Reviews.
A.W
I don't think anything short of a lobotomy would make Luna more normal. As for worshipping Sanguine he may be more of a trickster than out right world ending evil like say Molag Bal but he's still an evil god who wants to corrupt people so Damien is right be worried. On the other hand. Harem. Harem. Harem !
Shacklebolt on the staff? He's an Auror not a teacher. Moody teaches defence in the Goblet of Fire. Did I give an impression otherwise? If so didn't mean to.
Ah the Greater Good issue so many people seem to think the Dumbledore is simply using those words as tools in a bid to control people but that might not be the case.
The expression the Greater Good comes from utilitarianism. A person guided by the utilitarian ethic believes in the greater good for the greater number of people even at the expense of an individual's happiness. For example Dumbledore allowed Harry to suffer and die in order to bring about the end of Voldemort which in a big picture sense was a good thing because it means that Voldemort died rather than go around killing people forever due to being an immortal mass murderer. So from a purely utilitarian point of view Dumbledore did the right thing. In fact it still would have been right thing to do even if Dumbledore purposely led Voldemort to go kill baby Potter because while it sucked big time for Harry it did led to ten years or so of peace for the Wizards which was good for a lot of other people.
If Dumbledore really does believe in utilitarianism (which is possible because in the era Dumbledore grew up utilitarianism was quite popular read Hard Times by Charles Dickens for an example) then it was for the Greater Good if you put aside your own morals for a few moments and try to see it from a utilitarian point of view you can understand why Dumbledore did what he did. I'm not agreeing with it but I can understand his reasons but still yeah is an ass.
Damien is actually doing this as well just not always on purpose and he's actually willing to get his hands dirty. In his mind killing the Death Eaters is for the greater good as would be overthrowing, or at least reforming, the magical government in order to create a more fair and just society.
However he isn't going to take power for wealth, tail and prestige. Remember the prophecy? Also he has wealth so that's not an issue. He doesn't need power to get girls given that he's rich, handsome and charismatic. As for prestige he's got some of that he could get more easily without requiring power just by doing what Lockhard pretends he did but for real. Or he could go be a hero on other worlds if he wanted glory.
While its true that Damien might be a villain his ideals are more noble than getting control over people in order to get laid its more about creating a better Wizarding World. Then again the road to hell is paved with good intentions.
Also always remember that I am a Sith at heart. Power is about gaining freedom. The more power, wealth and control a person has the more options they have and having the most options in your life means you have more freedom to do as you please. If only my few morals wouldn't get in my way what a life I could lead.
I think I'd go for the boring safe school. Less dead children that way.
douchiesnacks
Enjoy the game and my sympathies on the tooth pulling it does not sound pleasant.
The First Gothic. Book One. A Wizard In Training. Part 22.
St. Mungo's Hospital. Long Term Spell Damage Ward. The Wizarding World.
When I woke up there was a rather sexy nurse standing over me waving her wand up and down by body. My first instinct was to stop her but I couldn't move my body it ached too much to allow that.
"Stay still" requested the nurse "I'm just examining you for injuries. You were hit by a rather nasty cruico".
So it had been the torture curse then. I'd heard about that spell and seen it in action but you have to feel it to know just how bad it was.
"Bloody Death Eaters" said a voice on the other side of me "torturing kids they should all get the Kiss".
I couldn't turn my head enough without hurting myself to see who was talking but it was a male voice and not a happy one.
"If Fudge has his way they will" replied the sexy mediwitch "the Ministry is not happy about being embarrassed in front of all those foreigners".
"Skeeters saying as much in the papers" informed the male voice "but its not the Ministry's embarrassment that will get them the Kiss it'll be the protesters".
Either I'd been a sleep for a while or Wizards could organise a protest really fast.
"Its not just the Prophet either" added the nurse "that Outcast newsletter really got people angry by telling them all about how some kids got killed or tortured".
How the hell had the Outcasts managed that? I wrote that newsletter. Luna might have been able to manage it alone but... Of course Neville and Ginny they must of written something quickly got it to Xeno could print the newsletter over night and have it all over Wizarding Britain by morning. He might not be the best Dad ever but he would do something about Luna being put in danger even if it only involved printing the newsletter.
"You should be able to move now" said the male voice and I turned to see a middle aged Healer looking at me "your in the long term spell damage ward but don't worry you'll recover. Your only here cause the Minister wanted you and your girlfriend somewhere the reporters wouldn't find you. So lucky you, you get your own private room".
