A/N: Apologies for the long delay. I will attempt to update more frequently. Further my previous chapters need revision since new changes to the site have eliminated scene breaks.

-HP-

"Lucius," Harry hissed, seated before him in the temporary headquarters of Malfoy Manor. "Report."

"My lord, we have recovered a quarter of the ingredients you requested," the Malfoy head began, unfurling a roll of parchment and handing it to him. "Many of them are extremely rare and as such…"

"I know," Harry snapped impatiently. "To be frank, I am impressed that you have acquired this amount. At this rate within another several years you will have all the ingredients I require. Perhaps a reward for my followers is due."

Harry hid a smirk at Lucius' gleeful look. The man was honestly too greedy for his own good, and he didn't need to use Legilimency to know that he was probably going to try something to get more. Playing Voldemort was much too easy, as sad as it was – he had done so convincingly for several years now, and they were nearly at the end of their usefulness. Harry had time to ponder a suitably ironic yet amusing end for the Death Eaters.

Sending them on a wild item hunt around the world, bar Romania, had been a stroke of genius. The Death Eaters were much too busy running around, eager to prove their loyalties to really question him, and Harry was sure the methods they employed satiated their bloodlust – though he was strict in ordering that they leave no trace and to use force reasonably lest they be discovered. Though admittedly even he knew that this would be extremely difficult, and Harry knew regrettably that collateral damage would occur.

Externally Harry dismissed him with a wave of his hand, turning to the walnut door behind him.

Although looking like any normal door, a strong wizard would get an odd sensation if they walked past it, a feeling easily rectified by weak notice-me-not charms. That was because it was in actuality a Displacement Gate, popularly known as a Gateway.

Harry put his hand on the knob, letting the magic on the door recognize his unique signature before it hummed and unlocked, letting him into the Headmaster's office of the Royal Academy of Magic and the Arcane.

The name had been chosen on a whim, but it fitted the dark, shadowy tones of the castle. Though on the outside it appeared like a large gothic castle, it was designed on the interior to resemble more Grecian and Roman architecture.

He could remember the first day of the students' inauguration very clearly, all of them recognizing the styles of architecture that had been incorporated. It was in the inauguration chamber, a place which was distinctly more influenced by Egyptian architecture than others.

And like Egyptian beliefs, it symbolised death, to go on a voyage of self-discovery, and knowledge. To enter the Royal Academy was for your old self to die and your new self to become enlightened.

Harry thought it was a pretty good idea, Sirius just told him he was thinking too hard. This was probably true.

Slipping into his guise of the middle-aged Headmaster, he walked towards the grounds, where the students were learning hand-to-hand combat in the sand pits.

"Good!" Sarge yelled, kneeling down beside a boy who had wrestled another into submission. "Make sure you keep your grip tight. Allow him no room to maneuver or get any of his limbs out of the submission hold. Keep it strong." As he noticed the Headmaster approaching, he stood up. "Hold up you lot and stand!"

The class got up, giving him a greeting as he approached. "Good morning students. I'm just here to talk to Sarge."

"Very good. Alright you lot, take turns practising the new submission holds!"

Harry had found Sarge in wizard America. A squib who had served in the US Special Forces, he had stayed on for several years as a combat instructor and trainer before enjoying early retirement. He preferred the nickname 'Sarge' over his real name Rock Williamson, and agreed to take on this job to supply his children money to afford a better education above the bigotry of wizards. "What's up sir?"

"How are the children progressing?" Harry asked as they walked through the grounds.

"They're not going too bad actually, for a bunch of school children. Most of them have grasped it fairly well, even the girls once they learnt of the benefits. You've got a bunch of bright kids here."

"The best," Harry answered. "They're all bright, that's why they were chosen."

Sarge scratched his head. "Well you know how I feel about this whole thing. Most of these kids are pretty likeable. I'd hate for any of their hopes to be dashed once they fully entered the wizard world and saw how corrupt it was."

"That's why this school is in place. I've been over to several wizard villages, and what they learn is almost medieval. It's no wonder their world hasn't changed at all. We need leaders who can show the way."

"Well that's all well and good," Sarge replied, his distinctive Texas accent showing, "and I'm pleased to say that they're all doing well. I feel some are ready for more advanced hand-to-hand and maybe weapons training."

Harry raised an eyebrow. "Already?" What made Sarge even further qualified for the job was coming from a strong martial arts background, meaning he was qualified to handle most traditional weapons.

"Some of them catch on pretty quick."
"While that's a good idea, I'm guessing there're a few that are a little slower than the others. Make it clear that they're only as good as the weakest of them."

Sarge nodded. "I see what you want – teambuilding huh?"

