Chapter Three: Night Of The Watchful Eye

The students walked through the large, oak front doors and into the great hall. The room was filled with levitating candles glowing gold, the roof was enchanted with its cloudless, starry sky and the banners of the four houses; Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff and Slytherin draped the walls. Harry noticed that Ron seemed to be getting quite the attention besides the amazing stuff surrounding everybody. People thought his afro was laudable and were asking what he was going to get next, many people giving advice on various piercing. Ron's twin brothers were quick to joke on a piercing through his mouth so he couldn't talk. When they managed their way to a seat at the Gryffindor table Harry looked up at the staff where he saw more new faces than he had expected. A lady that Harry was not happy to see was Mrs. Malfoy who he recognized from the quidditch world cup. Although Harry did not have anything against her personally her son Draco and husband Lucius were evil enough for a thousand people. She was enmeshed in conversation with someone Harry didn't recognize, a tall man with well presented brown hair but burns to his face made him look as though he was not someone you would like to meet down a dark alley. The last a young lady with midnight black hair, and captivating blue eyes drew Harry's attention until the first years rummaged in.

The sorting hat had stood silent on a three legged stool until it burst into song;

"Years have gone since your founders once lay

Ever learning and teaching was their way,

For you they set up this most fine school

So that you may play and learn to rule,

For named after them the houses are

But their time has passed so far,

Though which you will be,

It is up to me;

Hufflepuff are so busy and will not squander

Nothing will woo them and make them wander,

Ravenclaw are so clever and sharp at mind,

Sure to succeed are they who don't lag behind,

Gryffindor are the most brave and strong

No challenge to tough for those of no wrong,

Slytherin they are so very cunning

One would be careful for their power a running,

One who was lost will now be found

For this school will lift you from the ground,

There will never be a better way

Now I have nothing more to say,

So put me atop your head

And all light I swear to shed."

At the conclusion of the song all the occupants of the great hall burst into applause. Professor McGonagall stood up to cease the applause so that the sorting could begin. She called names and as she did they moved up and put the hat on. "Bell, Emma." Harry recognized her as Katie's sister and new that families were often in the same houses. This idea was proven when the hat yelled out "Gryffindor!" The sorting continued as professor McGonagall called the next name "Grace, Berry." A young girl with dark red hair walked up to the stool and put the hat on. She looked very nervous and the hat covered her eyes. When the hat called "Ravenclaw," she was quick to adjourn the spotlight. Many people followed all going into there houses. Cavio Redman and Revio Terious to Hufflepuff and Slytherin respectively. When the rest of the first years had been sorted into their houses the hat was removed.

Dumbledore rose from his seat and all eyes were immediately glued to him. "Before we start the feast there are a few matters we must adhere to," said Dumbledore as he surveyed the entire hall through his half moon spectacles. "Firstly I would like to say that the Forbidden Forest is out of bounds to all those who wish to learn unscathed. Now to the introductions. This year we are introducing a new security program for the safety of yourselves." At these words chatter broke out among the student as to the reason for security, this however was put to an end when Dumbledore continued. "The chief security officer will be Remus Lupin and the second in command will be Neureo Pluto," Dumbledore gestured to a man on his left and the tall man at the end of table stood and was welcomed by applause. "We have also had the honor of once again filling the position for the defense against the dark arts, we are fortunate to have Professor Malfoy take up this roll and we know she will do well teaching here." The blonde woman nodded her head and received a loud welcome largely from the Slytherin table. "Our last member to introduce is Hogwarts first guidance councilor. Percylius Ivy is an acknowledged author and auror." The beautiful woman stood and caught the attention of the students, the males at least. Harry was reminded of the vela and there hypnotizing appearances. There was a bit of whistling and then Dumbledore quieted the hall down. "Now that we have passed these maters it about time to eat," with these the plates magically filled with all sorts of food. Harry and everyone else ate until they were replete.

