Lord of Darkness
Symbols & Plans
***One day ownership will be mine... BUT IT IS NOT THIS DAY! ***
A/N: Voting still up for the Gabrielle Delacour situation in the future:
A. Gabbie stays the same age as in cannon, (8 years old when Harry is 14) and will be part of his growing group of females sometime around 4th/5th year as I had originally planned.
B. Gabbie's age is increased to something more suitable, she was generally mentioned as being in her first year so if we went by Hogwarts she would be 11 in Harry's fourth year. She is included in the group at this age.
C. Gabbie's age is kept the same, but she is not included into the harem, she will be in the story but off-limits as far as relationships are concerned.
Let me know in either PM or reviews what option you would like, or if you see a fourth choice that I missed.
***LoD***
Severus Snape glanced around the alley he had just Apparated into, Wand drawn should he need to Obliviate any Muggle that might have been in the area at the wrong time. Luckily his arrival had went unnoticed, and thus after a mild Glamor was applied the Potion Master crept out onto the sidewalk, searching for his destination.
Minutes later he came upon, what he assumed, was the house he had been searching for, or at least was at one time. Now it was a dirt field, no trace of a structure to be found. Had the information been incorrect? Had Dumbledore been mistaken? Had the address been wrong?
"Excuse me, can I help you sir?"
The Wizard turned slightly towards the voice, and spied an older looking man approaching him. "Perhaps, I was looking for Number Four Privet Drive, for a family named the 'Dursleys' to be precise."
The look of reluctance given by the stranger did nothing to help settle the professor's concern.
"Did you know them sir?"
Snape nodded, "I was very good friends with the sister of Petunia Dursley. I recently discovered an old family heirloom from my friend and I wanted to return it. Unfortunately, I am leaving town on business in the morning, so this was my chance to return it." The man easily lied.
"I see... I am sorry to be the one to tell you this but the Dursley's died about a year and a half ago. Summer of Ninety-Two if I remember right. Dreadful thing it was."
Swallowing the unease that was now creeping up his spine the Wizard gestured for the man to continue.
"It was a fire, whole house and property went up in flames. Terrible thing, and so very strange..."
"What... was strange about it if I may ask?"
"Well it's just that... I have seen fires before, my brother worked in the fire department long time ago, but I have never seen one burn so fast. The entire house was engulfed by the time the first truck pulled up to try and help, no matter how much water they used it just... didn't seem to help. One of the neighbors even claimed that she could see the Dursleys inside, all sitting around in their living room... almost like they were just waiting to die."
Snape couldn't help the shiver at the man's words as he glanced back at the property. Even the grass had been burned to ash, with no hint of regrowth. "I am sorry to hear that... I am afraid I must be going now, please give my condolences to any surviving family."
The stranger turned back to ask the man his name, but found himself standing alone on the street, Severus Snape having long since vanished to ponder the events he had just been informed of.
***LoD***
"I cannot see a bloody thing!" the Malfoy heir ranted as he wiped the rain from his face. Seriously could they have chosen a worse time to hold a Quidditch game? Lightning flashed off in the distance, as if to reply that 'yes they could' and the blonde wrapped his cloaked just a little tighter around his body.
"Tell me about it, despite how much I love the game I wish they would just postpone, could use a nice steaming cup of coffee right now." The Hufflepuff seeker put in as he hovered nearby. Draco gave a curt nod to Cedric Diggory before returning his eyes to the arena in desperate hopes of catching a flash of gold. At least if they won he would score even more bragging rights among the Slytherins.
"Would it kill them to at least get us some heated clothes? The rain wouldn't be so bad if it wasn't so bloody cold!"
Draco Malfoy made a mental note to purchase such a thing before the next match. Moments later another shiver crept down as his body and he began noticing the frost forming on his sleeves. He knew it was cold, but it shouldn't be that cold, at least not yet...
