Harry and Hermione turned to Emissary as they floated above their sleeping bodies. "What's the first thing we are going to learn," asked Hermione.

"Patience would be first," whispered Emissary. "A will to learn is admirable, but learning without caution is reckless and foolhardy, Ms. Granger." Hermione blushed lightly, an odd sight for Harry in the greyed out space they were currently in. "Before you can learn Umbramancy, you must first learn the rules of the Court. Memorize them, abide by them, and when needed, enforce them."

"How many rules are there," asked Harry.

"There are 9. But for now you need only concern yourselves with the first one. In order to become a member of the Court you must be approached by either myself, or one in my position, the Monarch, Umbra, or the shadows themselves. Once approached, you must accept the Shadow Mark. It will appear as a tattoo on your person in which ever shape reflects your suitable position. Accepting the Shadow Mark will make you a member of the Court, after which your title will be bestowed by the Shadows themselves."

"What else will the mark do," asked Hermione.

"Consider it a contract. One can only use Umbramancy by making a Contract with the shadows. All members of the Court have this Contract, but not all of us choose to learn Umbramancy. The mark also shows your status and roll within the Court." She waved her wand over her face and revealed a woman with long, flowing, black hair, golden eyes, and a kind demeanor. "This is the only chance I'm going to give you," she said, her voice warm and filled with concern and compassion. "Once you accept the mark, you must abide by the other 8 rules of the Court. Breaking even one means a harsh punishment. This is your only chance to back out, Harry Potter, Hermione Granger. What is your choice?" Harry and Hermione exchanged a look. Emissary observed the two teens as a silent conversation passed between the two.

A moment later, they nodded, and Hermione planted a kiss on Harry's lips before they turned back to her. "We accept," they said in unison. Emissary stared at them for a second before giggling.

"Not together for more than a day and already acting as one. You two are truly remarkable." She waved her wand once more before her face, her mask resuming its original position. "Now then. Hold out your hands to your shadows. They will bestow your mark upon you." Harry and Hermione turned to their respective shadows and held out their hands. Their shadows grasped their hands and each other's. Emissary watched as both teens cringed slightly as they felt a burning sensation course through them.

Harry gasped as a white mark appeared on the back of his right hand, taking on the form of a dragon's head spewing flames. Hermione's mark appeared to be a horned snake head and appeared on her left hand. Emissary nodded in acceptance as the shadows resumed their usual positions. Harry and Hermione looked at each other, examining the marks upon their bodies. "The appearance of the Marks on your form in the Realm of Shadows will not appear the same as your physical bodies. But both will have a clear meaning to you. Harry, you bear the Mark of the Dragon. Dragons have long since been a symbol of protection of Ancient Secrets to the Court. This Marks you as Defender and Enforcer of the Court, an Umbral Knight.

"Hermione, you bear the Mark of the Horned Serpent. Horned Serpents are known to be very intelligent and insightful, and fully aware of nearby dangers. This marks you as Scholar and Spymaster of the Court."

"Spymaster," asked Hermione.

"A common job of the Court is to learn the secrets of others. The last Wizarding War deprived the Court of all of its spies. The position of Spymaster has yet to be filled due to this. One of the Lords of the Twilight Council took up the reigns in the absence but cannot divert too much time to it."

"Why haven't you found someone else among the population?"

"For the same reason things have remained stagnant in the Wizarding UK, they either align with the Light, headed by Dumbledore, or the Dark, headed by Riddle and, in his absence, Lucius Malfoy." They followed her to another part of the train where they spotted Draco Malfoy sitting with a smug look on his face while Vincent Crabbe and Gregory Goyle laughed at something he said. "Those who lean more towards either side cannot be trusted by the Shadows. They have an allegiance and feel obligated or threatened to report to the leader of whichever faction they support.

"The Malfoy, Crabbe and Goyle families all fit under this category, as do the Abbots, Weasleys, and, until a few generations ago, the Potters."

"My family," asked Harry.

"Yes. I believe it was your great grandfather who wished for your family to remain neutral, seeing it as a better option to act as a switch vote between Light and Dark Alliances."

"Why?"

"Certain aspects of the Dark Alliance ensure safety of traditions which would protect family magics from going extinct and never being used by future generations, a practice you're already familiar with is your Betrothal Contract with Miss Daphne Greengrass."

"What," asked Hermione.