Harry was nervous the next day his first class of the year was dark arts which he had always topped. However he was now being taught by his enemy's mother. How was this class going to be fair? Harry walked into the class and took a seat at the back with Ron and Hermione. At the front of the class stood professor Malfoy who looked quite cheerful. "Probably can't wait to take points from Gryffindor," Harry said to Ron, Ron nodding in concurrence. Once everyone had taken there seats professor Malfoy started "This class may be the most important whilst you attend Hogwarts." She scanned the classroom and her gaze somehow made Harry feel relaxed and at ease. "We are in a time maybe more dangerous than any other," Harry realized she was talking about Voldemort. "During this year I will help develop your skills so that if you are faced with great dangers you will have adequate ability to defend yourself. How about we have some volunteers to display what can happen in a duel." The class seemed suddenly ten times as more interested but Harry felt worried when she signaled to him and Draco to come forth. He stood at the front of the classroom eyes not blinking. "Okay, now Draco you use a shield charm "reducio" and Harry use a stunner. This will show that spells can be stopped by charms, however not all magic can be blocked and some spells need stronger shield charms." Harry had already done practice on shield charms in the DA so had some of the others so this wasn't new news. Professor Malfoy however continued to share her knowledge, "You can't win a duel by just attacking, you need strategy. It is wise to first take the defensive and counterattack once you have studied your opponent. When your ready Harry." Harry readied himself and then "imulio," a ball of white energy shot from the end of his wand towards Draco and then Draco yelled "revertio," a smirk broadening over his face however something no one except Harry expected happened, the energy split and five balls flew around Draco and hit him from behind sending him crashing towards the wall. A great jubilant roar came from the crowd while professor Malfoy went over to rejuvenate Draco. As Harry was going back to his seat he heard Draco yell "locomotor mortis" and he face planted into the ground. His face was numb and he knew Draco had just performed the leg locker curse on him. The next thing he heard was something he thought he never would. "Draco, twenty points from Slytherin and detention. A warning now to you all, everyone will atone for their actions in my class." Harry released himself from the leg lock and turned around to see Draco in absolute shock. This certainly assuaged Harry from all ill feelings towards professor Malfoy.

After one of the best lessons Harry could remember he had some spare time and headed down to the grounds to find Lupin. When walking towards the gates to Hogsmeade he saw some figures that were now walking towards him. Getting closer he recognized the figures as chief officer Remus Lupin and second in command Neureo Pluto. "Hey Lupin, Mr. Pluto," Harry said as the two parties reached one another. "Call me Reo," and the tall man shook Harry's hand with a very strong grip causing his hand to go rather white. "Ah Harry seems you got my present," said Lupin and he looked down at the gold ruby encrusted pendant remembering why he was down here. "Lupin why is it that you gave this pendant to me, it seems really important?" "Yes I thought it might make you curious. Harry do you know who that originally belonged to?" "Godric Gryffindor did it not," answered Harry. "Quite right you are. It is said that this pendant granted Godric Gryffindor access to a secret tomb where he stored treasures and was able to unleash great power." "Why give it to me then?" Asked Harry, curious of why someone would give it away given that it can possess such great power. "Because it is basically worthless apart from its aesthetic points. No one knows where the tomb is and only a true Gryffindor can open the tomb even if someone was to find it." At these words Harry realized Lupin had given this to Harry incase he was to stumble upon the tomb given that he had entered the chamber of Salazar Slytherin he might just be the one to find the tomb.

When Harry got to the common room he saw Hermione in the corner table to herself writing an essay. "Hermione only first day isn't it?" "Harry if you don't start now you'll get behind and put yourself up for failure." There conversation was interrupted when Ron walked in. He seemed quite unsettled and rather flustered. "Ron is something the matter?" Asked Hermione. "Ye-yes there is. I have just been to see Dumbledore about the letter and he said don't worry it's probably just a taunt from somebody who doesn't like you and we have the security now so you'll be very safe." Ron didn't seem convinced as he said this. "Why are you so worried if that's the case?" Asked Hermione wanting to assuage herself from curiosity. "Well Dumbledore told me the security was here for Harry's protection, apparently someone blew up his entire house killing the three residents but they didn't kill the one they were after, Harry." Both Ron and Hermione looked at Harry and then questioned him on why he had kept this so furtive. Harry responded with a slight stutter, "I didn't even know about it." There was then silence in that corner of the room each person thinking of what could of happened to Harry. Hermione was the first person to speak up, "Well I'm guessing it was Voldemort, only a powerful wizard could blow an entire house up. I'm sure you'll be safe here Harry with all the security." Harry nodded to show he shared the same thought but that really wasn't what he thought, if Voldemort was after him simple security won't stop him from getting what he wants, it was only a matter of time when Harry was going to come off second best.

