I do not own Harry Potter or Fate/Stay Night. Those belong to their respective creators and not me. I am only writing this for fun and not for profit. If you don't like the story then you don't have to read it. I certainly am not forcing you to do such.

Fate/Ingens Cor

By Ten-Faced Paladin

Chapter 7: Summer's End

Harry stood in the middle of a castle courtyard which was minimally lit in the cloudy day and filled with various odds and ends which seemed a castle would have. At first Harry thought that he was back in Hogwarts, but quickly was proven wrong. The feeling was all wrong. The warmth, the homeliness, the feeling of welcoming was all gone. Despite being an ancient castle, the grounds of Hogwarts always felt like a safe haven. This place…this place was the exact opposite. This stone fortress was filled with nothing but a feeling of being unwelcomed and darkness.

If the sensations were enough to cause chills in his bones, the sight which surrounded the young man was more than enough.

Harry stood in the middle of what seemed a terrible free for all. Ten fully grown men were lying in pools of blood of various sizes. They were dressed in tarnished armour which showed a lack of care beyond functionality. They each had a various amount of heavy weapons ranging from axes and maces to swords and claymores. They were obviously intimidating figures.

The one who defeated them though was anything but.

He was standing at the back of the courtyard in front of a large pair of double doors. From head to toe, he was dressed in armour which was purest white. Every inch of it seemed to be more appropriate for a work of art rather than protection in warfare. It's entire surface was smooth and curved, looking like it was magic crafted into steel. The knight held a sword which seemed to be made of silver rather than steel. It was quite obvious that he had been the one to kill the ten men in the room if the sword covered in blood was any indication despite the rain washing it off. Despite being the one who killed ten men, Harry couldn't feel afraid of him at all. Just something about the white knight made him feel like everything would be okay in the end.

The knight was kneeling slightly, obviously catching his breath from the previous fight. He was tired, but he was far from being finished. After a few moments of catching his breath, he stood up tall and began to advance through the remainder of the courtyard. He approached a large pair of wooden doors. Coming to a halt, he raised he white armoured fist and slammed it down on the surface.

"Copper Knight!" the white knight shouted out. "Show yourself! I have defeated your twenty knights! Show yourself Copper Knight!"

Harry gasped, recognizing the voice. Was this white knight…Saber?

Growing impatient, the white knight grabbed the iron ring which served as a door handle and pulled on it. The door gave a loud creak and opened without much of a hassle. Inside was a typical throne room, or at least what Harry thought was a typical throne room. Iron chandeliers giving light from candles, shields with decorative swords, and even average metal suits of armour. At the back of the room was a simple throne, one which would have been used by nobility. Discarded at the foot of the throne though was a full suit of armour which looked like it was made out of copper. Whoever it belonged to had left it behind in a hurry, leaving it as it was.

"Copper Knight…" the white knight frowned in distaste. "COWARD!"

The yell echoed through the fortress, a knight's bitterness over being denied honourable combat.

Harry gasped as he returned to the waking world. No longer was he in some unknown castle with a white knight denied his call to battle, but in his bed inside Grimmauld Place. With a soft groan, Harry sat up so to get the fog out of his mind. The dream itself wasn't exactly what one could call a nightmare, especially since the odd dream he would get of Voldemort's actions but it was still unnerving in its own way. There was no true rage in the white knight, but the sheer disappointment he exuded was almost as bad.

"Master? Are you well?"

Harry blinked and despite his blurred vision thanks to having no glasses on, he could still tell he was looking at Saber. Scratching his head, he muttered, "I'm fine Saber." Reaching to the bedside table he retrieved his glasses and slipped them on. Glancing over to his Servant, he spotted the black knight sitting up in his customary chair. He must have noticed Harry's discomfort upon awakening.

"Did you have a nightmare, Master?" asked Saber.

Harry nodded as he tried not to reflexively cringe at the term. He had actually wanted to talk to Saber about the whole 'Master' thing. The casual reference really didn't feel all that good about the term and since all of the excitement between the Grail War, his investigation, and the Grimmauld Place chores had died down, he could try and do something to use up his time. The first thing he had wanted to do was get Saber to call him by name rather than by his title. It made Harry feel like Saber was his slave sometimes. Hermione certainly started to insist Archer call her by her own name, her S.P.E.W. spirit burning brightly for any kind of enslaved people, but Archer kept using the title. It was quite obvious he was just using the term to agitate her, much to the amusement of the twins.

"No, it was just strange," Harry replied. "It was a pleasant change compared to some of my normal dreams."

"The ones which connect you to Voldemort," Saber reasoned.

"SNK!" Ron's snore sounded off, signalling the redhead's return to the waking world. Mumbling, the redhead sat up with a yawn. Blinking, he spotted Harry and Saber, "Do you two have to talk so loud?"

"Sorry," Harry sighed. "It's just as good that you're up anyway I suppose. Breakfast should be ready soon."

"Oh," Ron yawned a second time. "Good timing then."

The boys managed to pull themselves out of bed and went to get dressed. Ron and Harry both admitted it was a little awkward at first dressing with another person in the room. It wasn't like they were unused to the concept, having changed into their Hogwarts robes together on the Hogwarts Express and in their dorm rooms. In those instances, they were each changing among boys their own age and had more or less lost their reservations with them. With a grown man in the room, they felt that awkwardness all over again. Fortunately, they got over it soon enough since Saber didn't give any kind of judgement or teasing like some of the other boys in their dorms may have. Now Saber was just like one of the guys…albeit one who never slept, ate, or even went to the bathroom.

The boys exited the room with Saber sticking close as always. They quickly made their way down to the kitchen (ignoring the mounted elf heads) where Molly was making her usual gut-busting breakfast. Ginny and Hermione were already there with Archer in his usual morning victory smirk. The reason for the smirk was quickly made obvious with the twins sitting across from the redheaded bowman with syrup in their hair and feathers stuck on top of that, making both of them look like they were half-bird.

"Thirty-seven to fourteen, my favour boys," Archer grinned. "Better step your game up if you want to catch up."

"Revenge will be ours," George vowed dramatically.

"So swear the Brothers Weasley," Fred agreed.

Archer snickered as he sipped his morning tea, "I'm always open for a challenge."

Despite the rather chaotic entry of Archer and Saber into the Order Headquarters, they seemed to make themselves at home and managed to become part of the organization despite their strict loyalty to solely Hermione and Harry, respectively. Archer had become something of the unofficial Weasley, especially after Percy's estrangement from the rest of the family thanks to his belief in the absolute authority of the Ministry. Ginny still had her suspicions that Archer was some kind of relation despite how unlikely it was to be true. The prank war with the twins was still in full swing with Archer quite obviously in the lead. As fellow pranksters, Lupin and Sirius couldn't help but sit back and admire the chaos the two warring sides created.

Saber was a somewhat different story. Many of the adults were still remaining wary of him save for Sirius and Lupin. Harry guessed that it was his rather dark look, what with his black armour and all. As ones who bent and broke rules all the time as the Marauders, Lupin and Sirius were perhaps more easygoing about his presence. Or perhaps it was because of their closer attachment to Harry and Saber's role in his rescue from the Dementors. He was thus far the best bodyguard Harry had, which was likely why no one had tried to separate the two. Unlike most of the Order who had regular jobs to deal with so to get their support and information like Tonks and Shacklebolt or were just plain unable like Sirius or Mundungus, Saber's sole purpose for being there was to protect Harry. So far, he had been doing a splendid job.

"All right everyone, eat up!" Molly called as she brought all of her cooking to the table through use of her wand and levitation charms. Expertly pouring all of the eggs, sausage, bacon, and other things onto large plates where were in the placed on the centre of the table. "There's a small list of chores that need doing before you all set out and I don't want them left to the last minute."

"Aw Mum," Ron groaned. "It's the last day of the hols. Can't you lay up a little? We've been doing chores since we got here."

"Don't take that tone with me Ronald," Molly warned, pointing at her youngest son. "You wanted to help out the Order, well you are. You're doing your part to turn this place into a proper headquarters. If you want to keep staying here then I expect you to keep doing your share."

"Yes Mum," Ron sighed. While he was the kind of guy who could slip into arguments at the drop of a hat, he knew better than to challenge his mother when she was using her authoritative tone of voice. It meant she wasn't going to fold on anything. If anything else, she'd come down on you harder that she would have before you opened your mouth.

"Good," Molly nodded as she sent the empty cooking tools to the sink. Kreacher was under orders to wash the dishes so Molly could assist the Order in other duties or just take a hands-on approach to the rest of the cleaning that the house dearly needed. "Now I'm going to see to the basement. Sirius mentioned he saw more gnomes skittering about the other day. You lot finish breakfast and tend to the drawing room, would you?" Receiving nods, Molly left the children and Servants to their meal.

"Looks like another day of smashing a twisted magi's idea of fun," Archer shrugged as he started getting his share of eggs onto his plate. Like Saber, he didn't need to eat but it certainly didn't mean he didn't like the taste of good cooking. Her screeching voice aside, Molly Weasley certainly knew how to cook. "Not quite what I was picturing when I was summoned."

"Nor I," agreed Saber, taking strips of bacon for himself. It took a lot of solid stares from Molly as well as the scents which her cooking could produce, but Saber was finally taking part in the meals rather than simply watching. To Molly and the Order's disappointment though, he would simply readjust his helmet and slip the food in through his slightly opened visor. No one saw even a hint of his true face, only Hermione claiming she saw his skin but that was it. "However a secure headquarters is extremely useful and a few menial chores are a small price to pay."

He left out that it would be ideal for his and Harry's efforts in the Holy Grail War, not just for the Order's operations against Voldemort.

"I'm more concerned about why our booklists are taking so long to get here," Hermione frowned, collecting toast for herself. "I'm surprised that it's so late in the summer and we still haven't got a word."

"Likely because Dumbledore hasn't been having luck finding a Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher," Ginny spoke up.

"Dad mentioned in one meeting that he's been having a spot of trouble in that regard," Fred nodded, now seemingly accepting of the feathers mounted on his head.

"Likely Fudge trying to slip his own man inside," George frowned. "Lots of the members have been saying he's been mucking things up."

"Well, that and the curse on the position," Fred added. "I mean, look what happened to the other four."

"What else is new?" Harry sighed, rolling his eyes.

Since the days of Harry's interview, Fudge seemed to by trying all sorts of stunts in order to discredit The-Boy-Who-Lived and Dumbledore. The Daily Prophet was rewriting Skeeter's old articles as well as new ones which basically boiled down to the same thing: 'Harry Potter is an attention-seeking brat who is obviously unstable. Don't listen to a word he says. The Ministry of Magic is in complete control.' They were even using rumours about the investigation and Harry's part in it to paint him as an unreliable child. To Harry, and everyone who knew him well enough, it looked like Fudge was getting more and more desperate to try and get Harry and Dumbledore to stop talking about Voldemort. Unfortunately, it was working. Lots of other people were taking the word as absolute truth if the letters to the editor were any indication.

