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Chapter Text

Xaden Riorson stared at the castle before him. He was a fifth-year student and one of the few Slytherins to believe Harry Potter when he said Voldemort was back. It wasn’t that he believed him because he was on his side; quite the contrary. Xaden didn’t want Voldemort to be back. He had murdered his parents. Killed them in cold blood because they had dared to defy him. He supposed he and Harry Potter had that in common but that was where the similarities stopped.

Voldemort hadn’t tried to kill him. Not in the way he had tried to kill Harry Potter because of the prophecy. Yes, he knew about the prophecy. Lucius Malfoy had told his son, who then told Xaden. Oh, they hadn’t heard it, of course. That was the whole purpose of this year. Voldemort wanted to break into the Department of Mysteries. Wanted to hear the prophecy for himself. They just all knew that it was there. That it existed.

Just then, Violet Sorrengail walked past him, stretching out her fingers. He watched on in apt fascination. He had been in love with her since second year and had a crush on her since first year. He knew he didn’t have a chance with her, come hell or highwater, but he loved the Ravenclaw. Another reason that he knew he didn’t belong in Slytherin.

Well, that may not be the exact truth. He was cunning. Would do whatever it took to get the things he wanted accomplished. His dragon, Sgaeyl, would attest to that. And the problem with Sgaeyl, he thought to himself, was the fact that she was mated to Tairn. Tairn was one of Violet’s dragons. And his dragon’s mate. And she hated him. It was complicated, okay?

He expelled a soft sigh, following closely to Violet so his shadows could penetrate the shield she put up. He knew she was skilled at the Protego charm, but it was so much more than that. Since finding out who her dragon was, and who her dragon was mated to, Violet had been blocking him out. Not that he could complain. He hadn’t ever told her how he felt about her. But Tairn talked to Sgaeyl, which therefore meant Sgaeyl talked to him.

Violet dealt with chronic pain. Something to do with the fact that her mother was so sick during her pregnancy with her. Her joints popped out of socket on a regular basis. She broke bones. She sprained ankles with just the slightest twist. It was definitely a challenge to try and keep her alive. And he did. Try and keep her alive, that is. Voldemort didn’t know that he was in love with a Ravenclaw or he would have snuffed out her life like a light. Voldemort also didn’t know that he wasn’t on his side. Not truly. Since the murder of his parents when he was five, he had sworn to fight on the right side just out of spite. It was enough to piss off Voldemort when he found out.

Then there was the whole debacle with the Triwizard Tournament last year. Harry Potter had been hand selected by Barty Crouch Jr. for the tournament. Of course, he had been under disguise. No one knew that he was a spy for Voldemort and thought he was Mad-Eye Moody instead. Even Xaden. He hadn’t been privy to the knowledge that he was a spy. None of the children of the Death Eaters had.

And, Xaden got treated like shit by the fellow students because his parents had been death eaters. No one knew the truth of the matter: that they had willingly gone back to the right side after Voldemort killed the Potters. And of course, his parents hadn’t been murdered by Voldemort himself, but on his orders. He had been hiding out in – Xaden paused, thinking about it for a minute – Albany at that point, and had hired someone to kill them. He didn’t think they would have been important enough for Voldemort to murder himself. Not when he had no body and he was trying to bring himself back from the edge of death.

Just then, Violet Sorrengail tripped, stumbling into him, and he jerked out gentle hands, trying to steady her. “Sorrengail, do watch where you’re going.”

“Shut it, Riorson,” she snapped, jerking her body away from his. He saw the minute something popped – a joint – because her eyes flared and she breathed deeply. He waited to see what she needed from him, but of course, she turned on her heel and limped towards Rhiannon and Ridioc. Xaden sighed. He hated it when she denied help, which was every day of her life.

He continued making his way from the Thestrals and towards the castle. He was one of the few who could see Thestrals because he had seen death. His parents were murdered right in front of him at five years old. Not something he recommended and he doubted even Harry Potter had horrific memories of his own parents being murdered. Pushing the thoughts out of his mind, he headed into the Great Hall with the rest of the student body.

Sitting down at the Slytherin table, Xaden’s eyes travelled across the expanse of the Great Hall. He saw Violet Sorrengail sitting down in her seat, wincing at what was undoubtedly pain. He felt an inkling of sympathy towards her. Then he watched as her older sister stood up from the Gryffindor table and went to go say something to her. Turning from the conversation to give them a modicum of privacy, he spotted Malfoy sitting down. “Expected you to wait for me, Riorson.”

Yeah, well, when hell freezes over. He offered Malfoy a grunt, ignoring him other than that, which he knew pissed off the blonde to no end. Fucking bloke. He sighed softly, waiting for the rest of the students to gather into the hall. Then Dumbledore was standing to his feet, commanding the attention of everyone in the way only the older wizard knew how. “Welcome back to another year. We’ve got new faculty with us this year.” Xaden narrowed his eyes on a truly toadish looking woman in horrible pink. He snorted. Fanfuckingtastic.

She got up, interrupting Dumbledore, and began to give a speech. A speech that Xaden promptly tuned out as he looked back around the room. Violet and Rhiannon were paying attention to the toad, and he wasn’t surprised. They always paid attention. Rumor had it, Rhiannon had been made Prefect and Xaden wasn’t surprised by that, either. He knew that girl had perfect leadership abilities.

Just then, Violet looked up, searching the crowd, and her eyes landed on him. She narrowed them at him and he winked at her. She rolled her eyes in disgust and looked away as toad lady sat back down. Dumbledore took to the stand once more and then Xaden was paying attention. “Students. I must beseech each and every one of you that you keep yourselves amongst your peers this year. As we know, Lord Voldemort reigns once more. We’ve got to do whatever it takes to remain united and strong against him.”

Xaden looked around.

Half the school believed Harry Potter and the other half thought he was a nutter.

Good luck with that, Dumbledore.

Chapter Text

Xaden made it through his first night of the school term without any nightmares. A personal best for him. Without fail, for the last four years, he always dreamt about the night his parents had been murdered. It was as if Voldemort was using legilimency against him, invading his mind and replaying the night his parents had died. Even though Voldemort hadn’t been the one to murder them, Xaden was certain the killer had told him, in great detail, about their deaths. Xaden often dreamt about that night over and over, so he was glad for a reason not to have to see his parents tortured and then killed in his dreams.

Because that’s exactly what happened. His mother and father had had the Cruciatus curse used on them for a solid two hours before the Death Eater in charge of killing them had murdered them. Xaden had been tied to his chair, forced to watch every horrific moment. Then he had been untied and left alone until the Aurors had shown up. So, if anyone dared to ask him where is allegiance was, he’d always say with the heroes. Always.

He made his way out of the dormitory, ignoring Malfoy, and towards the portrait hole. He knew he needed to get up and away from the castle bottom, towards the Great Hall. He wasn’t in much of the mood to sit with the other Slytherins, but he knew that he had pretenses and appearances to keep up. He hurried up the stone steps, away from his common room, and towards the Great Hall. Predictably, he ran smack dab into someone. “Shit! Watch where you’re – “

He paused upon steadying himself and seeing who he had run into. Violet Sorrengail was glaring at him, rubbing at her shoulder, and he immediately thawed out. “You watch where you’re going, Riorson.” Her tone was icy, a snap against him, and he smirked.

“Seems like we both can watch where we’re going,” he reminded her. She didn’t deem that worthy of a reply and just huffed, turning on her heel and getting ready to walk away from him. The fuck he was ready to let her go. “Wait!”

She turned back around slowly to level a glare at him. “What?”

He smirked. “Just wondering if you’ve heard from Tairn?”

It didn’t seem like the best option, to talk about their mated dragons, but Violet Sorrengail never did let him in past her shield charm. She always had the Protego spell cast and ready to go, not to mention the shields she used around her mind. If he didn’t know better, he would say she was equipped in the art of blocking legilimens. But he did know better. No fifth year was skilled in that regard.

“Well, if I had, I wouldn’t be likely to tell you, now would I?” Violet snapped.

Xaden smirked. “Careful violence, you’re being testy.”

He had always called her by his nickname for her, as if they were friends. The thing was, it just served to irritate her and he loved seeing her flush that pretty red when she was oh, so mad. It was his favorite thing to see about her.

Violet huffed, rolling her eyes. “If I do, I’ll definitely be sure to mention it.”

He highly doubted that. He nodded his head, eyes perusing her as he did so. “How’s the joints?”

She glared at him with mutiny and he knew she was planning a slow and painful death for him. If there was one thing Violet Sorrengail didn’t like, it was to appear weak. He didn’t blame her for that. “Not that it’s any of your business, but I am fine.”

“The pain of any student is everyone’s business,” he grinned.

Yep, she definitely looked like she wanted to hex. Thank Merlin the school banned hexing in the hallways. He doubted she wanted detention on her first day of their OWL year. “Is there a reason you’re bothering me?”

Ouch. So feisty. “Careful, violence. I’ll think you’re enjoying the attention.”

She couldn’t quite curtail her eye roll and he lived for making her angry. She was beautiful when her irises flashed dangerously. “If that’s all, Riorson.’