It was morning and Harry walked down to the Great Hall to get breakfast. On his way he couldn't stop the dubiousness towards Dumbledore's calm state. He however took some bacon and eggs and began eating. His thoughts were soon shuffled to the side when Hedwig swooped in and dropped a letter on the table. The snowy white owl nibbled on some toast while Harry pulled the Gringots seal from the letter. Inside there was some parchment and a quill. The letter read;

To Mr. Harry James Potter

You are required to attend a reading of the will for the deceased Sirius Ornopus Black at the time of ten in the morning of the third day of September.

The meeting will take place at Gringots room sixteen E.F. please make sure you are not tardy.

The quill will transport you to Diagon alley at the words 'bed spread'.

Final Testament

Rodge Sherildonh

Harry looked at his watch which read nine fifty five so he took the quill and ran down to the grounds and through the entrance gate and said, "Bed spread." Suddenly everything around Harry begun to swirl and he felt as though the ground had just disappeared. He closed his eyes but was getting very dizzy and next thing he new he felt ground shock as Diagon alley came into focus. He quickly moved up the marble steps into Gringots. Just in the entrance there was a small goblin with large ears, nose and a bad set of teeth. "This way Mr. Potter," the Goblin said and Harry followed him through many unusually similar corridors until they entered a room. Inside the room Harry recognized professor Malfoy and Tonks, each he greeted with a friendly wave. Sitting on the far side of the room long black hair shadowing her emotionless face Harry saw Bellatrix Lestrange the person who had killed Sirius. Harry felt like blowing her asunder as his body was engulfed with rage. He could feel the thump of his heart beat in his head and began to feel himself heating up. Without thought Harry pulled the wand from his robes and targeted Bellatrix. The unhindered woman stood and spoke in a mysterious, soft voice, "Harry, put down your wand. It was not my intention to bring Sirius' life to an end, but what is done is done and I do hope that you will come to the understanding that I am in pain for what has happened as well." Harry stood motionless for some time before lowering his wand. He realized that his problems would not be solved by using Odin's slash on her and it would not be Sirius' wish for Harry to do this either. The Goblin assumedly Rodge Sherildonh entered the room and called for attention, "All of you have been gathered today to discuss the final wishes of Sirius Ornopus Black. He has left a statement concerning you four which I will now read.

Hello to you all. Because you are hearing this I have passed on. First things first we need to sort out who is to receive what. So Firstly to Bellatrix, Narcissa and Nymphodora I give five hundred thousand galleons. To Bellatrix I give my cape of shadows, to Narcissa I give the orb of Procyon and to Nymphodora I give the ring of Arcturious. To Harry I leave the title Lord of House Black. With this you will receive all of my other possessions and money.

Finally all I have left to give is advice, I will trust that you should all know that we live in a time of darkness and deception, because of this I tell you that the House of Black will always show truth so whenever you are in doubt take refuge. There is no more powerful than those who stick together and remember that hope can be found in the darkest of places.

Sirius Ornopus Black

So Mr. Potter now that you Lord Black you have possession of Sirius' secret residence. It is up to you when you want to visit, I suggest soon, how about tonight?" "Yes the sooner the better," answered Harry thrilled with now owning his own house. "Harry would I be aloud to come with you to the house?" came the voice of Tonks. "There is no need to ask," replied Harry. "Do you two want to come as well?" Asked Harry gesturing towards Narcissa and Bellatrix both of whom nodded furtively.

