—Dance of Death 35—

Please Read: The chapter was topping out at over 20K words, so I split it again. I don't think many people want to read 20K word chapters, so I broke it in half at a good point. Sorry. I promise to post the final piece (Comeuppance part 3) within 72 hours.

In the last chapter, Harry had come to Hogwarts and began taking his exams. His Runespoor Familiar refused to be left behind and had joined Harry on his trip to Hogwarts. To keep his emotions under control, Harry has been practicing a form of Occlumency that blocked off his emotions but made him appear emotionless. Draco had taken to calling it his 'Dead Face'. Between the thorns, the Runespoor, and his 'Dead Face' most of the other students were a bit nervous around Harry.

Harry had been making subtle threats to Dolores Umbridge and the woman was extremely nervous and afraid of what Harry would do when he turned seventeen. Her concern was that Harry would ruin her with the declaration of a Blood Feud. She was determined to prevent that and was looking for an opportunity to get Harry alone. Harry had been taunting her at every opportunity and he planned to seek revenge. Keeping her on edge was part of his plan to goad her into making a mistake.

Concerned about Harry seeking revenge, Dumbledore had limited Harry's access to his wand. Currently, Harry only had access to it during his practical tests. Accepting the reality of this, Harry had asked his lawyer to apply for a 'wand permit'. Dumbledore had also assigned a pair of sixth year prefects to escort Harry around. Katie Bell and Cormac McLaggen escorted Harry around the castle whenever he left his dorms. They were equal parts protection and insurance to prevent Harry from getting into any trouble. Harry's situational awareness training with Remus and Tonks allowed him to notice and track the many 'Inquisitors that are watching and following him.

The first week of testing was excellent, but the next week had subjects he hadn't prepared well for and promised to be particularly challenging. Nervous about his Divination OWL and not wanting to get a 'Troll' grade, Harry asked Lavender Brown and Parvati Patil for advice on a study guide. During the awkward conversation, Harry learnt that most students were nervous around him and think he'd planned to attack them. In a conversation with Draco, Harry realised he may have to adopt a less angry demeanour.

Note: The will reading was six months ago and Harry and Draco have been living in the same house. They've had 6 months to work through any issues they had. Terms of the contracts signed were loyalty (no end date) and a return of the liquid assets of the Malfoy vault lost in the duel (after 3 years of service). The properties and non-liquid assets that Lucius was selling off to appease Voldemort were bought up primarily by Sirius and those would not be returned. The vault content belonging to Bellatrix Lestrange would also not be returned.

The Malfoys would be affluent at the end of the three years, but not filthy rich like before. That would take a few generations of good investments. The Malfoy family was now a cadet family to the Blacks. Given the loyalty contracts, it made sense for the house of Black to want them to be prosperous enough to support their allies.

Why wouldn't Draco be a little bitter that Harry is now and for the next three years holding what's left of his family's vault? Well, at the rate Voldemort was burning through the Malfoy estate, they would have been destitute within a year. Voldemort was irritated when he found out about a certain diary being destroyed. This whole scenario could have gone a lot worse for them. Sirius would have let them burn. Was Harry too forgiving? Maybe. But he'll come out better for it.

—DoD—

I do not own Harry Potter or any of the characters – they belong to JKRowling.

FASA owns the Earthdawn setting which has influenced many of the ideas in my stories. The Ritual of Thorns and Oakheart are two examples.

—DoD—

Special thanks to my Beta Reader, 'Just William' for the excellent feedback and diligent work in making the story better.

Chapter 35: Comeuppance part 2

Hogwarts

June 15 Saturday

Harry woke up early and performed a few exercises. Due to the thorns, he was limited in what he could do, especially when away from his gym at Grimmauld Place. Push-ups, squats, lunges, and a few 'plank' type exercises would just have to do. Afterwards, he showered and cleaned up. He left his spell matrices alone for now. They contained a Shield charm, Elemental spears, Piercing charm, the 'Anonymous' charm, Disillusionment, Cutting, and a special Charm just for the right moment. He wished he had a few more matrices, but that would take time.

He and Draco dressed in silence and went to wait for their 'escort'. Katie and McLaggen met them and escorted the two teens to the carriages for Hogsmeade. Draco hadn't spoken much, but Harry knew he bristled at having to be escorted about whenever he was with Harry. The two were going to meet Andromeda and Narcissa for a few light-hearted hours between study sessions.

Harry took a minute and addressed his escorts, "Hey, guys… I plan to meet up with my guardian and my Lawyer while in Hogsmeade, so you guys are off the hook."

McLaggen rolled his eyes. "Not really. The Headmaster made it clear we were to stick to you like glue. Whether we want to or not."

Katie added, "He's worried someone will attack you, Harry. Like last year."

Harry grimaced. He hated last year. "He's probably also worried I'll attack someone." Both escorts just looked down, confirming his suspicions. Time to fix his image a little. "I'm not going to attack anyone. Well, unless I'm attacked." He didn't say it, but he was counting on it.

Cormac nodded, "Maybe if we stay with you until you meet with your guardians. But you need to meet us when you're done so we can head back together." Made sense. Cormac was a logical person, even if he was arrogant.

Harry looked at Katie a minute, then added, "I don't know if you guys have noticed, but Umbridge's Inquisitors have been watching and following me. I wouldn't put it past them to attack either one of you. To get to me…"

Katie gave a half smile. "We know, Harry. The notes you've been sending the study group have been excellent. We've actually be using the last week to observe how they act when they're watching you."

Harry was a bit relieved to hear they were being careful. "Just be careful."

Cormac asked, "Why won't Dumbledore give you your wand? Everyone has heard about your OWLs and how good you were with it."

Harry shook his head, "He's using the fact that I don't have a 'wand permit' to keep it away from me."

Katie asked, "But why?"

Draco chimed in, "He's afraid Harry will do to Umbridge what she did to Hedwig. Honestly, the vile woman deserves it." The malice in Draco's voice was a bit off putting. Harry realised it had to do with Astoria. He was worried.

Harry's new Familiar put her head out of 'her' bag. Artemis asked, "§ what did she do §?" Her sisters waited for an answer, but Harry just looked away. The Runespoor's heads looked at each other and slowly realised what happened.

Hecate said, "§ I'm sorry Harry. We'll avenge your bird §."

Artemis asked, "§ Can you tell us who did it? With a description? §"

Selene agreed. "§ We need a description. I wish humans had patterns. Your thorns make it easy, Harry, but most of your friends all look so similar. §"

Harry smiled, "§ It was the one in Pink. The one who climbed up the chair. But you guys don't have to do anything, I've got this. §"

Looking up, Harry realised everyone was staring at him. "Sorry. My girls didn't know much about Hedwig."

After a minute or two, Cormac just came out and asked, "Harry, all this Parseltongue and thorns… Acting like you want to fight everyone… What's going on?"

Harry had half expected this. "The thorns were not planned, and they are not fun. But they're temporary. Parseltongue is just a language and it lets me talk to my Familiar." Harry decided to just get it all out there. "I'm still pissed about last year, but who wouldn't be? No, I'm not going to go and attack everyone, but… How would you feel, Cormac? If you had gone through what I went through? Would you be friendly?"

Cormac tightened his lips a bit, "I get it. Whether you want to hear it or not, we all regret last year. If makes a difference, most of us agree that he's back and we plan to fight. Not all of us, but most."

Harry was quiet after that. For a good five minutes. Then he finally broke the silence as they approached Hogsmeade.

"It does make a difference." Harry noted the tension in the carriage seemed to dissipate. "But I'm still pissed."

