Harry looked around as they climbed off the Hogwarts Express to the station in Hogsmeade Village. He turned to the people with him. "We forgot about the boats," he said to Isabel.

"Couldn't be helped. Just try not to rock them."

"Load of help you are."

"I aim to please. Maybe keep your Technomancers together, pass energy between each other to keep a current going."

"Good idea."

"We'll see you inside," said Cindy. She hugged her son and followed Isabel to the carriages. Harry thought he heard horses nearby but saw nothing. Shaking his head, he went to the Technomancers he knew of in his year.

"Alright. One thing we didn't add electrical equipment to was the boats that will carry us across the lake to the castle. It was too dangerous to add generators, anyway, being on water. Given the lack of energy, it would be smart for us Technomancers to stick together as much as possible. Looks like it's four to a boat, and with the twins already students and taking the carriages, that leaves five of us."

"Four of you," said Draco. "I may have to learn from you, but that doesn't mean I'll be stuck with you anymore than I have to. I'll deal with the pain on the boat." He walked away to two boys who seemed stronger than they were smart. Harry shook his head and looked at Millicent.

"As much as I can guess you won't like it, can you go with him? I'd rather he doesn't seize up and fall into the lake."

"You're going to owe me for this, MacGrath."

"And I'll repay you when I can. You have my word."

"I'll hold you to that." She followed after Draco as Padma turned to him.

"Do we have to make sure he survives? He seems… untrustworthy."

"Yes, we do. He's one of us. We need to stick together."

"Alright. I'll trust your judgement."

"Now, if only the rest of them will."

"They will," said Luna as she skipped passed him to the boats.

"Guess I'll take your word for it." They got to the boats where a giant of a man was calling for them.

"First years, over here!"

"That's Rubeus Hagrid," said Harry. "Keeper of the Keys here in Hogwarts. He's pretty much the most trusting guy in this school, almost to a fault."

"How trusting," asked Parvati.

"He brought me to Dumbledore when I was a baby without question. What does that tell you?"

"Got it. Well, you guys have fun in your boat. I'll be sitting with Lavender."

"Alright. We'll see you in the castle," said Padma. She, Harry, and Hermione went to a boat, Luna trailing behind them.

"Are you going to be following us everywhere," asked Hermione.

"Like a wrackspurt."

"What is a wrackspurt," asked Harry as he walked backwards to address Luna.

"A magical creature that surrounds people with troubled minds. I'd imagine there are plenty flying around your head, Fancy Man."

"You're talking magi-cryptozoology, aren't you?" Luna smiled and skipped passed them.

"She is very odd," said Hermione.

"Is that a bad thing?"

"Well, no, but…"

"Then don't worry about it. Just makes things more entertaining, like she said before."

"She's going to give me a headache."

"And we don't already do that?"

"She's going to give me a worse one, then."

"Suck it up, Mione."

"Don't call me that?"

"Why not? It's a cute nickname." Hermione blushed and rushed ahead.

"You're going to make girls blush all the time, aren't you," asked Padma.

"I don't know what you mean. I'm just stating a fact."

"And the blushing is just a bonus to you, isn't it?"

"Maybe…"

"If there was a way to weaponize that silver tongue, the First Sons wouldn't stand a chance."

"You can thank Mom for that." They made their way to the boats and climbed into the same boat as Hermione and Luna. Next to them a boy looked at the water, cautiously.

"Honestly, couldn't we have gone through the front door? Why do we have to be out on the water?"

"Not a big swimmer," asked Harry.

"Let's just say, the last time I was in normal water, it wasn't pretty."

"Electricity sparking everywhere?"

"How'd you know?"

"Same thing with me, though not enough to kill anyone. Harry MacGrath." Harry held out his hand to the boy.

"Blaise Zabini." The two shook hands and Harry addressed him.

"I can explain what happened, but it'll have to wait until after the Sorting Ceremony."

"Very well." They climbed into their respective boats and Harry instantly sent energy into Luna who breathed a sigh of relief. A couple of minutes later, she passed it to Padma.

"Mr. Zabini," Harry called to the other boat.

"Yes, Mr. MacGrath?"

"Do you live near No-Maj technology?"

"You mean Muggles? Yes."

"Explains why you didn't react negatively to the empty space. How you feeling?"

"Like my head is going to burst."

"Lack of electrical energy. Here." Harry tossed a DS to him from his jacket pocket. "Reach out with your magic and pull energy from it, slowly. That'll help."

