Hello, sorry it took so long to get this Chapter up. I hope that it was worth the wait. I really like this chapter. It kind of fills a few things in that I have hinted to in other chapters. Even though it still leaves them wide open.

Some of you will be happy to know that Amai reappears in this chapter. But since there are some words that are in Japanese I think that I should explain.

Hikari no sukuinushi: Savior of Light.

Baka ka: Stupid Asshole.

Patsukin: it just means blonde, but Draco doesn't know that.

San: just an honorific term for someone of the same standing.

Sama: means master

Sensei: is teacher.

Hope that helps you understand some of the things he is saying. I love writing him makes me appreciate the two years of Japanese that I took. Of course I don't remember most of it you don't use it you loose it.

There is also one word that Draco uses that might confuse some but it's a little more self explanatory.

Sloshed: it's basic British slang for drunk.

Thank you so much to everyone who has read and I know that chapter 16 will not be up for a while since the darn writers block has fallen again and squished me flat. But I will try to re-inflate myself soon and get my butt moving on it. And if anyone wishes to be a beta reader I really need one on this story. Warning to any who want to take it on. First this story is already at 82 pages so is quite long and getting longer. If you don't have the patience for it please don't try it. Secondly: I've had a lot of problems in the past with never hearing from Beta readers again (Except for the great almighty Angie thank you). Believe me I understand if you get busy and can't do it anymore. But please e-mail me and tell me thanks.

Thank you to my reviewers: Tori123, Wolfawaken, LDDurham, Violet7Amethyst, and Lord Master Omega. And anyone else I might have missed. I don't receive many reviews for this fic so it's nice to here that people like it and I always appreciate you critiques, as long as they're helpful, and comments.

Dissclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or any of the original Harry Potter characters. The only thing that I lay any claim to is the plot and my Original Characters. I don't care if you use the plot since I probably stole the idea from somewhere and altered it. If you wish to use the Protego Demon idea go ahead since J.K. Rowling originally created the Protego idea with the Protego spell I can't lay claim to it. But please if you want to use my OC's please ask first. They really don't like being kidnapped and held for ransom or made to do things like dance on table tops for cash. Well maybe they might, I don't know.

Chapter 15

Beware the false one.

The next couple of weeks went by pretty fast. And before any one knew it October had arrived. Harry couldn't believe how things had changed over those few weeks. The most noticeable was the relationship with Draco. Yes he was Draco now and not Malfoy. Well except to Ron who still insisted on calling him by his last name. They weren't sure if it was the Protego Demon bond or what but the blond had actually been friendly with them lately. It hadn't been long after that first day that he had offered to try that friendship again with the Demon and Draco had surprisingly accepted. Of course this seemed to shock the other Slytherins, except for a select few. Blaise Zambini was taking any chance to ignore all of them. And if by chance he did glance in their direction his face would pale and tears would start to form in his eyes. Then he would quickly look away and try to wipe them away. Pansy Parkinson was to involved in her knew relationship with Justin to really care what was going on. And then there was the new girl Sandhyra Aries. She always smiled and waved when ever he looked over to their table. This had brought about something else he had not expected, Ginny's jealous and possessive side. He recalled a moment just a five days before.

He found his eyes wondering over to the Slytherin Table. Sandhyra Aries looked up from the book she was reading, smiled brightly and waved at him. Not really thinking he waved back. Suddenly some one grabbed his hand twining their fingers with his. Shocked he traced the hand to the face of his Girl Friend. She didn't look to happy.

"Hi Gin."

"Harry, why were you waving at that Slytherin girl?"

"What no reason. She waved first I was just being friendly."

"Oh." She focused her eyes on their joined hands. "I don't like her. I don't like the way she looks at you."

"Come on Gin, there's no reason to get Jealous. I won't leave you." He kissed her lips.

"Really?" She asked hopefully.

"Really." He confirmed.

"Oh Harry!" She cried throwing her arms around his neck causing their lips to collide in a chaste kiss. Which soon became something more as she ran her tongue along his bottom lip and then into his mouth. Her smile was soft and sweet after it was all done. And he swore she saw her eyes glance over to the Slytherin table. But Aries was gone.

He hadn't known she could get so jealous. Well, it wasn't her fault. But she didn't need to worry about him leaving her. He wanted to stay by her side for as long as she would have him.

Since then that part of his girlfriend hadn't reared its head again. And he was glad. She was almost scary like that. He guessed that it was just some insecurities over their relationship and she had worked them out. And he couldn't blame her, she had crushed on him for so long. And it had taken him till his sixth year to get his head out of his ass and realize what a wonderful woman he had before him.