Cormac pressed on. "Why were you nice to Lavender and Parvati? They said you're all friends again. Why them?"

What the hell? It was just like those two to gossip away. What else had they said?

Harry clenched his teeth. "They're helping me prepare for my Divination exam." His emotions got the better of him and he added, "And neither one of them signed that damn Eiectio! Or wore one of those 'Potter Stinks' buttons!"

Cormac pointed angrily at Draco, "That's the GIT that made the buttons! He was giving them out to everyone!" Cormac was showing his frustrations and tensions high again. Draco just turned away.

Katie pulled Cormac's hand down. "Cormac, stop. Just… stop." The silence was deafening.

Harry listened carefully to the sounds coming from his bag. He was coming to enjoy the zany way his Familiar spoke. All of them speaking at the same time. If it was just background noise.

"§ I wish someone would tell us what's going on. §" "§ Do you think Harry will 'Magic' that big guy? §" "§ What are those buttons they keep talking about? §" "§ Why do the girl humans have such different shoes? §" "§ Draco looks sad. §" "§ Maybe we can find a way to give Harry patterns. §" …

As the carriage came to a halt, Harry saw Andromeda, Narcissa, Mr. Felder, Bill, and Ginny.

Seeing Ginny lightened Harry's mood considerably. He really needed to get away from Cormac. Before he did something he'd almost certainly regret.

Draco spoke up, "Let's meet up here at 3:00PM. That gives us five hours."

Everyone agreed.

—DoD—

Hogsmeade

The Three Broomsticks

Lunch

Hermione and Neville were still studying and declined a visit to Hogsmeade. That was fine, Harry wanted to meet privately with a smaller group. He hadn't interacted much with Hermione and Neville, other than a bit at lunch. Everyone was in heads down test mode. Afraid to break concentration. They'd have time to catch up later. Perhaps over the summer.

Harry was sitting in a private dining room with his family and enjoying the last bite of a Shepherd's pie. It was good, but not as good as 'Bell's'. Mr. Felder had just confirmed that the wand licence was real, but it was an obscure law that was all but forgotten. He had put in Harry's application, but apparently the Ministry didn't even know how to process it. Clearly Dumbledore had outmanoeuvred them.

Harry occasionally listened in to his Familiar when she was chatty. Right now, the sisters were chatting away about all kinds of different topics. Occasionally, they'd poke a head out to see what was going on, but they thought all this talk was boring. Mostly, they just stayed tucked away sharing their thoughts on everything they had seen. They were safe in the bag he had enchanted and warded.

Ginny had shared her summer plans with Harry and was holding her dragon hide gloved hand. She intended to get ahead on Runes and Arithmancy. She had also written and asked for permission to practice Quidditch at Hogwarts over the summer. If the Burrow were too exposed, at least the school would be a safe place. She thought Katie would be the captain next year and hoped Harry would re-join the team. It was very comforting. He knew his Quidditch days were nearly over. It took too much time and he couldn't sit right on a broom with all the thorns. Still, it was nice to know that she was thinking about him.

Bill had re-instated Harry's apprenticeship and he was once more a novice curse-breaker. Harry sneered a bit but accepted it. The Goblins were only nice when they have something to gain. On the bright side, he loved being a curse-breaker and hanging out with Bill. Maybe they could travel again next year.

After more small talk and pleasantries, Harry and Draco shared their overall performance on the week's exams. Apparently, not having social distractions had helped both boys in their exams. Harry of course had the knowledge passed down from two brilliant parents, but Draco had also done very well. Always one of the top students, this year was looking to be one of his best, academically speaking.

Andromeda then addressed both boys, "One of your tutors, Professor Slughorn, is considering an offer to leave his retirement and teach once more. He had asked if you two are available on Monday evening for a small get together. Seeing as your Potion's exam is Monday, that might be acceptable. Assuming of course that you're ready for your exams the next day."

Harry looked at Draco who just shrugged.

Harry liked Professor Slughorn. "That should be fine. But, speaking of Tuesday, I need to pick up a book. I have a Divination study session Tuesday evening and I'd rather not get a 'Troll' on my Divination exam. Maybe we can pick it up after lunch."

Everyone at the table was looking at him oddly. Like he had suddenly started speaking Egyptian or something.

Narcissa was the first to speak, "Are you gifted in Divination, Hadrian?"

Harry started to shrug, but with Narcissa Malfoy, that would be almost insulting. She was so uptight…

"Perhaps. I've been advised that some of my combat timing hints at the gift." She had asked him to call her Aunt Narcissa, but he wasn't there yet. He just avoided using her name all together.

Bill suddenly caught on, "Right. I actually hadn't considered that." Bill stopped drinking his ale when he heard this.

Andromeda interrupted, "William, please explain to the rest of us…?"

Bill set his tankard of ale down, "Harry frequently reacts to attacks before they're made. We assumed he was sensing the build-up of magic before the attack. But this makes more sense. He reacts similarly even to non-magical attacks."

Harry added, "I do sense the build-up of magic, but I'm kind of alerted to start sensing it. Otherwise, I'd be sensing everything all the time. It's like an alert or a trigger of sorts. With non-magical attacks, I just go with my gut. It's not very well defined. It works better when I'm not focused."

Draco shook his head, "What, now you're a seer? And how do you use it in combat without focusing? That's not…" Narcissa put her hand on Draco's arm and he stopped talking.

Harry thought a moment. "Combat is not like what we do in class. You just sort of relax into it. No, not relax… that'll get you killed. You just listen to your gut and react into it. You immerse yourself in combat. Thinking works in a duel, but not on a battlefield. I learned that the hard way last year. Remember the courtyard? I was focused intently about talking to Cedric. Too intently."

Everyone knew about the courtyard.

Andromeda asked what most were thinking, "Why take the OWL, Harry? We could have gotten you a private tutor."

Harry groaned, "I don't know. It was a last-minute decision and I regret it now. I can't even hold tarot cards without scratching them up. Honestly, I don't care if I fail, but I need to get better than a Troll, or that'll be something that follows me." It was his pride.

Bill spoke up, "Harry, your eyes are glowing." Bill always pointed that out in hopes that Harry would get control of it. It seemed to be triggered by Harry's use of magic or when he was emotional. "We really need to enchant your glasses to hide that."

Draco laughed. "Why bother? Everyone saw it when you summoned the Patronus. Then you made the pocket watch." Draco amusingly added, "It keeps awful time, by the way."

Narcissa looked horrified and was about to correct her son when Harry and Draco both started laughing.

Bill laughed too and added, "Hey, you should stop winding it." When that got an odd look from both teens, he added, "That way it'll be right twice a day." Everyone laughed at that.

Mr. Felder had been noticeably quiet. He chose that moment to ask, "May I see the watch?"

Harry produced it. He enjoyed carrying it around. He left the one his parents gave him at Grimmauld Place… he didn't want to scratch it up with his thorns.

Mr Felder opened it up and peered at it. He took his own wand and examined it in detail. "Very nice work. The tension spring is off, but other than that…" He then did something to the tension spring. It glowed softly for a moment. "There. My uncle was a clock smith." He handed it back to Harry.

Harry wound it up and handed it back to his solicitor. "Consider this a gift. For having faith in me."

Mr. Felder happily accepted the watch. "Thank you, Heir Black. I will treasure this." He meant it, too.

Harry looked back at Andromeda. "Do you think Professor Slughorn would mind if I brought Ginny with me to the Dinner?" Looking at Ginny, he said, "We never had out Valentine's dinner and this should be fun." Ginny looked to be extremely happy with the suggestion. "Draco, you should bring a date, too."

