IMPORTANT AN: This is the last chapter that will include parts of the book. After this chapter, the story will completely differ from cannon, as the big war and it's major setup will begin soon. Hope you all enjoy. Please review, and tell me what you like, don't like, and are looking forward to.
"Bloody hell!" Hannah Abbot spluttered.
Laughter rang out through the hall, as Hannah staggered sideways. A large, red water-filled balloon fell from the ceiling, and she narrowly avoided getting hit a second time.
"Peeves!" Hannah snapped.
"Stop that this instant!" A young girl wearing Gryffindor robes and a glinting prefect badge ordered the poltergeist.
Peeves blew a raspberry. "I'm not doing nothing wrong, blondie," Peeves cackled.
"Get down here!" The prefect yelled.
Peeves threw another water bomb into a group of second year Hufflepuffs who screamed and ran towards their house table.
"Fools," Pansy said with a disdainful sniff, as she stepped around a puddle of water.
"I find it amusing," Blaise said. "It's not as if Peeves would ever dare prank a Slytherin, the Bloody Baron would go ballistic."
"It's still annoying having to always walk around his prank of the week," Jenna said, as she wrinkled her nose at a group of wet third years.
Harrison blocked out his friends comments and the prefect's yelling to stare at Cass. Ever since the day Cass had hit on him at her house she had been acting like her old self again, but Harrison could tell that it was merely an act. While Leo seemed to be dealing with the loss of their unborn sibling just fine, Cass appeared to be still upset, although hiding it admirably. Harrison was sure his other friends didn't even notice the tinge of sadness in her eyes, with the exception of her twin, who would shoot her the occasional worried glance.
"She'll be fine," a quiet voice whispered.
Harrison looked at Leo as they took a seat at the Slytherin table.
"I know," Harrison quietly retorted.
Leo shot him a grateful look before laughing at something Theo said.
Harrison looked around the hall as the students filed in for the start of year feast. Quite a few of the students were grumbling under their breath about Peeves. On the four house tables, golden plates and goblets gleamed by the light of hundreds of floating silver and gold candles. He spared the Head Table a glance and saw Dumbledore seated in the center, a purple and silver hat perched atop his head. For the first time since Harrison has been a student, there were no new professors. Dolores Umbridge once again sat to Dumbledore's left side, wearing her customary pink robes.
To Umbridge's right sat Barty Crouch Jr who was in a quiet but intense conversation with Snape. Remus Lupin, who sat several seats away was eyeing the two Death Eaters in a way that wouldn't be obvious to anyone who didn't know what they were looking for. Harrison didn't know what the werewolf was expecting to hear or see, as neither of the two men would slip up in public. Harrison had to contain a sneer as his eyes roamed over Hagrid, who as usual, looked as if he had just walked out of the Forbidden Forest after having lived there for a year. He finished scanning the rest of the professors shortly before loud footsteps began to echo and the new first years walked into the Great Hall.
Harrison ignored the oohing and aahing of the new first years as he eyed his fellow Slytherins. The atmosphere in the Great Hall was different from previous years, and it was most obvious at his table. While the other three houses were more subdued than normal, there was still plenty of laughter and bright smiles. While the Slytherins, who were always on guard, appeared even more so. Even Orion Black, who tended to take after his father Regulus in regard to showing off on a daily basis at the table, was more subdued. He knew it had something to do with the World Cup, and even more with the all out war that everyone knew was coming.
Soon the sorting was finished and everyone began to eat. When the last of the puddings and cakes had been eaten, Dumbledore stood up.
"So," Dumbledore said, smiling at the four house tables in turn, "Now that we are all fed and watered, I must ask for your attention, while I give out a few notices."
"Fed and watered?" Daphne said defensively. "We aren't horses."
"More of that man's screws come loose every year," Jenna muttered.
