed up to a wall and Fred discreetly took out an old wad of paper from inside his robes.

"This my friend," George began in a dramatic whisper, "Is the Marauder's Map!"

Luna's words shot through Hasan just then: If it's wanting to know the secrets of the castle, I think the twins would be helpful...but I'm not sure why. Ask them for a spare bit of parchment after class I suppose.

"A spare bit of parchment?" Hasan echoed, taking the proffered 'map' with deference. It didn't look like much, but Hasan of all people knew not to judge by appearances.

"Oh, much more than that our Slytherin buddy! Watch!" Fred tapped the edge of the map with his wand and whispered, "I solemnly swear I am up to no good!"

Suddenly there were lines and arrows and names being drawn across the map like it was covered in wax and had just been dunked in ink. Invisible passages, rooms, offices took form on the 2-D drawing, and Hasan nearly jumped back in surprise as he saw the dots blossoming across the page, their dots labeled with their names.

"We nicked it from Filch years ago!" George added proudly. "So to answer your question, there are many ways of getting into Hogsmeade. We prefer to go through a mirror on the fourth floor, but we may have to switch 'cause it looks about to cave! As for your search, Luna and Neville are in trophy room, not sure why."

"Thank you." Hasan said politely. "Do you know who created the map? Their real names, I mean?"

The twins exchanged glances and pointed down at the map. "Messrs. Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot, and Prongs...I would reckon past Hogwarts students. Bloody geniuses, they must have been the best pranksters ever!"

"They're our idols, if you couldn't tell." Fred added. "But...Are you thinking what I'm thinking George?"

"Besides buying out Zonkos? Yeah, I'm getting that feeling too."

"What?" Hasan asked stupidly as the twins turned to him with smug grins.

"Well, we've already learned everything we could. Memorized it front and back." Fred said.

"But right now, we kind of get the sense that it's time to move on. Make our own waves, you know? So we humbly present to you, Hasan Castell, the Marauder's Map!"

"Me? Really?" Hasan asked. The map was a beauty, perfectly proportioned and labeled...he could watch the little dots move around for hours! He didn't see the Room of Requirement on it, though he did spot a total of seven secret ways into and out of Hogwarts.

"To clear it, just tap it with your wand and say 'Mischief Managed!'" George said. "Good luck. I sense you will do great things!" He winked and the two were off to the staircase.

Hasan stared down at the map in his hands and smiled. This would be very convenient indeed. He'd be able to research in the Restricted section himself, without Neville or his invisibility cloak. (All it took was a good disillusionment charm, really.) Very pleased, and yet anxious to give Luna and Neville the rings, Hasan set off towards the trophy room, the Marauder's map folded neatly in his pocket.

.oOo.

Draco stalked back to the dorms, overly cautious about being caught. He needn't have worried though, for the common room was mostly empty but for the love birds come to snog. Draco took the stairs two at a time, quietly on his toes, wondering if this was how Hasan felt sometimes, trying his hardest not to be seen, and paranoid as hell.

Finally, Draco reached his room and knocked before entering. It was vacant and Draco breathed out in relief. Thank Merlin!

He spotted the large, hard-backed books on the shelf and carefully pulled them out, not expecting a small leather-bound diary to come toppling to the ground as well. And not just any diary.

"Tom Marvolo Riddle." Draco breathed, reaching out instinctually for the book. The few times he had seen it at home, his father had snapped at him to go play outside or study. It seemed that no one wanted him to see what was inside. He shrank the muggle books and stuffed them into his pocket unconsciously as he flipped through the diary. Blank!

The whole thing was blank! But he remembered Hasan reading something in it...perhaps it was magical? Well, really, Draco? He chided himself. He chanced a glance towards the door and decided to get moving. Give the books to Snape and figure out the diary later. He raced back to his godfather's, plopped the books on the desk, and ran back to his own dorm in under five minutes! A quick privacy charm later, and Draco had the diary flat out on his desk, opened to the first page. He grabbed for a quill, wondering if this would backfire in some way. Probably not. It was just a book.