He waved his hand forward, signaling that she should go ahead and head on her way. She rolled her eyes once more and walked into the Great Hall, giving Xaden the proper time to check out her gait. She wasn’t limping so that told him she had been to Madam Pomfrey, who could heal anything in seconds. He was relieved by that. No matter how many times he liked to wind her up – purely scientific – he didn’t like to see her in pain. He wanted to set the world on fire whenever she was hurt. Which was fairly often. Stupid chronic pain.

Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger just walked into the Great Hall at that moment. Xaden wondered if he would be better suited to tell Potter and co that he believed them when they said the Dark Lord was back. He knew that he couldn’t give away the fact that he wasn’t actually Death Eater material, so he kept his mouth shut on that regard, but how he wished for a chance to tell Harry he was fighting the right side of the war. He knew that the bloke needed to have as many allies as he could get.

The Daily Prophet had spent the summer telling everyone what Harry Potter was off his rocker and Dumbledore was going senile. They had fed into the toxic shit Rita Skeeter posted in her column all the previous year. She had even gone to him for a quote, hoping he’d speak ill of Harry. He hadn’t. He hadn’t wanted to get caught up in the mess that was Rita’s daily columns. He had kept his head down all the previous year, not drawing attention to himself by placing bets on Potter like so many others had. Then, whatever happened in the graveyard that night, he didn’t know. He wasn’t privy to all the details because the Death Eaters hadn’t informed their children, therefore informing him. But he did know Voldemort was back. And he would do whatever it took to stop him.

Chapter Text

Xaden made it through his first week back at school. To say the homework was piled onto the fifth years would be a slight understatement. Okay, a major understatement. McGonagall gave them so much homework, he wasn’t sure when he was going to have the time to practice Quidditch. He was on his house’s team as chaser, playing alongside the prat, Malfoy. He had bought his way onto the team when he was in their second year. The year Xaden tried out and made the team on his own merit. It really wasn’t fucking fair at times.

Then there was the issue with his dragon being a pet. It had been outlawed in the wizarding world for wizards to own dragons as pets and Barty Crouch – the man who had lived for upholding rules – had seen to it that that rule was held in place. But because Sgaeyl and Tairn were mated, thus mating Violet and Xaden, they got to bend the rules through some loophole in the law. He didn’t understand the logistics of it but he didn’t question it, either. It was honestly such a huge relief to him to be able to have his pet dragon.

I’m not a pet. Sgaeyl sounded irritated through their bond and he snickered, knowing the female dragon hated to be considered a household item. He amended his statement, sending an apology down their chain, and then he looked around the grounds. He was sitting on the edge of the Black Lake, doing homework, and keeping an eye on his mate.

Though, to be fair, she didn’t acknowledge him as a mate. The audacity of it.

Violet was sitting with Rhiannon and Ridoc. Swayer was a ways away from them, talking to Ginny Weasley, and Xaden was watching on in apt fascination. Rhiannon was saying something to Violet, who was laughing as her silver-tipped braid rested over her shoulder. Merlin, she was beautiful.

Xaden attempted to breach her shields, knowing damn well it wouldn’t work, and he wasn’t surprised. Her eyes flashed as she looked up at him, glaring at him with mutiny. So, she knew whenever he tried to breach her thoughts. Interesting. Violet stood to her feet just then, walking towards him with all the anger of a witch that he was in love with. He rearranged his facial expression into one of polite bewilderment as she stopped in front of her. “Get out of my head, Riorson.”

“I wouldn’t have to breach your thoughts if you just let me in, Violence,” Xaden replied quietly, heart twinging at the thought that she despised him so much, she didn’t even want him to have a peek inside of her head. Their dragons were mated, thus mating them, and she ran from that thought like the plague. Which, really, was unfortunate for him because he had been in love with her since second year and had a crush on her since first. She sighed.

“Look, Riorson, it’s not that I don’t trust you, but my thoughts are the only thing I still have that are mine,” she murmured. Xaden furrowed his brow, wondering what she meant by that statement, and then it dawned on him.

“Professor Sorrengail is making you apply to the Ministry after graduation,” he murmured.

“She wants me to be an Auror.” Violet’s voice was despondent, and Xaden didn’t blame her. For as long as he had known her, he had known the fact that Violet wanted to work at Flourish and Blotts after graduation, ultimately taking over the shop when the current owner died. He knew she loved nothing more than a good set of books with vast amounts of information woven into the pages. He softened his expression.

“I’m sorry,” he said, tone compassionately. He didn’t know what it was like to have parents that dictated your entire life – his were dead – but he could imagine it was hard.

She shrugged a shoulder, offering him as much of a crooked smile as she could. “It’s fine. Being a bookshop owner is not what a Sorrengail should aspire to be.”

“She was married to your father, wasn’t she?” Xaden asked indignantly. Violet’s father had been in love with books when he was alive. Xaden didn’t know all the ins and outs of his murder, having not known the Death Eater that had done it, but he knew her father had been murdered by a Death Eater. She never talked about it and how he wished to know how she was coping with that tragedy.

“She was,” Violet smiled slightly. “But he was killed for the knowledge he learned from the books. I don’t think she wants me to follow his same path.”

It was the first time she acknowledged that he was killed in front of Xaden and he held his breath, wondering if she was going to talk anymore about it. When she didn’t offer up anymore information, he spoke tentatively. “You never speak about your father.”

“And I’m not going to start now,” she replied flatly, shutting down the topic. Denied once more. That’s fine, Violence. You’ll have to let me in sometime. She looked at him, almost as if she knew what he was thinking, and she was hiding a smile. Then she was speaking. “Tairn wants us to train together.”

He kept his face relaxed. “Sgaeyl told me the same thing this morning.”

“They seem to think it’s time we start acting like we’re bonded,” Violet replied, tone clipped. He knew what it meant to her to say she was bonded to him; what it cost her.  A Ravenclaw bonded to a Slytherin was no easy feat and add in the fact that their dragons were soulmates…it was a lot. He could afford to be sympathetic here.

“I won’t tell anyone,” he said quietly, heart wrenching at the fact that he couldn’t shout it from the rooftop that he, Xaden Riorson, got to spend his free time with Violet Sorrengail.

She looked at him appraisingly, studying him, and then she smiled softly. “Quidditch Pitch, tonight. Eight o’clock. Don’t be late.”

Then she was walking away from him and he was left to smile after her retreating back. No way in hell would he be late. He’d make fucking sure of that.

Chapter Text

Xaden and Violet had first lesson Transfiguration on Monday. The Ravenclaws and Gryffindors were rarely paired together, but when they were, he was thrilled. He knew that they had announced Umbridge’s position in the school – she was the new D.A.D.A. professor and what a fucking joke. Xaden didn’t think that pink toad would be able to teach them anything useful, especially since she wasn’t allowing them to use their wands. Yeah, he had already heard the rumors.

He glanced at Violet out of the corner of his eye. She was favoring her right side, and he briefly wondered if she had had to wrap her left knee again. It wouldn’t be the first time. He caught McGonagall staring at him, glaring really, and he turned back to the pig he was trying to silence. He didn’t know what on earth he was doing but a quick look around the classroom told him no one else did, either. “Silenco!” Xaden jabbed his wand into the pig and it gave an almighty squeal, running away from him. Rotten luck, mate. He sympathized with the pig.

McGonagall called them to silence about five minutes before the bell was due to ring. “I shouldn’t have to tell you that you all need to be on your best behavior for Dolores Umbridge.” Her nostrils flared, eyes becoming slits, and Xaden knew she was not happy about the new development in staff than any of the students were. “It looks bad on Hogwarts if the Ministry of Magic doesn’t see us at our best. That said, do well to remember you have your own futures to think about too. Your O.W.L.s are quickly approaching; study hard and make yourselves proud.”

With that, the bell rang, dismissing them, and Xaden stood to his feet quickly. He shoved his books into his bag haphazardly, determined to talk to Violet if only for a moment. He rushed out of the room after her, catching up to her in the corridor. “Violet!”

From her stiff posture and glare she sent him; he knew she was annoyed. He snickered, controlling his facial expressions after a moment. “What do you want, Riorson?”

“Are you trying out for Quidditch this year?” Xaden asked, keeping his fingers crossed that she wouldn’t. He played on his house team and he played brutally at that. He’s been known to send opponents to the Hospital Wing a time or two before, and Madam Hooch has thrown him out of matches when his temper got the best of him. He didn’t want Violet to see that.

She laughed. “Me? On the Quidditch team? Do you think I have a death wish?”

No. What an odd thing to say. “No?”

Violet snorted, turning to her best friend, Rhiannon, who stood next to them. “Rhi is captain of the Ravenclaw team. But you should know that; you broke her nose last year.”

It did look a little crooked now that Xaden looked at it closer. He grinned sheepishly. “Sorry about that, Rhiannon.”

“If I remember correctly, we still won that match,” Rhiannon replied, shrugging a shoulder indifferently. Xaden chuckled. They had beat them. Wiped the floor with them, despite Xaden’s nose breaking attributes.

“You guys did,” he conceded. Just then some guy walked up to them – a guy Xaden felt like he should know his name but didn’t. Peter. Charles. Xavier.

“What’s up, Ridoc?” Violet asked. Wasn’t even close.

“Hey, Vi, Rhi.” Ridoc said. He turned to look at Xaden, hostility rolling off him in waves. “Are you supposed to be caught dead slumming it with the lowly Ravenclaws, Serpent Prince?”

