Everything is J.K. Rowlings. I only claim the plot. Everything else is hers, all the characters and the magic, all of it. Please let me know what you think though, I encourage feedback of all kinds, just be nice about it!

Thank you guys for all of your reviews! I really, really appreciate all the suggestions and the comments.

Now, I have really mixed feelings about this chapter. I've attempted rewriting it multiple times but couldn't feel satisfied. Also, I'm not from England, so I don't really know how the pubs and clubs and drinking and stuff works. I know the age limit isn't like in the States, so take all of that with a grain of salt, I drew on what I know and I assume it is similar.

All of that said, I do hope you all enjoy this chapter. And keep the reviews coming! They really help with my motivation.

Found One

Stepping out of the Floo, Harry stumbled and clutched at the nearby couch he knew from experience was there. Actually, after the first two Floo trips into Marvolo's office, Harry had moved the couch two feet over just to be appropriately placed next to the fireplace. Merlin, he hated Flooing. Grumbling to himself, he brushed the ash off of his new leather jacket and glared at the man smirking behind the ornate desk.

"Not a word," he growled.

The smirk sharpened and only made Harry glare harder. "To comment on a peers misfortune only lowers yourself in the eyes of all."

"You comment on the misfortune of your minions all the time," Harry retorted.

"Ah, but they are not my peers." Harry swallowed hard and focused on righting his appearance until the heat in his cheeks dissipated. Marvolo let out a long drawn out sigh. "Though I really don't understand why you have such difficulties with Flooing."

Harry shrugged. "Who knows, maybe it all stems back to that fateful first attempt before my second year where I ended up in Knockturn Alley and now I have some horrible subconscious fear of it. Or it's just a terrible form of travel and the sooner I learn to Apparate the better," Harry quipped. "I'm leaning on the latter."

"We can begin that course of study if you wish it." Harry flashed a grin at the Dark Lord before flopping into the sofa that he had originally been leaning against for balance. It was Harry's favorite seat in the office. "How was your meeting?" Marvolo asked, setting his quill aside, folding his fingers delicately on top of his desk and turning his full focus on Harry.

"It went well. Getting my friends and the Slytherins to work together will be a long process, but we made progress today."

"Any news from within the school?"

Harry nodded, his fingers tapping nonsensically against the couch arm. "Dumbledore is trying to get Neville in his grasps like Snape said. I told Neville to go for it and see what news the old man will give. It also seems like I have more support with the students than I originally thought."

"Oh?" The perfectly sculpted eyebrow rose and Harry silently marveled at the perfection of the movement and how one gesture could make someone feel so inadequate and so compelled to justify themselves.

"Yeah, apparently, I made an impression on people back when I was teaching the DA. Plus, I guess all of the negative press last year that proved me to be right is actually working in my favor."

"We will need to work the trial of Moody and Shacklebolt to further that positive image," Marvolo mused. "You have the Wizengamot this week, do you not?" Harry nodded though the question was more of a statement. A Wizengamot meeting wasn't something Marvolo would forget. "Your relationship with Madame Bones is progressing?"

"Yeah, when I met with her earlier this week she sent me a list of ….muggles for tonight," Harry said, bringing out a crumpled piece of parchment from his jacket pocket. He still wasn't sure how to really label the list of people. Victims made bile rise in his throat, but people sounded too tame considering the crimes they had committed.

The meeting with Madam Bones had been surreal but Harry was confident he had the woman in his confidence now. They had met for lunch in a small muggle cafe not far from the Ministry and Harry had spilled his edited version of events. He had admitted that he now lived in an old family manor, though he implied that it was one that he had inherited. When he mentioned his studies, he said it was mainly self-study, which his Necromancy was, and accepted her suggestions of literature for his N.E.W.T studies. She had offered tutor recommendations but he had side stepped those offers by claiming the need for safety and privacy.

The lunch had lasted almost two hours and had felt more like an interrogation then a shared meal but after confiding about his meeting with Death —after assuring that she had been sworn to secrecy— and his hesitancy about having to kill at all and then his solution to both seek justice and satisfy Death's demands, Harry was confident he had won her sympathy.

Madam Bones had agreed to search through the Muggle contacts that the DMLE maintained and only a few days later had provided him a list of ten muggle men and possible locations that Harry could start with. According to Madam Bones letter, these men on the list had all gotten off on child molestation or multiple rape charges through a bungling of the legal system.

"Your guard should be arriving shortly in the Gathering Room."

Harry nodded though his mind was still on his meeting with Madam Bones mixing with the comments from Pansy and Daphne earlier. "What is your opinion on women?"

"Excuse me!" Harry bit his lip to keep from laughing outright at the incredulous, gaping expression, and probably the most honest facial expression he had ever witnessed on the Dark Lord's face. "Why do you— what relevance is that?"

Harry couldn't stop snickering at the stumbled question, he always got a strange rush at getting Marvolo to break his perfect composure, but pushed on. "It's just something Pansy and Daphne mentioned. About how Pureblood women are expected to be nothing but pretty broodmare trophy wives. At least that's the gist I've gotten. I think it's a pretty ridiculous and medieval attitude, but what is your stance on it? You know, for your world domination foundation or mantra or whatever it is that you envision."