With that decided it was time to return to the homework he was working on. Luckily this wasn't one of those terrible parchments that Snape had them write. Not that the Potions Master had actually been that bad this year, at least so far. True the work was still grueling. But the older man had actually been quite calm in his comments to the Gryffindor. Without the constant berating and the hot breathing down his neck he found that potions wasn't really that hard. Actually one might say he kind of enjoyed it. One thing was certain he was not able to appreciate the many potions that Madame Pomfrey had shoved down his throat threw the years. But he could think about that later. He had to finish his Defense Against the Dark Arts homework at the moment. Professor Dale had given them a pretty interesting assignment on Bagini's. These creatures were always beautiful but deadly at the same time with her sharp claws. They also had an insatiable thirst for young men. But even though their claws could easily flay the human skin, they never killed their prisoners. They simply let them go, unfortunately only after they raped the young man. The very thought made him cringe. The homework assignment was to find out how to keep Bagini's away. But if by chance a Bagini did catch you how would you deal with it. Of course this parchment would be a bit easier on the boys. Since the girls would have to put themselves in a male mindset.

Professor Dale had actually turned out to be a pretty cool instructor. He had so much first hand knowledge on the subjects he taught. And unlike Lockheart his was actual knowledge. The guy really knew what he was talking about. Of course this made the class a big hit with Hermione. Actually it made it pretty popular with the entire student body. It also helped that he was considered one of the sexiest teachers by the female population of the school. He sighed they had been through that before with Lockheart but this guy wasn't a pompous ass.

He looked at the book he checked out from the library. A first hand account of a Bagini abduction buy a young wizard named Timothy Weiss. The poor man explained his two week long ordeal. He goes on after words to give a guide on how to avoid the Bagini's. Now all Harry had to find was how to get away from one after you've been caught. Because it was quite obvious that Weiss hadn't figured that out. He picked up his quill and scratched down some notes. But the scratching sound didn't stop when he put it down.

"What?" He glanced around the table trying to figure out where the noise was coming from. He glanced to one side and then to the other. That's when he noticed her. There was a small girl about four feet tall standing next to him scuffing the toe of her marry jane back and forth against the floor.

"Hello?" He took in her white blond hair and ice blue eyes. "Oh you must be Unika Bluebell." Sure the small girl was in his house. But he hadn't really seen her during this year. She seemed to keep to herself.

The kid nodded her pony tail falling in her face.

"Is there something I can do to help you?"

Suddenly a bright smile lit up her face. "I like you." She said bouncing on the balls of her feat.

"Uh, thank you you're a sweet kid."

Hefting her school bag on to the bench she climbed onto the seat next to him. She smiled at him again and took out her homework.

He was surprised but he just shook his head and returned to his homework.

Half an hour later and he had moved on to his potions work. When he heard someone call his name. He looked up to see Ginny, Ron and Hermione coming towards the table. The three of them had been at a Prefect meeting. Ginny had been elected a Gryffindor Prefect this year along with Tristin Smithers. This of course had made Mrs. Weasley happy. That was five out of seven of the Weasley kids that had made Prefect. Harry was happy for all of them. Sure he had been a bit upset when his two friends had been made Prefect but it didn't matter so much when he found out his father hadn't made prefect either.

"So how was the meeting?"

"You know same old same old." Ron groaned as he sat across from him.

"Oh come on Ron it really wasn't that bad." Hermione sighed as she sat down next to the red head.

"Really Hermione. Well if I have to hear Stanton Bermingham from Slytherin and Anne Pinkerton from Ravenclaw yell at each other one more time. I swear I'll kill them."

Ginny sat down next to Harry giving him a soft kiss on the lips. "I think you'll have to wait your turn Ron. I think Draco has first dibs. I wouldn't be surprised if they were much more subdued next meeting."

"Where is Draco anyway?" Harry asked.

"Oh he stayed behind to have a word with the two of them he said." Ginny commented nonchalantly as she took out her homework.

Harry was starting to feel a little bit apprehensive. "What about?"

"I don't know and I wasn't about to ask. His eyes had that whole red glowing thing you know."

"What and you left him there. Do you know that he could possibly kill them?" Harry was about to jump from his seat and stop the Protego demon.

Ginny grabbed his arm. "Sit down Harry. I was just kidding."

"Oh."

"Do you really think that I would do that?"

"Well, I guess not." He felt really stupid for not trusting his girlfriend better.

"Pardon me Harry. But who is that sitting next to you?" A voice asked from behind him. He looked to see Roan, Kari, Keril, Ailis, and Luna who had returned from their library search.

"Oh, that's Unika Bluebell one of Gryffindor's new first years."

The small girl looked around at everyone and then back to Harry. She shrunk down burring herself as close to Harry as possible.

Harry was shocked.

"Oh, isn't she just so cute." Kari gushed.

The girl cuddled up even closer to the Gryffindor seeker.

Now Harry was worried. He knew That Ginny's jealous side hadn't shown since that one day. But just maybe him having this other girl crushed up against his side might set it off again. Why she was there he couldn't really tell, bur he didn't want to start any problems with the fiery little cockerel. He would rather fight a whole hoard of pissed off Basilisks than a pissed off girlfriend. But she really couldn't be jealous of a first year? Could she? He glanced at his girl friend but she didn't really seem to care about the pale child pressed up against her boy friend. Actually she had a very sweet smile on her face.

"She actually is very cute you know." Ginny finally spoke agreeing with their friend. "I'm glad to see you're getting to know someone Unika. I was really beginning to worry about you. I don't know why you don't make friends with some of the other first years."