Even so, he held his breath while the ink splattered onto the page, not knowing what he was waiting for, just that he knew something was supposed to happen. Anything! He wasn't disappointed: within seconds, the ink had faded and a message had surfaced from within.

"Learn to not drip, won't you Hasan?" Draco was gaping. What in Salazar's name was this? "Hello? Hasan?"

Draco dipped his quill again and scrawled eagerly, "Hasan's not here right now. My name is Draco Malfoy. Who are you?"

The book could write. The freakin' diary could write! This had dark magic written all over it...so why had Hasan had it? (His father was known to own a few questionable items. But surely no Hasan.)

"Draco Malfoy?" the diary repeated. "A pleasure. My name is Tom Riddle. What happened to Hasan?" he asked quickly.

"Hasan?" Draco asked, almost hurt. "Why do you need him?"

"Oh, I see..."

"See what?" Draco demanded.

"Nothing...nothing he wants you to know anyway. I haven't even heard of you before...but I've heard of the Longbottom boy. The Boy-Who-Lived, indeed."

Draco was speechless, hurt, confused, angry. The book was goading him, and yet, it was just a book. So what if Hasan didn't tell his diary about him? So what if it knew about Neville Longbottom, the Boy-Who-Lived, but not him...

"Who else did he tell you about?" Draco asked shrewdly. "What would you gain from it anyway?"

"Ah, another Slytherin, then. Sorry Draco, I know how to keep my secrets...but I am curious. While you're here, what can you tell me about Hasan Castell?"

"Why?"

"He just feels familiar, that's all." the diary wrote. "In exchange, perhaps I'll let you in on a secret. Perhaps...but I am such a curious person, maybe we'll start with Hasan and then go to the present teachers? Tell me, is that fool Dumbledore still here?"

A deal? A secret? What was Hasan hiding that this book was willing to divulge? What were all those hours hiding in his room? Tantalus never got this close, did he?

And Draco began to write...

"Yes, I doubt Dumbledore will ever leave..."

.oOo.

Hasan strode into the trophy room, immediately spotting Neville and Luna in her bright red pea coat.

"Hasan!" Luna called. "I had a feeling you would like to see this."

"See what?" Hasan asked, drawing closer to the pair.

Neville pointed to one of the trophies in the case, where upon closer inspection, sat an old dusty quidditch award dating from 1974.

"James Potter wins, earning Gryffindor the House Cup." Luna informed him. "Hey, what's in your hand?"

"Oh. These are rings." Hasan said. "They have the Protean charm on them, so when we have a meeting, we can communicate with them."

Neville grinned and took his from Hasan's open palm. "Wow, how much was-?"

"We are magical, Neville. If you must know, a divide the price of a- What?" Hasan asked as Luna burst in a fit of giggles.

"Of course we're magical silly." she yelled, wrapping her arms tightly around her waist, face scrunched up in ecstasy. "Oh, that was funny! There isn't nearly enough laughter nowadays!"

Hasan gave her the ring and her hands seemed to linger a heartbeat longer.

"But magic is wonder, isn't it?" Luna said quietly. "When used properly. My mother died when I was nine. She experimented a little too much."

The room seemed to plunge below freezing and Neville shuffled awkwardly.

"I'm so sorry, Luna. I mean, I knew but..."

"It's alright, Neville." Luna said. "She knew it was time." She turned her wide silver eyes to Hasan and cracked a grin. "By the way, the full moon is this Wednesday. Some things are like that, half good and half bad, but I think the Dueling Club will have a meeting next Friday, so we should have a session on the next day!" Luna finished thoughtfully.

"Er..." Neville looked every bit as confused as he felt. "I'm going to see Hermione in the library before heading to bed."

"The password is 'wattlebird!'" Luna called sweetly after him. He nodded his thanks before scampering from the room. Sometimes Luna really weirded him out... "Did you talk to the twins yet? They were looking for someone to be their successors."

