Yippee!! I feel like dancing this chapter is finally done. I can't believe how long it took me to write this one. A very bad case of writers block has plagued me for, oh well I don't know how long. But it would seem that I finally appeased my Muses enough to get them to let me budge on this one again. Also I must thank my friend Seren Harin for sending me a nice strong atomic bomb to knock down that blasted wall. Of course I think it might have been a little bit of over kill (looks down into the large hole in the ground) Oops.

Okay, I think that there is only one word in this chapter that is in Japanese.

Gakki: it means brat

Also there is a bit of information on some different kinds of Merfolk here and I would like to say that I didn't make it all up, most of it came from a sight on mermaids that I found on line. But I can't for the life of me remember which one. But I hope you like it. There is also a new character that gets introduced in this chapter I hope that no body minds. Well actually he's sort of knew, he's been in many of the other chapters just not named.

Wytil: Thanks for your review. Yes it is interesting that so many part humans have surfaced. It was just something that I was playing around with for a while. I guessed that since a Half-Veela could be a wizard and that everyone has stories out there where other creatures are wizards I thought that I would combine many of them into one story. Then my friends and I just started brainstorming on how many strange creatures I could throw in and this is what came about. I hope that you like it. And actually Unika was a first year from the very beginning. But thanks for making me go back and check it's always good to make sure I didn't actually make a mistake like that. I have done it before.

Anonymus: Thank for catching that mistake. I did actually catch my self giving Ginny Blue eyes for a good part of the story, even though I knew hers were brown. I really have no idea why I did that. I fixed most of them but obviously I missed one or a few. I will try to figure out where this one is, I'm assuming it's in chapter 12 since that is where you left the review. I promise that I'll fix it and post a reworked version of that chapter. Thanks again, and next time please leave your name. I don't care if you point out something wrong as long as it's constructive criticism.

Dragonfly Priestess: Thank you so much for your enthusiastic review. I'm glad that you like the story. And about the thing with the Unicorn in one of the earlier chapters in my little messages at the beginning I said that it is a Necto Unicorn that they are looking for. Necto: means Bind in Latin basically. I don't know if that gives you any hints or not. I don't want to say to much because it might give a way some of the plot. Also I hope that this chapter explains a bit a bout the Voldemort thing. And about Harry getting to see his Grandmother, yes she will show up again in a later chapter. It's just being a High elf and a Maiden of Avalon she can't leave to often. Hope that helps and thanks for reading.

Disclaimer: I do not own any of the Harry Potter characters I'm just barrowing them for a little fun. Also I do not own the movie the Little Mermaid. Disney has the rights to that one even though it is one of my favorites.

Chapter 16

Tutoring

and

Hogsmeade Visits

They arrived at the Defense Against the Dark Arts class room a few minutes later. They expected to see Professor Dale at the front of the class getting things ready like he normally did. But today he was no where to be found.

Ron glanced at the clock on the wall. "Now where do you suppose he is?"

Kari shrugged. "He's still got a few more minutes."

Hermione frowned as she found a place in the room with enough seats for all of them. "You don't suppose something happened to him. It would be terrible if class was canceled."
"For you maybe." Ron groaned.

Harry shrugged. "I don't know. I was rather looking forward to this class. You have to admit that he's been one of the best teachers we've had."

"Yeah." Hermione nodded. "He ranks right up there with Lupin."

Draco grunted.

"What's your problem Malfoy?" Ron glared at the only Slytherin in the group.

"I don't know, there's just something I don't like about him."

Roan laughed. "You don't like him because he took points from Slytherin the other day."

"That's not it. Even I agree that Pansy was stupid about that one. That Grindylow could have killed her. I don't know, he just rubs me the wrong way."

Ailis smiled. "Maybe you're just upset that he's better looking than you."

The group's mouths fell open. Did Ailis just bad mouth some one?

Right at that moment Erebus came rushing into the class. "Sorry I'm late. I had a last minute meeting and it ran a little over." He dropped his bag on the desk and started to leaf through the many Parchments he had in his arm. "I've graded your last assignment, and am happy to say that most of you did quite well. I will hand them back at the end of class. Today I would like to go over some of the water creatures in the book. Now last week we had a very interesting lesson about Grindylows."

Laughter erupted through the class. All except for Pansy who was sporting a much shorter pony tail today. Even her boyfriend Justin tried not to laugh. This caused Draco to laugh even harder. There was no way that boy was getting any later. Pansy had a really big ego, and she didn't take well to people laughing at her.

"Can anyone name some other water creatures?"

"Mermaids." Neville said.