Draco seemed to like the idea. They both liked Professor Slughorn.

Andromeda smiled. Harry was certain he had near perfect scores on most of his OWLs. Charms, Transfiguration, Defence were commonly referred to as the 'big three'. Ancient Runes and Arithmancy were important for anything academic, but the 'big three' always garnered respect. Divination was a surprise… she'd have to find someone who could help him develop that. The art of Divination was the mark of high magic, but it was hard to define and understand. Strange that it was only now coming out. Assuming it even existed at all. Academics aside, it was good to see a bit of happiness in Harry, her… ward? She felt remarkably close to Harry. He was so much like her own daughter. Harry didn't just feel like a ward or her future head of House. He was more. He was family.

Narcissa enjoyed seeing how well her son got along with the next Lord Black. Glowing eyes… she remembered Bella dreamily talking about a different Dark Lord and how she wished she had been born sooner. To see his gorgeous glowing emerald eyes. To fight by his side. The next Lord Black… Had his mother's eyes. And his grandfather's.

The Weasley girl would have to go, she could never be Lady Black. Ginevra's manners were atrocious, and Hadrian seemed to regress around her, but Cissy knew Andi would deal with that. In her own time. No one was as subtle as Andi when it came to these things. Narcissa was so glad to be re-united with her older sister. The one with her sanity intact. The House of Black was on the rise. The House of Malfoy was attached.

Bill began thinking about the last few years. Harry developed that… danger sense last year while he was regularly attacked, but it had gotten a stronger since the Horcrux had been removed. He knew Harry occasionally had visions attached to Voldemort, but how much was the Horcrux and how much might have been Divinatory in nature. A little of both, perhaps? It explained a lot. It could be extremely helpful if he pursued a curse-breaker career. Assuming they won the coming war.

As the meal wrapped up, Harry asked, "This has been great, but I really need to get back to my studies. Can we go to Tomes and Scrolls now?"

—DoD—

Hogsmeade

Tomes and Scrolls

1:00 PM

Bill had to take Ginny home and discuss the dinner invitation with their parents. Ginny was extremely excited to go to a formal Dinner party with Harry. She had already started making plans to get her hair done and a new set of dress robes. Draco on the other hand did not want Astoria anywhere near the school. He was still nervous about whatever Harry had 'planned-but-not-planned' for Umbridge and her Inquisitors.

Andromeda and Harry were looking through the shelves in the 'Divination' section. Narcissa and Draco decided to stay a bit longer at the Three Broomsticks and catch up. As Harry located the book he was looking for, he noted it was rather ostentatious. It was medium sized and would take him a few days to get through.

A quavering and raspy voice behind him said, "The third eye… perhaps they should name it the first eye. Or maybe the short-sighted eye." Harry turned to see a tiny and incredibly old witch looking at him. Staring and smiling. "You have your mother's eyes, Harry Potter."

Snapping out of his gaze, "You knew my mother?" remembering his manners, Harry introduced himself. "My name is Harry Potter… But you already know that."

She smiled and her wrinkled face suddenly developed a hundred more wrinkles. "My name is Penelope McKinnon. I knew your sweet mother well. She often came to my shop."

Harry wanted to know more, but he was still careful. "Is this your shop, Madam McKinnon?"

The frail old lady wheezed and laughed, "No, no. My shop has long since retired. I simply got too old to keep it." Her eyes seemed kind and warm. "It was a smaller bookstore. It specialised in used and unusual books. I've always been a bit of an obsessive bargain hunter. "

Andromeda approached, "Madam McKinnon. It's so good to see you."

The old lady leaned forward and squinted. "I hope that's Andromeda and not the crazy one."

Andromeda faltered a moment. "Yes, it's Andromeda. Hadrian is my ward."

"Hadrian… Harry. That makes sense. Your father was quite the rascal, young man. Always bothering my Lily. Then she decided she liked it when he bothered her." More wheezing and laughing followed. "You seem so much like her. You look like him… but I see her. Not just in the eyes either. The thorns are… different. Come, sit." She turned and walked toward a table.

Harry rushed over and helped her into the chair. Then he did the same with Andromeda.

"Manners matter in a young Wizard." She was still looking fondly at him.

Harry wasn't sure what to say. "Yes ma'am."

Andromeda asked, "How have you been Madam McKinnon?"

She pursed her lips. "Old. Frail. I visit relatives from time to time. But not McKinnon's. I'm the last."

There was an uncomfortable silence. They all knew what had happened to the McKinnon family. Harry's mother's incarnation had filled him in, and Andromeda remembered it. The terrible end to a once strong and proud family.

The old lady took Harry's divination book. "Let's see here." Her arthritic fingers seemed to have no problem with the pages.

"The introduction is a waste of time." Riiiiiip.

Harry gasped. Andromeda slightly shook her head at him. This woman was helping him.

"Chapter one isn't bad. Chapter two is basic." She folded down a few pages. "Pay attention to these pages. And please, never treat a real book the way I'm treating this… fluff."

"Chapter three and four are self-serving. Waste of a good tree." Riiiiiip.

"Chapter five is inaccurate. Perhaps it was written by clowns." Riiiiiip.

This continued another five minutes until the discarded pages were taller than the pages left in the book. Madame McKinnon looked up from her work and smiled. "There." She handed the remains back to Harry.

Harry took the book and noted it was far lighter. She had destroyed his book before he even had a chance to buy it. Let alone read it. Still, Andromeda seemed to defer to the woman.

Harry politely said. "Thank you, Madam McKinnon."

She laughed again in her sad and wheezing way. "Yes. Trust me young man, I did you a favour. What's left is the basics that will be covered on your OWL exam." Scrunching her face up, she thought for a moment. "I'll send you a book to get you beyond the ground floor. If you really want to know about Divination."

Harry smiled politely. "Yes ma'am. That would be nice. I'll be glad to pay you for it."

The old lady looked intently at him. "Mr. Potter, the man who murdered my family still walks. I trust you will deal with him. That is payment enough."

"Yes ma'am." Harry wondered if she meant Voldemort or Snape. Or was there someone else? It didn't matter. Harry intended to find and punish all Voldemort's followers. Or die trying.

"I see you have a little friend…" She was pointing to Harry's bag. The three 'girls' were poking their heads out and looking about. To Harry's amazement, the old lady didn't seem concerned.

Before Harry could respond, she said, "Let me share a few stories about your parents."

—DoD—

Over an hour later, Harry and Andromeda were heading back to the Three Broomsticks to check on Draco and Narcissa. They had helped Madam McKinnon to a carriage that would see her safely home. Harry paid for his 'abbreviated' book and picked up the last witch weekly for his Familiar. It seemed thicker than normal. His girls could look at the pictures. Based on overheard conversations, one of them was constantly talking about people's shoes.

Andromeda had Harry apply his 'Anonymous' charm before they set off. He was thankful he forgot to use it in the store, otherwise he would never have met Madam McKinnon. She had shared some unbelievably beautiful stories from a perspective that his parent's incarnations couldn't ever share.

Andromeda described Madam McKinnon on their walk. "Penelope McKinnon was one of the most respected collectors and distributers of rare books. Like many of the McKinnon's she has an eidetic memory. When she sends you the book she offered, make sure you write a nice letter back. If it's from her personal library, it will be both rare and valuable."

Harry was still amazed at the stories she had shared. "When she first looked at you… she mentioned…"

Andromeda raised one eyebrow. "Bellatrix. We used to look terribly similar. Likely, that's no longer the case." As they walked, she pointed to a closed-up storefront. It was still well maintained, but clearly empty. "That was Madam McKinnon's establishment."

"Did you ever visit her store?"