"Exactly. The quicker ones will help the ones who find it difficult catch on, if only to learn more. It wouldn't work with normal kids, but these kids are bright. They know they need each other anyway."

It had been a shock to many of them to realize the existence of magic, and a world literally underneath their feet. Without each other, they were alone in this new world, and to be cast alone in a world steeped in corruption and bigotry was tantamount to suicide for them, especially as muggleborn. They all knew of such derogatory terms as 'Mudblood', though eventually grew to be proud of their titles, the boys even using it in casual conversation.

Many of the muggleborn students whom he had recruited for the Royal Academy had actually never attended Hogwarts in Harry's original timeline, although later on in his extensive travels he had encountered each and every one of them and found them to be extremely gifted, several of which formed the backbone of his extensive private army. In fact, bar Hermione none of them had attended Hogwarts. Some came from as far away as New Zealand.

Harry paused and gave Sarge a nod. "Thank you for the report and as always you have my utmost confidence in your training methods. As such, you may file a request for the items you need to train the children."

"Thanks sir, I'll get back to it."

The former Emperor felt pleased as he walked back to the castle. It seemed it was the right decision to create a secret school of magic, and it felt the right time to begin expanding his network of contacts. There were several plans that Harry wanted to bring to light, and he was sure Sirius would be willing to lend a hand.

-HP-

Remus was not having the best morning. It was the day after his routine werewolf transformation, and without Wolfsbane potion the process was painful and exhausting. Remus felt like he had run a marathon as he went into the Leaky Cauldron. "A shot of Fire whiskey and some breakfast, Tom," he said, sitting on the bar stool.

"Fire whiskey this early in the day, Mr. Lupin?" Tom inquired, even as he pulled out a glass and began pouring it.

"It's been a long night…" Remus frowned as he dug into his pocket. He thought he had some money left over from his last job before they fired him, but…

"This gentleman's food and drink are on me Tom," an unfamiliar voice said from beside him, dropping a few coins into the Leaky Cauldron owner's hand.

The startled Remus turned around to see a stranger who was immaculately dressed in a muggle suit, with chiseled features, slicked back blonde hair and crystal blue eyes. "I'm sorry Mr.…"

"Machiavelli," the stranger interrupted. "Draco Machiavelli."

That odd name stirred something in Remus' memory, that surname sounded familiar but he didn't know why. "Mr. Machiavelli, I thank you for the offer, but I don't think I can repay you anytime soon."

"That's not necessary, when one says it's 'on me', that usually implies it is done without thought of something in return," Draco said calmly as he sipped on a drink Remus was unfamiliar with.

"Well…thank you," Remus said, unused to such kindness. It took a minute before Tom gave Remus a plate with several sausages, bacon and eggs, and he dove in with great hunger, wolfing (no pun intended) through the food before sitting back, letting the drink dull his aching body.

"You are Remus Lupin, correct?"

Remus paused. "That's right, how do you know me?"

"You might not know me, but I was a first year when you and your friends were in your seventh."

"Is that so?" Remus laughed – his school years were a distant memory, a warm one, and soon the two of them launched into a discussion about their time at school, specifically Remus' role in the notorious Marauders.

After the two of them had laughed their way through several prank stories, Machiavelli paused, swirling the liquid in his drink. "Times changed after you left, Remus. The Slytherins were even more vicious than ever and I remember having a school grudge with this idiotic one in the same year. I beat him every time, of course, but it just wasn't the same, what with it being a war and all. Whatever happened to the Marauders anyway?"

At this Remus' eyes darkened. "You don't know?"

"I've been overseas for most of the time. I've only just returned, and it's been a while since the war ended. I haven't heard much aside from the occasional Boy-Who-Lived fanatic."

"Well you should know that James died when Voldemort busted into their home…" to his surprise Machiavelli didn't react to the name. "They were betrayed by Sirius. Peter was killed when he confronted him."

Machiavelli looked at him in horror. "Sirius? No!"

Remus nodded glumly. "It's true. Sirius was the secret-keeper, and he was a Death Eater all along. He was thrown into Azkaban, but with the recent breakout he's on the loose once more."

"Tom!" Machiavelli called. "Another glass for the gentleman." Once Remus had Fire whiskey in hand, Draco raised his own drink. "I propose a toast then. To fallen comrades."

"To fallen comrades," Remus agreed, as they both drank.

"Although I find it odd that Sirius would betray you," the man noted. "You see Remus, I worked for the goblins for a little while, and one thing you learn from the goblins, excellent bankers that they are, is people's behavior. Sirius to me seemed the perfect Gryffindor – loyal, honourable and just. Are you quite certain he was the traitor?"

