Harry Potter and the Powers of Heaven and Hell

by Emperor Vanquest

Synopsis: Harry Potter, fresh off defeating Voldemort, vanishes in a raging inferno of Green Hellfire. Thought dead, his friends carry and the timeline changes. History will never be the same, so why should the Master of Death abide by the former constraints that would have seen him miserable? Maybe this "death" is his chance to live. Same Sex & Het. pairings in later chapters.

3. Chapter 3 (Beginning Part II)

]Harry Potter x Disney (Villains)

Harry Potter and the Powers of Heaven and Hell (Beginning Part II)

Synopsis: Harry Potter, fresh off defeating Voldemort, vanishes in a raging inferno of Green Hellfire. Thought dead, his friends carry and the timeline changes, as Harry, with new mentor in tow, traverse the Multiverse to allow him a chance to learn his powers and new role in the cosmos.

This story will either contain active Slash, or passive references to SS Couples, or perhaps have an OC of same gendered attraction mentioned in a supporting role. There is heavy cursing in this drabble, and it may contain crack.

Chapter Setting: Earth, The Enchanted Lands.

Characters: Harry Potter, Disney Villains, O/C.

Disclaimer: No profit is sought, or accepted, in the publication of this fanfiction. It is purely being written and shared for enjoyment; no remunerations are accepted or expected by the author. All right, privileges, and copyrights belong to their respective holders/owners. I freely admit to having been on a Harry Potter x Crossover kick the last few months, and will try to give special thanks to authors who inspired me on my bio page. Until then, however, if you see something similar too another author of this genre, please point it out to me and I will check my notes as to whether or not I could have accidentally modeled my characters, names, places, events after another.

This story is without a Beta; I am open to receiving a Beta. :-)

Please enjoy and review with your comments, critiques.

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Chapter 08. - Part II Whirlwind of Change

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It had been three months since the school had closed permanently to the public in Britain, and Harry had been whisked off to the Underworld with Hades and at the direction of Headmistress Maleficent. Transport inside his trunk space had been…jarring…but after certain admonitions against leaving it and the effects venturing into the Underworld could have on Harry…he'd lost any desire to leave the protections of his little slice of paradise in Hell.

Calix, as a monster, seemingly drew upon the natural power of the divine space and encouraged by the events of his time with his master had taken on the responsibility of improving his master's physical prowess.

Three months, time being a relative experience in his trunk in the Underworld, at the tender mercies of Calix had nearly broken the boy, but slowly his body was building muscle, stamina, and he no longer cursed the ancient Greek before bed each night, nor did he fight to awaken with the artificial dawn still synced to life in mortal Britain.

Xerxes was still too young to carry messages back and forth, but Hades had been kind enough to assign Pain and Panic to make mail runs for him monthly, so at least he could correspond with his friends in a manner that at least simulated the passage of time. Each letter was a rush of joy reading about their own tuition and struggles, before melancholy set in as he realized just how empty his little sanctuary truly was with just Calix, the elves, and Xerxes for company.

Xerxes' trill drew Harry from his musings and he grew more surprised each day as dark, seemingly blue tipped feathers were starting to grow in certain spots on the now duck sized golden chol.

He'd lost count of how many times Calix had told him to stop moping and do something to occupy his time in between letters and his time with Xerxes often helped calm him whenever the growing bird's songs would rouse his spirits.

It was on one such day of wallowing in self-pity that Harry was disturbed by Calix calling out for him with … something … in tow.

Harry would have guessed it was a man, if his form didn't seem to shift occasionally; it was as though a soft golden glow shimmered under the man's clothes, and occasionally green skin would shine through and confuse Harry.

"Master this is Ptah," Calix began slowly, "and he is an old acquaintance of mine. Lord Hades has allowed him travel rights to instruct you and further your education while the Academy is still being planned."

Harry looked the being over, and at his seemingly shifting form, and his solemn expression which was not unkind and gave a small bow which was returned by a stiff nod of his head.

"And what am I to be instructed in," Harry asked walking from the ornamental flower beds where his visitors were and allowed Calix to lead them as they walked in the herbal gardens.

"I am here to teach you the principals of architecture and engineering, both mortal, magical, and if you prove up to the challenge…divine," Ptah replied.

"Ptah…" Harry said in shock as his eyebrows disappeared into his hairline, "Professor Jafar said Imhotep was a student of the god Ptah!"

With a smile, the now identified god gave a small bow as a smirk tugged at the corners of his mouth.

"I am at your service for the foreseeable future as your Headmistress can be very persuasive Harry Potter. Never upset her," he said suddenly very serious.

Harry nodded along recalling a time in his first year at the Academy where upper years had 'accidentally' summoned a sleep demon that had plagued the school for three days and terrorized the school population before she'd caught onto the fact and had to personally destroy the evil spirit to free several of the younger children that had fallen into a coma under his sway.

"I don't think master has a death wish or desire to alienate his patron and mentor Ptha," Calix said with a chuckle.

Pain suddenly popped in, oddly enough, and began erecting a large table with all manner of pencils and large pieces of paper, before Panic arrived with pallets of building materials and tools in tow.

"What's going on," Harry said after the two imps had made multiple trips nearly filling this section of the garden before finally arriving with surveyors tools and standing around looking proud at their accomplishments.

"We shan't delay," the accented voice of Ptah called with a smile as he beckoned Harry over to the table and began instructing him on the different types of parchments, papers, and functions of the drafting table.

"Your first lesson," Ptah began without waiting for Harry to accept he was now in class and commanding his attention fully, "is to consider yourself alone and stranded in a deserted land. You're alone, don't know the terrain, so your quaint little methods of teleport will not benefit you in getting home as you don't know your location well enough to safely navigate the terrain. Exploring the location, mapping the movement of the stars, and triangulating your location will take time, and shelter….protection… should be your first concern."

"As a mortal you'd be limited to building some form of hut or lean to in order to create a temporary camp, but as a wizard you've more access to making a more easily defensible and comfortable base camp."

Harry looked over at all of the massive stone blocks of various types, ingots of refined steel, iron, copper, tin, and other materials, and tons of brick of various types, and then to the forests which lined the edge of his property.

"I can't draw," Harry muttered in reply before shuffling his feet and refusing to meet the gaze of the literal god standing before him.

Giving a chuckle, Ptah slapped Harry on the back before taking one of the charcoal pencils form its container and passing it to Harry.

"Think like a wizard little mortal; with talent in magic, do you truly think you're so limited to the talents as though toy were a member of the mundane?"

"Listen to Ptah master;" Calix said stepping closer and resting a hand reassuringly on Harry's shoulder, "he is the patron god of Engineers and Architects of Egypt and through the millennia has inspired thousands to build wonders; many of which you wouldn't even begin to imagine that have been lost to time."

Ptah drew Harry's attention once more.

"Think of the pencil, the brush, the chisel and hammer as tools to express your magic. Anything used to create has the potential to aid in bringing to reality your heart's desire. Imbue them with a touch of your spark and make a connection to them, then use them to shape what is in your minds eye," Ptah said placing the pencil in Harry's hand.

Feeling the cold wood Harry allowed his magic to pool in his palm before he pushed some into the pencil, and he was surprised to see it float away and begin hovering over the table with parchment at the ready.

"Think of a simple structure right now," Ptah continued after a brief nod impressed by the rapid progress of the wizard, "nothing more than a two floors above ground, and one below. Think of how big a protected perimeter it will need to be to sustain you with strong walls and defensive posts. Then let your magic do the work."

Harry thought back to several of his history lessons which had focused on the expansion of the various military powers of the world, and he settled on a simple design that would fit the specifications Ptah had given.

Slowly but surely the pencil began flying across the page after he settled on the design of a simple blockhouse, with a two acre yard and earthen packed wooden walls surrounding the structure.

The simple drawing was completed with a bit more detail than Harry expected given he'd not thought to include measurements, a legend for scale, or the various outbuilding's he'd need but they emerged as his magic supplied his desires fueled by his intent to complete the task assigned.

"Effective," Calix said after a few minutes once the pencil had stopped as he looked over the drawing.

"I agree," Ptah said slowly. "This building should be more than adequate to protect you from both the elements and the potential dangers of being in the wilderness. Very effective! Full marks," Ptah said with a smile before he snapped his fingers and a book of metal, whose pages were metal plates, appeared suddenly on the table."

"Ideally," he continued the lesson now having Harry's full attention again, "you would already have the knowledge needed to protect yourself with the standard enchantments that most magical locations contain from fire, pests, wind, and water damage…I doubt you've got access to a family grimoire that would contain the wisdom of your ancestors or their own spells, wards, and variants of defensive or offensive magics…so we will use a few of mine," he said as Harry's eyes widened at the implications of what he was being told and suddenly cleared his mind in order to forever commit this lesson to memory.

"These spells are normally used for larger scale projects, but ultimately are guided by your will young one. I was told you had studied some of the ancient script in your classes…yes?"

"Only a little Lord Ptah…from Professor Jafar when we were studying comparative runes and written magics," Harry replied.

"I don't take it you are fluent in ancient scripts or languages then," Ptah asked with a sigh before walking over to Harry and placing a finger to his temple.

Before Harry could question it the languages of Ancient Egypt, their spoken and written forms, assaulted his mind. He rapidly began processing Cuneiform, Hebrew, Greek, Latin, and the other common languages that had once been spoken from the high halls to the low roads of Egypt.

Doubling over momentarily in pain and as vertigo threatened to overtake him, Harry coughed involuntarily as his stomach rebelled and threatened to betray him on the lovely lawn Constantine so pristinely maintained.

"It will pass momentarily," Ptah said dismissively as he turned to the book and placing his hand on the cover it opened with a click, before Ptah began flipping a few pages to stop near halfway through it. "Come join me Harry Potter."

Swallowing, Harry shakily stood and made his way back to the table as his strength returned and at Ptah's insistence began reading over the open pages.

Isolation of Land and Location

Preparing Foundations and Summoning a Well

Proper Sanitation

Enriching Land

Autonomous Animation Spells

Kinetic Barriers and Energy Dissipation

Golem Guards and their Creation

Harry poured over the topics outlined on these two pages visible and was amazed at how simple the magic seemed to be but how practical the opportunities for them were if employed correctly.

"Read them and determine what you will need to properly guard your little blockhouse Harry Potter," Ptah said indicating the visible pages. "I will return in 30 minutes time and then we shall discuss how to plan wards and raw enchantment."

"Raw enchantment?" Harry asked.

"That's right….you wouldn't know. Raw enchantment is the process by which a powerful sorcerer can enchant raw materials as they're being laid. It's a process of creating supremely stable wards, and long-lasting enchantments surpassing amalgamation enchantment, where wards or enchantments are added to overtime. The magic of planning out wards and enchantments prior to the erection of the final structure ensures that as it rises, the inherent magic of the protections is fused to every stone, timber, and lands as though it were a completed circuit to borrow a mortal phrase. The amalgamation method, on the other hand, is more akin to taking multiple types of mortal machinery and trying to make them work together when they were never designed to create a cohesive product."

Harry thought over what he was being told and was surprised at the logic it entailed.

"So raw enchanting is a superior method of magical construction?" Harry was considering the possibilities and wondering how Lord Hephaestus would respond to this method as his protections, apart from barring phoenixes, seemed to be fairly solid.

"Precisely my boy," Ptah said with a pat on Harry's shoulder, "but few in this day and age have the talent, power, or clarity of mind to excel like in the olden days. Still…study the texts and then lets see what you want to include in your plans," he said indicating the drawing still on the table.

"What about construction spells," Harry asked suddenly as he recalled the instructions that came along with the prefab workshop he'd bought for Carlos.

"We will get to those in time Harry Potter, but for now study the texts and I will return shortly; I would like to inspect your space and have Calix guide me," he said before turning abruptly and motioning for Calix to begin their tour of the grounds.

With a blur the two seemed to disappear, and Harry focused on the text before him.

Isolation of Land and Location

Prior to any construction, the proper lands must be selected, surveyed, and leveled to offer the best stability for a structure. Ideal considerations for selecting your location would be the fertility of the land, the presence of sweet water, and ideally wildlife for a stable source of meats and for their use in burdensome labors.

Once a location is selected, the land should be properly claimed by erecting markers, preferably of stone, tied to the magic and blood of the owner. The stone markers should be no more than a cubit in length for simple farm land, a quarter of a cubit square, and capped in gold. The size of the marker is directly proportional to the size of the land claimed and its intended purpose. Opening one's core and allowing your magic to inherently guide your quarrying of stone is the best method for ensuring the proper sized markers are achieved.

Engraved along the length and all sides of the marker's should be the written invocations and enchantments for protection that the owner's desires for the property. The golden cap, trimmed to form a pyramid, should contain petitions to the gods of the owner's house for divine protection. If the gods grant the petition, the stone will live with magic and be sustained by the Earth no matter the terrain. The pyramid and golden cap should protrude only so far from the ground as to allow the light of each day to shine upon it for not less than half the day's light.

In hot climates marble is preferred though it can prove brittle if of inferior grade, and in the cold granite is preferred. Stone from forests are better suited for the same, but if not sufficiently strong will not last the ages as marble and granite are assured to. A wise builder will sample local rock to determine if foreign materials are necessary by imbuing a stone with magic to the point heat is felt, and if no crack is present after a meal, it is stable and safe to use; but be cautious. The native materials of highly magical areas react differently, often violently, to those which seek to master them. The land should be worked and truly owned before claiming its resources. A wise master will check his work each year to ensure his magic is not being rejected from by his work, to ignore this warning invites peril unto his house.

It is not wise to mix more than three types of stone imbued with magic in any project as the addition of each stone's inherent flaws will necessarily subtract from the magical stability of the enchantments ascribed to the whole.

To properly survey the land selected, and prior to the installation of any claiming stones, you must measure for cubits of the desired land, normally 140 cubits to the northeast, northwest, southeast, and southwest from a central point to sustain a single individual; this formula should be doubled for each magical animal intended to reside on the land, and proper magical plants should be cultivated on the property to ensure the enchantments cycle into the very dirt.

In the center of the land, an appropriate marker, optimally an obelisk of marble inlaid with gold over the etchings created in the same manner as marker stones, and capped in gold at its point, should be used as an anchor point for the measurements and will optimally serve as a focal point for the wards; this secret should be held in the heart of the caster, and passed only to his heir to ensure the safety of the overall project.

If the central anchor falls; so do the enchantments, which may prove fatal.

Once surveyed, with the obelisk and marker stones properly erected, the owner should incant from the obelisk the following prayer:

I pray thee Lord Geb, see my burden and hear my plight. May your sight grace my lands and bring them to bounty and proper use. May your favor flow through me, and into these lands to allow them proper form for my use, and may this prayer be found pleasing in your sight.

If the spell is cast correctly, and imbued with sufficient power, the land will level and provide for proper drainage.

From there the foundations of a home, fortification, or farm may be dug and laid.

Preparing Foundations and Summoning a Well

The density of the stone selected, its hardness, shall determine the depth of its foundation and limitations to its height. Mountain rock is preferred for towering structures, river rock is preferred for projects relating to the sea or the domains of fish. Field rock proves more stable for farm structures, while sandstone structures thrive in heat. No more wood should be used in the walls or foundations of a structure than that which is needed to frame it, and under no circumstance should a buildings thickness at the top exceed one quarter of its thickness at its base. The purpose of the structure should take into consideration the origin of the rock as to make a structure for defense which is brittle in origin, or wrong for the climate erected, will prove disastrous.

Once land is properly claimed, the owner should meditate before the obelisk and visualize the entire curvature and structures to be erected. Imbuing his magic into the obelisk, he should then command his magic to dig while visualizing his plans thoroughly.

If perimeter walls are to be erected, the owner should dig no more than 3 cubits beyond their sight as the strength of the protections offered will weaken beyond any use, as the claim upon the land further than their sight diminishes. Claiming a second, outer perimeter, is advised once the thickness of the walls have been determined.

A well site should be selected near the obelisk, near the center of the property to ensure the walls are not weakened by the drawing of water from below the surface. Ornamental, or functional, fountains capped with an obelisk in the center of ones property have proven stable for anchoring the enchantments of property and have stood the test of time in ages past.

Once the site of the well is selected, the same process for digging is necessary, with the added requirement that the owner measure and cut his lining stone prior to digging, and direct the stone to line the well, or fountain cistern, while directing his magic to install and fuse the stone as he commands his magic to dig.

Proper focus on function, and visualizing the end result, are necessary to a successful spell.

It is strongly advised that the following prayer be offered to Hapi once the well or fountain is under construction:

Great Hapi, who brings fertility to the baren and causes the land to flow with milk and honey, you are beseeched to show your favor to this well that my lands may be bountiful and my thirst quenched. Your generosity is known the length of the Nile and through all the world; may my lands and well be so blessed should you find favor in my labors.

Should the spell be cast correctly, the well, fountain, pond, stream, or whatever your project may be should become swiftly evident. The water, if blessed by Hapi, will be pure and sweat and shall provide fertility to all it touches, be it lands, animals, or man.

Proper Sanitation

Chamber pots are impractical and befoul any ditch they are emptied into. These open ditches and the results of these chamber pots encourage disease.

Any structure erected, or holding erected, should include plans for a proper bath and facilities for the eradication of waste from both beasts and men; underground cisterns, fed by completely enclosed channels of clay or magically hollowed and fused stone of no greater width and height of 6 cubits, with vents to allow fumes to extend beyond the structure erected, not less than 100 cubits from the furthest walls, and properly grated to prevent the incursion of wildlife or enemies. The cistern should be completely buried with properly secured access for only occasional maintenance.

When envisioning these structures, they should be placed far below ground so the materials flushed or deposited will naturally drain without interruption, and care should be given to not envisioning sharp turns of the channels.

Lady Hygieia, Goddess of health, cleanliness, and sanitation should be invoked to bless any project relating to baths or cleanliness…she is the patron of sanitation and a true blessing from her will allow for a healthy palace, home, garrison, or stable.

To invoke Lady Hygieia, after the installation of the baths, priveys, clinic, stable, or whatever your structure may be, boil two handfuls of mint at the height of a new moon, after burning two cloves of garlic soaked in mulled wine for a day on an altar erected of bronze while saying the following prayer:

Hygieia, who cleanses that which befouls land, man, and beast, caring mother which tends to all the children of Egypt delivering good health and swift recovery from pestilence, your favor is sought in purifying these lands. All who find your favor live in comfort, and all who are guests of your protection are grow in strength and vitality. I pray for your favor, that my work may be successful for my household and guests, and that in the years to come it may remain a testament to your mercy and providence.

If your spell is successfully, and your petition granted, Lady Hygieia's favor will be made immediately known. If not, purify yourself with a ritual fast a fortnight before attempting again.

Enriching Land

Lord Hapi is to be invoked in order to purify your lands, and if done properly even the baren deserts will yield bountiful harvest that would be the envy of rival kingdoms.

The land must be properly prepared, preferably with water blessed by Hapi for a week, flooding in the morning and the evening the area to be blessed, beginning after a full moon.

While this ritual will likely succeed to a lesser extent with ordinary lake or river water, the richness of sweet water blessed or caused by Hapi will yield the greatest results for the ages to come as long as his blessing remains.

The land should be free of befoulment, beasts, and men in its natural state.

An earthen altar, or an alter of stone if there are not suitable woods or ground for shaping, should be erected the north of a south blowing wind, or so that the wind blows away from the altar into the lands, where fragrant herbs, fruits, and seeds are to be offered daily for a week with the following invocation offered at the height of the sun each day:

Great Hapi, whose bounty is known the length of the Nile, touch these lands and grant me the fruit of thy bounty that my toils may bear witness to your might and blessing. Let my household, and these lands, be fattened by the feasts of your fields, that we may celebrate in your eternal feast.

If your efforts are successful, after the burning on the last day, the ash should vanish and the land will be enriched by Hapi's blessing. Within a day the land will be ready for tilling, and the blessing should last so long as Hapi's favor is maintained. It is strongly suggested that a small offering be made at each equinox to ensure harvests to come.

Autonomous Animation Spells

Ptah's blessing is one highly favored by the sorcerer seeking to manage vast holdings, or efficiently manage an estate. While vassals or slaves are preferable for complex tasks which require independent will, if neither are, constructs are able to serve repetitive tasks or labor intense chores, so the blessings of Ptah are ideal for the individual and lord alike.