Marvolo blinked a few times and cleared his throat, looking down at the table top to unnecessarily adjust the papers on it into even neater piles. "Right, of course. You'll find that I am in agreement with your assessment. I find that the progression of the fairer sex admirable and support it. The thought of suppressing potentially useful ideas is idiocy."

"Then why do you suppress your minions' ideas?" Harry couldn't help but cut in.

"Only if they suggest it in a way that makes them appear superior. I am their Lord, they must remember this at all times. I will not accept any less than utmost respect. If they have an idea then they must present it appropriately."

Harry rolled his eyes, that was an issue to tackle at another time. "Whatever. So, you think women are great then what is up with the continued Pureblood archaic ideals? Why aren't you addressing it?"

"You have witnessed my organization on a very limited scale. Don't assume you know it," Marvolo replied, leaning back in the desk chair looking both relaxed and regal. "Admittedly, I find the Pureblood women to be some of the more conniving and subtly ambitious of them all. However, it is my impression that they are accustomed to working in the shadows of their husbands, they are accustomed to not receiving the same freedoms and so don't immediately leap at the opportunity. Bellatrix as an outlying example, women such as Narcissa Malfoy, Rosemary Parkinson, and Aurora Greengrass were raised to be in the shadows, as were their husbands raised to assume their wives would always be placed behind them. It is not simple to flip that ingrained thinking."

Harry frowned, he supposed that made sense. He had only ever interacted with Narcissa during the few dinners she attended, but admittedly, he couldn't picture her stepping up into the limelight and fighting and dueling and getting dirty. She was very much a Slytherin of subtle actions and manipulating conversation under the premise of a tea party. Those skills were important but probably not what Marvolo was wanting to focus on now in terms of recruitment.

"So how are you going to change it?"

Marvolo sighed. "Harry, as a leader, you must pick your battles. This is a battle that does not rank high in the grand scheme of things."

"Yes it does."

"No, it doesn't. Purebloods have been living in this mindset for centuries, there are far greater issues that I need to address and rectify then the assumed future occupations of a small percentage of my followers."

Harry frowned at that, feeling the first heats of anger starting to flicker in his gut. "It's greater than that though! Even from a numbers game, you are missing out of potentially great followers. You're losing an advantage."

"It's not a great enough loss to deal with the upheaval." Marvolo seemed completely unconcerned about the topic now. If anything he looked bored but there was a strange calculating gleam in his eyes that disrupted the indifferent image.

"It is though!" Harry shouted, standing from the couch and stalking over to the desk. "I mean without Hermione, Ginny, or Luna, hell I'd be done for. Hermione especially. You're saying that if you win, they would be worth nothing more than if they can reproduce? Even though you don't agree with it? That's bullshit! You either support it or you don't."

"Why must I be the one to change it then?" Marvolo countered, again looking completely unperturbed in the face of Harry's rant. Eyeing Harry from his relaxed position in his chair while Harry leaned over the desk, hands splayed out on the polished wood.

"What?" The question threw a distraction in Harry's anger and he could already feel it losing heat.

"You are obviously more passionate about it than I am. Why don't you change it?"

"But...but you're the Dark Lord."

"So why must I be the one to change everything?" Harry shifted, opened his mouth and shut it again. "Already, you are starting the process."

"How?"

"You have incorporated women into your personal guard. You don't realize how large of a message that sends to my followers. Especially, since I've given my approval of your choices."

"But, I'm not in charge. It should be you doing the changes. You're the one who plans on ruling the world after all."

"Just because I'm not the one doing the leg work doesn't mean I'm not the one doing the changes. I already said that my approval of your guard choices is sending my unspoken agreement with your stance."

Feeling strangely manipulated and not sure why, Harry shifted his feet. "Well, what about after you win?"

"What about it? Do you think I won't have an ally beside me to continue those changes?" The glitter in those eyes made Harry's gut twist and he looked away. "Oh, little lion, you are on the edge of your own leadership role. Deny it all you will but you are creating your own following and followers need ideals to support as well as a leader to champion those ideals."

"You talk like I'm going to start and lead a whole new faction, you sure you want that competition?"

There was a strange light shining in Marvolo's red eyes. "I don't foresee there being a competition."

"You seem so certain this is happening but what following am I creating?"

"Aside from the one you had just through being the young celebrity you are— you're welcome for that by the way." The sardonic drawl had Harry snorting in laughter before he could stop himself. Gruffly clearing his throat and folding his arms tightly to keep himself contained, he looked back at Marvolo. "You're little friends for one, the children of my followers as well are the start of your fellowship."

"The Slytherins don't follow me, they follow you."

Marvolo's look could almost be fond, if it wasn't so politely stoic, and Harry felt his cheeks grow hot. "Of course," was all Marvolo ended up saying. There was a beat of silence before Marvolo continued, moving to sit straight backed in his chair and grabbing his quill. "We shall continue this later, your guard should have arrived by now," Harry nodded and quickly went to the office door. "Just remember Harry, whether this alliance continues or not, you will not be allowed to fall into oblivion." Harry paused with his hand on the doorknob and looked over his shoulder but Marvolo wasn't looking at him, he was staring out the office window. "There will always be those who seek you and follow you. So, give them reasons to do so."

