~ *~* ~ *~* ~ *~* ~ *~* ~ *~* CHAPTER XX *~* ~ *~* ~ *~* ~ *~* ~ *~* ~
Harry was all but bouncing in place, today was testing day for the Mock NEWT Defense exam. As Professor Nubia had promised at the start of the year, she had broken down each spell they covered, gave the history and theories behind them in full detail, brought in numerous weapons and only a few of the creatures that they could one day happen upon intent on their deaths. They quickly learned that she was brutal with her training, she did not give a fuck about their sensibilities or their feelings, her job was to make sure they knew what to do in any given situation and to survive. And in the extra Defense lessons, she taught them how best to defend themselves against each other, muggers, rapists, kidnappers and murderers. Those classes were the stuff of nightmares, but so worth it!
Two weeks ago she announced that their exams, both the Mock and the actual NEWTs would be broken up into two parts. They had the written exam at the beginning of the week and after everyone had finished, she announced that they were to go over all the spells they covered, spells from other classes or spells from their personal repertoire and make a few battle plans around them for their live test was not the typical dueling against each other as they came to be, but facing actual creatures or even a witch or wizard who was could possibly kill them in an actual fight or war. This would prove their abilities as well as test their resolve in live combat. The Live test was broken into two parts one that was strictly spells and the second was armed combat with magic.
Harry was excited because he was starting to get a bit board playing chess with Dumbles, but now he could burn off extra energy and he did not have to use Legolas. Though sparring with his lover was wonderful, he still held back to not actually hurt him. Legolas could only smile at his little Omega, who was excited more for seeing what they would be facing rather than the actual ability to pull his punches half as much like when he sparred with him. While Harry would not show off all of his skills and abilities, it did give him some wiggle room.
"Oh no..." Draco's voice groaned and the couple turned to look at him confused. "Why on earth would they let that bitch back here!?"
They looked to where he was looking and groaned. Umbridge in her pink cardigan and skirt suit walked in and sat with the testers, her large eyes cold and flinty even as she smiled sweetly. An ICW representative was present too and the board of governors. This was taking place out on the Quidditch Pitch to give room for a lot of spell fire and obstacles to be made if needed.
"She shouldn't be here..." Hermione growled, balling up her fist. "Bet she heard about Professor Nubia's request and is here to 'document' and 'valuate' the quality of our education and to see if it's deemed 'necessary vs. unnecessary.' Bet she heard about the Creatures being used and wanted front row seats... the bloody bint!"
The others gaped at the normally straight laced Hermione's uncharacteristic anger and cursing. Harry just pats her shoulder and she calms down a little. All the NEWT level students were dressed in uniforms that Nubia had gotten made and delivered to the school by her people last week. The material was lightweight, but was made from a combination of Dragon and Mountain Troll hide, making them stronger than any armor, highly magical resistant and perfect for the test, never mind actual battle. They were all black with accents in their House colors and cut to the personal styles of each student. There was holsters for their wands and their weapon of choice. Even if there was a number of wands and weapons scattered over the 'battlefield.'
Because of the change, Nubia had to have representatives from the Ministry and ICW present as well as the Board of Governors, who would decide if this method of teaching and testing would remain past the Winter Hols and the years to come or not. Professors Flitwick and Snape were also present as Masters in Defense and Dueling. Between the three professors should things get out of hand, they can get their students out of danger quickly. Seeing the tiny professor dressed in his battle robes was impressive, for the shortest present, his presence stood taller than all others. Professor Snape was even more intimidating than he normally was, he did not wear a robe but rather a sleeved cloak over a tight black outfit that looked similar to his usual potions uniform.
Nubia was very colorful with her hide top and breeches, a brilliant cyan blue with spells sewn in gold, almost like accents throughout the cloth, a headdress that at first looked like something the Aztecs wore, but was a mix of Egyptian and Native America styles, the bright colors looked brighter in the gloom of the day and she had even carefully painted her body and face. She mixed several cultures without being rude or insensitive. She looked like she could represent any culture or nation and no one would bat an eye at her. Harry wonders if he could ask her about the spells sewn into her clothes and why she did not don any armor. He knows that hidden under both of his male professors' clothes was at least some form of chain mail to protect them from where magic could not.