"It's something I was going to speak with you about while we waited for your parents to pick you up," said Harry. He then told her everything Daphne told him, unable to leave out the information about Daphne's fantasies, making his best friend turned girlfriend blush. "Why couldn't I leave that part out?"

"It is a part of your initiation to the Court," said Emissary. "Rule #2: No secrets are to be kept from Court members. No one, not even the Court's Monarch, is exempt from this rule. While still learning of your roles and exploring the reaches of your Contracts, whenever you speak with a Court member, you will be unable to tell a lie unless in the presence of others, in which case, your shadow speaks the truth for you. Do not worry, only those who have visited the Realm of Shadows can hear or see your shadows interact with you. That being said, allow me to skip to rule #5: Simple practitioners of Umbramancy are not members of the Court unless the first rule is in effect, the telling sign would be given by their shadow. These people are not to be treated as Court members and therefor can be lied to.

"This Compulsion will remain until it is fully ingrained into you not to lie to the Court, and even then, while a Court Session is occurring, the Compulsion is in full effect. This is for trials and war council."

"Hear that," asked Hermione with a grin. "Now when we're married, you can't ever lie to me." She covered her mouth as Harry turned as red as a tomato.

"Bit early to talk about that," muttered the Gryffindor Seeker.

"On the contrary," said Emissary. "The sooner the better. In fact, your shadows have marked you as Betrothed as well." The teenagers stared at her for a second before she spoke up again. "You two already have a powerful bond, being best friends and companions for each other. Your shadows merely took a step forward for you, a step you can always back away from in the future. Your shadows will always look out for your best interests, it is part of your Contract with them." Harry and Hermione turned to their shadows and saw them holding hands, much like they were. Hermione shivered slightly as their 'faces' opened up showing black smiles in a white void.

"That's a little creepy," she said.

"I will discuss the other rules at a later time. The train is approaching King's Cross station, your friends are bound to try and wake you up soon. Another thing I should mention, with the creation of the Contract, certain restrictions and physical limitations have been lifted. Don't be surprised if you find an increase in energy and magical power, or if your shadow strikes at another to defend you. Keep in mind, any interactions with the physical world will be noticed, so do try and keep confrontations to within magical society, homes with a known magical person, or your own houses respectively. Umbramancy can easily be learned by finding the rare tomes, but in the Mundane World, well you know the rules of the Magical World. Until we meet again, Knight Potter, Spymaster Granger…"

Harry and Hermione awoke as Neville shook their shoulders. "We're almost there, you two," said the normally timid boy. They looked around and spotted Daphne and Tracey had moved into their car, their trunks above Harry. "They moved here to avoid Malfoy."

"Astoria went to sit with some friends in Slytherin," said Daphne. "Pansy, unfortunately, is forced to sit with them due to a standing contract between Lucius and her father she's yet to find a way out of sans making herself 'used goods'. An option she'd rather avoid." She stood up and turned to Hermione. "You and are the only two girls who've yet to change. It would be smarter and faster for us to change together." She turned to the people in the cart. "All of you, out."

"Better do as the wifey says, Harry," said Tracey with a grin.

"Sod off, Tracey," muttered Harry with a blush. He reached into his trunk, extracted his Muggle attire, hand me downs from his cousin that never fit him, and made for the restroom to change while the others went to the hall. Daphne pulled the blinds closed and proceeded to try and get to her trunk.

"Let me help you," said Hermione as she tried to help her.

"I've got it," said Daphne, slightly annoyed. Both girls grabbed hold of the trunk and pulled it free, a broken latch causing it to open suddenly and spill its contents over both girls. Hearing the thud and the subsequent shrieks of surprise, Tracey grinned as her prank proved successful. She stopped Neville who tried to check on them.

"I knew you Gryffindors were bold, but to peek at two girls trying to change? Naughty, naughty, Longbottom." Neville blushed darkly before taking a step away from the door, trying to defend himself. Tracey grinned as she leaned against the door, acting as a guard for her best friend. Daphne scrambled to pick up her things, half embarrassed, half angry as she had a feeling who was responsible for this. Hermione helped until she picked up an odd object for a girl of the Pureblood Wizarding society. An issue of Playboy with a few earmarked pages of women in lingerie and even less posing for the infamous magazine. Both girls blushed as Daphne quickly stuffed it into her trunk before turning to her.

"Tell no one of this, please," she begged.