"Mr. Filch has asked that I inform you that the list of objects forbidden inside the castle this year has extended to include Screaming yo-yo's, Fanged frisbees, and Ever-Bashing Boomerangs. The full list comprises some four hundred and thirty-seven items, I believe, and can be viewed in Mr. Filch's office, if anybody so desires to do so."
"I'll be sure to do that," Blaise said sardonically, running a hand through his black hair.
Dumbledore's blue eyes sparkled, but Harrison could see a hint of sadness in their depths. "As ever, I would like to inform you all that the forest on the grounds is out of bounds to students, as is the village of Hogsmeade to all below third year. It is also my painful duty to inform you that the Inner-House Quidditch Cup will not take place this year."
"What?" A loud voice shouted from the Gryffindor table.
"That's rubbish!" A Hufflepuff yelled.
Several of the students were staring at Dumbledore is shock. Harrison watched as the twins' mouths opened and shut. Fred looked at Harrison and winked. He had told the twins about the Triwizard Cup, but he knew they needed to play along.
"That not fair!" Roger Davies yelled.
Dumbledore raised his hands for silence. "This is due to an event that will be starting in October, and continuing throughout the school year, taking up much of the teachers' time and energy — but I am sure you will all enjoy it immensely. I have great pleasure in announcing that this year at Hogwarts we will be hosting a most exciting and legendary event, an event that has not been held for over a century. It is my very great pleasure to inform you that the Triwizard Tournament will be taking place at Hogwarts this year."
"You're joking!" Seamus yelled.
"I am not joking, Mr. Finnigan," Dumbledore said. He cleared his throat. "Some of you will not know what this tournament involves, so I hope those that do know will forgive me for giving a short explanation, and allow their attention to wander freely."
Harrison allowed his mind to wander until he heard a shout from the Hufflepuff table.
"Death toll!" A blonde Hufflepuff second year sounded faint.
Dumbledore ignored the boy and continued. "There have been several attempts over the centuries to reinstate the tournament, none of which has been successful. However, our own departments of International Magical Cooperation and Magical Games and Sports have decided the time is ripe for another attempt. We have worked hard over the summer to ensure that this time, no champion will find himself or herself in mortal danger."
"Where's the fun in that?" Draco drawled.
"The heads of Beauxbatons and Durmstrang will be arriving with their short-listed contenders in October, and the selection of the three champions will take place at Halloween. An impartial judge will decide the students who are most worthy to compete for the Triwizard Cup, the glory of their school, and a thousand galleon personal prize money."
Murmurs sprung up around the hall, and Harrison could hear snippets of conversations that included "that's a lot of money" and "eternal glory." The excitement in the hall was palpable as fervent whispers filled the now noisy Great Hall.
Dumbledore called for silence and the whispers died down. "Eager though I know all of you will be to bring the Triwizard Cup to Hogwarts, the heads of the participating schools, along with the Ministry of Magic, have agreed to impose an age restriction. Only students who are of age — that is to say, seventeen or older — will be allowed to put forth their name for consideration." Noises of outrage filled the hall, and once more Dumbledore had to call for silence. "This is a measure we feel is necessary, given that the tournament tasks will be difficult and dangerous, whatever precautions we take, and it is highly unlikely that students below sixth and seventh year will be able to cope with them. I will personally be ensuring that no underage student hoodwinks our impartial judge into making them Hogwarts champion. I therefore beg you not to waste your time submitting yourself if you are under seventeen."
Dumbledore's eyes lingered over the Weasley twins. "The delegations from Beauxbatons and Durmstrang with be arriving in October and remaining with us for the greater part of this year. I know that you will give every courtesy to our foreign guests while they are with us, and will give your whole-hearted support to the Hogwarts champion when he or she is selected. And now, it's late, and I know how important it is to you all to be alert and rested as you enter your lessons tomorrow morning. Bedtime. Chop chop!"
There was a giant scraping and banging as all the students got to their feet and swarmed towards the double doors. Harrison pushed his way through the throng of students and listened into various conversations.
