AN: I am so sorry it took so long to finally continue this story. I have to admit that there have been so many times I stared at an empty word document with no will to write. I just felt such discouragement, but every time I started writing something else and went to post it, I always came back to this one and my determination to finish this story, if for no other reason than my word. This story will probably end up being a lot shorter than I intended, but regardless I will finish it. I hope those that found this story in the beginning will continue to follow it. As always I hope you enjoy this new chapter, and if you don't, whatever floats your boat y'all.

"Malfoy!" Draco turned around, his wand going towards his hand when he saw that it was Daphne Greengrass calling for him. He waited a moment for her to catch up before she signaled to the empty classroom just down the hall. Silently, he followed her there, hoping that whatever mysterious act the Greengrass heiress was up to wouldn't end with him having to duel with Aries' temper.

"What do you want, Greengrass?" Draco asked once they had entered the room.

"Just to talk," Daphne seemed unsure, something that the Ice Queen rarely was. "What is going on with Aries?"

"What do you mean?"

"I mean that all last year I thought we were dating, and then the summer goes by, he and my father consider a marriage contract, and then when my father said he would consider it, I did not hear from Aries once. Then he shows up here to Hogwarts, acting as if nothing has changed. After he went on that date with that French bitch."

Draco rubbed his eyes warily and wondered how he had ever thought Daphne was different than other girls.

"Do you have any idea who Aries even is?"

"What?"

"I mean, do you know Aries?" Draco asked again. "Really know him?"

"I thought I did."

"If you think you did, then you never did." His answer was short and harsh. "And if you know you know him, then you only know part of him."

"What are you going on about?"

"Aries isn't like you or me. We're ordinary to someone like him." Draco said with some exasperation. "He stands above us, looking down upon the rest like Dumbledore and the Dark Lord. We're all just pieces on a chessboard. And each piece sees a different side of Aries. He wears masks for everyone, showing them either what they want to see or what they need to see. And you're no different. Look at how he acts with Potter or us, and then how he can seemingly just handle the Wizengamot, but then nearly kill Warrington, all with ease. He'll switch between whichever mask he needs to play a situation to his advantage, but the truth is this: Aries is a viper waiting to strike, and when he does, he will have fooled everyone. "

"I find that hard to believe," Daphne answer back hotly. "Considering everything from last year."

"You honestly think Aries would want to marry anyone after just a year of knowing them?" She flinched back from his raised voice. "You think he would throw away all the possibilities of opportunity that he has for one person? Have you even been paying attention? Did you not see what he did to Arianna?" Draco felt a wave of particular anger in him towards his friend that he had never acknowledged before. "That girl loved him, and I mean truly loved him. And I think Aries loved her back, in his way. But he threw her aside for you because it provided an opportunity for allies in England. Do you think he didn't know who your father was before he started 'dating' you? Everyone he calls a friend either has power themselves or his directly related to someone in power. Arianna's father is now the President of Spain. Haydn's father is the Chancellor of Germany. Ivan is the beloved nephew of the Prime Minister of Bulgaria. And now your father is the Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot. You think it's all a coincidence?"

"So, what are you saying?" There was anger in Daphne's eyes as she replied. "That he lied to me? And used me?"

"Yes, and no," Draco answered awkwardly. He had allowed his frustrations to create a very poor, but true image of his friend. Aries could not control what the Dark Lord did to his family, even if it was indirectly his fault. "There are few people who honestly know the real Aries. His aunt Cassi is one, Arianna another, and then me. I've known him for the longest, and I've seen all the masks he puts on. Maybe Aries did feel something for you, but he never does anything based solely on feelings. Look, he should be the one you talk to."

"What happened to you?" Daphne asked suddenly, her anger still there but curiosity taking over. "You've changed."

"You know of the Dark Lord's return?" She nodded. "Well, Aries got his attention, and the Dark Lord wants him to be a Death Eater. So, being his friend with a father who has the Mark, makes me the perfect candidate for information. My father eagerly offered my services." Draco clenched his fists in anger as he remembered when his father told him all about the great honor it was to serve the Dark Lord. "We know something like that would happen, so Aries and I saw little of each other this summer. He's my brother, Daphne, and I was left alone to deal with my foolish father and a dark lord. It. . . it took its toll."