"Alright, good morning!" Rye says, pressing her wand to her throat with a silently cast Sonorous to amplify her voice. "Today is the Mocks for the actual NEWTs in June. This is only a taste of the real test which will be much harder and much more brutal. We are testing not only your casting, but your control, how level headed your remain, your skills and most importantly, what you retain form your lessons. As I announced at the end of the written exam, I wanted you each to come up with a few strategies. Hopefully, you did so and also took into consideration that you may face something we have not covered yet and adjust accordingly."
They shift with nerves and anticipation. She grins wide which makes her look insane and feral with the war paint decorating her face. She waves at the Ministry testers who step forward.
"First we are going to test your casting and knowledge. I've set up a number of dummies for you to blow to pieces, they will fix themselves, so no worries if you suddenly shot a head or two into a ring post. If you do, extra points for style!" She grins and the class laughs. She always offered brownie points and the like for something impressive or unique. "After that, I will call you down one by one and you will face off first one on one with three enemies, then two on one and finally three on one. First and foremost, I want you all to please note the totem poles and Warding Pillars surrounding us.
These will prevent stray casts from harming the audience, but it will also cancel out any and all deadly spells. This is a test, please do not fear. However, I want this as real as possible, so be wary of your fight or flight instincts kicking in. If we see you are overwhelmed or if anyone casts a potentially fatal spell, the wards will lock you in place and cancel out the spell until I set you free. As you can see we also have medical tents for first aid. I expect at least a few scars and the odd broken bone, but please try not to maim anyone or yourselves. Also I am recording this for Lords Slytherin and Ravenclaw to review later since Lords Gryffindor and Hufflepuff will be tested."
She looks at them all, smiling softer and many calmed down when the manic smile softened.
"Relax, I know many of you will pass with flying colors, some of you will struggle and the rest either fail horribly or at least give us an idea of what not to do if we were to suddenly be in a war tomorrow and needed to use lethal force. Remember what I taught you, even the most harmless spells can kill a person if used correctly. Now then to introduce you to some of those you will be facing. Madam Bones was kind enough to lend us some of her Hit Wizards as well as a few volunteers form the Department of Mysteries. If nothing else, they will make things interesting. We have a dragon sitting on the other side of the field, but I do not think we will be using her for the Mocks, so breathe! We also have several Acromantula, lethal force is approved for those since they have a dogged determination to try and om nom nom your face." She tells them and they give nervous laughs.
"We have a few-"
"Hem, hem!" They have never seen their Professor go through the various reactions one has to Umbridge in 0.5 seconds before she turns to face the woman. "You invited Creatures to this testing, correct? Why are the children not allowed to use deadly force then? You've given the advantage to dangerous beasts of near human intelligence, but not your fellow humans?"
"Dotty... I almost forgot how visceral my urge to shove my hand up your nonexistent twat and rip your fucking tongue out was..." Rye smiles brightly even as her hands twitch with the urge to kill something and ignoring Umbridge's dirty scowl at the nickname. "I did not give anyone an advantage. And no I will not have deadly force on either side used minus the Acromantulas because we know flesh eaters will not stop if they are determined to feed. However as I said before, the Totems and the Pillars will lock everyone in place and allow myself and my fellow Professors, even the Aurors, to step in and deal with the threat without harm befalling these young adults." She says with a small emphasis on 'young adults.'
"And what is to prevent the dragon from burning them alive?" The woman challenges.
"Maybe your face..." Rye hisses but says louder. "I just said that I am not using her for the Mocks, maybe for the real NEWTs at the end of the year, but not right now! You had no issues using dragons during the TriWizard tournament, so why is one dragon in her golden years suddenly such an issue? Next you will bitch about the Werewolf, Vampire and full blooded Veela! Or will you take issue with the Centaurs, who offered their services, mayhaps the Bogarts and Mimics I managed to wrangle up last night to really put the pressure on them?"
They all gulped at the list. It wasn't all but they would learn and fast.
"How dare you speak to me that way! I-"
"Are baboon and you are wasting my time and my students time! You should not be here and I fail to see why you are here since the Ministry is represented by the Testers alone. You're only here to and prove your agenda against Creatures true! You are also here hoping to under mind everything we've done to prevent any major issues so you have an excuse to try and get back into the DADA position simply because of who is finally in attendance. Speaking of which, Lord Potter, your Highness; seeing your knowledge and history with battle, this testing is merely a formality, however if you so choose to take it anyway, please note you will be given permission to use deadly force against a special group which Gringotts has generously given us for today."
