On The Other Side

A/N Thank you to anyone reviewing this fiction. It means a lot to me. I’m very excited about this storyline and I hope you’ll enjoy it too.

Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter and make no money from the writing of this fiction.


The Gift

Harry stepped out of his room, wearing black and white dress robes that Tally had set out for him. She also primped and fussed with his hair after giving his face a shave. Then she declared him ready.

He felt like a spoilt rich Slytherin prat and he supposed that tonight he would be one. Tally pushed his leg gently, prodding him to head downstairs to the parlor. “Remember, Master, don’t be so surprised about everything.”

But Harry broke her rule within seconds when Sirius stepped out of another bedroom.

“Sirius!” Harry called, grinning.

Sirius turned about and smiled back at Harry. “Happy Birthday, Harry, you look great.”

Harry threw his arms about his godfather, hugging him and replying, “So do you. So do you.” Gods, how he had missed him! Even though the hair was shorter and the beard more trim, he was still Sirius Black.

Sirius pulled back a bit. “You seem very excited.”

Harry’s grin grew bigger. “Yeah, I am. It feels like forever since I’ve spent time with you.”

“Yes, breakfast was eons ago, wasn’t it?” Sirius laughed. “You really did hit your head today. Your father told me about it. You sure you’re o.k.?”

Harry shrugged. “Yeah, I think. I feel fine.”

“How many fingers am I holding up?” Sirius asked, holding up three fingers.

“Three,” Harry laughed, swatting the hand away playfully. “Now let’s go.”

Sirius kept looking at Harry contemplatively as they made their way down the stairs. “Something’s different about you,” he said. “You’re too happy. Not that I’m complaining. It’s good to see.”

Harry knew he had to contain his excitement. He was blowing his cover. “It’s my birthday, that’s all,” he shrugged.

Sirius slapped him on the back. “All right, then.”

They walked into the parlor and Harry had to stop himself from grinning like an idiot again at the figure of his father dressed as he was and waiting for him. He was speaking to Regulus in hushed tones, but quickly stopped when Harry and Sirius entered.

“Good, everyone is ready then,” James said, giving Harry a nod of approval.

Regulus bent and removed a cloth from a crystal statuette on the table. Harry wondered if it was a gift for him but soon discovered otherwise.

“Wait,” James said. “Before you touch this port key, Harry, I wanted you to be prepared a bit more. This will be your first time at the gentlemen’s club and I feel it wise that we fill you in so that you don’t feel a complete novice.”

Gentlemen’s club? Wonderful, Harry though morosely. The whole thing reeked of pretentiousness all ready. He’d much rather have had a home baked lopsided cake at the Weasley’s house than this, but that certainly wouldn’t happen in this world. He felt a tinge of guilt at that moment, wondering if Molly Weasley had planned something for his birthday tonight in his world, a birthday he wouldn’t be there for.

But, at least he had his father and Sirius tonight, right?

Regulus rolled his eyes. “I’m sure Harry knows what whores are, James, and what he might do with them.”

“What? Whores? At my party?”

“They are always at the club, Harry, for those that wish to indulge. Don’t feel you have to, however. There are other games and entertainments as well. Just try not to drink too much,” Sirius smiled. “Your friends will be there too, Harry, of course. Most have already turned seventeen and this will most likely not be their first visit there this summer.”

“Oh, yes, my ‘friends’,” Harry muttered, frowning.

James glanced sharply at Regulus. “Tell him, Regulus.”

Regulus shook his head and sighed. “It will ruin the surprise.”

“What? Just tell me?” Harry said, not needing any more surprises.

Regulus shrugged, resigned. “Fine, pup. Our Lord is giving you a special birthday gift tonight…”

“He’s going to be there?” Harry almost shouted.

Regulus looked at Harry like he was an idiot. “Of course not! You know he never attends parties. But that doesn’t stop him from giving a gift if he’s so inclined.”

“Why would he give me anything,” Harry asked, annoyed, “unless it’s seventeen severed muggle heads?”

“Don’t be macabre, Harry,” Sirius scolded. “What is it then, Regulus?”

Regulus frowned. “Honestly, Harry, you're in a pissy mood today. What’s wrong with you?”

“Pissy? Harry’s been quite the contrary,” James replied.

