HAPPY BIRTHDAY LUCY! (sorry if I'm late) Lol, when I saw your review Lucy I had to stop myself from throwing my phone in excitement. That phone don't need any more cracks.

Omg I want to hug you. Best of luck and love and wishes for when your Auntie visits! Does she live in Norway or outside of Norway? I'm curious.

After the Yule ball, the student body weren't given any time to recover from the excitement of the previous night, many students groaning in protest as they once more arose from the comfort of their beds and got ready for the school day. However, the Sins were far used to these type of circumstances. Years of coming back to the Kingdom after a successful mission, drinking and laughing all night only to get up in the early hours of the morning with a hangover made them accustom to the unpleasant feeling; allowing them to get out of bed with ease.

When the Sins arrived down to the Great Hall for breakfast, many Professors were surprised to see the odd group being the first ones to enter at the same time before any other students. The Professors, minus Dumbledore, watching with surprise as the group seated themselves down at the Gryffindor table and began quietly conversing about the previous night; vaguely aware of the students that slowly trickled in and seated themselves.

"So what did you two get up to last night?" Inquired Meliodas as he applied jam onto a slice of toast.

"Hmm, nothing interesting." Answered Ban as he stifled a yawn. "Was curious about the Forbidden Forest so I explored for a bit. Nothing much but some horse people and giant spiders. Although those horse people weren't happy about me being there and fired some arrows at me. It was becoming a pain in the ass so I left and drank at the pub down from here."

"Eh!? Giant spiders!?" Cringed Diane, shivers going up her spine at the mere thought of giant creepy crawlies.

"What about you, Gowther?" Asked Meliodas.

"I borrowed out some book from the Restricted Section. Rather fascinating their version of magic, especially what they considered dark."

"Borrowed? Don't you mean stole?" Smirked Ban.

Gowther tilted his head, his expression blank. "No, I borrowed. Once I am done reading I will return them."

King sweat dropped from his position next to Diane. "Does he even know the difference between borrowing and stealing?" He murmured to himself.

"Who knows." Huffed Diane.

"So what do they consider dark?" Inquired Elizabeth quietly as she sipped her juice, her eyes glancing behind Gowther at the few students slowly entering.

"Well, the three Unforgivable Curses are considered very dark and illegal, they also consider a lot of simple things dark that we would consider normal back home."

"Well, we can't really blame them. Over here, people aren't really exposed to violence and combat as much as us back home. To them, the mere thought of combat without magic is considered savage between pure-blooded witches and wizards." Spoke King as he leaned back into his large pillow.

"Tch, damn pure-blood fanatics. Makes them weak." Grumbled Ban as he leaned his head in the open palm of his hand.

"Oi, Ban." Warned Diane, watching as some Gryffindor's seated themselves a few spaces away from the group.

"I agree with Ban." Spoke Meliodas suddenly, surprising the group. "War is slowly coming, and all they're trained to fight in is magic, and even then it's incredibly weak. But due to the wizarding world mainly controlled by people from pure-blooded or wizarding families, they're too stubborn to change and improve old ways, even if it makes them vulnerable. They believe that wizards are far superior to Muggles or non-pure-blooded people. The wizarding world is surrounded by uptight wizards and bigots."

The group was silent as they comprehended their captains words, vaguely aware of the Gryffindor table slowly filling up with students; the noise of the Great Hall vibrating with more and more chatter. Soon, the Golden Trio made their appearance, with Hermione taking her seat next to Ban with Harry across from her and next to Elizabeth. Ron was nowhere in sight.

"Where's the red head?" Asked Ban lazily as he picked up a slice of toast. He could plainly see that something had occurred between the trio, judging by the lack of a certain loud mouth and the obvious down casted look in Hermione's eyes. But of course, Ban was never really one to beat around the bush for long, and if something had occurred in the group that could affect their mission than they need to know.

Harry gazed at Ban momentarily before his gaze flickered over to Hermione's still absent gaze before switching over to the rest of the Sins, including Hawk. The group took this as a sign that some form of an argument had occurred and thus, the males left it up to the two females to converse with Hermione.

"Did you enjoy yourself last night, Hermione? You looked beautiful during the ball and I noticed you got to dance with Viktor… Did Viktor do something?" Began Elizabeth softly, her gaze constantly locking on those of her friends for some sign as she spoke. But no one stopped her.