"I bet Cedric will be our champion," a second year Hufflepuff said excitedly.
"Pretty boy Diggory," Blaise sneered. "Salazar help us all if he's considered Hogwarts' most worthy."
"He may be sickeningly light, but Diggory is no fool," Harrison said quietly, as he made his way out of the Hall.
Sirius smiled as he listened to Tonks tell him all about her day. He had spent weeks dealing with the aftermath that was the horror of the World Cup. All those deaths, and all of the fear that they caused — sometimes he didn't know which was worse. The only good thing, and he felt horrible for thinking that something good came out of that night of hell, was that Tonks was doing better. Having to push her pain aside to help people had actually made her feel like her old self. The World Cup, and then going back to her job as an auror, had truly helped her.
"—needless to say, we had him in a holding cell by day's end," Tonks finished her story with a grin.
"That sounds like some day," Sirius said, sounding like a proud father or uncle.
"It was," Tonks agreed. She dug a spoon full of purple ice cream out of her cup and took it all in one bite.
"Sometimes I wonder if I should go back to being an auror," Sirius said offhandedly.
"That would be awesome!" Tonks grinned. "Although, it's still hard for me to believe that you were ever an auror."
Sirius puffed out his chest. "I was an excellent auror."
"I dare say, excellent is much too strong a word," a cold voice said.
Sirius' body went rigid. He watched as Tonks' entire demeanor changed, her shoulders hunched in defensively and her eyes narrowed into slits. Sirius hadn't heard that voice in more than thirteen years. He had known the day would come when he'd hear it again, he just hadn't planned on it being so soon. Sirius looked to the right and he had to force down a growl.
"Hello, Sirius," Regulus Black said coolly.
"Regulus," Sirius glared at his brother.
"Is this what you've been doing since you're…release?" Regulus asked mockingly, and Sirius' eye twitched at the word "released." They both knew he'd still be in Azkaban had he not escaped. "Eating ice cream and living in the past?"
"What I do with my time is none of your concern," Sirius snapped.
"Concern? Oh, no, you misunderstand me," Regulus said smoothly, a condescending smile on his face, "as concern implies I'm worried or anxious, you could not be farther from my truth. I'm merely surprised that given the current state of things in Britain you're spending your time relaxing. Shouldn't you be preparing yourself for what's to come?"
Sirius felt a surge of hatred so strong that it threatened to obliterate all thought.
"Are you threatening me?" Sirius asked, his voice deceptively calm.
"Have you ever known me to make threats?" Regulus asked. "No. I'm merely attempting to engage in friendly conversation."
"Nothing about you is ever friendly," Sirius said. "So why don't you go to hell, and take the rest of our," he spit the word out, "supposed family with you, starting with Bellatrix."
Regulus smile vanished and his face contorted into something inhuman. A spark of something feral appeared in his eyes, and a chill ran down Sirius' spine. For a moment, Sirius thought he was looking at a demon from another world.
"I'm sure that one day I'll find myself in hell, but not anytime soon," Regulus said coolly. He glanced at Tonks and his smile reappeared. "Hello, Nymphadora." Tonks scowled. "Rabastan says hello."
Tonks went rigid, and a faraway look entered her eyes. Sirius knew all about what Rabastan had done to his cousin, and the fact that his brother was so far gone that he would throw it in Tonks' face made bile rise in his throat.
"You bastard!" Sirius jumped up.
Sirius' hands clenched around Regulus' throat, but the younger Black didn't try to get away. Sirius could faintly hear screaming in the background, but a rushing in his ears was all he could focus on. His lips curled back, and a low growl escaped his throat. He wanted to watch the sadistic light in Regulus' eyes fade away, until his eyes were nothing more than two empty orbs.
Sirius felt intense pressure in his stomach a second before he flew backwards into a table, which toppled over, sending several glasses to the ground. The sound of glass shattering pulled him back into the moment, and a rush of noise assaulted him.
