Authors Note:

Now some people handle the news of Harry entering the fray… well, less rationally. Also two new POV characters, but I promise this is their only outing. And due to the style I have chosen I need a character present to experience things, so I have only myself to blame.

The summons came in the middle of the night. The meeting point was a massive old manor near the coast of France, and was packed with Brethren of the cause. In the mix, Lucius Malfoy was just another figure in a red robe.

He was annoyed by the suddenness of the summon, and that he was not separated from the common chaff. He was a the richest member of the Purists still free, that should garner some respect!

But no, he was packed in with the escaped convicts, summoned from all their rat holes by their master in the middle of the night with no explanation.

The Dark Lord. Just the thought of the upstart made Lucius angry. In his distant youth, he had joined and eventually lead a small team of Blood Purists. They were all self-interested, he would freely admit that. They used the Purists banner as cover for their own reasons, and he personally made a fortune off it.

Following the idiocy that was the Sunday Massacre, Lucius had paid a fortune in bribes to protect himself. The few who knew his involvement in the Purists were swiftly disposed of, and the Malfoy family was officially free of any the Purists.

Or so he thought.

Years later, the Dark Lord had broken all the remaining Purists out of prison and forced their allegiance. Lucius was almost immediately blackmailed back into the Crimson robes by the arrogant bastard.

Lucius was a believer in the mission of the Purists, make no mistake. But he had always been slightly more concerned with his own power. Not all purebloods were superior, after all. But he certainly was.

He had the intellect, the money, and the magical power. But he had no desire to be the figurehead, to be noticeably in control. They were the ones who took the blame when things went wrong, and the mindless sheep could turn on them.

Better to be the power behind the throne, puppeteering the system. Much less risky, and few noticed his actions.

His masterstroke was going to be the recent election. Crouch had clung to power for years, but with the Blood Purists seemingly defeated he lost his tentpole issue. Lucius had thrown his support behind a vacuous, but charming bureaucrat named Cornelius Fudge. He had run on a platform of prosperity and an easing of the post Sunday security measures.

Fudge had been favored to win in a landslide, but just two weeks before the election the daft Dark Lord had to stage his debut and destroy all of Lucius's careful plans. With the Purist threat back in force the terrified public had rallied around Crouch and preceded to crush Fudge at the polls.

As if to rub salt into the wound, the Dark Lord had than forced Lucius back into the Purists and expected him to practically bankroll the entire organization. He had also made it very clear to Lucius that he not held in a position of trust. He was left out of major planning, only being brusquely told how much gold he was going to have to give every month. And not even by the Dark Lord himself! He had to deal with that fool Crabbe.

Combined with the political bribes and an economic recession the Malfoy fortune was being drained at an alarming rate. He had been forced to work twice as hard, cut every unnecessary expense and even take loans from the filthy goblins just to stay afloat.

And what was all this work and suffering buying? Nothing.

The Dark Lord had a fully supplied and trained army and he was using it like a small insurgency. He kept claiming that the purpose would come together soon, that all their preparation would be worth it. But the reassurances were ringing increasing hollow.

While the Dark Lord may not have trusted Lucius, by virtue of his position he was able to gather a great deal of information. Slowly but surely he was building a coalition to take power once the Dark Lord finally faltered.

He knew that the Dark Lord had recently been focused on two separate operations, first to kidnap Dorea Slytherin. Only for the team sent to vanish. It had been suspected that Lord Slytherin had intercepted them, but Lucius had his doubts. He would have no reason to hide the attempt, it was a political boon and good for a few prophet articles.

No, this stank of something else. Something dangerous. But whatever it was, it was egg on the Dark Lord's face and mutters of disent grew just a little bit louder.

The second major operation had two goals, first being to kill Longbottom and second to acquire a prophecy the boy was supposedly a party too. He had sent a group of some of the best fighters the Purists had, and apparently would be nearby to supervise.

