Thank you to Koruyuha, semper paratis, animegurl088, pwure, Razzling Roses and athenakitty for their reviews. And to the seven people who favourited this fic and placed it on alert. I can honestly say that I didn't expect it to be welcomed so much! Thankyou you all. It is because of you that this chapter is up so soon! Enjoy!

I would also like to thank my beta, muse and friend, Jess, who has helped get this story off the clipboard and into thw actual writing stage.

Chapter Two-- The Guild Council and The Powers of The Wizarding World

To say that Albus Dumbledore was uncomfortable was a severe understatement. The wizened old wizard had never before been in a position where he had very little influence over the end outcome.

He steeled himself as figures moved in the shadows surrounding him. He stood in a pool of warm light within a darkened room. Those figures were representatives of the Guilds and would not reveal themselves until they felt it necessary. Beside him, scowling about as if this was all beneath him, was his trusted right hand man, Severus Snape.

"So, the great Albus Dumbledore petitions this Council," a velvety soft voice hissed from the shadows, "yet I see no reason to grant such an audience."

"Hush, Beltheir. Every petition is answered."

The shadows lightened and Dumbledore looked about himself. Twenty-two of the most powerful and influential individuals, representing the eleven factions of the magical world, surrounded him and Snape. Two each for the Assassins, Healers, Spies, Courtesans, Mages, Wichards, Werefolk, Demons, Angels, Vampires and Masters.

"I give you my humble thanks in allowing this meeting. It is of the utmost importance that we gain from you, your support and aid in this most troubling period in our world." He held his head high, hoping that the same tactics he had always relied on would work now.

A Demon shifted, leathery wings opening slightly. "We are not fools, Albus Dumbledore, unlike the pathetic wizards who organise your world."

"We resent that, Haren." A witch smiled at the Demon. Her counterpart snorted when the Demons merely smirked.

"Nevertheless, we are here to hear what you have to say, wizard. Please, state your reasoning's." Beside the Demons sat two Angels, one of which watched Dumbledore with clear blue eyes.

Shifting uncomfortably, he put on the most authoritive voice he could manage. "The Dark Lord, known as Lord Voldemort, is currently searching for a young wizard in my care, Daniel Potter. He is, as I am sure you all know, the Boy Who Lived and the only one capable of defea--."

"Bullshit!"

The group murmured, turning to look at the hooded man who had spoken. A flash of silver and a dull thunk had Dumbledore stepping back suddenly. A small dagger with an ornate design of snakes on the handle was embedded in the floor just beside where his foot had previously been.

"'Only one'? Do you truly think that one person has the ability to destroy a Dark Lord? Propaganda, Dumbledore, is your greatest asset. And it is your greatest weakness. You make the world believe that they have no power against it all, and you weaken them."

Emerald eyes flashed from within the deep shadows of the hood, which obscured his facial features. Those eyes glowed in an eerie way and Dumbledore found himself gasping out, "Elemental!"

A low chuckle echoed around the room as he stood up. "Perhaps." He jumped down from the dais he sat in, landing on light feet and immediately striding over to them. "All you need to know, old man, is that Dark Lord's are not the only threat to the stability of the world."

Snape drew in a hissed breath as the man plucked the dagger out of the wooden floor. He recognised the low tenor voice. His coal black eyes flickered over the figure, taking in the deep grey hooded cloak, the black strip of cloth that hid his lower features, the blazing emerald eyes before finally moving to take in the emblem upon the dais he had left. A silver dagger sat in the foreground, the edges a deep jade to signify the poison it was coated in. Behind it, was an onyx bow, made specifically for slinging across ones back and quick dismantlement and assembly.

He knew that emblem, had had dealings with those who bore it proudly and secretly. He had never seen any of their faces, but then again, no one ever lived to describe them.

Assassins.

The emerald orbs danced with laughter. "I thought you might recognize me, Potions Master Severus Snape."

The Council shifted, the Masters leaning forward to look at him carefully before sitting back again. They would know him; the two representatives had been voted on by all of the Masters around the world. The brunette with the burning hazel eyes was a Master of Necromancy, while his companion, a grey-eyed red head, was a Master of Herbology.

Snape kept his eyes trained on the assassin before him. "Grey Shadow."

"I much prefer Grey."

A wereleopard growled. "Grey, if it would be too much, could you please stop patronising our guests?"

