Susannah fingered through the reports of the Tleilaxu punsihment. She knew what they contained. She didn't need to read them again, but holding them occupied her hands while she pondered other things. Susannah remembered her early years. She had been raised to revere and serve the God Emperor, and she had always done so. She hadn't felt the affection that the others seemed to feel, but she had been efficient, determined, and ruthless in her obedience. She had risen to command the Fish Speakers. And now, another Duncan was gone. Another skirmish protecting the Empire. Another day of counting loss and gain. What was it all for? What was her purpose? What was her Lord's purpose? Sometimes, her Lord seemed omniscient. He knew every detail, often before it even happened. Other times, he seemed to know nothing. Was He testing her, ..testing them? What did He want from them, ..from her? Her Lord would awaken soon. She hoped and sighed. Maybe being in his presence again would help her with her doubts.

Leto felt his body give a great shiver as he returned to consciousness. It was like stretching still dormant muscles after a long sleep. Leto enjoyed the feeling, a reminder of his lost humanity. Then in a moment of impetuousness, Leto grinned and gave a big yawn. Of course, given the current state of Leto's body, his yawn was much more impressive than a simply stretching the muscles of the jaw and exhaling. The inner fires of his worm body were stoked. There was a great rush of air into his body as his worm mouth opened and he inhaled deeply. He held the breath for a moment, reveling in the taut feeling of expectation this produced. Then He let it out in a great rush. The Royal Chamber filled with the acrid smell of burnt melange. Leto turned to face the Fish Speaker guards, still grinning fiercely. "Ahh, my lovelies. Your presence is delicious. Send for Moneo. I will speak with him when Susannah and I are finished. And inform Ambassador Malky that I will speak with him after Moneo."

Susannah paused her rush as she saw her guards leaving the Royal Chamber. They were grinning and laughing with each other as they went about their assignments. They noticed their commander and immediately halted, coming to attention. They had difficulty suppressing their smiles though. "What is the meaning of this frivolity?" Susannah aked peremptorily. "Another grin broke out as one of the guards answered her. "God is happy. He called us lovelies and said our presence was delicious. Then He asked to see Moneo and then Malky after you are finished. I'm sorry Commander. I just can't stop smiling. I've never seen or heard of God being happy before."

"Very well. Carry on." Susannah commanded and hurried to see her Lord. She wanted to meet this happy God.

Leto saw his Commander enter the chamber. Susannah was usually serene and confident in everything she did. Her demeanor today spoke of turmoil and doubt.

"It is marvelous to see you today Susannah." He saw her face flush with the unexpected affection in his tone. He saw her turmoil dissipate and determination take its place. She moved forward, her stride filled with duty, her hands readying the reports she would give.

Leto spoke before she could begin her report. "I am honored at your service Susannah. You help soothe the burdens of my soul."

"My Lord..." Words failed as Susannah trailed off. She stood stunned. Her Lord was happy today.

At ease Commander." Leto spoke gently, but firmly, giving Susannah something familiar to latch on to. "Report."

Susannah took a deep breath, straightened her shoulders, and stood at attention. "Lord, The Tleilaxu were punished as You commanded. Sadly, the Duncan was lost. The Duncan replacements were lost as well. The Tleilaxu claim it was a terrible accident, but I believe it was retaliation."

"Yes, the Dirty Tleilaxu struggle to accept their place." Leto's happy expression faded, replaced with a small frown. "Another life given for the Atreides, Duncan." He almost whispered. "Would that I could give water to the dead." Leto paused a moment then pronounced. "Their plots all turn to my design. I will remind Malky of this later. We will remind the Dirty Tleilaxu of their place. They will provide us a new Duncan with the proper modifications."

Leto and Susannah went over the condition of His empire and detailing the plans He felt necessary at the moment. He dismissed her asking her to send in Moneo. Then He spoke the words she would remember forever. "It truly is a blessing to have one such as you in my service, Susannah. I believe it may be safe to open your heart now. We are creating a better future." Susannah smiled as she returned to her office. Her Lord's happiness must be contagious she thought.