"He went mad," a woman muttered.
"Did you see that?" A loud voice asked. "Who does he think he is, a muggle?"
Sirius felt himself get pulled up, and he looked into the angry eyes of a man in red auror robes.
"You're coming with me," the auror said coldly. "Assaulting a Lord in public—"
Before Sirius could speak, Regulus cut the auror off.
"It is quite alright," Regulus said smoothly. The auror looked at him as though he sprouted a second head. "My brother hasn't been right in the head since his time in Azkaban."
"You're brother? Azkaban?" The auror sounded confused. The young man looked at Sirius and shock filled his face. "You're Sirius Black."
"Yes," Regulus said, "and as I said, he isn't right in the head. It was a momentary lapse in his judgment. I'm sure it won't happen again."
"I'm not the one who isn't right in the head," Sirius growled.
Regulus looked at Sirius as though he had merely said something in jest, and Sirius felt the urge to once more put his hands around his throat.
The auror looked between the brothers, a look of utter bewilderment on his face. He looked at Sirius as though he wanted to ask him a question, but he looked at Regulus and thought better of it.
"Of course, Lord Black," the auror said. He looked at Sirius. "This is the only warning you'll receive."
Sirius didn't spare the auror another glance, and instead glared at his brother. Slowly, the few people who had gathered to watch walked away. Sirius continued to glare at Regulus who looked perfectly poised, as if he hadn't been choked five minutes earlier.
"You'll pay for this," Sirius said. "You'll pay for everything you've ever done."
"What's that famous muggle saying?" Regulus asked. "You love the filthy creatures so much, you should know it. Let he who is without sin cast the first stone." Regulus' eyes darkened. "You too have much to answer for Sirius, and I hope to Merlin that I'm there to witness you pay for your sins."
Regulus turned on his heel and disapparated without a sound.
"Bloody hell!" Sirius spluttered.
Sirius coughed as icy water continued to rain down around him. He wiped his eyes and looked into the furious eyes of Remus.
"What the hell, Remus?" Sirius yelled.
Remus flicked his wand, and the miniature cloud above Sirius' head vanished. Sirius shivered as his soaking wet bed sheet stuck to his body.
"Care to explain this?" Remus asked.
Remus held up a copy of that morning's Daily Prophet. On the front cover was a giant moving photo of Sirius wrapping his hands around Regulus' throat. The title of the article read, Did Azkaban Drive Sirius Black Mad? Sirius' stomach sank as he snatched the article from his best friends hand. He read the first few lines and couldn't stand to read anymore. He through the newspaper to the ground.
"Blood, Rita Skeeter," Sirius snarled. "I didn't see her anywhere yesterday. How did she get that picture let alone all of that information?"
Remus ignored him, and instead pointed him with a disappointed look.
"Imagine my surprise as I'm sitting at the Head Table and all of a sudden this gets dropped on my plate," Remus said, his voice deceptively calm. "You can imagine the reaction the students had, and don't even get me started on Severus."
Sirius' head snapped up. "What the hell does that slimy snake have to do with anything?"
"That isn't the point, Sirius," Remus said with a sigh. " The point is that everyone at Hogwarts is talking about this. You can only imagine that it's worse outside of those walls. You know that there are those who think you're crazy after all that time you spent in Azkaban, so what in Merlin's name possessed you to attempt to strangle your own brother?"
Sirius scowled. "Regulus is no brother of mine."
Remus ran a hand down his face. "Once again you miss the point, Sirius." Remus sat at the foot the bed. "That article makes you sound unhinged. That's not something you can afford right now. You know what Dumbledore said, you're supposed to be subtly trying to get old friends to join the cause. No one is going to take you seriously if they think you've gone mad."
"They won't—" Realization hit Sirius like a train. "That was the whole point." Sirius jumped out of bed and ran a hand through his hair. "Regulus baited me on purpose, well I knew he had, but it was bigger than I thought. He knew that by taunting Tonks I would snap, and he did it in public. He had to have known that Rita would be somewhere watching, hiding where I couldn't see her." He threw his hands up. "I'm an idiot."