"Don't worry," replied Hermione. "Your secret is safe with me." Internally chuckling at the accidental joke, Hermione continued to help Daphne. "Daphne, what was it you were talking with Harry about?" Daphne stiffened before putting on her neutral mask.

"It is a private affair between myself and Mr. Potter. And its Miss Greengrass to you, Miss Granger. I've not given you permission to call me by my given name."

"Is that a Pureblood custom?"

"It is."

"Then I apologize, Miss Greengrass. I am unaware of Pureblood customs within the Wizarding World." Daphne nodded before pulling out her Muggle attire.

"…If you must know… my discussion with Mr. Potter was about something you may not be comfortable with…"

"That being…?" Hermione, already fully aware of the Betrothal Contract, decided to see if Daphne was one she could trust. Her decision proved fruitful as Daphne, with only a little reluctance, revealed the Betrothal Contract to her. Hermione paused to make her think she was shocked.

"I understand completely if you don't wish for Harry to continue through with this. I know you've only just started dating, but only a fool would not see your feelings for each other." Out of the corner of her eye, Hermione noticed her shadow's shoulders moving up and down, almost as if it were laughing. Hermione blushed as she considered her words.

"I'll admit this is… odd for me. But… I trust Harry. If he wishes to continue with this, I won't stop him." Daphne gave her an appreciative smile. "Also… I find you rather attractive…" Now both girls were blushing as Daphne registered Hermione's words.

"I see…" Daphne stood up and helped Hermione up as well. Hermione noticed the Ice Queen's hand linger for a moment she let go. "Very well then. That's enough friendly talking for now. We should start changing."

"You're absolutely right, Miss Greengrass." Daphne cleared her throat.

"If Harry decides to go through with this, and if both of us are still with him to the point of marriage. It may be beneficial if we address each other by our given names. For that reason, from this moment forward, you may call me Daphne."

"Then you may call me Hermione." Daphne nodded, a small blush gracing her cheeks. Harry returned, dressed in his Muggle attire, and found Neville, Luna and Tracey still outside the cart.

"They're still changing," he asked.

"I think they were busy for the last few minutes picking up Daphne's knickers off the ground," said Tracey. Harry raised an eyebrow in question. "I may or may not have broken the non-enchanted latch on her trunk."

"You are a wicked girl, Tracey Davis."

"Funny, Daph says the same thing. And if you think I'm wicked now, just wait till you get to know me." She winked at Harry who blushed at the innuendo and shook his head. Daphne opened the door to the cart.

"You may enter now. And don't think I don't know what you did, Tracey," said the Ice Queen.

"Why, what ever do you mean, Daphne?" Daphne merely folded her arms against her chest as she fixed a glare at her best friend. Harry noticed Hermione's shadow float over to her before leaning to his ear.

"You have my permission," it whispered with her voice before returning to her. Harry noticed Luna's eyes seeming to track it as it reentered the cart. Luna blinked before moving passed Daphne with Tracey to retrieve their trunks. Neville followed close behind, still mulling over the moment of embarrassment from Tracey's teasing. Harry walked up to Daphne.

"Daphne, can I have a word?"

"Have you thought about," she asked.

"I have and, as long as Hermione is ok with it, I will see our parents promise through." Daphne gave him a smile.

"Then you're in luck. I had a talk with Hermione while you were changing. I told her about our discussion and our parents agreement and promise. She said she was fine with it. You can ask her if you wish."

"I don't think I'll need to," said Harry as he saw her shadow bow in respect and nod its head. "I trust you, Daphne." Daphne smiled.

"I cannot tell if you are a well meaning fool for trusting me so easily, or if its your Gryffindor courage telling you to trust me as you do."

"I'd say it's a bit of both, with the latter telling me to do this." Harry leaned forward and kissed her cheek. Daphne blushed darkly, a feature that caught Tracey's eye.

"Ooh," exclaimed the raven haired girl. "There's a sight I never get to see!" Daphne growled before resuming her neutral mask and turning to her best friend.

"Shut it, or I'll toss your trunk into the Thames."

"You know you love me!" she threw her arms around Daphne's shoulder, bringing her into a hug as she turned to Harry. "Harry, if that kiss was anything to go by, would you kindly be a gentleman and carry our stuff, as well as Hermione's, off the train?"

"Marvelous idea, Miss Davis," said Hermione behind her, already lugging her trunk out of the cart as they pulled into the station. Hermione grinned at them.

