Chapter 8

Harry stood silent and still as he looked out the broken window of the Shrieking Shack. He had come to this location since no one but a select few would willingly walk into the 'haunted' place. From his position within the shack, the Dark Lord could make out the spires of Hogwarts and from deep within he could feel the dark side growing from his apprentice. This caused a small smile to grace his lips as he relished in her already growing power. This meant that Fleur had grasped the teachings of Darth Traya and grown in the time that they had been apart. The Dark Lord broke from his thoughts when the sound of a board creaking caught his heightened sense of hearing. He turned and grasped his lightsaber with reaction that only came from years of practice. The door slowly opened to reveal none other than Harry's Godfather, Sirius Black. The older man walked forward and stopped before his godson, "How's it going Prongslet?"

Harry held Sirius with a pointed gaze before sharply inclining his head to the floor, "The apprentice always bows before the master."

Sirius felt his mouth fall sharply in shock but this quickly past when he saw the edges of Harry's lips twitch into a smirk of amusement. "Funny Harry…really funny."

The Sith Lord smiled widely, "Can't blame a guy for trying…it's great to see you Sirius." The two men met in a quick but powerful hug before separating, "So how are your lessons going?"

Sirius smirked and turned to the damaged room they were in. He rolled his shoulders and summoned the force before thrusting his hands forward and releasing a light blue stream of lightning that hissed and sizzled as it struck the wall. Harry nodded in approval as he watched his Godfather demonstrate force push, pull, force speed, drain life, force choke, and even the ability to enhance his attacks with the dark side. "I'm impressed…very impressed, at this rate you will be ready for the more advanced techniques of the dark side. Have you decided on which advance class you are going to study?"

Sirius nodded, "I have pup…I feel so empowered when I use the dark side to strengthen my movements and it just feels right when I'm training. My movements are guided by the lust for combat and the want to clash with a stronger opponent."

Harry's grin became almost feral at this statement, "The path of the Sith Juggernaut…the most powerful of all the swordsman within our order, a virtual tank in every aspect of battle. My master will be pleased with this."

Sirius looked up at this, "About that pup, when will I meet with the Emperor again? The one time we met he remained in the shadows."

Harry was silent as he processed an answer, "When he deems you worth of a face to face audience with him. The Emperor does not meet with anyone unless they are of use to him. It was the same way with the Empire of old…he would only meet with a select few."

The dark side swirled around Harry as he was speaking, influencing the importance of his words, "But keep on this path Sirius and you will get to see him soon enough." The Sith Lord took a shuddered breath as his nerves again pulsed in pain from the ritual.

Sirius spoke up in alarm, "What was that Harry?" This caught the younger man off guard since he wasn't expecting Sirius's force sense to be as developed yet.

He sighed and rounded his shoulders, "Nothing to worry about Sirius…just something that my master and I took care of." Knowing how his Godson was, Sirius relented, but put this small event away for another day. He then snapped his fingers and pulled out a rolled up parchment that had a seal of wax upon it, "This is the summary of your accounts, and the paperwork for you taking over the two families is all set up. Just sign and send the copies to your account holder, this way it doesn't look like you were simply skipping school."

Harry nodded in acceptance before looking out the window, "I best get back, I have to meet Professor McGonagall at the gate by five…it's the Yule Ball tonight."

Sirius let out a bark like laugh, "So that gives you what…a whole two hours to find a date?"

His Godson shrugged his shoulders, "You are talking to someone who is planning on conquering the universe…I don't think that finding a date will be that hard."

Sirius laughed harder as he watched his Godson walk through the door and out towards the castle.