"I'm sorry," She offered awkwardly after a few moments of silence.

"Don't be," Draco said, though he did not meet her eyes. "It was the only way. I had to isolate myself, or I'd be dead for failing my mission. Aries' avoided me, so I only got the Cruciatus a few times. Mercy the Dark Lord called it since I can't control what Aries' does." He took a few deep breaths, as haunting memories of the Cruciatus while his father watched on attacked his mind. "Look, I'm not saying not to trust or love Aries. But be careful. He isn't like us, and if you're expecting him to throw away his goals for love, then just look at Arianna for an example. Nothing will ever be more important than his destiny. Nothing."


Aries sighed as he watched the Slytherin Quidditch tryouts. Truthfully, some of the players were downright pitiful, and the angry glances from Cassius Warrington made him question his decision not to play Quidditch. Sure, it would've been enjoyable, but he did not want any distractions from his more important work. Umbridge was already doing her job: creating division within the halls of Hogwarts. Her rather conservative teaching style had drawn the ire of teachers and students alike, though Aries was just amused. It was all just too easy. The Dark Lord and Dumbledore were drawing too much attention to themselves, and it left a void that Aries was eager to fill.

The arrival of Potter only fueled that idea, as the boy was ripe for molding. There was distrust, as Dumbledore had steadily avoided the boy all summer, and with the growing tension between him and his father, the boy was starting to question what he knew.

"Potter," Aries greeted. "Bold choice to come here during the tryouts."

"Whether I see who's on their team doesn't matter," Thomas laughed, though Aries noticed the bandage wrapped around his hand as the younger boy ran a hand through his hair. "We'll beat them no matter who they have."

"I doubt you came here to discuss Quidditch." Potter shuffled his feet, staring at the ground awkwardly before he took a seat next to Aries. He wrung his hands as if he was struggling to decide on some unknown decision.

"I have never felt as weak as I did with the Dementors," Thomas finally stated. "Not even in the graveyard. I had my wand, I had you and. . . Cedric." He barely whispered the former champion's name. "But when I was standing there, unable to cast the Patronus, I knew I was going to die. I have faced Voldemort three times now, and never once was I helpless. Afraid, yes, but not helpless. I can't be that anymore, not if I'm to help stop him." Aries raised his eyebrows. This form of motivation had been absent in Potter's life as far as he had known him. "I know the charm, but not like you know it. I was hoping you could teach me how to do the Patronus Charm. Honestly, I was hoping you'd teach me to fight like you can."

Was it really that easy? Had Potter just seemingly fallen into his hands after one encounter with Dementors? If properly wielded, Potter could become the very thing that secured him Magical Britain in one fell swoop. His eyes fell to Potter's hand, and he felt his blood boil. He had heard of the practices used by Umbridge, but there had been little evidence to it.

"I will teach you all that you could learn on one condition," Aries said. "Show me your hand."

"Oh, that, it's nothing, Aries."

"Do you want to learn or not?"

Potter glanced at his hands before sighing and unwrapping the bandage. Carved into the back of his hand were the words I Must Not Tell Lies. So the rumors were true. Umbridge was meant to create division, but doing this to an Heir of a Noble and Ancient Family was beyond the line. It would need to be dealt with and soon.

"Eight o clock. Room of Requirement. Saturday morning. Wear normal clothing and bring only your wand." Aries commanded, before rising to his feet. "Do not be late." Aries left Potter sitting in the stands and did not wait for an answer. He had a girl to find, one very talented with her tongue.


Tracey Davis walked innocently enough through the halls on her way back to the Slytherin dormitory. She often liked to spend her Saturdays outside, enjoying the company of the magical creatures that did not judge her for merely being a half-blood. Slytherin was where she belonged, and she knew it. Her friends were fantastic, even Draco, to a point, but the rest of the house was just tiresome, which was how she found herself walking alone back to her dormitory. Daphne and Nott were in the library, Blaise was off doing who knows what, and Draco and Aries were at the Quidditch pitch. There was just her, the only not pureblood. She sighed loudly, letting the bubbly mask she often wore drop.