Woah. Talk about a major attitude problem. And Xaden didn’t even know the guy! He supposed the Slytherin’s proceeded their reputation but he didn’t think he was hated that badly. Principal of the matter. “Uh. Do I know you?”

Ridoc rolled his eyes, looking at Violet. “Are you ready to go?”

Xaden’s ears perked up. Go? Go where? He didn’t know what Ridoc was referring to. Did these two have a date or something?

“Yeah, I could use thirty minutes practicing in the library,” Violet agreed. So it was a study lesson. That’s all it was. He tried to push the white-hot jealousy down that rose up the back of his throat like bile. He didn’t know why he was so bothered with Violet hanging out with another guy. Except, he did. He was a possessive asshole, and he wanted to be the one to make Violet smile.

“Wait!” Xaden blurted, causing Violet to look back up at him. Shit fuck, abort. He now had to think of an excuse as to why he stopped her from leaving with Ridick. He sighed. “Can we have a minute?” He looked pointedly at Ridick and Rhiannon. Rhiannon was much quicker on the upkeep and dragged Ridoc away from them. He turned to look back at Violet. “I know I’ve given you no reason to trust me.”

“None,” Violet agreed with a light smile.

 At least she wasn’t glaring. He took that as a win. “Can you – I mean are – are you willing to help me? Study?”

She stared at him. “Xaden Riorson asking for help? Has the world gone mental?”

“I mean it, Violet,” he smiled, lowering his voice an octave. “I really need to pass these exams, and next to Hermione and Malfoy, you’re the smartest.”

“And you don’t want to ask Malfoy because…?” Violet trailed off.

Xaden sighed. “He’s an arrogant dick that I’d much prefer avoiding until on the Quidditch Pitch.”

Violet laughed out loud in surprise, tucking her hair behind her ear. He was mesmerized with the silvertip as he always was. “Okay, meet me in the library tonight after dinner. We can study together a few hours each night. But won’t this ruin your reputation? To be seen with a Ravenclaw?”

“Honestly, Violet,” he blatantly ignored the shiver that ran down his spine when her name was in his mouth. “I have no reputation. I’ll see you tonight.”

With a boyish wink sent her way, Xaden was walking off, on top of the world.

Chapter Text

Xaden and Liam were the first two boys in their dormitory to be awake and functioning. Crabbe, Malfoy, and Goyle were still asleep, all snoring loudly, and Xaden rolled his eyes as he put on his regular day clothes. He was going to wear his Slytherin tie – show some allegiance – though, to be fair, he had absolutely zero allegiance to his house. Liam had even less. They just wore ties because the other students did. Liam and Xaden walked out of the dormitory and into their common room, noting the cold atmosphere.  

Salazar Slytherin had really liked the idea of being underneath the grounds. He wanted no place a muggle-born could get into – well, he found it. Xaden sighed quietly as the two friends made their way out of the common room. “So, what’s this I hear about Violet Sorrengail tutoring you?” Liam asked, smirking at his best friend, and Xaden stared at him. 

“How did you hear about that?” Xaden asked.  

“News travels fast in the castle,” Liam reminded him, and Xaden rolled his eyes. Of course, news already got out about Violet tutoring him. Was nothing sacred anymore? 

“Well, she is,” he conceded after a moment. “But I don’t want to make a big deal out of this. It’s nothing to harp on about.” 

Liam laughed, holding his hands up as they climbed to the main floor. “Whatever you say, mate.” 

They walked into the Great Hall, noting the other students who were already in there. Violet and her best friend, Rhiannon, were already sitting at the Ravenclaw table. Xaden knew that societal rules in the school dictated that they sat with their housemates, but that didn’t stop him from sending her a smile when she looked in his direction. She smiled back at him before turning back to the conversation with Rhiannon. Xaden and Liam sat down, pulling plates of toast and bacon toward them, and they ate silently but diligently. He watched Violet. She was moving slowly, rotating her wrists, and he frowned. Was she in pain? Not knowing, he kept an eye on her for the entirety of his meal.  

When breakfast was over, he stood up, nodding at Liam. “See you.” He headed towards the Ravenclaw table, keeping an eye out for Draco Malfoy. His father was a Death Eater and Xaden knew that Lucius Malfoy would love nothing more than to curse him into oblivion. It's best not to let Malfoy see him talking to a Ravenclaw. Though, to be fair, the idea set a thought of isolation aching in his chest. He watched as Rhiannon smirked at him. 

“Bit far from your chums aren’t you, Riorson?” Rhiannon asked.  

He ignored the jab, looking at Violet. “That...thing I asked you about yesterday.” 

“Ah yes, the studying,” Rhiannon laughed, waving goodbye at the pair of them.  

“Is nothing sacred anymore?” Xaden hissed, causing Violet to laugh.  

“Ron Weasley overheard it from Luna Lovegood, who was talking to me about it because she saw you approach me yesterday. She thought you might have been taken over by Nargles. Whatever those are,” Violet muttered, shifting her plait to her other shoulder. “If you hadn’t wanted people to know, you should have just sent me a letter by school owl.” 

Why hadn’t Xaden thought of that? He was working his hardest to not let it fall into any Death Eaters ears that he was talking to Violet Sorrengail, a muggle born. With Voldemort back and steadily gaining power, they’d kill her and brutally. He still remembered what his parents had said the Longbottom's endured at the hands of Bellatrix Lestrange. The thought of his now-deceased parents sent the usual ache of pain through his being. He gave his head a shake, clearing it of his thoughts. “Well, I suppose that would have made more sense to do it that way...but Violet, I hope you know I’m not...not...embarrassed to be seen with you.” 

“To be quite honest, I could give a damn less if you were or weren’t, Xaden,” Violet said airily, rotating her wrists again, and he was momentarily distracted.  

“Are you in pain?” Xaden frowned, but she shot him a look.  

“Nothing I can’t handle,” she muttered, and his frown intensified. Not the answer he wanted but he would accept it. “So, if you’re not having Quidditch practice, we can start tutoring tonight. The Room of Requirement.” 

He knew about the room, of course he did, but he didn’t know that she knew. “I thought we agreed to the library?” 

“No, I don’t think that’s best,” she murmured. “Especially if you don’t want to get caught. Hermione Granger is in there all the time – Harry Potter and Ronald Weasley sometimes with her. It wouldn’t do us any good if you and Harry dueled each other.” 

Xaden didn’t want to duel Harry; he didn’t have a problem with the other guy, but he couldn’t very well tell Violet that. He had an image to uphold. Especially if he didn’t want dear old Draco running back to mummy and daddy. “Okay. Room of Requirement. Eight-thirty?” 

“I can make that work,” Violet agreed, rotating her wrists once more. Then she looked towards the entrance of the Great Hall. “Here comes Malfoy and his cronies. I better go. Make it not look like we were talking.” And with those words, she departed, leaving Xaden to flush with pleasure at the fact that this was the second conversation with Violet Sorrengail in two days that hadn’t erupted in hexes being thrown. Perhaps he was doing better than he thought he was.  

He made eye contact with Malfoy, the pale, blonde guy smirking at him. Xaden sneered at him. He didn’t want the prick to think they were in the same league because they knew Voldemort was back. Voldemort murdered his parents. Murdered Harry Potter’s parents too. There wasn’t much left for Xaden to do but join the right-side of the war they were inevitably going to the frontlines for. He could do this.  

Chapter Text

Xaden made it to the Room of Requirement with time to spare, thanks to the shortcuts he took. He knew the castle somewhat decent as a fifth year but wouldn’t dream of knowing all the ins and outs of the castle. He didn’t even think Dumbledore knew that, and he was the headmaster. As he waited for Violet to arrive, he looked around the room. It had turned itself into a library of sorts for them, giving them ample opportunity to study. Which, he had to admit, he was grateful for the effort.  

Just then, the door appeared and in walked Violet. God, she was beautiful. There was no other way to categorize her, he thought to himself. He knew she was ethereal in her own right, and he was just honored she decided to spend the evening with him. “Well. It looks like the room prepared itself.”  

Xaden chuckled, nodding his head. “Yeah, I specified what we needed it do for us and the room provided the right tools. Now all there is left to do is studying.”  

“We’re going to be doing the basic Transfiguration spells tonight. Do a rundown of what you need help with the most,” Violet said, taking her schoolbag off her shoulder. “I think it would benefit us to know where you excel in areas and where you lack.”  

He knew she had a point with that. The problem was, he didn’t know where he excelled. Being a son of Death Eaters, who turned rogue, was a challenge in and of itself. He didn’t have time for coursework because he was consumed with a very visceral fear about what the wizarding world would look like once Voldemort announced his return. And he was going to announce it. He was just bidding his time. He cleared his throat. “I’m not sure I ‘excel’ in any areas.”  

Violet frowned at him. “You’re smarter than you give yourself credit for, Xaden. I’ve seen your work in Transfiguration. It doesn’t lack anything except self-confidence. If Neville Longbottom can pass his OWL, so can you.”  

“We haven’t taken OWLs yet,” Xaden frowned. “How do you know that Longbottom will pass?”  

“Because he does much better on exams than he thinks he does,” Violet shrugged a shoulder. “And I know you do too.”  

Xaden warmed slightly around the neck at her compliment, looking down abashedly at the floor. He grinned smally, feeling good about the compliment she had given him. Then he nodded and set his shoulders. “Basics it is.”  

