A/N – First I'd like to apologise in the long wait for the next chapter, I've had family commitments and havn't been able to work much but I've now written a couple more chapter so I will try to get out one a week. Secondly Seven Deadly sins is now called Return of the Mages, since editing this story the title did not quite fit with the plot.
My answer to reviews will be at the end of this chapter however some reviews prompted me to resolve some issues. Both Krisimwahz and Somebodystupid have mentioned seeing the story before. As some of my more avid readers (Kordolin) know this story once known as Seven Deadly Sins began life in late 2004 and had 23 chapters posted. Late 2006 I began editing and completely remodelling the story and the new version was posted in May of 2007. Yes many of the elements remained but the story has completely been re-mastered. So please read the story because you'll find a lots changed and improved.
FireWulf
CHAPTER ELEVEN: PRIDE AND PREJUDICE
Riley Monahan stood at the bottom of the stairs looking at the Great Hall. Running his hand through light red/brown hair he sighed. Since his Father's death he didn't seemed concerned about anything. I will avenge him, he thought.
Arh but are you really like your father? A niggling voice asked.
Of course I am I have blue blood running through my veins, he retorted with a hint of doubt creeping into his mind. Shaking his head he made his way over to the notice board, Dumbledore had said all the first years were to have a sponsor. Now on a board outside the great Hall were the postings for sponsors. Six Gryffindor's, Four Ravenclaw's, Five Hufflepuff's and Six Slytherin's. The Gryffindor's read as such:
Maria Aldridge – Lavender Brown
Josh Dumbledore – Hermione Granger
Nina Finnish – Seamus Finnegan
Riley Monahan – Harry Potter
Kelly Spenser – Parvati Patel
Stephen O'Ryan – Neville Longbottom.
The classes had been smaller this year for some reason, it was blamed on Voldemort. Riley harrumphed when he saw his name beside Potter's, executioner of his father. A cold voice sounded behind him.
" You'll pass then with a teacher as your sponsor," a slick voice said and Riley turned Alex Chambers.
" I hate him,"
" Oh yes he killed your Daddy but a little traitor like you will just embrace him," Chambers answered.
" Leave him alone, Chambers," Josh said stepping up. The great-grandson of the Headmaster locked eyes with the Slytherin.
" All you Gryffindor's are all the same," chamber's said, " Think about Monahan, your Father was true to the right side,"
" Get out of here," Josh said again but Riley growled and stalked off into the Great Hall muttering about Stupid Potter. Sitting by Seamus and Dean, the sixth Year's looked like they were deep in conversation. Parvati Patel seemed to be watching Dean dreamily and ignored her boyfriend completely.
" Good Morning," Harry said as he nodded at the two boys' and sat down next Riley.
" I hate you Potter,"
" Well that's a way to start the morning," Harry replied.
" You and that Mudblood Lover shall not win," Riley hissed, " I shall execute you as you killed my father,"
" Such fighting talk for one so young," Harry mused out loud. Seamus and Dean looked up before continuing their conversation. Neville ignored them completely.
" That Mudblood lover shall not win," Harry hissed in anger at his statement.
" Don't threaten me, Voldemort is a Mudblood himself. A filthy half-breed of Muggle and Wizard, Your death shall be at his hand not mine," Suddenly Harry reached forward and grabbed Riley's hand.
" Welcome into my service, Riley Monahan. Your Father was precious to my organisation but I am not one to forgive failures. You shall suffer because your father died," Voldemort purred evilly, " Crucius,"
The boy writhed in agony feeling every bit of the curse being sent by the most evil man in history. When he looked up his golden-brown eyes was smouldering with fire.
" That's the passion I want on my side," Voldemort pressed a white tapered fingertip to the flesh of Riley's left arm. Singed skin burnt and then Riley looked down upon the Dark Mark.
" Now we party, let us welcome our seven new recruits," Lucius Malfoy said. Music played somewhere in the large ballroom. Heavy draperies were closed against the coldness of darkness. Draco Malfoy stepped up to the dazed young boy.