That made sense. If Fudge had did indeed have some intention of having me replace Malfoy as his adviser and financial backer in a few years time he would make sure I got favourable treatment.
This was supported by the fact that I'd been invited to sit with him during the match (despite the fact that I already had tickets) and I was pretty sure the seats Luna, Xeno and myself had sat in would have been for the Malfoys originally.
I was then told that Luna was still knocked out but that she also had no long term damage to worry about as she just taken a few stunners but before I could get fully out of bed and confirm this for myself the Minister decided to pop in for a visit.
"Ah Damien I'm glad to see that your up" said Fudge with genuine sounding pleasure in his voice "I just wanted to pop by and check in on you before you head back to school in a few days."
Did he now that was nice of him. There must be something in this for him. Positive PR maybe, visiting sick children was good for that.
"You'll be happy to know that all your belongings were recovered along with your tent. Which were returned to the Rookery as that is where you are officially staying during the summers".
I remembered that technically I was a ward of the state but since I lived at Hogwarts most of the time there had been no point in anyone adopting me when I could just spend my summers at a friend's house. Benefits of being from an important Pureblood family. No Muggle Orphanage for me.
"Your betrothed will recover I am told and your future Father In Law is fine as are you school friends. Very lucky all things considered".
Always eager to get more information I asked a question.
"How bad was the attack Minister?".
Fudge seemed to deflate a little as he answered.
"Very bad I am afraid. The dead are still being counted. Many visitors from around the world are fleeing the country which is causing a lot of problems with the Muggles. There not stupid after all. With thousands of people in robes running around the country how could they not notice that something is wrong".
Actually knowing Muggles as I did they were more likely to think it was a bunch of new age druids running amok rather than real life Wizards but Fudge had a point it would cause problems.
Here in the 1990s it wouldn't be to bad no one had camera phones and there was no Youtube to post videos of all the Wizards on but still the papers and news would talk about it. This must be stressing out the Ministry staff no end.
"But that's not for you to worry about" assured Fudge "what is of concern to everyone is the Death Eaters. A few of them died, a few more escaped but most of them are in custody. I'm getting a lot pressure to give them all the Kiss".
Fudge might not care for my advice but he would pretend to so I gave it as there was a small chance he might listen if he was thinking of grooming me to replace Malfoy.
"They should be Kissed" I said "They attacked children like me with me dark magic. I got hit by a curico I've heard about that spell you have to want to torture someone to use which means whoever got me wanted to torture me and I'm a kid".
At times like this my enhanced charisma really comes in handy.
"Your right of course" Fudge agreed "and the protest at the Ministry supports this as does that Outcast Newsletter".
"You've read it?" I asked in a tone of surprise.
"Oh yes" replied Fudge "its been a bit of a thorn in my side but no more than the Prophet can be, its actually a very good publication it made me realise just how dangerous posting the Dementors at the school could have been".
I was pleased by this as that had been the intention all along. Public opinion was a useful tool at times.
"Dumbledore told me once that he suspects that you were behind the paper as it seems focused around Hogwarts and many events that you were either part of or at least witness to. But you have been asleep since the attack so he clearly guessed wrong. I suspect that its the work of some former students who have younger siblings still inside the school".
Well that was relief. I didn't know if Nev and Gin had purposely gotten a paper out for the reason of lifting suspicion from me but that didn't really matter right now.
"So the Death Eaters will be Kissed?" I asked wanting to get back to the issue at hand.
"With the break out I don't see that we have a choice" explained Fudge "we found Barty Crouch Junior who was suppose to be have died in Azkaban along with the Death Eaters we captured. That combined with Black's earlier escape and the mass break out just weeks ago its clear that we no longer contain these criminals".
The news about Crouch was great that meant I didn't have to deal with a Death Eater pretending to be a teacher. But the news about the break out did worry me. Even without a body Voldemort could be very dangerous if he had followers to order around. They had to dealt with quickly. To ensure this I urged the Minister to take action hoping that my words would have some effect.
"They aren't just criminals Minister they are child abusers, murderers and terrorists. Criminals steal and kill for money terrorists kill for a cause and their cause is the death of everyone who isn't one of them. They are not criminals they are monsters".
My passionate statement seemed to have an effect but there was someone who could counter my powers with words of his own.
"It saddens to me hear you say that Damien. Even Death Eaters deserve a chance for redemption".
I should of kept my mouth shut at this point but the Headmaster's words angered me.
"Damn you Dumbledore your just enabling them. Don't you see that. They don't want redemption if they did they would never of attacked anyone at the World Cup. They had a chance to walk away from that life but they came back and more people died".