"Honestly," Hermione huffed. "If the man put half as much effort in at least ensuring that what Harry and Dumbledore say is true or false instead of just slandering them, we'd be over this mess already and be prepared for Voldemort."

"The man covets power too much," Archer shrugged, devouring his eggs. "He's denied Harry and that Dumbledore's claims up and down as if he's swearing to God. If it comes out that he was wrong, when he admittedly hasn't done anything to even prove or disprove the claims much less prepare for the worst case scenario, then the people are going to be pretty mad. They're going to want answers and Fudge won't have the ones they'll want to hear. That would lead to him getting the boot, no doubt."

"And the corrupt always cling to power as much as they can," Saber nodded. "If things do get their worst, I expect him to suddenly disappear."

"Like the Copper Knight?" Harry whispered absently as he picked at his breakfast, honestly not thinking about his words entirely. Saber suddenly stiffened and turned his gaze to the black-haired boy. Shock may have been on his features, but obviously the helmet covered that. Harry's whisper seemed to have evaded the others at the table, but Archer's gaze had sharpened as he noticed Saber's sudden reaction to Harry's whispered question. The knight had recovered well, everyone else too busy to notice his reaction as he turned to face his Master.

Silently Saber leaned forward, his face close to his Master's ear, "Master, I would consult with you. I would consult with you most earnestly."

Saber's tone hinted that he would tolerate no argument. Obviously Harry had said something that Saber did not like. Just hearing the shadowed tone had made more shivers run down his spine than the basilisk or even the Dementors could bring. For the first time in his life, Harry actually wished for Voldemort's appearance.


Diagon Alley

Luna and Xenophillius walked down the familiar scenery of Diagon Alley. It wasn't as crowded as it normally would have been and people who were still on the streets were jumpy and quick to reach their destinations. It was quite obvious that people were still scared even though the Death Eater attack was several days ago. Xenophillius had written an account of the event and had quite obviously proclaimed that Voldemort had gained a contract with ancient forces to achieve ultimate power. The Quibbler published the story in record time with pictures from his contacts as well as interviews with witnesses. While many in the magical community scoffed at the stories he ran, Xenophillius ran a tight ship with his magazine and backed up everything he wrote with facts. It wasn't his fault that no one seemed to believe them.

Still, rumours were flying about that it had been Bellatrix Lestrange who had been the Death Eater allied with the man in strange armour. Despite many adamantly saying that she was still locked up in Azkaban, no prison was inescapable. Sirius Black did it so it wasn't impossible to see that others might be able to pull it off too. Despite the Ministry's reassurances that everything was under control, no one felt safe since many of them remembered the previous war and the chaos it threw the Ministry into. Others just didn't have much faith in a government that would go to such lengths to slander a teenage boy and one who many claimed to be the Leader of the Light.

Not that the Lovegoods were concerned. No, they knew they were perfectly safe at the moment. It didn't come from some kind of ability they personally had or belief in some strange creature that others would call them crazy for even considering was real. The reason why they felt much safer was because they had a practitioner of powerful magic watching their backs in his astralized form.

Walking out to the area of the alley which the assault took place, Luna eyed everything despite it all being repaired back to its regular appearances, "So this is where it happened?"

"Yes Honeybun," Xenophillius nodded. "Quite the bit of excitement. The pictures were just thrilling."

"I expected more from a woman who had a Servant with her," Caster commented as he eyed the area. He could of course feel the magic in the air, but none of it held the kind of power that he would have attributed to a Servant wielding. Either the Servant in question was not trying very hard in his terrorizing attempts or he had been very much distracted by the ones who had faced him in combat. "Did your father not say somebody fought the two?"

"Hmm," Luna pondered, relaying Caster's question. "Daddy, didn't you say that some people had fought against the Death Eater and the armoured man?"

"Oh yes," Xeno agreed, the group stopping in at Flourish and Blotts. "A young man with red hair and a pair of swords that were black and white, a young lady wearing red with long dark hair, and a woman in a blue dress with armour, blonde hair, and apparently an invisible sword."

Neither noticed Caster had perked at the description of the swordswoman. Walking between the rows of books and squeezing past the shoppers within, Caster leaned down to Luna. He spoke in a whisper, but not because he feared being overheard, but in quiet anticipation of what might come, "Master, I believe a Servant may have been the one to stop that woman. Is there a picture?"

"I wonder," Luna nodded dispassionately. "Were there any pictures of them? I don't recall the Daily Prophet releasing images of them."

"Yes, because the story has been mostly suppressed," Xeno replied, digging into his robes. That was plainly obvious since Fudge was adamant in pretending that everything was safe, despite what many knew or feared otherwise. "I do so hope they appear again. I would so love to have them for an interview. Ah, here we are." He pulled a photo out of his robes and handed it over to his daughter. Luna took the photo and peered over it. She had to admit that her father was right, the pictures were absolutely thrilling. The Death Eater and her comrade were quite powerful-looking while the three unknowns fought with all their might and seemed to be capable of matching them. The boy was rather handsome, if not somewhat older than her but the woman in blue…

"I don't believe it…" Caster gasped.

"Caster?" Luna blinked, looking up to her astralized Servant, uncaring of who might be listening.

"I believe we have just discovered Saber," Caster's voice echoed with amusement. "Of all of the potential heroes, she was the last one I was expecting to see."

"Oh, so you know who she is?" asked Luna, finding this whole event terribly exciting. Everyone else in the bookstore was giving her odd looks while her father ruffled through the periodicals. Many of the people who were shopping students quickly recognized her, shrugged, and went on their way. After all, Loony Lovegood talking to an 'imaginary' friend was nothing new to them. As a girl who constantly went on about animals which absolutely no one believed to exist or talked about subjects that no one felt they could take seriously, being in conversation with an invisible friend was nothing new to them.

"I know that Saber well," Caster nodded. "The one who wields Excalibur, the sword of promised victory. That woman, my fair Master is Arturia Pendragon."

"Ah!" Luna gasped, for once showing genuine shock on her features rather than simple detachment. "Is it really?"

"I have gazed upon her face myself in my life," Caster insisted. "One does not forget a person like that. I do find it funny that while likely everyone in her kingdom thought she was a man, I was able to identify her real gender right away."

"Oh this is wonderful!" Luna beamed, hopping on the spot. Just ready to burst from the news, she headed to her father and began tugging on her robes, "Daddy! Daddy! Caster just gave me some incredible news!"


#12 Grimmauld Place

Breakfast had become a hurried affair after Saber voiced his wish to speak with Harry. The Boy-Who-Felt-He-Might-Not-Live-Much-Longer tried to stretch out breakfast out of sheer survival instinct. Still, it wasn't meant to last and everyone soon set out to get the daily chores out of the way. Harry would have gleefully followed, but Saber's hand restrained him as the others left. Only Archer spared a glance back at the two, shooting a sympathetic/amused glance at the boy before going on his way. When the wooden door shut behind them, Harry felt it may have well been a vault door for he wasn't going to be leaving until Saber finished with what he wanted to say.

"Master," Saber spoke, breaking the numbing silence. "Why did you mention a…Copper Knight?"

It didn't escape Harry's notice that Saber spoke of the Copper Knight with a fair amount of disgust. The black knight obviously had no pleasant feelings towards the knight in question. Deciding to not try and arouse Saber's temper, however tightly controlled it was, Harry answered, "He was mentioned…in the dream I had last night."

"About?" Saber pressed.

"A…a knight in white armour that was in a castle," Harry replied, finding the table very interesting. "He had just killed ten other knights and called out for the Copper Knight. When he entered the room where I think the Knight was supposed to be, there was only a suit of copper armour that was discarded. The knight was angry and shouted out. That's when I woke up." He glanced up to see how Saber would react to the news and found that the knight wasn't moving. He only had his arms crossed over his chest with his head bowed in thought. There was another numbing silence which Harry found to stretch into infinity before Saber saw fit to break it.

"What you witnessed was an event in my life," Saber spoke, no irritation or malice in his voice. There was only resignation. "It is part of the dream cycle. Masters and their Servants share a powerful bond. During the course of our partnership, you will likely be treated to dreams of events which happened during my life. You will see more dreams such as that as the Grail War continues."

"I…see," Harry blinked. "As if my dreams weren't strange enough. So Hermione is going through this too?"

"She likely has. If not, she will soon. All Masters experience the dream cycle." Saber nodded. "However, it is vitally important that you never reveal what you have seen in the dream cycle. Those events which you may see have indeed happened and will offer clues to my identity. The events are also linked to my legend and are likely known by many, if not easily found. If anyone found out about those events, they could use them to discover who I am and also any weaknesses I have."

"Right," Harry nodded, easily understanding the need for discretion. He didn't need word of such reaching Voldemort, who was no doubt already having the same events occurring to him if he was truly part of the Holy Grail War. "Sorry."

"You are not responsible Master," Saber replied, standing up. "You have not been educated in how the Holy Grail War operates. I suppose I haven't been as detailed about it as I could have either. Usually this kind of information would be given to you by the mediator of the War. However, I was granted no knowledge of who this might be."

"We'll figure it out," Harry nodded. "I'm sure of that much."

"Such an optimistic Master I have," Saber noted, but there was a slightly bit of humour in his voice. "Now I suppose we should be off. That woman won't let us hear the end of it if we don't do the assigned tasks."

Harry smiled in agreement.


Whilst Harry and Saber were having their talk, Ginny, Hermione, and Archer were busy in the drawing room yet again. It was mostly clean save for some pieces of furniture and a bunch of items which seemed to have a variety of enchantments on them which Archer and Saber reported they would destroy last. They were worried about recoil from a possible explosion that an obviously heavily enchanted item might cause. Being nigh immune to magic or at least highly resistant to it, Saber and Archer would just shrug off any retaliation the items may try.

Archer was taking the few smaller objects such as a jewellery box, a necklace, or ring and smashing it with his bow. Hermione was taking a few tomes off of the remaining dusty shelves before cleaning them off. The ones she found interesting she would set aside for reading later. The rest she would leave in a pile to replace when the shelf was cleaned off. Ginny was tackling the few chairs left that had fabric on them in attempts to get the dust and doxy droppings out. Fred and George had dragged Ron somewhere for a moment since they needed his help with something. Harry and Saber were still back in the kitchen, talking about whatever Saber needed to say.

To pass the time, the girls were discussing the kinds of magic that Hermione had used to summon Archer. It was an ongoing subject of conversation between the pair since Ginny hadn't heard of the kinds of summonings which Hermione had been reading up about. She also didn't have any idea that an organization like the Magus Association actually existed. For once, she found herself drawn into one of Hermione's educational explanations as the bushy-haired girl explained what she knew about the kind of magic connected to Archer's summoning.

"So…those books said that you can actually cast magic with something else besides a wand?" asked Ginny. "I mean, I've heard of wandless magic and such, but to use something else entirely?"