However, whatever Elizabeth said, sparked something inside Hermione as her gaze lifted up to the table, her hands automatically filling her plate with food as a frown covered her expression.

"It wasn't Viktor. I quite enjoyed the ball with him and he was so kind to me. It was Ron who ruined everything." She scoffed as she stabbed at her food, an action never seen of the book worm.

"What did he do?" Asked Elizabeth, unsure if she should continue in this direction.

If possible, Hermione looked even more angered. "Ron was jealous that I got a date with his most beloved star and that I didn't go with him. The nerve of him! Just because I had an enjoyable night with someone who actually held an interest in me doesn't me he can just interfere and question me as such! Just because he had horrible dress robes, a horrible date and a horrible night doesn't mean he has the right to make others suffer!" But the end of her rant, Hermione's face was bright red, her eyes watering with the beginnings of tears that threatened to spill.

Ban, to the surprise of many Gryffindors, Hufflepuff's, Ravenclaw's and even Slytherin's, sighed and silently wrapped an arm around Hermione and pushed her head into his shoulder, allowing her to let the tears spill as she cried silently into his shoulder. While many may be surprised by the sudden act of kindness and sincerity, what people don't know is that Ban really is a considerate person. Despite what his outward appearance and actions proclaim, deep down, Ban is understanding. And this is one of the things many people outside of the Sins just can't seem to comprehend.

Meliodas watched silently as Ban continued to quietly offer his support to the distressed and angered Gryffindor before his gaze subtly flickered over to Harry, who was watching on in surprise. Elizabeth had gotten up and around the table, sitting herself on Hermione's other side as she quietly murmured to Hermione. As Meliodas looked up, he noticed a large number of students watching the scene with curiosity, some Slytherin's even going so far as to glare at Ban for his open actions. A quick glance to the Head Table told Meliodas that Ban's actions didn't escape the gazes of the Professor's; many watching on with soft gazes while others with unreadable expressions.

"Sometimes I wonder what they're thinking." Murmured Meliodas to himself, gaining the attention of Harry, Diane and King.

"The Professors?" Questioned Diane as her and King's gaze followed Meliodas.

"Hmm, they seem to notice everything from up there. Wonder what they're thinking."

Diane and King, having caught on to what Meliodas was implying, tore their gazes away from the Head Table, sending each other a look before shrugging.

"Who knows? Probably surprised like majority of the others." Answered Diane as she watched Hermione lift her head and clean her face of tears; quietly thanking both Elizabeth and Ban before slowly turning back to her remainder breakfast.

When classes began, it seemed strange to students how sudden the change went from formal and celebrating to school work and classes, yet for the Sins it was just normal. However, the sudden normal atmosphere disappeared the moment rumours started spreading about Hagrid being a half-giant, which gained mixed reactions from the student body. These rumours only became truth when the Sins caught sight of an article by one Rita Skeeter regarding Hagrid's heritage. Harry, Ron and Hermione were all surprised, but still accepted Hagrid as a friend and the Sins simply didn't care and didn't think of Hagrid any differently, which pleased the Golden Trio.

Yet, one thing they all agreed on was that they weren't happy with what Rita had done to the gentle giant, and silently promised that if they ever came across the vial woman alone, they'd personally deal with the woman. However, out of the entire group, the one most affected over the article was Diane. So much so that when they were in class with the Slytherin's, it became a group effort to avoid Diane punching Draco.

"Missing your half-breed pal?" Whispered Draco constantly to Harry, but loud enough for the surrounding students to hear; jaunting a few snickers from Slytherin. "Missing the elephant man?" He continued to taunt.

Diane looked about ready to explode, and Meliodas for once was actually trying to calm her down as to not seriously harm the boy. Sure, he may deserve it, but he's merely a human boy with no fighting skills whatsoever and one punch could easily kill him if she didn't watch her strength. And with the way Diane is shaking with rage, Meliodas doubts she'll be thinking much about controlling her strength.

Thankfully, before any damage could be done, Ban had stepped in and roughly grabbed the pale blonde's shoulder and wrapped a hand over his mouth before dragging him outside the Greenhouse all the while Professor Grubby-Plank had her back turned. The moment the two had disappeared outside, Meliodas turned to the rest of the Slytherin's and gave them his most chilling smile he could give; sending shivers down their spines as they wisely remained quiet. The incident with Snape and Draco still fresh in their minds.