A moment later he received his answer, as images of his father being arrested appeared in his mind. It was a memory he had long since repressed, but apparently his subconscious could recall that day just as clear as when it had happened, the Aurors putting the man he looked up to in cuffs, and practically dragging him out of their house. His mother crying as she rocked him in her arms, the feeling of despair...
The Slytherin's eyes widened in horror as a bolt of lightning streaked through the skies nearby, illuminating the group of figures that now hovered only a dozen feet away.
"D-Dementors..." Diggory gasped in horror, as he too looked ready to fall from his broom from their influence.
Vaguely, the Slytherin noticed movement below and lights of silver as the professors attempted to ward off the creatures, but they had swarmed the entire area, more than thirty of the monsters descending from every angle and upon every gathering of Wizards and Witches alike. There were simply too many to be stopped by the few adults in attendance.
"I am going to get in so much trouble for this..." the blonde muttered, before pulling off his glove and extending his palm towards the demons that inched ever closer.
"BEGONE!" He roared out, a symbol flashing into existence on his hand for all to see. In that brief instance the darkness and fear were cast back, light pouring forth as if to change the night into day.
A horrific screech filled the air as the creatures pulled back, almost as if in fear. Those who stood before the two Seekers fled. Moments later several other cries could be heard, along with the flames of his Lord's symbol being called to use.
The Dementors fled by the dozens as Neville Longbottom stood tall, his back straight, eyes gleaming with power and determination as the monsters fled before his battle cry. Nearby he could just make out similar shouts from the Weasley twins, as well as other Slytherins who had been given the protective symbols. Never was he so glad to serve Harry.
With the large bulk of the demons fleeing the remaining professors were able to gain control of the situation, avoiding even a single loss of life or soul. Moments later the players safely landed, all taking deep breaths to attempt and calm their nerves.
"Mr. Malfoy, you and the others will be accompanying me to the Headmaster's office immediately. Professor Snape intoned as he approached the gathering of students, his expression telling the blonde that he had no time for games or run arounds.
Said student merely nodded and watched as the other 'marked' individuals followed along.
He was going to be in so much trouble.
***LoD***
Millicent Bulstrode glanced up in curiosity as she watched a large grouping of her fellow 'followers' be led through the hallway by professor Snape. Just as she was about to stand her eyes caught sight of Draco Malfoy making a slight gesture, tapping on the top of his left hand with two fingers from his right, then giving a slight gesture towards the ceiling.
The larger girl gave a slight nod, before slowly standing and walking off towards the Slytherin dorms. The message had been received, 'inform our Lord, Dumbledore.' One of the 'precautions' that those who followed Harry had taken was to develop a silent code for what they deemed to be potential emergencies. Ways of communicating that others would not understand should the need arise.
Harry had merely found it amusing.
As soon as the girl was free from prying eyes she took off in a sprint, not daring to waste another moment as she barged into their common room less than a minute later.
"My Lord!"
"Millie." the boy calmly intoned from nearby, as a certain blonde Ravenclaw sat in his lap, lounging about happily.
"Draco and the others are being taken to the Headmaster's office by professor Snape."
Emerald-eyes met her own, and the female fought hard to keep her pulse from skyrocketing any more than it already was. "I see, thank you Millie. Luna dear, if you could let me up please. I am sure that I will be summoned shortly, might as well save them the trip."
"Awwww but I was comfy..."
***LoD***
"Neville, I assure you that none of you are in trouble, we just want to know what happened is all."
Draco had to give the Longbottom heir credit, he had thought for sure that the moment the Headmaster had brought McGonagall in that the other boy would have cracked.
He had been wrong.
Instead the Gryffindor-turned-Slytherin had stood as still as a statue, his eyes staring at the wall without blinking or even acknowledging he had even heard the statement. He had been that way since they entered the room, and Dumbledore had offered them a candy.
"Mr. Malfoy, I do not know what you are hiding but I assure you that..."
"Severus please... now I understand that all of you value your privacy." the elder Wizard placated with a warm smile, "I assure you that none of us are looking to expose any secrets, but there has been an incident in which lives were put in harm's way and we wish to figure out everything that happened."