"No, Harry. It was by invitation only. I have no idea how your mother had gotten an invitation. Your Headmaster would have given up his lemon drops for a visit. So would all the teachers at Hogwarts." Thinking a moment, she grinned and said, "Your mother was remarkably close to Marlene McKinnon. That's most likely the connection."

Reaching the Three Broomsticks, Harry saw it was full of other students taking a break from studying their OWLs. Harry dropped the Anonymous charm and Draco approached.

"Harry. Aunt Andromeda. Are you two up for a glass of wine? Mother purchased a nice bottle. It's a Beaujolais. A wine from Burgundy that you've yet to sample, Harry." Draco had been trying to teach him the differences in the French regions, starting with Burgundy. Wines were Draco's hobby. Harry liked the reds from the 'Cote de Nuits' region and Draco favoured the white wines from the 'Cote de Beaune' region. Of course, they had only studied the Burgundy wines… Harry was more of a Butterbeer drinker, but he had enjoyed the lessons.

A small voice called out, "Harry?"

Harry looked over and saw Billy Corbin. Sitting in his wheelchair.

"Can you sign my autograph now?" He was holding up a pen and a book of some sort.

Harry smiled. Billy was nice. "Sure, lets…" Harry suddenly stopped.

"Someone's trying to break into my trunk. Andromeda, I have to go… Draco…"

Draco nodded briskly, "I'll get my things and meet you at the carriages."

Harry headed out but turned toward his aunt before he exited. "Please ask Mr. Felder to meet me at the school." Then looking at Billy, "Next time. Sorry." And he was out.

Harry couldn't run well with the thorns. He thankfully managed to get his 'Anonymous' charm up. He was in no mood to be ambushed. The trunk had several valuable and personal possessions in it. Unlike the wardrobe, his trunk was massively warded, no one would get in there except Dumbledore. Unfortunately, it was also well cursed. Anyone who tried was in for a painful ride.

Draco, Andromeda, Narcissa and Mr. Felder met him at the carriages. Obviously, they had Apparated. Damn. Harry realised he could have just waited and Apparated with them. Harry saw Katie and Cormac in the distance racing toward the carriages. He politely waited. As he calmed down, he realised no one was getting into his trunk. Fortunately, they had tried that first. The wardrobes were not warded anywhere near as heavily. There really was no rush.

The three adults rode in one carriage and the four teens rode in the other. Harry remembered Luna telling him there were invisible horses pulling the carriages. Katie was still breathing hard. Cormac was too and he looked irritated. Harry realised it may have appeared as if he was trying to ditch them.

Harry said, "Someone tried to break into my trunk."

Katie straightened up immediately and asked, "What? When? Did you think they got anything?"

Harry looked at her. She and McLaggen both looked angry… "Just a few minutes ago. I have an alarm ward that alerts me of attempted break-ins." Remembering her second question, he added, "And there's not a snowballs chance in hell that they got through my security."

Cormac was smiling. "Nice one Potter. The Inquisitors go through everyone's things." With a disgusted sneer, he added, "Sometimes they steal."

Katie didn't look so happy. "Harry, it's allowed. Umbridge wrote an educational decree allowing Inquisitors to search student's belongings."

Harry smiled. "I'm not a Hogwarts student. And that Inquisitor is likely screaming in pain in the infirmary."

Draco asked, "What curse did you use?"

Harry was still smiling. "Mental only. The bad ones are reserved for people that manage to break in. He thinks he's being stung by fire ants. He'll also have the words 'Thief' tattooed all over his body. He'll need a good curse-breaker to remove them. And it won't be cheap. Especially after I write to Gringotts."

Draco laughed. "This should be fun."

Harry noted both Katie and McLaggen seemed maliciously happy. How many times had someone gone through their belongings?

—DoD—

Once more, Harry found himself in the Headmaster's office. He was seated at a rectangular table between his guardian and his solicitor. Professor Dumbledore and McGonagall were on the other side of the table, with Dolores Umbridge at the end of the table. She was standing, but due to her height, it didn't make much of a difference.

Dolores was barely able to control her anger. "I want to see what's in that trunk. I'll also have Mr. Potter prosecuted for assaulting a fellow student."

Dumbledore interrupter her, "Dolores, the curse that was causing Mr. Shoemaker discomfort has been removed."

Umbridge looked at the headmaster like he had grown a second head. "Not the one marking him."

Before anyone could respond, Mr. Felder interjected. "We agree that charges should be made and the DMLE should be contacted. As an eighteen-year-old man, Mr. Shoemaker should be prosecuted as an adult."

Dolores angrily exclaimed, "Mr. Shoemaker did nothing wrong. As an Inquisitor, he has every right to examine the content of any student's trunk. We have educational decrees affirmed by the Minister himself…"

Mr. Felder interrupted her. "Hogwarts Students are may be under the purview of your decrees, but Heir Black is not a Hogwarts Student. He is a visitor. Unless Hogwarts would like to risk the loss of its ICW standing, it will abide by the rules set by the ICW for visiting students. Rules which I made a point to become familiar with."

Harry laughed and shook his head. "Nice try Dolores, but you've missed again. How is your mother, Ellen, these days?"*

Dolores faltered, but ignored the question. The look she gave Harry was as venomous as the Basilisk he slew.

Dumbledore tried to change the subject. "Mr. Potter, perhaps you can remove the other curse from Mr. Shoemaker. The one with the unpleasant script marking him as a thief." Harry noted Dumbledore didn't seem to be pressing that hard.

Mr. Felder answered before Harry could. "I'm afraid the markings should only be removed once charges are pressed. As an adult, Mr. Shoemaker falls under Wizarding law where theft is concerned."

Harry noted both McGonagall and Dumbledore seemed unsurprised. In fact, they looked somewhat amused. Harry was certain Dumbledore could have removed the markings on the Inquisitor but chose not to. Most likely, Flitwick, Snape or McGonagall could as well. Snape would almost certainly take care of it… but the potion master hated it when one of his snakes got caught… so, maybe not.

Harry didn't want Shoemaker to leave just yet. "I'll defer charges until the end of the week. That way Mr. Shoemaker can take his NEWTs. But the markings stay. And there will be charges in a week." Harry then stood up. "If there is no further need for me, I have exams to study for." He would let his guardian and solicitor to clean up the mess.

As he left, Harry turned and looked back at Umbridge. "Say hello to Orford* for me. Does he still work at the ministry?" He turned and left before she could respond.

Katie and McLaggen were waiting at the bottom of the staircase, beside the gargoyle. Harry decided to share his point of view of the conversation as they walked him to his dorm. He noted both Prefects were immensely amused. Word would spread and Dolores would make a mistake.

—DoD—

Hours later, Draco and Harry were in their dorm. Harry was finishing up the 'abbreviated' book he purchased and had begun re-reading the marked pages. It was as basic as Madam McKinnon had said. But the descriptions and definitions were good. He could see this as a 'Cliff's Notes' guide to Divination. His familiar was beside him, deeply engrossed in the magazine he had purchased. Harry promised to read it to them after the exams. Hecate was trying to puzzle out the words. Maybe she could teach her sisters to read.

Draco looked up from his book, "Are you ready for the potions OWL?"

Harry looked up from his mangled book. "Absolutely. You know we've been taking NEWT training, right? We could probably get E's or O's on the NEWT right now."

"Better to over prepare than to under prepare." Closing his book, Draco laughed. "You know there were three Inquisitors up here, right? I asked around."

Harry shrugged, "I figured."

Draco was enjoying this. "Apparently, they left their mate when the screaming started."

