![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
batsutousaiTitle: The Forgotten
Author:![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
batsutousai
Beta:magickmaker17
Pairings: OC/OC, Tom/Doo(Harry)
Warnings: SLASH/YAOI, Character death, OOCness, AU(we all know Jo won’t let this happen…), OCs, Suicide attempt
Summary: What if Voldemort wins the “Final Battle,” but Harry Potter survives?
Living in the Muggle world with no memory of his past, can Harry find the key to saving them all?
Disclaim Her: I am listening to my Beatles CD. I still can’t believe I managed to find it in my room… O.o
Key:
’Thoughts’
Writing
”Doo’s memory flashes”
¤Another language, like Bulgarian¤
:Parseltongue:
A/N: Dude. My mouth HURTS!! *whimpers*
-~/\~-
Chapter Six
Discovered
-~\/~-
Doo woke up warm. At first, he was surprised to see Tom sleeping next to him with a peaceful expression on his face. Then he remembered the nightmare from last night and buried his face in the older man’s chest with a shudder. ‘I’m grateful he woke me, I suppose, but he didn’t really have to stay the rest of the night. Not that I mind, of course. This is rather nice...’ Doo sighed softly. ‘Don’t bother getting used to this, Tarrant. It’s not worth the heartache.’
The Forgotten opened his eyes, then narrowed them rather suddenly at the skin he was resting against. Tom didn’t sleep with a shirt, apparently, so all of the scars on his chest were visible. Most of them were vicious-looking, and some looked a bit faded, as if they were decades old. There was one really nasty one, though, that started at the top of his left shoulder and disappeared below his pants’ line that caught the green-eyed man’s attention. Doo figured it was from the war and thoughtlessly ran a finger down it, biting his lower lip sadly.
“That tickles, you know.” Tom muttered, making Doo jump.
“Sorry! I didn’t- I mean-“
“I’m not yelling at you, Doo.” The Dark Lord sighed. “I don’t really care, actually.” He tugged on a lock of white hair. “How are you feeling this morning?”
Doo shuddered again. “This is the first time I’ve remembered the nightmare...”
Tom frowned. “You’ve had them before, then?”
Green eyes met scarlet. “Yeah. Zack was always waking me up the first fours years after the war because I was screaming, but I was never able to tell him what I’d seen, I couldn’t remember them even that long. I haven’t really had a nightmare since then, now that I think about it...” Doo frowned thoughtfully.
“You’re a strong wizard. The spell could be wearing off, or just being around a place that’s as concentrated with magic as Hogwarts is could be forcing you to remember things better. I have noticed that you have more memory flashes when there’s a large supply of wild magic around you.” Tom said philosophically. “You didn’t have any nightmares in the Hospital Wing?”
Doo shook his head. “Maybe my body was too tired.”
“Probably.” Tom agreed.
Doo sighed and changed the topic. “You didn’t have to stay with me all night, you know.”
The Dark Lord gave him an amused look. “I’m afraid I wasn’t given much of a choice. You’ve got a grip like a vice, Mr Tarrant.”
Doo’s face reddened. “Sorry...”
Tom tugged on a lock of white hair again with a smile. “Was I complaining?” Doo’s blush deepened. “Why don’t we both get dressed so we can go get some breakfast and have you looked at. If Dulcie says you’re good to go, I’ll take you back to the shop and we’ll see how everyone’s doing, hm?”
“Sounds like a plan.” Doo agreed, sitting up. Tom smiled and got out of the bed, sticking his wand into the waistband of his pants before walking back to his room. “Tom?” Doo said right before the Dark Lord closed the door.
“Hum?” Tom glanced back at his friend.
“Thank you.”
“It’s what friends are for.” The Dark Lord replied before letting the door close.
-~/\~-
“That hardly looks good...” Tom murmured, nodding at the sharp-looking car that was parked outside of Sherbet Lemon.
Doo narrowed his eyes. “That’s Zack’s car.”
:Can I bite him?: Inda inquired from her position under Doo’s shirt, wrapped around his torso, with her head on his shoulder. She’d decided to stay with him for a while, and Tom hadn’t seen any reason to disagree.
:Only if the little fucker tries anything funny.: Tom replied.
Doo snorted. “Define ‘funny,’ Tom.”
“If he tries to hurt you.” The Dark Lord offered seriously.
“...Oh...” Doo bit his lower lip and concentrated on walking towards his shop.
“For the last time, where is he, you little shit?” Zack’s voice floated from the shop while the two wizards were still two shops from Sherbet Lemon.
“Like fuck I’m going to tell you. Get out of here, Palmer.” Nick’s voice shot back sharply.
There was the sound of skin-on-skin and Doo’s eyes widened. “Nick...” He hissed before sprinting into the shop. “Palmer, get away from him.” He spat at the dark form in front of the counter.
“Doo!” Nick shouted as Zack spun around, brown eyes narrowed dangerously at his ex-boyfriend.
“Well, well, if it isn’t the little shit himself.” Zack mocked cruelly, taking a threatening step towards Doo.
:Stay away from Doo!: Inda hissed, rearing up on Doo’s shoulder and flaring her hood out threateningly. Zack froze, eyes widening.
“Uhm, Doo, bud, there’s a cobra on your shoulder.” Nick offered nervously.
“She’s mine.” Tom offered calmly as he stepped into the shop. “Good morning, Ripley.”
