A/N: I do not own Harry Potter nor the Advent of the Archmage. They are owned by J.K. Rowling and Mo Xiang respectively.

The news spread like a storm. The Malfoy family head has just been announced dead.

While it was a sad day for the family, many if not all of their previous associates turned from sheep to wolves within an instant.

Lucius Malfoy was a man to be feared. He was a well above-average mage, with a broad knowledge of dark curses and spells. He also possessed a political and economic mind few could compare to. He managed to raise the Malfoy name to be one of the richest magical families in Europe. With shops and connections all over the continent. Some even beyond the scope of Europe. The Malfoy family was very well entrenched.

However, his ambition did not stop there. Lucius dreamed of more than just money. Power was a very attractive aspect. He started as an average spokesperson in the Wizengamot, but then he saw an opportunity through the Dark Lord.

Using his silver tongue, Lord Malfoy managed to claw his way to the top of the dark faction. His master had taken a liking to the Blond haired man. His information and position proved very useful to the Heir of Slytherin. Thus his introduction to the inner circle of the Knights of Walpurgis.

However, now that he is dead. His child, too young to take over. His wife was considered a non-entity. Their allies turned to enemies in a heartbeat. Whatever standing they possessed, shattered like a falling house of cards, along with their worldview. Everything seemed bleak.

"These bastards… how dare they… how dare they…" cursed Narcissa. It was well into the night. Her son was long asleep, still in mourning over his father. Not that she could blame him. She was very much the same. It hadn't even been a week since they buried him.

"Not even a week and they are already rabid at the thought of taking over our estate. Our assets" she laughed bitterly. "Is this the great nobility of the pure-blood families?"

Dangerous thoughts filtered through her mind. Ones that would have been enough to label her as a blood traitor by most pure-bloods. Nevertheless, she can't help but have them.

Very few even attended her husband's funeral. Unsurprisingly, none of the members of the Dark faction even participated, except for Lords Crabe and Goyle.

A few families from the neutral faction, such as the Greengrass and the Davies were present. The surprising additions were the Headmaster of the school, along with a few teachers. As well as the Lord Diggory.

The biggest surprise to her was her sister's presence.

A small sad smile forced its way to her face at the interaction the estranged sisters had on the day.

Flashback (Start):

The sun was shining. The wind was gentle. Birds were chirping in the air, the wards around the Mannor promptly shot those down. They fell, just as the family currently in black fell just the day before.

The funeral was going along as planned, yet almost nobody showed up. The minister was the first to show his face, though he left just as quickly not 5 minutes later with insincere greetings.

Dumbledor, Snape and McGonagall were also present. Though this time the condolences were more genuine. Even if for the Vice-Headmistress, it was more for Draco's sake rather than any feelings of sympathy for the deceased. It was much better than the rest that would not stay longer. Even Lords Crabbe and Goyle and their family left early.

It was midday when she felt a slight deviation from the wards. Intrigued, Lady Dowager Malfoy made her way to the entrance. Only to see her estranged sister, dressed in black and looking her straight in the eyes.

Someone she hadn't seen for a long time. Not since she betrayed her family for her measly mud-blood of a husband.

She couldn't help but let out a chuckle in disbelief.

Her pure-blood friends abandoned her. Her husband's pureblood associates abandoned him the second he died. The connections they possessed, might as well be sand scattered along the air.

When it comes down to it, family is truly the one thing you can rely on.

Her sister welcomed Andromeda Tonks back for the first time in 2 decades. Narcissa cried out her grief in the accepting and safe embrace of her older sister.

Flashback (End):

The world truly does work in mysterious ways. She had lost a husband, but she regained a sister.

Perhaps it was time for a change of pace.

'I wish my life will stay like this forever' thought Rose Potter as she lounged in the spa centre Mrs Granger brought her to. It was the middle of summer, her birthday was yesterday. Her gift from the Granger Parents were tickets to a spa day.

She did not understand it at first, but now she does. This is how people are meant to live. Pampered and pandered to. The company was also great. The soft music is as relaxing as the first lights of dawn.

This kind of treatment is sure to turn even the grouchy Petunia Dursely into a decent human being for the day at least. Not that she would ever invite that woman. Emma Granger is by far the better choice.

"This is heaven"

"This is hell"

"..."

"I hate this time of year"

"..."

"Why are we always the ones to come here? Aren't you annoyed?"

"Just shut up. You know very well why we are always coming here. We are better versed in the Patronus spell than the rest in our unit. So we come first to secure the area. Now get to work."

Grumbling was all that was heard as the two Aurors set out to secure the apparition zone.

It was cold. Freezing would be a more apt description. The breath of the two aurors visible to the naked eye. Frost was already settling in on them, quickly. Unnaturally fast.