They studied basic wand movements for Transfiguration, with Violet correcting him whenever she saw fit. Each time she enclosed her small, pale fingers around his wrist to redirect him, he felt goose bumps crawl up his flesh, causing his arm hair to rise. He felt warm whenever she touched him and found himself hoping for a more intimate setting someday soon. By the time the night ended, he was feeling slightly better about his studies. Violet tucked a loose tendril of hair back into her plait and looked at him with steely resolve. “Is Voldemort back? Is Harry Potter telling the truth?”  

Xaden swallowed, not only because she called Voldemort by his proper name but because she dared to be so bold. To look at the daunting truth head-on and face it. He opened his mouth, but no sound came out. Closing it, he swallowed again to give himself something to do. He chose his words with care before reluctantly speaking them. “That’s a very dangerous question to ask, Violence.”  

“I’m not looking to be coddled,” she murmured irritably. “I need to know what we’re up against. I know your parents are dead. I also know that they renounced Voldemort. It doesn’t take a lot to put together what happened.”  

Xaden felt his breath catch at the mention of his parents and heard, rather than saw, Violet reach out for him. “God, it still hurts.”  

“It always will,” she whispered.  

“It doesn’t seem to bother Harry Potter, whose parents were also murdered,” Xaden hissed between clenched teeth.  

Violet paled but her grip remained unwavering. “He didn’t ever know his parents – not in the way you knew yours. I’m not belittling his experience, and neither should anybody else, but Xaden, you had time with your parents.  You knew them. Loved them. And Voldemort killed them, didn’t he?”  

Xaden inhaled deeply through his nose, clenching his teeth. “You’re walking a very dangerous line, Violet. If – God, if he ever found out you knew...,” He trailed off, unable to voice the words out loud.  

Violet smirked. “Good thing I’m tougher than that.”  

Xaden breathed deeply, heart galloping in his chest, determined to break free. “I swear, Violet. If - if he ever found out, you knew...”  

“So, Voldemort is back and already committing murders once more,” she stated, matter of fact. “Cedric was the first.”  

“That was Peter,” Xaden muttered, then sighed. Shit. “Pretend like you didn’t hear that.”  

“Who’s Peter?” Violet demanded.  

“No one,” Xaden replied quickly. “Honestly, Violence. Just forget we ever talked about this.”  

“Well, is there anything I can do to help?” Violet asked.  

“NO!” Xaden shouted, the idea of her trying to help bring down Voldemort turning his heart to stone. He took a steady breath and forced himself to calm down. Only when he could ascertain he wouldn’t shout, did he speak once more. “Violet, there is nothing you can do. I promise you, there are people already working on finding ways to bring him down. But you can’t tell this to anyone. Not even Rhiannon.”  

Violet stared at him. “She’s my best friend. She has a right to know he’s back.”  

“And she can,” Xaden assured. “She just can’t know how you found out. Blame it on Potter for all I care, but if word gets out that you and I are friends...especially to Death Eaters, it won’t be good. Not good at all.”  

Violet looked at him for a long moment before sighing. “Okay. We do this your way. Just tell me when I can help.”  

And Xaden knew he never would. Violet Sorrengail wasn’t going to get in the middle of the war. He wouldn’t allow her. Too bad, fate had other plans for them both

Chapter Text

Xaden and Violet consistently met up over the course of the next few weeks, practicing his Transfiguration work or just talking. Violet Sorrengail was as easy to talk to as he thought she’d be. She never belittled him for having parents who were rogue Death Eaters. If anything, she showed him sympathy and grace because his parents had renounced Voldemort. And they were killed for it.  

Violet also opened a bit to him about her family. Her father had been her best friend until she was eight and he had died. She said there wasn’t a day that went by that she didn’t think about him. Her mother, Lilith Sorrengail, was hard as hell on her. Expecting the absolute best, and sometimes, that wore Violet down.  

She told him about her mother being very sickly when she was pregnant with her, which led to chronic pain. She didn’t want his pity – and he wasn’t going to give it – but he could give her his sympathy. He knew that he had seen her massaging her joints, and apparently, they gave her the most grief. So, he knew to start looking for signs that she was wearing out or growing tired.  

They were sitting on the desks in the Room of Requirement, each absorbed in their own thoughts, when Violet spoke. “Did you renounce Voldemort, too?” 

Xaden jerked away from her as if he had been burned. He turned to look at her, surprise etched into his features. “You cannot honestly think I’d support the man who murdered my parents.” 

“I don’t,” Violet said quickly, tone turning quiet. “I just know sometimes it’s easier to do the safe thing. And show allyship to Voldemort right now might be the safe thing.” 

“It’s the easiest thing,” Xaden agreed. “But that doesn’t mean it’s the right thing. He’s a murderer. He kills for fun. The muggles won’t stand a chance if he gains the power he wants.” 

Violet nodded; eyes lost in thought. “I think Harry Potter is doing as much as he can to try and spread the word.” 

Xaden hummed. He believed that was true, but from what he had heard amongst other Death Eaters’ children, the Order of the Phoenix was really trying to rally together as many people who would help as they could. Xaden had to admit, it was an admirable attempt. "Tell me about your siblings?” 

Violet looked at him in surprise, and then nodded. “Mira and Brennan are both older than me. Mira is in her seventh year, and Brennan graduated two years ago. He’s working at the Ministry now.”  

Xaden thought about that. The Ministry wasn’t the biggest fan of Harry Potter right now. And Fudge had gotten that absolute troll to teach at Hogwarts. Umbridge had earned herself several enemies amongst the school students. No one was particularly happy that they weren’t practicing defensive magic. Unless you counted Malfoy and his goons. All three of them had Death Eaters as fathers – and Malfoy’s mother was involved, too. Xaden supposed the only good thing he could say was that Bellatrix and her husband were still in Azkaban. Xaden assumed Azkaban chipped away at their sanity, eating what was left to begin with. Which Xaden doubted was very much. “Fudge is doing his damnedest to paint Harry as a raving lunatic.” 

“That’ll come back to haunt him,” Violet murmured. He knew she was right. Violet Sorrengail was as intelligent as Hermione Granger. She wasn’t naive enough to believe Fudge’s lies and what the Ministry was trying to spin. Rita Skeeter had already set the tone of Harry Potter’s instability, but Xaden thought he was the most stable out of all of them. And he knew. Had heard whisperings of Voldemort trying to read his thoughts. To see into his mind. And Xaden wondered what Harry was doing to protect that.  

“Come on,” he said suddenly. “Let’s get out of here and go down to the grounds.” 

Violet looked at him in surprise but followed him, nonetheless. They walked out of the Room of Requirement, watching as the wall slid back into a wall once more, and then they headed out onto the grounds. The castle was quiet at this time of night, and Xaden knew if Filch caught them out of bed, he’d have both of their skins, but he had always had an affinity for doing things he wasn’t supposed to. He suspected Violet was the same way. She spoke up only when they crossed the threshold of the castle. “Filch’ll kill us if he catches us.” 

“Ah, don’t worry about him,” Xaden dismissed. “He’s probably busy going after the Weasley twins or something.” 

Violet laughed, the sound stilted, and he wondered what it would be like for them to feel carefree. They wouldn’t feel it anytime soon. They walked down to the Black Lake, sitting down on the edge of the bank. “I think the Weasley twins aren’t too bad.” 

“They’re great,” Xaden agreed easily. “I just can’t tell them that.” 

“Aren’t you tired of living up to the expectations of being in Slytherin?” Violet asked curiously.  

“Incredibly so,” Xaden sighed. “My house has a horrible reputation, and I hate being a part of it. I don’t have any problem with muggleborns or anything that’s different from the old prejudices.” 

“How did the sorting hat sort you into Slytherin? If it could see your true intentions?” Violet asked.  

“Not every Slytherin is evil,” Xaden reminded her.  

Violet looked at him, assessing him, and she eventually lilted her lips upwards. “No, I don’t suppose they are.” 

Xaden felt warm around the ears and looked down, hiding his grin. At least Violet wasn’t so narrow-minded to think that all Slytherins were evil. “Malfoy is still a git, though.” 

Violet snorted. “Definitely a git.” 

They agreed on that, and Xaden had to say it made him happy. Some girls, like Parkinson, threw themselves at Malfoy’s feet. It made him nauseous. Malfoy was a dick. So, he was pleased that Violet didn’t seem to be all that impressed with him. They sat in silence for the rest of the evening, each lost in thought about the upcoming events that would surely change the Wizarding world.  

Chapter Text

Their first trip to Hogsmeade had arrived and Xaden was going with Bodhi and Liam. He knew that there was a chance he’d run into Violet and Rhiannon, and he couldn’t say he was disappointed by the prospect. Anytime he got to spend with Violet outside of school was good enough for him. His feet crunched the leaves underfoot as they walked to the village. Autumn had officially arrived at Hogwarts, and he knew it was a matter of time before the snow arrived. 

He remembered meeting Viktor Krum the year before, during the Triwizard Tournament. The Durmstrang student had said they experienced brutal winters, and Xaden believed him. He also, in passing, had mentioned he didn’t support Karkaroff’s allegiance to the Dark Arts, even though Durmstrang was a school devoted to the Dark Arts. He knew that Viktor Krum had developed a soft spot for Hermione Granger; had seen that at the Yule Ball and in the resulting rows Ron Weasley had had with her afterwards. He wasn’t a fan that an eighteen-year-old had asked out a fourteen-year-old, but they hadn’t seemed to be serious. So, there was that.  