"Yes." Hasan answered, deeming it safe enough to take out. "By the way, how did you know?"

"Well, I didn't know exactly." Luna smiled. "But some things in this universe are unexplainable. But they happen for a reason, sometimes I get hints, you know? Why don't you check it now? I've got to make sure Hermione doesn't knit more hats. If you want one, I'm sure you can cast Engorgio to fit you..."

Luna waved god-bye, silver ring flashing on her finger, leaving Hasan to glance down at the map. Oh merciful Merlin! Sirius Black was headed straight-

"Hey, what are you doing here?" Hasan turned around slowly, making himself appear as nonchalant as possible. "Castell, isn't it? Hasan nodded.

"Hello, Mr. Black."

"Uh!" he shuddered. "Just Sirius is fine. If they must use my last name they might as well tack professor on the front."

Hasan knew that the Blacks were an ancient pureblood family (starting from muggles if the Black Blood Book was reliable) and that many of the Dark Lords supporters came from them. In fact, Draco was probably a distant cousin of Sirius'.

"If you wish." Hasan said.

"Well that's a first." Sirius remarked. "Usually people don't give a- well they don't care what I think. If it were up to Dumbledore, I'd be locked in Grimmauld Place twenty-four seven. Or better yet, Azkaban. Not that Hogwarts feels that homey with all the dementors around."

"You do not like the headmaster?" Hasan probed innocently, staring at the trophies with feigned interest.

"Like the man?" Sirius laughed. "What are you? Twelve, kid? I like the headmaster as a headmaster, but not as my bloody caretaker. The only reason I'm here is because of Remus and-" he paused and swallowed. "We're mates if you didn't know." he finished awkwardly, though it was stunningly obvious that he had amended his previous words.

"I know." Hasan said, which was true on both accounts. He thought back to what Luna said and repeated it back, "Some things are like that. Half good and half bad. I imagine the full moon can be cut right down the middle."

"Wha-wh-!" Sirius sputtered.

"Je suis désolé. I am sorry, did I offend you?" Hasan asked emotionlessly, sounding anything but remorseful.

"No, just. It was a shock is all." Sirius said with a nervous laugh, recovering easily. "You're a Gryffindor, aren't you?"

"If you define 'you' then perhaps I can give you an affirmative answer."

"Right...Well, Hasan Castell, are you a Gryffindor?"

Hasan shook his head and smiled. Ah! Specifications, much better!

"I'm a Slytherin, but I suppose you're a lion, yes?"

"Oh, so you're one of Snape's, the greasy bas-" Sirius sighed and quieted again. "Damn. I can't keep slipping up, Remy'll kill me."

Hasan watched this with curiosity. As nice as Remus was during class, it was quite obvious that the man had a back bone. He hadn't been afraid to cast a mass obliviation on his DADA class (sparing Hasan of course) or threaten Mr. Black, the seemingly reckless and dangerous substitute teacher. Then again, love did tend to bring the best out of people!

"So, er, what are you looking at?" Sirius began presently. "Oh! That was fifth year! I remember that game like it was yesterday. James always had this talent for flying. I was sure he was going to go pro, before, before, well, you know..."

"You cared about James a lot." Hasan stated the obvious.

"Yeah, still do. We made a group the four of us. Me, James, Remy, and that vermin Pettigrew." Sirius reminisced, staring across the display cases.

"There were four of you?" Hasan asked, recalling the names on the Marauder's Map. Peter was known to be a rat...Wormtail? And Padfoot? Sirius was a dog..."I have a map."

It took Black a moment to make sense of the unbelievably short sentences. "The Marauder's Map?" he breathed, astonished.

Hasan nodded and disclosed it from his robes. "It was nicked from Filch." Hasan said, failing to mention just who had nicked it.

"Oh, really? Wow, who knew that a Slytherin- Merlin! I really need to stop it with the House prejudices."

