A/N: Hey! I felt like maybe I should reward all my readers with a new chapter, because you guys make me feel so loved! Thankyou to everyone who reviewed, read, or put this story on alert on even your favourites list. This story has been hit over 4,000 times and...really, there are no words to express how grateful I am. I hope you guys enjoy the new chapter, and the sort of mini introduction to another important...individual.

For anyone who was wondering why the Durmstrang students, Remus and Lily didn't contact their own Ministry about Dumbledore's change to their plans, I hope this will be answered just a little more.

Chapter Five-- Strike One, Two To Go

It was dark. The moon vainly tried to shine her silvery rays through the curtains surrounding the seven four-poster beds. She failed, of course, and Phanta cried for her. She had always like the moon; she was a great entity. Courageous, beautiful, sad, joyful, secret, mysterious, open. they were all words to use to point her out. Wizards saw her as a large rock that orbited their planet. They saw here as the only way to track and punish Werefolk. They saw her as useful in potions and wards.

But they never saw her. Phanta did. She always had. And so did her Master.

She swivelled her head and looked at one of the enclosed beds. Beyond those curtains, she knew not to go right now. He would scowl and frown and glare, he wouldn't hurt her, oh no. But she would feel bad. His mate was far away and they were in danger here. She felt the feathers on her body rise slightly, and she lifted her wings. They were gossamer, perfect, shimmery things. They caught the light of the moon.

A movement in the shadows caught her attention and a large Persian suddenly appeared. Phanta cooed slightly and the cat turned pale blue eyes on her. She stopped and waited, patiently, silently, for the other to communicate. A low purr echoed about the room and she beat her wings in giddy joy. Tiny wings, furry, with feathers, flapped twice on the cat. Large paws, huge, big enough to catch bad people, flexed and it padded silently across to her. It sat below her, gazing up with glowing eyes.

Ferio. She liked Ferio. He was strong and swift, he could hunt and protect. He was her Master's pack mate's familiar. He was family.

Phanta cooed again and raised her head back up. Her onyx eyes glittered as her silver body glowed. The touch of the moon was hers, special, unique. She shared it with her Master, only him, no one else. But Master's mate was special, unique, mysterious. She like the smell of him. He talked to her, hissing and crooning. He cared for her Master, he held him, protected him, loved him.

Phanta was many things, she knew. She was special, oh yes, she was special. Her Master was special. He was many things. He had to be protected. Here, where Old Long Beard could get him, use him.

She was many things. But most of all, Phanta was Harry Evans' familiar.

HPLVHPLVHPLVHPLVHPLVHPLVHPLVHPLVHPLVHPLVHPLVHPLVHPLV

Mere yawned and rested her cheek on her fist, blearily blinking and glaring half-heartedly at Darren. The wolf was infuriating. He smirked at her and continued to pile food on his plate. She wrinkled her nose in disgust, sighing as her amber eyes glided over the hall.

Hogwarts was odd. Everything about it was somehow twisted, like the original concept had been lost over the centuries. She supposed it had. The Founder's probably hadn't wanted any of this; they had wanted to teach, despite their later arguments.

Something warm and solid brushed against her shins and she smiled slightly, a hand sliding down to rest on the head of her familiar, Ferio. The velvety fur was soft, and she carded her fingers through it, wondering where Harry was and how long it would take him to come down and stop Darren from dying from all the food he was eating.

A slight shift in those around her, a tensing of muscles and the jumping of magic, caused her to glance up, following their line of sight until she saw what was causing the commotion. With a soft growl, she jumped up and strode over to the Entrance Hall doors, Ferio padding silently behind her.

Levelling her amber eyes on the group of Gryffindor's, her voice came out silkily, but hard as steel. "And what are we doing here, boys? Didn't your mummy's ever teach you not to hurt girls?"

The Durmstrang fifth year sent her a grateful smile, and scampered away to join her fellows. One of the Gryffindor's, with a head of frightfully shocking reddish-orange hair, sneered and grabbed the edges of her cloak, yanking her forward and then pushing her into the stone walls outside the Hall.

"I don't think you should talk to us like that." His friends stepped closer. "Especially when you are outnumbered."

She caught sight of Daniel in the group. Anger rose to the surface, but before she could speak another did, a brush of dark magic against her skin making her sag slightly.

"I don't think that would be wise."

Harry glared at the boys, his eyes glinting dangerously. Unfortunately the look was ruined by the small silver Faerie Dragon. Phanta was currently curled up on his head, the gossamer wings draping down by his ears and the long tail swinging like a happy dogs might. But the small dragon was watching them all with fathomless eyes.

The red head laughed. "Oh, it's you again. Want me to break a few more ribs? I heard you didn't go to Pomfrey, so they might just be in the right spot to cripple a Death Eater like you."

