Chapter One
Confronting the Faceless 💀 CompleteSeptember 1, 1997
"Parents shouldn't leave their kids unless - unless they've got to"
Aiden Case wakes up before his alarm goes off, though admittedly that isn't of particular note. He isn't really sure if he managed to sleep at all, or if his mind just decided at six in the morning to stop trying and declare to itself that he's 'woken up' and can get out of bed now.
Regardless Aiden is out of bed an hour before his alarm was set to wake him, turns off said alarm, and heads into the bathroom to shower and shave, though he habitually peers into the room next to his on his way over.
His ward is still fast asleep in bed, snoring softly, with one arm tossed haphazardly over top a fluffy gray cat that looks equally content. The sight manages to pull a slight smile out of Aiden despite his exhaustion and the beginnings of what he can tell will be a rather annoying stress headache.
He hadn't really intended to ever have children, if he's honest with himself. Logan Griffith had ended up in his care only through a series of incredibly unfortunate events, ones that still haunt his nightmares more often than he'd ever let his ward know.
Tanner and Evelyn Griffith had been an amazing couple, and even better people. Tanner had been Aiden's only real friend in school, and they had stayed close even after graduation. And then the war came and everything crumbled like ash.
Aiden doesn't like thinking about the war, but days like this it's almost inevitable that his mind drifts back to it, and to what it took from him - and from Logan.
Tanner and Evelyn Griffith have been cold in the ground for sixteen years now, leaving their only son in Aiden's care. And heaven knows he's done his best for the boy, but he's not Tanner, and even with Logan now being in his final year at Hogwarts Aiden still often feels like there's a distance between himself and his ward that he struggles to overcome.
His morning routine wakes up Nelson, and the cat's movement and departure from the bed causes Logan to stir slightly. He's already packed for school so Aiden decides to let him sleep in a bit, leading their cat into the kitchen and feeding him before he can start loudly demanding his food. How the fluff ball still has such powerful vocal chords at fourteen years old Aiden will never know.
Probably magic. He can hear Tanner quipping cheerfully and he'd laugh if it didn't make his heart stop. Seventeen years and he still hears his best friend sometimes. Really, it's a miracle Logan hasn't turned into a serial killer considering the mental state of his guardian.
The Daily Prophet arrives at seven as it does every day, and the post owl finds Aiden staring blankly out the window, a mostly cold cup of coffee in one hand and the other buried idly in Nelson's fur. The owl drops the paper on his head and stares him down until he hands over the payment - first of the month, have to renew the subscription - and then soars back out the window.
He reluctantly moves away from Nelson to check the paper, knowing that continuing to pet his cat is a far preferable option to seeing what nonsense is in the news, but he has to keep informed. It was through the Prophet that he learned that Hogwarts attendance has been made mandatory, and it was through the Prophet that he found out about the Registration. Every student will have to present their status papers to get onto the train, a new rule that Aiden finds distinctly suspect but as Logan is a half-blood he's relatively sure that the new rule won't affect his ward in any negative manner.
He works in the Floo Department, which is located in a far corner of the Department of Transportation and is always the last to hear about just about everything, but even they've heard enough about the strange new legislation being passed around the other departments to be aware that something is fishy in the Ministry these days, and that blood status is starting to matter again. Hence Aiden's need to keep up with the news.
He decides to put on some oatmeal - even his mediocre cooking skills can't mess that one up - before reluctantly settling at the table to read the paper.
The front page alone causes his stomach to turn over.
Severus Snape Named the New Headmaster of Hogwarts
Aiden admittedly has to reread the headline a few times before it actually sinks in. He had been certain that McGonagall had been the Deputy Headmistress of the school - surely that meant she should be the one in charge in the wake of Dumbledore's unfortunate passing? It was what he had assumed anyhow, and it had made him that much more comfortable about Logan being at Hogwarts. But Snape... he doesn't know Snape, not well. They had gone to Hogwarts at the same time, but the other had not only been in Slytherin but had been four years younger than Aiden, so their paths had never even had a chance to cross really.
And according to Logan the man is an awful professor - why on Earth would they put him in charge of an entire school?