A scream nearly tore from her lips as a rough hand grabbed her arm and pulled her into the broom closet. She tensed up as hands rested lightly on her forearms.

"I doubt this is how you imagined being with me in a broom closet." Tracey's cheeks burned with embarrassment as she realized it was Aries. How the hell did he know I had imagined that?

"Daphne would not be happy about this."

"I won't tell if you don't." There was a strong temptation there, and as her eyes grew accustomed to the dark, she could see the faint outline of Aries' lips. "Unfortunately, that's not why I have you in a broom closet. Though there's time for that later." She felt her heartbeat a little faster at that suggestion.

"What do you want?" She asked a little breathless, much to her annoyance. Could she not keep her desire for her best friend's boyfriend in check for one second?!

"Umbridge," Aries answered, his breath hot on her neck. "I want you to spread a nasty little rumor about her, and to the right people."

"Who?" She couldn't stop herself from turning so that her lips were closer to his.

"Abott and Macmillan." Tracey could feel how close they were and instinctively pushed herself closer to this. She wanted this. Besides, she knew of Daphne's frustrations. For all she knew, the two could break up tomorrow, so why not enjoy this? She hated herself for even thinking it and disgust seemed to fill her, despite not being able to pull away from him. "Convince them to write home on the blood-quill."

"And what do I get?" Aries' lips brushed against hers, and she felt an electric shock go through her skin before he pulled away.

"We'll see how everything goes," He said, opening the broom closet door. "And then we'll go from there."


Aries had enjoyed the little foreplay with Davis far too much. He had seen her desires in her mind last year, and they had only grown this year. It seemed Davis was quite jealous of Daphne, despite the two being close. Regardless, he was about to enjoy this conversation much more.

He knocked politely on Professor Umbridge's office door and waited patiently for her to answer. The Defense Professor was, once again, dressed in all pink as she answered the door. There was a slight annoyance on her face before politeness replaced it quickly. He wondered if the Minster had ordered Umbridge to play nicely with him, considering their rather rude encounter at the Wizengamot.

"Mr. Black," Dolores greeted. "How may I help you?"

"I was wondering if we could have a chat, Professor," Aries said all too politely. "From one supporter of the Ministry to another. There are some. . . rather unfortunate things going on in the school I had hoped to discuss."

"Oh, well, then come in!" Her high voice grated against his ears, but the polite mask remained as Aries' sat in the chair before her desk "Tea?"

"Yes, please. Two sugars." Once the tea had been mixed, with a carefully disguised charm ensuring the drink free of potions, Aries happily faced the professor. "You see, the other day, I noticed something rather unusual with one of the pureblood families." Dolores perked up as Aries expected. Despite being a half-blood, the woman was very much a blood purist.

"What happened to them?" Umbridge asked all too eagerly. "And who was it?"

"You see, they had this nasty little cut on their hands," He began, slowly removing his wand. "And it said I Must Not Tell Lies." Immobulus! Incarcerous! Muffliato! The cat paintings all froze as ropes wrapped tightly around Dolores.

"What do you think you're doing, Black?!"

"That's Lord Black to you, half-blood." Aries stood up; his wand pointed towards the toad-like woman. "Have you forgotten the trial already? The Potters may be fools, but Thomas is still my blood and is under my protection. Did I not make that clear enough?" He twisted his wand clockwise, and the ropes tightened.

"The Minister will hear about this!" The bitch screamed.

"If the Minister hears about this, he will wonder why his fool of an Undersecretary pissed off the most powerful lord in Britain. One who is capable of seeing him removed from office with a single word." He let those words settle into the trapped professor. "How do you think he'll think of you when he realizes you're to blame? Oh, I think I have little to worry about." Aries leaned in, driving his wand into the back of her hand, causing her to scream in agony. "And if I find out that you have used that blood-quill on Potter, or any other pureblood in this school, I will show you the true meaning of torture." He lifted his wand, taking in his work. Carved into the back of her bloody hand were the words: I Must Know My Place. "Remember this. If it not for you unknown usefulness, I would kill you now. Continue doing the Minister's work, and perhaps you won't be dead by the end of the year."