The Malfoy bit back the first, second, and even fifth retort that popped into his mind. It did not escape his notice that none of the other students had been brought in for a 'friendly chat'. Instead it was only those who had saved lives. Yet he would not abandon his Lord's trust, none of them would.
"Mr. Malfoy if you do not answer the Headmaster's questions I will..." A knocking interrupted whatever threat the Potion Master was about to make, earning startled glances from the three adults.
"Odd... I believe I locked down the room..." Albus muttered, before calling out for the individual to enter.
In walked Harry Potter, head held high, and a bright smile on his face, happily strolling in as if he owned the castle and everyone in it. "Good evening Headmaster, professor Snape, professor McGonagall. I heard that an incident occurred at the Quidditch field earlier and I figured that I would cut out the middle man so to speak and simply come to you."
Dumbledore gave a hesitant nod as he gestured towards an open chair, "Please take a seat Harry, I must admit I am rather confused though, the report did not place you at the field when the attack took place."
"No but seeing as how I am the one who gave them the means to ward off the Dementors I suspect that I would be questioned soon anyway."
"Mr. Potter, what exactly allows them to do such things?" Snape quickly snapped, earning a disapproving glare from the Transfiguration mistress who stood nearby.
"A combination of Runes and Charms." the teen answered without hesitation.
The adults blinked a few times, allowing the silence to settle into the room as the other group of Slytherins remained deathly still as they had previously.
"Would you perhaps mind if I brought in a few experts Harry?"
"Go right ahead."
A few Floo calls later and professor Babbling, Flitwick, Sprout, and Amelia Bones had joined the group in the already slightly cramped office.
"Given their limited involvement perhaps the other students could return to the dorms Headmaster? That is if the questioning is now complete?" Harry inquired politely, however the statement earned the older man a frown from the head of the DMLE.
"Yes... yes of course Harry you are correct no punishments, of course, as promised."
The Slytherins, and Gryffindor, quickly departed with many practically running to write to their guardians concerning legal counsel for the boy-who-lived.
"Now then Harry, if you could be so kind as to explain what happened earlier today."
The teen nodded to the elderly Wizard. "Of course, sir as I understand it the Dementors placed around the school to guard us from Sirius Black interrupted a game of Quidditch and attempted to suck the souls out of no less than several dozen children..."
Severus hissed in warning from nearby, however the damage had already been done. "Dementors attacking children!? Bloody Minister and his stupid plans. I swear this is not going to be swept under the rug like the incident on the train, I will be sure the papers will hear about this before the day is up!" Amelia Bones promised, a hateful glare appearing in her eyes as she swore.
"Please continue Harry, we are more concerned about the protections you gave your fellow students."
"Followers..." Snape muttered from nearby, earning a few glares once again.
"Ah yes, well I figured that since the Patronus Charm is rather difficult to learn I needed to figure out a different means for my friends to protect themselves. By creating a Runic cluster in combination with several transportation and projection Charms I was able to inscribe symbols that would ward the creatures off. It seems I will need to work on the range though, I heard that Draco was only able to stop those closest to him..."
Harry's rambling seemed to distract him enough for the gaping expressions of the rest of the room, especially his Runes professor, who knew the boy to be skilled but not borderline genius.
"Mr. Potter... if you could explain how these work I would be quite excited to study and..."
"No thank you."
Professor Babbling blinked in confusion once more, "Excuse me?"
"I said 'no thank you'. The Runes were of my own design and if I were to ever go into business these would undoubtedly be one of the first I would produce. If I let you examine them you could copy the idea and take credit for yourself. It is the same reason that Headmaster Dumbledore does not write a book explaining each of his spells and discoveries before he is able to copyright them."
"Or perhaps it is because your 'marks' are so very close to those of the Death Eaters?" Snape bit out.
Harry turned, ever so slowly, to face the man, his smile dropping instantly. "Perhaps I was wrong Headmaster, if my work is going to be compared to that of the murdering psychopath who slaughtered my parents then I will not be doing any further progress on it."