"So James was Prongs?" Hasan wondered, figuring that Lupin must have been Moony, as hard as it was to connect the two together. "Why?"

"Well, he was a stag. For an Animagus, I mean. It really was fate, I see it now: Lily was a doe, did you know that?" Sirius glanced towards the door. "You've got green eyes like hers, not, not like Lily's exactly, but green. Hers were vibrant, emerald green. Yours are...darker, maybe? Sorry. Sometimes it's just hard to forget." He glanced towards Hasan again and squinted. "No, not like Lily's at all. What am I thinking?"

Hasan sighed and bit his lip. "I wouldn't possibly know. Will the Dueling Club be next Friday?"

"Yes. Give Remy enough time to recover. We may even have you kids go up there and show us what you can do. It's about time, I can't keep fighting Snape and getting my arse handed to me. Sorry for the language, kiddo. But he's right fierce when he wants to be. He hasn't really changed from childhood at all. If anything, I think Azkaban took more out of me than I realized...but Hogwarts and Remy are trying. I know. It'll all get better eventually."

Hasan was quiet as the man poured out his thoughts, wondering about what Remus, Sirius, James, Severus, and Lily were like as kids. It seemed ages ago and yet only yesterday, even though he wasn't even born then.

"I'm weary. Bonne nuit." Hasan said somnolently. Sirius gaped as the kid stood up gracefully an stalked out of the room. What the hell?

"Night." Sirius said to no one in particular, and lay there, staring at the dusty trophies. His time had passed. It was time to grow up and be the man that Remus deserved.

.oOo.

Altair stared at the letter in his hand. It seemed Lucius was catching on fast.

"Why cannot I remember my wife? Were you aware that your son holds the Malfoy dagger? Are you Dark or Light?" Altair read aloud, wondering how best to answer these. The thing was, Altair needed something from Lucius, and Lucius needed little bits of encouragement, little incentives to keep him going. Not that a reminder of how desperate Lucius really was, hurt at all.

"Dearest Lucius,

You cannot recall your wife simply because I also occupy those memories. We were childhood friends, no, don't try asking, it'll just upset her. You see, she recalls nothing either. I specifically pinpointed those memories that circulated around her and me. Me, for obvious reasons, her, because I foresaw this moment and wished to spare you both pain. If you can recall but a few weeks ago, you will know that I have only removed such memories as to cause you danger. As you have no doubt found out, I am also Slytherin, which should answer all the other questions not under the first answer.

I was made aware just last summer that my son has been gifted with the Malfoy dagger. For this, I thank you for the love and support you have shown my son. If nothing else, your wealth.

As for the last. What constitutes Light and Dark? Dumbledore versus Voldemort? Dark Magic versus Charms? I will assume you mean the former, but please do be more specific. I fear I've taken after my son in this way. For your benefit, I will answer neither. Should I be grey or should I choose pink? Light and Dark? They mean nothing."

And now, Altair was ready to get down to business.

"I seem to recall a diary not yours in your possession. I need it. Failure to comply and send it by owl, and I shall ask for another suitable task. No questions. Should you ask any, I will choose to ignore them until you do manage to complete a task.

Best of luck,

Altair Castell"

.oOo.

"It's Friday! Can you believe it?" Theo asked across the table. "I thought we'd have a meeting last week, but I suppose they need Lupin after all. Wonder where he goes every month- some of the Hufflepuffs are saying that his mother's sick."'

Hasan shrugged, hiding a smile between his blank mask.

"I don't know. But I think it will be worthwhile, the Dueling Club, I mean, I'm not sure where he spends his monthly vacation."

Draco ate his chips slowly. He had had the diary for about a week and was frantic that Hasan should find out. Hence his somewhat garbled answer of, "Yeah, me neither."

"Well, I can't wait!" Tracey piped up, "I heard that we're actually going to simulate a real wizards duel, with seconds and everything!"

"Yeah, Mr. Black told us after class yesterday when I forgot my quill." Daphne said. "Hey, Draco. Are you feeling alright?"