Lucius doubted it had gone smoothly. He would have waited to take a victory lap, let his followers read about the triumph in the papers before grandly announcing it.

Malfoy had been pulled away before he could confirm anything, but apparently there was a code Black and Dumbledore was on the scene. That didn't bode well for the operation.

The rest of those present had a similar inclination if the tension and murmurs were anything to go by.

Personally, Lucius was torn. On one hand, seeing the Dark Lord take a public stumble would be very nice, and inched him closer to being ousted.

On the other, this failure would waste more resources and drain his vault. If the Dark Lord had any sense, he would put Malfoy in a charge of fixing whatever cock up he had made than claim the credit when it was fixed.

Lucius was distracting himself from the fact that the Dark Lord still hadn't seen fit to grace them with his presence, and the entire assembly was beginning to get twitchy.

Than, swirling shadows crept into the manor home, and silence fell over the room. Lucius was forced to jockey for position amongst his lessers to get a decent view of the raised speaking platform.

From the conjuried shadows the Dark Lord emerged, and Lucius could feel the anger rolling off him even at distance. Those closer to him backed up, squeezing into a wall of flesh. He was known to be somewhat temperamental, prone to cursing those who annoyed him.

Like a spoiled child.

The Dark Lord looked around the packed room, and Lucius felt a chill pass down his spine when the faceless gaze came over him. He refused to let the intimidation work on him though, and held his stance while those around him shifted back and lowered their heads.

He may have knelt, but no Malfoy cowered.

After a pregnant pause, the Dark Lord's strange disguised voice echoed out.

"My loyal warriors, I am saddened to report that your brothers attempt to finally kill Longbottom failed, and all but two of them were slain." He said tightly, and Lucius was glad for the concealing hoods as it meant he could sport a cruel grin without fear.

The Purists all shifted around, and the muttering began again. One of the first major things they had done in years was a failure? How could the Dark Lord allow this humiliation?

"Silence." He ordered darkly, and the mutters ceased immediately.

"I understand your anger, but this was not something your brethren could have anticipated. For it was Dumbledore, Slytherin, or the Ministry who stopped them tonight, but this man." An image of an aristocratic blonde man appeared, a roguish smile plastered on his face. Malfoy narrowed his eyes. Something about the grin was familiar, but he couldn't place it...

"Now, listen closely, so there are no misunderstandings" the Dark Lord said, a sharp edge in his tone that communicated misunderstanding would not be tolerated "You put all other tasks to the side and find out everything you can about this man, who he is, who he works with, how he likes his tea, hell even his shoe size. I want everything."

"If you find out anything about him, or locate him, report it at once. He is Archmage level, so a direct assault will only result in your death."

Lucius was shocked by this. A new Archmage? This would change the balance of the entire conflict, especially if he was poised against them.

It would make it even harder to win, especially since the Dark Lord had let the intuitive slip through his fingers.

"You all have your orders. You!" The Dark Lord pointed suddenly at Lucius "Attend me"

Lucius growled at the curt command, but shouldered his way through the mass of men into a back parlor. Once inside, the shadows slipped and filtered around everywhere. It felt like they were snatching lightly at his robes.

"How can I serve you my Lord?" Lucius asked, bowing his head low.

"Remove your hood Malfoy." He ordered, and Lucius made sure to wipe any emotion from his face before he complied.

It was likely a reminder that the Dark Lord could unmask him at any time. It stung his pride.

"I require something different from you Lucius. You have access to certain sources no others have. Your son's Godfather, and your sister-in-law." The Dark Lord explained smoothly, and Lucius tensed up.

"My Lord, you believe that they know something we do not?" he asked, surprised. Severus did have a line with Dumbledore and his wife still occasionally talked with her sister, but the Dark Lord had never used either connection before.

"I do not know. But Slytherin and Dumbledore will have a vested interest in finding out about this new Archmage. He is a threat to them as well."