"Harry I..." Dumbledore practically pleaded, not wanting to waste such a discovery.
"If that is all sir?"
The elderly man let out a defeated sigh before nodding, "Yes Harry... that will be all thank you."
The student departed, and a second later the Bones Matron's scowl was in full force, "You stupid man! Do you have any idea what you could have just cost us!?"
"Potter created a..."
"Way of stopping Dementors without a use of the Patronus! Do you know how many Aurors can cast the spell successfully? Less than a quarter! Need I remind you that these creatures guard Azkaban which we are required to help patrol? Do you realize how many lives have been accidentally lost because of them!?"
"Amelia..."
"No, she is right Albus, I have had it with Severus' crackpot theories and accusations towards Mr. Potter. This stops now, or I will be going to the papers with Mr. Potter's discovery and the response by his Head of House."
Dumbledore paled, but gave a slight nod, "I understand, Severus this is to stop... immediately."
"But Headmaster..."
"If it does not the boy will be removed from your House and any classes you instruct along with a disciplinary investigation."
Snape fell silent but gave a defeated nod.
"Now then... let us hope we can convince Mr. Potter that saving dozens of lives is worth the ire of one bitter old professor." Bones growled.
***LoD***
Severus Snape glared at the nearly empty bottle sitting on his desk. It seemed as though another year was preparing to follow in the footsteps of the past two. Potter was going to make some amazing discovery or act of courage, receive credit and praise, and any potential darkness would be ignored.
Even worse was that his own actions had now led to the ire of the head of the DMLE, along with the not-so-subtle demands that he leave the boy be.
But he couldn't, not when the path that James Potter's child walked was so clearly leading to darkness, he owed it to the world to prevent another Dark Lord's rise… didn't he?
Another glassful of burning liquid and the man's thoughts began to waver, why the hell was it his responsibility? Why shouldn't he just let the damnable brat do as he pleased? Sure, he probably had killed Lockhart and Quirrell, but neither was really that big of a loss, and if his memory served Petunia Dursley was a living example of what the true Dark Lord had always preached about Muggles.
Killing her, and her rotten family, probably did the world a service if nothing else.
Why was he so hell bent on targeting the child?
Perhaps he had been wrong. He himself was certainly not free of sin or terrible actions in the course of 'aiding humanity' so how could he pass judgement on a teenager?
'Because you hate his father, it has nothing to do with his actions' a traitorous voice whispered in his mind, which Snape blatantly ignored… or at least attempted to. It had been speaking to him ever since first meeting the child and now that his stomach was beginning to fill with that amber truth serum known as 'alcohol' he was finding it more and more difficult to keep up his mask of 'the greater good'.
"It isn't like I have any real evidence…" the man muttered to himself. "Perhaps holding back on further suspicions wouldn't hurt."
***LoD***
Harry Potter strolled towards his destination, a hidden area beneath the willow tree on Hogwarts grounds. He could have waited longer but the air was beginning to grow cold and quite frankly he was getting a tad bit anxious to get everything underway.
As soon as he entered the secret room the man, who was currently sleeping on a rather uncomfortable looking bed, perked up, gaped in shock, and promptly fell out of the bed still wrapped up in the thin blanket.
The teen paused, allowing the disheveled man to free himself and stand. "Sirius Black, I presume?"
"H-Harry... my God how you have grown..."
The boy nodded in return, "I suppose my first question is the most obvious but, are you going to try and kill me Lord Black?"
"Wha- kill? Merlin no pup! Look I know you have heard some things about me, terrible things, but I swear to you that..."
"You are innocent and were sent to Azkaban without trial while the real betrayer, Peter Pettigrew, escaped after shapeshifting back into Ronald Weasley's pet rat Scabbers whom you have been hunting."
"No I... oh wait no that's right... how did you?"
"I looked for your arrest records and couldn't find them. As for Peter, I noticed him on the Map and used it to track him down. I figured he must be the true traitor if he was in hiding."
"You did all of this... for me?"