"According to the book I found, it's possible," Hermione answered, checking the title of a particularly thick book. "The Magus Association seems to practice casting certain spells or storing magical power through ordinary objects. Rings, daggers, jewels, just about anything. There were even mentions of wizards who have had magical focus in muggle guns or a large quantity of mercury."

"But how?" asked Ginny in sheer confusion.

"Unfortunately the book I have didn't go into it," Hermione sighed. "The only reason I managed to figure it out is because the book liked to mention various people, both famous and infamous and how their magic was known to work."

"Think we can learn about that?" asked Ginny.

"Not at Hogwarts," Hermione sighed. "The Ministry and the Association don't like each other very much. The Association is constantly pushing magic forward, trying to use it in new ways that no one has seen before. Researching, developing, and all sorts of experiments to see what might be possible."

"So what's wrong with that?" wondered the redhead.

"Because apparently it's not what Merlin would do," the brunette replied, stacking more books. "Since the Magus Association associates with the muggle world, keeps track of everything in both magic and science, and experiments in new and strange ways of magic that Merlin wasn't known to do, the Magus Association are considered heretics by the Ministry and like things they don't like in recent days, pretend it doesn't exist if they can help it."

"Then why does the Association not like the Ministry?" asked Ginny.

"Well, likely because they consider the Ministry to ignorant of the world at large, hiding its own little world and living with somewhat backwater ideals," Hermione answered with no small amount of depression. "I can only assume that the likes of Voldemort, Malfoy, and people who share their ideals don't paint the best picture of us. The people in power care so much about keeping their blood purely magical…well, you saw Sirus' family tree."

"No kidding," Ginny shivered, glancing at the large picture of Sirius' family and relations. The mural was certainly artistic enough save for the faces that were blasted out, but the all of the names in it belonged to people related to all of the pureblood families. Ginny even found her own family tree connected to Sirius'. She really didn't think that having that few families intermarrying and breeding together would be healthy in the long term. "So the Magus Association doesn't care about blood purity?"

"Well, I think they care more about bloodlines," Hermione answered. "The books I have keep prominently talking about various figures and who they're descended from. They care more about making bloodlines stronger, making their magic more powerful. Of course just how much of their family are magi seems to count for a lot, but also how powerful the members are magically. I think the difference is that with the Ministry, just having all magical bloodlines is all that is needed. For the Magus Association, you need to have powerful magi as ancestors to be able to brag about it."

"So people like Malfoy wouldn't cut it on money alone?" Ginny grinned.

"Well, money seems to certainly help in anything, but ability seems to count for just as much," Hermione snickered. She could just imagine Draco Malfoy demanding his respect and authority like he did at Hogwarts from someone at the Magus Association, throwing around his father's name like always, only for the magi there to give him the boot because likely no one from the Association had heard of the Malfoys save for perhaps Lucius who served Voldemort. That kind of reputation didn't quite open doors with people who weren't corrupt. His gold might get him so far, but eventually they would tire of him and his mediocre skills and do something about him. Hermione only wished she could see such a thing.

"Still, that book sounds like it might be interesting," Ginny snickered, just picturing the spoiled Malfoy scion getting his butt kicked by the Magus Association because he annoyed them so damn much. If it weren't for who is father was, someone would have hexed him long ago. Unfortunately, when you're related to someone high in the Ministry hierarchy it tends to give you a fair amount of leeway with others. Draco Malfoy knew how to use that to avoid getting in trouble.

"I'll lend it to you sometime," Hermione nodded. "Now let's get back to this so we have a little bit of spare time for ourselves."

"I like the sound of that!" Archer grinned. "Maybe I can finally convince that woman the joys of roasting over a spit. Barbaric she says? The only thing barbaric about pork roasted slowly and with the right seasonings is how people lunge for it!"

Hermione rolled her eyes as Ginny giggled. However, they were interrupted by a pair of owls which swooped into the room via an open window. They were tawny and brown, which neither girl recognized immediately as belonging to one of their friends. Archer merely eyed the bird as it came to a stop on a table, holding out its leg expectantly. Hermione set down the books she was tending to and walked up to the owl staring at her. Untying it's parcel, she took a brown parchment letter which was sealed by wax and made in the image of a familiar school seal.

"Ah, the booklists," Hermione sighed with relief. "I was getting worried."

"About time," Ginny commented, trying to coax the letter away from the owl looking at her. It took some doing since the owl wanted to be lifted up before Ginny was allowed to take the letter off. Still, she managed it before sending the owl away with a flutter of wings. Soon she was focused completely on her letter and wondering about what things she would need for the upcoming year.

"I don't think I'll ever get over how you magi use owls to mail each other," Archer sighed, shaking his head. "I mean, it seems bloody complicated to train those owls to the point that they can pinpoint where the person they're supposed to drop the letter off to is almost every time. On the other hand, it's more reliable to use birds than couriers."

"It's not as hard as you think," Hermione commented, working her letter open. "Owls are very intelligent birds already so it isn't too hard for them to take to carrying letters. I'm not quite sure how they know where to find the person they are meant to deliver too. Come to think of it, I was always curious about it…"

"Come back to the present Master," Archer snickered, recognizing when Hermione was going into one of her bids for knowledge. The word 'Master' certainly brought Hermione back to her senses as she glared at the bowman, but only received another snicker in response.

Hermione decided that another argument about the M-word would just serve to amuse the green-clad man. Instead, she finished undoing the seal on the parchment envelope. Ginny was already reading her own letter as the bushy-haired girl looked over her own.

"Aside from the Standard Book of Spells I've got a book called The Apprentice's Guide to Cursed and Enchanted Artefacts and one called Magecraft of the Modern World," Ginny reported from her list. "Other than that, everything's the same."

"I have one called Duellists of the Ages along with those," Hermione reported. "I don't think I've ever seen these titles in Flourish and Blo-" Her words were cut off as while she was looking through the paper, something rustled from inside the envelope which the letter had been found in. It wasn't particularly heavy and if it weren't for the flash of gold and red which made it so eye-catching, she wouldn't have noticed it likely until long after the letter had been read and reread in her usual bid to see if there was a detail she missed. Her heart pounded as she picked up the badge, revealing a majestic P on top of the Gryffindor lion. Hermione easily recalled seeing such a badge on the robes of Ron's older brother Percy…who was a Prefect.

Hermione's squeal echoed through the entire mansion. Ginny and Archer both grimaced at being so close to ground zero of the cry.

"I've discovered my Master's devastating power," Archer grimaced as he rubbed his ears.

"I don't believe it! This is incredible! Oh this is downright wonderful!" Hermione cried as she clutched the badge, her letter forgotten in her hand for the time being. "I have to show Harry and Ron!" squealing girlishly, the bushy-haired girl dashed for the door and out into the hallways.

After a moment of silence, Ginny shook her head, "I don't know why I feel surprised. We all knew she'd be made Prefect eventually."

Archer couldn't help but laugh.


"Bloody hell," Ron groaned.

Whereas the girls were in fits of happiness to various degrees, the boys certainly were not. Harry and Ron had just received their Hogwarts letters much like Hermione and Ginny did. Opening them, they looked over the contents with Saber reading over Harry's shoulder. Of course, Fred and George chose that moment to enter via apparition (feather-free fortunately) just to see what their little brother would have to deal with in the upcoming year. As Ron went through his letter though, he discovered a certain badge which made his face go pale.

"Get out!" Fred cried out, snatching the badge from his brother. "You? A Prefect? It must be a joke!"

George took the badge next, "We always figured it would be Harry." The Weasley twin glanced at the black-haired boy. "I mean, with all of the things you've done for Hogwarts and us, we figured you'd be a shoo-in!" His tone of voice reflected that he wanted to believe that the whole idea of Ron becoming a Prefect was a big practical joke. However, no one was laughing and no one was saying otherwise.

"Must have caused too much trouble I guess," Fred suggested.

"At least he has one of his priorities straight," George agreed.

"Mum's going to be unbearable," the first twin groaned, remembering just how awful their mother was when Bill and then Percy were selected to be a Prefect. Now that a third son was selected for the position, her excitement and squealing over the event would grate on all of the Weasley children.

Harry wasn't too sure what to say about the situation. On one hand, he was pleased that Ron was chosen to be a Prefect, which was something to be proud of and certainly a good thing to celebrate. On the other hand, Harry felt the beginnings of jealousy seeping into him. He had been helping the school out ever since he had arrived in his first year. He had done things most children his age wouldn't dream of doing such as protecting the Sorcerer's Stone, stopping that Basilisk, rescuing Sirius from the Dementors, and even taking part in and winning the Triwizard Tournament. It felt like Dumbledore had just pushed aside everything he had done as nothing special. Oh sure, Ron was a big help in many of those situations and he understood why the redhead was considered and eventually selected for the position in a way.

"I assume this 'Prefect' position is important?" asked Saber.

"Pretty much…yeah," Ron nodded, absently noting Saber's question.

"They're the representatives of the teachers while in school," Harry explained. "Hogwarts is a very big place and the teachers can't really keep an eye on everything even if they can use magic. So they select students to represent them. They have the ability to deduct points and assign detentions like a teacher would. Basically, they're the authority while no one else is around."

"I see," the black knight nodded.

"Yeah, we've gotten in a spot of trouble or two with them," Fred nodded. "Now it seems our little brother will follow that proud, proud legacy, he spoke imperiously, but then turned to Harry and pressed the badge to his shirt where it would rest on his Hogwarts robes. "Still think it would look better on Harry though."

"Mnn," Harry sighed, snatching the badge from Fred's hand. Just feeling it in his hands made the reality all the more clear that the badge wasn't his and was instead in Ron's possession. Now he was sure that he was feeling jealousy over the situation.

The group's disbelief was suspended when the doors to the room burst open with Hermione charging in, looking even frizzier than ever before. She had her envelope in her hand and a second Prefect badge in her hand. She was obviously excited about having it, judging by her gasping breath, "Did you…have you?"

Her eyes landed on the badge in Harry's hand, eliciting a squeal.

"I knew it!" she cried out, raising her own Prefect badge for the others to see. "Me too Harry! Me too!"

"No, no!" Harry quickly denied, shoving the badge back into Ron's grasp. "It's Ron's badge! Not mine!"

"Ron?" Hermione gaped, not for a moment hiding her utter disbelief in Ron of all people being selected as a Prefect. His history with respecting the rules… "Are you…I mean, are you sure? Ron?"

"Hey," Ron huffed, holding up his Hogwarts letter. "It's my name on the notice. It came out of the envelope given to me.

"Oh! I mean…" Hermione gasped, recovering herself from her shock. "It's just…shocking! Well done Ron."

"If you think it's shocking, try guessing our surprise," snickered George.

