Disclosure Hp belongs to JKR. The storyline, new character development, new events, and new characters are my intellectual property. Glorioux

Peter's Fall from Grace Part I

Before Remus could answer, they saw Peter coming towards them, so Remus nodded. They didn't know Peter could already turn into a rat, only for seconds, but improving.

Remus had an idea, "Maybe we could look for a baby Kneazle for Mimi. She said she had one, once. But neither of us have money." He didn't trust Peter, a hunch. A Kneazle would keep rodents away from Mimi.

Sirius grinned, "Our naughty Kneazle, Begonia, had kittens with a nasty ally cat. I believe they are one or two left. My mother will be glad to get rid of them, let me owl my brother, he wanted to keep one, but wasn't allowed; I also want one. Let's see."

"I don't like Kneazles, nasty animals." Peter grimaced.

"I bet," Remus saw Sirius looked at each other and guffawed making Peter upset, but he didn't want to fight with Sirius. He could be quite mean.

"I don't see what is so funny." Peter grumbled.

"An old joke." Remus lied.

The Prisoner's Bad Company

Gellert talked to the shadow, a projection. Albus had powerful wards all around, so this was as much as it was possible. His associate, a demon he had summoned long ago and gave him entrance to the human world, had news. What Gellert didn't know was that a demon has no allegiances, never. The demon wanted to rule the magical world, then bring others to help conquer the Muggle world.

The demon known as Legion, was a powerful one, had already made sure another Dark Lord would be in place. Legion would need allies and followers, hence he had found a young wizard who was born with a dark stain, and would be receptive to receive seeds of darkness and power. The child was Tom Riddle, an orphan. Legion made sure the child was abandoned. While in the orphanage, Legion influenced Albus to feed him the candy. Then he made Albus jealous, to make him poison Minerva's mind, knowing love would dispel the darkness inside Tom.

Gellert was a gullible human; they all were. But once he was out, Legion would be his right hand. They would destroy everyone against them. With Tom's help, they would rule the Magical world. Once all the enemies were gone, Legion would get rid of Gellert and Tom. A disguised Gellert, with his help, had killed many of the wolves.

Wolves were dangerous; too bad he hadn't killed Lear his old enemy. Lear had sent him back and had destroyed several of his demons. It wasn't a problem because he knew how to find him now. But he needed an invitation to the Manor, and Cornelia was afraid since then. He couldn't force her. Time to try to soften her because he hadn't been able to see Albus for several days, something was up.

"I am about to get you out. Albus wants to introduce me to some new Professors. I will try to be invited to his office, he will be receptive. Finally, after so long. I have looked everywhere so the entrance has to be in his office. I need a spy inside, a student. It is risky, you know what happened before. The student saw thru me and my associate when he allowed us in. We still don't know how; who know what he is. But thanks to him we saw Cornelia visiting her to-be-husband and knew what to do. But don't worry, he is trapped in the ghost world. Everyone thinks he ran away because his mother had remarried. It has been a while, but I think I found someone." The demon explained.

Legion wasn't telling the truth. He knew the entrance was in Albus' room. He need someone to open the door and invite him in. He also lied about the student. The student thought he was helping two lovers, but he saw they were demons. He knew what the student was, and because of it he couldn't destroy him, only trapped him, and shared part of the information with Albus, telling him the student was spying on him. No matter, as long as there were none of his kind around, everyone was safe. He had two candidates; the demon could feel the clear call of jealousy; it was a guiding light. He wanted Gellert to offer more than he had thus far.

"You know the sooner I am out, the sooner I can rule again." Gellert explained.

"I know, the sooner I can help you conquer everyone, to make you the most powerful Dark Lord ever," Legion wanted a yes. It constituted a contract, one that Gellert had never accepted before. That was the reason why Gellert wasn't free yet, amongst others.

"Of course, you know you can be there to help me." He knew to be careful not to commit. He would get rid of the demon when he was out.

"You mean that?" The demon asked.

"I do, of course, but." Gellert had sealed a contract, unknowingly. Nevertheless, Gellert smiled at his cleverness, with the almost silent but.