The boy looked puzzled for a moment, "It took me maybe ten minutes of actual effort..."
Sirius Black blinked a few times, before muttering a few choice swear words about literally everyone in charge or in the government. A thirteen-year-old had figured out he was innocent in only ten minutes but dozens of adults couldn't do so in over a decade? Suddenly a fact came to the former prisoner's mind.
"Oh shit! I am so sorry if I scared you pup, I tried to break into Gryffindor and..."
"I am not in Gryffindor so no need to apologize, I am a Slytherin."
"Oh... well that's okay. I mean they tend to be prats, but it isn't like every one of them turns into a Dark Lord or anything." The man chuckled, before noticing the rather serious expression on his godson's face.
"And if I was? If I was a Dark Lord? What if this was your one chance to stop me Sirius Black? To save lives, to become a hero?"
"I..."
"If you go to Dumbledore I am sure he will believe you. Snape already suspects me, so I am sure with enough evidence you will be freed and rewarded."
"NO! I mean... I won't do that to you pup."
"Even if I plan on killing innocent people?"
The man gulped, but then memories of a promise long since forgotten sparked into his mind. "I swore... I swore I would protect you pup and I failed. I chose vengeance over your wellbeing. Well no longer, I am with you no matter what the destination. All those bastards left me to rot while you believe in me. Sure, I would rather you not kill people but... I understand if that is what you want."
"Interesting... Dobby." A House-elf promptly popped into existence, wearily glancing over at the stupefied man.
"Yes Master?"
"The items I asked you to gather for me, I would like them now please."
'Please? What sort of Dark Lord used the word please when talking to a House-elf?' Sirius pondered in confusion as he watched the interaction between the two.
"Dobby will get." the elf exclaimed happily, before disappearing and reappearing a moment later with a large chest.
"Please take a seat Lord Black."
"Sirius... or just Padfoot would be great. No need for titles with me pup."
The boy shrugged, before opening the chest and taking out a large covered dish and placing it before the man. Seconds later the former convict's senses erupted in pleasure as he bore witness to the most delicious looking food he had ever seen, now of course that was being compared to the bread and water he had been given for the past decade, but it still smelled divine.
Steak, well done if his nose was any indicator, along with roasted potatoes, carrots, and what he was sure was a handful of rolls with a cinnamon butter. He was practically drooling at this point, his eyes darting over the various items trying to decide what to eat first when caught a glimpse of his godson and froze.
The boy had no plate in front of him, nor food. Instead he was just watching with a smile on his face.
"Uh... aren't you hungry pup?"
"Alas I ate before making this venture, I wasn't sure if you would be here or not, so I did not take any chances, go ahead though you must be hungry. I will eat with you next time."
The man nodded enthusiastically, before grabbing the steak and just taking a bite into it. He was right, it was cooked perfectly.
***LoD***
"Feeling better?"
The adult let out a belch, before nodding happily as he took a drink of water. He never knew that he could miss clean water until having to go without it for so long.
"Very good, now then there is enough food in the chest to allow for four meals a day for the next four months. I do not plan on it taking that long but..."
"Wait... what are you talking about?"
"Your innocence being declared of course. Haven't you wondered why I didn't simply go to the DMLE with the evidence I have now?"
"Uhhhhh to be honest I was more focused on meeting you... and the food." the man cheekily replied with a grin.
"Understandable, well regardless there are a few more things that need to fall into place before you can be declared a free man. I intend on ensuring that those who left you to rot are thoroughly punished for their choice."
"You aren't going to... kill them, are you?"
"Probably not, however I am going to ensure that others die in order for this all to happen, would you like to know who?"
"No! No... I don't think I am ready for that much truth yet. Listen pup despite the whole planning on killing people thing... well I just don't think I can thank you enough. You saved me, it should be me saving you not the other way around."
"Think nothing of it Padfoot, besides I would like to keep you around, and I am sure Moony feels the same."
"M-Moony is here?"
"He is, I thought it better to meet with you first, but I will have him visit when he has a break tomorrow."