Without proper use, or if used to blaspheme Ptah, the items enchanted will become cursed and no use given to them, no task assigned, will be anything but a failure.

It is highly recommended that this blessing be invoked only for ordinary chores in the absence of a household, such as for creating woven baskets to gather fruits or vegetables, enchanting sickles to reap and thresh corn, of making mills to process corn, creating ovens or cold space for the preservation of foodstuffs.

The tasks assigned to statues, if any are desired to be enchanted to assist in harvest or intended for domestic service, should be for that limited purpose only.

Great success has been seen in ages past of having this blessing applied to the tools of smiths, tradesmen, carpenters, and stone masons…of farmers and butchers.

It should never be applied to weapons of war or to more than an ordinary item. Havoc, at the least, has been caused when this invocation has been made with a wide area of effect.

To invoke the blessing of Ptah, inscribe the desired object with its intended purpose or command, and who may command it, on an altar of acacia wood, with tamarisk legs you fashion by your own hand. It is advised the more stable it is, the better your results shall be.

Just after dawn, Kyphi should be burned over coals in a brazier of brass, and the following prayer should be made:

Lord Ptah, innovator of the gods and patron of all who labor to enrich the lands of Egypt both great and small, bless my tools for their intended purpose, that by my labors your wonders may be made real, and my talents increased.

Kinetic Barriers and Energy Dissipation

Lord Ra, creator of the world, sky, underworld…with dominion over order, winds, the sun, and sky is the principal protector for all of Egypt.

His protection is involved by adorning your home and lands with his falcon at the cardinal points. It is suggested that a central statue be made crowning the highest structure, with no other symbology of any god above it, and with a dedicated shrine or obelisk erected to his glory with a golden eye beset with a large ruby facing the rising sun.

There is no specific spell to invoke the favor of Ra; he cares only for your dedication and good works. Should he find your labors worthy, in good order, your petition for protection shall be granted in your time of need and they shall manifest themselves in time.

The greatest protections of Ra are powered by the light of the sun themselves and are strongest during the day. The wise man will build a lesser shrine and also adorn his lands with the symbology of Chons to invoke his protections in the night, which will strengthen the blessings of Ra in the absence of the sun.

Ra's favor can grant absolute protection from physical and magical attack if activated, but will vanish if chaos is allowed to reign and his favor lost.

Beware protected sieges and their effects upon the order of your domain.

Golem Guards and their Creation

Invocations of the power of Set should be made cautiously, yet there are few other gods which could grant the same level of protection or provide greater assets in battle, than Lord Set.

Set is principally the god of deserts, disorder, violence, and weapons. His blessing is frightfully easy to seek: one has only to intend violence or death in either defense or conquest. This blessing can be applied to either beasts or constructs, structures, or cities…though, the larger the scale the greater the risk for taint.

Extreme caution should be used in the breadth, scope, and purpose of these invocations when also seeking the blessing and favor of Ra.

Ordinary statues can be inscribed with a purpose, two or three at most, and if Set empowers them they will follow directions given, perfectly, in accordance with the intent of the command.

Take care when doing this, as they shall have not even the intelligence of a golem and if not properly supervised, they may stray, severely, from their task if too many complex directives, or contradictory orders, are given.

Take supreme care in determining whether the purpose is worth the risk, whether the need is great, prior to inviting this god into your heart and to your home.

The Hebrew golem is an oft cited to example of successful magical constructs who can trace their origin to the clay men of Set, and may prove a far more sophisticated alternative with human intelligence given time. The process of the creation of the Hebrew Golem are held near the hearts of the children of Isreal and the tribe of Benjamin in their sacred temple.

Form your guardian, warrior, or sentinel of stone or clay, never metal, and bath the finished creature in either the blood of an antelope, hippopotamus, wild boar, crocodile, or scorpion until the blood be completely absorbed in the light of the moon while saying the following prayer:

Great Set, Egypts protector and source of our divine power upon the field of battle, your blessing is sought to slay mine enemies. I beg your favor, to raise my servants, that in your name my victory may be assured, and my household be protected.

Extreme caution should be used if offering more than one sacrificial animal per construct, and the ram should never be used. The crocodile pairs best with the scorpion, and the hippopotamus should never be used with the antelope. Under no circumstances should the boar be used in protective magics relating to battle or defense. The boar is best suited as a sacrifice to invoke guardian spirits under the control of Set or as an offering of appeasement to him. The boar is best suited for giving life to clay golem with little to no independent thought, and most often for creating unskilled laborers given a single task of repetition if prior blessed by Ptah.

Harry read the passages three times before he began to make some headway in the meaning and magics behind the texts. Apparently the magicians and sorcerers of Ancient Egypt relied more on sharing, or channeling, divine power or receiving blessings than the modern model of magical education provided.

Harry didn't want to consider the religious implications of the origins of magic as he was fully knowledgeable that gods could fade and the magical core had been proven to exist…it was the foundational principle underpinning all of magical healing after all.

Harry shuddered at the thought of entire civilizations losing their magic with the loss of their gods and how ancient magical civilizations could have collapsed.

Shaking those thoughts away, he looked back over his crude designs and with what he'd just learned in mind, he knew he'd need to make revisions.

He took out several more pieces of paper and copied his sketch on to them and numbered them in order, before he truly began to plan out what would need to be done to level the land, ensure its suitability for long term occupation, and went into the house to see if he had any books on Egyptian deities or iconography.

After a few minutes of searching his small selection, he growled in frustration.

"Pain! Panic!" he called out as the two popped in entirely too eagerly.

"You called your broodiness," Pain asked in his characteristic manner.

Harry scowled as the imp always managed to pick up on his negative emotions.

Walking over to a desk Harry quickly wrote out a list on several topics he now knew his library needed, along with a list for specific supplies he was likely to need including a blank grimoire for his studies under Lord Ptah, before passing it to Panic after he'd summoned his Schweizer Bank pouch.

He counted out 300 galleons and placed them in a small purse not linked to his accounts and handed it to Panic.

"If Lord Hades can spare you," he started slowly and respectfully to his host, "I need you both to disguise yourselves as humans and pop up to the mortal and magical world to buy books on these topics, and the supplies I requested. Buy what you can, steal what you can't. But I want only the best and most accurate treatises on these topics…be they magical or mortal. Am I understood?"

Looking over the list and seeing he wanted books on the religions of several continents, architecture, engineering, household magics, smithing, metal working, jewelry crafting, masonry, carpentry, farming, and several other topics his prior reading had highlighted a need of knowledge for, and for other odds and ends he didn't ready have, Pain and Panic shared a look.

"Lord Hades has informed us we are to aid you with any task that doesn't result in death, dismemberment, plague, or pestilence…until you're older; we can get books," Panic said happily.

"Oh don't forget Persephone said no hookers or blow until the kid's legal either," Panic dutifully supplied with a happy chin waggle.

Harry facepalmed so hard at that and he was supremely glad Calix hadn't overheard or the hedonistic bastard would make it his mission to break that rule, or at least part of it once he was a tad bit older.

"Just go…now. Return before the end of the day top side," Harry sighed in exasperation knowing that time passed differently in the underworld and it would likely be days or weeks for him here.

"Right away boss," Panic said grabbing Pain's hand and the too popped away leaving behind small clouds of colorful smoke that smelled strongly of sulfur.

Anne popped in suddenly and informed Harry that he was requested to return to the garden, and after she'd popped away he dutifully made his way back out of the house and onto the grounds where his lesson was being conducted.

By the time he returned to his classroom, he saw Ptah looking over his notes and sketches and seemed to be scrutinizing the order of his work with some detail.

"This," the god began slowly, "is much better than I'd expected given the short amount of time I gave you Harry Potter," he said scrutinizing Harry's work and plans he'd drawn up to actually follow through with the invocations for the sketch he'd made. "I did not believe you would actively alter your work or follow through so finely with the detail…it should not be possible."

He cast an appraising eye over Harry and seemed to focus intently on him.

Eyes widening slightly in horror, he dropped the papers he was holding before backing into the desk.

"Is everything alright Lord Ptah," Harry asked with concern as he began picking up the papers now strewn about the glass.

The god forced himself to calm and took several steady breaths before he cleared his throat and apologized.

Calix looked on, bored and disinterested in the discussion as he lounged in his true form underneath the artificial sun basking in the heat.

Harry could hear his snake 'children' hissing in contentment as they enjoyed the radiance of the light and the heat.

"My apologies Harry Potter," Ptah said suddenly, dabbing his brow with a handkerchief.

"Moving on," he continued without preamble, "you've incorporated the basics I've provided very well, and the minor temples, high shrines really, to Ra and Chol would do your little outpost well. What materials would you use for the boundary markers?"

The conversation followed for nearly an hour where Harry described, in surprising detail, the various materials which would be ideal for the project, and how he'd time the various steps needed to prepare for everything.

By the time they were done, Ptah was fully calmed and mildly impressed by the seeming sorcerer, and told him their lessons would continue in two days time, relatively speaking. His homework was to sketch and plan out protections for a single-family house, a fort capable of garrisoning and supporting 100 warriors, and to begin thinking about a grand castle or fortress that could house up to 5,000 people comfortably for prolonged sieges while being self-sustaining.

"What's the point of all this though," Harry asked respectfully.

With a chuckle before he vanished Ptah replied.

"To help you think, plan, and scale Harry Potter. A sorcerer is only limited by his imagination, and one's imagination is guided by knowledge. Put pencil to paper and see what your imagination can create. Feel free to draw inspiration from literature, history, or the modern world…just draw and practice what is needed to one day be great."

---

Chapter 09. - 1993 and the Year of Preparations

---

THE DAILY PROPHET

March 20, 1993

SHAKEUP AT THE MINISTRY; FUDGE IS OUT, DUMBLEDORE IS IN

By Rita Skeeter

Shock befell the Wizengamot as the Fudge Government collapsed last night after an emergency session was called by the Deputy Chief Warlock, Augusta Longbottom, after years of financial impropriety, bribes, and other misdeeds of Minister for Magic Cornelius Oswald Fudge was brought to light, chief among them is the illegal incarceration in Azkaban prison, without trial, the wrongfully notorious Sirius Black, heir of the Ancient and Noble House of Black.

The only surviving child of Orion and Walburga Black, gracious philanthropists and members of the Sacred Twenty-Eight families who long ago founded Wizarding Britain, Sirius was wrongly accused of betraying James and Lilley Potter by delivering them to the wrath of He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named along with killing several muggles in a rampage against Peter Pettigrew.

Even more shocking was the live testimony delivered by Heir Black himself under the effects of Veritaserum, a highly regulated and supremely powerful truth potion, that Pettigrew was the true traitor and fiend which killed the poor helpless muggles that fateful day. The knowledge that Heir Black had been denied justice, on top of his rightful role as Guardian of Harry Potter the boy-who-lived himself has for all these years been condemned to live with muggles, and now revealed to be missing (more on page 3), was the final blow which swept the feet from the Fudge Administration.

Justice was not denied to those who had aided in this corruption.

Upon being seized and charged with numerous counts of felonies for his crimes under the same batch of Veritaserum which had freed Heir Black, Fudge named his co-conspirators and chief financiers who'd propped up this lawless regime.

Arrest warrants have been issued for many prominent wizards and witches, including several members of the Hogwarts Board of Governors, most of the higher placed members of Fudge's cabinet, including Senior Undersecretary Delores Jane Umbridge (more on page 2), and multiple senior Ministry Officials.

In the wake of such a scandal the Wizard High Court and chief legislative body, the Wizengamot, short several wizards from the traditionalist and moderate factions, suffered a major blow to moral and debated furiously into the early hours of the morning on what to do.

In accordance with existing law, in absence of both the Minister, his most Senior Undersecretary, and as Fudge never appointed a Deputy, the unenviable task of serving as Interim Minister of Magic has fallen to Albus Dumbledore.

Prior to accepting appointment Minister Dumbledore resigned all other commissions, appointments, and positions of government in accordance with the Worthgood Act which bars a member of government from maintaining more than one ministerial post. He has also resigned his position as Headmaster of Hogwarts, ceding the title to his long-time friend, Horace Slughorn previously installed on an interim basis.

Sources say the sudden resignation of the Minister from his position as Chief Mugwump of the International Confederation of Wizards was transmitted at the same time as Minister Dumbledore's resignation to the remaining members of the Hogwarts Board of Governors.

The following is a brief statement issued by Minister Dumbledore following his installation as Interim Minister for Magic:

This is a position I take with a heavy heart, and with deep hurt for my fellow witches and wizards of Britain. Our homeland has become infected with a cancer that could be our end.

These actions are but the first step toward restoring this Ministry, this country, onto the path of right and preventing the evils of the past from rising once more. My government will seek first and foremost to ensure the stability of the economy and secure the ties which bind us to our international allies, as well as ensuring the homeland is secure.

We will be instituting sweeping changes at the Ministry to ensure this level of rot nevermore infects our organs of government.

I have named Alastir Moody as my Interim Deputy Minister and tasked him immediately with conducting an Inquisition into all who are employed by the Ministry to ensure their loyalties lie with the people of Britain and not their pocketbooks or corruptive powers.

My first act as Minister was to authorize the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, so capably led by Director Amelia Bones, to arrest and bring to prosecution all enemies of the people of wizarding Britain; it is a task she is superbly capable of, but which will require a greatly expanded and staffed department.

Security does not come freely, and at the Wizengamot's approval a small property tax increase, retroactive to January 01 of this year, has been enacted which will independent fund the training and equipping of 100 new Auror recruits by the time taxes are fully collected into perpetuity.

To combat the darkness of the ordinary and extraordinary, the brave souls of our men and women in the Department of Magical Law Enforcement stand on the front lines; we must never again return to the levels of corruption seen here today which were designed to hamstring those who would protect us from even the mundane evils of the world.

I ask for your prayers and support in this trying time, but together we will come through this. Together, we will right the ship of state, and the Homeland will prosper.

Putting the paper down Sirius Black, once more in his parent's Manor House in London, looked over to his newly reacquainted old friend, Remus Lupin, who was doing a rather admirable impression of a man slapped by a fish.

"When you contacted me yesterday and claimed to be free Sirius…I had my doubts," Remus started slowly as he put his own paper down. "I am truly sorry…for everything."

A single tear began trailing down his cheek at what he'd lost, never questioning his doubts and so readily believing the rumors and speculation…never once checking in on Harry and feeling the full weight of his betrayal of James and Lilley settling into his very soul.

"The past is behind us Remus," Sirius choked out fighting down his own emotions. "We need to find Harry. I don't know what game he's playing at, but I was moved to a low security cell over a week ago…the guards said it was on direct order of the Chief Warlock who'd reopened my file. Twelve years Remus…it doesn't take a genius to figure out Harry's disappearance and my release aren't related…now this," he said indicating the paper.

"I may not have been a Slytherin, to my mother's eternal shame," he said nodding in the general direction of where her portrait hung in the entrance hall, "but I can at least put two and two together and get fish. All these decades of corruption, first Bagnol, Fudge, and suddenly the Headmaster has abandoned Hogwarts to do something?"

Remus chuckled at the old joke the Marauders had shared as Sirius was quite renowned for being bad at maths. Remus was their numbers man after all.

"I've been out of the loop too," Remus started slowly. "Dumbledore told me Harry was well protected because of Lilley's sacrifice, and I've been living on the continent, mostly the Soviet Bloc, as that's the only region I could get steady work with my condition and avoid hurting people."

He wearily rubbed his face after taking off his reading glasses.

"I don't have many contacts left in Britain Sirius."

"The House of Black may have fallen into infamy Remus," Sirius began slowly as he looked around the room the two were in and the layers of filth it contained, "but we have never lost power. There are still those who wouldn't hesitate to answer to Lord Black and for those who would…I am Orion Black's eldest and the old man forced quite a bit of etiquette into this depraved mind of mine."

0oO0oO0Oo0oO0oO0Oo0oO0oO0Oo

Wizarding Britain was confused and in an uproar for the remainder of March and into the earliest of April once the full extent of the Fudge scandal was made public, especially when the sheer number of rapes he'd help cover up for the upper crust as they paid mere fines, even if the women and men were muggles. Blood was called for as the people demanded that every pardon issued be rescinded, and every rapist be given a fitting punishment.

Deputy Minister Moody had recently announced the first round of trials and was rumored to be heavily lobbying for castration as a basic punishment in addition to heavy fines for the less serial offenders, and the veil of death for the irredeemable. Minister Dumbledore had only offered his assurances to the press that rapists would find no succor in Magical Britain and given assurances that a crime victim's compensation and counseling fund would be authorized for those victims able to be identified.

Minister Dumbledore had yet to review the changes the new Minister for Magical Education, Winston Masters, had managed to get passed through the Wizengamot before his recovery, and by the time he did Horace's programs would be too ingrained to counter without spending significant political capitol he was planning to use exclusively to ensure the interim was dropped from his and Alastor's title.

His eye was turning from Hogwarts entirely and he was focusing in, quietly, on The Academy of Arcane and Mystical Arts as he prepared his Ministry to combat the true evils which had been festering under his nose to his eternal shame.

Harry must be found and returned to the light before it is too late, he vowed to himself.

He will be found, was quickly becoming his mantra.

0oO0oO0Oo0oO0oO0Oo0oO0oO0Oo

The first of May dawned bright and early, as most days tended to, and saw students on break from Hogwarts or the smaller magical schools in Britain enjoying their summer break.

The third years and above from Hogwarts were exploring their much expanded elective choices, while a revised list of coursebooks for core classes had been sent out causing several parents to question the new listings, while many parents of students at the Academy were starting to question how much longer the correspondence and independent study portion of their children's education would be ongoing.

The muggle parents loved having their children at home, and even being able to experience directly their children's world…even if in a trunk, but all were unaware of the dark clouds gathering over Britain's magical world.

In the Academy, Headmistress Maleficent and her senior staff had gathered to plan out the final details of their impending move to the mountains of Russia deep into the forests near an area that was unfortunately close to a multitude of muggle ski resorts, but thankfully sparsely populated outside of the normal operating season where they would found their new school.

A fierce debate was ongoing on whether to build it underground, above ground, even in what style.

"It must be a grand palace greatly expanded from the size of the former Academy to befit the myriad of courses and needs of our students; no more expansion charms or dimensional compression," Cruella spoke up discussing designs to put Versailles to shame.

Several nodded in agreement or voiced their heads.

"It's in Russia," Jafar said with a sneer, "whatever we choose should fit the location and cultural aesthetic. Catherine's Palace is quite lovely, and if modified according to our needs wouldn't be out of place, but the area can't be oversaturated with wards. It's a well-known and thoroughly explored area. We can't be too grand in our ambitions."

Several spoke in disagreement and called for the strongest protections possible.

"Are we to model the school on St. Basil's now," Ursula said derisively. "Perhaps one of those great wooden palaces with their curved cubed roofs of old?"

"The defenses do need to be great, and every means of confusing a blasted phoenix must be incorporated…somehow," Maleficent spoke up for the first time over her glass of wine as she looked to Hades. "Simply moving will only buy us time until the information is of at least our general location is sussed out from either one of the students or their mortal relatives.

"I got nada, zilch, nothing babe. You know phoenixes are as old as the Titans, and they even pestered dear old dad back in the day," Hades said waiving his hands in a time out gesture as he was propped against the mantle of the suite they were in.

"As for your designs for the school, build the fucking Pentagon for all it matters, we just need to get something going and get things back underway; I'm running out of time and rumors are starting to reach 'ol sparky that I'm active in the mortal world again, and venturing out from my domain. He's going to get…interested…soon. The last thing we need is some schmuck of a hero mucking around or worse, getting involved with Dumbledore on some cock and bull quest to "save" Harry Potter."

"I thought your pantheon had signed the pact of prohibition against siring any more demis at the end of the last great war of the gods…2,000 years ago. Give or take a century," Ursula spoke up with genuine confusion.

"We did," Hades said with a sigh. "But you've read your history…you know my brother; Sparky's always thought he was the big bad, and the rules didn't apply to him or his favored."

A dark, genuinely sour, look crossed Hades face as he recalled all the nieces, nephews, and demis which had died so needlessly in quests for the glory of his family, in wars as champions of their favored, or by jealous mortals convinced to the deed upon the honeyed whispers of their pantheons.