"Of course. It may take some time as to not arouse suspicion." Lucius said, and in this case he wasn't lying. Severus wouldn't be free for a few weeks, and even than it would take some smooth talking and few drinks for the potion master to spill his secrets. Bellatrix… even on a good day she was an enraged hippogriff. Narcissa would be open to pumping her for information, but the two scheduled out their visits long in advance, and the next one wasn't for more than a month.

The Dark Lord waved his hand "It matters not. It may take time for them to learn anything useful anyway. Just remain on top of it." He said dismissively. "In the meantime, shutter everything non-essential. I doubt the stranger will just sit by. He was forced into conflict tonight, but he is ready for further conflict."

"As you wish my Lord. There is the problem of finances though. Even cutting back will still leave us in a deficit within a month." Lucius lied. He could support them for 6 months, but he would be damned if he volunteered to do so.

"I am disappointed to hear that Lucius. You should keep your finances in better order. Oh well, there are reserves we can fall back on to supplant your failure." The Dark Lord chided somewhat snidely, and Lucius's blood boiled. How dare he mock him, when just tonight he had failed yet again?

"Well, I shall have to trust you are capable of doing two things at once. You'd best not disappoint me Lucius." the shadows swirled and suddenly the Dark Lord was looming over Lucius, and he stumbled backwards only to slam into the closed door.

The Dark Lord leaned forward, his hood so close Lucius could feel the breath coming from underneath "Because when I am disappointed, I tend to become very unreasonable. And you have a son to think about." The Lord threatened lowly, and Lucius felt a bead of sweat drip down the back of his neck.

"Of course my Lord. And I would do anything to protect him." Lucius said, fighting to keep his voice steady. It was a veiled threat, but he was too valuable to kill.

"For the moment, at least." and Lucius's eyes went wide. He had felt no attacks no his barrier, his thoughts should be secure, how- "Occlumency is not foolproof Lucius. Crucio" His wand was out before Lucius could react.

Pain like liquid fire filled his veins. Lucius dropped, his mind only focusing on the agony. The pain ended just as quickly as it began, but the pain kept ricocheting up and down his body in waves.

He was on the floor screaming himself hoarse. It took a minute the cresting waves of agony subsided and he was finally able to breath. His throat was raw, and his whole body shook slightly.

He flinched when the Dark Lords wand was pressed into his forehead, and mewled pathetically.

"Oh, how quick the noble lord is turned into a sobbing mess on the floor. You claimed a Malfoy never cowers? That claim proved untrue." The Dark Lord mocked. So, he had been in Malfoys mind this entire time? How was it possible?

"That should hardly be your first concern. Instead, it is time we come to a new understanding."

The wand was pulled away, and the shadows split a moment later to reveal the Dark Lord sitting in one of the chairs. Lucius lay on the floor, staring at the Dark Lord with new fear.

"I am not blind or deaf. I know that some question my methods, resent me for taking control. You have fed discontent in the ranks, and you slide around, dripping venom from that silver tongue. But do you do anything? No, you merely whine about how I am draining your vault dry, like an insolent child disappointed by only ten christmas presents."

"You have only ever looked out for yourself, and yet have somehow convinced yourself that its righteous. But you are a fool, a fair weather friend if ever there was one. You threw your fellow Purebloods to the dogs the second you were threatened. Utterly disgraceful."

The Dark Lord leaned back in the chair, and levitated the still prostrate Lucius up so their heads were at the same level.

Lucius tried to pull back, but the fear was overpowering. This couldn't be how he died, it couldn't! The Dark Lord doubtless heard his thoughts, but kept speaking.

"I have tolerated you only because of your connections and gold. But my mercy is not limitless. This new Archmage will tilt the balance. I know when a man is looking for a glorious death, and he has selected me as his executioner. But who knows what he will accomplish before I oblige him?"

The Dark Lord seemed to be talking to himself, but than Lucius felt the unseen gaze snap back onto him.