"Very good Neville. Now most people believe that Mermaids are nice creatures who save people when they are drowning and protect the ocean, like in The Little Mermaid. This is a popular muggle misconception." A Hufflepuff raised her hand. "Yes Jenna?"

"What's The Little Mermaid?"

Harry groaned silently. Really some of these full wizarding blood families needed to get out more often.

"Uhm, well you see, it's a popular movie from America."

She nodded dumbly. "But what's a movie?"

"It's…yes well, we're getting off subject. And movies are hardly dark arts. Even though some would say how much the companies charge for them might be considered as such." He laughed.

But most of the class just looked dumbfounded.

"Now back to the topic of Mermaids. There are actually many different types of Merpeople under different names. Here on the British Isle we have had many names for pretty much the same creature. The Cornish knew them as Merrymaids. And it was Merrows or Muirruhgach for the Irish. Now I believe that the Merpeople in the Hogwarts Lake are an off shoot of a German Fresh water Merpeople known as Meerfrau."

"Those Merpeople aren't very nice." Harry mumbled.

Erebus smiled at him. "Yes Harry, I am under the understanding that you and two of your friends have first hand experience with those Merpeople. During the Triwizard tournament wasn't it?"
The Gryffindor nodded.

The Professor pushed himself away from his desk he had been leaning on. Stepping closer to The –Boy-Who-Lived he locked his brown eyes with the younger mans bright green ones. "Actually you were lucky Harry. If they had been full fledged Meerfrau you most likely wouldn't have made it out alive. The female Meerfrau is known as a nixe the males are nix. The females have been known to lure men in to drown. And the nix often will lure humans to their deaths with the music of their Harps. They're also quite partial to human sacrifices. Yes, it's a good thing that they are cross bread species or you could have been killed."

By now the most of the class had gone quiet. Harry was frozen in place unable to pull himself away from those penetrating eyes.

The only sound that could be heard was a soft growl coming from a certain Protego Demon.

Erebus broke eye contact and turned to Draco he smiled brightly and headed back to the front of the room. But he stopped and looking over his shoulder took one last look at the still shocked Harry. "And what a loss that would have been." His voice was soft almost cryptic. He smiled again and returned to the front of the class. He turned to face them a large smile on his face, then he began to laugh. "You guys are so fun to rile up." He was laughing so hard that tears were running down his cheeks.

"What?" An auburn haired Ravenclaw cried out. "Are you telling us that it was all a lie?"

"No…" Erebus gasped trying to catch his breath. "I assure you Mattameus that it's all very true. But I just couldn't help adding a little Drama in. I'm sure if they had been full bread Meerfrau that the Ministry would never have allowed them near the students." He scratched his chin and pouted slightly. "Of course Fudge is such an idiot he just might have. Man can't see what's right in front of his face." Again he looked at Harry.

Now the boy was confused. Was Professor Dale referring to how Fudge hadn't believed him about Voldemort returning? He wasn't quite sure what to make of this man.

"Can anyone else tell me another water creature that lives in the lake? Yes, Hermione."

The Gryffindor book worm smiled. "A large squid inhabits the lake as well."

"Gross." A short dirty blond haired Hufflepuff commented.

Hermione just rolled her eyes.

Erebus pulled his watch out of his pocket and checked the time. "We'll have to hold that topic for a later class. I want to have time to hand your last Parchment back. He walked up and down the isle handing back their papers. Giving them compliments or telling them places they could use some work.

He got to the group and handed them back their papers. "Perfect paper again Hermione, Ron you might want to focus a little more on how to avoid the situation next time, and please don't leave it till the last minute." He smiled mischievously.

Ron gulped and turned bright red.

"Draco, very good paper, and Harry I enjoyed yours immensely." He started to head away but turned back abruptly. "Oh, Harry, could I please see you after class. I have something I need to ask."

"Yes sir." Harry answered quietly.

Harry packed his bag and waited for everyone to leave the room.

"Harry are you sure you don't want us to stay?" Ron asked.

"No I'll be okay."

"Are you sure?" Draco inquired. He turned and glared at Professor Dale quickly before returning determined eyes to his Charge.

Harry smiled and shook his head, snickering lightly. "Come on you guys, I'll be perfectly fine. Professor Dale is a nice guy."

Draco scoffed and crossed his arms. "Are you sure about that? He seemed rather strange earlier."

The Raven haired boy smirked. "I think that he has a flair for Dramatics."

"A flair for insanity is more like it." Draco said rolling his eyes.

"Go on you two. You'll be later for Hagrid's class." Harry laughed.