"Everyone!" the voice of Mrs. Weasley called out before the woman herself entered the room with an armload of freshly cleaned and folded robes for Harry and Ron. "Ginny just told me that the letters have arrived. If you give them to me I can stop by Diagon Alley and get you everything you need while the rest of you get your trunks packed. Ron, you need new pyajamas. They're getting a little too short on the arms and legs. Is there any specific colour you'd like?"

"Get him red and gold to match his new badge," Fred spoke up, resigning himself to the inevitable.

"His new Prefect's badge," George added, apparently agreeing with his brother.

"Okay, I'll…what?" Mrs. Weasley blinked, her list of domestic chores being stopped cold by the news that one of her children had become a Prefect once again.

'Damn!' Ron groaned as he raised his new badge to show to his mother, revealing all of the enthusiasm of a man who was being guided to the execution chamber.

Molly Weasley's cry of delight easily outstripped Hermione's.


Malfoy Manor

Voldemort was once again in conference with his three Death Eaters Lars, Bellatrix, and Lucius. With them were their Servants. Berserker was at Voldemort's side like always whilst Rider, Lancer, and Assassin were at the far wall as was their preference since they did not like their current Masters at all. With their discovery of Harry Potter being counted among the opposing Masters and seeing who they thought was Caster fighting them in Diagon Alley, the group formed plans around just how they were going to eliminate the competition and claim the Grail for themselves.

"It seems, my Death Eaters that thus far our search for the other Masters has been turning up nothing," Voldemort hissed in displeasure. Berserker's insane scowl grew deeper as he felt his Master's aggravation. "Will any of you be capable of explaining this?"

"My contacts in the Ministry have turned up nothing, my lord," Lucius spoke. "None of the investigators seem to have any sort of information on who the two wizards who fought against Bellatrix and Lancer are. I believe they have to be muggleborn and thus the Ministry doesn't keep a close eye on them."

"As expected of their foolishness, letting filth wander around freely," Bellatrix hissed.

"Then you have an idea, my dear Bella?" asked Voldemort, turning on his trusted minion expectedly.

The Lestrange woman snapped to attention and bowed her head deeper to her lord and master, "Uh…no master." That in itself was no grand surprise since Bellatrix was not known for being the investigative kind of person. Getting information from an unwilling subject she could do, but go out and find it? It was not exactly her specialty.

"I thought not," Voldemort growled. "And then there is Potter. Not only is he involved in this war, but he has Saber on his side. Likely Archer belongs to one of his little friends as well. Since neither of them have been found nor killed, I assume that they are still alive and well." his serpentine eyes narrowed as he thought of the only one responsible for the boy's vanishing act. "Blast Dumbledore and his protections."

Voldemort knew he had to be wary of Potter. Not because he feared the brat. Lord Voldemort feared nothing. However, that blasted prophecy stated that Potter would have a power that the Dark Lord didn't. A power which could defeat him and destroy everything he worked for. He wondered if that power was the Holy Grail, and if it was then it would make it much more important that the boy be killed. Not that it was an easy task in the past and would no doubt be harder now that he had the likes of Saber protecting him. Add on the ridiculous amounts of protection which Dumbledore would be using to keep the boy out of his sights and the problem became that much more demanding.

"Can we simply send our Servants to that school and attack?" asked Lucius.

"Perhaps, but that would mean we would have to travel with out Servants and all of us would stick out. The master must remain hidden for now, I am from the Magus Association and would stand out, Bellatrix is supposed to still be in Azkaban, and while you are on the Board of Governors you would still need an official reason to explain your presence," Lars interjected. Distance wasn't really an issue between Masters and their Servants, but it was usually good common sense for the Masters to keep an eye out during battles between the Heroic Spirits. Strategy wise, it would allow the Masters to see the battles from a different perspective and render aid when appropriate or spot things which their Servants would not. In the case of the current Rider, Lancer, Berserker, and Assassin though, it was to make sure they obeyed their orders and didn't to anything to jeopardize their plans.

"Then how do you suggest we strike at the boy, heretic!" Bellatrix snapped venomously.

"That, I actually have a plan for," Lars spat back, a smug grin overcoming his face.

"We are listening, Einzbern," Voldemort frowned.

"It is a well-known fact that the Command Spells can be transferred from one person to another," Lars explained. "The simplest way to strike at Potter in the school would be to have one of the students who are dedicated to our cause take command of one of the Servants and follow our instructions to strike at the boy."

"You expect us to simply give up our positions as participants in the Holy Grail War?" asked Lucius with a frown.

"With people such as us, I doubted as much," Lars rolled his eyes. "However, during the Fourth Grail War, a magus known as Kayneth Archibald El-Melloi managed to manipulate the bond between Master and Servant so that he held the Command Spells while his fiancée supplied the power to keep his Servant in this world."

"What is it that you are suggesting then?" wondered Voldemort.

"Among the other materials I managed to…acquire for my Confoundus Ritual, I also took what information I could about the Holy Grail War and anything odd which had occurred during its history to try and predict how the Grail would react," Lars explained. "I found Kayneth's notes on the subject and his theory about splitting the responsibilities of a Master between two people. Using it, I can confidentially say that I can take our Command Spells and place them on someone else, but let us remain the ones who power the Servant. That way when the task is complete, it will be a simple task to simply return the Command Spells to us."

"A bold statement to make," the Dark Lord commented. "I trust you will be able to deliver what you promise?"

"Most certainly," Lars answered, confidence brimming in his voice.

Voldemort began to smile, "Good. Then let us find a suitable candidate, shall we?"


Grimmauld Place

The celebration of Ron and Hermione's new Prefect status was uplifting. All of the Weasleys were in attendance, including Bill and Charlie. The only one who wasn't there was Percy of course. Fred and George had been bartering with Mundungus Fletcher for Venomous Tentacula seeds, which was quite obviously illegal. Archer was in the midst of the festivities with the eldest Weasleys, regaling them on the pranks he managed to pull on their younger brothers which they found incredibly amusing. Mrs. Weasley was of course dealing with the adults while trying to convince Bill to finally cut his hair. A losing battle since the Gringotts employee would not budge on the subject. Sirius, Tonks, Kingsley, and Lupin were all enjoying butterbeer and regaling stories of Prefects in their own days as well as why they had never received the badge or about people they knew who did. Moody had even dropped by, but wasn't in a very celebrative mood. Instead, he mentioned how authority figures attracted trouble and how Dumbledore must have felt the pair could handle most jinxes and spells if they were selected as Prefects. Hermione seemed to be in some of the highest spirits anyone had seen her in while Ron was regaling on the broom he'd hoped he could convince his parents to buy him.

Harry himself milled in his own corner with an untouched butterbeer in his hands. Next to him was of course Saber whom was eyeing everyone and making sure that nothing too rough occurred. Neither of them seemed half as upbeat as everyone else. For Saber, that was a regular state for him since he rarely seemed to show any sort of emotion beyond his fierce loyalty for Harry. For the scarred boy on the other hand…

"Something troubles you Master?" asked Saber, noting Harry's depression. "You do not seem to be as excited for your friends as the others do."

"I am," Harry insisted, although his argument was weak. He continued to stare out at the group of partiers who were enjoying the large amounts of food and butterbeer. Archer had somehow managed to liberate some firewhiskey from…somewhere and was sharing it with the eldest Weasley sons as he regaled them of his prank which turned Fred and George's heads to a sticky and feathery mess. "I just…"

"You feel disappointed that it was not you to be selected as a Prefect," Saber finished.

Harry grimaced slightly. Despite knowing each other for a short time compared to everyone else in the room, Saber seemed to be the most adept at reading his feelings and getting to the source of the problem. Perhaps it was how he was focused on serving Harry and had nothing else but that task on his mind. That or perhaps knowing how dark the knight could be just in looks alone, he had experience with the same emotions Harry felt and recognized the signs of someone experiencing them. Heaving a sigh, Harry nodded, "Yes."

"Hm," Saber nodded, seeing his guess was right. "Do you recall my advice on that night we first met?"

"Speaking about a problem helps make it better? I remember," Harry nodded. Looking to the partygoers, he heaved another sigh. "I guess I was just too preoccupied with the investigation to remember that Prefect badges were going out. To be honest, I had kind of expected one to go to me. After all of the things I've done, fought against, and achieved ever since coming to Hogwarts, I thought that I would have been selected in a heartbeat."

"Instead, you were overlooked and the position given to someone who while worked aside you for much of those adventures, hadn't done the things you have," Saber added.

"Yeah," Harry nodded. "Does it make me arrogant to think I deserved it?"

"Hardly," Saber answered. "You deserve to take pride in what you have done. Fighting against an incredibly dangerous dark mage, protecting an immensely powerful artefact, slaying a giant serpent, defeating a horde of those wraiths, and winning an incredibly dangerous tournament are all things which anyone would feel proud of doing. Arrogance would have you believe that you were entitled to riches and privileges for doing those things even years afterwards. Instead you feel these events qualified your for a position which entails protecting the peace as well as others. There's nothing wrong in believing you were capable of filling the role."

Those statements made Harry feel better, knowing he wasn't getting full of himself like Draco Malfoy was. Harry didn't really want too much attention for the admittedly dangerous things he had done in the past. Knowing he did the right thing certainly helped and some of the thanks he received from the people he helped made it feel good. If Malfoy even had half the guts needed to do those things, he would have milked them for all they were worth. Harry had just wanted a little bit of appreciation for what he did rather than it all being forgotten by the next year.

"For whatever it may be worth though Master," Saber continued. "I think you would have made a fine Prefect."

"Thanks," Harry smiled weakly.

"Think nothing of it Master," Saber nodded. Looking back to the rest of the partygoers, he spotted some of them glancing at the two. "Now, shall we actually attend this celebration and enjoy it rather than stew in disappointment? It will worry your friends if we do not."

"Good point," Harry agreed, feeling some good cheer leak into his body at long last. "Can't be a mood killer, now can we?"

"Indeed we cannot."


Kings Cross Station-September 1st

"Get a move on Shirou! I don't want to miss the train!"

"Yes Rin."

Moving through the regular masses of people were a particular trio of people whom stood out in their own ways, but remained rather unnoticed save for a second glance. A girl in red with two ponytails, a second girl who walked like nobility despite her slight frame and plain dress, and a red-haired young man who seemed to be carrying enough luggage on a trolley for three people. Rin was of course in the lead, guiding both Arturia and Shirou towards the platform in which they needed to find in order to travel to their new place of employment. Arturia, while a native from Britain's past, followed Rin's lead since she wasn't quite experienced with the public transport system. Shirou meanwhile was delegated to luggage duty since Rin was being their guide and he really didn't want to have to trouble Arturia with something like this, especially when her gaze was being pulled towards all of the sights to see in the train station.

