Author's Notes: See The Notes Before the Prologue for warnings


Chapter 2:

Auror Headquarters in the Department of Magical Law Enforcement at the Ministry was a beehive of activity. Workers hurrying this way and that tending to the paperwork and supply needs while the soldiers surrounded their queen.

Tonks, along with the rest of the Aurors being reassigned stood around the spot where Madam Bones had situated herself above the others for the announcements. The Director cleared her throat and then nodded in satisfaction when those gathered quieted. "Alright, as you know today is the first day of school." She began easily. "Which as usual means a slight decrease in the number of minor infractions we need to mediate."

She looked them over, as they shifted back and forth on their feet expectantly. "However, as you also know, this year is going to be different. I trust I don't need to tell you why this is?" The director noted ironically and got general nodding from the assembled crowd.

Tonks nodded with the rest of them, you'd have to be deaf, blind and quite possibly stupid to have missed the news about the triumphant return of Harry Potter, and the Tournament being planned in celebration.

Madam Bones continued. "We'll have foreign nationals running around for the duration of the tournament, and we all know what a mess that can be." This was true, especially in a nation which had just hosted the Quidditch World Cup, and suffered an associated riot. "But as an added complication, Sirius Black is still on the loose." Tonks winced a bit at that. "And with Harry Potter returning to Hogwarts, we can bet that he will be approaching the school as well."

Sirius Orion Black, traitor, Death Eater, and worst of all, at least to Tonks, her relative. Which made it a somewhat uncomfortable irony that she was currently one of those tasked with finding him.

"Now, we've been negotiating with Dumbledore to allow Aurors to bodyguard Harry on school grounds. But until he finally pulls his head out of his arse we need to do what we can to prevent Sirius Black from accessing the grounds at all." The director noted, dryly.

It was no secret that the Director was not necessarily a fan of the so called "Greatest Wizard of the Age"

"We can't allow a repeat of last year. And yet we've got to manage it without the assistance of the Dementors." While this announcement was met with a lot of grumbling from most of the rank and file, Tonks was happy enough for her part. She hated Dementors, creepy freaks of magic that they were.

"So what's the plan boss?" Asked Kingsley Shacklebolt, a dark skinned senior Auror currently in line to make head Auror.

"We'll be deploying a quarter of all Auror forces to Hogwarts and Hogsmeade. The Tournament begins in just one week. We have a lot of ground to cover and a lot of work to do. So I need you all at your best." Amelia asserted gazing down on them all.

Tonks made a list in her head of what this likely meant. Bolstering and erecting wards, spot checks, patrols…And she would probably need to do some infiltration work at the school.

Madam Bones waited until she was sure they all understood her clearly, then nodded in satisfaction and got down off the desk, "Okay you lot, here's the duty rosters for today."


Hadrian closed the door as the late afternoon snack trolley moved off along the corridor and reseated himself across from Hermione.

Neville shifted uncomfortably, and swallowed his food. A now bisected chocolate frog's hind legs twitching spasmodically in his hand. It was somewhat disturbing how accurate the enchantments on candy could be.

"So—uh" he cleared his throat. "Hermione, how's the leg feeling? Any better?"

Hermione stifled a sigh. It had, after all, been only a matter of time before someone brought it up. But she still wasn't eager to discuss it. Neville was just being kind though, so she answered him. "It's no worse Neville, but they don't think it's going to get much better."

He winced sympathetically. "I'm sorry, that's really rotten Hermione." She shrugged, doing her best to show that as far as she was concerned it was what it was. "It's stupid that it was allowed to get that bad in the first place." Neville continued doggedly. "They shouldn't have—"

She put up a hand to stop him. "It's alright Neville, but thank you."

She glanced over and noted Hadrian was looking curious, and this time couldn't stifle the sigh. She knew he'd find out eventually so she decided it would be better just to explain.

"As you may have noticed, I walk with a bit of a limp?" She asked, and he nodded. "Last year there was an incident I was involved in…" She began a touch hesitantly, uncertain how much to reveal. "I got caught in the middle of a fight. Between our defence teacher and Sirius Black." She explained. "I don't know exactly what happened but I was thrown aside and my leg and knee were broken." Understatement of the century that. She thought thinking of her leg.

"When I came to, I was just laying there on the ground, nobody had helped me get back to the school for help." He looked aghast, but she soldiered on. "Eventually, I made it to the school and they sent me to Saint Mungo's"

Neville was looking upset, while Luna appeared sober. "But she's a muggleborn you see? And didn't have an account of Wizarding Money." He said sounding a little ill. "So she was denied service and sent back to Hogwarts." Neville, bless him, was practically vibrating with indignation.

She nodded, and took up the thread again. "Add to that, the Defence Teacher is a known werewolf, and my wounds were treated with suspicion. Madam Pomfrey, that's the school's healer by the way, did her best for me, but it had been a while. Due to just how long it had been the damage had seeped into my bodies magical memory." She shrugged, skirting the uncomfortable topic. "At that point there is only so much that can be done. She vanished and regrew the bones, and did what she could about the scarring but it wasn't enough." She rubbed her leg absently once more. "So here I am, stuck with a bit of a limp. On good days like today I manage just fine. On bad ones you'll see me with a cane. I take medicine for the aches and pain. I manage."