"Oh, like I really want to go to that oafs…"

"Draco." Harry warned with a glare

"Argghhh." Draco cried and threw his hands up in the air. "You are impossible you know that. Come on Weasley." He grabbed the red head by the collar of his robe and dragged him out the door.

Laughter sparkled in Harry's green eyes. Those two said that they still hate each other. But they had an almost sibling rivalry. He made his way to the front of the class. "You wanted to speak to me sir?"

"Yes Harry. I understand you're quite good and Defense Against the Dark Arts. And by your work I would agree."

"Thank you sir." Harry blushed.

Erebus laughed. "Don't be so shy boy, you've earned it. But I was wondering if you've ever though about tutoring?"

"Huh." Now Harry was confused.

"I have these two first years that could use some help. And I was wondering if you would think about helping them. It would only be once a week or so. Or what ever works for you. I understand you have a lot on your plate already so I don't want to burden you."
"Tutoring, I've never thought about it before. That's more up Hermione's alley. She's always helped me through the years."
The black haired man gave him a little half smile. "And yet when it came time to start a DADA club she chose you to lead it."

"You…know about that?" Harry cringed.

"Of course I know." The brown eyed man laughed. "I've only been here for a little while. But the other teachers do talk about it in the Teachers lounge. Actually most of them were quite impressed."

"Let me guess Snape wasn't one of them?"

Erebus rested his head on his hand and raised an eyebrow. "Actually you would be quite surprised. The guy maybe a stuffed idiot, but even he can see what you did was quite extraordinary. Your training of those students in practical Defense Against the Dark Arts was quite exceptional. You might want to think of becoming a teacher some day."

"I want to be an Auror."

"That's an honorable profession as well." Erebus was silent for a moment. "So will you do it? At least give it a try."

"Sure why not." Harry smiled. "So what are their names?"

"Jude Tombs and Tibalt Henries. Quite a nice pair of boys but very undisciplined. But if they give you any grief you have my permission to cast the Bat-Bogey hex on them."

Harry laughed and leaned forward shaking his head.

"That's a very nice necklace you have there Harry."

His green eyes shot open. "Huh, what?"

"The Necklace you're wearing. It's very unusual I don't think I've ever seen one like it before. It must be very special to you I see you wearing everyday."

Harry fingered the pendant. The stone caught the sun reflecting many colors. He smiled sweetly. "Yeah, it is."

"May I see it?" The man questioned.

"Sorry, but I never take it off. My girlfriend gave it to me and I've become quite attached to it. It almost seems as if it's part of me."

"As it should be." That cryptic sound was back in the Professor's voice.

"Sorry sir, I don't understand."

Erebus smiled mysteriously. "I was just commenting that when someone gives you something that special. It usually forms a connection that's hard to break. It's only fitting that you want to keep it with you at all times. She must love you very much."

"Yes, she does."

It was quiet for a while until Erebus slapped his hand on the table. "Yes, well, you should be getting to your next class. I wouldn't want Hagrid to worry about you too much. I'll get with you on when to expect the two hooligans."

"Thank you Professor Dale." Harry grabbed his bag and left the room.

Brown eyes fallowed him out of the classroom.

Harry walked quickly out the front door, past the court yard with the large pendulum and across the wood bridge. Coming to the half circle of stones he took a left and headed to Hagrid's hut. But a hissing noise stopped him.

("Master.")

("Oh, Aro.") He looked down at his pocket and smiled. ("Glad to see that you're awake.") He had given up trying to get the snake to call him Harry, she just refused. He still didn't like the idea of a snake calling him master just reminded him to much of Voldemort.

("Master I think I tasted one of the ones that sent me.") She hissed.

("Really.") He glanced around quickly trying to see if anyone was near him. ("Where?")

She flicked her tongue a few times. ("I am truly sorry master, but it's fading now.")

He smiled and stroked her head then scratched her chin lightly. He saw her eyes close in pure pleasure she really liked her chin scratched. ("It's alright Aro.") But really he was very worried. If Aro had tasted one of the ones that sent her that meant that they were in the school. He knew he should tell Dumbledore but that would mean telling the headmaster that he had a dark creature as a pet. Since he had never made it to Hagrid's that night none of the Professors knew about Aro. He had grown quite attached to her over the last couple of months. And he didn't want to take a chance on them taking her away. Of course it had been quite a feet to get Hedwig and Aro to get along. Hedwig had been so used to being his only pet that she had become quite jealous of the snake. Actually trying to nip at the serpent and scratch her with her claws. And Aro not seeing herself as a pet but as a protector took this as Hedwig trying to take her away from her master. After much talking, stroking and reassuring both of them they finally gotten along, well sort of. Aro would hide in his pocket or under the log in her habitat when ever Hedwig was around. And if the Snowy owl even got a glimpse of the snake she would glare at it until it seemed her yellow eyes would fall out of her head. He sighed and continued towards Hagrid's hut. He reached it just as the practical part of the lesson was getting under way.

