A/N: Alright people, here's the deal. I know that it's been over 2 months since my last update, and I'm sorry for that. My life has been extremely hectic for the last couple of months, culminating with my successful enlistment into the military. This particular author has the inclination to be all that he can be, so the U.S. Army is going to help me out with that. Since that is the case, all of my stories are officially going on HOLD after this chapter is finished. I have several months of training before I will be allowed unrestricted access to a computer again, so I will be unable to upload any new chapters. That's my news, so now we can get on with the chapter, eh?

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Chapter 23: Plans, Preparations, and Agreements
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The following two weeks were very difficult for both Harry and Hermione. The magical buildup was uncomfortable, but became excruciating when the excess magic began forming new pathways for Harry and Hermione to use their new reserves. Control quickly became an issue, as the pathways connected to their muscles, putting magic behind each movement. Harry almost snapped his wand several times, just gripping it. Hermione turned one the libraries oldest books into powder when she got frustrated trying to break its copyrighting charms. Her temper, more volatile now, thanks to the magic simmering just beneath the surface, got the better of her and she threw the book across the room. She failed to realize the age of the book, and it basically turned to dust. It took her several hours of careful spell work to reconstruct the book, but the copy protection was broken, and she got the copy she wanted in the end.

The worst aspect of this change, however, was the pain. Both students spent their entire days, and most of their nights in excruciating pain. Each new pathway carved its way through their magic, mind and body, making them feel like they were being subjected to specific forms of the Cruciatus curse. They used all sorts of numbing potions to control the pain, charms when the potions wore off, and then fought each other to the point of exhaustion, just to get through the day.

Professor Snape, oblivious to the terrible pain the students were in, was having a field day taking points from them. As their muscles changed, they couldn't control the precision of their knives, and couldn't manage to correctly prepare the ingredients for their potions. Harry and Hermione were too preoccupied with their pain to allow Snape's attitude to even annoy them, however, and Snape was far too worried about five of the students in his house to worry about their attitude.

Draco Malfoy, Pansy Parkinson, Vincent Crabbe, Gregory Goyle, and Theodore Nott Jr. were all in the hospital wing, as they had been for the last two weeks, ever since Halloween night. They were in a right state, truth be told. They were hurting, almost as bad as Harry and Hermione, but couldn't function under that much pain. They were using their magical reserves to try and heal themselves, but to no avail. All that was being accomplished was the slow weakening of their magical cores. Madam Pomfrey diagnosed it as Non-Specific Magical Trauma, meaning that she knew it was a magical malady, but could not isolate the problem. Severus had brewed several complicated diagnostic potions, but couldn't find anything wrong with the students.

What the Professor didn't know, and the students were too far gone to tell him, was the second generation Dark Mark that they had been branded with. Voldemort's newest version of the spell was a newer, more cunning version of his original idea. Voldemort had learned his lessons in treachery and deceit, and had branded his spies and operatives with a modified mark. The mark was keyed to his eyes only, and nobody else knew of its existence. It was a very clever bit of magic, since it ensured that no one could impersonate his spies, since he could see the absence of the mark, even though the infiltrator didn't know he was supposed to have one. As ingenious as the new mark was, it was not convenient to the five students in the hospital wing., slowly dying from magical drain.

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It was nearly midnight when the two cloaked figures materialized from the shadows in the hospital wing. The full moon outside cast plenty of shadows to allow the two demon-people to use their powers to perfection. A wolf howled in the distance, and the two figures shared a look. Remus was in the area, it seemed.

Suspending that thought for a bit, Harry and Hermione got down to business, warding the windows and doors with their particular brand of shadow magic. The windows were tricky, since the clear glass didn't cast much of a shadow, but they eventually had the room sealed. Now it was time for the difficult part.

Hermione and Harry walked soundlessly over to the beds where the five Slytherins were lying unconscious. they had been kept that way for almost two days now, since it seemed to slow the draining process. As one, they began working on each of the students. First, Hermione would place the student under the body-bind. Then, Harry would reach inside, and force their magical core to fall dormant. it was a very temporary thing, lasting less than thirty minutes, but it was necessary for the moment.

Once all five bodies had been done, they were pulled from their beds and leaned up against a wall. Then, with a few simple waves of his wand, Harry woke them all up. Their eyes snapped open, and they tried to thrash around, but found themselves unable to. Once their brains caught up, they realized that they were not hurting anymore. Harry and Hermione could see the joy in their eyes, but burst their bubble quickly.