"What makes you think that?" Draco snapped, stabbing some peas and carrots.

"He's probably just nervous for tonight." Tracey supplied. "If Hasan's going to be your second, do you think we could duel with Daphne as mine?"

"Hey! What about me?" Theo asked teasingly.

"Stuck with the muggleborn, eh, Theo?" Blaise laughed. He had gotten somewhat used to the prospect of being distantly associated with mudbloods, just as long as he wasn't with one, then everything was fine.

"I would be if that Weasel stopped approaching her." Theo growled.

"Relax, Hermione finds a decent friend in Ron." Hasan told him. "I think that if you asked her she would love to be partners."

Theo's eyes lit up, "Seriously?"

"Seriously?" Blaise mocked. "Yeah, Hasan said so, so go!"

Tracey nodded and shoved Theo off the bench. "Hurry up, lover boy."

"Yeah, you're just jealous Tracey..." Theo muttered, but scampered off to meet Hermione anyway.

"Luna can sit with us, isn't that right, Ronald?" Hermione was challenging.

"Er..."Ron said.

"Oh look! Hi Theo!" Luna said brightly, slipping into the seat beside Hermione.

"Oh great! A Slytherin!" Ron groaned. "What next? Want to dissolve the Houses just like you want to dissolve the purebloods? Talk about prejudice!"

"Knitting scarves and hats for house-elves hardly constitutes as pureblood prejudice!" Hermione snapped, then turned a friendly face to Theo. "Hello Theo, won't you sit down?"

Theo eyed Ron apprehensively and shook his head. "I just wanted to ask you something, if that's alright: Will you consent to be my second?"

"Your second? Isn't that for a Wizards Duel?" Hermione asked. "Oh! I remember now that Professor Lupin mentioned something like this yesterday!"

Theo nodded. "Well, if you want to. We could go up against Hasan and Draco."

"Friends with bloody friends of Slytherins." Ron was muttering.

"Oh! I'd love to!" Hermione smiled. "And Ronald can be all alone, isn't that right?"

"Ron has Lavender!" Luna interjected to Ron's audible groan.

"Oh? Are you talking about me again, Wonwon?" Lavender squealed, miles down the table, before getting up.

"Oh joy," Ron moaned. Today was not his day. He had wanted to ask Hermione to be his second! And Lavender was great and all...but nothing compared to Hermione. Then again, if Draco and Hasan were a pair, then perhaps he could exact some revenge upon the Slytherin household? "I'm coming, no need to get up!" Ron called, before doing just that.

"Are they together?" Theo asked.

"Oh, no!" Hermione said as Luna said,

"They snog."

"Oh..." Theo finished. "Well, I'll see you tonight then...?"

Hermione beamed. "Of course. I've just got to knit a few more hats."

.oOo.

Albus Dumbledore leaned over Snape's shoulder as he ate his dinner in a neat and orderly fashion.

"Severus?"

Most of the staff table was consumed in their own private chatter and occasional gossip from Trelawney as to who was prophesized to die, and paid no heed to the bearded wizard sneaking about as silent as a mouse.

"Yes?" Snape asked, putting down his fork and tuning politely. The headmaster inclined his head and indicated towards the exit. "Now?"

"If you are finished."

Severus gave a plaintive glance towards his empty plate and stood up.

"Of course."

The two wizards weren't noticed at all as they exited discretely out the side. Partly because they had cast notice-me-not charms about themselves, but also because most of the kids had left already to prepare for the Dueling Club.

"Headmaster, what is this about?" Severus asked, surprised that Minerva was nowhere in sight. It surely couldn't involve the Potter boy, because then Lupin or Black would also be expected to be here. As it was, only he and the headmaster stood, alone and side-by-side in the foyer.

"I wanted to wish you luck today." Albus said conversationally. "I'm pleased at the amount of students participating in the club, I confess I had not expected as many."

Severus waited, waiting for that 'but...' that second shoe, technically the main shoe, to fall.

