A/N: I'm a jerk, I know. I've been silent and it's not OK. I won't make things up. I have met a writer's block. It is very tall and made of reinforced concrete. I've been hacking at it for the past half a year and have made little progress on both this story and 'Hadrian James Potter'. Online learning has made my life a lot more difficult too, so yeah. I'm sorry

That aside, here's chapter 21. I need people's opinions on this story and any advice going forward. Help me bring down that wall. Please. Hopefully I will update a lot sooner. Enjoy.

Chapter 21

The woman screamed under the red light of the torture curse, her master holding the end of the wand. When it was lifted she remained on the floor as her body was still trying to recover from the shock. "The end of the Hogwarts school year is quickly approaching, yet all you can tell me is that the children can't be retrieved?!" The servant cowered on the floor, fear overwhelming her senses. "Many a chance has been awarded to you. Hogsmeade weekends, the Yule Ball, Christmas holidays, yet you have nothing to offer. Give me a reason why I shouldn't kill you right this moment." "Master, I have a plan. My son, he's at Hogwarts for his fourth year too. He can lure them out at the right time." She groveled. The one standing before her sneered. "Why has this not been done already?" She shrank back. "I apologize for my thoughtlessness…" Another wave of pain washed over her, rendering her immobile. "I am tired of your excuses woman. Get out of my sight, and I better not witness you coming back empty-handed." Without further prompting she scuttled away and apparated home. Guilt consumed her as her muggle husband met her at the door of her home, thinking she was mugged. He loved their son probably more than she did, and getting the boy involved in this would no doubt tear him apart. Not that he knew about her devotion to another man. He would never know either. Lord Archiles would forever remain a secret until his death, which would surely come once Lord Slytherin becomes aware of his presence. She just had to be patient.

~Scene change~

Dumbledore munched on another lemon drop as he awaited Harry's arrival. He had summoned the boy to his office during breakfast, now it was almost lunch. Again, the boy had disappeared from his classes. Sighing, he decided to talk to Severus. The head of house had grown a bit close to Harry, too close for his liking. He did not sneer any longer at him, did not give as many taunts and biting remarks, did not take as many points. He usually assigned Harry's detentions to himself and the portraits revealed he punished him just like any other student and sometimes even held conversations with the boy. It was infuriating how much the demon had everyone wrapped around his dirty little fingers. Moments later, Severus entered, not bothering to knock as always.

"Headmaster, you called." "Severus, my boy. Lemon drop? How has your day been?" Snape declined the sour treat. "My day has been just like all other days." Seeing Snape already becoming annoyed with the small talk he decided to jump to the matter at hand. "You seem to be getting enamored with the boy, Severus. Any reason why?" Severus almost sighed. He knew this conversation was long overdue. "If I remember well Headmaster, you encouraged me to get close to Potter." "I didn't say befriend him. He's a deamon Severus." "And as long as he considers me not a threat he wouldn't hurt me." Dumbledore sighed. What Snape just said was not reassuring in the slightest. Harry could be using him. "Where has he been disappearing to?" he asked instead of voicing his thoughts. "That I do not know Headmaster, though I believe he escapes from the wards altogether." "That I know my boy. I called him to ask this very question but he never came. The disrespect the boy has shown since we took that oath does not bode well for his character." "I believe it has already established the boy is beyond saving." "That doesn't mean I won't try." Before Snape could speak, Dumbledore straightened, eyes twinkling. "Come in Harry." Snape shifted only slightly, enough to see the boy enter. He was casually dressed and composed as always.

"You sure took your time Harry." Both Severus and Harry could hear the disapproval in his voice. Harry wasn't bothered in the slightest. "Is there a reason I am here?" He stood next to Snape, arms folded. Dumbledore asked. "Where have you been disappearing to so frequently? I do not want you to get into trouble. "I have been courting someone." Both adults raised their eyebrows at the boy's very serious answer. "Really? Who?" "That is none of your business headmaster. Though I could let you know that I am obligated to do so, as the marriage contract the goblins informed me I am tied to states I should get to know her for a few years before I am forced to marry her upon my magical majority." Dumbledore's eyes widened further. If what Harry was telling him is true it would mean the boy was already tied to another family, a family he didn't know. It could jeopardize Harry's will in the war, and he wouldn't just choose to die for the greater good if he potentially falls in love with the girl he is now attached to. He chose to ignore the fact that Harry admitted to being in contact with the goblins. He also chose not to voice the fact that he has never been informed of a marriage contract as he would be admitting he has gone through the Potter vaults. For all his fears though, he doubted Harry was speaking the truth.