"Please, call me Tracey!"

"Very well then, Tracey. But instead of Harry doing the heavy lifting, it can be you." She tossed her trunk to Tracey. The perverted girl scrambled to catch it before Daphne grinned and placed her trunk on top of Hermione's.

"A wonderful idea, Hermione," said Daphne with an evil grin. She leaned to Tracey. "This is for breaking the latch on my trunk," she whispered. Tracey groaned slightly but accepted her fate. Harry opted not to add to her punishment for her actions and dragged his own trunk out, Hedwig's cage on top of it, the owl having been let out to stretch her wings and fly to #4 Privet Dr herself. Rather than let Tracey suffer for too long, Harry went ahead and carried back a trolley to place the trunks on. Tracey groaned as she leaned against a wall.

"Those two are evil," said Tracey. "I give you a week before you fall victim to their devilish ways. Dating two demons is begging to doom yourself."

"Somehow I think I'll be fine," said Harry. "And you were the one that started it."

"You can't prove that."

"You told us you did it," said Neville.

"Pure speculation!"

"Is she always like this," asked Hermione.

"Yes," said Daphne. "And unfortunately, I'm stuck with her."

"Besties for life," shouted Tracey. Daphne shook her head before turning to Harry.

"You should come with me to meet my parents when they arrive. They'll want to meet you and know we plan on going through with the Contract."

"Alright then." Harry spotted Astoria struggling with her trunk and went over to help her. She turned to him as he placed her trunk on the trolley next to Daphne's.

"Thank you, Mr. Potter," said the younger Greengrass sister.

"Call me Harry. Seems only right since me and your sister are now dating." Astoria beamed at them.

"Then you can call me Story!"

"Alright then." Harry smiled at her. Neville spotted his grandmother and waved to them goodbye after collecting his trunk. Luna pulled herself on top of the trolley and turned to Harry as Tracey and Daphne spoke with Hermione about the Mundane World. "Can I help you Luna?"

"You formed a contract with your shadow, didn't you? You and Hermione."

"Wh… how did you…?"

"I can see them moving. Seers can see when a person is learning Umbramancy, it's part of our gift of sight, seeing the normally unseen. The future, and shadows being the main thing."

"That must be handy."

"One would think, but it happens at the most inopportune times." She blinked and turned to Astoria. "3…2…1…" Harry turned to her and watched as she pulled something out of Daphne's trunk.

"Daphne," said Astoria. "What's this?" She held out a magazine to her older sister, one Harry remembered seeing in his cousin's room the last time he was forced to clean it before the dinner with Marge the Barge and his trip on the Knight Bus to the Leaky Cauldron. Daphne gasped and took it from her, quickly hiding back in her trunk before glaring at Tracey as if to say: 'this is your fault'.

"It's nothing Story, don't worry about it. And don't ask Mum and Dad either, ok? It's… personal."

"Ok then."

"Why didn't you stop that," Harry asked Luna.

"Why should I," she responded. "If it's going to happen, why should I interfere."

"To spare Daphne the embarrassment and Astoria the confusion."

"Hmm…" Luna blinked once more and grabbed her trunk. "Dad is here. See you after summer, Harry."

"See you later, Luna." He waved her off as she dragged her trunk over to a fireplace just as her father arrived. Harry shook his head. He turned to Tracey who took Luna's place on top of the trunks on the trolley. He blushed and turned away as he noticed Tracey was carelessly sitting with a skirt on at an elevated height. Daphne noticed and sighed before tipping the cart and sending Tracey to the ground. Her best friend pouted and crossed her arms as Daphne shook her head.

"I told you before, act more like a lady, and less like a pervert," she said. Tracey stuck her tongue out before spotting her family.

"And that's me," she said. She gathered her trunk and wandered off calling back a casual farewell to Daphne and the Astoria.

"She's odd, isn't she," asked Hermione.

"She grows on you," sighed Daphne.

"How long will that take?"

"I'll let you know when it happens with me." Harry chuckled slightly. She turned to them. Come on, my parents should be waiting on the Muggle side."

"Why are they waiting there," asked Harry

"They were probably doing some shopping," said Astoria. "Mum prefers shopping at Muggle markets, she said they were more… what was the word?"