"Oi Harry over here." Ron waved to his friend. "Boy that took longer than I thought."

Hermione came towards them carrying what looked like a small round bird. "Don't worry Harry we explained to Hagrid that you were talking to Professor Dale." She placed the round ball of fluff in a box and took a bottle out of her pocket and an eye dropper.

"Thanks guys. So what are we doing today?"

"Snidgets." Roan answered joining them.

Harry gasped. "But I thought it was illegal to own those."

Hermione nodded. "They are, but these are orphaned ones that the Department for Magical Animal Protection or D-MAP asked Hagrid to raise. Even they know he's quite knowledgeable about rare creatures." She opened the bottle and stuck the dropper in.

Roan did the same with his and Ailis' Snidget.

Harry looked at the small bird that was now eating the substance in the dropper Hermione held. With its gold feathers and round plump body it very much resembled the Snitch that now took its place in the game of Quidditch. It was really quite cute.

"Here Harry, why don't you help me with mine." Draco offered.

Harry nodded and took the dropper from him. Draco was one of the few Slytherins that had made it into Hagrid's NEWT Care of Magical Creatures class. The only reason the blond had made it was because he had personally went to Hagrid and asked to be accepted even though he had only received an A on his OWLS. Of course this had only been recently and Harry was certain the reason the blond had swallowed his pride was because his Charge was in this class. Draco knew that Hagrid had a habit of arranging classes about dangerous creatures that could harm his Charge. Harry was actually happy that Draco had swallowed his pride and asked Hagrid it was a good lesson for the Slytherin who still had a tendency for being a bit big headed. He laughed lightly receiving an arched eyebrow form the Demon.

"So what did the weirdo want to see you about?" Draco questioned feeding their Snidget.

Harry sighed. "He's not a weirdo Draco he's actually a very good teacher I don't know why you don't like him." He scratched the side of the little birds head and it cocked it's head a little so he had better access.

The Demon growled. "I don't know, I just don't, maybe it's because he's a blooming dramatic prat."

"If any one's a prat it's you Malfoy."

"Shut up Weasley." The blond hissed.

"Both you be quiet." Harry ordered the two of them glared at each other but shut up anyways. "All Professor Dale wanted was to know is if I would tutor some first years in DADA."

Hermione smiled brightly. "Oh Harry that's wonderful he couldn't choose anyone better."

He smiled sheepishly. "Actually I thought he should pick you, more up your ally. And I know you're good at it. You've helped Ron and I through all these years."

By now she was blushing. "Well I'm still helping Ron."

"Hey."

"Oh shut up Ron." Roan laughed. "We all know it's true if it wasn't for Hermione riding your ass you wouldn't ever get your homework done on time."

Ron huffed and crossed his arms in front of his chest. "Well there are more important things out there than Homework."

Amai laughed. "Oh, like what?"
"Quidditch." Ron stated in a superior tone.

"Ronald Bilius Weasley." Hermione yelled.

"Oh Shit." Ron hissed and took off. Running right past Hagrid with his golden haired friend right on his heals. "See you later Hagrid." He called to their professor.

The man looked at them and turned to the rest of the group. "Well, I was comin' over ter say class dismissed. But it looks as if Hermione and Ron beat me ter it."

The next weekend the castle was in an uproar seeing as it was a Hogsmeade weekend. Third year and up were getting ready to head off to the wizarding town.

"Harry, Harry, hurry up." Roan called from the landing.

("Master, are you sure I can not go with you")

("I'm sorry Aro, but I can't take any chance on anyone seeing you. Any ways it's to cold for snakes out there. Most of them are in hibernation at this time.")

If any snake could look depressed it was her. ("You take the owl out all the time.") She hissed turning her beady little eyes to Hedwig who was sitting on top of one of the posts on Harry's bed.

Hedwig screeched and flapped her wings as if she understood the serpent. Then she flew down to Harry's shoulder and started at Arossadra tormenting her.

Harry sighed "Hedwig don't push her I don't see why you two can't get along." Then he hissed it to Aro.

("She started it.") Aro complained.

Hedwig squawked and glared at the snake clearly blaming her.