"He was a 'nobody'. He probably thought the others would treat him like an equal…"

Draco shook his head. "Not a chance. He was a half blood from Ravenclaw. He was a sacrificial goat to see how extensive your wards are."

"Now they know. Hey, Katie will be here in a few. Hungry?"

Draco realised he was a bit hungry. "Lead on, Lord Black."

—DoD—

Once in the Great Hall, Harry met with the Gryffindor's and Draco went to maintain contact with a few of his remaining friends in Slytherin. Harry related the events of the attempted theft and answered all questions. Across the room, the unlucky Inquisitor was glaring at them with the word 'Thief' all over him. Face, hands, neck, everywhere. It was a particularly good curse. Easy to counter if you knew how, but the staff seemed to be feigning ignorance.

Hermione considered what she heard. "So, because you're not a Hogwarts student, the Educational Decrees don't apply to you? Expect that to be changed soon enough."

Harry wasn't fazed. "Not if they want to keep their ICW accreditation. Hogwarts must follow ICW rules when hosting OWLs and NEWTs with non-Hogwarts students. I already have five OWLs I'm sure I passed. Honestly, that's enough to stay in the Wizarding World. I could leave Hogwarts and never look back."

Neville asked an obvious question, "Why not just leave? Why risk reprisals?"

"Unfinished business, Neville. Besides, I have a Dinner Party Monday night. Professor Slughorn is considering a position at Hogwarts and he's invited Draco and me to a small gathering. I'm planning to take Ginny."

Hermione looked to be considering something. "What do pureblood wizards talk about? At these parties?"

Harry shrugged but Neville answered, "Politics, mostly. What's happening and who's doing what. This could lead to something, Harry. Horace Slughorn is known for his parties."

Hermione looked irritated. She muttered, "Closed society."

Harry shook his head. "No, Hermione. Professor Slughorn's not like that. My mum was one of his favourite students." Harry caught Neville nodding his head at Hermione. Implying that she was right. "OI!"

Ron laughed. So did Katie and a few others. Hermione just seemed to grow angrier.

Draco came over, obviously ready to go.

Hermione wouldn't drop it. "Heir Malfoy!" Everyone stopped breathing. "I wish to be taken to the Dinner Party Professor Slughorn is throwing Monday night." Seeing Ron about to freak out, she added, "As friends and colleagues only."

Draco looked like he had just eaten a dung bomb. Well, he asked for it. Harry had to fight the urge to laugh.

Hermione clarified, "This will suffice for your rapprochement."

Draco stared in horror. "It will ruin me in Slytherin… Why not Harry?"

Everyone was suppressing laughter now. Everyone except Hermione, Draco, and Ron.

Hermione was not giving an inch. "He's taking Ginny. I want to see what happens at these parties."

Draco saw the futility of arguing, "Alright, but you'll meet me at the party."

Hermione saw the benefit there. "Perfect." She didn't want Draco coming to the Gryffindor dorms any more than he wanted her around the Slytherin dorms. Ron didn't look happy, but Hermione would sort that out.

Harry stood up and collected his cushioning mat. "Time to go." Katie was laughing at the whole exchange. Harry so rarely got to enjoy light-hearted drama. He intended to make the best of it.

Just then, a large owl bearing an equally large package arrived for Harry. Looking at the box, he saw it was from Penelope McKinnon. A featherweight charm had been used on the container, but the size hadn't been changed. That implied something 'sensitive' to magic. He checked it for curses or poisons. It was clean. He'd look at it in his dorm. He glanced at the faculty table and saw all eyes were on him. Wondering what he had gotten. Let them wonder.

—DoD—

In the dorm, Harry opened the box. It was a rather large book with a note on top.

Dear Mr. Potter,

It was very nice seeing you today. You do so remind me of your mother.

This is the book I told you about. It has several excellent passages.

I've taken the liberty of listing the pages and chapters I think will serve you best, just make certain you study the book I abbreviated for you first.

It builds on the basics.

This is an old Grimoire of Family magic from the Alaric family. It is a line that is now extinct.

Use it well and do not share the knowledge. It should be considered Black family magic now.

Also, please note that there are other volumes.

I'll send those along as I find them, but this is the one that you will get the most out of at this point in your training.

Good luck on your NEWTs.

Sincerely,

Penelope McKinnon

P.S. a drop of blood should be applied to the binder to attune it to you.

Harry looked over the list. It was quite detailed and focused on two main groupings. Approximately a third of her notation was around Divination and the rest focused on Battle Magic. Harry was impressed with the older woman's knowledge and guidance. He sat on the spot and wrote her a lengthy thank you note.

—DoD—

Sunday

Sunday had Harry eagerly reading his new book. The Third Eye had been useful, but the Alaric Grimoire was brilliant. It walked through different exercises to opens one's mind. It even discussed divinatory combat magic. It lined up with what he had been calling a Danger Sense and clearly it was one in the same. Most of it, he already had learned through practical experiences, but it helped him better understand his emerging talent.

It also covered true Divination, the use of Nordic Runes in predicting the future, Psychometric readings, Astrology, and crystal gazing. They all required a different approach. Occlumency didn't align well with it, but it didn't resist either. Harry realised he could use this to at least fake his way through the practical exam. Maybe he could practice it at Tuesday's session.

The only bad thing that happened was Ginny couldn't go to Professor Slughorn's dinner party. Mrs. Weasley didn't think it would do for her to attend a party hosted by a man who used to be the Slytherin Head of House. Harry could only imagine what the Burrow was like with Hurricane Ginny and Tsunami Molly going head to head. Poor Arthur.

Harry offered to take Hermione, but Draco refused. After considering the circumstances, he realised Hermione could end up trying to get him to escort her to any number of other social events. Events far more damaging than a Dinner Party with Professor Slughorn during OWLs and NEWTs. Better to get it out of the way.

Harry was considering the option to just go stag. Asking anyone other than Hermione would be incredibly disrespectful to Ginny. Then he had a brilliant idea and invited Penelope McKinnon. It was the least he could do after her kind gift.

—DoD—

June 17 Monday

Monday morning had Harry and Draco enjoying a before exam breakfast. Invitations arrived for the dinner party, and Hermione received an invitation. She tried to reverse her request to Draco, but he refused and said he accepted her terms in good faith and the rapprochement was now satisfied. In the end, Hermione accepted the rapprochement and brought Ron as her date. Draco got off easy. Harry couldn't remember the last time he had seen Draco so happy.

Before the exam, Draco informed Harry that three other Slytherin's were attending. Blaise Zabini and the Carrow sisters. He warned Harry that the Carrow sisters were both sadistic and on the Inquisitor squad. Zabini was a lady's man, and a bit of a Cad, but not an Inquisitor.

At nine o'clock, the written portion of the potion's exam began. It was a simple test that Harry finished early. He considered it a slam-dunk. The afternoon practical went just as well. His mother's knowledge plus the hands-on work with Professor Slughorn ensured that Harry excelled in both the written and the Practical exams. Harry considered this another easy 'outstanding' score.

When he met Professor Slughorn after the exam, he mentioned that he was bringing Penelope McKinnon. Apparently, Professor Slughorn knew of her and made a big show of going with Harry and picking her up at the gates. Apparently, Gwenog Jones was coming as well. Having Penelope and Gwenog made his party complete.

At seven that night, Horace Slughorn held his dinner party. Minerva McGonagall attended as the Hogwarts representative. Most students didn't bring a date as there was so little advance notice. Cormac brought Katie as they were both on 'Harry Detail'. They seemed to be decent friends. Both were on the Quidditch team and Katie had enjoyed deflating Cormac when he got too full of himself. The fact that Katie was fun and attractive let her get away with it. Flora and Hestia Carrow came with only each other. Hermione brought Ron, who seemed terribly out of place. Draco came alone, and Blaise Zabini brought Padma Patil.