Emerald eyes flashed angrily. Mere swore before she motioned with her hand. The red head frowned at her in confusion. A low, menacing growl sounded behind them. Ferio fixed him with pale eyes, the brown paws padding silently as he lowered himself into a hunting crouch. The small wings grew slightly, enough so that if he needed to move fast, they would aid him in that endeavour, but not enough for flight.

Phanta raised her head and stood up on top of Harry's head. Her wings rose and flared out around her, a piercing whistle echoing around the Entrance Hall, before the sound bounced into the Great Hall. There was a clatter, and the sound of many people moving, the voices of surprised students and the angry yell of a Hogwarts Professor.

Shooting into the foyer, the seventh year Durmstrang students skidded to a stop. The anger on their faces was expected, but the myriad of creatures was not. There were several wolves, a large serpent, a variety of colourful and powerful birds, including a red and black phoenix, there was even an odd looking dragon with no legs that was floating in a coil above its Masters head.

Mere almost grinned at the look of shock and fear on the Gryffindor's faces. Almost. Even the small elation she had felt then was quickly doused as the redhead grabbed Harry and slammed him into the stone wall, his head cracking backwards into it.

"You Death Eater bastard! Familiars are banned in England!" He leaned in close and hissed, "I'm telling Dumbledore."

Harry shoved him back, the power behind it causing him to slide and crash into one of his friends. Emerald eyes glittered as he looked down at them, a thick gold line surrounding his irises. "It would do you a world of good, Weasley, if you were stop harassing my fellow peers."

Darren shoved his way through the crowd, laying a hand on Harry's shoulder and protectively pulling Mere away from the offensive group. She gave him a grateful smile. He was annoying, and ate far too much, but he was one of them and he was useful after all. His dark eyes glimmered a faint gold, as several other pairs of eyes did, and she was suddenly worried for her pack mates.

"They're not worth it. We're here to stay safe, not to fight with ignorant wizards who have nothing better to do than pick on neutral parties."

Harry nodded; his eyes flickered over the Gryffindor's. "Mark my words, if one more Durmstrang student is accosted I'll take this so far over your heads that not even your esteemed Headmaster or your bumbling Minister will be able to save your asses."

Daniel seemed to pale, before he snapped back, "If you're talking about the Guild Council, than you're wrong! They stand by us, by the side of the Light! Not Death Eater wannabes like you!"

Mere snorted, and Harry's lips twitched. "The Guild Council is completely neutral, Potter. They wouldn't stand by one side." She tapped her nose as they all turned and began to file back into the Hall. "It's the balance they care for."

HPLVHPLVHPLVHPLVHPLVHPLVHPLVHPLVHPLVHPLVHPLVHPLVHPLV

Dumbledore was fuming. The altercations between the seventh year Gryffindor's and Durmstrang students were becoming increasingly dangerous. And it was the first official day! He couldn't allow it to continue, it was putting both his plans and the students in danger. After all, Remus hadn't denied that they were taught the Dark Arts at his school.

He sighed and looked down at the letter on his desk. It was a reply from Cornelius Fudge to a letter he had sent only that morning. He was grateful that he had had the insight to wrap the man around his proverbial pinkie.

Dumbledore,

Your idea is most likely the best course of action and will promote a more peaceful atmosphere between Hogwarts and Durmstrang. Regretfully, I have not been able to contact Krum, and, as such, I grant you permission to go forward with this plan of yours.

Take care though, from all accounts, they are powerful, capable students who hold nothing back. If you find Dark Wizards, inform me immediately. Even the first years have shown an in-depth knowledge of the Dark Arts.

Cornelius

He gave a benign smile, before rising from his seat. He turned to Fawkes and sighed, reaching out to stroke his familiar. The red and gold phoenix trilled softly, sadly. "What is wrong, my friend?"

Fawkes looked at him with his onyx eyes and trilled again, several sharp notes before he seemed to coo.

"What I am doing is for the greater good. I must reign in Harry and his friends. My Gryffindor's are in danger from them."

He looked around as a snort issued from the four portraits of the Founders. Salazar gave him a scathing look before pointedly looking away.

"Is something the matter, Salazar?"

Blue eyes narrowed, but he chose not to speak to him. Godric shifted in his frame, his gloved hand stroking over the furry mane of the lion by his side. His own dark eyes were sparking with unleashed anger.

"Godric? What ever have I done?"

The wizard looked at him, but also chose not to speak to him. Rowena and Helga were glaring daggers at him, the eagle and badger within their portraits shifting uneasily.

"Will none of you speak to me?" Silence. "I am the Headmaster!" Still they did not speak. "I command that you SPEAK TO ME!!"