The demon smiled wider. Now he had a contract, soon he would rule the Magical world. Until he heard the next words, now he wasn't so sure he had a contract, "But, as I was saying, it is up to you, and what you do, I cannot promise, there are things I don't control."

"Soon, soon," the demon said. First he needed to kill his dangerous enemies, Lear and his warriors. He still didn't know if the to be father of the witch who could kill him, had died that day. Legion didn't know everything. In any case, if the father hadn't die, the witch had been sent to a future that would no longer exist. Legion tried to leave the past alone, it was too dangerous to venture there, any changes could alter his progress.

Damn, he didn't feel a contract bind. In any case, he felt as if time was running out. If Albus found out who he was, the game was over, Albus knew how to send those like him back. No, the demon thought, it didn't matter, he would kill Gellert and keep Tom, if the bind didn't work.

When he left, Gellert was happier than ever. Soon, soon he would be out. First things first, Albus's days were numbered, then he would avail himself to all the delicious young ones at Hogwarts. Next, he would send Legion and his demons back. Demons were treacherous, he had never committed and never would. Well, maybe he just had; but hopefully not, for everyone's sake

The Marauders

Later on, Pettigrew was still angry about the laughing, so he told them he didn't want to be around the Malfoy, "They look down on me because my parents are poor."

Sirius was incensed, "You are crazy; both the Malfoy and their parents are generous, and they don't look down on us."

Remus agreed, but said the wrong thing, "Yes, they are good wizards. And Mimi is the best. Her father and uncle invited me and Severus to their home for holiday and when not in school. They say we have a home there since we don't have parents."

Peter nearly lost it, "I see, the Professors are all nice to you. I know your parents used to be rich, and my parents never had much. Mrs. Malfoy dislikes me; I can see it in her eyes. All the rich Purebloods are alike." He had never shown his resentment as much. His beady eyes gleamed with malice, Remus noticed and didn't like it one bit.

James had it, "Peter, you need to cut this out. We invited you to be our friend, so you either come with us, or go your own way. Mimi has planned a small picnic for us. There are others invited, and we need to meet them in twenty minutes. I Owl my parents last night, and they are pleased, hoping peace is coming. They want to have a dinner for Mimi and Lucius."

Pettigrew gave in, knowing James meant it. He hated all of them; his Da was right, rich folk looked down in those like them. One day he would show them. As soon as he learned more he was going to curse them, as soon as he could, he would join the Dark Lord behind their back. One who could smell jealousy miles away, heard the name Malfoy, turned into a small bug, and went into Pettigrew's pocket.

Dobby had helped to set the picnic; he loved his mistress and was the envy of the other house elves. Now, he tried to look his best all the time. Mr. Lucius also favored him. The day was a little chilly but nobody cared, warming charms had been spread everywhere. Many Slytherin, friends of Lucius or the family, were there, only a few weren't there, some were sick. Avery had turned into the Malfoy's guard. He was grateful to the Malfoy. Besides, he wanted to know if Mimi had cousins or maybe a sister; he wasn't alone; several wanted to make sure nothing happened to Mimi; she was their good luck charm.

Rabastan came to greet them, but Severus stayed back. He didn't trust the Marauders, not one bit. Rabastan came with a friend, his name was Francis Pucey. When he introduced them, Peter stood back. Of course, Francis had no idea Peter's father had worked for them; he was a little wizard when it happened.

Mimi ran to greet them, so everyone was friendly to her Gryffindor friends, but Peter was sullen and unfriendly, forgetting the Malfoy had sent him and Remus new uniforms. Hermione wanted them to fit. Severus also received the same. When Hermione heard the name Pucey, she asked, "Hi, do you have older brothers?"

"Yes, but one of my older twin brothers left home; we don't know where, and my parents are sad. Aurelius, one of my brothers, was here until last year. My mom says I look like Aurelius. I have a cousin here, Maximus, he is there," he pointed,"he is my aunt's son." Francis explained. The cousin didn't look like a Pucey, but looked good. "His father had a brother who disappeared here, some years ago, a very story. They said Hogwarts is a dangerous place, but my cousin can see and feel dangerous things, and he looks out for me, so I feel safe."