Throughout the story it had seemed to her that Hadrian had aged before her eyes. He sighed and rubbed his forehead, before glancing up to her. "Sirius Black was at Hogwarts looking for me…"

She realized with a start, that he blamed himself for what had happened to her. That was surprising, and a bit touching. If also more than a bit stupid, she told herself. "It's not your fault Hadrian. He was looking for trouble even once he realized you weren't there." She explained. "The reason I got caught between Black and Professor Lupin is that I was trying to warn Ron. I had noticed Black's efforts seemed to be focused on him." She grimaced. "Even a complete burke like him doesn't deserve to get murdered."

Raking a hand back through her hair she sighed, "I caught up with him on the edge of the forbidden forest, merlin knows what he was doing there. But he didn't believe me, not until Black showed himself." She said remembering that evening. "I don't know how Professor Lupin found out but he arrived in time to step between us and him. Too bad he'd forgotten his potion in his haste. It was the full moon, he transformed. Ron took one look, wet himself and ran for it, knocking me over in his hurry to get away. I tried to follow, but they started fighting. Like I said I don't know who or how, but I got hit and thrown into a tree." She shrugged. "I was in the wrong place, at the wrong time,"

The cabin was quiet following her recounting and she glanced out the window. She pushed carefully to her feet. "Look, we're getting close to Hogwarts. We should get changed, we'll be there soon enough."

As the other's clambered to their feet, she noticed Hadrian was watching her thoughtfully, and she looked away uncertainly. He spotted her tentative glances his way and offered an apologetic smile before stepping outside with Neville so she and Luna could change first. It was half an hour later that they rounded a bend and the castle came into sight.


It was official, the Aurors had taken over the Three Broomsticks. Usually when police took over a pub it denoted that the location had become their favourite watering hole. Not so in this case, the pub was crawling with law enforcement officers, supply crates were piled about the place and other prospective customers were turned away.

This was a temporary state of affairs, just until they could get themselves organized and billeted in other housing. Not that Madam Rosmerta complained. Tonks suspected this might have something to do with just how much the Ministry had paid her for the privilege.

For the time being, Madam Director Bones was on site herself, helping to get everything set up. It was also necessary for the head of the DMLE to be seen doing something in regards to such an important event.

She'd been handing out assignments and delegating various tasks the last few minutes, Tonks was beginning to think the woman was ignoring her but she finally turned her attention on the younger woman after what seemed like an eternity. Tonks wasn't one for waiting patiently. "Tonks? Hestia?" She asked addressing her and another young officer. "You're assigned as partners for the foreseeable future. You have a problem with that?"

They both shook their heads. She and Hestia had known each other, at least in passing for a while. They might even be termed as friends in some loose sense. The director nodded satisfied. "Good, now the bad news. You two drew the short straw I'm afraid, you're out guarding the platform when the train arrives." She informed them.

Tonks glanced out the window. The rain was coming down in buckets. The director caught her expression and chuckled. "Wondering if you have time to grab your raincoat?" She asked knowingly.

Tonks nodded sheepishly, she really was too easy to read sometimes. The director waved her off. "You have enough time. Hurry along though."

Tonks didn't waste time, she used the pub's floo to return to her apartment in london. It was faster than apparating at least. She barely had the chance to give the place one last good look over before she had to leave again. It was a nice place, in a good neighbourhood. Had she been a muggle making a law enforcement salary she wouldn't have been able to afford it. Not that she spent a ton of time there anyways.

She returned within five minutes via the floo and linked up with Hestia. They donned their rain coats and stepped out into the rain. It wouldn't be long now before the train arrived.

For the time of year, the rain really was coming down. She reflected. She wasn't sure whether or not to make anything of that.

She eyed her compatriot ruefully from under her hood. "So…Hestia, what have you been up to?" She asked as they marched onto the platform.

The other woman shrugged, "Not much, same old same old, patrols, spot inspections…" The woman threw a glance her way. "Yourself? Haven't seen you around much over the last year." She noted.

Tonks shrugged back, causing a bunch of water to dribble off her soaking jacket. "Special assignments mostly, been trying to find my damn cousin so we can throw him back in the clink."

Hestia blinked in confusion for a moment before a dawning expression of comprehension spread across her face. "You mean Sirius Black? But—They brought you in for this anyway?"

Tonks nodded. "Yeah with the boy wonder showing up they figure he might return." She explained.

The other woman scratched her head and cocked her head. "Wonder what he's like—er, the boy who lived I mean, not Sirius Black" She noted hastily, "I have no desire to get to know him…"

Tonks chuckled, even coppers fell for media hype it seemed. "Dunno, he was sweet as a baby, but then again most are at that age…"

"You met him?"

Another nod, "Back before his parents went into hiding yeah." She shrugged. "I was just little myself, but I saw him at a get together."

"Wow…"

Tonks gave her partner a playful shove. "Easy there Hest, we were just kids…"

The other woman shook her head in disbelief. "I know but still…What were the Potters like?"

Tonks eyes skated over the perimeter of the train platform as she considered that. "That time I saw them, I remember them being pretty quiet. Looking back I think they had a lot on their minds. But from what Mum and Da say they tended to be the life of the party without being jerks about it…" She chuckled a touch mirthfully thinking of an incident her dad had told her about, much to her mother's chagrin." James was supposed to be a world class prankster, and Lily was the only woman who could get him under control."