" Welcome to the brotherhood," He handed the boy a beaker of drink. He pulled another boy over.
" When shall we have our initiation?" Draco cried.
" Tonight, Parvati, Cho and Justin are joining later. I hope I get some action with Parvati tonight, she is getting really bored with Finnegan," Dean replied, " We're waiting on Weasley though,"
Subtle the dream shifted and they stood in the street of a town. Thick smoke plumed in the sky. Dean Thomas was whirling his wand as he sent the Crucius curse at a small boy of about six. Draco Malfoy was on his other side grinning and pushing aside a young girl's body. Sickened he turned from Draco and back towards Dean who now had another young boy up against the wall kissing. Parvati sent the flaming spell at a hospital then laughed as the patients screamed to get out. Draco had his arm in Pansy Parkinson's arm now smiling. Suddenly Voldemort appeared with Blaise Zambini and Theodore Nott tied up held by separate men one being Lucius Malfoy.
" Arh my junior death Eaters. Are you having fun Master Malfoy?"
" Yes Milord, Potter can't stop us now,"
" Master Thomas, would you do the honours of killing one of these blood traitors?" Voldemort asked.
" Certainly Milord," he replied, " Avada Kedavra,"
The green light flashed in Riley's eyes and Blaise Zambini died.
" Now Mister Malfoy, Pack Leader," Lucius bowed to his son offering the boy, " I would ask you to do the honours for Mister Nott,"
" Please no," Theodore cried out. Riley saw the uncertainty flash in Malfoy's eyes but the other did not notice the look.
" Milord, this is Pups first rampage I would suggest the blood traitor's death be his happy duty," They all called him Pup which Draco Malfoy had come up with.
Suddenly everyone had disappeared and he stood alone in the street.
" It's not a nice truth is it?" A voice said and Riley whirled. Harry was leaning against a lamppost, " but that is what your father did?"
" C-Can I ask you a few questions?" He gagged.
" Go ahead,"
" Malfoy?"
" I don't know, this is modelled on the truth or what is in their minds. I'm empathic and with that came telepathy. Malfoy is uncertain, at the moment he is huff and puff," Harry answered his lies not seeping into his words.
" Patel, Thomas, Chang and Finch-Fletchley?"
" Voldemort has several spies," Harry returned guardedly, " Be careful who you trust Riley,"
Then Harry let go of the boy's hand. The sequence had seemed so real to Riley, the touch, the smell, and the taste.
" Remember what I told you, Riley," Harry told him and glared at the two boys watching, Seamus and Dean. He got up and walked away.
" God Nott is such a puffter, going out with a twelve year old boy. Man that's disgusting," Dean was saying.
" Well I'm not saying anything, I'm glad I have Parvati. I love her so much," Seamus replied a note of doubt creeping into his voice.
" Harry, Harry," Albus Dumbledore called him as he left the Great Hall, " They're choosing the new Minister today,"
" Good, Are we leaving?"
" Yes, Professor McGonagall will keep the children in the Great Hall as the media have been alerted to something big," Dumbledore replied and led the way to his office. The Pair of them floo-ed to the Ministry of Magic from Professor Dumbledore's office.
Inside the Ministry they were using the Exhibition hall. The Exhibition Hall had not been used in over two hundred years; of course it wasn't called that two hundred years ago. A stage stood opposite the great oak doors so speakers could speak where everyone could hear. The Ministry had kept a tight lid on the Prophet and the public didn't know about the vote of no confidence. Today the Minister would be revealed in a press conference though none of the Magical media knew why they were meeting. Frequently the Hall was empty left dusty and only ever cleaned every once in a while now though it was filled from Ministry members to Magical media. Harry passed through the crowds followed by the Hogwart's Headmaster.
Unexpectedly Harry saw Lucius Malfoy a cloak covering his head. Malfoy saw Harry and their eyes met but Lucius merely tipped his head at the young man and melted into the crowd. Harry smiled and continued on his way to the stage where he met the elder Weasley children and Parents. Percy, of course, wasn't present with his family. He was next to his boss Cornelius Fudge who was sweating. The Higher echelon members of the Rebellion had not told him anything.