"If that is the case, I hope the two of you will get along. Even so, I disapprove of skipping classes to see her. You are still a student at Hogwarts and are obligated to act like one. Use the weekends to court her." "Of course Headmaster. I apologize for my slight. If that is all?" "No. Have you been in contact with Akatsuki yet?" "Numerous times, over my disappearances. I am required to attend some of the meetings." "Can you tell me anything?" Harry raised an eyebrow. "You know I am sworn to secrecy." "Of course. I am just worried about you. Now, I am very concerned about the new students. I have been refraining from asking this but are they in Akatsuki?" The boy dipped his head in agreement. "Yes. Akatsuki have taken the threat of Voldemort making an appearance again very seriously." "They are not human either." It wasn't a question. "If you know that, why allow them into the school?" Dumbledore stippled his fingers. "I have also developed some reservations about your safety. I had an inkling they would be important. My other concern is their nourishment. I have noticed none of my students or staff have been disappearing or been accosted by an unknown ailment, but I hope nothing has been occurring under my nose." Harry reassured the man. "Don't worry. I am their donor. I have taken all necessary precautions. No one is in danger. However, I find myself stumped by how late you have brought this up. The year is almost over. I am beginning to doubt your concerns for the school." Dumbledore nodded. "As I said before, I have been watching the school and I have not seen anything amiss. I just wanted to make sure. That was all. You can go." Harry left, with Severus following him without a word. "Tell me that was a bold-faced lie." He finally spoke. Harry replied "That was a bold-faced lie." Snape groaned, bringing a smirk to Harry's face. The man was opening up. "I wouldn't dream of getting into such a relationship, let alone marrying. I have better things to do with my time." Snape nodded. "So where have you been going?" "Business." Severus sighed. "What will you do now?" "Reschedule. I want you to stay at Malfoy manor during the summer holidays. I am not asking." That shut Snape up but his cheeks tinted with pink at being commanded about.

Two students met them at the corridor. "Professor Snape." Naruto greeted. The man did not deign them with a reply, just walked past them. They both did not bother reacting to that, instead fixing their stares on Harry. "Report?" Sasuke nodded. "The Delacours have accepted our offer. It seems their parents have heard of Akatsuki and are impressed. Granger on the other hand is not ready to know about us. She just enjoys the little assignments we throw her way. Her information is on point and useful. If she is to join us she would make an exceptional researcher. Mr. Krum is perfect as a hit wizard. He showed interest but is still hesitant. We may have to obliviate him." All this was said as they walked towards the great hall for lunch. They were under a muffliato spell so did not worry about eavesdroppers. They sat down at the end of the Ravenclaw table. "Do what you have to and inform me of the results. Are they the only three?"

Naruto replied thoughtfully. "Well, there's Trevor Johnson, the half-blood son of the witch Marianne Johnson nee Ambers." "Daughter of Lady Apoline Ambers?" "Yes. He seems to have taken an interest in us over the past few months. He has great potential, particularly in curse breaking. He likes working on it in his dorm room. His friends scorn him for his obsession though." "Cultivate his thirst for attention, it would be nice to have his talent among us." They nodded. The great hall was starting to fill up with students and teachers alike. Harry continued to converse, but on other topics and without the spell. Draco joined them moments later followed by Hermione. The two vampires smiled at Draco's jokes as the boy gestured wildly, seemingly relaxed. They glanced at a silent Harry who was reading a small tome along with Hermione. Their leader had made it abundantly clear that Draco was not to be recruited. Of course, they expected this. Draco was the son of his childe, he would always be special. About half-way through dinner the Headmaster reconfirmed that the third and final task would be tomorrow morning. The leading champion was Victor Krum, followed by Cedric Diggory and finally Fleur Delacour. Harry excused himself immediately after. He had a lot of final planning to do, so much to prepare. Kabuto was waiting for him in the Chamber of Secrets.

Hershia hissed excitedly as he entered. ~Hatchling, your servant says the work is almost complete!~ ~Part of the plan, yes. After we subdue the Death Eaters we can move on to the Ministry. Thereafter we can fulfill Salazar Slytherin's dream.~ The snake hissed in excitement. "Kabuto, is there anything I must know?" "None that you don't already know yourself." Kabuto replied, pushing the glasses further up his nose. Harry nodded. "Good. Tell everyone to prepare for the assault. I want all our targets captured before they can even realize what is going on." "Of course, Lord Hadrian. Will Itachi-san be there?" "Yes, he will. Everyone will be there. On second thought, I have a task for you, Kabuto." "Sir?" Kabuto stood straighter. "I want you to visit Azkaban. Ask for the dementor king and try to entice him to our side. I know you have a silver tongue. I trust you to use it well." "Yes, my lord." The silver-haired man almost smiled. The task was exciting to say the least. He received a ring from Harry. "To protect you. Your job in this school is done." "And Moody?" "Dump him in the forest after obliviating him." "Right."