"Which is why I am making our positions clear now. You. Serve. Me. And it will be ever thus. I assure you, if you perform well, and cease spreading doubt around the ranks, than you shall be richly rewarded when I control the country. But,"

Malfoy levitated closer to the seated Dark Lord, who leaned forward. Lucius squirmed under the attention, and his sweat dripped down his face.

"If you continue down this path, whining and plotting and sowing disloyalty, than I will make you into an example. It will take you weeks to die, and I will make sure your wife and son are in attendance for the entire time. Than we shall see who is eager to betray me."

"Now, you will increase your funding by 20%, you will do as you are ordered and you tell no one of what happened tonight. If you fail at any of these tasks, there will be no second chance. You are mine, Malfoy, until the day I decide you die."

Lucius gulped audibly, and nodded his head as fast as he could, not risking speaking.

The Dark Lord chuckled. "Let me be honest, you would be a terrible Dark Lord. This position requires backbone."

Suddenly, Malfoy was released from the spell and collapsed onto the floor. His wand was tossed down to him. He hadn't even noticed it had been taken.

He managed to grab it in shaking fingers, and stumbled towards the door.

"Greatest apologies my Lord, I-I will serve you faithfu-" Lucius's placations were cut off when the fireplace glowed green and he was magically propelled into the flames feet first. A long moment on spinning and he was shot out sideways into his own manor home. Bypassing the wards and security he had in place.

Lucius lay on the marble, breathing hard. That had been a shitshow. The Dark Lord had read his mind without troubling himself with the normal methods. It was terrifying. He had underestimated him, and had paid the price.

He had no choice but to be loyal. Even thinking disloyalty was a death sentence. It was certainly effective for control and intimidation.

Lucius had never heard of the talent, not even in the tallest of tales. But he supposed it was irrelevant. Even if he found a way to defend it, it still wouldn't save him. He was trapped, and he was sure the Dark Lord would have him watched. If he ran they would be hunted down mercilessly.

He had no information of significant value to trade with Dumbledore or Crouch. They might protect Draco, but they would take all his gold and throw him in Azkaban.

Damnit, this kind of thinking will get me killed! I just have to serve the Dark Lord, and maybe I can still get out this alive.

Lucius was distracted when his wife entered the room, her wand out. "Lucius? What in Merlin's name are you doing on the floor?" She asked shrilly, and Lucius reluctantly pulled himself up to his feet. "Things didn't go well tonight." he said simply, passing his wife to head back to bed. He needed sleep.

"But, what-" "Nothing you should concern yourself with! Stop badgering me woman!" He yelled, exhausted and scared and hurting, and just wanting to lay down and pretend this night had never happened. Narcissa drew back affronted, but Lucius ignored her. The vapid cow was obsessed with spending most of the money the Purists didn't take, and he now had to deal with giving them an extra 20%.

What did he do that was deserving of this kind of treatment?

oooOOOooo

Rose was sitting in the chair of madam Pomphreys office, trying not to quail under the glares her parents and uncle Sirius were giving her. Alex had long since lost that battle, and was trying to hide behind her. Orion was sitting upright, seemingly determined to take the brunt of the scolding they all knew was about to come.

It was around 9:00 in the morning, and after a long night of potion induced sleep, all the parents had descended on their children. Mrs. Wealsy hadn't even bothered with a silencing charm before she went off on Ron and Ginny.

Mr. Lovegood had been surprisingly angry with his daughter, and Mrs. Longbottom looked positively murderous talking to her grandson. Only Hermione had avoided her parents showing up, but in the spirit of not being left out Professor McGonagall was seeing to her with all her stern glory.

Ever since she could remember, Orion had been just as much her brother as Alex, and Sirius an uncle. So, they were rolled into one big group.

Uncle Remus had been here early this morning, but had to leave before the scolding could commence. He had given her a disappointed look before he left though.