Three minutes later, Ban and a pale Draco entered the Greenhouse once more, taking their assigned positions at their tables and returning to work with their Professor none the wiser. Even as the Slytherin's quietly spoke to Draco, attempting and failing to receive an answer from the blonde, Meliodas didn't bothering asking Ban what he said. The mere fact that the boy returned without a scratch is enough for Meliodas to leave the situation and not have to punch Ban for his idiocy.

At the sight of the pale and shaky blonde, Diane's temper lessened, but she continued to glare quite fiercely at the young blonde throughout the lesson, which then continued onto lunch, and then whenever the blonde Slytherin was ever within sight in the corridors. However, it wasn't until lunch, when Hermione and Harry joined the group at the Gryffindor table did Meliodas truly begin to start thinking about the next trial.

It was already January, and their next Hogsmeade visit was fast approaching, however, it was when Hermione approached Harry one day did it struck Meliodas. He still hasn't worked out what purpose the egg held.

"Oh, I-I reckon I've got a pretty good idea what it's about now." Lied Harry to Hermione when she inquired his progress. Harry was well aware of a smirking Meliodas who stood within sight of Harry's line of sight, yet behind Hermione so she couldn't see the sly look gracing the small blonde's lips. And yet all he could do was keep eye contact with Hermione.

"Have you really?" Said Hermione impressively, "Well done!" She beamed. If possible, the sly smirk gracing the Sin of Wrath's lips widened. Meliodas could see the lie and the overwhelming guilt that flooded Harry with the simple lie, yet at the same time wondered why he lied to Hermione in the first place. After all, it's no secret that Hermione is the brightest witch in their year, so why not ask for her help when she's willing to lend a hand?

"If you don't mind, Hermione, but I could use some help. I'm not familiar with your branch of magic so I do not know what the egg could be." Spoke Meliodas, stepping forward, the smirk from before vanishing and now replaced with his usual causal smile. If possible, Hermione brightened at the prospect of help being asked in regards to the Tournament.

"No problems at all! If you want, I could ask Viktor and see if he's figured out anything. I doubt the library will hold anything regarding the egg seeing as it was probably designed specifically for the Tournament." Said Hermione thoughtfully.

Meliodas beamed. "Thank you!"

Hermione smiled, "Like I said, no problem at all! Anything to help a friend."

For the briefest of moments, Meliodas paused, his features slack and his gaze wide as he stared at Hermione in surprise. Within seconds, the expression was whipped from his face, leaving nothing but his beaming smile and friendly eyes as he watched Hermione leave, unaware that Harry had caught sight of the odd expression before it could vanish.

The moment Hermione was out of ear shot, the sly grin was back on the small captain's face as he turned a mischievous look towards Harry.

"So, you know what the second trial is all about, huh?"

Harry began to look flustered. "I don't see you getting any closer to figuring it out!" Reprimanded Harry, and if possible, his face going even more flustered. "And what was that all about? Asking Hermione for help?"

Meliodas merely blinked owlishly up at Harry, appearing as if Harry had grown a second head before commenting, "But it's true, I am new to this form of magic and therefore am unsure about what the egg could mean."

Harry faltered in his mini argument, staring at Meliodas who continued to give him his seemingly innocent look. "You mean you've never come across or used our magic?" He asked, a small frown gracing his features.

Meliodas merely shook his head, "No. Like mentioned at the start off the year, by come from Liones School for Unique Magic, we don't focus on your type of magic because we have no need for it."

"How could you have no need for it? Magic-I mean, our branch of magic can do numerous things, so why not use it at all?"

Sometimes Meliodas unnerved Harry. For on the outside, he looks like a mere child, one who has still retained his innocence of the world and couldn't hurt a fly, but there were times throughout the year that Harry had known him that violently shake that description from his mind. Such as when Meliodas gropes Elizabeth, or when he and Ban banter, or when he fought Draco and the Dragon during the first trial. Or even now, as Harry stared into wide green eyes, Harry gets the impression that despite the sometimes childish mannerism and speech, that in reality he's speaking to someone far older and wiser than him. And it's that mere fact that unnerves Harry greatly. It were also these times does Harry realise just how little he knows about Meliodas or of his group.