Regulus held up his hands in defeat. “You know, I’m not going to say more. Just be forewarned that our Lord’s gifts can sometimes be quite shocking.”

“My day couldn’t be more shocking, I assure you,” Harry replied. “I don’t care what he gives me as long as it doesn’t require my blood or that a tattoo be burnt into my arm.”

The other three men looked at Harry oddly. James stepped forward. “Come son, touch the port key with us. Three… two… one…”

OOOOOO

Harry was glad he was able to make a somewhat graceful landing in front of the gentlemen’s club and not end up on the ground with his robes over his head. He was starting to get the hang of port key travel.

The four men looked at one another, making sure each arrived safe and sound.

“Very well, then, shall we?” James asked.

They headed up the steps of the building toward a burly bouncer standing in front of the door. He moved aside, tipping his hat and saying, “Welcome, sirs, and happy birthday to you, Mr. Potter.”

Harry nodded a quick ‘thank you’ and went in. Other attendants seemed to come out of the walls, offering to take their over-robes and offering them refreshments. Harry looked about the foyer of crystal chandeliers and decadent furnishings. Men stood around in small groups, talking with one another, smoking cigars and drinking.

Harry sighed, wondering how this could possibly be fun. He grabbed a drink off of a tray, thinking it might help him get through this strange evening.

“Ah, there he is. The man of the hour,” a voice rang out. Harry turned to see someone he wasn’t quite familiar with in his world.

“Nott!” Sirius greeted, clapping the man on the back as he neared.

So this is Theodore Nott’s dad, Harry thought. Yes, this was bound to be a jolly Slytherin prat fest.

“Happy birthday, Harry,” Nott senior said, lifting his glass in a salute. “And welcome to the gentlemen’s club.”

“Thank you, sir,” Harry replied, trying to act pleased.

The group wandered through a set of double doors into a larger room that was magically charmed into a Quidditch field, there were stands on the side and colorful banners, as well as players flying high above in a perpetual match. A band played on one side of the room and on the other were large comfortable lounge chairs where people could sit and chat or watch the game. Drink and food platters constantly floated by each guest, tempting them with delicious delights.

“Wow,” Harry muttered, meaning it. This was amazing.

“I thought you’d like it,” James grinned. “I chose it just for you, Harry.”

Harry tore his gaze away from the room to look at his father. “It’s brilliant. Thank you…, Dad.” He wasn’t use to calling anyone Dad, but it felt really good and his heart flipped to think that someone cared enough to do this for him.

“Harry, there are your friends up there,” Sirius pointed. “Go on and have some fun.”

Harry looked to where Sirius pointed, noticing that on one level of one of the stands were billiard tables and a group of guys were playing and talking. They were a bit too far to make out for certain, but Harry could guess who the platinum blonde head belonged to. Just great, a evening with Malfoy, he thought sarcastically.

“I’d rather be with you,” Harry stated.

“Nonsense,” Sirius replied, waving his arm. “Why would you want to be with us old codgers? Go on and have fun.”

Harry rolled his eyes. “You are hardly an old codger.”

“All the same, go on,” Sirius stated. “Get in some billiards before dinner, yeah?”

Harry glanced at his father who seemed very sedate. Harry had always imagined James like his pictures, boisterous and fun loving. Sirius seemed the same as the one in his world, minus the tortured look Azkaban had wrought. He wondered if James was unhappy without Lily, living a sort of half-life.

Regulus slung his arm about Harry, leading him away. “Come on, pup. Can’t hide all night.”

“I’m not hiding,” Harry hissed, shrugging the arm off him. But that did not stop Regulus from leading him toward the stands. Harry supposed Regulus did care for the old Harry, but it seemed wrong for someone who was like family to have a sexual interest. Harry wondered how long that whole perversion had been going on. Was Regulus molesting the old Harry as a child?

The thought made Harry angry, but he tried to hold himself in check.

They were away from the others now, so Regulus stopped Harry. “Look, Harry, why are you so angry at me? What have I done?”

Harry huffed and glared. “I just would like you to keep your hands off me, all right? Isn‘t that like incest or something? It‘s wrong.”

Regulus didn’t speak a moment as he searched Harry’s eyes. “You’re kidding, right?”

“No, I’m not.”