Many may find it surprising that Hades had never cheated on Persephone…but the two were genuinely in love and had been since their courting. The tales of him stealing her away had started as a vicious rumor began by Ares when he got drunk among the mortals one time, and he thought the entire thing was a hilarious prank.

Hades had cursed him with horrible piles that enflamed the more his anger grew, as Zeus had denied him anything more than a token apology…yet another crime in his list of many which fueled his desire to rule Olympus.

"You truly think that demigods roam the Earth and could be lured into attacking us Lord Hades," Maleficent asked with a bit of concern in her voice.

Hades gave a grim nod of his head.

"I'm not certain about my family, but the remaining Titans…hells, the other pantheons…the lesser gods that eek out by preying on unsuspecting mortals…I wouldn't put it past the cannibals that have yet to fade," he said flopping crossways into an over-stuffed arm chair. "You don't even want to know what is going on in the Americas. I'm amazed those wand wavers aren't slaughtered by the thousands, but they seem to be protected from the worst of it…"

"How's Harry doing; Carlos has demanded he be allowed to visit soon," Cruella spoke up after a lull of the conversation happened.

"Kid's smarter than toe finding the corner of a metal bedframe at 2:00 on the way to the bathroom," Hades said with a chuckle. "He's not brooding as much anymore and Calix called in a few favors from an old friend of his, an Egyptian of all people, and the kid's soaking up the lessons in Architecture and Engineering like a sponge. I don't know if he's yet picked up on the reasons for this particular hobby being provided to him," Hades said looking directly at Maleficent, "but the innate magics of building and protecting one's fiefdom may give a slight edge we need to keep out those flaming chickens."

"If this Egyptian," Jafar said drawing out the nationality Hades had focused on, "is who my sources claim it may be, and if Ra takes an interest in Harry's tuition like he has occasionally with prior students of Ptah…it may be the edge we need as all phoenixes, from all pantheons, have been deferential to the sun gods in legend…especially Ra."

"Still," Smee said speaking up for the first time, "this is an awful burden to be tricking poor Harry into undertaking. Does anyone even know how much time he's been down there? He needs to visit his friends, spend some time topside…even Henry's been asking about him," he finished placing a hand on James' knee.

"I caught Jay trying to discretely research portals and thankfully was able to intervene before the little scamp accidentally opened a gateway to the Mountains of Madness," Jafar began. "Since he's showing an interest in runes suddenly, I've decided we're going to make a summer project of portals to different locations in this plane before I'm comfortable letting him slide into the pocket planes of the different pantheons connected to this reality," Jafar sat back with a chuckle and a flourish of his cape.

"I'm sure Ms. Granger had no hand in helping Jay in his studies?" Maleficent teased good naturedly.

Jafar shared with the group how Jay was oblivious to Hermione's interests and designs on her son. Current bets were she'd tell him they were dating sometime after their wedding.

"If the kid's going to end up building the damn thing, I say he gets to design it," James, Coach Hook, spoke up.

"The best designed ships are collaborations dahling," Ursula chimed in. "I say his little friends be given a few months with him to help inspire him.

Hades shook his head slowly.

"The protections the Underworld provide to Harry may not prove as safe for long term exposure for the others; each time someone enters or exits that fantastic little trunk of Harry's the essence of my domain leaks into the environment of Harry's trunkverse a tiny little bit," he said holding up two fingers a tiny bit apart. "History is rife with examples of mortal objects being warped beyond their original design or taking on some of the less savory aspects of my power, or from being exposed to cosmic power for even half as long as Harry's little trunk has already. I can't guarantee the kids magic, at the very least, wouldn't be effected."

"Would they be harmed though?" Cruella spoke up suddenly as she had been planning to cave to Carlos' incessant pouting over the last few weeks and let him go once given the clear from both Maleficent and Hades.

"It's not like they'd be sneaking in without an invitation…right Lord Hades," Maleficent said rounding on the god. "Your domain is just that….still yours to command?"

Hades chuckled.

"Hey babe, I love the little scamps like they were my own kids…but I've not exactly been in this situation before with mortals, and you know Harry is different. It's obvious to any of us," he said meaning the gods, "who that kid really is if you look hard enough. Ptah nearly had a damn heart attack when he really looked at the kid…but if the past is any indication with what's happened on Olympus; best case scenario is the kids get really good at judgmental magic or the dark arts without becoming corrupted."

"And the worst case," Ursula asked.

Hades shrugged before replying, "they become immortal and are tied to my realm or are elevated to some minor status as deities with ties to either me or Harry."

Everyone shared a startled look at that, and the blasé attitude that Hades displayed.

"I think a few weeks with Harry wouldn't expose them too much," Maleficent said slowly, "if you all are ok with the risk."

Jafar and Cruella shared a look and nodded.

"Splendid," Maleficent began, "Cruella, if you will, why don't you pop round and explain things to the Grangers; I know Hermione looks up to you and has always been a tad star struck. I think we've all noticed her wearing at least one of your new outfits from the spring line at the start of each term. I'm sure her parents will be far more trusting of someone they're familiar with for this kind of delicate situation."

Maleficent thought back to the mistakes of her own past, unrefined magic coursing through the Moors twisting and corrupting the landscape of the peaceful valleys into a hellscape of sharp and jagged rock, vines, and the lingering of fear.

Her anger and been raw after her violation, and her fortress had been designed with only her anger, death, and fear at the forefront of her mind. Her magic had responded accordingly and the rough structure Harry had homed in on lacked the refined graces she was likely capable of with true training…training that Harry seemed to be enjoying while also expanding his understanding on the innate evolution of magic from relying solely on divine petitions to self-reliance limited only by one's own power and imagination.

"How are evaluations going," Maleficent asked changing topics.

Smee reached into his messenger back and began giving broad stroke reports.

"Grades are mostly stable with only a handful of students scoring outside of their normal ranges due to some severe slacking that's been addressed with their parents. I highly recommend that we conduct weekly check-ups with them," he finished passing over the file to Maleficent.

"This system is never going to work long term," James spoke up as he rose to fix himself a drink from the headmistress' ever stocked and varied liquor cart. "The teams are beginning to suffer a sever lack of cohesion. Regionals are coming up, and our summer competitions….I don't even want to think of those yet," he finished with a shake of his head.

"I agree," another staff member spoke up venting her own frustrations. "The trunks are wonderful, they really are for the muggleborn, but unlike the wizard raised…we're severely hampered by travel between assessing students. The last three weeks, I've been able to conduct evaluations…the majority of my time was limited to no more than three students a day for a single class. Muggle transportation is nice, and a good way to escape the notice of the Ministry during these trying times but Headmistress our students aren't exactly coming from the same neighborhood."

The teacher sat back and sighed.

"We could move the kid's trunk closer to Tartarus," Hades said extremely slowly. "Time moves even slower there. Another month, a few more tutors, his friends…the kid would be ready to design his own mobile Olympys."

"Their remaining time at the school would be just for formality's sake," Ursula spoke up.

"Absolutely not," Jafar exclaimed not wanting Jay to be subject to nearly five full years exposure to the potentially corruptive influences of the powers of Hades domain.

"Mr. Potter….Harry…may be more suited for exposure to cosmic energy and show no ill effects from a near decade in Lord Hades' realm, but my Jay has no such divine protections. What even I know of temporal mechanics…the temporal backlash of his body reacquainting with a linear timestream would unravel his dna into soup!"

Jafar may have at one point been the scourge of Agrabah and the bane of existence in the life of Aladdin, but after he'd met his wife and been freed from the lamp and had Jay…after the loss of Zara Jay was his world. Maleficent recruiting him to teach had only ensured Jay would not have the same harsh life he'd been condemned to centuries prior on the streets of Sherabad. His meeting the young nurse in London when she discovered his lamp, the passing of his rage at the death of his enemies, the happiness she had brought to him and long since lifted the veil of hatred from his eyes and though strict with Jay, he lived for his son and heir.

Ursula spoke up about a potential solution after Jafar's outburst.

"The Unseelie Court have long been known to pluck mortals and take them into their halls only to return them weeks, decades even, out of time. The mortals have never held ill effect and were mostly able to reintegrate into their lives after the shock of their predicament wore off."

An elf popped in with a tanker of beer that wouldn't look out of place in a 19th century warf pub.

"What isn't known is that much like Tartarus time is a complete nullity in Underhill. You're talking about linear time where it simply doesn't exist," she said with a chuckle. "the backlash you're afraid of comes from mortal timetravel within one's own timestream of longer than," she bobbed her head doing calculations silently, "12 months either forward or back. The children need not fear backlash," she said with a dismissive wave of a tentacle that shouldn't be there as she was presently in human form.

"I'm not my Dad," Hades butted in putting his palms dramatically on his chest and giving a shrug, "but what tentacles is saying makes sense."

"The kids could well be on their way into their Bachelor program by the time they're done," Maleficent said slowly thinking about how best to not waste this opportunity if it was to be done.

"Ursula," she said putting her drink down, "please call Mim. See if she'd be willing to step in as fulltime faculty to cover for Jafar, yourself, and Cruella. Smee," she said turning to the man, "will you be ok handling things while away for this extended period?"

"At once headmistress," Ursula said pulling out a conch and giving a blow into it only for sickly green bubbles to exit instead of sound and blur out of existence.

"I'm up to it and the other teachers will be as well Madam," Smee replied with a smile.

"I've got an old acquaintance I'd like to call in for more generalized studies to help with testing and tutoring the students but her methods are odd, there's likewise another I'd like to place a call to see if she could help augment the vacancies of Ursula and Jafar," Maleficent finished.

"Who are you thinking of," Jafar asked as he carefully guarded his territory.

"You can't be serious," Dioval said suddenly as his eyes widened in recognition.

"Dioval," Maleficent growled.

"No! She's a nutter!"

"Who?" Hades asked slightly interested as Dioval rarely spoke against Maleficent.

"To pick up the slack for these two," she said indicating Jafar and Ursula, "I met a lovely hedge witch a few decades back who was uniquely powerful and the first of her line. She learned her magic from a fraud of a mortal who ran the "English Correspondence College of Witchcraft" to help in the war effort and to protect Britain from invasion by sea."

"Oh hell," Ursula said somewhat familiar with the 'plunderer of Naboombu.'

"Regardless," she continued speaking over Ursula's muttering, "of her past actions that she blundered into, she did eventually prove herself a talented potioneer and highly adept at spoken magic. She'd be an asset to the school in your absence."

"And is she any good with my subjects," Jafar asked genuinely curious as Ursula rarely spoke ill of anyone that wasn't a former rival."

"She has some familiarity with runes but your subjects are safer for self-study so long as students don't try to get creative without direct supervision. Potions on the other hand…she'll be well suited to Ursula's curriculum."

"You mentioned two acquaintances headmistress," James asked.

"Yes, tell them all about her Mistress," Dioval said as he fixed his own drink and took a shot.

"She has adopted many monikers throughout the ages, her most recent being Mary Poppins…you Lord hades," she said speaking to him directly, "may know her best as Discordia."

0oO0oO0Oo0oO0oO0Oo0oO0oO0Oo

After several weeks of tuition from Ptah, Harry was unprepared one day for the god himself, Calix, and Hades to suddenly appear and inform him that it was time for an outing.

Before he had time to question it, Pain popped in with Harry's messenger bag with a smile which he was assured had been packed with everything he'd need from Hades, and with a snap and a conjured hoodie appearing around the young sorcerer and his form shifting to being human once more.

After checking his arm holster and ensuring his concealed wand was still present, he was unprepared for the world to blink and then reappear through a haze of black smoke associated with Hades' preferred method of travel.

The light and wind were the first thing that he noticed, then the chill hit before a wandless warming charm completely removed it.

"We're in the mountains near the Lago-Naki Plataue, just north of Sochi in the Republic of Adygea….Russia Harry Potter," Ptah replied with a smile at his confused face. "It is my understanding this general area has been selected by your teachers to house your new school."

Harry breathed deeply the fresh scent of the pine. He detected the faint hint of wildflowers in the air.

"This is a sparsely populated area Harry Potter," Ptah continued. "Why don't you head up and scout out an area for a test project," he said with a smile as Hades looked on in encouragement as Calix all but begged the god to conjure either a fire or warm cloak of his own."

With a thought, Harry took off his hoody, and with a running leap took to the air and felt free again.

Climbing higher and higher, leaving his companions behind, Harry dove, dived, summersaulted, and glided to his heart's content as he took in the terrain.

Looking down finally he saw the mountains and valleys they were in, he saw areas that could be made supremely defensible with what seemed arable lands with rivers nearby.

Wells and fountains wouldn't be an issue, he began thinking, nor will the sanitation systems. No good for a traditional fort, and if I were going to design a defensible position I'd want to scale the walls and have the mountains at my back and as many sides as possible with some easily concealable route of escape to bug out.

Harry threw out any consideration for traditional Egyptian or Greek Architecture as it simply proved ineffective at scale and wouldn't be suited for the cold climate of the region, but small forts, houses, depending on what his teachers had decided on for the school…this land had potential.

Circling back east to the mountain range he'd appeared on he landed a little harder than he'd intended and had to walk off a muttered fuck with a limp as Hades chuckled.

"When your dance is done I'm ready to discuss things with you Harry Potter," Ptah said with a chuckle as Harry continued to mumble.

"So whadda ya think kid," Hades asked as the wind blew suddenly and his hair fizzled out.

"Woah, did it just get colder here?"

Muttering curses he once more lit his hair and missed Harry's response.

"I said it's beautiful Hades; and remote enough we could likely do anything we wanted," he said with a smirk at the gods antics.

"Which is why we're here Harry Potter," Ptah spoke up. "Your professors have chosen this site for your new school, and as a way of added precaution you will be the one to build it…with help," he said with a smile.

Before Harry could question it, an explosion of green fire erupted in the distance depositing professors Maleficent, De Ville, Jafar, and Ursula. Sluggishly stepping away from them, Harry was overjoyed to see his three best friends and he didn't even realize he was running until he'd tackled all three in a deep hug and swept his wings over them protectively.

Carlos and Hermione were openly sobbing in happiness, and Jay was mightily fighting a manly quiver of his lip.

After a few minutes of reuniting Lady Maleficent explained their discovered and theories regarding the strongest possibly protections for Harry from unwanted divine intervention or those creatures like phoenixes which were born of cosmic power normal, and even divine, magic could not block.

In the embrace of his friends Harry understood why his boredom had been sated by Ptah's instruction now and was glad for it as it truly was a means of freeing him from those which yet still were eager to control him or attempt to contain him.

"So when can we get this underway headmistress," Harry asked eagerly.

"That's the catch," she replied slowly. "I've been receiving regular reports of your progress from Lord Ptah," she said giving a slight bow to the elder god of Egypt, "but you've only just learning the fundamentals. To truly succeed….it's almost a catch 22. You'd need to spend a significant amount of time in the lowest depths of the Underworld to be prepared…around 5 years to acquire the mastery of the arts as Lord Ptah senses you have the potential for."

"Absolutely not," Hermione began beating Carlos to it before Maleficent could bring her hand up.

"Time moves differently down there, even more so than you have already experienced Har-Bear," Hades said with a serious face. "You'd be back topside by the first of July, and that would give you plenty of time to raise whatever structure you decided on."

"Hades is correct kids," Ursula supplied. "But we don't want Harry to be deprived of true companionship during that time, so we're all in agreement, even your parents Ms. Granger, that this is a unique opportunity for each of you to learn as well."

"Harry's magic will have to do the hard work, and it's going to take quite a bit of time and further mastering the mind arts you've all been exposed to through your focusing and meditation training, but that doesn't mean there aren't ways you will be able to help him and learn at the same time," Ptah said with a smile.

"We're all going with you and will be helping you complete your WISE and SMARTs in addition to these special studies with Lord Ptah," Cruella said smiling as Carlos peeked out from Harry's wing. "I dare say, if you take full advantage of this situation, you'll be well on to being bachelors if not into your first apprenticeship in your master studies."

"You're all going to be largely completing this project to benefit those that will come after you, but also to make a safe space for you long term Harry as elements in Britain are becoming quite hostile to all the Academy stands for. I fear until the Dark Lord is vanquished you're going to be tied in to the fates of Britain and her magical children," Maleficent said with a sigh.

"Having a secure base of operations, and a place of refuge may come in handy if you ever find yourself in need of loyal friends," Jafar advised slipping back into his role as counselor.

Taken aback at all that he was being told, Harry focused immediately on the drawn face of Maleficent and something she'd said in passing.

"What exactly is going on in Britain headmistress," he asked slowly as he stood, form shimmering to once more be human, and he slipped his earlier discarded hoody on.

Debating on how, or even if to answer, she settled on a condensed version of the truth as she saw the attentions of the other children were focused on her response as well. Resolving herself, she answered.

"Headmaster Dumbledore is no longer at Hogwarts after the events of the last term; he survived the encounter with hellfire but encountering you in your natural state and Lord Hades' presence have likely driven him mad. His personality has radically changed according to all my sources, and he's seized power in the Ministry of Magic. His actions so far indicate he's once more embracing the ideals he held in his youth, even if his policies are not overtly indicative of this yet. What has publicly been announced indicates he is preparing for a war."

The kids looked shocked, but she pressed on.

"Discrete inquiries have begun at the ICW into the propriety of the Academy, its curriculum, and independence from the British Ministry. Already there are murmurs of inquisitions," she nearly spat, "and my last remaining contact in the British Ministry has informed me they are compiling lists…mostly likely trying to identify those who work for, or attend, the school. The radical actions we're asking you to undertake will not just be to claim land for a school Harry," she said crouching down before him, "but with the proper guidance of Lord Ptah, this land will become yours…completely off the grid as it were. It will be a refuge for yourself, fellow students, but consider also it may need to house the thousands of families and relations if the government is truly intent on war as I…as we…" she corrected, "fear."

"You're asking me to build a home," Harry asked in clarification.

She nodded.

"It's a lot to consider Harry Potter," Ptah said stepping forward, "but you see now the ultimate task before you…if you choose to accept."

Harry slowly disentangled himself from Carlos and Hermione who'd somehow managed to slip under his arms and he stood to look into the distance as he processed the sheer scale of what was being asked of him.

"Will we be safe here," Hermione quietly asked of her headmistress.

Slowly the reply came.

"The Soviet Union is in chaos right now after the collapse of the central party in 1991. This is a wild country, but far enough out in the Federal States with a superstitious enough people that the claiming of our own territory, and its fading slowly from local memory, is an opportunity not likely to present itself again in your lifetime Ms. Granger. We can take the disadvantage of the widespread instability of this portion of the world and use it to our own advantage, or we can pass it by…but there are no more suitable locations in all this world that will allow the school to continue to operate, especially to first generation magicals."

"We could have easily slipped into the 'Tween with Harry and most of the students whose parents would jump at the opportunity to live in a purely magical realm, even petitioned to have the portals deactivated until these troubles pass and reemerge in a generation or two…but that would do more harm than I'm comfortable with," she finished barely displaying the discomfort she'd felt at that thought.

"Speaking of that, I've got some contractors that can erect a gateway whenever the school's ready," Hades said helpfully.

"All this aside," Maleficent said causing the side discussions going on to cease, "it's much to ask of you Harry….of you all…but do you have any thoughts?"

Harry closed his eyes once more and reaching out with his magic he tasted the land as Ptah's lessons had taught, or rather opened the possibilities to.

It tasted weary as though the sorrows of the larger federation it belonged to saturated it or else the peoples of this land were broken, but fleetingly, and only with supreme concentration, he sensed strength and resolve.

"If we're going to be gone 5 years, will we age…will we grow?"

"Maleficent thought it over and slowly replied.

"Time does not exist in the Underworld Harry; and believe it or not we've had long and protected discussions about this before we've brought this proposal to you for your input."

Madam Ursula spoke up suddenly cutting the headmistress off.

"There are certain nutritional potions you can take and trick your body into thinking that the time you are there is within the linear flows of the river of time. You will be able to develop and grow your core as needed, but legally you will not be your mental or physical age dearie and you will all stand out quite a bit to your age peers."

Harry thought over everything and called for a huddle of the other kids.

The adults were confused by this turn of events but were content to see where it led.

After several nods of heads, furious whispers, Harry eventually broke his little huddle and spoke to Maleficent.

"If it means learning to protect myself and everyone else, I'm game…but we want the potions Professor Ursula mentioned," Harry said as the other kids nodded along and Maleficent gave a sad smile at knowing the weight Harry likely felt.

