Antithesis

Chapter 56: Horcrux

'I'll do what it takes. It hurts, It hurts and I can't think and I keep hearing it but I'll do what it takes I'll be useful I swear I'll be useful I promise I'll be usefu-'

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Skylar Potter jolted down the steps of the Burrow, socks thumping and nearly sending him tripping down the steps. The snake around his shoulders tightened itself suddenly, hissing a warning at the jerky movement.

"Sorry sorry!" Skylar apologized hastily, rushing down the steps once more.

"Mum!" Skylar beamed, waving quickly when he spotted her red hair.

"Sky!" She smiled back, running one hand through her hair, wrinkles on the corner of her eyes as she smiled, "How are you?"

"Great! You get him alright?" Skylar asked, leaning over to exchange a quick hug as from the doorway, Albus Dumbledore stepped through.

"Skylar, how wonderful to see you." Dumbledore smiled, a bright light in his eye as he observed the other, "Skylar, I'd like to introduce you to an old friend and colleague of mine."

Lily nearly danced to the side, stepping out of the way to allow the newest man to step through the doorway, looking strangely paranoid and wary of his surroundings.

"Skylar Potter, this is Horace Slughorn."

Horace Slughorn was an old man, looking battered and spooked like an alley cat having brought inside. His clothing reminded Skylar of Remus' earthy tones, yet they looked more ramshackle.

His eyes widened in surprise, flickering to Skylar's face before his face shifted into a crooked smile. "Skylar Potter, why I never."

Lily smiled as Horace looked at her in awe, she proudly ruffled Skylar's hair.

"Slughorn here used to be my potions professor back when I was your age, Sky."

Horace looked at least a little startled, "Ah, but that was a long time ago! Funny rumors have reached me since Dolores Umbridge left!"

"Professor Umbridge ran afoul of our centaur herd. Insulted them outright, as well as a basilisk."

"That's what she did, did she?" said Slughorn. "Idiotic woman. Never liked her, a shame what happened."

Skylar gave a small dark chuckle, enough to remind the few there that Skylar had been there to witness such a scene. The atmosphere lilted slightly, a hesitation in the room as they very clearly realized their mistake. Skylar for some reason, wasn't as distressed over the memory as he used to be- darkly amused perhaps, but not as sorrowful. It was strange how quickly tragedy was forgotten, or repressed for more lively thoughts.

"I recruited Horace here in hopes he may break through to young Selwyn." Dumbledore looked apologetic, eyebrows furrowing slightly in very genuine concern. "I'm very worried for the boy."

"Yes, from what I've heard it seems some sort of strange concoction ails the child." Slughorn wheezed, looking sympathetic yet also intrigued. "Avery, you said his name was?"

"Adrian," Lily corrected him quickly, "Adrian Selwyn."

Skylar knew, that Adrian would hate this man.