In the days since accepting her new position as Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher of Hogwarts, Rin had prepared herself most diligently for the role despite her initial reluctance. She wrote up numerous lesson plans, a luxury she didn't usually have when she became Shirou's teacher. She wrote out her entire curriculum and presented it to Dumbledore for his approval, which seemed to delight the venerable headmaster on her desire to do her absolute best. She selected some of the best books which were available to students in Clock Tower as part of her course material and had read through them herself before making her choice. She had even went so far as to write in Shirou and Arturia's specialty in combating evil with their own unique talents so they could call themselves assistants rather than freeloaders. Despite knowing she would be losing out on a whole year with Clock Tower, Rin was determined to get the most out of her new position as well as see what she could learn from the famous school herself.

Dumbledore had offered to let the trio arrive with the help of floo powder, but their residence did not have a fireplace to begin with and Rin wanted to see if she could get a feel on the kinds of children she would have to deal with once the school year started so she volunteered to let the group take the train to Hogwarts.

"So the platform we will depart from is called Nine and…Three Quarters?" asked Arturia, some curiosity in her voice.

"Ridiculous name, I know but that's the platform which we need to get to," Rin nodded. "Dumbledore said we can find it between platforms Nine and Ten."

"Just how on Earth did they manage to hide a train platform between two other platforms?" asked Shirou in fascination.

"From what I read on the place, there is actually some space between the two," Rin answered, absently checking the platform numbers. "What they did was create a Bounded Field between the two before enlarging the space between into an area wide enough build another platform complete with a train. The barrier allows the space to exist without overflowing into the rest of the station. Everything else is hidden under illusionary magic that makes sure normal people don't notice."

"Sort of like how Caster created her territory at Ryuudou Shrine?" asked Shirou.

"I suppose it's similar in a way, but a whole lot smaller, nowhere near as powerful, and certainly not unrestricted like her territory had been," Rin nodded before her eyes snapped down at Shirou. "And don't mention her again."

"Sorry. Couldn't help it," Shirou sighed. He didn't like mentioning the witch either, but it couldn't be avoided for the sake of the question.

The group managed to get past several groups of people, noticeably some who had odd luggage with them such as owls in cages or bundles of what appeared to be robes. It didn't take anyone who was in the know to realize that they were Hogwarts students and their families coming to board the train as well. Soon enough, Rin, Arturia, and Shirou had reached the area between platforms Nine and Ten. Rather than seeing an entry into the platform they needed, all they found was a stone divider.

"Is this where we're supposed to go?" asked Shirou.

"From what I was told," Rin nodded. "This has to be the place. I can feel the magic in the air. With so many magical students likely there already, I'm surprised you haven't already sensed it Shirou." The Tohsaka heir glanced back at her lover/apprentice. "You're the bloodhound when it comes to sensing magic like us, aren't you?"

"Well," Shirou frowned, staring at the divider. "Now that you mention it, yeah I do. It's really subtle though. Whoever put the security around this place knew what they were doing. If I wasn't looking for it, I don't think I would have even noticed."

"Thus the merits of paying attention," Rin nodded. "Now come on. I don't want to be late."

Shirou subtly rolled his eyes but complied. The trio approached the barrier to see how they would be able to enter the platform. Rin eyed the secret entrance before she spoke once again, "Okay, Dumbledore's instructions said that we can just pass right through this barrier as if it wasn't there." She glanced over at Shirou. "Okay Shirou, you go first." Both Shirou and Arturia mentally sighed at Rin's order since it was simply her way of testing the headmaster's claim without looking stupid. Shirou knew, but he didn't begrudge Rin any hard feelings. She had a lot of pride and he could always get back at her later during one of their 'prana exchange rituals' anyway.

Steeling himself, Shirou steered the cart to aim at the stone barrier. For the sake of confidence, he tried picturing the barrier not being there. Taking a breath, he pushed the cart towards the barrier without stopping. The brick wall loomed closer and the front of the cart collided with it. Rather than feel the jarring impact though, the trolley just phased through the bricks like they weren't there, allowing Shirou to follow. Coming through the opposite side, the redhead found himself on a train platform which he hadn't seen from the outside. Glancing back, the brick wall was gone in favour of an iron archway which had the sign 'Platform Nine and Three Quarters' on it.

"Sugoi," Shirou breathed. He really shouldn't have been impressed, not after all of the things he had seen in the Grail War and Clock Tower, but he was just the same.

A moment later, Rin and Arturia came through as well. The King of Knights gazed at everything in awe, once again reminded of her old advisor Merlin despite knowing that the old wizard never even heard of a train, much less touched one. It was the feeling in the air which made her think of him, much like in Diagon Alley. Rin on the other hand looked at her surroundings much like an art critic would look at a painting. She was obviously impressed with how the platform was hidden so subtly despite how elaborate and showy it appeared to be, but was trying not to show it, "Not bad."

The platform was alive with bustling activity as students and their families said their goodbyes, were boarding the train, or were just arriving with a fair amount of luggage to load up. Owls were hooting irritably at all the jostling and noise around them. Multitudes of cats were dashing around the area, poking their noses into everything. Some were even pawing at the irritable owls, which just made them shriek even louder than before. There were even some toads croaking loudly from the places where their masters kept them safe. Floo stations were ablaze with emerald fire as more wizarding families poured through with their luggage, making for a very crowded scene. At the centre of it all was a polished red and black steam engine with several cars just waiting to be filled.

"No time for gawking!" Rin barked, slapping Shirou's shoulder to catch his attention. "We're going to sit in the first car. That's where all the Prefects and faculty can sit."

"Right," Shirou nodded, steering his cart towards the first of the ruby cars. As the trio walked, he noticed Arturia still watching everything in rapt fascination. "It's pretty cool, isn't it Saber?"

"Yes," the blonde 'king' nodded absently. "I can barely fathom the amount of magic needed to create and maintain a place such as this. The feeling I get when I see it all…it reminds me of Camelot in a way. Despite the conveniences here which my kingdom did not, I still cannot help but be reminded of it all."

"Hopefully the good memories," Shirou smiled, knowing that his lover's reign wasn't exactly a smooth or peaceful one all the time.

"Many good ones," Arturia nodded with a faint smile, looking at Shirou with obvious warmth in her eyes.

Managing to get through the crowds and reaching the first train car, the group began to unload their things. Each was laid down with their own bags (and some of Rin's) before the group boarded the train and searched for an empty compartment that they could occupy. It didn't take long since the Prefects weren't nearly as numerous as the rest of the student body of Hogwarts. Finding that empty compartment that they wanted, they quickly shuffled their luggage into the storage compartment before claiming their seats.

"So what do you think Hogwarts is like," asked Shirou, seating himself opposite of Rin and Arturia.

"It's hailed as one of the best magical schools in the country for children ranging from the ages of eleven to seventeen," Rin shrugged. "I would hope that everyone there is professional as a teacher should be."

"Do you think it would be similar to Clock Tower?" asked Arturia.

"Probably not," Rin answered. "Remember, their style of magic is completely different from ours. There's bound to be some major differences between the two."

The trio began to move through small talk as they waited for the train to set out. Naturally all three of them were rather excited about going, but for different reasons. Rin was excited since it meant she could expand her horizons and she had to admit that she was fond of teaching at this point in her life. Shirou was anticipating Hogwarts since it meant he could see how a completely different school of magic operated and maybe he could pick up a thing or two himself. Finally, Arturia was excited mainly because she wished to explore what this side of the magical world had to offer. They revered her old advisor and she was interested to see what he had influenced even centuries after his death.

Thoughts of the new Grail War hadn't even entered their minds.


It had been somewhat of a hassle for Harry, Ron, and Hermione to get to the Hogwarts Express, but they managed it. They felt somewhat crowded since so many members of the Order had seen fit to escort them, or more accurately Harry, to the train. Even Sirius had come in his animagus form to see Harry off. Moody had dressed himself up as a porter of all things as he helped move the luggage to the train proper. It served to make Harry feel a bit crowded, but also thankful that Saber and Archer were able to astralize themselves so not to be a nuisance. Saber of course was sticking close to Harry like always while Archer hovered over Hermione like a guardian angel, not that Harry could see the green-clad redhead.

Saying hello to some of the familiar faces on the platform, the group had boarded the train and began waving to their friends and allies. The train soon let off and everyone made the last goodbyes. Among them was Sirius as he actually chased the train much like a normal dog might try. It served to raise Harry's spirits to at least have one of the remaining members of his family see him off at the Hogwarts Express.

"He really shouldn't have come with us," Hermione sighed at Sirius' display with worry. Sirius was a wanted fugitive in both magical and muggle society after all.

"Lay off Hermione," Ron sighed. "He hasn't seen daylight in months, the poor guy."

Seeing Hermione already beginning to build up steam to make her argument how Sirius was safer at Grimmauld Place, George took the opportunity to clap his hands and get their attention. "Well, an't stand here chatting all day. We've got business with Lee to attend to." With that, he and Fred disappeared down the corrider.

"Well," Harry spoke, hefting his luggage up. "Shall we find a compartment."

At the words, Hermione and Ron both began to fidget. That was never a good sign. Ron began trying to speak, but the words were not coming to him apparently. Hermione seemed just as reluctant to speak if the way she was biting her lip was any indication, but she managed to do it faster than Ron, "We're…well…Ron and I are supposed to report to the Prefect cart."

"Oh," Harry nodded, feeling a slight sting. "That's fine."

"I don't think we'll have to be there for the whole journey," Hermione quickly amended. "Our letters just told us that we were supposed to receive instructions from the Head Boy and Girl and patrol the corridors from time to time."

"Okay," Harry nodded. "I…I suppose I'll see you later."

"Sorry mate," Ron offered weakly. "I'm not too happy about this either. Not like Percy would be. I'd rather be here with you."

"I know," Harry nodded. Ron and Hermione made small nods before taking their luggage and heading towards the front end of the train. Meanwhile Harry was just struck with an odd sense of loss. He hadn't ever travelled to Hogwarts without at least Ron before. He knew was being at least a little silly, but the train just suddenly didn't feel like the usually reassuring journey anymore.

"Come on," Ginny spoke up. "If we get a move on we can save them some spaces."

"Right," Harry nodded, grabbing Hedwig's cage and his luggage. Both he and the youngest Weasley began moving through the cars, looking for available space and found nothing. However, it didn't escape notice that while they passed, the students would begin whispering to one another while stealing glances at him. It served to remind Harry of all of the scathing articles the Prophet was writing, painting him as an attention-seeking brat. It made him begin to wonder if many of them believed it or not. Having Ginny and Saber made it feel a little better though.

It didn't stop that twisting sensation in his gut though.


"Bloody hate this," Ron grumbled as he and Hermione finally reached the front car.

"I know Ron, but we have a responsibility as Prefects to do this," Hermione sighed, clearly not liking the situation any more than her redhead friend did. "We probably won't have to do much during the trip anyway. Once the Head Boy and Girl give us our instructions then we'll just have to do a few patrols before we can meet up with Harry again."