"Yes, you are," Remus sighed. "You're going to have to do a lot to make up for this, because as much as I hate it, public perceptions matters. Now more than ever."
"I know," Sirius admitted grudgingly. He paced around his bed. "When I get my hands on him…"
"Sirius," Remus said warningly. "Now isn't the time for personal vendettas."
"It's more than a personal vendetta," Sirius said bitterly. "Regulus is a Death Eater. You know that as well as I do."
Sirius could still vividly remember the day his brother joined Voldemort. Sirius had begged his brother not to do it, he had told Regulus that he had options, but Regulus gladly took the dark mark. From that moment on, Sirius had felt angry and betrayed by his brother. He also felt disgusted and horrified, after all, he knew what it took to be able to take the dark mark.
"It doesn't matter, Sirius," Remus said calmly. "I understand why you hate your brother. I was there the night he ran off to join Voldemort, but you need to get used to seeing him. How you haven't run into him before now is shocking."
"I can't be in the same room as him, Remus," Sirius said. "I'll kill him."
"At least try to act normal in public," Remus said sympathetically. "You can't afford to look like an insane escaped convict."
Sirius barked out a laugh, half in amusement, and half because he felt that if he didn't laugh he would burst into tears. Tears for the anger he felt, and tears for the little boy Regulus used to be.
Harrison walked into the Great Hall on Halloween morning, and was surprised to see that the Halloween decorations that had graced the hall the past week were gone. In lieu of the typical Halloween decorations, silk banners in the various house colors decorated the ceiling. A giant banner with the Hogwarts crest hung behind the head table. Large diamond chandeliers floated above each table, and sparkling silver fairies floated around the ceiling.
Soon the Great Hall was filled with students and Dumbledore stood and called for silence.
"The time has finally arrived, this evening we will meet the students from Beauxbatons and Durmstrang who will be staying with us for the rest of the year," Dumbledore said. "Please welcome, the students of Durmstrang Institute!"
The doors to the Great Hall burst open. Seven boys and five girls wearing blood red robes walked in, their faces impassive, and their steps in sync. They all held themselves with confidence and dignity. All of the students has black hair and tanned skin. They were led by a man Harrison knew, Igor Karkaroff. Igor was wearing slick silver robes, and his black hair was pulled into a low ponytail. He looked like the kind of man you wouldn't want to run into during the day, let alone down a dark alley.
"Bloody hell," a voice broke through the silence, "that's Viktor Krum."
Murmurs broke out around the hall as the students realized the world famous seeker was in their midst. Girls began to giggle, and Harrison rolled his eyes at their behavior. He looked at the Gryffindor table and his eyes found Ginny, her face was beet red. 'It appears as if someone is over their crush on Blaise. Perfect.' The Durmstrang students walked to the head table, inclined their heads in acknowledgment, then turned and faced the students.
"Now," Dumbledore continued, "I would like to introduce the students of Beauxbatons Academy!"
Harrison's eyebrows shot into his head as a woman taller than Hagrid led in a group of twelve students. She had olive colored skin, a beaky nose, and large, black, liquid looking eyes. The students that followed looked the opposite of the students from Durmstrang. They were all blonde, and wore light blue robes that were so silky they looked as if they were wearing water. The girl in front was the most beautiful Harrison had ever seen. Her long blonde hair reached down to her waist, and her blue eyes sparkled like two crystal clear pools. She had an unnaturally tiny waist, and legs that seemed to stretch for miles. Her pink lips were curled up in a smile, and her white teeth were blinding.
"Hello, Harrison," the blonde said quietly as she passed by him.
"Fleur," Harrison murmured.