As Liam, Bodhi, and himself walked into the Three Broomsticks, he scanned the crowd. Malfoy and his mindless gits were sitting at table, drinking Butterbeer and Rhiannon and Violet were sitting with a couple of fellow Ravenclaws. Liam looked at him. “How is tutoring going with Violet?” 

Xaden thought about it. “Well, the chances of me making an Outstanding on my OWL for Transfiguration are higher than they’ve ever been.” 

Bodhi snickered, but Liam thumped him on the back. “Good job, mate.” 

They went and ordered a few Butterbeers, sitting down at a table close to Violet’s, and she glanced up, smiling at him for a moment. He felt warm, and knew it had nothing to do with the Butterbeer placed in front of him just then. Xade smiled back and took a sip, glancing around the pub. He didn’t know how many dark wizards were here – if there were any – and he wondered if he’d be quick enough at his spell work to protect those who needed it, and charm those who didn’t so they did not remember. 

Harry Potter, Ronald Weasley, and Hermione Granger all walked in just then, and sat down at a table not too far from Xaden’s. Ron threw him a look of deep disgust, but Xaden wasn’t surprised. On principal, the Gryffindors and Slytherins didn’t get along. He thought it was a pity but didn’t do anything to fix it, either. At least he wasn’t the carbon copy of Draco Malfoy and calling all muggle-borns mudbloods. The thought of Violet’s face if he had ever called a muggle-born that sent an icy knife through his chest, and he vowed to make Malfoy stop. 

Just then, the sound of a chair being pulled back could be heard, and he looked up. Violet and Rhiannon were sitting down at their table, looking at the three of them in turn. Bodhi raised his eyebrows in surprise. “What are you ladies doing?” 

“We’re sitting down with a few friends,” Rhiannon replied, taking a sip of her Butterbeer.  

“Yeah, who cares what other people think?” Violet asked, smiling shyly at Xaden. His heart began a pitter-patter and he grinned at her, hueing slightly as he did.  

They talked for a bit, each getting absorbed in separate conversations, until someone walked up to them and interrupted them. “Sitting with a mudblood, Riorson? What is this, charity?”? 

“Watch your mouth, Malfoy,” Liam hissed, and Xaden glared at him.  

“Still listening to the prejudices mommy and daddy whisper in your ear?” Xaden asked.  

“We’re in Slytherin,” Malfoy hissed.  

“And not all of us are bred to hate muggle-borns,” Bodhi replied calmly. Xaden knew his two best friends would have his back if things came down to it, but he really hoped a fight wasn’t about to erupt in Madame Rosmerta’s shop.  

“Walk away, Malfoy,” Xaden hissed. 

Crabbe and Goyle popped their knuckles menacingly, but Draco just sneered. “I told Potter once he’d regret the side he chose. Do try not to make the same mistake, Riorson.” 

Xaden felt annoyed at the interruption but then Violet was speaking. “You seriously don’t ever change, do you, Malfoy? You’d think the murder of an innocent human would soften you slightly but nope, you’re still the same selfish prick you’ve always been. Having things handed to you because you think you deserve them.” 

Malfoy’s pale cheeks pinkened and he glared at Violet. “I’m better than you’ll ever be, Sorrengail. Pathetic weakling.” 

Violet laughed, stretching her arms above her head. “If that’s the best you can do, you’re losing your touch. Run back to daddy, Malfoy.” 

Draco sneered, but turned on his heel and strode away. Rhiannon busted out laughing. “God, Malfoy is such a git. You’d think he’d learn to not bother by now.” 

“Nah, Harry Potter is his usual method of goading people,” Liam snickered. 

Xaden laughed. “Malfoy is a git.” 

“Is it true his dad is a Death Eater?” Rhiannon asked. 

Xaden looked at Violet, wondering what she thought as he, of course, knew that Lucius Malfoy was in Voldemort’s inner circle. Violet hummed. “I think it’s possible, if not probable. Malfoy said he saw the error of his ways, but he’s such a muggle hater, that I wouldn’t be surprised if he was right in with Voldemort’s circle.” 

Rhiannon winced at the name but didn’t say anything, and Xaden spoke. “We can’t go around accusing people of being Death Eaters. Not these days.” 

Violet looked at him. “Because Voldemort is back?” 

Rhiannon spilled her drink and Xaden was stuck between a rock and a hard place. He so desperately wanted to prepare Violet for the fact that Voldemort was indeed back, but how could he tell her? 

Bodhi spoke up just then. “It’s unwise to have this conversation but even more unwise to think Harry Potter was lying.” 

Xaden breathed a sigh of relief because in that moment, an understanding crossed the table. 

Voldemort was back. 

What were they going to do about it? 

Chapter Text

Author's note: Hi hello. I'm looking for fanfics to delete. So, is anyone still reading this?

Chapter Text

Xaden tightened his tie, straightening out his robes as he stared at himself in the mirror above the basin in the bathroom. He hated it when people didn’t take the time to put effort into their appearance. Ronald Weasley came to mind and if he wasn’t best friends with the Boy-Who-Lived, he wouldn’t really know much about him. But the Slytherins all knew about Harry Potter and his two best friends. Some, like Malfoy, knew because there was a grudge held between them. Xaden knew because he knew that Harry would need help defeating Voldemort.  

And, thanks to the rat, Peter Pettigrew, Voldemort knew that Sirius Black was an animagus. Xaden knew that Sirius was Harry’s godfather – but he wasn’t supposed to know that. His parents had told him two weeks before their death. That Sirius had been imprisoned as Voldemort’s most loyal supporter and betrayed James and Lily Potter. Xaden didn’t really believe it and when Sirius had escaped Azkaban, he hadn’t followed Dumbledore’s orders to be on the lookout. He thought there was more to the mystery surrounding that fateful night and the following days. Xaden wasn’t going to condemn someone to a life in Azkaban when he didn’t even know the complete story.  

He turned from the basin, heading out of the bathroom and out of the dormitory he shared with the other fifth year Slytherin boys. He didn’t want to get caught up in an argument with Malfoy about loyalties, the mindless git. So, he just kept his head down and walked out of the dorm. Climbing out of the Common Room door, he made his way up to the main ground floor, walking to the Great Hall. He wasn’t fancying breakfast where Dolores Umbridge prowled the Great Hall, looking for rule-breakers.  

She had been determined to weed out the witches and wizards she thought were unsatisfactory. He knew that she was curious as to where Hagrid was and so was Xaden. It wasn’t hard to miss the fact that he was absent. He hadn’t been to meals and his hut seemed quiet; desolate. It was a rarity when Slytherin showed respect to the Gamekeeper, but Xaden thoroughly enjoyed Hagrid as both a professor and a friend. He just didn’t make it common knowledge that he spent some time getting to know the professor. Malfoy would laugh him out of the school and Harry Potter and co would think he had ulterior motives. But. Xaden couldn’t help wondering where Hagrid was and if he was safe.  

He strode out of the castle and on to the grounds. He knew he needed to do some homework for Transfiguration, but honestly, Xaden was more worried about Voldemort being back than he was about his OWLs. Didn’t the wizarding community know that their grades didn’t matter if Voldemort was planning on wiping the world free of muggle-borns?  

There was a painful clench in his heart as he had this thought. Violet was a muggle-born and Xaden had a soft spot for her. Malfoy was close to figuring it out, and then Xaden would really be in trouble. He knew that the other guy would love nothing more than to repeat that news back to his father, and then Lucius Malfoy would most likely report to chain of command.  

It wasn’t that Xaden was insignificant to Voldemort. Quite the opposite. He had killed his parents but then showed interest in Xaden joining his ranks. And Xaden knew the part he had to play if he didn’t want to get caught. He sighed, feeling his chest cavity expand tightly. He had a lot of worries for someone who was only fifteen.  

Just then, he heard the bell ring, dismissing them for their morning lessons, and Xaden kicked off the tree he had been leaning against. He headed into the castle, catching Luna Lovegood coming out of the castle. He had no problem with Lovegood; thought she was quirky. He spotted Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, and Ron Weasley making their way across the grounds, Harry looking angry and defiant per usual, and Luna made a pathway to him. In a loud, carrying voice, she announced that she believed him when he said Voldemort was back.  

There was an ache in Xaden’s chest because he too wanted to admit that he believed Harry. He may not have been in the graveyard during Voldemort’s rebirth, but he knew he was back and bidding his time. He was already employing the Giants to aid him in the upcoming war. Harry seemed startled but thanked Luna, and she skipped off. Then Ernie, the pompous prat, threw his own support too. Things were getting interesting.  

Violet and Rhiannon were watching this unfold, and Xaden wondered what she was thinking. Gods, she was beautiful. Focus, Xaden, we’re at war. “I believe you too, Harry.”  

Gods, Violet, not now ! Xaden wanted to scream at her to not throw her support. That anyone who believed Harry Potter was liable for punishment from Umbridge. Umbridge was such a festering old bat that he knew she wouldn’t like anyone in compliance with Harry Potter. But Violet Sorrengail was being brave, and he had to respect that.  

“RIORSON.”  

Professor Snape was sweeping along the courtyard, sending students on their way. “My office, after lessons today.”  

