p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;"On Christmas day, two people carefully infiltrated Hogwarts castle. They had planned the operation perfectly. During their scouting, they'd learn the names and habits of the remaining twenty students, and using Reiji's knowledge of the castle, had found Scythe's office, dorm, and classroom./p
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p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;"That morning, two identical girls went for a walk by the lake. Hidden beneath disillusionment charms, they stunned the girls, before placing a few of their hairs in the potion in their hands. "Sorry." Eren said as they moved the bodies, "This place is heated, so you won't freeze. You'll be alright."/p
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p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;"They drank the potions and walked up to the castle. Making quick mental notes of everyone they saw, they advanced through the castle. Their first stop was the office, which they found to be empty. "You want to stay here, just in case he comes back?" Reiji asks./p
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p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;""No, I've step up a simple ward. We'll know if he does. He might have Cal with him, so we can't afford to separate." Eren says, walking away from the empty room./p
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p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;""Miss Patil, did you need something?" said a voice behind them. Eren immediately went to battle mode, but Reiji was able to calm her./p
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p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;""Forgive us, professor McGonagall. My sister had a question about a piece of homework. Do you know where Professor Giuseppe is?"/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;""I'm afraid that he had some personal business to attend to over the break. I believe he will return at the start of term. In sure he'll be able to assist you. If it's crucial, perhaps I could help?" the elderly woman smiles./p
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p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;""The essay is about the advantages of mastering minor curses as opposed to more dangerous ones." Eren smiles, having over heard them talking about it./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;""Well, for starters, the easier a spell is to preform, the less power it requires. Another advantage is speed, you could cast one hundred stunners in the time it would take to case the blood boil curse ten times. Finally, against a more powerful opponent, such simples spell often fall outside their notice. Professor Dumbledore won his legendary duel against Grindelwald with a disarming charm, which any of you could have performed because after using a wide array of complex spells, Grindelwald was unprepared for something so obvious." Professor McGonagall explains, at times conjuring diagrams to help./p
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p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;""But he mentioned that over time you can reduce the wand movements needed to cast a spell, so in a real duel, wouldn't that eliminate the speed advantage?" Reiji asks, having once asked Eren the same question./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;""Very true, five points to Ravenclaw. While that is true, such things require concentration, which is difficult to come by in a duel. If your opponent is strong enough that they can perform advanced magic with no movements, then you can usually still use the last point." She answers, almost the same way Eren had over a decade before, albeit more directly./p
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p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;""Thank you, Professor!" they said at the same time, and ran off to the grounds./p
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p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;"As the potion wears off, they apply the charm again and begin moving the girls to a spot along the lakeside where they enjoy doing homework and began altering their memories. The Gryffindor would remember suddenly feeling the need to talk to Professor Giuseppe about an essay, and her sister accompanied her. Finally, they added their memories of the afternoon to the girls and locked them in with an extremely complex memory charm./p
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p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;""Ready?" Reiji asks as the stand at the edge of the lake./p
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p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;""Now." Eren said, and the two undid their spells and left soundlessly as the girls regained consciousness./p
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p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;""What news?" the elegant looking man said as the others started filing in./p
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p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;""Mr. McGuire, we eliminated the diplomat without incident, and I gave phantom orders to begin cutting off the lower ranking members, so as to assure that our people are in position to make a final play." Scythe smiles as the council begins talking amongst themselves./p
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p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;""You do impressive work, Scythe. What of Zane? Is he living up to your expectations?" McGuire asks, and the council grows silent./p
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p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;""As skilled as he is, he falls far short of the standard set by the previous phantoms." scythe sighs, "He is unlikely to remain among us for long. I intend to dispose of him once his replacement is secured."/p
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p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;""As usual, your talent is impressive. I had a similar assessment of his skills. Even after eleven years of service, he hasn't improved." McGuire says, as his bodyguard pours him some wine./p
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p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;""It was likely a fluke that he killed Zwei. I seriously doubt that he would have lasted a minute against him." scythe says, "My new prize, however, will surpass any of them. Ein's obedience, Zwei's talent, and Drei's skill. A beautiful combination." Scythe grins./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;""After such a rave review, I look for to seeing this prize. Are they the reason you took that job? At the school?" McGuire asks knowingly./p