Remus nodded. "Yes."

"Because, if it were up to me, I would have picked Peter as the betrayer. A follower, weak, ready to switch sides to play for the winning team… I've seen plenty of them in my time, Remus, and believe me once you've seen one you've seen them all."

The werewolf frowned as he thought back. True, but the evidence…"

"From the stories I pick up every now and then, they were circumstantial. In a muggle court, though circumstantial evidence is taken into light only hard, solid evidence is used. For example, was Veritaserum at all used on Sirius in his trial?"

"No…he didn't have a trial." Remus whispered, a seed of doubt forming in his mind.

"I'm glad you see things my way," Machiavelli smiled as he grabbed hold of Remus, and activated his Portkey.

Remus found himself dumped into a large and extremely lavish muggle hotel room, with the very person they were talking about just before.

Sirius was looking significantly better now, in fact it looked like he had never been in Azkaban at all. "Hey Remus," he said with a smile. "Harry told you I'm innocent right?"

"Sirius? Wait, Harry?" A gob smacked Remus turned to see the form of Draco Machiavelli disappearing into a small boy.

"Hello Remus," Draco – no Harry Potter said with a smile. He brandished a wand and flicked it, creating a large, glowing bowl with swirling fluid in it. "I'm sure you have many questions. Because I don't like repeating myself, I've created a temporary Pensieve with the relevant memory for your viewing."

Temporary pensieve? Warily, Remus lowered his head into the liquid, to find himself in for the shock of his life.

The first memory Harry had placed in was a memory of Sirius', in particular what had really happened that night, and the second was Harry's, of his conversation with him regarding his unique history.

Several minutes later Remus pulled his head out, turning to give Sirius a strong hug. "I'm sorry I ever doubted you Padfoot, I was such an idiot for thinking you would betray us!"

"It's alright Moony, we thought that you were the traitor because of being a werewolf, those were crazy times my friend."

Remus regarded the young boy before him now with a new perspective. "I don't quite know what to say to you Harry. After listening to your tale…the logical part of my mind says this is desperately a hoax."

"Then we must have different laws of logic, because that is among one of the only explanations to make sense," Harry said as, to prove a point he effortlessly conjured for himself a splendid throne to sit in.

Remus shook his head. "This is some crazy dream," he muttered.

Sirius simply rolled his eyes. "You know, you were always meant to be the smart one Remus."

Harry raised a hand. "Just listen to me for a moment Remus. As you heard in the memory I'm running a school, called the Royal Academy of Magic and the Arcane. It's a school for gifted people, people who the wizarding world traditionally shuns, to learn their abilities and take their place in the changing world, specifically places of leadership. We're talking about changing the whole world Remus, not just wizard but muggle. I'm not always going to be in Remus, I need to expand to a bigger staff. I want to teach them everything, and to do that I'll need teachers to accommodate different subjects." He held out his hand. "I'd be honoured for us to have you aboard. You'll be paid, suitably accommodated in the castle and you'd be free to teach them whatever you're most comfortable with."

Remus frowned. "But your type of magic…"

"They're aware of my type of magic, but they need to start off with what wizards know first before progressing. Look, I'll make you a deal as well. You teach at my school, and not only do you get paid, sheltered and fed, but I teach you how to control your wolf form. That is, being able to transform with only a thought, and as you wish as well."

Remus froze. "You can do that?"

"Yes. I could alternatively offer a cure for the disease, and it is true many did in my time, others decided to make better use of the ability. So what do you say?"

"You have a deal Harry." They shook hands.

"YES!" Sirius punched the air. "I have my friend back!"

-HP-

Hermione was a smart, sensible and logical girl, but her logic had completely failed her when the chauffeur who was meant to take her to her new private school took her to one that completely defied belief.

It would have been completely overwhelming, had the other students not found themselves in the same predicament. Hermione found it refreshing because all of the students were similar to her, with a keenness for knowledge and learning, and she was proud to say that she was friends with all the students. It was simply so lovely to share something as amazing as magic with people like her who were just as much in the dark!

The library the Royal Academy had was massive, and Hermione among others had devoured it, although she was shocked at the amount of corruption and bigotry in this world. The Headmaster had told them in their inauguration that these were problems that they needed to solve, together.

She had learnt so much since she came here, not just about magic but about life and people as well. Many of the boys were talented and studious but they had also taught her not just to rely on books but also her experience. Quite a few of them liked to start early and take a walk around the grounds, which were absolutely beautiful. Every morning Hermione woke up to a gorgeous sunrise and the sweet smell of the sea, and as they explored they began putting their experience to use. Unbeknownst to them Harry had chosen the location carefully, as there was a large area of safe woodland and forest nearby, and Hermione and her friends liked to walk through the bush, identifying many of the different plants and animal calls and generally enjoying the sights and smells of nature.