Highly unsettled, Harry left the office and shut the door behind him. His feet lead him to the Gathering Room but he couldn't focus. The whole conversation with Marvolo made him think of Blaises' comment earlier about making an Inner Circle. Was that what was happening? No, he wasn't like Marvolo or Dumbledore, he wasn't a leader like that. He was just Harry. The thought sounded feeble and Harry swallowed hard at it.

No, he wasn't just Harry. Marvolo had been right months ago, he never had been just Harry and he never would be no matter how much he desired it. The acceptance of never being just Harry felt strange. It was something he had always hoped for but had realistically known it would never happen. So, what did he do now? He didn't have an answer by the time he reached the doors to the Gathering Room.

Standing before the doors, Harry took a few deep breaths and fidgeted with the cuffs of his jacket. He had gone out into the muggle world last week and seen the leather jacket and impulsively bought it, feeling the need to have Sirius close as he continued on his current path. Unable to put it off any longer, Harry pushed the Gathering Room double doors open and strode in.

His six chosen guards stood loosely together in the center of the room. As soon as Harry entered, all six of them turned and promptly bowed. Swallowing awkwardly, Harry flapped his hand a bit to get them to stop, these were his peers, he had gone to school with all of them, even if only for a few years. "None of that," he choked out. Their bowing was hitting too close to Marvolo's words.

The six stood and Harry glanced over them. Marcus Flint hadn't changed much from their years at Hogwarts, his teeth just as disfigured and his stature still hulking and Harry hadn't completely dismissed his original thought of possible troll blood influence. Adrian Pucey could have been leaning against a wall in the middle of the room for how casually he stood after standing from the bow. Harry remembered locker room talk that Pucey had been considered the more handsome of Slytherin Quidditch players and Harry supposed he could see it: well-groomed hair, chiseled jaw and muscled chest. Harry also remembered that Pucey hadn't committed any of the obvious fouls during games like the others did. Graham Montague stood at the far end of the group, he was the shortest of the guys and his eyes were a little too close together and his forearms were covered in hair, dark and curly like the knotted curls on top of his head. Cassius Warrington looked like a scarecrow compared to the rest but he still wasn't as tall as Flint or Pucey, he had more of a lanky, wiry muscled build but Harry remembered him to be a fierce competitor from the Quidditch pitch. Finally, Harry looked at the two women he had chosen. The two were in the center of the group and while they both looked more delicate and soft, there was a hardness to their eyes that made Harry consider them to be the most dangerous. He wasn't really sure which twin was which because he hadn't interacted with them at all but one had slightly curlier hair and the other had painted her nails red.

"Thanks for volunteering," Harry began, trying to stop himself from shifting on his feet, he glanced over their attire and decided that they actually did pretty decently in dressing themselves for the night. The blokes all had nice collared shirts and while Pucey and Warrington wore dark jeans, Flint and Montague had khakis, whereas the twins both wore dresses that looked more appropriate for a church setting but it would work. Harry wasn't sure if he was relieved or not that he couldn't waste time to correct their attire. "So, what were you told about tonight?"

"You're killing muggles, Lord Potter," Flint grumbled.

"Taking out child abusers, Sir," Warrington added.

Harry tilted his head in slight acknowledgment. "Right. So, Death deemed me ready to start practicing my craft a bit more. So, muggle child abusers and rapists seemed the best group to take out. So tonight, we will be going to downtown London. Madam Bones has provided me with a list of the accused. Here are their pictures," Harry said, drawing forth the ten muggle photos from his jacket pocket and handing it to Warrington who was closest to him. The six leaned closer and Warrington passed the pictures around. "From my sources, a few of them should be hitting the clubs tonight and so should be easy to lure away. I'm not sure how long tonight will last, but we can get food if needed. Sound good?"

There were nods from all six, whether they actually thought it was good or were just nodding because they thought they had to Harry wasn't sure. So Harry nodded nervously again for lack of anything better to do. "Before we go, who's who?" Harry asked, nodding at the twins.

They both smirked but then the curly haired one softened her smile and replied, "I'm Flora. She's Hestia, Lord Potter," Harry nodded.

"Great. Thanks. Now, next, no Lord stuff. Potter is fine. Have any of you been to Muggle London?"

"Raids," Montague shrugged.

"Right," Harry said. "We'll just deal with things as they come, I guess. Dobby, Kreacher, Tobi, Mimsy."

The four house elves appeared at his side. "Master Death Master," "Master Lord Black," "Great Master Harry Potter!"

Harry smiled at them. "You guys mind transporting us?"

"You're using house elves to travel?" Montague sneered, while the elves nodded eagerly at Harry.

Harry glared at the man who flinched back slightly pale. "Well I can't Apparate yet and it's not like there are any fireplaces attached to the Floo Network in Muggle London and since my association is still under wraps it would be suspicious for us to all arrive in Diagon together. So, you got a better idea?"

Montague scowled looking away and so Harry looked back to the elves. "We need to get to Muggle London. An alleyway a few blocks from the Leaky should work."

The elves nodded and Harry was surprised at the small scuffle between them over who would grab his outstretched hand but Dobby seemed to win out. Mimsy clutched the Carrow twins hands, the girls looking at the small elf curiously. Kreacher went to Flint and Pucey, while Tobi paired with Montague and Warrington.