Rose almost would have preferred them shouting, but she could see the hurt in her mother's eyes that cut much deeper.

Her father started things off, his jaw held so tight he barely opened his mouth. "What were you thinking? Running away from Hogwarts, breaking in to the Ministry? For what?" he said in a tone that meant there was no good answer.

Orion beat her to the punch, trying to keep the adults focus on him, the martyr. "Neville had a vision of Dad and Uncle James being tortured in the Department of Mysteries, we didn't think we had time to do anything else. Luna came up with using the therstals to get to the Ministry, and most of the teachers were gone, we didn't think we could trust anyone else. So we went on a rescue mission." He said confidently, keeping his chin up.

Dad glared at them, and it Mom who spoke up next "So you just decided to run off without even bothering to look into it? You could have flooed me, or Tonks or Kingsley. Or, you could have gone to Professor Snape, who was still in the Castle!" she said, her voice raising in pitch and Rose winced. She leaned forward and responded while Orion was trying to figure out what to say.

"The vision indicated that the floo network was compromised! And well, going to Snape-" "Professor Snape." her mother correct primly, and Rose bit her tongue.

"Professor Snape has stated on multiple occasions that both Dad and Uncle Sirius were idiots, and the fact that he doesn't take us seriously made us somewhat reluctant to trust him with a matter of life and death!" Rose snapped.

Her mother shook her head disappointedly "Rose, you know that's not true. Professor Snape would have understood the gravity of the situation and he would have contacted Dumbledore."

Now that was a stretch "Oh please, he would have dragged his feet! Mom, I know you have a blind spot when it comes to Snape, but he hates everyone besides you and we couldn't take the risk that he wanted Dad dead!" Rose yelled, and her mothers eyes narrowed in rage.

"Rose Marie Potter, that is not true! You decided you hated Professor Snape long before now! When are you going to put aside your childish feud with the man and understanding that he is on your side!" Mom yelled, and Rose noticed neither Dad or Sirius was getting involved in this fight.

Ever since Rose had met Snape she was a small child she had known he hated her because she was James's daughter. He had looked at her and only seen her father, and he had singled her and Alex out since they had been at Hogwarts, to the point of maliciously sabotaging their grades. But in Mums eyes the man could do no wrong.

Orion snorted "The only childish one is Snape. He is a terrible teacher, and discriminates against use because of our house and our fathers. Even if he is 'on our side' he doesn't show it." he said harshly, and Lily was turning a dangerous shade of red.

"We're straying from the main topic. Even if you couldn't go to Snape, you still shouldn't have left to try and save me and Sirius." Uncle Sirius interrupted, and Lily glared at him. "You are untrained, and if the Purists had captured us they would be able to take you!" Uncle Sirius said.

"So we are just supposed to let you die?" Rose countered hotly, throwing her arms up.

"Yes!" Dad and Sirius said at the same time. Dad had a fire in his eyes Rose rarely saw. "Yes, that is exactly what you are supposed to do! I would rather be die a thousand times than have any of my kids in danger! The entire reason I am an Auror, that I risk my life is so you don't have to! What if one of you had died? I would trade my life for any of yours in a heartbeat! I, I, I can't, I won't let another one of my kids die!" James roared, and a couple tears escaped his eyes.

Rose flinched back like she had been slapped. In cases like this, it was only a matter of time before someone brought up the elephant in the room.

It was impressive really. Harry had died before Rose and Alex were born, but he still cast a long shadow over their lives. His name was always around, never far from her parents mind. She hadn't understood until she was older: why one of them was always around, why Mom sobbed on the last day of July, why they always took Halloween off and kept them indoors.

Rose felt her lip wobble. She often wondered what Harry would be like. For years, her parents had kept pictures hidden away, and even to this day Mom cried when she saw him. Rose had been 8 when she finally found a photo of him, bright green eyes and messy hair and that joyful smile babies all sported.