"Abundant," said Daphne. "There is more to choose from, in a sense." Harry pushed the trolley behind the girls and followed them through. On the other side, they spotted a woman who appeared to be an older version of Daphne. "There's Mum." She took Harry's hand. "Come on." Harry and Hermione pushed the cart after the two girls and exchanged a smile.

"There they are, Cyrus," said Mrs. Greengrass. "And it seems they have company." Cyrus Greengrass turned to where her wife was looking and spotted a boy and a girl with his daughters. A closer look revealed the lightning shaped scar on the boy's head and Cyrus leaned towards his wife.

"Not just any company, Martha," he said in a low voice. "It's James' and Lily's kid." She gasped as she realized he was right and smiled slightly.

"Mum, Dad," said Daphne. "This is Harry Potter."

"Nice to meet you," said Harry as he held out his hand to Cyrus. Cyrus shook it.

"And you as well, Mr. Potter," said Cyrus. "I am Daphne's father, Cyrus Greengrass. This is my wife, Martha."

"Pleasure to meet you," said Martha as she shook Harry's hand.

"And this is Hermione Granger," said Daphne as she gestured to the Muggleborn witch.

"How do you do," said Hermione.

"Always a pleasure to meet some of Daphne's friends," said Cyrus.

"I had a discussion with Harry on the train ride here," said Daphne. "We've decided to see how things work out regarding the Betrothal Contract."

"Daphne," said Martha. "You didn't have to do that."

"Better Harry than to be stuck with someone like Malfoy. Besides, this way Harry gets to honor something his parents agreed to."

"Did you really word it that way? Most would take it as manipulation."

"I didn't ma'am," said Harry. "I saw it as a means of doing something my parents actually wanted me to do. Get to know Daphne and see where it leads us."

"This also has the added benefit of Harry learning more about his family's status," said Daphne. "He was raised by his Muggle relatives and never knew about the Magical World until he got his Hogwarts letter."

"I want to say it was a drastic oversight on Dumbledore's part, but something's been nagging at me since he keeps sending me back there."

"Muggle relatives," asked Martha. "Wait, you don't mean Petunia, do you?"

"You knew her?"

"Knew of her. Shortly after we graduated from Hogwarts, your mother and Petunia had a rather nasty falling out."

"Over what?"

"Lily never said, just that she never wanted you to meet her or her fiancé."

"After living with them for 12 years, I think I can guess why." Harry rolled his shoulders in a circle, memories of Vernon's 'punishments' always fresh in his mind, especially when he felt the scars on his back."

"Harry, do they…?" Harry froze up slightly before looking away.

"I'd rather not talk about it. It's something I need to deal with on my own." Hermione glanced at Harry and noticed his shadow ball its fists before a wicked light filled grin spread over the dark visage. Hermione turned to Harry, a suspicious expression on her face. He gave her a reassuring smile before turning to the Greengrass family. "Well, I'd rather not keep you any longer. I should escort Hermione to her parents."

"As a good boyfriend should," said Daphne with a smirk. Astoria blinked before turning to her sister.

"I thought he was your boyfriend," she said.

"And that should be our cue to leave," said Cyrus. "Harry, feel free to visit Greengrass manor whenever you wish. I'd like to know the kind of person you are. Not what these rumors claim you to be from children's novels and shoddy news from the Prophet."

"I would like that, Mr. Greengrass," said Harry.

"Call me Cyrus, Harry. In private discussions. In more formal discussions, something I'm sure Daphne will be more than happy to have a discussion with you about, refer to me as Lord Greengrass. For future reference, until you receive the Head of House title when you come of age, your formal title is Heir Potter in things like business or political situations."

"That sounds odd to me. 'Lord' and 'Heir'."

"It's the way things are," said Daphne. She kissed his cheek, followed by Hermione's which had her parents exchanging a curious look, before the Greengrass family made their way to the exit.

"Now its my turn to introduce you to my parents," said Hermione with a grin.

"We've only just started dating," Harry mock groaned. "Isn't it a bit early to be meeting the parents?"

"Isn't it a bit early for you to be speaking about marriage?"

"Technically, you brought it up, but I'll abstain." Harry walked with her, hand in hand, as they search for her parents. Upon finding them, Harry could tell right off the bat they were her parents. Her mother seemed to be a more mature version of herself. Long brown hair, tied into a bun and a warm and kind smile. Her father stood a head taller than her mother. He had sandy brown hair and light blue eyes. His posture was relaxed yet at attention, alluding to someone with military training. Their meeting with Hermione's parents was brief, but kind. Harry half expected her father to give him the riot act when she told him they were dating, but it never came. Instead, the military man turned dentist shook his head and thanked Harry for saving his daughter's life in their first year. Harry tried shrugging it off but found it hard to ignore the man's praise of his heroics.