"You seem to know a lot about this."

"4 years of practice, trial, and error."

"That's a long time." Blaise drained a small amount of energy from the handheld console.

"Long enough to learn a lot of tricks. After the first day of classes, meet me in the Great Hall. And bring Draco Malfoy with you."

"Draco Malfoy? Why?"

"He's like us."

"He must love that."

"I think he'll come around. Eventually."

"Given his family's reputation, I doubt it." Padma transferred energy to Harry, and he breathed easy. Harry looked over to another boat and found Draco hesitantly sending energy to Millicent who was starting to feel the effects of the lack of energy. Harry looked around and saw two other students starting to feel the effects of the lack of energy. Harry pulled out his wand and sent a stream to both, giving them enough energy to not pass out. Harry groaned as black spots started appearing in his vision.

"For someone with an Idiot Complex," said Luna. "You seem to make idiotic choices a lot."

"Selfless, not idiotic. I need to make sure we're all safe."

"That includes you as well, Harry," said Padma.

"He alright," asked Blaise.

"I'm fine," called Harry as Luna and Padma both sent a small amount of energy to him. "Just a bit drained."

"What did you do?"

"Sent some energy to two of our kind." Harry looked at the two students. A boy with a worried expression and short black hair, and a girl of Chinese descent. Both were looking at him with confusion and just a bit of gratefulness. He nodded and looked up as they rounded a bend. He'd seen Hogwarts a couple of times to help upgrade it, but nothing could beat seeing it as he did now. Illuminated by the light from the windows, natural and electrical against the twilight, giving the entire scene a magnificent sight.

"Whoa…" said Hermione.

"You said it," said Harry. He gripped his head as the black spots came back into his vision again. A few groans told him that the other Technomancers were feeling it as well. And just as soon as it had started, it stopped. Harry looked around. 'What the hell was that?!'

"What happened," asked Hermione.

"It felt like we were drained instantly and then recharged almost as suddenly," said Luna. Harry looked into the lake and thought he saw a faint glow in the depths of the water.

"Whatever it was," he said. "It's over. But we should try and find what did that soon. I don't want this to affect future first years as they come here."

"But where would we look," asked Padma. Harry pointed down to the depths.

"Down there."

"Where we can't go," said Luna. "But someone can…" She and Padma turned to Hermione slowly as she stared down into the water. She felt their gazes on her and looked at them.

"Don't look at me like that."

"You're the only one who can go down there," said Padma.

"And I'm sure the Giant Squid won't hurt you."

"G-Giant Squid?" Luna pointed to a tentacle as it surfaced before lowering again. Hermione blanched a bit and Harry put an arm around her shoulders.

"It's ok. They're peaceful creatures. Nothing to worry about."

"Thanks, Harry." Padma glared slightly as Luna stood in the boat, carefree.

"Luna, sit down, please," said Harry. "I don't want to fish you out of the water. Especially since we won't be able to use our magic for a week."

"We should learn how to keep it contained so we can swim," said Padma. "It can't be that hard."

"I've tried to do that. It takes a lot of concentration just to contain just a small amount."

"Didn't you say you found Ravenclaw's diadem," asked Hermione. "The legends say it was able to grant one great intelligence."

"Or it's just a bunch of bullshit, and she was just the smartest woman ever. Smarter than even Isabel."

"Don't let her hear that," said Padma.

"Oh please. Her ego's not that huge. I just realized what I just said, and I can't even find truth in that statement." The boats all came to a stop in the boathouse at the bottom of the castle and the Technomancers recharged themselves at a generator Isabel set up. Harry instructed the two new Technomancers, Neville Longbottom and Su Li, in how to drain the generators. Harry saw the lines in their eyes and saw Neville was a Conduit, Su Li was a Mechanist. Another look at Blaise, and Harry saw he was a Mechanist as well. They followed the rest of the students up to the castle and were met by McGonagall who addressed them.

Harry felt a presence behind them and turned around as McGonagall gave her introductory speech. He saw the school's poltergeist watching them and sparked his hands, reminding him of the exorcism of Binns earlier in the summer. The poltergeist flew off, scared for his… (death? Life? Un-life?) Harry grinned sadistically and turned back just as she finished speaking. She went into the Great Hall and Harry made his way to the front of the group as someone mentioned their brothers said they'd have to wrestle a troll for the Sorting Ceremony. "Do you know how stupid that sounds," he asked the red haired boy. He recognized him as Fred and George Weasley's younger brother. "Actually, A better question would be, you're actually stupid enough to believe what is obviously a prank?"