Both authority figures seemed quite shocked that I said that. Few people ever spoke to the Headmaster like I had just done.
"Naturally your angry" countered Dumbledore "but do not let that angry control you".
He was starting to sound like a wise old Jedi Master.
"Anger leads to hateful actions and that is their way not ours. We should be forgiving even to those who spurn our kindness".
No I was wrong a Jedi Master would take his lightsabre and kill the Death Eaters he just wouldn't do it while angry. I didn't have that kind of control I was very angry.
"Fine lock them up" I argued back "then they can escape again and kill more people. Then you'll lock them up again and they will escape again. This will just carry on until were all dead. They have no respect for law and order they're psychopaths who should be put down like the rabid animals that they are!"
My point wasn't that well phrased but my enhanced charisma combined with the passion in my voice won this round. As Fudge listened to me he seemed to be driven by that passion.
"The lad has a point Dumbledore" agreed Fudge in strong tone of voice "if we show mercy we may be seen as weak"
"Please both of you. Vengeance is not the way" cautioned Dumbledore with desperation in his voice.
"This isn't vengeance Headmaster" I corrected "vengeance would be to attack the friends and family of those Death Eaters or to simply kill them. Putting those murderers on trail and then giving them the Kiss is justice, harsh justice yes but also necessary. The Ministry needs to send a clear message to those who would attack the innocent by making it clear that any further attacks will be dealt with. Then the remaining Death Eaters will be to afraid to harm anyone else".
Now that had had been phrased much better and it seemed to be very effective on not just Fudge but also the staff that heard. They looked ready to start clapping. The Minister was almost totally convinced if I pushed just a little more Dumbledore would be unable to change Fudge's mind later.
"Your stance of forgiveness is admirable Headmaster and those Death Eaters who show true repentance should be left alone but those that attacked us at the World Cup are not seeking repentance they were just waiting for the chance to go back to their old ways. They are evil people and all that is required for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing".
That last bit was borrowed from a much wiser person than myself but the words worked.
"He's right Dumbledore!" the Minister said his voice booming for all to hear "they had their chance for redemption many of those Death Eaters captured last night were let lose at the end of the last war, but given the chance they went right back to their old ways. I will not allow them to bring those dark days back. The peace must be kept!"
Wow until now I'd never really seen enhanced charisma in action like this. I'd always know that I could charm people into trusting and liking me but I'd had no idea how easy it was to make people see things my way. Clearly my powers were growing. I really could be the next Dark Lord.
Fudge stormed out of the building like a man driven to action rather a politician who bent to the whims of those who lined his pockets. Those captured Death Eaters were as good as Kissed.
Dumbledore gave me a concerned look and I knew that from now on he would be keeping a very close eye on me but for now I'd won I just wondered what this victory would cost me.
I didn't think he would go as far as to attack me directly. He'd put me in danger once to make himself look like the good guy (I'd seen right through that) but he wasn't the kind to get his hands dirty. More likely he'd show his displeasure with me in a more subtle way.
"You have visitors" informed the Headmaster rather coldly "the Healers will only allow two people in at once time so I will send Miss. Granger in first".
Dumbledore's normal aura of kindly grandfather was gone he looked old and tired. His time was nearly over I could feel it. Soon he would be gone and he knew that I could sense it.
The Headmaster left and Granger appeared with the traditional bunch of grapes as well as get well soon card her card was a Muggle one I noticed store brought which meant she'd gone to the Muggle world to get one before coming here.
I didn't think Granger would have been allowed to wander off alone after the attack but clearly she had perhaps the Weaslys didn't care about her that much.
"This a surprise" I said after taking a few seconds to calm down from my last visit.
"I thought we were friends" she said "friends visit friends who are in hospital".
Fair point but we'd never been close despite our little heart to heart.
"How did you know I was here?" I asked.
A copy of the Daily Prophet was presented. My name was mentioned as someone the heroic Auror's had saved. An attempt to make the Ministry look good obviously.
Granger emptied a paper bag which contained cards from Nev and Ginny. Ron and Harry had signed Ginny's card and I assumed that the Wizard junk food was from them as Ginny knew I didn't eat that stuff. Still it was nice of them.
"The Carrow twins are waiting to see you" informed Granger.
"Who are they" I questioned.
"Slytherins" she answered with the normal tone of destine her school house had for their rivals "they're Purebloods, very old Wizarding family. Like yours".
"I'm a half blood" I reminded the teen.