"I give up!" He cried throwing his hands in the air. "Hedwig come on I need to go." He shooed her off and went to meet his friends in the common room.

"Are they still going at it?" Kari giggled.

"I just don't get it." He groaned. "I've heard of jealousy between pets but this is ridiculous."

"That's because their not just your pets Harry." Hermione explained.

He cocked his head.

She sighed exasperated. "Oh come on Harry don't tell me you don't realize it?"

"Realize what Hermione?"

"They're your familiars."

Ron started laughing. "Hermione I think you've lost it. Harry's to young to have a Familiar."

Hermione glared at her red headed friend. "You think I don't know that Ronald."

Harry kept looking between his two friends then held his hands up to stop the argument he knew was coming. "Wait a minute what's going on here. I thought that a witch having a familiar was a muggle creation."

Keril smiled and shook his head.

"Then how come we haven't talked about them in Care of Magical Creatures?"

"Because Harry, familiars are seventh year NEWT assignments." Hermione explained. "It's very uncommon for a Witch or Wizard our age to have a familiar. The spells needed to bind an animal to you as your Familiar are very complicated. The telepathic link alone could go horribly wrong and you might find yourself trapped in your Familiars mind."

"But Hermione, I haven't cast any spells on Hedwig or Aro."

"I know Harry that's what makes it so amazing the link just seemed to form naturally. I wasn't so sure about it before. But the animosity between the two of them kind of gave it away. Most people only have one familiar because the animal becomes so attached to them that they become very jealous of any other animals around them."

"So your saying that somehow when I was age eleven without me even knowing it I bound Hedwig to me as my familiar."

She smiled.

"You know she might have a point Harry." Ron interjected. "If you think about it I don't think I've ever seen an owl that is as devoted to someone as Hedwig is to you. She has always seemed to know what you needed and did it without asking, almost like she could read your mind."

Ginny came and stood next to her boyfriend smiling at him. "How could Harry have done this without knowing?"

"I would venture to guess that it has something to do with his Elfin Heritage. Now wait Harry before you say anything let me finish. It's been well documented that elves have a certain connection with nature. The respect it in a way that humans can not even understand and have a much deeper connection with it than most races. I've read that some full blood elves can even talk with animals."

"Hermione I can't talk to animals. I think first year would have been easier if I could. Excuse me large three headed dog sir could you please move off the trap door we'd like to get through. Oh no you don't want to eat us we don't taste to good."

Every one in the room laughed.

Hermione snickered. "No Harry I've never known you to talk with animals. But you do seem to have a strange connection to them. Hedwig bonded to you so easily and so did Aro. Then there was Buckbeak in third year he took to you very easily preferring you to any one."

"So can I speak to Hedwig?"

"If she is you familiar than yes it's possible, but I think we should leave this till later or Ron might go ballistic he really wants to get to Honeydukes." She laughed as Ron glared at her and then let his eyes wonder to the clock.

Every one left and made their way out of the Gryffindor common room.

They met Draco in the entry way. "Hey there Potter." He teased his Charge. Do you mind if I bring a long a friend?"

Harry shrugged. "No, not at all who is it?"

Sandhyra stepped out from the dungeon stairwell. "Hello Harry." She smiled her violet eyes sparkling.

"Uhm hello." He really had never talked to the tall girl. But she didn't seem as bad as the other Slytherins who still seemed to hate him even though he and Draco had become friends. Well all except Blaise Zambini who was still avoiding him and Pansy who had seemed to get over her hatred of other houses as her relationship with Justin progressed.

Theodore Nott walked by and glared at Draco. Draco just returned the glare and gave a rude gesture.

"Draco!" Hermione gasped.

"What?" He shrugged

Harry smiled and shook his head. These two seemed to have patched up their differences pretty fast. "Com on you guys. We're supposed to meet Sirius at the Tree Broom Sticks."

The large group walked down the road talking amiably. Harry and Draco were comparing seeker tactics. Trying to figure out why Draco had never been able to defeat the Gryffindor seeker. So far they hadn't figured out anything except perhaps that Harry was the better flyer. Of course Draco wasn't ready to admit it.

"Harry, Harry." Some one called.

He turned around quickly to see the tanned haired man coming towards him. "Oh, Remus, how are you?"

The werewolf smiled. "I'm fine my boy, but I was going to ask you the same exact thing." His eyes came to rest on Draco and he arched an eyebrow.

Harry laughed. "I'm fine Remus and don't mind Draco he's harmless."

The Demon glared at his Charge. "Harmless?" He said indignantly.

