Chapter 23: Back to school, with a bang.
As Daphne and Tracey sat in the Hogwarts Express, she considered that much had changed over the Yuletide. She smiled as she realised that the entire of Magical society was going to be pranked, eventually. The ambition to do something of that magnitude was very Slytherin. Daphne and Tracey were discussing the new developments, as they idly felt their new wands in their pockets.
"Well, we had a fantastic Yuletide. I enjoyed my drum kit! We had a small practice session. Ronald has a surprisingly nice voice. Neville has a fair amount of talent too, but he seems a little shy."
"I would have attended the practice session, but I was binge watching movies and television. I also found a new hobby. A mundane one."
"Oh, nice! What is it?" Tracey asked.
"I love computer programming. I downloaded all the stuff and went through the tutorials myself. And all for free! Mother had mentioned that Hermione's new runes were built from that, and I wanted to find out more?"
"Daphne Greengrass, the Ice Princess and now….…computer programmer?"
"I guess? Not a programmer yet, still struggling with the basics. It is like runes and it is highly structured and ordered. I can see where we are lagging, honestly." Daphne explained.
Suddenly the proximity sensor triggered an alert. Daphne tapped the new 'Marauder Map 2.0' and a holographic rendition of the entire train appeared. The snakes could see 'Shirley Temple, Henchman #1, Henchman #2, Skinny-malinky and Mr Conceited' proceeding to their carriage. Daphne pinged Neville.
"Oi Nev, the goon squad is coming to our compartment?" Daphne explained.
"Ah, he is back at it again. Sometimes I wonder if he is a Hufflepuff. Your room is locked with a K-barrier and a proximity sensor, right?" Ronald asked.
"Sure. He isn't getting in?" Tracey replied.
"Time for some fun?" Neville replied as he dialled the twins.
"Gred and Forge? We need a distraction. Shirley Temple and his misfits are on the loose!" Neville remarked over the comms device.
"We aim to please. Time to deploy the "Killer Bunny Rabbit!" Fred replied.
Fred and George had decided over the holidays to get acquainted with any TV series or movies that could be used for 'pranking material'. Hermione who adored old-school British comedy suggested, "Ah, you might want to look into Monthy Python?"
Fred and George had watched Monthy Python: The Holy Grail movie on the 28th of December, and were convinced that there was a "fair bit of potential, with regard to the Killer Bunny Rabbit". Later that evening, Fred and George had asked Hermione in the workshop:
"Could you add an illusion into a drone for us?."
Harry and Hermione had laughed and shown the snakes the YouTube clipping. Hermione had asked, "So what do you plan to do with it?"
Fred and George replied in their signature alternating method:
"We were inspired by the fantastic antics of Prongslet and Teethsie. The Killer Bunny Rabbit would become a folklore legend that could be used to provide distraction….."
"Scare the populace!"
"Or be used in Warlord Peverell's plans for stomping out the Dark Git later on…."
There was a small pause before Hermione answered:
"Alright, I will teach you some finer applications on how to apply the rules. I will show you some of the special ones. Harry will design the body and you will enchant the other pieces. Supreme Leader approves of your….industriousness….."
"We thank Lord Prongslet and Lady Teethsie for their continued support of two humble pranksters!" Fred replied.
As Draco continued to attempt to open the door, every panel in the train that had been 'bugged' with a remote emitter was hijacked. A protego surface was conjured above the train and repurposed as a makeshift speaker. Suddenly a disembodied audio stream came from the roof.
"...Behold the cave of Caerbannog! It is the rabbit. That's the most foul, cruel, and bad-tempered rodent you ever set eyes on! That rabbit's got a vicious streak a mile wide! It's a killer!"
Mundane students who were familiar with the movie wondered why Monthy Python was being played on the train. Suddenly there was screaming in the Slytherin section of the train as Malfoy's group were running from a small, but vicious looking rabbit. It was breathing fire and shooting red looking stunners that looked like laser beams. They even gave off the characteristic "Pew-Pew" sound.
"Run for your lives. It is a killer rabbit!" Malfoy screamed as the drone continued to patrol the Slytherin corridor, and occasionally breathe fire across the compartments. Malfoy's robes were on fire, and Theodore had conjured an Aguamenti to prevent him from becoming a walking catastrophe. Some of the students began to throw stunners and even darker spells. Of course, the protego shield layer was under the conjured illusion and it seemed like the rabbit was invincible. Now the ten people who knew Harry Potter on the train were laughing themselves to death, as the train had completely stopped. Harry had been informed of the ruckus, even sent the video clipping to Sirius and Remus.
"Percy, Charlie and Tonks? Please go and rescue the Snakes. And don't be afraid to show off your non-verbal skills. Let the intention drive the spells. Breathe deeply. Centre yourself. Draw upon your feelings. And if you can't manage that, whisper your spells." Harry instructed.
"Fred and George, normally I would not approve of such behaviour. But I must admit, this one was pretty brilliant." rebellious Percy commented.
"Forge and Gred? 11/10. Padfoot and Moony say that by Marauder standards, one of the best pranks yet!" Hermione replied over the communicators.