"Well folks let's get cracking," Hades said as an elevator topped with skulls popped out of the ground and opened to see Panic operating it.

It was no time at all that the group were exiting into Harry's trunk space somehow.

And by the end of the day, with input from both Hades and Ptah for the adults, a modified curriculum was drawn up, and the kids were given the weekend to relax and enjoy each other's company.

0oO0oO0Oo0oO0oO0Oo0oO0oO0Oo

August 05, 1993

The mountains of Southwestern Russia were starting to have frost gathering in the morning, and the wildlife were on the move to their winter shelters.

In the thinning air along one of the peaks of the mountain rages in Southeastern Adygea, a rumble began to shake the ground and the valley floor below the mountain rims, before suddenly millions of tons of stone of various type, refined ores and materials, and thousands of imps popped into existence.

On the mountain top, four figures appeared covered in thick winter cloaks to break the biting chill of the thin air this high above sea level, before one threw back his hood and standing at an impressive height, only for long dark hair to spill from his cloak and the olive tan skin of Jay, towering over everyone else by at least a head, developed goose pimples as the person to his side threw back her hood and the braided locks of Hermione blew in the breeze.

The remaining two threw their hoods back and to reveal Harry Potter, towering over Carlos and Hermione else by at least a head, with Carlos easily leaning into his side coming just up to his chest.

The sounds of the arrival of material began to sound, and turning toward it Harry took out his wand before enlarging it into a staff, now capped with a blood red jewel and having a lattice of silver, gold, and platinum forming decorative ornaments and providing extreme strength and protections for the magical focus.

Each of the other three palmed their own wands, curiously enough each with a small ruby placed in its hilt with similar veins and ornaments of metal providing extra protection and strength along its form.

Once the last rumbles had ended, the group turned without words passing between them and they observed a valley below suddenly filled with everything that they would need according to Harry's designs.

"Today is the first day of securing our legacy and ensuring sanity is provided for our former classmates, and all those to come," Harry said with a smile.

Carlos beamed at his side as Hermione similarly rested on Jay's muscular frame.

Harry's designs for claiming the land had called for over 11.5 square miles to be claimed in total, with a pentagram shape chosen to anchor the wards with the central valley planned to have five marker totems, each of the obelisk type markers selected being 50 meters tall and 5 meters cube, with petitions, prayers, and protective spells invoking the Egyptian, Greek, Roman, and Germanic pantheons with mortal enchantments included to tie in the eclectic system.

Each point of the massive pentagram which would form the lands claimed, would be marked by 6 of the massive stones with a central obelisk erected in the manner the group had learned, and which announced to any who may not bear ill intent to Harry, or the school, but for those who merely strayed onto his lands that they were trespassing, and contained spells for perimeter alerts and defenses.

All in all, 90 of the massive obelisks had been prepped prior to their arrival above ground, while the crowning jewel anchoring in the claim on the land would be a massive central tower which was to serve as both the main obelisk anchoring the divine and mortal magics, in a highly modified process the four had labored for over two years to plan out to give this stunt a hope of success.

Without preamble the four linked as one, and in a deep voice Harry began incanting as he visualized the maps made long before this day that specifically laid out where the marker stones were to go along with their central obelisk.

Several minutes of chanting and supreme concentration passed as Harry began to feel a deep draw on his magic, and once the chanting of his spells in High Latin, Ancient Greek, and the Egyptian dialect of the gods themselves which Ptah had taught him, Harry dropped to his knees as an explosion of activity and a wave of power washed over him and saturated the pre-fertilized and blessed lands.

None of his friends lost their grip even though they were driven to their knees as well sharing their power with Harry, but never actively casting a spell so their plan would have the highest chance of success.

Quickly, but not shockingly so, the obelisks began to rise and group together before flying away to the 15 angles of the massive pentagram of land.

Tremors ran through the mountain with the impact of each cluster of obelisks before finally, an hour later, Harry felt the pull on his magic stop and the entire mountain range was bathed in a golden glow before mist slowly started to rise from the land starting at the base of the mountain range, well into some sparsely populated areas, in what was swiftly coming to be a thick and unnaturally lingering fog.

"It's a sign Harry," Hermione huffed before drawing in a deep breath but refusing to take her hand from Jay, who refused to take his from Harry.

"Give it a day and the stones will start charging, and by the end of next week they'll have enough charge to help raise the central tower and school," Harry replied. "But for now….let the imps carry out their tasks and let's head back for a rest."

0oO0oO0Oo0oO0oO0Oo0oO0oO0Oo

August 19, 1993

Harry and his friends arrived once more to their spot in the mountains, this time brining Harry's trunk in tow intent on setting it up to more readily be on hand and respond to the delicate timing of Harry's designs.

Today was the day the marker stones will have been charged sufficiently, and Harry's will exerted upon the land enough that they would be raising the new academy complex, a small city really with a massive central tower…it was a complete rip off with few alterations of Barad Dur, inspired by fantast art from one of the guide books to the Lord of the Rings Hermione had brought along with her, and after describing the potential uses of the structure that would provide supreme functionality and defense for their needs on top of expanding the school to very comfortably house their families if necessarily, Harry and the boys and readily acceded Hermione had great taste.

The plans were completely overblown, radical, and likely overkill…or so they hoped.

Harry looked over the plans for the lands he intended to be enclosed completely by high walls highly enchanted and which would anchor the wards, Project Elysia, and the school, Project Hesperides, in honor of his most steadfast patron.

Harry was proud of the soon to be newly christened Hesperion Institute, named sufficiently different from the prior Academy in Britain that if their existence became widely known none should be able to make the connection, while his lands and fiefdom were to be known as Elysia.

At the suggestion of Headmistress Maleficent, they were going to register the school under Harry's assumed name the Gnomes had long ago arranged as an alias, Damian Morningstar, and quietly arranging things with a few bewitched officials in the local and federation's government to ensure the land would be classified as his, but highly restricted as the site of some former military catastrophe that had poisoned the land to human occupation. It was practically guaranteed to be ignored as only effectively as bureaucracy and magic could do. A few well-placed radioactive or hazard signs would likely go a long way as well.

The group planned for the central complex, the heart of the lands housing the school and far too much room so they could expand, to stand at just over 1,400 meters, with the tower horns wrapped in gold with a massive golden eye of Ra suspended in between the two, made of white marble and limestone, while the entire base of the tower would be made from a plentiful and midnight black rock found in the underworld. It had been a compromise offered to Hades to ensure that the god did not take offense to having the iconography of others lording over his own contributions to the project.

The hope was that the wards would be much more stable and anchored high enough to spread concealment wards over the land so that even the rapidly advancing muggle technology, and their high flying planes which often flew over this area of the world, would be confounded.

The headmistress had stressed the need for the school and their project to be completed as expeditiously as possible so that the Muggles spying on this region would not see the school before it was completely concealed.

Lord Ptah had assured the four that if they managed even a tenth of what they planned on their own, the project would be completed without mortal notice; and their educations, primary school, would be completed.

If the project proved successful, as diverse as it was with its myriad of protections and features, it would represent the knowing cooperation of the various pantheons to be petitioned, and the hope was that if the school or Harry were truly threatened, then many more of those who bore the favor of the gods, their patrons, may come to their aid if ever called.

Planning table brought out and arranged before him, this time with each page of the 50 that composed the standard sheet sketches, drawing, and details for the entirety of the structure and supporting villages so that Harry could concentrate on the details at a glance, the group once more took their stances and Harry cast his invocations.

After five minutes and nothing happening, Carlos began to worry that something had gone wrong as he'd yet to feel a pull on his magic to help Harry like last time but he and his friends stood firm, united in purpose.

Carlos was just about to speak up and ask Harry if he should cast again, when he noticed the trees in the distance which had been swaying in the breeze now stood still as though the wind were no longer blowing even though he felt it.

Flower petals, dirt, and grass blown up from the valley below hung still in the air around the friends and then Carlos felt it.

Starting from the crown of his head and rapidly making its way to the soles of his feet, Carlos felt weak….and then his eyes rolled into his head and he passed out.

Vision darkening into a tunnel Harry would have cried in alarm at his best friend's condition but at the moment he was doing his best to breath steadily as he continued his silent casting for raw enchanting drawing power from the chain of energy being funneled to him by his friends.

Hermione and Jay falling away were also unnoticed by Harry, but suddenly it felt as though something left him, and blinding white overtook his vision as thunder cracked overhead.

In the distance, just before he passed out no longer able to cling to consciousness as the last of his strength left him, he saw massive foundations beginning to be outlined as grass and trees were felled and cleared.

0oO0oO0Oo0oO0oO0Oo0oO0oO0Oo

Mid-August found the recently installed Lord Black overseeing the complete deep clean of his home with two new elves which had actually tempered Kreacher as he was now senior elf.

The deep clean, new upholstery, and gleaming surfaces had helped Sirius accept his new lot in life. A man on a mission, he'd first determined they would make his home ready for Harry and then all they'd have to do was find Harry and get to know him so he'd want to live with him.

This had never been Sirius' home, but he'd be damned if he didn't make a home for Harry like the Potters had for him so long ago.

"Sirius, I think I've found something!" Remus called from up the stairs where he was in the library.

Too many false alarms already caused Sirius to slowly make his way before joining his closest and last true friend.

Photos of the Black's Family Tapestry were spread over a table, along with several books on tracking charms, and more than a few books on parental magic.

"This may be it Padfoot," Remus said with glee, bags under his eyes as Sirius observed several used mugs of coffee and strong smelling teas littered the room.

"Jesus Moony you reek," he said wafting his hand in front of his face as the full smell of more than wet dog, but less than egg salad farts and sweaty dandruff, hit him.

"I've read through the night…I've been up since our dinner Sirius," Remus replied with a grin and a seemingly involuntary belch which caused Sirius to cast an air purifying charm and opening a window just to be safe.

"Moony old pal, we haven't had dinner in three days," Sirius said with concern.

Looking out the dark window, Remus giggled and barked out a reply.

"I didn't realize it was light out."

"Let's get you into a nice warm bed Remus…we'll burn the sheets together after you've had a bath tomorrow."

He drew Remus to his feet and the man weakly protested as he rambled about locator charms for children and using a blood quill to address correspondence to Harry sealed with Sirius' magic which should recognize Harry as an offshoot of the Black Family and let his owl at least track Harry to the area he was presently in.

Sirius gave calming reassurances to Remus and he resolved himself to go read over some of what Remus had arrayed on the library table to see if he was rambling in delirium or whether he had made a breakthrough in his sleep deprived state.

After ensuring Remus was relaxed, asleep before Sirius had even laid him down, he quickly turned and made his way back together and began looking over Remus' notes and the books he'd taken them from.

He read over the charms used by parents to trace their children, specifically using their blood, which Remus seemed to be focusing on fairly heavily as he read along with Remus' notes to see a book which discussed the charms used for post owls, and how they honed in on the variance of magics that were unique to each witch or wizard, before finally he read over Remus' barely legible theory that if Sirius were to pen a letter to Harry and cast the locator spells on his name addressed in his own blood, blood which distantly connected Harry to him through a common ancestor, Dorea Balck-Potter, there was a good chance the message could be delivered without an address as the magics of love which fueled the child tracker spells may provide the edge needed to bypass the obscuring wards he likely was protected by.

The charms were simple enough and the desk in the corner had everything he'd need….strangely enough even the blood quill, and believing he had nothing left to lose Sirius slipped back into making an impulsive decision without fully thinking it through, and he drafted a letter of introduction to Harry, informed him of his own history and connection to him, and briefly explained his absence in Harry's life and apologized for it.

He poured his heart out to Harry.

Finishing it out with a request Harry write him back and at least let him know he was ok and how his schooling was going, Sirius finished by signing with a flourish, and distastefully grabbing what could only have been his dear mother's blood quill, and he addressed the letter to Mr. Harry James Potter, 2nd Cousin, once removed, from Dorea Potter (Nee Black).

Mixing a bit of his blood into the wax seal just to be safe, Sirius stood back to admire his work after casting the charms before the envelop disappeared, most likely by Kreacher to be attached to one of the few, if majestic, eagle owls that he'd acquired and which saw fairly regular use as he re-established himself as Lord Black.

As the owl disappeared, Sirius continued reading what Remus had directed until with a chime he looked to the clock above the fire and saw it was time for his potions.

He hated the damn things but couldn't disagree he was starting to feel and look more like his older self and had even begun seeing a specialist to remove the worst of his prison tatts.

Please, he prayed looking into the fire, let this work….whoever is listening I need to know Harry is safe.

0oO0oO0Oo0oO0oO0Oo0oO0oO0Oo

Hermione was the first of the group to rouse and was surprised to note a halo of purple light surrounding her body with an almost tendril or tentacle barely a hair's width leaving her body into the distance, while the same seemed to be happening for the boys as well.

Red for Jay, yellow for Carlos, and the deepest emerald green trailed from Harry with a tendril so thick she could see it snaking even to the valley below….or what used to be the valley.

Though no time had truly passed while in the underworld, for years they'd planned, plotted, reasoned, and then settled on a massive central complex for their new school based on her love of the Lord of the Rings.

They'd meticulously plotted and designed a modified version of Barad-Dur to serve as both a home, school, and their own community; even little villages within the triangles beyond the core of the school to house shopping districts, housing, clinics, and other places hopefully to be filled with citizens of the 'Tween who wanted to branch back, in a more permanent way, into the mortal realm.

Hermione, wabbling slightly, stood and conjuring a cane for support as she sheathed her wand, made her way to the table and beyond where she saw the massive foundations of walls, sentry towers, cisterns, sewers, wells, and the massive footprint of what would one day become the interconnected undercroft of their entire city scape coming into being.

Already certain holes, massive as they were, were being dug several hundred meters deep in the center of the valley and if their magic was guiding it properly branching into the far corners of the wards well beneath the ward stones to allow them multiple fall back points, shelters, or secret exits from the heart of the pentagram where the school was being built, and in the distance she even saw the first sentry tower, more of a circular keep with minimal defensive walls, crowned with its own obelisk already completed, while granaries and the beginnings of a small farming community were beginning to take shape.

It was a process that was repeating at each point of the star which anchored the wards to protect the integrity of the overall ward scheme and focal point of the concealing magics that would be shrouding this valley and mountain range claimed from both muggle sight and memory in a manner similar to how most pantheons hid their earthly domains.

"It's working," she said with amazement.

Already, she saw land leveling in the central valley, and from the mountains in the far distance rock being quarried.

The magic seemed to be affecting the land as vegetation seemed to be lusher, and to her right from the grove of trees she heard them groaning and popping as they swelled and grew to towering heights.

Movement from the newly dense forest drew Hermione's attention and she was startled to see an old man emerged wearing late 18th century clothing before he was followed by five others and then what seemed to be hundreds more in less elaborate dress.

Wearily drawing her wand, she held a curse upon her lips as the mass quietly made their way to the table and Hermione, completely ignoring the boys for a moment before the first, seemingly the leader, dropped to his knees and the others followed along.

"My Lady," the old man said in a gravely solemn voice.

Hermione was taken away by the sight.

"Who are you," she said nervously palming her wand.

"I am Ramsley. Your efforts have summoned us to serve as guardians and administrators for your project," he said evasively. "These," he said indicating the gaunt men behind him, "are Dominic, Reynard, Samuel, Isaac, and Horace. They and their retainers are skilled in estate management and would serve well in a posting at each of your defensive keeps," he said with a nod to the circle keep being raised in the far distance below in the thick forests.

"That still doesn't explain who you are or how we know you will be loyal…you should not have been able to find this place," she hissed once more drawing her wand.

Before she knew what had happened Ramsley had condensed into a ball blue-white light and moved from where her spell impacted only to reconstitute some distance away.

"We are spirits of the damned released from perdition to parole on these grounds and to My Lords and my Lady's oversight and supervision," he said indicating the prone forms of the boys as well. "You can rest assured my lady that we have no desire to earn your ire or break the gease of service which has been imposed on us."

"Don't send us back to the fires," someone in the back called only for Ramsley to send a withering glare at the insolence.

"We are eternal sentinels that possess some power of our own linked to the magics of those we serve my lady," Ramsley continued. "We have been tasked with this by higher powers, and are well trained in the roles you will require to see your efforts a success in the long term," he finished.

Sensing no hostilities now and having seen for herself that they came through the wards Harry had raised which would bar hostile forces until they fell, Hermione lowered and stored her wand.

The wind blew with a chill and a droplet of rain began to fall.

"Fuck," she said with a growl.

"Erect a temporary shelter for them and fires while I protect the plans," she growled out as she was not happy at this interruption of her plans.

She knew they couldn't occupy the trunk until their magic linking them to the petitions and prayers had completed.

"At once my lady," Ramsley said as with a look his five immediate subordinates rose and began dictating orders.

From the back Hermione saw men disappearing into the woods and a few moments later returned with logs they'd somehow felled and seemingly milled, and before she even realized it their magic had erected a small cabin with simple furniture, and from the mountain rock erected a stone fireplace she was already wanting to sit before and dry off.

With a flick of her wand she conjured a simple tent warded against water and wind to protect the table anchoring and guiding the magic Hermione and the boys were feeding to guide the construction in the valley below and beyond.

She ignored several of the nameless spirits gathering the boys and taking them inside, and breathed deeply the smell of smoke as a fire truly was brought to life as the green wood caused heavy smoke to billow from the stack of the stone chimney.

"May I my lady," Ramsley said suddenly startling Hermione as he indicated he'd like to review the plans.

"What are you really Ramsley," she asked quietly as the great mass of spirits continued to stand silently unaffected by the rain now pouring down on the mountain top and flowing in small streams down the cliffs.

Seemingly engrossed in looking over the designs, and functions of the slightly shimmering pages, Ramsley languidly answered as he burned the schematics and information to memory.

"I was born in the year of our lord, 1690 to a father in the service to a minor aristocrat from the outskirts of London, and we ventured forth to the new colonies with his son, who I was to serve as was my lot in life. The family became very prosperous," he said before turning his attentions to Hermione once more, "and by the time the lord's son was of age we'd grown fairly close. I was his loyal confidant, I ran his household, helped in the management of his state, and I kept his secrets. His sole son, the heir I had such heights for…was disappointing and was going to squander the hard work my friend had lived his entire life working on."

He sighed and a faraway look came over him as though he were literally back in another time and another place.

"I did my duty. I kept my oaths, and it damned the entire household. Because of my actions, and the despair of my friend's son, quite a powerful if unfocused magical child, the manor, the staff, the lands…we were cursed to remain because of his despair."

He closed his eyes and Hermione felt the stirring of magic.

"I sense even now we toil the lands and wonder the halls of that earthly hell."

He gave a chuckle before he darkly turned to Hermione once more.

"Our transposition from damnation seems to have transported us a few years prior to my release," he said solemnly, "but rest assured my lady….each of the spirits here will provide nothing but loyalty and devotion to our lords and my lady," he said with a bow.

"We calculated this process will take two months, maybe a little more," Hermione said slowly as more stone began to fly from the mountains and into the distance to be laid in the foundations of the simultaneous projects happening at once. "We didn't expect this kind of reaction from our magic; we need to ensure the comfort and safety of the others. Our magic is still actively being drained. I can feel it."

She leaned on her cane heavily as she truly felt the drain to her very bones, even over the pounding of her head.

"I will ensure the guardians and their respective staff are assigned to the perimeter keeps and lands once the time comes my lady. The household will function and thrive," Ramsley said bowing before walking away and drawing his five named deputies from their guard of the small cabin to the drafting table.

A groan from indoors drew Hermione's attentions and she quickly made her way onto the small porch and into the structure, and she saw Jay stirring on one of the small beds the new staff had so ably assembled.

"What happened Moine," Jay groaned as he slowly sat up and shook his head to clear the cobwebs.

"Did you get the number of the truck that ran me over?"

"Oh hush Jay; I was up and about all on my own," she said as lightning flashed and the wind howled outside. Rain began coming down in earnest now and pelting the slate roof.

"Why do I feel like I have the flu," he asked trying to pop a crick in his neck that didn't seem to go away as chills racked his body.

"Because our magic is being drained," she replied. "Whatever the ritual was that Harry had intended to call upon, it's like our magic is still mixing with the ritual to feed it. We've got a lot of activity going on like we expected, but things are still going too slowly if Ptah was going to intervene," she said with worry.