Xaden groaned. What on earth could he have done to make his Head of House already need to speak to him. People said Snap favored the Slytherins, but Xaden had yet to see that. He sighed and nodded. “I’ll be there, Professor.”  

“Move along,” Snape said icily, sending the students who were watching Harry and Violet on their way. Hermione was beaming, and Ron was looking punch-drunkenly at Violet. Xaden groaned. Damn. Not now, Weasley.  

Violet made her way to Xaden after catching his eye, and he waited for her as she sent Rhiannon on her way. When she reached him, he looked down at her. “I guess we’re telling people that we believe Voldemort is back.”  

“He killed your parents, Xaden,” she murmured, and he felt a lump lodge in his throat. “Harry Potter isn’t the only one who lost someone because of Voldemort.”  

“Vi, that’s like playing with fire,” Xaden muttered.  

“Then let’s go down being burned.”  

She was going to be the death of him. If Voldemort didn’t beat her to it.  

“Tonight,” he said, glancing around the courtyard. “After curfew. Sneak out and meet me on the edge of Hogsmeade.”  

“I’ll be there, Riorson,” she promised him quietly, and Xaden was left to get together a plan with the anxious thoughts running marathons in his mind. They were so fucked.  

Chapter Text

Xaden didn’t know why he asked Violet to meet him at Hogsmeade, he really didn’t. Especially after curfew. It wasn’t safe to be breaking school rules, especially these days, and he knew that. Yet, he still asked her to meet him, so he didn’t look too closely at what that said about him. He slipped out of the castle while Filch was patrolling the corridors. He would have loved an invisibility cloak, but those were super rare. And his parents didn’t leave him with much.  

Slipping out onto the grounds, he glanced over his shoulder at the castle before sneaking off campus. He knew that he needed to get to Hogsmeade and not be caught. Liam and Bodhi were with him, his two men for everything he needed. He couldn’t be more grateful. Rushing across the grounds, he made his way past Hagrid’s hut, his two men flanking his sides.  

Once they made it past the gates without being caught, Xaden felt like he could breathe a bit easier. He had the high suspicion that Violet was going to bring either Ridoc or Rhiannon. Perhaps both. And that’s why he brought his friends with him. The more they united against Voldemort, the more likely they were to survive the war coming.  

When they reached Hogsmeade, Xaden noticed that the people who came out at night were different than the ones who came out during the day. There was a hag and a vampire, heads bent close to one another as the hag showed the vampire her fingernails. Stomach churning, Xaden quickly made his way to the Three Broomsticks with Liam and Bodhi. Once inside, it didn’t take long for Xaden to spot Violet and her friends. He had been right in thinking that she would bring along Ridoc and Rhiannon.  

She spotted him the next moment and waved him over to her table. Bodhi and Liam looked around the pub as the three guys walked across the room. Once he reached her table, he felt like he could breathe a bit easier. “Get away okay, then?”  

“Yes,” Violet said, taking a sip of her Butterbeer. “But I wish I had an invisibility cloak like Harry Potter.”  

“Potter has an invisibility cloak?” Xaden asked in surprise. This was news to him, and he wondered how many people knew about it. Violet nodded her head.  

“Yeah, he’s had it for four years now,” she replied. Xaden wondered how she knew that but thought he didn’t want to look too closely at the idea. He wasn’t sure he was going to like what he found out. Perhaps she could see where his thoughts were going because she laid a hand to his wrist.  

“Ginny Weasley told Luna Lovegood, and she mentioned it to me in our last D.A.D.A.,” Violet murmured. Xaden shook away the unwanted thoughts of jealousy and sat down at the table.  

“Well, that can only benefit him,” he said.  

Rhiannon looked at him. “So, Vi says Voldemort is back. That Dumbledore and Potter are telling the truth.”  

Xaden sighed. He knew that as the son of murdered death eaters, he’d be asked what all he knew. He recognized this as Rhiannon’s way of trying to figure out what he knew. Setting his jaw, he nodded his head. “Voldemort is back.”  

Ridoc sucked in a wavering breath as Rhiannon sighed; Violet just looked at him. “What can we do?”  

“Well, you three, you particularly, Violet, have to be careful,” Xaden warned in a low voice. “Voldemort is already working on extracting the muggle-borns from our world.”  

Violet scoffed. “His prejudices knows no bounds.”  

“That they don’t, Sorrengail,” Liam replied. “You three best look after yourselves.”  

“We appreciate the warning,” Rhiannon drawled.  

Xaden knew she would be trouble. He turned to look at Violet. “What can your mother tell you?”  

Lillith Sorrengail was an Auror. One of the very best there was, and Xaden knew she was on Voldemort’s hit list. He wasn’t surprised. Lillith had been a part of the Aurors who captured the Lestrange's’ and threw them in Azkaban. He knew that Voldemort was wanting his revenge on her and could only hope that Lillith was doing everything to make sure her and her children were safe. Violet sighed. “Not much. She rarely talks to us about her job. But I can see what I can find out. I’m due for a meal with her anyway.”  

“Please try to get as much information as possible,” Bodhi said. Violet nodded and turned to Xaden once more.  

“What are you going to do?” Violet asked quietly.  

Xaden smirked. “It helps when you’re in with the death eater’s kids. Malfoy is providing me with a lot of information from dear old Lucius, and it helps. I’m trying to figure out what to tell Dumbledore.”  

“All of it,” Ridoc said firmly.  

Xaden sighed. “Dumbledore i is obsessed with the idea of the ‘greater good’. I need to make sure he’s not wanting to defeat Voldemort to further his agenda.”  

“So, what if he is?” Ridoc snapped. “If You-Know-Who loses, then we’ve won.”  

Xaden looked at him, then looked at Violet. “What do you think, Vi?”  

She took her time answering him, chewing on her words thoroughly and thoughtfully before speaking to them. “Dumbledore does sometimes seem to have hidden agendas. I don’t know what he expects Harry Potter to do that he can’t, but I’m sure he has his reasons.”  

Look, Xaden didn’t like the guy, but he didn’t want to see Potter dead, either. Sighing, he hummed. “Let’s just see what I can get off dear Malfoy and his daddy. They’ll offer up information because the Malfoys have always got to be seen as being better than they are. Lucius would feel proud if he was in Voldemort’s inner-circle.”  

“I’d believe that with the Lestrange’s,” Violet murmured. Xade would too. Bellatrix had proved her loyalty to him time and time again. And she was insane. A lethal combination. Looking at the table, Violet spoke up once more. “Speak of this meeting to no one. We don’t know who to trust.”  

Too right they didn’t.  

Chapter Text

Xaden knew Violet had kept her word about not telling anyone about the meeting they had in Hogsmeade. They had all been able to get back to the castle safely, with no sign of dark magic following them. He knew that if Voldemort wanted him dead, he’d make it happen. And that was a tough pill to swallow. Xaden knew that Voldemort had had his parents murdered, and he wanted nothing more than to wash his hands of him. But it wasn’t that easy.  

If Voldemort wanted him dead, he’d find a way to make it happen. He knew Harry Potter was constantly looking over his shoulder, but Xaden felt some of that same fear. He didn’t know if Voldemort was going to show up, ready to murder him on the spot. His parents had completely done a one-eighty. They had turned their backs on the Dark Arts and the Dark Lord, and Xaden was proud. Voldemort was nothing more than a murderer.  

He knew that he had taken a chance on trusting Violet’s friends, as well. But it came to him as naturally as breathing. He trusted Violet infinitely, so knew he needed to extend the same to her friends. Rhiannon had believed Violet – therefore, Xaden – straight off the back. She hadn’t asked any questions; hadn’t called Harry Potter delusional. Or Xaden for that matter. It meant more to him than he could admit.  

Currently, Xaden was sitting down by the Black Lake, with a stack of toast in a napkin. He was starving but he didn’t want to sit in the Great Hall, watch as Malfoy and his mindless idiots tried to undermine Harry Potter for the millionth time. It wasn’t that Xaden necessarily like Potter, but he didn’t have an issue with him, either. And he knew Violet was friends with Ginny and Luna, two of his friends. So, he wanted to be there for her. In the ways that she had always been there for him.  

He watched as the Giant Squid bobbed to the surface of the lake, tentacle skimming the water for crumbs. Xaden tossed the last of his bread into the lake and watched as the creature swallowed it whole. He had a lot to do. He just didn’t know where to begin.  

And Umbridge had put Violet and Rhiannon in detention for talking back in her class. It was when the Ravenclaws and Slytherins had a class together and Rhiannon called out Umbridge for being a liar. Naturally, Umbridge was disarmed, and then she gave out a detention, which set Violet off. He’d have come to her defense if she hadn’t caught his eye and shook her head. He knew not to intrude. So, that’s where Violet and Rhiannon were last night. He knew she’d come looking for him soon enough and, even though he wanted to go searching for her, he waited. He could be patient.  

Just then, he heard soft footsteps crunching in the snow behind him and he turned and looked. Violet, Rhiannon, Ginny Weasley, and Luna Lovegood were all making their way towards him. Violet’s hand was wrapped in cloth, as was Rhiannon’s, and he looked at them with a frown. “What happened?”  

“Umbridge’s detention,” Violet laughed bitterly.  

“What did she do?” Xaden asked quietly, voice menacing.  