It was strange she had never met him and yet still missed him. Alex felt the same way, and Orion had taken the place of big brother. The two had played together as babies, and apparently been close as kin from the moment they met. It was like there was still a hole where he should be.

Dad was crying now, and so was Mom, a far away look in her eyes. Sirius turned away to wipe his eyes, but he laid a comforting hand on his best friends shoulder.

"We didn't think… I mean," Rose stuttered, her anger dying away. In the rush to go save her dad and Uncle, dying had never even crossed her mind. They had gone on adventures for years, but this was the first time they had gone beyond Hogwarts.

It was Alex who figured out what to do. He stood up and wrapped mom up in a hug. She clung to him, and Rose and Orion joined in with a big group hug.

"We're sorry. We didn't realize the danger. We just wanted to help." Alex murmured, and their parents all relaxed a little.

Alex had a way of soothing people, like a balm on jagged wounds.

They all pulled apart. Rose looked at the ground, guilt overwhelming her. "I'm sorry. We were just so sure we had the element of surprise, I thought… there's no excuse. I'm really sorry." Rose said, and Orion nodded vigorously.

Dad sighed, and he looked old. "We know you had good intentions, but the best things you can do for us is to stay safe, and leave the fighting to the adults."

Rose remembered the stranger who had saved them, and his final pieces of advice. "Well, I still think we should train more." She said cautiously, and everyone shot her incredulous looks.

"I don't mean we'll do anything else like last night, just some more dueling training just in case." Rose backpedaled quickly.

Uncle Sirius shook his head "As long as you stay where you're supposed to be, you won't need anymore advanced tactics." he disagreed.

Rose and Orion had both decided years ago they wanted to be Aurors, despite the objections of their parents. It seemed very hypocritical to them, because when Alex announced he wanted to be a healer all of them had praised him and supported his decision.

Rose sighed "Well, maybe. But the War is getting worse, and they aren't going to stop targeting Neville. Besides, last night that stranger showed us just how much we still have to learn."

Dads face twisted a little at the mention of the man "He's a vigilante murderer, Rose. Not someone you should aspire to be."

Mom nodded "And his advice was for you to kill as well." She said angrily.

Alex suddenly stood still "Wait. His other piece of advice has been bugging me all night. How did he know it was a lie that lured us out?"

Rose hadn't thought much about it, to be honest. Everything about the man was strange, and she had been more fascinated by the duel in the Atrium, replaying it over and over in her mind.

It was the confidence she admired. If he ever was afraid he was a master at hiding it, and he had been bold enough to insult the Dark Lord to his face. She desperately wanted that sort of easy competence.

Dad shook his head "I don't know. We still haven't figured out he found out you were in danger. He probably got it from the Purists." he speculated.

That didn't feel right to Rose. Thinking about it, his tone was too emotional, and there was an understanding in his eyes when he spoke.

Mom broke in before she could say anything "Let's not get too far off topic. You were still extremely reckless last night." she said with a harsh look.

Bugger. Looks like we're going to be here for a while. Rose thought as she settled back into her chair.

oooOOOooo

Pomphrey didn't let them out until late that afternoon, with the exception of Ginny. They all split up, even Alex went off on his own. Neville went off to meet the Headmaster like a man walking to the gallows. She was curious about the prophecy, but doubted Dumbledore would share anything with them. Though Neville blamed himself for them being lured out last night.

Rose sighed. It wasn't his fault. She was the one who immediately advocated running off to save her family, ignoring all dissent.

I need to apologize to Hermione.

The girl had been correct. Maybe they should have trusted Snape or Slytherin, or at least sent them a note. In any case, she had driven her friends headlong into a trap.

Rose was angry with herself, she should have known better. She prided herself on tactics and Auror mentality, but she had forgotten all of it when under pressure.

