Fate: Damnit

I own nothing

IV

Harry and Hermione's disappearance from the Wizarding World was easily staged. The fact, Harry had killed one of his colleagues; and been booted from the Auror Corps had instead caused clamours for him to be thrown into Azkaban, had instead caused contemplation and thoughts. "What had Harry Potter, The-Boy-Who-Lived, The-Man-Who-Won, Dumbledore's Protégé, suffered through that caused him to snap so violently."

Aside from a few careless reporters, who quickly lost their positions for trying to spin a story, Harry had been left alone. He'd left a short statement that he was "going travelling and requested to be left alone."

That evening, after El-Melloi and Gray left, Harry and Hermione; packed up the catalysts and the money, Harry had gotten transferred into Euros and Stirling. Harry then, apparated Dudley back to his shared accommodation, a notice me not charm and a blanket forgetfulness spell; everything was golden. Dudley hastily packed, due to the late hour, no-one in the house was awake and with a sharp crack, the cousins left again.

"Are you sure, that, you can trust El-Melloi; little brother?" Hailey asked over the Master/Servant bond.

Harry stopped momentarily "As much as I can trust a plutocratic, inbred, power-obsessed and bloodline obsessed bunch of piranhas…so, not much. Why?"

Hailey giggled and she astralised "Because, my darling, naive, little master who is also me…Do you want to really annoy the Association?"

"Tell me more…please."

"In my reality/timeline/trail of disaster that we both share; aside from sexual interests and physical changes and in your case self-taught magical power; I was taught magecraft by a spectacularly deranged teacher. He's known as a Master Vampire or Dead Apostle Ancestor, his rank is that of Wizard Marshall and his name is Zelretch." Hailey stated.

Hermione froze "Kischur Zelretch Schweinorg…taught you? Harry, from what I've read Salazar Slytherin was taught by Zelretch; failed the man's teachings and subsequently became the Dark Lord we know him as."

Dudely blanched "Zelretch, Harry, is a major gadfly and prankster. He wields the Second True Magic; the Kaleidoscope or Dimension Hopping…I'm pretty sure even Wanded wizards can't do that."

"You were taught by a Dimension Hopping, Master Vampire…Taught by a Werewolf, should be fun."

Hailey giggled "You, my darling brother, are the closest parallel to me. That's why I took Zelretch up on his offer."

"Am I not meant, to be your master?"

"You are, master, but due to your lack of family and the fact you summoned me…You're my little brother. I don't need legilimency, I've read your face and body language; you'd rather someone to treat you like family than a Master."

"Master, the best chance you have for your 'repenting' of the treatment of your cousin is unneeded. Your cousin knows you're not wholly to blame; in fact, if you were to ask him. I'd dare say that he'd forgive you because you're not cutting and running in his time of need." Lugh stated. Of the two servants, Hailey was the more expressive of the two. Lugh preferred to watch, learn and observe; then she'd put her intelligence into a strategy.

"Harry, I…" Dudley began.

Hermione grinned "Dudley, don't get me wrong, it's brilliant you're helping us. But…"

Dudley nodded "Anyway, shall we be off? Besides I want to see this."

Harry smirked "Two wanded wizards, who've managed to preserve the Age of the Gods in small areas against Thaumaturgists…" With that, the trio left Grimmauld Place. As they left, problems arose. As they left Grimmauld Place, Hailey detected a heavily concealed presence.

"WHO STANDS SO CLOSE? WHO CONCEALS HIMSELF FROM MY SIGHT!" Hailey thundered, in the dark and deserted street of Grimmauld Place. There was no response apart from the sound of footsteps and the sound of a cane hitting the cobbles, as the stranger revealed himself; he was tall, well-built, broad-shouldered with a well-maintained mop of grey hair, extending into mutton-chops and into a full-blown beard. He was garbed in black, with a black cloak with simple golden coloured threads connecting it.

"Hadrian James, Son and Lord of Potter, the Magus's of Disaster, Bloodkin of my Master, Fleamont Peverelle; Hermione Jean, Daughter of Granger, the Magus's of Knowledge and Dudley Johnathan, Son of Dursley, chosen by chance. Good evening, and a wonderful evening to you as well Hailey Lillian, Daughter and Lady of Potter, Pupil mine...I am Kischur Zelretch Schweinorg."

The two servants along with Harry, Hermione and Dudley stopped. They stared at the Wizard Marshall "Okay. Honoured to meet you, Wizard Marshall; may We enquire into what it is that you precisely want?" Hermione replied.

Zelretch grinned "My dear, Hermione…I wish for you and Hadrian to study under me, as Students of Zelretch. I am told that it is quite an experience."

Harry grinned "If you taught my sister, Caster, then I'd gladly take you upon it. I AM known to rush in where even angels fear to tread. Not been taught by a Vampire before."