Harry made a point of staying near and helping Madam McKinnon about. He had to use reinforced clothing to prevent his thorns from injuring the elderly lady. She was quite spry and full of the most entertaining stories. Even Gwenog Jones stayed in her circle. Ron made a thoughtless comment about Ginny flipping out when she heard Gwenog Jones was at the party, but it was typical Ron. Hermione seemed to have a nice time and Professor Slughorn recognised her as being one of the brightest witches of her age. Unfortunately, her enjoyment was tempered as she was constantly having to corral and correct Ron.

Harry found himself standing at the punch line beside Padma and in front of one of the Carrow twins. He was right where he wanted to be and was pleasantly surprised at how everything seems to work out.

Harry handed Padma a cup. "Hi Padma. How are your OWLs going?"

With a wry grin, Padma said, "Well, Mr. Patronus… I'm doing well. Keeping your friend Miss Granger on her toes."

Harry laughed, "You and Greengrass." He heard the Carrow twin behind him stop moving. She had to be listening. "Hey, if you're free Thursday night… come buy the old theatre on the west side. I'm having an after-OWL party. That part of the castle is deserted, so no need to worry. Nine o'clock."

Padma seemed frazzled a bit. "Really? I thought you might still be mad. About last year."

Harry said, "Nah, life's too short." Somehow, he managed to half-heartedly smile.

Seeing a concerned and suspicious look, he quickly added, "You never wore that 'Potter Stinks' Button or attacked me in the halls. On my honour, no tricks. I plan to invite the entire Defence study group. Just keep it down low. I need to keep this small."

Padma seemed touched. "Thanks Harry. I'm glad you're not bitter. My sister is over the moon that you're letting her group of psychics examine you."

Harry stammered, "What? It's supposed to be a study session…"

Padma smiled, "It is, but they'll be studying you. With their third eyes." She was enjoying this. Padma might be worse than Draco! "Relax, Harry, they'll quiz you and help prepare you, but you'll be under the mystical microscope."

Harry muttered, "Lucky me."

Padma was grinning ear to ear. Then she turned serious. "I want you to know I believe you. When it all comes down, I'll be there. Beside you."

"T-thanks, Padma." Harry was moved.

Changing the subject, she tentatively asked, "Harry, does it hurt? The thorns?" She seemed genuinely concerned, not simply curious.

"Yeah. But I've learned to focus past it."

Turning around, Harry saw the Carrow twin behind him had left and was in a quiet discussion with her sister. Out of the corner of his eye, Harry saw them glancing and smiling his way. It was not a smile like Padma had given him. It was predatory.

Before the evening was over, Harry asked Hermione to get the word around to the defence group that there would be a small party in the west theatre on Thursday at eight o'clock. But to keep it quiet. Hermione looked askew at him. She suspected something but didn't know what. Still, a party is a party. She agreed.

It all wrapped up and everyone had a particularly good time. Harry was asked repeatedly if the thorns hurt, but he was used to it. He considered getting a shirt made that said, 'Yes, it's excruciating.' Harry and Professor Slughorn made a point to walk Madam McKinnon to the gate so she could Apparate home.

On the walk to the gates, Madam McKinnon whispered to Harry, "Be careful. You have enemies all around you."

Harry smiled and reassured her, "I have them right where I want them, Madam McKinnon."

There was something in the way she looked at him. Something… hard to identify. "I'm sure you do, Harry. I'm sure you do." Harry knew immediately, this was not a woman to cross. He briefly thought of Neville's grandmother.

Penelope McKinnon's final words before Apparating away were, "See chapter 46."

Professor Slughorn escorted Harry back to his dorm and chatted the entire way. Harry smiled and nodded, but his mind was elsewhere.

That night, Harry read over chapter 46 of the Alaric Grimoire three times.

—DoD—

June 18 Tuesday

The next day, Harry and Draco had breakfast with the usual crew. Draco scouted and learned that the Inquisitors were planning something on Thursday evening. Something big. Perfect. The hint he dropped to the Carrow twin was picked up.

At ten o'clock, Harry and Draco took the Care of Magical Creatures exam. Harry had always been good with animals and he was able to draw on his parent's knowledge to perform acceptably on the written exam. It wasn't an 'Outstanding' score. He doubted it was even 'Exceeded Expectations'. But a decent showing on the practical ensured a passing grade.

Unfortunately, the practical exam in the afternoon was worse. He knew how to kill all kinds of creatures but caring for them was a different matter. Harry realised this would likely not be a passing score. It was a shame that having a Runespoor Familiar didn't count toward extra credit.

Speaking of which, the girls seemed to enjoy Dobby. He kept them fed and that was enough for them. Hopefully, they didn't mind going with him tonight to the Divination study session. He'd bring the magazine he picked up. In case they got bored. With a little luck, Harry might even pass the exam. 'The Third Eye' covered the basics and the Alaric Grimoire expanded on that. He no longer was afraid of a 'Troll' on his record.

Harry met with Katie and McLaggen at six thirty and walked to the Gryffindor dorms. He noticed multiple Inquisitors tracking him. At least two were openly leering. Yeah, they were eager to mess him up. Part of him wanted to openly mock and challenge them, but this wasn't the time or the place. His escorts had noticed it too. Both prefects had their wands out.

Arriving at the Dorm, Harry was escorted inside and waited with McLaggen while Katie went to get Lavender and Parvati. This was the first time Harry had been back to the Gryffindor common room since the Declaration of Eiectio. Harry knew most of the Gryffindor's were in the library, but there were a few students here. He was getting some uncomfortable looks. It was probably just the thorns…

Cormac took a moment to rub his chin and said, "Don't go out alone, Potter. They want you. Badly. They're not even hiding it."

"Yeah. Well, lucky for me you guys are here." Cormac seemed lost in thought and didn't comment.

Harry knew Cormac was an arrogant ass, but apparently, he wasn't a bad guy. Those Inquisitors really put him on edge. The year must have been hell with those bullies in positions of authority.

Lavender and Parvati soon came downstairs, both carrying large shoulder bags.

Parvati excitedly said, "Hi, Harry! Ready to go?" Parvati sounded like this was going to be a party. Lavender was just as thrilled.

Harry tried not to laugh. "Sure. Where are we going?"

Lavender beamed, "The Divination classroom. You'll love it, Harry."

As they marched to the North Tower, Harry noted how the two Gryffindor Divination experts lost their 'bubbly bounce' when they spotted the occasional Inquisitor. They both shrank back to be closer to Katie and Cormac. How had things gotten so bad? Why hadn't Dumbledore stepped in and done something? As Harry considered the different things the Headmaster could have done, he realised that none of the options he thought of were legal.

Harry saw one Inquisitor glaring at him. He had the word 'Thief' was literally written all over his face. Harry stopped and stared back at the boy. He summoned all the anger and animosity he could manage and just focused it into his stare. After a moment, the boy turned and left.

Katie came up beside him, "Harry? Did you know your eyes were glowing?"

Harry briefly looked at his friend. "No, but I'm not surprised."

He then began walking the rest of the way. His Familiar whispering amongst herself in 'her' bag. They were imagining how Harry would kill all his enemies.

The group eventually reached the North tower and ascended a spiral staircase to a room that looked like a cross between an attic and a tearoom. There were a few round tales with white table clothes on them. The chairs were plush armchairs and Harry suspected his thorns would do considerable damage before the session was done.