Harrison had met Fleur Delacour the summer before his first year of Hogwarts, and had spoken with her a few times since. Her father was Pierre Delacour, France's Minister of Magic. Pierre wasn't a Death Eater, not even close, he was neutral. He knew who Voldemort was, but he didn't agree with his methods, and he didn't support the dark. However, he was a friend of the Malfoy family, and he promised to stay neutral, at least for the time being. Harrison knew his father didn't have Pierre killed because according to him, he was the lesser of two evils, as many in the French government had light leanings. At least Pierre stayed neutral in most areas.
The Beauxbatons students stood next to those from Durmstrang.
"Let us all give our guests a warm welcome," Dumbledore said jovially. The students burst into applause, as they craned their necks to get a better look. After a minute, Dumbledore raised his hands for silence. "If our guests would be so kind as to take seats at whichever table they'd prefer."
The students from Durmstrang immediately sat down at the Slytherin table, and the students from Beauxbatons sat down with the Ravenclaws. Harrison could see the boys around Fleur staring at her with dreamy expressions.
"This past week, the students of Hogwarts have been able to submit their name for consideration," Dumbledore began, "and shortly before their entrance to the Great Hall, the students of Beauxbatons and Durmstrang submitted their names as well." He spread his hands. "So now it is time, but before we bring in the casket I need to introduce, for those who do not know, Mr. Bartemius Crouch Crouch, Head of the Department of International Magical Cooperation" — there was a smattering of applause, while his son, Barty looked at him impassively, "and Mr. Ludo Bagman, Head of the Department of Magical Games and Sports."
There was a much louder round of applause for Ludo, who seemed to lap up the attention. Ludo waved jovially at the students, while Crouch Senior looked as though he'd rather be anywhere else.
"Mr. Bagman and Mr. Crouch have worked tirelessly over the last few months on the arrangements for the Triwizard Tournament," Dumbledore continued, "and they will be joining myself, Professor Karkaroff, and Madama Maxine on the panel that will judge the champions' efforts."
At the mention of the word "champions," the attentiveness of the listening students seemed to sharpen.
Dumbledore smiled and said, "The casket, then, if you please, Mr. Filch."
Filch, who as usual, had been lurking unnoticed in a far corner of the Hall, now approached Dumbledore carrying a large wooden chest encrusted with jewels. The rubies and emeralds winked. A murmur of excitement filled the Hall.
"The instructions for the tasks the champions will face this year have already been examined by Mr. Crouch and Mr. Bagman," said Dumbledore as Filch placed the chest carefully on the table before him, "and they have made the necessary arrangements for each challenge. There will be three tasks, spaced throughout the school year, and they will test the champions in many different ways; their magical prowess, their daring, their powers of deduction, and of course, their ability to cope with danger."
At his last word, the Hall was filled with a silence so absolute that nobody seemed to be breathing.
"Now, when the champions' names are called, I would ask them please to come up to the top of the Hall, walk along the staff table, and go through into the next chamber, where they will receive their first instruction."
Dumbledore took out his wand and gave a great sweeping wave with it; at once, the chandeliers dimmed and the fairies disappeared, plunging the Great Hall into a state of semidarkness. The Goblet of Fire shone brightly, the bright blue flames danced, and red sparks shot out. Suddenly, the flames turned red, and more sparks shot out. A tongue of flame shot into the air, a charred bit of parchment fluttered out, and Dumbledore shot out his arm.
Dumbledore caught the parchment and held it at arm's length, so that he could read it by the light of the flames, which were blue once more.
"The champion for Durmstrang," he read in a strong, clear voice, "will be Viktor Krum."
Viktor smirked, before his face became impassive. He stood to the cheering of the Great Hall and made his way into the next chamber.
"Viktor will win, hands down," Pansy said.
The clapping died down, and once more the flames turned red, and shot out a bit of parchment.
"The champion for Beauxbatons," Dumbledore read, "is Fleur Delacour."