The raven haired teen smirked his green eyes shining in mirth. "Yep completely harmless like a kitten."

"Yeah, well kittens have very sharp teeth that they like to use to bite their charges."

Keril's head shot up and he started at the blond.

"So the two of you are getting a long now?" Remus inquired.

Draco nodded.

"It was kind of forced. " Harry laughed and Draco slapped him lightly.

"So who's this?" Roan asked.

"Sorry guys this is Remus Lupin. He was best friends with mum and dad."

"Does he know Sirius?" Kari asked.

Remus's face saddened. "I'm sorry but I think you mean knew?"

She cocked her head. "No, I mean know."

"Harry, what is she talking about?"

The Gryffindor's mouth fell open in horror. "You mean you don't know?"

"Know what?"

"I thought he told you, I can't believe he didn't tell you he said he would."

"Harry?" Now the older man was starting to get a bit agitated.

The boy sighed. "Remus, Sirius is alive."

Remus's face fell. "Harry that's not funny."

"It's not supposed to be funny it's the truth he's been back for almost a month now."

"But that's not possible. Nobody has ever come back through the…." Remus's voice faced out as his eyes got wider and wider. "No… it's not possible." He whispered looking over the top of Harry's head.

The small Gryffindor turned to see the horrified look on his Godfather's face. "Remus." He exhaled.

"Sirius I thought you said that you would tell him." Harry admonished.

"I tried really I did. I have hundreds of letters that I started but the same fear kept coming back. I feared that he wouldn't remember me." The man explained.

"NOT REMBER YOU!" The normally mild mannered Remus shrieked. "HOW COULD I NOT BLOODY RECOGNIZE YOU? YOU'RE ONE OF MY BEST FRIENDS SIRIUS MY ONLY FAMILY NEXT TO HARRY, OF COURSE I'D RECOGNIZE YOU!" Tears started to flow down his cheeks and he ran off.

"Oh shit. I need to explain myself." Sirius stated and ran off after his friend.

"Well that was interesting." Draco said.

Amai glared at him. "Gakki." He growled.

"What did you just call me?"

In the shadows of an alley way two figures watched the group of friends.

"Are you sure about this master? An attack on Harry Potter in broad day light."

"Yes Lucius I'm certain it's the only way to see what we're up against. To see what Harry and his friends are truly capable of. And also to see how loyal they are to him any weakness could play to my advantage. And it needs to be done where there are a lot of people. You know of Harry's ability to slightly sense the magic of others."

"Yes sir I do."

"Good, now give the signal Lucius."

The blond man sighed and raised his wand keeping his eyes trained on his son. He knew that Draco had chosen his place and it was next to Potter's side. But he couldn't help but hope that his son came out of this alright. Whispering some words a shot of green sparks burst into the air. And with a large explosion the battle had begun.

Every nerve in Harry's body was placed on end as and explosion rocked the buildings around them and spoke billowed down the street.

"What's going on?" Ginny cried taking his hand.

"I don't know Gin I really don't." He looked around the street. Witches and Wizards were running every witch way in a chaotic mess of screaming and bodies. "Everyone stay calm and stay together." He sent a meaningful glance to all his friends. "Letting ourselves be swept away into chaos will only make us vulnerable." There was another explosion this one close by. "Protego." Harry cried calling up a shield to protect all of them from falling debris.

The hooded figure in the shadows laughed. "Most impressive, to be able to protect that many people with such a simple spell."

"Yes sir the boy's magical energy has strengthened it considerably. He truly is quite amazing so much power in one so young."

"Yes he is Lucius and just think how strong he'll be when he's grown and fully trained. But I fear now that his wizarding puberty might put a strain on his capability to keep up such spells."

Most of the friends were in shock at Harry's ability to call up such a large shield spell.

"Harry what do you think your doing? You'll drain yourself if you keep doing that." Hermione yelled.

He smiled and let the shield fall. "I just didn't want to see anyone hurt." He noticed that the street was almost empty around them.

"Don't you think we should head back to the castle?" Kari asked.

He knew she was right what ever was going on wasn't over yet and the Auror's would probably be here soon. But just as he was about to gather everyone and head them back to Hogwarts he caught sight of something in the rubble close by a body. "Neville!" He yelled racing towards his house mate bending down he quickly felt for a pulse. Thank the gods the boy was still alive.

"Harry." Another voice with a distinct Irish brogue cried out.

He looked up to see the sandy head of Seamus Finnigan.

"Seamus good Neville is badly hurt could you get him back to the castle why we look for others?"

"Sure Harry."

