Chapter VII: Flower of Carnage

-March 25th 1999, Mersey Forest, Cheshire county, England 2:12am

For Hestia Jones the disappearance of Samantha Potter was one of the most earth shattering revelations Dumbledore had announced during the entire span of the war, another came soon after when she, Alastor Moody, Nymphadora Tonks, and Sturgis Podmore were sent to investigate the scene of the crime. She had prepared herself to give the Dursley family a very stern talking to, their negligence could have cost life of an innocent girl and she had very much had it, she had not however prepared herself for the amount of carnage centered in the living room. The Dursley patriarch was missing half of his skull, his wife had her spine broken, and Hestia was certain the child was missing the entirety of his digestive In all honesty she had seen much worse during the first war. She had once been a well decorated Auror, she was the first responder on the scene when Death Eaters massacred the bones family, she had ben the one that had found the remains of Edgar, his wife Gwen, his four children, his brother Adrian and his wife Matilda. She had been the one who found baby Susan Bones hidden in a cupboard that was splattered with her familie's blood and intestines. The memories were scarred forced into her mind, they the reason why she joined the Orders second incarnation, it was why she was currently walking through a forest along with Bill Weasley and Alastor Moody searching for the ruins of some lost house that Granger had discovered after retracing Bellatrix's movements before her abrupt departure from the war.

Mersey Forest had a reputation among the wizarding world, though beautiful some Britain's most dangerous creatures inhabited, the thought mere thought sent chills down Hestia's spine at the number of creature that could be hiding the seemingly calm forest. Against her better judgment she looked up towards the sky, the half-moon barely illuminated the forest around her. Bill was understandably nervous having spent most of the war in Romania impeding Voldemort's forces aces to dragons through political means. The marched in tense silence. "Alastor, why exactly are we here?" Bill finally asked. Moody turned his head to glare at the boy.

"Investigating, Mr. Weasley, as we were told."

"What are we investigating?"

"The reason that a fanatic like Lestrange would suddenly abandon her lord."

"That could be anything!" Bill protested. "She's been in Azkaban for nearly fourteen years, she's insane!"

"And she has waited for Voldemort's return for fourteen years, something broke her obsession something we can use." Hestia reasoned. "B-" The sound of multiple apparitions echoed through out forest. Auror training kicked in almost instantly, she pulled Weasley to the ground as green bolts of magic zoomed over their heads. Moody shot back up in an instant and slammed his staff on the ground sending a wall of glowing white magic at the Death Eaters,

"Go!" He yelled. "Go now!" Hestia nodded to herself, grabbed Bill hoisting him up, and pointed him away from them. Bills scarred complexion was twisted into a mask of fear. Hestia wasn't sure why he was even there to begin with, sure, she understood that he had the know how to train dragons, but dragons were predictable creatures. Humans on the other hand were crazed bloodthirsty beasts that constantly adapted to fit into whatever bloody creature those they consider superior want them to be. For example Fenrir Greyback, as Bill should have already learned, was a monster not commonly found in the modern age, he was in Hestia's opinion the most dangerous type of monster, a monster on a mission. Voldemort offered him prey and so he served the dark lord. The usually easy going Weasley was a good sort, kind, serious at times, and friendly, he was not made for war. A quiet war but it was war non the less. They ran for what felt like hours before spotting a run down shack they could hopefully floo away in. In the distance they heard number of shouts and screams, thankfully non sounded like Mad-Eye.

Just as they reached the edge of the property Bill grabbed her arm bringing her sprint to an abrupt stop. She looked past him before looking at him, waiting for an answer. Bill pulled out his wand and moved it slowly in an upwards spiral. "It's a goblin ward." Sweat started to accumulate as his wand moved faster. "Powerful. I can't break it but I can disrupt it for twelve seconds at most." Bill motioned her to get closer to the barrier. In step they passed into the property. Three semi human werewolves were running in the duo's direction. They stopped at the edge of the property and began to sniff the air, the leader, a particularly wolfish teen had his face mere centimeters from the barrier his eyes full of abstract hatred glared at the spot where Bill was standing.

"Tell Greyback they escaped." He growled. "I'll take the hunter to the Dark Lord." Bill's eyes widened in panic, his mouth opened as if to protest but was stopped when Hestia clamped her hand over his mouth. Her glare was enough to silence him. The three werewolves left soon after. Hestia let out a breath she had been holding in.

"How could we leave him like that?" His voice was hard and hollow, his right hand pushed back his hair.

"It was an order, Bill."

"But we could have…" Sat on the wet ground.