The rest of the morning fiasco resulted in Percy and Charlie storming the Slytherin carriages as they cast many of their combat spells non-verbally. Tonks had exited the train and had apparated herself at the back of the last carriage as she flanked the rabbit. Fred and George continued to selectively apply the spells to create a show. Tonk's hair had become glowing red as she shielded against the fire and the other custom Potter spells. While the three of them were aware that it was a show, they played along. Many of them looked on in awe, as the Gryffindors barraged the 'Killer Rabbit'. Tonks had also given the Hufflepuffs representation as her natural power as a metamorphagus began to push through into her wand. When she could not cast non-verbally, she merely whispered and relied on the feelings that she had learned to look for, during her high-intensity training. Now the Slytherins were perfectly sure that nobody wanted to mess with the Weasleys and the random Hufflepuff. One thing was for sure – House Malfoy had not done a great example of demonstrating its power. Malfoy and his gang had hidden and screamed in their carriage. When the aggressor had disappeared, none of the Slytherins dared to tell the Gryffindors and the single Hufflepuff anything.
A rational examination of the situation could make one wonder – how could so much improvement come from twenty high intensity hours of practice? The answer was quite simple.
Magical standards for education and spells had slipped as the years had passed, and this had been a plot that Lord Voldemort had engineered. When he applied unsuccessfully for the Defense Against the Dark arts position he had cursed the job, by jinxing all the Defense classrooms. From 1955 onwards, Hogwarts never managed to keep a DADA teacher for more than a year. The quality of the instruction had dropped for fifty five years, and the rumour mill had inferred that the position was cursed. This subversion had helped him much later on. Students could not fight adequately, and many of them had to learn to fight during wartime. The casualties were very high.
The students who were duelling the killer rabbit were not magical geniuses. Rather they had managed to get proper training and they were acceptably accomplished. However, to the current students who were seated on the train, they seemed to be certified badasses.
After the entire event was over, the train resumed its journey and now Tonks was being cheered in the Hufflepuff section of the train, while the Gryffindors congratulated the Weasley brothers. The pureblood Ravenclaws were wondering if the animal was real, but all the muggleborns were sure of what had happened. A critical analysis of the case would not be necessary – by the time news arrived in the general public, it would devolve into fictional hearsay. When the train arrived at the school, Albus Dumbledore and Minerva were waiting to inspect the train. They had been surprised to receive a Great Horned Owl Patronus from Percy Weasley. For them, this was proof that their efforts with the exercise were benefitting them immensely. Percy ensured that his description of the incident did not point to his brothers. Rather he focused on suggesting that it was some powerful type of magical artefact to lead the staff to predetermined conclusions.
The evening of January 1st 2011, was filled with interesting discussions within the staff room, while the fantastic five' apparated into their flat and unloaded their items. Tracey and Daphne had chosen the second basement, and Ronald, Luna and Neville had chosen the 1st floor. Now they could come and go freely and they had access to many comforts, both magical and mundane. The trio had been provided with animated mannequins that would replace their bodies when they were away from the castle, but they were advised to be careful when they disappeared. Tracey and Daphne planned to use their previous dorm only as an entry and exit point, and would not be bothered due to the private dorms that were shared by Slytherins.
"This is very nice. I liked that they installed a door between our rooms. Let me guess, you are…programming?" Tracey asked.
"Hermione gave me some homework. This one is difficult. I am checking a site called Stack Exchange. I also have a runic array to complete. I want to help with the RuneOs, it is the greatest idea I have heard about for Runes."
"And maybe you will impress Harry? You know we could have the best asses in Hogwarts with the weights and squats. I think I might like a six-pack on my bod. Digging the fitness model look. Say and do what you want, you like that godly body on Harry."
Daphne took the empty Monster Can and tossed it at Tracey. The other snake wondered if she would survive Daphne when her lewd "Haphne Fanfiction" was published for the adoring masses via the data slate. Harry had suggested the idea and Tracey had been much too excited.
Fred and Geroge now had an entire stash of all types of contraband in the first basement. This included Swiss Chocolates, Scotch, Whiskey, Cigarettes, Cubans, Playboy magazines and assorted snacks. Also were various beverages which included Cider, Beer, Carbonated drinks and even some of Harry's various wines and port. However, the most rambunctious items were the magically shielded sex toys for the 'discerning Witches who needed a break from final exams.' This had been a secret operation between the twins and Harry who were looking to soften up the pureblood Slytherins with Muggle items that the Dark Lord would certainly ban when he resumed his existence. It was the equivalent of hanging the carrot, letting the donkey have a bite and then tossing it away.
"Right we have the merchandise. Check the map and see who is it was interested in the Cuban Cigars at the drop-off point? The news travelled fast thanks to Daffy." Fred explained to his brother.
The new Marauder Map flared into existence. The twins were deeply appreciative of the new item, as it represented not only a significantly far more advanced upgrade, but it allowed them to see how people were positioned across every floor, vertically. From certain points on the map, it was possible to access audio and video surveillance, if the correct passcode was provided to "Gramps." A system had been set up, where verbal verification was necessary along with the user having the correct magical signature. And worse, it was based on obscure pop culture.
"Oi gramps? Request for a looksie?" Fred asked.
"Challenge: Who is the Queen of England?" Invictus replied in a distorted voice.
"Response: Betty White" Fred replied.
"Passcode accepted. Passcode cycle in one hour. Mischief Managed."
As the twins looked at the surveillance from the pinhole camera, they were surprised as to who was the customer.
"Is that the Slytherin Year Five perfect? I think that is Jade Ethro? Who would have thought she likes Cubans?"
"Names checks out from the map. Gred, we are going to tax that bint. A free one today. Forty per cent markup on every other cigar. Let her drain her coin purse dry!"