"No." The child stated. "I like Harry he's nice, innocent, pure." She whispered and grabbed onto the boys arm.

"I think she has a crush on you Harry." Keril teased.

"Poor Harry." Ron laughed.

Harry just glared at them. "Come on you guys your scaring the poor girl. Shh, it's okay." He rubbed her arm.

She smiled up at him. Then she placed a small kiss on his cheek, grabbed her books and left.

The licorice haired part elf didn't even have time to react before she was out of the great hall.

It was quiet for a little while before the rest of his friends started laughing. Even Ginny joined in.

He got over the shock and glared at them with electric green eyes. But no matter what they didn't stop laughing. He groaned and returned to his homework. There was no use wasting his study time because his friends decided they needed to make his life a living hell.

Draco Malfoy entered the room of requirement. He glanced behind him to see Barnabas the Balmy try to teach a particularly stupid looking troll how to pirouette. Instead all that was accomplished was that it fell over on top of the one next to it. 'Ouch.' The blond thought.

"So are you ready?"

He turned to face the owner of the voice. The slender woman sat on a plain wooden stool. In her lap rested a sword in a blue hilt. Wait a minute, that wasn't her sword its hilt was amber.

"Here." She tossed the other sword to him.

He caught it easily he wasn't the Slytherin seeker for nothing. Slowly he removed the sword from the sheath it was beautiful. The sheath itself was a work of art. He realized now that it wasn't just blue but had silver marbling all over it. The hilt of the sword was rather simple. It was silver with what looked like leather wrapped around it for grip. The cross bar was also simple with just a couple of words written in what looked like French etched into it. The pommel was the most intricate. It had a Celtic not wound around a dragon design. "This is breathtaking."

"It's yours." Sandhyra said mater of factually.

"What?"

"It's a present from the ones who sent me. They wish me to train you in the use of the sword. To help you protect Harry." She jumped off the stool and it disappeared automatically. "I'm glad you finally accepted your destiny. But to be exact I didn't expect it to happen so soon. I thought you were to damn stubborn I'm happy to proven wrong. He needs all the help he can get, now more than ever. The treat is far greater than we expected." She removed her robe.

For some reason he wasn't shocked to see that she wasn't wearing the typical school uniform underneath. But instead she wore a pair of soft rose colored breaches. Her dark brown leather boots went up to just below the knee buckling four times as they did. Her shirt was a cream peasant blouse that was held together at the top with a silver broach in the shape of silver bird wings. "Isn't that a little out of regulation?" He sniffed.

She glared at him. "Damn it, concentrate Draco. This is no time to make snide remarks about my clothes. If I am to teach you I need to be able to move about freely. I suggest that next time you might want to dress more appropriately we have no time to waste."

How dare she? No one talked to a Malfoy that way. But as much as he wanted to tell her off he held his tongue. She was to teach him how to protect his Charge more efficiently. And now that he had accepted his role that was the most important thing for now. "Does this have something to do with what the hat said at the beginning of the year?" What had it been? "For the Evil being we fight against has brought the battle to our door."

She sighed. "Yes, but I'm afraid it's worse than that."

"What do you mean? Nothings happened yet. The school hasn't been attacked. Could it have been talking about something that might happen later on in the year?"

"I'm afraid not. And it's worse than that because not only has the battle been brought to our door. But into our very own class rooms."

"You mean that someone has infiltrated the school. Wouldn't Dumbledore know?" He was agitated. This meant immediate danger to his Charge if the Dark Lord had been able to sneak in another follower.

"Dumbledore does know, but is unable to distinguish who the party. But no matter there is now someone with a considerable amount of Dark Magic in this very school. Yes this has happened before, but none of them can compare to this. Quirrell and Barty Crouch were nothing compared to this. Dumbledore fears for Harry's safety. That's why he's allowing his Godfather to stay on here. That's why I'm allowed to carry this." She held up her sword. "As you will be able too once you learn how to use it better. Don't need you accidentally lopping off some ones head or another appendage. We will start in here for now but as you get better we'll be moving to an outside training ground. So are you ready to start?"

"I have just one question. Who exactly are you. Because I think it's obvious that you're not human."

She smiled. "I guess it's only fare. No I'm not human I'm a Valkyrie."

"A Valkyrie, as in a spirit of war? I thought if you saw one of those in battle that you were destined to die."

"There are a couple of different sects of Valkyrie. There is one that is a spirit of death on the battle field. But between you and me they help a little more with that then they let on. They think their so high and mighty too, just because they are in charge of supplying Valhalla with warriors. My stupid cousin Sigrun is always shoving it in my face. Oops I've gotten off subject." She cleared her throat. "My sect are the trainers. We are the ones sent out to train the great battle hero's."

He was confused. "So you were sent to train me by Thor?"

"No silly. Thor has nothing to do with this. I was asked by the High Elf Council them selves, Harry's Grand mother in particular. She was very adamant that Harry's mane protector be well taught. She regrets not being there for her Grand son when he was younger." Her face was sad. "I promised her that I would protect him and teach you. So can we continue?"