"Shame they're gone." Tonks had to nod in agreement at that. It was at that. She saw a small column of telltale smoke winding its way around the edge of a hill in the distance. The train would be there soon enough. Then they could see about getting out of this miserable rain. "Any clue what Black might do?" Hestia asked sounding concerned. "I mean if you've been hunting him for the past year…"

Tonks shook her head grimly. "Not much. He hid what he was really like back in the day fairly well. Last time he tried for Hogwarts we know what happened…" She remembered fairly unhappily. "Trouble is the Department's in a bit of a tizzy right now. I'm having trouble getting our specialists to make any sort of prediction I might use."

There was a piercing whistle as the train pulled into the station. Hestia understood her meaning. "Yeah what do you suppose is up with that? I mean everyone thought Crouch Junior was dead…"

A grimace pulled at her lips. "Right this minute I'm more concerned with how it's already messing with our current assignments. Senior's under investigation. He was supposed to be running this circus."

Amelia had blown her top yesterday when Tonks had reported to her following the incident with Mad-Eye. Not a pretty sight. Crouch had been dragged in an hour later, proverbially kicking and screaming. Word was things hadn't gone well for him when they searched his house.

She turned her attention to the students now disembarking from the train, and started cataloguing them. The Weasley Twins, always a matter for concern. Malfoy and his goons. Just like his father but apparently without the slightest concept of what the word cunning meant. Ronald Weasley, known to be a loudmouth, a grandstander and a rabble rouser. Nott, Zabini, Greengrass, Flint…

She paused as something caught her eye. A lad helping a girl from the train. The girl was injured, and worse, was recognizable to Tonks. She grimaced in remembrance of that incident. She had long ago accepted the bias against muggleborns in her world, even if she didn't like it. But that incident had beyond the pale even by Wizarding Britain's abysmal standards.

The boy though. He was new, at least she didn't recognize him from her time at the school. Clearly someone of some means judging by his tailoring and the staff across his back. An archaic tradition, but not illegal in their world.

A second pair followed the first. Longbottom, not predicted to be a problem, and Lovegood. Neither a serious issue to security even if the girl's father was a bit nuts.

Her gaze once again landed on the new kid. She needed to remember his particulars when doing a background check. Strange clothing, though not outside school guidelines, caucasian male, black hair in a caesar cut, appeared…

The boy was examining the crowd with interest. It took a moment but she realized he was doing the same thing as her, cataloguing those around him, sorting them as friend or foe. Interesting.

His eyes landed on her, his face was slightly shadowed, and his expression difficult to read, but she thought she saw a moment of recognition. Now the question was, was it of her as an Auror, or did he recognize her personally?

Eventually he turned away, and continued to follow his companion off the platform.

Tonks considered him as he walked away. Very strange.


Hermione had to work very hard to contain the skepticism in her voice. "So…you're trying to tell me the coaches are actually drawn by creatures you can only see if you've witnessed death?"

Luna bobbed her head happily, apparently patting the air as they passed beside one of the coaches. "Yes, Thestrals are greatly misunderstood creatures…"

Hermione was duly suspicious of creatures that only Luna seemed to know about. "Why have I never heard of them?"

To her surprise it was Hadrian who answered. "They're year five in Care of Magical Creatures if I remember correctly. And besides people generally avoid creatures assumed to be an omen of death…" he noted.

Luna contrived to look disapproving. "It's nonsense of course, Thestrals really are very gentle." Hermione decided that this conversation either meant Hadrian was crazy too, or Luna was actually talking about a real creature for once.

He shrugged. "Oh, I don't know, I met a nasty one a vampire was using for a mount. I think he just liked the whole Lord of Death thing it helped him portray…" he said speculatively.

Luna huffed. "Well you can only expect so much if it's owner trains it to be mean…" She defended.

"True enough," The boy agreed.

"You've met a vampire?" Neville asked sounding perplexed.

Hadrian nodded. "Sure, several in fact. Most are fine, if not always upstanding members of the community, but there's a few idiots like that one. Heard he ended up getting staked not long after we met him…"

"Still…" Hermione ventured, intrigued. "Most people never see a vampire."

"Not entirely true, you for instance have probably seen one or two and just didn't realize it. The vast majority prefer the muggle populace to the magical. They're better at blending."

Hermione's brow furrowed. "I wonder why?"

"Why what?" Hadrian asked absently.

"Why they prefer muggles?" She clarified as she observed the world passing outside the carriage window.

"Well…" He drawled. "Most muggles are unaware of them so they treat them the same as anyone else. Wizards have a habit of treating them like plague bearers or monsters." He shrugged. "Plus they like their creature comforts. Think about it, the muggle world is great for that kind of thing, especially if you have some time to accumulate some wealth." He smiled to himself. "Met one, a woman, who had five coffee machines in her house just because she could."

"Why? She couldn't drink coffee could she?" Asked Neville.

Hadrian smirked. "Course she could, liquid right? Not that she did, hated the stuff actually. She just liked that she could have that much stuff if she wanted and nobody would look at her funny."

Hermione had been turning over something he'd said in her mind. "You mentioned most muggles are unaware of them…"

He smiled benignly. "You can't hide an entire population from the government in the modern age Hermione."

"But the statute of secrecy…" She protested.

"Doesn't cover vampires or any other non-human magicals. Not that the vampires want to be discovered any more than Wizards do. Magicals only stay a secret because a veritable army of people, bound by oath, in the right places in the muggle governments and media keep it that way."