*HPPIAL*

The journey to the castle took only a short time despite the fact that there was a foot of fresh snow upon the ground. As Harry reached the gates he fought the urge to groan when he saw that it was not just Professor McGonagall waiting for him. Standing next to her was Dumbledore himself wrapped in a large cloak that was covered in stars, Ron was standing next to them in what Harry would have to guess would be dress robes, and finally Hermione. The Sith Lord found himself momentarily double checking the girl when he looked at her. The girl who was his 'friend' actually had curves…and very nice curves at that. Had he been any less of a Sith he might have pursued her flesh but he was a Dark Lord of the Sith not easily tempted by the promises of pleasure. He stopped at the gates and waited silently as they opened and Albus walked forward with a disappointed look, "Harry my boy I am most displeased that you chose to take two weeks off…especially when your life could very well be in danger."

Harry snickered lightly, "With all due respect Headmaster but I don't require your permission to do anything. My Godfather still holds the rights to me as he is my official guardian."

Albus backed up slightly, "Harry I do believe you are mistaken…Sirius can't hold that position while he is a wanted man." Harry clenched his teeth and closed his eyes to draw comfort from the dark side. "That is where you are wrong Professor…you see, since I am the last heir of my family I have the right to appoint my own guardian at any time that I see fit. So, when I first met Sirius and we found that a couple of details in regards to my parent's will had not been followed I, as well as Gringotts, felt it best to remove you and any influence that you held over me."

Harry's eyes flashed bright emerald green as the force and his magic rushed forward. Albus stepped back slightly with a slightly shocked expression upon his aging face before he nodded slowly, "I understand Mr. Potter, now then, seeing as you are just returning you have obviously not had the chance to find a partner for the Yule Ball…so Miss Granger has spoken up and offered to fill that role."

The Sith Lord turned his eyes again to Hermione's alluring figure but shook his head, "I must decline that offer Hermione…I already have plans with someone else, and if you will excuse me I have to meet her." Before anyone could answer him, Harry had walked past and into the castle.

*HPPIAL*

Harry arrived at his destination of the second floor bathroom and waited for only a moment before the doors behind him opened and a figure wrapped in black walked in and bowed before him, "Milord….I sensed your presence the moment you entered the system, I have eagerly awaited your return."

Harry turned to see Fleur kneeling before him and he smiled, reflecting his true feelings at Fleur's declaration. This meant that her powers had grown in the past few weeks. The Sith Lord closed his eyes and reached out with the force, reaching at his apprentice with the dark side. "The force is strong with you my apprentice…I can feel that the dark side has become a part of you."

Fleur looked up with a questioning eye, "Master, was I not a part of the dark side before?"

The Dark Lord nodded, "Yes you were but you simply accepted the dark side. What you have now is the very essence of the darkness within you…your alignment has been selected and your path put before you. I'm very pleased my dear…this is much more than I could have ever expected."

Fleur rose up from her knees and stood before her master. "I have learned much from my training with Lady Traya and she even feels that I am ready to move on my advanced path of learning."

Harry moved around Fleur and looked at her, "I believe that is my decision apprentice…but I shall debate on this. Now, have you plans for this evening?"

Fleur's blue eyes shimmered for a moment in excitement, "No milord, I had been asked by several companions but I turned them all down…somehow I knew that you would return this night."

Harry smiled, "The force always reveals the truth to those who are one with it. You are right my dear apprentice, I have decided that we shall make a grand spectacle tonight at the Yule Ball."

With a wave of his hand, Harry was in a set of dress robes fit for a king, they fit his muscular form very well and enhanced his powerful green eyes with their emerald and silver trim. Upon his breast portion of the robes were the Potter and Black family crests, signifying his right to both families. Finally there was a third crest for his reborn Sith Empire. The crest was simple with the outline of the Star Forge with the Imperial crest upon the center. Now it was unknown to all but Harry, Vitiate, and Fleur…but soon, it would be the most feared symbol in the universe.

Fleur smiled coyly and dropped her own robes to reveal a stunning silver dress that fit her form in such a way that it should have been illegal. The back of the dress was a V cut, showing as much of her creamy skin as possible while the front just contained her ample bust. The dress hugged her hips and fell around her legs like a waterfall of silk with just enough of a cut in the side for her legs to move. She felt her heart pumping a million miles an hour as her master looked upon her, "Do you approve milord?"