"I know." Hestia turned toward where the decrepit shack once stood, in its pace stood a well kept wooden cabin. Tentatively she moved closer, the door was slightly ajar. The inside of the cabin was a mess, walls were scratched, burn marks on the paint, scrolls and books were scattered on the floor. Slowly she made her way deeper into the cabin until she reached the living room. On the floor there was a single scroll, drops of blood smeared over a single name TOM MARVOLO RIDDLE (HALF-BLOOD). It read in bold letters: MOST ANCIENT HOUSE GAUNT 1900 ONWARDS. All of the names excluding the one marked with the drops of blood. She scanned the room for clues but found none. She was about to leave when she spotted a puddle of dried blood under her left foot, that when she looked up, I AM LORD VOLDEMORT was written in crooked letters in some poor sods blood. "Bloody hell, its an anagram…"

-March 25th 1999, London, England 7:00am

The muggle prime minister stat up straight as three wizards entered his office "Two days ago, I sat in my house hoping that that finally a day would pass without having to clean up your messes." His tone was resigned but the fury was clearly present. "But what happens? Death Eaters target Big Ben, but end destroying the Westminster bridge and, and lets not forget the bloody Ferris wheel and the entirety of the construction crew. It took your people twenty minutes respond."

"We apologize Prime Minister, but you must understand we are also in this war."

"A war that I can't formally acknowledge!" He rose fom his chair. "And was informed had ended eighteen years ago! It took you three years to come to me and admit the origins of the threat." He turned to Dumbledore. "You told me you had a lead months ago, what happened?"

"It being thoroughly investigated by the best minds of this age."

Fudge scoffed. "The Granger girl? Please Albus, she's still a child. The Auror office has more qualifications, her education is limited to Hogwarts."

"Yet she was able to outwit you Inquisitor."

"Enough. What have you found?"

Dumbledore smiled warmly that. "it would be best if this was played close to the heart." His eyes darated at Fudge. "You never know who's listening for the other side, you understand?"

The Prime Minister sighed. He just wanted them out of his office. At least Braddock was keeping him in the loop. "You're dismissed." His hand covered his eyes. He heard the resounding snap of wizard teleportation, when looked up the three wizards were gone. Another knock was heard and before he could reply Alistaire Stuart director of MI-13 made his way towards the incredibly tired Prime Minister. Alistaire Stuart was another man her had no wish in seeing that particular day but the man was much more reliable than those magicals. The minister did his best to straighten himself before entering in any other conversation. "Have you found our what our magical friends are hiding?"

"Not with complete certainty, but I do believe it has something to do with the murders at Godric's Hollow back in the eighties."

"Well, headway is headway." He muttered. "Good, if you find anything please be sure to bring it to me."

-March 26th 1999, Dorogakure Inn, Tokyo prefecture 9:00am

For three days Samantha knew nothing of sleep. More often than not sleep had been her enemy, where Voldemort could accost her mind or where Zander dragged her out of her cage and cut her open. She had grown weary of the idea of sleep and now more than ever with a shadow stalking her dreams. She was surprised to find herself on the bed and a body wrapped around her. Kirika had somehow moved from her place on the bed to the floor next to the chair, her had gripping her leg. Samantha had always found it strange how people always seemed to need physical contact to find comfort, maybe it was because of the Dursleys… or simply it was a natural reaction against foreign stimulus, whichever the case she untangled herself from Kirika's vice like grip. Most of her body was damp with sweat, mostly where her body made contact with Kirika, she sighed slightly irritated by the situation. Clothes stuck to her skin and she found herself wishing she had her trunk. Her rather large square and horrendously painted trunk with splashes of multi colored paint that was meant to reflect her persona's rather open mindedness when it came to art, this of course was the blasted goblin's idea as a joke against wizard's general sense of style, and it annoyed her to no end… not that it wasn't true but still the trunk had its uses. Samantha made her way to the shower. Peeling off a therm-optic suit wan not as fun as one would think as it had a tendency to stick to places that made it rather uncomfortable to remove and it also made realize how sweaty one gets when they sleep. Once fully undressed she stepped under the shower head and turned the single nob, cold water fell on her and it was almost welcome in her over heated body. The cold certain numbing effect she had come to enjoy. The days had passed peacefully enough, mostly lounging around in their shared room to avoid contact with anyone human or not. Though she was certain that the assassin's would have a hard time finding them in a city warded with compulsion charms that pushed away all non-magicals Samantha would have liked to attempt to keep her return, however temporary to the wizarding world, a secret, but circumstances wouldn't allow that. Had she been a tad bit more careful when entering Dorogakure or if she hadn't shown the owners the bloody ring she could at least pretend that whoever recognized her had been mistaken. In the stretch of a day she had received a number of invitations by what she came to understand were ancient and noble families that inhabited the region, they wished to view the sakura trees. Most of which she had to decline with excuses that were mediocre at best, but they got the message across.