Needless to say Hermione had a lot on her mind when they finally pulled up to the gates and clambered out of the coach.


Professor Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore, Grand Sorcerer, Supreme Mugwump of the International Confederation of Wizards, Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot, Alchemist, Leader of the Light, and his personal favourite, Headmaster.

Headmaster, it was something of a running joke, at least in his own mind, that this title could mean so many things beyond the obvious. As headmaster of Hogwarts he was of course over the four heads of house. He also was a master of people's heads in the sense that he could determine what knowledge children put in their noggins. And finally as a master legilimens he could rummage around in people's thoughts whenever he liked.

It said something, possibly not positive, about a man when he found this amusing. It also said something about you when you used all your names and titles as often as possible.

But that was secondary for the moment.

Dumbledore was, at this moment in time, in a supreme state of excited anticipation. Finally things could be brought back on course. The grand game he had anticipated for a great many years would be able to begin properly. No more would he be fumbling about with only half of the pieces needed.

Harry James Potter, scion of House Potter, the Boy-Who-Lived and child of prophecy had at long last returned to the board. Finally he could begin enacting his strategy to rid the field of Voldemort once and for all.

All for the greater good of course, but what did it hurt for him to think of such momentous events and circumstances as a game? He'd often ask himself. After all, what was politics and the ruling of nations but the grandest game ever played?

He was stirred from these thoughts by the doors of the entrance hall opening and students pouring in out of the rain. And he began to peer through the crowd of students. It only took a moment before he spotted him.

Oh dear, that simply will not do, he tutted to himself idly. Harry did not look as much like his father as he could to best serve his purposes. And unfortunately it appeared he'd also taken up with a number of outcasts. No, no, that will not do. The boy needs a strong force of supporters behind him… That these supporters would be unquestioning loyal to Dumbledore above all others was inconsequential. Well no matter, half of the fun in my work will be moulding the boy appropriately for the task.

He puffed himself up a bit and stepped forward as the boy crested the top steps and put on his best grandfatherly face. "Ah, Harry James Potter. My boy we have been anticipating your return to the fold greatly." He said beaming at the lad.

He spared those around him a friendly glance. "I should very much like to speak with you about a great many things. Miss Granger, Mr Longbottom, Miss Lovegood? Would you be so kind as to continue into the Great Hall while I speak with young Harry?"

They bobbed their heads dutifully. "Yes Headmaster," and wandered off through the doors behind him. He noted the boy was eyeing him curiously. Only right of course. The boy is clearly interested in such an influential man in his new world…

"Harry my boy…" he began.

And to his immense surprise he was interrupted. "Hadrian, please headmaster." the lad requested pleasantly. "I prefer my whole name."

Dumbledore blinked at him in surprise, as much for the interruption as what was being said. Hmmm, unfortunate, Harry is so much more approachable as names go. But there is nothing to be gained by quibbling over such a thing just yet. That can be adjusted in time I'm sure…

He smiled brightly, "Of course, of course, now would you please follow me to my office?" He suggested.

The boy cocked his head looking confused. "I'm sorry Headmaster, but I was under the impression I would need to undergo the sorting like everyone else…" he ventured uncertainly. "And don't you need to preside over the ceremony?"

He tried for reassuring. "We can see to the sorting in my office Har—Hadrian I assure you…" He said kindly. "And my deputy can take care of the obligations this once." He offered the boy his best twinkle eyed knowing look.

The boy looked disappointed. "Oh…It's just—I was rather looking forward to the opening feast you see, I've heard so much about it. And to take part in such an honoured tradition…" He offered hopelessly.

Dumbledore considered that. He had hoped for some time to question the boy in private and get a good grasp on the extent of the damage. That way he could oversee the first steps of guiding him back on course quickly. But, the boy wasn't wrong to want to be part of the ceremony as intended…Perhaps he could put off the meeting until after?

"But of course my boy." He said jovially. "I would hardly deprive you of such a thing if that is what you truly want. I had merely thought to spare you the students' attentions a while longer…"

This was of course, strictly speaking, a lie. He needed Harry humble of course. But he also needed him adored. That had been a large part of this whole song and dance. Keep him humble by keeping him from the feast and the adoring crowds…But allow the fervour to build when he had so loudly proclaimed the boy's presence just now in greeting him. And that could have been further magnified by formally introducing him the following morning at breakfast.

"It's alright headmaster. I can handle it." The boy assured him meekly.

"Quite right." He agreed, making a decision and offering an indulgent chuckle. "This way then, I imagine Minerva will be quite pleased when she comes back with the first years, that she won't need to conduct things after all…"

As he led the boy into the Great Hall proper, and before all the gaping masses of his contemporaries, he was heartened to see the boy appeared more interested in the wonders of the hall itself as he peered up at the faux sky. Yes, perhaps this will work out just fine.

Dumbledore didn't realize it, but he'd just been outplayed at his own game.


Hermione had managed to get herself seated comfortably by the time Hadrian stepped into the hall. The other students had, thanks to Dumbledore's rather loud welcome, been gossiping noisily about Hadrian for some time. Thus far they'd managed to avoid bothering her about his presence. She hoped it would last.

He certainly wasn't what anyone had expected it seemed. Least of all her. She couldn't help but wonder just what all that would mean going forward.