The boy's face went red with embarrassment and Harry rolled his eyes as Holly appeared on his shoulder, scaring the students unfamiliar with something like her. "Harry, reel in your annoyance. There're better things to do than pick apart one's intelligence."

"Or lack thereof," muttered Luna. Ron glared at her. "Not taking it back." Harry grinned slightly and saw McGonagall come back and lead them into the Great Hall. Harry looked up and saw the enchanted ceiling mimicking the night sky. Harry turned to Hermione and saw she was awestruck and grinned.

"Welcome students," said Dumbledore, drawing everyone's attention to him. "To another year at Hogwarts. I'm glad to see so many familiar faces, and some new ones as well. There are a few announcements that need to be made, but for now, let the Sorting Ceremony commence!" McGonagall walked over to a stool with an old tattered hat on it. As everyone's attention was drawn to the hat, it came to life and began to sing about its purpose.

"When I call your name, you will step forward and sit on the stool. I will then place the hat on your head, and your Sorting will begin." Harry glanced at his mother and Isabel and they shrugged. "Abbot, Hannah." Harry saw a nervous girl standing next to Susan slowly walk forward and sit on the stool. McGonagall placed the hat on her head, and she sat there for close to a minute before the hat moved and started talking.

"Hufflepuff!" Cheering started sounding from the four houses and she calmly made her way to the House of the Loyal.

"So it reads your personality," said Harry.

"That's it," asked Hermione. "That's the Sorting?"

"I'll be honest. It's a letdown. Ilvermorny's is definitely more interesting with the four statues."

"Oh right, I remember you telling us about that," said Padma.

"That just seems too flashy in my opinion," said Susan as she walked passed them after having her name called. Harry clapped after seeing she was sent to Hufflepuff. Daphne and Tracey were both sent to Slytherin with Millicent. He smiled as Hermione and Luna were placed into Ravenclaw. Neville was sent to Gryffindor, Su Li to Ravenclaw. It wasn't long before he was called up.

"MacGrath, Harry," called McGonagall. Harry walked forward and for once, no one knew who he was. Just another face in the magical crowd. With his scar fully healed, he didn't stick out to most people unless they focused on Holly who sat on his shoulder the entire time. He sat on the stool, had the hat placed on his head, and felt a presence enter his mind.

"Peculiar, very peculiar. I've never felt a mind as heavy as yours is, Mr. Potter."

'It's…'

"I know your preferred name. How could I not? But, on to business. You've grown much in just four years. You're more mature than anyone your age, having to make heavy decisions that would make grown men hesitate. You're brave to take to this role so willingly."

'Has to be me. Someone else will just mess it up.'

"Oh, the House of the Brave may suit you well."

'I'd prefer the House of Knowledge. Fits me more. Knowledge is power, and I need as much knowledge as I can get for whatever is coming.'

"Be sure you don't lose yourself fighting monsters, Mr. MacGrath. And welcome to…" "Ravenclaw!" Harry stood up as the school applauded. He joined his friends in Ravenclaw and looked up as Draco was called. McGonagall placed the hat on his head and Harry waited for a while before the hat finally spoke up. "Gryffindor!" The hall was silent as Draco silently made his way to the Gryffindor table. Harry raised an eyebrow and exchanged a look with Holly.

After Draco, a girl named Lily Moon was sorted into Slytherin, Padma to Ravenclaw, and Parvati into Gryffindor. Harry ignored the rest until Blaise was sorted into Slytherin, after the boy sat down, Dumbledore stood up. "Now let us move on to the announcement before we eat and head to bed. There are a number of changes this year, as you may have noticed on your train ride here. Hogwarts has been given a modern security system to aid our aging groundskeeper, Mr. Argus Filch. He has been finding it increasingly hard to subdue… certain individuals who will not be named." Harry noticed the Weasley twins trying to look innocent and shook his head. "For further explanation, I will allow our one of our new teachers, Isabel Daniels, do the honors."