He nodded.

"So have you ever sword fought before?"

"I've fenced." He knew that wasn't going to be enough. Fencing was elegant, but by no means battle ready combat.

She laughed. "Well, this is nothing like fencing. If you're going to be any use as a sword fighter you'll have to learn how to fight dirty. That means using what ever means necessary to win. None of this honor the enemy on the battle field shite. Because believe me they won't care a Harpy's tale end about you. You need to learn to use any every thing available to you, magic, claws, teeth, tail, even though I haven't seen one yet. And you'll need to learn how to use the entire sword. Not just the blade but the pommel, hilt and cross bar as well. Don't be afraid to beam someone with the pommel of your sword." She emphasized the subject by hitting the sturdy end of her weapon in the palm of her hand. "It will leave quite an impression, believe me."

She started by showing him the basics. But after a couple of hours he had actually progressed rather well.

"Are you sure you've never done this before?" She swung at his left side.

"Never." He grunted blocking her blade. He kicked out knocking her back.

She slid across the floor barely stopping herself from falling over. "Uh huh." She jumped forward as if to slash at him again. But instead she dropped to swipe his feet out from under him. She smiled certain she would catch him with this one.

But he jumped effortlessly out of the way. Up over her head he turned in midair and had his sword aimed at her back before she could get up.

"Merlin." She gasped. "There is no way you haven't done this before. There are very few who can beat me, much less on their supposed first time."

He smirked. "I did say that I've had fencing. But my mother also singed me up for some muggle self defense classes without my fathers knowledge. She thought it best if I knew anyway to protect my self if need be. Martial Arts was one of my favorites. You asked if I've ever sword fought before you didn't ask if I knew how to fight."

She was dumbstruck. "Why you little conniving ass."

"Hey you said not to fight fair, to use everything in my arsenal. I was just being a good student." He sheathed his sword and held out his hand to help her up.

She sighed and smiled taking his hand. "I have a feeling we'll be moving to the outside field sooner than I thought. I guess she didn't over estimate you after all."

"As you said, I've accepted this finally. I must protect my Charge and I'll do anything to achieve that."

Severus Snape glared at the papers on his desk. He couldn't believe it. But it was there right before his eyes. He had given a pop quiz in the sixth year NEWT potions class. First he gave them five different lists of ingredients and they had to give the name of the potion they belonged to. Most of the potions were easy first through fifth year requirements. But he had thrown in one from the reading they were supposed to have done for this year hoping to catch those that weren't keeping up. Next came a list of ten potions ingredients and he asked them to name one potion from their reading that used this ingredient. Then give a short description of the use and effects of that potion. As expected at the beginning of the year there were a few of the students who had obviously not done the reading. The large amount of red ink on their papers was evident of that. But what had angered him so was the lack of red on Potters quiz. Try as he might he could find nothing wrong with it. The boy had gotten a perfect paper. He had even beaten out Draco Malfoy. He tried his hardest to figure out how Potter had wormed his way into his NEWT class. It didn't appear that the boy could pull it off last year. But it seemed that Potter was better at potions than he let on. His work had consistently been among the best in the class since the beginning of the year. And for some reason, even though he hated to admit it, this filled the potions master with a bit of pride. Not that he would admit it to Potter. His head shot up as he heard the door to his office open, his black hair flying in his face.

"Who's there?"

"Severus my dear man how nice to see you this evening." Dumbledore's soft cheerful voice answered.

"What do I owe this unexpected visit Albus?" He was suspicious, especially since the headmaster had that infernal twinkle in his eyes.

"You know me to well Severus. I've come to ask you some favors actually. Oh, you were grading papers. How are the students fairing. I see young Harry is doing quite well." The old Wizard smiled.

"You didn't come here to ask about that did you Albus?"

"No, I didn't. I understand that you've been a little overworked lately Severus. And that your interactions with Voldemort have also been putting a lot of stress on you. And I know that asking you to take on any more work would be extremely taxing for you. But I must ask you a very important favor."

"Does this have anything to do with Potter?"

"Why yes, yes it does. I know that the two of you had a falling out last year during his Occlumency lessons. And I quite understand why. But you can't blame a child for being curious. Especially when he knew that there were memories of his parents in there. Even you can understand the thirst he has for any information about the parents he never got to know." The headmaster recognized the look on his Potion's master's face. "Now I'm not saying he was right in invading your privacy, but I still can not blame him. And I know your feeling about continuing those lessons this year. But I must implore that you reconsider. Harry's special circumstances have been explained to all the staff. He is vulnerable right now Severus. It could be quite a bit longer before he gains full control of his abilities. Leaving him open to any form of attack could be devastating do you not agree?"

The younger man wanted to argue with his superior but no matter what he just couldn't. He had to agree that leaving Potter open for even a mental attack at this moment could possibly destroy the boy. Elves were very sensitive both magically and mentally. And leaving the connection between Potter and The Dark Lord open could have terrible affects on the child. When Potters elfish magic was completely under control he would be more than capable of barricading his mind. But for now he would need either the help of Occlumency or a very strong potion that could have severe lasting side affects. Not something they needed happening to the savior of the Wizarding World. "Yes sir."