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p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;""I see your spies have kept you well informed. Yes, I took the job so that I might find a suitable actor for my new play. With your permission, I would like to continue. There are a number of students who might be useful in coming years."/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;""What say the rest of you?" He asks the rest of the assembled members./p
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p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;"A tanned man stands, and turns, "While I do not doubt your loyalties, nor your skill, I can't help wondering what you would gain, and whether you gaining it is in the best interest of the organization."/p
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p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;"There is a murmuring of assent, and the crowd grows silent in anticipation of his reply. "I understand your point of view, however, as to what I am gaining from this, aside from my personal enjoyment of teaching, I would be in prime position to groom those detained to star in my masterpieces. Additionally, while I am teaching there, I would be in close contact with my very dear friend Albus Dumbledore, who despite suffering a setback this summer is still highly regarded, and likely to make a return as chief warlock. Which would be quite useful to help with politics."/p
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p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;""And he would help you? As I recall, Dumbledore has always fought against the dark." a different man answers./p
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p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;""Are we truly dark? We may fight and kill if we must, but of we achieve our goal, many would be saved from pointless death. If I were to spin the tale properly, Dumbledore will latch on and help us 'for the greater good'." Scythe counters./p
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p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;""And what if he finds out you were responsible for his friend's descent into madness? Would he still assist you?" McGuire asks, to the shock of most of the assembled members./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;""Null was an unfortunate accident. I never dreamed his mind would break so easily. But, it has been fixed, though it took myself and Dumbledore to bring him down. Luckily, his memory was too fragmented to be able to use it against us." Scythe shrugs./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;""You're dodging the question. Would he assist?" another member yells angrily./p
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p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;""Yes." scythe smiles, making the council nervous. "Dumbledore is driven by his greater good. Whatever the reason, Grindelwald was a threat to that and had to be stopped. So long as I do not stand against him, we have nothing to fear."/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;""And if you did, could we kill him?" an older man at the left hand of McGuire inquired./p
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p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;""I cannot say. I roughly estimate that his strength is slightly greater than our current phantom's. She might still have the edge in skill, so they would be well matched. If this was after our new apprentice is completed, than we will have no trouble." scythe analyses./p
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p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;""Let's put it to a vote." McGuire says calmly as they discuss, "Those willing to allow him to continue?" most of them raised a hand, "And against?" three rise. "Scythe master, we will expect detailed reports on students that could potential prove useful at each general assembly, however I will endeavor to hold them as the school schedule permits." McGuire announces as the assembly claps./p
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p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;""I thank you for your kindness. I will be sure to live up to your praise." scythe bows, smirking./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;""What of the reformed bloodies?" McGuire asks, and scythe tunes out most of the Remaining meeting, only being asked occasionally to provide his advice on an operation./p
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p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;""Our next general assembly will be held on April twentieth. Until then, remember that everything is for the good of Inferno. " McGuire ends, and walks out escorted by his guards./p
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p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;"As soon as Scythe left, a masked man appeared behind him, "Zane, take me to that safe house." he said, not bothering to turn. Zane produced a scrap of paper, and seconds later, the two are twirling out of view./p
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p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;"Christmas had been rather peaceful. Morgan seemed thrilled for the company, as it would likely have been lonely without Cyrus. Neville had stayed, as did Hermione, who hadn't felt safe staying at the school with all these attacks, and didn't want her parents to try and keep her home./p
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p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;"In terms of presents, it was rather standard. From the adults, he had been given a number of spell books, mostly for combat magic, but some for potions, transfiguration, and charms. His friends had given him chocolates, candies, and a homework planner from Hermione. While it was nice planner, Harry had to get Remus to put a permanent silencing charm on it, as it kept yelling at him to get his work done, even though he doesn't have any./p
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p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;"As expected, Amelia had pulled him aside and demanded a full account of his actions at school, including how he managed to be the prime suspect. As terrifying as Amelia's glare is, it got worse when Morgan happened to overhear that last part. Harry spent the better part of an hour explaining everything, (and stressing that none of it was his fault) and Morgan forgave him, for no other reason than because he was suspected for saving her daughter./p