Good evening, my young slytherins. Harry began. I am Flame, of the Imperial Dragon circle, and this is my partner, Blade. Harry pointed Hermione out. And you, I believe, are in a spot of trouble.

Hermione picked up the story. You have been in constant pain for the last two weeks. The five teens' eyes widened in shock. They had no idea it had been that long. I know you think it has been a long time, but you're not out of the woods just yet. You five have been marked as Death Eaters, and that's why you feel that pain. Your master is dead. The five teens eyes now betrayed their horror and fear.

Harry dug the knife in deeper. The Dark Mark connects you to him, and he's dead. It's only natural for the magic to constantly attempt to connect to him, since that's what the spell does. Naturally you feel the pain of the spell's failure. And the best part? Harry paused for dramatic effect. It will continue to hurt you until the connection is restored. The five Slytherins looked horrified at the thought. Harry decided to really scare them before the deal, it would make them more compliant. Fortunately for you, you'll be dead in a week or so, so the pain won't continue past your death. Hermione unfroze Draco, since he looked like he was the most lucid. He immediately fell to the ground sobbing, until he realized he wasn't in pain. He looked up, surprised, and tried to affect a superior air about him.

Draco said. I don't feel any pain right now, and I'll bet they don't either. He pointed at the other four.

Correct, Mr. Malfoy. You don't feel any pain right now. Harry agreed, tossing him a wand. that's because the mark is tied directly to your magic, which I have supressed temporarily, so we could talk. Malfoy looked extremely skeptical, and tried a few spells, growing panicky as they didn't work. It's no use, Mr. Malfoy, your magic is supressed for the moment, and will remain so for about eleven more minutes. I'm not a god, Mr. Malfoy. I can't take away your magic completely, I can only bury it for a short time. However, at the moment, you are powerless, and slated for an execution.

Hermione took over. You should die by our hands, as followers of the Dark Lord, but we have a deal for you. Actually, it's not really a deal, but a choice.

Draco looked scared, but controlled his face quickly. What kind of choice?

Harry, who knew he was frightening Draco with his cloaked persona, picked up the dialogue. Very simple, Mr. Malfoy. You agree to keep the information of the Dark Lord's death a secret, and continue to pretend to be Jr. Death Eaters, and we stop the pain on a permanent basis. Or, you may decline our offer, and die where you stand. You speak for the group on this, Mr. Malfoy. Their lives are in your hands.

It wasn't really much of a choice, really. Harry and Hermione knew what Draco would pick to live. It wasn't necessary, but Draco's cooperation would help keep scrutiny off of Harry for a while, and that was important in the long run. If everyone knew that Voldemort was dead, then Dumbledore would go to lengths to figure out WHY he was dead, and how it had happened. That would lead to several questions that Harry didn't want to answer just yet.

I'll take option one. Draco said stiffly.

The two demon-people just nodded and went to work. Draco and his associates made a miraculous recovery the next day, and were back to their arrogant selves within the week. Harry and Hermione thought it was hilarious.

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It was Christmas break before the two Shadow Mages, as they had begun to call themselves, could engineer a run-in with Remus Lupin. It was quite difficult to catch him anywhere by himself, since he was always reporting to someone. Harry knew enough from spying on the order meetings that Remus was spying on him, so that made the job even more difficult.

It took some careful planning, but they managed to make sure that Snape was otherwise occupied the week before the full moon, and therefore unable to brew the Wolfsbane potion for Remus. Unlike most potions, the wolfsbane potion had to be freshly brewed when ingested, otherwise it would become toxic. Without the potion to control his transformation, Remus was forced to utilize the Shrieking Shack once more.

The next big step in getting Remus to listen was the most difficult part. The lupine entity sleeping inside Remus was going to limit the amount of time that Harry and Hermione would have to chat. The wolf, once set free, might try to attack them before finding out the hard way that Demons don't respond well to violence. The only way that they could ensure Remus' safety was to push the transformation back for as long as they could. It took them several weeks, and lots of dead rodents before they could come up with a prototype potion to supress the werewolf transformation for a while. According to Hermione's calculations, it would last for just under an hour, giving them enough time to present the deal, and secure Remus' help. the only major catch to the potion was that it could only be administered DURING the transformation. The wolf wasn't dangerous to Harry or Hermione, but thier natural instincts were still demonic, and they would retaliate with deadly force without much provocation.