Harry turned to Hershia. The snake bumped her head on his chest. ~Something bothers you, Harry.~ Harry sighed. ~My childes are not safe. I have tried to put up some measures.~ ~Oh?~ ~A safe house in Japan. After tomorrow, I will take them there.~ Hershia gave her own version of a frown. ~They will not agree.~ ~They will have no choice. I have sent Orochimaru to find any leads on where the threat may lie but he has come up with nothing among my enemies.~ ~Perhaps you're searching in the wrong place. Isn't there someone who has an old grudge on you or something?~ ~All my enemies have an old grudge on me.~ ~How about your allies. Anyone come to mind?~ Harry scowled. ~None of them would dare. None, except Archiles.~ Hershia stared at him. ~I've heard the name before.~ ~Yes, you probably have. He has been the vampire king for half a century. He is probably mad that Akatsuki almost decimated ten of his covens and wants revenge. I swear, if he tries something…~ ~This is worrying.~ ~I'll handle him. We still can't rule out other possible threats, it may not be him or him alone.~ Hershia nodded. ~Yes, that is wise.~

~Scene Change~

"Trevor, it's good to see you." A woman said, grasping the hand of the boy opposite her. The blonde removed his hand from hers. "Whose fault is that? Mother, you never see me anymore, and I don't mean in the physical sense." Honey eyes met ones similar to hers. "I'm so sorry honey. It's been a rough few years." "The man you work for, he's brought you nothing but trouble. Sooner or later father WILL know." "Only if you tell him, but you won't do that. Right Trevor?" Trevor sighed. "I might just have to." Marianna went to argue but her son beat her to the chase. "Unlike the saying goes, ignorance is not bliss. He is in danger, he must know. Know when he should run." "No one will know him. No one knows where we live. I placed a fidelius charm over the whole property, you know that." "Of course. It's just one of the reasons I don't have friends. Never mind that. What do you want?"

Marianne smiled sadly. She hated herself more and more everyday for this, but it had to be done. "The new students in the year above you, they are important to my master. I need you to lieu them away from Hogwarts." Trevor chuckled, confusing Marianne. "I didn't get the joke, Trevor." The boy looked his mother in the eye. Sasuke Uchiha and Naruto Uzumaki right? Yeah, I can't." "What do you mean you can't?" "They are under Harry Potter's protection. Unlike most of the school I realize how dangerous he is. Mother, he is a daemon. I will NOT get myself involved with him." Marianne stood abruptly, drawing the attention of the pub goers to them. "A what?" "Mother. Sit down." Trevor warned. She did as told, mind whirling. "No daemon has been seen in about three hundred years. It can't be." "Technically, it is possible." "I know that!" she hissed. She gripped her hair. "Daemons are highly territorial and possessive. If Harry Potter is indeed a daemon and he has claimed those boy we have no chance of capturing them and win."

"Exactly. Mother, why don't we just hide?" Trevor asked. Marianne looked away. "I am marked. Even if I hide, he would find me. He hasn't yet because he hasn't had a reason to. I have to keep it that way." Trevor's eyes widened. 'You mean the only reason we're alive is because of that nocturnal bastard's whim?' "I see." He said instead, then stood up. "The third part of the Tri-wizards' Tournament is this evening. I may be able to draw them out then, as I have no choice but to do so." "Thank you, son. Tomorrow, I am taking you to the safe house. Your father too." Trevor nodded. "Of course." 'There goes my future.'

~Scene Change~

Trevor, with guilt flooding him, went to the two boys seated at the Ravenclaw table. "Uzumaki, Uchiha. Can we talk?" The pair turned to look at him curiously, with some noodles hanging out of Naruto's mouth. Trevor quickly ignored that. "What about?" Sasuke asked. Trevor rubbed his sweating palms on his robes. "Privately please." Moments later they were crowding the corridor to the school entrance. "You were saying?" Naruto asked, disappointed at being dragged away from his ramen. The brunette took a deep breath, steeling himself for this conversation. "I need your help. Rather, I need your sire's help." They're eyes widened. Quicker than he could blink, Trevor found himself held up the wall by his neck, Sasuke glaring up at him. "Sasuke!" Said a startled Naruto. The raven lowered him enough so he could hiss in his ear. "How do you know about us?" Trevor was gripping the hand that was slowly crushing his wind pipe. "Please. I can't b-breathe."