Harry walked around her once more before offered his arm, "Very much so my apprentice."

Fleur grabbed his arm and the two walked out of the bathroom to begin a night of fun.

*HPPIAL*

The couple moved to the entrance of the Great Hall and waited as students began to file in. Many were drawn to the couple as both Harry and Fleur held themselves like Sith Lords. Fleur's Veela allure was on full blast and many of the male students made fools of themselves in an attempt to gain the beauties' attention.

One confrontation that Harry could have gone without was when Draco Malfoy walked up with his date Pansy Parkinson, "Well look at this Pansy, Scarhead got himself a French whore to come with him."

Before Harry could respond, a silver serpent head tipped cane came and gripped Draco's shoulder forcing him to wince as the fangs dug into his skin, "Now Draco I believe we have had this conversation before …play nice, especially when you are speaking with a fellow Ancient and Noble House Lord."

Draco sighed for a moment before looking at Harry's crests and upon seeing that he was the Lord of not one, but two Ancient and Noble houses, the blonde teen instantly snapped into a better attitude, "Yes father."

Draco turned and escorted Pansy into the Great Hall leaving Harry with his father. Harry quickly made sure that no one was around before bowing his head, "Master."

Vitiate held his apprentice with a cold gaze before turning his eyes to Fleur. "Child…come to me." Fleur hesitate for a moment but when Harry nodded his approval she walked before the Sith Emperor and curtsied.

"My Emperor, Lord Sovereign has spoken very highly of you…it is an honor to finally be within your presence."

Vitiate brought a cold hand under Fleur's chin and tilted her face in two directions, "You are powerful child…a worthy choice for my apprentice to instruct. I cannot however ignore the fact that you chose to ignore my instructions Lord Sovereign."

Harry quickly bit his lip as the force slammed into him and made his already pained nerves flare to life tenfold. If the pains from the ritual weren't bad enough now his master was adding his own wrath upon it. "I understand your anger my master but she came to me….I have no doubt she was guided by the force."

Vitiate continued his assault until Harry was beginning to sweat before he finally relented. "I do not take disobedience lightly my apprentice….you will suffer for this and I shall be the one to test your chosen pupil. If she passes my exam then you will oversee the rest of her training into our order…if she fails to impress me then I will dispatch her as you should have done."

Harry looked over to a shocked Fleur and saw that her face was pale. "I will await your judgment master."

Vitiate turned and walked into the Great Hall leaving Harry and Fleur to themselves.

*HPPIAL*

The silence between the two was quickly broken as other students started to come towards the Great Hall for the ball. Harry looked over to Fleur and was pleased to see that her composure was back, obviously from years of maintaining her cold persona. "Do not think a simple mask will hold your thoughts from me Fleur….what are you thinking?"

Fleur's eyes turned to her mentor and spoke, "His power."

Harry smiled, "It is intoxicating isn't it?"

Fleur nodded, "I thought you were powerful but the Emperor made you seem so…weak."

The Dark Lord of the Sith gave a mock pout, "Not planning to abandon me are you my apprentice?"

Fleur caught the jib and smiled coyly as she walked over to Harry, swinging her hips, "Of course not my Master, I just got you to train me…I have plans to see the training through to the end."

The last part was whispered into Harry's ear and despite his years of training, he shivered in pleasure at the implication his date for the evening was making. "If you are to be judged by the Emperor…we must make sure you are ready, we will be training in all of our free time, to outsiders it will simply seem like we are becoming….closer."

He smirked at this and licked his lips as he quickly glanced over Fleur's form again. The newly dubbed Sith Seductress felt her pulse quicken and her heart begin to pound in her chest as she was reminded of the power her Master held. Just like the Emperor it was still intoxicating and her being cried out in hunger to have it. A snap of the fingers brought Fleur out of her daze and she took the offered arm of Harry and got into line as the other Champions finally appeared.