The seven of them were gone before Harry could say anything more and soon they were dropped in an alley that smelled strongly of trash and fish and his nose wrinkled at the onslaught. The others didn't look pleased either, though it was dark and so in fairness he couldn't really see much of any of their faces.

"Thanks, I'll call you later tonight when we are done." The elves bobbed their heads and Harry turned back to the former Slytherins, all of them had their wands out and Harry frowned. "We are in Muggle London, put the wands away."

"We can't go out amongst the savages without wands ready, Potter," Pucey sneered, gripping his wand tighter, turning his nose up at the dirty alley.

Harry clenched his fist and his temper flared. "Oi, I'm in charge here. You lot might be here to guard me on Voldemort's orders but you do as I say. And I say no wands. Not unless an actual threat is present. If you have a problem with it, you can Apparate and leave. I won't even tell Voldemort. I didn't want a guard to begin with." Harry's skin felt hot in the heat of his anger. A part of his mind said he was overreacting but he wasn't going to deal with protests, Marvolo's words echoed in his head as he watched the six former Slytherins exchange glances. The twins were the first to tuck their wands up their sleeves.

Warrington put his wand away next but looked extremely bitter about it, saying, "It's not safe to be without our wands, Potter."

"What, do you think they are just going to attack you in the middle of the street?" Harry asked, anger fading to astonishment. "They," he said thumbing over his shoulder behind him to the busy London street, "don't care who you are and probably won't give you an ounce of attention. And they aren't savages," he added with an added glare at Pucey. "We aren't in danger, most of them are on their way home from work or out for dinner, they aren't looking for trouble. Now, wands away," he said through gritted teeth, his stare hard and unrelenting.

Flint, Pucey, and Montague tucked their wands away after another moment's hesitation, satisfied Harry pulled out the list of names and addresses. "Right, now," he said, trying to focus back on the task at hand: hunting down these names so that he could...kill them. "The first spot is actually about five blocks down. Let's go." Harry didn't give the six time to say more before he spun smartly on his heel and strode out of the alleyway. He kept walking, not caring much if the Slytherins followed. Like he said, he hadn't wanted a guard and he already felt testy over what he had to do today, he wasn't in the mood for hand holding.

It seemed the good mood he had from seeing his friends had fully disappeared in the wake of Marvolo's conversation and now the closer it got to when he would practice his skill the more his previously ignored anxiety crept back in.

Apparently he didn't need to worry about whether his guard would leave him or not. Footsteps soon surrounded him and at a quick glance he saw himself surrounded. The twins were on either side of him, Pucey and Montague were in front of him and a quick glance showed Flint and Warrington behind him.

The group was silent as they walked in the warm night air, the sound of bustling traffic and the mindless chatter from the crowds around them filled the silence. The light from the streetlights slowly flickering on and the many shops and restaurants providing enough light to move comfortably. Harry observed the tenseness in the group around him, how they eyed each person they passed suspiciously, each fingering their forearms where their wands were tucked.

"Relax would you," Harry finally sighed after watching this behavior for three blocks. "You can see that no one is going to attack."

"Your safety was entrusted to us, Potter," the twin to his right said, Hestia, he thought looking at her red nails. "We will take it seriously. Our Lord would be highly displeased if we failed."

"Not my Lord," Harry sighed under his breath before continuing. "Yeah, I get that. I'm not saying you shouldn't be alert, just don't be so dodgy about it. That's the third person to cross to the other side of the street because you look like you're the ones going to attack."

"You can never be too alert around these animals," Montague commented.

"They aren't animals!" Harry bit out harshly.

"They are still muggles, barely human," Pucey sneered, his head on a constant swivel waiting for an attack.

"Ok, another thing for this guard stuff," Harry sighed, rubbing his forehead tiredly, his fingers brushing the infamous lightning scar feeling the tendrils stretching through his skin. "No more muggle insults. I get you don't like them. I think it's idiotic to hate something you know nothing about. So, keep your opinions to yourself on these outings. If you want, afterwards, we'll have a nice big debate over the merits of muggles but not now."

Silence fell again and they reached the first club, The Velvet Dancer, that Madam Bones list said some of the men visited. There was a long line outside the club and Harry sighed internally. The group stopped and stared across the street at the club, uncertain how to actually get the targets now. Tugging at his hair as he thought, he caught a glimpse of Flora pursing her lips as though wishing to say something.

"Have something to say?" He asked with a sigh. Her eyes widened and she looked at him nervously. "It's alright, if you have an idea I want to hear it."

"I was wondering as to your plan to lure the muggles away," Flora admitted.

"Working on it," he admitted.

"Well, wouldn't it be better to actually go inside? We'd be able to find the muggles easier and drag them out," she said, her eyes flicking up at him nervously.

Harry was nodding though. "Yeah, that was what I was leaning towards myself actually. Mainly it'll be just getting inside. I don't fancy waiting in line and technically I'm too young to go inside."

"Magic, Potter," Flint said gruffly, shoulders hunched and hands shoved in pockets, glaring at every passerby.