The couple nodded, their faces grimly determined. Harry could only guess at what she requested, the woman was hard to predict. When you expect her to pull a Basilisk out of her bodice, she'll pull out a harmless little hamster instead or a tea pot and pour you a cup of tea. Normally the others would grumble about the special treatment, but as they had learned in the class, having two expert warriors was a blessing because it means they got something less threatening(not to mention, that they got to see first hand how certain moves and spells were preformed and the devastating damage that can be wrought).
"Now then, if you are done with your stupidity..." Rye asks Umbridge, but doesn't give her a chance to speak or react. "I also asked a few friends to join us, some are halfbreeds of either a Magical Creature and a Magical pair or a Magical Creature and a Muggle Pairing. They will be either in Creature form, those who have them or heavily cloaked, we will be having a few classes with them later and I want you to try and guess who is who at that time. One is a Lycan, a Werewolf variant, one is a Snow Demon, no worries, he's actually a fun loving kook. A pair of twin Tengus and my brother in-law agreed to help out as well. Now then you have ten minutes to warm up and to add in any protections you want to add. When you are called we will begin..."
With that they were dismissed to a temporarily made unisex locker room. They took her advice and began to add extra protections, weaving spells on themselves or each other, some put on charmed jewelry and the like. Harry only wove a small array of protection spells around Legolas, knowing his Alpha was much to fast for most to catch and that with his magic growing everyday, he could conjure up obstacles and vantage points when needed.
Draco was combing and braiding Hermione's hair, tying in a silver ribbon that had enough protective magic to rival a Gringotts vault. Harry smirked secretively at the blonde, who blushed and looked away at the knowing look. Neville checked his belt where he had several of his instant plant seeds waiting, the Dryad calm for once, but then again leading up to this test, Legolas has been running them through drills and mock battles. They each found their own place of zen while under pressure. Susan and Hannah were chatting softly, their fingers working to sew a few extra protective runes on each other's suit.
"Abigail Ace!" Professor Snape's voice called and they all moved out to the stands while the dark skinned girl stepped out into the newly transformed battlefield.
As Professor Nubia has said, they began with the casting and the knowledge section of the exam. That passed quickly and soon they were going for the actual testing and again Abigail was called up first. She was made to fish out three pieces of paper and soon her test began with a Centaur, a Vampire and an Acromantula.
The testing was quick and brutal, they only had to stay standing for a full 5 minutes, which normally would not be an issue, but under constant attack and pressure, it might as well have been 5 hours. Harry watched his classmates as they fought for their lives. The Acromantulas were killed almost the same way, few only stunned or immobilized them, which he can understand since most kept trying to eat not only the student but the other testers on the field. It showed in the three classes who had paid close attention vs those who were adaptable vs those who did not pay attention and/or could care less about the lessons.
Most of the students found a good balance between Magic and Weapon, the Purebloods and Magical Raised Halfbloods had a number of spells that the others did not have. However the Muggle Raised and Muggleborns had an easier time adjusting to weapons and a number of nerds got to apply their video game knowledge to good use. It was amusing to see what some of them would do and how they chained certain spells together. The examiners were amazed with the creativity, the casting and even the variety of spells being used. The Board, after they got over their initial shock and horror were finding themselves not only impressed, but also vastly amused. Umbridge was watching and scribbling away on her clipboard, but her sour face said it all. The ICW representatives debated what was more effective vs what was not and if Ryilia was truly insane or a mad genius for finally getting Hogwarts back on track with the ICW Learning curb?
And like what was predicted, a vast majority had taken to their lessons and were proving how well they can dish out the beat down while keeping their heads, others proved that while not warriors, they at least knew how to fight long enough to give themselves a flight path and took it. Then you had those who failed spectacularly.
"Ohh, that's gonna leave a mark..." Draco chuckles as they watch Ronald Weasley get slammed once more into the ground by the Werewolf and its Lycan counter part. They had been making a game of playing leap frog and each time they jumped over one another, they always managed to land on the redhead, they were sure at this point he was missing teeth and his nose was beyond broken.
"Talk about poor survival skills..." Neville muses. "I thought I was terrible..."
"You are not terrible!" Hermione, Susan and Hannah all snap at him.
"They are right Longbottom!" Daphne nods. "You actually put that Nubian Guard to sleep before you lept onto that Acromantula's back and got that Vampire to kill it for you before paralyzing him and running out of the wards! Like Professor Nubia says, not all of us are gonna be able to beat these things, but at least we are proving we learned enough to get our tails out of danger!"