" How are you Harry?" Molly Weasley asked, " What are you doing here?"
" Fine, Mrs Weasley it's nice to see you," He replied, " Professor Dumbledore invited me,"
" Do you know what this is about?" she asked the elderly headmaster turning her attention to him. He shrugged his shoulders and pushed Harry onto the stage where he met Amos Diggory. The ruddy-faced wizard had trimmed his brown beard and his eyes sparkled as he shook his hands with his main benefactor.
" Remember your promise Mr Diggory, the Minister for Magic is a strong position especially for this country," Harry said sagely.
" I never thought I would have a sixteen year old benefactor," he replied shaking his head.
" Well you have and the country needs a strong leader," Harry replied. Meanwhile at Hogwart's the children had all remained in the Great Hall after they had completed their breakfast. The entire student's become quiet as Professor Minerva McGonagall stepped up to the front of the hall. Draco Malfoy looked up at the Gryffindor head at the same time several Ravenclaw's cut their conversation shot.
" Good Morning Students," she spoke with her brisk Scottish accent, " today the Ministry is making a very important announcement and it is being broadcast across the WWN, Sonorous,"
" Today Thursday 12th January the Ministry have called an executive media event, our man at the Ministry is Eric Hayes. Eric, what's the atmosphere like?" the main headliner Robert Gravedon asked.
" The atmosphere here is electric Rob, the Ministry is keeping quiet about the event and why we're here although the rumours are something big is about to happen,"
" The last time the Ministry called a media event it was to announce You know who's defeat so what do you think this events about?" Rob said.
" I don't kn-, hold on Kingsley Shacklebolt is stepping up to the mike.
" Good morning Ladies and Gentlemen, I am Kingsley Shacklebolt head Auror for the Ministry. In December last year we received information about corruption in the Ministry, it seems some Wizard and Witches were working with the self proclaimed Lord Voldemort," the audience winced, " The unspeakables ran an independent investigation at the same time as the Order of Phoenix and we realised that the corruption ran to the highest level,"
Albus Dumbledore stepped forward. Chief warlock of the Wizengamot and Headmaster of Britain's most prestigious Magical school looked around the hall at each and every face.
" Myself, Amelia Bones and Kingsley Shacklebolt as senior Members called for a vote of No Confidence last week when we discovered Cornelius Fudge had been taking money from Lucius Malfoy acting as Emissary for Lord Voldemort," Dumbledore led the news sink in as Fudge let loose a howl of guilt and remorse.
" We've held a vote over the last week and Amos Diggory is the new Minister for Magic with Arthur Weasley as Senior Undersecretary to the Minister," Wild applause filled the country at the news. In the Great Hall of Hogwart's Ginny and Ronald Weasley were hugging each other and slapping their friends backs. Congratulations came through the hall as everyone stood in ovation; Amos Diggory was a well-liked man.
X
" Good Afternoon students, this morning you heard a piece of History being made in the Ministry of Magic's long history no Minister have ever been relieved of his duties. But the Administration will get shaken up," Harry spoke to the Gryffindor and Slytherin third years, " One of the subjects that are up for discussion is prejudice against supposed Dark Creatures. What makes a creature Dark or even light?"
" They murder people, sir," a third year Slytherin spoke.
" As I said at the start of the year, that in magic there is no light and dark but what the person decides for example Avada Kedavra can be used as a Death sentence or to ease a patients suffering by letting them go painlessly," Harry explained, " The same can be applied to Dark Creatures, two of the most misunderstood are Vampires and Werewolves,"
Two gasps were released in the room Harry picked them up Annabelle Rose, the fourteen-year-old who was attending Hogwart's at her mothers' request. The second was Cary Mitchell, the young Werewolf.
" Firstly Vampires are not what most people think, not these so called models on Muggle shows. Many think Vampires and Werewolf's have been around centuries but both was created by a foolish Necromancer about a thousand years ago, Vampire's were created by a Magical curse once known as Lust. This made them lust after blood,"
" But Sir doesn't that make them dark?" Kenny French, a Gryffindor third year asked, Harry noticed Annabelle give the young lad a hard stare.