"I am also curious as to the muggle books you have begun to read."

Snape was too much of a spy to suck in a dramatic breath, no, if anything, his mask became blanker, staring simply at Gan-Albus. Damn, Altair and those books!

"I do not recall ever mentioning them. Have you been-?"

"Oh, no! No, I wouldn't dream of snooping about in your chambers!" Albus insisted in earnest. "No, Black just mentioned them in passing. Is he correct that they are called The Lord of the Rings?"

Snape nodded. "Yes. A rather interesting muggle depiction, I assure you."

"About magical rings, yes?"

"Yes. And might I ask why, headmaster, it is that you have suddenly found interest in my private reading?"

Albus smiled.

"Lemon drop?"

"No thank you." Severus said tersely.

"Aw, well." Albus sighed and popped one in his mouth. "You know, we are on the same side Severus. I truly regret ever giving Harry to the Durselys, and I think you've come to realize that Harry will never be like James. Even Black is changing before your eyes."

"And this has to do with my books because-?"

"It's no real secret that Lupin has loaned them to you. I simply wish to express my pleasure at seeing you befriend your colleagues."

"Befriend." Severus repeated dully. Well, if Lupin insisted to cover for him... "Of course. Is there anything else you wish to discuss with me, Albus?"

Dumbledore shrugged and chewed thoughtfully at the candy.

"Nothing as of yet."

"Then I shall go and ready myself for the Club." Severus said with a slight inclination of the head.

"Yes, go. And good luck, Severus, my boy." Albus called. "Sometimes the best of us need a little of it."

The headmaster watched the man stride away down to the dungeons. There had actually been a very good reason for the meeting, and yet, nothing at all. Rings, magic rings...Or rather, one ring in particular. He needed someone on his side. Someone who understood wards and dark magic, just in case the temptation hung too low.

He had tried scrying today; an ancient art, out of practice, and very much a last resort. Needless to say, it had failed, and yet, something amazing had struck him at the exact moment the scrying had faded. Something so extraordinary that Dumbledore had taken the entire afternoon just to think of it: There was a boy named Hasan Castell.

He had never known this. How? Was there a notice-me-not? A disillusionment? An obliviation involved? He would have sensed such things! He would have known...and yet he had known, hadn't he? On some primal level, he had known and functioned accordingly. There was a boy named Hasan Castell.

Albus recalled the Sorting, Minerva's raves, and of course, the fact that he too had been down in the chamber of the stone, battling against Lord Voldemort along with Neville. But how had he failed to recognize this, as in, analyze and understand and retain this knowledge? Was it spell work or rather...his own neglect? His own reluctance to see anyone other than Neville, his new project, son, apprentice, weapon, savior... Albus had already saved the world once, it was time for him to pass on the torch...so why had he only concerned himself with Neville Longbottom? Surely there were others that would be better suited for the role?

Either way, it was too late now: Hasan Castell had been completely neglected. All he could do was hope for a chance in the future; after all, Albus was built on second chances.

.oOo.

It was Friday night, the 18th of December, and the final Dueling Club meeting of the semester. A blizzard raged on outside, frosting the great windows with ice crystals and causing a chill throughout the corridors. Once more, the Great Hall had been divested of its usual tables, being replaced by a large platform in the middle with lots of space around for spectators.

Luna, Neville, Hasan, and Draco stood huddled in the crowd, waiting for the professors to show. Many students had already paired themselves off, eager to fight an actual duel (minus the deaths and such other minor details.) Hermione was with Theo, Hasan with Draco, Neville with Ginny, Tracey with Daphne, Ron with Lavender, and Luna with Sue Li.

Without warning, the great doors swung open, allowing for three wizards to come striding in. Severus was up front so that Remus and Sirius could link arms in the back.