"Indeed. Draco had the advantage with the Veela because he's part Veela." Theo nods and Draco huffs, his hair was a bit singe from the fireball she threw at him when she realized her allure did not work on him.
"My question is why are the Muggleborns doing better than the rest of us? I mean even in class they understood the Professor better than the rest of us did..." Blaise wonders.
"It's because we have books and movies about fantasy worlds where magic is a normal not to mention all the video games we have that feature magic and the like. We're just applying what those have taught us into practice. Like the Veela is a fire elemental, I used water and ice on her until I beat her, he Werewolf is a Celestial Elemental since the Moon is Celestial entity, so using light and dark spells with the odd nature based one helps throw them off balance. Most big monsters fear fire so light them up!" Hermione explains, recalling what she did in her fight and how spectacularly she set the sub adult Acromantula on fire using mini Bombarda spells combined with Incindio!
"I can't wait to see what Legolas and Harry have to face." Draco says as Professor Flitwick seemed to finally take mercy on Weasley and locked his opponents in place and pulled him out of the way. The two wolves actually pout about not being able to pounce on him anymore as the Centaur had simply sat off to the side, occasionally tossing a pebble at the redhead, but over all letting the wolves have their fun.
"I've been enjoy Umbitch's ever changing face!" Hermione giggles, watching the woman attempt to speak, but one of the Aurors said something that made her face sour and her cheeks redden with anger. So far no mishaps have happened and it was looking like the Board, after the initial reactions were finding Nubia's methods effective. Not even the Aurors were as well trained as most of the students were.
"Greenwood, Legolas" Nubia called out, like Nubia had promised Harry and Legolas were going last. Legolas had gone last during the casting and knowledge portion so it seemed Harry was going to be the last to test out this round.
Legolas stood up, removed his cloak and leaned down to kiss Harry before he made his way out onto the field. He checked his daggers and flicked his hand as the Giant Slayer bow appeared and his quiver filled with mistletoe arrows. The meanings behind the weapons were not lost on Harry and he purred in want and stifled his amused laughter. He was sure Papa Mors was nearby and pleased a punch right now. Everyone sat forward, paying close attention as the field was cleared of everything but two Bogarts who took the forms of what many thought were Dementors until they pulled swords up and a high piercing screech filled the air.
"As I promised, Gringotts found us some pretty deadly Creatures to face. I'm sure you will recognize them with little issue... You said you can handle about 40 or so. Well we have exactly 50, think that would be challenge enough for you, your highness? We have 50 more for Lord Potter after you are finished." Rye says as she waves to a pair of gates that opened and out poured a small army's worth of Uruk-hai and Orcs. Legolas growls, his eyes turning red as his canines lengthened only a little bit, itching to release his full Alpha on these miserable creatures. "And as promised, you can use lethal force. I know you're good, but feel free to show off a little bit..."
He nodded and she clicked her fingers to disable the Deadly Force wards(or at least in Legolas and Harry's case, but they would still kick in if their lives were in danger; she was crazy no stupid) and as soon as she had, the elf and charged. Legolas grinned as he picked them off with one to three arrows at a time. Nubia clicked her fingers and the two Nazgul looking Bogarts finally stepped forward to attack. Legolas kept an icy calm even as he was surrounded and then a Cave troll roared.
"Oh look.. they have a cave troll..." Legolas says loud enough for everyone to hear, sounding so much like Boromir back then and with the same wry lilt to his voice and a matching smile.
Harry couldn't contain it, he burst into bright laughter even as he watched Legolas erect a near solid wall of protection around himself he fired his last arrow and switched to his long daggers. Harry was glad to see that magic was flowing a bit more naturally now for Legolas, wandless magic was almost second nature for the Silvan Elf as he waved his hands to direct the barriers around to give him things to hide behind or climb up on as he systematically cut through the 50 or so creatures. He created deadly blooms that spat poisonous pollen, some were huge and grabbed any Orc near by and ate them. Deadly vines whipped out and decapitated a couple of Uruk-hais and deadly spires of tree roots impaled the Cave Troll as Legolas conjured up more arrows and cast a few spells on their tips and fired them with deadly accuracy.
The numbers dropped quickly and when the Bogarts realized that they could not fight back or frighten the Elf, they tried changing into something else, but a special rune kept them in the Nazgul form. They had no idea what kind of creature this was or what it could do, but at least they knew the Elf was keeping his distance. Looking at each other, they tried to advance and he notched two arrows and a fire spell was quickly added to the heads. They paused and one decided to speak. However what came out of its mouth had a very sudden adverse affect on the Elf and he dropped to his knees, one hand clutching his head.