“Morning, Marvolo. Good to see you actually listened to me for once.” Nick replied as calmly as he could manage, eyes still on the angry snake on his friend’s shoulder.
Tom stepped forward and stroked Inda’s hood soothingly. “And you must be Zack Palmer. A pleasure to finally meet the man I’ve so been looking forward to offing.”
:Just don’t eat him. He smells bad.: Inda growled as she rested her head back down on Doo’s shoulder, hood hidden again. She kept her eyes on Zack, though. Tom chuckled while Doo bit his lip to keep from smiling.
“Just who do you think you are?” Zack demanded of the Dark Lord.
Tom cocked an eyebrow at the Muggle. “How rude of me. I am Tom Marvolo.”
Zack smirked. “Get a new boy toy already, Dooley?”
Doo snorted. “You’re mixing me up with yourself, Palmer. I don’t go out and have sex with the first pretty face I see.” His gaze pierced through his ex. “Unlike some people I know.”
“You’re gonna die for that comment!” Zack shouted, jumping at Doo.
The Dark Lord moved with inhuman speed and caught the Muggle, mid-jump. “The only person who is facing death here, Mr Palmer, is you. Now then, I’m going to set you outside and you’re going to get into your fancy little car and drive away. If I see you again before court next week, I’ll rip your throat out.” He said sharply before dragging the terrified man out of the shop.
“What is he? Part vampire?” Nick whispered as Doo walked over to the counter, petting Inda gently.
:Part snake, actually.: The serpent answered.
“Really? How’d he manage that?” Doo inquired, disregarding his own rules and seating himself on the counter. Nick didn’t even bother to remind him of the rules.
:No clue. I didn’t know him back then.:
“Oh...”
“You can understand it?” Nick whispered, leaning forward slightly.
Doo smiled. “Yes. She says Tom’s part snake, but she doesn’t know how he managed it.”
“Wicked...” Nick sighed. “What’s her name? Can I touch her?”
Doo laughed. “Nick, meet Inda. Inda, this is my friend, Nick Ripley.”
:He smells good. He may pet me, yes.: Inda decided after flicking her tongue out.
Doo relayed the message and the two men laughed before petting her gently.
:Are you having fun, Luv?: Tom inquired from the doorway, smiling at the three at the counter.
Nick jumped at the Dark Lord’s hiss. “Good God, Marvolo! Don’t do that!”
:Aw... Come on, Tom, you ruined it!: Inda complained.
Tom and Doo traded looks before both burst out laughing. Nick just sighed and returned to petting the happy serpent.
-~/\~-
“Doo! You’re okay!” Deva cried happily as she and a few of the parents in the neighborhood stepped into the shop.
Doo smiled at the Bulgarian witch. “Dulcie let me go this morning. It’s been a very boring day.”
“No stress.” Tom offered from where he standing behind the counter with Nick, learning how to use the cash register.
“Oh, yeah, thanks for reminding me.” Doo grumbled.
Inda glanced up from where she’d been hiding under Doo’s shirt. :Hullo, Deva.:
Deva blinked at the cobra in shock a few times while everyone else froze. “By the Gods. Inda? Vat are you doing vith Doo?”
“I lent her to him, sort of.” Tom answered.
“She scared the fuck out of Zack.” Doo sniggered.
“Palmer was in here?” One of the elder men in the town, Radolf Dalton, demanded sharply.
Doo nodded slowly. “Yeah. He was threatening Nick when Tom and I got here. Tom kicked him out. Sent him back to Glasgow.”
“What did he want, Nicholas?” Radolf asked the dark-eyed man behind the counter.
Nick sighed. “He was looking for Doo. I have no clue why.”
“He’s probably planning on saying you need not appear at court.” Tom murmured thoughtfully. “If he can keep you from being there, he’s won.”
“You really think he’d do that, Tom?” Deva asked, eyes wide, as the others behind her gasped.
“He can try, but it won’t be happening.” Nick spat.
“No, it won’t.” Tom agreed coldly. “Because Doo’s not leaving my sight.”
Doo spun around in his chair and stared at his friend in shock. ‘Oh, Gods... I don’t have anywhere for him to sleep...’ He realized numbly.
“Great. This means I don’t have to worry about Doo anymore.” Nick said brightly, slapping the Dark Lord on the back, then grinning in response to his glare.
“You’re sure, Nicholas?” Gloria Ripley asked her son.
Nick nodded. “Marvolo’s not one of ours, and nor does he have the best disposition in the universe, but you couldn’t ask for a better bodyguard. Between Inda and Marvolo, nothing is getting to Doo.”
“Do you have a death wish, Ripley?” Tom growled.
“No, but I do enjoy pissing you off.” Nick replied.
Deva let out a moan while Doo grabbed a couple of sherbet lemons and tossed one at each man. “Cool it, both of you.” He ordered.
Tom scowled at the sherbet lemon that had hit him while Nick popped his in his mouth. “Why throw these?” The Dark Lord whined.
“They were the closest things to me.” Doo replied with a shrug as the people in the shop watching them laughed.
“Tomorrow, you’re sitting on the other side.” Tom decided.
“Next to the bubblegum?” Nick asked, giving the Dark Lord an incredulous look. “Are you insane?”
“Yes.” Tom replied with a straight face. Nick blinked at him a few times before cracking up.