" No, now it is needed for them to survive. Vampires have evolved. There are six Vampire clans in the world, four of them are controlled by monarchs, the most powerful being the Rathraine Family however during the first war with Voldemort some Vampires sided with Voldemort," He explained, " Although the two rogue clans were disowned by the rest of the Vampires the Ministry deemed Vampires as Dark creature so people hunt them down and many of the clans face annihilation,"
Harry continued on the lessons highlighting Vampire and Werewolf attributes and how the two were mortal enemies and why they should not be considered dark. Finally he wound down the lesson as the bell approached.
" Now Students for your homework assignment, I want a foot and a half essay on the Vampire Genocide of Nineteen-Fifty-two and why the Government were wrong to encourage the genocide," As he finished the bell rang for the end of the lesson, Slytherin's dashed for the door quickly followed by the Gryffindor's except two who remained seated. Cary Mitchell and Dennis Creevey, whom sat next to each other and were close friends.
" What may I do for you, Mr Creevey?" Harry asked tidying up; he knew why Cary was waiting.
" May I possible have a word, Professor?" He asked timidly. He was small for his age slightly under Five foot with mousy brown hair which curled but his face was becoming sharper loosing the baby face and Harry realised he would be a handsome man.
" Come up to my office, Ms Mitchell I will be with you in a moment," Dennis followed the young teacher up the stairs into the office. It had changed so much in the six years Harry had attended Hogwart's. Harry looked around the room noting the differences, with Quarrel it smelt of garlic and was filled with fantastical books, with Lockhart it was pictures of himself then Remus had covered it with weird creatures. Moody/Crouch had had dark detectors. And Delores Umbridge had just been too evil to even notice her office.
Now Harry had a beautiful Mahogany desk with gold taloned feet, a bookshelf in the corner had many interesting books on it, from Animagus: the Power Within to Dark Arts and their Curses. On the right hand side was a chest much like Aurors had with several compartments in. Dennis chose to sit on a comfortable chair near the desk wringing his hands tightly.
" What can help you with?" Harry said settling in a seat behind his desk.
" Well Professor Potter, sir, I've come to you because you're nearer my age and well the other boys would call me a Freak and weird, I can't speak to Colin he's always distracted," Dennis said looking at the slightly older boy then suddenly he blurted out, " I'm gay, a faggot, a homo,"
" How did you come to this conclusion?" Harry asked delicately as the young boy buried his head in his hands. After a couple of minutes he looked up at Harry and answered.
" Since before I started Hogwart's when I attended Muggle junior school, we took showers together and I was very interested in boys' bodies. Since then the feeling has increased and well Cary is my best friend but I keep watching Seamus Finnegan, he's hot," Dennis finally looked up into the unnerving eyes of Harry Potter.
" So you've liked boys since before Hogwart's and you feel you're attracted to Seamus Finnegan," Harry said getting his facts right, " It is nothing to be ashamed of, Wizarding world is much more forgiving and even the Muggle way of thinking are coming around,"
" But Sir what about Prejudice you were talking about today? They say Werewolves are vicious and Vampires bloodthirsty baby killers. People still have prejudice for them so how am I going to be looked at for liking boy's?"
" That is the kind of Prejudice I've been speaking about," Harry got up quickly and strode to the door calling Cary inside. Dennis panicked as the girl entered taking a seat nervously opposite Dennis. He never considered, and neither did they, the fact Harry was only three years older than both of them. He had just too much experience and hadn't been 'innocent' for a long time. Voldemort had robbed him of those years before. To them he was an adult, World-weary.
" Now you two everybody hides his or her own secrets but the World Of Magic is far better than the Muggle world for accepting people. Racial views, Sexual Orientation and Gender are among the huge topics people are prejudice against. At the moment we are in times, a time now where we must all look to be accepted, " Harry continued, " Now Mister Creevey has just expressed a view, which, considering his situation is highly prejudice. Mister Creevey has just mentioned the prejudice against Werewolves and Vampires," The vivacious auburn haired girl glared at the boy. Dark Brown eyes flickered with intense anger before the wildness dissipated and she looked at the boy with pity.