Harry sighed, knowing that would be the suggestion and not able to really think of anything else. "Right, once we are in, spread out a bit to find these blokes. Don't be so stiff and maybe enjoy yourself a bit? We need to blend in. But no drinking. Once you find one, bring them out back and find me."

The six nodded, Harry noted the slight traces of fear in the eyes of the Slytherins at the thought of blending in at a muggle dance club and the idea was so amusing it relieved some of his anxiety. At least until he saw Pucey step into the darkness of the alley behind them and pull his wand to aim at the muggle bouncer across the street.

Guilt and revulsion bubbled in his gut and Harry felt sick as his feet followed the others across the street. The bouncers eyes were glazed and he smiled dopely as he waved the group in, ignoring the outraged protests of those in line.

Inside it was loud, despite it still being early in the night. Lights flickered, bodies crowded around, and the music blared. It was overwhelming for a moment and Harry took many shaky breaths. He'd never liked crowds. He glanced at the others who were looking terrified.

The terrified faces kicked Harry back into gear. He was in charge here, this was his mission after all, he couldn't leave them looking so vulnerable. So shaking off his guilt over how they got into the club, shaking off his own anxiety of crowded spaces and the reality of why they were there, he spun back to face the group with a cocky smirk on his lips.

"Don't tell me Slytherins don't know how to party," he taunted, walking backwards into the club and thankfully not running into anyone. Warrington and Montague rose to the challenge and smirked as well, before striding out into the crowd. Pucey eyed Harry again before giving a shallow nod and walking in the opposite direction. Flint was standing behind Hestia now, his hand on her shoulder and the twins exchanged looks before walking forward.

"Keep going, Potter, we aren't letting you out of our sight," Flint growled once the three reached him. Harry shrugged and turned to lead the three to the center of the group.

His heart pounding hard in his chest at the unfamiliarity of the whole situation, he didn't allow himself to appear affected. The others were putting their trust in him and he wouldn't show his own fear. His skin felt hot and clammy though and his blood was pounding in his ears so loudly he almost couldn't hear the music. A tipsy blonde woman crashed into him and soon he was spinning around in a terrible mockery of dancing but no one glanced at him twice, which meant he might actually be blending in.

Unfortunately, the dark atmosphere and the flashing lights made it hard to see anyone let alone the muggles they were searching for. Harry worried that they might not find anyone tonight after two hours had dragged on. Though he supposed it wasn't a total waste, the dancing was actually kind of fun. The anonymity of the dark club lended a more relaxed atmosphere, much better than the Yule Ball at least. Not that this was actually dancing. More like just pressing against people but still it helped distract him.

He knew one of the guard always had him in their sights though, if he let loose his magic just a touch he could sense the presence of other magicals. It was like when he sensed Marvolo's magic to find him. Plus, he had danced next to each of them throughout the night, so he knew they hadn't left.

But the increased time at the club was making him anxious. Were the muggles going to show up at all tonight? Was this just a waste of time? Did the Slytherins think less of him now for dragging them into this place only to return empty handed? Thoughts crowding over each other, Harry decided that if nothing occurred in the next thirty minutes he would gather the others and they'd try another place or maybe just call it all together? Would they spread stories of his incompetence as a leader to the other Death Eaters? Would he lose all credibility and indirectly make Marvolo lose standing in their eyes too? Harry knew that this mission benefited and affected Marvolo just as it did Harry after all.

His thoughts were stopped though when a hand grabbed his arm, spinning him away from the redhead he'd been dancing with. Harry's hand immediately went to his wand, his already loose hold on his magic slipping further and flaring before he saw Warrington and relaxed.

"Found one," Warrington said, leaning close to Harry's ear so he didn't shout over the music. Harry nodded, any enjoyment he'd received from the club immediately gone as he followed the lanky man through the crowd, gut clenched painfully tight over the reality of what he was about to do. Montague was leaning against the club's backdoor, glaring at anyone who came near. Pucey soon materialized at Harry's left shoulder and Warrington opened the backdoor and Harry quickly stepped through. Flint and the twins were already outside, a well put together man sat dazedly on the ground at Flints' feet, blood dripping from his nose. The girls had their wands out.

Harry recognized the man, he'd gotten out of four rape charges through bibery. Seeing more people arriving, the man scrambled to his feet.

"Thank goodness you are here. These people are insane. They just came at me!" The man cried out, looking at Montague, Pucey, and Warrington, obviously thinking they were club bouncers here to help him.

The man was attractive and probably late-twenties, with expensive clothes and a large forehead. As Harry stared at the man the group spread out, taking up positions of defense. Montague remained at the door, Harry saw a locking spell cast to make sure no one intruded. Pucey and Warrington took up stations near the back alleys opening, Harry saw them waving their wands so assumed they were putting protective spells on the alley opening. Flint stood beside Hestia on Harry's left while Flora stood behind them.

"How'd you find this one?" Harry asked, eyeing the man.

"Came onto Flora," Hestia growled, her wand leveling out at the man's chest.

Harry spun away from the muggle to face Flora who looked pale in the dim alley lighting. "You alright?" He asked quietly, stepping closer to her. She eyed him for a moment before tilting her chin up and nodding her head, bringing up her own wand. Harry returned the nod and turned back to the muggle who was quickly realizing that the newcomers were not there to help him.