"I'm sure it will be fine. Dad always says to expect something unexpected to happen, and this is par for the course for Harry's luck," he said with a smirk as he tried to rise and fell back into bed.

"Har, har," she said as she sat down on the end of the bed and passed him her cane. "If you must move about, you'll be needed that or one of your own. I'm still a bit weak from conjuring it."

Waiving it away and passing on taking it, Jay's stomach growled and made its hunger known.

"I think it's time to eat," he said before a Victorian maid appeared, condensing from a blue-white cloud of mist, with a tray of finger sandwiches which Jay tore into.

Hermione went over to stoke the fire, and was surprised when another made appeared and deposited wood on the hearth before adding a few logs.

She settled into bed by Jay and nibbled at one of his sandwiches before a tray of her own appeared with a nice cold glass of water.

While hastily made, there were surprisingly few drafts entering the little cabin.

Hermione was impressed.

"Good work on the cabin Moine," Jay said after looking around the small cabin and its few rooms that couldn't be more than 1,200 square feet.

"Thanks but the credit isn't mine," she said curtly.

Seeing his confusion, she continued.

"Apparently someone sent us some guardian spirits to help us out and they built this after the storm blew up," she said as the maid once more appeared and took away their dishes.

Jay didn't know how to process that, so he shook his head, smiled, and slowly rose make use of the bathroom he'd briefly spied.

He ambled from the bedroom they were in and began exploring, running his hands along the rough-hewn furniture that seemed to be expertly crafted if the expert dove tailing and lack of nails or hardware holding it together was any indication.

The two spent quite a bit of time in silence, Hermione occasionally glancing through the small windows of the front to see the multitude which were still gathered and, through the now raging storm she could just make out Ramsley discussing the plans with his subordinates.

Their recovery and silent vigil over their friends continued, with Jay leaving only occasionally to join the hunting parties that were teaching him to track local wildlife and to find their meats to go with the lovely fresh vegetables from Harry's trunk gardens.

Three weeks later, after being cared for extensively by Hermione and the new staff, Carlos finally awoke, and a week after that so did Harry.

Hermione wanted desperately to research why Carlos had awakened so long after they had, but she certainly didn't want to draw any inferences from why the storm broke when he woke; it was a mystery she was dead set to ignore until after their project was over and Carlos had been fed. The poor little guy was positively starving having been sustained by his own magic and Harry's as they slept.

They were unprepared for when Harry finally woke.

When Harry awoke, precisely at the stroke of midnight, everyone in their little cabin did too as the sound of warped bells tolled and only stopped once Harry stepped outside over everyone's objections and despite their best efforts to stop him.

Through bleary eyes he saw half formed walls, low buildings rising as he'd envisioned, and then things suddenly stopped.

Still.

Quiet.

Unnaturally calm.

Then, a blinding white light and things seemed to be going at super speeds as a voice on the wind called out in a language none of them could understand and which caused quite a pressure to build on their ears.

The creepy bells tolled a final time and then, in the moonlight through the unnatural fog which had rolled into the boarders of the lands they claimed, they all saw it.

"Hesperides," Harry called out in a quite voice.

In the moonlight, the golden horns gleamed, rising even higher than where they presently stood on the mountain top, the glistening marbles and white stone of the main school complex, housed behind exceptionally high neogothic walls thicker than they had any right to be. The man made mountain shone like a beacon in the night, before disappearing into a black void at its base due to the Underworld stone supplied by Hades.

"It's beautiful," Carlos said coming to stand beside Harry as his gaze was immediately drawn to the nearest circle keep far in the distance; its windows shown in the night with inner warmth, and exuded strength. Carlos marveled at Hesperides in the distance and the towers, garrisons, shops, homes, and other structures which made up the central school compound.

"My Lord; it is time for the staff to move into their roles," Ramsley said suddenly appearing in the midst of everyone as the hundreds of balls of ghostly light stilled from their normal movements of flittering about the top and sides of the mountains.

Deciding to get clarification from Hermione later as to who and what had just spoken to him, he went along with the flow as none of the others reacted to the being's presence.

With a nod of acknowledgment from Harry, Ramsley and the other spirits disappeared, trailing their light along the mountainside splitting off into six groups, the largest of which went toward the institute while the others clearly were traveling to each of the circle keeps in Elysia.

Casting a look back to his friends still on the porch of the small little cabin Harry saw their happy and hope filled looks.

"Let's go home," Harry said as Hermione rushed into his arms shortly followed by Carlos and then Jay.

They disappeared with a roar of green flame only to appear gently on a perfectly level avenue, broad and cobbled with shops, some small and some large, and slowly they made their way to the first of several of the massive gates which opened upon their approach.

Occasionally they saw some of the imps from the laying of the marker stones milling about.

Some toting firewood, others corralling horses and their magical variants, while others seemed to be rolling carts with cages of various other magical and mundane animals of both the ordinary and exotic.

An hour later, marveling the entire way, they finally entered the main tower complex.

As Harry crossed the threshold into the tower, a warmth settled over him and in a flash of light Ramsley appeared.

"My Lords and Lady," he began with a deep bow. "Welcome home. Shall I show you to your homes?"

Without waiting for a reply he turned and began leading them through the Grand Entry, deep into the massive structure through winding corridors until they came upon a golden hallway and through several thick doors they found themselves near an almost Victorian set of elevators.

"Going up?" a ghostly spirit asked with a smile as he opened the grate and everyone entered.

"To the Masters' Tower," Ramsley responded in his grave tone and a look that brokered no nonsense.

"Right away," the spirit dressed as a porter said with a smile after he closed the grate.

In no time, they were passing floor 150, and once they'd reached 175 the elevator stopped.

"Master's Suites….it's a pleasure to meet you all," the porter said with a smile and full of cheer as Ramsley glowered.

He led them through cavernous halls fit for banquets, opulent studies, libraries, and far too many rooms before finally they rounded a corner and a grand stairwell met them, gilded to the max, which they ascended as Ramsley took each of his masters to their own, now completed, suite.

Purple, green, yellow, and black silk wall dressings with odd designs and crests alternated among the bedrooms. Each suite had more space than they'd need, or likely ever fully use.

When they entered the room with green silk paneling, Harry was surprised to see a large crest dominating the mantle of a roaring fire, and it immediately drew his attention.

The large relief carving showed a bejeweled dragon of black and green diamonds, fire of yellow diamonds, and the occasional ruby stream escaping its black fanged maw, the literal emeralds in its eyes faceted into a perfect oval which allowed them to seemingly track you no matter your presence in the room.

"Its beautiful," Hermione gushed.

"Wicked," Jay said as he took it in, drawing him from the room he'd prior been examining.

"Oh Harry," Carlos gushed as he examined the dragon, "it's gorgeous!"

"The Lords and Lady's suite are designed to suit each of you perfectly," Ramsley said appearing with Harry's trunk and their materials that had been placed temporarily in the cabin on the mountainside.

With a pop Constantine and Anne appeared and with a gentle trill, Xerxes cried out from his cage Anne was holding before she released him and he flew out and began soaring the heights of the vaulted ceiling before swooping down and landing on Harry's shoulder to give him a loving headbutt.

"'lo X," Harry said with a smile as he stroked his little buddy's plumage and scratched his head.

The golden chol, black feathers tipped in blue, and now occasionally green, beginning to take over significant portions of its plumage along its wings and back, flew away singing a hearty tune. Harry and the others swelled with a sense of peace as Xerxes sang a song only he knew the lyrics of.

Harry was basking in the warmth coming into the room, running his hand along items of furniture and various curios as the elves randomly would appear bringing items from the trunk and place them just so before popping away having long since picked up stylistic designs and aesthetics from Harry….but mostly their time with Carlos.

He made his way to his bedroom and saw a massive closet already filled with his clothing. No doubt the drawers were packed as well.

A faint scream, sounding of Hermione, almost distracted from his thoughts as he made his way to the balcony overlooking the living room until Jay called out he had it, and was quickly exiting Harry's suite to go in the direction of the exclamation.

"Harry they're all as gorgeous as yours!" Carlos said bounding, practically skipping, into the room after Ramsley had shown the others out earlier as he threw himself onto Harry's bed. "The fireplaces are different though," he said propping up on his elbows.

"Really," Harry said not paying much attention as he made his way into the restroom to splash some water on his face before getting into some of his more comfortable clothes.

The entire complex was much warmer than Harry expected; certainly warmer than the Academy had been even though the cold here was likely far worse than in Britain, and so changing from the thick clothing and cloak they'd traveled from the mountains in was a must.

"You should put on that new suit I gave you for your birthday Harry," Carlos called out as Harry made his way into his closet.

A short time later Harry exited his closet wearing a lovely charcoal pinstriped suit with the shirt and pink tie that Carlos had given….made…him after sending Pain and Panic for the fabric to celebrate his last "birthday" while in the Underworld.

"I have to say Carlos; this fits like a glove, and is by far my favorite," Harry said stepping out and modeling the suite as Carlos preened.

"You're not changing?" Harry asked.

"It's not like we're going to be involved with the teachers very long; plus, I didn't dress as thickly as you did," he said jumping off the bed and began examining himself and his semiformal robe suit he was wearing as well.

Cruella, in a rare moment of extreme public display of expression, had sobbed and sang his praises for days when for her birthday Carlos had presented her a custom made fur coat while they'd been in Tartarus their first "year" and it had become the norm for Carlos to make a personal gift for each of his friends and professors. The items were always practical, but deeply cherished because Carlos knew his friends so well by his choice of color, fabric, and inlaid charms.

The ringing of a bell sounded and another porter appeared and informed Harry that guests had begun arriving with Lords Hades, Ptah and others in the Master's Tower.

Harry and Carlos made their way, Carlos vibrating with excitement, and before they left Harry cast a final glance at the dragon above the fireplace. Its significance catching his full attention momentarily, as though its significance hung on the edge of his memory.

No one saw what happened with Voldemort, he though with a shudder as the memory of the day he almost lost his headmistress and mentor.

0oO0oO0Oo0oO0oO0Oo0oO0oO0Oo

In a richly appointed sitting room somewhere off the large library that Hermione was highly impressed by, Harry joined his guests and was surprised to see all of the staff and teachers from the Academy there.

More surprising to Harry, was several glowing individuals he didn't know. By their dress he assumed they were a mix of Greek, Egyptian, and Norse gods as they glowed in a manner similar to Ptah when he was concealed as a human; their occasionally shifting of form and the cultural attire they over the more mundane, if stylish, suites they were presently wearing. The clothing he was able to see once they shimmered gave them away. None of Harry's friends seemed to notice, and he strangely though they'd never commented on Ptah's green skin.

"Master," Calix said grabbing Harry from behind and giving him a hug only to yelp in surprise as a stinging hex impacted him and he released Harry.

"Don't muss the suit," Carlos said running his wand over Harry straightening the wrinkles Calix's actions had caused.

"Little master is testy today," Calix groused.

"Where have you been," Harry asked in confusion as Calix's hair hissed fairly vulgar swears toward Carlos.

"Lady Maleficent tasked me with treating with other wanderers like myself Master; those which are unaligned or disillusioned with their pantheon. Her hope was that once the school and grounds were raised, once residents from the 'Tween gathered in sufficient number to feed their magic to sustain them, that we could have a fairly potent security force and site; several of those I've approached are quite legendary for various skills and part of their offer of respite at the school would require them to teach. The protections they could offer would be even beyond the defenses you've planned out Master."

Harry considered what he said and considered carefully the implications of it.

Demis….its the only logical conclusion, Harry thought.

"Of course, padding the catalogue to attract an even wider breadth of students from across the globe was the strong argument put forward by Mary Poppins; did Maleficent tell you Mr. Smee was stepping down as Deputy to take up full time teaching and that she would be taking over the slot?"

Harry looked at Calix in confusion before he shook his head with a shrug and after accepting a drunk from a maid the gorgon left to speak to another man he recognized in the distance.

Constantine and Anne were milling about, dressed in their own finest outfits of Carlos' latest design, passing out cocktails and finger foods to the dozens lounging or milling about by one of the many fireplaces, tables, or relaxing on the comfortable furniture.

"Gods be damned kid you didn't go in by half on this place did you," the voice of Hades called out, grin on his face like a car shark spotting his latest mark to foist an 84 gremlin on.

"Hello Hades," Harry said with a genuine smile as it had been odd to not have near daily lessons with the dark god or experience his own unique sense of humor.

"I don't guess we do; you knew what we were planning and even helped in some of the designs if I recall correctly," Harry quipped. "When will we be moving the kids over?"

Hades cast a look around the crowd behind him as Ramsley suddenly appeared at Harry's side.

"My beloved sister, Herra … you've heard of her right," Hades began seemingly ignoring Harry's question, "pulled me aside the last time I was up top and handed me this, commissioned herself and oddly enough made by those fascinating Dwarf of Nidavellir...very taboo of her to do," he finished passing over a small box to Harry.

In the distance, Harry heard coach Hook's specific laugh and was momentarily distracted as he opened the box.

Once the ribbon was off, the box grew into a small crate which opened suddenly.

Several people discretely watching Harry and Hades interaction paused their conversation to see what was happening.

Two beautiful peacock statues, made of gleaming silver, with fans of stained glass and jewels were inside.

"So pretty," Carlos said as he approached before he reached in to touch one, but before he could make contact the things came to life and fluttered out of the box and began strutting around to the shock and awe of the gathering.

"What are they," Carlos asked of Hades with a smile.

"A gift for your new home kid," came the terse reply.

Pulling Harry aside and apart from the others, Hades continued their discussion with Harry near one of the expansive windows that showed the land far into the distance, and the lights of Sochi by the sea fairly clearly.

One glare from Hades to Ramsley saw the spirit gulping and remaining where he stood observing the party and the elves as they flitted about.

"Kid this is big," he said looking around, "and I just wanna make sure you understand how big. What you've done, your friends too, has never been attempted…and I can sense both grandpa, Ra, and the Allfather in perfect harmony. That's not supposed to be possible because of how our essence is tied to our separate cultural identities."

Hades took on a serious look before he conjured seats and Harry was compelled to sit.

"This is a big step, and it's making big waves. Magic like Ptah blesses tends to inspire through awe; his blessings kid….this is going to be a great chance, but don't get too comfortable here. Projects like this send shockwaves and are disruptive in unexpected ways. I've been monitoring the goings on with the mortals since that little stunt last year and while Dumbledore and the British Ministry won't be able to locate or break what you've built easily or quickly, you need to know that the mass migration of the students from out of active British Monitoring is going to have them asking a lot of questions. The protections you've erected will likely confound the locals for a time, but if the British poke around enough, or if word gets out…something as awe inspiring as all this," he said waiving his arms around, "will definitely inspire awe, fear, and the greed in the hearts of men."

He held up his hand to stall Harry interrupting.

"Maleficent and the others will be inspecting the school, the grounds, and all of the facilities in the Institute kid that aren't your personal space tomorrow. I expect they'll be moving the ravens in with Dioval soon so they can get the letters out before the week's end."

"Ptah's brother Amun has been working hard to set up secure portals in five different mortal cities far away from London, and none in Scotland, to pair with those circle keep for Britain you've got. The teachers decided to use this opportunity to expand and other portals will be installed on damn near every other continent to bring 'enlightenment' to the world's wand wavers in the hopes the masses being exposed to real education will stop this kind of shit from happening again. By this time next week the school should be fully up and running…maybe even with thousands of new students from all over. If you've learned one thing from me though kid," he said with a huff, "I need you to know all this, the best laid plans, can go tits up in a heartbeat."

"You're quite the cynic Hades," Harry replied dryly.

"Harry...Booby... we've skirted a line….a very fine line for you, your friends, and this place," Hades said as a bit of yellow entered the blue flame on his head. "The laws of direct intervention are not something the ruling gods came up with…they're part of the very universe…that's why they're universal laws to each pantheon….same as our separation, and do you have any idea how fucking painful it is to have an entirely new aspect calve off and function because some schmucks decided to give me a new name?!"

Hades calmed before he continued.

"What is being done here will have consequences we didn't envision; Aspecting is the less serious consequence if it happens, but we don't go through that kinda shit by choice kid. No; you, curls, jock, and the princess have placed a great many of us in violation of the spirit if not the letter of the law, and there's bound to be some kind of retribution for that…regardless of who your Headmistress is."

He conjured a large bubbling martini and began sucking on one of the rather large worms garnishing the drink which was trying to wriggle off the side.

"Has all this been for nothing Hades," Harry asked with a sigh as he rubbed his brow.

Before Hades could answer Carlos' laughter caused them both to look over and they saw Ursula had conjured animated bubbles that were depicting some scene from a story she was telling.

"One last thing to chew over kid," Hades said as they both saw Carlos beckoning Harry over. "A little birdy recently told me that there's shenanigans being planned by the mortals at Hogwarts on the Ministry's behalf."

A serious look overcame Harry and with a gentle wave he signaled his friends to carry on without him.

"What whispers have you heard oh lord of the shadows," Harry asked sitting back and steeping his fingers.

Were it any one but Harry or one of the other three little tikes that had wormed their way into his non-existent heart, Hades would have flayed him alive. Instead he chuckled at how close Harry's behavior indicated he was and just how truly comfortable he was with Hades.

Hades once more felt a shift in his nature, a further indicator of things to come, with the realization that these kids were going to be big in human history.

"Gods I love you kid. Anyway, the birds are singing a song that something requiring the cooperation of Durmstrang, Beauxbatons, and Hogwarts. There's more afoot than just the Brits lobbying to secure the next Quidditch World Cup, which I've heard they've done. When I dropped that nugget at the last grand meeting the Headmistress called, Mimm practically demanded that the school get a couple boxes so the students can have a treat to help them normalize. The old bitch is a sports nutt bigger than even Hookie, and the more violent the better," Hades chuckled.

Harry resolved himself to discuss this later with Hermione and the others, nodded along and feigned polite enthusiasm as he had little interest in flying that required a broom. It was just … too restricting.

"Listen good and listen well kid," Hades said standing, "this may be a school, and it may be a place designed for safety, but once word gets out and it will, don't think those golem are going to be enough. Believe me kid my best laid plans are cosmic in scale and the Fates always turn on me…and I'm a part of this."

A grim look came over the normally jovial god.

"I don't think there's much more I can say kid. Just try not to let all this," he said waiving his hands wildly, "or what you can do overshadow who you are and what it is that makes you who you are; don't let your obsessions define you and follow in my failures."

With that Hades collapsed into shadow and was gone along with his conjured furniture leaving Harry to fall on the floor.

"Ass," Harry muttered.

Hades' ghostly laugh was his only reply before Carlos ran over and began babbling about the school opening next week and how excited he was to see all their friends again.

---

Unknown to Harry a regal eagle owl for the longest time the last few weeks perched in the woods near the shores of Sochi, stirred awake and began homing in on the target of its missive which flashed golden.

Harry joined Carlos and the rest of the party as some teachers questioned them on the magic and process involved in erecting Elysia and Hesperion marveling at the tale and ingenuity of their students.

The next day, having slept in late due to an over indulgence in wine and something bubbling from a horn flagon given to him by who he suspected was Loki, Harry descended from his bedroom and made his way to the expansive balcony off the dining area and ending the concealment charms hiding his true form climbed upon the railings and turning to face the interior where Carlos and the others had just entered, fell backward and plummet only to moments later rise as he toured their creation in flight and the light of a new day.

"I hate when he does that," Hermione said supremely scared of heights and loath to voluntarily fly.

"Breakfast is ready," Anne called directing the trio into the informal dining space by one of the large windows that Harry would occasionally fly past.

The three dug in and were nearly finished, when a strange owl flew in from the open doors and landed on the back of a vacant chair dropping a missive in Harry's vacant chair.

Anne popped in and took the owl to rest and to feed it.

"What's that," Hermione asked of the letter bringing out her wand and floating it over to inspect it.

Before she could though, Carlos had snatched it out of the air and read that it was addressed to Harry.

"It's not from Maleficent…or any of our parent's Moine; the handwriting's too different," he said passing it over to her.

Casting several spells in Latin and German of all things, the other two were unprepared for the letter to flash gold, silver, and then settle on a green glow before the lights faded away.

"Cool colors," Jay said through a mouthful of scrambled eggs as though Hermione was the cause of the glows.