Not long after, the Grangers had to leave, her parents having an appointment to keep. Harry and Hermione made plans to meet up and visit the Burrow to see how Ron was doing and soon, Harry was left alone. Knowing his uncle would end up taking his sweet time, only to blame him for being late later, Harry decided to wander around the station for a while until his uncle finally arrived. Not long after, he found himself colliding with someone. Harry groaned as he rubbed the back of his head, an unknown weight added to his waist. "Whoops, sorry," said the girl on top of him. He blinked as he looked at her. She appeared to be the same age as him, had long blonde hair and blue irises with red rings around them and wore a pair of short shorts and a red top that showed off her assets without shame. "Dad's always telling me to watch where I'm going, but I inherited my mom's over eagerness for certain things!" Harry could tell she was American by her accent and blushed when he realized she was still straddling his waist.

"Um… not that I mind being in this position, but could you…?" The girl looked down and blushed before climbing to her feet.

"Sorry! I tend to zone out when I start rambling." She helped him up.

"It's ok. I should've been paying attention to where I was going." She looked at him curiously.

"You look familiar. Have we met before?"

"I think I'd remember meeting a pretty American girl." The girl blushed and smiled at him.

"A British charmer! That's what I expected to meet when I came here! I'm Amalia by the way!"

"Harry." They shook hands with matching smiles. "So, Amalia. What brings you to London. Well, Mom is here on business, and I came with her for a tournament being held here."

"Amalia," called a woman from the crowd. "Come on! We're gonna be late!"

"Coming, Mom!" Amalia quickly wrote down something on a note before handing it to Harry. "Here's my phone number and email address, feel free to look me up!" She started walking away.

"I don't have a computer," called Harry. Amalia turned around.

"Then buy one!" She turned back around and walked over to her mother, a woman with long blonde hair and blue eyes who seemed to be in her mid-thirties.

"There you are, Boy," called Vernon behind him. Harry groaned slightly before slipping the note into his pocket. "Come on! I haven't got all day!" Harry turned to his uncle.

"Wait a bit longer, I have something to do." Harry could see Vernon's face turn beet red and walked away with a hidden smirk. He went to a nearby restroom and, after making sure no one else was in there with him. Looked at the back of his hand. The faint lines of a jagged looking tattoo were just visible on it and seemed to stretch a little ways up his arm. He raised his arm and felt his shadow extend from his mark and grasp a faucet before turning it. He glanced at his shadow and saw it grin at him. Harry nodded racked his brain for a few moments, and went back to Vernon, deciding to push his luck. "Now we can go."

"How dare you speak to me that way, Boy?!"

"You should calm down, uncle. A face as red as yours surely isn't 'normal' in any sense of the word. People are starting to stare. You wouldn't want to be known as a freak, now would you?" Harry spoke words barely loud enough to be heard by anyone but Vernon and saw his uncle could barely contain his anger. Harry put on an innocent face, boldness building up in him as his shadow laughed behind Vernon.

"Get. In. The. Car." Harry could see he was barely holding back from an outburst and decided not to push it too much too soon. When Vernon started for the car, Harry pulled went to a desk and asked for a small sheet of paper, giving the counter clerk a desperate look. He wrote down a message before sliding it to the clerk and running after his uncle. The clerk looked down at the note before going wide eyed and picking up a phone. The note read: Please help! My uncle abuses me, and I think this time he's going to kill me! I live at #4 Privet Dr! Send help!

The drive to Little Whinging was filled murderous looks from Vernon, ranting, and Harry ignoring it all. Normally, he'd react how he was supposed to, 'Yes, Uncle Vernon', 'No, Uncle Vernon'. But, Harry's shadow stayed within his view. Giving him reassurance that Harry would be ok. Emissary's words rung in his head and knew the shadow would protect him from Vernon's wrath when they were finally out of view from the public. Vernon dragged Harry out of the car and carried out his trunk before pushing him forward, impatiently. Harry stumbled through the door, a red faced Vernon behind him. Petunia and Dudley watched the altercation, Petunia with disinterest, Dudley with sadistic glee. "This will teach you to disrespect me, Freak!" Vernon removed his belt and raised it to slam on Harry.