“Nothing we can’t handle,” Violet assured him. Then she turned to Ginny and Luna. “These two are trying to spread the word that Harry Potter is telling the truth. We have the D.A. meetings we’re doing, but I don’t know if it’s enough.”  

“Why don’t you come to one, Xaden?” Ginny asked, looking to the taller.  

“Because Slytherin’s aren’t seen with Gryffindors, Weasley,” he reminded her.  

Ginny sighed. “That’s bloody idiotic. Just come to a meeting. Show Harry you’re on our side.”  

Xaden knew the truth behind those words. He was on their side. Looking at Violet, he nodded curtly. “Okay.”  

XXX  

The meeting was that night and Xaden had to admit; Potter was great at teaching defensive spells. He could probably be a professor if he wanted to. Harry was wary of him, as Xaden was of Harry, but Ginny vouched for them both and after a few moments of colder atmospheres in the room, they warmed up to each other.  

Xaden knew what it was like to fear people. To not trust them. And he didn’t blame either one of them for being hesitant about accepting the other. Ronald Weasley was less thrilled about accepting Xaden into their folds, going on about the fact that he was in Slytherin. “I’d no sooner curse you than I’d brag about being in Slytherin, Weasley.”  

His face turned as red as his hair and Hermione Granger stepped between the two guys. “Enough. Ron, go cool off. Xaden...you must understand it’s rare to see a Slytherin on our side.”  

Mind on his parents, he smirked. “There’s plenty of good Slytherins, Hermione. You just need to know where to look.”  

“Mommy and daddy say that did they?” Ron asked.  

“Mommy and daddy are dead,” Xaden replied flatly, causing Harry Potter to look at him sharply.  

“What?” Harry demanded.  

“They died. Murdered on Voldemort’s orders,” Xaden said casually.  

“So, Weasley, Xaden has every reason to want to be here,” Violet snapped.  

Xaden chuckled underneath his breath as Harry looked at him. “I’m sorry.”  

“Figured you’d understand better than anyone, Potter,” he said quietly.  

“I do,” Harry Potter said lowly. He looked at Ron. “He’s not our enemy.”  

“Even though he’s in Slytherin?” Ron asked.  

“The Sorting Hat said to try for a little inner-house unity. We may as well start here,” Hermione said flatly, and Ron sighed.  

“Whatever you say, Mione,” he said.  

Then Harry looked at him. “How are you with defensive spells?”  

“Not as good as you but I hold my own,” Xaden replied. “My father taught me well before he was murdered.”  

“Mine never got the opportunity so I learned from Remus Lupin,” Harry said.  

Xaden knew in that moment that they didn’t know he knew that Sirius was alive. He wasn’t going to give them hell about that. Nodding his head, he looked directly at each one of them. Then he was speaking. “Ready for a battle?”  

“Of our lives,” Harry agreed.  

Then they began.  

Chapter Text

Xaden and Harry trained the rest of their friends. Xaden was equipped in the art of dark magic – his parents had learned it and taught it to him in turn, before they renounced Voldemort. So, at least Xaden would know how to fight against some of the heavier spells out there. He didn’t want to teach Violet any dark magic because he didn’t want her to have that type of stain on her conscience. It was too much to hope that Xaden was redeemable, but Violet would always be the one who he protected.  

As the days passed and winter slid into spring, Xaden wondered at how much his life had changed. There were a lot of things that were different right now. He knew this. He knew this. And he knew there wasn’t a damn thing he could do about it.  

Of course, Malfoy, the slimy git that he was, loved being on Umbridge’s Inquisitorial Squad. He loved getting the students from the other houses in trouble and thrived off that type of power. Xaden would never dream of working for Umbridge, not least because she was a pain in his ass. Umbridge was the kind of woman his mother would have loathed. The fact that she kissed Fudge’s ass was enough to make Xaden loathe her, too. Fudge was as useless as fairy eggs. And he didn’t need the older man to tell him in some convoluted way that Dumbledore was senile, and Harry Potter was off his rocker.  

Xaden knew that Harry was telling the truth. Perks of knowing Death Eaters. And perks of knowing men and women who still answered to Voldemort. Mind flickering to Bellatrix Lestrange briefly, he knew that that woman was as mad as her leader. Voldemort had utilized Bellatrix Lestrange, and it wasn’t too far of a leap to assume he’d do it again. Especially in the upcoming war. And they knew there was an upcoming war.  

Weasley may hate him – the feeling was mutual – but at least the redhead prick knew that there was a war on the horizon. When the storm rolled in, they all best prepared to meet her. Xaden knew that Voldemort was going to strike when they least expected him to. He wasn’t an idiot. He also knew that Rhiannon, Violet, Ridoc, and the golden trio were looking for ways to counteract whatever attack Voldemort had planned.  

Xaden wished Voldemort trusted him enough to tell him. Then Xaden could feed intel to Harry and Dumbledore. But he didn’t even think Dumbledore knew how much Voldemort knew about Xaden; what Xaden had been subjected to at the monster’s hands. And he didn’t think Dumbledore would care even if he did. Harry Potter was his golden boy. The only person who could do no wrong. So, Xaden didn’t even want to try and make his case heard.  

Just then, Violet Sorrengail walked up to him, settling herself down next to him in the library. He had taken to hiding out in here whenever he had a minute to himself. He wondered if this was how Hermione Granger felt whenever she found her solace. He didn’t blame her for always being in the library, it was a sanctuary and safe place. “Hey.” Her tone was quiet, and Xaden knew it was out of respect for Madame Pince’s library.  

“Hi,” Xaden said just as quietly.  

Violet’s eyes traced over his. “Want to take a walk with me on the grounds?”  

He would never tell her no. Nodding his head, he stood up, collecting his books and bag. Putting things in their proper order, he followed Violet out of the library, feeling the heat of Madame Pince’s glare. She didn’t like any of the students. Xaden couldn’t even necessarily blame her. Some of the students were assholes. As he and Violet walked out of the library and through their corridors, his fingers itched to hold her hand. He wanted to know what it felt like in his grip. Was it as soft as it looked? As delicate?  

Xaden kept his hands firmly tucked against his sides as they walked. The last thing he needed to do was annoy her. But, sometimes, he caught her looking at him in a way that gave him hope. In a way that made him believe he wasn’t the only one who harbored feelings. As they walked the castle’s many corridors, they made their way through the packs of students. It was a much different atmosphere these days. Students weren’t allowed to play in teams. Students weren’t allowed to have extracurricular activities. It was a lot. And Xaden knew that the Slytherins had gotten their Quidditch team reinstated. So had Gryffindor, but Umbridge had banned Harry Potter and Fred and George Weasley from playing again. He didn’t agree with it, but Umbridge was a cow.  What more could be said about her?  

When they reached the Entrance Hall, they ducked out of the doors and made their way down across the grounds. Students were milling around, some laughing, some doing homework, and some chasing each other. Those were the first years, still care-free and not weighed down by insecurities. Xaden nodded at a couple of Slytherins they passed – Blaize Zabini standing in the group – and he and Zabini looked at each other for a moment before looking away. Blaize was always a dick. This much was true. And Xaden wasn’t in much of a mind to talk to him. He never was. He didn’t want to get hung up on the fact that the Slytherins had their own issues with one another as well. Draco made sure of it.  

Walking down the sloping lawns, Violet led him to the edge of the Black Lake. She folded herself down on the ground, stretching her joints, and Xaden sat down next to her. He watched as she popped her knuckles, a look of pain filtering across her face. “Vi? You all right?”  

She swallowed thickly but nodded all the same. “Chronic pain is just flaring up today.”  

He couldn’t imagine how hard that was. To have constant pain in your joints. To wake up every day and not know if you’re going to be in pain or not that day. Or, at the worst, excruciating pain. Xaden wanted to help but he didn’t know how to. It was too much to hope that Violet wouldn’t be in pain; he knew that chronic pain affected people on a daily basis. He took her wrist in his hand and gently began massaging her joints.  

A soft look fell across her face, eyes serene as they studied him.  God, she was so beautiful. How did someone look like her? Xaden continued his ministrations, watching as Violet’s eyes fluttered closed. He took the time to study her. She was beautiful. Her complexion was cream, and roses and her silver-tipped hair was amazing. He wanted to run his fingers through it. He wanted to feel the way the strands caught on his fingers in their silky touch. “I’m sorry you have to deal with chronic pain.”  

“It’s okay,” she replied quietly, shrugging a shoulder. “It’s nothing new to me. And it’s almost comforting in its familiarity.”  

That. That hurt his heart. She was just accustomed to pain now. And it comforted her because it was familiar. How could that even be allowed? He wanted to rage and riot against the world. Taking in a breath to help calm himself, he continued his ministrations. “I don’t think that’s fair.”  

“Life isn’t fair,” Violet chuckled, and Xaden believed that.  

“I know,” he agreed quietly. He massaged her joints for a bit longer before she let her hands fall back into her lap.  

“Xaden, what are we going to do?” Violet asked, voice rough with stress.  

“We’re going to fight, Vi. We’re going to fight like hell.”  

If he had known what was waiting for them the next day, he’d have reevaluated some things. As it was, he didn’t know. And that would come to haunt him.  