"What do they mean," Carlos asked with a frown as he daintily cut into his smoked salmon eggs benedict.

"I honestly don't know," Hermione said with a frown. "The magic is absolutely benign, and there's no transport or trackers on it. Whatever the magic is it's only on the envelop and not strong enough to be of any concern."

"Isn't that good though," Jay asked.

"Considering it was addressed to Harry Potter, and given the address for this Sirius Black is in London, I think Harry needs to look this over," she said rising and walking to the balcony and shooting off a large firework spell that soon saw Harry landing.

A quick conversation saw Harry once more shimmering into human form and his wand appearing as he cast his own detection spells.

A few moments later, and after determining that there was nothing harmful or worrying about the letter, he broke the seal and read.

The more he read, the higher his brow rose, and Carlos began to be a little alarmed.

"Who's it from Harry."

Harry ignored him and sat down heavily as he started eating his own breakfast, occasionally going back to the letter to read sections again.

"Harry answer me! I'm getting worried," Carlos said finally catching Harry's attention as the missive was passed to him.

Harry,

You likely don't know of me, and I know it's impossible to remember me as the last time you saw me you were a toddler the night of November 01, 1981. I am…I was meant to be…your Godfather, but these last twelve years I've been indisposed in Azkaban prison wrongfully accused of being the Death Eater responsible for the death of your parents as chief charge among other false allegations.

My recent release after trial, which finally proved my innocence with the use of Veritaserum, and my ongoing convalescence and recovery have given me nothing but time and clarity. Were it not for my blinding rage the night of the attack, there's every chance you'd have grown up with me as your parents desired.

I failed you and had no desire to abandon you kiddo. I failed you and should have been there to take care of you these last 12 years. For that, I am supremely remorseful.

My only hope is that the family magics I've cobbled together to enchant this letter will help my owl find you and let you know an old man is wallowing in self-pity and muted rage at the life I've lost, and at the loss of knowing you.

The most sincere desire I have at present is to simply know you are safe and happy. Any owl will be able to find me at the return address on this letter if you care to correspond. It would give me the greatest hope for a brighter future if you were to simply let me know you were ok Harry.

What I've been able to independently research is that you're in your equivalent of your 2nd year, rising to your 3rd, on the Hogwarts equivalent at The Academy of Arcane and Mystical Arts. Congratulations; you're your parents child and I have no doubt you are going to be a fine wizard and make lots of friends along the way.

Lastly, I would fail you again if I weren't to pass along this warning: something has happened to Headmaster Dumbledore and he's dropped none too subtle hints that you must be found and brought to Hogwarts. The Ministry…Dumbledore's Ministry…has been tasked with my care in partial compensation for my wrongful imprisonment and several nuggets have been dropped, repeatedly, that once I'm well I'll be expected to petition for your custody to wrest control from the headmistress of the school you currently attend as your muggle guardians have already presented documents to the Ministry granting her such a position over your care and education.

Let me make clear here and now I have no desire to do that Harry. Should you ever deign to allow me to know you and my position change I will be bewitched.

My family knew of the Academy Harry, and a few distant ancestors attended; I'm not looking to become your parent or take you away from your friends and new family.

My life has so far been a waste. I have no intentions to ruin yours.

I beg you the chance to only know you.

If you ever get this letter, please know I'll never stop loving the child of my best friends.

~Sirius O. Black

**Padfoot**

Passing the letter to Hermione, Carlos said the only thing that came to mind.

"Fuck."

0oO0oO0Oo0oO0oO0Oo0oO0oO0Oo

Time passed and the school opened with the students, and many of their magical parents, arrived on the very expansive grounds to the new normal. Some of the parents thankfully opened shops, or in Hermione's case opened a dental clinic and had become full time residents. Several members of the 'Tween had already made discrete inquiries to Harry about taking occupancy in Elysia, his private lands, and Herr Franz had personally appeared to negotiate the Gnomes setting up a small colony in the now partially hollowed mountain as well as a branch of their bank within the shopping district of the Institute.

After the students had gotten into the new routine, finally learned the new routes to their classes, and decorated their new expanded suites to suit their personalities and give their personal space the feel of home…Harry and company had finally been able to sit their finals and have their Bachelor's Thesis' tested.

Results had come in for both their WISE and SMARTs already which they'd taken in Tartarus, top results earned of course for them each of course. Their teachers were exceptionally proud.

"There's no chance Harry won't have earned his Bachelor's in Enchanting and Runes with all this," Hermione was saying to Jay as the two cuddled on his sofa in his suite before the great fireplace looking over the mostly ruby and black diamond red cobra ready to strike that adorned it. Its flared hood often caught the light just so and Hermione loved it.

Snow was beginning to grow along the windows looking out into the valley and a small draft was in the corridors despite the best efforts of the fire maids that Ramsley so diligently oversaw.

"You've got this Moine," Jay said with a smile. "You helped design the wards, prepare the rituals, and it was your timetables and schedules that saw it work. Harry's a dreamer and a powerhouse….but you're the smarted gal that's ever lived," he said giving her a hug.

Hermione smiled as she played with his ever-lengthening hair.

"I'm sure your thesis more than earned your Bachelors in Charms and Runes."

After a time Hermione spoke again.

"What do you think they represent," she said pointing to the bejeweled reliefs over the fireplace.

"Dad was up the other night, and he swore to me that it was the spitting image of him when he battled Aladdin after the Genie had made him the most powerful sorcerer in the world."

"That doesn't explain what the great big purple grinning cat on my fireplace is, nor Carlos' having a yellow diamond hainu of all things," Hermione replied.

"Is that what that thing is….what's a high knew," Jay asked.

"Japanese winged dog…kind of like a griffin; they're guardians if domesticated, but as far as I know he didn't even know what one was let alone why his fireplace would be decorated with one," she replied.

"Do you think Carlos is ever going to tell Harry he likes him," Jay asked suddenly changing topics.

"I think the bigger question, is will Harry ever notice that they've been a couple practically since they met."

The two shared a laugh before Jay launched into a merciless tickle assault of Hermione.

Once they calmed down, Jay rose and looked out the window far into the distance.

"Do you think I did ok?"

He knew Hermione was miles ahead of him in the smarts department, and feared he'd never be smart enough for her.

He'd gained the physical prowess his own father had lacked in his first life, but learning had never come as easily to him as it seemingly had to his friends. He'd originally hoped to graduate the Academy and one day play football professionally like his childhood heroes on the Egyptian National Team. Now...he didn't know what he wanted. New doors just kept opening.

"Jay," she said slowly rising and going him before giving him a hug and resting into his broad chest, "don't you think for a moment that you're not just as smart as the rest of us. You planned out so much of the defenses here and without your arithmancy and rune work….without helping me with the potions...none of this would have happened. You're going to get your Bachelors with high marks and then we can go about our masteries at our leisure. This is our home. There's no rush," she said with a smile."

Leaning down Jay kissed the crown of her head and the two enjoyed the scenery of the snow falling and coating the mountains and lands so far below.

---

Chapter 10. - The Triwizard Tournament

---

"As members of the Masters' Program in this class," the calm and cultured voice of Mary Poppins began to Harry and company with a few others in the classroom, "we will be working on imparting a thorough knowledge of Alchemy, Runes, Arithmancy, and epanding on your already well grounded knowledge of Potions. It is my hope you will broaden your understandings of Chemistry and the Physical Sciences as well with the ultimate goal of expanding your innate understanding of magic in your chosen fields."

Hermione, fairly happy to hear there would be normal classes paired with their magical studies, perked up as Harry and Jay shared a groan.

Carlos would normally be with them, but his mother had drug him along to one of her fashion shows in France and the Headmistress had approved giving him an excuse to 'build his brand' as his mother's heir. A version of Harry's suit was already receiving rave reviews, while a few summer dresses he'd designed for Hermione were being showcased.

Mary Poppins brought Harry's attention back into focus, and his eyes focused back on her instead of the empty seat at his side.

"This year you'll be studying the advance forms of what you learned already, and selecting a project to eventually master transmutation this semester," she continued just as Hermione's hand flew into the air.

"Can transmutation happen without a Philosopher's Stone Professor?"

Mary Poppins smiled before she calmly replied.

"Mary Poppins will do deary; and to answer your question, yes. The so-called pinnacle of magic common to the raining schools of thought in Alchemy, is the Philosophers stone. It is merely a refined tool, a construct of pure magic and will, that helps skip several dozen steps in Alchemy. It is a means to shorten the processes of Alchemy and a host of other related disciplines, but it's just that: merely a shortcut the masses have obsessed over to the detriment of innovation and recalling the purpose of the steps in how it was achieved. It is my sincere hope that with proper instruction, you will each learn the process necessary to truly master alchemy."

"So you can teach us to become immortal," one of the students Harry didn't recognize asked.

With a chuckle their professor looked to her desk which held her legendary carpet bag and on which sat her parrot head umbrella.

"Immortality is frightfully easy to acquire Mr. Jeffreys. The process allowed by the Philosopher's stone and other means though which have cropped up throughout human history have either come with a cost or severe weaknesses. True immortality is earned inherently and is an immutable characteristic of a sorcerer's power and will; I'll not be teaching you weakness. I will only be instructing you in the principals necessary to have you achieve greatness. What you achieve on your own is your own pursuit."

And with that the lesson continued and students were assigned a research project to turn in by Friday highlighting their overall project for the next two years and what their first project for this semester in transmutation would be.

0oO0oO0Oo0oO0oO0Oo0oO0oO0Oo

March 1994

Life in the new Institute had settled into a routine for Harry and his friends who were now largely removed from daily classroom attendance and interactions with the underclassmen, and they were very happily experiencing the freedom that came from exploring their various passions in their master classes.

Harry had also become quite comfortable now with his occasional correspondence to both Sirius Black and Remus Lupin. It had so far progressed to the point where Harry was comfortable receiving small gifts or mementos, mostly photographs of his parents time at Hogwarts, from his godfather and parent's friend, and general talks were mutually being engaged to arrange an in person visit at some nebulous time in the future. His friends steadfastly supported his choice and actions, and the headmistress had applauded his measured approach to this unforeseen set of circumstances.

And what circumstances they were experiencing that had been so unforeseen. There were almost weekly developments that were thrust upon Harry, Hermione, Jay, and Carlos as to the running of Elyssia and the Institute the headmistress had not prepared them for when they'd planned their community.

Harry was shocked to learn from Herr Franz once the local bank had been established that he was receiving both rent and taxes from the new residents and commercial ventures to Elyssia, along with a small portion of the tuition of each student being passed along to him from the Institute. His friends had confirmed the same was happening to them.

They'd never planned to institute some type of aristocratic feudal state, but it seemed the foundations of a true community and state were emerging…at the most basic level.

The March Equinox had been celebrated in Elysia with a grand festival hosted by the Institute and all the residents of the lands, numbering now near 50,000 and growing, had gathered to celebrate.

Many of the students were shocked to see more slightly glowing beings in attendance with more than just Lord Hades which were spread throughout the fairgrounds all day which stood within the high walls of the Institute and easily held the assembly were picnic tables were scattered by the dozen under temporary pavilions erected near tournament grounds were going to house dueling tournaments, quidditch matches, and all manner of magical sport. Several bazars had sprung up and people were selling art and their wares as they celebrated the Spring.

Wand Makers were present offering care kits and accessories, salons and boutiques in tents had sprung up from their normal areas in the shopping and commercial district, and people were generally having a good time.

The brewery that had been allowed to move in to one of the areas was even present with their root beer, meads, and flavored drinks of various alcoholic volume catering to both children and adults.

To the several mortal families that had followed their children, or which were visiting, it was an overwhelming but highly enjoyable experience. To everyone else, it was a roaring good time.

It was a melding of magic and mortal that had not truly been seen since the Great Secret had been enacted in the late 1600s.

As everyone packed in the school's covered stadium in the evening for the final quidditch match, somehow arranged to have the local professional junior league team play against the winner of the last year's Intramural Cup from the Institute, Coach Hook had simply outdone himself in this endeavor, for first "Spring Cup", Harry and his friends settled into one of the spacious box seats reserved for upper years of the Master Class.

Directly across the stadium, Harry saw a spotlight activate once the lights dimmed slightly and the headmistress stepped out on a platform. Her voice rang out undoubtedly amplified by magic.

"Good evening students and honored guests to the first Hesperion Spring Cup!"

The spectators roared in approval.

"We have playing today the Hesperion Cobras and the Adygea Eagles! Our thanks go to both teams, and to Coach James Hook for arranging this spectacle to close our celebrations of the Equinox. Before we call out the teams and I cede to the announcers who will no doubt expertly call the match, I have a small announcement for our students."

Everyone quieted in anticipation of what announcement could possibly have been reserved for now after such a wonderful day.

"Thanks to the generosity of several benefactors," she said turning and bowing to a box beside her which held Lord Hades and his friends, "the Institute has secured a block of box seats at the Quidditch World Cup hosted this year in Britain on August 25th. With parental permission, the entire student body will be transported to the event the day prior all expenses paid."

Maleficent momentarily feared she'd go deaf at the noise level of the student sections erupted with several impromptu dances and fireworks erupting from the stands.

"Should I continue," she mused looking at Hades as her question quieted everyone one more to a mere buzz as students excitedly chattered.

"Along with traveling to the event the day prior, our students have been invited to join the Irish National Team for Breakfast and the Bulgarian National Team for Lunch for a fully immersive experience and a chance to meet professional quidditch players. Your best behavior is expected as Ambassadors of Elysia and the Hesperion Institute. These teams have agreed to this as both an educational and charitable endeavor, and will take autographed and personalized photographs with students for 5 galleons each with a matching donation from several school benefactors to charities of the player's choice."

Applause met this pronouncement as the excited faces of students met her.

"Each student is guaranteed one photo with either an individual player or their respective team, but any photos beyond that … write home or save your pocket money," she finished with a chuckle.

"Sports are wonderful," she said solemnly, "but these individuals are taking this opportunity not to enrich themselves, but to help causes ranging from orphanages to disease research. When we come together as one, we can change the world. Never forget that, and do not disrespect these men by your behavior. This is an opportunity to meet with talented athletes, but ones who are championing causes near to their hearts. I'm sure you will do this school and our benefactors proud. With that, let the game begin!"

With a final roar of approval Maleficent returned to her box and sat with her colleagues as the teams emerged, the players were announced, and the game begam.

"Look at them go!" Jay said tracking the quaffle with ease seated next to Harry in their padded recliners, while Hermione and Carlos only occasionally paid attention when their sports obsessed friends gasped or cheered.

"I know. DEAN scored!" Harry called jumping to his feet as the first goal of the game had been scored by the Institute's own Dean Thomas, a supremely talented 14 year old and rising star in Coach Hook's eye for the broom sports and track.

The match lasted well into the evening hours, just before 10 pm, and only ended once the Eagles caught the snitch and won by a mere hundred points.

Shortly after the game and while the crowd mostly remained, the Headmistress made her way to a hastily erected stage and presented the Spring Cup to the Eagles and invited them to return next year to defend their title in an expanded tournament that would see additional members of the local junior league in games with the 10 teams of the school.

Cameras Flashed as the school paper, and quidditch monthly, were present to document the happenings for posterity and for their readerships.

The Headmistress had only allowed the media to be present after ensuring they were brought directly to the stadium and were closely monitored to ensure they didn't venture further than the press box or award ceremony before their portkeys activated at the end of the press event.

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May dawned, and with it Harry and his group secured the permission of the Headmistress to meet with Sirius Black and Remus Lupin in Varna, Bulgaria, as it was within easy travel distance for Harry so that if it proved hostile he and his friends could flame out and back to Elysia.

They had selected a park on a hill overlooking the sea near the city and with a flash of flame Harry and his friends appeared.

They began setting up a defensive perimeter and establishing anti muggle wards to ensure they were alone.

By the time the last spell was cast, Harry looked to his watch, a token from Sirius, and with a sucking pop Sirius and Remus span into existence from their portkey.

The two were laughing about something and decrying portkeys as Remus held his stomach before they looked up and saw the group of what should have been teens.

A look of confusion passed over Sirius's face as he scanned the four before he settled on what looked like a shorter version of James.

"Harry," he asked with trepidation.

"Hello Mr. Black," he said with a smile.

"HARRY!" Sirius yelled running over and pulling Harry into a deep hug as he began to weep.

Harry friends held off as Remus slowly made his way over keenly aware of the other three were none too discretely palming their wands.

The emotional reunion continued for a few minutes before Harry slowly broke away and Hermione conjured a few simple chairs for the two before moving off with Remus and doing the same with Jay and Carlos.

"You're certainly bigger than I expected," Sirius said as the two began to speak. "Last I saw you were barely coming up to my knee," he said once more with tears threatening to spill.

"The Institute has done a lot for me over the years," he replied slowly. "Before I left the Dursleys I wasn't quite as healthy but that's all been corrected. We've all prospered under the guidance of the headmistress and our teachers Mr. Black," Harry said respectfully.

"Please Harry….please call me Sirius. Mr. Black is reserved for people I'm either furious with or who I owe money," he said causing Harry to chuckle.

And with that lame joke, the two spent hours talking.

As the noon sun hung overhead, Hermione and the others slowly rose after a thoroughly enjoyable conversation with Remus who'd been delighted to learn they were all masters candidates, and at such a young age.

The Hermione and the others, including Remus, were slowly taking the diversionary wards when Sirius turned to Harry one last time.

"Today was wonderful Harry, and I hope it was plainly obvious I'd like to see you again soon. I've managed to get some tickets for you and your friends to join Remus and I at the World Cup."

He slowly took out an envelope and showed Harry there were six premier seats for the event.

"That's so kind an offer Sirius," Harry started only to see sadness threaten to overtake his face, "but our new school's already secured box seats for all the students. I think I'd like to have you as my guests," Harry said indicating Remus as well.

"We'll be setting up a tent the week before and see you there," Remus supplied with a smile.

"We'll only be arriving the day before and we've not yet been told where we're staying," Hermione supplied.

"We'll see you after…for dinner. Maybe," Sirius said bounding with energy and excitement.

"Don't panic," Harry said taking out his wand and shooting a purple spell at both Sirius and Remus who were unprepared.

Seeing their confusion and admiring their restraint at not drawing their own wands, Sirius looked to Harry in confusion and asked for clarification.

"Come to Sochi next weekend, and when you do I'll be able to find you. I'd like to invite you to see my home," Harry said with a smile of his own.

With one last hug, Harry separated from Sirius and the teens departed with a pop to another location they'd selected before flaming out.

"We did it Remus….Harry's ok," Sirius said before breaking down once more.

0oO0oO0Oo0oO0oO0Oo0oO0oO0Oo

Sirius and Remus had arrived in Sochi as arranged by Harry and after no more than an hour in the coffee shop they'd been instructed to arrive in, they'd been met by a regal looking man of Arab descent who introduced himself simply as Jafar, the father of Jay.

After being led from the shop to a back alley the two were unprepared for Jafar to take a small glass phial which he broke on the ground and they disappeared in a cloud of red smoke and sand only to appear in a bustling town somewhere unknown.

"Holy fuck Remus! Look," Sirius said grabbing Remus and drawing his eye to the massive fucking tower in the distance.

"No fucking way…where are we," Remus asked of Jafar.

"You are in the land of Elysia, and that," he said pointing to the tower, "is the Hesperion Institute made possible only because of Harry, Jay, and their friends Jafar said with pride.

"What's that!" Sirius screamed drawing his wand as an imp ran across the street before it began barking from a newsstand.

"Elysia is home to many powerful beings…many not human," Jafar simply replied.

"I thought Harry attended the Academy of Arcane and Mystical Arts," Remus asked in confusion as they resumed their walk and climbed aboard a public trolly that would take them from the town to the institute in the far distance.

"The name of the school necessarily had to change because of our withdrawal from our prior location….too little space," Jafar said with a conspiratorial chuckle.

Overhead a few Harpies flew past into the residential areas dropping letters and packages that were being magically delivered to the small homes and the few apartment buildings that were in the area.

"Those are harpies!" Remus exclaimed.

"And the unofficial mayor of Hesperion Town is a Gorgon named Calix," Jafar quipped in reply.

"But….they're 5 X classified Dangerous creatures," Remus protested, "and you've got them delivering mail!?"

"What," Sirius so eloquently asked.