"You're such a treat, Mr Potter. That reminds me, Charles Potter married Andromeda Black was the last Potter to be accepted by the Potter Crest; don't ask, even I; tread quietly around the marvel that is the Potter Mage Crest. As the Master of Kaleidoscope, it gives me an idea of its properties…"

"Through non-stop perving and observing."

Zelretch grinned "I'm no Jiraiya! and I am certainly not Hyodou Issei!" He wasn't lying, for all his gadfly and ever opportunistic nature to prank people, Zelretch held himself in check.

"As long as we meet Lord El-Melloi II, in three days, as he requested us; I don't see why we can't take this opportunity." Hailey suggested, grinning at the thought of her lover and little brother suffering at the hands of her teacher.

Zelretch grinned "Oh and give this to the Red Haired specialist…I acquired it off a Surgeon Magus, who acquired it off one of your Ancestors." The object was a lance fragment. After the lance fragment was handed over, Zelretch split the air asunder revealing a black void and escorted the party inside.

"Welcome…to my residence. The Magnificent Naescent Mansion, the location is 'the middle of everywhere and nowhere' now, let us begin."

It turned out that due to his shenanigans with the Second Magic, rendered the Fourth Dead Apostle Ancestor with no small skill with temporal magic. "What? You didn't think, I'd not intervene with those who interest me and especially those who saved me? The Peverelle's now Potter's saved me. They taught me and I taught them; I then taught the Tohsaka's, Makiri's now Matou's and the Eizenberns. Two of those are evil and the other, I believed not to amount to much…but I was wrong. Now, blood of my saviour and teacher; let's start with the basics."

In three days, that felt more like years. Knowing Zelretch, it probably was years crammed into days. Zelretch was surprised and gleeful, his latest two apprentices hadn't become wrecks or break down in front of him. Harry's skill with the practical harnessing of mana was tremendous, Zelretch was pretty sure that any Gandr Curses thrown by the Head of the Potter family whilst not killing him; they wouldn't tickle, but the boys grasp of the destructive capabilities rivalled Antioch Peverell in his prime; his skill at avoiding detection the same as Ignatius. Necromancy, the boy had no such luck.

Hermione on the other hand, well...despite being a new family of mages. She had clearly inherited the ability to record, memorise and use the esoteric, devious and downright debilitating magic she had seen. Her curses would stop the majority of her opponents but when required she could hide behind the brute powered spells of both Caster and Harry. Zelretch grinned, it was nice to teach people who wouldn't break down crying.

Dudley on the other hand, was only able to use reinforcement "Zelretch, I'm not one for magic. The fact you taught me how to reinforce is enough. I wouldn't fear someone who has used a thousand spells once…"

"Fear the one who has used a single technique a thousand times. I know that quote, in your case Mr. Dursely; you remind me of the previous Caster's Master, Souichirou Kuzuki, a man with no magical talent but skilled enough in martial arts to make a Servant stare. Granted he was killed in a way that shouldn't have benefitted such a man." Dudley nodded at that, the Archer from the Fourth War was a colossal dick.

Eventually, the three days came to an end. Zelretch opened a portal and unceremoniously shoved his students out.

(Meanwhile, El-Melloi II Office: Faculty of Modern Magecraft)

Emiya Shiro, Tohsaka Rin, Gray, Svin Glascheir and Flat Escados, found themselves crammed into the office of Lord El-Melloi II, Waver Velvet. The five teens were not alone, for in the office with them were several other members of the Mage Association; most importantly the youngest being a little girl, around twelve years old and her Mercury maid. This was Reines El-Melloi Archisorte, the Tenth Presumptive Head of House Archibald.

"Lady Reines, you cannot be serious? I mean House Archibald is in ruins; all of your Mystic Codes have been taken by the various branches of the family, as have the vast majority of your liquid assets…Please explain why you're asking the other two factions for such an extreme request."

"Because, in this way…should House Archibald fail in its endeavour then House Archibald shall disappear in its entirety; but should House Archibald succeed in its Endeavour, imagine the shock, awe and terror at the feat Lord El-Melloi II, my elder brother, has managed to accomplish. Wiping the debt that he created when he stole Lord El-Melloi's initial catalyst and dragging House Archibald back from the abyss; a fitting story to tell his King?" Retorted Reines, her eyes flickering between the assembled Lords of the Clocktower and a few choice family members.

As this was occurring, a doorway opened, Waver Velvet stalked up the stairs. "What seems to be the problem? I'm waiting for some guests."

"Others in the Clocktower, are inquiring into why the Archibald Family seeking to hire outside help in the Holy Grail War…Come now, Lord El-Melloi; did you not think that your escapades in the Fourth War…" One of them began, a door banged open; smoke spilled forth as Harry, Hermione and Dudley stumbled into the Halls of the Clocktower.

"Mr. Potter, Miss. Granger, Mr. Dursley…" Lord El-Melloi II began.