Grey turned and gave a deep bow. "Of course, Lonah. Please, continue." With that he spun and turned back to his seat, climbing nimbly back over the wall and into it.

The blue eyed Angel spoke up, her voice soft and melodious. "We are, in fact, well aware of the situation you are currently facing. However, we fail to see how this requires our intervention."

"Kely is right." a Healer frowned down at the pair. "Most of those factions which the Guilds represent are denied access to Britain. I would go so far as to say that they are unwanted. Your people are prejudiced, Dumbledore."

A Courtesan, with pure gold eyes, nodded his agreement. "Most of us are unallowed to practice that which aids us. Whether it be to seek information, or survive a situation."

The female beside him tipped her head slightly to the side, a calculating look in her dark eyes. When she spoke, her voice held a mysterious quality, which drew the listener in. "Yet, for some reason I cannot fathom, our services are being required more and more in a country where there is only those loyal to the Light, and everyone else.

The Spy representatives sighed simultaneously. Identical twins were rare within the Guilds. The two spoke together, sounding rather like the Weasley Twins, Fred and George. But Dumbledore could not see them in the shadows they hid in, not even a hint of eye colour. "There is a more pressing matter than the safety of some Child Saviour, Golden Boy, supposed Chosen One. Have you not noticed how many refuse to swear fealty to the Light, to you Albus Dumbledore? So many are seeking neutrality, yet you bring the war to them."

Dumbledore frowned, while he tried to hide his frustration and anger from them. He schooled his features into a look of confusion. "I fail to see how the confusion and division within Wizarding Britain is my own fault. But please, will you give us your support?"

"You have hardly given us reason to." A Mage spoke softly. As yet, they had been silent, merely watching the proceedings. "Why should we give you anything?"

"Because, when Voldemort is finished with Britain, he will go after the rest of the world. He will kill all those who oppose him, whether they be muggles, muggle borns, half-bloods, purebloods or Guild members." His blue eyes narrowed as they simply shook their heads. "What part of that do you not understand?"

"We understand it perfectly, Dumbledore. It is you who does not understand." The hooded assassin beside Grey had a slight French lilt to her otherwise smooth voice. "Voldemort will not touch a Guild member. We know this with utter certainty. If he ever harmed one, he would face the wrath of not just their own faction, but the entirety of the Guilds."

One of the twin Spies spoke up, sounding odd without the others voice. "We are safe, Dumbledore. And not all of us support him; most Guild members are not purebloods. But we are safe."

Dumbledore looked around him, aware that in order to win this war, he needed them. He needed to rectify the mistakes he had made throughout his life. This was his redemption. "Please," he said softly. "I beg of you, please. Just give us some form of aid. Do we not deserve a fighting chance? Why should one side have all the power?"

Grey's emerald orbs narrowed slightly and he glanced at his companion. "Balance is something we strive for. It once existed in the world, and should again. But you must be prepared."

"Grey is correct." The female Healer looked down at the pair and gave them a tentative smile. "There is only Light and Dark in the world you helped create, Dumbledore. There should be Light, Dark and the neutrality of Grey."

The vampire Beltheir flashed his fangs in a grim smile. "You must be prepared to let them all in. You cannot have a world with only Light. The others must exist for there to be balance."

Kely smiled softly. "This session is concluded Dumbledore." She raised her hand to silence his protests. "But, we will send one of our own, an envoy of sorts, to assess the situation. We will not tell you who they are, nor where they will be researching. When they have concluded their mission to our satisfaction, we will let you know our answer. Until then, watch what you allow to happen. You have power within Hogwarts, the Ministry, the Wizengamot and your own Order. Be careful."

The shadows suddenly swamped over them. Dumbledore heard nothing else, but he knew they were there, watching him. Turning to Snape, he cleared his throat. "Well, Severus, I suppose we should return."

The younger man raised an eyebrow and shook his head. "Of course." He scoffed. "We have been here far longer than you intended, Albus. If the school is to even survive the day, we must return. Merlin knows what Potter will get up to in our absence."

As the two left, following the glowing orb that lit their way, they failed to hear the angry hiss behind them in the shadows.

The lights snapped on and the Guild Council members blinked slowly. The Assassin and Spy representatives lowered their hoods. Grey and his companion pulled the cloth from the lower half of their faces, allowing the dark material to hang about their necks.