"Thank you, Professor Dumbledore," said Isabel as she stood up. "Hi, everyone! I'm Isabel Daniels, owner and CEO of Daniels Magical Technologies, the leading provider of modern technologies to the Wizarding World in America, and your new No-Maj/Muggle Studies teacher. I, along with my protégé, Harry MacGrath, were tasked with installing our Gibraltar Security System. It is a state of the art security system designed with multiple cameras, No-Maj recording devices, set up throughout the entire school. No place to run, no place to hide. And to the Technomancers in the school, a topic Harry will cover tomorrow in the Great Hall after the first day's classes, you need a Technician's Pass to travel through the system after hours. Tomorrow, when Harry's explanation is over with, you will be given these…" She held up white data cards. "These will be explained tomorrow. For now, travel through the system is strictly forbidden. And thanks to our new resident A.I., Holly. Say 'hi' Holly."

Holly flew from Harry's shoulder to Isabel's. "Hello, everyone."

"…Monitoring that will be easy. Again, Technomancy will be explained tomorrow after classes. And for those of you who think they can get around the Gibraltar, go ahead and try. I dare you to try and beat me." As Harry watched his mentor speak, he felt a familiar presence and gripped his head, slightly.

"What's wrong," asked Padma.

"He's here…"

"What?!" she shouted in a whisper. She glanced around, discretely, and spotted two pairs of eyes on him. One of them she saw was from the man Harry described to her as Professor Snape, who he had met before. The other was from the professor with the turban on his head. She gave him a second glance before meeting Holly's gaze and glancing to the teacher. Holly whispered something into Isabel's ear, and she blinked twice to show she acknowledged, and kept speaking about her role here as teacher and monitor of the Gibraltar. Holly flew back over to Harry.

"Should we move now or wait till he tries for the Stone."

"We don't have evidence," said Harry after he waited for the presence in his mind to retreat. "Just speculation. Deal was, we wait to gather evidence of Voldemort's presence in our plane of existence, and Flamel gets us the stone. Right now, we just have mental presence we can't use as accurate evidence. And from someone we can't prove is Voldemort at all."

"Then I'll just pull a Harry," said Holly.

"What do you mean pull a…" Holly disappeared before he could even finish and blinked behind the teacher in the turban. Dumbledore looked at the A.I. and started as she pulled the turban off of Professor Quirrell. Bathsheba Babbling noticed as well and screamed, falling back in her chair at the sight before her. Everyone's attention was brought to Quirrell and screams of fright filled the Great Hall. Isabel adjusted the cameras in the Great Hall on the teacher and zoomed in on Quirrell, making sure the second face recorded without error after seeing the face on the back of Quirrell's head. The face snarled as Quirrell swatted at Holly, only to have her disappear and reappear on Harry's shoulder. He stepped forward and made sure his wand was trained on Quirrell. "Turn around. Now." Quirrell glared at him and was about to raise his wand when a raspy whispered filled the now silent hall.

"Do it, Quirinus. Let me meet him, face to face."

"But Master…" Quirinus winced as Voldemort flared his overpowering magic. "…Of course." Quirrell turned around and Harry met Voldemort's gaze. "We meet once more, Harry Potter."

"It's MacGrath," said Harry, ignoring the whispers from the students behind him. Flitwick discretely pulled out his wand, ready to engage the Dark Lord. "And our meeting when you killed my parents doesn't count, Riddle." Voldemort snarled.

"Do not refer to me by that name!"

"Why not? It's the name you were born with. Tom Marvolo Riddle. Half blood bastard of Merope Gaunt. A squib from a family that thought they were descendants of Salazar Slytherin. Stupid, inbred idiots."

"Slytherin's blood runs through my veins!"

"Says who? You? Your ability to speak with snakes? Guess what, Riddle. $You're not the only parseltongue.$ Any claim you have to the Slytherin name, is false!"

"I am Lord Voldemort! Heir to House Slytherin!" He sent out two cutting curses one at Harry, one at the students behind him. Holly blocked the one protecting the students and Harry allowed the one aimed at him to hit, protecting the students behind him and knocking him back.

"Harry," cried Padma and Hermione. Voldemort deflected a curse from Flitwick and sent one of his own. Cindy moved between them and deflected the curse back at the deformed Dark Lord.

"Stand aside, woman!"

"You hurt my son… You!" She sent a blasting curse that knocked Quirrell's wand away. "Hurt!" She sent another blasting curse, catching Quirrell in the leg, breaking the bone. "My!" a cutting curse severed one of Quirrell's arms. "Son!" another cutting curse, and the other leg was out of commission. "You bastard!" Voldemort summoned the wand back to him and deflected one last blasting curse and disarming Cindy.

