Fire Tongue

Chapter One

A young black haired boy just stumbled along the market place carrying several large and heavy bags of clothes, jewelry, and other finery when he stumbled upon a rather large orange cat. The cat hissed and clawed at the poor boys face causing him to yelp and to crash down onto the street, sending all the bags scattering across the dirt.

"Crookshanks!" A young bushy haired girl came running out, followed closely by a tall large red headed teen, "shame on you tripping over a cat" the girl scooped up the cat before walking off in a huff with the red head in tow. The young boy looked stunned as he attempted to scramble up the belongings.

He was interrupted by a stream of crumbs and warm berry juice falling onto his hand. He looked up to see his whale of a cousin, Dudley, inhaling a rather large boysenberry pie; his face smeared with berry juice he stated, "what are you doing on the ceiling?" The smaller boy looked at his cousin in a mix of pity and confusion before watching his massive cousin walk off consuming the rest of the pie.

"BOY!" The small teenager whirled around; his face contorted in horror as his even larger uncle, Vernon, stepped forward stepping on his left hand harshly. "You dropped my wife's new things all over the dirty street. Pick them up or it's a lashing when we get home!" The boy whimpered as his uncle stomped off after grinding his toe into the back of his hand. He picked up all the bags before hurrying after his rather large uncle who was now standing next to his horse faced Aunt of a woman, Petunia.

He continued to catch up as he ran into a much taller male with long blonde hair. He stumbled back and was stopped from falling by the man he ran into. The man spoke up softly, "Careful now young one or you will hurt yourself," He looked up gazing into the most beautiful set of golden eyes the boy had ever seen, "Come young one what is your name?"

"..."

"Do you have no voice I said tell me your name?"

The smaller male stepped back before running around the golden eyed man not noticing that his silver locket had fallen to the ground. The taller male looked down and picked up the small silver locket; penning it to reveal a small family. A black haired man with wild curly hair, next to a red headed woman, with bright green eyes. On her lap sat a small boy with short curly black locks and large green eyes. He smiled closing the locket tucking it away inside his pocket before walking back off to the palace.

The small boy slipped into the small house behind his family, quickly stacking the bags and boxes onto the table before hurrying into the kitchen to start the tea and supper. Looking over at the old rocking chair he smiled upon seeing the small book sitting on the seat of the chair. It was titled

"Tales of Beatle the Bard" It was the only thing left he had of his parents, that and his locket. He smiled picking up the book and opened it. Carefully catching the small letter that had been inside the book, he slowly sat down onto the rocking chair; allowing his bright green eyes to scan the letter once more as he had done so many times before.

Hadrian,

Oh my sweet Hadrian how big you must be by now. I know that since you are reading this we are no longer alive. My Hadrian I ask that you always keep family close to you for they are all you have. Grow up to be strong and wise but above all grow up kind. You are such a sweet child and I know that one day you will find a fine wife to marry. Within this book are all the stories I used to tell you as a baby. You used to always babble and giggle every time I read to you. I hope your love for a good story is still as strong as it was then. Cherish every moment of your life my sweet one and remember it is with your heart you must see with.

Your mother,

Lily Evans Potter

Hadrian,

Well your mother has already said everything that was needed to be said except one. Always remember that when things get tough to never give up there is always a helping hand around the corner. Never forget who you are and above all never forget that you are special in your own way.

Your Father,

Jameson Herald Potter

Hadrian tucked the small letters back inside the book before stashing it in his large pants pocket, as the water began to boil. He quickly removed it from the burner being careful not to burn himself as he placed the pot and cups onto the tray with the teabags and a plate of sugary sweets for his massive cousin. He slipped into the tea room only to be confronted with a rather strange site. He shifted the tray as his uncle held up a letter with the royal emblem sealing the envelope with a deep blue wax. Petunia covered her mouth daintily, "Open it Vernon. What does it say?"

Vernon quickly opened the envelope before reading out loud;

Dear Members of the House,

Lord Carlisle and Lady Esme Cullen extend an invitation; to the royal ball of their youngest son, Jasper Hale. All members of the house are welcome. They extend the honor of wishing you there and request that you dress the part. Prince Jasper Hale has requested a masquerade ball in which all in the kingdom are invited. It is to be held in one week's time. The Masquerade Ball is to last three days starting on Friday and ending on Sunday, the day of Prince Jasper's twenty first birthday.

By Royal Decree,

Lord and Lady Cullen

Petunia gasped before turning on Hadrian, "Don't just stand there, air out my finest dress and be sure my Duddykins has his suit ready. I want everything to go perfect. Oh Duddykins you must simply befriend the prince and then we would never have a problem in the world. Oh it's perfect. Boy get going!" She back handed Hadrian just as he began to turn causing him to hit the ground.

"Your Aunt told you to go boy. Do as she says now," his uncle boomed as he swiftly kicked the boy in the ribs. Hadrian darted from the room and stumbled into the kitchen once more. This week was going to be a total hell he just knew it.