"Who are you? What's going on? You want money? That it? Look, I wasn't going to do anything to the girl."

"Like you didn't do anything to the other girls?" Harry asked icily.

A sick smile flickered briefly before the man scoffed. "Nothing they weren't asking for. Besides, I was never charged. Is that what this is? You some crusader?" The man crossed his arms arrogantly and sneered down at Harry, who was frustrated at being a few inches shorter.

"You could say that," Harry whispered softly. Crusader was an apt term he supposed.

"You're a bit young kid," the man scoffed. "Just go home. Isn't it past your bedtime?" Harry clenched his fist but refused to rise to the bait of this despicable person, especially not with the Slytherins avidly watching. "What are you going to do, kid? Gonna act all tough and try to threaten me?" The muggle sneered, he seemed to gain his arrogant confidence back the more he talked. "You can't do anything to me. If you try, my lawyers will end you."

Tired of this muggle continuing to talk and his nerves frantic, Harry decided to just get it over with. Taking a deep breath, Harry focused on the malicious sneer and the memory of Floras' pale face and timid stature. He released his hold on his magic, glad he'd kept it so close to the surface all night so he didn't have to wait long before the icy fire tingled his skin and he felt the heady separation cloud his mind. He sighed into the sensation, the bliss of his magic answering his call. Moments later, Harry saw the pulsing life of the muggle, in the corner of his eyes he could see the pulsing lights of his guard around him as well. The lights weren't flickering like the tortured Death Eaters' was and distantly Harry wondered why.

Idly, Harry observed his actions as though he were a bystander. He watched himself lift his hand towards the muggle as though offering him a hand, gesturing him closer, offering him a place of welcome. "No, it is I who will end you," Harry stated calmly, voice low and his eyes on the Life aura holding steady around the man. The muggle, eyes glazed and looking utterly relaxed, stepped forward willingly. Distantly Harry felt his heart racing in anticipation, his fingers itching to Claim the Life; giddy at the thought, eager to please Death with this act. The man's hand clutched onto his hand and Harry offered a dark smile.

Moments later Harry felt a head rush as the man collapsed on the ground. It had never felt like this before. Harry panted lightly, weakly calling his magic back under the surface. Blood pounding in his ears, Harry couldn't hear any other sounds, he was lost in a haze; his senses numbed and blocked out while he relished in the Claimed Life. Finally blinking rapidly, Harry shook himself and glanced around the alley.

The seven of them now formed a strange circle. The muggle on the ground at Harry's feet, Montague behind the muggle and directly in front of Harry. Warrington and Pucey were still standing towards the alley opening but now close enough to also form a barricade, blocking potential eyes from seeing the now dead body on the ground. Hestia stood at Harry's left shoulder still, Flint next to her and near Montague, and Flora stood at Harry's right, leaning slightly on Pucey's arm.

Harry grunted, struggling to form words. And the six stared at him, wands ready and prepared to attack and defend at a moment's notice. "You're back then?" Warrington asked hesitantly. Harry nodded and swallowed, clenching and unclenching his fists for lack of anything else to do, his breath ragged.

"Merlins sagging balls," Montague swore, staring between Harry and the muggle. "Knew what you were and all but seeing it...bloody fucking-"

"Graham," Pucey cut him off sharply. "Ladies are present."

"No, that summed things up well," Hestia said. "Bloody fucking Morgana's tits that was incredible." Flint snorted, and he and Hestia exchanged smirking looks.

Harry huffed and tugged at his hair. "I killed someone, can we move on, please?"

Pucey then transfigured the muggle man's body into a large, lumpy, misshapen piece of wood.

"Looks weird," Flint grunted.

"Well, animate to inanimate objects is difficult, particularly human transfigurations," Pucey defended, chin held high.

"No, no, it's good. Thanks," Harry cut in eager to be away from the alley. He felt cold and empty, the alley was getting too small, too tight. He needed space, he needed fresh air. "Let's go." Barely keeping it together, Harry strode quickly to the alley entrance and took deep breaths once he reached the open street. The street wasn't fully deserted, it was midnight on a Saturday but it was enough. The dirty, contaminated smell of the alley was gone and it helped clear his head.

He had killed someone. Purposefully went out and killed someone. Sure he'd killed his Uncle, Hestia Jones, and Pettigrew, but those had all been spur of the moment. Pettigrew had been the most planned out and that had all happened within five minutes. Now, he had purposefully planned out a night and hunted for someone to kill. He had hunted, killed, and...Harry swallowed thickly. He had been acting under Death's orders and that man hadn't deserved to live but...Merlin, he really was a killer now. There was no other way to say it. He, Harry Potter, was now a murderer. Just like Dumbledore claimed he was.

"Now what?" Montague asked, the group was forming a circle around Harry once again.

"Anyone hungry?" He asked, he wasn't sure if he could handle Claiming another muggle tonight. He felt dirty and still lightheaded and chilled.

"Yeah," Flint replied and Warrington and Montague were nodding too.

"Great, let's go find a place to eat."

"Are you sure it will be edible?" Pucey asked, though he seemed more genuinely concerned.

Harry rolled his eyes, grasping onto the idea of finding food like the lifeline it was. "Yes, it will be edible. Come on." He led the way down the street but he had no idea where he was going and so just kept walking, looking for any open restaurants.

