I couldn't help but stare daggers at the back of Weasley's head. As far as I was aware, there was no worse person on this Earth than a coward, and Weasley proved that when he ran away from the troll. Potter as well, although he at least made an effort to visit me while I was in the Hospital Wing.

He didn't last very long, though, even with Hermione's insistence that he was sorry. I think he felt a little intimidated by the fact that every one of my friends scowled at him as soon as he walked into the room.

Weasley, however, acted as ignorant as ever. In fact, I think the knowledge that he had put a target on his back for not just me, but every one of my friends and allies was lost on him.

"Dude, it's Binns's class. What are you still doing awake?" Blaise said, itching his eye in a futile attempt to stay conscious.

"Unfortunately, I don't feel like taking a nap just yet."

Blaise yawned as he slothfully shook his head in acceptance. "Alright. Wake me up when class is over, I guess."

And then his snoring resumed.

"Which marked the beginning of the rise of tensions that led up to The Great Wizarding World, or as the muggles know it, World War Two. This act also marked the rise of Gellert Grindelwald and his faction, The Alliance, but we will cover both topics in-"

'Gellert…Grindelwald?' I thought. 'Could that be Gellert? But… I would have read about him, surely.'

"Excuse me, Professor Binns!" I spoke up.

My chair scratched the floor as I scooted it back, and I quickly stood up, holding my hand up high into the air.

"Yes, Mr. Gaunt?" Professor Binns replied in a lazy manner that I thought unachievable.

"This Gellert Grindelwald, could you tell us a bit more about him?"

Professor Binns let out a tired sigh, but he nodded nonetheless. "I suppose. Is there anything specific you would like to know?"

"Anything you could possibly tell me, sir."

"Well," the Professor began, "Gellert Grindelwald is infamous for both his skill with a wand, and his abilities at subterfuge."

"Is? So he's still alive?" I asked, to which Binns let out another tired breath of air.

"Yes, Mr. Gaunt, he is still alive, but detained at an undisclosed location so as to discourage his followers from attempting to release him unlawfully. Please do not interrupt me in the future."

"Of course, Professor. My apologies."

"Anyways, Gellert Grindelwald most subtle, and arguable most powerful weapon, however, was his exceptional charisma. He single-handedly managed to get a vast amount of pure-blood families to join him on his crusade which sought to dominate the muggle world."

'Muggles? Why would he attempt to conquer muggles?'

I rose my hand up once again to ask more questions, but then the bell rang, and everyone woke up from their slumber.

"That marks the end of today's class. Do try and keep up your studies during Winter Break. It would disappointing for everyone here if you were to slack during your time off." he said, disappearing through the door.

Wasley stretched from in front of me. HIs arms stretched out towards the roof, but de didn't look relaxed, or rested.

"Harry, have you been having bad dreams lately? I keep having the same dream of a snake with green eyes glaring at me." he said.

Potter merely let out a deep sigh of air as he picked up his books. "It's because you've been eating so many sweets and staying up so late. I haven't had bad dreams since I started here."

Blaise quickly elbowed my side, stating "Dude, you've got to get over it, even if he is a filthy blood-traitor."

"I can't, Blaise. Not until he knows just how much he's cursed himself by acting like a coward."

"So give them the Draco treatment. He's still giving everything he sees a second look to avoid getting pranked. We could definitely do the same to Potter and Weasley."

"No," I said, shaking my head, "this time, it's far more personal. If they're going to face my wrath, then it will be my hand that deals the cards."

Blaise shrugged, and then Daphne nudged me to get me to follow.

"You boys aren't still on about that troll, are you? It's been weeks now." she said in her gentle, but proud voice.

"No, Corvus was just telling me-"

"Nothing. I said nothing." I interjected.

Daphne looked at me with a curious gaze, but then abruptly grabbed onto my hand before pulling me towards the exit of the History Classroom.

"That's fine. Everyone has their secrets, I suppose."

"But I hardly think that's reason enough to make you tote your boyfriend around like a purse." Blaise said.

Daphne's cheeks grew another tinge of pink as she turned back to him, but as on cue as ever, Theo seemingly appeared out of nowhere, and hit the boy on his head.

"I think they're cute together." Tracey admitted, picking up her pace to keep up.

"We're not together!" Daphne said, letting go. "Besides, I think eleven is hardly the age to think about romantic feelings."