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p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;"Neville was gone all day the twenty sixth, and since none of the adults were talking, Harry could only assume that he was visiting his parents. When he got back, he was out of it, and clutching an empty Bertie Botts bag. The next morning, he was back to his old self, and laughing with the rest of them./p
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p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;"The first was as hectic as always, though made slightly better by the fact that Sirius was able to take some time off of active duty with the aurors to take them. He also had an even better surprise. "Madam Bones doesn't like the way that Dumbledore is handling this, so she dispatching an auror corp to the castle, just in case." he'd said as he helped Harry and Neville pack the trunks onto the train./p
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p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;"Twenty minutes later, they were pulling out of the station, watching Morgan waving in the distanance when the door opens, and Sirius pokes his head in. "Hope you don't mind if I hang out here? All the other compartments are full."/p
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p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;"They shook their heads and he sat next to Harry, then morphed into Padfoot and fell asleep on the seat. The next hour was spent talking, playing, practicing spells, or having quick conversations with friends who poked their heads in./p
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p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;"Just after the announcement had been made to prepare to disembark, the door opened, with Ron Weasley, Draco Malfoy, and about three dozen others standing in the halls./p
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p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;""Potter! We don't want you setting that monster of yours loose again. So, we thought the best way is to put you in your place." Ron smirked, as almost forty wands were pointed into their compartment./p
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p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;"Beside him Padfoot growled and bark viciously. Malfoy laughed, "Wow, big bad dueling god, hiding behind his wittle puppy." he said in a mock baby voice./p
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p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;"The compartment laughed, and an angry adult voice answered, "Who are you calling a puppy?" Sirius had transformed back, wand pointed at the hallway./p
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p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;""Ron Weasley, allow me to introduce my Godfather, Auror, and convicted mass murderer, Sirius Black. Sirius, this is the guy who keeps spreading lies about me, insulting me, and otherwise getting on my nerves." Harry says, smiling as half the people ran when they heard his name, "Much better. Sirius and I can handle you lot easily."/p
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p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;""You sure, pup? I would think one of us would be plenty." Sirius jokes, twirling his wand./p
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p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;""I get the two ringleaders of this little circus in the front; you get the rest of the clowns." Harry smiles as a few more clowns run away./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;""He can't attack us!" one of the clowns Harry recognized as Percy's girlfriend Penelope says, "There no way an adult can attack kids!"/p
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p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;""Actually, I'm being stationed at Hogwarts as security. As per those orders, I have full authority to put an end to any student violence." Sirius laughs, still twirling his wand which was now shooting sparks in the air./p
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p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;"All the remaining clowns ran, leaving only the two ringmasters, not nearly as cocky ad they were before. Sirius looked at Harry with a sad expression, "Can I have one? Please?"/p
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p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;""Maybe next time." Harry laughs at his godfather's antics, "You still gonna, what did you say, 'put me in my place'?" he says to the shaking friends in the doorway./p
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p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;"Malfoy keeps looking from one side to the other, before finally, acting tough, he says, "I don't see a reason to dirty our hands with this. After all, we're not mudbloods, so we have nothing to fear."/p
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p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;""Except it says enemies of the heir, not muggleborns. Hermione points out, "So, if Harry is the heir, given your history together, you should be very afraid."/p
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p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;"The two looked horrified at the implications and ran through the train, Ron screaming for his mum, Draco for his father. "Well, that was fun." Sirius smirks as he sits down./p
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p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;""It has its moments." Harry admits, "But, Hermione, that was great! But what about once you're back in Gryffindor? How will they take it?"/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;""I'll be fine. Don't forget the twins, Neville, and Micaiah are there with me. Even if they don't like them, no one is stupid enough to try something against Fred and George." Hermione smiles, as she eats another sweet./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;""You two,-" Sirius smirks at the twins, "Make sure you cut me in on any major pranks. I'd love to prank this place from beyond graduation."/p
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p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;""Yes, your majesty." they smirked in a mock bow./p
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p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;"The group laughed as they put on their robes, and listen to the most dangerous trio in Hogwarts plotted pranks far beyond their comprehension./p
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p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;"As they pull into the train station, Sirius leaves to check in with his superior. Harry and he girls plus Neville took a carriage together, and the six (the twins left to converse with Lee Jordan about some of Sirius' ideas) climb the steps, laughing and looking forward to classes and clubs./p