It was only another block before he saw a pub that was open and had outdoor seating. Not wanting to be in a cramped room, he moved to the outdoor table and Warrington helped him move two tables together. The six all looked hesitant and stood nervously around the table. "Merlin, you've all only just been in a club for hours now, it's just a table. Sit down." He told himself that they weren't obeying his order when they all moved to claim a seat almost immediately after he spoke. "I'm going to order us drinks and food," he said with a sigh, draping his leather jacket around the back of his chair and entering the pub. Thankfully it wasn't crowded or too loud and he approached the bar easily.

"Hello dearie," the woman behind the bar said with a tired smile. Harry returned the smile easily and felt a presence beside him, a quick glance showed him it was Flint. "What can I get you?"

"Can you bring a couple plates of fish and chips and maybe some burgers and fries outside? My mates and I are just done at the club and no one can decide what they want to eat," he gave a decrepitating chuckle which the woman responded to in kind.

"Of course, I know how it is with you young'uns ," she chortled, punching in the vague order into the computer screen behind the counter. "Any drinks?"

"A couple Guinesses?" He asked after pretending to consider it.

The woman nodded. "Of course, you lot have your IDs?"

Harry nodded and moved his hand to jean pockets, only to then make a show of patting the empty pockets and frowning. "Bloody hell," he cursed softly. "Left it in my jacket outside. Give me a sec, I'll go grab—" but the woman was waving her hand dismissively.

"Just show me when I bring them out, dearie. You seem the honest sort."

Harry sent his most innocent and thankful grin, which had the woman chuckling some more. "Thank you, miss."

"Miss? Oh, that's a laugh, alright dearie, you go on outside, I'll bring out your food and drinks shortly."

"Thank you again," Harry said, a pleasant smile still on his face as he turned to leave the pub once again, Flint on his heels.

"Impressive, Potter," Flint said when they were seated at the table. Harry sat at the head of the joined tables with Flint on his left and Warrington on his right. Flora sat between Warrington and Pucey and Hestia sat between Flint and Montague.

"What did he do?" Hestia asked leaning gently into Flints' side.

"Quite the charmer," was all Flint said.

"Charming muggles isn't necessarily difficult," Pucey replied.

"Pucey," Harry ground out. "Remember what I said, keep those opinions to yourself tonight. We can talk about it more later, just not tonight." Pucey flushed and looked down at the dirty wire table that they all sat around. The others looked incredibly nervous too and Harry frowned at them for a moment, not liking the change of atmosphere before realizing the possible reason. "I'm not going to torture you for speaking out, if that's what your worried about. I'm not Voldemort."

The table winced and Harry rolled his eyes. "Anyway, I'm surprised you find it so surprising that I can be charming Flint. I'm sure I should be offended."

"True, being the Golden Boy, I suppose being charming goes with the territory," Warrington commented with a smirk.

"You do seem to be doing well with Skeeter at any rate, better than in previous years," Flora added.

Harry sneered at the thought of Skeeter. "Woman's atrocious but has her uses. In the past I didn't get much chance in dealing with her. Now, I'm able to do so on my terms. It's working much better."

"Alright dearies," the woman from the pub called out, opening the pub doors and carrying a tray of Guinnesses on it. "Your food's almost ready too, so don't fret. I know how hungry you can get after a night of dancing," she chuckled to herself as she placed the tray on her hip and started passing the beer around. Harry slipped his wand into the palm of his hand. "Now, ID's?" She asked pleasantly.

"Right, of course," Harry said cheerfully, the woman looked at him and he whispered the confundus charm. He had only just learned the charm last week, so was a little nervous about it working on top of his guilt of actually using it on a muggle at all. She blinked a few times before smiling to herself.

"Good, good," the woman said, nodding blankly. "I'll be right back with that food, dearies." She bustled off and Harry tucked the wand back up his sleeve.

The Slytherins stared at him as he grabbed his glass, he really needed the alcohol right now, he eyed them and shrugged. "What? Go on, drink. Wasn't sure what you all liked but I figured you couldn't go wrong with Guinness." Harry of course wasn't going to mention that he'd never actually had a Guinness before and his only knowledge of it was from listening to his Uncle talk about it, but he was in charge tonight and couldn't show uncertainty. Luckily he didn't actually mind the taste, which was good because he had taken a large mouthful for his first taste to keep up casual appearances. "It's not poison." Harry took a few more mouthfuls. His guilt was blending with his already dirty feeling and he just wanted to not think anymore tonight.

Slowly, they all tried a sip. Flora and Pucey wrinkled their noses but the rest seemed to tolerate it at least. "I'm surprised you're letting us drink, Potter," Montague said after a few minutes.

"Why wouldn't I? I mean, I think tonight was a success and I'm definitely needing something stiffer than juice. So why shouldn't we all be able to relax?"

Harry couldn't decipher the looks exchanged between the six but was saved from further words when the woman brought out the food. There were five plates of fish and chips and five with cheeseburgers and fries. Knowing his stomach was growling, Harry didn't really worry about wasting the food. There was a disturbance in the pub so the woman didn't stay to chat after delivering the food.