"They also organize and run the annual charity bake off to raise funds for an orphanage in Greece...and that's on top of teaching a few classes to the Institute," Jafar said with a dismissive waive. "What your ministry has long classified as dangerous beasts are what often times were merely those who were offended or provoked. The British Ministry is by far not alone in these actions, but the mystical world is far broader than your ministries wish to recognize."

A rumble shook the ground before Sirius swore as a giant cyclopse lumbered by dressed in a milkman's uniform and carefully placed bottles by the dozen on stoops and porches clearing a neighborhood each pass.

The trolly hit a bump as they took a turn and the spacing of the homes became more pronounced as they quickly left the city.

Another person on the trolly suddenly belched out the side as a fireball escaped before their form shifted momentarily.

Sirius and Remus were momentarily startled before Jafar once more spoke up.

"Our Institute is connected to the entire mystical world gentlemen. Elysia is ruled by her lords and lady fairly and with justice. You have nothing to fear from here, no matter how strange it may be to you; I share this in the hopes what you may experience in your time here will not cause disquiet among our citizenry."

The two old friends shared a look and remained quiet.

It was less than 30 minutes later after the rapid transit had them deposited a short walk from the massive walls of the Institute, and once admitted they were quickly navigated through the undercroft up to the main entrance levels, awed at the splendor they were encountering and the hundreds of students and adults milling about.

The odd porters stationed throughout the school initially confused Sirius and Remus but they eventually were led to elevators and taken to the tops of the massive tower and were escorted to Harry's apartments.

They were floored at what they found as the chamberlain, Ramsley, showed them around and explained to him that the structures they marveled at were his Lords and Lady's masterpiece.

They were wondering who could have done all this and wondering how it was possible when Harry burst in and threw a bag on a couch before he called for an elf that brought him a snack.

"Master's guests have arrived," Ramsley announced drawing Harry's attention to the formal sitting room where Sirius and Remus sat before a small fireplace framed by bookshelves and a small writing desk along the wall he used for homework and studies.

"Hello!" Harry said with a smile as he bit into the sandwich Anna had made. "Would you like anything?"

Anne popped in with finger foods before they could respond.

"Harry this is …. Wow," Sirius said looking around and pointing out the window.

"Yeah," he said nervously running his hand through his hair. "I couldn't have done anything without a lot of help from my friends and teachers."

"But why," Remus asked in confusion. "I'm still not sure why the school moved or changed its name."

"It had to because of threats directly at my life," Harry said with a tone of finality and the subject wasn't brought up again.

"So," Sirius said drawing it out, "what are your master classes?"

"I'm formalizing my training in enchanting, specializing in raw enchantment," Harry said eagerly to even Remus' blank look which saw Harry explaining the differences between raw and amalgamation enchantment and the benefits and deficiencies of both.

The topics went right over Sirius' head, but he was just happy to be there and with his godson. Before long Harry looked at the clock and with a muttered curse he excused himself to his last class of the day with a promise to join them for dinner and an invitation for the men to freely explore his apartments and the common areas of the Master's Tower.

Remus freely took the invitation and with the assistance of Ramsley quickly booked it for the library they'd initially passed on their way up the tower.

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August 24, 1994, Britain

The students of the Institute had arrived at the outskirts of London and were quietly escorted to a fleet of coaches that just managed to carry all the students and their escorts before they were on their way shortly to Dartmoor.

The early morning light was just rising above the horizon when the coaches finally arrived at large farmhouse where hundreds of tents had been erected just before the treeline and covered a massive field.

The headmistress had bowed out of this event, and Mary Poppins was leading the expedition expertly.

"Alright everyone! Make your way to your chaperone and dorm monitor. They will guide you to your predetermined camp site. You will not leave this property, and you shall be back in your tent strictly at sundown. Meals will be in your individual tents, and we will be departing at 6:30 on the dot tomorrow to your breakfast with the Irish team," she ignored the cheers of the mass assembled and continued.

"The stadium is a short walk through the woods and at 3 pm any interested will accompany me and additional chaperones on a small excursion to visit the international camps where I'm told quite a few stalls, shops, and markets have sprang up for souvenirs and memorabilia. I highly recommend you spring for a pair of omnoculers. Dismissed," she said with a smile.

---

The Quidditch World Cup

Harry and his friends had had a whirlwind adventure of a day with their fellow students, and all had thoroughly gotten into the spirit of things. He couldn't deny after meeting the Irish team it had also gotten him highly in the spirit and meeting the Bulgarian team had seen him introduced to quidditch international's current star seeker, Victor Krum. They'd seemingly bonded over a love of puns and filthy humor; and both regaled the other with stories of their mutual love of flight.

Harry didn't know why he'd done it, but he'd taken several pictures with various members of the Irish and Bulgarian teams, but three with Krum alone in various poses as the two goofed around which the star had personally autographed without having been asked. He'd even paid for several with his friends and Krum after he spied Carlos pouting near kraft services.

The match was a wild spectacle where Krum caught the snitch even though Ireland pulled out a win. Not even Dumbledore's opening the match could dampen Harry's or his friends mood after greeting Sirius and Remus.

As the students were making their way from the match, still laughing a the jokes Hermione of all people had shared which caused Sirius and Remus to positively roar in laughter before they departed, they were unprepared for the raucous celebrations to give way to shouts of terror.

In the distance Harry saw black robes and dark hoods marching toward their procession while people were suspended in air by sickly looking magic as they screamed in terror.

"Students go through the treeline," Harry ordered. "Take them and go," Harry said to his friends as his form shimmered and he took to the air.

"Harry!" Carlos yelled only as he was drug away from Hermione and they along with their chaperones started clearing a hasty exit through the trees and back to their camp for the hundreds of students behind them.

The last thing Carlos saw was Harry diving down and soaring with a wizard in his hands before dropping him from a tarrying height. He impacted a rock near Carlos and his brains erupted from his skull like a burst cyst.

The crying of students drew his attention, as did the casting of his teachers causing explosions that quickly saw the tortured individuals dropping and the black robes scattering as though they'd not expected to meet resistance.

Balls of fire occasionally rained down from Harry as he targeted his prey and his primal magic responded by burning the terrorists clean through wherever his fire touched.

He landed with a thud in the midst of Professor Jafar, Mimm, and Hook. He was quite shocked to see the mild and kind coach taking far too much glee in gutting a downed enemy with his gleaming namesake while Mimm took on two more with ease.

Harry turned just in time to see the last of his classmates disappearing through the treeline.

Cracks of apperation drew the small groups' attentions as what were clearly law enforcement officers made their presence known.

"Flee Harry! You cannot be seen like this! Return to the camps and stand vigil. We will return shortly," Jafar hissed before his form shifted and where once stood a man of average height, now stood a swirling cloud of angry red mist as arcs of lightning flashed within the mini storm only to clear and a monstrous red and black striped desert cobra took his place.

A cry of fuck came from Mimm as Jafar lunged and began chasing the fleeing dark wizards drew Hooks attentions and with his own mumbled curse he turned to look at Harry.

"Why are you still here?"

He didn't wait for a response before he and Mimm went off to cause chaos distract the aurors.

"God damn it," Harry cursed before his form shimmered and he made his way to the woods.

Mosmordre! Someone called to his left and in the clearing over the thousands of tents he saw an odd design take shape in the sky.

More cracks of apparition sounded, far too close for comfort, and Harry flamed back to camp.

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He arrived into a sea of pandemonium before Mary Poppins sounded a blast like a cannon and got everyones attention.

"Students return to your assigned seat on the coaches for an immediate headcount. Do so now and do not dawdle," her magnified voice easily carried over the camp.

Harry's friends were on his mind immediately now that the adrenaline was crashing.

Carlos… "CARLOS!" Harry called out and got no response.

In the dark he couldn't see anything, so with a thought he drew his wand and conjured thousands of floating orbs of light to illuminate their camp with an intensity that was nearly blinding, before with a thought they became merely as bright as streetlamps.

"CARLOS! HERMIONE! JAY!"

He forcibly calmed himself and recalled Mary Poppins' command to return to their coach and he knew they'd been seated together on the same coach which he just now spotted in the distance.

With a thought he flamed in front of it and quickly made his way aboard and searching the faces of the crying or shocked masses until he saw a head of bushy hair peeking through the black masses of what could only be Jay's head.

"Harry!" a sobbing voice cried before a man missile assaulted him and before he knew it he was in a heap on the floor as lips not his own were firmly pressed to his face.

Tears raining down on Harry from his prone position.

Harry pulled Carlos close and returned the kiss with his own vigor before Carlos collapsed on top of him completely. They were only disturbed by a teacher and dorm aid who came aboard and requested they return to their seat as roll was called.

Once everyone had been accounted for, their driver started the bus and they were quickly on their way without anything further being said.

In their seat Carlos was inconsolable and he cried himself to sleep buried in Harry's side as the lights along the freeway flickered by.

He clung to Harry like his life depended on it, and Harry rubbed reassuring circles into his best friend's...boyfriend's...back until his sobs stopped and they were both asleep.

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As the students of the Hesperion Institute were all accounted for, and as their fleet of coaches were all underway with only a few adults left behind to pack up the school's tents under the light of Harry's spell, members of the British Ministry were sifting through the wreckage of the attack led by the Deputy Minister himself.

"Did anyone get that great big fucker," he growled out after flipping over a body of one of the death eaters that had been ripped from chin to testicles.

Banishing the mask, the body of Vincent Crabbe Senior was on full display.

"Got Merrit over here," a green recruit called out over a gag.

"I think there's some of Malfoy over here," another called after vomiting.

"Looks like all snakes aren't fans of the Dark Lord," Moody chuckled as he walked over to examining the single armed torso and head of Lucius fucking Malfoy.

"Anyone got an ID on the muggles," he called out.

"It's the landowner and family sir," came the response.

"Did anyone see what started the counter attack," he called out making his way to a death eater that's brains had been forcibly expelled likely being dropped from a great height only to register shock as he saw the mangled face of what was unmistakably Rawlings, one of the first to 'resign' prior to his inquisition.

"Dirty fucker; I hope you burn in Hell," he said spitting on the body.

With a crack Dumbledore appeared nearby, wearing a dark three piece suit and outer robe of Minister flowing behind him.

Above the field he saw the Dark Mark hanging and with an angry jab of his wand the spectral snake burned and rained down as ash.

Looking around at the carnage, he turned with a snarl to Alistair.

"Report!"

"Looks like the old crowd are becoming active again, but unknowns gave much better than they got."

Casting charms on the body the Minister read the reading and couldn't detect the magic used to vivisect Crabbe, nor understand what had been done to the two downed which had been fighting with Mimm.

With a flick of his wand the conjured sheet covering Malfoy was banished for the Minister's review.

"Venom," he muttered just loud enough for Moody to overhear.

"Reports are coming in chaotically, and witness statements from this area are few and far between, but some conjured a great big fucking snake that tore through the death eaters like sneeze through cheap tissue."

He moved close to Dumbledore's side and whispered after shooing the aurors away.

"Fair few sightings of what's being called a demon Albus; Rawlings apparently got the brunt of his anger, but there's several bodies of these lot's friends with fucking big holes burned clean through and leaving a nasty trace of dark magic….black even."

"It was here!" Dumbledore raged before quieting.

"Why wasn't I immediately notified that blasted school or its known associates had registered?"

An enraged Dumbledore was a rare sight for Moody, and he chose his next words very carefully, but completely unimpressed by the Minister's loss of control over his magic which had caused a 20 foot perimeter to form around the pair.

"No one from the Academy of Arcane and Mystical Arts registered a damn thing Albus; you know as well as I do the tickets sold within Britain were closely monitored to determine who was buying. I've sent a few I trust to probe the wards of the school tonight to ensure they've not had a part in this. They should be back soon. Descriptions match what you showed us, in the pensive Albus…but it's grown. It was easily 6 feet and the thing you saw was no bigger than a kid."

"Other reports have started to filter in that this group was engaged by a small group of adults shielding a big group of terrified kids. They broke through the trees there," he said indicating the treeline near them where a path had been clearly trampled.

"Find out who the kids were Alistair; from there we will find those responsible for this," he said waiving at the bodies, "and we can determine if they are a danger."

"One more thing Albus," Moody said before Dumbledore could leave. "That mark was a sign. There were at least two other groups apart from this lot all over the camps who got away, but they scattered like rats once the mark was fired. This was more than old friends reliving the good old days. The rest wouldn't have scattered once the mark showed unless they feared punishment."

"We live in dark times Alastair. We must expedite our plans and hope that with the return of Harry Potter to his rightful home and proper guidance we can overcome the darkness."

A grim nod was Moody's only response before he turned and began barking more orders to gather the dead as the Minister disappeared.

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Thankfully the students of the Institute made it back safe and secure from the debacle of the World Cup and after a few days off with counselors called in, thankfully provided from the professionals beholden to Hades yearning for a brief return to the land of the living, saw everyone coping with their trauma as best they could.

Classes resumed in due course, and the staff wisely chose to delay any further international travel. Several more parents had made requests to the headmistress to allow extended family to move to Elysia and Harry had delegated that decision to Hermione and the others.

Since that night, after killing those people, Harry had been slightly withdrawn and only went to class, spoke with the headmistress, and occasionally Sirius and Remus when they visited on the weekends.

Carlos had practically moved into Harry's apartments and rarely left his side when they were in the same class or at home.

The two were now tentatively exploring their feelings for one another on a regular basis, and healing from the scare the two had been through together.

Coming in from class Harry was unprepared to find Maleficent sitting in his lounge reading the school paper.

"We need to talk," she said not taking her eyes from the paper.

"About?"

"The reason why Mr. De Ville has found it necessary to haunt my office over your depression."

"I told Carlos to leave it be," Harry groused flopping down on the couch.

"You did what had to be done Harry; we don't instruct our students in deadly magics because we think we will never use them. You. Saved. Lives."

"You did nothing wrong," she said turning a corner of her paper to eye Harry as only she could.

"You didn't drop a man from 50 feet after snapping his wand and guide his fall to a rock so his head would explode Headmistress. You didn't conjure flames to burn through men or draw glee from their screams of terror Headmistress….You're not a monster," he growled.

Her laugh threw him for a loop and in his anger he lost control of his magic which shredded her newspaper.

With a waive of her hand golden tendrils of magic directed the paper to the flames of the fire.

"You think you're the only one that's ever tasted the forbidden fruit Harry? You think that you're the only one in this Tower that's given in to raw power that has shaped our very lives? Harry I slaughtered legions and kingdoms before your grandfathers grandfather was more than a sperm flooding his wife's innards. I know monsters child; true monsters that rape innocent children, monsters that hunt the innocent and revel in bloodlust. I've seen the memories of James and the others. What you did was merciful, quick, and targeted to those which could have killed those under your protection. Life necessarily involves Death," she said rising.

"Pull yourself together Harry or else next time you'll be too afraid to act. Then…then you will die. Or worse, your inaction could cost Carlos, Hermione, or Jay their lives."

As she made her way to the door she had one last comment for Harry, stunned where he stood.

"Never mistake satisfaction for the vanquishing of an enemy for the dark perversion of causing pain and suffering Harry. One time you were called the boy-who-lived. Living sometimes requires extraordinary measure in the defense of self or others. What you did was good. What you did ended a battle that could have killed dozens of your underclassmen, and whether you will admit it or not, your citizens. Learn from this Harry and feel free to review events of that night but learn from them to the extent you never hesitate to mete violence for violence, and force for force. Temper this sadness and anger to always recall this moment Harry. Remember always that you truly took no joy from that night, you didn't seek it out. You responded to existing hostility and didn't target the innocent in a fugue state. You are a good man."

She left him alone.

With a muttered curse he shifted form and with the flaps of his powerful wings he rocketed from the sitting room and burst through the closed French doors of his balcony raining glass along his patio before he rocketed into the sky.

He was deep in thought, and right now the only thing that would calm his waring emotions was the calm of the wind and driving himself to exhaustion.

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Halloween and the Samhain Feast of the Institute had snuck up on Harry and his small group of friends.

The master class had been encouraged to join in with the underclassmen and they made their way into the grand ballroom where hundreds of circular tables were arranged for the feast as thousands of live bats sored overhead in formation and the resident ghosts fluttered about occasionally emerging from tables scaring the younger years, and several imps danced around the hall under the watchful gaze of Lord Hades himself who was prominently seated on a throne of skulls leaking a river of what was assuredly human blood.

Occasionally he would laugh maniacally only for the headmistress to bonk him over the head with her staff when the children screamed too loudly at the monstrous forms he would take and he would shift back to his normal appearance and curse her as he rubbed his head.

A ghostly band began to play after dinner was over and the tables cleared and the students, many dressed in elaborate or cultural costumes, took to the dance floor.

"You little minx," Harry said snuggling into Carlos as they spun around the dance floor among the upper years.

"What," came the playful reply.

"You knew we'd have a ball; that's why you insisted I wear this ridiculous costume," he said.

"You look delicious as a prince Harry," Carlos said before squealing as Harry dipped him.

As Harry's shoulder cape stopped fluttering, as he leaned in close to Carlos and whispered in his ear, he smirked and breathily teased him.

"I don't think a prince would be planning to do to you later what a devil like me has envisioned."

Carlos devolved into squeals of delight as Harry nibbled on his neck before everything darkened, pressure caused them both to scream in alarm, and blue flames suddenly enveloped the two as they forcably transported against their will.

Magic, strong magic, coursed through their bodies and the wind left their lungs as they were pulled, pushed, and compressed into near oblivion only to appear in a place other than the grand ballroom among a sea of black cloaked children in a place they could not recognize.

Both immediately palmed their wands and rose swiftly with a curse on their lips before the sound of a cannon blast drew their attention to the high table in this hall and the shout of a portly man grasping a smoldering slip of paper drew their attention.

"Harry Potter!"

"Who wants to know," Carlos called out eyeing the likely exit through the large doors to the rear of where they stood.

"Remarkable! Simply remarkable! After all this time and the Cup brought him here," some idiot was saying.

"Are you Harry Potter," the plump pompous man asked to Carlos.

"No…I'm Carlos De Ville….what do you want with my boyfriend," he asked stepping closer to Harry as gasps rang out of the hall at this pronouncement.

"He's been chosen as a Triwizard Champion….somehow," the old man floundered trying to regain some composure at the bold proclamation of the homosexuality of their savior. "Please join the other champions; I'm Headmaster Horace Sughorn….welcome to Hogwarts," he sputtered as he beckoned Harry and Carlos from where they presently stood.

"Lets go Carlos. Watch the rear," Harry called as he slung the emerald green shoulder cape once more over his back showcasing the black and emerald and black inspired Indian suit Carlos had made for him, Carlos' own with red and white drawing similar looks from the students assembled.

"Potter's a poofter?" one of the kids at the table furthest from them called before he devolved into laughter. "What's the matter Potter? No women wanted you so you had to turn to ... that?"

Carlos stiffened at Harry's side and sensing the hurt his boyfriend felt at being publicly humiliated, as though the thoughts of these little piss ants mattered, Harry casually flicked his wand and the offending student was thrown from his seat and stuck to the wall behind him as his robes shifted and transformed into a dress.

Crude makeup came over his face and his silver blond hair lengthened as his breasts grew. Unseen to any, Harry had layered a very...special... curse on the little fuck that would see just how well he could maintain that superior homophobic attitude.

"Let it go Harry," Carlos said aloud with a smile. "She's far too worn out to ever land a prince like you love...we shouldn't look down on the mentally diminished or clearly syphilitic."

The former boys classmates roared in laughter.

"You're right darling, as always. Trannys were never my thing, but if you ask later I may let my retainers fuck you for a fiver," Harry called over his shoulder without breaking his stride.

The entire hall erupted into cruel laughter while a teacher wearing black robes descended in a rage demanding Harry end his enchantment as the former male cried.

"POTTER! Release him at once!" the teacher called as though Harry would be intimidated.

A spell impacted near their feet, and Harry finally focused his attention to the angry man.

"I've just been kidnapped from my home and school with no knowledge of who you simpletons are, and my beloved made to feel shame and disquiet in what should be welcoming halls. I'm not a student here. Fucking remove him yourself, and if ANYONE gets the bright idea to ever curse near my path or my beloved…I will kill."

Snape's eyes narroed as he took in the site of more than a mere teen. Lips dissapering into a mere line on his face, Snape brushed past Harry and began casting counter curses to try and restore Draco to normal over the whales of the child screaming that his ass was hot and itching.