Not only from the climate of the northern Scottish isle, but the terrible aura the guards emit simply by breathing. A cold so strong, that the soul suffers a stinging sensation. Hampering the wit and strength of any being long before they are affected by their magic.

Dementors were beings that are closest to being called truly immortal. Vile as they are, they possess one quality that makes them truly remarkable. They are relentless. They will follow their objective with unwavering zeal, and unquenchable intensity.

The two aurors were quick to cast Patronuses, having them move around the clearing. Almost instantly the difference could be felt. The cold slowed its approach, instead merely hovering at the edge of the area of effect.

It wasn't long before another group of people apparated into the zone. There were 4 more aurors, who were quick to cast their own Patronus, to fill up the gaps the area had. There was the Minister for Magic, Mr Cornelius Fudge and finally, the Director of the DMLE, Madam Amelia Bones.

The Minister is a portly man who sweats at the slightest physical effort, such as lifting a glass to drink its water. Wearing a pinstripe suit and a bowler hat, people might question why he was not wearing a wizarding robe. The answer to that is something none but the Minister and the Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot are allowed to know.

The heads of the Muggle Government are already aware of the Wizarding world. The Minister for Magic must occasionally report to the Prime Minister and the monarch of the happenings of the magic world. Though somewhat autonomous, they must still adhere to the Queen's Law. The situation is quite similar in other nations as well.

But that is another story.

For now, the Minister and the Head of the DMLE must conduct their yearly inspection of their most notorious prisons. Even internationally, Azkaban is renowned and feared, mainly due to the guards that claim the land as theirs.

Madam Bones is a fit woman of 40 years. Though she is dressed in Auror uniform, she possesses an aura of strength and power that forces people to give her the respect she is due.

She was an excellent Auror before her promotion, one of Mad-Eye's best pupils. Her number of achievements are staggering. Had she been the head of the DMLE back when Voldemort was in power, maybe his reign might not have been as smooth as it was.

"Let's get this over with. I always hate this part of the job"

"You and me both Minister."

The group made their way through the rather impressive castle. Protected by their Patronus. Though the Dementors follow the Minister's orders, it is better to be safe than sorry. You never know with these creatures.

Think of their relationship as a Mercenary/Client type. They are not loyal to the client, but they will work for them given the right price.

The purpose of this yearly inspection is to check on the inmates. Perform a headcount, renew the wards, and a darker aspect. To remove dead bodies. Not everyone can survive the tender mercies of the prison guards.

Of course, there are a few poor souls from the DMLE that are sent to this dreadful place for months at a time. Everyone must pass through at least once in their career. The Prison shift, otherwise known as Hell by the Aurors, is used as both a form of punishment and a way to increase their courage. Next to these wraiths, what are a few thugs?

Eventually, they reached the top level. The most heavily guarded and fortified part of the Prison. An area reserved only for the vilest of criminals. Which, obviously, meant the Death eaters at this moment. They were the most recent evil to plague the country.

Cornelius was always uncomfortable when visiting this wing. Every Wizard and Witch locked up here are powerful and insane. A dangerous combination. With the likes of Bellatrix Lestrange, her husband and about a dozen other Death Eaters. The minister must truly muster every ounce of his courage to cross the corridor. Thankfully he had a remarkable retinue accompanying him. Namely Madam Bones.

Let us not forget about the worst of them all. The traitor kept farthest away from the door, and near constantly without any form of light. Sirius Orion Black.

"Is it that time of year already, Minister?" came the jovial tone. "I must say, I do quite miss this, human interaction is important you know. And unfortunately, these lot aren't much for conversation. All they do is scream in agony after all."

There it was. His calm demeanour. It truly unnerved them all. Even the Head of the DMLE was perturbed. How can anyone keep their sanity while stuck in this Merlin-forsaken land? Most people lose all sense of sanity within a year, some of the hardier ones could last for two.

Not this man.

He retained his sanity against all odds. He kept his wit and his presence composed for more than 12 years. Regardless of his actions, a certain amount of respect is unintentionally afforded to him.

"It is, Black"

"Oh, is that the Prophet I see? Mind if I have it? Been a while since I tried the crossword"

With a grunt, the Minister flung the News Paper to the jailed man, before turning to leave.

"Inspection is over, time for us to leave"

"Yes, Minister."

But not before Madam Bones took the newspaper, leaving only the crossword section to the man. Bereaving him of news from the outside world.

All the while, Sirius observed them with a mocking smile. It was not the first time that happened. He also learned early on not to plead his case to the inspection team. None would hear anything of it.

Once the Patronus faded from view, the biting cold returned. Sirius' expression shifted into sadness as yet another year passed without being able to see his God-daughter. Merlin, he hopes she's ok.