"That curse would've killed him, not just hurt him. And now, you shall join him! Avada Kedavra!"

A blurring motion of lightning flashed between them and the green lightning was met with a stream of blue, Harry standing between his mother and the curse. "Never again!" Voldemort sent a massive surge of magic into the curse, overpowering Harry's lightning. Harry screamed as he struggled to keep up the flow of energy. Holly answered a call on the phone from the Voice and the Mysterious Girl sounded on the other end.

"Deflect it up," she shouted. Harry shouted out and did as he was told, sending the Killing Curse to the ceiling above them and blasting a hole in it. "When the distraction comes, use your Gauntlets to send him packing."

"What distract?..." Harry's answer came as a couple of bolts from the Gryffindor table hit Voldemort in the shoulder. Harry took the opening. "Arc!" With the gauntlets on his arm, he sent the cables to Voldemort. "Get over here!" He pulled Voldemort to him and grabbed hold of the one armed torso. He sent a torrent of lightning into the body and felt Voldemort resisting his overcharge. He felt a hand on his back and more energy being transferred to him. With the boost, Voldemort was expelled from Quirrell with a relative lightning storm. The black smoke-like figure of Tom Riddle screamed and tried to attack Harry, only to be met with Holly's shield form, deflecting him to the sky.

Dumbledore watched as Voldemort fled before turning to Quirrell and seeing the charred corpse turn to ash as Harry collapsed to the ground, energy spent. 'I thought for sure he'd have enough energy to combat Tom alone. What could have… Oh, bugger!'

Harry grabbed the phone and groaned. "Cutting it a bit close this time, huh Mysterious Girl?"

"I could've left you to die."

"I'd have reacted fast enough alone, without your help."

"The same way you reacted to the ambush?"

"That was a fluke. That's all."

"I'm sure. Until I need to save your ass again, Second Rate."

"Second Rate?! That's hurtful."

"It was meant to be." Harry chuckled as she hung up and looked at who helped him. To his surprise, Draco was standing behind him, Neville close behind.

"We're even now, MacGrath," said Draco. He walked back to his seat and sat down as Neville helped Harry up. The entire hall was silent as Harry groaned and lifted up his shirt and saw a massive bruise where the cutting curse hit.

"That should've killed me. Why?..." Harry felt the fabric of the shirt and noticed it felt like the Kevlar vest he wore during the final battle against Kessler. "Kevlar? What the hell?"

"Harry," called Hermione and Padma. They ran over and hugged him.

"I'm fine. I'm fine. No thanks to a certain A.I."

"We needed to make sure this problem was dealt with sooner rather than later."

"And in the middle of a crowd was really the best idea?"

"This room has the most cameras to cover every section. Your idea, remember?"

"I know, I know. But how'd you know he had a second face?"

"Two different distortions in the air coming from him. It was subtle enough that only a very keen eye could spot it."

"Well, nice catch."

"Please tell me we got his face recorded," said Cindy.

"Got the whole thing recorded from Holly removing the turban to Voldemort fleeing with his tail between his… flying away. I got him flying away," said Isabel.

"You were going to say, 'tail between his legs' when he didn't have any legs as a disembodied spirit, weren't you," asked Harry.

"Shut up!"

"No." Harry sat down in a chair Cindy conjured and looked at Dumbledore. "Unless what we just saw ruined everyone's appetites, can we eat and get to bed?"

"I… think that would be wise," said the Headmaster. He stood up. "If you'll excuse me, I must find a replacement Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher seeing as Professor Quirrell… has met an unfortunate end." He sent a mental message to Harry. "Eat. Then gather your mother and Isabel and bring them to my office. There's something you must know. Something that I… truly forgot to mention earlier."

Harry nodded and sat down next to Padma and Hermione as the students who still had an appetite, (*cough*Ron*cough*) ate in silence. Harry ate enough to gain some energy and went to get his mother and mentor, taking them to Dumbledore's office. Isabel stopped by the server room quickly to make a second copy of the recording, just in case. They made their way up to the office and saw him speaking with a face in Floo. The man turned to Harry as they walked in and went wide-eyed. "Is that?..."

"It is, indeed, Remus," said Dumbledore.

"Remus," asked Harry. "As in Remus Lupin?" Dumbledore nodded and turned to the fireplace.