p style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;" /p
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p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;"That morning, two identical girls went for a walk by the lake. Hidden beneath disillusionment charms, they stunned the girls, before placing a few of their hairs in the potion in their hands. "Sorry." Eren said as they moved the bodies, "This place is heated, so you won't freeze. You'll be alright."/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;"They drank the potions and walked up to the castle. Making quick mental notes of everyone they saw, they advanced through the castle. Their first stop was the office, which they found to be empty. "You want to stay here, just in case he comes back?" Reiji asks./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;""No, I've step up a simple ward. We'll know if he does. He might have Cal with him, so we can't afford to separate." Eren says, walking away from the empty room./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;""Miss Patil, did you need something?" said a voice behind them. Eren immediately went to battle mode, but Reiji was able to calm her./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;""Forgive us, professor McGonagall. My sister had a question about a piece of homework. Do you know where Professor Giuseppe is?"/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;""I'm afraid that he had some personal business to attend to over the break. I believe he will return at the start of term. In sure he'll be able to assist you. If it's crucial, perhaps I could help?" the elderly woman smiles./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;""The essay is about the advantages of mastering minor curses as opposed to more dangerous ones." Eren smiles, having over heard them talking about it./p
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p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;""Well, for starters, the easier a spell is to preform, the less power it requires. Another advantage is speed, you could cast one hundred stunners in the time it would take to case the blood boil curse ten times. Finally, against a more powerful opponent, such simples spell often fall outside their notice. Professor Dumbledore won his legendary duel against Grindelwald with a disarming charm, which any of you could have performed because after using a wide array of complex spells, Grindelwald was unprepared for something so obvious." Professor McGonagall explains, at times conjuring diagrams to help./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;""But he mentioned that over time you can reduce the wand movements needed to cast a spell, so in a real duel, wouldn't that eliminate the speed advantage?" Reiji asks, having once asked Eren the same question./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;""Very true, five points to Ravenclaw. While that is true, such things require concentration, which is difficult to come by in a duel. If your opponent is strong enough that they can perform advanced magic with no movements, then you can usually still use the last point." She answers, almost the same way Eren had over a decade before, albeit more directly./p
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p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;""Thank you, Professor!" they said at the same time, and ran off to the grounds./p
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p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;"As the potion wears off, they apply the charm again and begin moving the girls to a spot along the lakeside where they enjoy doing homework and began altering their memories. The Gryffindor would remember suddenly feeling the need to talk to Professor Giuseppe about an essay, and her sister accompanied her. Finally, they added their memories of the afternoon to the girls and locked them in with an extremely complex memory charm./p
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p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;""Ready?" Reiji asks as the stand at the edge of the lake./p
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p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;""Now." Eren said, and the two undid their spells and left soundlessly as the girls regained consciousness./p
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p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;""What news?" the elegant looking man said as the others started filing in./p
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p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;""Mr. McGuire, we eliminated the diplomat without incident, and I gave phantom orders to begin cutting off the lower ranking members, so as to assure that our people are in position to make a final play." Scythe smiles as the council begins talking amongst themselves./p
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p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;""You do impressive work, Scythe. What of Zane? Is he living up to your expectations?" McGuire asks, and the council grows silent./p
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p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;""As skilled as he is, he falls far short of the standard set by the previous phantoms." scythe sighs, "He is unlikely to remain among us for long. I intend to dispose of him once his replacement is secured."/p
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p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;""As usual, your talent is impressive. I had a similar assessment of his skills. Even after eleven years of service, he hasn't improved." McGuire says, as his bodyguard pours him some wine./p
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p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;""It was likely a fluke that he killed Zwei. I seriously doubt that he would have lasted a minute against him." scythe says, "My new prize, however, will surpass any of them. Ein's obedience, Zwei's talent, and Drei's skill. A beautiful combination." Scythe grins./p
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p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;""After such a rave review, I look for to seeing this prize. Are they the reason you took that job? At the school?" McGuire asks knowingly./p
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p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;""I see your spies have kept you well informed. Yes, I took the job so that I might find a suitable actor for my new play. With your permission, I would like to continue. There are a number of students who might be useful in coming years."/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;""What say the rest of you?" He asks the rest of the assembled members./p