"Legolas!" Harry cried, worried. Even if it was a pair of Bogarts, the Black Speech of Mordor still had an adverse affect on Legolas. He got up to go help, but Legolas shook off the pain long enough to fire the arrows and then charged in as close as he dared, cutting both Bogarts across the throat and effectively killing them. He jumped to the edge and collapsed outside of it as Harry got to him.
The others had watched with awe and even cheered him on, but now they were silent and worried as Harry ran scans on his Alpha, ignoring Madam Pomfry who was trying to get to the Prince to check him over. However Harry sighs and pulls the Elf into a hug and kiss.
"You're fine, just a headache... it wasn't actual Black Speech so while you reacted instinctively, it's only a headache, maybe the beginnings of a migraine. I'll give you a headache potion later."
"Here, Prince Legolas..." Madam Pomfry says, summoning said potion and handing it to him. "As Mr. Potter said, you're alright... but I would feel better keeping you for a few hours to make sure you do not suddenly develop any other symptoms or side affects."
He nods and slowly stands up, breathing easier when the potion takes the headache away and he assures them both he's well enough to sit and watch Harry's turn. Harry walks him to his seat and after one last check and quick kiss, he turns and takes off his school robe to show the Ardan style trousers and tunic he wore and sleeved cloak not dissimilar to his proper battle robes. He had the Sword of Gryffindor sheathed at his hip and his wand in his holster. His hair had been carefully plaited out of his face by Legolas before this and his engagement circlet was sitting on his head.
The transition from fun loving and carefree Harry to the deadly warrior was seamless, but startling. He walked up to the edge as Nubia allowed the second half of the special creatures in and the Mimics quickly took the Nazgul forms, the screeches they made were almost exactly like theirs and Harry knew he needed to drop them first to prevent them using Black Speech. While his reaction wasn't as bad or as obvious as Legolas' had been, he was feeling a bit ill and knew being up close to them would make it so much worse.
"Lord Potter, are you ready?" Snape asks, a hidden worried lilt to his tone.
"I am... bring it on."
"Alright... in 3... 2... 1..." Rye says and drops the barrier as the Mordorian scum look at him and like before greed and lust and hunger filled their faces and they charged him in one massive wave.
Harry let them get close before he struck, the flash of the sword and the pained agonized death screams started everyone. He cut through three Orcs like a knife slicing through wet paper, he maimed on Uruk and scratched a Mordorian Goblin in the face. The imbued Basilisk venom worked quick to kill those he did not kill, making their ends quick but very painful. He flicked out his wand and casting a Featherlight charm on himself, he cast a Bombarda Maxima, jumping up as he did so and sent him self flying high to land on one of the structures that Legolas had made in his battle. He flicks his wand back into the holster and the sword is back in its sheath before he conjures his bow, this one of Aspen and Black Pine wood with arrows coated in highly concentrated Nightshade. The tips are gems that retain and even focus magic.
"Incindio... Deprimo! Expluso!" He fires three arrows, casting each spell on the tip before firing. This quickly burns, cuts and blows a large group of them climbing up to him to pieces as he then jumps to another structure, canceling the spells work on the first one making the others fall onto their buddies and either die or at least severely wind them.
Pulling his wand out he changes the composition of the structure he is on to stone and steel, making slots appear and ballistas begin firing as he tosses a few more curses and spells out, the numbers are dropping faster than with Legolas, but it was never the less impressive. One of the Mimics manages to get up to him and screeches in his face. He snarls and with a flick of his left hand, he has a Blessed dagger in his hand. With quick, precise movements, he kills this one and falls off the edge to avoid the other two that made it to the top. As he falls, he grins manically and says:
"Boom..." The tower top explodes. He flips and lands safely on his feet thanks to the feather light spell still in affect. He spins and rams his sword into an Uruk's chest and then with the knife, he slits another's throat. He casts five different cutting spells with two ice spells and one thunder spell, the chained attack wiped out 12 of the creatures in one shot and he quickly counted them and realized he only needed to kill 2 more Mimic and three Uruks.
He ran across the space and smiled darkly as he placed his hand in a pool of black blood and with a whispered spell, spires of blood shot up and crystallized before the five could react and then he stood and flicked his hand in a symbol in the air that glowed with magic and he held his hand at its center and gives a sweet, but bone chilling smile.