Physical training was something that had thrown Hermione completely as it was something she was certainly not good at. However, because they were such a close group of students through encouragement and help from some of the more athletic boys and girls she had been able to slowly take it on board and after some exhausting lessons started to enjoy pushing herself to her limits just as much as she did academically.

As she sat in a large room many of the students dubbed the 'lounge' due to the presence of large sofas and pillows, one of the new professors, Professor Lupin, came in.

The new professor had truly earned the students' respect as had several of the other teachers, Sarge included. He taught them about the wizard perspective on magic, and many even stayed behind in the afternoon lessons to talk with him further about the subject. They had him many times over the week, as they were such a small group, and he comprehensively taught them the subjects he himself was taught at Hogwarts, bar Potions, where a separate professor was consulted, as with History of Magic.

Remus himself was glad to say he took the job, as he had never taught a finer bunch of pupils. He thought it would be stressful to have the same group of people, or to teach such a wide range of subjects, but they took on everything so quickly it was a joy every time.

"Hello Professor," Hermione greeted, as did all the other students in the lounge. "I've been reading about the Theory behind becoming Animagus, when can we start?"

"Hello Hermione, I'm afraid not for a few years until you've become quite familiar with Transfiguration. However, the Headmaster wishes to see you."

As Hermione climbed the stairs she vaguely wondered what this was about – the Headmaster rarely called private meetings, instead cultivating a family environment by including everyone in everything. All the students, and teachers were very close, for example it was common knowledge that Professor Lupin was a werewolf.

She had never actually been to the Headmaster's office, so when she did she was surprised to find it sparsely furnished, and a young boy there about her age.

"Er…excuse me," she said, and was astonished to see startling green eyes turn around to look at her. "The Headmaster wanted to see me?"

In a surprisingly eloquent voice, he answered. "The Headmaster will be back in a minute. You are Hermione Granger, I presume?"

"Yes…that's right."

He smiled, shaking her hand. "Good evening, my name's Harry. Are you enjoying your time at the Royal Academy?"

"Very much so!" she enthused. "To think, a whole secret society with their own laws and ethics…"

"Rather amazing isn't it? Especially with such bigotry and corruption," Harry said with a sigh, shaking his head. "I'm even more amazed that the system has lasted this long. However, as you know an inefficient system will not stand forever. Sooner or later, most likely sooner, it will change, and for better or for worse? It is up to us to make the laws." He gave her a smile as he began walking out. "It's been a pleasure to meet you Hermione; I hope you do great things."

"Thank you," Hermione replied as the mysterious boy exited.

As if on cue, the Headmaster made an appearance half a minute later. "Good evening Miss Granger, I apologise for my belated appearance. I see you've met young Mr. Potter, have you?"

Hermione could only gape in shock. "T-That was Harry P-Potter?"

"Indeed, quite an extraordinary boy if I do say so myself," the Headmaster mused, stroking his beard. "That is not the reason I called however. Every once in a while I will call a student up to my office to make sure the Royal Academy is up to appropriate standards. So tell me Miss Granger, what do you think of our humble school?"
"It's amazing Headmaster! I absolutely love it here! Everything about this place is extraordinary; I'm close with all the students here, we all get on so well…"

The Headmaster listened patiently as Hermione talked and talked, outlining all the best points of the school. After several minutes, he raised a hand. "I'm glad that you are enjoying the school. You see, from here on it will get much harder. You are all prodigiously talented, and the Royal Academy wants you to get the very best out of your talent instead of squandering it in useless pursuits. You and your fellow students will be pushed like you have never been pushed before, but I assure you that the rewards will be worth it. We want you not only to gain a magical education but a well-rounded one, but the focus is not only on individual pursuits but the pursuit of many. When you leave here, the students here will be as brothers and sisters." He paused. "On a completely different note, have any of you discovered the secrets of the Royal Academy?"

"….Secrets, Headmaster?"

"Yes, indeed. For you see, the creator of the Royal Academy wants you to engage all your senses and what you have learnt, and what better to do this than a little bit of a mystery? What is the point of learning a skill if you cannot use it outside the classroom?" The Headmaster gestured around him. "The Royal Academy is full of many secrets, secrets simply waiting to be discovered. If you discover these mysteries, and find them…the rewards my dear, will be very, very much worth it."

As Hermione returned to her classmates to fill them in on what the Headmaster had told her, she resolved to find all these mysteries and solve them.