"Welcome again!" Remus shouted once they were all on the platform. "Today, as you might have heard from a certain substitute teacher (couch, Sirius, cough), we will be selecting students to partake in a simulation duel. Each person should have a partner as their second, however, we have no deaths planned for today, so this is simply a formality. Everyone will have equal and ample opportunity to show us what they've got. As always, if anyone does not wish to participate in front of an audience, you may of course decline and watch from the side. Any questions?- Yes, Ernie?"

"Are we limited in which spells we use?"

"Ah! Yes, good question!" Remus began. "We would prefer that you guys stick with purely defensive spells or the ones we went over in class or club such as: Petrificus Totalus, Locomotor Mortis, Tarantallegra, Expelliarmus, and Protego! Any others?- good! Sirius if you would-?"

Sirius nodded and took the front, staring down at the students pleasantly. Severus was at his left, taking survey of the kids from that angle while Lupin sat back and watched.

"We'll be practicing Expelliarmus for five minutes before demonstrations, until then, good luck finding a second!"

He bowed dramatically and the hall burst into excited whispers and applause as they scrambled for a partner.

Hasan turned to Draco and smiled.

"What would you like to practice? I've no doubt that Monsieur Sussmeier has taught you extremely well."

"Want to find out?" Draco challenged teasingly, taking out his wand. "Expelliarmus!-"

"Protego!"

The two spells collided causing quite an unpleasant banging noise before dispelling each other.

"Didn't know it would do that." Draco said, rubbing his ear. "I don't think I want a repeat."

Hasan nodded. "I definitely concur."

To their left, Luna and Sue Li were practicing the Expelliarmus on each other, while on their right Hermione and Theo were making quills float and target things. Draco turned a questioning eye to Tracey and Daphne who were caught looking at him, and Hasan momentarily met Neville's gaze.

"Oh come on Neville! Let me put you in a body-bind...!" Ginny was squealing.

Neville grinned uncomfortably, but otherwise didn't protest.

"I'm still unsure: Are they together?" Hasan asked.

Draco rolled his eyes, "Hasan, sometimes I worry for you. Yes, they're together!"

"Hey Hasan!" Daphne called. "Would you mind dueling us for practice?"

Hasan and Draco exchanged glances and nodded.

"Great! Let's beat 'em, Daphne!" Tracey shouted, but just at that moment, the hall went eerily silent. Hasan's head snapped up to view the speaker, and wasn't surprised to find Severus pacing the platform, onyx eyes gleaming.

"I am giving you all a fair warning before we begin: I do not intend to send anyone to St. Mungos and highly insist that you do NOT cast any spells that may harm your opponent permanently. Madam Pomfrey will be waiting in the annex for any emergency, but any spells cast designed to cause long-term damage will be dealt with very seriously. Do I make myself clear?" The crowd was a sea of murmurs and nods and Snape smiled, satisfied. "Good. Now if all students not wishing to participate could move to the back?"

There was a great flurry of movement as bodies slid past one another. The three teachers, Black, Lupin, and Snape descended the platform and wove through the crowd easily, able to point out the pairs and assign them a number.

"Hasan, Draco, you will be 1A. Luna, Neville will be 1B-" Sirius started.

"But professor!" Lavender whined. "We were supposed to duel Hasan and Draco!"

"I've heard nothing." Sirius said simply. "But if you insist..."

Draco was glaring daggers at Ron, but in reality, he was rather excited at the prospect of fighting a duel. And getting even for that terrible framing job. There was no way in hell he was going to back down now. Especially not with Lavender making faces and rubbing Ron's shoulders- it was enough to make anyone gag.

"Oh, bring it." Draco snarled. "We'll beat you any day."

Hasan simply blinked. A fight was a fight no matter who it was against- he didn't mind either way.

"Alright! So if Hasan and Draco could come up the right side and Ron and Lavender on the left?" Sirius called. "We'll have one from each side go first, then after a winner is declared we'll switch, got it?" The hall nodded, watching the pairs advance with avid curiosity. Draco, Ron, and Lavender were deep into their staring competition, while Hasan followed gracefully behind, ready to wipe that smirk off Ron's face. "And...begin!"