"Mobilicorpus." Harry muttered pointing his wand at Neville and his fellow Gryffindor floated into the air. "Thank you so much Seamus please tell Dumbledore what's going on here we might need some help." He turned to his group. "Are you guys okay with this if not you can head back now."

Ron scoffed. "Ha, like we'd leave you here alone Harry."

"Yeah." Kari said crossing her arms.

"We all know you'd get totally lost Harry." Draco sneered playfully.

"We wouldn't ditch you at a time like this." Keril actually laughed.

"My place is with you Harry." Ginny looked up at him lovingly.

The rest of the group agreed with them.

"Sandhyra?" He asked turning to the only person that wasn't really part of their group.

She smiled and bowed on one knee before him.

He started and with a confused look in his green eyes he looked to Draco who just looked bemused.

"I have sworn to protect you Harry and I will not go back on it now." She stood up and touched a broach she wore on her shirt. It was set of small silver wings. They started to glow and she was surrounded with what looked like flying feathers. They started to coalesce around her and soon joined together is a silvery cloak that was latched around her neck. Around her head was a gold circlet with small silver wings attached to it.

"A Valkyrie." Hermione gasped.

The dark Lord smiled. "Now this really is getting interesting. It would seem that young Mr. Potter has acquired quite the fallowing. You're son really has chosen a very powerful wizard Lucius. He does seem to draw others to him doesn't he?"

"Yes my lord. Mr. Potter has a way of getting people to do what he wants not because he orders them to but because they actually want to. And in return for their protection he is willing to put his life on the line to protect them."

"It seems you put a lot of work into that thought Lucius."

"I have faced off against him before my Lord, I have first hand experience and Potter wasn't quite as power full then. But he still had the charisma that pulled others to him."

"Yes, yes he does." The lord eyed the green eyed boy almost hungrily.

Sandhyra smiled and unsheathed her sword. She looked to Draco who did the same.

"Holy Hamsters where did you get that?" Hermione gasped.

Harry just glanced at him and smirked.

"A friend of mine gave it to me." Draco laughed. He sobered when suddenly there was a loud pop and they were surrounded by a large group of Death Eaters.

"Now things should get really interesting." The cloaked figure commented.

Lucius could here the excitement in his master's voice.

"Damn." Harry growled. He looked behind him to see worried faces on all his friends. But even thought they were worried they were more determined then scared. He didn't fault them for being scared for he himself was. And he had more History with the Death Eaters than all of them. "Every one stay close together don't let them break us apart." He heard a hooting noise and looking up saw Hedwig high above them. He wondered if what Hermione said was true. Was Hedwig really his familiar could he actually talk to her telepathically? It was worth a try they needed help and it would still take a while for Seamus to get back to the castle. Hedwig would be able to get there so much faster. He stared up at her and concentrated his mind solely on her listing form. "Hedwig." He sent to her.

She looked down at him and hooted.

"Can you understand what I'm saying girl?" He wondered if she could answer him back the same way.

"Yes my boy." A distinctly women's voice spoke in his mind.

He was a little surprised there was an almost motherly tone in her voice. "Hedwig we need help could you go to Hogwarts and get Dumbledore?"

"I am not his familiar he will not be able to understand me."

He knew she was right. Dumbledore would know that something was up but he wouldn't be able to understand her without a letter. Wait a minute maybe she could talk to other animals. "Maybe you can pass the message on to Fawkes. I have a feeling that he is Dumbledore's familiar or at least they understand each other in some way."

She hooted. "Yes Harry darling I have often talked to Fawkes he is quite fond of Dumbledore and you. Wanted to take you from me he did." She sounded almost jealous.

"Uhm." Was this going to be a common thing when it came to her? "Hurry Hedwig I don't think we have much time."

"Yes Harry, be careful." With that she flew off towards the castle.

Lucius had noticed the concentrated look on the boys face. "Uhm master I believe we're going to have some visitors."

"What do you mean Lucius? I made sure to give enough time after the explosion to allow any interlopers a chance to run off. And it will take quite a while for Mr. Finnegan to reach the castle." He growled returning his gaze to Harry.

"Yes my Lord I know but." The blond man pointed up.

Hissing the hooded man looked up to see the owl flying in the direction of Hogwarts as fast as she could go. "Is that Harry's owl?" The hood fell back slightly revealing an aristocratic face. His skin was beautiful golden tan and his eyes glowed amber.

"Yes my Lord Arcanus it is."

"Damn." He hissed pulling back his hood his long black hair flowing behind him the red streaks catching the light.

"My Lord should I send for Voldemort?"