Chapter Text

Xaden had meant it when he said they would fight like hell. It was currently three in the morning of the next day, dawn not too far off on the horizon. The students who had met with Harry, Ron, and Hermione were sneaking out of the castle and off the grounds to get to Hogsmeade. There, they would do side-along Apparition with some of the older students who had joined the resistance as well. They were going to go to the Ministry of Magic and hope to break into the Department of Mysteries.  

Xaden had heard whisperings of the fact that this was the building that Harry Potter had wanted to gain entrance to for a while, but he still hadn’t learned why. Xadrn wondered what was so special about this building.  

Violet was walking across the lawn with him, their cloaks flapping in the night breeze. He knew that her joints were stiff with pain; being up at this ungodly hour couldn’t have been good for her. Not after only getting a couple of hours of sleep. They had been out late last night, talking through their plans on what they were going to do this morning.  

He would be remiss to say he wasn’t worried about her. He knew that her chronic pain often prohibited her from doing the things she fully wanted to, but it didn’t stop her from being a powerful witch. Next to Hermione Granger, she was in the top of their year, and it never failed to amaze him that she had chosen to be his friend, of all people.  

As they walked closer to the outskirts of the castle, they kept close to each other. Xaden preferred it that way. He didn’t want to be too far from her should something happen while they were away from sanctuary. The hair was already standing up on the back of his neck.  

Easy.  

It was too easy how quickly they got out of the castle. Dumbledore had mentioned something about tightening security, especially at night. There hadn’t been a soul that had seen them leave the grounds.  

They had just exited the gate when he heard a twig snap. Both he and Violet froze, with Xaden moving to draw Violet against his chest and place a palm over her mouth so the sound of her breathing couldn’t be heard. “Shh.” 

“That won’t do the girl any good, son,” came a harsh hiss, and Xaden turned over his shoulder just as the same voice yelled out, “Stupefy!” with a guttural shout that rented the air.  

Xaden shoved Violet down, flattening himself on her as she cried out sharply in pain.  

Shit.  

Shit.  

Her chronic pain. He hurt her.  

Shit.  

Just then, the air ruffled Xaden’s hair as he felt another stunning spell shot dangerously close to him. He tucked Violet underneath him, but she worked her way out, grabbed her wand, and sent a disarming spell in the general direction that the spells were flying from.  

“You will let me fight,” she hissed.  

Well then.  

He glanced over his shoulder and took aim. “Expellarimus!” His voice roared out into the night as lights in the castle came twinkling on. Help was on the way. And it seemed like the masked men knew it.  

“Dolohov, just grab them,” came a familiar voice, and Xaden recognized the voice of Lucius Malfoy, slimy git that he was. “If Dumbledore gets down here, the Dark Lord will punish us most severely. 

Violet was on her feet, in combat with Dolohov as she danced out of reach of his curses. Dolohov was cursing, spitting at the ground near her feet, and Xaden locked into battle with Malfoy. If Violet Sorrengail could battle with fucking chronic pain radiating through her body, then he could battle too.  

“Levicorpus!” Xaden roared, flicking his wrist at Malfoy. It was a spell he had found in a book in the Restricted Section of the library, but Malfoy seemed to anticipate and blocked it with his shield. “Protego!” 

A shield burst forth from the tip of his wand, but Malfoy blocked it as well. “Petrificus Totalus!” 

Xaden launched to the side in just the nick of time to avoid the full-body bind. His hair rippled in the breeze, and he chanced a glance at Violet.  

Dolohov had a ring of fire around her and he felt his stomach bottom out as the flames kissed at the edges of her. She was screaming, shouting spells left and right as she danced away from the flames, but still. He knew she’d have burn marks. “Violet!” 

“ENOUGH.” Malfoy hissed and shouted a spell that Xaden didn’t have time to deflect. “Incarerous!” 

Ropes shot out of the tip of his wand but didn’t hit Xaden like he thought they would. They wrapped tightly around Violet, binding her, and Dolohov yanked her up to her feet. Xaden heard a ‘pop!’ and Violet screamed in agony. Dolohov quickly stuffed some cloth from his robes into her mouth, gagging her, and Xaden froze, terrified. “Don’t hurt her anymore!” 

“Come quietly with us, and your girlfriend lives to see another day, Riorson,” Malfoy said calmly, dark eyes glittering madly. Dolohov had his wand tip pointed at Violet’s chest, but her eyes held no fear. No, she looked angry, madder than hell, and Xaden didn’t blame her. 

His brain was running on autopilot.  

Don’t hurt her.  

Not Violet.  

Anyone but her.  

His thoughts were a constant loop of panic, and he dropped his wand, admitting defeat. “Okay. Okay, you win.” 

“Perfect,” Malfoy said. “And now, the Dark Lord beckons us.” Ropes shot out of his wand tip for a second time and in a matter of seconds, Xaden’s wrists were bound tightly together. Then Malfoy grabbed his shoulder, Dolohov grabbed Violet’s, and they Disapparated, leaving the castle far behind them.  

Author’s note: Welcome back to Hogwarts, friends! It seemed fitting to update this story on September 1. I hope you all have a lovely day! This Hufflepuff is going to work on more fanfiction, so be on the lookout for that! Thoughts lovely per usual! As always, no beta, we die like men.  

Chapter Text

Xaden looked around at his surroundings as they were held captive in a room. He didn’t know where they had ended up. They had been apparated to a cellar of some sort, and they had automatically tied down himself and Violet. Their captors had punched Violet and him both in the face. Xaden knew he would just have a black eye, but Violet was so much worse off. They had broken her nose, and blood had spurt forward. She looked like someone out of a fight. And it didn’t bode well with him.  

At least they had taken Violet’s gag out, so she hadn’t choked on the blood and the cloth alike. That was a bonus. But the negative side was that she had screamed herself hoarse. Xaden knew there was no one listening. No one listening who cared enough to help them, at least.  

Xaden sighed softly as he watched Violet rub her wrists raw against her restraints. “You’re hurting yourself, Vi.” 

“I don’t care about that,” she hissed, still struggling futilely to get untied. Then he heard a nasty pop, and watched as she scrunched her eyes shut, body convulsing with the pain. “Fuck.” 

“What did you hurt?” Xaden demanded, determined to soothe her. It didn’t happen with his wrists tied behind his back, but he could still try dammit.  

“Just dislocated my wrist,” she said indifferently.  

“Merlin,” he uttered, feeling so useless in that moment.  

The door to the cellar they were in opened and in walked three cloaked figures. The dicks were too scared to show their faces. Cowards. One, one who had a more feminine curve to their body, walked forward. “You know why you’re here.” 

“Actually, we don’t,” replied Violet in a sing-song voice.  

Thwack!  The woman’s hand snapped forward, backhanding her across the face, and Violet’s head snapped in the other direction. Xaden lurched forward against his restraints, tugging uselessly against them. “Don’t. Hit. Her.” 

The woman looked back and forth between them, before taking off her hood. Bellatrix Lestrange came into view, and Xaden’s stomach plummeted. “Hurt the girl. We might get answers from the boy faster that way.” Then, without warning, the prolific witch turned her wand on Violet, “CRUCIO!” 

Violet screamed, body jolting with the effect of the Cruciatus Curse, and Xaden screamed with her. Tears streamed out of her eyes as her head snapped from side to side and she writhed in the chair. “STOP!” 

“Please!” Violet cried.  

Xaden was past pleasantries. He wouldn’t give these fucking Death Eaters an ounce of his politeness. “Stop! STOP! I swear to God, I will KILL you.” 

The person next to Bellatrix pushed off their hood and in came into focus Lucius Malfoy, and then Gregory Goyle. Why Goyle was chosen for this act of violence, Xaden didn’t know. Unless he enjoyed pain as much as Bellatrix did, which was always a possibility. Malfoy sneered at him, face taking on an unpleasant mask. “Xaden Riorson. I always thought we couldn’t trust you. Knowing about the Dark Lord’s endeavors and telling Potter and chums about them? Tsk. I should kill you for that blasphemy.” 

“Voldemort killed my parents,” Xaden snapped. “And he murdered Harry Potter’s. And countless other people. Voldemort is nothing more than a murderer.” 

“And yet,” Bellatrix breathed, “you stayed in the house of his ancestors. You stayed in the noble house of Salazar Slytherin. Our righteous founder. You dare besmirch his name – their names – after that?” Her eyes were narrowed into slits, chest rising and falling rapidly. She lived for the torture.  

“Go to hell, Lestrange,” he said quietly.  

“Crucio!” Bellatrix screamed. Xaden expected it but still wasn’t prepared for Violet’s scream to cut through him like a sharp knife. It sounded guttural; gut-wrenching in ways Xaden hadn’t come to expect from her.  

“Stop, Lestrange,” he begged as Violet gasped for air.  

Bellatrix nodded at Gregory Goyle and he stepped forward, clumsily shoving the cloth back into Violet’s mouth; her sobs were muted. “I think I’ve made my point, boy. We’ll begin the questioning now.”  

Lucius Malfoy stepped forward, wand in hand and pointing at Violet. Xaden understood then that they were going to question him and torture her if he gave less than exemplarily answers. He cut his cold, gray eyes to Xaden, and hissed like a snake underneath his breath. “Answer well, Riorson. Make the Dark Lord proud of you for once in your miserable life.” 

Xaden wanted to tell him to get fucked, but he knew that anything derogatory said to the Death Eaters would only result in violence for Violet.  

“So, we begin,” Bellatrix said quietly.  

And they started.