He entered her mind, forming strong walls around the memory. Her unconscious mind wouldn't know the difference, but if anyone tried to see the memory, it would kill her in the process. A flick of his wand released the bindings, and the woman fell to the floor. Aries left her there, tears and blood mixing on the carpet.


James Potter distractedly walked down the streets of Muggle London. It was a nice reprieve from the stresses of Magical Britain, where he couldn't go anywhere without being recognized. He made his way down the usual streets, heading to the pub he and Sirius had often visited after every raid. It had been a tradition of theirs, at least until Aries Black had arrived. He knew his hatred for the boy was irrational, but his friend's nephew practically screamed power and dark magic. Sirius had even admitted knowing Aries knew and used dark magic! His friend had never once accepted the use of such magic, not even with his family. So how could he take it in this boy?

Regulus had always been a sore point in their conversations, but James knew Sirius had always regretted how he had handled the situation with his brother. James took a seat at the bar, ordering the same drink as ever, as the troubled thoughts ran through his mind. Then there was Thomas, his son. He did not like how Thomas had come to befriend Aries, and in some ways, look up to the boy. James had always wondered how Peter Pettigrew had gone dark, but in his mind, he had always assumed someone like Aries, maybe even Regulus himself, had convinced him to turn. But Thomas was not Peter. There was a pain in James' heart, as he remembered the times that he and Sirius had treated their friend far worse than he deserved. Deep down, James knew there was no one to blame but himself.

He felt distant from his family if he was honest with himself. Lily and Sirius seemed to be changing, accepting of things he wasn't. They had experienced a loss of siblings in their way, but James had lost his parents to the very hands of Lord Voldemort. Aries reminded him of him far too much. Chills ran down his spine, as each of the three times he had come face to face with the dark wizard flashed before his eyes. It was an irrational fear, James knew, as Aries was not a dark lord because if he were, then Sirius wouldn't love him. Love had not blinded Sirius from the flaws of his family, and it did not blind him now, but James could not get himself to accept the boy that was seemingly tearing apart all he knew without realizing it.

"James?" Sirius' shaky voice caused him to turn around to face his old friend. He was dressed as usual, in all black with a leather jacket. "I can go."

"Wait," James called out after a moment, stopping his friend. "I think we can have a pint without arguing, don't you?" Sirius seemed unsure, before taking the stool at the bar beside him. They waited in silence before the bartender brought Sirius his drink.

"It's been a long time since we've been here," Sirius commented. "At least a few months."

"A year." James felt embarrassed, just saying it. Had he drifted so far from the friend he once called brother? "How did it come to this?"

"Aries," The name was all that was needed. "I found a way to repay my brother, to find forgiveness I had thought lost. For years I had hoped that I would find Regulus alive somewhere and apologize for not being there."

"We were on different sides of the war," James said softly. "We were enemies."

"And he was still my brother." They did not raise their voices. There was a defeated tone in both of them, that seemed to draw them together. "My brother who I loved, and I let that war tear us apart. Maybe, just maybe, if I had been more understanding. I had been there for him then, maybe he would be alive. I wish I could be there for him the way Aries has been there for Thomas."

"What?"

"You think Thomas and I don't talk?" Sirius asked sincerely. "He's my godson. Thomas and Aries are the closest thing I have to children. When Thomas was selected for the tournament, he had no idea what to do. But Aries encouraged him, and because of that, Thomas strived to win. When Thomas questioned things last year, Aries helped him find his own answers and didn't push bullshit onto him, regardless of what he chose to believe in the end. Then Aries came to his defense at the trial. Thomas sees him as an older brother, a distant one, but still one, nonetheless. If I had been anything like Aries with Regulus, then maybe he would have lived."

"You know exactly how I feel about Aries," James whispered hotly.

"Who cares about his views on magic?" There was a tiredness in Sirius' voice that caught James off guard. "Aren't you tired of that petty fight? When we have a war to win?"