"Wonderful." The old man was excited. "So I can count on you to continue Harry's lessons?"

"Yes Albus. But what of my class work? Potters lessons may be far more taxing this year with his new powers to deal with."

"I haven't forgotten that Severus. Actually I just so happen to have a man in need of a job and I thought he would make a perfect assistant for you. He graduated from here and was quite a good student in potions if not a little unruly. Now I'm not asking for much, just for you to give him a chance." He looked behind him and motioned for someone to enter the room.

Snape wasn't sure who he expected to see, but it definitely wasn't the Black haired blue eyed man that stood behind the Headmaster. "No, it can't be, your.."

"Dead." Sirius smirked. "Everyone keeps telling me that."

"Good, then you do remember him." Dumbledore laughed. "I was hoping you would."

"Wait Albus, what do you mean I remember him. And how can he be here when he fell through the veil. No one has ever returned from the other side of the veil." Severus wanted some answers.

"I'm very aware of that Severus. But our young Harry has a Grand Mother in a very high position. And about how she got him back. Now even I can fathom the workings of the high elves. Harry's Grand Mother is a member of the Elfish high council and a Maiden of Avalon. She has powers that even I can not reach."

"But, but this is Necromancy. It's illegal." The Potion Masters voice was quavering with agitation.

Sirius grunted and crossed his arms.

"I assure you Severus it is not. Sirius is very much a live and not a zombie of any sort. Making it very much in the bounds of legality."

"Fine, but what about the fact that he's still an escaped criminal you very well can't just let him wander around the school. What if someone recognized him? There would be mayhem."

"There is no need to fear that Severus. There are very few that will remember Sirius now."

"It hasn't been that long Albus. His face was plastered everywhere. Wanted posters, the Daily Prophet, event he muggle news ran the story."

"Again there are many things I do not understand about the high elves magic. It would seem that Gelena was able to wipe most memories clean of any knowledge about Sirius Black. There are very few that can still remember him. Those with an extreme emotional connection to him like yourself would be counted in that select few. Of course Harry and his friends, my self, and Remus Lupin."

Sirius's heart clenched at the mention of his old friend. He had not had a chance to contact the Werewolf yet. And he wasn't sure how to go about it. How do you tell an old friend that had gone through so much pain already that you were back from the dead?

The Potions master nodded his head. Thinking he finally understood what the Headmaster was talking about. "So only those that had close contact with Black before he died will remember him?"

"No not exactly." The headmaster frowned. "There are still those that have a natural protection against mind swiping that will remember Sirius. So we must watch for those and be careful. So will you accept my requests Severus?"

Black eyes glanced over the shoulder of the formidable man to catch Vibrant blue. He understood why the head master asked this of him but it would be hard either way. This man had been the boy that had made many days of his seven years at Hogwarts a living hell. It was because of this man that he had a life dept to James Potter. And this same man was still an un holey git. Could they possibly work together with all that had happened between them? And what about continuing the Occlumency lessons with Potter? Sure the boy had broke his trust and glanced into his pensive. But like Albus said he really couldn't blame him. The child knew that his Potions Master had gone to school with his parents. What would Severus himself have done if he had never gotten the chance to know his parents. He would probably act the same way. Wanting any information he could glean about them. Hoping that in someway that it could bring part of them back. No he really couldn't blame Potter. And the boy had been doing well with the lessons. He supposed after some ground rules were set he might be able to continue. Now that just left Black. Again he understood why Albus wanted the man at Hogwarts. It would do Potter well to have his Godfather so accessible. And he had been pushed to his limits lately. Trying to juggle his teaching responsibilities, the responsibilities to the order, and the death eater meetings had become more frequent. He could use some help but was Black the answer. He knew that Black wasn't that bad in potions. Back in their years at Hogwarts he had been up there in the top of the class. The only ones above him were Severus himself and Lily Evans. Maybe that was why Potter was doing so well in Potions now. He had finally tapped into his mother's innate ability with Potions. But back to the matter at hand could the two men work together without killing each other. There was only one way to find out, give it a try.

"Fine Albus we'll try it." He glared at Black. "But if he so even looks at me the wrong way I'll hex him into next Monday. This is not an equal partnership. I am still the Potions master he is merely my assistant." The man smirked he couldn't help getting in that last jab.

Sirius stiffened. "Why you bloody, stupid..." His tirade was only stopped by a soothing hand on his arm.

"Calm down Sirius. Remember this is for Harry." The old man had that smile back. Then one you could just not argue with no matter how hard you tried.

The Animagus took in a deep breath. He had to remember that this was for his Godson. Then he did something he never thought possible. "Thank you Severus." He didn't smile, but he didn't glare either.

Severus was so shocked he couldn't speak.

Dumbledore smiled. "Very good, now about the lessons with Harry?"

Harry sat in the common room reading over the book Hermione had gotten him for his birthday. It was actually quite interesting. At the moment he was looking over a potion to grow back your hair if it is accidentally or purposefully burned off.