Cedric stood proudly with Cho Chang on his arm; Victor Krum held a slightly dumb smile upon his face as he kept glancing at his date, one Hermione Granger. This caused Harry to raise an eyebrow at her since not a couple hours before, Dumbledore made it sound like she was to be his date. Hermione met his eyes and blushed hard before looking away almost like she was ashamed. His friend seemed to be embarrassed to look him in the eye, to which he merely shrugged.

Professor McGonagall walked forward in a set of dark forest green dress robes and her usual witch hat. She surveyed the Champions before letting her eyes rest upon Harry and Fleur, "I'm very pleased to see that you two have taken a direct approach in uniting the schools."

Harry simply inclined his head and pulled Fleur closer to his side, "What can I say professor, I'm a sucker for a pretty face and Fleur over here has that in spades not to mention her brilliant mind." The Veela felt herself blushing at her Master's words and smiled. Minerva smiled lightly at those words and couldn't help but remember James saying something along those lines long ago; she then shook her head and turned, "We are ready for you."

*HPPIAL*

The doors to the Great Hall slowly opened and the Champions beheld the splendor of the room. From top to bottom it was covered in light blues, whites, silver, and other colors to signify the Christmas Holiday. The enchanted ceiling was slowly dropping snow down onto the collective group.

As the Champions made their way to the front table, Harry could hear the mutterings of people who had tried and failed to get his apprentice to the dance. This caused him to smile lightly as he held his head high. Finally getting to the front table, Harry pulled Fleur's seat out for her before sitting down next to her. The other Champions sat with him along with Dumbledore, McGonagall, Minister Fudge, Lucius Malfoy, and the rest of the Tri-Wizard committee. Dumbledore demonstrated how to order their food and the then the night began.

As he was eating, the Sith Lord kept an ear out for the conversations that were taking place and found that everything was relatively calm and tasteless. He looked up and met his Master's eyes and they inclined their heads in respect before breaking eyes contact.

"So Harry." His emerald eyes turned to Cedric Diggory, "I have to ask, how long have you and Fleur been an item? Given the past interactions it's kind of surprising to see you together."

Harry nodded slowly as he saw that the entire table was now watching. "In truth Cedric it was rather recent. Fleur and I have been speaking on and off and we found something that connected us. The rest is history in truth. I found a woman that is brilliant in every aspect of the opposite sex and she found herself a roguishly handsome Champion who is a slayer of dragons."

The table chuckled at this before Minister Fudge spoke up, "On that note Mr. Potter…"

Harry countered, "It's Lord actually." The young man raised his hand and flashed the Potter and Black family rings.

Fudge paled lightly before correcting himself, "My apologies Lord Potter-Black, might I ask how is it you managed to master elemental magic when it is kept under such tight wraps? In truth, the only citizens who have access to that kind of material are the Unspeakables."

Harry thought about his answer very carefully before he caught his Master's eyes and the very smallest hint of a nod. "In truth Minister Fudge it was because of my personal mentor that I have been able to unlock these hidden abilities."

Dumbledore raised his eyebrow at this but Minister Fudge beat him to the punch, "Personal mentor?"

Nodding and taking a drink of his wine, one of the perks of being a house head, he spoke up, "Look at my history…Voldemort tries to kill me as an infant….a Professor goes made and tries to kill me my first year, second year I end up facing an illegally grown Basilisk within the depths of our school, and last year the Dementors take too much of a liking to me…so with that backing you can understand if I wanted to better prepare myself. After second year I met a man who had ties to my family and actually sought me out to assist me as a way of paying his debt to my parents."

The table was silent as they waited for Harry's mysterious mentor to be identified before the Emperor spoke up, "And I must say that Mr. Potter has proven to be nothing but a surprise in every aspect of his training."

Dumbledore turned sharply to the man he thought to be Lucius Malfoy, "You are Harry's mentor? Forgive me for being quick on the draw here Lucius, but last I checked, you and the Potter's were at odds….if anything it was only your rolls as Leaders of your houses that kept you civil."