Taking a steadying breath to calm the whirling thoughts in his head, Aiden starts to actually read the article, assuming it will answer the questions incessantly nagging at his mind.
The writer is one Rita Skeeter, which does drop his expectations slightly, but at least she's an excellent writer, if not always honest, so the article ought to at least make linguistic sense.
After the passing of its previous Headmaster, Hogwarts had not formally announced who would be stepping into Dumbledore's position, citing reasons of being in mourning. This reporter feels that they should certainly have filled the spot much sooner so parents could rest easy, but I digress and they have at least had the decency to inform us of the new leadership before the beginning of the new school year, if only just.
Aiden isn't normally one to agree with Skeeter's snide asides, but in this case he finds himself reluctantly inclined to concur with her sentiments.
Despite Minerva McGonagall's long-standing position as Deputy Headmistress, she will not be taking over from her friend Dumbledore, which I declare will be a nice change. Hogwarts can look forward to a new way of being run, separate from Dumbledore's dottering and questionable methods that have repeatedly put students in danger in the recent years.
Instead, young Professor Severus Snape will be stepping up to take the post. This 38-year-old former Potions Master taught Defense Against the Dark Arts last year, so he has a far more diverse teaching record than Dumbledore or McGonagall, both who taught Transfiguration. Headmaster Snape has also announced the replacements for both the Defense Against the Dark Arts and Muggle Studies professors (and note, dear readers, that Hogwarts failed to tell us until now that the Muggle Studies professor had gone on sabbatical! The remnants of Dumbledore's disorganization, no doubt).
The two positions will be filled by Amycus Carrow and his sister Alecto respectively, two notable pure-blood siblings. Headmaster Snape in his appointing of them has stated both are well-versed in their respective subjects and I for one feel that they surely must be better than some of the monsters Dumbledore had placed in his school.
The article goes on a bit longer, but Aiden has no interest in reading more of Skeeter's one-sided simpering and he's certain all the important information appeared in the first half of the article, as it usually does with her. The name Carrow nags at his memory, and he's certain he's heard of the siblings before though he can't quite place where which isn't helping his headache.
He's distracted by Logan stumbling into the kitchen, dressed but clearly not awake yet, his blond hair half-combed and his trunk floating obediently behind him.
"Excellent Levitation." Aiden comments, feeling a spark of pride. "There's oatmeal on the stove, help yourself."
Logan says something that probably sounds like words in his head and lowers his trunk by the door before obediently getting himself breakfast. Aiden flips to the crossword puzzle as Logan shuffles around, summoning a quill and filling in the page while keeping most of his focus on the teenager stumbling around the kitchen.
"Are your papers easily accessible? The Prophet says they'll be needed to board the train." Aiden reminds Logan once his ward has settled across from him at the table and has had enough food that he's starting to look alert.
"The Prophet is a load of bogus. But yes." Logan adds quickly at the look Aiden gives him. "Sorry Mr. Case, but you know I'm right. That paper hasn't cared about anything but drama and rumors since Skeeter became the head writer."
"Aiden." Aiden corrects, habitually and ineffectively he knows. The world will burn before Logan calls him anything other than 'Mr. Case'. "It's still the best way to know what the Ministry is saying, and they are the people in charge of the country Logan."
"The people in charge of the country are a load of bogus." His ward quips, smiling faintly, and Aiden's heart jolts again at how much like his father Logan looks right then.
"Well the bogus people announced who your new Headmaster is." Aiden manages to say, proud that nothing in his voice gives away his internal turmoil. No need to stress Logan out when the first day of school is surely stressing enough.
"Headmistress." Logan says, though there's a questioning note. "It's just Professor McGonagall, right? She's - she was rather - Deputy Headmistress under Dumbledore." Aiden can hear lingering pain in Logan's voice when talking about the recently deceased war hero, and he wishes he could Vanish emotions just so Logan won't have to feel bad anymore. Especially when he suspects the news will make things even worse.
"Afraid not kiddo." He hands over the paper, and Logan frowns as he accepts it. A moment later he's furious.