Regulus let out a breath, his liaise faire attitude gone. “First off, pup, how can it be incest if we are not blood related? Second, you’re the one who couldn’t keep out of my bed last Christmas holiday. I tried to resist you, if you can recall, but you kept telling me how I needed to teach you all about sex so you’d know what to do with that prat you went out with and you did that whole thing with your eyes, pleading me…”

“Stop,” Harry said, not wanting to hear more. Gods, it sounded like the old Harry was just as much of a flaming pervert. What other things had he done?

Regulus looked truly hurt and for some misguided reason Harry found himself feeling bad. “I’m sorry, all right. I don’t know if you heard, but I hit my head quite hard today. I think I almost died, if it wasn’t for Tally. I just haven’t been feeling myself since.”

Regulus sighed. “I’ll have to remember to reward Tally then.” It was silent a few moments. Then Regulus said, “I love you, Harry, and not because of any fooling around we might have done, but because we’re family. I’ve always been here for you, since you were a small tyke. And I always will be here for you, benefits or not. Just don’t close me out of your life, yeah? You, our family, it’s the only thing that gives me something to live up to.”

Harry nodded, not knowing what to say. He certainly didn’t understand it, but he could feel Regulus’ sincerity. He wished he could ask more questions, but doing so would just create other questions. No, it was best just to suffer this night and leave on the morrow.

“I think we ought stop by St. Mungos and have your head injury checked out tomorrow before we go shopping for your school supplies,” Regulus added. “But tonight is all about your happiness.” Regulus smiled. “Go on up there and don’t let Zabini get to you. Pretend you don’t give a fig about him. Living well is the best revenge.”

“Right,” Harry nodded. Regulus had no idea just how easy it would be for Harry to not give a fig about Zabini.

“Harry, get your arse up here,” Theodore Nott called from above.

“Look, Teddy seems a good sort. Stay next to him,” Regulus suggested.

“Sure,” Harry said, looking about for the staircase. “How am I suppose to get up there?”

Regulus pointed to a row of brooms. “Fly, of course.”

“Of course,” Harry half-laughed. Hanging with the Slytherins… oh, boy… what… fun. He mounted a broom and half-heartedly flew around the room a bit before coming to the billiards platform.

Normally, Harry would have expected a group of Slytherins to sneer at him and call him names, but in this twisted world they actually seemed glad to see him. Shouts of ‘Happy Birthday’ and claps on the back, hands stuck into his to shake, were what he was greeted with as he got off the broom and onto the platform. Most then returned to what they had been doing before: playing billiards, drinking and talking. Theodore Nott put an arm about Harry and led him to some bar stools, a bit away from the table where Malfoy and Zabini were playing a game against each other.

“How’s it feel to finally be able to come to the gentlemen’s club, Harry?”

Harry shrugged. “Good, I guess. You come here a lot?”

“This is only my third time. Later tonight I‘ll show you where the action is,” Teddy grinned, wagging his eyebrows.

Crabbe and Goyle sauntered over to them and sat at the bar, grabbing some drinks from a floating silver tray.

“Great party, Harry,” Goyle commented. “Your dad went all out.”

“Yeah, he did,” Harry agreed.

It was very strange being here amongst his enemies, having friendly chat. Harry had to keep reminding himself that he was suppose to be a Slytherin prat as well. It was almost funny when one really thought about it. He felt like an undercover agent.

“Whoa!” exclaimed Crabbe, watching a bludger smack a player off his broom. “That was wicked.” He grabbed a meaty fistful of snacks from a dish, watching the game around and above them.

Goyle backhanded Crabbe in the chest. “Save some room for dinner.”

“Mind yourself!” Crabbe snapped back.

“Draco knows what your gift from our Lord is, Harry, but he’s not telling anyone,” Goyle revealed.

Draco stood from a bent position over the billiard table, having just missed a shot. “Why ruin the surprise, Gregory? I guarantee it will be interesting, however.” Malfoy smiled, wickedly.

Zabini seemed to be avoiding conversation with Harry, concentrating on the game he was playing.

“And what did he give you for your birthday, Malfoy?” Harry asked, trying to keep the spite out of his tone.

“Oh, Malfoy is it?” Draco chuckled. “Shall I call you Potter, then?”

“Whatever,” Harry responded. He should just shut up before he mucked it all up. Just get this evening over with, he kept telling himself.

Theodore leaned toward Harry and asked under his breath, “Are you upset about… you know…” His eyes shifted quickly to Zabini.