"Disperse." The crystals shattered, causing their impaled victims to explode into a shower of gore and viscera. Casting a Life detection spell, he nods, flicks the blood off his blades and sheaths his weapons and wand before he steps out of the barrier and takes a seat beside Legolas, leaning on him and sighing softly. The deafening silence is then broken with wild shouts and cheers, many voices asking what the heck just happened or replaying the events. The examiners were now looking over their notes and the 100 bodies that the last two left behind as Nubia smirks proudly.
Eventually order is called, they are told that will get the results over Winter Hols, and that the actual Tests would be more brutal. But how that could be possible was beyond their imaginings as what more could they do to test Harry or Legolas for that matter. Umbridge looked pale and very shaken, but then again it might be because she was covered in gore from Harry's last spell. But when her eyes met his, he smiled at her almost sweetly, but the deadliness that flashed his eyes AK green for a moment made her flinch violently. Madam Pomfry gave them all a final check before she allowed them to leave, ordering those who needed further watching up to the Hospital wing.
Everyone got up and trooped off, most to get a hot shower and a nap in before dinner, others to write home to their parents. Harry and Legolas smiled as their friends fell into place around them, keeping fans and the like away, giving them some space and breathing time before they are hounded about what had happened just moments ago...
By the time classes were over for the Hols, everyone had heard about the Mock NEWTs and were watching Legolas and Harry much more closely, even Neville was finding himself under the same scrutiny. And even in the papers the Board Governors had spoken with the same four reporters that Harry seemed to trust. They voiced their thoughts before, during and after the Mocks and voiced how impressed they were by the sudden growth in the students. The Minister and his posse tried to denounce this, tried to claim that none of this would be needed in the future since there was no war to be fought and no Voldemort!
That backfired horrendously on him due to Lord Slytherin inviting Bobb, Crysta, Skeeter and Lovegood to the bank where he showed them memory orbs and physical proof that his 'cousin' was indeed back, but had preformed very dangerous spells and rituals that have made him less than human and clearly a danger to all. Showed them proof of his horrible upbringing to lead him on such a path and when Skeeter pointed out that then Professor of Transfigurations, Albus Dumbledore, had been the one to bring him to Hogwarts and was his appointed Magical Guardian, why then did the boy stray so far?
Had he not been doing his job? Surely with someone who was the embodiment of all that was Light and Good in the world, he would have noticed and prevented the boy's fall from grace? While it is possible the child hid things, but surely such clear dangerous behaviors cannot be that well hidden for that long without someone taking notice. Either housemates, classmates or even teachers; somebody should have picked up on it! Or perhaps Dumbledore was not as aware and all knowing as he's led them all to believe? Or did she dare think it: allowed it? Or Merlin forbid, mayhaps even encouraged it!? (It never failed to amaze Tom how much his much younger Housemate could jump to such accurate conclusions without being led to them, at least not fully. And because of her much improved reputation among her readers, he knows that there will be many a riot and outcry to come and Dumbledore would have no hope to stop it!)
Let's not forget that Voldemort had also attacked the Ministry and the Minister did see him with his own eyes! There were pictures to prove this not to mention there was an article where the Minister had to formally apologize to Dumbledore publicly as well as still dealing with the fallout from his attack dog, Umbridge making herself Undesirable No. 1 by attacking hundreds of children while at Hogwarts. So not only was this foolish, it was down right ridiculous!
However, this had shed a new light on much of what had happened in the past. And when the Minister tried to go after Enperadorea, again it backfired horrifically because he had someone send a few Dementors after the blind man only for them to be stopped and repelled by Harry and Neville because the four Founding Lords were on the school grounds, touring the Castle to begin updating the wards, opening up sections that have gone into lockdown or stasis over the long years. Nevermind ganging up on the Headmaster about the current curriculum not being up to standard. Everyone knew that the Ministry controlled the Dementors, there were very few rogue ones and those were normally found in very rural areas since someone would have spotted them and tried to fend them off.
So now the Wizarding world was in an uproar on all fronts. This caused Dumbledore's attention to be off of Harry, preventing him from keeping the boy at the school and thus throwing whatever plans the brat had out the window. However, when he did notice, he wasn't too mad because that mean the boy was at Grimmauld and that gave him access to him. But for now he needed to cover his ass while also taking full advantage of the Ministry's fuck up to regain some of his lost power and control. Now if only he could get back into the school!