The cunty ponce resorted to fingering himself and putting on quite a display that saw Minerva shooing the students from the hall as Poppy was summoned.

"Really Mr. Potter," she said shaking her head as she went past Harry as well.

"This was a lesson students of Hogwarts. Learn it well," he said with a cruel laugh before he and Carlos quickly exited the hall and made their way into the chamber the fat fool from earlier so eager to see Harry had indicated.

---

Inside the antechamber Harry and Carlos stopped in their tracks.

"Victor," Harry called out in confusion.

The tall Bulgarian was drawn from his musings and brooding as he stared into the flames of the hearth he stood near.

"Harry…Carlos?" He asked in confusion.

The two quickly made their way to their friend and began conversing with him rapidly in German, explaining that they needed to get a message to their headmistress post haste, and that they'd somehow been kidnapped from Samhain celebrations. With a nod, Victor informed them that he would get a message to Maleficent as soon as he got back to the ship, but for now they should shut up and play along.

"Remarkable, truly remarkable!" the headmaster blubbered as he and several other teachers entered the room.

"What iz 'emarkable," the voice of the blond beauty called from her place near the trophies.

"We have a Fourth Champion!" Ludo Bagman explained as he bounced on his heels.

"A fourth champion," a boy with far too wavey hair called out in confusion.

"Hello, I'm Harry Potter," he said with a sarcastic smile and wave to the other three assembled.

"Headmaster Slughorn what iz the meaning of this," a very large woman called as she stood near her champion.

"Yes," the gravely voice of Durmstrang's headmaster called out. "I was only made away of the three schools competing in this tournament."

"There is precedent for multiple institutions competing in the past," the voice of who could only be a ministry official spoke up.

"Vat school does he even attend," Karkaroff barked.

"I think that's something we'd all like to know Igor," the sullen teacher which had assaulted Harry in the hall called out.

"Pity you're not entitled to know," Harry replied. "Now, where's the nearest floo. We need to get to London and make our way back to school. Early classes you know."

Severus made to reply before a hand and stern look from Minerva stopped him.

"The Goblet chose you my boy….somehow….your name," Horace said taking the singed parchment from his hand and holding it aloft, "came from it. You're bound to compete I'm afraid."

"How am I bound and what are you all chittering on about…what competition?"

"Harry…calm down," Carlos said with worry as he felt Harry's hands start to change to talons underneath his glove.

Taking a few deep breaths Harry calmed.

"The TriWizard Tournament is an ancient competition of magic, skill, and knowledge between the premier institutions of magic: Hogwarts, Beauxbatons, and Durmstrang," Minister Crouch spoke up.

"See there! I can't possible be a champion. I go to neither of these schools, nor did I enter."

"Nevertheless the impartial judge has selected you, and you will be bound to compete."

"What impartial judge," Carlos asked quietly.

"The Goblet of Fire," Ludo spoke up as he rocked on his heels in excitement.

"The ugly vase in the hall," Harry asked before he drew his wand and giving a sharp flick the offending item appeared.

"How!" Minerva said before she was cut off by Harry casting spells at the relic causing different colors to flash, and ghostly script containing the terms of the binding to appear.

"What have you done you arrogant little," Snape started only for Carlos to bind him with a rapidly shot spell causing him to fall cursing to the floor.

"Mr. Potter if I could just," the Hogwarts Headmaster said only for Harry to shush him as he read the ancient script ghosting around the cup.

"Carlos could you come here for a moment," Harry asked.

"Of course beloved," he said with a smirk and a flutter of his heart as Harry gave him a look that said now was neither the place or the time to joke about that.

"What do we have here," Carlos asked as he came over and looked over the portion of the script Harry was likely having some difficulty translating.

"Does that say what I think it says," Harry asked in Ancient Egyptian knowing none of those present would likely be able to understand.

"I don't know Harry…What do you think it says?"

"I think it says that the selected champions of the participants must compete in three tasks over the course of a time approved by the champions and that the events only have to be announced. What does that mean in the context of this binding?"

"It could be as simple as announcing them to a crowd or running an ad in the local paper…I don't think the loose language of is going to require too much. It's a fairly loose, but very real binding Harry," Carlos replied with a touch of worry.

"One last thing," Harry said to Carlos. "Do you sense divine magic on this thing?"

Carlos reached out with his own magic and felt the magic of the Goblet.

"Faintly….but there's a touch of something Underworldly about it. It doesn't feel exactly like Hades. What does it mean," Carlos finished.

"I don't know," Harry said with a sigh.

"If we could resume Mister Potter," Headmaster Slughorn once more began and once Harry cancelled his diagnostic of the Goblet, he continued. "The tournament has been decided on to consist of three tasks selected by an international committee of the three competing country's ministry to take place in late November, Mid February, and just before the end of term in May."

"No," Harry said with a shake of his head.

"I beg your pardon," Crouch spoke up.

"I said no. We're nearly finished with our masteries and I don't have time to waste in this shithole of a school with these barely literate howler monkeys, no offense Victor, Mademoiselle," Harry said offering a mea culpa to Victor and Fluer.

"None taken Harry Potter," the Bulgarian chuckled.

The chick just rolled her eyes.

"How dare you," Minerva started only to be silenced by a look from the Carlos as his wand crackled with power.

"Be that as it may Mister Potter, you've been chosen and you must compete," he said as though that were final.

"Nope," came his reply as he popped the "p" and laughed.

He rapidly spoke to Victor in German, before switching to French and engaging in a rapid discussion with Fluer as Carlos joined in occasionally shocking Fluer with his expertise at a superior language to the grunts and snarls of English and the peasant tongue the Dumstrang students used as a common language. Eventually the others nodded along before Harry and the three champions made their way out of the hall.

"Come on pretty boy," he called over his shoulder to Cedric. "I'm not stating here any longer than I have to."

In confusion Cedric joined the three over the objections of the adults, only to exit the room and find Harry broadcasting to the assembly the rules of the Tournament had changed to a rapid-fire round of games consisting of 21, followed by best out of three rock, paper, scissors, and finally the final competition would be a baking.

Competitors would be awarded points based on how long they remained with the winner getting a maximum of 4 points.

The confused students were unprepared for Harry to banish the head table to the far wall and conjure a regulation poker table and asked Carlos to act as dealer.

With a smirk Victor sat down, while a disdainful Fluer in tow before a bewildered Cedric sat down as well.

"This is preposterous Headmaster," Ludo said while Crouch blinked rapidly but surprisingly stayed silent.

Carlos explained the rules of the game for all those assembled and for the crowd of students.

Carlos delt and after the first round, Cedric was out, followed by Harry, and surprisingly enough Fluer emerged the winner.

A few confused students from her school clapped as she was now in the lead with four points, before the table was cleared away and Crlos explained the rules of rock, paper, scissors.

Victor surprisingly enough was out after the first round, and Fluer waited for her round against the winner of Harry and Cedric.

Harry and Cedric were in a dead heat for winning the third round, but surprisingly kept drawing.

After Carlos called for a short break to give the competitors time to relax and grab a drink form one of the tables, it was announced the competition would resume in ten minutes.

Harry caught the stern witch from earlier summoning a patronous, a cat he saw, and in confusion watched it condense into a ball before flying through the window it was nearest.

"Do you really think this will work Harry," Carlos asked in worry.

"I hope Carlos," Harry replied as he rested his forehead against the crown of his boyfriend.

"Mr. Potter, I'm Ludo Bagman; I'm with the Ministry and I really must insist that this end. The competition and tasks were selected well in advance of this tournament by representatives of each Ministry participating….this is not valid."

"I think you'll find the focus of the bindings will find this all perfectly valid as it's the competitors that must agree to the competitions Mr. Bagman. I'm participating in this tournament as is required, and then I'm going home. My bed is growing cold and I have a promise to keep to my boyfriend," Harry finished with a sultry smirk toward Carlos only to hear him squeak in reply as he made his way back to the card table.

"Your competition the Ministries planned can continue once I'm gone Mr. Bagman," Harry said pushing away from the back wall. "However, the Triwizard Tournament is almost over."

Harry and Cedric joined the table and on the first round Harry won, only to lose to Fluer again.

With a laugh Harry shared with Victor, the two were joking with the contingent from Durmstrang they'd need to teach the locals French so they could properly sing the praises of the soon to be victor...well, not Krum at any rate.

Moving on to the next competition as a couple red heads set of a few dung bombs unexpectedly, Harry and Carlos shared a look that both were so glad they'd avoided this particular hellhole.

With a wave of his wand he conjured three ovens, and with a call of power house elves appeared and a quick conversation later each work station had the ingredients for the making of chocolate chip cookies.

"Aww," Carlos said as he finally realized Harry had decided on making his favorite cookies.

After the first batch came from the oven, Harry and Krum surprisingly making perfect samples garnering full praise, Fluer had used a bit too much butter as the French tended to, and her samplings were graded inferior, but still delicious, while Cedric had completely burned his.

How he'd managed something that wriggled no one would ever no, but the stern talking he got from a positively rotund house elf that berated him about his lack of talents in the kitchen had the students laughing well after the cook stations and competition space had been cleared.

Finally, in a mockery of the selection ceremony, a sampling of three students were called up to the dais and asked to pick their favorite of the edible ones, and Victor was announced the winner by two of three…unknown to Harry the two for Krum were avid Quidditch fans.

The four champions conferred and declared Fluer the winner of the impromptu competition to the confused masses as Krum admitted he'd discretely summoned an elf to bring additional ingredients than Harry had called for.

Flicking the wand once more, Harry brought the cup forward and casting a diagnostic found the magic of the cup was satisfied and dissipated, which Carlos confirmed.

"Well," Harry said with a smirk as he twirled around with a flourish, "I can't say it's been a pleasure but the Triwizard tournament is complete. Don't bother me again," Harry said grabbing Carlos.

"Anyone mind showing us out of this dump," Harry asked only to stop in his tracks as the doors burst open and the last person Harry expected to see came in followed by aurors.

"Harry ... you've returned," Minister Dumbledore said quietly as a mad look came over him momentarily before it vanished.

"I'm sorry but you're mistaken," Harry said. "We," he said indicating Carlos as he laced his hand into his boyfriends, "were brought here against our will and are leaving. Kindly step aside Sir," Harry said making his way only for what he assumed were aurors to block his path.

"You have to be in school my boy," Dumbledore began only for Harry and Carlos to start chuckling.

"We've both already passed our WISE and SMARTs Minister and are well on our ways to earning our Masters. Please step out of the way before you cause a further incident," Harry said drawing his wand and letting go of Carlos so he could as well.

Several wands were draw before them and Harry signaled for Carlos to watch their back.

"It would be a severe mistake to go down this road Minister Dumbledore," Harry said looking around and catching Victor's eye as he quietly made his way from the hall.

"I was informed your name emerged from the Goblet of Fire Harry…you're bound to compete my boy and I'm sure you'll find the halls of Hogwarts most welcoming," he replied signaling for the aurors to lower their wands.

"The triwizard is over," Carlos spoke up, wand at the ready as Dumbledore focused in on the strange boy but dismissed him out of hand.

"The goblet's bindings have faded and the relic is inert," Harry continued. "The champions chose alternative tasks on an accelerated timetable. The girl from France, Fluer, won," Harry said with a smirk and a sarcastic clap.

Dumbledore looked on confounded at Horace who gave a weak nod.

"Be that as it may," Dumbledore said trying to regain control of the situation only for Harry to interrupt him.

"Be that as it may the magic holding me which pulled me and my beloved to this god forsaken excuse for a grammar school and its intramural sports have no bearing on me or mine," he said pulling Carlos close. "Now kindly move so we can go home and go to bed; I have a feeling I'm going to sleep very soundly tonight."

Carlos' deep blush didn't escape Harry's notice, nor did the reaction of several of the remaining Hogwarts students.

Harry lost control of some of his magic as the Minister attempted to discretely bring out his wand and he unintentionally connected to the wards of the school which began sounding an alarm as though it were under attack by the invasion of powerful and foreign magic.

The students screamed and the aurors broke rank to examine if something was going on in the hallways.

Seeing their out, Harry cast several flash bang spells and conjured stinging smoke and with a tug, he and Carlos broke through the remaining auror blocking their path as Dumbledore tried, unsuccessfully and to great alarm, to use the Elder Wand to banish the smoke but failed.

Looking around the hallway and seeing the massive great doors starting to close as someone shouted for them to stop, Harry and Carlos were once more on their way, dodging spellfire which they more than capably returned.

Stupefy!

Incarcerous!

Impedimenta!

Low level spells, easily deflected, were being cast at them as the aurors needlessly wasted breath to vocalize their spells. Harry and Carlos had no such limitation, or desire to use such benign spells in return.

"GATES!" Carlos called as they rounded a curb in the drive. They saw in the distance the flashing of wards, and knew it was their best chance of escape.

"The wards will be weakest at the gate. I sense they're amalgamated," Harry called out before he cast a strong piercing curse toward the plinth holding a hog with wings only to cause the wards to flare spectacularly and louder alarms to sound in the school.

"Oh no you don't laddy," came a voice from overhead, only for Harry to push Carlos away as several men on brooms shimmered into existence and cast sizzling spells at where he'd just stood.

"Fuck," Harry said as he saw Carlos impacted by a spell and he fell down.

Rage coursing through him he began casting a circle of Gunraithian Fire and caused it to explode out, and up, scattering the broom riders, giving Harry just enough time to waken Carlos and the two to limp the remainder of the way to the gates.

A few more spells and the plinths were gone and the gates fell as a hole in the wards formed.

Harry attempted to apperate out, only to feel strong wards, recently cast and continuing to feed from their casters, likely nearby, take hold.

"PAIN! PANIC!" He called in desperation only for the little imps to fail to appear.

Worry starting to truly fill his mind, Harry got stuck in his OODA loop of calling the two as aurors continued their advance, now led by Dumbledore himself.

"Stand down Harry!" the amplified voice of Dumbledore ordered as his men gathered.

Drawing on his magic, Harry told Carlos to summon hounds as a distraction.

"Are you sure Harry," Carlos asked with worry and a trembling of his lip.

"Do it love….I need time...as many as you can," he said harshly.

Carlos immediately began laying out ten different circles of summoning with his wand and chanting an invocation.

Harry magically amplified his own voice as he once more conjured a ring of fire to protect them and to keep their would be captors from seeing what they were doing.

"You're making an enemy of me this night Minister Dumbledore," Harry sneered.

"Harry Potter! You are under arrest for the use of Dark Magic and the attempted battery on officers of the law," an auror, and idiot, called out having now seen Harry conjured such violent magic twice.

"Harry you belong here! Stop this now. You have a place at Hogwarts…your parents wanted you here and here is where you shall stay until you are of age. Let's be reasonable my boy. You have family that would want you to stay," the Minister said trying to emotionally manipulate what he thought would be a desperate orphan.

A large flash of light drew Harry's attention and Carlos' cry of triumph confused Dumbledore who now stood just beyond the flame.

"Release the wards holding us Minister, or I will drop these flames and unleash my friends to play. There are so many more to play with than the last time we played fetch," Harry taunted with a cackle as he began to feel immense power coursing through him.

Through the flames Albus heard the low growls and then a piercing howl cut through the night.

His knees began to shake as his terror grew.

An overwhelming scent of sulfur threatened to send him to the ground as memories triggered by the scent of hell assaulted him.

"No!" he cried in alarm as he began backing, really crawling, away.

Moody landed by Albus and helped drag the near hysterical man away from whatever had spooked him.

Voldemort had never done this to Albus...not even on the blackest night of the bastard's reign and now a little fire had spooked the minister.

Through the flicker of the flame, and the distortion of the heat, Dumbledore saw Harry's smirk and warped features the heat caused…but what stood out more was through the shadow of horns which seemed to loom prominently through the cursed fire and the demonic smile that Harry had on his face.

"Five seconds and then I unleash the hounds Minister," Harry said casting a few spells to ward off those on brooms stupid enough to come near.

The howls grew louder and more frenzied in anticipation as they responded to the dark power pouring off Harry in waves.

"You're treading a dark path Harry…come back to the light!"

"I'm trying to free myself and my boyfriend from captors who stole me from my home and family you incompetent fool! You're lucky I didn't start killing upon my arrival which would have been within my right! Then you have the unmitigated balls to try to keep me illegally in an institution I've no desire to attend and for which my educational qualifications already exceed! And when I take my leave as a free man who'd committed no crime, your jackbooted thugs attempted to cause us harm! You're acting mightily like a Dark Lord Minister….and I seem to have an earned reputation for vanquishing those," Harry said and with a whistle he signaled the hounds to attack.

They charged immediately through the flame homing in on the souls beyond Harry's protection.

"Fall back!" Dumbledore called out as he cast a wide range stunning spell which Harry deftly avoided for him and Carlos by erecting a shield.

The magic clung to the hellbeasts and caused them to shimer momentarily and to home in on Dumbledore.

With a piercing howl they attacked.

Two aurors protecting the minister were immediately set upon and ripped to shreds as two of the 10 feasted while spells from the broom riders rained down on their invisible attackers.

Harry looked on with near glee at his avenging angels teaching these vermin a lesson.

Carlos' choked sob immediately sobered him and a wave of nausia overtook him, and he immediately felt shame.

"We need to go; now Carlos," he said rushing to his weeping paramour.

A voice spoke from nowhere unexpectedly and cause Harry to fire off a lethal spell at random which struck one of the buildings of the village in the distance and caused it to explode in a fireball causing the alarm to be raised among the locals only for a ordinary looking man to appear.

"I normally like to know where my things are at all times, so care to explain to me who you might be and how you managed to empty my kennels love," the man asked suddenly focusing on Carlos causing him to fire of a piercing hex of his own that managed to nick one of the aurors on broomstick and sent him crashing to the ground.

Harry was continuing to fire spells at the retreating backs of the disorganized ministry forces which had managed to regroup and land spells far too close to where they stood. Many of the spells Harry cast, Dumbledore was halfheartedly trying to deflect as many others were being felled by the invisible beasts and now starting to break rank and flee...every man for himself.

"Harry!" Carlos cried as he trained his wand squarely on the new arrival.

Distracted by Carlos' cry Harry lost sight of the Minister who quickly called his phoenix and flamed away.

"Who the fuck are you," Harry growled as he sent another curse to the man only to see him dissolve into smoke and reappear nearby.

"I'm Crowley…King of the Crossroads, and those," he said indicating the hellhounds that Harry could clearly see, "are mine." He all but growled before plastering on a fake smile.

Harry looked at the man and saw a truly frightful visage...more a mangle of scar tissue standing upright, Harry saw what was nothing more than a wound and he knew it was an abomination.

"Now who might you be," the wound named Crowley asked.

Sensing the wards weakening and finally breaking to the point they'd be gone soon, Harry called once more for Pain and Panic lacing true power into his command, shocking the demon in front of him as they appeared.

"You called oh builder of the walls," Pain began only to stop in shock at seeing hellbeasts tearing into mortals with abandon. "Hell of a party; boss'l wish you'd sent an invitation."

"This wasn't supposed to happen," Panic said wringing his hands and starting to hyperventilate.

"Get Carlos back to the institute. NOW!" Harry ordered of the two who grabbed the protesting teen and immediately disappeared.

"Pagan Imps…the pagans faded long ago," Crowley practically purred as he quirked his brow in interest.

"Who are you kid," Crowley asked before giving a whistle of his own and the hellhounds vanished.

"You can call me Damian Morningstar; and thanks for letting us borrow your puppies," Harry said with a smirk as he felt the wards fully fall and he flamed away.

"Cheeky bugger," Crowley said with a chuckle as disappeared as well. He had a kennel master to torture for not keeping a close look on his babies.

---

***To Be Continued***

Author's Commentary: This is the beginning chapter of Part II.

A Note Concerning my writing style:

As I've said in prior stories, my style isn't planned writing….I go at this as though I'm watching an episode of my story, then try to faithfully transcribe my imagination onto the page.

It's rough, some is crass, and some is gross…just as is actual life.

Thank you all sincerely for playing in my sandbox!

Original Chapter Date: 11/02/2020

Polished Date: 11-03-20

Reviews are welcome, and appreciated. Please feel free to share this story file with your friends, chat groups, etc. I welcome all constructive criticism.

Page Count: 80

Word Count: 36,526