Kirika had found what she found comfort in Samantha's outwardly cold exterior, somehow associating it with those tales her mother passed down to her and as she associated new stories began to form in her head that she hoped she could pass down to her child when the time came. Samantha had taken it upon herself to pace around the room at irregular intervals through out the days, her mind reaching out for something, but couldn't seem to find it. Kirika used her half siblings distractedness as an opportunity to learn more about her, so far she had learned that Samantha had a sweet tooth, she didn't sleep for long, and that she was born somewhere in the United Kingdom… but given her accent when she spoke English was a given. She had made the mistake of asking about the scar she hid under her hair once, it became clear that it was a rather sore subject. But she did briefly mentioned a school she attended… something about warts in Scotland and when she did a semblance of true emotion shined in her eyes, happiness, anger, sadness.

When Samantha felt sufficiently clean she stepped out from under the shower and wrapped herself in a towel, mentally making a list of things they needed to get when they went into town. A wand would be nice, clothes would be wonderful, a few books would go a long way and a wand, maybe a turtle for Nori. Luna was more complicated… what do you get the girl that wants nothing, but would pester you if you forgot to get her something … a katana would add be good for wow factor, but she worried Luna would soon poke an eye out… the safe choice would be to get her a T-shirt. She exited the bathroom and found Kirika stretching awkwardly on the floor like a cat, with claws and all. Kirika froze mid stretch and the sisters stared at each other for a moment, Samantha shook her head and continued towards the balcony. The town was surrounded by forest of Aokigahara on one side and various tunnels that connected to a number of roads. Japan was like nothing she had ever seen before, civilization and nature existing in harmony and unlike London it seemed to at least be trying to incorporate muggle technology with lights and phone lines. Wizards and witches flew around as if celebrating. She could hear fireworks come from the Sengoku-era castle to the east, the resounding roar was so powerful that it made the wood of the inn began to vibrate. [A beautiful collaboration between Sato Noriyuki and Tanaka Ryotaro, breaking the ice and putting the home team ahead of the Bulgarians!] a pause. [Oh, Ivan Volkov just took one solidly to the face!]

[What the hell was that?!] Kirika shot up.

[Quidditch.]

[…] Kirka glared at Samantha.

[It's a sport… that you play on brooms.]

[You mean... people run around with brooms between their legs?]

[Of course not, that would be stupid. You fly on them.] Kirika began laughing, Samantha turned ad raised an eyebrow.

[You're serious…]

[Well… yes.]

-March 26th, 1999 outskirts of Tokyo 1:12pm

"Shh." Domino hissed at her limbless partner just as he made to open his lethal mouth. It wasn't like she could plan her escape with him talking all the fucking time, her mind always seemed to go blank when he started talking. 'Okay. Step one: get out of the bindings; Step two: get out of the cell; step three: find the pendant and hopefully get it back to her daughter; Step four… kill Matsu'o and take all his money.' In theory all except step three were simple. She slowly stated twisting her wrists in hopefully effective angle

"But I haven't said anything-."

"I don't care, Wade."

"But it's important." He whined. Domino ignored him and continued to struggle. "It might save you some time."

"What could possibly-" the door to the cell splintered, one of the red hooded flew through the door, a very familiar X shaped wound was bleeding profusely. Domino's eyes grew wide as the orange clad killer. The mask covered his eyes but she could tell that he wasn't particularly happy.

"Oh, Wolvie, care to let your old pall loose; you know for old time sake." Deadpool tried to charm. "You look great by the way, tell me, is that a new pointy mask or… wait don't tell me! you took a shower. Your finally taking parenting seriously, hygiene is an important step in a teenagers developmental process. I mean, I know how hard you worked for your pungent… musk, like we all do, but your hydrophobia used to make you re—" His eyes widened, Logan was glaring. "What I I'm-" 'Logan was glaring a tad bit harsher. "Come on-" If Wade could actually die, Wolverine's death glare might have actually managed to kill him or let loose those sashimichangas he found in Agarashima. 'Speaking of which, their still fighting back' When it was apparent that he wasn't going to get anything in edgewise Wade did the manliest thing he could come up with that could possibly help him score with Dom and inspire compassion in the heat of his brother in arms. He started tearing up, the ladies love a guy that can shows deep emotions. But sadly by that point Logan had eyes set on the female mercenary.

"Hey, Logan." She said sheepishly.

"We're going to have words. Starting with telling me about the kid."

"Or you can untie us, kill Matsu'o, and save said kid."

"Right." He said with sarcasm lacing his tone. "How about this? You talk to me and I'll consider not spilling yer guts on the floor."

"Come on, Logan there are better places than this!" she yelled. "Right now, there are more than a few assassins trying to get the Yashida girl's head."