Doo rolled his eyes. “Was there anything you all came from?”
“Yes.” Radolf spoke for everyone. “We wanted to know the town’s behind you, not Palmer. Also, do you need a lawyer?”
“No.” Doo smiled faintly at where Tom and Nick were throwing insults back and forth. “Tom’s already got his working on it.”
“I’ll have Peter drop by tomorrow.” Tom offered, returning his attention to the rest of the room after silently hexing Nick’s mouth shut.
“Two o’clock.” Radolf decided and looked around him for agreement.
“I’ll make sure he’s here.” Tom promised.
“Very good.” Radolf nodded his head to Doo. “Stay safe, Dooley.”
“You too, Radolf.” Doo replied, watching the procession leave his store.
Tom walked over to Doo while Deva went to check on Nick, and unhex him. “Quite popular, aren’t you?” The Dark Lord inquired, tugging on Doo’s ponytail gently.
“The town’s always been pretty close. No one here was ever very fond of Zack. Perhaps because he was a big time lawyer from Glasgow, and no one really likes that sort.” Doo sighed, glancing up at Tom. “I don’t have anywhere for you to sleep.”
“What size is your bed?” Tom asked with a touch of amusement.
“Eh? King size. Why?”
“Then I’ll just share it with you, hum?”
Doo’s cheeks flared with a blush. “I...I guess.”
Tom frowned. “Or I could transfigure something into a bed and sleep there.”
The younger man sighed and rested his head against the elder one’s abdomen, shocking the Dark Lord. “No, you can sleep in my bed. Probably the best way to protect me, anyway.” Doo murmured.
Tom slipped his arms around Doo’s shoulder, pushing them together gently. “Are you tired?”
“Mm.”
:I think he is.: Inda offered.
“Right.” The Dark Lord leaned over and picked Doo up gently, smiling at the faint sound of annoyance from the green-eyed man. “Perhaps this day has been just a little too exhausting, hm?” Tom inquired of no one.
“Taking him up to his room?” Deva asked quietly.
“Yes.” Tom agreed. “Did you get Ripley unhexed?”
“Yes, I’m unhexed.” Nick growled softly. “Cheater.”
“Slytherin, actually.” The Dark Lord corrected before taking the stairs up to Doo’s flat and into the Forgotten’s bedroom.
Doo had been truthful when he’d said the place looked like a war zone. There were clothing, books, and papers strewn everywhere, including a pair of pants hanging from the ceiling fan. Two red wardrobes, three blue plush chairs, four small wooden tables, a white desk, a black desk chair, a small yellow bookcase, four floors lamps of varying colours, and the green-sheeted king-sized bed crowded the room. The walls were hung with paintings and the desk held pictures of all of Doo’s friends, including one of Tom himself, which the Dark Lord could not recall being taken. One corner had a pile of stuffed animals of all sizes in it, and one small, stuffed white owl sat on the bed, watching the doorway with sharp eyes. A laptop lay closed on the desk, in front of the pictures, a pile of papers next to it in a small bin. A desk lamp took up any remaining space on the desk.
Deciding to ignore the mess for the moment, Tom stepped up to the bed and laid Doo down. He tugged the younger man’s shoes and socks off, sending them to their rightful places with a quick spell, before tucking him under the covers. :Keep an eye on him while I clean this place up.: He hissed to Inda, who had slithered out from under Doo’s shirt and had curled herself up on the pillow Doo’s head rested on.
:Of course, Tom.: Inda agreed.
The Dark Lord nodded and pulled out his wand. After cleaning out a spot for himself on the floor by pushing the mess to one side, he closed his eyes and cast a powerful Cleaning Charm on the entire room.
Doo, who hadn’t quite been asleep, watched with wide eyes as the room cleaned itself up. Clothing either folded itself and flew into his wardrobe, or threw itself into the dirty clothing box. Papers neatened themselves on the desk as the photos shifted so none were hidden behind any others. The book shelf straightened itself and the books that hadn’t fit before and been piled on top or strewn about the room found places, only a few being left on the top, but being left there neatly. His pile of stuffed animals neatened itself up, looking presentable in a way that Doo could have never managed. His paintings straightened themselves as a dusting rag flew around to dust them all.
“Wow...” Doo whispered once everything had calmed down.
Tom glanced at him over his shoulder. “I thought you were asleep.”
“No, not really...” Doo sat up, hugging his stuffed owl to his chest. “That was awesome, Tom.”
The Dark Lord shrugged. “Cleaning Charms aren’t my speciality, but it is always a good idea to know how to do them well. They can be damn useful.”
“Why didn’t you use one yesterday on your room?” The Forgotten inquired curiously.
Tom sat down on the end of the bed with a faint sigh. “Two reasons, really. One, I needed to do something physical-“
“Like stubbing your toe on the bed post?” Doo interrupted teasingly.
“It got me to calm down, didn’t it?”
“Actually, it got you to curse pretty colourfully. Were you a sailor in a previous life?”
The Dark Lord smirked. “Probably not, but I did work on a ship for a couple of years when I was younger.”
“You were a member of the crew?”
“Yeah. I needed the money.” Tom nodded.
“Okay. What was the other reason?”
“Hogwarts, as I said, is very magic concentrated. What I did here wouldn’t have been quite as effective at the school because of the levels of wild magical resistance.” Tom explained.