Haren and Corsis, the Demon members stretched their large leathery wings, grinning at the glares from the two Angels, Kely and Gabriel. "Ah, now that was enlightening."

Grey raised an eyebrow, a small smirk gracing his face. "Enlightening? Ah, my dear Gabriel, but you did not hear what his mind was screaming."

The Angel glared at him from across the chamber. "Spill."

"He doesn't care. Not really. Balance to him is pure Light. Our ideals cannot survive in his world. If he wins, we loose."

The twin Spies spoke up, their soft blue eyes sad. Fiery red hair glinted in the torchlight as they sighed. "Only in Voldemort's world would any of us even survive. Loath as we are to admit it, but balance is only to be had at his hands."

Beltheir smirked at Grey from his position a few seats over. "Well, looks like he does come in handy after all."

Grey growled low in his throat. His emerald eyes suddenly flashed and swirled with gold. "Funny. I'm still trying to find a use for you in this war."

Lonah frowned, a hand placed on her werewolf companion to stay his sudden movements. "Everyone has a place, Grey, you know that." She turned her blue-grey eyes to the still smirking vampire. "And Beltheir, it would do you good to remember that out of all the assassins, only one has ever killed one of your own clan."

The other male vampire, Nori, grinned at the now scowling Beltheir. "Ah, yes. I remember that. Grey was unstoppable."

Kely smiled softly. "We will need to arrange for someone to have access to the one place we no longer can."

The twins grinned at her. "We are truly sorry--."

"But our graduation--."

"Was inevitable. But we can--."

"Keep a closer eye on Dumbledore--."

"And his Order. They have been--."

"Moving more lately, and are--."

"Searching for something." They finished together. The Council members blinked slowly before starting at the sound of Grey's laughter.

He tried to smother the laugh, but still, loud snickers escaped and his eyes danced with merriness.

Gabriel sighed and rolled his eyes. "I say we send him. If he thinks any of this is funny, then he should suffer the fools."

"What! S'not my fault you lot still can't follow them." Grey huffed before slouching in his seat.

His companion, Genna, looked at him with disapproving violet eyes. "We are still in session, Grey. Would it kill you to at least sit respectfully?"

"Yes. Yes, it would."

"We could always kick you off you know." Corsis sneered at him. "Wouldn't hurt us much."

Grey raised an eyebrow. "Wouldn't it? Well then, in that case, I think I might just slink off home."

"Grey, Corsis. This…petty…argument of yours is beginning to become tiresome." Kely sighed softly, her blue eyes betraying her amusement. "Corsis, you know Grey is the most competent of the Assassins for his age, and the most unlikely to ever get caught. We need his expertise on more than a few situations. He is on this council until his faction vote him out."

Gabriel nodded. Grey eyes closed a moment before snapping open again. "I got it!"

A Mage, Phillip, frowned at him. "Go' wha'?"

"The answer! All we need is someone in Hogwarts right? But we have no access to teachers or current students. So, we send new ones."

Grey frowned. "Transfer students would be suspicious. Even now, the parents of students might withdraw their children, but no other schools are accepting them back in."

"I thought you were smart?" Gabriel ignored the angry glare and continued. "Problem is, to send one, we need people to protect them without putting themselves at risk with the knowledge of the mission."

"You aren't seriously suggesting--."

"That we send them to--."

"Hogwarts? The whole--."

"School believes that they--."

"Practice dark magic."

"Yes, I am suggesting it. You two went there, and you created havoc. In that time you were able to gather more Intel on the goings on of Dumbledore's school, than any of us had gathered for a decade."

Grey blinked. Twice. "Wait a minute. Who are we sending?"

"You, of course."

"Me?! Are you insane? I have relatives there who would probably love nothing more than to see me locked up for eternity."

Nori looked at him sternly. "Grey. Go to your mate, and let him know that we want him to do something for us."

"I suppose I have no say in this?"

The vampire smiled. "Not really, no."

He huffed in annoyance, before looking around the chamber. Twenty-one pairs of eyes looked at him expectantly. Scowling, he nodded. "Fine. I'll do it. But transferring is still far too suspicious. Dumbledore would be far too interested in me. And Potter is likely to…recognize me."