"But of course. Want to bet the snakes will buy all the booze?"
"Sure. The Ravenclaws are interested in the tea lineup. Don't sell Padma anything, Luna will give her whatever she wants. If our customers request anything unusual, we can always put a request in with Lord Prongslet."
Both of the twins were rubbing their palms. Time to make the galleons rain.
Albus was looking at the memories that were siphoned off from the students and found himself perplexed, once again. Minerva was not aware of this practice, as to her it seemed that the Headmaster was merely working with student accounts.
"Minerva, I cannot understand the Storm Lord's intentions. One moment he seems to be on a crusade for revenge, and other times he is a prankster. I cannot understand why he would disrupt the train. And of all the things, with a fire breathing rabbit?" Albus wondered.
"Perhaps they were testing an improvement? Although why would they animate a rabbit of all things Albus? I do not know. These antics remind me of James Potter and Sirius Black." Minerva recounted.
"Perhaps the Storm Lord hopes to continue in the footsteps of the Marauders? They were the worst pranking force that ever arrived at this castle. And now it seems the sophistication of the pranks have gotten worse." Fillius replied as he remembered the drone that had shot down the howlers many months ago.
"Pomona, do you believe that Ms Tonks has been secretly pulled into their designs? It is known that Ms Andromeda Tonks was welcomed into House Black. Perhaps she was welcomed also? Her combat performance was excellent from the accounts that I heard?" Minerva asked.
"The Storm Lord is known to work with Lord Black. So we can assume that she knows that the Dark Lord or his supporters will eventually threaten her. Because of her mother's choice to marry Mr Ted Tonks, her family will be a target." Pomona suggested.
"That is sensible. As I told you Albus, everyone has a Gryffindor in them. This time people will fight back. No, if war should arrive again, it will be very different." Minerva replied as she contemplated the deeper implications.
"Staff, that will be all for tonight…but thank you for coming," Albus replied, as the professors left to organise for their classes tomorrow morning.
Albus considered how he could obtain information from the Hufflepuff girl. The issue was that the Blacks were one of the oldest magical families in England, and he could not assume that passive legilimency would suffice. That could court a blood war with Lord Aurelian Black, who had continued to brutally put down the darker families in the Wizengamot. He decided to employ the magical portraits to spy on her. So far the portraits had reported that his trio loved to read on their data slate, and they generally had polite interactions with their housemates. They were not involved in anything suspicious and were needle straight students. As the Head of Houses left, Albus began his contemplations.
"The Dark Lord and necromancy. Magic that relates to blood rituals, and reanimating corpses. What does he want? He wants a way to come back. That is why he is after the Philosopher's stone. He wants to restore himself. I know he flirted with some type of cursed immortality. But how did he become immortal? Unless…."
Albus realised that there was only one legend about how immortality had been achieved.
"No…..could it be….Horcruxes? So this is the knowledge you have given me then. Very well Storm Lord, let us see what happens now. Could it be him? He was always suspicious, even that night he interviewed for the Defense against the Dark Arts Professor. It was rumoured that he had followers….unless they too became…."
Albus intoned a Patronus to Horace, that asked him to come immediately to the office. When Horace arrived, the headmaster asked him to sit as he explained the situation.
"Horace, I have summoned you because I know for the fact that the Dark Lord will be back. I can see that this conversation makes you uncomfortable, but you must understand, that any information that you can provide to help me combat him is essential."
Horace was now sweating bullets as he replied, "Albus, I don't understand what you are speaking about?"
"No Horace you do. And I am not going to be loud and angry about this issue. There would have been a time when I could not force you to provide information. But now we have a new player on the chess board. The Storm Lord has access to information that I do not know of."
Horace was silent.
"Once again, I am suggesting that you help me with this because if you do know anything and he finds out, the Storm Lord will kill you without mercy. And he can do it from at least six hundred feet. At least if you cooperate, and should I meet him, I will outline your participation."
"I am going to need firewhiskey Albus. I…..once gave information to a single student about a little known form of Dark Magic. I get the feeling you already know of it?"
"Horace, is it Horcruxes?" Albus asked as he poured out some of his private Scotch from his drawer,
"Yes. And the student who asked me…..you know him. He was one of our brightest…..he was a Slytherin and while he was charming, I should have reported him that same night. I…..thought he was merely…..fascinated by Dark Magic….This mistake of mine killed many in magical England. I have regrets. I lost many students that I adored. Even Lilly too."
"You had no way to know what the student would become. It was the choice of the student. We all have our regrets, I suppose. Who was it, Horace? I have my suspicions but tell me, anyway."
"Tom Riddle. And he even asked me if seven Horcruxes could be created!"
Even Albus seemed to pause.
"It makes sense. I suspected as much. He was an orphan, and he had never received much kindness in the world. He often begged me to stay at Hogwarts during the summer vacation particularly as World War II had escalated. I will have to look over all of his encounters and then retrace the footsteps."
"Thank you Headmaster for not passing judgement. This is something I regret…."
"No Horace, you have done a great deed tonight. This will help me to fight the darkness. And no your mistake was not the event that created him. It was my foolishness. I should have taken the boy under my wing and provided him with guidance."
Horace looked on, rather confused.
"I….suffered from a great failure. I had lost my sister, and I had wondered if I would bring misfortune to the boy by being in his life. And it looks like we have to deal with that which I had wanted to avoid. Take your leave, Horace. But thank you. This conversation was been of great value. You will save many, in the long term."