"Muggle technology is vastly progressing, so why don't Wizards use them if it can improve their culture and environment?" Answered Meliodas sagely; the childishness and seemingly innocence gone and replaced with that unnerving knowledge that hides behind Meliodas' intense gaze. Harry didn't bother pointing out that Muggle technology doesn't work in the Magical community, mainly because Harry got the distinct impression that Meliodas knew that he knows what area of technology he was referring to. After all, Harry was raised by Muggles and therefore knows of Muggle technology quite well.

It took a while for Harry to realise that Meliodas had left, leaving him standing there with his thoughts as he tries to figure out the puzzle known as Meliodas.

OoOoOoOoOoO

At some point, Ron had decided to join Harry and Hermione once more, but later continued to ignore him for majority of the time, which appeared to suit Ron just fine. The two, when faced with a situation where they must speak to each other, merely replied with short and polite comments; treating each other like strangers.

However, it wasn't long until the Hogsmeade trip was right on their front door and the group of Sins have special permission from one Albus Dumbledore to attend to trip. And with some new and proper winter clothing also given to them by Dumbledore, the group was ready to go. Diane, despite the biting cold, was rocking on the balls of her feet in excitement next to a shivering King as he floated in the air with his magical pillow wrapped around him like a second skin. Ban fared no better, having wrapped himself in layer upon layer of clothing as he hunched in on himself due to the cold. Elizabeth stood next to Diane as she clutched her robes closer to her body for warmth, but appeared to be faring better. Even Hawk was shivering beside Elizabeth, who was wearing a winter overall and small boots.

The only two who didn't appear affected by the chilling cold was Gowther and Meliodas. Gowther, who wore the clothing given to him by Dumbledore, only wore long pants, a jumper and a winter robe while Meliodas wore similar attire, gaining rather envious glares from King and Ban. After all, they were all used to the warmth and heat of their home land; not the biting cold, short days and drawn out nights of snow and storms of this world.

"Damn demon and their resistances to the elements." Muttered Ban as he glared at a cheerful Meliodas who peered through the display window of one of the many shops.

"He's mad!" Called out Harry to Hermione and Ron, gaining the groups attention as they approach the two.

"Who?" Inquired Diane.

"Viktor Krum, he's barely wearing anything! It must be freezing, it's January!" Said Harry, only to do a double-take at Gowther and Meliodas. "You two are just as bad!"

"Tch, no kidding." Growled Ban as he warmed his hands.

"It's a lot colder where he comes from," said Hermione, paying no mind to the comments. "I suppose it feels quite warm to him."

"Yeah, but there's still the giant squad." Said Ron, sounding hopeful if anything. The group of Sins frowned to various degrees at the tone of voice and the comment, but overall remained silent. Hermione, which Meliodas noticed, frowned as well as she too, remained silent and continued to ignore Ron's presence.

"He's really nice, you know," Began Hermione absently. "He's not at all like you'd think, coming from Durmstrang. He likes it much better here, he told me."

"Oh? Where is Durmstrang?" Inquired Elizabeth curiously.

"It's located in Russia, which is a lot colder here as you can believe."

At the mention of somewhere being colder than where they are already, Ban and King both simultaneously shivered, their eyes filled with dread at the mere thought.

"Now that I think about it, don't you think he looks happier whenever he's away from his Headmaster?" Spoke Meliodas, gaining the groups attention as they entered a lolly shop.

Hermione frowned, "now that I think about it, you're right. It's the same when I speak to him, he'd be happy one minute but the moment his Headmaster catches sight of him it's like… like he's dreading even speaking to him. I wonder why…"

"Perhaps he's just a douche." Called Ban lazily from across the room as he browsed the array of lollies.

"More like favouritism." Answered King from his pillow.

"What do you mean?" Asked Harry curiously.

"Think about it. Remember when Durmstrang first arrived, and he practically guided Viktor to the front and inside Hogwarts; he was focusing all of his attention on Viktor only. When another Durmstrang student asked if he could have the same thing that Viktor was having, their Headmaster suddenly turned cold and rejected him harshly. It's quite obvious that the man favours Viktor."

Hermione's frown deepened, her lips thinning in thought as she absently moved about the shop. The group left her be to mull over King's revelation, continuing on with their trip as Harry, Elizabeth and Hawk attempt to take her mind off of Viktor and to enjoy the trip out. Soon, the large group entered a pub, the group taking a seat as Hermione and Elizabeth ordered the group a butterbeer each before returning to the table; their hands full.