Fleur stood up, and sauntered towards the chamber. Harrison knew that her veela allure drew guys in, but he could tell that she was moving her hips more than necessary. 'Smart. Playing her advantage.'
"They're acting as if it's the end of the world," Jenna said.
Harrison looked over his shoulder to see two of the girls from Beauxbatons crying, their thin shoulder shaking.
For the final time, the flames changed from blue to red, and Dumbledore caught a piece of parchment. The Hall fell so silent, Harrison felt as if time itself had stop.
"The Hogwarts champion," Dumbledore said, "is Cedric Diggory."
"Pretty boy, Diggory," Blaise said in disgust.
Every single Hufflepuff was on their feet, screaming and stamping their feet. Cedric was grinning from ear to ear, as he proudly walked towards the chamber. The Gryffindors were standing on their benches and waving their arms. The applause went on for so long that Dumbledore had to send up a firework to get the students to quiet down.
"Excellent!" Dumbledore said, a jovial look on his face. "Well, we now have our three champions. I am sure I can count on all of you, including the remaining students from Durmstrang and Beauxbatons, to give your champions every ounce of support you can muster." He looked around the hall, blue eyes sparkling. "I have one last announcement to make. In the spirit of making new friends, tomorrow all students, fourth year and up, as well as our visiting students from Durmstrang and Beauxbatons, will be able to spend the day in Hogsmeade. This would be a good time to introduce yourselves and take to heart the spirit of International Magical Cooperation."
The excitement in the hall grew, as the students began whispering excitedly about Hogsmeade.
"Now, off to bed," Dumbledore clapped his hands.
"A surprise day in Hogsmeade?" Blaise said. "With everything that's been going on, I can't deny that I'm surprised."
Harrison looked at the door to the chamber where the champions had gone, and he couldn't help but feel that this entire year was going to be one surprise after the other.
Viktor took the letter from the black owl and unfolded the parchment. It was blank and Viktor frowned. He dropped the letter when a sharp pain shot up his arm. He looked down at the letter and saw words forming in black ink. He slowly reached down and picked it up.
Viktor,
I am aware of tomorrow's Hogsmeade visit.
You know what is expected of you.
I do not wish for the faith I have given you to have been misplaced.
Voldemort
The parchment turned to ash which fluttered out of Viktor's hand and onto the ground. Viktor knew exactly what was expected of him. He knew it would take awhile for his plans to come to fruition, but he wouldn't disappoint his Lord. He smiled, as he looked up at the moon. He was going to enjoy his time at Hogwarts.
Luna's fingers dug into her comforter, and her back arched off the bed. Sweat dripped down her forehead, and tiny droplets came to rest on her eyelids. Her head swung violently from side to side, as her breathing came out in ragged sputters. Her stomach clenched, and it felt as though a million fireworks were exploding inside of her. One minute she felt like her stomach was going to grow hands and claw its way out, and the next pleasure that she didn't know was possible shot through her core.
Images flashed through her head at a dizzying rate. A young naked woman sitting on a bed, red hair framing a face she couldn't make out. A peaceful lake. A room that looked as if it were carved from ice. Blue silk and a pair of black dress robes lying in a pile on the ground. A gravestone. A cold smile. Tears falling onto a pillow.
Laughter, followed by screams, assaulted her ears. A sharp pain seared her hip, before a feeling of euphoria overcame her. She closed her eyes, thinking that if she shut her eyes tight enough it would all go away.
A moan escaped from her lips, before they twisted into a silent scream. Suddenly, the images stopped and her mind went blank. Luna's back fell against the bed, and she quickly breathed in the air, trying to catch her breath. Slowly she sat up and with shaking hands lifted up her t-shirt. She stared down at her hip, where a fresh set of bite marks adorned her pale skin.
AN: I know some will question why Sirius has Grimmauld Place while Regulus is alive. In this story, the house went to Sirius as an eff you to him from his parents. It will be explained more later. Along with that he only has his trust vault. The other Black properties and main fortune went to Regulus.