Hermione sat next to him going over her homework for ancient Runes. "Oh no." She groaned.

He looked over the edge of his book. "What's wrong Hermione?"

"We're supposed to making our own runes."

"Well that doesn't sound that hard."

"That's the problem it's very hard. The ancient Runes are steeped in tradition and old magic. There is a reason that not many new ones have been added over the ages. If you write it just the slightest bit wrong the results can be catastrophic."

He grimiced.

"The parchment that I'm using is a special one we were given to tell us if we're doing it wrong. If I had tried to cast that rune it would turned everyone in this room into a puddle of goo.

"Uhg, please don't cast it. I don't fancy being a bogey for the rest of my life." He teased trying to make her feel better.

She smiled. "Believe me, it's not on the top of my list either."

Ron came running down the stairs with Roan and Kari close behind.

"Hey you two, are we going to go to dinner or what? I'm starving." The other member of the original trio groaned.

Harry laughed. "Ron if you're not careful your going to turn out like Crabbe and Goyle."

The gangly teen grimaced. "Gross Harry." He slapped his hand over his mouth pretending to be nauseated at the very thought. But everyone started laughing when his stomach growled loudly.

"Come on." Roan snickered. "We better go before this walking eating machine decides to eat the couch."

Ron took a swipe at the blonde dryad just barely missing.

"Where are Ailis and Ginny?" Harry questioned.

"Right here." Spoke the cheerful voice of his girlfriend.

Ailis just smiled and waved.

"Well let's go." Harry got up putting his arm around Ginny's slim waste.

Along the way they met up with Keril and Luna and even Draco accompanied them on their walk to the great hall. The entire group was caught up in a conversation about the up coming Quidditch match between Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw.

"Excuse me?" Some one called.

The group stopped turning to see the source of the voice.

Harry recognized the other new transfer student from their house.

"You're Harry Potter are you not?"

Harry cringed. He really hated it when people got excited over meeting him. "Yes."

Amai smiled. "I am pleased to meet you hikari no sukuinushi." The Asian boy bowed slightly.

"What?"

"In Japan you are known as Hikari no sukuinushi. It means Savior of light."

The seeker groaned. Now, not only was he The-boy-who-lived, now he was the Savior of light.

"I am sorry my lord I did not mean to upset you." Amai bowed again.

"Huh, what?" Now Harry was even move confused what did this guy just call him?

Roan stepped in between Harry and the other Gryffindor. "What are you off your rocker?"

Amai glared at the Dryad. "I assure you I am not. I have been asked by Harry's grandmother to protect him. And in my race that makes him my lord."

"Well you sound a bit sloshed to me." Draco scoffed.

"Bakka-ka."

"What the hell did you just call me?" The demon seethed.

Harry sighed. Why did Draco always have to get in a fight with someone when they first met? If the Blonde had been able to keep his temper under wraps on the train before first year things might have been totally different between them. "Draco calm down." He patted the over protective protego demons arm. "My Grandmother asked you to watch me?" If Draco was the king of over protective Gelena was the goddess. He knew she was only worried about him but how many protectors did he need? "Why you?"

The Japanese wizard blushed. "Well, I sort of played a trick on another high elf. Gelena sama believes that I need discipline and control. She believes that giving me parameters of protecting you will keep me in line."

"You said your race?" Hermione queried.

"I'm a kitsune, well half kitsune actually. My mother was human."

"What's a kitsune?" Ailis was totally befuddled. All this was beyond her comprehension.

"It's a Japanese fox spirit." Hermione explained. "The ones you hear about in Japanese legend are normally female, so many believe there are no male kitsune. Most of the legendary female kitsune have been assassins. She will use her extreme beauty to get close to high ranking officials and members of the royal court planning their death. Another aspect of the kitsune species is their penchant for practical jokes."

"Does she always do that?" Amai inquired.

Ron just nodded. "Yep."

"So my Lord.."

"Wait one minute." Harry snapped. "If you are planning on protecting me I won't stop you. But this my Lord thing ends right here and now. I will not have anyone calling me that."

"But.." The kitsune tried to argue.

"No, no way. I will not now or ever let people call me that. I will not be another Lord Voldemort." The raven haired elf growled. The rest of the group cringed as he said that dreaded name. "Harry is just fine. If you are going to be hanging around with us then it will be as a friend, not as a Lord and servant." He held his hand out to the other boy. "My name is Harry Potter, what's yours."

Amai eyed the hand warily. This was the great Hikari no sukuinushi. And he was offering to be friends with someone like him a lowly half blood. "But I can't I am only a half blood. There is no way I can stand on the same level as you."

"Well if half blood is the problem then we're in the same boat." Harry grinned.

"Pardon me?"

"I'm mixed blood as well. I just found out that I was part elf this year on my Mother's side. Draco just found out that he's part Protego Demon. We have a part Morde, an Incubus and a Succubus. Not to mention a Dryad and a Siren. Neither race nor blood matters here. In the end we are all just as equal in the upcoming battle. Actually are differences will be our strength. For we all have our own special attributes that will come into play against the evil we face."

The entire group was speechless. There was no if ands or buts about it Harry was a true leader.