"You won't be transferring." Gabriel reassured him in a soft voice. "And you won't be alone. The only way to keep you anonymous for as long as possible is to have you surrounded by a large group of people, namely your peers."

"I will not put them in danger." He growled, anger at the idea of endangering those he attended school with rising within him.

Kely shook her head. "They will be in no more danger at Hogwarts than they would be at Durmstrang. The only difference is they will be subjected to Dumbledore's manipulative nature. Do you think they are not capable of surviving this?"

"Yes, they can deal with it. But the Circle isn't large enough, nor strong enough."

"Nevertheless," Gabriel raised his voice in a tone that begged no argument. "You need to ask your mate to attack Durmstrang, only to the extent that it would take the better part of a year to rebuild. We want no casualties. The Board can be swayed towards the idea of allowing the students to attend Hogwarts. Make sure he understands that it is to be a devastating attack. We will need for it to reach the press in Britain."

Grey nodded. "As you wish." He stood and looked around once more. "I'll let you know his answer as soon as he gives it."

"Be careful, Grey."

Several voices called out farewells as he exited the chamber, following the darkly lit corridor until it reached a door. Placing his hand against the smooth, worn wood, he smirked when it shuddered before changing to a dark mahogany colour. The brass knob changed to an elegant silver handle, several runes inscribed into it. Turning the handle, he pushed the door forwards, stepping into a cosy study room.

Candles floated several feet above his head, casting a soft golden light about the room. Book shelves full of forbidden and forgotten lore lined three walls, and a soft black rug kept the chill from rising from the wooden floor. The fourth wall had two portraits on either side of a large door, identical to the one he closed behind him, that one vanished and a tapestry covered the empty wall.

The portrait on the left contained a stern faced man dressed in impeccable black robes, the edges done in a brilliant silver finish. He raised a finely shaped eyebrow and watched with soft blue eyes as he stepped forward.

"Hello Salazar."

"Greetings, Harry."

It wasn't a name he ever heard within the Guild Council. As a member of the Assassin Guild it was a requirement to have another name. His had been gifted to him. Grey Shadow, the one assassin who could slip about any vampire stronghold, and refused to swear fealty to either side of the war, was none other than Harry Evans, son of the best Charms teacher Durmstrang had ever had.

"Don't forget me!"

The portrait on the right held a scowling young witch, hands on her hips and pouting at the laughing Salazar. She wore a deep blue robe, cut to fit her body shape, and trimmed in bronze.

"Sorry, Rowena. I didn't mean to."

"Don't worry, Harry. She's been in a right mood ever since Dumblydook returned from your little meeting!"

Harry forced himself not to say anything as Salazar turned to the wizard in red who had just popped into his portrait, a menacing glare on his face.

"Godric Gryffindor! GET YOUR MANGY ARSE OUT OF MY PORTRAIT!"

Godric grinned and waved farewell to Harry, who was having trouble hiding his snickers. "Bye Godric."

"Don't talk to him! It's no wonder he's always popping in here, with you wandering in and out of this here library every now and then."

"You should move in, Harry." Rowena smiled at him, her hazel eyes shining. "At least then, you wouldn't have to worry over whether or not your father will track you down."

Harry gave her a small smile. "It's not me my father is searching for. He caught wind of mum's marriage. He isn't happy."

Salazar raised an eyebrow again. "Is that so? Well, best not keep your mate too much longer. He was here just a short time ago, wondering if you'd returned yet."

Harry grabbed the silver handle and gave the two one last smile before entering the next room. This one was even more inviting than the last. Large windows opened up onto a balcony, overlooking a breathtaking view of mountains and a lush forest below. The walls were covered in a forest setting, the leaves of the trees swaying. It was magically linked to several of his friends and family, allowing him to make sure they were safe when ever he was there. Several different coloured wolves howled silent greetings as he closed the door. The floor was covered in a soft, plush, black carpet. Against one wall was a king sized bed, the drapes dark green and the bed covers a soft grey colour.

But the best thing of all was what was lying in the middle of the bed.

Grinning, Harry toed his shoes off, and allowed the cloak to pool on the floor. Silently he stalked across the room before climbing up the bed. His prey opened their eyes and love flooded out of them, pale fingers reaching up to grab hold of the material used to hide his lower face and dragging him forward. Harry settled over the man's hips, leaning down to brush a feather light kiss over soft lips.

"I missed you."