"What are you talking about?" Sirius sighed before downing his drink.

"Aries has done more for the fight against Voldemort than anyone," Sirius stated. "The DMLE and the Auror Corps have more members and more freedom than ever. When Voldemort finally shows his face, we might have a chance. And if you haven't noticed, the minute he does show up, Aries already has a replacement for Fudge in place. One that will want to fight this time. Not sit back and react like Dumbledore wants to do. Not to mention, have you noticed that since the trial, the Daily Prophet hasn't said one word against you or your family?"

"Don't say a word against Dumbledore!"

"Or what?" Sirius' eyes had a weird gleam about it. "He is not god. That man has allowed thousands to die for his refusal to act. Right now, Voldemort hasn't struck out, besides the few things we have been able to respond to, thanks to Snivellus. But when he does come out in the open, I plan on taking the fight to him with Aries. I'm not going to sit back and watch my friends die and have to watch my godson die again." The mention of Harry struck a chord, and James nearly dropped his drink. "I loved Harry. And now he's gone. Dumbledore might not have cast the charm, but him refusing to face Voldemort, just like he did with Grindewald, makes him just as responsible."

"Harry was my son." James gritted out. "I will not let you use his death as an excuse."

"So is Thomas." Sirius countered back. "Are you planning on letting Dumbledore make a martyr out of him too? For all the supposed training he was supposed to endure, little has come of it. I will not sit back again. I will fight, and I hope you plan to join me. Aries is not going to sit back and let Voldemort kill at will. We are going to kill that son of a bitch if it's the last thing I do."

"How can you talk like that?"

"Regulus." Sirius choked on the name. "Harry." There were tears in his eyes. "Charles. Dorea. Alice. Frank. And so many more. I will not let Voldemort win. Not this time."

"He lost the war! He was destroyed."

"We all lost, James." His friend deflated before him, his shoulder lowering. "Can't you see that?"

James was about to respond when there was a slight buzz from Sirius' pockets. He recognized the sound as their communicators. It vibrated, much like the muggle cell phones, to keep their cover in the muggle world. Sirius looked at it discreetly, before cautiously glancing towards James.

"You might want to come with me to the office," His friend said, the redness of anger rising into his face. "I think you're going to want to see this."


Sirius had secretly been thankfully when his communicator had gone off, as the conversation had taken a rather unexpected turn. So much for not arguing. He had to suppress a laugh, especially now that he stood in the office of Defense Against the Dark Arts professor. James stood next to him, as officers searched the room. Dolores Umbridge was fuming just outside, as Dumbledore stood next to her. He had noticed the small, unsure glances his friend was sending the Headmaster. He sincerely hoped his words had struck a chord with his friend, and they would finally be able to release him of the confundus charm from years past.

He visibly shook his head, to an instinctual smirk from James. Sirius' animagus form too often blended over to his human form, but he needed to focus on the present rather than his issues with his friend. Scrimgeour barely had time to hand out orders as Lord Abott and Lord Macmillan grilled him over the possible use of a blood quill. Apparently, their children had written home, and the two lords of houses belonging to the Sacred Twenty-Eight wasted no time in causing an uproar. Sirius did not doubt that the entire Auror Department, and most of the Ministry, knew about the rumor.

"Well?!" Scrimgeour demanded as he walked into the room. "Tell me you have an answer. By the time you two left I had nearly half the Wizengamont in my office, I only escaped by reminding everyone that that toad works for the Minister, not me!"

"I'm sorry, sir," James said as one of the junior Aurors shook his head. "There's no blood quill, and no sign of its use."

"What about the students?" Sirius asked curiously. "Forgive me, sir, but a child of one of the Sacred Twenty-Eight would not send that letter as a prank. Umbridge could be sentenced to death by execution by a Pureblood family for this. Even if she is such a horrid teacher as Aries tells me, this seems far fetched."