Harry returned to his classes after the will reading anxious for the day to go by so he would be able to see the house he had just come in possession of. The day however seemed interminable especially with double potions last. At the end of potions Harry rushed from the class and ran to the boys dormitories. He quickly changed into some nice black dress robes with red linings. He then began his decent down to the entrance of the school saying goodbye to Hermione and Ron. On his way through the doors he joined up with Narcissa and they walked together across the grass. "Look Harry full moon. I think there so beautiful." Harry looked up and saw the moon. It was rather large today giving off lots of light. When out of the gates Harry grabbed Narcissa outstretched hand and felt a sudden lurch as they apparated. When Harry caught his bearings he found himself to be standing atop a large hill and a large black manor ahead of him. Harry was standing on the edge of a forest which after a few yards was dark. Harry soon saw Bellatrix and Tonks appear next to him both wearing black hooded robes. "Well we'll be off then," announced Narcissa as she began walking forward. They all followed the curvy path lit by lambent torches until the came to the door of the manor. "Shall I nock?" asked Harry but before anyone answered a book appeared in front of him. He examined the book which seemed very old but in rather good condition. "That is the admittance book" said Bellatrix obviously having experience with magical houses. "You Lord Black are to write the names in the book of anyone who has permission to use the house," continued Bellatrix. Harry took the book and opened it to the first page where the book read 'House Black Admittance'. He flicked through the pages seeing all who the previous Lords of House Black had admitted. When he got to a fresh page he began to write his own name only to find the ink disappear. Muffled giggles from behind Harry made him turn around, he saw that each of the ladies hid there laughter behind their hand. "Don't worry Harry we know this is new to you" said Narcissa. "All you have to do is put a drop of your blood on the page, this allows the book to see who you are and your intentions this will stop your enemies gaining access also," continued Narcissa. So Harry took the knife which had now appeared and cut his finger. As blood started he pressed his finger to the page only to find the blood now disappearing. However a second later the words 'Harry James Potter, Lord of House Black' appeared. Bellatrix, Narcissa and Tonks all took turns to add themselves to the book and Harry watched as there names appeared. When they were finished Bellatrix spoke up, "Harry you must now decide whether or not to grant us admittance, if you choose to accept our request put a drop of blood on our name." Harry looked down at the book and saw that next to each name was 'Wishes for Permanent Residence'. Harry took his finger and marked each name and the words changed to 'Permanent Resident'. Harry was curious however why Bellatrix and Narcissa had asked for his when they already had husbands and homes so he asked both of them. "When I killed my cousin I realized that this is not the person I want to be and I left Voldemort. I was then thought of as an enemy who knows to much so am now a target. My ex husband is still loyal to Voldemort so I don't have anyone who I can ask for help except you Harry," answered Bellatrix and Harry knew that this was her only chance to hide from Voldemort. Narcissa then answered, "My love for my husband has gone since he began torturing people in our house, I can't bear it so I left him taking up the dark arts role to hopefully get some protection from him." Harry saw that Narcissa was also probably a target of Voldemort. "Well that's that, each of you will have full access to the house, I will only be around during school holidays.

Now that the formalities were over the book vanished. Harry moved towards the door to open it but before he could the door swung open by itself, Harry was a little scared at a house that could think for itself but Tonks soon calmed that nerve, "Harry now that you're Lord Black the house will try to make your life as easy as possible. It's not always the house that does the work though, there are nervites living in this house who do chores." Seeing the puzzled look upon Harry's face Tonks continued, "Nervites are like house elves, there about half a foot tall and look like fairies. Nervites are very rare but House Black has hosted some of the last remaining ones." Harry was quite intrigued by this information but so not to stall the tour he continued through the door.

"Harry has gone with Narcissa to House Black," informed Remus. The teachers and security were all surrounding the whomping willow which to it was tied a boy. "Were there any witnesses," asked Dumbledore a tremble in his voice not often heard. "None that are known." Dumbledore spoke up again still not overcoming the shock in his voice, "Someone contact his parents and also fetch Miss Granger and ask her when she last saw him." At these words Minerva walked off at fast pace into the castle. "Neureo take him down," ordered Dumbledore frustration crossing over his face for not having any leads to go on. The tall man pulled his wand from his cloak and with a wave the ropes that held the boy to the tree fell lose. The boy was slowly levitated to the ground, with another wave of his wand the one thousand needles that were stuck in the boy's body lifted out and fell beside him. The boy was now paler than usual and his vibrant ginger afro seemed dull, he had many holes in his body were the needles had been and burns to all over. "Remus when Harry gets back send him to me straight away and Percylius get ready for the ministry they will want to be all over this one," and with that done Dumbledore took his leave.

A/N so that's my third chapter, hope you liked it please leave feedback. Next chapter should be up soon.