Amai seemed to think about it for a little while. Then he smiled and took Harry's hand. "Itazuraga Amai, but please call me Amai Harry san."

They made it to the great hall, made their farewells and headed to their respective tables. Harry had just loaded his plate with potatoes and chicken when Dumbledore tapped him on the shoulder.

"My dear boy could I talk to you for a moment?" The Headmaster asked smiling at him.

Harry nodded and fallowed his mentor a little away from the table.

"Harry I hear that you've been studding your occlumency on your own."

"Yes sir. I've found some books at Flourish and Blott's. I haven't had any nightmares this year." Of course Harry wasn't sure if that was because of his Occlumency or the plant that Neville had given him for his birthday. But he hadn't had any visions at all. Maybe Voldemort was just biding his time.

"Very good Harry. But I know how hard it can be to study a thing like Occlumency on your own. So starting tomorrow and every Thursday night I would like it if you continued your classes with Professor Snape."

Harry was shocked. Their Potions Master had made it very clear last year that he wanted nothing to do with teaching him Occlumency anymore. And at first He had kind of put part of the blame for Sirius's death on Snape. But it really had been his fault. If he had not let his curiosity get the better of him and looked into Snape's pensive none of this would have happened. "Are you sure sir, I don't think Professor Snape.."

"I have talked to Snape, and he agreed to it. Of course with some rules put in place. He will also not be leaving his pensive out where anyone can find it that was rather irresponsible of him."

The boys face fell. "I'm sorry sir I didn't mean."

"I am not holding it against you Harry my boy." The sparkle in the man's eyes intensified. "So Snape will be expecting you tomorrow. I hope everything goes well. Oh, and Harry there will be a new Potions assistant in class tomorrow as well. Someone you know very well. Now go eat." The old man turned and headed to the Head table putting an end to the conversation.

Harry stood their flabbergasted for a while. He couldn't believe that Dumbledore had gotten Snape to agree to teach him again. How did the man do it? Sure he didn't like the idea about spending extra time with the Potions Professor. But he was not going to loose anyone again. Sure, Sirius had come back to him. But who was to say that would happen again. No, he would not mess this up. He returned to his friends and his dinner.

The first class Harry had the next day was NEWT Potions. He sat in the middle of the room talking about a skin restoring salve he had read about in the book Hermione had gotten him with his friends.

"It seems simple enough." Hermione jotted a few notes down on a spare piece of Parchment.

Draco nodded. "All the ingredients are easy enough to find. Well except maybe the Bringham slime mold. It's no good unless harvested during a full moon. Then it has to be kept in a solid container so that no light can get in. Plus it can only be used at night time. Any sort of sunlight will cause it to turn black. And believe me you don't want to smell that stuff turns black." He grimaced.

Harry nodded. It was surprising how quickly Draco had gone from being their enemy to being their friend. Of course having to protect someone kind of pushed you to do things you wouldn't.

The conversation was completely ended when the door to Snape's office burst open and they could hear their teacher yelling at someone else. "You bloody bastard. I don't know why I agreed to this. I told Albus that it wouldn't work. You just couldn't control yourself could you? You just had to get one joke in." Their potions master yelled. "You are damn lucky I had an extra set of robes in my trunk."

"Oh come on Severus, they weren't that bad." Another mans voice could be heard laughing.

Harry recognized that voice.

"Screw you Black." It seemed that Snape had quite a mouth on him when it came to Harry's Godfather.

"In your dreams Snapey poo in your dreams."

It seemed that Sirius was enjoying being a free man very much.

"AArrrgghhh." Snape roared. Harry heard the man clear his throat as if he was trying to clam himself down. "Now, we're going to go out there and teach this class. If you so much as try to make a fool of me in front of my students I will have your head on a platter... who in the hell opened the door?" Snape's voice was week.

They all heard Sirius's resonating laughter.

"Damn you Black." Their teacher yelled.

A scuttling noise was heard and Sirius came running out of the Potion Master's office a large smile on his face.

Hermione sighed shaking her.

"Harry, isn't that you're godfather?" Roan questioned his house mate.

"Yeah." Harry answered a large smile on his face.

Hermione laughed. "I wonder how Dumbledore got Snape to agree this one."

They heard something shatter in Snape's office.

Draco laughed. "He always did have quite a temper."

A bit later Snape waltzed out of his office seemingly calm and composed. "Turn to page four hundred and fifty." He ordered the class. The glare he sent everyone made it very clear that he wasn't going to accept any grief for what they might have overheard.

Harry turned questioning eyes to his godfather.

A wicked glint flashed through the depths of those ocean eyes. He shrugged and mouthed, 'I'll tell you later.'

After that the class went buy very smoothly. Except that Pansy had been daydreaming a little too much and her potion exploded all over Theodore Nott turning his hair bright orange. Snape had been so upset already that he actually took twenty house points from Slytherin.

"Hey guys." Ron greeted them after class. "So how was potions today?"

"A riot." Roan laughed slapping the youngest male Weasley on the back.

Ron glared at the Dryad.