"I just mean there part of the Sacred Twenty-Nine" she explained "Like the Malfoys and the Masons".
"And the Weasly family" I pointed out.
That document was out of date and it was all lies anyway there's not such thing as Pureblood these days. If there ever had been real Purebloods it didn't matter any more as what was left by now were insane inbred killers and one very large clan of red heads who weren't exactly a sane lot in my view.
"So why are they visiting you?" the girl inquired.
"A little quid pro quo please Granger" I requested with mock hurt "I'm on my death bed here you know".
She knew I was teasing but she went along with it. Perhaps because I was the only student who knew what quid pro quo meant at least out of those who would talk to her. Intellectual discourse was rare at Hogwarts even in the bird house.
"I don't know why they are visiting me I'd never heard of them until you mentioned them".
Okay now my turn.
"How is Potter? I mean really is he okay? He should be living with his godfather rather than his abusive family".
She should of asked how I knew these things but she had to answer my questions first that was how the game worked.
"Harry is freaked out by the attack and locked up inside... his godfather's house. This Aunt is saying with him because his Uncle and Cousin are still missing".
She couldn't say where he was due to a certain charm. Interestingly while I couldn't say the name of the place either I did know where it was. The charm must not work on me for me for some reason, perhaps it was because I'd gotten the secret when reading the Order of the Phoenix.
The news that Potter's Aunt was at the Order's Headquarters intrigued me. It was either for her protection or maybe it had something to do with those blood wards.
"My turn" she reminded "and answerer truthfully"
I'd either answer truthfully or just not answer.
"Are you behind the Outcast paper?".
"Yes" I answered simply.
"Why did you...".
I stopped her there.
"Remember quid pro quo" I reminded her in a serious tone of voice.
She couldn't help but giggle for some reason perhaps it was pjs it hard to take some seriously when they look like their Mummy should be taking care of them.
"At least it explains why you are so well informed about everything" she said with a sigh of relief.
"The Hogwarts gossip network is a great source of information" I told her with a cheeky smile on my face "That one was free".
"Its your turn" she insisted.
Well there were many things I wanted to know and given my Seer was out of action I did need to use more conventional sources of information but Granger wasn't an unlimited source of knowledge so I'd have to ask questions she could answer.
"Why are you still hanging with the Ginger Prat?"
"I'm not" she replied "Its just that he's Harry's friend".
I gave her a look that I'd perfected the use of when digging information out of my little brothers and sisters while growing up. It always works.
"Its not like I want to be around him" she insisted "but who else do I have?"
"Well there's me" I said as both of a reminder of our friendship and as an answer to her question "I've been there for you but you seem to prefer to hang around with someone who belittles your intelligence every chance he gets".
Sensing that I was getting through to her I tested out my powers of manipulation and leadership.
"He drags Harry down to. We all know he's important to dealing with Voldemort but he's never going to be the Wizard he can be if the likes of Ron is all he has to count on. We need to get him away from Potter.
It really was a horrible thing to say. Ron was an idiot and a selfish one that but so many teenagers are.
"How?" she asked.
Technically it was my turn again but I was on a role so why quit now.
"Well we could drive him and Harry apart. Show Potter what real friends are like. Make Ron show his true colours by exploiting his weaknesses. That sort of thing".
"That would be mean, Damien" she told me.
I noticed that she said mean not wrong the distinction was important.
"Its called tough love" I told the girl "Harry never had parents so someone needs to look out for him and if needs be take control of at least some parts of his life. The Weasly family is indulgent, they give him acceptance and affection which he does need but they don't challenge him, or encourage him to strive for more. He needs someone for that and that should be you".
At times like this I realised just how lucky I had been to have a parent who supported me but also knew when I needed a kick in the ass in order achieve more.
Xeno then arrived looking as if he wanted to talk to me, no doubt about Luna.
"Think about what I said Granger" I asked of the teenager who had gotten the hint and started to take her leave.
One Hermione was gone my future in law took her seat. He looked very tired and concerned which was completely understandable
"I can't stay long Luna is awake now but they kicked me out so they could examine her fully".
I assumed that meant without her clothes on as even Wizard healers know that having ones parents close by while recovering is important but getting examined while nude is different matter.
That made me worry about when they'd done that to me I was in night clothes and without underwear so someone had stripped me. I found that rather creepy.
"Visiting hours are almost over anyway and do need to go home and get some sleep".
Bugger now I'd have to send the Carrow twins away and invite them back tomorrow as politely as possible. Shame really I was very curious as to why two Purebloods snakes wanted to visit someone they hardly knew at St. Mungos. Ah well it was important they'd come back.