"I agree." I stated.

Blaise then shrugged, and walked off. "Whatever. I'll catch up with you guys later. "

We all watched as he quickened his pace ahead of himself, eventually disappearing around a corner.

"What's up with him?" Daphne asked.

"He's probably going to finish up packing. I wouldn't be surprised if he's excited to see his mom again."

Daphne nodded, stating "Makes sense."

And then she sharply turned to me with renewed interest.

"What about you, Corvus? Are you going back to the orphanage?"

I took a deep sigh as I muttered "I'm not sure. I've just learned something important. I might stay over break to learn more."

Daphne clicked her tongue before stating "You should come over to my house on Christmas! All of you should!"

"Are you… sure we'd be allowed to come?" Tracey asked.

"It should be fine. We're hosting a Christmas party anyways. I'm sure we can send people to pick you up, no matter where you are."

"I… guess I could come. Should I give you my address?"

"Of course! Theo, Corvus, you give me your guys', too."

My hand was drawn to the back of my neck as I said "I'm not so confident that-"

"No! I insist that you come!"

I looked into her bright green eyes, and then relented. "Fine. I'll make sure to give you my address before we leave tomorrow."

And then her eyes lit up.

"Wonderful! I'll write to father tonight. You won't mind if I borrow Bruma, will you?" Daphne asked.

I shook my head 'no', but asked "Is there something wrong with your owl?"

"I'm afraid he's been a little sick lately. Last time I saw him, he ate something glittery. Like a thick silver liquid. I don't know what it was, but he's been feeling a little under the weather ever since then."

"Oh! I read in a book that owls are scavengers. Maybe he found something dead recently, and ate it?" Tracey said, to my own shock. I was under the impression that she didn't much care for books (or anything educational, for that matter).

"But what would have silver blood?" Daphne asked.

Theo suddenly produced a book from behind his back - a book titled "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them by Newt Scamander", and flipped to a page in the book.

At the top of the page, in bold letters, a single creature was named.

"Unicorns"

The four of us crowded around the book as Theo put his finger under the excerpt, and I began reading it aloud.

"Unicorns - considered pure and sacred. They normally prefer a woman's touch, but it is not uncommon for them to allow a man's touch as well. Exceptionally fast, and prideful, every unicorn should be treated with respect.

Their silver blood and tail feathers are often sought by collectors and alchemists, although the use of unicorn blood is an extreme taboo. To use it, or consume it is considered heinous by every civilized magical nation."

"So… it drank unicorn blood?" Tracey asked, to which I shrugged.

"I can't imagine unicorn blood is exactly common, but I doubt an owl would be very picky when looking for a midnight snack." I said, to which Theo nodded, and then closed the book.

"My… My Wingie!" Daphne shouted, looking like tears were going to grow in her eyes. "Sorry guys, I'll catch up with you later!"

"Oh, poor Daphne. It's not her fault her owl is such a ditz." Tracey stated, pursing her lips slightly.

My eyebrow rose as I observed the short girl beside me, and I compared her to the girl I saw at the beginning of the year.

'She's changing faster than I thought she would. That's good.'

And then I shook my head.

"I'm going to the library. I'll probably be there until dinner, so don't wait up." I said, and then I started walking away.

The library was probably my third favorite place in Hogwarts (Excluding my dorm, and the DADA room). There was always something to read here. Madam Pince was a little bit of a hag, but she doesn't bother me, unlike most of the faculty.

"Madam Pince, may I ask for help in finding a book on Gellert Grindelwald?" I asked, wrapping my arms around my back, and putting on the most charming smile I could manage.

"Hmm." was all she grunted, and then she flicked her wand towards a bookshelf, and a large book flew over to her desk.

She took one glance inside of it before nodding. She offered it to me, and I gave a slight, polite bow before grasping the hard cover, and turning around to find a table.

"Mr. Gaunt, the library will close early tonight, and will not be open tomorrow. If you plan on reading that book, you might want to sign it out."

"Oh, right." I muttered, and then I returned to the desk.

As Madam Pince opened up a book, and began writing my name in the book, she asked "Why the interest in Gellert Grindelwald? He is normally introduced in year two, and explored further in third."

I thought for a bit to formulate my words, but then I smiled.

"Professor Binns mentioned him in class today, so I thought I'd go ahead and get a head start on the material. You understand, don't you? I mean, someone of your intellect and beauty must."