The man could only nod, joyful tears coming to his eyes at how much his life had turned around in less than an hour.
***LoD***
"It isn't something to be ashamed of…"
Harry glanced up from where he was working to see a soft smile on Hedwig's face as she stood nearby.
"Helping him, Sirius Black I mean. You shouldn't be ashamed of doing that."
"I know, and I am not. I am merely… curious."
"About?"
"Why"
"You mean why it seems to affect you so much? Is it truly that odd? You are empathizing with him, you remember those days where you went hungry and now you see him starving and relate."
"I do not even know him, why should I care?"
"Because despite your power and proficiencies, regardless of your intellect or charisma you are still human. You have a desire to fit in and understand those whom you can relate to. It just so happens that it tends to be adults rather than those your own age."
Harry nodded, "I suppose that just leaves more physical relationships for my classmates then hm?"
The white-haired girl shook her head, "I'm not so certain about that. You haven't taken Hermione yet, and you seem to have grown rather fond of just being in the company of Luna rather than always naked with her."
"I suppose… how very odd indeed…"
***LoD***
"Father."
"Draco." the man replied with a nod, before narrowing his eyes in annoyance towards the other individual present. "I believe we had a discussion about Mr. Potter, and yet I see you are still spending time with him."
"Father it is..."
"Enough Draco, I have warned you before about wasting your time with those lesser than yourself."
"Mr. Malfoy I actually requested your presence here through your son. I have a proposition to make and..."
"Do I look as if I care boy? I have no interest in funding any of your stupid childish ideas or helping you with any such nonsense. If you cannot figure it out I am an adult, which means that my time is valuable, unlike yours."
"I assure you that I am not asking for..."
"Draco, whatever your insignificant friend wants to ask inform him that I am not interested. He should stick with the other filthy Half-bloods and Mud..."
Suddenly the older blonde found it exceedingly difficult to breathe, along with the fact that his feet no longer touched the ground. His hands went to his throat, but found nothing holding it, instead it was raw power that now levitated and choked the life out of him, Magic originating from a certain raven-haired boy, whose expression had become one of deathly calm, and annoyance.
"It appears I was wrong. Your father is clearly unusable for the task I had in mind."
"M-my apologies my Lord."
"Quite alright Draco, unfortunately it looks as though we will need to select a different Minister of Magic to replace Fudge. This will most likely push back your own nomination as well, but I assure you that you will take the role at some point."
"Thank you, my Lord, I will begin a list of suitable alternatives as soon as we return to the common room."
Harry nodded in acceptance, before dropping the 'adult' from where he had been floating a moment prior. Lucius, while coughing and gasping for his returned breath, watched the two boys begin to depart, his son glancing back for a moment as if in consideration, before turning to follow his proclaimed 'Lord'.
"W-wait..."
"If you intend to draw a Wand on me Lucius Malfoy I guarantee it will be the last thing you do. I did not summon you here to make Draco watch his father die but I also have no problem with doing so."
"N-no... please I was... out of line. I apologize and if you would be kind enough... I would like to start this meeting again."
Glancing backwards the boy-who-lived noticed the man finally calm his breath and stand, an apologetic expression on his face, and let out a sigh before nodding.
"Very well, Lucius Malfoy I have a proposition for you."
"I am listening."
"Minister Fudge has outlived his limited usefulness to me and I am looking for a replacement. My proposal is as such. I will make you Minister of Magic, and after you retire your son will take his place, and after him his own heir. Eventually the Malfoy name will become synonymous with the position and you will go down in history as the start to this new 'dynasty' of sorts."
"And in return for this most generous offer?" the older blonde inquired, knowing that if the boy was intelligent and powerful enough to accomplish this there would most certainly be a catch.
"You will do as I say and pass the laws that I tell you to. For the most part I care little about what happens but there are certain issues I want addressed."
"You want control over me..."
"Oh please Lucius... if I wanted control I could simply take it. No, what I want is someone that will do as I say in the position of power but can function and think for themselves. Whether this is you or the parent of another Slytherin, it matters little to me. I have planned on Draco becoming Minister regardless, but with you taking the role first it will be far easier in the long run."