Xeno leaned towards me and whispered.
"I got another issue of your newsletter out rather than publish the Quibbler. Your friends insisted upon it".
Nev and Gin going boldly into action without thinking things through they really were in the right house. Although I surely wasn't.
"My Luna told me that you got hurt".
He only ever called her 'My Luna' when he was deeply concerned about her and it took a lot to make Xeno concerned given how laid back he was.
"She got hurt trying to protect you again didn't she".
He wasn't angry at me despite the fact that he should be but he was troubled by this and he was right to feel that way.
"Yes" I said truthfully "and I don't think that this will be the last time either".
"I want her safe"
He seemed to almost be almost asking me for something.
"I don't control her" I pointed out "she got a strong desire to protect those she cares about and she will act on it. To protect her I'd have to break her heart and I don't think she could take another loss".
Another more normal Father would at this point be demanding that I distance myself from Luna but Xeno wasn't normal and he was smart to know that it wouldn't work anyway.
"Her mother was the same she'd do what she thought she had to do, but she also paid the price for that" said Xeno with great sadness in his voice.
We both sat thinking that Luna would to if she carried on like this.
I often wondered if my future wife knew more about what I would do in the future than I did. Even back when we first met she knew I'd be the next Dark Lord.
Looking back over my life for the last couple of years I began to see Luna's hand in a lot of things. She'd really started the Outcasts who were turning into my version of the Death Eaters only without the fear of death at my hands and the mutual Muggle hating.
She had drop hints that led to us getting betrothed she'd even gone as far as to show me what married life would be like.
We slept in the same bed at the Rookery, something that was becoming more awkward as my body matured.
She'd argued with my House Elf about bringing me that snack the first time we'd lived together. Had that been more than simple jealously or wanting to make it clear who would be taking care of me while I was at her house?
As I manipulated others she was manipulating me and I didn't like that.
Behind every great man is a great woman.
Did Luna want to be that great woman? Was she encouraging me out of a desire to make me who I could be or was I just a tool to bring about the changes she wanted? Did she even know she was doing this? Worse was I the reason this version of Luna was like this or was this the real Luna who I'd brought out of her shell and unleashed upon the world?
So many questions.
"She needs me" I told Xeno "she loves me".
I was sure that she did.
"And I need her but I also want her to live so I'm going to have to... practice some tough love".
"Does that involve dressing up?" asked Xeno "I use to that with Luna's mother she'd wear this...".
"No!" I protested loudly as I really didn't want to hear the end of that sentence.
"Are you sure I still have the outfit it might not fit Luna yet but..".
"No!" I said again.
I was getting really odd looks from the staff now. And from some of patients too but they were already crazy so no harm there. Still I really should close the door, not much point having a private room if everyone can see and hear you.
"I just mean I might need to take a firm hand and stop her from doing something silly" I explained.
"That's what I use to do with the wife" Xeno regrettably informed "she quite it liked when I spanked her".
Actually that might work with Luna she'd enjoy it I was sure but I'd save that for Plan B. Plan A would just involve having a very long talk.
"I think I still have the paddle" Xeno rambled on.
If I didn't know what he was smoking I'd be wondering what it was. At this rate I need some myself.
"How about we save this talk for the Christmas" I suggested to Xeno "I'll try talking to Luna and if that doesn't work we can revisit the spanking idea".
At this was better than him demanding that I break off the planned marriage. Embarrassing relatives I could live with Luna I couldn't live without. I meant that literary I'd get myself killed pretty quickly without her.
"Marvellous" said Xeno "Luna walked in and me and her mother once so she knows what to do".
How the hell could he go from concerned parent to insane parent so quickly?
The Nurse came over with a potion and said.
"Time for sleep now you still need to rest Mr. Mason some dreamless sleep potion is in order".
I was to controlled to thank her out loud but I really wanted to thank her on bended knee for ending the chat I was having.
"I told your other visitors to come back tomorrow morning" informed the Nurse as I got back into bed "they said they would be back in the morning and left you this".
The box she handed me was full of Cauldron Cakes, pricey ones. This could be bad. Wizards don't wrap boxes in clear plastic so there was no way to know if the box had been opened and then resealed so they could be spiked with a love potion. That was something I could deal with later if true and in any case it might just be paranoia
As the Dreamless Sleep potion started to kick in I laid back on my bed and started to wonder about a lot of things but while this normally would cause me a case of insomnia I was soon falling asleep and leaving my troubles behind.