"Right now she ain't my concern."

"Really?" she snaps. "I never thought I'd hear you talk about one of your kids that way!"

"What the hell are you talking about? Sam's with Mariko."

Wade, who was in serious need of a bathroom and to regain the ability to scratch an itch that had appeared right above his nose, decided to end the current spat and hopefully get back his legs sooner rather than later decided to jump in, literally.

"Going under the assumption that you don't have any idea that the Yashida girl a.k.a Kirika, a.k.a green ninja chick, is nineteen going on twenty, and that about twenty years ago you mama Yashida were getting it on more than Donkey Kong, and that with Dom as evidence you like jumping on your good foot and doing the bad dance a lo natural…" He led on. Taking Logan shocked silence as confusion decided that he needed to clarify. "When two people get horny and have sex, one of them can get pregnant. So yeah, I already called dibs on being Sammy's godfather, I know its an offer you can't refuse. And they are both hiding together so yeah. Limb me brother!"

"Who's after them?" Logan said after a long pause.

"You know, the usual people that want you dead, Sabertooth, a newbie who calls himself Daken, and Black Mamba, I think Lady Deathstrike was around here somewhere."

"She's taken care of."

"Did you unarm her?"

"That's not funny anymore, Wade." Dom said. Logan made his way out of the cell. "Logan? Logan! Don't leave me here!"

"I'm not." He called back. There was another crash, and he walked back into the cell holding Deadpools limbs in his hands. He shoved Wade's arms on the correct stumps and left "You two are gonna help me find kids. And were going to have that talk." With one swift motion the rope was cut. Domino looked up at Logan flexing her hands in an effort to quicken the blood flow.

"They said something about Tokyo Tower, Matsu'o will probably try to kill Yashida there." Deadpool mentioned.

"Why?"

"It sort of looks like a penis, and his entire villain monolog something about spurning and her regretting ever mixing with some guy with jin or something. Wasn't really paying attention well with Dom freaking out about a chicken that landed on her lap." He wiped an imaginary tear off his mask. "Good times."

"Who's Matsu'o?"

"Leader of the Hand, assassin, rich dude with a grudge? Ring a bell?"

"Nope."

"Well he's sort of a dick, an arrogant dick so he might be at his penthouse." Domino added.

"Kids first. Ass hat second."

-March 26th, 1999 Dorogakure 1:42pm

"For Merlin's sake!" Samantha cried ot. [Put it in your mouth already.]

[It's still moving!]

[It's just chocolate.]

[It's a frog!]

They had been arguing for the better part of an hour, since stepping foot in the market district of the rather large town, Kirka wanted to hold the cell phone likely to call her mother, that had risks that she would clearly ignore, it quickly devolved into a none nonsensical, one sided argument, which was mostly ignored by younger mutant, she even bought the girl some chocolate frogs, that had worked with Ronald when he needed to make a stupid argument. Samantha spotted a wand shop out of the corner of her eye. It was rather small compared to Olivanders, Samantha, to her credit force Kirika to eat the frog it just happened to jump into her mouth when she pulled her in the shop. The inside of was exponentially larger than Olivander's, there were three floors, all staked with wands. There was a tall man in his late fifties behind a low table shogi with what looked to be an oversized raccoon. The old man muttered something to the raccoon who stiffened and began chattering, sounding offended by what the man had said. The old man stood up and approached Samantha, grabbed her right arm and measured it. All the while he shot glances at Kirika and muttered [Mundane.] He let go of Samantha's arm ad disappeared behind one of the stacks. He reappeared behind hem with three wands in hand. The first was ash wood wand twelve inches long, power radiated from it. He handed it to her and pointed at the raccoon, she gave it a twist, The poor thing was sent flying across the room; The second was oak fourteen inches. She gave it a twirl and a lamp in the corner exploded; the last one… the man seemed to hesitate before handing it to her. It was made from the wood of a Sakura tree, it was etched perfectly with what appeared to be white flowers with small spot of red. She waved it and that familiar feeling of euphoria returned her making her smile. A real smile, the smile of Samantha Potter before her fourth year. The man nodded and handed her a scroll [Do not open until you have returned home.] Samantha nodded, and handed the man a few galleons for his services. There was always something about cryptic warnings that always seemed to draw her in, but as the exited the shop her phone began to vibrate. Mariko's number flashed on the screen. Flipping the phone she brought it to her ear. A woman's scream nearly blew out her eardrum, Sabertooth was laughing close to the phone. He calmed himself slightly.

"Do I have your attention?" The sadistic beast chuckled.

A/N: Sorry about the long wait, i've been busy for the past month.

Well i hope you enjoy the chapter.

Pm suggestions, review, and if you want follow.

i promise i won't take so long to update again.