She had, she hated to admit, been annoyed by the casual way in which Dumbledore had dismissed her and the others. But one simply did not disobey the headmaster over something so trivial.

It wasn't long after Hadrian had stepped into the hall that Professor Mcgonagall arrived with the first years in tow. They were utterly drenched the lot of them.

She was tied up in her own wandering thoughts as the Hat was presented to the hall and did it's usual song and dance. She only snapped out of it in time for the sorting.

"Stewart Ackerly…Ravenclaw!" Cheering from her own table.

"Malcolm Baddock…Slytherin!" Loud boos from the Gryffindor table.

"Eleanor Branstone…Hufflepuff!"

"Owen Cauldwell…Hufflepuff!"

A jittery lad stumbled forward. "Dennis Creevy…Gryffindor!" The red and gold table went wild as the lad shuffled over looking dazed.

"Emma Dobbs…Ravenclaw!"

"Humphrey Humperdink…Hufflepuff!" Unfortunate name that, she reflected.

"Dorkas Finn…Gryffindor!"

"Mavis Beckon…Gryffindor!"

"Laura Madley…Hufflepuff!"

"Natalie Mcdonald…Gryffindor!"

"Jimmy Peakes…Gryffindor!"

"Mafalda Prewett…Slytherin!" She heard a particularly loud boo from Ronald.

"Graham Pritchard…Slytherin!"

"Orla Quirke…Ravenclaw!"

"Kevin Whitby…Hufflepuff!"

"Nigel Wolpert…Gryffindor!"

Finally the first years were sorted and Hadrian stepped forward. "Harry Potter?" A hush fell over the hall as she watched. She was pleased to note he didn't bask in their attention merely ignoring them as he paced forward and sat. McGonagall placed the sorting hat on his head. Silence, for the longest time, just silence. The hat's expression, concentrated and thoughtful. Finally after what felt like an eternity it spoke. "Ravenclaw!"

There was an explosion of cheering from her table, she noticed as she clapped with the rest of them, thunderstruck expressions from the rest of the hall.

Hadrian, for his part calmly got to his feet and padded along the table before sitting, to many's surprise, beside her. "Guess that was unexpected?" He asked wryly as he settled himself.

She nodded agreement. It was certainly not what the papers had been predicting. They had assumed Gryffindor. So it would seem had Dumbledore judging by his perplexed expression as he stood. Rare for him to seem un-footed about anything.

"Well, now that the sorting is out of the way, tuck in." He instructed. Clapping his hands, the food appeared.

She was virtually certain this gave many in the hall the impression it was he who created the food. She knew better, and wondered idly how the elves were managing today.

They sat eating in relatively companionable silence for a time, before Cho Chang, cow that she was, leaned in. "So Harry, why are you sitting with the bookworm?" She asked, her tone intent and more than a little flirtatious.

Hadrian raised a quizzical brow at her. "First of all, please refer to me as Hadrian," he requested barely sparing Cho a glance. "Second, I was under the impression this was the house of learning," He noted dryly. "Does that not make all of us 'Bookworms'?"

Cho snorted indelicately and waved that off. "No, that makes us Ravenclaws. But there's some who take it to another level. Like Hermione here, she knows every book in the school back to front, but can't get a guy to look at her sideways. Poor lass…" She sneered condescendingly.

Hermione flamed red, in embarrassment and looked at her plate. It was, by her reckoning, true enough. However it was horrendously unkind for someone to rub it in her face.

Hadrian considered Cho for a moment. "Ah, so she outscores you does she?"

This had Cho Flummoxed. "I—No! That is—I mean…" She stammered.

Hadrian gave her a look of distaste. "You were just trying to degrade one of your housemates in front of the new comer yes?" he asked rhetorically. "Presumably to make yourself feel better for some unknown reason. Or possibly with the intent to appear more attractive to the newcomer, which is to say myself." he shrugged. "It's either that, or you're jealous of her. And seeing as this is the house of learning, I assume that would mean in terms of academic accomplishments?" he speculated, then turned away dismissively. "Or it could possibly be both I guess. Either way, please refrain from trying to manipulate me, I take offence that you think me so pliable…"

Cho just gaped at him like a landed fish while the rest of the table watched wide eyed. She stammered something incoherent before sitting herself back down and clearing her throat, pointedly ignoring him.

It had been an impressive, and not unappreciated display. But still Hermione shook her head ruefully. "You didn't need to do that. No sense making enemies in your house so soon…"

He shrugged unconcerned. "I see it more as making friends, besides…" he said considering a potato speared on the end of his fork. "I don't like bullies."

"That's becoming patently obvious" she muttered to herself thinking of the incidents with Ron and with Malfoy. It was curious however, she wondered just what he mean by his comment about making friends.

They managed to finish eating in peace, and the Headmaster eventually stood as the food disappeared from the table, to loud complaints from a certain red head.

"Now as you may or may not know, this year Hogwarts will be playing host to a grand tournament known as the Magi Internationale." Dumbledore began grandly. "As such there are some of matters which you all should be made aware of." he had most of the hall's rapt attention now. "First is that as of the end of this coming week and the beginning of next. Delegations and prospective competitors from various schools around the world will be arriving at Hogwarts. You are all of course expected to uphold the highest standards of conduct, in order to represent your school well."

Hermione suspected this would likely mean harsher punishments for infractions as well.