All of them had ways to relax after stressful situations: Neville would go to the Greenhouse once he was free, Ron would head to the kitchen, Hermione was probably hunting down that transfiguration treatise the stranger mentioned. Luna would go down to Hagrid's hut to spend some time with the animals. Orion would go to the astronomy tower and Alex would be flying to clear his mind.

Rose's way of relaxing was a bit different. She had slipped off into the empty parts of the school and found an abandoned classroom.

Once inside she set up a few targets that would move about in random patterns and began dueling practice.

She cast stunning and disarming spells, dodging imaginary spells and trying to destroy the targets.

"Stupify!" she yelled, casting at one particularly elusive target, imagining it was the Blood Purist who was holding her brother captive.

She missed by a full inch.

It was not going well. Rose was getting angrier and angrier as she cast, seeing all the spells she missed last night, all the times she failed her friends.

I need to be better. I have to be better. My friends are counting on me!

The battle in the DOM had proven to Rose that while she was above her peers in Defense, she was still a child when compared to real fighter. Than there was the stranger.

He had both the precision and speed to duel a whole group at one without trouble, and the raw power to go toe to toe with a Dark Lord.

Sure, he had killed, but he was right. There was no other choice.

Rose desperately wanted to be like him, to have the strength to stand against the Purists so no else had to.

Maybe, when the Headmaster tracked him down, he would join the Order. She might be able to persuade him to teach her. He had seemed to understand them. She felt connection to him, like she

Or maybe he would tell her no, that he would handle the fighting and she should just forget the War and live in a fantasy. Why couldn't they see she and the others needed the skills to fight the Purists? How could they be so blind?

Rose was so worked up she was screaming, anger narrowing her field of vision to a point around the targets.

She didn't know how long she was in this state when out of the corner of her eye she spotted a dark shape. Rose whipped around so fast she unbalanced and fell over with a squeal.

Rose thunked down onto the ground, and immediately felt a blush bloom on her face.

She popped her head up and saw possibly her least favorite person looking at her.

"That was pathetic Potter." Professor Slytherin said smugly, a little grin plastered on her face. Fantastic.

Rose rose to her feet as quickly as she could "How long have you been watching?" she demanded a little shrilly, her whole body hot from embarrassment.

Slytherin tilted her head, a slightly dangerous look in her eyes. "Long enough. Honestly Potter you should sell tickets, it was a riot. Really cheered me up with all your flailing about." She said mockingly, and Rose blushed deeper, the tips of her ears burning.

"So glad to cheer you up Professor, but was there a reason you were watching or did you just come here to mock me?"

"Those things aren't mutually exclusive. Besides, I wasn't looking for you. Just heard you screaming from a few corridors down and came to investigate." Slytherin leaned against the door frame and twirled her wand around her fingers.

Rose resisted the urge to roll her eyes when she spotted she was holding a copy of the evening prophet in her other hand.

The paper this morning had a story on the battle, but it was only in a vague description.

"I was going to leave you to your pretend battle, but as I watched I wondered how any of you made it out of the Ministry alive. Details are a little sparse, but the rumor mill is churning as usual."

Rose bit her tongue. Anything she said would be given to Lord Slytherin, and even if he was an enemy of the Purists didn't change the fact that he was a bigoted dark wizard. And Professor Slytherin was no better.

"You know that saying, it's better to be lucky than good? Pretty much sums up the whole ordeal." Rose said, not mentioning the Stranger. Hopefully Slytherin would take the hint and leave her alone.

No such luck, as the irritating woman made a show of unfurling the paper and making sure Rose saw the large artists rendering of the strangers smiling face on the front cover, as well a photo of the destroyed atrium.

"Really? Lucky, is that what he called himself? Seems a little odd for such a powerful mage." she said sarcastically, and Rose groaned internally.

"No professor. I just meant it was lucky that he showed up in time to save us." Rose said tiredly. Slytherin gave her a quizzical look and cocked her head like an owl. "Oh, forgive me. But how can you be so sure he was there to save you? Maybe he was just there to kill the Purists and saving you was just a happy accident."