"Thank you! Looks like your work at the Boar Hat is paying off!" Grinned Meliodas as a blushing Elizabeth took her seat.

"Y-you think so?"

"Not really." Commented Hawk, causing Ban to cackle with laughter and for Elizabeth to blush even fiercer.

"Don't listen to the swine." Smiled Meliodas casually as he stretched Hawk's cheeks. The day continued on from there with nothing eventful occurring aside from Hermione pointing out Bagman talking to a group of Goblins, which the group paid little attention to; aside from Gowther. Even when Bagman spotted Harry and dragged him to the corner for a brief talk, the Sins only paid little attention as they slowly ordered more and more butterbeer. However, it was only when a resounding "Uh-oh" sound from Ron did the group begin to pay attention.

Rita Skeeter had just entered, wearing banana-yellow robes and shockingly pink pointed nails. The only thing that worried the group of Sins was the sight of her photographer that trailed after her like an eager puppy. The two ordered drinks and began to make their way through the crowd to a spare table; the Golden Trio glaring at her as she did so. Thankfully, the two didn't notice the group.

Meliodas' eyes narrowed ever so slightly, "Gowther, can you access her thoughts and memories?" Whispered Meliodas. Gowther nodded as he subtly pointed his index finger towards her throat, a faint blue arrow flashing towards her and vanishing with no one the wiser. While Gowther gathered any useful information, the rest of the group listened in to their conversation.

"…didn't seem very keen to talk to us, did he, Bozo? Now, why would that be, do you think? And what's he doing with a pack of goblins in tow anyway? Showing them the sights… what nonsense… he was always a bad liar. Reckon something's up? Think we should do a bit of digging? Disgraced Ex-Head of Magical Sports, Ludo Bagman… snappy start to a sentence, Bozo- we just need to find a story to fit it-"

"Trying to ruin someone else's life?" Called Harry loudly. The Sins, minus Elizabeth and Gowther, had to stop themselves from either hitting their head on the table or hitting Harry for his idiocy.

"You idiot! What were you thinking calling out to her!?" Whispered Ban harshly over the table, startling the Golden Trio. Before Harry could reply, a rather annoying voice cut in.

"Harry!" Beamed Rita, "How lovely! Why don't you come and join-"

"I wouldn't come near you with a ten-foot broomstick," Replied Harry furiously. "Why did you do that to Hagrid for, eh?"

Rita merely raised her heavily pencilled eyebrow. "Our readers have the right to know the truth, Harry, I am merely doing my-"

"Who cares if he's a half-giant!? There's nothing wrong with him!" Shouted Harry in his anger, silencing the entire pub.

Rita's smile flickered briefly before falling back into place, opening up her crocodile handbag and pulling out her Quick-Quotes Quill.

"How about giving me an interview about the Hagrid you know, Harry? The man behind the muscles? Your unlikely friendship and the reasons behind it. Would you call him a father substitute?"

Ban suddenly stood along with Meliodas, the two sparing each other a look before silently heading in separate directions. Too quickly before anyone to react, Meliodas has grabbed hold of Harry's collar and effortless dragged him outside; Elizabeth, Gowther, Hawk, Hermione and Ron quickly rising from their seats and chased after the pair, leaving Ban, King and Diane to deal with Rita.

"Oh? Saving Harry are we?" Purred Rita, completely unware of the danger she's in.

"Tch, how disgusting." Growled Diane in disgust as she crossed her arms over her chest, eliciting another raised eyebrow from Rita.

"I forgot how vulgar humans can be." Responded King, drawing everyone's attention to him from not just his comment, but also the fact that he's floating in the air.

"Are you admitting that you're not human?" Smiled Rita a sickly smile.

"And what's it to you?" Said Ban dangerously, "Listen here lady, leave those kids alone."

"And if I don't?" She challenged.

"You really want to know what will happen?" Whispered Ban, his voice carrying an unspoken threat that sent chills down her spine; her eyes going wide as she stepped back. Ban smirked dangerously at her reaction, a smirk found on predators, before turning around and leaving out the door. King and Diane following after him; leaving a rather dumbfounded pub behind.

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