Harry hid a smirk as Vernon froze, held in place by Harry's shadow. Petunia gasped and Dudley's face switched from delight to fear and confusion. Harry stood up straight and turned to his relatives. "I thought that you would've exploded long before now, Uncle." Vernon stared at the shadow as it appeared to grin at him.

"What the devil are you doing? Y-you're not supposed to use your magic outside of school!"

"That's the thing, I'm not using my magic, at least, not any magic the Ministry or Hogwarts can detect. My magic allows my shadow to protect me from your 'punishments' and they will never register it as me actively using magic. And after today, I doubt I'll suffer your 'punishments' anymore." There was a knock at the door.

"This is the police," called a voice on the other side of the door. Harry nodded to his shadow and it threw Harry into a wall beside the door shattering a picture frame before having Vernon move forward as the cops kicked open the door. The belt came down and clipped Harry in the cheek hard, drawing blood. Harry's shadow disappeared from view, but not before opening the cupboard slightly as the police were focused on Vernon. Harry scrambled passed Vernon to the police. He played the role of a timid abused person perfectly, years of practice coming in handy.

In less than an hour, both Vernon and Petunia were arrested for child abuse and child neglect respectively. Dudley was recognized as a person of interest in local accounts of destruction of property and trespassing. He was taken in for questioning as well while a person from child services was called to the scene. Harry's shadow grinned at him before returning to its normal position. As the police were filing their reports, Harry breathed a sigh of relief. He had no idea where this boost in confidence had come from, but he wasn't complaining. He was free from Vernon Dursley's wrath, and glad for it. Now all that needed to be done was plan for his future.


(Hogwarts)

Albus Dumbledore was sitting in his office, trying desperately to put an end to the Tri-Wizard Tournament. Try as he might, he couldn't convince Cornelius not to start up talks with the French and Bulgarian Wizarding governments to start another tournament. His only saving grace was that Durmstrang had refused to partake this year. He'd hoped this would dissuade those in charge from going through with it, but the American magical school, Ilvermorny, was quick to volunteer in their place. With plans for the Tournament in place, Dumbledore was trying to find was to limit the danger while also trying to find a way to end it before it could even begin. He was about to go over a tome on scrying spells when one of the trinkets on the bookshelf behind him shattered.

Dumbledore turned around in a panic. The trinket monitoring the Blood Ward was nothing more than a pile of scrap. At first, he thought Harry was in danger, but then he noticed his health and mental state trinkets working better than they had in years. Dumbledore sighed in relief. "Vernon must've slipped up for once. And Petunia must be serving time with him. I must get to Harry as soon as possible. With the Blood Ward down, that house can now be tracked by the Death Eaters." Dumbledore racked his brain on who would be able to take Harry in. "The Weasleys are too obvious, I can't trouble Augusta about this, he can't stay at Hogwarts, isolated from everything going on in the world…"

He paced back and forth in his room before coming to a sudden stop. A simple thought crossed his mind, one he had never considered before. "Desperate times, I suppose." He pulled out a tome filled with the names of past students and skimmed through it as he felt the school's wards alerted him to a visitor. "What in the world…?" He left his office and went to the Entrance Hall where a woman in her mid-thirties was looking around, mildly impressed. She wore a business suit, black three inch heels and had a glamour cast over her, giving her hair and eyes different colors than they normally were. "Can I help you, madam?" She turned to him with a smile.

"Yes, in fact," she said. "She shook his hand. I'm Ilvermorny's representative. I was sent here to try and help limit casualties with this year's Tournament. We will meet again in a month. I just came here to inform you Ilvermorny will help in anyway possible." She checked her watch. "Dammit, I'm running late. So sorry, have to run. I'll introduce myself later." She hurried out of the tall oak doors, leaving a baffled Dumbledore in her wake.

"What an odd woman, but at least Ilvermorny's principal is as worried as I am about this to send someone over to help with coordination. But the Tournament's preparations and planning can wait for now. I need to find a safe place for Harry." Dumbledore muttered to himself, unaware of a hidden set of eyes watching him the entire time. Emissary shook her head before looking at the large oak doors.

"And once more she rears her head," she whispered to herself and the shadows hiding her. "It seems we are destined to meet again, Helion." Emissary faded back into the shadows, leaving all but dust and insects within the hall.