Moneo was shocked at the laughter and smiles of the Fish Speakers. He was even more shocked when a beaming Susannah passed him on her way out of the chamber. She waved at him and gave a saucy wink. "We should get dinner later Moneo. I don't feel like dining alone tonight." Did her hips sway as she walked away from him? Certainly not, he thought. The Commander did not behave that way. Unless... Had an enemy somehow drugged the Lord's chambers? Moneo halted in the doorway. He turned to order an emergency purge, but his Lord's voice stopped him. Was Leto affected? He sounded happy, but Leto did not get happy. Moneo again turned to signal an emergency, but Leto again called him before he could. "Everything is fine Moneo. Come in. We have important matters to discuss." Moneo found himself obeying before he could stop himself. He tested the air as he went, but found no signs of contamination. Maybe Leto really was happy, Moneo thought as he stopped in his usual place.

Moneo examined Leto closely for signs of the Worm. He knew that emotions could bring forth the creature, and the creature would kill with no remorse and no warning. Leto's hands were steady though, and his eyes were clear. Of course, Moneo had never seen him happy before. If happiness did sedate the worm as it seemed to, Moneo would have to find a way to make his Lord happy more often.

"Hello Moneo," Leto began softly. "How is your daughter?"

Moneo froze for an instant, revealing his trepidation. "Siona is fine, My Lord. Thank you for asking."

"And her plans to steal my journals?"

"Her plans proceed My Lord. Must we allow her to continue?"

"Yes Moneo. It is necessary that she obtain the journals. And she must do so in a way she perceives as being against our will. She must be tempered as well by the loss of her companions in an operation for which she holds responsibility."

"Yes Lord." Moneo allowed his regret to show in his acceptance.

"I believe a small change will be helpful though." Leto smiled.

"A change my Lord?" Moneo allowed hope to enter his voice, and surprise showed on his face.

"Siona must believe she has lost her companions, but her companions may prove helpful to her later on. Such loyalty should be rewarded. Her companions will be lost to her when they retrieve my diaries. Siona's heart must be heavy with grief and doubt when we begin our trek in the desert. Her companions need not be killed, though. They may be held until their release will not endanger our Path."

Moneo felt hope for his daughter's future. He had despaired that Siona could be saved. The histories showed that many had not passed their trials. Moneo had thought that Siona would be one who failed. He smiled as he replied. "I will see to the arrangements personally, Lord."

They talked a little more, but Moneo was not as focused as usual. Leto smirked internally and allowed Moneo to depart. "Moneo," Leto called teasingly as Moneo exoted. "Enjoy your dinner." Moneo stopped for a moment, stunned as much by his Lord's tone as by the words themselves. Then he smirked and called over his shoulder. "I will my Lord." Dinner with Susannah did seem a good idea after all, he thought.

Leto pondered as he waited for his guards to bring Malky. He had been unusually happy since meeting Harry. Unusually, Hah. He hadn't felt like this since he and Ghanima were children. He had been lonely for so long, he thought, that it had become his normal state of being. And that loneliness had been affecting his empire, and his Golden Path. Thankfully, he had found Harry. His empire would shatter properly now. And his Golden Path would be stronger than ever.

Leto could see Malky's confusion as he entered the chamber. Hmmm, jolly or angry, which would generate the desired response in the ambassador. Harsh words spoken happily. "The Tleilaxu plotted against me. They were punished. They resisted their punishment. Their plots have been, are being, and always will be turned to my advantage." Leto looked up as he spoke. A smile on his face, lost in thought. Then he turned to Malky and his expression grew stern. "Ambassador, what are the Ixians plotting? How much punishment must your people endure to turn their plots to my purpose?"

Malky answered smoothly. "Ix serves my Lord's purposes. The Path continues, yes?"

"Ahh, Malky. Slippery as ever my friend. Ix's collaboration with the Tleilaxu has not gone unnoticed. Inform your masters that I am aware of their schemes, and I approve. Tell them they may involve the Spacing Guild with my blessing. A machine to pilot a heighliner would be something amazing. Tell them to maintain their secrecy. I will be most displeased if this effort becomes common knowledge." Leto finished angrily. "I would hate for you to get caught in the necessary violence if that were to happen."