Meanwhile, Harry could almost cackle like a madman with how everything practically went to shit in as little as three months. And the best part was that the idiots were basically hanging themselves and he didn't have to do anything more than provide the rope in a few cases! Legolas could only shake his head fondly as Harry enjoyed the chaos he was slowly unleashing. They had arrived earlier that day back at Grimmauld Place where they were going to tease the Order before slipping away back to their town house to finish setting up the ball and a few other plans.
"Why does Harry look like James when he's about to unleash a bunch of Firsties on some unsuspecting fool?" Remus asked the Elf Prince, who was reading one of the newspapers.
"Minister Fudge tried to silence Lord Slytherin with a small group of Dementors, but Lord Ravenclaw, Harry and Neville defended him and locked the school down, which forced the Elves to quickly pack up the students and begin dropping them off in their homes proper with a pre-made notice of the school being closed." He says, calmly. "Harry's elated because even the staff has been kicked out, Dumbledore cannot get back into the school. This gives him and the other three Lords of Hogwarts to find the Ward Stone and reset the wards, release the sections that are locked down and repair areas that have become too dangerous. It will also help remove the Headmaster."
"Ah." Remus nods his head sagely. "So he looks like Lily when she is about to let James have it." He corrects, seeing both his friends in their son as he vibrates with glee and excitement.
"I would not know, but I can only guess." Legolas states as he sets the paper down. "Remus, what do I need to know about Wizarding Balls?"
"Ah, well..." Remus began to explain as he led the blond out of the room and up to where Walburga was so she could help explain. Bellatrix already there talking with her aunt about bullying Sirius into giving her temporary control of the wards so she could get things ready for the Order and maybe placing a few pranks down for said cousin. Remus pretended not to hear as Legolas simply blinks and sighs; mortals.
Harry eventually calmed down and turned to where Death materialized in human form.
"I see some of my craziness rubbed off on you." He says in way of greeting, sitting across from Harry and accepting his mistletoe and belladonna tea, two lumps and only a drop of cream.
"I think its like when I felt bloodlust for the first time... it's that strange giddy feeling of being high but sharply aware of everything. I feel excited, almost restless..." Harry admits.
Mors nods and sips his deadly tea, grabbing a snickerdoodle cookie and nibbling on it with a pleased hum.
"I am planning to host a Yule Ball and I know we must preform the Yule ritual to renew Lady Magic as well as our own magics. The question is where am I to host it? I want it somewhere big enough to hold all invited, but I also want it somewhere I can somewhat easily defend against idiots like Dumbletwat and Fudgebucket." Harry tells him, sipping his own Earl Grey, smiling when Death took a few more cookies. The Eldritch being had a sweet tooth the size of the universe. Harry was surprised he was not the spokes person for diabetes. It reminded him of one of his tutors, a Priest who drank his tea with 13 sugars! Never mind the sugary treats and snacks he eats like a starving man. But then considering what his normal diet actually consisted of and the limited access to it, he can understand finding a substitute, but still, so much sugar!
"Potter Manor." Mors says. "Out of all your titles, Potter Manor is solely yours and you can very easily lock the wards, manipulate them if needed. The Potters were a very highly respected family and very few have ever been able to set foot in their ancestral home back when your grandfather was Lord Potter. It's opulent but without rubbing it in your face. Not to mention out of all your properties, Potter Manor has an army of House Elves who will defend you to the last. I do not think having it at Peverell Manor would be good, because I doubt anyone who is not mentally unbalanced or a Necromancer, would appreciate being served by Infiri."
Harry snorts softly with a mix of amusement and disgust. He preferred his Dead Armies to be fairly fresh, he could do spirits or even skeletons if he must, but something that's decaying, or decayed was a no go for him. He was weird, he knows, but doesn't care.
"And I'm certainly not bringing anyone into the Emrys castle or LeFey castle. And I sure as hell will not invite anyone to Gryffindor or Peverell. I have enough people asking about the Deathly Hallows and if it's true about the Master of Death. I told them no, but we both know I'm obviously lying. And I certainly do not like the extra attention that Dumbles is giving me about that either. So yes, Potter Manor seems the best bet. I will not have it at Black Manor since Siri is Lord Black and even then, I will not risk thieves stealing anything. Thankfully if anyone has even a drop of Potter blood in them, it's too small for them to be able to claim anything." Harry agrees.
"And as Lord Potter, you can always command the Elves to replace all the valuables with convincing knockoffs." Mors points out.
"Ah yes!" Harry smiles. "Will you come, papa?"
"I might hang out a bit, but I'm a busy God, you know."