" Dennis, you're my best friend and I feel pity for you, you shouldn't be prejudice as Professor Potter says. The world has a lot of views and although we have our own opinions we must be universally accepting of everyone,"
" Um…ok," Dennis said.
" During Christmas one night I was out late with my Muggle friends, a large rabid dog attacked my friend. I saved them but was bitten in the process, being a witch I recognised a Werewolf from our lessons but I didn't tell my Muggle Parents just telling them it was a dog,"
" You're a Dark creature," Dennis said stunned.
" I am a Werewolf but Professor Potter has helped me see that although I change into a creature once a month I am a person really, Look at Remus Lupin. He was our teacher and respected even though he was a Werewolf, Professor Potter is going to speak to my parents about summer arrangements,"
" I…oh…I mean my Uncle was murdered in front of my eyes by a large dog, although we did not know it then I realise now it was a Werewolf. My parents still don't know but I have a fear of them, however since you cannot control fate I-I have to accept what Destiny has thrown at you,"
" That was very adult of you Mister Creevey," Harry beamed. " Now Cary, your first change will be in a few days on the full moon but Albus Dumbledore knows the prejudice and allows Werewolves on the grounds, we already have one who has known for about three months. Usually we allow him to roam the grounds with three other Animagus in Wolf form, it makes him more human like and he is protected as well as it stops him from harming humans," He explained, " We will allow you to join them, the teachers have been told, meet me here before dinner next Thursday, you won't need it,"
" You can go if you like Cary, I haven't finished with Dennis," she left happy and went with a skip in her step.
" I feel Dirty," Dennis commented as soon as she was out the room.
" Have you ever experimented with anyone?" Harry asked diplomatically.
" I've felt different for a long time, when I was about eight I met a boy in the toilets, one of my friends, and he told me the word and touched me and himself. Obviously I was too young to understand but I've grown ever since, earlier this year I saw Seamus naked and I become aroused. I played with myself over the image and I've never played with myself before,"
" It is a time in your life where you're confused and you begin experiment, touching yourself. I'll tell you a little story. The first time I actually, um…played with myself was over Hermione when I was about your age. It was weird, I was in the shower and touched myself and suddenly I had an image of Hermione," Harry explained, " Don't worry it's natural but to your sexual preference, it yours and yours alone,"
Dennis Creevey nodded his head eagerly skipping off to his friends. Thinking back Harry now realised the signs and how obvious the looks were. The final lesson of the day Fifth and Sixth Year Gryffindor and Slytherin Defence Against the Dark Arts came to an end slowly and Harry dished out their Homework Assignment.
" Right Sixth years, I want a Two foot parchment on any four dark curse's, what they do? If there is a counter curse include that," The sixth years groaned especially the Slytherin. Ron looked at Hermione who just smiled at him patiently knowing he would copy her work. The bell rung and they all got up to leave.
"Mr Finnegan, could you possibly stay behind a moment, it won't take long," Harry asked. The two moved to Harry's office and Harry closed the door behind him. Harry looked at his year-mate realising how much they had both grown. Seamus had sandy hair and light blue eyes with an angular face. He had a high arched nose and an infectious smile most of the time. The two hadn't really been friends last year due to certain news influences.
" Now I know we haven't been the greatest of friends lately especially with the events of last year but could I ask you a question: do you like guys?" Harry asked. Seamus looked into the light green eyes and barked out laughter surprised at the solemnity of the question.
" Harry, you're my year mate and certainly a friend but you really aren't my type," Seamus answered and Harry laughed with relief.
" No you've got me wrong. I'm breaching student-teacher confidentiality here but I was approached by a student today, he admitted to being Homosexual and feeling dirty,"
" Yes I am gay though I haven't really shown it that much. I'm kind of straight acting but Dean knows. I told my parent's over the summer that I wasn't interested in girls, they were shocked but accepting,"
" Homosexuality is a sensitive subject in Muggle topics so this lad feels dirty and he hasn't tried anything sexually or otherwise," Harry said, " Would you speak to him? Of course excluding the fact that I told you,"
" What's the lads name?" Seamus asked.