“But, wouldn’t that put a hamper on the students’ magic?” Doo inquired worriedly.
“Hogwarts generally keeps the wild magic from interfering with school work, but one’ll find it much more difficult to fight or play magical pranks there than they would anywhere else, since the wild magic would interfere.”
“So, Hogwarts is alive and only lets you do things it thinks you should be doing.” Doo said.
“Yup.” Tom grinned. “I’ve forbidden the house-elves from visiting my private bedroom, so you could say the free roaming wild magic in there is Hogwarts’ complaining that I won’t give her servants some extra work.”
Doo giggled. “But you could have managed something, right?”
“Of course.” Tom nodded. “My Cleaning Charm there would have acted like the Cleaning Charm of any normal witch or wizard in their own house.”
“Even if their house were in, say, Hogsmeade?”
“That’s the wonderful thing about owning your own house, it will use the wild magic at its disposal to help you, rather than hinder you.” Tom smiled.
“Cool...” Doo said before yawning rather widely.
The Dark Lord chuckled and stood. “Why don’t you get dressed for bed while I go make that firecall to Peter?”
“Okay...”
-~/\~-
Tom and Nick were bickering in the living-room of Doo’s flat while Doo and Deva were making lunch for five in the kitchen. Wormtail would be there any moment and they planned to have some sort of nourishment for the two hours they had until the meeting with the townspeople who had visited the day before. Tom had mentioned that they’d need to use the time to fill his lawyer in on everything, and, possibly, argue with him a bit about doing a case for a Forgotten.
“You cook better than I do, Doo. It’s making me slightly jealous.” Deva teased as Doo took the sweet potatoes off the stove.
“It’s how I’ve managed to live so long on my own.” Doo replied, wiping at his brow gently with the sleeve of his shirt.
“Sit for a fev minutes. You haff been up all morning.” Deva ordered, pushing the Forgotten into a chair that she’d conjured earlier.
Doo sighed and did as she said, watching as she worked with the swedes carefully. “Between you, Nick, and Tom I won’t get a chance to stress out over anything for the next month.”
“It’s vat you get for trying to kill yourself.” Deva responded without remorse. “And you are going to sit and bear it or I’ll make you bear it.”
“Ouch. I should go tell Tom you’re threatening me. It’s causing me stress.” The green-eyed man shot back, blowing a single thread of white hair out of his face. The rest of his hair had been pulled back tightly and covered with a black bandana to keep it out of the food.
There was a crash from the living-room, then the two in the kitchen heard Tom say, “Perfect entrance, Peter. We were just starting to get bored.”
“Oh, this can simmer for a bit yet.” Deva groaned. “Let’s go check and make sure Tom doesn’t lash out at poor Peter because he’s pissed at Nick.”
Doo sniggered, but stood and followed the witch into the living-room. “Oh, come on, Tom. If you feel the need to hex someone, I think you should hex Nick.” The Forgotten offered as he saw the wand pointed at Wormtail, who looked terrified. Tom let out a snort and put his wand away.
The rat Animagus turned to thank his saviour and froze, mouth and eyes widening in shock. “Merlin...”
“What now?” Tom snapped at his lawyer.
“Harry?!” Wormtail squeaked.
Tom spun to look at Doo, who looked completely confused, and his own eyes widened. “Fuck...” He hissed, sitting down heavily on the loveseat.
“What’s going on?” Nick demanded, dark gaze shooting back and forth between the two Dark Wizards. “And why are you calling Doo ‘Harry’?”
“That’s not possible!” Deva cried suddenly from behind Doo. Doo spun to look at her and his confusion doubled when he saw tears in her eyes. “He vas supposed to be dead! Peter, you must haff made a mistake!”
“Would one of you please tell me what’s wrong?!” Nick shouted.
“He-He’s Harry Potter.” Wormtail finally said, pointing his finger at Doo.
Doo turned to look at Tom slowly, green eyes filled with sadness at the horror he found in the scarlet ones before him. “...no...” He whispered before fainting.
-~/\~-
-~\/~-
A/N: I feel like leaving you all with a cliffie again. *cackles* It’s fun!
~Batsutousai ^.^x
Chapters:
Prologue
1 - Hogwarts ||| 2 - Nicholas Wants Answers ||| 3 - Depression
4 - The Greatest Idiot ||| 5 - Another Clue |||6 - Discovered
7 - Harry Potter Lives ||| 8 - The Power Over the Dark ||| 9 - Answers
10 - The True Threat Becomes Known ||| 11 - Gathering Allies ||| 12 - A New Bond
13 - Culross and Her Staff ||| 14 - Courting Your Fate
Discontinued
Author:
batsutousaiBeta:
magickmaker17Pairings: OC/OC, Tom/Doo(Harry)
Warnings: SLASH/YAOI, Character death, OOCness, AU(we all know Jo won’t let this happen…), OCs, Suicide attempt
Summary: What if Voldemort wins the “Final Battle,” but Harry Potter survives?
Living in the Muggle world with no memory of his past, can Harry find the key to saving them all?