On the night in question, Harry and Hermione were waiting for the moon to rise. Remus had turned up at the shack right on schedule, and had been sitting there for almost an hour now. Harry glance at Hermione, who met his eyes and nodded. she was holding a small hypodermic needle, filled with the potion. The potion was an odd combination of magical ingredients, muggle narcotics, and enchantments. It was necessary to introduce it directly to Remus' bloodstream, so he couldn't spit it out. Harry was going to restrain him while Hermione gave him the shot.

It actually ended up being a lot easier than Harry had thought it would be. The werewolf was incredibly strong compared to a human, but Harry's magically enhanced physique made it easy to restrain him while Hermione injected the potion. Les than ten seconds later, Remus stopped struggling, and his transformation reversed until he was sitting on the bed, quite human, with a dazed look on his face. His eyes wandered up to gaze at the two hooded faces that had stopped his transformation. Wha- What did you do to me? He asked.

We've given you an injection that will hold off your transformation for a while. We wish to speak with you, Mr.Lupin, but away from prying ears, and this seemed the best option for doing it. Harry said, although Remus only saw the Shadow Master called Flame. We are in a bit of a bind, Mr. Lupin, and your professional skills could be of great value to us in our next endeavor.

What professional skills? Remus asked. I am unemployable by the Wizarding world, and have no real expertise in anything besides Dark Creatures, which you probably know more about than I do. What could you possibly need my help for?

Mr. Lupin, may I call you Remus? The Shadow master he knew as Blade asked. He nodded. Remus, you may be unemployed, but you are a professional werewolf, are you not? Remus looked confused, and Blade elaborated. During the last year, you've been trying to keep the werewolves from siding with the Dark Lord, correct? I am guessing you are being compensated in some way for your trouble, so you must be a professional.

I suppose that you're right. I am a professional werewolf, although I don't understand why you would want the help of a cursed being like myself. Remus said.

Well, suppose you listen to our offer, then come to a conclusion, ok? Flame said. Remus nodded. Alright, first, we'll explain your end of the bargain, then we'll tell you what we'll compensate you with. Remus, you are a werewolf, and a teacher. Thus, we have a very unique individual in you. We have decided to open a school for the downtrodden. We would like you to teach the other werewolves for us. Your end of the deal is that you will not reveal this information to anyone, including Albus Dumbledore. You will be compensated quite well for your discretion.

Blade picked it up. I am sure, being a werewolf, that you have heard of the legend of the Lycans?

Remus went into his memory and dragged the info to the surface. Lycans are suppposed to be the ultimate power among werewolves. They are said to have conquered the moon,' meaning that they don't transform at the full moon, but can transform at will.

Correct, Remus. Blade said. That is our end of the bargain. In return for your secrecy, and your help in the future, we will help you become a Lycan, rather than just a werewolf.

It wasn't really much of a choice for Remus. They were offering him the chance to triumph over his curse, and he couldn't pass it up. I accept your offer.

Flame said. For now, continue with business as usual. We shall contact you when we are ready. Expect us when you see us. The two shadow master demons melted into the shadows, leaving Remus to what could possibly be his last forced transformation.

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The year seemed to speed by after that. Down in the chamber, Harry and Hermione continued to work on their library, setting up their defensive traps, and hatching their sentinel. The Basilisk that Hermione hatched was quite odd, however. Hermione had come up with the brilliant idea of using phoenix feathers to heat the egg, rather than the usual heating charms. As a result, the basilisk hatched with scalesof a shiny ruby red, with yellow tints all over it. The eyes were every bit as deadly, and the poison was just as effective. The only major difference was the fact that it was now warm-blooded.

The other races had been enthusiastic about a privately run school, away from the Ministry's control, and were looking forward to getting letters in the fall. Preparations for the school's forced renovations were in place and ready to go by the time Harry and Hermione boarded the Hogwarts express. The ride home would be the last place they would be seen for quite some time...

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A/N: I hope you enjoyed this!!!!!!! It was basically a transitional chapter, and more action begins in the next one. How do you think Mistress of Magic Umbridge will react to a school for Dark Creatures???