"Snape? They put bloody Snape in charge?" Logan rarely shouts, but his voice is distinctly raised and there's fire in his eyes. Some days Aiden wonders how he wasn't put into Gryffindor, though he can't say he isn't thankful Logan took after his mother. Hufflepuff is a safe House - for all the chaos at Hogwarts in the past seven years, Logan has managed to stay out of it and stay safe and Aiden puts that directly on his House being the sane one of the four.
"Language Logan." Aiden reprimands lightly, though he knows it's hypocritical - he swears all the time. Really, Tanner made a terrible decision making him godfather. "I'm sure there's a good reason for the change."
"Dark reason maybe." Logan mutters. "Well, at least the good teachers will all still be there." He sighs and puts the paper down. "It's not like it says McGonagall was fired or anything, and Sprout is awesome. So really, there isn't that much Snape can do other than billow around hallways outside the dungeon now." He chuckles at his own joke, apparently having cheered himself up with no assistance required from his guardian.
Aiden is glad Logan has that ability, but it still makes him feel like a terrible guardian whenever it happens. "There you go then, school should be fine. You just focus on your NEWTs."
Logan groans dramatically at the reminder, and Aiden gives the boy a smile.
"Just study and you'll do fine. Remember the tips and schedule I gave you?"
"I know, I know, I'll follow it." He gives a half-smile. "And I'll be back for Christmas so I'm sure you'll drill me then."
"Damn right I will."
Nelson chooses that moment to make a run for the oatmeal, and any trace of the tense atmosphere is effectively muted as Logan laughs at Aiden struggling to keep the cat under control.
The hour they have left until they need to head to the station is mostly spent wrestling Nelson into his cat carrier, though Aiden does manage to find time enough to check that Logan really did put his papers somewhere easily accesible. It isn't that he doesn't trust his ward, but as the time to the Hogwarts Express's departure draws closer Aiden's unease is increasing steadily, and he wants to ensure everything will go as smoothly as possible, if only for his own nerves' sake.
Logan can Apparate now, had gotten his license at the end of the previous school year, but Aiden still insists on Side-Along Apparition to King's Cross. He tells Logan it's to prevent Nelson from getting splinched (Logan hasn't Side-Along Apparated any living creatures after all) but in reality he's still coming to grips with his ward being of legal age. Also he remembers how amazed Logan had been seven years ago when he'd Side-Along Apparated both Logan and Nelson with no effort at all, and he likes to think his ward is still secretly impressed by it.
They appear in a quiet alley a few blocks away from the station - can't exactly appear like magic in the middle of a crowd without breaking the Statute - and they walk the rest of the way, Logan with Nelson's carrier and Aiden hoisting the trunk.
"You know Mr. Case, I could take my own bag if you wanted." Logan offers when Aiden nearly drops the heavy trunk a few feet from the station entrance.
Aiden shakes his head firmly. "That's nice Logan, but don't worry about it. As your guardian it's my job to carry things for you."
Logan gives a faint, half-hearted smile but doesn't comment further, and it's a moot point anyway as only a few minutes later as they collect a trolley and no one has to carry the trunk any further.
Nelson of course chooses the moment they're approaching the barrier to Platform 9 3/4 to start kicking up a fuss, drawing plenty of attention from nearby Muggles and forcing the pair to linger on the platform and try to calm him down so they can walk onto the platform without being noticed. Aiden can't help but wonder if the cat is getting sick with the same nerves that are creeping through his guts - the station seems normal, but if anything that's putting him even more on edge. He knows there's something fishy going on in the Wizarding World, and so the apparent order feels like a thin facade between him, Logan, and some undefined horror.
Logan succeeds in hushing Nelson, but not before a Muggle woman comes over to coo at the ancient puffball - and at Logan. Aiden would normally be amused by Logan's complete confusion at what to do about a woman flirting with him, but his unease prevents that this time.
Eventually the woman does leave, and the two finally step through the barrier and onto the platform. And here, finally, Aiden sees some of the off-ness he's been dreading for the entire day laid bare.
The Hogwarts Express is sitting by the platform which is normal enough, but every single entrance has a Ministry employee guarding it. Parents are lingering on the edges of the platform, and any that try to move closer to the train itself are sent back by the guards, who are also checking every student's papers as they step onto the train.