"Is all muggle food so greasy?" Flora asked, eyeing the battered fish and the fried potatoes.

"No, pub food is though. It's good, try it," Harry said, drawing a cheeseburger plate closer to himself and popping a few fries into his mouth.

Apparently hungry stomachs overpowered muggle revulsion and soon the food was divided up and everyone was eating. The twins were sharing a plate of fish and chips across the table, but everyone else had a plate to themselves.

"So, you guys catch the latest Quidditch match?" Harry asked after he finished his burger. At a loss for what to say and not wanting to sit in silence. Besides, he thought wryly, Quidditch is usually a good go to, especially since the table was populated by former players. While he still felt dirty, the guilt and the chill that had claimed him was warming and fading.

"The Magpies and Harpies one?" Montague asked. Harry nodded. "Yeah, I mean we have to keep an eye on the competition."

"You still play?" Harry asked, surprised and a little embarrassed that he didn't know the professions of those with him.

"Flint and I are with the Falcons with Terrence Higgs, you remember him?" Montague asked.

"Yeah, I remember. Good for you. I'll be sure to keep an eye out on the Falcon schedule. Usually I root for Puddlemere because of Oliver, but now I'll have a second team."

Montague and Flint both looked surprised and then oddly pleased. Montague pulled a second plate towards him to hide the look while Flint tilted his head to exchange a look with Hestia.

"What do the rest of you do?"

"Beast Division for the Department for Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures," Warrington said, taking a swig of his Guinness.

"Department of Magical Games and Sports," Pucey said. The man might not have liked the Guinness, but he certainly wasn't opposed to the fish and chips, Harry noted as he watched the man work through a second plate of the battered cod.

"Hestia, Flora?" Harry asked when the girls continued to nibble their shared plate of fries and fish.

"We don't work. Not proper," Hestia replied, her eyes fixed on the plate in front of her.

"Oh right, that bollocks," Harry huffed. "Well, if you did work what would it be?"

The twins looked at him sharply and the other four men stared at him calculatingly. "So, it's true then?" Flint asked.

"Is what true?"

"You're pushing women to work," Pucey clarified.

Harry fiddled with his empty pint glass and looked at the six faces staring at him, thinking over his next words. The night was warm, thankfully but it was nearing two in the morning now and it was starting to get chilly with the sweat from the club drying. They'd probably need to leave soon.

"I'm in support of people achieving their ambitions and desires," Harry began slowly. "Whatever those desires may be. I don't see the sense in adhering to ancient traditions that are stifling and limiting to the people confined to them."

"You'll do well in the Wizengamot, Potter," Warrington said with a smirk. "Don't worry though we aren't opposed like our parents are."

Harry smiled softly though his brow creased, so it was the older generation that would give him the most problems. It was what he expected, he supposed and Marvolo had said similar.

"I'd gain my Potions Mastery and run my own apothecary," Hestia said after a moment. "The one in Diagon is terrible but it's the only option and so people deal with the shoddy products."

"I'd do something with Herbology," Flora added looking flushed.

"Oh really? My mate, Neville, he's really into Herbology too. Brought a mumbling mimble-thing, don't remember but he brought it into the dorm last year, Seamus and Dean kept poking it and covering the room in stinksap."

Flora burst into giggles bringing chuckles and smirks to the rest of the guys faces. "Why would they do that?" She asked.

Harry chuckled and shrugged. "Because it was Seamus and Dean, they kept daring the other."

"Gryffindors," Warrington scoffed.

"We do like a challenge," Harry admitted with a smirk. "Now, I figured dueling would be what you would pursue."

"Why?" Hestia asked with a frown.

"Well, when I mentioned you two were in my guard, that was what everyone said. You two were great duelists."

"We are great, but that doesn't mean we want to do it for a living," Hestia countered.

"That's fair," Harry conceded, popping another fry into his mouth.

"Is it true that the Dark Lord is training you?" Pucey asked, shifting in his seat. Harry nodded. Merlin, the gossips Marvolo employed, he snickered to himself.

"And you were training students?" Montague pressed.

Again Harry nodded. "Yeah, last year I led a defense club and then this summer I was training some of the other Slytherins, the ones from my year."

"Want to duel?" Flint asked. "Later, I mean."

"Yeah, test out your skills," Warrington grinned.

"Sure, I suppose that makes sense. I should know how good you are since you are supposed to be my guard. Should have done this before actually," Harry admitted but the thought of dueling was exciting. The dummies were great but actually fighting against people would be even better. "But later, let's call it a night for now," Harry said, standing with a stretch.

The rest were on their feet immediately and Harry fought back the wince at the sight. Shrugging back into his leather jacket he tossed some bills on the table for the waitress. They walked a few blocks before ducking into a dark alley, thankfully cleaner than the other alleys they'd been in that night. "Do you guys need an elf to take you home?" The group shook their heads no. "Alright. Well, swing by whenever you want to duel next. I'll send you a notice next time I head out for hunting. Dobby." The eager elf was by his side in an instant. "Good night everyone, thanks again for your help."

The six bowed and after a few goodbyes, they all disappeared with six cracks.

"Hey Dobby," Harry sighed. "Mind taking me to my room? It's been a long day and I need sleep."

"Of course Great Master Harry Potter."