Disclaim Her: I am listening to my Beatles CD. I still can’t believe I managed to find it in my room… O.o
Key:
’Thoughts’
Writing
”Doo’s memory flashes”
¤Another language, like Bulgarian¤
:Parseltongue:
A/N: Dude. My mouth HURTS!! *whimpers*
Chapter Six
Discovered
-~\/~-
Doo woke up warm. At first, he was surprised to see Tom sleeping next to him with a peaceful expression on his face. Then he remembered the nightmare from last night and buried his face in the older man’s chest with a shudder. ‘I’m grateful he woke me, I suppose, but he didn’t really have to stay the rest of the night. Not that I mind, of course. This is rather nice...’ Doo sighed softly. ‘Don’t bother getting used to this, Tarrant. It’s not worth the heartache.’
The Forgotten opened his eyes, then narrowed them rather suddenly at the skin he was resting against. Tom didn’t sleep with a shirt, apparently, so all of the scars on his chest were visible. Most of them were vicious-looking, and some looked a bit faded, as if they were decades old. There was one really nasty one, though, that started at the top of his left shoulder and disappeared below his pants’ line that caught the green-eyed man’s attention. Doo figured it was from the war and thoughtlessly ran a finger down it, biting his lower lip sadly.
“That tickles, you know.” Tom muttered, making Doo jump.
“Sorry! I didn’t- I mean-“
“I’m not yelling at you, Doo.” The Dark Lord sighed. “I don’t really care, actually.” He tugged on a lock of white hair. “How are you feeling this morning?”
Doo shuddered again. “This is the first time I’ve remembered the nightmare...”
Tom frowned. “You’ve had them before, then?”
Green eyes met scarlet. “Yeah. Zack was always waking me up the first fours years after the war because I was screaming, but I was never able to tell him what I’d seen, I couldn’t remember them even that long. I haven’t really had a nightmare since then, now that I think about it...” Doo frowned thoughtfully.
“You’re a strong wizard. The spell could be wearing off, or just being around a place that’s as concentrated with magic as Hogwarts is could be forcing you to remember things better. I have noticed that you have more memory flashes when there’s a large supply of wild magic around you.” Tom said philosophically. “You didn’t have any nightmares in the Hospital Wing?”
Doo shook his head. “Maybe my body was too tired.”
“Probably.” Tom agreed.
Doo sighed and changed the topic. “You didn’t have to stay with me all night, you know.”
The Dark Lord gave him an amused look. “I’m afraid I wasn’t given much of a choice. You’ve got a grip like a vice, Mr Tarrant.”
Doo’s face reddened. “Sorry...”
Tom tugged on a lock of white hair again with a smile. “Was I complaining?” Doo’s blush deepened. “Why don’t we both get dressed so we can go get some breakfast and have you looked at. If Dulcie says you’re good to go, I’ll take you back to the shop and we’ll see how everyone’s doing, hm?”
“Sounds like a plan.” Doo agreed, sitting up. Tom smiled and got out of the bed, sticking his wand into the waistband of his pants before walking back to his room. “Tom?” Doo said right before the Dark Lord closed the door.
“Hum?” Tom glanced back at his friend.
“Thank you.”
“It’s what friends are for.” The Dark Lord replied before letting the door close.
“That hardly looks good...” Tom murmured, nodding at the sharp-looking car that was parked outside of Sherbet Lemon.
Doo narrowed his eyes. “That’s Zack’s car.”
:Can I bite him?: Inda inquired from her position under Doo’s shirt, wrapped around his torso, with her head on his shoulder. She’d decided to stay with him for a while, and Tom hadn’t seen any reason to disagree.
:Only if the little fucker tries anything funny.: Tom replied.
Doo snorted. “Define ‘funny,’ Tom.”
“If he tries to hurt you.” The Dark Lord offered seriously.
“...Oh...” Doo bit his lower lip and concentrated on walking towards his shop.
“For the last time, where is he, you little shit?” Zack’s voice floated from the shop while the two wizards were still two shops from Sherbet Lemon.
“Like fuck I’m going to tell you. Get out of here, Palmer.” Nick’s voice shot back sharply.
There was the sound of skin-on-skin and Doo’s eyes widened. “Nick...” He hissed before sprinting into the shop. “Palmer, get away from him.” He spat at the dark form in front of the counter.
“Doo!” Nick shouted as Zack spun around, brown eyes narrowed dangerously at his ex-boyfriend.
“Well, well, if it isn’t the little shit himself.” Zack mocked cruelly, taking a threatening step towards Doo.
:Stay away from Doo!: Inda hissed, rearing up on Doo’s shoulder and flaring her hood out threateningly. Zack froze, eyes widening.
“Uhm, Doo, bud, there’s a cobra on your shoulder.” Nick offered nervously.
“She’s mine.” Tom offered calmly as he stepped into the shop. “Good morning, Ripley.”
“Morning, Marvolo. Good to see you actually listened to me for once.” Nick replied as calmly as he could manage, eyes still on the angry snake on his friend’s shoulder.
Tom stepped forward and stroked Inda’s hood soothingly. “And you must be Zack Palmer. A pleasure to finally meet the man I’ve so been looking forward to offing.”
:Just don’t eat him. He smells bad.: Inda growled as she rested her head back down on Doo’s shoulder, hood hidden again. She kept her eyes on Zack, though. Tom chuckled while Doo bit his lip to keep from smiling.
“Just who do you think you are?” Zack demanded of the Dark Lord.
Tom cocked an eyebrow at the Muggle. “How rude of me. I am Tom Marvolo.”
Zack smirked. “Get a new boy toy already, Dooley?”