"Good night Headmaster."
"Lorna?" Harry messaged.
"Hmmm?"
"Voldy's name is Tom Riddle. Confirmed by Dumbledick and Sluggy. So Tom Riddle, Wool's Orphanage, 1930. Ask Luis to access British Government records through his Auror connections. Dig the entire history up. Percy will investigate Hogwarts for information."
"I will keep you informed. Oh boy, now it is getting good. See, plotting was necessary!" Lorna replied.
"I spoke to Frédéric. I will be carrying the gang to France for a morning run tomorrow. Fleur will be coming too. Then a bite to eat!"
"You and Hermione are plotting to eat authentic food from everywhere!" Lorna teased.
"Correct? Once we make the process less power hungry, we are going to Pepe In Grani. Easily one of the most legendary pizza places in Italy. I have discussed the development with mum, and she is thinking about staying at the new flat, and merely apparating to work."
"That Caribbean holiday seems to be very possible. Get back to work you wrench monkey, I want to be sipping on freshly cut coconuts by the end of the week."
"Fine, Fine." Harry replied.
Later that night, the group at Hogwarts collectively got a message from Harry.
"Everybody be assembled for five in the morning. Carrying you to a favourite place for a run. Then a bite to eat afterwards."
The next morning, Daphne found Ronald shaking her to death at half-past four.
"Urrrgh….what are you doing here?" she sleepily groaned.
"Just making sure you wake up in time. Sorry to barge in. Neville is getting sleepyhead next door. Be ready to go in half hour. Full transporter and shielding array. Track clothes."
When Daphne and Tracey were ready they strolled into the training room. They were greeted by everyone else. New to the group was Tonks, in her yellow sportswear.
"Wotcher. Thank Hecate we have one other Hufflepuff here. So much red. Luna, we might need to get more claws."
"I know. I have my eye on a particular set of Indian twins. The problem is by getting one more claw, the gryffs get another one too?" Luna replied.
"All in good time. I heard Parvati wants to meet my mum. I might make it happen only to get a laugh. Change out your crystals, we are going to a small charming town in France for our morning run." Harry replied.
"France?" Tonks asked.
"Sure. And then a visit to a lovely patisserie. The gentleman thought me to make croissants. He also provided me with some good company, when I felt rather upset recently. Time for you to meet Frédéric. Alright, slave all your transporters to mine."
Suddenly eleven small blue LEDs began to blink blue, as all the transporters tied together.
"Alright….transporting in three, two..one…."
ZAP!
The group found themselves at the back of Clementine's cottage. The group was looking around in awe, as they realised that they had taken a trip to France and that they would be back at school to resume classes as if nothing had happened.
"Oh, this is wild!" Tracey commented.
"It is. Let me just call someone." Harry tapped his ears. "Frédéric?"
There was some indistinct muttering, and when Harry was finished and he indicated, "Follow me…"
The next hour was filled with a five kilometre run throughout the countryside. While Harry and Hermione forged ahead, Grace stayed at the back of the column as many of the others had to take a break. Tonks found herself struggling, and Percy had only improved a little. Surprisingly Ronald was now chasing Neville. The twins and Luna were running in a pack. Charlie was keeping up with Harry. Hermione was coming around for her second lap, as Daphne and Tracey were in the middle.
"Bye Bye Slowpoke number one and two!" she teased as she just trampled through the track at approximately 45kph.
"Damn she is fast Tracey!" Daphne replied.
After the run was finished, then Harry took them through the other exercises. Tonks curled up into a little ball, and Tracey and Daphne did smaller amounts of repetitions. Hermione seemed to be not too far from Harry, in terms of brute strength.
"Alright, time for a small breakfast. Take fifteen minutes to relax and we are going to see a friend of mine." Harry insisted.
As the group entered the small store, the baker was only too happy to see Harry.
"Ah! Harry! And you bought your friends! Introductions?" the man replied brightly, as Harry explained that these people were his students. Neville was his Godbrother, and Hermione was his sister by adoption. For the others, it was a bit strange to observe the La Bise, but Hermione had insisted that the group observe the necessary cultural practices. The group took small items as they were expected to have breakfast at Hogwarts. Meanwhile, Harry out of earshot in the kitchen handed off a case containing some gear.
"Right Frédéric. Here we have a shielding array. It detects if objects, blood, contaminants or spells are thrown at you and automatically generates shields. Once you are wearing this, you can take a fair amount of punishment."
"It can cast shields?"
"Yes. My invention. With this, you can attack with full force. I have some other things to give to you. If the morons come into your town, you know what to do. Try to dodge the unforgiveables. I am working towards getting that one figured out. The armor will stop the killing curse, however."
"I wish I had something like this back in the day!"
"I also have magical guns here. You can visit me in England when you have free time. I will take you through the training. I am hoping you will never need to use these items, but better to have it than to be…unprepared."
"True. I sense that fate hounds you like a dog."
"Definitely. Now as for the other items…what I have decided to do is create a kitchen network of sorts. This pedestal will transport up to fifty kilograms every day for at least a month before I have to change the power source. I would like to purchase items from your store and sell them in my grandmother's kitchen."
"That is fantastic!"
"And then you can try some of the items that my grandmother makes. And she can send those to you too if the folks around here want to try something new. As the network grows I hope to capture a network of really excellent places. How do you feel about selling your items at Beauxbatons?"