Lavender set up one of the tables and lit a few lamps While Parvati reverently pulled a crystal ball from her bag. That was quickly followed by a set of oversized Tarot cards, a tea kettle and multiple cups, and other odds and ends.

Katie and Cormac groaned, but sat at a side table to watch. Great, an audience.

Parvati said, "Harry, come over here."

Harry approached the main table in the middle. "Are we the only people here?"

The two girls exchanged a look. Lavender volunteered, "Well, the others are afraid of your Familiar."

The next hour was spent with Harry having his fortune told over and over. Both girls were afraid to let Harry handle their cards or even their crystal ball. Something about thorns and scratching them up. To their credit, they did explain what they were doing along the way, but every prediction ended in something baleful. He eventually got tired of hearing how doomed he was. He put his Familiar on a side table with her magazine to look at. It was kind of funny how much they liked looking at Witch Weekly.

Parvati gasped. "Is that the Fall Fashion Preview edition?"

Harry paused a moment. "Can't be. It's June."

Lavender shook her head in exasperation. "Fall fashion preview starts in June, Harry. Then there's the Winter preview in late September. The fall edition sold through… where did you get this one?"

Harry laughed. "I got the last one in 'Tomes and Scrolls' when I went to pick up the book you recommended. My girls love looking at the photos. I just have to…" He reached over and flipped a page, "Turn the pages."

Harry suddenly thought of a way to study on his own. "§ Do you girls mind if Lavender and Parvati read to you §?"

The Runespoor looked up with all three heads and had a brief conversation with itself. Hecate was apparently the speaker. "§ They can read to us, but if we flick our tail, they have to leave. §?"

Fifteen minutes later, Harry was reviewing the basics in the Third Eye while Lavender and Parvati were devouring the magazine and reading to his 'girls'. At first, the Gryffindor's were nervous, but amazingly they worked it out. Lavender liked the vibrant green eyes on the Runespoor and discussed scarf options. Parvati pointed out the differences in their patterns and how it suited them.

Soon they were all whispering and laughing. Harry occasionally used his enhanced hearing to listen in. As vacant as he sometimes thought the two Gryffindor's were, they really knew a lot about fashion. Fabric choices, weave density, colour matching, accessorizing… they even knew which designers favoured different styles. In addition to their fashion sense, they were also very observant. The gossip they whispered was based on sound observations and deduction. Sure, it seemed more focused on who was cheating on who and which broom closets were most in demand, but it was still based on logic and reasoning.

After the first hour, Harry spent more time watching and occasionally translating, than studying. He decided it was worth it to see his girls having fun. After a while, Hecate lost interest and lay down to rest. Soon enough, Artemis did too. But Selene just kept going. Well, she was the girlie girl of the trio. Harry had translated quite a few inquiries from Selene about shoes and why they had to match a witch's handbag. Catching Katie and Cormac's eye, they were really enjoying the show. Apparently, Selene really loved fashion.

Eventually, the study session ended, and the group walked Harry back to his dorm, then back to the Gryffindor dorms. His Familiar was happy and Selene was overjoyed. Harry realised he needed to get them a friend or two. They were lonely. He re-read chapter 46 one more time then started his pre-sleep occlumency exercises. Today had been interesting.

—DoD—

Harry's Dreamscape

Tuesday Evening

Harry was behind his parent's home, nestled in his mindscape. He was practicing a few of the Battle Magic spells he had learned in the Alaric Grimoire. The ones from chapter 46 had been a bit more challenging. His parents were both helping him with the potential nuances of a handful of specific spells and charms. Placing these spells in matrices would require an extraordinarily strong understanding of the magic behind the spells. Until he could understand them better, he wouldn't be able to place them in his spell matrices. To do that, he needed to cast them repeatedly in the waking world.

He needed his wand.

James' incarnation had corrected his stance a few times, but overall, he felt Harry could cast all the chosen spells if given the opportunity. However, it would help to have a wand to practice with. Even a successful casting is something that can be awkward the first time. His mother's incarnation remembered Penelope McKinnon fondly. Lily worked for the woman from time to time and had always been kind to her. The woman had the best collection of rare books in Britain. At least, the best collection that was available for purchase. That said, she apparently was very choosey about who she sold her books to. Still, everyone knew she could locate almost any book in existence… for a price.

The Battle Magic in the Alaric Grimoire seemed a lot like the ones Charlus Potter put in the Potter Grimoire, but more… power oriented. These spells had been refined over generations and tended to favour those at the high end of magical power. Compared to the Potter Grimoire where finesse and preparation seemed to overshadow raw power. James and Lily both thought these would combine well with the Potter Grimoire. It was odd the way Madam McKinnon chose to direct him to name it Black Family magic.

James had a theory that because the Black Family were Ancient and Most Noble, the Grimoire would have elevated status and would be bound to the Black Family in some way. The tome passed to Harry was focused as much on Battle Magic as it was on Divination. Perhaps the other volumes she had mentioned were darker in nature. Perhaps she was just a tired old lady and got confused. Either way, his parents were helping him digest the information. He loved working with them.

—DoD—

Hogwarts

June 19 Wednesday

Harry woke up with a groan. Today was all about Divination and Magical Theory. Because of his unusual grouping of subjects, Harry was going to have four exams. The Astronomy Theory was in the morning, followed by an Afternoon Divination exam. Then he would have to take an off cycle Arithmancy Exam, followed by a late-night Astronomy Practical.

Harry asked Dobby and Pipsey to alternate keeping the girls. He asked Pipsey to try and find fashion magazines to read to her. Preferably ones from this year. Dobby had taken to playing checkers with them. Today would be a long, long day.

Harry and Draco took their Astrology exams and Harry performed acceptably. Draco seemed quite happy with his results. Astrology was something Draco excelled in. Of course, when you're named after a constellation, familiarity with the stars was expected.

The Divination exam combined written and practical, with the practical starting as soon as the written was turned in. The exam started out well. Both Lavender and Parvati wished him luck. They both asked about his Familiar. As Harry worked through the exam, he was relieved to see that his 'Abbreviated' book covered two thirds of the topics. The Alaric Grimoire covered most of what was left over. Harry couldn't go into much depth, but he was able to make a solid showing. He thought his written exam would net him an 'Exceeds Expectations'. If he made a decent showing on the practical, he'd pass.

The individual assigned to Harry's practical was Wilhelm Oppenheimer. The only Wizard amongst numerous Witches giving the exam. He was a very 'no-nonsense' type of man. Harry realised how foolish he'd look acting like Lavender and Parvati had last night. There was no way this man would buy into a theatrical performance.

Mr. Oppenheimer sat down and looked Harry up and down. "Do the thorns... hurt?" He was obviously German, but his accent was negligible.

Harry fought back a groan… "Yes, sir. But I manage."

The older wizard adjusted his glasses, "Let's begin with Tarot cards… unless you prefer Nordic runes or Oracle cards?"

"Tarot cards are fine, sir."

"Very well. Do you prefer Rider-Waite-Smith, Marseilles, or the Thoth?"

Harry thought for a moment. The Third Eye talked about RWS… "Rider-Waite-Smith, please."

The man waited a few moments then forced a smile; he had obviously been waiting for Harry to do something. "Ah… You didn't bring your own deck."

With a poorly concealed look of irritation, Mr. Oppenheimer walked over and asked a few other test administrators for a spare deck. The third witch he tried finally and reluctantly agreed to share a spare deck.

Setting the deck down on the table, Mr. Oppenheimer said, "These belong to Madam Russel. She asked that you be extra careful."

