Fall from Grace

A New Life

Chapter 7

A New Life

The next morning, Harry felt like he and Abraxas had a new understanding of each other. They nodded at each other and Harry gave him a small smile. Abraxas returned the favor by pouring two cups of coffee during breakfast, giving one to Harry. They did not talk about last night; they didn't need to. They shared with each other secrets that none of the boys would understand, and so they came to feel closer to each other, at least Harry hoped so. Xavier Mulciber talked to him this morning about his tutoring session, they agreed to meet up after classes in one of the potions rooms that Xavier knew would be empty for them.

When the time came, Harry shocked Xavier by arriving at the classroom first. "How long were you waiting?"

"Not long," Harry hummed, "I just didn't feel like listening to Sylvain talk about girls so much." Xavier chuckled at this and ruffled Harry's hair. "Knock that off," Harry laughed. He wasn't expecting that from one of Riddle's followers. It seemed so... normal. Something he would never think a future Death Eater would do. Because that was what they were, right? The ancestors of Death Eaters. But now, they were just teenagers, and Xavier looked as if he wanted to use this tutoring session to both teach and fool around with Harry.

"So, we need to get your skill up to scruff to please Riddle," Xavier said. "I think we should start with something simple, so let's make an antidote to common poisons." Harry agreed to it and the two set about getting the ingredients and cauldron out for Harry. Alone with Xavier, it was easy for Harry to focus on the task. Xavier was easy to hang out with surprisingly. The older teen smiled when Harry did things right and when he made a mistake, Xavier stopped him and explained why he went wrong and how it affected the potion. When Harry was done with making the antidote, Xavier tested it on a frog, praising Harry's work. He helped Harry with his homework, the two sitting close together as Xavier helped again to explain the subject. Harry couldn't help but beam at him. In one tutoring session, Harry felt that he learned five times as much as he would with Snape.

There was no way in Harry's mind that Xavier could be in ties with Voldemort. He couldn't have fallen to practice the Dark Arts and torture others. So, before he could think better of himself, Harry asked, "Do you practice the Dark Arts? You don't seem the person to do so." He regretted it immediately and braced himself for a curse or anything, but Xavier just smiled and chuckled goodheartedly.

"Yes, I am a practicing Dark Wizard," he answered.

"Why?" Harry asked, sounding shocked. He couldn't picture Mulciber killing people, especially after the hour they spent together.

Xavier saw his face and his smile grew, "Let me guess, you're thinking that the Dark Arts is all murdering spells and torture." Dumbfounded, Harry just nodded. "Well, it's way more than that Peverell. In fact, that kind of stuff is the minority, not even a percent of the spells that take power from Dark Magic."

"I don't understand," Harry said.

Xavier just continued to smile, "Then as your tutor, I'll educate you," he said. "I feel more accepted in the Dark Arts if that makes sense, it feels more me. And there are many more different kinds of spells to be found in the Dark Arts than just the Unforgiveable Curses. I am guessing you are thinking of them. Dark Magic is not called Dark because of legality or want for destruction, but rather because of where Dark Magic draws its power from. We draw our power from Dark Magic, the same as light wizards draw their magic from Light Magic. Dark Magic is much more attuned to emotions, strong emotional power lies behind our spells. Meanwhile, the Light needs a level head, serenity, and an acceptance to let go all worldly belongings and relationships for the most powerful spells. At least, that is how The Voice described it to me."