"Of course, Lord. I warned them they could not hide from you."

The unpleasantness taken care of, Leto enjoyed a pleasant conversation with the only currently living person he could remotely consider a friend. Malky was surprised at the softening of Leto's emotions. His niece would be most effective with this new Leto, he thought after their conversation concluded.

xxxxXXXXxxxx

Harry woke up early the next morning. Still a little tired, but eager to begin the new day, Harry dressed and prepared for breakfast without waking his roommates.

He rubbed his Support Cedric badge with the edge of his robe, and smiled as he entered the Great Hall. He noticed a couple girls sitting together at the Hufflepuff table. They were glaring at him as he walked across the hall. He thought he recognized them from some of his classes. They must be in his year, but he could not remember their names. Well, he thought, time to make some new friends. He grinned and changed direction. He walked up to the table and sat across from the two girls.

"Good morning ladies." Harry said with a smile and a wink as he began loading a breakfast plate. "Come here often?"

One of the girls, quite pretty thought Harry, with her dark black hair and ice blue eyes, turned an icy gaze on him, but the blonde smiled for a moment before copying her friend. "Potter." The black haired hissed. "What do you think you are doing? This is not your table."

"Oh, you know my name." Harry looked pleased and his smile widened. "But where are my manners? We haven't been properly introduced." With that Harry stood and gave a small bow. "My name is Harry James Potter, son of James and Lily." Harry paused and waited for the girls to respond. He kept his attention on the two girls even while the hall grew silent and he could sense the building tension as everyone focused on them.

The girls remained seated for a moment, then the blonde stood and manners forced her friend to do likewise. The blonde held out her hand. "Hannah Marie Abbott, daughter of Henry and Anne. Pleased to make your acquaintance Mister Potter."

"Charmed," Harry murmured as he brushed his lips across the back of Hannah's outstretched hand, looking into her hazel eyes as he did. A slight blush in her cheeks belied the stern expression she held.

"Megan Jones, daughter of Richard and Elizabeth." The blue eyes were icy cold and her porcelain skin contained no hint of blush. Megan had stood and extended her hand as was proper though, so Harry took it and kissed it as he had Hannah's. "Enchanted." Harry focused intently on her eyes and was rewarded with a slight dilation of her pupils. Good, he thought, she does not completely hate me.

"Shall we resume our breakfast ladies." Harry waited for the girls to sit and began to sit himself when a hated voice interrupted him.

"Potter, cease bothering your fellow students and return to your table at once." Harry turned to the author of hate filled voice. "Good morning Mister Snape.' Respect evident everywhere but his eyes, Harry continued. "I noticed these two lovely ladies sitting alone when I entered for breakfast, and such beauty demanded tribute. I did my best sir, but alas, I am a poor substitute for a proper gentleman."

Harry noted that both girls were blushing now, their expressions had softened. Ahh, thought Harry, flattery and a common enemy will get you everywhere. He turned to the girls, speaking before Snape could interrupt. "I am sorry if I have bothered you ladies. Such would never be my intent." He turned back to Snape. "I am unaware that I had violated any rules, sir. If I have done so, you have my abject apologies. I bow to the voice of authority." He turned back to the girls. "Ladies, perhaps we can continue our conversation at a later time." He suited his words to Snape with a bow to the girls, then turned and moved to the Gryffindor table.

As he walked Harry noted a group of Hufflepuff girls descend on the two he had just left. He smiled stopped by Hermione and Neville, sitting in their normal spot at the table. "Good morning Hermione, Neville. I'll talk to you in a bit. I promised the quidditch team a meeting this morning." Neville nodded at him as he passed by. "Okay, Harry." He said pleasantly. Hermione restrained herself from grabbing him and demanding answers, but he could tell the stress of her restraint left her unable to speak.