"Lord El-Melloi, blame the Wizard Marshall…" Harry replied, eying the Lord and then the assembled Lords and Ladies. "Either, we're gatecrashing a private event or our private conversation requires a peanut gallery." Harry went on to comment causing the Clocktower Nobles to turn red.

"How dare…"

"I dare because I don't care about, who or whom I am, offending delicate sensitivities; especially delicate ones. Now, please, scuttle away like insignificant insects that you are before I taunt you some more. Your mothers breed like hamsters and your fathers smell of elderberries."

Waver and Reines had to keep snorts from there faces "Well, you're here; and in fact you're the last and running late."

"Wizards are never late or early, Lord El-Melloi, Lady El-Melloi, we arrive exactly when we need to."

Waver shook his head, pinched his nose "You've definitely been exposed to Zelretch for too long."

"Not the worst person, I've been in close proximity with. Besides, he owes me and owes me a lot, I intend to collect...Now, the rest of our team?"

Waver nodded and Reines opened the door. The office of Lord El-Melloi was most certainly less packed than before, but only marginally so. Harry, Dudley and Hermione along with Waver Velvet looked at the assembled proteges and apprentices of the new Lord El-Melloi II. "These are your intended team, alongside my Cousin and I?"

Waver nodded "Correct. They are Emiya Shiro, Tohsaka Rin, Gray, Svin Glascheir and Flat Escados. Tohsaka is going to be a participant due to the fact of Blood-line and they've always been represented in every Holy Grail War. Emiya Shiro, is also a former participant of the Holy Grail War, the Fifth. As am I, the Fourth…"

Harry's eyes widened "That's why you want in? From what you have said about the Magus Association, they can't be happy with you being the sole Magus of the Association participating in this disaster."

"Lord Potter, however there are Magus Association politics that my Older Brother hasn't told you...in short, House El-Melloi is in a precarious situation. The other Magus factions have backed my Older Brothers apprentices…"

"Should Lord El-Melloi II die…which is what they want…they can claim the assets of House El-Melloi."

The little girl nodded "You are sharp...now, what Catalysts have we been presented with?"

Harry deposited his duffel bag and pulled out a collection of arrowheads, fragments of spears. "Top class Archers and Lancers of Greek, Egyptian and Brittania origin. The only one I do have fully intact is Gae Derg…" He looked up and fully looked at the red-head. "...Gift from Me to You, courtesy of the Marshall." With that he pulled from his jacket pocket, a white handkerchief wrapped around something.

"You realise, throwing a handkerchief is a declaration of honour being sullied?" Tohsaka said.

Harry looked at the raven-haired girl "Even if it is, I insincerely apologise for any indiscretions. Feel free to take a shot at me, make it a good one." With that he chucked the handkerchief towards Shiro. Rin powered up a Gandr shot only to realise the cloth hadn't left Harry's hand.

"You...utter hack. Goading me into a duel! Do you have any shame or honour?"

"Shame, no. Honour, yes. Not on the battlefield; there's either dead, dying or alive...Shiro was meant to be which class?"

"Archer."

"Swap him for Lancer. Something's not adding up; the Wizarding Marshal, a Lancer Catalyst and a Specialist; which if I'm guessing is a limited wizard, right? Now, I'm curious…are there any jokers in the room who might have written this particular gag?"

Everyone was blank as they were trying to work it out. Rin got it first and she paled "I think I know, Shiro…GO! Summon your Servant!" With that she began pushing the teen towards the door.

"Something to share, Tohsaka?"

"My…very goodhearted ex. Long story."

(Shiro)

Harry found the summoning circle of the Modern Magecraft department; being a potent wizard mage hybrid, sensitivity to magic became inherent. Shirou placed the catalyst in the centre of the circle.

Shirou summoned a knife and sliced open his hand and he began to chant. This chant had been drilled into him by Rin "Let Silver and Steel be the Essence. Let Stone and the Archduke of contracts be the Foundation. Let red be the colour, I tribute to. Let rise a wall against the wind that shall fail. Let the four cardinal gates close. Let the three-forked road from the crown reaching unto the kingdom rotate. Let it be declared now; your flesh shall serve under me, and my fate shall be with your sword…" Seals once faded on his skin flooded to life "Submit to the beckoning of the Holy Grail. Answer, if you would submit to this will and truth. An oath sworn here; I shall attain all virtues of heaven; I shall have dominion of evils of all in Hell. From the Seventh Heaven, attended by great words of power, come forth from the rings restraints, protector of holy balance!"

Shiro's eyes widened as after an initial pulse of red light, an identical mixture of blue and white emitted from the circle. At the centre of the light was the tiny fragment of a lance, and suddenly Shiro himself began to glow.

Harry, was too busy erecting a shield of earth protecting himself, Hermione and Dudley, so they did not see. Shiro, however watched as a woman slowly formed. She was familiar and yet so different: she was older now, hair longer with two strands down the side of her face, her body much fuller, much fuller than how he remembered her. But new look or not, Shiro knew that face.

"Ar...Artoria?"