Unlikely Savior – Chapter 3 (Silent Defender)

Desmond had felt the eyes on him once he sat at the Head Table in front of all the students. He knew it was going to happen. He was obviously someone new that they didn't know, there was bound to be some curiosity.

He noticed the four tables before the Head Table. It was easy to tell which house belonged to which. He had followed the rest of the students from the carriages into the castle. Though he did notice that hourglasses for each house. He hadn't been familiar with that until it had been explained to him.

It was obvious that he didn't look like a student, he wasn't wearing any of the traditional student robes. And the robes he was wearing weren't black.

The robes weren't any different than the Assassin's ones that he was used to. Except perhaps the hood. The fabric flowed over his clothes. It would keep him warm when the colder months creeped in. The color of the robe was silver, though he owned others in different colors. He honestly could wear some of his other robes and they would blend in.

Dumbledore didn't even say exactly who he was either, only that he was a guest of Hogwarts and to make him feel welcomed while he was here. He supposed it was the most he probably would have got.

Though he had wanted to snort at that. Guest. He supposed it made sense, nobody had revealed about the TriWizard Tournament yet. Though he had eyed the golden pillar near the front of the hall. He knew exactly was it was. It was just something to hide what was in it, the Goblet of Fire. It was the same thing that was used when his school had the tournament two years ago or was it three? A very ancient artifact that had been used for centuries.

"Minerva McGonagall," the woman next to Desmond introduced.

Desmond had sat next to her since it had been a vacant seat, she had looked familiar. Though he had felt the silencing wards go up, so he felt himself relax slightly. At least any conversation he had wouldn't be overheard by nosy students or faculty. But… that didn't shake the feeling that he should know her.

"Desmond Miles," he replied.

"You are one of the representatives?" she questioned.

Desmond nodded.

"You are quite different than William," she noted.

Desmond's eyes went wide, whatever he had been expecting it was not that. How did she know his father's name?

"You know?"

She nodded, "I was helping train over there for a period of time. Though Dorea is quite a close friend. Your incident was quite tragic to hear about. While I am not a big fan of William, I was relieved to hear of your return. And the transfer over to here."

Desmond scrunched his eyebrows, "you trained me…" he realized.

Minerva had a small smile as she revealed, "it is not often that I see a child with your level of instinct and skills."

"Umm… thanks…" Desmond managed, not knowing what to say.

The professor let a small chuckle before looking over at the Gryffindor table.

"You will have your hands full; I imagine. Though I can not imagine it will be easy."

Desmond looked determined, "and I'm up to the task."

Minerva nodded, "I've seen what you're capable as a child. I hope to see more as a fully capable wizard. I do not doubt your words. Though if you ever need a word, I can show you where my office is."

Desmond nodded, he appreciated that. She had been one of the training instructors he had enjoyed as a child. He hadn't realized it at first, of course. But she had taught him about stealth and learned on how not to be seen. It was also how he learned more about weapons, not just the blade that he would later learn to wield as his own.

He hadn't seen her at the Sanctuary while he was there. But seeing that she was a Hogwarts professor, that made sense. But it almost felt like he was a child again, wanting to impress them. But he did want to take her up on that offer.

His plate of food was already finished, had been since before he started talking to the professor. He knew one of the professors were supposed to be showing him his room. They would obviously know the castle better than he did. They had years to get used to it, he would have gotten lost already. If he hadn't followed the students to the Great Hall, which he would find out that name later, he would be mindlessly wandering about.

He saw the other professors that were seated at the table. Though he didn't have a good impression on the professor with black robes and slimy hair. And he would later be set uneasy by the man who had a stick for a leg and one good eye.

But at least the professor that showed Desmond his room was Minerva McGonagall. He could tell there were several more flights of stairs and they actually moved? Desmond was not expecting stairs that moved, it seemed highly inconvenient especially if you were in a hurry. But he could only count up to two before they went down the corridor.

Desmond went down the first floor with Minerva, aware that she was going to show where her office was.

Minerva stopped outside the door, which was a little way down the corridor, "this is the Transfiguration classroom. My office is attached at the back, which has my quarters as well. If you need anything, you are always welcome to stop by. If you will follow me, I will show you to your quarters here while at Hogwarts."

Desmond didn't say anything, just followed her back out towards the Grand Staircase. They had gone up only one flight before going down the corridor. She explained that the Charms classroom would be further down the hall if he ever needed the aid of Filius.

"This is your quarters; you will have to assign a password to gain access."

Desmond thought about it for a moment before saying, "Death before Dishonor."