"Excited! That would be a dream come through. I was always told that my skill was good enough to rival the bigger bakeries in Paris?"
"Well good. Anyway, the air was wonderful and pristine this morning. They are in a lot of pain. I made them run five kilometres. Time for us to head back to England. I will give you a tour soon enough!"
"Merci Hadrian! When will I see you next?"
"Wednesday!"
"Au revoir!"
Now the group was back at the flat. The group all showered and prepared themselves. Then they apparated into the Hogwarts bathrooms and emerged fully dressed, with nobody the wiser. Daphne and Tracey merely exited their dorm room, and it did not go unnoticed how both of the Slytherin witches seemed to glow from the exercise.
"I feel like a brand new witch. This wand feels fantastic!" Tracey commented.
"I know. My wand loves charms and combative magic. It almost vibrates when I cast spells. Oh boy here comes Shirley Temple. Never has a person so accurately matched Draco…." Daphne replied.
"Greengrass! A word!" Draco barked. Daphne took her wand out, and held it in front of her, with the tip pointed down. Tracey then stood behind her with her back turned as she surveyed the other Slytherins in the room.
"You could at least tell me morning, and ask how my Yuletide was?" Daphne said, with a small smile on her face, as she realised that she was part of plans that would involve him getting stomped to death.
"What did you tell your sister about me?"
"Oh dear! You are misinformed. It was my sister that heard something in Diagon Alley." Daphne replied.
"And what did she hear, Ms Greengrass?" Pansy asked in a mocking but artificially sweet tone of voice.
"Well remember the attack? My mother and sister were there."
Suddenly the common room became silent.
"They were there?" Draco asked.
"Why yes? Mother told me that she could even get our elf to get her out. And the men didn't care to ask if my mother and sister were purebloods. My mum had to shield like anyone else?"
Now everyone else was listening.
"From there, things get…..murky. Astoria has always liked you. But she was scared. You see they were going to rape a girl, and my poor sister was going to witness it from their hiding spot. There is a difference between thinking about violence and seeing it for yourself. So, yes Astoria was crying and properly scared. She is just a little girl, after all. Just when my mother and sister are almost done for, all they hear is 'Die Scrum'. And it was indeed the same voice from the man who choked you…"
"So it was them!" Pansy said.
"Yes. Consider this a gesture between us, as Slytherins. The issue is that my mother and sister didn't see anything. A voice is not enough to pin a person. But the men were killed. The men had muttered something about Susan Bones and her mother. Astoria refused to tell me the details."
"Who the Hufflepuff? Why is she important?" Nott asked, fully aware that Draco's father had raped Elanor Bones. Daphne observed as if Theodore was looking to confirm that which he already knew, and it seemed as if his lips were slightly twitching in distaste.
"Ask my sister? I am afraid that my sister after having that experience has become….different." Daphne replied.
"Different how?" Draco asked.
"Oh, she has a tree that she practices with every day. She has been stabbing the tree and swinging a sword at it all day like a demented maniac. My father is utterly surprised such a small body could be that rowdy and angry. Look she saw something, and it changed her. Now she yells, I am beheading the snakes! I will cut the lot of them in half, like an angry berserker."
"And your father, what is he doing about this?" Draco asked.
"Oh, he sent her to fencing class! She continues she will cut down every tree on the lawn. I had little to do with how these events played out and now you have come to accost me. I am not in the mood, but I decided to be cordial anyway?"
"And if you weren't friendly this morning?" Pansy asked.
"To borrow an expression from the muggleborns that I like, we would have to 'throw' down. Power is our way. Why do you think I have my wand in my hand? I think I could take the six of you…easy. Do you want to try? I don't mind one bit. Good exercise."
"Easy now Greengrass, we are all friends here. The information you have offered will be used to help advance our plans. Draco, I don't think we need to be hostile with Daphne and Tracey. They have given us the most information since this entire crisis?" Blaise insisted forcefully.
"My…apologies. Perhaps it was the wrong tone of voice." Draco replied.
"No offence taken, because had you tried anything stupid I would have sent you to St Mungo's immediately. Careful Draco, my father is not afraid of your father. We looked at the Dark Lord in the last war and told him we weren't interested. As for me and Tracey? We will see if that needs re-evaluation if you don't offend us too much."
The others in the room were quite surprised. Ismelda and Merula suspected that Daphne was playing a devious game. The Neutrals knew that Lord Greengrass had known about Lord Black before he had unveiled himself. The darker purebloods guessed wrongly that she and Tracey were interested in supporting the Dark Lord.
"Hey by the way Draco, if you attack us, who is going to make the points for Slytherin in the junior division? We are lagging behind, because of your continued attempt to jinx the trio! Look, you want a fighting chance at the House cup? We are off-limits. Let us make the points. Your choice?" Daphne insisted. There was a sudden set of nods in the common room, as it seemed that an accord had been reached. Daphne and Tracey then left the room, and to her surprise, Harry buzzed her.
"Excellent Daffy. Keep feeding them poisoned breadcrumbs. Tracey good on taking a defensive position to the back of her, and for trusting Daphne to have the front covered. Atta girls!"
Tracey who was looking at Daphne was not surprised when all the blood rushed into her face.
"Er…thanks Harry?" the blonde-haired girl replied.
"Welcome. Off you go! Buzz gramps if you need anything." Harry replied.
"Well Well, the Ice Princess looks like she can use another confrontation. You might get….another compliment?" Tracey teased.