“Not at all,” Harry replied, easily. Then he smiled. “I couldn’t care less, actually.”

Goyle had overheard. “Really? You couldn’t care less? What was all that not sleeping and starving yourself for a week last spring about then?”

“I had the flu,” Harry replied, blithely.

Everyone looked at him strangely a moment before breaking out in laughter. Even Zabini cracked a smile. Draco walked over and clapped Harry on the back. “That’s the spirit, Harry. It’s best not to get too attached to people. We were a bit worried about you. It’s good to see that you have some sense left.”

“You don’t have to worry about me falling in love with the lot of you,” Harry laughed, meaning it.

The Slytherins laughed along with him, taking it as good natured jesting.

Zabini walked over to Harry, holding out his hand. “So we’re good then?”

“Yeah, sure,” Harry replied, shaking his hand. Everyone looked surprised at Harry’s seeming nonchalance about his past relationship with Zabini. Harry wondered just how much of a basket case the old Harry was over this breakup.

“Excellent,” Zabini replied.

OOOOOO

A very long table had risen from the ground of the ‘Quidditch ‘ field, laden with a delicious feast. All the guests headed to dinner. Harry noticed they were all men - his ‘friends’ and their fathers, as well as people he didn’t recognize at all. Harry couldn’t help but glare at Lucius Malfoy, even when he came to wish Harry a happy birthday. Lucius didn’t seem to notice Harry’s hate.

Worst of all, Harry hated seeing his father and Sirius talking to these horrid fellows, acting like old friends. It made Harry feel even more foreign. He took a deep breath and tried to concentrate on his delicious meal and the conversations of those around him. It seemed like ages since he had a good meal. He had had only one boiled egg and a glass of juice at the Dursley’s this morning.

Harry glanced around the faces along both sides of the table. Many of those men were Death Eaters in his world, and here he sat, having dinner with them. But from what Tally said, it sounded as if there were no Death Eaters in this world, or at least, they didn’t call themselves such. What had Voldemort used to control his followers during the war if not the Dark Mark?

And Harry’s mind began think about the prophecy. If there was no prophecy in this world, then Voldemort had no reason to try to kill him as a baby. That is why his parents were still alive here. And it is also why Voldemort never fell and Harry had never received his scar. That is why this world was now ruled by that mad man.

Harry jolted out of his thoughts when Severus Snape walked onto the field and toward the table. Harry stared as he came to a stop in front of him. “Forgive my lateness, Harry, it couldn’t be helped. Happy Birthday.”

Harry? When did Snape ever speak his name? And, without spitting it out in dislike? Harry was so shocked, he couldn’t speak for a moment. He pushed down the hatred he had for this man, this man that killed Dumbledore just a few months ago. He had to squash this feeling down somehow. After all, this Snape wasn’t his Snape.

Snape began to look worried at Harry’s silence. “Are you well?”

Harry let out the breath he had been holding. “Um… yeah…, sorry. Thank you, Professor.”

Snape nodded. “Very well.”

He walked alongside the table to an empty seat as Harry watched.

“Did you have a falling out with Snape?” Theodore inquired.

“No, why?” Harry asked, reminding himself inside to quit letting his other world interfere here.

“Because you’re like his favorite student of all and you are usually very glad to see him.”

Harry looked at Nott in doubt.

“I’m serious,” Nott added, with a grin.

Harry held up a hand. “Don’t even go there.” By Gods, Harry did not want to imagine being a namby pamby teacher’s pet to Snape, that evil git.

Theodore laughed. “Fine, but we all know how he favors you.”

Harry ignored him, turning his attention to other conversations going on around him as he ate.

OOOOOO

When the meal ended, a club attendant came into the room and announced that they needed to adjourn to an adjoining room for a special gift from our Lord. All the wizards rose from the table and walked across the field into a pair of opened doors with attendants standing at attention on both sides.

It was a sort of amphitheatre, with seating all around a center arena. Harry felt a dark, foreboding feeling pulling on his gut. It would be some sort of entertainment and Harry knew it would probably be something disgusting if it came from Voldemort.

James pushed lightly on Harry’s back as he hesitated. “Go on, son, let us sit in the front row.” He leaned forward and whispered behind Harry’s ear. “You can always shut your eyes.”

