*Heir to the Serpent Lord*

Chapter 13: Strength in Shadows

The days that followed Saber's introduction to the Death Eaters were filled with a new, quiet rhythm. Slytherin Castle remained a sanctuary where Saber could slowly rebuild himself, surrounded by his father's presence, the loyalty of the Death Eaters, and the comforting companionship of his snakes—Seraph, Onyx, and Jade. But the road to healing was not without its challenges, and every day brought new hurdles for the young heir.

Saber's nightmares continued to haunt him. Each night, he would find himself trapped in the darkness of his memories, reliving moments of pain and fear that left him gasping awake, drenched in sweat. His body still ached from the scars of his past, and though his physical wounds were healing, the psychological ones were far deeper, lingering like shadows that refused to fade.

This morning was no different. Saber woke early, his heart racing as the remnants of a nightmare clung to him. The room was dimly lit by the early morning sun, and the familiar weight of his snakes around his arms offered a small comfort. Seraph nuzzled against his neck, her soft scales warm and reassuring, while Onyx and Jade lay coiled protectively beside him.

Saber took a few deep breaths, trying to steady himself. The nightmares were exhausting, but he knew he couldn't let them control him. He had a responsibility now—not just to himself, but to his father and the followers who had sworn loyalty to him.

He pushed himself out of bed, feeling the cool stone floor beneath his feet. Today was a new day, and Saber was determined to face it with strength.

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**Training in the Shadows**

Voldemort had arranged for Saber to begin training with some of his most trusted Death Eaters, not just to strengthen his magic, but to build his confidence. The training was designed to be rigorous, pushing Saber to his limits, but always within a controlled environment where he could learn without fear of failure.

Lucius Malfoy, Bellatrix Lestrange, and Severus Snape were among those who took it upon themselves to guide Saber. Each brought their own expertise—Lucius with his refined dueling techniques, Bellatrix with her fierce combat skills, and Severus with his mastery of potions and dark arts.

Today, Bellatrix was in charge of Saber's lesson. They stood in a dimly lit chamber filled with ancient stone pillars, shadows dancing across the walls as they moved. Bellatrix paced in front of him, her wand in hand and her eyes gleaming with enthusiasm. She had taken a particular interest in Saber, seeing in him the potential for greatness that she so admired in his father.

"Magic is not just about spells and incantations, young master," Bellatrix said, her voice sharp but encouraging. "It's about control. It's about power. You must learn to harness the darkness within you, to make it your strength."

Saber nodded, gripping his wand tightly. He had never been entirely comfortable with dark magic, but he trusted Bellatrix, and he knew that mastering it was part of his legacy.

"Now," Bellatrix continued, her voice rising with excitement, "focus your mind. Clear away the fear, the doubt, and let your magic flow freely. We will start with something simple: the *Protego* charm. A shield, strong and unyielding, just like you."

Saber raised his wand, his heart beating faster as he concentrated. He pictured the shield forming in front of him, solid and impenetrable, blocking any threat that might come his way.

"*Protego!*" Saber shouted, and a shimmering barrier of light erupted from his wand, flickering briefly before solidifying into a glowing shield.

Bellatrix's eyes widened in approval, a rare smile spreading across her face. "Good! Very good! Stronger than last time. You're improving."