" Dennis Creevey,"
" He's Colin's younger brother. He is cute and only three years younger than me,"
" Please talk to him, explain your situation and what happened when you 'came out'. If you can help it would be a blessing, his family has been through so much lately," Seamus nodded and the pair left for dinner, the sandy-haired boy recounting events in his life making Harry groan. He was just going over something that happened between third and fourth year when they entered the Great Hall.
A crescent moon lit up the sky making it a fairly pleasant evening if not for the chill in the air. He stood on the tower above Hogwart's one dark booted foot rested on the crenulations as he observed and watched over the pair below him. Joshua Dumbledore, the eleven-year-old and his girlfriend Cary Mitchell were sat below him. The pair was out after curfew in the bright semi-moon, Cary had fallen for the mature eleven-year-old even though he was small for his age and he certainly liked the third-year a lot as the stranger watched them make out. He watched Josh especially; even though the boy didn't know it he was special.
Voldemort who was keen to kill the boy had already sent two groups of assassins after him. Josh was important as well as the one most unable to protect himself. Ileck had a dark cloak swirling around him once again a hood covered his face. He watched now as they shared another kiss, he was unaware of the knowledge Josh possessed but reasoned the boy must watch Muggle movies. The boy in question, however had much less mature thoughts on his mind, his hands were on his girlfriends waist as he kissed practising what he had seen on his adoptive parents smutty movies, his tongue snaking into her mouth.
" Oh Cary, I'm glad I met you," he said resting his forehead on hers panting heavily. She kissed his neck.
" You're so mature, Josh. And whoa what a great kisser," she replied.
" I learnt from Muggle films," He replied modestly. Suddenly men burst from the forest gaining on the castle and Josh. The boy jumped up suddenly wand in hand, Cary behind him. They moved quickly wearing all black of Ninjas, three were wielding Japanese swords; the other two had staff weapons.
Suddenly a large black shape dropped from above into the group forcing them to turn and counter this new threat. A Scottish claymore flashed in the moonlight and bit into the vampire's with a ferocity little seen at Hogwart's. . Pivoting he kicked one attacker tripping him and slashing the sword downwards killing him. Abruptly he was facing an attacker with a sword, a Japanese assassin. It seemed to Ileck that Mortals and Immortals were working to together. The assassin was swiftly overcome and Ileck was left standing there panting. He started walking towards the boy intent on moving him along when he shouted.
Whirling he found himself against a second wave as his blade was met by one of the would-be assassins. Once again it seemed this group was partially made up of Vampire's and humans perhaps Muggles because they certainly didn't use magic to attack. Ileck noticed that the Vampires all had black horns tattooed on their forehead, the mark of the Vampire lord Yew. Josh tried to join the fight but this second group was putting up a better defence and Ileck had lost the element of surprise. Then suddenly another defender entered the fray wearing a green cloak, which covered their face, and wielding a long mahogany staff. Attacking Viciously the new defender twirled and danced killing their opponent with deadly force. Suddenly there was no one left, only five bodies on the floor dead. In the moonlight they glowed and Ileck looked at them as they pulled back their hood. Crimson red hair framed a pale face, which held a sensuous mouth, and fine red lashes above demure chocolate brown eyes.
" Ginny Weasley!"
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Ero-kun – Harry's intended hasn't really been mentioned, over the next few chapters her name will come up but you will not get to meet her until Chapter Eighteen unfortunately.
Topspin360 – Thank you I appreciate your words
Bebe-ronlover – I'm glad you like it; I've worked long and hard on it.
Somebodystupid – please see the Authors note to answer question.
Kordolin – I'm glad you're still reviewing; you are my most loyal fan Thank you.
Krisimwahz –please see Author's note, I hope you'll continue to read despite being familiar with the story.
Please keep reading and reviewing, reviews keep me going. If you are interested in being on the Return of the Mages e-mail list please e-mail me or let me know in your review. Thank you.