Minerva nodded in approval as the wall spread apart to reveal an entrance. You probably wouldn't have known it was there unless you were already aware of it.

It was once Desmond was inside the room that they gave him, that he noticed something. The room that he had been provided had come with several bookcases along the wall. There was a desk against the wall and was a dark ebony. There were several chairs and a couch along the other walls. There were a few chests sitting in the corners for storage. So, it appeared to be a comfortable room, one he would enjoy staying in. There was even a table if he decided to eat in here. He guessed it would be called a sitting room. He could even do any of his work or studying here.

No doubt that the side room attached would be his bedroom.

But what had caught his attention was the majestic owl perched on the desk. It was even holding a letter, as if waiting for him. It was a Short-eared owl that was mostly white on the underside with specks of gold, brown, and black over most of its feathers. Their eyes were golden. The creature was majestic to gaze at.

Desmond approached the owl with caution, but the owl didn't peck or try to attack him. He slowly grasped the letter it had. He checked the letter first with every detection spell and ward he knew. But it came back empty, so it was safe to open.

He almost dropped the letter.

Desmond,

As an Assassin, you need a companion that you can trust with your correspondence. Alvara is a fierce owl that you will find to care for. A normal barn owl will not do, not with this task you have been assigned. And I only trust the best.

Keep me updated and keep an eye on the date of 31 Oct.

Dorea

The owl was his? It was a bit hard to believe and he was staring at the words as proof. He kind of knew that he would need an owl. Just assumed that Hogwarts would have an Owlry as well and could use them. Though he did find Dorea's words to be true. He did need a trustworthy owl. And you couldn't get any better than the ones that the assassins trained themselves.

He brushed a finger down its feathers and the owl let out a faint hoot. She ruffled her feathers before flying to the standing perch that was in the room. Desmond hadn't even noticed that it was there.

He shook his head; he would worry about this all later. So, it was at the desk that he sat down to start to draft some letters. Though he had to unshrink the trunk that was in his robes. He had a huge supply of parchment, ink, and quills. Thankfully they weren't broken, that had happened to him a couple of times. But he had applied several anti-breaking charms to the bag that they were in. Having parchment covered in ink was the worst because then he had to buy more parchment to replace the ruined.

As the month passed by, Desmond tried to get used to the castle. There were a lot of parts that confused him. The stairs certainly didn't help, but he learned there were seven flights of stairs. He hadn't yet explored every corridor in the castle. Though he did like to spend time outside in the courtyard and on the towers. The Viaduct, Transfiguration, and Clock Tower Courtyard were some of those. The lake and grounds were nice too, but he did like being higher and looking over.

He at least knew how to get to the Great Hall and out onto the grounds. He did stray into a few classes when he followed the students. He stayed invisible so nobody knew there was an additional presence. There sometimes he let himself be seen just to make some of the students confused. But so far, nobody knew why Hogwarts had a guest. He wanted to keep it like that while he could. He knew when Dumbledore would probably talk more about it, but he had till the end of October. Though he couldn't help but keep wondering about 31st October. He assumed that was the selection of the champions. It was the only thing that made sense, besides it being the date that James and Lily Potter had died.

From the way that Dorea had spoken, they had been legendary Assassins. Desmond wished he had known them before they died. But that wouldn't have been possible, he would have only been three years old when they died.

Though he did find it amusing that nobody really noticed him up on the rooftops of the castle. It wouldn't have been hard to spot him, providing someone actually looked up. Though he did like to just sit while Alvara flew around him before landing on his shoulder. Though it was a good vantage point on keeping an eye on Harry Potter. The courtyards were a popular spot for students after classes, so it made sense. And the raven messy hair was unmistakable.

Though he did find it a bit peculiar that when he decided to join Harry's classes undetected, Harry would turn to look where he was. Like he knew someone else was there but couldn't see it. Did Harry actually have the abilities of an assassin but never knew it? It was very possible. He did have the blood of an assassin running through him. He didn't really get the beginning of the ability for Eagle Vision until he was around twelve. He could tell there was an additional sense. It wasn't until he was fifteen that he was able to use it. It wasn't until he was here that he was finally able to fully grasp it. So, it wasn't impossible, though it was safer for him to not know the burden of it.

But he didn't really have another full encounter with Harry Potter yet. He knew it was probably coming, no doubt he would recall him from the train. But so far, he hadn't approached him yet. Desmond wasn't sure if that notion put him on unease or excitement. It wasn't like he could tell the boy that his grandmother had sent him to watch over him.

That didn't mean that Desmond was fully prepared for when that would happen. And for it to be as direct as it was. He had put himself out there and for once, he didn't care about the consequences.