The words ghosted over his senses, the lips moving against his own and making him shiver with the knowledge that he hadn't seen his mate for near to a month. "I know." Harry shifted so that he lay half on half off the man, resting his head on the shoulder as arms wrapped securely around him. "How did the raid go?"

"We managed to grab one Order member, a man by the name of…actually I don't know his name. Doesn't matter much though. He mentioned you."

"Me?"

"Yes. Or, at least, the Grey Shadow. You were busy last month."

Harry sighed and glanced up. Soft brown eyes, tinged with a hint of red looked down at him, laced with worry. Pale skin, not unhealthy, but pale all the same, glowed in the torchlight and the dark brown locks of hair fell onto his face and spread out over the pillow like a halo against the green cases. "Things have become…complicated lately."

"I noticed. That was the third meeting you've been called to in the past four months. What has them so worked up?"

"Dumbledore. Balance. But mostly Dumbledore."

An eyebrow was arched in a way eerily similar to Salazar himself. "Care to elaborate on tonight's?"

Harry sighed. His mate was always curious about his position and the goings on of the Guild Council. After all, Tom Marvolo Riddle, Lord Voldemort, the most powerful Dark Lord in the past century couldn't be left out of the loop. "Dumbledore requested a session. We, of course, accepted and allowed him to put forth his case. They all know and agree that the balance is in turmoil, has been for the past one hundred and twenty years, and we know that he is at the heart of it all."

"What did he ask for?"

"Aid. He believes that he can win with the Guild's on his side. But he doesn't know the meaning of balance. He didn't say it, but I could hear it. He thinks we're off our rockers to even believe that you would want balance between light and dark."

"Hmm. He always did that. The dark is something he fears, I think." Fingers threaded through Harry's hair and he let out a contented purr. "What was their answer?"

"The same we always give. An envoy, but really a spy, to look at the situation. Dumbledore won't know who they are or where they will be, so he won't be able to manipulate what they see and hear to suit his own needs."

"Who are they sending, Harry?" Silence met his question and he shifted to better look at the young man by his side. Hooking a finger under the chin, he lifted Harry's face until the soft emerald's met his. "It's you, isn't it?"

Harry nodded. "Yes." his voice was soft, barely audible. "But they want to send the Circle as well."

"Transfer students are too--."

"Suspicious, yes, I know." Harry unwrapped himself from his mate and stood up, beginning to pace beside the bed. "But we aren't going to transfer. Dumbledore, the Ministry and Hogwarts will be offering us, and a lot more students, temporary accommodation."

"Why?" Tom was at a loss as to why they would do that. Durmstrang was perfectly safe, and he would never dream of attacking any of the European schools. He rather liked having Harry by his side, rather than yelling at him over a simple attack. He had tried it once and had been denied access to the young man, whether mentally or physically, until he swore he wouldn't do it again.

Harry gave him an exasperated look. "Think, Tom."

He blinked. "Why would I do that?"

"Are we thinking the same thing?"

"I won't attack Durmstrang! I swore to you I wouldn't do it without…proper…reason." He trailed off before biting his lower lip, something which made him look younger than late twenties appearance. "You won't kill me for it?"

Harry laughed. "There are terms, love, that you have to abide by in order for this to work." He sat back down on the bed, turning so he could watch his mate. "The attack needs to be devastating enough so that the English press pick up on it. The school has to be inhabitable for most of the year, which gives us ample time to get what we need safely. And there most be no casualties. At all."

"That's going to be hard, but I'm sure I can arrange it. You won't be there, will you?" Tom tried to keep the fear and hope from his voice, but it wavered all the same.

Emerald eyes laughed, but the face remained the same, just the barest hint of a smile. "Yes. I need to be. If I'm not, and someone mentions it, Dumbledore could catch wind of it and then he'll watch me closer than he will anyway. I have to be. Besides, I can make sure your Death Eaters don't accidentally hurt someone."

"Our Death Eaters. You lead them as much as I do."

Harry gave him a quick peck on the lips. "I know. Can you do it?"

Tom sighed in defeat. "Yes. I'll need a few weeks to organise those to go and how and when is the best time to do it."

"Good. I'll send them a message later. But for now…" He grinned mischievously before pouncing on his mate.

"At least you'll be closer." Were the last words to make it out of Tom's mouth before it was crushed by Harry's.