AN: So yeah, sorry about the long wait... I kinda ran into some legal trouble and had to deal with that on top of figuring out what direction this story should take from here. I mean this kinda were it starts being dependant on Lupin being professor so I had to look closely to the details and figure out what exactly would change... Anyways!

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Hogwarts, 11:20pm

'You think I got everything?'

'How am I supposed to know, I'm just a figment of your imagination.'

'Oh sure, have opinions about everything except this. I'm pretty sure you exist just to annoy me'

'Drat! I've been figured out!'

In case you're wondering, Harry was currently writing a list of complaints about the magical world in general. Safety and well-being concerns were at the top of the list (there was a whole lot of those), then came the lack of rule enforcement (seriously, it's like the rules weren't even rules, just helpful reminders), some general concerns about how rare open mindedness and adaptability seemed to be, and so on. The list was quite extensive, had to have it's own separate journal and everything.

Why was he doing this? Mostly to pass the time since he somehow developed insomnia. Maybe his friends were right and he was becoming paranoid. Meh, he'd just add that to the list. Since it surely couldn't have come from anywhere else.

'Like you believe that.'

'Oh look who finally has an opinion.'

'Hey, I call it as I... Well, not SEE it so much as perceive it. I think that's how that's phrased. What, with seeing how I'm an imaginary construct and all.'

'Whatever, I finally feel tired... I might even get some sleep tonight!'

Oh how he missed sleep, he wouldn't take it for granted ever again.

The holidays started tomorrow after all.

Hogwarts, 12:30

He watched them leave...and suddenly he didn't care. Yeah it would've been nice to go but he had things to do. Kinda weird to look forward to but the extra lessons were kinda fun (if you looked pass them being pretty much torture).

Ron and Hermione said they'd bring some things back if they could anyway.

Some we're even a bit academic, including some mage history and political structure. Maybe the man was looking for another apprentice like Maiya? Eh, more than likely not (knowing that guy). Plus, he'd have to switch all black like a goddamn uniform. Not to mention the emotionlessness .

Strangely enough, Professor Emiya had gotten more involved in the lessons again. Wasn't he focusing on his search? Maybe it had something to do with the psychological profile he was building on Black. Eh, it was a mystery for another day. He just had to be sure to keep it in mind and look for other details that he could formulate on. "Don't developed a theory before you have data" or something like that. Anyway, 'wait and see' was the name of the game at that moment.

He was walking back to his dorm room after seeing if the infirmary could do anything about his recent sleeping problem. He had some extra classes with the professor later that day and had some studies to catch up with for other classes. They just slapped a potion in his hands and sent him on his way.

'Even here you take meds for sleep. I wonder if this thing has side effects? Not that they'd even test for them.'

He was planning on asking Henry if there was a spell that worked against dementors. "Preparation is key" as Emiya would say. Better to know it on the slim chance he'd be attacked again. Seriously, why keep the things around if they're attacking students? Some things in the wizarding world made zero sense. It might be the professor's teachings getting to him but, the wizarding world is starting to lose some of it's luster. What a bummer. Maybe he actually will end up a cynic like his mentor. He was really hoping that didn't happen.

Yeah, his friends had been quite surprised when he was totally okay with not going with them. They shared a single thought, 'He's definitely changing.'

Taking a glance at his watch he noticed it was about time to head to professor Emiya's and begin his training. He packed up the things he'd need and started walking to the two story house he had become very familiar with. Some confused looks sent his way over his rather upbeat attitude, he noticed.

When he reached it, he didn't miss the fact that he was the first to arrive. Weird, someone was supposed to be here at all times. With a small amount of suspicion he slowly crept up to the house and readied his wand. Training kicked in almost immediately. Moving from cover to cover, he never left his body fully exposed or stood in the open too long. Sweeping glances with brief pauses at the corners made sure no threats were present.

Moving through the house with a practiced ease, he eventually cleared it and determined nothing was wrong. It was still a bit unusual but he got over it. He just decided to explore the professor's workshop (since it was weirdly unlocked).

This decision led to him finding a larger box with weird sword in it. Short red hilt and a blade too long for it. Picking it up gently, he examined it carefully. The weight was a little off and it didn't look terribly impressive, however, something about it just...called out to him.

"It's called a Black Key."

Mini-Heart attack, seriously how did this man move through a rickety old house and down a flight of stairs without a single sound?

Kritsugu was going to make him put it back before he noticed something.

The Key was resonating with him. This had several implications, chief among them being it could be his wand.

Truth be told, Kritsugu had almost forgotten about it. The only reason he had was his old mentor, Natalia, had managed to retrieve one when she picked him up. Gave it to him as a sort of souvenir when she started his training. A reminder of why he started his fight.

"Looks like we'll be changing today's schedule. First you will learn knife fighting then, you'll be practicing with that."

"P-professor?"

"From the way it's reacting to your magic, it may very well take the place of your wand one day."

The Glee on Harry's face would've warmed up most teacher's hearts. That, however, just wasn't the kind of man Kritsugu was. Though the look of determination did set some small increment of pride.

"Yes sir," responded Harry with a nod.

Emiya walked over to one of the lockers and pulled out two practice knives, tossing one to Harry.

"Let's begin."

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AN: So yeah, again sorry for the wait. Hopefully this chapter being a little longer helps make up for it.

Anyways! I'm trying to decide if I should do the entire series in one go or split it up between books/movies?

As for the Harry/Iri thing... I'mma do the first part of what I had in mind and just shelve the romance for now... See if opinions change or not... Basically test them waters if you will.

UNTIL NEXT TIME!