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p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;"A tanned man stands, and turns, "While I do not doubt your loyalties, nor your skill, I can't help wondering what you would gain, and whether you gaining it is in the best interest of the organization."/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;"There is a murmuring of assent, and the crowd grows silent in anticipation of his reply. "I understand your point of view, however, as to what I am gaining from this, aside from my personal enjoyment of teaching, I would be in prime position to groom those detained to star in my masterpieces. Additionally, while I am teaching there, I would be in close contact with my very dear friend Albus Dumbledore, who despite suffering a setback this summer is still highly regarded, and likely to make a return as chief warlock. Which would be quite useful to help with politics."/p
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p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;""And he would help you? As I recall, Dumbledore has always fought against the dark." a different man answers./p
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p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;""Are we truly dark? We may fight and kill if we must, but of we achieve our goal, many would be saved from pointless death. If I were to spin the tale properly, Dumbledore will latch on and help us 'for the greater good'." Scythe counters./p
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p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;""And what if he finds out you were responsible for his friend's descent into madness? Would he still assist you?" McGuire asks, to the shock of most of the assembled members./p
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p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;""Null was an unfortunate accident. I never dreamed his mind would break so easily. But, it has been fixed, though it took myself and Dumbledore to bring him down. Luckily, his memory was too fragmented to be able to use it against us." Scythe shrugs./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;""You're dodging the question. Would he assist?" another member yells angrily./p
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p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;""Yes." scythe smiles, making the council nervous. "Dumbledore is driven by his greater good. Whatever the reason, Grindelwald was a threat to that and had to be stopped. So long as I do not stand against him, we have nothing to fear."/p
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p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;""And if you did, could we kill him?" an older man at the left hand of McGuire inquired./p
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p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;""I cannot say. I roughly estimate that his strength is slightly greater than our current phantom's. She might still have the edge in skill, so they would be well matched. If this was after our new apprentice is completed, than we will have no trouble." scythe analyses./p
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p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;""Let's put it to a vote." McGuire says calmly as they discuss, "Those willing to allow him to continue?" most of them raised a hand, "And against?" three rise. "Scythe master, we will expect detailed reports on students that could potential prove useful at each general assembly, however I will endeavor to hold them as the school schedule permits." McGuire announces as the assembly claps./p
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p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;""I thank you for your kindness. I will be sure to live up to your praise." scythe bows, smirking./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;""What of the reformed bloodies?" McGuire asks, and scythe tunes out most of the Remaining meeting, only being asked occasionally to provide his advice on an operation./p
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p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;""Our next general assembly will be held on April twentieth. Until then, remember that everything is for the good of Inferno. " McGuire ends, and walks out escorted by his guards./p
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p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;"As soon as Scythe left, a masked man appeared behind him, "Zane, take me to that safe house." he said, not bothering to turn. Zane produced a scrap of paper, and seconds later, the two are twirling out of view./p
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p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;"Christmas had been rather peaceful. Morgan seemed thrilled for the company, as it would likely have been lonely without Cyrus. Neville had stayed, as did Hermione, who hadn't felt safe staying at the school with all these attacks, and didn't want her parents to try and keep her home./p
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p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;"In terms of presents, it was rather standard. From the adults, he had been given a number of spell books, mostly for combat magic, but some for potions, transfiguration, and charms. His friends had given him chocolates, candies, and a homework planner from Hermione. While it was nice planner, Harry had to get Remus to put a permanent silencing charm on it, as it kept yelling at him to get his work done, even though he doesn't have any./p
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p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;"As expected, Amelia had pulled him aside and demanded a full account of his actions at school, including how he managed to be the prime suspect. As terrifying as Amelia's glare is, it got worse when Morgan happened to overhear that last part. Harry spent the better part of an hour explaining everything, (and stressing that none of it was his fault) and Morgan forgave him, for no other reason than because he was suspected for saving her daughter./p
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p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;"Neville was gone all day the twenty sixth, and since none of the adults were talking, Harry could only assume that he was visiting his parents. When he got back, he was out of it, and clutching an empty Bertie Botts bag. The next morning, he was back to his old self, and laughing with the rest of them./p