"Shut Up!" Daphne replied as she smiled a little.
Sirius Black was quite surprised when he received a letter from Cassiopeia Black. After all, Cassiopea was the cousin of his Grandfather Acturus, and she seemed to be somewhat aware of his plotting as he read the letter.
Hello Sirius,
It is good to see that you have mastered the art of deception. I applaud you. That is indeed our way.
But you cannot fool me.
You are the only logical choice to succeed Orion. I have been a student of magic for most of my life – imagine one night after I hear rumours that you were broken out of prison, I suddenly feel the Black Magic being reworked. And I could feel the purity of it.
Strong. Powerful. And clean of the generational taint!
I could even feel the madness being tamed. And as a person who is fairly adept at blood magic, it didn't take me long to work backwards from the necessary inheritance ritual that was performed recently. I must admit that I did not know the meanings of the names, so I asked a half-blood friend of mine to give me explanations for the unusual names. As I poured blood into the ink and I cast many little know spells to rebuild the family tree, I was surprised to see the Lord and master of all Snakes, the Cosmic Herald as the new Black crest. The number nine has many arithmantic properties. It has many religious connotations in paganism. So the triplicity of the number three…three sets of three is powerful indeed.
I take it you have rediscovered your faith, one way or another. Good.
Now as for what I found, I had to admit I was impressed:
Harry Potter, also known as Palatine Artificer Lord Hadrian Peverell. Pulsar Black – one of the most ferocious types of stars in the heavens. Deadly, bright and capable of killing everything in its environment with radiation. Just the explanation that was required for me to understand the power of the type of star earned my respect.
Hermione Granger, also known as Novitiate Rune Priestess Lady Granger. Last of Morgana's line. Aurora Black – I must say the name is beautiful. It is a well known name as of recently in the magical world, but it has never been part of our lineage. She chose a name that is part of the heavens and yet is connected to the earth. A dreamer and practical one of that.
And finally, this one was surprising. Nymphadora Tonks. Andromeda's daughter. Nebula Black. She chose a name to reflect her ability as a Metamorphagus. A truly powerful trait that was always part of the Black lineage. And to see it in the girl? It gives me hope that our lineage will once again speak to the snakes.
Oh, Acturus would be proud of you. House Black is beginning to approach the old power it used to have before the start of the Statute of Secrecy. Phineas the 1st made many terrible decisions and since then, we have been on the wane. I promise you no harm will come to you or your charges. In any case, I was never anti-muggle. I do live in an elderly home run by muggleborn wizards and witches and they have always treated me well. Come and see me.
I do not have long.
You remind me of Phineas Black the 2nd. He was the greatest Headmaster that Hogwarts ever had. And to think that when I summoned him to tell me of the events that occurred, he did not know anything, because you had demanded the secrecy of all our portraits, after plugging every hole. Impressive. I had heard you were a hothead. Now you are thinking ahead. Good. Let my old eyes see where House Black is going. And please, make it exciting.
Come to 40 Richmond Road, BOURNEMOUTH, BH46 5XK.
Cassiopeia Black.
"Well, Harry?" Sirius asked.
"She seems interesting. And even somewhat reasonable. A rather rare thing in your house history."
"Yes, she was one of the Black Sheep like myself. So what do we do?"
"Approach her fully armed. She has given an oath but always better to be prepared. We will go in silently and sweep the place for magical and electronic bugs. I should be able to see all of it. I will go tonight and run a check."
"Deal Harry. Tomorrow we will visit her."
Cassiopeia Black was quite surprised when Sirus Black appeared in her room, via what seemed to be a phoenix. At least she suspected that he was Sirius Black. Initially, the impassive helmet combined with the armour made her have doubts. However, the nine-headed snake was present on the chest piece. And worse yet, she had not seen armour like this – it looked muggle and magical at the same time. The daggers, the wand and the pistols did not go unnoticed. Suddenly the Phoenix disappeared and brought two new people. Facing her was probably Harry Potter and Hermione Granger. Sirius and the other two magicals then took their helmets off.
"Ah, here we are. I must say the armour looks good on you." the woman replied, appraisingly.
"Hello, cousin Cassie. Although, technically you are senior enough to be my grandmother."
"Don't remind me. Call me just cousin. Cousins-twice-removed is a bit of a mouthful"
"Fair enough."
"Your armaments are impressive. I have heard the rumours from some of the neutrals. Rumours is that you can shoot spells at range and you can fly?"
"Yes. That is the contributions of these two behind me. Please, meet a son and daughter of House Black. My adoptive niece and adoptive son. But honestly, I see these two as my children by blood, and I love them that much." Sirus said evenly without an inch of hesitation. There was a sudden knock on the locked door, and Cassiopeia yelled, "See me tomorrow. I have visitors. Black House Business, do not disturb! I am fine!"
"Alright Cassie, yell if you need anything!" a male voice replied.
"Come Harry and Hermione. Let me hold your face. I want to feel the future of House Black in my hands." she requested rather gently. Cassiopeia then gently held Harry's face before she felt the magic.
"I am sorry about your parents. I can feel the pain. We magicals are no different to the muggles. We can be violent and cruel too. All human at the end of the day. I always suspected the Dark Lord would be back. But it seems you have it handled."
"We are preparing, the best way we can?" Harry explained.