Dumbledore continued as that sunk in. "Second is that this tournament supersedes all normal school competitions. This does indeed include Quidditch, however you should not despair as a Quidditch Tournament will be included as a portion of the upcoming festivities."

This was met with general cheering. Wizards did love Quidditch, there was no disputing that, Hermione noted to herself ironically.

"Third, the competition itself will function as follows. Any student, of any age may enter their name to compete in the tournament. However participants are chosen by a specially selected magical object according to whom it believes would best represent the school. Two participants will be chosen from each school, one male, one female." he explained. "Finally, I am certain you are all curious as to just what such a tournament will entail. There are of course, a standard battery of five tasks which will be set before the competitors, this will constitute the majority of the scoring opportunities for each school."

"There will, however, be a secondary set of competitions. Duelling, Debate and Innovation." He enunciated precisely. "Any student, even those not chosen as champions may compete in these events. And finally is the Quidditch Tournament, for which tryouts will start monday. The Finalists in the Quidditch tournament will score points for their school according to how they place in the competition."

He rubbed his hands together, almost anticipatory. "Now, as exciting as that is, I'm afraid we must return to more mundane concerns…"

There was a thud and Dumbledore trailed off as the door to the great hall banged opened allowing a figure wearing a battered trench coat, leaning on a stave, to step inside.

As the figure paced forward into the light, it's face was thrown into sharper relief. Revealing a man, who, without a shadow of a doubt, was the most horrendously scarred individual Hermione had ever laid eyes on.

Divots and scars had been carved into his flesh all across his body. And as he proceeded towards the front of the hall it was with the odd shuddering gait of someone who possessed an artificial limb.

But most disturbing was his eyes. One was dark and grey, and peered out suspiciously from under his lank grey hair. The other however was slightly larger in it's socket, appearing to bulge slightly, a shocking electric blue orb which danced back and forth independent of the other.

To her surprise, and perhaps horror, he came to a stop beside her and Hadrian, peering at the two of them for a moment. She could swear that the magical eye was memorizing every detail of their faces. Finally after what felt like an eternity he fixed his attention fully on Hadrian and offered a small nod to him before stumping on.

The man drew a concerned look from Dumbledore as he made his way up to the head table, but ignored it aside for a brief unintelligible growled remark to the Headmaster. He then walked around the table and sat himself down in the one vacant seat.

Dumbledore cleared his throat and began again. "Ah, first off allow me to introduce Alastor Moody, this school's new Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher.

There was a wave of somewhat uncertain applause, during which she took the opportunity to lean in and look at Hadrian closely. "You know the new professor?" She asked in a hush.

He glanced at her briefly and shrugged. "Not well. But yeah, we've met."

Dumbledore nodded absently, "Excellent. Which brings me to the next order of business." He said a touch uncertainly. "In the interest of ensuring this school's safety during such a turbulent event, the Ministry of Magic has deployed a sizeable force of Aurors to both the school itself and Hogsmeade. You are naturally expected to respect and obey such law enforcement officers without question." He noted sternly, and it could have been her imagination but his gaze may have lingered there if but for a moment on the Slytherin table. "Now…"

At this point Dumbledore trailed off into the usual minutiae he repeated every year. Things about school rules and banned objects, before finally wrapping up and dismissing them for the evening.

She was surprised as she sat up to see Hadrian, who was already on his feet offering his hand to her. Certain this must be a misunderstanding she gave him a quizzical, and mildly exasperated look. "You know, I'm not that crippled, I can still stand on my own…"

He just smiled blandly. "I am aware miss Granger, but it is still considered polite for a man to offer a woman his hand is it not?" He pointed out reasonably.

She felt herself flush a little in embarrassment at having chastised him for being courteous. "Of course, I'm sorry," She apologized before grasping the offered hand and allowing him to pull her gently to her feet.

"Now, would you be so kind as to show us to our new quarters?" He requested, and she nodded agreeably, gesturing for him to walk with her.


Dumbledore was…vexed, is perhaps the most appropriate word. Things had not been going as planned, and that was a poor precedent to set for his coming endeavours.

Har—Hadrian, was not proving to be at all like expected. Oh, the boy was not arrogant as he had feared he might prove to be. But neither was he what he was required to be either.

Add to this the Sorting Hat's sudden—fickleness, and he was thoroughly put out. He had after all specifically and firmly instructed the hat to sort the boy into Gryffindor. Instead, the ancient haberdashery reject had gone directly contrary to his instructions and chosen to sort him into Ravenclaw.

Adding to his consternation now, on top of everything else, was Alastor Moody's apparent familiarity with the boy.

He stood now, contemplating such things, casting the hat in question a dark look as he awaited his old friend.

Friends were…an awkward concept for Dumbledore. It was difficult to make and keep friends when the only time of note when you had in the past had resulted in a most spectacular betrayal.

It was also difficult to be at all genuine with your acquaintances when you had come to be in the habit of viewing people as resources or pieces in a game.

Fawkes, a phoenix which had chosen to keep him company for many years watched him dolefully from his perch.

There was an abrupt knock at the door and Moody stumped in. His eyes darting this way and that, often without any sort of coordination, about the room before he turned to consider him. "Dumbledore."

"Alastor." He greeted imperiously. "I must confess I was surprised to note you and young Harry are apparently acquainted." His tone held a great deal of implied disappointment and disapproval.