She smiled, but stated "Flattery won't get you far with me. I'm well aware of the student body's opinion on me… but thank you. I hope your Christmas Break will be enjoyable."

And then Madam Pince closed the book.

"Thank you, Madam Pince. I hope your is enjoyable as well. Have a pleasant Christmas."

"And you, Mr. Gaunt."

And then I found a table, and began reading.

I couldn't help but grin as I saw Ms. Sarah the next day. It was an extremely short notice for her, but she showed up here to pick me up after all.

In fact, I think she's more excited to see me than I am to see her.

"Corvus!"

She quickly wrapped her arms around me as I got off the train.

"How are you? You must have learned so much while you were away! Are you all right there? There aren't starving you, are they?"

I smiled, and returned her hug.

"Ms. Sarah, don't worry about all that stuff right now. I'm just happy that I finally get to see you again. It's been too long."

"Yes, it has."

We stayed silent for a long period of time. We were merely content in the company of each other.

"I'm glad you were able to make it through the pillar. I'm sure it must've been a little frightening."

"Actually, a kind man helped me get through. I think he's… yeah, he's over there."

I let go of her to look at the man, and was surprised to see that he was walking towards us.

Short, swept back blond hair, green eyes, and an extravagant dark blue suit, he looked exceptionally wealthy, and just as exceptionally successful, but that was hardly the most notable thing about him.

The most notable thing was the girl that was walking towards us right next to him - Daphne Greengrass.

"Corvus! This is my father!"

Daphne was holding him by the hand as she pulled him towards us, but she finally let go as they stood in front of us.

Daphne's dad towered over us. He was at least six feet tall. Probably 6'2", 6'3" if I'm guessing correctly, but the way he carried himself around us, even helping Ms. Sarah, who was so obviously a muggle - I could tell he was a good man, even without looking into his eyes.

"So, you must be the famous Corvus Gaunt. It is a sincere pleasure to meet you," he said, holding out his large hand. "Daphne's whole attitude has changed since she met you. She's… more cheerful, to say the least."

"Daddy! You're embarrassing me!" she exclaimed, to which he chuckled to himself.

"She also said that you're interested in joining us for our Christmas party. Is that true? I assure you that it would be no trouble at all to find you escorts."

"Corvus? Is that true?" Ms. Sarah asked, to which I shrugged.

Mr. Greengrass let go of my hand as if he could smell the tensions in the air.

"Of course, you are most welcome to come along. It would be no trouble at all. In fact, I'm sure young Corvus would be more settled if you were to come along."

"But… what about the children? I can't just leave during Christmas."

"Well, I would invite them as well, but there is a matter of secrecy among the Wizarding World."

Ms. Sarah thought for a second before chuckling uneasily.

"Sorry, but I can't just leave the children. Corvus can go, of course."

"I can?" I asked.

"Of course! Be with your friends. We can celebrate, just the two of us, when you get back. Deal?"

"Deal." I agreed, and then we shook hands.

"Great! I can't wait to show you around the mansion!" Daphne said.

Mr. Greengrass looked at his watch, and then clicked his tongue.

"I'm sorry, Honey, but we have to go," he said. "It was great meeting you, Corvus, Ms. Sarah. I'm sure we can arrange something more personal soon."

Daphne nodded, and then said "Goodbye, Corvus! I'll see you on Christmas!

I gave her one more quick wave, and then grabbed a hold of my cart.

"Alright, I'm ready to go when you are, Ms. Sarah."

And she gave me one more nod before we passed through the pillar to the muggle world.

A single book laid atop my cart above the others -

"Grindelwald - The Wizard Who Almost Changed the World"

Finally, the next chapter is out. Admittedly, life has been kicking my ass recently. I can't help but feel like Thanksgiving and Christmas are going to be horrible for me this year. School, work - it's the perfect formula to make me give that extra exhausted sigh when I wake up in the morning. Still, I am excited for the holidays (and just as excited to finally get through the first book). There aren't going to be that many more chapters in the first book. Four at most. The first book was mostly meant to introduce you guys (and gals) to Corvus and his friends first, since they're very different from the books. I'm going to start making polls for the next book as well, starting with whether or not Corvus should play quidditch, and what position he'll play. In fact, the first poll is already on my profile. Anyways, I'll try to be time next week (but don't expect much. It's Black Friday), so until next time!

-CStrain