Vitiate nodded, "In truth that was for the public….James and Lily were my confidents since school when the Potters assisted me with getting Narcissa out of a rather messy engagement. While I would never admit it in public, my family owes much to the Potters and that does include young Harry here…add in the fact that he is also Lord Black makes him family to us."

McGonagall being ever sharp and alert added her point in, "I'm assuming that young Draco hasn't taken to this change? He still treats Mr. Potter like the scum of the earth…no offense Harry."

The Sith Lord waived it off and let his Master speak for him, "Sadly my son still holds dear to the empty promises of Voldemort….he is blinded by his lust for a world where 'purebloods' rule over everything….sadly that isn't a reality."

This comment alone caused the table go so quiet you could hear the magical snow landing upon the table. "I'm sorry?"

Lucius smirked coyly, "While I still believe certain families are better than others…the blood can neither be good or bad…just as the magic can't be."

Minister Fudge chuckled, "I would have to disagree on the magic aspect of things my old friend…the unforgivable curses are easily dark."

Harry spoke up, "I thought so at once…but my viewpoint has changed. Let's look at it from this point of view…a family member is dying from cancer and there is no medicine that can cure it….this person is in unbelievable pain and is not getting better. The killing curse use to be used by doctors in the old days to do mercy killings before it was turned into a weapon. Wouldn't it be a death of mercy if the person so chooses?"

Cedric spoke up, "Dying by your own terms…can't really see a fault with that…what about the other two?"

Harry thought a moment, "The Imperious curse was once used to get the truth out of captives and was also used to calm the mentally insane…the subconscious command of the curse would keep them from causing harm to themselves or others. Crucio is a little bit more difficult as it is literally setting your nerves on fire…but it can be used in the sense of what it was used for….torture. It's a sad but true reality that we may need questionable methods to get information during war times…and Crucio is an easy way to get this…it doesn't require blood loss and so long as it isn't done in prolonged periods no real damage is done."

The collective group was agape at this before Lucius nodded his approval, "As you can see, Harry has learned a lot in his training with me and I intend to continue to do so."

Albus was trying to figure out how and when this could have happen but then looked up, "I am assuming you have the proper paperwork filled out Lucius? Harry is a minor after all."

Harry was the one who answered, "Actually no paperwork was needed Professor. Since I am the last of my house I was instantly emancipated the moment my Father's parents were killed by Voldemort. With no blood relatives with magical backing I was officially an adult in the eyes of the government in the best interest of…shall we say…keeping the line going."

Harry smirked at Cedric's expression, "So that means?"

Harry chuckled, "I have had every legal right to bed women since I was an infant."

McGonagall's lips thinned, "Mr. Potter!"

Harry shrugged, "Sorry Professor, don't worry, I'm not about to follow in my Godfather's footsteps." The stern teacher nodded in approval at this before looking at the time, "It would seem that it is time to start the dance."

Harry smirked and quickly wiped his mouth with his napkin before offering his hand to Fleur, "Shall we?" The blonde beauty smiled took the offered hand before following Harry and the other Champions to the dance floor.

*HPPIAL*

Several hours later as his apprentice was doing his part to keep his image…Lord Vitiate arrived back at his current headquarters, Malfoy Mansion. Things were going as planned at it would quickly come to a head now that Harry and his relationship had been revealed. It would be only a matter of time before Voldemort would come to him and he could destroy the little pest. The Sith Lord walked down into his dungeon and stopped when he arrived at a large onyx basin. In the basin was a swirling mass of red and black that looked thicker than water. This was dragon's blood from the kill that Lord Sovereign accomplished during the first task. Dragon's blood was very power and would serve perfectly for the Emperor's current task.