Doo snorted. “You’re mixing me up with yourself, Palmer. I don’t go out and have sex with the first pretty face I see.” His gaze pierced through his ex. “Unlike some people I know.”
“You’re gonna die for that comment!” Zack shouted, jumping at Doo.
The Dark Lord moved with inhuman speed and caught the Muggle, mid-jump. “The only person who is facing death here, Mr Palmer, is you. Now then, I’m going to set you outside and you’re going to get into your fancy little car and drive away. If I see you again before court next week, I’ll rip your throat out.” He said sharply before dragging the terrified man out of the shop.
“What is he? Part vampire?” Nick whispered as Doo walked over to the counter, petting Inda gently.
:Part snake, actually.: The serpent answered.
“Really? How’d he manage that?” Doo inquired, disregarding his own rules and seating himself on the counter. Nick didn’t even bother to remind him of the rules.
:No clue. I didn’t know him back then.:
“Oh...”
“You can understand it?” Nick whispered, leaning forward slightly.
Doo smiled. “Yes. She says Tom’s part snake, but she doesn’t know how he managed it.”
“Wicked...” Nick sighed. “What’s her name? Can I touch her?”
Doo laughed. “Nick, meet Inda. Inda, this is my friend, Nick Ripley.”
:He smells good. He may pet me, yes.: Inda decided after flicking her tongue out.
Doo relayed the message and the two men laughed before petting her gently.
:Are you having fun, Luv?: Tom inquired from the doorway, smiling at the three at the counter.
Nick jumped at the Dark Lord’s hiss. “Good God, Marvolo! Don’t do that!”
:Aw... Come on, Tom, you ruined it!: Inda complained.
Tom and Doo traded looks before both burst out laughing. Nick just sighed and returned to petting the happy serpent.
“Doo! You’re okay!” Deva cried happily as she and a few of the parents in the neighborhood stepped into the shop.
Doo smiled at the Bulgarian witch. “Dulcie let me go this morning. It’s been a very boring day.”
“No stress.” Tom offered from where he standing behind the counter with Nick, learning how to use the cash register.
“Oh, yeah, thanks for reminding me.” Doo grumbled.
Inda glanced up from where she’d been hiding under Doo’s shirt. :Hullo, Deva.:
Deva blinked at the cobra in shock a few times while everyone else froze. “By the Gods. Inda? Vat are you doing vith Doo?”
“I lent her to him, sort of.” Tom answered.
“She scared the fuck out of Zack.” Doo sniggered.
“Palmer was in here?” One of the elder men in the town, Radolf Dalton, demanded sharply.
Doo nodded slowly. “Yeah. He was threatening Nick when Tom and I got here. Tom kicked him out. Sent him back to Glasgow.”
“What did he want, Nicholas?” Radolf asked the dark-eyed man behind the counter.
Nick sighed. “He was looking for Doo. I have no clue why.”
“He’s probably planning on saying you need not appear at court.” Tom murmured thoughtfully. “If he can keep you from being there, he’s won.”
“You really think he’d do that, Tom?” Deva asked, eyes wide, as the others behind her gasped.
“He can try, but it won’t be happening.” Nick spat.
“No, it won’t.” Tom agreed coldly. “Because Doo’s not leaving my sight.”
Doo spun around in his chair and stared at his friend in shock. ‘Oh, Gods... I don’t have anywhere for him to sleep...’ He realized numbly.
“Great. This means I don’t have to worry about Doo anymore.” Nick said brightly, slapping the Dark Lord on the back, then grinning in response to his glare.
“You’re sure, Nicholas?” Gloria Ripley asked her son.
Nick nodded. “Marvolo’s not one of ours, and nor does he have the best disposition in the universe, but you couldn’t ask for a better bodyguard. Between Inda and Marvolo, nothing is getting to Doo.”
“Do you have a death wish, Ripley?” Tom growled.
“No, but I do enjoy pissing you off.” Nick replied.
Deva let out a moan while Doo grabbed a couple of sherbet lemons and tossed one at each man. “Cool it, both of you.” He ordered.
Tom scowled at the sherbet lemon that had hit him while Nick popped his in his mouth. “Why throw these?” The Dark Lord whined.
“They were the closest things to me.” Doo replied with a shrug as the people in the shop watching them laughed.
“Tomorrow, you’re sitting on the other side.” Tom decided.
“Next to the bubblegum?” Nick asked, giving the Dark Lord an incredulous look. “Are you insane?”
“Yes.” Tom replied with a straight face. Nick blinked at him a few times before cracking up.
Doo rolled his eyes. “Was there anything you all came from?”
“Yes.” Radolf spoke for everyone. “We wanted to know the town’s behind you, not Palmer. Also, do you need a lawyer?”
“No.” Doo smiled faintly at where Tom and Nick were throwing insults back and forth. “Tom’s already got his working on it.”
“I’ll have Peter drop by tomorrow.” Tom offered, returning his attention to the rest of the room after silently hexing Nick’s mouth shut.
“Two o’clock.” Radolf decided and looked around him for agreement.
“I’ll make sure he’s here.” Tom promised.
“Very good.” Radolf nodded his head to Doo. “Stay safe, Dooley.”
“You too, Radolf.” Doo replied, watching the procession leave his store.
Tom walked over to Doo while Deva went to check on Nick, and unhex him. “Quite popular, aren’t you?” The Dark Lord inquired, tugging on Doo’s ponytail gently.