"I love your name child. If Pulsar Black says so, then it is so. And you child, come Aurora Black. Let me feel your magic…"
As the elderly woman touched the girl, she laughed. "Ah. Yes. Powerful, curious and practical. Sirius, I am pleased that we will not fade into the darkness. I have invited you here to gift you my possessions. While I did not draft a will, magic sees all things. I upon my magic give you all of my research. I bequeath my magical lore to all of you, so It may be used for good."
"Thank you," Sirius replied as he held the woman's hand.
"And finally you magnificent bird! You are beautiful!" Cassie exclaimed.
Grace alighted on the edge of the bed.
"She says flattery always works with her" Harry commented.
"She speaks?"
"She does. She says it is nice to meet a Black who isn't a nutcase. She also says that you are quite charming, for being a…giant prune?" Harry winced. There was a sudden burst of laughter as even Grace bobbed her head.
"Ah, at least I got a laugh! She is funny. I want to guess a lightning phoenix?" Cassie asked.
"Correct," Harry replied.
"It feels good that we still have reasonable people in our family. It saddens me that you will leave us soon. Now I feel like it is just Andromeda and I. Is there anything I can do for you?" Sirius asked.
"I wish I could fly like you. I always wanted to see the lands and sky from afar. Many years I have not ridden a broom."
"These two gentlemen and I can do far better than that. Call the people, after we get our helmets on and we will take you for a ride on something very comfortable and special." Hermione replied.
"Christopher?" Cassiopeia called.
Christopher who led a rather quiet life at the elderly home was surprised to see three wizards in the room with "Cassie", who was one of his favourites at the elderly home. There also seemed to be some type of floating wheelchair next to the bed. Harry had brought the item, fully cloaked as he expected to carry the woman around from the initial investigation.
"Come Christopher. I would like you to meet some family members of mine. Lord Black, the Storm-Lord and the Storm-Priestess."
"Easy Christopher no honorifics. Thank you for seeing her. I did not have any idea she was alive until she wrote to me." Sirius replied.
"She insisted that she wanted a quiet life." The caretaker replied.
"Correct Chris. Now I don't have long. These lovely people have promised me an adventure. And I will spend my last days at Peverell manor. Then I want to be cremated, and my ashes spread out at sea. You are invited to my funeral, along with those people who know me. Do not worry about me, it is time for my next journey…"
As Christopher left the room, Cassiopeia was even when more surprised when Harry and Hermione gently lifted her without any wands and placed her in the wheelchair with ease. Then the wheelchair followed Sirius as they left the building and walked a little bit into the woods. The others, who had managed to get a glimpse, were aware that "Cassie" was a member of House Black, and they did not ask many questions.
"Chris, did you actually see the Storm-Lord and Storm-Priestess?"
"Yes. They were very easygoing." Christopher answered.
"They have enough weapons to take out an entire army?" the other female caretaker replied.
"Do they have guns?" another young woman asked.
"It looks so. I saw a shotgun and I don't know…a submachine gun? Pistols and Assualt rifles too. Grenades. The armour plates float over their body. That is very cool. They have jetpacks too. Like Boba Fett in Star Wars. You remember that one right?" Christopher asked.
"Yes. The Death Eaters burnt down my aunt's Parchment and Quill business. We were reimbursed a large sum of money. After they killed the lot of them, the money helped her rebuild the store. I almost wanted to say thank you, but I didn't want to interfere. It had to be them?"
"Cassie says she doesn't have much time. We have been invited to her funeral. Lord Black was there too. I guess things are changing." Christopher commented.
Cassie arrived at the little clearing in the woods and looked at the gunship as it uncloaked, under the pale moonlight. For someone who only recently began to understand the advancements in the mundane world, she realised exactly what she was looking at, as the ramp lowered.
"Is this is an aeroplane?" asked the woman.
"Eleven out of ten for knowing. Of course. We have all the mundane engineering and some custom magic in this. Come let us get you seated." Harry laughed. Soon enough the woman was seated next to Sirius and the ramp closed. Cassie who had sharp eyes was quite surprised to see the spinal interface snap into the armour. The viewports opened up and suddenly most of the aircraft was clear. She could sense the crystals, and it seemed that they held massive amounts of magical power. They almost resembled batteries. And the pedestal behind her, something about the magic seemed to remind her of something. Her suspicions were soon confirmed as Harry and Hemione ran the pre-flight check.
This is Thunderbolt-I beginning flight pre-check. Confirmed on the uplink?"
…..
"Beginning the Reactor check…..Hydrogen is live."
…..
"Green on the Fiendfyre containment. Starting at two per cent and holding. Now running at seventy three cycles per second."
…..
Cassiopeia looked back at the reactor and realised that they had contained Fiendfyre in the artefact? When the blue flames began to slowly leak into the engines, she realised that they were using the spell to fly?
…..
"Good on the main cannon. Retracting….Weapons are priming correctly and are hot." replied Harry.
…..
It was one thing to already be inside this thing, but were all those small objects spell cannons? There were at least twelve of them. And were they controlled mentally? The illusion of the long object seemed to indicate that Harry could see where the cannon was pointed, and he could target it by turning his head?
…..
"Diagnostic for the main jump drive is green. Cloak is engaged. Cassie where do you want to go?" Hermione asked.
"I want to see England from the coast. I want to see all of it. The cities, how they look at night? I want to see non-magicals and what they have built?"
"Alright. If we are circling the country a small detour can put us at Hogwarts. We could start not too far from there, and circle the shore, and end of there last?"
"Oh yes, I would like that very much!" the old woman exclaimed.