Drawing upon the dark side of the force, Vitiate started chanting in the ancient language of the Sith species. It flowed slowly and cryptically as he focused the force into the magical blood. A moment later bolts of black lightning flared from his fingers and slammed into the basin. The blood hissed and crackled to life and took on a deadly blue color as the force was infused within. This process continued for another minute before the Emperor stopped and looked into the basin. "I have felt the force calling to me from across time and space…our plans come full circle….it is time to see what remains in my galaxy." Vitiate lowered his face into the mist that was now rising from the mixture and focused on the force…following it to the farthest reaches of the galaxy.

*HPPIAL*

What he found was a thriving Republic that was stronger than ever, countless star systems with billions of souls upon each. The force was a swirling mass around every stretch of space and flowed freely…what caught his attention was the evidence of the dark side flowing at the center of the galaxy. He looked closer and was mildly surprised when he found two dark force users sitting right under the nose of the Jedi, who sadly, did in fact remain in power. Turning his attention back to the force users,

Vitiate focused on the taller of the two and sensed the powers of a master upon him. As he listened to them speak it became apparent that they were a Sith Master and Apprentice but what disappointed him was that they were of Darth Bane's rule of two. Vitiate rolled his eyes at the thought of the doctrine…Darth Bane had been a powerful Sith…one that Vitiate had considered as a potential servant…but when he brought forth his Rule of Two, the Emperor lost all interest.

Vitiate observed them for some time until the apprentice left the room, leaving the master alone. "You can show yourself…I am not some initiate who is afraid of his shadow."

The Emperor of the Sith smiled in amusement before taking a corporal form. The form he chose was just like the time he had first met the Jedi Revan….the shape of a man but the dark side swirling around him. "It speaks volume of your knowledge if you are able to sense my power."

The opposing Sith, who was now identified as a Munn spoke through his respirator, "You speak as if you have power greater than I….yet here I am in physical form and you are a spirit that has been banished to the netherworld of the force."

Vitiate's amused smirk turned to his normal neutral mask, "You are mistaken to assume so much….you should know that the force is more than it seems…especially to the Sith."

The Munn's eyes widened lightly before he regained his composure, "Indeed…forgive me for not be more hospitable, but I have a spirit within my chambers who has just identified a hidden secret that has been silent for a thousand years."

Vitiate countered, "You refer to the 'grand scheme'?" The Munn started to draw upon the force but he continued, "Such a waste…misdirected passion…blind ambitions…false promises…you are master of nothing, Darth Plagueis."

Plagueis lashed out with the force and sent a bolt of lightning at Vitiate who simply deflected it. "I am The Dark Lord of the Sith, spirit, my power was chosen by the force and I command it and this galaxy will be mine."

Lashing out with another stream of blue lightning, Plagueis watched in pleasure when the spirit was struck and appeared to be thrown back. This was short lived when lightning black as the void of space was launched back, "Who are you spirit?"

Vitiate felt the fear of the Sith Master rising and relished in it, "Who I am is not of import….at least not yet. Who I am will come full circle when I will it." The two force lightning attacks canceled out and

Plagueis stood defiantly but even though he was showing his power…the Sith Lord's mind was working overtime. This entity had said something that caused him to pause. "You said that our passion was misdirected…what did you mean? Last I recalled spirits are unable to direct anything."

Vitiate smiled…this was the question he was hoping this Sith would ask. It showed that his mind was able to focus on so much more than simply defeating the Jedi and ruling the Republic. "I refer to the very passion that you claim to know so much about. Peace is a lie, there is only passion. What is your passion Darth Plagueis? Is it to destroy the Jedi? Rule the Republic? Or, is there something that you secretly work on that drives you."

Before Plagueis could respond the entity vanished and silence was left in his wake. The Dark Lord turned and looked out of his window and glared at the Jedi Temple that sat upon the horizon just as he had done so many times before…but as he glared those words echoed, 'Misdirected passion…such a waste.'

Plagueis had a lot to think about.

And cut…

There we go my fellow readers, another chapter. I am still working on my stories but as usual real life takes time away. Lol

I wish I could update more but the current time frame just doesn't let it happen….but rest assured my friends; the King shall always deliver a chapter.

As always, send in ideas and reviews.

KingFatMan25