The aging Auror allowed the looks to bounce off him with negligible effect, shrugging. "Didn't know that's who he was actually."

Dumbledore cast him a curious if somewhat doubtful look. "Oh, and who was it you believed him to be?"

"Just a lad."

"Really?" he didn't bother hiding his scepticism, but Alastor showed no signs that he had any intention of saying more on the topic. "Alastor, I really must impress upon you the import of this. I must learn the details of young Harry's past. He has been missing for some time and we know nothing of his upbringing or his morals…"

Alastor favoured him with a look which conveyed he was less than impressed with this argument. "I don't see how that's any of your business Dumbledore. As I said, he's just a lad. And if he doesn't see fit to fill you in on the nitty gritty of his life, that's his lookout."

Dumbledore grimaced and shook his head. "Alastor, you know as well as I the weight that Harry will need to bear in the future. We must be certain he is able to bear it…"

Moody considered him shrewdly for a time. "Still thinking you need the lad as a weapon eh?" He said sounding irritable.

Dumbledore nodded, aggrieved. "Sadly yes, if recent years have shown me anything it is that Voldemort is indeed preparing to return."

Moody gave him a hard look. "That's a tough lot you have planned out for someone who's naught but a boy."

Albus shook his head in an approximation of sorrow. "Alas Alastor many sacrifices will need to be made. This will be the hardest I assure you."

The aged Auror glared at Dumbledore darkly. Then shook his head, "Yeah well, that's your belief isn't it. I'll help the lad here and there if he asks but I'll leave the plotting and scheming for the future to you, thanks." He said dismissively. "Now, if you don't mind I really need a kip. And you really should tell your death eater to stop listening at doors." he growled stomping over to the door in question and pulling it open revealing the man behind it.

Dumbledore truly was disappointed that he couldn't count upon Alastor's cooperation, but he had other matters to attend to. "Ah, Severus. I had not anticipated your visit. would you care to come in? Tell me what I can help you with?" He suggested.

The sallow faced man remained unreadable as he breezed forward. Only speaking as he came to a halt in front of his desk. "I have just received two rather interesting letters headmaster." He explained smoothly, and pulled out the two sheafs of parchment in question.

"Oh?" Dumbledore asked, vaguely interested, his mind still largely elsewhere.

"The first informed of something I would have assumed impossible had I not received the second along with it." Snape explained dryly. "The first informed me that one Harry James Potter had passed his Potions OWL with an O and thusly would not be attending my classes for the foreseeable future." This caught the headmasters attention and his gaze snapped sharply to the potions master. "The second, was a letter from an associate of mine in the French College of Potions. It confirmed the OWL results and my associate related some of what she knew of the student in question."

Dumbledore raised an intrigued brow in question. Perhaps this would finally give him some insight into the boy? "It seems…" Snape began slowly. "She taught him as a private tutor over a period of three years. During which time he was always referred to as Hadrian and she never received a last name. He was, according to her, a dedicated and thoughtful if only marginally talented student and fully deserved the mark he had received."

The potions master considered the Headmaster for a time as the man pondered these revelations. "As you are no doubt aware, I had no desire to teach the child of Potter, and I will not bother pretending to mourn his absence in my class. However I thought you should be made aware it appears his education had been seen to adequately in his absence."

Dumbledore seemed less than reassured. "Severus, I must confess this turn of events is highly startling. The boy has apparently been in contact with our world all along, and yet has somehow, despite our efforts, managed to quite adroitly avoid detection or any efforts to bring him safely onto the path." He grumbled, failing to notice Snape roll his eyes.

"I truly must know where he has been, and what he has been doing." He said firmly.

Snape shrugged, "Well if you are hoping to rifle through his head, I can tell you right now it will not work." he explained at Dumbledore's startled expression. "I caught his eye during dinner and was able to read nothing at all. As to the question of where and what he has been doing…my associate has mentioned only this. He was always in the company of an older gentleman, in perhaps his fifties or sixties. It may be that Potters activities and maneuvering can be attributed to this—guardian and not any abilities of his own."

Dumbledore sighed. "I had of course assumed he had found shelter with someone. However I must confess this brings me little comfort. While I must agree that for the time being whomever it was he lodged with does not appear to have been serving our enemy...They also appear to an agenda all their own. Most worrying." He grumbled.

Snape tilted his head deferentially. "Indeed, now Headmaster, I really must see to my own house. If I might leave?"

Dumbledore waved idly. "Of course Severus, you may go…"

As the potions master left Dumbledore decided that his course was clearer now. He would need to take measures to get Harry to confide in him. But perhaps it would be best to take a more…circuitous approach for the time being.

It was time for him to call Amelia.


Hermione watched Hadrian with interest as he observed the Ravenclaw common room. His eyes were constantly darting about, constantly assessing, taking it all it.

Eventually she ventured to speak. "So, what do you think?"

He turned back to her slowly, his eyes eventually centring back on her and he grinned. "It's nice actually, airy, I assume it's one of those whole 'let your mind expand' things?" He guessed. She nodded agreement, and was about to reply when Professor Flitwick entered the tower and gestured for the students to gather around.

She leaned in to murmur to Hadrian, "That's Professor Flitwick he's…"

"Charms Professor, head of Ravenclaw, a half-goblin and a Duelling Champion of some renown." Hadrian cited quietly. Turning a somewhat rueful expression on her in response to her surprise.