With a sigh, he turned back into his Grim animagus, just as the screams of his fellow prisoners returned with a vengeance. He laid down in the corner and went to sleep.

"I can't wait to see this"

"I hope it's good. I heard it was filmed using stop motion. It should be really difficult to do."

Rose and Link were heading towards a Cinema, there was a new movie that had just come out. "The nightmare before Christmas" by Tim Burton. They were excited to see the film.

2 weeks before they have to return to Hogwarts, the two students were using every second afforded to them to enjoy the muggle world as much as the wizarding world.

Honestly, for Rose, every summer exceeds the one before with how much she enjoys herself.

"We will be going to Diagon Alley tomorrow. Last minute shopping and you said you wanted to buy some treats for Hedwig?"

"Yes, I'm running low on those. Also, I want some Ice Cream from Fortescue, they have my favourite flavour. Treacle Tart Ice Cream."

Nodding along, Link bought the tickets and popcorn before the two of them enjoyed the show.

Meanwhile, a piece of news swept through the wizarding world. Everyone was in an uproar. Well, the radical Pure-bloods were. The rest were impressed and in awe.

A 12-year-old student from Hogwarts had just taken and passed his OWLs. Not only that, but his grades were record-breaking. What enraged these Pure-Bloods was the fact that the record holder is none other than a Muggle-Born Wizard.

A lowly mudblood, dare usurp their position as best. It was done rather easily as well. They will not stand for this. The new leader of the Dark faction, or what they like to call the True Wizarding Faction, Lord Nott was pushing for a dismissal. He, along with his party, was looking for any possible method to retract the scores.

They were secretly planning to go a step further than that. That boy cannot be allowed to continue his education, lest he upheaves all their long-standing beliefs and tradition.

Of course, the light faction was opposing this action. This young man is a source of pride. They have a genius Wizard born in their very country. He is to become the very pride of the nation in years to come. Surely such a jewel must be preserved, not discarded.

The back and forth continued for well over two weeks. Most other squabbles were left aside until this 'dilemma' could be solved.

There were talks of bringing the kid in, to test him again. To intimidate him. However, all of these were blocked by the Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot. Now that his greatest adversary is gone, Dumbledore has a much better command of the world of British Wizarding Politics.

The conclusion for this overextended debate was to happen in 1 week's time. 1 Week before the start of the new school year.

The thing about Wizardkind is, very few are proactive. They prefer to procrastinate. This applies to the majority, as per usual, the 2 weeks before returning to Hogwarts, Diagon Alley experiences a rush of customers. It is the peak season for the number of pedestrians visiting the Alley.

"Thank Merlin we came here last month. The amount of time we saved." huffed Rose

"Yeah, now come. Let's finish our errands so we can find a place at Fortescue." nodded Link

Off they were to their first stop. The Magical menagerie. On their way, they met up with a friend.

Ron was having the best summer of his life. His dad had won a trip to Egypt in the lottery, he had taken the whole family there. Charlie and Bill met them there.

It was needed, after the school year they had.

It was an all-expense paid trip. So they visited the magical part, and the muggle part as well. Though the latter had to be done at night, outside of any muggle's presence.

The Pyramids were grand, the inside was also beautiful. The amount of attention to detail was staggering.

Ron isn't one to enjoy a history lesson, but being there. Being so close to 5,000 years' worth of history. Even he was moved. Not to forget that while magic did exist back then, it was wielded by the rich and powerful, like the Pharaoh. The magic users would never deign to offer their services in the construction of such a colossal project. This means muggles built them. On their own. It was incredible to think about.

The Sphinx, as beautiful as it was, was smaller than he expected. Especially when put in contrast with the massive pyramids.

They also visited the magical parts of Egypt, including all their magical tombs. It was an experience he won't forget anytime soon.

The food was great. The hotel was very comfortable. They even went to the beach, something they had never done before. The water was clear, the sand was warm.

Truly one of the most memorable moments of his young life.

The only hiccup to the otherwise great trip was that Scabbers, his pet rat that he inherited from his brother, fell a little ill.

It was understandable, the change in climate, the boat rides and the long-distance portkeys. They weren't easy on an animal. Especially one as old and fat as this one was.

So the day after they returned from the trip, Ron took Scabbers with him on their rush to Diagon Alley and made sure to get some money so that they may treat the poor animal.

Shortly after getting their books and potion ingredients, Ron made his way to Magical Menagerie, only to bump into a few friends.

"Ron, how have you been? We saw that you were in Egypt, how was it?"

"Rose! Link! You guys are here" Ron said with a smile. Happy to meet up with his friends. "Yeah, I was. Dad won the lottery at work, turns out it was an all-expense paid trip to Egypt. You can't imagine how fun it was. Let me tell you…"

Rose and Link were smiling along as they listened to Ron's tale of his journey through the country.