"What was so funny?" Ginny asked joining the group. She wrapped her arms around Harry and kissed him on the cheek.

Hermione watch this interaction and her eyes unconsciously wondered to Ron. Who was right now threatening to cream Roan.

Harry kissed Ginny lightly on the lips.

A gasp escaped Ailis' mouth and she buried her face in Keril's shoulder as he joined the group.

Luna walked up. "I heard that Harry's Godfather was Snape's new assistant.

Harry snickered.

Amai laughed. "Yes, and I would say that Black Sensei and Snape Sensei do not get along to well."

Kari laughed at the explanation. And they spent the rest of the walk to their next classes talking about what had happened in Potions.

"Lucius." The cloaked figure called.

"Yes my Lord." He said and fell to his knees kissing the hem of the other mans robe.

"Any news yet on the Unicorn?"

"No my Lord, she still evades us." The man's pureblood curdled at the growl that emanated from within the shadows of the hood.

"You know Lucius sometimes I wonder why I keep your sorry, incompetent ass around." The Dark Lord started to pace, his cloak billowing behind him.

Lucius almost threw himself on the ground at the feet of this man. "I apologize my Lord. I will have our inside source try harder."

A gloved hand waved for him to be quiet. "Have the insider get close to Harry Potter. If I am right she will search out one that is pure. And if Harry is anything, it's pure."

"Yes my Lord."

"Now, about your son?"

"I'm certain that I can change his mind."

"Crutio." The Dark Lord yelled.

Pain worse than anything he had felt exploded through the elder Malfoy. His body hit the ground hard writhing in agony. After is stopped all he could do is lay their gasping for air.

"Don't even try to placate me with empty promises Lucius. The bond has already been completed. Any hope that you might have had about your son being our allies has long past. He is as much my enemy as Dumbledore. He will do anything to protect Harry, even turn against you."

"I am sorry my Lord."

"Just find me that Unicorn. And make sure that Snape keeps being nice to the boy. We need to lull him into a false sense of calm."

"I don't know sir. Severus has always been so cruel to Potter.

The wand was again pointed at the dark lord's subject. "This is the second time you've questioned me Lucius."

"I'm sorry my Lord." Again he almost fell flat on the floor.

"No, I think this time you need to be punished. You will not question me Lucius. No matter what you think of my goals. Do not suppose you are indispensable to me. I could kill you at anytime and not think twice about it. As long as I get what I want nothing matters. Crutio." He yelled laughing at the man's pain.

Suddenly Harry stopped dead in his tracks. He could have sworn he just heard someone scream.

"Harry, are you alright?" Ginny asked touching his arm softly.

He smiled and nodded. "Yeah, I'm fine. I just thought I forgot something. But I'm pretty sure it's in my bag."

"Are you sure?" Hermione was concerned too. And even though he tried to make them feel better she didn't believe him one bit. She'd known him for to long.

"Harry!" A small excited voice cried. And then a slight pair of arms wrapped around his waist.

"Huh." Green eyes wandered down to see the silvery hair of Unika Bluebell. "Oh, hello Unika."

Roan laughed. "I do believe she does have a crush on you Harry."

Unika glared at him.

It was Draco's turn to laugh. "And she doesn't seem to like you Roan." The Demon bent down to bring himself to the same height as the small child. "Hello I'm Draco Malfoy."

She cringed away from him hiding herself behind the Gryffindor Seeker. Sticking her head out she glared and stuck her tongue out at the white blond headed Slytherin.

"It would seem that she really doesn't like you patsukin." The amber eyed kitsune mocked.

"Why you bloody, what the hell does that mean?" Draco barked.

Amai just smiled and continued walking towards their next class.
With a roar the Protego Demon chased after the half Kitsune.

"Really you two." Hermione fallowed them.

Ron sighed at fallowed his friends. One of these days Malfoy was going to kill Amai. The Asian boy had only just gotten on the Slytherin's nerves since he joined the group.

"Harry." Unika whispered. She motioned for her taller house mate to bend down.

"Hmm, what is it?"

She cupped her hand and brought it to his ear. "Be careful Harry." She whispered into his ear. "Watch out for the false one, the one that hungers. He is Evil and craves great power. And he is close very close weaving his web of lies to ensnare everyone. Through ancient darkness he travels and only light and love can destroy him in the end. Trust in the power of your heart." Then she kissed his cheek lightly smiled and patted his pocket. "Take care of him." Aro's iridescent head rose out of His pocket and hissed at the girl. Unika smiled and ran off.

He watched her go. What was with that girl? She definitely wasn't normal, was she even human? He jumped when he felt a hand on his shoulder. He turned to see his girl friend smiling at him.

"What did she say Harry?" Ginny asked.

Should he tell her? He didn't want to worry any of them more than they already were. "Nothing really, just that she'll see me later."

She laughed and shook her head. "I really do believe that she just might have a crush on you Harry."

He kissed her lips lightly. "Don't worry sweety, you're the only one for me."

"You big flirt." She hit him playfully.

"Come on you two, we'll be late for class." Hermione called from down the hall.

The nodded and joined the rest of the group.