Helga shook her head and sighed. The other three stubbornly ignored his command. "Dear Albus, we are not pleased with you."

"I have done nothing."

"You have done everything!" Salazar's eyes burned with fury. "You will turn the Council away! Do you even realise that?"

Rowena nodded. "It's true, Albus. They have spies everywhere, and they watch your actions. They want to know if you are honest in your dealings with them."

"Of course, he's not." Godric scoffed. "It's always the Light for him. I turn my back on you, Albus."

The four gave him one last look before vanishing from the paintings. He glared at the empty portraits. "How dare you!" When there was no answer, he huffed and turned back to his desk. Fawkes was sitting there, a mournful expression on the beautiful creatures face. "I have done nothing wrong, Fawkes. This will be better for us, you will see my friend."

Fawkes trilled, before vanishing in a bright burst of phoenix fire, leaving a fuming Albus Dumbledore to ponder his next course of action.

HPLVHPLVHPLVHPLVHPLVHPLVHPLVHPLVHPLVHPLVHPLVHPLVHPLV

Harry stretched his arms above his head; ignoring the indignant hiss Phanta gave him as his hand whacked her wing on the way up. He smirked up at her as her silver head swung down to glare at him. "You know, upside down, you remind me of a ferret."

She hissed angrily and swatted him with her long tail. "Ferret's are for eating! Not for looking like." She gave a sniff and her head vanished to rest once more on top of his hair. "Besides, from here you smell like bacon. And I do so love bacon."

Harry rolled his eyes and continued down the corridor. It was the third day since they had arrived and his muscles were so tense that he had snapped at a first year Hufflepuff. He had immediately apologised and conjured a beautiful white, everlasting, rose; but he still felt bad for it. He jumped at every sound and every single Gryffindor was viewed now as an enemy. It wasn't just the seventh year boys that were posing a threat to them now.

The first years didn't know enough to cause a problem, but the years above them could rally together and cast a single spell, which would result in poor Marci tending to dozens of injuries. Dumbledore had told them to visit the infirmary and a Madam Pomfrey, but he wasn't inclined to allow them to gauge the amount of power and the extent of the Dark Arts knowledge.

He entered the Great Hall silently. The tables were mostly full, as classes resumed today. Every single Durmstrang student was there, many casting covert glances about the hall. They were nervous, and he could smell it in the air. He sighed and passed by the Gryffindor table on his way to his own. For some reason, Dumbledore had believed it a great idea to sit the two tables by each other. Which further proved the fact that he was a delusional old coot.

It's not like you to jump to conclusions, Harry.

Tom... Harry gave a slight smile as he sat beside Mere, who simply glared at him for even that semblance of a smile. I miss you.

I'm always here, in your mind, for anything you need.

A surge of desire set his nerves on fire. He barely managed to hide the flushed look he suddenly gained. I am in public, you know.

And that matters to me, why?

Because Dumbledore is sitting at the Head Table staring at me?

Let me see, he hissed in Harry's head.

Relinquishing his tight control of his mind and allowing Tom to see through his own eyes, he felt his head swivel and take in the whole hall, before his mate's presence vanished, only to return in his mind. Does he suspect who and what you are?

I don't think so. He reached forward and piled his plate with bacon, eggs, hash browns and toast. Grabbing a thin piece of bacon, he lifted it up to Phanta, musing on the idea. If he did, he would certainly attempt to make living here safe for my peers and me. I told the Council...

What has he done?

Nothing. And that's the problem. He looked up as Mere poked him. "Hmm?"

"You're still holding your hand up, you know?" She pulled his arm down from where it had hovered near Phanta. "And I get the feeling Dumbles is up to something."

He looked up to the front and frowned. Dumbledore looked positively gleeful, the twinkle in his eyes bright enough to catch the attention of even the most dim-witted student. "I wonder what he's going to do."

"Something that bodes bad for us, I can tell." Marci sighed and rested her head on her hand. Her pale gold eyes fixed onto Harry. "I'm going to need to train a fifth year if we keep going this way all year."

He nodded, scanning the fifths that sat intermingled with the older students. Protection was high on their minds, and they had attempted to cast a shield spell over their table yesterday, only to find that Dumbledore refused it.

Perhaps Dumbledore is planning a way on breaking you all up. Together you and your peers are nigh invincible. But alone...

We fall slightly. Harry frowned. I'll have to stop him from harming them somehow, but without knowing what he's up to, I can do nothing. He looked up and caught his mother's and Remus' gazes. They gave him a slight frown and shrug, when he looked pointedly at the Headmaster.

They are not aware of anything? I thought everything had to be cleared with them and the Bulgarian Ministry.

It does. He blinked and watched as Dumbledore stood, the entire hall becoming silent. Here we go.