"Yes sir." Harry struggled with shuffling and nicked a few cards with his thorns. He saw Mr. Oppenheimer flinch more than once. Yeah, he'd like to see anyone else shuffle cards with thorns on their hands.

Harry went with what he thought was the easiest spread. The Three Card Spread consisted of three cards were laid out directly in front of the reader. The three cards represented the past, present, and the future. Lavender and Parvati preferred the Celtic Cross Layout, but Harry just wanted to keep it simple. As he laid out the cards, he realised he forgot to ask Mr. Oppenheimer to cut the deck. Great. That would cost him a few points.

Harry flipped over the first card. "Upside down… I mean, Inverted Nine of Cups. Ummm. Too much of a good thing. Maybe Alcohol or some other vice. Leads to illness. No, led to illness… in the past. Not the future. Because this is the past." Ohhhhhh boy. No wonder Parvati and Lavender wanted to practice giving readings.

"Mr. Potter, is this for you or for me?"

Harry just stared blankly a moment. He hadn't thought that far ahead. Shite.

"Ummm. You, sir." Obviously, Harry hadn't over indulged. Shite. He just called the man an alcoholic.

Mr. Oppenheimer looked equally amused and disappointed. "Very well. Please proceed."

"Yes. The next card… the present." Flipping over the middle card, "Inverted King of Wands." Now Harry realised he would be insulting the man. "Belligerent and stubbornness in your present. May not be you… Someone already made up their mind… or something. Stubborn. Belligerent. Incorrect Assumption." Mr. Oppenheimer pursed his lips. Not good.

Harry tried to think of a way to spin this, but he was ready to just move on. Please let it be something good… He reached for the third card.

"Finally, the future." Harry turned over the third card. Another inverted card. "Inverted Page of Pentacles." Harry stared at the card. Why were all three inverted?

"And what does that tell you Mr. Potter?" The older man seemed to be both irritated and amused at his discomfort.

"Disappointment in your professional meetings and a message that is delayed."

Mr. Oppenheimer smiled and nodded. Harry knew what he was thinking. This reading was the disappointing meeting.

Mr. Oppenheimer leaned forward and placed his elbow on the table and his jaw on one hand. He asked, "What would you like to do next, Mr. Potter? We have choices. Would you prefer crystal gazing… palm reading… psychometry… xylomancy… tea leaf readings…?" The man seemed as eager to wrap this up as Harry did. At last he was smiling. Apparently, the man had decided to just relax and enjoy the show. Harry chose the method that was featured the most in the Grimoire chapters Madam McKinnon had read.

"Psychometry, please." He could at least go through the motions.

Mr. Oppenheimer thought for a moment. He placed an old water damaged book on the table. Harry picked it up and looked it over. There was nothing written on any of the swollen and 'poofed up' pages. The binder was terribly stained leather. This book had been under water for an extended period.

With a deep breath, Harry closed his eyes and tried to follow the instructions in the Alaric Grimoire. Slow breathing. Open his perceptions. Breathe in, breathe out, breathe in, and breathe out. With one very deep and cleansing breath, he set the book down on his desk. Using the specially formulated ink, he wrote the final entry in his journal. He had learned much on his last voyage. The mission was successful, but that brought him no comfort. Ekrizdis** was performing vile acts in his fortress and Britain needed to be aware of what was breeding on that cursed island. The island and all its wretched inhabitants had to be destroyed, but it could only be done in a specific way.

The secret to the island and its foul residents must be delivered to the Ministry. The horrors of the island could not be allowed to continue. By all that was good and just in the world, they must be destroyed. Placing his hand on his journal, he realised how critical his notes were. With a wave of his wand, he activated the magic within the ink, and it faded from sight.

Suddenly, there was a huge explosion and the boat violently shuddered. They were under attack. Placing the journal in the cabin's strong box, he then rotated his wand in a complex pattern and placed a ward on it. He would be mentally tied to the journal and if anyone handled it, he would know. After setting the charm, he closed the box, locked it, and rushed out to fight. Emerging from below deck, the wind was suddenly colder and incredibly oppressive. He suddenly felt immense hopelessness and despair. With a surge of terror, he knew what was attacking the ship.

Rotting flesh in dark cloaks were everywhere. Men were screaming and crying like infants. Their very souls were being devoured. In a burst of panic, he leapt off the ship into the waters below. In the icy water, it felt like there were knives cutting into him wherever his flesh was exposed. The screaming from the ship was slowly diminishing… Where had he dropped his wand? Looking over, he could see the ship was listing as it took on water. He then saw dark cloaks gliding over the water toward him. There was no escape. No hope…

He chose a watery death over the fate the creatures would give him. Forcing himself under water, he held his breath if he could, his vision slowly getting dark and the urge to rise and draw breath was nearly impossible to resist. Just… one… more… breath. He instinctively looked up as he began ascending through the icy water, that's when he saw them. Staring down at him… With empty eye sockets. Waiting for him to break the surface. No… The ocean promised a far better death. He released his breath… and sucked in the ocean. After the terrible first few water filled breaths, it became easier. What started as panic and pain slowly became darkness and disconnection as he gently descended into the darkness toward the bottom of the sea.

Would anyone find his journal?

…

Harry realised he was lying on his back. His lungs were full of water! He instantly rolled over and vomited his breakfast and his lunch. But he was also coughing up briny water. He was soaking wet. The water soaking him was icy cold and his clothes were soaked completely. With every deep breath, he coughed up more of the brine-filled water. After a minute or so passed, he rolled onto his side. Madam Pomfrey was standing over him. Judging by her breathing, she had rushed to get there. With a wave of her wand, the last of the salt water was pulled from his lungs, but he could still feel a bit in his sinuses.

The nurse made eye contact, she looked deeply concerned. Harry sat up and looked around. Everyone was staring. Harry pushed his thick wet hair back with a shaky hand and cut his hand on a few thorns. He then realised he smelled like the sea. Not in a good 'trip to the beach' way. Maybe it was just the water trapped in his sinuses. The thorns prevented anyone from helping him up or trying to restrain him… Rotting flesh in dark cloaks…

Slowly rising on shaking legs, soaked from head to toe, Harry glared at Mr. Oppenheimer. "Fuck Divination and fuck Psychometry. I don't need this shit." Harry tossed the book onto the table. "Take this filth back to Azkaban."

Mustering his pride, Harry began his grand exit, only to slip and fall in his own vomit. Painfully breaking a few thorns on his hip. "Can someone please clean this shite up…?"

Notes

*Orford and Ellen are Dolores Umbridge's parents. Orford Umbridge was a Janitor at the ministry and Dolores was ashamed of him. She had him discretely fired so no one would know they were related. Her mother Ellen is a muggle. Dolores has renounced her mother and is deeply ashamed of her heritage.

** Ekrizdis was a Dark Wizard active in the 15th century and was the original inhabitant of the fortress of Azkaban. He practiced terrible rituals and Dark Magic on muggle sailors who strayed too close to the island. He was thought to be both incurably insane and completely without conscience. One of the Darkest Wizards ever recorded.

For the Tarot reading, I bought an app and used the results. The results came up perfect for the story, so I kept them. Mr. Oppenheimer will be sending Harry his feedback on the interpretation when he provides his grade. For the other exams, Harry really didn't prepare much. He is using the information passed on from his parents and that was more than enough to pass his NEWTs with high marks in Defence, Transfiguration, Charms, Runes, and Arithmancy. For OWLs, it was a cinch. A few of his other exams were not going as well. Neither parent put much effort into Astronomy or Care of Magical only had History of Magic and Muggle Studies to complete and he'll be done.

Within 72 hours: Comeuppance part 3 (the finale)