"Priming for a jump to Hogwarts Lake. Prepare for transportation in 3..2.."
Cassiopeia wondered if the ship was a portkey?
"1..!" Hermione finished.
Cassiopeia over the next four hours looked at England from afar as Hermione flew at an altitude where she was not likely to run into any other aircraft. Cassie had a chance to experience the speed and precision of the aircraft, as she looked on. There were any number of small snacks onboard, as Sirius filled her in on everything that had happened. Finally, they were at Hogwarts and it was approaching midnight. Under the moonlight, the castle looked beautiful. Hermione expertly hovered not too far off from the castle so that Cassiopeia could get a good look at everything.
"Well, how was it?" Sirius asked.
"Best night of my life! England is a beautiful place at nighttime. Much has changed in the non-magical world, but we stay the same. I am glad we have embraced change. I want to be cremated at Blackmoor in France. Do you know any who can do the rituals?"
"Cyrus Greengrass is a good friend of ours and an ally. He follows the old ways." Siris explained.
"Good. I know of him. A fair and dependable man. Come carry me to Peverell Manor, let me meet the extended family and all of your collaborators. Bring Andromeda and her daughter too."
The rest of the night was spent with a small meet and greet. Even the Hogwarts students had been summoned out of their dorms. Cassiopeia realised that Harry and Hermione were very accomplished to create such artefacts that allowed them to travel so easily. And to bypass wards? And the elderly woman had been quite pleased to meet Augusta, Frank and Alice Longbottom, who had been partially restored.
"Oh, I feel like I am among family again. This was a special night. Thank you children for coming in the middle of the night to see me off, even though I am a stranger. Cyrus, thank you for the assurance that the rites will be observed. Keep me company tonight Sirius. I will not be here by the morning…."
"I think we will also stay," Cyrus replied as Reginald nodded.
"I think all of us except the children, will stay?" Andromeda remarked.
"Alright then, what are we taking for booze then?" Sirius asked. "Scotch, Whiskey, Port or Wine take your pick, Cassie?"
"I like how you do things around here. You have no idea how much you are like Phineas Black II, Sirius."
As the morning arrived, Sirius held the hand of the last of the old Blacks, as the woman passed with a smile on her face. There were small tears on many faces - to see the life leave someone's body was not an easy experience. Harry had a knot in his chest as he realised that one day, he would have to look upon the people he loved, and they would go to the void. And while portraits were somewhat life-like, they were nothing but a mere shadow.
That which was born must die.
Could he let go of his adoptive mother? And his grandparents? What about Hermione? Sirius? Remus? No, it was too dreadful to think about. Until such a time came, he would not think about it much. Hermione who was looking on whispered…
"I know why you are upset. One day I will look upon my mother and father, and it will be no different. We want our parents to be here forever, but that is wishful thinking. Come on Harry, let us help with the preparations….."
Three days later, Cassiopeia was clad in white as the smoke from Blackmoor Estate arose into the air. Cyrus wore the traditional white robes as he prayed to the old gods to guide the soul, beyond the veil. The rest of the Wizards were dressed in black funeral robes. The Hogwarts students had skipped class, and the teachers did not object as they assumed that they were not well. As the rituals were completed, the ashes were gathered in an urn by Sirius.
Cassiopeia had questioned Harry about his portkey system, and after the pair had explained its development, she had requested a change in the funeral arrangements. While the Blacks were generally scattered into the sea or the wind, she had asked if she could be scattered among the stars.
"I can't say where the rocket will go. We don't even know if magic works in space. We can be assured that we can get your ashes out to about 8,000 km. And I don't know if Fiendfyre propulsion works in space." Harry explained.
"Then this is what I would like. Let my ashes mingle in the cosmos, as my lineage has always looked to the stars." Cassie requested.
After most of the crowd had left, only Harry, Hermione and Sirius were present. Harry uncloaked a small apparatus, and Sirus placed the urn in a 'rocket'. Unlike most rockets that required escape velocity, this rocket would be apparated high into orbit with eight power crystals, before small manoeuvring thrusters would point the rocket at the sun. Then the Fienfyre combustion would provide propulsion. Of course, nobody knew the effective range of the protean charm. In the worst-case scenario, the rocket would continue to travel through the solar system, and if the Fiendfyre thrust failed, there was a small Hydrogen Peroxide rocket that could nudge the rocket into a particular direction, until the propellant was consumed.
"Preparing for apparition into orbit…..3…2..1…" Harry explained as he looked at the countdown.
ZAP!
The rocket had disappeared. Suddenly the handheld mirror was filled with a picture of the cold darkness of space and the stars glinted against the cold void.
"Did it work?" Sirius asked.
"Yes, we didn't hit anything. I guess we are lucky. We are so far off from where we were supposed to be but we will manage," Hermione replied as she slowly explored multiple directions with the small peroxide manoeuvring jets. When the sun came into view, she started the Fiendfyre thruster
"How are we going?" Harry asked about twenty minutes later.
"We are in a straight line towards the sun. How fast? I don't know. Even the mirror is beginning to look fuzzy."
"Well, maybe it is far away from the planet? Just fire off the peroxide rocket before we can't get any use from it? And open the urn and let her ashes out?" Harry suggested.
Soon enough the tank and the urn compartment were empty and they prepared to return to Peverell Manor.
"Rest Cassiopeia Balck. And be comforted that you are the first Black to travel the stars…." Sirius whispered.