"Remus. Why don't you come on through? Say hello to Harry." Remus nodded, ended the Floo connection and came through a few seconds later. Harry looked at the man in front of him and smiled slightly at the look of recognition.

"Good to see you, Mooney."

"Cub…" Remus went over and hugged Harry. Harry hesitated slightly before hugging him back. Harry stepped back after a few moments. "It's good to see you've grown up the way you did."

"Do you know who raised me for seven years?"

"I didn't until recently. Sirius contacted me about what happened. I was such a fool! I let myself believe that…"

"You weren't alone. People were tired of fighting and, stupid though it may have been, Pettigrew's actions after my parents murder gave them a catalyst to put the past behind them without looking back. I can understand that, having to fight myself for four years."

"Which begs to question," said Cindy. "Harry's been on the news multiple times in the last fours years. Odds are you saw him at least once. Why didn't you try and reach out to him."

"It's because he's a Lycan," said Isabel. Remus looked at her surprised. "I can smell your scent. And my father's met more of you dogs than I like." Remus grimaced at the term 'dog'. "No offense."

"Some taken."

"Izzy," said Harry. "Behave."

"It's fine, Harry," said Remus. "I've gotten used to being called a dog."

"You shouldn't have to." Harry looked out the window at the moon and the stars beyond. In the back of his mind, a design popped up, one that would take a year to fulfil, and bring a new hope to Remus, and all of Earth. "I take it Dumbledore has offered you the position of DADA teacher?"

"Yes. And I was about to turn him down."

"Wait," said Isabel. She sighed and drew a runic design. "An old friend of mine passed away a few decades ago. He left me an old journal he wrote in about things he learned from his family's magic. I think there's a ritual involving this runic array that can help Lycans. But I'm not sure if it'll work."

"Give it a shot," said Harry. "If it works, it works. If it doesn't, I'll find a way to help him myself."

"You'd do that," asked Remus.

"You're family. I'd help you, like I helped Sirius."

"Thanks, Cub." Harry smiled kindly before turning to Dumbledore.

"What was it you wanted to speak with us about?"

"A matter I seem to have forgotten about. It regards your magic."

"What about it?"

"I don't know why I never remembered about this, but before I sent you to the Dursley's, in order to hide you from any stray Death Eaters hunting for you, I bound your magic."

"You what," asked Cindy.

"At the time, it was the only way to hide Harry's magic. I never imagined that he'd still have unusually high reserves."

"That can be explained by the combination of the magical bind and Vernon Dursley's abuse," said Isabel. "Harry's magic worked overtime when he needed to heal his injuries. Your magical reserves are like a muscle. And your binding was like working out with weights strapped to you while you go through an intense routine every day of your life. The muscle is simultaneously getting stronger and being constricted."

"Which would explain Harry's struggle to fight off Tom earlier. Another mistake I've made…"

"But one you can rectify," said Harry. "Just remove the binding."

"I'm afraid I can't. I made it using the Elder Wand and it's allegiance changed."

"Oh no," said Cindy. "Christ. I was so stupid!"

"What do you… no."

"Voldemort disarmed me earlier, remember? I'm not the wands master anymore." Cindy mentally kicked herself as Harry went to the safe where he knew Dumbledore was keeping it, Cindy having declined taking it. He had Holly open the safe before grabbing the wand and feeling a slight surge of power from it. He twirled it in his hand slightly before attempting to wave it over himself. Isabel stopped him.

"Don't."

"Why?"

"Because a false step means potential overload. Wiring 101."

"What does she mean," asked Cindy.

"Now we move to Wand Lore 101. Wand chooses the wielder, and wands can change allegiance based on duels. Riddle defeated you, becoming the master, then Harry defeated him."

"Making Harry the master," said Dumbledore as he realized what had happened. Cindy disarmed Harry of both wands, Elder and Silver before catching the Elder Wand. Harry looked at her, surprised.

"We need to keep the Hallows separate for now until we find the last one," she said. "We don't know what it will do to your way of thinking, having two in your possession. When I confronted Riddle, it was like my anger was amplified and I thought I could take him alone and look how well that went for me. The Elder Wand is powerful, and power corrupts, as we've seen with you, Mr. Dumbledore."

"Always the voice of reason," said Isabel with a smirk. She turned to Dumbledore. "Can you teach her how to undo the binding?"

"Only a little bit at a time, I'm afraid."