It was the night of the selection for the TriWizard Tournament. There had been a lot of outrage for the age requirement, but Desmond had kept quiet about it. He did not agree with the students, he had seen the aftermath of the tournament back at his school. None of the champions had lived. He honestly wasn't pleased to have to go through another one. But he would do it, because even if he didn't have a good feeling about this, it was his duty.

Though the little raven did meet his eyes on the night before the selection. He looked like he had been dragged by one of his friends to watch some of the students enter their names. Desmond hadn't cared about that much; he had just wanted a quiet spot to do some studying. Though his hazel eyes had met Harry's emerald. Though he had extended a wave as Desmond made his way out of the Great Hall. Normally the room was quiet when you weren't having meals there. But he had forgotten that the goblet was in the room.

It wasn't the most ideal with trying to absorb the knowledge from the books when you weren't even able to think. It honestly would be better to do this in his room, at least he had a desk there. But sometimes he did want to be able to read and study in a different room. He had already taken use out the library when he could.

That would be one of the many times that Desmond would use his rooms for peace and quiet because the castle wouldn't be.

But on the night of the selection, he sat again next to Minerva. He was focusing more on his food than what would be happening next. His eyes occasionally strayed over to the Gryffindor table. But his attention was diverted back to Dumbledore when he stood up.

The headmaster walked over to the Goblet of Fire where the fire was currently lit blue. He watched as the fire would light red and shoot the first name out of the goblet.

It was the name for the Durmstrang, Viktor Krum. He was soon directed to go down the hall towards the Champions Chamber.

Desmond watched as the champion for Beauxbatons was announced next, Fleur Delacour. But he slightly stiffened, he knew what was coming next. They were to announce the champion for Hogwarts.

"Cedric Diggory!"

Desmond slightly slumped into his seat. Maybe Dorea didn't need to be worried.

Then for the first time, Desmond saw the Goblet start spinning out fire before releasing a final name. His heart sunk in realization; this is what she had meant. His eyes immediately searched out for Harry, not paying attention to Dumbledore. That was not normal for the goblet, he knew that.

"Harry Potter!"

He even felt a sense of pity and sympathy for the Gryffindor. He was able to find him easily with his Eagle Vision and Harry had tried to shrink in on himself. But he didn't move, just observed. But he watched as someone literally shoved him out of his seat. He wasn't able to see who it was.

There were laughs from the entire hall, but Desmond didn't find it funny. He glanced over at McGonagall and her lips were thinned, she was not happy. He wondered if she would talk to Gryffindor House later about it. He didn't know her that well, but yet he knew. That was something she would not let rest and be put aside.

But Desmond watched as Harry slowly walked to the Champions Chamber, like he was walking to his death. Which he didn't blame him for. But he found that he refused to not do anything, not with Dumbledore as Headmaster. With no hesitation, he got up and made his way towards the chamber. He ignored the yells that had been yelled after Harry. Of course, they would think a fifteen-year-old would cheat. And not that this was just a plot for him to be killed. Did they have no sense or loyalty?

Desmond marched with a purpose; he didn't care at the eyes watching his movements. This is what Dorea had meant, he should have known. She had basically told him it was possible. But he had known how hard it was to trick the Goblet of Fire. How had it been done? It should have been impossible. But he refused to let Harry Potter be put under fire for something that was not his fault

His hazel eyes scanned over the witches and wizards in the Champions Chambers. He ignored the French witch that was questioning on why he was there. This was none of her concern to begin with.

Harry wasn't hard to miss. He definitely looked shaken. The boy may be fifteen but that didn't mean he was ready to be in such a tournament. He was seventeen and at the age requirement and he wouldn't feel ready to be in it. He made his way to where he was trying to hide in the corner.

It was when the doors were slammed behind him that he took a defensive stance in front of the Gryffindor.

"Mr. Miles, I need to speak to Mr. Potter," Dumbledore said, his eyes narrowing at him.

Desmond crossed his arms, "there is nothing stopping you from speaking. But let me put a stop to what you are about to say. Do you really believe that a fifteen-year-old would be able to bypass an ancient artifact that is centuries old? Because if you do, then I will be having very strong words with you."

"Mr. Miles, you may be part of the Ministry. But this is a Hogwarts matter..."

Desmond narrowed his eyes, "Then you will find yourself mistaken. This is as much of a Ministry matter as a Hogwarts one. The Ministry is over the TriWizard Tournament, not Hogwarts and not its Headmaster. You are a host of the school! You did not help organize this tournament, none of the Headmasters did!"

"Mr. Potter has a knack for breaking the rules," Snape drawled.