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p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;"The first was as hectic as always, though made slightly better by the fact that Sirius was able to take some time off of active duty with the aurors to take them. He also had an even better surprise. "Madam Bones doesn't like the way that Dumbledore is handling this, so she dispatching an auror corp to the castle, just in case." he'd said as he helped Harry and Neville pack the trunks onto the train./p
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p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;"Twenty minutes later, they were pulling out of the station, watching Morgan waving in the distanance when the door opens, and Sirius pokes his head in. "Hope you don't mind if I hang out here? All the other compartments are full."/p
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p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;"They shook their heads and he sat next to Harry, then morphed into Padfoot and fell asleep on the seat. The next hour was spent talking, playing, practicing spells, or having quick conversations with friends who poked their heads in./p
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p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;"Just after the announcement had been made to prepare to disembark, the door opened, with Ron Weasley, Draco Malfoy, and about three dozen others standing in the halls./p
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p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;""Potter! We don't want you setting that monster of yours loose again. So, we thought the best way is to put you in your place." Ron smirked, as almost forty wands were pointed into their compartment./p
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p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;"Beside him Padfoot growled and bark viciously. Malfoy laughed, "Wow, big bad dueling god, hiding behind his wittle puppy." he said in a mock baby voice./p
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p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;"The compartment laughed, and an angry adult voice answered, "Who are you calling a puppy?" Sirius had transformed back, wand pointed at the hallway./p
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p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;""Ron Weasley, allow me to introduce my Godfather, Auror, and convicted mass murderer, Sirius Black. Sirius, this is the guy who keeps spreading lies about me, insulting me, and otherwise getting on my nerves." Harry says, smiling as half the people ran when they heard his name, "Much better. Sirius and I can handle you lot easily."/p
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p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;""You sure, pup? I would think one of us would be plenty." Sirius jokes, twirling his wand./p
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p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;""I get the two ringleaders of this little circus in the front; you get the rest of the clowns." Harry smiles as a few more clowns run away./p
p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;""He can't attack us!" one of the clowns Harry recognized as Percy's girlfriend Penelope says, "There no way an adult can attack kids!"/p
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p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;""Actually, I'm being stationed at Hogwarts as security. As per those orders, I have full authority to put an end to any student violence." Sirius laughs, still twirling his wand which was now shooting sparks in the air./p
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p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;"All the remaining clowns ran, leaving only the two ringmasters, not nearly as cocky ad they were before. Sirius looked at Harry with a sad expression, "Can I have one? Please?"/p
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p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;""Maybe next time." Harry laughs at his godfather's antics, "You still gonna, what did you say, 'put me in my place'?" he says to the shaking friends in the doorway./p
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p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;"Malfoy keeps looking from one side to the other, before finally, acting tough, he says, "I don't see a reason to dirty our hands with this. After all, we're not mudbloods, so we have nothing to fear."/p
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p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;""Except it says enemies of the heir, not muggleborns. Hermione points out, "So, if Harry is the heir, given your history together, you should be very afraid."/p
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p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;"The two looked horrified at the implications and ran through the train, Ron screaming for his mum, Draco for his father. "Well, that was fun." Sirius smirks as he sits down./p
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p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;""It has its moments." Harry admits, "But, Hermione, that was great! But what about once you're back in Gryffindor? How will they take it?"/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;" /p
p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;""I'll be fine. Don't forget the twins, Neville, and Micaiah are there with me. Even if they don't like them, no one is stupid enough to try something against Fred and George." Hermione smiles, as she eats another sweet./p
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p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;""You two,-" Sirius smirks at the twins, "Make sure you cut me in on any major pranks. I'd love to prank this place from beyond graduation."/p
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p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;""Yes, your majesty." they smirked in a mock bow./p
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p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;"The group laughed as they put on their robes, and listen to the most dangerous trio in Hogwarts plotted pranks far beyond their comprehension./p
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p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;"As they pull into the train station, Sirius leaves to check in with his superior. Harry and he girls plus Neville took a carriage together, and the six (the twins left to converse with Lee Jordan about some of Sirius' ideas) climb the steps, laughing and looking forward to classes and clubs./p
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