Logan frowns, and Aiden can tell he finds the entire situation odd as well. "Let's look for Susan and Wayne first." He says after a beat too long of uncertain silence. "Then I'll get on the train."
Aiden knows Logan's two friends quite well, though the three had had a bit of a spat with each other back in fifth year apparently. Aiden had never figured out over what and Logan seems to be back on good terms with the two so he's never pushed. He quite likes them after all, and sees them as a good influence on Logan's life.
Wayne Hopkins is easy enough to spot - even with his year mates all being full grown now he still stands above most of them, his mop of brown hair doing little to help him blend in despite Aiden knowing he'd far prefer it. Logan has to shout at the other boy to get his attention, and Wayne beams when he sees them wading through the crowd towards him.
"Heya Lo, hi Mr. Case. Good summer?" Wayne asks once they're properly in earshot, and Aiden leaves the boys to catch up as he nods to Wayne's mother.
"Jason didn't come with you today?" He asks politely, finding her husband's absence a bit odd considering the two have always dropped their boys off together the past six years.
Ismelda Hopkins frowns, her brow creasing. "No, he was summoned by the Ministry for some trial. He should hopefully be home by dinner. Carl is with him at least, so if they're delayed he'll send a Patronus."
Aiden decides to distract her from her obvious worries about her husband by steering the conversation to her elder son, who had graduated the year before. "How is Carl taking to the working world?"
It somewhat works, though Aiden can tell she hasn't been entirely mentally diverted from her concerns and he's slightly frustrated at his inability to do better. Tanner or Evelyn could have soothed her worries easily, he's sure.
Susan Bones finds them a few minutes later, and Aiden tries not to worry about her continued lack of a guardian - since her aunt's murder she's been coming to the station alone and always insists she's being "picked up" during the holidays. Aiden isn't entirely convinced she isn't just living on the streets during her months off from school, but it isn't really his business unless she mentions it. His concern lies foremost with Logan.
"Hey boys, who's already dreading whatever bull Snape will pull as Headmaster?" Is her greeting, and really, her rapid slide from tough but encouraging to straight up cynical has been alarming.
Logan sighs. "Hi Susan. Dreading maybe, but it's not like Dumbledore ran everything alone. McGonagall must still be Deputy Head right?"
Susan hums. "We'll see. Hi Mr. Case and Mrs. Hopkins." She adds with a painted on smile to the adults. "Come on guys, I want a good compartment near the Prefect car, I've gotta nab Ernie as soon as he's done with the meeting. He owes me five Galleons."
"Now hold your horses dear, papers out first and let us say goodbye." Ismelda scolds lightly, and Susan sighs but drops Logan's sleeve, which she'd been yanking on in her bid to rush the train.
"What's even up with the papers?" Wayne wonders as he rummages through his trunk (of course he hadn't packed them properly, Wayne is nice but rather scatterbrained). "Do you think it has to do with the trials that dad had to go to?"
"It's possible sweetie, but it's not like they're turning anyone away." Ismelda points out soothingly. "They likely are just ensuring that all registered students have arrived before the train leaves. Attendance is mandatory this year after all." There's a faint note of worry in her words, but Aiden doesn't think any of the kids heard it. Or perhaps it was his own nerve-addled mind that had added it in.
Susan pulls open her own trunk, grabbing her papers from the top. "Obviously they're checking our blood status Wayne, with the Dark Lord running things now that sort of nonsense matters." She frowns. "I hope Justin had the good sense to stay at home."
"Attendance is mandatory this year though." Wayne frowns. "Doesn't that mean he can't stay at home?"
Susan just sighs and pats her friend's shoulder, which is as high as she could reach otherwise Aiden is certain she'd be patting his head like he was a dog. "Sure Hops. Are you all finished saying goodbye now?" She adds, her eyes flitting to the adults only to turn at focus on another figure on the platform. Aiden recognizes the stout, blond build of Ernest Macmillan, one of Logan's roommates though Aiden only knows him by name.
"Yes yes, go on then. Have a good year, and we'll see you over the holidays. Susan dear, you're still welcome into our home if you want." Ismelda smiles and gives her son a hug which he returns enthusiastically.