"Yeah, yeah," Ron nodded. "Just wish I knew why I got picked anyway. Harry's done loads more stuff than me. You were a shoo-in for sure, but I think everyone in our year would be sure that Harry would have been the first choice." Ron had made it no secret in the past that he didn't hold the Prefect position in any high regard. Likely because he had to deal with his brother Percy being such a stickler for the rules and how stuck-up he could be about it. The only reasons he likely hadn't turned the position down was because he was getting a new broom out of it and if he did turn the position down then his mother likely wouldn't have let him hear the end of it.

"I'm sure there was a good reason," Hermione commented, wondering the same thing since she heard the news. "Merlin knows he has enough on his plate as it is though."

"True," Ron agreed as they passed into the front car.

As Hermione stepped across the threshold of the car, her hand suddenly lit up in a warm sensation. Paling as she recalled the feeling before Archer and Saber began their brutal battle, she glanced down to see her remaining two Command Spells glowing bright red, lighting what few shadows there were. Gulping, she realized that another Servant was nearby. Stopping from entering the car further, she glanced at Archer whom had lost his carefree looks and had generated his bow from nowhere again. "Archer? Is Saber nearby?"

"No," The bowman replied, crushing Hermione's hopes that the black knight had decided to follow for some reason. "There's a different Servant nearby."

"Hermione?" asked Ron, noticing that his friend hadn't followed him into the car. "You alright?"

"Um…" Hermione began, but noticed Archer shaking his head. He didn't think Ron needed to know why she was so nervous. "I just…think I forgot something."

"Oh. Well Mum can just send it to us if you write her," Ron shrugged. "Now let's go find a compartment. I want to put our stuff down before the Head Boy or Head Girl begin bossing us around."

"R-right," Hermione muttered, beginning to move. She looked at Archer desperately who was already beginning to move to the other end of the train ahead of her. She silently wondered where the knight of the bow was going. As if hearing her thoughts though, he turned back to face his Master.

"I'm going to investigate the train and on top of the cars in case this Servant is trying to be sneaky," Archer spoke. "You get to Harry and get Saber to investigate the other cars. Don't act suspicious though. No one besides Harry knows you're a master. As long as you keep your Command Spells hidden then no one will be able to tell. Now get going!"

Nodding, Hermione glanced at Ron who was staring into one of the compartments. Steeling herself, she captured his attention, "Ron, I think I left one of my bags with Harry by accident. Do you think you can move my things to an empty compartment."

"Right, sure," Ron nodded absently, reaching blindly for Hermione's trunk. "I'll meet you ahead then."

"Thanks," Hermione nodded before she turned and began heading in the opposite direction of the Prefect car. She needed to find Harry and Saber before whatever Servant was on the train decided to stop playing the stealth game and go on the assault!


Assassin cursed her Master's stupidity as she concealed herself at the very back of the train, actually compressing herself in the canopy which was placed above the door at the back of the last train car. Her Presence Concealment would allow her to remain undetected, but it didn't do her much good if she didn't have much space to hide herself! She was lucky enough to find her hiding place as it was with all of the children running about and taking up every available space that she could have used. Of course, the imbecile hadn't considered that when he told her to make herself scarce right there in the middle of the train station. Astralization was out of the question since she couldn't use her Presence Concealment while in that state of being and since she spotted Servants boarding the train it would be foolish to try. So she had to remain in her corporeal form and hidden within such a confining space. The space itself wasn't the problem since she had dealt with worse during her life, but Allah forbid her spoiled aristocrat of a Master have some common sense!

After the train finally began leaving the bustling city behind for the open countryside, Assassin unfolded herself from her hiding place. Landing on the metal grating of the rear section of the car, she quickly took stock of her situation. She needed to keep hidden and get back to where her Master was riding. Spotting an iron ladder which would take her to the top of the cars, she grasped the rungs and climbed up. She was still wide open, but unless someone actually looked on top of the cars then she wouldn't be spotted. Still using her Presence Concealment would prevent the Masters and possible sensitive Servants from finding her as well.

Climbing to the top, she began scaling the distance from the rear car to the front car. The wind hardly bothered her, the Protection from Wind skill she possessed allowing her to anticipate the force of the wind and adjust accordingly. Her hair brushed against her mask, but again she ignored it in favour of her objective. Crawling on all fours, she made her way towards her goal.


Rin frowned deeply as her Command Spells began to glow brightly, the gazes of Shirou and Arturia snapped to the markings as they entered their combat frames of mind.

"Another Servant, here?" Arturia frowned deeply.

"But the only ones on the train are us and the students," Shirou commented, already reaching a conclusion.

"Which means that at least one of the students is likely a Master or a Servant going to try and drain the students to supplement their power," Rin spoke, voicing the conclusion that all three had come to. Looking to her lover and co-lover, she began using her tactical mind once again. "Saber, keep an eye out in case the Servant is astalized. You don't look like a Servant right now so they may disregard you as a civilian. If you spot them, let me know."

"I'll patrol the other cars," Shirou volunteered. "If the Servant is using magic, I'll be able to hunt them down. There's only so much space on this train to use so they'll be easy to find."

"Right" Rin agreed. "I'll take the front end. Shirou will take the back and Arutia will handle the middle. Send a signal if you spot the Servant and for Kami's sake, be careful!"

"Right," the blonde and redhead nodded before they quickly exited the compartment and towards their designated positions.


The sudden situation was not lost on Luna Lovegood. As per the norm every year, she arrived at the Hogwarts Express and said her goodbyes to her daddy before boarding. Quickly finding an empty compartment, she pulled out the latest issue of The Quibbler and set in to enjoy a long and perhaps silent ride. Caster was with her of course in his astralized form, but he respected the concept of having silence while she read and thus offered his companionship. It was greatly appreciated since almost nobody wanted to sit with 'Loony' Lovegood while her friends usually sat with other groups. Caster's presence and loyalty as her Servant was making for a strong friendship of the sometimes spacey girl.

As the train got moving however, her Command Spells began to glow, indicating that another Servant was approaching. Seeing the red markings' light, she silently looked up from her magazine to see that Caster had likewise stiffened, knowing what it meant.

"Caster, would you be so kind as to hide yourself?" she asked politely. "I don't want any violence breaking out on this trip."

"Of course my lady," Caster nodded. Standing up, he sank back into the wall behind him, vanishing into the next compartment over which was quite full. Were it anyone else but a Servant, neither the Master or the Servant would have bothered. As it was, they both knew that Servants could see each other even when they were astralized. With one approaching, they would have spotted Caster without much trouble and that would have just made the situation worse. With Caster hiding elsewhere, Luna tucked her marked hand into her sleeve to best hide it from view. It was a moment too soon as she saw figures outside of her compartment. The door made the usual clattering noise before Luna spied one of her friends.

"Hello Luna," the familiar face of Ginny Weasley greeted. "Is it alright if we take these seats?"

Naturally, Luna didn't mind and nodded. Smiling her thanks, Ginny entered with none other that Neville Longbottom and Harry Potter behind her. She naturally knew who the two boys were right off the bat. Neville was considered perhaps one of the clumsiest students Hogwarts ever had. The things he had broken and the number of accidents he had were quite numerous. Although, he had a growing reputation with the Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs associated with his love of herbology. He was quite good at it as it turned out.

Harry Potter of course needed no explanation. Everybody knew him from his exploits since his famous encounter with You-Know-Who. He had been making waves in Hogwarts ever since he arrived as well. The Heir of Slytherin fiasco, the Sirius Black incident, and even the Triwizard Tournament had all had him right in the middle of it. Recently the Daily Prophet had been on a horrendous smear campaign against him and Dumbledore for daring to suggest the Dark Lord had returned. Luna of course never read that rag since she knew that a lethal blow didn't quite mean a killing one if her mothers notes on certain subjects were true.

Luna considered herself a decent judge of character so as the boys entered and made themselves comfortable, she just stared at Harry so she could get a good reading out of him. He seemed uncomfortable, but that was a given since it was reported that he didn't like being the centre of attention despite what that Malfoy boy would say. Her own means of relaxing while she read may have had something to do with it but it didn't cross her mind. She did notice however that he was taking pains to keep his hand hidden underneath the sleeve of his rather large shirt but at the same time was fiddling with it. Odd. A nervous reflex or perhaps something more considering she had a Servant not one compartment over.

"Have a good summer Luna?' asked Ginny, complete at ease in her presence.

"Yes. It was quite enjoyable," Luna replied, still staring at Harry. "You're Harry Potter," she added as almost an afterthought.

"I know I am," the bespectacled boy nodded.

Luna accepted the answer and looked to Neville, "I don't quite know who you are."

"Oh, I'm no one," Neville answered shyly.

"No you're not," Ginny admonished the older boy. " Neville Longbottom , Luna Lovegood. Luna's in my year, but she's in Ravenclaw."

"Wit beyond measure is man's greatest treasure," Luna suddenly sang out. She had really just felt like it, but it was also supposed to be something to help the nervous boy feel better. She had thought that singing it out would be a bit nicer than simply saying it. The little tune was something that many Ravenclaws would say to themselves when they were bored and needed a little something to liven things up if only a little.

It only served to give her stares from the boys. That was okay though. They would get it eventually. Sooner or later they'd learn just how important it was to have a strong mind in today's learned that lesson sooner or later.

Now if only she could see why Harry was fiddling with his hand.


Archer frowned as he walked slowly to the front of the train car. Of all of the places for another Servant to show up, it had to be on a train with very little room to fight and backed with children. Either the Servant was an idiot (unlikely since stupid people never would become heroes) or the Master was an idiot who forced the Servant to just show up like this. Still, the issue remained that a Servant besides Saber was on the train and Archer very much doubted that the Master of that Servant would be as friendly with the others as Harry and Hermione were.

Reaching the front of the car with only the engine itself behind a locked door, Archer didn't let it stop him as he phased through in his astralized form. Coming through to the opposite side, he spotted the black train which had a pair of conductors inside. One was working the controls while the other looked like he was moving a steady stream of coal out of a burlap satchel and into the train's furnace just by using his wand.

'Magi can be so lazy sometimes,' the redhead sighed to himself before he looked to see if he had enough room to simply leap onto the train car roof. Glancing back at the train crew to make sure they were distracted, Archer seized the opportunity and solidified himself before leaping straight up and landing on the car roof.

"Woah!"

Archer's outcry was how he had intended to land at the beginning of the roof, but had neglected to remember that the train was moving at the same time and had instead landed in the middle of it. Landing hard, his balance was slightly off from the winds lashing at his back. He was able to adapt quickly enough, but he wasn't used to moving at these kinds of speeds. After regaining his equilibrium, Archer readied his bow and took out one of his silver arrows. Notching it back, he prepared himself for anything. The smoke was thick so close to the engine, stinging his eyes but he simply hunched over slightly so he could get some better breathing air.

"Okay…where are you?" Archer frowned, slowly travelling the length of the car.