"Oh please, you don't have the power to hoodwink the goblet, yet you think a fifteen-year-old can? The same fifteen-year-old you pride on calling a dunderhead," Desmond said, unimpressed.

Snape looked rather sour at that, but Desmond didn't care.

Because Desmond couldn't see Harry, he didn't see the Gryffindor forcing himself to suppress a snort at Snape's anger. The sour expression that was usually reserved just for him. He noticed that it was even more pinched than usual.

"And last I checked, none of you were experts of the Goblet of Fire, so I do not believe that I can rely on any of your expertise," Desmond remarked rather bluntly.

"Harry, my boy, surely you wouldn't say no to talking to me?" Dumbledore asked eyeing Desmond with subtle disdain and distrust. But years of training allowed Desmond to see it clearly. And so far, he was agreeing with everything that Dorea had told him about this man.

"We can talk right here, or have you lost your sense of sight as well? " Desmond reminded him.

Dumbledore's eyes flashed at that; the comment obviously angered him.

"I will put it to you simple. He didn't put his name in, so do you know who did this?"

"Not at this stage," Dumbledore said solemnly.

"At this stage? So that's a no," Desmond rolled his eyes.

"You, can he get out of this?" Desmond barked at Bagman. The man stuttered helplessly before Bartemius Crouch finally stepped in.

"It is a binding contract. He must compete, I am afraid there is not a loophole."

"Harry, did you ask an older student to do this?" Dumbledore asked ignoring Desmond completely, going against magical etiquette.

"Oh really?" Desmond purred. "You created the age line and protections for the Goblet and now you are saying that would work? That a first year could have entered by using an of age student?"

Desmond relished in the accusing stares that moved to Dumbledore. Headmaster Karkaroff was shouting about how Dumbledore had obviously planned this so Hogwarts would have two champions. Whereas Madam Maxine was talking to Fleur rapidly in French. Mostly about how they couldn't believe the English was going to force an unwilling child to compete and to not trust the English for the rest of their stay if this was the way they treated their own. He knew more than one language, not that they knew that.

But while they were focused with their anger at Dumbledore, Desmond focused his attention to Harry. He slowly guided him out of the chamber, hoping that it would be empty.

He felt Harry slightly freeze as the doors opened. Though he eased up when he noticed that nobody was in the Great Hall. So, he had heard the shouts and yells directed at him.

With nobody in the hall, Desmond could feel himself relaxing that he didn't have to worry about a room full of students. That obviously was a worry of Harry's. He wasn't sure who he was to thank for that, but he would mention it later to Minerva.

He wasn't about to send Harry to Gryffindor Tower while he was this much in shock. He knew he could have Harry in one of the spare bedrooms. Something he didn't know about until he explored his rooms. Though he realized on how much shock he was in when Harry didn't even say a word. He was starting to get worried until Harry finally spoke up.

"Why are we on the second floor?"

"Because I am not sending you back to Gryffindor Tower. You are in a state of shock, which I am not surprised by. You do not need screaming and yelling, I believe you had enough of that in the Great Hall. Unless you want to go to Gryffindor Tower?" Desmond replied.

Harry shook his head.

Desmond the slowly guided Harry inside and to one of the spare chairs in the more sitting room. It was the main room with the bookcase and desk. But he went to his room to see if he had the correct potion. When he unpacked, he had a case of potions sat to the side. It had its own bookcase and was sorted by the type of potion. But he glanced through and was thankful to find a vial of Calming Draught. He then made his way back to where Harry was still sitting.

"Harry, I know you don't know me very well. But I'm going to give you a Calming Draught. Its going to help and then I'll explain things in the morning," Desmond said.

Harry gave him a numb nod, which Desmond thought was better than nothing.

He placed the vial in Harry's hand and watched as he tossed it back. Harry's face scrunched up at the taste.

Desmond sympathized with that; potions still taste awful. He noticed the effect immediately. Harry had been very panicky during the entire ordeal. It was surprising on how well he took everything. He was honestly expecting to see tears. He figured they would come later.

"Thank you," Harry whispered.

Desmond nodded, "it should be your professors looking after you."

Harry scoffed at that.

Desmond frowned, it made him wonder on how bad the professors were. Minerva had seemed alright, and she actually cared about her students.

"You can use the spare bedroom for now," Desmond said as he let Harry follow him. He watched as Harry slid under the covers and was asleep. Which the Calming Draught probably helped with.

He would probably stay up for a bit longer. He still needed to Fire Call Minerva, let her know that one of her students wouldn't be in Gryffindor Tower. But he wanted to also keep an eye out for Harry before heading to bed himself.