"I... accept."
A cheerful expression appeared on the teen's face, "Wonderful! Begin preparing your plans and cabinet, I expect you will be in power before the end of the school year."
"Of course," the man whispered, before turning to leave.
"Oh, and Lucius? This goes without saying but if you cross me... I will bury you."
***LoD***
Hermione Granger took a deep breath, trying to calm her nerves as she snuck out of the Gryffindor dorms with her dress safely stored in a bag. She had considered changing beforehand but knew that the risk of getting caught would almost certainly ruin her chance of getting to the party, especially from her loudmouth roommates.
Thus, she snuck through the halls, barely avoiding the patrols, before reaching an empty bathroom and slipping inside. Once there she quickly changed into the dress she had purchased, put on the mask, and gently held onto the invitation that would allow her admittance. A quick glance into the hallway reaffirmed her secrecy as she quickly moved towards the destination, the Slytherin common room.
A finely dressed House-Elf popped into existence, before extending its hand, "Invitation?"
The bushy-haired, she had considered trying to fix it but decided to opt with her natural look instead, Witch showed the small parchment, and earned a nod from the diminutive figure.
"Name?"
"G... Eyre, Miss Eyre."
"Dobby will announce, please wait."
Announce? What in the world did...
The elf opened the entrance, revealing a massive staircase leading down into what was an area packed with other students, all in mask and dress clothing as well.
"Announcing Miss Eyre!"
The entire room turned to watch her descend the stairs, and thankfully there was a handrail because otherwise the young Granger was sure she would not have made it down in one piece. Once down, however, she found only a small group waiting to converse with her, mostly females.
"Miss Eyre was it?"
"Yes, and you are?"
"Miss Greengrass, my younger sister, and Miss Davis."
Now the young bookworm felt rather silly at having given a fake name but thanked her foresight at wearing elbow-length gloves to cover her nervous sweat. "A pleasure to meet you three."
***LoD***
For the first time since she could remember Hermione Granger felt like she was fitting in with a crowd. Students her own age were talking to her without a hint of sarcasm or hatred, they were laughing at her jokes and she theirs, and more than a few boys had inquired if she would dance with them later.
Her, the nerdy bookworm with 'hideous teeth and awful hair' being asked to dance with boys! Undoubtedly if her mother heard she would have a heart attack. Still she had held back on making any promises, still wanting to find one individual amongst the sea of others.
"Ah Miss Eyre, I am surprised to find you here."
It wasn't the voice she was hoping for, but she recognized it regardless as she turned to face the trio of redheads.
"I am surprised myself a bit as well." Hermione confessed with a soft laugh, earning them from the others as well.
"I am sure you know my two 'demon brothers', but I am Lady Weasley. It is nice to finally have a conversation with you. I am afraid that my... relative has made approaching you quite difficult."
Undoubtedly Ginny was referring to Ron, but the girl still did not want to make any assumptions, nor offend family. "I am sorry to hear that, but your family is quite... interesting, I enjoyed the time we spent together on the train ride."
Ginny grinned, "All except for the end I am sure. Still there is no reason to fake politeness when it comes to Ronald, the boy is a dense as a sack of rocks."
"Still say he is adopted."
"Oh, undoubtedly dear brother of mine."
"Quite unfortunate that mother will not disown him."
"Pampers him a bit too much I fear."
"Or dropped him on his head a few too many times."
"Perhaps both." the twins chorused at the end with face splitting smiles.
Before she could reply a voice called out from behind her, "Ah Miss Eyre, I am so glad to see you here."
Her heart skipped a beat, or perhaps several, as Hermione turned to the one person she had wanted to see above all else. There before her stood the mysterious 'Mr. Rochester'. He was around her age, which she had always assumed, with messy black hair and the deepest green eyes she had ever beheld, a young blonde was interlaced with his left arm while a white-haired girl, whom she didn't recognize, on the right. Even with the masks the young Granger had been able to identify everyone at the party, at least until now.