Harry smiles softly and shakes his head amused. Harry is glad Death doesn't mind being his sounding board, he often gave him what he needed, simple but precise advice or suggestions, other times he gave him clues to what he needed. They sit in calm silence, sipping tea and nibbling cookies for a few minutes before Harry looks at his papa, the deity looks at him, a knowing glow in his eye, but waits for Harry to speak and it makes a giggle fall from naturally red lips.
"What can I safely get away with while the Order is here and what possible traps do I have to safely avoid? I know my Lordship rings and even many of the charms you've woven into them will prevent a huge amount, but you said you could not completely stop everything because it will be too suspicious. I know I made things a bit harder with my Mock NEWTs, Legolas too, but Dumbles has very little use for Leggy." Harry finally says, pouring another round of tea for them and smiling when Milly popped up with Death's favorite Red Velvet and French Vanilla cake, cutting a small piece for Harry and giving half to the Death God before she vanished with the rest and a stern look, warding him off from attempting to take the rest when he leaves. It would not be the first time it happened.
"She's so mean to me..." Death sniffs and Harry almost chokes on his laughter, but a sip of tea saves him being unconscious for a day or two if he 'dies.' He's died plenty back in Arda and thankfully everyone only assumed he fainted most of the time and was simply sleeping for a few days. "..."
He seems to look beyond Harry and most likely was, humming softly and eerily as he does so. Mors blinks and looks at Harry and cocks his head in a considering manner and hums thoughtfully.
"Well there is the obvious: Potions and spells to make you more submissive to his will, to change you into what he has made you out to be. He's still clueless on your secondary gender, but with the close proximity, he will be able to finally pin it down. He actually thinks that in Arda that Alphas are the Omegas and the Omegas are Alphas."
Wait... what!?
Harry burst into laughter, almost choking on his bite of cake. He calms down and wipes his eyes.
"He... he thinks Legolas is the Omega?! Oh my Gods!" Harry cackles and its a bit unhinged but he calms it down a moment later as he grins brightly. "And it doesn't help that Leggy and I are always together so our scents are mixed. All anyone smells is LegarryAlphmega. It's impossible to tell who is who unless you get close and since my heat is still being stubborn about coming, no one will know for sure and since we have yet to have sex, I am not pregnant. I do not want to risk it should something happen and Dumbledore get a hold of me. I fear what he will do to my child and I am certain I can imagine what he would do with me."
Death nods, a grim look on his face as his single eye glows a pure AK green, the spell actually lancing off his eye and killing a poor fly that flew too close to his line of sight.
"Your rings, especially the Peverell, Emrys and LeFey rings should protect you from almost everything, even a few heavy duty Black Magic spells and potions. If he does happen to know even one of the ones that can get passed those rings, my treasures will eliminate them. As the Master of Death, you are completely and wholly immune to anything that can be used to enslave you, forcefully change your mind or affect your soul. Nothing anyone mortal or otherwise, minus Divinity and Demonic Hellspawn can actually kill you. As I said many times before, I protect what is mine jealously and I will not hesitate to end the Universe if anything happens to you, my son..." Mors says, the deadly promise leaving even Harry shivering in untold fright, but also warmed with the love the Eldritch held for him.
"And how much can I bait and mess with the Order?" Harry ventures.
"I think being simply stubborn for now is more than enough, but maybe a few small pranks, especially from Phobos and Deimos should work... Muninn and Huginn are too uptight and sadly Vali and Narfi did not live long enough to begin shapeshifting... hmm, what other twins sons of gods or harbingers of chaos are there... too many to actually count..." Mors hums, he and his many siblings and cousins have far too many children to accurately keep track, but the Weasley Twins reminded him more of Loki than any other gods out there and he's sure if his nephew's twin sons had lived, they would have adopted Raven forms like their father.
Shaking his head, he finished his tea and the last of his cake, pouting at the later, but he stands and presses his brow to Harry's forehead in place of a kiss and hugs him.
"Whatever you do, be careful, my child... I will fulfill my promise... Remember to have the Elves make convincing knockoffs or ward and seal off everything you want protected, both here and at Potter Manor. Also tell the Elf that I appreciate his gifts, but he's still to use protection if you should finally decide to cross that bridge. While I will dote endlessly on my grandchildren, I much like you want this mess over and done with before then." He states and then still holding Harry, Mors melts into Death and Death fades away, only the chill of his lingering presence remaining but quickly vanishing...