"Sasuke put him down. This isn't like you." At his brother's words Sasuke dropped the other boy. Trevor was now on his knees wheezing for breath. Coughing, he looked up at the boys. "My f-family library has extensive information on daemons. It's been four years; I had enough time to put two and two together." He stood up shakily. Naruto moved to help him, eventually leaning him against the wall. The brunette continued. "You are being threatened by a vampire lord. I don't know why though. My mother has been ordered to bring you to him and by extension me. I know doing so is a bad idea so…" the boy drifted off. Naruto continued for him. "So you are asking for assistance from us instead." Trevor nodded. "He would kill me and my whole family if we fail. My father is just a muggle man, I fear for him the most. Please may I have an audience with Heir Potter."

The two looked at each other in contemplation. Naruto said to him. "I can get Harry. Sasuke will take you to a meeting point." Sasuke sighed. "More complications." "Teme don't be such a sour git." The blonde commented and rushed off.

~Scene Change~

Trevor squirmed at the Avada Kedavra colored eyes boring into his own. They were seated in the Chamber of Secrets of all places. Outside, the third part of the tournament had already started up. At first, Harry was against leaving the events to Severus' watch but once he heard Naruto out he was eager to meet Trevor. Trevor had then told him everything, including his involvement in this plot. 'So it is Archiles. He is the one threatening them.' His eyebrows drew together in a frown, making Trevor draw a small breath and drawing Harry's full attention again. Harry rubbed his forehead tiredly. "Thank you Trevor for being honest with me. Naruto will see you out." Trevor stood in panic. "Wait! How about us? My mother and father. We need your help. Please." Harry stood. "Don't worry Trevor. I will find a way to help your mother. As for your father, it would be a good idea if he was hidden alone." "Alone?" asked the brunette, eyes unsure. Harry nodded. "Yes. Or do you wish to be with him? That would be possible since you aren't marked. However, I would have to see your mother on her own. Do you know where she might be?"

"She is waiting for me to bring Uzumaki and Uchiha at the three broomsticks, room 445." Was the reply. Harry nodded. "Do you want to be together with your father?" Trevor nodded. "I don't want him to be alone. What will you do with my mother?" "Don't worry about it Trevor. She won't be harmed." He gave the boy a portkey. "Naruto will show you a way out of the wards. This portkey will take you to Diagon Alley. Take the knight bus home. Use the portkey again to go back to the same spot it took you to. Some men will be there to escort you both to the safe house I have in mind. Ok?" Trevor nodded, starting to follow the blonde. "Thank you." He said before leaving.

Sasuke turned to a thoughtful Harry. "Know what all this is about?" Harry sighed. "That threat to you and your brothers that I mentioned, now I know it's Archiles. This is much worse than I anticipated." "Maybe if we knew we could have found something out." "Getting you involved would have made some things much more difficult than they should be." Sasuke went to argue but Harry cut him off. "No matter what I said the three of you would have gone digging. It would certainly draw attention especially if the enemy was watching. We don't know what the enemy was looking for so it would be better if you acted like nothing is going on. That happens most effectively in ignorance." Sasuke glared at him. "Now we know. What are you gonna do?" "We will continue with today's plan. If all goes well I will go meet Archiles tomorrow. Alone." Sasuke glared harder. "If you think we are just going to stand by you got another thing coming." Harry looked away from him at Hershia who had just entered. She nodded slightly. "Fine. Hidan and Deidara will come as well. Go to your brother. I'll be right up."

Once Sasuke had left, Hershia nudged him. ~They are strong, Harry.~ ~I know. That doesn't mean they can't be hurt. I added a few more wards to Malfoy manor. Draco and Lucius will be staying there for the summer.~ Harry caressed her crown. ~You need to speak with them. Especially Lucius.~ ~I know. After this whole thing with Archiles is over.~ ~What are you going to do about the vampire lord?~ ~Come tomorrow I will kill him.~ Hershia reared back in surprise. ~Archiles is a vampire lord. He has the whole coven at his beck and call. What, are you going to storm his place and stab him in the heart?~ Harry smiled in amusement. ~I just might.~ ~Hatchling!~ ~Don't worry. I was only joking. I will ask for an invite.~ Hershia sweat dropped. ~Think he will take it well?~ ~Of course he will. He has been asking to see me for years, ever since he noticed my presence when I was ten.~ Hershia groaned as much as a snake could. ~I was being sarcastic.~

A/N: I have been reading fiction on this site for a while and people have been demanding reviews. I have neglected all writers' self-appointed duties. So… REVIEW! *smiles cutely* Please.