Aiden offers Logan a handshake, which his ward accepts with an amused eyeroll. "Study hard Logan, and keep out of trouble." Aiden says in lieu of goodbye. Any concrete farewell would feel too foreboding at the moment.
Logan hums. "Will do Mr. Case. See you over the hols." With that the three seventh years turn to the train, papers in hand, and get ready to board.
"Do you suppose Susan was correct? About the reason for the papers?" Ismelda asks him after a moment, her voice a bit faint.
Aiden mentally panics for a moment. If he's honest he wouldn't be surprised if Susan's suspicions held some truth, but at the same time he isn't sure if Ismelda is looking for the truth or if she wants some comfort. The housewife has told him in the past that she quite respects his work in the Ministry and he'd hate to lose that now, when things are so bleak. If there's one thing the last war taught him it's that it's a terrible thing to go through conflict alone. Without Tanner and Evelyn - and then Logan after - he isn't sure how he would have gotten through the Dark Lord's initial takeover attempts.
"Anything is possible. I don't hear much in my department but this certainly could be the Ministry's way of accounting for student-aged Muggleborns for the Registry." He offers uncertainly, hoping he sounds more confident than he feels.
Ismelda hums lowly, her eyes lingering on the three teens as they reach the train and present their papers in turn. Susan glares as she steps onto the train, though Aiden is proud that Logan smiles and is quite polite as he moves past the Ministry employee, who gives a half-smile in return. Wayne nearly drops his papers.
Once all three are on the train Ismelda wishes Aiden farewell and heads for the exit. Aiden knows she likely just wants to go to her husband, but he can't help wondering if he'd done something to warrant such a hasty departure. He's left alone on the platform, not wanting to leave just yet. He'll just feel better if he sees the train leaving without the Ministry goons onboard - he's not yet sure if they're only there to check papers.
"But I don't have papers." A shrill voice wails, and Aiden's eyes are drawn to a young girl, clearly a first year, who's already crying. "I didn't know!"
The Ministry worker looks unimpressed, and Aiden frowns. Where are the girl's parents? He scans the platform but doesn't see any adults that look like they're trying to rush forward.
"You'll have to check in with Runcorn. Other end of the train." The man says dismissively. The girl stumbles away, still crying and obviously stunned.
Aiden watches her uncertainly, though a moment later another adult on the platform walks over and quietly helps lead the girl to the other end of the train. Aiden knows it's not her mother - he vaguely recognizes the woman and thinks her son is in Logan's year.
Feeling a bit guilty at his own hesitance to help, he shifts to lean back against the wall and waits for the woman to come back around towards the entrance. When she does he awkwardly moves forward to get her attention - and he's going to look crazy or cruel or both, this is a terrible idea - but she's seen him and is now eyeing him suspiciously.
"Um, is she alright?" He asks, and the woman's face softens instantly.
"She is, they aren't letting Muggles on the platform, the brutes, so she was by herself. She's on the train now." She has a sharp Irish accent and a clear disdain for the idea of making eleven-year-olds get on the train alone, though she does give Aiden a slight smile. "Things are rather different now, but the Prophet says it's all for our safety and I've not known them to intentionally publish a lie."
Aiden disagrees, but the woman sounds like she's convincing herself so he doesn't comment.
She leaves soon after anyway and he doesn't even get her name which definitely makes him look rude - great job Aiden, excellent impression there - so he once again gets comfortable against a wall to wait for the train to leave, watching the students, their parents, and the Ministry workers bustling around the platform. Most people have their papers, but a few others are sent "to Runcorn" who Aiden only knows by reputation. He's not known for being the most understanding person, so Aiden does wonder at the choice.
Still, despite that oddity, which the fears in his gut insist are proof that everything is terrible and he should grab Logan and run right now, it's actually rather easy to get used to the sight in front of him. The Ministry workers, while some of them are clearly tired and a bit snippy, aren't outright aggressive or confrontational and no student is turned away - even ones that Aiden recognizes as Muggleborns. He thinks this might take away from the rumors that the trials at work are bogus blood-purity moves, especially considering a decent number of people called in walk back out afterwards. At least, as far as he's heard through the grapevine.
Really, despite how hard it was to sleep, and how uneasy he feels even now, all logic dictates that he's overreacting to nothing. Paranoia at it's finest.