Emerging from the worst of the smoke, Archer noticed that there was a black mass at the opposite end of the train which was slowly getting larger. If it weren't for the fact that he wasn't in the smoke anymore and the black was against the red of the cars, it was likely he wouldn't have noticed before stepping right on top of it. With nothing to obstruct his vision and the target exposed as it was, the knight of the bow could clearly see what he was dealing with. The black skin, the lack of any kind of presence, the white skull mask, it all pointed to one Servant.

"Assassin!" Archer bellowed drawing back his arrow before letting it fly.

The female Assassin naturally had seen Archer when he had leaped onto the top of the train, but she had absolutely no means of concealing herself, meaning her Presence Concealment skill was going to be of no help whatsoever. Again, she cursed her Master for his idiocy in dragging her onto the train with him. She had pondered using the smoke to conceal herself but the Servant had already cleared it and spotted her advancing. Knowing she would not be able to escape without a fight, she drew her daggers and prepared herself.

Seeing the bowman, likely Archer, unleash his bolt caused her to get her feet beneath her before flipping backwards, letting the bolt penetrate the roof and wedge itself in. Landing on her feet, she saw Archer take a stronger position before notching back another arrow, this one bright green. Assassin's eyes narrowed in thought as she tried to consider her options. Archer was in an advantageous position and while she herself was no stranger to long-range combat, her skill set was more adjusted to medium to short range combat.

The green arrow flew and was quickly followed by more. Assassin cursed under her breath as she dipped and dived to avoid them. The wind was actually working in her favour since they were offsetting Archer's aim, but not enough to give her a window of opportunity. Dipping under one green arrow, she rolled to avoid a second which stuck to the car roof where her head had been. A potent stench quickly rose to her nostrils indicating that the arrow was covered with a substance, likely a poisonous one. The female Hashashin leader eyed the projectile for a second before grasping the arrow and pulling it out of the roof. Taking the point, she jabbed it into her arm, allowing the poison to leak into her blood stream. The slight pain she felt was nothing compared to the benefits she would receive from this action.

"Huh?" Archer blinked, watching Assassin's odd tactic. Did she actually stab herself with one of his poisoned arrows? Not even the craziest opponents in his lifetime had done something like that before. Something was up. "So much for the slow approach." Drawing several more of his metal arrows, he notched one into his bow and drew back for another shot.

Meanwhile, Assassin could actually feel the poison of the green arrow pool in her veins before attacking her body. She hadn't felt this particular poison before, but now her body would remember it. Looking to Archer, she saw him preparing another arrow to fire at her. Narrowing her eyes, she charged forward towards her enemy with her daggers ready to pierce flesh. Archer welcomed the challenge by firing his arrow before quickly reloading to fire once again. Assassin tracked the attacks with her eyes, already seeing how the wind was affecting Archer's aim. He obviously wasn't used to being at such wind speeds which worked in Assassin's favour.

Dodging the first of the arrows, Assassin reached the gap between the fourth and third cars, slipping into the open space and allowing the remaining arrows to miss her. The path clear once again, she leaped up and captured the roof of the third car before pulling herself up to her feet. Taking her daggers, she threw both of them at Archer's painfully clear form. Since she had Protection from Wind, she was unaffected by the speeds and her weapons were just as unaffected. She just needed to put sufficient force behind the blows, which she had plenty of.

Archer bit back a curse as he dove to the train roof in order to avoid the daggers. How she managed to throw them hard enough to outmatch a speeding train he didn't know. Still, the longer he didn't keep shooting at her than the more time she had to reach him. Struggling to his feet again, he drew one of his trusty red arrows. Loading it, he gazed at Assassin's approaching form, seeing that she had already reached the gap between the third and second cars. Cursing, he let the arrow fly with hopes of splattering the woman's head and eliminating her. It was not to be as the black-skinned woman leaped over the arrow, landing on the second car before continuing her advancement.

"Blast this wind!" Archer growled as he drew more metal arrows. He fired them off so rapidly it was almost as if he were a machine rather than a man. As quickly as he could fire them though, Assassin was proving to have inhumane grace and flexibility as she dipped and dived around the arrows. It was almost as if she were dancing if one were to compare her movements to anything. Were she not obviously a highly trained killer, her movements could almost be called erotic.

Doing the splits underneath one such arrow, Assassin threw another of her daggers. The shot forced Archer to dive for the side to avoid taking the attack in his head. He recovered quickly enough, but it gave Assassin the time she needed to reach the gap between the second and first cars, bringing her into her preferred combat zone. Drawing another dagger, she leaped the distance between herself and the green-clad Servant with the intent of killing him. Rearing his arm back, she prepared for the strike…

CLANG!

The dagger collided with Archer's bow. Assassin's eyes narrowed again with a nearly serpentine hiss coming out of her mouth but the fight wasn't over yet. Archer only smirked before looking to his bow, drawing the female Assassin's eyes to the same source. Loaded on the bow with the string drawn back was another of the bowman's red arrows just begging to be shot.

"This'll be painful," Archer grinned. "But it'll hurt you a lot more than it will hurt me!" His taunt made, Archer fired the bow once again. Like before, Assassin showed just how flexible she was by leaning backwards so deeply that her ponytail began to touch her heels. The arrow of course missed and flew wide before coming back down on the fourth car and exploded, shaking the entire train slightly. Archer cursed before backing up and drawing his own dagger. Why couldn't it ever be easy?


Harry's nervousness over knowing there was another Servant on the train kept him fidgeting with his sleeves and looking to Saber who was standing guard at the door. Ginny and Neville had kept asking him repeatedly as to what he seemed to upset about but he kept making feeble excuses so not to worry his friends. He only wished that Saber would bloody well say something so he would know what to do about the situation.

His nervousness only grew when he heard sounds which came out as 'thunks' from the roof. Of course, no one paid them any mind but something in Harry's gut told him that it was only the beginning. Perhaps it was a survival instinct which had been carved out from surviving his relatives as well as all of the situations he got into at Hogwarts, but Harry had learned to listen to it lest he deal with critical injuries if not outright death.

The explosion which had people poking their heads out the windows to see a smoking crater on the tracks only confirmed it.

Neville became quite worried and was looking about with a pale face. Ginny had drawn her wand and was watching the corridor for anything which would even give a hint of trouble Luna seemed as untroubled by the events as she was by everything else. Harry himself feared that Archer had found the other Servant and was starting to fight him or her. He really wanted to ask Saber his opinion, but he couldn't risk exposing the black knight to more people than he already had.

The next explosion made that decision even harder to stand by.

Several students screamed and poured into the hallways. Ginny, Harry, and astralized Saber, and Neville dashing into the corridor to find several younger students running like they had the dogs of hell on their heels. Harry and Ginny dashed to the group to make sure that everyone was unharmed.

"What the bloody hell happened?" asked the female Weasley as she approached the group.

"I think some kind of bloody bomb went off!" one of the students gasped. "Took out the corner of our compartment. We could see the bloody sky through the roof!"

"I am not getting back in there!" whined a girl.

Harry and Ginny quickly tried to calm the younger students down with Neville trying to help out in his own way. Behind them though, Luna stayed within her compartment, but had set her magazine down. She only had to wait a moment before Caster reappeared before her.

"Shall we do something?" he asked politely, but expectantly.

"Yes," Luna nodded. "Please see to whoever is causing such a ruckus. They are putting us all at risk with their antics. There will be plenty of time to fight at Hogwarts."

"Your will be done," Caster nodded before he leaped straight up and through the ceiling of the compartment.

"Thank-you Caster," Luna spoke absently as she reached for her magazine again.


The armoured Caster emerged through the roof of the train car and stood on the top before turning solid again. His green furred cloak whipped wildly in the air from the speeds of the train, but he remained unbothered by the whipping winds. He was heavy enough to not be bothered by such things in his outfit. Drawing his axe, he looked to the front of the train to where two figures were clashing. One was obviously Assassin if the dark skin and the skull mask were any indication. The other one was a green-clad man with red hair whom he assumed to be Archer if the bow he was holding was any indication. Both were clashing with daggers while Archer was using his bow as a shield and a blunt weapon at the same time. The two were in a close range battle with one another with Archer clearly on the defensive since he seemed more used to long-range combat as his class suggested.

"As much as I loathe doing this, this battle will have to end," Caster spoke to himself. He really would have preferred it if the other Servants took each other out. Still, he had his orders. Raising his axe into the air, he waved it in a circle as the emeralds embedded into its surface began to shine. In response, the sky became thick with dark clouds which began rumbling with thunder just waiting to be unleashed. A particularly vicious crash echoed through the air before rain fell in large wet drops. The moisture beaded on his armour and soaked his cloak but did little to bother the knight as he began to approach the two Servants.

Assassin and Archer both took notice over the sudden change in weather and quickly deduced that it wasn't natural. It was Archer who noticed the approaching green knight first since Assassin had her back to the man. "Aw shit."

Caster didn't mince words as he raised his axe with the glowing gemstones into the air once again. This time he brought it down, pointing at the pair of Servants. This time the sky crackled angrily once again before a bolt of lightning crashed down from the sky towards both Archer and Assassin. The two only had a heartbeat to dodge, but for Servants such as them that was long enough. Both dove to the ground, sliding slightly on the slippery roof before the electricity crashed overhead and hit the ground next to the train, making it shake once more. The cries of the children could be heard within, already nervous about the earlier explosions.

Archer blinked the light out of his eyes and quickly drew an arrow before looking towards the enemy, "Well, I think it's safe to say that you're no Berserker or Lancer."

"Yes. I am Caster" the knight nodded as he continued to approach. He then raised his axe again while the sky crackled ominously. "Be so kind as to disappear, would you?"

Archer bit back another curse as he prepared to fire.


Arturia had been patrolling the middle cars when she began hearing the explosions at the far end. Fearing for Shirou as well as the safety of the many children on board, she began to run towards where the commotion was occurring. She had just reached the third car when the weather quite suddenly changed to a powerful thunderstorm. When the thunder struck so close to the train that it caused the entire train to shake and frighten the children even more she quickly came to the conclusion that Servants had met and were now fighting on top of the train.

Dashing into the gap between the second and third cars, Arturia shed her normal clothes in a flash of light for her preferred battle outfit. Gripped in her hand was Excalibur, once again shielded by the Invisible Wind. Her transformation complete, she leaped into the oncoming rain and wind before landing down on top of the train cars. The wind made her dress whip wildly, but she paid it no mind as she took in the situation.

A green Archer and an obvious Assassin were crouched down slightly and ready to move in a moment's notice. In front of them however and getting closer was a man covered from head to toe in green armour, wore a green cloak made of fur, and wielded an axe embedded with emeralds which were glowing brightly even in the darkened skies of the storm. For many, it was just what it looked like. A green suit of armour to show perhaps allegiance to someone or their own idea for decoration. For Arturia though…

"YOU!" she bellowed, catching the attention of the three Servants.