"Welcome, welcome. It's good to join you all for another year in Ravenclaw." Flitwick declared exuberantly. "For those of you who are new among us, Ravenclaw is the house of the Erudite! And therefore you will find it uncommonly suited and focused on the acquisition and application of knowledge. Now, for those newcomers. The door on the left leads down through the tower to the girls dormitories. The door on the right leads down to the boys. You may all of course find me in my office between…"

The speech continued on for some time. Hermione used the opportunity to consider Hadrian as he dutifully took notes. It was…strange, she decided. Having someone who willing spoke to her on a personal basis. She grimaced however. It wouldn't last, she was sure of that, if nothing else. It never did after all.

As the group broke up she leaned in a little across the small table they had become seated at. "So Hadrian…May I ask what classes you are taking?"

He nodded easily folding away his notebook. "The standard battery, minus potions and history of magic…I also signed up for Care of Magical Creatures, Arithmancy and Ancient Runes."

"Why aren't you taking potions?" She asked curious.

He considered his answer, rolling his shoulders a little."Professor Snape has…a history where my family is concerned." He offered reluctantly. "It was decided it would be better to avoid subjecting me to him for education. This being the case, we hired tutors who brought me up to OWL level on the subject."

She nodded slowly in understanding, then offered a small snort. "Well I can't claim you're missing out. I doubt you would find someone in this school who would describe learning from Professor Snape as a pleasure."

"Now, now Miss Granger, none of that." A cheerful voice chided lightly, Professor Flitwick sidling up.

She bobbed her head dutifully. "Yes professor."

"Hello Professor Flitwick" Hadrian greeted solemnly.

"Hello Mister Potter, I just thought I'd see if there was anything I could help you with at this time?" The small professor offered pleasantly.

Hadrian smiled, it was a nice one, Hermione decided. It was genuine. "Not yet Professor, but you know how it goes, I say that and I'll have a dozen questions by the time I reach my room."

The small professor chuckled. "Indeed I do know what that is like," he agreed. "I see you have made the acquaintance of young Miss Granger, getting settled well are you?"

He nodded easily in reply. "Yes Professor, no problems here. I've enjoyed Hermione's company a great deal." Hermione couldn't help but blush a little at the compliment.

Flitwick nodded enthusiastically. "Indeed, she is a fantastic student, a genuine pleasure to teach." He paused to consider. "Now, if you don't mind, one of my intentions when I came over here was to ask if either of you intended to participate in the tournament or the surrounding events this year?" He glanced at Hermione. "Miss Granger I believe you would be well suited to the innovation competition…And you Mister Potter, I'm sure many would be delighted to see you compete."

Hadrian chuckled amiably. "If it's all the same to you Professor, I'd rather not draw that kind of attention…I might however dabble in the duelling competition, but I think that'd be the limit of it."

"Ah, a man after my own heart." Flitwick chuckled. "And you Miss Granger?"

She considered. "I admit, the Innovation project sounds intriguing but I'll have to see what I can come up with."

Flitwick bobbed his head in understanding. "Very good. Well, it is indeed getting late. I know it is a vain hope, but I would recommend you both use this opportunity to enjoy what time you have to relax. Good evening to you both."

They watched him leave in search of other students. Hadrian turning to her a minute later. "So, what do you plan to do tonight?" he asked curiously.

She shrugged. "I don't know, I was thinking of doing some studying…" She offered a touch lamely even to her ears.

He quirked an ironic smile at her. "The professor isn't wrong you know, it wouldn't hurt just relaxing for the small time left before classes."

She knew both he and the professor were likely right, but she was reluctant. She had her way of doing things, and didn't relish the idea of disrupting that system. Still she was uncertain. "What else would we do?"

He cocked his head at her considering. "You could always show me around the school before curfew?"

She considered that, it wasn't a terrible idea. And besides, there was no point in not enjoying the company while it lasted was there?


In the hills which overlooked the grounds of Hogwarts. On a sodden slope which slunk beneath the shadow of a small cliff a large shaggy black dog shifted form back into that of a human male.

It had, he reflected, been an unfortunately long time since he'd last had the opportunity to resume his natural form. Therefore he was grateful for the modicum of shelter the small cave at the foot of the cliff offered. He was reasonably sure that with a few well placed spells this cave he had found himself in would provide him enough privacy to rest regularly in his human form.

Sirius Orion Black, was for the second time in less than a year, in the vicinity of his old stomping grounds. This time he was here for the right reasons though.

The last time he'd ventured here, he'd been hunting the rat intent on vengeance. This time? He'd come to see the boy who had all of Magical Britain at his feet. His godson, Harry.

It would be harder this time round to sneak onto the school grounds though. As daunting an opponent as a Dementor was, they weren't known for being particularly creative, or very thorough. They didn't need to be after all, their very presence caused most creatures to cower ineffectually or to break and run at their approach.

Aurors were different, he should know, he used to be one. Still, he needed to be here. If not to meet the lad in person as he so desperately wanted to, hen to watch over him as he'd intended to all along.

Still, if he had his way, he'd rather like to try and get in touch with the lad. But he, like everyone else in Magical Britain was wondering just what kind of person Harry was. And more importantly, at least in some ways, where he'd been all this time.


Author's Notes: Hope you all enjoyed that. Please Review and such!