“The town’s always been pretty close. No one here was ever very fond of Zack. Perhaps because he was a big time lawyer from Glasgow, and no one really likes that sort.” Doo sighed, glancing up at Tom. “I don’t have anywhere for you to sleep.”
“What size is your bed?” Tom asked with a touch of amusement.
“Eh? King size. Why?”
“Then I’ll just share it with you, hum?”
Doo’s cheeks flared with a blush. “I...I guess.”
Tom frowned. “Or I could transfigure something into a bed and sleep there.”
The younger man sighed and rested his head against the elder one’s abdomen, shocking the Dark Lord. “No, you can sleep in my bed. Probably the best way to protect me, anyway.” Doo murmured.
Tom slipped his arms around Doo’s shoulder, pushing them together gently. “Are you tired?”
“Mm.”
:I think he is.: Inda offered.
“Right.” The Dark Lord leaned over and picked Doo up gently, smiling at the faint sound of annoyance from the green-eyed man. “Perhaps this day has been just a little too exhausting, hm?” Tom inquired of no one.
“Taking him up to his room?” Deva asked quietly.
“Yes.” Tom agreed. “Did you get Ripley unhexed?”
“Yes, I’m unhexed.” Nick growled softly. “Cheater.”
“Slytherin, actually.” The Dark Lord corrected before taking the stairs up to Doo’s flat and into the Forgotten’s bedroom.
Doo had been truthful when he’d said the place looked like a war zone. There were clothing, books, and papers strewn everywhere, including a pair of pants hanging from the ceiling fan. Two red wardrobes, three blue plush chairs, four small wooden tables, a white desk, a black desk chair, a small yellow bookcase, four floors lamps of varying colours, and the green-sheeted king-sized bed crowded the room. The walls were hung with paintings and the desk held pictures of all of Doo’s friends, including one of Tom himself, which the Dark Lord could not recall being taken. One corner had a pile of stuffed animals of all sizes in it, and one small, stuffed white owl sat on the bed, watching the doorway with sharp eyes. A laptop lay closed on the desk, in front of the pictures, a pile of papers next to it in a small bin. A desk lamp took up any remaining space on the desk.
Deciding to ignore the mess for the moment, Tom stepped up to the bed and laid Doo down. He tugged the younger man’s shoes and socks off, sending them to their rightful places with a quick spell, before tucking him under the covers. :Keep an eye on him while I clean this place up.: He hissed to Inda, who had slithered out from under Doo’s shirt and had curled herself up on the pillow Doo’s head rested on.
:Of course, Tom.: Inda agreed.
The Dark Lord nodded and pulled out his wand. After cleaning out a spot for himself on the floor by pushing the mess to one side, he closed his eyes and cast a powerful Cleaning Charm on the entire room.
Doo, who hadn’t quite been asleep, watched with wide eyes as the room cleaned itself up. Clothing either folded itself and flew into his wardrobe, or threw itself into the dirty clothing box. Papers neatened themselves on the desk as the photos shifted so none were hidden behind any others. The book shelf straightened itself and the books that hadn’t fit before and been piled on top or strewn about the room found places, only a few being left on the top, but being left there neatly. His pile of stuffed animals neatened itself up, looking presentable in a way that Doo could have never managed. His paintings straightened themselves as a dusting rag flew around to dust them all.
“Wow...” Doo whispered once everything had calmed down.
Tom glanced at him over his shoulder. “I thought you were asleep.”
“No, not really...” Doo sat up, hugging his stuffed owl to his chest. “That was awesome, Tom.”
The Dark Lord shrugged. “Cleaning Charms aren’t my speciality, but it is always a good idea to know how to do them well. They can be damn useful.”
“Why didn’t you use one yesterday on your room?” The Forgotten inquired curiously.
Tom sat down on the end of the bed with a faint sigh. “Two reasons, really. One, I needed to do something physical-“
“Like stubbing your toe on the bed post?” Doo interrupted teasingly.
“It got me to calm down, didn’t it?”
“Actually, it got you to curse pretty colourfully. Were you a sailor in a previous life?”
The Dark Lord smirked. “Probably not, but I did work on a ship for a couple of years when I was younger.”
“You were a member of the crew?”
“Yeah. I needed the money.” Tom nodded.
“Okay. What was the other reason?”
“Hogwarts, as I said, is very magic concentrated. What I did here wouldn’t have been quite as effective at the school because of the levels of wild magical resistance.” Tom explained.
“But, wouldn’t that put a hamper on the students’ magic?” Doo inquired worriedly.
“Hogwarts generally keeps the wild magic from interfering with school work, but one’ll find it much more difficult to fight or play magical pranks there than they would anywhere else, since the wild magic would interfere.”
“So, Hogwarts is alive and only lets you do things it thinks you should be doing.” Doo said.
“Yup.” Tom grinned. “I’ve forbidden the house-elves from visiting my private bedroom, so you could say the free roaming wild magic in there is Hogwarts’ complaining that I won’t give her servants some extra work.”
Doo giggled. “But you could have managed something, right?”
“Of course.” Tom nodded. “My Cleaning Charm there would have acted like the Cleaning Charm of any normal witch or wizard in their own house.”
“Even if their house were in, say, Hogsmeade?”