Hermione grinned, Francis was very chatty. Aurelius was Adrian's father. "You look a lot like someone I used to know." Lucius who was right behind her harrumphed. His Mimi was a flirt, now what? Who was the Pucey she thought about? The Pucey were known for their looks. He knew of Aurelius, many witches wanted him. Maximus was a Pucey from his mother's side, but his father was a strange wizard, and he looked like his father. They said the Pucey and them were dangerous enemies. Maximus saw Francis pointing and waved his hand.

"Mimi, what Pucey? Did you like like him?" He asked her softly.

"Many liked him." She grinned, not answering his question, wanting to tease him. But, yes, she had had a huge crush on Adrian; he could have been her one. Lucius shook his head, huffing; he didn't to feel jealous. Her uncle heard and chuckled. His niece was playful, and Lucius needed to learn to play. But was worried, his father had said wolves like Hermione were expected to have multiple partners, and Lucius wouldn't want such unions. His father wouldn't allow Hermione to stay with him in that case.

Rodolphus sat next to Andromeda, playing with her hair, and Hermione noticed he was extra-hot. No wonder the Black sisters liked him. She could tell Andy was in love with him; it was clear to Hermione. It made her sad that Ted would be heartbroken. Though she could see the love in Rodolphus' eyes.

Lucius sat next to her before Sirius did. Sirius was a bit annoying, Lucius thought, but Mimi loved the nasty terrors. He did worry, he knew of three couples where the witch was older, and they were happy. His father had a cousin who had joined a couple he knew; they were on a triad. As it was, there wolves in his future. Fenrir's father said maybe even two.

Andy was sitting on the other side of Hermione, telling her about Bella. She thought Bella was with someone she loved, and wished Bella had trusted someone. Hermione bit her lip, wishing she could tell her. Right now, she was happy Aurelius hadn't been the one who left with Molly; but she didn't know how many brothers there were. Severus sat near them with other Slytherin, refusing Remus invitation to join them. The Marauders had an awful reputation earned in one year. James or maybe Sirius was their leader, but all were untrustworthy.

Sirius walked to Hermione, he had a large and a small box for her. "A small wedding present, my parents sent it."

Lucius harrumphed, "Let's hope it is not a promise ring, remember she is married." He wasn't joking.

Sirius shrugged his shoulders, "My mother doesn't buy a ring for me; I will buy it when it is time. Though my mother says she should wear what is in there, a small scroll inside explains why. Lucius, in case you haven't noticed I am a little young right now. But I will grow up." He answered, making everyone laugh, and many teased Lucius, who shook his head, grinning at the gall of the young wizard. "My parents want to talk to your father. They say it is urgent and important; they have seen something." He nearly whispered to Lucius. Lucius nodded.

"Black, don't waste your time thinking about a ring." Lucius jested, well knowing Black meant it. What a pest he was.

"I will open the gift later." Hermione said, a present from Wallburga was best to have it checked; but what was so important?

"I have another present, please open it now." Sirius grinned when he heard the 'present,' complaining. "Hagrid held it for me."

Hagrid who was helping with grilling sausages waved his hand and smiled. Hermione had invited him; they liked each other like in the future. Too bad that Minerva didn't like her.

Hermione heard a meow and hurried to open it. Her eyes glowed with wonderment, recognizing the markings, but it couldn't be. Or could it? She knew Kneazles could live for a very long time. The present was a baby Kneazle with Crosshanks' markings. The kitten started purring and settled on her lap.

Her smile was radiant, "Thank you, thank you, I cannot thank you enough. I had a half-Kneazle who looked like him. I miss him; he was a mouser." She stood holding the kitten and kissed Sirius cheek.

Lucius chuckled seeing Sirius blush, so Black was all talk; he hoped so. But Sirius bounced back, "What was your Kneazle's name, Crosshanks? "

A/N how does Sirius know? By the way, I like writing FF, but it is hardly worth it without feedback. The one reason I write here. All the stories being published are written, they need a little check, buy without interest is hard. Just saying.

be well.