Hi-ho, hi-ho...

Harry snorted, gathering several glares from the Gryffindor's, which he merely ignored. Mature, Tom.

"Welcome, Durmstrang students, to the first official day to your year here at Hogwarts. I judge that the last two days have been less than comfortable, but the Ministry has agreed to try and contain this problem by promoting a more friendly atmosphere between you all."

Harry glared up at him. "Most likely it bodes ill for us."

Darren nodded, the witch beside him frowning as she leaned on his shoulder. "Your mum doesn't look happy."

And she didn't. In fact, Lily looked murderous. But the look wasn't just reserved for Dumbledore it seemed. She had been seated right beside James Potter.

"I wonder if mum even considers removing any semblance of man hood…"

Several students snickered, before silencing as Dumbledore spoke again.

"As you can all see, the Sorting Hat has been placed before you all, a rare act outside of the first night here." He smiled at them, ignoring the murderous gazes the seventh year Durmstrang students were sending his way, it was obvious they knew now what he was up to. "If Minerva could please read the names out, we will sort our guests into their temporary Hogwarts Houses."

Harry's entire being froze then. "NO!"

Lily and Remus stood as well. "Albus, this is unacceptable!"

"I will not allow my students to be subjected to anymore acts of violence!"

The seventh years stood as Harry and Mere made their way towards the front of the hall. Emerald eyes flashed and glowed, gold becoming prominent as they swirled. "As Head Boy, I refuse to allow my peers to be put under this barbaric way of separating students!"

"And as Head Girl, I support this refusal. I am sure that our Headmaster will agree that this is in direct contradiction of the terms set by our Ministry."

Remus nodded, his amber eyes sparking with anger. "Miss Swiner is correct, Albus. It was agreed that they would stay as they were. We are merely staying here, as guests, not students to be placed under this Sorting. You know that."

"Minister Fudge has agreed that it would be the best course of action to resolve the increasingly violent outbursts your students are having towards my own."

Dumbledore looked so smug, and Harry was so angry, that his emerald orbs flashed red for a split second. No one saw it, which was good, but Tom was furious at his old Headmasters audacity.

He cannot do that! It would place you in more danger!

James gave what should have been a reassuring grin. "Don't worry, I'm sure the Heads can insure the safety of their new, temporary students."

Remus spun and glared at him. "Our Ministry would never have agreed to this! And I refuse to allow it!"

Dumbledore gave him a cheerful smile, before holding a parchment out. "I think you'll find they did, Remus."

The werewolf read it and paled slightly. He passed it to Lily, who scanned it and passed it on to Harry and Mere with shaking hands.

Dear Headmaster Albus Dumbledore,

Though we regret having to agree to these new terms, we have been left with little choice. As it appears that your own students, particularly those within Gryffindor House, have become hostile, we must assume that three years of Durmstrang students have retaliated.

You will need to control this prejudice in the future. Our students are highly trained witches and wizards with no fear for causing harm if provoked into an altercation.

So, we are sad to agree to your ideas, but, as stated, we have no choice left. We allow you to Sort our students into your House system. But we request that you allow them to continue their correct studies in a way suitable for them, which means that they will require unrestricted access to the more dangerous and darker books within your library.

These are our terms.

Christof Krum

Harry's head shot up and he stared in disbelief down at the ratty looking Sorting Hat. Mere gave him a sad smile, before turning and walking back down to their table. "So we will be forced to sit with those who have attempted to harm us?"

Remus gave him a slow nod, anger burning in his eyes.

He abruptly spun, allowing the letter to flutter to the ground. He stalked back to their table where Mere waited for him. Taking a deep breath, he addressed his peers. "We are to be Sorted."

There was an instant outcry. The seventh years, who had remained standing, began to move in a defensive gesture, automatically surrounding the fifth years, who looked absolutely terrified at the idea.

"We have no choice." Mere said softly, her amber eyes dark with anger. "But it does not mean that any of you will be left alone. We cannot contest this decision, as Krum has agreed to it."

"In addition," Harry raised his voice. "We will have access to the Restricted section in their library, which, as we well know, contains rare books that would aid us in our studies."

"It is still too much! Ve vill have no defence against them!"

"We will find a way." Marci looked paler than usual, possibly because she knew that there would be more injuries. "We always do."

How will I protect them, Tom, if I have to watch every student of the House I end up in?

I don't know.

A/N: Yay! See, look? A little more plot, a little more mystery, a little bit more to question! Sorry, but the time in the chapters will slow down alot, at least for a few. I'm currently finishing off chapter twelve, so we don't have to worry about me suddenly having writer's block, or as I like to call it, authoras blockus, because I already have chapters ready! And I think maybe cutting down on sugar would be wise...