“That’s the wonderful thing about owning your own house, it will use the wild magic at its disposal to help you, rather than hinder you.” Tom smiled.
“Cool...” Doo said before yawning rather widely.
The Dark Lord chuckled and stood. “Why don’t you get dressed for bed while I go make that firecall to Peter?”
“Okay...”
Tom and Nick were bickering in the living-room of Doo’s flat while Doo and Deva were making lunch for five in the kitchen. Wormtail would be there any moment and they planned to have some sort of nourishment for the two hours they had until the meeting with the townspeople who had visited the day before. Tom had mentioned that they’d need to use the time to fill his lawyer in on everything, and, possibly, argue with him a bit about doing a case for a Forgotten.
“You cook better than I do, Doo. It’s making me slightly jealous.” Deva teased as Doo took the sweet potatoes off the stove.
“It’s how I’ve managed to live so long on my own.” Doo replied, wiping at his brow gently with the sleeve of his shirt.
“Sit for a fev minutes. You haff been up all morning.” Deva ordered, pushing the Forgotten into a chair that she’d conjured earlier.
Doo sighed and did as she said, watching as she worked with the swedes carefully. “Between you, Nick, and Tom I won’t get a chance to stress out over anything for the next month.”
“It’s vat you get for trying to kill yourself.” Deva responded without remorse. “And you are going to sit and bear it or I’ll make you bear it.”
“Ouch. I should go tell Tom you’re threatening me. It’s causing me stress.” The green-eyed man shot back, blowing a single thread of white hair out of his face. The rest of his hair had been pulled back tightly and covered with a black bandana to keep it out of the food.
There was a crash from the living-room, then the two in the kitchen heard Tom say, “Perfect entrance, Peter. We were just starting to get bored.”
“Oh, this can simmer for a bit yet.” Deva groaned. “Let’s go check and make sure Tom doesn’t lash out at poor Peter because he’s pissed at Nick.”
Doo sniggered, but stood and followed the witch into the living-room. “Oh, come on, Tom. If you feel the need to hex someone, I think you should hex Nick.” The Forgotten offered as he saw the wand pointed at Wormtail, who looked terrified. Tom let out a snort and put his wand away.
The rat Animagus turned to thank his saviour and froze, mouth and eyes widening in shock. “Merlin...”
“What now?” Tom snapped at his lawyer.
“Harry?!” Wormtail squeaked.
Tom spun to look at Doo, who looked completely confused, and his own eyes widened. “Fuck...” He hissed, sitting down heavily on the loveseat.
“What’s going on?” Nick demanded, dark gaze shooting back and forth between the two Dark Wizards. “And why are you calling Doo ‘Harry’?”
“That’s not possible!” Deva cried suddenly from behind Doo. Doo spun to look at her and his confusion doubled when he saw tears in her eyes. “He vas supposed to be dead! Peter, you must haff made a mistake!”
“Would one of you please tell me what’s wrong?!” Nick shouted.
“He-He’s Harry Potter.” Wormtail finally said, pointing his finger at Doo.
Doo turned to look at Tom slowly, green eyes filled with sadness at the horror he found in the scarlet ones before him. “...no...” He whispered before fainting.
A/N: I feel like leaving you all with a cliffie again. *cackles* It’s fun!
~Batsutousai ^.^x
Prologue
1 - Hogwarts ||| 2 - Nicholas Wants Answers ||| 3 - Depression
4 - The Greatest Idiot ||| 5 - Another Clue |||
7 - Harry Potter Lives ||| 8 - The Power Over the Dark ||| 9 - Answers
10 - The True Threat Becomes Known ||| 11 - Gathering Allies ||| 12 - A New Bond
13 - Culross and Her Staff ||| 14 - Courting Your Fate
Discontinued
.
OMG :(
Date: 17/5/05 02:50 (UTC)I feel sorry for both Tom and Harry. Tom was fine when he was being overprotected of Doo and now that Tom found out who Doo is, I don't know what Tom will do. He has to choose between killing his arch-rival or not. I hope he doesn't kill Harry.
I feel sorry for Harry now because he found out who really is and who Tom is. I don't know if Harry hates of love him now. I think he fainted because he is now so stressed on what to do.
I don't know I am just saying what's in my head. I have no clue if I am right or not. I really like angst and there was so at the ending so I think this is my fav chapter! Thank you... Actually I really love the chapter when Harry tries to kill himself. Now that made me cry and happy that it made me cry... I don't think that made sense.
*shrugs* oh well.
Great chap and all together it is a fantastic fic! I hope things will work out in the very end. Although I hope there is more angst in the next chap!
Re: OMG :(
Date: 21/5/05 01:25 (UTC)I dunno, I always like a story more when I cry. Makes it more real to me, really. So I know where you're coming from.
Angst, angst... *looks at chappie 7* Yup, there's some in there....
Re: OMG :(
Date: 21/5/05 03:20 (UTC)I feel really sorry for them right now but whatcha gonna do? It's a great scene that will impact the whole story line, well I think. ^.~
Yeah most stories I read have angst in it. Like the fic you recommended and In the Eye of the Wolf. Now that was 2 fantastic angst fics.
Anyway, that was a chap once agian and hope you have a great day!
Re: OMG :(
Date: 21/5/05 18:43 (UTC)^.~ We'll see. Heheh
Mmhm. Angst fics are the best. Especially good if you're feeling a bit depressed... ^.~