Soon they arrived at the store, where Rose was quick to choose the owl treats and joined Ron at the counter. He was explaining Scabbers condition to the clerk.

Suddenly, there was a cat that ran full throttle towards the rat at the counter. Panicked squeaking filled the air quickly as pandemonium ensued within the store. Ron was chasing the cat, that was chasing the rat.

Rose tried to help, but the cat was slippery, it kept evading capture. The rat was quite adept as well, leading the cat on a wild chase.

Link took his time to intervene due to the sheer absurdity of the situation. He also thought the store clerk was going to interfere, however, he kept watching with a stunned expression. Obviously, the poor man had never encountered such an event. Which is perplexing given that this was an animal shop with kids coming and going every day.

Regardless, Link cast the petrifying jinx on both animals locking them in place.

"What the bloody hell was that?" yelled Ron, red-faced from both exertion and anger.

That jarred the storekeeper from his stupor.

"That was a half-kneazle. That's the first time it behaved like that. It has a nasty temper but is usually well behaved." he explained. "Terribly sorry for that. How about I give you this potion on the house for your trouble. I'm sure they can at least help your rat."

That muted Ron's anger by quite a bit, however, it was still present.

"Bloody cat"

"Wait… Did you say it was a half-kneazle?"

"Yes I did" was the confused reply, not sure where this was going.

"Link, mate, don't tell me you want that blasted cat?"

"No, no I do not How old did you say your rat was?"

"Not sure, Charlie got him while he was still in Hogwarts, maybe 10-12 years ago. Why?"

"Rats only live up to 3 years at most. And that isn't a magical rat."

Alarm was starting to show on the adult's face. Beginning to understand what is going on.

"Ron, give me the rat"

"What? No. also, undo the spell"

"Ron, hand over the rat, please. I don't think that your pet is really a rat"

"Huh? What do you mean? Of course, he's a rat. We had him since forever. Stop being mental Link. I'm leaving."

"Sorry Ron, you'll understand in a bit… Accio Scabbers"

"Hey, Scabbers... Link, give him back" His wand was now pointed at his friend. His anger getting the better of him. At least he restrained the urge to cast anything.

Placing the rat on the table, Link cast an animagus revealing spell on the rat. It glowed golden, proving for all those present that the rat was an animagus.

"It's an animagus. A Human transformed into an animal."

His anger left him in an instant. Deflated and stunned, Ron could only whisper in complete disbelief and horror. "Animagus?"

The realisation that they harboured an animagus for so long boggled his mind. They had that rat for 12 years. It ate with them, slept in the same room… it saw him bathe… worse, it saw Ginny bathe.

Panic was taking root in his young mind as the implications were battering his mind. Hyperventilating, he felt the world spin. Everything was muted, or very distant. His vision was blurry. He could hardly see. He could feel darkness encroaching on the edges of his bubble. Things were getting faint.

"Get an aurror please" said Link to the clerk, before turning to Ron. He could see that his friend was experiencing a panic attack. "Ron, Ron look at me. Look at me" He grabbed him by his shoulders and forced Ron to face him. "Listen to my voice, Ron. Focus only on my voice. Forget everything else. Can you hear me? If you do, breathe. With me now. Breathe in… Breathe out… again… Breathe in… Breathe out… Good, you're doing good Ron. Breathe in… Breathe out…"

Rose stood to the side, her eyes wide at what just transpired. She couldn't believe it, that rat was an animagus? But, who is it?

Soon the Aurors were here, the commotion drew in the attention of people loitering around. Which drew in the Weasley family. They were equally horrified at the prospect. Molly Weasley nearly lost herself in rage wanting to attack the creature that dare defile her daughter's privacy. It was also one of the rare moments that Arthur Weasley was angry. It was a terrifying sight.

Merlin forbid that there was anything more untoward that happened. There wouldn't be a force on this planet that will stop the parents from exacting their revenge should that be the case.

Aurror Shacklebot was the most senior officer present in this retinue. He was efficient, Quickly securing the perimeter, and surrounding the suspect. Once he made sure the rat was secure, he cast the counter on animagus transformation. Forcing the rat into its true form.

There was a gasp that echoed amongst those present.

The man standing before them was portly, unkept, and scraggly. His clothes were old and frayed. His hair was a mess. His teeth bucking like that of a rat. His eyes squirmed around, terrified of their surroundings.

It was quiet for a while before someone whispered a name.

"Pettigrew?"

A/N: Sorry for the very late update. I had taken a vacation and completely lost track of writing. I also experienced a minor writers block as I needed to know the direction I'll be taking for the third year. I hope to return to usual updates soon.

Hope you enjoy the chapter.