Really Tanner, I am so sorry Logan ended up stuck with me. You would be far more sane.
No one else approaches him during the thirty minutes he waits for the train to depart, and when the Ministry workers all exit the platform as the train starts moving Aiden feels particularly ridiculous. Of course they hadn't gotten on the train, why would they? Why did he think they would? He departs the station himself once the last of the steam has vanished, alongside the other parents who had been waving to their kids.
So Snape is headmaster instead of McGonagall, and the Ministry had been ensuring that every student got on the train - so what? It isn't the end of the world. And yet there's still something clawing at the back of his skull, insisting there's something he's forgotten.
He isn't expected at work until after lunch, and although he'd usually go into work now anyway today he decides to take the two extra hours off to try and calm his irrational concerns. He won't be very useful if he's distracted after all, and people have been tampering with some of the Floo entrances recently so he'll need to be in top form.
The Prophet is still on the table when he enters the flat, and he considers binning it for a moment before instead opting to read the articles not on the front page. Perhaps there will be something that will calm down whatever part of his brain is so insistent on being irrational this morning.
It's mostly fluff and filler - Quidditch statistics that he honestly doesn't care much about, more Quidditch news discussing something about the players which means nothing to him since he doesn't keep up with the sport or its players, a Letter to the Editor whining about a cheating husband, nothing interesting or distracting enough to serve Aiden's needs. Sighing, he closes the paper again, glancing at the front page and skimming the article over to see if somehow Skeeter might be useful.
As expected, she is decidedly not, spending the second half of her article rambling about Dumbledore, her new book, and how young Snape is. Honestly the man's age doesn't bother Aiden all that much - his own superior is only twenty three but he'd single-handedly reworked the entire Floo system to be more efficient so he's more than qualified for his position. Age, Aiden has found, really is little more than a number in a majority of cases.
Still, it is odd that he'd been named Headmaster over the Deputy Headmistress, the reasoning for which Skeeter fails to clarify at any point in the article. Maybe that's what's bothering him - if he can work that out maybe his nerves will leave well enough alone.
The paper remains on the table as he sets about making a simple lunch of canned soup and toast - he hasn't the time or skills to make much more - and he cleans Nelson's bowls and puts them away while he's at it. He'll miss the cat almost as much as he'll miss have Logan around if he's honest.
The paper remains half-forgotten as he eats, but the moving picture of Snape that takes up most of the top fold prevents it from being fully ignored. Aiden thinks again to bin it, but figures he can do so when he's finished eating.
This results in the article lingering on the edges of his mind for the entirety of the meal - and it's because of this that it finally clicks what exactly is stressing him out so much.
The Carrows. He knows the name, knew he'd known the name when he'd first read it that morning but hadn't been able to place it at first. But it comes to him part way through his soup, the information offering itself up easily once he's stopped agonizing over identifying it.
Amycus and his younger sister Alecto Carrow had fought in the first war. Amycus and Alecto Carrow had been Deatheaters.
Aiden thinks about Logan on the train, heading straight for a school that houses two of the worst individuals the wizarding world has produced, and he promptly loses his appetite.
Author's Note: And so the adventure begins! Well, kind of. The September chapters are mostly set up for the rest of the story - establishing tone, introducing the main players, etc. I'll take this Author's Note to remind everyone (and inform any newcomers!) of the format of the story:
There will, time permitting, be an update every week (and I'll probably make it up with double updates if I miss weeks so timing-wise we should finish at the same time). Each chapter will feature a single POV character, and I've managed to plan it so every POV applicant has at least two chapters in their POV! There are 52 'standard' chapters, and then I've divided the epilogue into 3 parts so in total this story will span 55 chapters. Assuming I maintain my update schedule, the final epilogue section will be posted on December 12, 2020, so this story will go slightly longer than a year~
A reminder here that if you want your character's blurb I can definitely send it your way, just ask!
Next Week: A look at the Muggleborn Trials
So I'm thinking I might do a final 'afterwords' chapter to share my thoughts and feelings on writing this story, if that's something people would be interested in? I'm also open to answering any lingering questions people might have there as well!
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