"If you two ladies would excuse me for a moment, I do believe I owe Miss Eyre a dance." the teen all but commanded as music began to filter through the hall.
Earning two reluctant nods Hermione felt her hand be taken by his, and lead onto the dance floor with dozens of others, a Waltz starting up seconds later.
"So how are you enjoying the party?"
"It is wonderful." the girl practically gasped back as they twirled around. Apparently, dancing was one more thing the boy could flawlessly do. "I am surprised that I have not been attacked yet though, with so many other girls staring at you."
The raven-haired boy chuckled, "Yes well I do believe I made it clear that there was to be no fighting or arguments here tonight, they know better than to disobey."
"So they do follow you..."
"By choice I assure you, I have never forced anyone to walk by my side."
Hermione nodded as her heart fluttered just a bit more, the man in front of her truly was too perfect to be real.
"And what of you Miss Eyre? If I ask will you walk alongside me as well?"
The teenager bit her lip slightly, they both knew what he was asking, something she had been waiting for since a year prior. Now all she had to do was make her choice.
***LoD***
A feminine voice gasped out as the back of the owner's legs hit the edge of a large bed. A moment later, after kicking off her shoes, she climbed backwards onto it, pulling her 'prey' along by his coat. Fingers ran through raven-black hair as his lips found her neck.
"Oh God..."
"Not quite my dear." he whispered back, smirking into her throat as he tasted her skin once more.
Hermione Granger knew where this was leading, knew that if she didn't stop herself soon she wouldn't be able to at all, but the fact remained that she couldn't, save for the utterly sexist ideas that women had to remain 'pure' while men could shag all they wanted, think of a reason why she should.
"Do you want to stop my dear?"
"N-no, please just... more."
***LoD***
A young Gryffindor blinked several times as she awoke the next morning in an empty bed, it was at that moment that a sliver of fear and doubt wormed its way into her heart and mind. What if it hadn't been Harry she had given her first time to the night before? What if it had all been some sort of long winded prank just to get in bed with her? What if...
The doorway to the bathroom opened, and into the room walked a memorable emerald-eyed, raven-haired boy wearing nothing but a towel.
"Oh, good morning, I was going to have breakfast for you when you awoke but it seems as though I was a tad bit late."
She could only stare, the concerns dissipating like smoke on a breeze, at the teen standing before her. "Is everything alright Miss Eyre? Well I suppose now that the mask is gone I can't quite call you that now can I. So, would you prefer Miss Granger or..."
"Hermione! Uhm I mean just call me Hermione, after last night well..."
He grinned, but not the one she would expect from a boy who had 'conquered' but rather a cheerful one full of warmth. "I am glad to hear that Hermione, I hope you enjoyed all of last night."
"Yes! I mean yes I did, the party, the dancing, and... the sex..."
"That was most enjoyable. Now I am curious if you would like to try a different tradition, one that I am quite fond of."
"O-oh?"
He moved forward until he was standing at the bed before letting his towel drop, "I believe they call it 'morning after sex'. Would you be interested?"
Her eyes widened at his form, before quickly nodding and watching as he slid under the covers and crawled towards her.
***LoD***
Expect major event followed by massive political fallout within the next three weeks. Once this occurs you will wait three days, and then call a press conference at Hogwarts to announce your 'surprise findings'.
Memorize information enclosed below.
HP
Lucius Malfoy scanned over the information attached, before pouring himself a rather large cup of alcohol and downing it. The boy was right, if this 'event' was as ground shaking as he promised Fudge would be dragged out of office before a vote of no confidence could even take place.
Considering that he would be the one to announce it... there was little doubt in the Malfoy Lord's mind that all Potter had to do was stand beside him at the podium and he would win by a landslide. One month, the boy had only needed one month to do what both the Dark Lord and Lucius himself had failed to do in over a decade.
One month to become Minister of Magic. The blonde gave a very uncharacteristic grin, he could hardly wait.