"Mr Lestrange, the Headmaster would like to speak to you," said Professor McGonagall, giving the boy a rare smile. "Please stay behind after class."
Oh, Merlin, thought Dylan. He nodded to her but gripped the locket with the Potter crest that was hanging from around his neck. It was something which Harry had given him after the mass breakout from Azkaban; he had seen Daphne wear a similar one too. Harry had said that if Dylan ever needed him, to grip the locket tightly and call for him. It was connected to the locket which Harry wore himself.
Once the class was over, Dylan was being escorted to the seventh floor when Harry came towards them from one of the corridors leading to the Head's office.
"Ah, Dylan," he nodded. "You're already here. Good, let's go."
"What are you doing here, Mr Potter?" asked Professor McGonagall in surprise. "Mr Lestrange has a meeting with the Headmaster."
"I know, Professor," said Harry. "That's why I'm here."
"I'm afraid I don't understand," she frowned at him. "What does that have to do with you?"
"I have this letter here from our guardian, Lord Sirius Black, which says that Dylan is not to meet the Headmaster unless I'm present at all times. It's just a precaution."
"Mr Potter," said Professor McGonagall sharply. "I do not like the implication you have just made."
"It's no secret that Sirius and I don't trust the Headmaster," Harry told her. He turned to the gargoyle and said, " Acid Pops. "
Professor McGonagall wondered how Harry had known about the meeting so quickly, not to mention how he knew the password to Dumbledore's office. Maybe it had something to do with his title as Lord Gryffindor? She knew for a fact that Dumbledore was not at all pleased when that information had come to light. She wondered what other powers Harry had over the castle.
...
When he heard a knock on the door, Albus Dumbledore smiled as he called, "Come in."
But this good mood was spoilt when he saw Dylan Lestrange being escorted by Harry Potter. It was not that Harry wasn't welcome, but not at this particular meeting. How was he to influence Dylan if Harry was here as well?
"Harry, what are you doing here?" asked Dumbledore, looking confused. "I asked only for young Dylan."
'Ah, using his first name like you do mine so as to induce familiarity, just as Sirius said you would. We already know of that trick, you old goat.'
"Oh, I know you only asked for Dylan," said Harry calmly as he casually put an arm around the younger's boy's shoulders; the height difference was quite noticeable. "But I have a letter from our guardian saying that if you want to talk to Dylan, I am to be present at all times. Nothing against you, Professor, but it's just that I feel protective of him."
"I see," said Dumbledore as he looked at the sheet of parchment. The seal of the Head of House Black was present. "Well, in that case, do sit down."
Harry sat down regally as always and Dylan sat next to him, looking around curiously. His eyes lit up when he saw the phoenix which trilled at him happily, something which Dumbledore did not overlook.
"Ah, I see you have noticed my familiar," said Dumbledore smiling happily. "This is Fawkes. He is a phoenix, Dylan. Fascinating creatures, phoenixes. They can carry immensely heavy loads, their tears have healing powers second to none and they are also amazingly loyal. In fact, young Harry here would not be sitting with us today if not for Fawkes healing him last term."
"Yes," said Harry, his voice devoid of emotion. "He likes me and I'm fond of him as well."
Dumbledore chuckled, wondering mentally if it was a good sign. Did Fawkes really like him? Did that mean there was hope to bring Harry back to the light? Mentally he was dancing in joy! He hadn't done that in a while. Those Dementors reminded him of what happened to his father and how he had died in Azkaban, bringing bad memories of Ariana and Gellert to the forefront of his mind. He really hated those creatures and was disgusted that they were stationed so close to Hogwarts, a school filled with children.
"It's nice to finally meet you, Dylan," Dumbledore smiled warmly. "How have you been adjusting to Hogwarts over the past two months? I have heard from all your teachers that you are doing quite well in your classes."
"It's much better than my earlier life, Professor," said Dylan smiling brightly, but Dumbledore noticed that the boy would not meet his eyes.
Dumbledore sighed, shaking his head sadly. "It truly is sad what happened to you, my dear boy. I'm sure life has not been easy for you, but as I always say, happiness can be found even in the darkest of times. You need to look for the light, young Dylan."
Harry mentally snorted as he gave points to Dumbledore. What a fine way of telling Dylan that the 'light' was good and the 'dark' was bad, especially given the recent escape of the boy's father and the rest of the Death Eaters.
"My life was turned around when Harry and Uncle Sirius found me," said Dylan, looking at Harry with respect and affection shining in his eyes. "I found two adults who decided to take me into their family and a big brother I know I can always count on. When I have them, what more do I need?"
Dumbledore raised his eyebrows in surprise. "Ah, yes," he said slowly. "I'm quite curious about how you bonded so quickly. For someone who met only about four months back, you have already established that you consider each other siblings. Curious, wouldn't you say?"
"Oh, I don't know about that, Professor," said Harry, leaning back in the chair as he crossed his legs, looking very much like a prince of the realm. "Dylan and I have a lot of things in common and it was easy for us to bond. Both of us are technically orphans and were raised in an abusive environment. I spent several days in the hospital with him when he was there and we just clicked. I, unfortunately, will never be able to have siblings considering that my parents are dead, but if I wouldn't trade Dylan for anyone in the world."
"Hmm," said Dumbledore, stroking his beard. He had underestimated just how much Harry cared for the boy.
"How are you feeling about the whole incident with Azkaban, Dylan?" asked Dumbledore gently. "I'm sure it is not easy knowing who your father is. He was actually a nice boy when he was your age. Sure, he and his brother had a tendency to practice the Dark Arts, but no one could have imagined them turning into something like this. They were enamoured with Lord Voldemort and his ideals and it twisted them. I know it is not easy being Rabastan's son, knowing that he has escaped Azkaban and is roaming free."
....
Join my exclusive P@treon community for 60+ thrilling chapters!
Link: pa*treon.com/MidnightWonder (Remove the *)
If you join now you will get 2 Chapters for free as well.
Don't miss out, join now!