"I tend to agree, Sirius." The Head Auror turned to Dumbledore, who had a pensive look about him. "I do not like this, Albus. Parents are worried, and rightfully so, some have even permitted me to question their children. If you know something, I need to know it now. Because if I find out you knew and hid it for some bollocks reason, I'll bring you down with her and the Minister." An unbearable tension filled the room as the two men stared at one another. Sirius knew that Scrimgeour had Aries' backing, but had it given the man enough confidence to challenge Dumbledore? Or did Scrimgeour know something that he did not?

"I can assure you, Head Auror, that I had no knowledge of this, nor has it been brought to the attention of my staff." Dumbledore sighed, "I'm afraid the only way to know is to question Madam Umbridge."

"Unfortunately, that isn't possible," Scrimgeour handed the Headmaster a letter. "She has Fudge's protection, Albus, and without evidence, he'll just push it aside. I need to interview students."

"Did the letters say who had Umbridge had used the quill on?" James asked.

"No, only that it was being used." Sirius glanced towards James with a raised eyebrow. Suddenly he had the feeling that this was not just about the blood quill. "Well, Albus? Yes or no?"

"I cannot allow you to mass interview students," the Headmaster replied. "Not without evidence of the quill or its injuries. I will speak to the students, of course, and tell them that they can receive help if something has happened."

Scrimgeour simply nodded and left the room, followed by James, Sirius, and their team. Umbridge had a triumphant look as they left her office, but Sirius noticed it didn't quite reach her eyes. He had a feeling something was missing in all of this, and he wasn't sure he would like it if he found out. Was it all just some poliitical move? Was Aries behind it? Or was Umbridge really torturing students and they were letting her get away with it? Worry filled Sirius' stomach and he couldn't help feeling he had somehow let down the students of Hogwarts.


Aries stared at the locket inside the privacy of his room. It called to him, and while the young Black lord knew how dangerous such an item could be, he could not be rid of it. Trancelike, he lifted the locket and place it around his neck, the weight heavy, yet comforting. His eyelids suddenly felt heavy, and he was asleep before his head hit the pillow.

'Remember who you are,' something whispered.

Memories flashed before his eyes.

He was in an orphange.

He was riding the train for the first time.

The hat sat on his head. "SLYTHERIN!"

Light flashed past a great oaf of man, blasting the chest open, and a large spider fled away.

Then suddenly the memories stopped and he found himself in a hallway. He slowly approached the door, light flickering below it, and turned the handle.

The fire crackled in the fireplace as the family laughed and rejoiced. Music filled the air, so they did not hear the nearing footsteps. Aries' lip curled in disgust at the muggle's he saw, and he raised his wand.

"Avada Kedavra," he whispered, almost gleefully. The flash of light struck the woman, and she fell. The two men froze still, their feeble minds not being able to understand what had happened, and the older man fell to another flash of green. The last man fell to his knees before the other two, tears falling down his face as he turned to Aries.

"What have you done to them?!" The man screamed. "Who are you?!"

Aries did not answer. The muggle filth deserved no answer. A flash of green and the man was dead. Suddenly the world changed, blackness soaking deep into the confines of the world, and an island formed in the darkness. A great ash tree rose from the land, and a hooded man stood before it. Aries found himself drawn to the island as if magic pulled him through the air. The man turned to him.

"Remember who you are."

Aries shot up, sweat beading his forehead, and his breath shallow, but then he froze, the foreign memories of the dream forgotten, for there stood the man from the tree in front of him. White eyes flashed power, and yet Aries flung his hand forward, a powerful burst of flame erupting from his palm. The fire simply went through the man, as he faded into nothing. His heart was beating faster than it ever had, and something akin to fear started to eat at him before he heard the voice again.

"Remember who you are."

AN: Obviously I'm fully aware there are some issues here. Aries has Tracey spread a rumor, then threatens Dolores and warns her against telling Fudge, but then the Aurors come and search her office anyway? Trust me. All three are important and the next chapter will show why. Figured I'd give everyone a free piece of candy there.

Also, as I'm continuing this story I'm also going through and revising. Fixing some grammar errors that slipped the proof reading as well as clearing up some plot points. I'll keep y'all updated as far as what has been revised with each new chapter.