Harry nodded slightly, glad that he wasn’t the only who didn’t appreciate ‘gifts’ from Voldemort. He sat down in the front row, James on one side of him and Sirius on his other. Harry noticed Sirius was frowning. He must have heard of what was to come.

All the men were now seated and the room darkened as the entrance doors closed on their own. A spotlight came on, pointing directly into the center arena onto something very large, rectangular, and covered. It was so large that all of the men at Harry’s party could have fit into it.

A garishly dressed man walked near to it, smiling and holding up his hands. He reminded Harry of a circus ring leader.

“Gentlemen,” he called out. “Tonight we have a special treat for you. Our great Lord has bestowed a very special gift to Mr. Harry Potter, in honor of his seventeenth birthday. Behold!”

The cloth vanished into the air, revealing a very large cage. Inside was a tropical environment, maintained by magic. Harry’s eyes searched for what might be inside and fell upon the large tree in the center. Curled around the tree was the largest, longest anaconda Harry had ever seen.

The theatre filled with voices of approval and praise for the gift and Harry wanted to roll his eyes. He knew they would praise anything Voldemort did, those arse kissers. Sirius leaned forward and looked at James. “Where ever shall we keep that thing?”

“We send it back where it came from, of course,” Harry mumbled.

James gave Harry a warning glance not to say anymore about it. It wouldn’t be good if others heard that Harry wanted to reject a gift from ‘our Lord’.

The ring master continued on. “And for your further enjoyment, you will get to witness the feeding of Mr. Potter’s new pet.”

A clanking sound was heard and their attentions were drawn upwards. Harry gasped inside as a pair of legs came into view. A young, nude muggle woman was being lowered down into the cage, hanging by her wrists from chains. She must have been drugged as she struggled to keep her eyes open against the spotlights shinning on her. It was obvious she had no knowledge of what was about to befall her.

Harry felt panic for her welling up in his chest, but his father grasped his hand and squeezed, silently willing Harry to remain calm. Was Harry suppose to sit here and watch a girl get eaten. She would be swallowed and slowly digested over months! Didn’t anyone else care?

Harry looked about the room. The expressions on everyone’s faces were varied. Harry saw pity, revulsion, and excitement. But none of them moved. No one would do a thing about it. No one would speak against Voldemort’s ‘gift’.

The girl’s feet touched the bottom of the cage and the chains stopped moving. She stood there, confused, looking about at her surroundings. When she finally spotted the large snake, she screamed in terror and began to struggle. Each scream tore at Harry’s heart, his palms sweated, he couldn’t be witness to this!

The anaconda awoke from his slumber by her screams vibrating his cage. His head moved, lifting to look at the struggling, frantic girl.

Harry heard him speak in his mind.

*Food… yessssssss. I am hungry.*

And Harry knew they had starved this snake, starved him for this very night.

As the snake began to unravel himself from the tree, his large length spiraling downwards to make his way to the woman, Harry couldn’t take it any longer. He ripped his hand out of his father’s and stood, speaking to the snake.

*Stop! You will not eat her.*

The snake turned it’s head and looked at Harry, stopping his motion.

*You ssssspeak to meeee?*

*Yessss, I am your Massster. You cannot have her. I will find you other food.*

*I am hungry now. I cannot wait.*

*If you wait, I ssssshall find a way to sssset you freeeee. You will return to your home.*

The snake paused, seemingly weighing its options. It looked at the girl and then back at Harry.

*Find me other food ssssssoon, Masssster. Or I will die.*

Harry breathed a sigh of relief as the snake turned away from the screaming girl, coming to rest on the other side of the cage. The girl stopped screaming and now whimpered pressing herself on the side of the cage, crying. “Please, someone let me out, please…”

Harry then turned.

The room was silent. All eyes were on him with expressions of varying degrees. His father looked pale, as if he were going to be ill at any moment. Then Harry remembered - the other Harry wouldn’t have been a Parselmouth. The old Harry would never had had any of Voldemort’s powers transferred to him. Oh, fuck! Now what?

After a long moment of silence, Lucius Malfoy, who had been sitting behind them in the second row said:

“James, it seems you may have some Salazar Slytherin in your bloodline somewhere.”

OOOOOOO

A/N Hoped you enjoyed that. Please review this chapter, it really encourages me to work harder on this fiction. Thank you!