"No Lucius." Arcanus spat. "All I need is that Idiot here messing things up. He's caused enough problems already." He glance at the dark haired half elf. "I don't know why I didn't think of it before. She is his familiar. It is truly amazing for one so young to have a familiar."

"My Lord?"
"Initiate the attack Lucius." He ordered waving a slender hand. "Dumbledore and his legions will be here soon and I wish to see this accomplished before he arrives."

"Yes my Lord." He lifted his right arm to reveal a mark of two snake one dark red and the other black wrapped around each other. He brought his wand up and touched it. He hissed as it started to glow lightly. "Begin." He whispered.

Harry watched as what seemed like a jolt of electricity shot through all the Death Eaters gathered around him. "Everyone Wands at the ready." He said raising his own wand.

"Harry you don't suppose one of these is my father?" Draco whispered.

"I don't know Draco they're all wearing masks." He glanced at his blond protector. "I'll understand if you don't want to do this Draco."

"I have to do this Harry you're my Charge I must protect you."

"I don't want you to do this just because of that. I would never ask you to turn your sword or your wand on your own family just because your compelled to protect me."

The blond smirked. "Fine then let me protect you because not only our you my charge but your also my friend and that's what friends do."

Harry smiled.

One of the Death Eaters stepped forward. "Harry Potter." It called.
He recognized that voice he could never forget it. "Bellatrix Lestrange." He answered flatly.

"Surrender and we'll allow your friends to go free."

"Don't do it Harry." Ginny sobbed.

"Don' worry Gin I have no intentions of doing so because I trust them about as much as an angry Peruvian Vipertooth." He pointedly looked at Bellatrix.

"You are making a grave mistake boy." Bellatrix said snidely.

Harry's face was set in a determined mask. "We will see about that Bellatrix."

Bellatrix tore off her mask and threw it on the ground. "You know child, you are way to confidant for your own good. One of these days it is going to get yourself killed just like my useless cousin."

Harry could feel him self getting angry and that was not good. Because right now with his magic still not under control from his wizarding puberty when he got mad his magic became uncontrollable.

"Yes, the truth hurts doesn't it Potter." Bellatrix sneered.

Arcanus growled as the woman spoke again. "Would someone shut that bitch up?"

"My Lord?"
"Lucius, do me a favor."

"Yes my Lord?" Lucius answered.

"Hold out your arm." Arcanus said not taking his eyes off the scene before him.

Lucius held his right arm out under side up so that the double snake mark was showing. He winced when Lord Arcanus grabbed hold of it right over the mark. The man's hand started to glow a dark red color and Lucius was brought to his knees by the hot searing pain that raced up his arm. And he knew that if he was in this much pain then his sister in law was in for hell. Their Lord was not known for being patient. And Bellatrix was delaying the show that their Lord wanted to see.

Harry took some deep breaths trying to calm himself down. He could feel bolts of magic running up and down his body. He was not going to let this woman get the best of him. He had to remain calm for the others.

Bellatrix could see the blue bolts of magic that ran all over the boy's body. Anyone else would have known to shut up but Bellatrix was never known for knowing when to shut her overly big mouth. "What Potter no…" Her words were cut off by a loud shriek as her entire right arm burst into flame.

The group of friends couldn't help but watch as she shrieked and flailed her arm in the air. The fire had now spread from her arm to her chest and the fabric was all but burned away. But none of the other death eaters seemed to care than one of their own was burning right in front of them. Instead the incident seemed to incite something else into the other Death Eaters and the battle was soon under way and Harry and his friends found themselves fighting for their lives.

Well, hope you liked this chapter. Sorry for the cliffhanger I know you probably want to kill me now. Okay, maybe I should debate on running for my life. Also if anyone is interested I still need a beta reader for this story.

Warning do not offer to beta read if

:you have anything against Slash. Because when I said that their will be slash in this story I wasn't kidding and the whole Blaise thing was not the end of it.

: If you have a problem with a lot of stupid mistakes mostly things that word does not catch. My spelling and grammar are terrible I'll be the first to admit that.

: Also you must understand that my writing is not my first priority. I am a college student majoring in art. My art and school work must take precedence.

: Also if you are against reading stories that are very long. This one is already at 83 pages and is still going.

So if you are okay with those things and are willing to take on the monumental task of beta reading this please e-mail me. And if I don't get back to right away I'm sorry. Things are going crazy right now. We have two weeks of school left and then finals. And also I work retail and it's the beginning of the Christmas shopping season. But I will try to get back to you as quick as I can. This will also affect the speed at which I write the next chapter. So please be patient.