Harry moved up the table and sat with the chasers and the twins. He noticed that they were all wearing badges now, but theirs were different than his. The new badges still read Support Cedric Diggory, but they left off the True Hogwarts Champion line. "You like them Harry." George said noticing the direction of Harry's gaze. "We helped Hermione make them." Fred chimed in. George chimed in, the twins getting into a rhythm. "She changed the secondary message too." Both twins tapped their badges. "Gryffindors for Hogwarts." The twins spoke in harmony, their badges reading the same and flashing in red and gold.

"Shut it you two." Angelina growled. "Harry's here to talk about quidditch." Alicia spoke excitedly over the top of Angelina. "They charmed them to whatever house matches the person wearing them. We're going to hand them out to everyone."

"That's brilliant. I'll have to get Hermione to fix mine before class. You guys are the best." Harry grinned happily. "Angelina's right though. Quidditch!"

"Right. Let's play some quidditch." Katie spoke eagerly. Harry's always happier when he's flying, she thought. Then thought again. Damn, I really am starting to like him. Harry smiled at her, and her pulse jumped. Ok girl, get it together. I'm gonna have to do something about this. He was always kind of cute, but he seemed too young for me. I guess it's this new attitude he's showing lately.

"Some pick up Quidditch would be great." Harry said, distracting Katie from her musing. "But I was thinking we could get the other houses and schools involved and set up our own tournament." He trailed off at the dumbfounded looks he was getting. "Unless you guys think that's too much."

"That's a great idea Harry." Katie spoke up wanting to show her support. "We just didn't think of anything that grand."

"Yeah," the others chimed in. "Something like that would be awesome, but how would we manage it."

"We should set up a meeting. You guys okay talking to Cedric and Roger? Maybe get one or both of them to talk to Montague.' Harry grimaced. "We have to at least invite the Slytherins or the professors will shoot us down. I'll talk to Victor and Fleur. We can meet this evening and make some plans. Quidditch captains and champions only for the meeting, ok? Too many and we won't get anything decided."

"Good idea Harry." Angelina spoke up as the presumed Gryffindor captain, and the others were quick to agree. None of them had thought the idea of pick up quidditch would turn into something this ambitious, but they were all quite pleased with the notion.

Breakfast finished and tasks arranged, the quidditch conspiracy broke to attend their day's activities. Harry rejoined Hermione and Neville as they were finishing breakfast. "Harry, what is going on?" Hermione demanded. "In a minute Hermione. Can you fix my badge? That really was a brilliant idea. Yours, I presume?" Hermione blushed and cast the charms on Harry's badge. Harry noted the two Hufflepuff girls leaving their table. "Quick, Hermione, can I have two of the new badges?" She glared at him, but fished two badges out of her bag. "Thanks Hermione. Be right back."

"Hannah, Megan," Harry called as he caught the girls leaving the hall. "I'm sorry if I annoyed you this morning, but I hope you would be willing to do me a favor."

Megan sniffed and turned to leave, but Hannah held her arm and stopped. "You are quite annoying Harry." She softened her words with a smile. "What is this favor you want?"

"Hermione and the twins altered the badges. I was hoping you would be willing to give the new ones a try." He tapped his badge to show the secondary message. "They're supposed to reflect the house of the wearer. I was hoping you would test them for me. Besides, I don't smell that bad do I?"

"Fine, give it here." Megan snorted and snatched a badge from a surprised Harry. She replaced her current badge and gave the new one a tap. Hannah quickly did the same. The badges read Hufflepuffs for Hogwarts with a rotating wheel of yellow and black as the background.

"You wouldn't mind wearing them instead of the others?" Harry asked nervously. "And telling others they can get them from the twins, Angelina, Alicia, or Katie?" He nodded to the doors of the hall where the twins and chasers were holding boxes of badges and offering exchanges.

"Fine," the girls sighed in exasperation. But they smiled as they left, and Harry saw them showing off the new badges to their friends.

Aside from the normal classwork, Harry spent the rest of the day satisfying Hermione's curiosity and preparing for the quidditch conspiracy meeting that evening. Victor and Fleur had been suspicious, but they both had agreed to attend. Angelina told him that Cedric and Roger had both agreed to come and to talk to Montague. Harry was nervous, but he thought there was a good chance the meeting would go well.