Turing around, the green knight eyed the female King and once could almost feel the grin that overcame his face, "Ah! Your majesty! How good of you to join us! I was wondering when you would show up. I saw your performance at the alley with Lancer. Impressive as always and with a Master who can keep up with you of all people. I should have known you would be involved in this war for the Holy Grail."

"I care NOTHING for the Holy Grail!" Arturia snapped back. "All I wish now is to make sure no one dies from the senselessness of this pointless war!"

Gripping Excalibur, Arturia charged towards Caster with her invisible weapon raised for a strike. The enemy Servant however was ready ad as Arturia made her strike, he blocked perfectly with he bejewelled axe. Blue and green sparks erupted from the impact as the magic of both items clashed against one another. Arturia didn't retreat as she brought back her sword for another strike which Caster matched once again, erupting more magic sparks.

"Do you really want to bother wasting your prana on making the sword invisible?" asked Caster as the two knights clashed. "I already know how long it is! I know what it's capable of! I know what it looks like! I even know its name! It's The Sword of Promised Victory! You can't hide it from someone who already knows it!"

"Then you should know the folly of fighting it!" Arturia snapped back, Excalibur clashing with the axe once again.

"Do I?" Caster teased. In another clash with Arturia, he used a shoulder thrust to knock her back. With some space between himself and the King of Knights, he raised his weapon in the air with the emeralds shining once again before pointing it at her. The sky responded as three bolts of lightning shot down from the sky and cut the air towards Arturia's form.

"HOOOOOOOOOOOHH!" Arturia bellowed out as she lashed out with her blade once again, striking the lightning with her weapon. Normally this would be a folly that only a fool would attempt to do. But Excalibur was anything but a normal sword. The enchanted steel crashed against the bolts of lighting and caused them to spatter and dissipate before vanishing altogether, their current interrupted. She didn't appear any worse for wear, but her eyes had narrowed dangerously as she eyed the knight in front of her.

"Marble Phantasm," she hissed. "You are capable of using Marble Phantasms?"

"Of course!" Caster nodded. "How else do you suppose I survived our first encounter?"

Arturia grimaced as she prepared for another clash. The battle had just taken a new and more dangerous turn. Marble Phantasm was the ability to manipulate nature as it should exist, rather than imposing one's own logic onto it for the desired effect. However, it meant that so long as it was possible in nature than it was certainly capable of happening with the user behind it. Earthquakes causing spires of rock to pierce someone, an influx of oxygen creating a fireball, lightning striking a particular point, a tornado rising at a certain time, or even a tidal wave just appearing, all of it was capable of occurring with a Marble Phantasm. What confused the King of Knights though was that the only ones she knew were capable of such magic were elementals like the Lady of the Lake. How was a human, who were so far removed from nature as a whole, capable of using it?

Caster dared a moment to glance over his shoulder at the other two Servants. Both were quite obviously gone since they did not want to get involved in the battle between the two knights. It was a wise decision on their part. Turning back to face Arturia, he relaxed his stance. As much as he wanted to continue the battle with someone he was positive was worthy of his blade he had his own orders to consider. "It seems we are done for now. My Master made it clear that they wished for the fighting to end. We will take this up another day." With that, Caster turned to leave.

"Wait!" Arturia cried, racing to reach Caster once again. The green knight didn't reply as he waved his axe, causing a massive front of wind to appear between them. Arturia shielded her eyes and when she managed to look around she found that her opponent was missing.

"We will fight again, King Arturia Pendragon!"Caster's voice boomed over even the train.

"I look forward to it," Arturia frowned deeply, even as the rain stopped and the sun began to peek out from the clouds. "Bertilak de Housdesert"

To Be Continued….


The Servant's Codex

(Here within are the secrets and abilities of the Servants of the 6th Holy Grail War)

SABER

True Name: Lancelot of the Lake

Master: Harry Potter

Alignment: Lawful Good

Strength: A+

Mana: B+

Endurance: B

N. Phantasm: A

Agility: A+

Luck: B-

Class Skills:

Magic Resistance: B

Riding: A

Personal Skills:

Protection of the Fairies: A

Eternal Arms Mastership: A+

Noble Phantasms:

Arondight (Anti-Unit) (A++): This Noble Phantasm is a holy sword that is the counterpart of King Arthur's Excalibur. It bears a similar design to that of Excalibur, carved with Fairy Letters to show that it was not forged by mortal hands. It is a limitless sword capable of receiving any attack without taking damage that shines much like the water of the Lake. It was given only to someone who could be exalted as the "perfect knight", the strongest, bravest and truest knight of an era, which signifies the unrivaled Lancelot out of all those who sat at the Round Table of Camelot. The sword has lost its status as a holy sword after Lancelot used it to slay several of his fellow knights who were acting as guards of the execution of Guinevere. This taint caused the sword to be reclassified as a demonic sword, rather than a holy one. Also, due to one of his legends stating Lancelot slaying a dragon, Arondight deals additional damage to Heroic Spirits who can be connected to dragons…like his former king. The downside of using this blade is that once Lancelot draws it, his other Noble Phantasms are sealed until he dismisses it.

For Someone's Glory (Anti-Unit) (B): is a black fog materialized from Lancelot's tradition of winning fame and glory while disguising himself in a number of his endeavors, such as when he hid his name and disguised himself to enter a horse race for the sake of his friend's honor. Combined with his armor, which completely covers his body, this ability conceals his identity and personal status. His body is enveloped in a black fog with properties similar to the Noble Phantasm Invisible Air which constantly shifts his outline like an off-focus photograph that obscures the discerning features of the armor. The mist-like illusion also causes his image to double or triple randomly, making him appear to be a hallucination, and prevents others from learning anything from him. The true use of the ability is deceive the eyes and ears of others by allowing Lancelot to take the form of other Heroic Spirits who won in various military exploits, allowing Lancelot to adopt a completely new identity and fool any and all enemies he may face.

Knight of Honor (Anti-Unit) (A++): This is an ability that is the embodiment of the incident where Lancelot was forced to fight Phelot unarmed, where he proved his fighting prowess by claiming victory with an elm branch. Once Lancelot grabs hold of anything that can be even remotely conceptualized as a weapon with his gauntlets and he recognizes that he wishes to wield it, it instantly gains the property of "becoming his Noble Phantasm." It allows for something as worthless as a piece of scrap iron to be turned into a demonic spear or sword capable of damaging Servants and striking legendary weapons. The item will be a D rank weapon, and if he takes another Servant's Noble Phantasm of a superior rank, its quality will be maintained while under Lancelot's control. He is able to naturally control any weapon that he wields as if it were a favorite weapon with which he specialized in and polished his skills for many years. He can make use of weaponry regardless of how it was created or its time of origin, allowing him to take control of modern weapons and machinery and greatly strengthen and modified their capabilities. Both this and For Someone's Glory are sealed off should he draw Arondight.

Bio:

Lancelot, known as the Knight of the Lake, had been loyal to Arturia as a Knight of the Round Table. He was one of the few individuals that Arturia viewed as a friend, and as such was privy to the secret of her true gender, as well as the nature and properties of her sword. Lancelot's downfall began when he fell in love with Arturia's queen, Guinevere. Though the king was actually a woman, Arturia had married in order to maintain the image of a stable royal family before the kingdom, and also to maintain the pretence that she was a male. Guinevere, in turn, willingly sacrificed her own life as a woman in order to preserve this ideal government.

When Lancelot and the queen began their affair, the Knight of the Lake considered fleeing Camelot with her, but his loyalty to Arturia and his sense of duty prevented him from doing so. When political enemies of the king exposed the affair, the queen was ordered to be executed. Left with little choice, Lancelot attempted to save her, killing several of his fellow knights in the process. Lancelot, who was considered the Perfect Knight, Guinevere, the queen who had made her beloved betray his duty, and Arturia the king who blamed herself for her loyal knight's despair, all suffered from the resulting fallout.

Lancelot's guilt was, ironically, compounded by Arturia's refusal to actually blame or reprimand him for his actions. He would later admit that this made him feel it impossible to atone for his sins. In his despair, Lancelot sought escape through descent into madness; thus, when he became a Heroic Spirit, he became qualified for the role of Berserker as well as Saber.

He was eventually summoned for the Fourth Grail War in Fuyuki City under the servitude of Kariya Matou. He battled savagely as Berserker against Arturia whom was summoned as Saber and had even proved himself a natural enemy to Gilgamesh, the King of Heroes. In his final battle with Arturia, he revealed his identity by catching Excalibur which was invisible, proving that he knew the exact size of the blade and thus be someone who knew Arturia in her life. He did not escape unscathed as his helmet was damaged from a previous attack before it shattered, revealing his face. Arturia was so stunned by the blow she left herself open for attack. Lancelot did not take the opportunity to unleash a killing blow for his Master's magic failed and left him stunned before Arturia struck the finishing attack. Arturia lamented her desire for the Grail so she could undo the mistakes in her life, including Lancelot's fall. The Knight of the Lake lamented how he wished his king had punished him for what he did so he could forgive himself. Lancelot died in his king's arms, finding relief from his guilt at last before fading away.


A/N: Okay! It's off to Hogwarts we go and already its getting violent with Servants just aching for a chance to go at one another. I hope people enjoy the Servant's Codex as well. The other Servants will be making appearances soon. I started with Saber since any Fate/Stay Night fan will be able to tell who the black knight truly is at this point. If you're an HP fan and didn't know, sorry to spoil the surprise. In the meantime though, we got Caster's name! I bet some of you know who he is already. Oh, I got Lancelot's stats from the Type-Moon wikia page so I hope they're accurate.

I also know some people are going to be a little iffy about Caster using a Marble Phantasm. Please be patient because that will be explained later on in the story.

NOTE (18/11/2012): I have revised Lancelot's statistics to better reflect his partnership with Harry as well as being Saber instead of Berserker. I actually boosted Strength and Mana because of Lancelot's status as the Perfect Knight. Because Lancelot no longer is insane like he was in the Fourth Grail War, he is able to pace himself, use enough strength or magic to get the job done rather than just wail away at something. So Strength and Mana went up because of his overwhelming skill rather than raw power like say Hercules would have had. However, I lowered his Endurance score because he isn't the maniac he was in Fate/Zero so he can't just ignore fatigue or pain as well as he could have were he Berserker. I also lowered his Luck since while he and Harry share a strong partnership and get along very well with a common goal, the Horcrux in Harry's head is causing a backlash of bad karma or whatever you'd like to call it which lowers their Luck score. If Harry didn't have it, the score would have been up in the A range. I lowered the Magic Resistance because Arturia only got an A Rank because of her dragon aspect and her heroic spirit status. Lancelot is pure human and the only reason his Magic resistance is as high as we see it is because of the ring he bears which offers him some protection from magic as well as his Class Skill. I did boost Riding though because of Lancelot being hailed as one of the best on horseback. Again, his Perfect Knight title helped with this. I passed these ideas by my Beta Reader and he gave me the green light so I applied the changes.