She didn't know why, but the questioning of the stranger made Rose angry. "He could have left us easily, but he didn't! One of the Purists ran away and he stayed with us."

Slytherin leaned in "I'm sorry Potter, did I touch a raw nerve?" she said in a high, babying voice that made Rose's teeth grind. Slytherin used that voice to taunt students and diminish them.

"I'm sure it wasn't on purpose Professor. It's just that I'm thankful someone showed up to help us, and I don't think that he's evil just because he killed."

"I never said he was evil Potter. Plenty of people kill, and I'm hardly one to judge. Just saying that you seem very protective of a man you've met once."

"I wouldn't expect you to understand." Rose said archly, and a glare crossed Slytherins face before she wiped it off.

"Enlighten me Potter. Unless you'd like some hands on duelling training." she said with feigned sweetness, and Rose shivered a little. Professor Slytherin was rare to dock points or assign detentions. Instead, she would demolish the student in a brief duel, attempting to break their spirit.

It usually worked.

Rose bit her tongue, and tried to be respectful. She was in enough trouble, she didn't need to start a feud with another Professor.

"I only meant that I felt a connection. He risked his life, and I know that the only reason my friends and I are alive is because he came in. But now everybody is treating him as a criminal or claiming he's terrible because he treated us like adults!"

Slytherin cocked an eyebrow at her "I did hear your mother cursing him rather loudly. And saving you doesn't sound like treating you like adults."

Rose lifted her head "Well, he put me at the back of the formation, and he told us that if we were going to be part of this war, we need to be willing to kill." she said proudly. He was talking sense at the very least.

"Potter, you're not going to be part of this war, so stop deluding yourself. The arrogance that you think you can somehow tip the balance is truly staggering." she said harshly, a guarded look in her face.

Rose shook her head "Not you too. I don't think that somehow I can win this War on my own, but its has been going on since long before I was born, and it's not showing any signs of stopping!" Rose spun and looked at out the window onto the sunny grounds.

"Why do all you adults try and hold us back? The Purists have been trying to kill Neville for years, and we are all targets. Whether you like it or not, we need to be ready. Because when all of you die we won't be able to play pretend. Because let me be clear, you do not have this under control and at this rate I'm going to have to train my kids to join this war!"

Rose spun back to look at the Professor, only to gasp when she saw that Slytherin had closed the distance and was looming over her, face twisted in anger. Rose took a step back, but Slytherin just stepped closer.

"You have no idea what your talking about. How stupid are you, that you think we can't tell, that the march of time bring our children ever closer to battle and death. You are a naive child! You think that it's so easy to just flip a switch and instantly become a remorseless killer. But it doesn't work like that, and your parents are trying to protect you from making a choice you don't understand the consequences of!"

Slytherin leaned in so close her face filled all of Roses vision "And finally, never say that you would train your children, like destroying their childhood and forcing them into a war is some sort of fucking virtue! When you children you'll understand that, but until then keep your mouth shut!"

With a final glare, Slytherin stormed out of the empty classroom her black robes swirling around her.

Rose stayed still for a moment, before she gulped loudly.

Blimey, I forgot how scary she can be when she gets a nark on.

Still, anger filled her. What utter crap! She was clearly blind to reality, she was the one under the delusion that it wouldn't come to Rose's generation to clean up their mistakes. There was no choice to make.

She took a deep breath, and relaxed. With a quick spell the door was shut and locked, and she set a small alarm to go off if it was opened. She transfigured more targets and went back to work. Even if the adults didn't take them seriously and wouldn't train them, she would keep working.

She had too.

Authors Notes:

Kind of a shorter chapter, but the I wanted to get into the headspace of some of the a different perspectives. Please note all of these are biased viewpoints.

Neither Rose nor Lucius are going to be main characters going forward mostly because Rose is just a younger, slightly more stable Harry and Lucy is annoying to write.