"Better than nothing," said Harry. "Wonder if I'll still need to use my gadgets after."

"You may. If only to keep the element of surprise."

"Deception is key in combat. I should try to think of new tricks to use in the field with that in mind."

"For now, I suggest you head to the Ravenclaw dorms, and get some rest. You'll need all of your energy for classes tomorrow."

"Right." Harry prepared to Charge through the system when the lake incident came to mind. "Oh, before I forget." He turned to Dumbledore. "Other than the magical creatures, is there anything at the bottom of the lake?"

"Not that I'm aware of, why do you ask?"

"When we were taking the boats across the lake to the school, there was a certain point in the trip that drained us almost instantly and then just recharged us fully in the same instance. When I looked into the lake, there was a faint glow, one I almost missed."

"What do you think did it," asked Isabel.

"Not sure. Whatever it is, we should try and find it before the year ends. I don't want this thing to affect more Technomancers in the future."

"We're lucky it hasn't affected more," said Cindy.

"I think, maybe it has," said Dumbledore. "There have been a number of students who fell into the water and almost drowned because no one could get to them. Last year, someone did drown, and when another student tried to help them out, they were shocked when their hands met."

"Alpha," said Harry. "Their magic has a more potent energy, and it causes a more violent reaction from lack of power, or when exposed to water. Me and Cole learned this from forums of other Technomancers all around the world, giving tips and warnings about what and what not to do."

"How long have Technomancers been around," asked Cindy.

"I think only Kessler knew," said Harry. "Being a Seer."

"I'll have the Mer people scour the depths to search for whatever might be down there. Do you know the exact area?"

"Just before the bend exposing Hogwarts to the first years."

"Thank you. I'll let you know if they find anything."

"Alright." He looked at Holly. "Ready for your first night as watch?"

"Of course."

"Then let's go." Harry Charged through to the server room and Cindy handed Dumbledore the Elder Wand.

"Put this back, please. I don't want it anywhere near Harry."

"It's not easy to say no to power, let alone twice."

"It's not power. It's a crutch. I prefer to stand on my own two legs." Cindy walked away and Dumbledore turned to Isabel.

"I see why you hired her."

"She's always the voice of reason. Makes sure I stay in line and keep my focus on important things."

"How is it that she is so responsible?"

"Well, her brother was a delinquent before becoming a hero in the eyes of Empire City and New Marais, her best friend always adored responsibility, and her parents praised her when she made moral choices."

"Friends and family. Two of the greatest motivators in the world."

"Speaking from experience?"

"Yes."

"Well, I have a class to prepare for. Have a good night, Whiskers." Dumbledore shook his head as Snape came in from a hidden side passage.

"Potter. He's powerful."

"It's MacGrath, Severus. And yes, he is. And braver than most. He willingly allowed himself to be injured to protect his peers, without even knowing him. And his intelligence would've been more than a match for his mother at this age. He truly is the child of James and Lily." Snape sneered slightly before turning to Dumbledore.

"I'll search the lake for whatever Potter was groaning about."

"Enough, Severus. James is ten years dead! Lily as well! Thanks to you!" Snape grimaced and looked toward the lake. "Remember, Severus. You still owed James a life debt when he died. With both of his parents now dead, the debt extends to Harry, doubly so because your actions got James killed! I suggest you do away with this grudge of yours! The threat Harry showed me is real! We cannot waste time with such petty things! The Mer-people will scour the lake. You must prepare for tomorrow. Good night, Severus." Dumbledore turned away and Snape took that as the signal to leave. As he passed the gargoyle, he paused, a flash of white in the corner of his vision.

"You know, how you ever found out about the first half of the prophecy discretely, I'll never know. You breathe through your nose, there's a slight whistle," said Isabel.

"The hell do you want?"

"Just to point something out. I read your file. Witch mother, No-Maj father. Abusive one at that. Friends with one Lily Evans, before turning the friendship away to stick with your Slytherin brethren alongside Riddle just because of your schoolyard bully, James Potter. I know you're a petty man, much like your father. But I also know, Lily Evans was friends with you for a reason. There was something she saw in you that made her want you as a friend. Right now, you need to find that part again, and look passed Harry's parentage. And while you're at it, get some better fucking teaching methods. You're the reason Ilvermorny has to reteach everything about potions for those looking to become Aurors." She walked away, leaving Snape to glare in her direction before walking away, her words still ringing in his ears.